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Clinical and pathological findings in dogs following supralethal total body irradiation with and without infusion of autologous long-term marrow culture cells.

We developed a canine model for autologous bone marrow transplantation (AuBMT) with long-term marrow culture (LTMC) cells. Marrow was harvested from nine normal dogs. Harvests from dogs 2-7 were placed into 21 day LTMC. Cells in LTMC from dogs 4-7 were labelled with the neomycin phosphotransferase gene neo. Dogs were given 60Co total body irradiation (TBI) and then infused with LTMC cells: dog 1 received 500 cGy TBI and 2.08 x 10(8)/kg uncultured marrow cells. Dogs 2-7 received 600-800 cGy TBI and 0.07-0.45 x 10(8)/kg LTMC cells. Dogs 8 and 9 received 600 and 800 cGy TBI, respectively, but no infusion of marrow or LTMC cells. For all dogs, profound myelosuppression developed during week 1 and pyrexia developed during week 2. Enrofloxacin was given from one day before TBI until a peripheral neutrophil count > 1.0 x 10(9)/L was achieved, which eliminated Escherichia coli from feces. Dogs 1, 2 and 5-9 also received gentamicin and/or combination beta-lactam antibiotics. Numerous platelet transfusions were needed to control hemorrhages in all dogs except dog 1. Dog 1 achieved neutrophils > 1.0 x 10(9)/L on day 15, while dogs 2 and 5-9 achieved this count on days 33-48. Dogs 3 and 4 died on days 17 and 18, respectively, of beta-hemolytic streptococcal sepsis and hemorrhage, with no evidence of hematopoiesis at necropsy. The marker gene, neo, was documented in lymphoid and myeloid cells of dogs 5-7 up to 21 months post-AuBMT. Our studies indicate that dogs can recover following supralethal TBI and can survive the delayed engraftment associated with AuBMT using LTMC cells, if they receive intensive platelet and antimicrobial therapy. Used prophylactically for such therapy, enrofloxacin achieved selective intestinal decontamination, but did not prevent sepsis when used as the sole antimicrobial agent during myelosuppression. Furthermore, our studies indicate that infused LTMC cells, at the above doses, can contribute to hematopoietic recovery, but are not essential for recovery following TBI, and do not shorten the period of prolonged profound myelosuppression induced by TBI.

Animals↗

Fatal dog attacks, 1989-1994.

OBJECTIVES: To update data on fatal dog bites and see if past trends have continued. DESIGN: To merge data from vital records, the Humane Society of the United States, and searches of electronic news files. SETTING: United States. SUBJECTS: U.S. residents dying in the U.S. from 1989 through 1994 from dog bites. RESULTS: We identified 109 dog bite-related fatalities, of which 57% were less than 10 years of age. The death rate for neonates was two orders of magnitude higher than for adults and the rate for children one order of magnitude higher. Of classifiable deaths, 22% involved an unrestrained dog off the owner's property, 18% involved a restrained dog on the owner's property, and 59% involved an unrestrained dog on the owner's property. Eleven attacks involved a sleeping infant; 19 dogs involved in fatal attacks had a prior history of aggression; and 19 of 20 classifiable deaths involved an unneutered dog. Pit bulls, the most commonly reported breed, were involved in 24 deaths; the next most commonly reported breeds were rottweilers (16) and German shepherds (10). CONCLUSIONS: The dog bite problem should be reconceptualized as a largely preventable epidemic. Breed-specific approaches to the control of dog bites do not address the issue that many breeds are involved in the problem and that most of the factors contributing to dog bites are related to the level of responsibility exercised by dog owners. To prevent dog bite-related deaths and injuries, we recommend public education about responsible dog ownership and dog bite prevention, stronger animal control laws, better resources for enforcement of these laws, and better reporting of bites. Anticipatory guidance by pediatric health care providers should address dog bite prevention.

