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Biomedical subjects

C R Curtis

Publications and source records attributed to C R Curtis.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Evaluation of the Doppler ultrasonic method of measuring systolic arterial blood pressure in cats.

The accuracy of the Doppler technique for indirect systolic blood pressure measurement was assessed in 16 anesthetized cats. Eight cats were anesthetized with isoflurane and 8 were anesthetized with halothane. Anesthetic depth and mode of ventilation were varied to obtain a wide range of arterial blood pressure. A Doppler transducer was placed on the palmer surface of the left forelimb over the common digital branch of the radial artery to detect blood flow, and a blood pressure monitoring cuff with a width 37% the limb circumference was placed half way between the elbow and the carpus. To enable direct arterial pressure measurements, the left femoral artery was catheterized and the blood pressure waveforms recorded simultaneously. Systolic blood pressure measured by use of the Doppler ultrasonic technique was significantly lower than that obtained from the femoral artery catheter. Using linear regression, we determined a clinically useful calibration adjustment for Doppler indirect blood pressure measurement in cats: femoral systolic pressure = Doppler systolic pressure + 14 mm of Hg.

Animals

Toxicoses associated with administration of mitoxantrone to dogs with malignant tumors.

One hundred twenty-nine dogs with histologically confirmed malignant tumors were used in a prospective study to determine the toxicity of the new dihydroxyquinone derivative of anthracene, mitoxantrone, which was administered IV at 21-day intervals at dosages ranging from 2.5 to 5 mg/m2 body surface area. Each dog was evaluated for signs of toxicosis for 3 weeks after each dose was administered or until the dog died, whichever came first. The number of dogs in each evaluation period were as follows: 1 dose (n = 129), 2 doses (n = 82), 3 doses (n = 43), 4 doses (n = 26), 5 doses (n = 19), 6 doses (n = 9), 7 doses (n = 6), 8 doses (n = 5), 9 doses (n = 3), and 10 doses (n = 1). The most common signs of toxicosis were vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and sepsis secondary to myelosuppression. None of the dogs died of complications resulting from mitoxantrone treatment. Dogs with signs of toxicosis during the 21-day interval from administration of the first dose of mitoxantrone were 95 times (P = 0.003) more likely to develop signs of toxicosis during the 21-day interval from the second dose of mitoxantrone. Similarly, dogs that developed signs of toxicosis during the 21-day interval from the administration of the second dose were 34 times (P less than 0.001) more likely to develop signs of toxicosis during the 21-day interval from the administration of the third dose. With each 1 mg/m2 increase in mitoxantrone, the odds of developing signs of toxicosis increased by 5.9 fold (P less than 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals

Epidemiologic study of ocular/adnexal squamous cell carcinoma in horses.

Proportional hospital accession ratios for equine ocular/adnexal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) were determined for 14 colleges of veterinary medicine participating in the Veterinary Medical Data Program between January 1978 and December 1986. Comparison of the ratios with their respective geographical, physical data has shown an increased prevalence of SCC with an increase in longitude, altitude, or mean annual solar radiation. In contrast, prevalence of SCC increased with a decrease in latitude. Between January 1978 and December 1988, 147 horses with ocular/adnexal SCC were admitted to the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Diagnosis was confirmed by histologic examination of appropriate tissue specimens. Medical records provided information regarding month and year of admission and diagnosis, age at diagnosis, breed, gender, and hair color. Comparison with a randomly selected hospital control population revealed an increased prevalence of ocular/adnexal SCC with an increase in age (P less than 0.001). Compared with Quarter Horses, draft breeds (Belgian, Clydesdale, and Shire) and Appaloosas had a significantly (P less than 0.001) greater prevalence of ocular/adnexal SCC. Sexually intact males and females were significantly (P less than 0.001) less likely (5 and 2 times, respectively) to have ocular/adnexal SCC when compared with castrated males. The prevalence of ocular/adnexal SCC was significantly greater for all hair colors when compared with bay, brown, or black (P less than 0.01).

Age Factors

Prognostic factors and survival of horses with ocular/adnexal squamous cell carcinoma: 147 cases (1978-1988).

