About

Sarah Ho is the CVM Director of Student Engagement at the College of Veterinary Medicine at NC State University. Her role involves fostering student development and engagement within the college community. The page highlights her contact information and her position as a key figure in student involvement, but does not provide specific details about her research focus, academic background, or key contributions in the field of veterinary medicine.

Research topics

• Medicine
• Computer Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Internal medicine
• Chemistry
• Radiology
• Biology
• Intensive care medicine
• Surgery
• Nuclear medicine
• Mathematics
• Gastroenterology
• Pharmacology
• Biotechnology
• Immunology
• Statistics

Selected publications

• The influence of age and captivity on cardiac structure and function in rhesus macaques

  GeroScience · 2026-04-09

  article
  PublisherDOI

• The T-wave peak-end to QT ratio is prolonged and minimally influenced by RR interval in Doberman Pinschers with subclinical dilated cardiomyopathy

  Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association · 2025-05-02

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Objective: The T-wave peak-end to QT ratio (TpTe:QT) is an ECG marker of myocardial repolarization dispersion that is not influenced by the RR interval. The authors hypothesized that TpTe:QT would be prolonged in Doberman Pinschers with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included clinically healthy Doberman Pinschers that were pyruvate kinase dehydrogenase 4 and/or titin genotype positive as the controls and dogs diagnosed with subclinical DCM as the DCM+ group. Data were collected between 2019 and 2024. Dogs receiving antiarrhythmic drugs were excluded. The QT interval, corrected QT interval, TpTe, TpTe:QT, and corrected TpTe were measured as repolarization markers with the use of ambulatory ECGs. Interrelationships among RR interval, DCM phenotype, and each marker were determined with a mixed-effects model. Results: 36 dogs were included: 12 in the DCM+ group and 24 in the controls. The TpTe:QT was significantly higher in the DCM+ group compared to controls (risk ratio, 1.23), with negligible to weak correlation identified to RR interval (0.04 in controls; -0.16 in DCM+). The TpTe and corrected TpTe were also elevated in the DCM+ group (risk ratios 1.04 and 1.06, respectively): these values were significantly influenced by RR interval. Conclusions: TpTe:QT is a potential marker for distinguishing Doberman Pinschers with subclinical DCM from those that are normal, yet genetically at risk. Its independence from heart rate variation underscores its potential utility in clinical practice. Clinical Relevance: TpTe:QT is a simple, noninvasive, and readily available test that may predict subclinical, clinically evident DCM in Doberman Pinschers. Larger clinical investigations of this easily obtained variable are warranted.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Successful use of haemoperfusion therapy in an adult horse with hepatic encephalopathy and cholangiohepatitis

  Equine Veterinary Education · 2025-12-01

  articleOpen access

  Summary A 4‐year‐old, 520 kg, American Quarter Horse broodmare, approximately 90 days in foal, was presented to Texas A&M University Teaching Hospital for suspected liver disease. Based on clinicopathological values and hepatic abnormalities noted ultrasonographically, the mare was presumptively diagnosed with cholangiohepatitis. The mare developed hepatic encephalopathy while hospitalised. Due to the rapid progression of disease, therapy with haemoperfusion using a polymer‐based column was implemented. The mare tolerated the treatment well, showing immediate improvement in mental status and marked improvements in bilirubin and ammonia concentrations, liver enzyme values, continued fetal viability and ultrasonographic findings prior to discharge. To the authors' knowledge at the time of submission, this is the first clinical report of haemoperfusion for hepatic encephalopathy in large animal medicine. This modality should be considered a potential adjunct therapy in the management of equids with severe hepatic compromise.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Retrospective Evaluation of the Prognosis and Prevalence of Hyperchloremia in Dogs and Cats

  Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care · 2025-11-01

  articleOpen access1st author

  ABSTRACT Objective To determine the prevalence, case‐fatality rate, and primary disease processes associated with high corrected chloride concentration (hyper[Cl − ]) in dogs and cats. Design Single‐center retrospective study. Setting Electrical medical records were reviewed to identify dogs and cats with at least one chloride and sodium concentration measured simultaneously during a 60‐month period. Animals A total of 17,120 dogs and 4197 cats presented to a veterinary teaching hospital. Interventions None. Measurements and Main Results Measured hyper[Cl − ] was diagnosed in 18.1% (3092/17,120) dogs and 9.4% (396/4197) cats. Corrected hyper[Cl − ] was diagnosed in 21.1% (3607/17,120) dogs and 9.1% (384/4197) cats. The case‐fatality rates were higher in animals with corrected hyper[Cl − ] than in those with normal corrected [Cl − ] ( p < 0.0001). The case‐fatality rate was higher in dogs with measured hyper[Cl − ] than in those with corrected hyper[Cl − ] ( p = 0.011). Of the dogs and cats with corrected hyper[Cl − ], a total of 50.9% (1835/3607) dogs and 38.3% (147/384) cats were categorized as prehospital corrected hyper[Cl − ], whereas a total of 39.5% (1424/3607) dogs and 48.7% (187/384) cats with corrected hyper[Cl − ] were categorized as hospital‐acquired corrected hyper[Cl − ]. The case‐fatality rate of dogs and cats with hospital‐acquired corrected hyper[Cl − ] was higher than that of prehospital corrected hyper[Cl − ] in dogs ( p < 0.0001) but not in cats ( p = 0.9). Various primary disease processes, including neurologic and urologic diseases, were identified in animals with corrected hyper[Cl − ]. Conclusions Corrected hyper[Cl − ] was a common electrolyte abnormality identified in dogs and cats, and it was associated with higher case‐fatality rates than normal corrected [Cl − ]. Hospital‐acquired corrected hyper[Cl − ] was less common but was associated with a higher case‐fatality rate than prehospital corrected hyper[Cl − ] in dogs. Further investigation of corrected hyper[Cl − ] in association with its morbidity and mortality and the role of therapy to target normal [Cl − ] is warranted.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Accelerated second-order motion-compensated diffusion imaging with phase-contrast for regional cerebral blood flow quantification

  Proceedings on CD-ROM - International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. Scientific Meeting and Exhibition/Proceedings of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, Scientific Meeting and Exhibition · 2025-09-16

  article

  Motivation: Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) quantification using second-order motion-compensated diffusion imaging with phase-contrast (2nd-MC-DIP) achieves accurate measurements; however, long acquisition time limits its clinical implementation. Goal(s): To reduce the acquisition time of 2nd-MC-DIP using optimal b-value selection while maintaining accurate rCBF quantification. Approach: We compared rCBF values between conventional (11 b-values) and accelerated (4 optimally selected b-values) 2nd-MC-DIP in healthy volunteers, validating against arterial spin labeling (ASL). Results: The accelerated protocol showed no significant differences in rCBF values compared with the conventional 11-point protocol and demonstrated significant positive correlations with ASL, achieving equivalent accuracy with a 63% reduction in acquisition time. Impact: Optimized b-value selection achieved a three-fold reduction in acquisition time, making 2nd-MC-DIP practical for clinical use in accurate rCBF quantification.

  PublisherDOI

• Evaluating Synthetic DWI for Prostate Cancer Detection: Optimal TR Selection and Diagnostic Advantages over Conventional DWI

  Proceedings on CD-ROM - International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. Scientific Meeting and Exhibition/Proceedings of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, Scientific Meeting and Exhibition · 2025-09-16

  article

  Motivation: Conventional diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) often lacks sufficient contrast between prostate cancer and normal tissue, potentially leading to unnecessary biopsies. Synthetic DWI (syDWI) with optimized settings could improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce false positives. Goal(s): To evaluate the optimal repetition time (TR) settings for syDWI and compare its diagnostic performance with conventional DWI in detecting prostate cancer. Approach: We tested various TR values and used dedicated software to generate syDWI, assessing contrast, lesion conspicuity, and diagnostic performance. Results: syDWI with optimized TR significantly improved contrast and lesion detection, enhancing diagnostic accuracy for prostate cancer and potentially reducing unnecessary biopsies. Impact: Optimized synthetic diffusion-weighted imaging improves prostate cancer diagnostic accuracy, enhancing lesion detection and reducing false positives compared to conventional methods. This advancement may minimize unnecessary biopsies and serve as a reliable tool in prostate cancer management.