Adolescent↗

Regional anesthesia of the infraorbital and inferior alveolar nerves during noninvasive tooth pulp stimulation in halothane-anesthetized dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To document that regional anesthesia of the infraorbital and inferior alveolar nerves would abolish reflex-evoked muscle action potentials (REMP) in the digastricus muscle during noninvasive stimulation of tooth pulp in halothane-anesthetized dogs. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 9 healthy female dogs between 2 and 6 years old. PROCEDURE: Dogs were anesthetized using halothane. An alligator clip anodal electrode was attached to the tooth to be stimulated, and a platinum needle cathodal electrode was inserted in adjacent gingival mucosa. The cathodal and anodal electrodes were moved to the left upper and lower canine, fourth premolar, and first molar teeth for sequential stimulation. Baseline recording of REMP was made for each tooth. Catheters were inserted percutaneously in the infraorbital and mandibular canals. Saline (0.9% NaCl) solution was injected at each catheterized site in 3 control dogs, and chloroprocaine hydrochloride was injected at each catheterized site in 6 test dogs. Each tooth was stimulated every 10 minutes for 90 minutes (test dogs) or every 10 minutes for 30 minutes and at 90 minutes (control dogs), and REMP was recorded. RESULTS: REMP was abolished within 10 minutes in all test dogs, except during stimulation of the lower first molar in 1 dog. In 4 dogs, duration of blockade was less than 90 minutes. The REMP was not restored within 90 minutes for the upper teeth in 1 dog and within 2 hours for all teeth in another dog. At 24 hours, REMP was restored for all teeth except the lower left canine in 1 dog. The REMP was restored for the lower left canine in that dog at 96 hours. The REMP was not abolished at any time in control dogs. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Regional anesthesia of the infraorbital and inferior alveolar nerves may effectively provide analgesia for dental procedures in dogs.

Action Potentials↗

Effect of distance traveled and speed of racing on body weight and serum enzyme activity of sled dogs competing in a long-distance race.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship of serum biochemical values and change in body weight with finishing status (retired from or finished the race), finishing order of a team, and distance traveled for dogs participating in a long-distance sled dog race. ANIMALS: 262 of 848 dogs that participated in the 1995 Iditarod Trail sled dog race. DESIGN: Prospective study. PROCEDURE: Body weight was recorded for 261 dogs before the race and again when these dogs retired from or completed the race. Using a nonrandom convenience sample of participating dogs, blood samples were obtained from 151 dogs that retired from the race and 111 dogs that completed the race. RESULTS: Serum biochemical indices of skeletal muscle damage were significantly higher in dogs retiring during the first 500 miles of the race than in dogs retiring in the last 638 miles or finishing the race. Serum sodium concentration was less than the reference range in a significantly greater proportion of dogs that retired from the race than of dogs that completed the race. There was little relationship between finishing order and serum biochemical values. Dogs completing the race lost a mean of 8.9% of body weight, and amount of weight lost was not related to finishing order. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Results indicated that exertional rhabdomyolysis develops more often in dogs that retire during the initial 500 miles of a long-distance race, compared with dogs that complete the race. There is no detectable relationship between the speed with which the race is run (finishing order) and body weight loss or serum biochemical values.

Animals↗

The diagnostic significance of the direct antiglobulin test (DAT) in anemic dogs.

The direct antiglobulin test (DAT) was positivein 134 (36.1%) of 371 anemic dogs with internal diseases. Four principal types of reaction were recognized: IgG alone in 15 (11.2%), IgG + C' in 41 (30.6%), C' alone in 74 (55.2%) and IgM + C' in 2 (1.5%). Rarely, IgM and/or IgA reactions occurred in association with strong IgG + C' reactions. In 2 (1.5%) DAT-positive dogs the type of reaction was not clear. One or more symptoms of hemolysis, such as hemoglobinemia, indirect type hyperbilirubinemia, increased red cell osmotic fragility, and increased fecal urobilinogen excretion, were demonstrated in 84 DAT-positive dogs. These consisted of 10 of 15 dogs with IgG type DAT, 36 of 41 dogs with IgG + C' type DAT, 36 of 74 dogs with C' type DAT and 2 of 2 dogs with IgM + C' type DAT. Most dogs with IgG + C' type reactions had severe hemolysis, whereas "primary" or "associated" diseases were recognized in only 26 of 56 cases. IgG type incomplete warm antibody, reacting with pooled donor cells, was demonstrated in red cell eluates in each of 3 dogs with IgG type DAT and in 6 of 7 dogs with IgG + C' type reactions. This indicates that dogs with IgG or IgG + C' reactions usually have autoimmune hemolytic anemia. In dogs with C' type DAT, indications of hemolysis were frequently minimal or absent. Symptoms almost always indicated some "primary" disorder. Diagnoses mainly included infections, inflammatory and neoplastic (especially myelo- and lymphoproliferative)diseases. In only 7 (9.5%) of 74 dogs with C' type DAT no diagnosis other than (transient peracute) hemolytic anemia was made. The results of tests for antibodies in the serum and red cell eluates were always negative in dogs with C' type DAT. In one dog with hemolytic anemia and C' + IgM type DAT, there was a high titer of IgM cold agglutinins in the serum and in heat eluates. It is concluded that a positive DAT with anti-IgG antiserum is a strong indication of autoimmune hemolytic anemia but that a reaction of the C' alone type is a rather common phenomenon in canine internal diseases which is seldom associated with serious hemolysis.

