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PubMed2005

Pretreatment clinical and laboratory findings in dogs with primary hyperparathyroidism: 210 cases (1987-2004).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate pretreatment clinical and laboratory findings in dogs with naturally occurring primary hyperparathyroidism. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 210 dogs with primary hyperparathyroidism and 200 randomly selected, age-matched control dogs that did not have primary hyperparathyroidism. PROCEDURE: Medical records for dogs with primary hyperparathyroidism were reviewed for signalment; clinical features; and results of clinicopathologic testing, serum parathyroid hormone assays, and diagnostic imaging. RESULTS: Mean age of the dogs with primary hyperparathyroidism was 11.2 years (range, 6 to 17 years). The most common clinical signs were attributable to urolithiasis or urinary tract infection (ie, straining to urinate, increased frequency of urination, and hematuria). Most dogs (149 [71%]) did not have any observable abnormalities on physical examination. All dogs had hypercalcemia, and most (136 [65%]) had hypophosphatemia. Overall, 200 of the 210 (95%) dogs had BUN and serum creatinine concentrations within or less than the reference range, and serum parathyroid hormone concentration was within reference limits in 135 of 185 (73%) dogs in which it was measured. Urolithiasis was identified in 65 (31 %) dogs, and urinary tract infection was diagnosed in 61 (29%). Mean serum total calcium concentration for the control dogs-was significantly lower than mean concentration for the dogs with primary hyperparathyroidism, but mean BUN and serum creatinine concentrations for the control dogs were both significantly higher than concentrations for the dogs with primary hyperparathyroidism. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that urolithiasis and urinary tract infection may be associated with hypercalcemia in dogs-with primary hyperparathyroidism, but that development of renal insufficiency is uncommon.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

The use of isophane insulin for the control of diabetes mellitus in dogs.

For this study 54 dogs with diabetes mellitus verified by anamnesis, clinical examinations and laboratory analyses were selected in 13 Danish and Swedish small animal clinics. After instruction the owners gave isophane insulin ("Insulin Protaphan Human") injections to the dogs morning and evening followed by a commercial or homemade meal rich in fibers. The veterinarians examined the treated dogs 5 times or more in the 90 day treatment period, preferably in the morning before injection and meal. In all 54 dogs the clinical symptoms disappeared a few days after isophane insulin injections, and 54% of the dogs were clinically healthy within 8 days. Within a month 96% of the dogs were normalized after therapy. Simultaneously the blood glucose levels were normalized in 64% of the dogs within 14 days and in further 21% within 30 days. The urine glucose levels were normalized in 64% of the dogs within 14 days and for further 19% within 30 days. At the end of the study 48 out of the 54 diabetic dogs were clinically healthy, alert and free from symptoms of diabetes. The average dose of isophane insulin was for greater dogs 0.44 units per kg bw twice a day, for small dogs 0.79. Six dogs had been destroyed in the trial period for various reasons. One owner had injection troubles. Another owner was hospitalized and had to get rid of the dog. One dog developed advanced breast cancer, 1 went fierce and 2 developed cataracts. Four dogs had by 1 or 2 occasions shown hypoglycemic symptoms, which quickly disappeared after appropriate adjustments of insulin dosing, feeding schedule and exercise programme.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animal Feed↗

PubMed2006

[Effects of different liver diseases on the platelet count in dogs].

Changes of the platelet count in liver diseases are described in humans. Thrombocytopenia was observed more frequently than thrombocytosis. There are only a few investigations on platelet counts in liver diseases in dogs. The goal of the present study was to investigate the influence of different liver diseases including degeneration, hepatitis and liver tumours, on the platelet count. Platelet counts of 52 dogs with different liver diseases were measured and compared with 52 healthy dogs. The results showed, that dogs with liver degeneration have thrombocytosis in 41% of the cases and a group of dogs with liver tumours (malignant histiocytosis, hepatoma, malignant lymphoma anaplastic sarcoma, cholangiocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma) had thrombocytopenia in 50% of the cases. The dogs with hepatitis showed no specific changes in the platelet count. The statistical comparison of our patients with liver disease and a control group of healthy dogs showed significantly higher platelet counts in cases of liver degeneration (p < 0.0001) and significantly lower platelet counts in cases of liver tumour (p < 0.001). The comparison between the dogs with different liver diseases showed significantly lower platelet counts in dogs with liver tumours when compared to dogs with liver degeneration (p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference between dogs with liver tumours and dogs with hepatitis and between dogs with liver degeneration and dogs with hepatitis. Based on the results of this study the author recommends to assess platelet counts in all dogs with liver disease, especially if liver biopsy is planed.