Between January 1978 and December 1988, 147 horses with ocular/adnexal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) were admitted to the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (CSU-VTH). Diagnosis was confirmed by histologic examination of appropriate tissue specimens. Medical records and communication with owners, referring veterinarians, or both provided information regarding initial examination, treatment at the CSU-VTH, and final outcome. At initial examination, 123 (83.7%) horses had unilateral involvement and 24 (16.3%) horses had bilateral involvement. The nictitating membrane, nasal canthus, or both (28.1%); limbus (27.5%); and eyelid (22.8%) were most commonly affected. In addition to the ocular/adnexal location, SCC was found elsewhere in 14 (9.5%) horses at initial examination. Adequate follow-up (greater than or equal to 4 months) for examination of tumor recurrence and survival analysis was obtained for 125 (85.0%) cases. After treatment at the CSU-VTH, tumor recurred in 30.4% of the cases. Tumor location, multiple vs single tumors at initial diagnosis, and CSU-VTH treatment modality influenced the recurrence of tumors. Survival analysis revealed a good prognosis for horses with ocular/adnexal SCC. Although undefined, a conservative estimate of the median survival time was 47 months. Six factors (treatment prior to referral, tumor location, tumor size, single or multiple tumors, treatment modality at the CSU-VTH, and recurrence or nonrecurrence) were analyzed to determine their relation with survival. Treatment prior to referral, multiple vs single tumors at initial examination, and treatment modality used at the CSU-VTH did not influence survival. Tumor location influenced survival; SCC involving the eyelid or orbit was associated with the poorest prognosis. Tumor stage (maximal dimension) was inversely related with survival.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals

Multivariable prediction model for the need for surgery in horses with colic.

A survey of 1,965 equine colic cases was conducted from August 1985 to July 1986 at 10 equine referral centers located throughout the United States. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a multivariable model for the need for surgery. Two-thirds of the cases were randomly selected for model development (1,336), whereas the remaining cases (629) were used only for subsequent validation of the model. If a lesion requiring surgical correction was found at either surgery or necropsy, the case for the horse was classified as surgical, otherwise the case was classified as medical. Only variables that were significant (P less than 0.05) in an initial bivariable screening procedure were considered in the model development. Because of the large number of missing values in the data set, only variables for which there were less than 400 missing values were considered in the multivariable analysis. A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed by use of a stepwise algorithm. The model used 640 cases and included variables: rectal findings, signs of abdominal pain, peripheral pulse strength, and abdominal sounds. The likelihood ratio for surgery was calculated for each horse in the validation data set, using the logistic regression equation. Using Bayes theorem, the posttest probability was calculated, using the likelihood ratio as the test odds and the prevalence of surgery cases (at each institution) as an estimate of the pretest odds. A Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit chi 2 statistic indicated that the model fit the validation data set poorly, as demonstrated by the large chi 2 value of 26.7 (P less than 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals

P values.

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Animals

Gastric rupture in horses: 50 cases (1979-1987).

A computer-based search was conducted of medical and necropsy records of horses admitted to the teaching hospital from Jan 1, 1979, to Dec 31, 1987, to obtain the records of all horses admitted to the hospital for colic and subsequently found to have gastric rupture. Fifty cases of gastric rupture were found. The records were reviewed to obtain data regarding peritoneal fluid analysis. Cell counts of these samples were often erroneous because debris and clumps of bacteria were counted when most WBC were lysed. A cross-sectional study of gastric rupture cases versus all other colic cases regarding season of admission revealed that there was no association between season and the occurrence of gastric rupture. There was also no increased risk associated with age, gender, breed, and the occurrence of gastric rupture. One hundred colic cases, matched with the gastric rupture cases by year of admission, were randomly selected via a table of random numbers. A questionnaire regarding age, breed, gender, use of the horse, housing, diet, water source, deworming schedule, and medical history was completed from the medical records and phone conversations with the horse owners. The results indicated that horses on a diet of grass hay or grass/alfalfa hay only or those that drank water from a bucket, stream, or pond were at increased risk for having gastric rupture. In contrast, horses fed grain had a reduced risk.

Animals

Management practices and their association with reproductive health and performance in Colorado beef herds.

An observational study was conducted to quantify the effects of management practices on reproductive performance and disorders of beef cows. The study population consisted of 44 randomly selected Colorado cow-calf herds monitored for disease and reproductive events as part of the National Animal Health Monitoring System. The managers of the herds were surveyed with a standardized questionnaire to determine specific management characteristics of their operations. Data were analyzed using the random-effects multiple logistic regression model. Outcomes of interest were calving rate, herd incidence rates of dystocia and combined reproductive disorders, and calf mortality rate. A higher calving rate was associated (P less than .01) with a decreased percentage of replacement females in the herd, a shorter breeding season, a smaller herd size, and a lower percentage of bulls being used as yearlings. Incidence rates of both dystocia and combined reproductive disorders were found to be lower (P less than .01) in herds that were fed cottonseed cake as a winter supplement, but higher (P less than .01) in herds that were fed grass hay as a winter supplement. Herds located in the mountains of Colorado had lower (P less than .01) incidence rates of dystocia and reproductive disorders than herds located in the eastern plains. Calf mortality rate was found to be higher (P less than .05) with calving seasons that began earlier in the year. Higher calf mortality rates were associated (P less than .05) with an increased incidence of dystocia, the commingling of cattle on summer range, and smaller herd size.