Anemia↗

Canine ecology and socioeconomic factors associated with dogs unvaccinated against rabies in a Mexican city across the US-Mexico border.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to identify ecologic and socioeconomic factors associated with dogs unvaccinated against rabies in Mexicali, the capital city of Baja California, Mexico (located across the US-Mexico border). A total of 1100 households were selected by random sampling from a list of all 180,000 households. A questionnaire was filled in during a personal interview with the household head or another adult person to gather information of epidemiological interest (such as canine ecology, social and economic factors that might influence owners' decision to allow their dog to be vaccinated). There were 910 dogs identified. The human-to-dog ratio was 4.3:1. The male-to-female dog ratio was 1.5:1. Out of 791 dogs > or = 3 months old, 577 (73%) were classified as vaccinated against rabies. Most dogs (95%) were not spayed. Neighborhood dogs had 25 times higher risk of nonvaccination compared to dogs owned by a family. Dogs 3-11 months old had three times higher risk of nonvaccination compared to dogs > or = 1 year old. Dogs that were obtained as a gift, born at home or found had two times higher risk of nonvaccination compared to dogs that were reportedly purchased. Crossbred dogs had 1.5 times higher risk of nonvaccination compared to purebred dogs. The canine-ecology structure is similar to that in regions were rabies is endemic.

Animals↗

Leishmania infantum-specific IgG, IgG1 and IgG2 antibody responses in healthy and ill dogs from endemic areas. Evolution in the course of infection and after treatment.

The expression of IgG, IgG1 and IgG2 specific antibodies for Leishmania infantum was studied in five groups of dogs in Catalonia (Spain): I, 99 asymptomatic dogs (infected and uninfected) from a highly endemic area for leishmaniosis; II, 139 untreated dogs with clinically patent leishmaniosis; III, 11 naturally infected asymptomatic dogs monitored for up to 5 years since they were found seropositive to Leishmania antigen and without treatment; IV, 25 naturally infected dogs with clinically patent leishmaniosis and treated with either meglumine antimoniate and allopurinol or allopurinol alone and V, six experimentally infected dogs, treated with meglumine antimoniate and controlled for 5 years. The levels (ELISA units) of IgG, IgG1 and IgG2 in asymptomatic dogs (group I) were very variable (24+/-33, 32+/-31 and 26+/-31, respectively), and, as expected, lower than in ill dogs (group II) (168+/-34, 84+/-71 and 172+/-31, respectively). In both groups, the correlation between IgG and IgG2 levels (r=0.95, P<0.001 in group I and r=0.63, P<0.001 in group II) was higher than between IgG and IgG1 levels (r=0.01, P>0.05 in group I and r=0.31, P<0.001 in group II). In group III, IgG and IgG2 expression increased during infection, while IgG1 expression remained the same. In dogs of group IV, IgG levels after 1 year of treatment decreased more in responsive (mean values, 163+/-42 before treatment (b.t.) and 100+/-36 after treatment (a.t.)) than in unresponsive dogs (158+/-29 b.t. and 124+/-51 a.t.), especially for IgG1 (94+/-89 b.t. and 20+/-21 a.t. in responsive dogs and 35+/-25 b.t. and 22+/-13 a.t. in unresponsive dogs) rather than for IgG2 (156+/-16 b.t. and 114+/-45 a.t. in responsive and 151+/-11 b.t. and 125+/-36 a.t. in unresponsive dogs). Similar results were observed in the evolution of experimentally infected animals after consecutive and specific treatments. Overall results show the great variation in Leishmania-specific IgG1 expression in asymptomatic and symptomatic dogs, their lack of correlation with that of IgG2 and chemotherapy is more effective in dogs with initially high expression of IgG1.