Animals↗

PubMed1988

Disseminated histoplasmosis in dogs: 12 cases (1981-1986).

Diarrhea, intestinal blood loss, anemia, and lethargy were predominant clinical findings in 12 dogs with disseminated histoplasmosis. Young dogs were affected most commonly, with 6 dogs being 1 to 3 years old. A diagnosis of disseminated histoplasmosis was established on the basis of histologic or cytologic detection of Histoplasma organisms in intestinal or rectal mucosa in 7 dogs, in circulating leukocytes in 5 dogs, in bone marrow in 3 dogs, and in multiple tissues at necropsy in 1 dog (4 dogs had Histoplasma organisms detected in greater than 1 site). Anemia was detected in 10 dogs (PCV less than 20% in 3 dogs), and the anemia was inadequately regenerative or nonregenerative in 7. Hypoalbuminemia was detected in 9 dogs, and serum albumin concentrations were low (less than 1.0 g/dl) in 4 of the 9 dogs. Of 5 dogs treated with ketoconazole, 2 were in remission for greater than or equal to 1 year. Corticosteroid therapy may have exacerbated the disease in 4 dogs. Histoplasma infection of multiple organs was detected in 5 necropsied dogs.

Animals↗

PubMed1987

Clinicopathologic, renal immunofluorescent, and light microscopic features of glomerulonephritis in the dog: 41 cases (1975-1985).

In a 10-year retrospective study, we evaluated the clinicopathologic features and renal immunofluorescence patterns of glomerulonephritis in 41 dogs. On the basis of results of histologic examinations, the dogs were segregated into 3 groups, including membranous (n = 12), mesangioproliferative (n = 15), or membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (n = 14). No significant differences existed among groups in regard to age or duration of illness. Most dogs had been ill for one month or longer. The proportion of dogs with azotemia, anemia, and hyperphosphatemia were not different among the disease groups. Proportion of dogs with hypoalbuminemia and the severity of hypoalbuminemia were not different among groups. Highest urine protein losses and 24-hour urine protein/creatinine ratios developed in dogs with membranous glomerulonephritis. Although hypoalbuminemia and hypercholesterolemia were common (49%), the formation of edema or ascites was not (15%) and, therefore, few dogs had all of the classic features of the nephrotic syndrome. Few dogs suffered thromboembolic complications. Antinuclear antibody titers developed in 11 dogs, the highest titers developing in dogs with polyarthritis and systemic lupus erythematosis. Cellulose acetate electrophoresis detected alpha 2 and beta 1 globulin spikes in most dogs (87%). Results of renal immunofluorescence testing were positive in 36 dogs, using polyvalent antisera for immunoglobulins (Ig)G, IgA, IgM, and/or antisera for complement factor C3. When monovalent antisera for IgG, IgA, and IgM, and fibrinogen were used, immunofluorescence was not observed as often. The major fluorescent pattern was discrete multifocal segmental granular glomerular fluorescence, consistent with immune-complex deposition. Two dogs had linear glomerular staining patterns; however, antibodies directed against normal glomerular basement membrane were not found via elution studies. A high prevalence of glucocorticoid excess (treatment with glucocorticoids and spontaneous hyperadrenocorticism) (34%), chronic inflammatory skin disease (27%), neoplasia (17%), polyarthritis (12%), and systemic lupus erythematosis (7%) were observed as clinical problems concurrent with glomerulonephritis. In 5 dogs, treatment of glomerulonephritis with prednisolone (0.5 to 1.1 mg/kg) did not result in beneficial effects and in fact appeared to be detrimental, leading to azotemia and worsening proteinuria and physical condition in some of the dogs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗

PubMed1980

Simultaneous evaluation of pancreatic exocrine function and intestinal absorptive function in dogs with chronic diarrhea.

