Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) constitutes a fragment of DNA released into the blood through cellular apoptosis or necrosis. In human medicine, cfDNA has been studied as a disease severity biomarker. Recent studies have shown that concentrations of cfDNA in dogs with immune-mediated and tumor-related diseases are increased. Pancreatitis is known to be caused by excessive release of trypsin, which leads to edema, inflammation, necrosis, and apoptosis in the pancreas. Based on the results of research showing an increase of cfDNA due to apoptosis and necrosis of cells, we hypothesized that cfDNA concentration would increase in the presence of pancreatitis. A total of 35 dogs were studied, including 21 with pancreatitis and 14 without any inflammatory diseases (normal group). The results showed that the concentration of cfDNA in dogs with pancreatitis was approximately twice that of normal dogs (median 0.0912 ng/μL. p-value 0.028). This result suggests that cfDNA can serve as a new biomarker for estimating pancreatitis severity.

This retrospective case series assessed the effectiveness of commercially available oral fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for treating chronic enteropathies in eight animals, five dogs, and three cats, between 2020 and 2023 at the Seoul National University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. Chronic enteropathies, often resistant to conventional therapies, present a significant challenge in veterinary medicine. To assess oral capsule FMT's effectiveness (Doggybiome^® one capsule daily for dogs and Kittybiome^® one capsule daily for cats) as a universal adjunctive therapy for chronic enteropathies across species not responding to traditional treatments. This retrospective case series applied a uniform evaluation of gastrointestinal symptoms and treatment efficacy, utilizing established scoring systems (Canine Inflammatory Bowel Disease Activity Index [CIBDAI] and Canine Chronic Enteropathy Clinical Activity Index [CCECAI] for dogs, Feline Chronic Enteropathy Activity Index [FCEAI] for cats) before and one month after FMT. This approach ensured consistency in hypothesis testing across the study population. Results revealed significant improvements in clinical indices post-FMT, with notable reductions in the CIBDAI, CCECAI, and FCEAI scores (p < 0.05). Additionally, symptoms such as anorexia, lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss showed marked improvement, with normalization of appetite and activity levels observed in most cases. No adverse effects were reported, indicating the safety and tolerability of this treatment. This study highlights the potential of oral capsule FMT as a viable therapeutic option for dogs and cats with chronic enteropathies unresponsive to conventional treatments, providing a new avenue for clinical management. Further research is warranted to expand these findings and explore the microbiome changes associated with FMT in veterinary patients.

The standard radiation protection method in the angiography suite involves the use of a thyroid shield, a lead apron, and lead glasses. However, exposure to substantial amounts of ionizing radiation can cause cataracts, tumors, and skin erythema. A newly developed curtain-type radiation protection device consists of a curtain drape composed of a five-layer bismuth and lead acrylic head-shielding plate, with both bearing an equivalent 0.25 mm lead thickness. In this study, a quality assurance phantom was used as the patient to create radiation scatter from the radiographic source, and an anthropomorphic mannequin phantom was used as the interventionalist to measure the radiation dose at seven different anatomical locations. Thermoluminescent dosimeters were used to measure the radiation dose. The experimental groups consisted of all-sided or one-sided curtain set-ups, the presence or absence of a conventional shielding system, and the orientation of beam irradiation. Consequently, the curtain-type radiation protection device exhibited better radiation protection range and capabilities than conventional radiation protection systems, especially in safeguarding the forehead, eyes, arms, and feet, with minimal radiation exposure. Moreover, the mean shielding ratios of the conventional shielding system and curtain-type radiation protection device were measured at 51.94% and 93.86%, respectively. Additionally, no significant decrease in the radiation protection range or capability was observed, even with changes in the beam orientation or one-sided protection. Compared with a conventional shielding system, the curtain-type radiation protection device decreased radiation exposure doses and improved comfort. Therefore, it is a potential new radiation protection device for veterinary interventional procedures.

A 10-year-old, spayed female Maltese dog was tentatively diagnosed with granulomatous meningoencephalitis (GME) on magnetic resonance imaging. The meningoencephalitis was classified as aseptic GME because cerebral fluid analysis did not reveal an infectious aetiology. Two months after leflunomide treatment (Arava; Sanofi; 4 mg/kg/day), the patient developed non-regenerative, macrocytic, and normochromic anemia. As the patient's anaemia began after the administration of leflunomide, and other differentials for anaemia had been ruled out, the leflunomide was determined to be the cause and this treatment ended. After 15 days, the anaemia resolved spontaneously. This is the first report of reversible aplastic anaemia following treatment with leflunomide in a canine patient with GME.

An adult male dog was presented for hemorrhagic pericardial effusion. Echocardiography and computed tomography revealed nodule-like lesions on the pericardium. Cytology of pericardial effusion and excisional pericardial lesions indicated neoplastic effusion. Histopathology indicated an inflamed neoplasm with a primary differential diagnosis of hemangiosarcoma and malignant mesothelioma (MM). Immunohistochemistry showed that atypical cells were positive for cytokeratin and vimentin, but negative for CD31, strongly favoring pericardial MM. Postoperative NT-proBNP level remained increased, which led to the administration of epirubicin to minimize potential cardiotoxicity. During the 4 cycles of epirubicin treatment, a total cumulative dose of 108 mg/m² was administrated and no effusion recurrence was observed. After a month post-completion of chemotherapy, however, pleural effusion was detected with cardiac masses. The owner requested no further diagnostic investigations and chemotherapy. Due to deteriorating conditions, the dog died 132 days after the first presentation. Our case is the first notable attempt to treat canine malignant mesothelioma with epirubicin, providing the clinicopathologic, diagnostic routine, and clinical course of the affected dog.