Allopurinol↗

Occurrence of Neospora caninum antibodies in sera from dogs of the city of São Paulo, Brazil.

Neospora caninum is an important cause of abortion in dairy cattle worldwide. Dogs are important in the epidemiology of this parasite because they are the only hosts known to excrete N. caninum oocysts. In order to understand the prevalence of N. caninum in dogs, sera from 500 owned dogs and from over 600 feral street dogs from the city of São Paulo, Brazil were assayed for antibodies to N. caninum. Sera were examined by the Neospora agglutination test (NAT) using mouse-derived tachyzoites. Antibodies (> or =1:25) to N. caninum were found in nearly 10% (49/500) of owned dogs and in 25% (151/611) of stray dogs. NAT titers for owned dogs were 1:25 in 28 (5.6%) dogs, 1:50 in 20 (4%) dogs, and > or =1:500 in 1 (0.2%) dog. NAT titers for stray dogs were 1:25 in 79 (12.9%) dogs, 1:50 in 68 (11.1%) dogs, and > or =1:500 in 4 (0.6%) dogs. These data indicate that feral dogs may be important in the epidemiology of N. caninum infection.

Agglutination Tests↗

Evaluation of the efficacy of fipronil formulations in the treatment and control of biting lice, Trichodectes canis (De Geer, 1778) on dogs.

The efficacy of FRONTLINE SPRAY (0.25% (w/v) fipronil), FRONTLINE SPOT-ON FOR DOGS (10% (w/v) fipronil) and FRONTLINE PLUS FOR DOGS (10% (w/v) fipronil and 9% (S)-methoprene) against the biting louse Trichodectes canis on dogs was confirmed under laboratory conditions. A field study evaluated the efficacy of a single topical application of FRONTLINE SPRAY and FRONTLINE SPOT-ON against the parasite on dogs. A total of 48 dogs of mixed breeds, both sexes, aged 2 months-7 years and weighing 1.8-37.0kg were used. The animals were either experimentally (laboratory study) or naturally (field study) infested with lice. Dogs were housed individually in order to prevent contact between animals. In the laboratory study, animals were allocated based on pre-treatment louse counts from 38 hair coat-partings per animal. Dogs were randomly assigned to the four treatment groups: (1) untreated control; (2) FRONTLINE SPRAY, at 6ml/kg; (3) FRONTLINE SPOT-ON as per label and (4) FRONTLINE PLUS as per label. Dogs in treatment groups 2-4 were treated twice topically on Days 0 and 28. The number of live lice in the 38 hair coat-partings per animal were counted on Days 2, 7 and weekly to Day 63. In addition, a whole body comb count was performed on Day 63. No live T. canis were found on dogs treated with FRONTLINE formulations at any post-treatment examination. The difference from controls was significant (P<0.01) for each product at each examination. Based on the whole body comb count at Day 63, the efficacy of each product was determined to be 100%. In the field study, dogs were allocated in strict order of presentation. Dogs were randomly allocated to one of the three treatment groups: (1) BOLFO collar (propoxur); (2) FRONTLINE SPRAY, at 6ml/kg and (3) FRONTLINE SPOT-ON as per label. Dogs were treated once topically on Day 0. The number of live lice was determined by whole body searches on Days 0 (pre-treatment), 2, 28 and 42. Louse counts of dogs treated with either FRONTLINE SPRAY, or FRONTLINE SPOT-ON were not different than those of dogs receiving the propoxur collar. The efficacy was determined to be >98% on Day 2 and, 100% on Days 28 and 42 in all treatment groups. The results of these studies demonstrate that fipronil in topical formulations is effective for treatment and control of biting lice (T. canis) infestations on dogs.

Administration, Topical↗

Spontaneous Crenosoma vulpis infection in 10 dogs: laboratory, radiographic and endoscopic findings.