The N-benzoyl-L-tyrosyl-p-aminobenzoic acid (BT-PABA):xylose test was evaluated in 5 clinically normal dogs, 5 dogs with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI), and 7 dogs with intestinal malabsorption. A solution of BT-PABA (1 g/100 ml) and d-xylose (10 g/100 ml) was given orally (5 ml/kg of body weight) to dogs in each group. Plasma p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) curves were decreased in dogs with PEI and intestinal malabsorption (P < 0.05) but were the lowest in dogs with PEI, compared with clinically normal dogs. Xylose values in dogs with malabsorption were decreased (P < 0.05), compared with clinically normal dogs. Dogs with PEI had plasma xylose values that were intermediate to values in clinically normal dogs and dogs with intestinal malabsorption. Results of BT-PABA:xylose testing were compared with results of sodium PABA:xylose testing, to determine whether decreased PABA values obtained by the BT-PABA:xylose test were caused by free PABA malabsorption or by maldigestion of BT-PABA. The sodium PABA:xylose test was performed in dogs from each group by oral administration of a solution (5 ml/kg) of sodium PABA (0.372 g/100 ml) and d-xylose (10.0 g/100 ml). Plasma PABA values obtained by the sodium PABA:xylose test were similar in each group. Thus, different PABA values obtained by the BT-PABA:xylose test were not caused by PABA malabsorption. Xylose values were similar to values obtained by the BT-PABA:xylose test. It was concluded that: (1) the BT-PABA:xylose test is a practical test for detecting maldigestion or malabsorption in the dog; (2) dogs with intestinal malabsorption may have functional PEI; and (3) decreased PABA plasma values obtained by BT-PABA:xylose testing are not caused by malabsorption of free PABA.

4-Aminobenzoic Acid↗

PubMed1982

Duodenogastric reflux in the dog, a clinicopathological study.

In an experimental group of dogs which included seven clinically healthy dogs and 34 dogs with symptoms of (upper) gastrointestinal disease, nine dogs had endoscopic signs of duodenogastric reflux and 13 dogs had a positive duodenogastric reflux test. Endoscopic examination and the reflux test were in agreement in seven dogs (dogs with duodenogastric reflux) but not in eight dogs (dogs with potential duodenogastric reflux). Examination of dogs with duodenogastric reflux showed bile stained gastric material; thick red rugal folds; petechia in the antral mucosa in three dogs; five dogs with histological signs of gastritis; four dogs with signs of enteritis; four with gastric acid hyposecretion and four with a delayed gastric emptying. Two dogs with potential duodenogastric reflux had endoscopic reflux gastritis; three dogs had histological gastritis and seven enteritis. The present study indicates that excessive duodenogastric reflux is likely to play a role in the pathogenesis of canine gastritis.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

C-reactive protein concentration in dogs with inflammatory leukograms.

Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration was measured, using an automated immunoturbidimetric assay, in 44 clinically normal dogs and 67 dogs with band neutrophil count > or = 10(9) cells/L, and values were found to be significantly (P < or = 0.05) different. Correlation of serum CRP concentration and band neutrophil count in the 67 dogs with > or = 10(9) band neutrophils/L resulted in a statistically significant (P < or = 0.05), but low correlation coefficient of 0.34. Serum CRP concentration and CBC values were determined for 6 clinically normal dogs undergoing anesthesia (controls) and 6 clinically normal dogs undergoing anesthesia and ovariohysterectomy. Significant alterations in CBC results and serum CRP concentration, compared with baseline values, were lacking in dogs of the control group. Serum CRP concentration was significantly (P < or = 0.05) increased above baseline values in dogs undergoing surgery and was significantly (P < or = 0.05) increased, compared with values in control dogs by 12 hours after surgery. In dogs undergoing surgery, serum CRP concentration was also significantly (P < or = 0.05) different from values in control dogs at 28 and 36 hours, but not at the 76- and 124-hour sample collection times. Alterations in CBC values compatible with possible or convincing inflammation were detected in 83% of the dogs undergoing surgery at the 8- and 12-hour postsurgery sample collection times, 100% of dogs at 16, 22, 28, and 36 hours after surgery, 83% of dogs at 52 and 76 hours after surgery, 67% of dogs at 100 hours after surgery, and 0% of dogs at 124 hours after surgery.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Anesthesia, General↗

PubMed1993

Prevalence of mycoplasmal and ureaplasmal recovery from tracheobronchial lavages and prevalence of mycoplasmal recovery from pharyngeal swab specimens in dogs with or without pulmonary disease.

