Kevin Murtagh

Dr. Kevin Murtagh


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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23 October 2024 in Animals
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ECEirini Chrysovergi
Eirini Chrysovergi
CMCarmel Mooney
Carmel Mooney
RSRobert Shiel
Robert Shiel
ESEvangelia Stavroulaki
Evangelia Stavroulaki
KMKevin Murtagh
Kevin Murtagh
Sepsis and septic shock are leading causes of morbidity and mortality in both humans and dogs, and early diagnosis is crucial for improving outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate bioactive adrenomedullin (bio-ADM) concentrations in dogs with septic shock (n = 25), dogs with sepsis without evidence of shock (n = 25), and healthy control dogs (n = 25). Plasma bio-ADM concentrations were measured using a human sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reported as median (interquartile range). Plasma bio-ADM concentrations were significantly higher in both septic groups compared to the healthy controls (all <22.4 pg/mL), but not significantly different between the septic shock (75.0 [28.7–115.0] pg/mL) and sepsis (30.7 [22.4–79.7] pg/mL) groups. Dogs with higher illness severity scores had significantly higher bio-ADM concentrations (93.1 [32.2–122.0] pg/mL) than those with lower scores (29.8 [22.4–71.2] pg/mL). However, bio-ADM concentrations did not differ between survivors (33.0 [22.7–76.7] pg/mL) and non-survivors (74.7 [26.1–123.2] pg/mL). Measurement of bio-ADM is a potential marker for canine sepsis, but not for the identification of septic shock, and may provide information on disease severity. Further studies, including those on non-infectious inflammatory conditions, are necessary to better understand the diagnostic utility of bio-ADM measurement and its potential role as a marker of treatment response in dogs with sepsis.

1 July 2026 in Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
KMKevin Murtagh
Kevin Murtagh
PKPamela Kelly
Pamela Kelly
RSRobert Shiel
Robert Shiel
EOEmma J O'NEill
Emma J O'NEill
CMCarmel Mooney
Carmel Mooney
Dogs with chronic inflammatory enteropathy (CIE) are common in companion animal practice. Neutrophilic inflammatory enteropathy (NIE) is a subtype of CIE that is uncommonly reported, posing a dilemma in terms of etiology, treatment, and prognosis. To describe historical, clinical, clinicopathological, imaging findings, treatment, and survival in dogs with histologically confirmed NIE. Twenty-seven client-owned dogs with NIE. Retrospective interrogation of the hospital database between January 2015 and January 2025 identified dogs with NIE based on histological reports. Cases were regraded using modified WSAVA guidelines and classified into the minor (mild inflammation) or major (moderate or severe inflammation) groups. Twenty-seven dogs were identified, with 8 and 19 dogs in the minor and major groups, respectively. The mean age was 7.7 ± 3.5 (95% CI, 6.4-9.1) years. The most common presenting signs were diarrhea (n = 21/27; 78%), vomiting (n = 21/27; 78%), weight loss (n = 20/27; 74%), hyporexia/anorexia (n = 13/27; 48%), and melena (n = 7/27; 26%). Clinicopathological abnormalities included neutrophilia (n = 12/27, 44%), hypoalbuminemia (n = 14/27, 52%), hypoglobulinemia (n = 23/27, 85%), hypocholesterolemia (n = 11/27; 41%), total hypocalcemia (n = 11/27; 41%), and hypocobalaminemia (n = 14/24; 58%). Twenty-four (89%) dogs (6 minor and 18 major) survived to discharge, with an overall median survival time of 267 (95% CI, 0-569) days, with no statistically significant difference between the major and minor groups. Peripheral neutrophilia was associated with an increased hazard of death (4.43; 95% CI, 1.16-16.99; P = .03) on univariate analysis and a significantly shorter median survival time. Neutrophilic inflammatory enteropathy is potentially associated with poor survival. Peripheral neutrophilia might indicate a poorer prognosis.