Wednesday, December 12, 2018

3370. INTERN. VIDEO CREATION. Leptospirosis in the dog - tests and treatment

Dec 13, 2018

This case study is being made into a video.. Updates will be in this blog page.

HOOK








BKTP 



INTRODUCTION - Title

Singapore is a small develped city state with over 80% of the residents living in high-rise apartments and enjoy a high standard of living.










"Wet markets" are present in each housing estate as the farm produce is fresher and cheaper.
However, the majority shop the comfort and lack of farm produce smell of air-conditioned malls and supermarkets.



VIDEO OF SINGAPORE HOUSING ESTATES AND PEOPLE
Eg.









--------------------------------------------------
The unedited videos are at:

DAY 2 INPATIENT TREATMENT




DAY 8 INPATIENT TREATMENT






DAY 9 INPATIENT TREATMENT







----------------------------------------------------------
DAY 13 INPATIENT TREATMENT. Dec 16, 2018






---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IMAGES AND ILLUSTRATIONS



VET 1'S DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT
1. Clinical signs
2. Blood tests
3. Idexx SNAP Lepto test positive
4. Ultraound









Nov 27, 2018  Lethargy, anorexia, soft stools. T=37.6C
Nov 30, 2018  Urine test. Haematuria, SG 1.015, pH 6.0
Blood test, ultrsound

Dec 1, 2018.   Idexx SNAP Lepto test positive
------------------------------------------------------------------


14 DAYS' INPATIENT TREATMENT AT TOA PAYOH VETS
Dec 4, 2018. Owner referred by friend to Toa Payoh Vets for isolation and nusing.
Dec 16, 2018. Dog goes home.

Nasogastric tube pulled out, stuck.
Syringe feeding
Therapeutic diet K/D, A/D


REPEATING IDEXX SNAP LEPTO TEST
CONTINUING BLOOD TESTS








-------------------------------------------

CONCLUSION

Wet market with owner. Rats present in wet market. Infected urine?
"No way that the dog has access to the rat or the rat's urine" the owner protested. "He is always leashed."






The lady owner loved this dog very much. Christmas is 9 days ago.




 Two good movies to celebrate the dog's recovery.



"No need to keep dog at home," I advised. "Seek vet treatment promptly if the dog is not well."






--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPORTING DATA


The SNAP® Lepto Test and the Canine Leptospira spp. Antibody by ELISA (for convalescent cases)
PCR tests on blood and urine

 PCR—Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests detect Leptospira spp. DNA. Whole blood and urine are tested simultaneously to  allow for diagnosis of sick animals in the early stages of infection and for the detection of urinary shedding in sick animals. PCR on blood will be positive early in infection, usually prior to seroconversion. Urine will become positive 7–14 days after infection, at which time DNA evidence of leptospires may or may not be detected in the blood.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------















------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The in-house SNAP® Lepto Test and the  Leptospira ELISA at IDEXX Reference Laboratories Important diagnostic update • July 2015 Introducing a rapid ELISA for antibodies to canine leptospirosis



A timely diagnosis is important in cases of acute canine leptospirosis. IDEXX Laboratories is pleased to introduce a new ELISA for Leptospira-specific antibodies. The trusted ELISA technology is available as a point-of-care SNAP® test and as an IDEXX Reference Laboratories test. The SNAP® Lepto Test and the Canine Leptospira spp. Antibody by ELISA provide fast results at  a lower cost to assist veterinarians in diagnosing this potentially life-threatening infection.


Background Leptospirosis, a zoonotic disease of worldwide significance, is caused by spirochetes of the genus Leptospira. Leptospirosis has been thought to most commonly affect young-adult, large breed, outdoor dogs; however, small dogs in urban areas can also contract the disease. Pathogenic serovars infecting dogs include Icterohaemorrhagiae, Canicola, Pomona, Bratislava, Grippotyphosa and Autumnalis. Although serovar identification  is of interest from an epidemiologic standpoint, clinical disease is similar for all serovars and treatment is the same.