The prevalence of mycoplasmal and ureaplasmal recovery from tracheobronchial lavage specimens and the prevalence of mycoplasmal recovery from pharyngeal swab specimens from dogs with (n = 38) or without (n = 26) pulmonary disease were determined. Similar mycoplasmal recovery rates were found for tracheobronchial lavage specimens from dogs > or = 1 year old with (21%) or without (25%) pulmonary disease. Prevalence of mycoplasmal recovery from tracheobronchial lavages was significantly associated with pulmonary disease among dogs < 1 year old (P = 0.04), and with dogs that had concurrent Bordetella (P = 0.006) and Streptococcus (P = 0.05) isolations. Among dogs with pulmonary disease, mycoplasmas were significantly (P = 0.02) more prevalent in dogs with septic inflammation than in dogs with nonseptic inflammation of the tracheobronchial tree. Ureaplasmas were only isolated from a tracheobronchial lavage specimen of 1 dog with pulmonary disease and from none of the dogs without pulmonary disease. Most dogs with (84%) and all dogs without pulmonary disease had mycoplasmas isolated from the pharynx. Seemingly, mycoplasmas are part of the normal pharyngeal flora of most dogs and normal inhabitants of the lower airway in about a fifth to a fourth of the canine population > or = 1 year old. Dogs < 1 year old with pulmonary disease and dogs with concurrent Bordetella or tracheobronchial streptococcal isolations may be more susceptible to mycoplasmal colonization of the lower airways. Seemingly, ureaplasmas are rarely associated with pulmonary disease, and are not normal inhabitants of the trachea and bronchi of dogs.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Hepatic abscesses in dogs: 14 cases (1982-1994).

OBJECTIVES: To determine typical clinical signs and clinicopathologic findings in dogs with hepatic abscesses, to assess outcome of treatment, and to evaluate the role that abdominal ultrasonography has in the diagnosis of hepatic abscesses in dogs and in monitoring response to treatment. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 14 dogs with hepatic abscesses. RESULTS: Anorexia and lethargy were the most common historical complaints, followed by vomiting and diarrhea. Physical abnormalities included fever, dehydration, signs of abdominal pain, hepatomegaly, and mucosal bleeding. Hematologic abnormalities included leukocytosis with neutrophilia, mild to moderate thrombocytopenia, and mild anemia. Serum biochemical abnormalities included high alkaline phosphatase and alanine aminotransferase activities and high bilirubin concentration; hypoalbuminemia and prolonged coagulation values were also reported. Abdominal radiography revealed hepatomegaly, poor abdominal detail, a hepatic mass, or splenomegaly in 9 dogs. Thoracic radiography revealed alveolar consolidation or mixed bronchial/interstitial pulmonary patterns in 6 dogs. Hypoechoic, heteroechoic, or hyperechoic masses were identified in all dogs in which ultrasonography was performed. Escherichia coli, Clostridium sp, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus sp, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and S intermedius were the most common bacteria isolated from hepatic abscesses. Concurrent infections were identified in the biliary tract, spleen, blood, endocardium, lung, prostate gland, peritoneum, lymph nodes, salivary gland, or brain of several dogs. Seven dogs died or were euthanatized before definitive treatment could be initiated. One dog was successfully treated with antibiotics and was alive 12 months after medical treatment. Six dogs were treated surgically (ie, full or partial liver lobectomy, drainage, abdominal lavage) and medically (ie, antibiotic administration). Five of these dogs survived and were alive 12 months after surgery. Ultrasonography was used to monitor response to treatment in several dogs. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Hepatic abscesses are rare in dogs, but the clinical signs and clinicopathologic findings are similar to other inflammatory hepatic disease. Ultrasonography revealed abnormalities in all animals in which imaging studies were performed, and was successfully used to monitor response to treatment in several dogs. Medical and surgical treatments were used successfully to treat hepatic abscesses in dogs.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Clinical and clinicopathologic findings in dogs with acute respiratory distress syndrome: 19 cases (1985-1993).

OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical and clinicopathologic findings from dogs with histologic pulmonary lesions consistent with human adult respiratory distress syndrome and to identify potential factors. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 19 dogs with acute respiratory distress. PROCEDURE: Medical records of dogs were reviewed. Signalment, physical examination and clinicopathologic findings at admission, and thoracic radiographic and necropsy findings were recorded. RESULTS: The most common clinical sign was dyspnea. Respiratory rate ranged from 36 to 140 breaths/min and abnormal breathing patterns were detected. Crackles were auscultated in 7 dogs. Severe diffuse interstitial and alveolar infiltrates were observed on thoracic radiography in 9 dogs shortly after arrival and developed later in 4 dogs. Four dogs were leukopenic and neutropenic. Disseminated intravascular coagulation was diagnosed in 2 dogs, and hypoalbuminemia was found in 8 dogs. Respiratory status deteriorated rapidly in all dogs, and 10 dogs were mechanically ventilated. Death was attributed solely to respiratory failure in 8 dogs. In the other 11 dogs, severe lesions in nonpulmonary organs, sepsis, or both may have contributed to death. The most common associated conditions that may have contributed to acute respiratory failure were microbial pneumonia, sepsis, aspiration pneumonia, and shock, with more than 1 factor found in 11 of 19 dogs. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The index of suspicion for acute respiratory distress syndrome should be high in dogs with bilateral pulmonary infiltrates and acute respiratory distress that rapidly progresses to failure.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Central diabetes insipidus in dogs: 20 cases (1986-1995).

OBJECTIVE: To assess clinical signs, biochemical findings, results of modified water deprivation and other diagnostic tests, response to treatment, and survival time in dogs with central diabetes insipidus (CDI). DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 20 dogs with CDI. PROCEDURE: Signalment, history, physical examination, results of diagnostic tests, response to treatment, and survival time were extracted from the medical record of each dog and supplemented with information obtained from owners via telephone. RESULTS: Isosthenuria or hyposthenuria was a consistent finding. Seven dogs with complete CDI and 13 dogs with partial CDI were identified on the basis of results of a modified water deprivation test. Dogs treated with desmopressin acetate responded well to treatment. Seven dogs were alive 18 to 72 months (median, 36 months) after diagnosis, and 10 dogs died or were euthanatized 1 week to 2 years (median, 2 months) after diagnosis. Seven of 10 dogs that died developed neurologic signs after diagnosis of CDI. Computed tomography revealed a mass in the region of the pituitary gland in 5 of 7 dogs. Necropsy of 6 dogs, including 2 dogs on which computed tomography had been performed, revealed neoplasia in the pituitary gland. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Onset of neurologic signs after diagnosis of CDI in middle- to old-aged dogs indicates that CDI may not be a benign disease that is treated easily. Brain imaging is recommended after diagnosis of CDI in middle- to old-aged dogs. Also, because many dogs are isosthenuric on initial examination, CDI cannot be ruled out as a cause of polyuria and polydipsia on the basis of lack of hyposthenuria.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Vestibulovaginal stenosis in dogs: 18 cases (1987-1995).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate vestibulovaginal stenosis in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 18 dogs with vestibulovaginal stenosis diagnosed between January 1987 and June 1995. PROCEDURE: Signalment, results of physical examination, and diagnostic testing, treatment, and outcome were analyzed. RESULTS: Mean age at initial examination was 4.6 years. Problems reported by the owners included signs of chronic urinary tract infection (6 dogs), urinary incontinence (4), failure to mate (4), signs of chronic vaginitis (2), and inappropriate urination (1). One dog did not have evidence of a clinical problem. Vestibulovaginal stenosis was detected by means of digital vaginal examination (18/18 dogs), vaginoscopy (17/17 dogs), and positive-contrast vaginography (9/10 dogs). Bacteria were isolated from the urine of 11 of 15 dogs. Twelve of 18 dogs were treated. Manual dilation (4 dogs) and T-shaped vaginoplasty (4) were less successful than vaginectomy (2) or resection of the stenotic area (3). Four of 6 dogs with signs of recurrent urinary tract infection underwent surgical correction, and none of these dogs subsequently had urinary tract infection. Three of 4 dogs with urinary incontinence responded to medical or surgical treatment for sphincter incompetence or for ectopic ureters. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Surgical correction of vestibulovaginal stenosis is indicated in dogs that have mating difficulties or signs of recurrent urinary tract infection or chronic vaginitis, but stenosis is probably an incidental finding in most dogs with urinary incontinence. Vaginectomy and vaginal resection and anastomosis are the preferred surgical options.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