Crenosoma (C.) vulpis infection was diagnosed in 10 dogs aged between 0.5 and 12 years (median 4 years) during a 4-year period. The predominant clinical sign in all dogs was coughing which lasted from 1 day to > 4 months. Hematological abnormalities included eosinophilia in 5/9 dogs, basophilia in 3/9 dogs, and mild monocytosis in 6/9 dogs. Thoracic radiographs (n = 9) were normal in 1 dog, showed a mild bronchial or interstitial pattern in 4 dogs, and moderate to marked changes (bronchial-interstitial to alveolar) in 4 dogs. Endoscopic findings (n = 9) varied from mild erythematous bronchitis (n = 3) to marked bronchitis with accumulation of large amounts of mucus (n = 2), irregular nodular mucosal surface (n = 2), accumulation of pus (n = 1), and bronchial hemorrhage (n = 1). Adult worms were observed in 2 dogs. Bronchial lavage cytology revealed inflammation with predominance of eosinophils in 7/10 dogs, eosinophils and neutrophils in 2/10 dogs, and neutrophils in 1/10 dogs. C. vulpis larvae were identified in the BAL of 5/10 dogs. Fecal examinations with the Baermann technique was the most sensitive method and positive in all 10 dogs. C. vulpis infection has to be considered in the differential diagnosis in dogs of all ages presenting with acute or chronic cough.

Animals↗

CT-guided brain biopsy using a modified Pelorus Mark III stereotactic system: experience with 50 dogs.

This report describes the results of CT-guided stereotactic brain biopsies performed on 50 consecutive dogs using a modified Pelorus Mark III Stereotactic System. Based on available histopathologic samples (stereotactic biopsy [n = 50], surgery [n = 17], necropsy [n = 9]) the patient population consisted of 34 dogs with primary brain tumors, 2 with invasive nasal adenocarcinomas, and 13 with non-neoplastic brain lesions. Brain tissue was not obtained from one dog. In 22 dogs a final diagnosis was made from tissue subsequently obtained from surgical resection or at necropsy. The final diagnosis was in agreement with the stereotactic biopsy diagnosis in 20 of these 22 dogs. In 17 other dogs without follow-up, stereotactic biopsy provided a diagnosis of a specific primary brain tumor subtype. Postoperative complications associated with the biopsy procedure were assessed in 41 dogs. The other 9 dogs either went directly to surgery (n = 7) or were killed (n = 2) immediately after the biopsy procedure. Thirty-six dogs recovered without apparent clinical complications. Postoperative clinical complications in the remaining 5 dogs included transient epistaxis (1 dog), transient exacerbation of cerebellar signs (1 dog), obtundation progressing to coma (1 dog), and medically uncontrollable seizures (2 dogs). The latter 3 dogs with severe neurologic complications all had large primary brain tumors and had been receiving high doses of phenobarbital and glucocorticoids to control seizures at the time of biopsy. These results suggest that this CT-guided biopsy procedure can provide an accurate pathologic diagnosis of brain lesions detected by CT and MR neuroimaging. Further refinement of both technique and case selection is expected to reduce the rate of clinical complications and to improve the accuracy of the procedure.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Echocardiographic changes induced by moderate to marked hypobaric hypoxia in dogs.

Hypobaric (high-altitude) hypoxia is a physiologic cause of pulmonary hypertension, and alters left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function. In the presence of tricuspid regurgitation, systolic pulmonary artery pressure can be measured noninvasively using the peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity and the Bernoulli equation. In the absence of measurable tricuspid regurgitation, severity of pulmonary hypertension may be estimated using two-dimensional, M-mode, and Doppler-derived parameters. To evaluate the usefulness of echocardiographic parameters for detecting mild-to-moderate pulmonary hypertension caused by moderate-to-marked hypoxia and to study the effect of high-altitude hypoxia on systolic and diastolic LV function in dogs, 19 Greenland dogs were examined at moderate altitude (2300 m) and high altitude (3500 m), and 10 Greenland control dogs were examined at 700-900 m. Evaluated parameters were pulmonary flow profile (shape, right ventricular acceleration time (RVAT), ejection time (RVET), RVAT/ET), peak mitral inflow velocities (LVE, LVA, LVE/A-ratio), LV % fractional shortening (FS), systolic time intervals (LVPEP, LVPEP/ET), and stroke volume index (SVI). Notching during deceleration was common in dogs at high altitude and in the control dogs, but not in dogs at moderate altitude. RVAT was shorter in dogs at high altitude compared with moderate altitude, but not compared with control dogs. Peak A-velocity was higher and E/A-ratio was lower in dogs at high altitude compared with moderate altitude and control dogs. FS was increased in dogs at high altitude compared with moderate altitude, and LVPEP and LVPEP/ET were shorter in the dogs at high altitude compared with moderate altitude and control dogs. In conclusion, significant differences in pulmonary flow profiles and systolic and diastolic parameters can be observed echocardiographically in dogs at different degrees of hypobaric hypoxia. However, overlap between the groups compromises their usefulness for diagnosing and estimating the degree of mild-to-moderate pulmonary hypertension in individual dogs.