 Prevalence The prevalence of canine leptospirosis varies by region and season, and is considered an emerging infectious disease in humans as well as dogs.1,2 Results of one study in Michigan indicated that more than 20% of healthy, client-owned dogs had been exposed to Leptospira serovars.3 In another study, 8.2% of dogs were shedding pathogenic leptospires irrespective of health status.4 It is unknown what proportion of dogs with acute kidney injury have leptospirosis; however, given the high rate of exposure, leptospirosis should be considered in every dog presenting with acute renal abnormalities regardless of the dog’s signalment, environment or geography.



Transmission Infected animals shed spirochetes in their urine that subsequently contaminate the environment. Susceptible animals and humans are most often infected through contact with contaminated water. Bacteria enter through damaged skin or mucous membranes.

Clinical signs Acute kidney injury (AKI) is the most commonly recognized disease in dogs, accounting for more than 90% of reported cases of leptospirosis. Hepatic disease occurs concurrently in 10%–20% of dogs with AKI but can also occur independently. Anorexia, lethargy, vomiting, polyuria and polydipsia are common signs. Icterus, fever, abdominal pain, muscle pain and stiffness, uveitis, dyspnea and coagulopathies occur as well but with less frequency.5 Infected dogs have also presented with only polyuria and polydipsia and normal chemistry findings with or without glucosuria.6,7




Diagnosis The diagnosis of canine leptospirosis can be complicated and challenging. The new SNAP® Lepto Test and the Canine Leptospira spp. Antibody by ELISA provide additional information when performing this complex diagnostic workup. The rapid results at a lower cost permit more frequent testing and facilitate convalescent testing by ELISA when needed. Results should be interpreted in the context of clinical signs, physical examination findings, vaccination history, preliminary blood work and urinalysis. Follow the diagnostic algorithm detailed on the next page when interpreting test results. For the most complete diagnostic workup, it is important to consider both serology and PCR when a patient presents with clinical signs consistent with leptospirosis.

Treatment For dogs presenting with acute kidney injury, supportive therapy with intravenous fluids is indicated. The dog should be rehydrated and fluids given to support diuresis and replace ongoing losses. Electrolyte disturbances and acid-base abnormalities should be corrected. Most dogs with leptospirosis are polyuric; however, urinary output should be monitored closely. In severe cases, especially if oliguria or anuria develops, referral for hemodialysis should be considered. Antibiotic therapy is key to specifically treating leptospirosis. When leptospirosis is suspected, antibiotics should be initiated as soon as possible after diagnostic samples have been collected, even prior to confirmation of the diagnosis. Doxycycline (administered orally) or penicillin and its derivatives (i.e., ampicillin [intravenously] or amoxicillin [orally]) are the antibiotics of choice for initial treatment. These drugs terminate leptospiremia within 24 hours, which in turn prevents urinary shedding and transmission of the organism and significantly decreases the risk of zoonotic transfer. To clear renal infections and eliminate the carrier state and chronic shedding, doxycycline should be administered for 3 weeks once oral medication is possible.

Prognosis Establishing a definitive diagnosis of leptospirosis is critical. Without specific therapy, permanent renal damage is more common, and the disease is more likely to be fatal. With early recognition and appropriate treatment, the survival rate for dogs with acute kidney disease is approximately 80%.8,11

Public health considerations Urinary shedding of leptospires poses a zoonotic risk to dog owners and veterinary hospital staff. Urine from infected dogs can infect humans if it comes in contact with mucosal surfaces or a break in the epidermal barrier. One study evaluating 500 dogs used PCR on urine to detect shed leptospires. The results revealed that, irrespective of health status, 8.2% of dogs were shedding pathogenic leptospires.4 Identifying dogs shedding leptospires  allows veterinarians, their staff and the pet owner to take appropriate precautions (e.g., latex gloves, face mask, goggles) when handling the dog’s urine and entering urine-contaminated areas.