Animal Feed

An ecological analysis of risk factors for postpartum disorders of Holstein-Friesian cows from thirty-two New York farms.

Path analysis and multiple logistic-normal regression were used to model the interrelationships between stated herd management practices and herd 30-d postpartum incidence rates of dystocia, retained placenta, and clinical postpartum metritis, cystic ovary, milk fever, ketosis, left displaced abomasum, and mastitis. Management risk factors were obtained from a personal interview questionnaire. Data were from 2141 multiparous Holstein calvings from May 1981 through April 1982 in 32 commercial herds in the vicinity of Cornell University. Farms where the stated policy was to administer low calcium diets to the dry cows experienced more dystocia and retained placenta. More dystocia was experienced on farms where the stated policy was to administer extra vitamin D to dry cows, where dry cows were housed with the milking cows, or where calving occurred in maternity pens rather than stanchions. There was an increased likelihood of milk fever and left displaced abomasum on farms on which the stated policy was to lead feed. Farms where dairy farmers treated cases of retained placenta had more retained placenta than farms on which the treatment was done by the veterinarian. Farms reporting the practice of feeding the cows to increase their weight during the dry period had increased odds of ketosis.

Abomasum

Relationship of changes in condition score to cow health in Holsteins.

The relationship of body condition score with disease occurrence was examined in 561 cows in nine herds. Cows were body condition scored on a five-point scale (1 = thin, 5 = obese) every 2 wk from drying off until 150 d in milk. Cows scored between 3- and 3+ were considered to be in average or good condition. Cows scored less than or equal to 2+ were considered to be underconditioned, whereas those scored greater than or equal to 4- were considered to be overconditioned. Relationships of health and condition score were examined using multiple logistic regression for dichotomous outcomes (e.g., diseased or healthy). Cows that developed dystocia or were culled lost more condition during the dry period than those that did not develop dystocia or were not culled. Cows overconditioned at drying off were more likely to develop cystic ovarian disease and reproductive problems. Cows underconditioned or overconditioned at drying off were more prone to foot problems after calving. Cows overconditioned at 30 d postpartum were more likely to have metritis.

Animals

Effects of flunixin and flunixin plus prednisone on the gastrointestinal tract of dogs.

Flunixin meglumine has been reported to induce gastrointestinal lesions in dogs when administered at therapeutic dosages. We administered flunixin meglumine to dogs daily for 10 days to assess the effect of this drug on the gastrointestinal tract. We also evaluated the possibility of corticosteroid potentiation of gastrointestinal toxicosis by concurrent administration of prednisone to 1 group of dogs. Dogs were monitored for gastrointestinal toxicosis by means of serial endoscopic evaluation, measurement of fecal occult blood, PCV, and total solid concentration, and by physical examination. There were 3 treatment groups of 5 dogs each. Group-1 dogs were given 2.2 mg of flunixin meglumine/kg daily, in 2 divided doses IM; group-2 dogs were given 4.4 mg of flunixin meglumine/kg daily, in 2 divided doses IM; and group-3 dogs were given 2.2 mg of flunixin meglumine/kg daily, in 2 divided doses IM plus 1.1 mg of prednisone/kg/d orally, in 2 divided doses. A fourth group of 5 dogs served as a control group. Endoscopically visible gastric mucosal lesions developed in all treated dogs within 4 days of initiating treatment. Lesions first developed in the gastric pylorus and antrum and lesions at these sites were more severe than those observed elsewhere. Dogs treated with flunixin meglumine plus prednisone developed the earliest and most severe lesions; lesion scores in group-2 dogs were higher than those in group-1 dogs. All dogs treated had occult blood in their feces by day 5 and its presence appeared to correlate more closely with endoscopic findings than did physical examination findings or changes in values for PCV or total solids.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals

Acute and short-term toxicoses associated with the administration of doxorubicin to dogs with malignant tumors.

One hundred eighty-five dogs with histologically confirmed, measurable malignant tumors were used in a study to determine the toxicity of the anthracycline antitumor antibiotic, doxorubicin, which was administered once or twice (at a 21-day interval) at the rate of 30 mg/m2 of body surface area, iv. During this study, 7 dogs died as a direct result of doxorubicin-induced toxicosis and 16 died as a direct result of the malignant neoplastic disease. Each dog was evaluated for signs of toxicosis for 3 weeks after the last dose was administered (15 dogs received 1 dose, 170 dogs received 2 doses) or until the dog died, whichever came first. The most common signs of toxicosis were vomiting, diarrhea, colitis, anorexia, and pruritus. The probability of doxorubicin-induced toxicosis decreased significantly (P less than 0.0001) in inverse relationship to body weight. Dogs with signs of toxicosis during the 21-day interval from administration of the first dose of doxorubicin were 17.2 times (P less than 0.01; 95% confidence interval; 5.5, 54.2) more likely to develop signs of toxicosis during the 21-day interval from the second dose of doxorubicin. The performance status of each dog was evaluated using a modified Karnofsky performance scheme; the only time the performance status was adversely affected to a significant extent by doxorubicin-induced toxicosis was during the 21-day period, starting with the second dose (P less than 0.0001).