  PublisherDOI

• Amide Proton Transfer Imaging in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma and Pancreatic Parenchyma

  Proceedings on CD-ROM - International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. Scientific Meeting and Exhibition/Proceedings of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, Scientific Meeting and Exhibition · 2025-09-16

  article

  Motivation: It is not known whether APT imaging is useful for the pancreas. In addition, the pancreas can be affected by the presence of fat deposition. Goal(s): To verify whether APT-Dixon can be used for the pancreas, and to verify the differences between APT-TSE and APT-Dixon sequences. Approach: APT-TSE and APT-Dixon sequences were compared for PDAC and the pancreatic parenchyma. APT signals within PDAC and pancreatic parenchyma were compared between APT-TSE and APT-Dixon sequences. Results: APT-Dixon showed a significantly higher signal compared to APT-TSE in PDAC and the pancreatic parenchyma. PDAC showed a lower APT signal compared to the pancreatic parenchyma with APT-Dixon. Impact: Pancreatic APT signal in APT-TSE is affected by the presence of fat deposition. Therefore, APT-Dixon is essential for analysis of the pancreatic APT signal. APT imaging in the pancreas may have the potential to assess the biological behaviour of PDAC.

  PublisherDOI

• Retrospective Evaluation of the Prevalence and Prognosis of Hypochloremia in Dogs and Cats

  Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care · 2025-11-01

  articleOpen access1st author

  ABSTRACT Objective To determine the prevalence, case‐fatality rate, and primary disease processes associated with corrected hypochloremia (hypo[Cl − ]) in dogs and cats. Design Single‐center retrospective study. Setting Electronic medical records were reviewed to identify dogs and cats with at least one chloride and sodium concentration measured simultaneously during a 60‐month period. Animals A total of 17,120 dogs and 4197 cats presented to a veterinary teaching hospital. Interventions None. Measurements and Main Results Measured hypo[Cl − ] was diagnosed in 23.3% (3981/17,120) dogs and 59.0% (2475/4197) cats. Corrected hypo[Cl − ] was diagnosed in 13.9% (2388/17,120) dogs and 34.9% (1463/4197) cats. The case‐fatality rates were higher in animals with measured and corrected hypo[Cl − ] than those with normal corrected [Cl − ] ( p < 0.0001). The case‐fatality rate was also higher in cats with corrected hypo[Cl − ] than those with measured hypo[Cl − ] ( p = 0.0002), but they were not different in dogs ( p = 0.74). Of the dogs and cats with corrected hypo[Cl − ], a total of 74.5% (1779/2388) dogs and 74.6% (1091/1463) cats were categorized as prehospital corrected hypo[Cl − ], and a total of 20.9% (498/2388) dogs and 17.3% (253/1463) cats were categorized as hospital‐acquired corrected hypo[Cl − ]. The case‐fatality rates of dogs and cats with hospital‐acquired corrected hypo[Cl − ] were higher than those with prehospital corrected hypo[Cl − ] ( p < 0.0001). Various primary disease processes were identified in animals with corrected hypo[Cl − ]. Of these, urologic, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal diseases were the three most common disease processes identified in dogs and cats with corrected hypo[Cl − ]. Conclusions Corrected hypo[Cl − ] was a common electrolyte abnormality and was associated with higher case‐fatality rates than normal corrected [Cl − ]. Various disease processes were associated with corrected hypo[Cl − ], and closer attention to corrected hypo[Cl − ] is warranted.