Acclimatization↗

Cyclosporin and ketoconazole interaction for treatment of perianal fistulas in the dog.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the use of concurrent ketoconazole and low dose cyclosporin administration in a group of dogs with clinical evidence of perianal fistulas, and to determine if this combination could be used to manage perianal fistulas effectively. DESIGN: Prospective clinical trial PROCEDURE: Sixteen dogs with clinical evidence of perianal fistulas were given ketoconazole (10 mg/kg once daily) and cyclosporin (1 mg/kg twice daily initially) for 16 weeks. Blood cyclosporin assays were performed regularly and cyclosporin doses were altered to achieve a stable blood level above 200 ng/mL. Regular examinations assessed the dogs' general health, changes in clinical behaviour, fistula size and number. A complete blood count and serum biochemical analysis was performed in all dogs before and after the treatment period, and after 8 weeks of treatment in 12 dogs. Dogs were assessed for recurrence of lesions at 1, 3 and 12 months after the trial. RESULTS: All dogs showed marked improvement in lesions and behaviour within 14 days of the medication. Fourteen dogs completed the trial. Two dogs were excluded due to concurrent disease. Thirteen dogs (93%) showed complete resolution of fistulas during the treatment period. Seven dogs (50%) had no recurrence after 12 months. Recurrence was seen in three dogs (21%) at 8, 10 and 12 months after treatment, and in three dogs (21%) within 1 month of treatment. The medication was well tolerated. Side effects included transient anorexia, vomiting and lethargy in some dogs, increased shedding of hair and gingival hyperplasia. Ketoconazole administration allowed a dramatic reduction in cyclosporin dose (over 90% in 12 dogs and 80% in the other two) compared to previously reported cases treated with cyclosporin alone. CONCLUSION: The use of combined ketoconazole and cyclosporin provided an effective treatment for perianal fistulas. Outcomes were similar to those seen with cyclosporin alone, but allowed a significant reduction in cyclosporin dose and, therefore, cost. The use of immunosuppressive therapy in the treatment of perianal fistulas was effective and avoided many of the problems associated with surgical treament.

Administration, Oral↗

A retrospective study of unilateral arytenoid lateralisation in the treatment of laryngeal paralysis in 100 dogs (1992-2000).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of unilateral arytenoid lateralisation as a surgical treatment for laryngeal paralysis in dogs. DESIGN: The case records of 100 dogs that received a unilateral arytenoid lateralisation for laryngeal paralysis between 1992 and 2000 were reviewed. The results of questionnaires on surgical outcome, formulated for the animal owner and the referring veterinarian, were analysed. Information obtained for dogs under 10 kg and dogs over 10 kg was analysed separately. RESULTS: The Labrador Retriever was the most commonly affected breed. The male:female ratio was 1.56:1 and the average age of presentation was 9.9 years. The most common month in which surgery was performed was October. The majority of owners (87.7%) felt that their dog's quality of life was improved in the 6 months after surgery. Thirty-three percent of dogs revisited the referring clinic with a respiratory problem following unilateral arytenoid lateralisation, and 10.7% of dogs were reported as having a post-surgical complication associated with the procedure. Following surgery, dogs under 10 kg revisited the referring veterinarian with a respiratory complication more often than dogs over 10 kg. Significantly fewer owners of dogs under 10 kg than owners of dogs over 10 kg felt that their dogs quality of life was improved by surgery (55% versus 93%). CONCLUSION: The majority of owners surveyed reported that unilateral arytenoid lateralisation had improved the quality of their dog's life during the first 6 postoperative months. Owner dissatisfaction with the results of surgery and the reported rate of re-presentation (for respiratory disease) may be higher for small (< 10 kg) dogs. A prospective study comparing the results of unilateral arytenoid lateralisation surgery in large and small dogs may be worthwhile in the future.