Animals

Evaluation of cisplatin-induced emesis in dogs with malignant neoplasia: 115 cases (1984-1987).

A retrospective review of the records of 115 dogs with 13 types of malignant tumors was performed in an attempt to identify factors that influence the degree of emesis observed within 24 hours after cisplatin therapy. Six groups were established on the basis of dosage of cisplatin and on the route of administration: 10 mg/m2 IV (n = 17), 40 mg/m2 IV (n = 10), 50 mg/m2 IV (n = 19), 60 mg/m2 IV (n = 7), 70 mg/m2 IV (n = 36), and 70 mg/m2 intra-arterially (IA; n = 26). Age, gender, weight, dose of cisplatin, route of administration (IV vs IA), and duration of infusion were evaluated. Increasing doses of cisplatin (P less than 0.01) and the IV route of drug administration (P less than 0.0006) were associated with an increased occurrence of vomiting in response to the first treatment. Anesthesia, performed in dogs that were given cisplatin IA, was a confounding variable that may have reduced the emetic potential of the drug after the dogs were awakened. If the dog vomited in response to the first treatment, there was a greater tendency to vomit after subsequent cisplatin treatments (P = 0.08). Multivariable analysis, after correcting for the effects of age, gender, and weight, indicated that high doses of cisplatin (P less than 0.001) and lower weight of the dog (P less than 0.04) were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of vomiting.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals

Bacterial culture of blood from critically ill dogs and cats: 100 cases (1985-1987).

Of 100 critically ill dogs and cats, 49 (39 dogs, 10 cats) had bacteremia. Gram-negative bacilli were the most common isolates from the bloodstream of dogs with bacteremia (46%), and gram-positive cocci and anaerobic bacteria were isolated from 36% and 31% of positive cultures, respectively; 15% of positive cultures were polymicrobial. In cats, gram-negative bacilli (especially Salmonella enteritidis) and anaerobic bacteria were the most common isolates, and 30% of positive cultures were polymicrobial. Gram-positive cocci were not isolated from the blood-stream of cats. Odds ratios, adjusted for the combined effects of disease status (severe vs nonsevere), results of bacterial culture of blood result (positive vs negative), and species (dog vs cat) were calculated for mortality in animals in the study. In animals with bacteremia, severe disease increased the risk of death 11.6-fold, compared with the risk in animals with nonsevere disease. Bacteremia increased mortality 10-fold in animals with severe disease, compared with mortality in animals with severe disease without bacteremia. Animals with severe disease and bacteremia were 15.6 times more likely to die than were those with nonsevere disease and negative culture results. In animals with nonsevere disease, culture results (positive vs negative) were not related significantly to mortality. Disease status (severe vs nonsevere) in animals without bacteremia also was not significantly related to mortality. There was no significant difference in overall mortality in dogs, compared with that in cats.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals

Hypokalemia in cats: 186 cases (1984-1987).

Retrospective review of serum biochemical data obtained from 501 cats over a 3-year period (1984-1987) indicated that 186 (37%) had hypokalemia (serum potassium concentration less than 4.1 mEq/L). After adjusting for disease diagnosis, cats fed either of 2 commercial diets were 4 times more likely to be hypokalemic than cats fed other diets. Odds ratios (OR; measure of association), adjusted for diet type, were calculated to determine the odds of hypokalemia for a given disease, compared with odds of normokalemia for the same disease. Chronic renal failure (OR = 14.4), hepatic disease (OR = 5.7), systemic infectious diseases (viral or bacterial; OR = 2.7), and neuromuscular or CNS disease (OR = 2.4) were all significantly associated (P less than 0.05) with the occurrence of hypokalemia. Significant differences in age or sex between hypokalemic and normokalemic cats were not found. Within the group of 186 hypokalemic cats, hypercholesterolemia (89 cats; 48%), hyperglycemia (88 cats; 47%), high serum urea nitrogen concentration (86 cats; 46%), hyperchloridemia (80 cats; 43%), and high serum creatinine concentration (73 cats; 39%) were the most common biochemical abnormalities. When disease diagnosis was compared among cats with severe hypokalemia (serum potassium concentration less than 3.0 mEq/L) and those with moderate hypokalemia, cats with severe hypokalemia were 3.5 times more likely to have chronic renal failure than cats with less severe hypokalemia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animal Feed