  PublisherDOI

• Postoperative Automated Platelet Count and Its Predictive Factors in Dogs Undergoing Mitral Valve Repair

  bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) · 2025-11-12

  preprintOpen access

  Abstract Objectives This study aimed to describe early postoperative changes in automated platelet counts (PLT) after mitral valve repair (MVR) in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and to identify factors associated with these changes. Design Single-center retrospective cohort study. Animals Dogs with MMVD that underwent MVR from July 2022 to July 2023. After data extraction, the ten most common breeds were selected, and mixed breeds as well as breeds known for inherent platelet abnormalities (Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Norfolk Terriers) were excluded. Measurements and Main Results A total of 313 dogs representing seven breeds met the inclusion criteria. PLT levels were assessed preoperatively (Day 0) and daily for 4 days postoperatively (Days 1–4). Mean (standard deviation) PLT values were 393±127 ×10³/µL on Day 0, 159±72 on Day 1, 137±67 on Day 2, 157±87 on Day 3, and 187±104 on Day 4. Postoperative thrombocytopenia (<100 ×10³/µL) occurred in 124 of 313 dogs during Days 1–4. In a multivariable mixed-effects model, PLT declined significantly after surgery (Day 0 to 1; β = −207.17 [×10³/µL per day], P < 0.001) and showed a postoperative upward trend (Day 1 to 4; β = 20.62 [×10³/µL per day], P = 0.079). Older age was associated with higher PLT; Toy Poodles and Yorkshire Terriers demonstrated lower PLT than Chihuahuas; dogs with ACVIM Stages C– D had higher PLT compared with Stage B2; lower body weight correlated with lower PLT; and intact dogs tended to have higher PLT than neutered dogs. Conclusions PLT decreased sharply following MVR and demonstrated partial recovery within 5 days. Age, breed, clinical stage, body weight, and neuter status were associated with postoperative PLT patterns, indicating their importance for perioperative assessment and monitoring.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• The influence of captivity on cardiac structure and function across age, in rhesus macaques

  bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) · 2025-10-21

  preprintOpen access

  Background: Captive non-human primates are widely used as models of human aging, yet the conditions they live in differ markedly from their naturalistic environment. Differences between captive and free-ranging environments may impact how the cardiovascular system adapts with age, potentially confounding studies of natural aging. This study characterized age-related cardiac phenotypes in free-ranging rhesus macaques and compared these patterns with their captive-housed counterparts to assess the influence of living environment on cardiac health across the lifespan. Methodology: , aged 7 - 25 years, 41 % female) living on Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico. First, we compared structural and functional cardiac parameters between young (7 - 12 years; n = 48, 60% female) and old (18-26 years, n = 33, 42% female) free-ranging macaques. We then performed an ANCOVA, with age as a covariate, to compare cardiac structural and functional parameters between free-ranging and captive-housed macaques (n = 347, aged 7 - 32 years, 71% female). Results: In our free-ranging cohort, older macaques had greater interventricular septal thickness and relative wall thickness (RWT) than young. Males exhibited larger left ventricular (LV) internal dimensions, wall thickness, LV mass, and LV volumes than females, but these differences were attenuated when indexed to body mass. Diastolic function was lower with advanced age in both sexes, reflected by a lower E/A ratio, reduced myocardial tissue velocities during early diastole (e') and greater myocardial tissue velocities during atrial contraction (a'). Compared with captive macaques, free-ranging animals exhibited better diastolic function, including a significantly higher E/A ratio, greater e', and lower a'. Captive macaques also had significantly greater relative wall thickness across age and between sexes. Conclusions and implications: Our study provides the first comprehensive characterization of age-related cardiac differences in free-ranging rhesus macaques, which show structural and functional cardiac differences similar to those observed with human aging. Captive macaques exhibited a more pronounced age-related cardiac phenotype than their free-ranging counterparts, including thicker left ventricular walls and lower diastolic function for a given age. These findings highlight the importance of considering the ecological context when interpreting animal models of cardiovascular aging.

  PublisherDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Joshua A. Stern

  North Carolina State University

  33 shared

• T Tahata

  17 shared

• Tsutomu Tamada

  Kawasaki Medical School

  16 shared

• Akira Yamamoto

  14 shared

• Ayumu Kido

  12 shared

• Alex Lynch

  11 shared

• Eric S. Ontiveros

  Children’s Institute

  11 shared

• Shigehito Miki

  10 shared

Education

• PhD , School of Veterinary Medicine

  University of California Davis

  2020

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine , College of Veterinary Medicine

  Washington State University

  2011

• Bachelor of Science, Department of Biology

  Colorado State University

  2007

• Associate of Science

  Green River Community College

  2005