Animals↗

Cytologic patterns of lymphadenopathy in dogs infected with Leishmania infantum.

BACKGROUND: Lymphadenopathy in canine leishmaniosis has been reported as reactive lymphoid hyperplasia or granulomatous (histiocytic) lymphadenitis. However, we are unaware of information on the effect of latent Leishmania infection on lymph node cytology compared with clinically affected dogs. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate cytologic patterns of lymphadenopathy in dogs with clinical and subclinical forms of leishmaniosis and to correlate cytologic findings with the density of Leishmania amastigotes in fine needle aspiration (FNA) smears. METHODS: FNA cytology of prescapular or popliteal lymph nodes was evaluated on 32 dogs with clinical evidence of leishmaniosis (group A), 24 subclinically infected dogs (group B), and 17 clinically healthy noninfected dogs (group C); groups were based on the results of serologic and PCR tests for Leishmania sp. Differential nucleated cell counts (based on 300 cells) and amastigote density were determined microscopically. Cytologic findings were categorized and compared among groups. RESULTS: Cytologic abnormalities were found in 19 of 32 (59.4%) dogs in group A, 1 of 24 (4.2%) dogs in group B, and 2 of 17 (11.8%) dogs in group C and were significantly more frequent in group A than group B (P <.001) or C (P = .001). In group A, 68.7% of the dogs had lymphoid hyperplasia, 12.5% had lymphoid hyperplasia and histiocytic lymphadenitis, 6.3% had histiocytic lymphadenitis, and 3.1% had lymphoid hyperplasia and neutrophilic lymphadenitis. Lymphoid hyperplasia was also noted in 1 dog in group B, and lymphoid hyperplasia and eosinophilic lymphadenitis were each found in 1 dog in group C. Lymph node smears from 31 (96.9%) dogs in group A and 6 (25%) dogs in group B were positive for Leishmania amastigotes; however, no correlation was found between the density of amastigotes and cytopathologic patterns of lymphadenopathy. CONCLUSION: Abnormal lymph node cytology is much more common in dogs with clinical leishmaniosis than in dogs with subclinical infection, and primarily involves lymphoid hyperplasia. Despite finding no association between the density of amastigotes and type of lymphadenopathy, lymph node cytology still is a valuable diagnostic tool for diagnosing canine leishmaniosis.

Aging↗

Neurological manifestations of hypothyroidism: a retrospective study of 29 dogs.

Neuromuscular signs in association with hypothyroidism are described in 29 dogs. Eleven dogs had lower motor neuron signs, 9 had peripheral vestibular deficits, 4 had megaesophagus, and 5 had laryngeal paralysis. Primarily older (mean = 9.5 years), large-breed dogs were affected, and there was no sex or breed predisposition. Duration of clinical signs before presentation ranged from 2 to 8 weeks (mean = 5 weeks). The diagnosis was based on (1) results of neurological examination (29 dogs); (2) electromyographic abnormalities (18 dogs), including fibrillation potentials (n = 18), positive sharp waves (n = 15), and complex repetitive discharges (n = 4); (3) high serum cholesterol concentration (10 dogs; mean = 335 mg/dL); (4) low response to thyroid-stimulating hormone (29 dogs; mean T4 prestimulation concentration = 0.8 micrograms/dL; mean T4 poststimulation = 1.2 microgram/dL); and (5) good response to thyroxine supplementation (26 dogs). Dogs with vestibular deficits had abnormal brainstem auditory-evoked responses (BAER), including increased latencies of P1-P6 and decreased amplitude of P4,5-N5. Seven other dogs had similar BAER abnormalities without manifesting clinical signs of vestibular involvement. Three dogs with vestibular signs had fibrillation potentials and positive sharp waves without exhibiting lower motor neuron signs. All dogs were supplemented with levothyroxine (0.02 mg/kg PO bid). The follow-up period ranged between 6 and 30 months (mean, 14 months). Serum T4 concentrations were measured at least 3 times for each dog every 2 months (mean T4 concentration = 2.6 micrograms/dL). All but 1 dog with lower motor neuron signs and 1 dog with vestibular signs recovered after 2 months (mean, 57 days).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Treatment and long-term follow-up of 205 dogs with hypoadrenocorticism.