Clinicopathologic findings Anemia, leukocytosis characterized by neutrophilia, and thrombocytopenia are the most common findings on the complete blood count (CBC). Azotemia, increased liver enzymes, hyperbilirubinemia and electrolyte disturbances are the most common biochemical changes. Coagulation abnormalities, including prolongation of prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT), are not uncommon. Decreased  specific gravity and markers of tubular injury—including glucosuria, granular casts and low-grade proteinuria—are often present  on urinalysis.8

Leptospira spp. ELISA technology The lipoprotein LipL32 is the most abundant outer membrane protein found in pathogenic species of Leptospira.9 An enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of LipL32 antibodies in the dogs is now available from IDEXX Reference Laboratories. The lower cost and rapid results afforded by this ELISA will allow for increased testing to ensure adequate precautions are taken when handling dogs with a zoonotic disease, and administration of therapy in a timely manner.

Overview of testing options Serology—Serologic tests detect antibodies to Leptospira spp. • ELISA: The new SNAP® Lepto Test and the Canine Leptospira spp. Antibody by ELISA from IDEXX Reference Laboratories will provide a qualitative positive or negative antibody result. Similar to microscopic agglutination testing, some currently vaccinated dogs may have detectable antibodies on the assay. Duration of vaccinal antibody reactivity may vary depending upon the dog and frequency of vaccination. • MAT: Detection of antibodies using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) has been the most common diagnostic method used for the diagnosis of canine leptospirosis.10 Vaccination with commercially available leptospirosis vaccines may produce detectable MAT titers.10

PCR—Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests detect Leptospira spp. DNA. Whole blood and urine are tested simultaneously to  allow for diagnosis of sick animals in the early stages of infection and for the detection of urinary shedding in sick animals. PCR on blood will be positive early in infection, usually prior to seroconversion. Urine will become positive 7–14 days after infection, at which time DNA evidence of leptospires may or may not be detected in the blood.


Ordering information
test code test name and contents

3568 Leptospira spp. Antibody by ELISA—Canine Results reported as positive or negative for Leptospira spp. only. Specimen requirements: 1 mL serum Turnaround time: Daily

3569 Leptospira spp. Panel—Canine Leptospira spp. RealPCR™ Test, Leptospira spp. antibody by ELISA Specimen requirements: 2 mL EDTA whole blood (LTT) and  2 mL urine in a sterile container for RealPCR tests (keep refrigerated) and 1 mL serum for serology. Collect specimens prior to antibiotic administration. Turnaround time: 1–3 working days

3567 Leptospirosis Profile—Canine Chem 25, comprehensive CBC, Leptospira spp. antibody by  ELISA, urinalysis Specimen requirements: 2 mL serum, 1 mL LTT, two blood smears (preferred), 5 mL urine in a sterile container Turnaround time: Daily


Contacting IDEXX Laboratory Customer Support If you have any questions regarding test codes, turnaround time or pricing, please contact our Laboratory Customer Support Team at 1-888-433-9987. Expert feedback when you need it If you have any questions on when to use the new SNAP® Lepto Test and the Canine Leptospira spp. Antibody by ELISA or on how to interpret test results, or if you would like treatment advice, please call for a consultation at 1-888-433-9987. To order the SNAP Lepto Test • Go to idexx.com/order. • Call 1-888-79-IDEXX. • Talk to your IDEXX Veterinary Diagnostic Consultant.

--------------------------------------





ORIGINAL & OTHER IMAGES





Original images






---------------------------------------------------------------------












-----------------------------------------------------------------------












3369. Photography: Secrets to impress street art judges - Digital Photographer Issue 207

Dec 12, 2018




1. Differences in content, technique, composition and tone and sometimes less subtle.
2. Bad composition, weak subject selection, misunderstanding of the rules of composition
3. Your entry needs to be relatable to the judges in some way to grab their attention. No point having personal attachment to an image that has no special meaning to anyone else.

4. Originality is important. Avoid cliches. A street image's well-seen moment executed in  thoughtful way overrides any technical hitches.

Submissions that elicit a visceral, emotional response make a lasting impact. 'Standout' does not mean in your face. Some original resonate with the judges.

5. A tip regarding title. Can put viewers off or invite them in. Best to title your works "untitled" or give location and date as title. Judges don't like obvious titles. Allow viewer to form their personal narrative can help you get one step ahead.