A 10-year-old spayed female Poodle was referred for blindness. On ophthalmic examination, loss of bilateral ocular pupil light reflex, visual loss, and right retinal detachment were confirmed at a local hospital. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain was performed to identify the optic nerve, optic chiasm, and brain disease. A sessile mass centered on the region of the optic chiasm was identified. The mass had iso- to hypointense on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery and T2-weighted images and mildly hypointense on T1-weighted images compared to the gray matter, with strong contrast enhancement. Peripheral edema was also identified. Computed tomography (CT) brain perfusion was performed to obtain additional hemodynamic information about the patient using a multislice CT. CT perfusion showed that the cerebral blood volume in the left temporal lobe region (13.4 ± 1.6 mL/100 g) was decreased relative to the contralateral region (19.9 ± 0.3 mL/100 g). The patient showed decreased appetite and consciousness one week after the CT scan with clinical symptoms worsened. The patient had seizure, tetraparesis, and loss of consciousness. It was euthanized one month later at the request of the owner. This report suggests that CT brain perfusion can provide additional hemodynamic information such as insufficient brain perfusion in sellar region tumor which can help assess potential complications and prognosis and plan treatment.

A 13-year-old male neutered Miniature Pinscher presented with coughing and dyspnea. The dog had been coughing for the past 4 weeks. The patient had mild dehydration on physical examination, and muffled heart sounds were detected. Thoracic radiographs revealed pleural effusion, which was consistent with chylous effusion based on cytological and biochemical evaluations. Computed tomography (CT) lymphangiography, which was performed via intrametatarsal pad injection, revealed no evidence of thoracic duct rupture or obvious leakage. On CT angiography (CTA), an intraluminal filling defect was identified in the cranial vena cava (CrVC). CrVC thrombosis with secondary chylothorax was diagnosed based on CT lymphangiography and CTA. Clopidogrel, rivaroxaban, and recombinant tissue-plasminogen activator were prescribed. The follow-up CTA, 4 months after diagnosis, revealed a decrease in the thrombus, and no pleural effusion was identified. Although CrVC thrombosis is an uncommon presentation in veterinary patients, thrombus in the CrVC should be considered as a differential diagnosis of chylothorax in dogs. CT lymphangiography and CTA could be helpful in identifying and differentiating the underlying etiologies of chylothorax.

Cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus) is a large raptor that belongs to the family Accipitridae in the order Falconiformes. It is a migratory bird that returns to Mongolia after wintering in the Korean Peninsula. In February 2015, a cinereous vulture was rescued from Asan-si, Chungcheongnam-do Province as it could not fly. It was transferred to the Chungnam Wild Animal Rescue Center in Korea. It was found to have a closed fracture on the right radius through radiographic examination, a basic procedure. Surgery was performed at the fracture site using a shuttle pin and wire. After successful physical therapy and rehabilitation, the cinereous vulture was released in October 2015. A metal ring (150-00713) and wing tags (G/BL 3) were attached to the bird before its release for subsequent identification. Two years and 4 months later, in March 2018, the cinereous vulture was rescued and brought back to the center. It was diagnosed with secondary pesticide poisoning. After receiving treatment, a radiography test revealed no specific findings related to the previous fracture surgery. Considering that migratory birds travel long distances, it was confirmed that the treatment for reducing the fracture in the radius using a shuttle pin and a cerclage wire was suitable.

A free-range wild raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) was rescued with cachexia. Physical examination revealed generalized hyperkeratosis and alopecia typical of scabies as well as hypothermia (35.6℃). The patient was obtunded and severely dehydrated (10%). Hematological parameters included a low packed cell volume (PCV; 15%) and hemoglobin concentration, leukocytosis, and hypoglycemia. A blood smear revealed different subtypes of hypochromic leptocytes, indicating a regenerative response against severe anemia. This case was initially tentatively diagnosed as a severe anemia due to chronic external bleeding presumed to be caused by scabies-induced skin injuries. Darbepoetin alpha (DPO), iron dextran, and fluralaner were administered at the initial presentation, and supportive care including oxygen supplementation, warming, and nutritional support was provided. However, on day 5, the PCV dropped to 5.9% presumably caused by rapid rehydration due to drinking water ad libitum. DPO was boosted on days 5 and 6 along with daily iron dextran. On day 21, the PCV had recovered to 19.8%, and a blood smear evaluation showed a strong regenerative response. This case shows that even if severe anemia occurs in a raccoon dog, it can be managed with an appropriate response. In particular, since the rehydration rate due to food intake is faster than the hematopoietic response rate of raccoon dogs, the PCV may decrease rapidly in the early stage of treatment; therefore, diagnostic examination and additional medical management for hematopoiesis are necessary.