Results of long-term treatment were evaluated in 200 dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism and 5 dogs with spontaneous secondary hypoadrenocorticism. Fludrocortisone acetate initially was used for mineralocorticoid replacement in 190 of the dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism. The daily dose of fludrocortisone required in these dogs increased significantly during the treatment period (median, 2.6 years) from an initial median dose of 13.1 micrograms/kg to a final dose of 22.6 micrograms/kg. In 27 of the 200 dogs, mineralocorticoid therapy was changed from fludrocortisone to desoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP) because of adverse effects,poor response, or financial considerations. The dose of DOCP required in the 33 dogs (27 dogs plus 6 dogs initially given DOCP) increased significantly during the treatment period (median, 3.5 years) from an initial median dose of 1.56 mg/kg to a final dose of 1.69 mg/kg; the interval between DOCP injections ranged from 14 to 35 days (median, 30 days). The dose of prednisone administered to the dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism decreased significantly from an initial median dose of 0.3 mg/kg to a final dose of 0.2 mg/kg; the drug was discontinued in 22 dogs due to adverse effects. The 5 dogs with secondary hypoadrenocorticism received only glucocorticoid replacement therapy (prednisone) at initial and final daily dosages of 0.41 mg/kg and 0.25 mg/kg, respectively, during a median treatment period of 4.4 years. More than 80% of the dogs were considered to have a good to excellent response to therapy. The median survival time of all 205 dogs was 4.7 years. There were no differences in response to treatment or survival between dogs treated with fludrocortisone and those receiving DOCP, or between dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism and those with secondary hypoadrenocorticism.

Adrenal Glands↗

Clinical forms of acquired myasthenia gravis in dogs: 25 cases (1988-1995).

The purpose of this project was to investigate the clinical forms of acquired myasthenia gravis in dogs. The medical records from 25 dogs with seropositive acquired myasthenia gravis were reviewed, and the following data were recorded for each patient: signalment, history, clinical findings; results of IV edrophonium chloride administration, repetitive nerve stimulation, and presence or absence of muscle membrane staining by immunocytochemical methods; serum acetylcholine receptor antibody concentration; treatment; and outcome. Several clinical forms of acquired myasthenia gravis were identified. Nine of the 25 patients (36%) had no historical or clinical evidence of appendicular muscle weakness, and were designated as focal myasthenics. These dogs exhibited focal weakness in one or more of the following muscle groups: facial (3 of 9), pharyngeal (3 of 9), and laryngeal (3 of 9). The remaining 16 dogs (64%) exhibited appendicular muscle weakness. Four of these 16 dogs had acute onset and rapid development of clinical signs, and were designated as acute fulminating myasthenics. The remaining 12 dogs were classified as generalized myasthenics. All 4 dogs with acute fulminating myasthenia gravis had megaesophagus, 2 had facial muscle weakness, and 1 had pharyngeal muscle weakness. Ten of the 12 dogs with generalized myasthenia gravis had megaesophagus, 4 had facial muscle weakness, 4 had pharyngeal muscle weakness, and 3 had laryngeal muscle weakness. Historical or clinical evidence of exercise-associated appendicular weakness was found in only 6 of the 12 (50%) dogs with generalized myasthenia gravis, and in none of the dogs with acute fulminating myasthenia gravis. Seven of the 12 dogs with generalized myasthenia gravis had weakness primarily (n = 1) or exclusively (n = 6) of the pelvic limbs. Two of the 4 dogs with acute fulminating myasthenia gravis had primarily pelvic limb weakness. Twelve of the 25 dogs (48%) died or were euthanized shortly after admission to the hospital due to aspiration pneumonia. The dogs with acute fulminating myasthenia gravis had a markedly higher 1-year mortality rate in comparison with the other 2 groups. The use of immunosuppressive therapy had a significant positive effect on patient survival, regardless of the type of myasthenia gravis. This investigation demonstrates that acquired myasthenia gravis in dogs is a disorder with a wide spectrum of clinical forms, similar to the analogous disorder in people.

Animals↗