6. Keep editing subtle. No colour filters, HDR or spot colouring. These are a big photo judging turn-off

7. Simplest things that are being expressed are the best.














Street photography
By Linda Wisdom

https://www.lindawisdomphotography.co.uk/

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

3368. Carnassial tooth abscess in the dog is common

Dec 11, 2018

A non-healing skin wound with pus under the eye is a sign of carnassial tooth abscess in the dog. This is most common compared to traumatic injury or tooth cancer.















Monday, December 10, 2018

3367. X RAYS. Two red-eared sliders are not eating for 2 months. One slider eating less shrimps for one month

TP 50560     F/15 yrs old  Ninja
Anorexia, no stools, swims lop sided to RHS. Complaint constipation.

Several weeks of syringe-feeding Critical care/pellet/multivit/neurobion.
Finally ate on her own. Owner persevere in syringe feeding. Still swims lop sided.













TP 50659. F/3 yrs old
Anorexia 2 months, less stools, mouth bleeding
Dec 9, 2018 review. Ate 40 pellets + canned salmon in water. No pooping aside from the first day we started soaking the food with the canned fish. Should we leave her in the water longer?

REPLY. Yes. 2x/day. Sunlight 9 - 11 am or 3 to 5 pm (weekends) as owner works during weekdays.







-----------------------------------

Red-eared slider fed new brand of shrimps, lost appetite, bloated shell, became cyanotic and has difficulty in breathing













 

Saturday, December 8, 2018

3366. A low grade malignant adenocarcinoma

The owner discovered the "cherry tomato" lump present in the left inguinal area, near the scrotum. She had it excised and did a histology. The report showed low-grade malignant adenocarcinoma.












3365. A 14-year-old female Jack Russell dies from bacteraemia

Dec 7, 2018.
After a midnight bath to clean stepped-on stools covering her feet, the dog became lethargic. The dog has cataracts and so could not see. She stepped on her stools. As the dog was very weak, the owner consulted me.

The dog did not have fever. Her teeth had thick tartar and she has gum disease.

Blood test shows
1. A very high neutrophilic leucocytosis, indicating a bacterial infection of the blood.  Total white cell count = 58.8. Normal = 6-17.  Neutrophils = 96%. Normal = 70% and absolute numbers = 56. Normal =3-12. 
2. Anaemia. Red cell count 5.2. Normal = 5.5 -8.5. Haemoglobin 10. Normal = 12-18.
3. Liver disorder. ALT = 161. Normal = less than 59.  AST = 243. Normal = less than 81.
4. High blood urea = 10.5. Normal = 4.2 -6.3.
5. Low glucose = 2.8. Normal = 4.4 - 8.0.

IV drip and antibiotics were given. The dog passed away 4 hours later, due to overwhelming infection. Bacteria could have come from the rotten teeth inside the mouth. As the old dog has poor immune system, the bacteria spread fast inside the body.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

HISTORY
In 2016. See:

https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=ffIlXaSsHLU

This was excised by Dr Sing Kong Yuen and the dog recovered very well.
There was no histopathology done to reduce medical costs.  However, now, 2 years later, there is no recurrence of the tumour. Hence it was a benign mammary tumour.






VIDEO on Dec 7, 2018



-----------------------------------------------------------

HISTORY
Jan 10, 2017
 A very rare case of a large bluish "breast tumour" in a female not spayed Jack Russell. Surgery revealed 90% dark brown blood-tinged fluid and 10% cystic cells. No histology is done to reduce medical costs. The dog is OK now.  See another video at:
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XMENur6W2o


 UPDATE on Dec 7, 2018
 The dog had a high blood bacterial infection and passed away on Dec 8, 2018. See video
 https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=8VoArSjPDzk




Friday, December 7, 2018

3364. A 12-year-old poodle becomes very itchy after coming home from the groomer.

Dec 7, 2018

Day 3 of in-patient. No more itchy body or foul-smelling odour today. Rashes have subsided considerably. Ringworm cannot be ruled out.  Bathing daily for the past 3 days. Goes home today.