PubMed1998

Evaluation of urine protein content in dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate urine protein content in dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDHAC) and to determine the effect of mitotane administration on proteinuria in these dogs. DESIGN: Prospective case series. ANIMALS: 16 dogs with PDHAC were evaluated (age range, 7 to 14 years; mean age, 10 years; female-to-male ratio, 2.2:1). PROCEDURE: Urine protein-to-creatinine (UPC) ratios and 24-hour urine protein excretion (24-hour UPE) values were measured before beginning treatment with mitotane and after establishing appropriate maintenance treatment. RESULTS: Before treatment, UPC ratios ranged from 0.03 to 4.16 (16 dogs, median, 0.695; reference range value, UPC ratio < 0.5; questionable value, UPC ratio > 0.5 but < 1.0; high value, UPC ratio > 1.0). Seven dogs had proteinuria with UPC ratios > 1.0. Twenty-four-hour UPE values ranged from 0.67 to 61.7 mg/kg of body weight/d (0.30 to 28.0 mg/lb/d; 13 dogs, median, 9.7 mg/kg/d [4.4 mg/lb/d]; reference value, 24-hour UPE value, < 20 mg/kg/d [9.1 mg/lb/d]). Five dogs with high UPC ratios also had high values for 24-hour UPE. After establishment of maintenance treatment with mitotane (median, 7 weeks; mean, 7.3 weeks), UPC ratios ranged from 0.02 to 6.5 (16 dogs, median, 0.36). Five dogs continued to have high UPC ratios. Values of 24-hour UPE ranged from 0.47 to 122 mg/kg/d (0.21 to 55.5 mg/lb/d; 13 dogs, median, 5.1 mg/kg/d [2.3 mg/lb/d]). Three dogs continued to have high 24-hour UPE values. Significant differences were not found between dogs before and after treatment with mitotane in terms of UPC ratios or 24-hour UPE values. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: In dogs with PDHAC and proteinuria, UPC ratios should be monitored closely. Some dogs with PDHAC may have a decrease in urine protein content following treatment with mitotane. We suggest that renal biopsies be considered in those dogs with progressive increases in UPC ratios.

Adrenocortical Hyperfunction↗

PubMed1998

Analysis of prognostic indicators for dogs with pericardial effusion: 46 cases (1985-1996).

OBJECTIVE: To determine factors associated with disease-free interval and survival time for dogs with pericardial effusion. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 46 dogs. PROCEDURE: Signalment, history, results of physical examination, electrocardiography, echocardiography, and thoracic radiography; disease-free interval; and survival time were obtained from medical records or telephone conversations with owners and referring veterinarians. RESULTS: Dogs that had ascites at the time of the initial physical examination were significantly less likely, and dogs that had evidence of pulmonary metastases on thoracic radiographs or that had echocardiographic evidence of a right atrial mass were significantly more likely, to have died of pericardial effusion or the underlying cause of effusion than were dogs that did not. Median survival time was 15.3 months for dogs with idiopathic pericardial effusion, 16 days for dogs with hemangiosarcoma, and 13.6 months for dogs with mesothelioma. Dogs that had a nonspecific extracardiac mass and underwent pericardiectomy were significantly less likely to have had recurrence of signs than were dogs that did not. However, dogs with mesothelioma or hemangiosarcoma that underwent pericardiectomy did not have a significantly different risk of recurrence of signs or survival time, compared with dogs that did not. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Results suggest that pericardiectomy will not affect risk of recurrence or survival time in dogs with pericardial effusion secondary to hemangiosarcoma or mesothelioma. However, pericardiectomy is still needed to differentiate dogs with neoplastic pericardial effusion from dogs with idiopathic pericardial effusion.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Response to long-term enzyme replacement treatment in dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

OBJECTIVE: To study response to long-term enzyme replacement treatment in dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. ANIMALS: 76 German Shepherd Dogs or rough-coated Collies with EPI and 145 clinically normal dogs of the same breeds. PROCEDURE: Questionnaires were sent to owners of dogs with EPI and owners of clinically normal dogs. Dogs with EPI had been given dietary enzyme supplements for at least 4 months. Relative frequency distributions of gastrointestinal tract and dermatologic signs, prevalences of typical signs of EPI (e.g., weight loss, ravenous appetite, yellow and pulpy feces, high fecal volume), feeding regimens, and dietary intolerances were compared between dogs with EPI and clinically normal dogs. RESULTS: Gastrointestinal tract signs considered typical for dogs with EPI were almost completely controlled with dietary enzyme supplements in half of the dogs with EPI, and their general health was similar to that of clinically normal dogs. A poor treatment response was found in a fifth of dogs with EPI that had several signs that were typical of EPI. Signs most often persisting were high fecal volume, yellow and pulpy feces, and flatulence. Dermatologic problems were common, especially in German Shepherd Dogs with EPI. Treatment response was irrespective of breed. Nonenteric-coated enzyme supplements, powdered enzyme, and raw chopped pancreas were equally effective in controlling clinical signs. Although dietary sensitivities were common, use of adjunctive dietary treatment was minimal. Antibiotics were occasionally administered to half of the dogs with EPI. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Results of this study indicate that, with basically similar treatment regimens, response to long-term enzyme treatment in dogs with EPI varied considerably.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Use of the dog as non-rodent test species in the safety testing schedule associated with the registration of crop and plant protection products (pesticides): present status.

The results from a survey of the expert information that is publicly accessible on the use of the dog as test species during the regulatory evaluation of agricultural chemicals and pesticides are reported. Methods that are being used or considered in order to reduce the number of dogs used for this purpose are described. Regulatory evaluation aims at establishing threshold values for safe human exposure; it is based on no-observed-adverse-effect levels (NOELs) determined in animal studies. Current regulations require testing in two species, a rodent species (usually rat or mouse), and a non-rodent species (usually the dog). Subchronic (90-day) and chronic (12-month) repeated-dose feeding studies must be routinely conducted in dogs. This report first focuses on the results from a retrospective study analysing data on 216 pesticides kept on record by the Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung, BfR (German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment), the competent regulatory authority in Germany. The study was sponsored and coordinated by SET, the German Foundation for the Promotion of Research on Replacement and Complementary Methods to Reduce Animal Testing (Stiftung zur Förderung der Erforschung von Ersatz-und Ergänzungsmethoden zur Einschränkung von Tierversuchen, Mainz) and conducted by the BfR. Since the data submitted for registration of a product is the property of the manufacturer, the study could only proceed with the collaboration of the German Association of Manufacturers of Agricultural Chemicals (Industrieverband Agrar, IVA). To ensure confidentiality, designated codes were used instead of the compounds' proper names when the study was published. The results support two major conclusions. The use of the dog for the testing of pesticides is indeed necessary because the dog has proved to be the most sensitive species for about 15% of the compounds examined. However, chronic studies are only of limited value since they only provide essential information that cannot be obtained in sub-chronic studies in about 5% of cases. These conclusions are supported by several retrospective analyses using data on pharmaceutical drugs carried out in the context of the International Conference on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for the Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH). Over 90% of drugs elicited no toxic symptoms in 12-month studies in dogs in addition to those that had been recorded previously in studies conducted for 90 or 180 days in dogs and rats. Another approach comparing the results from pre-clinical animal studies with clinical studies noted that animal studies predicted about 70% of the effects observed in volunteers, and in about 94% of cases the effects occurred in animal studies lasting not more than one month. Furthermore, the report summarises the current methods under consideration that could refine or reduce the use of dogs in toxicity testing: industrial data sharing and harmonisation of guidelines, in vitro methods, human studies, computational prediction models, and integrated testing approaches. The integrated Agricultural Chemicals Safety Assessment (ACSA) testing scheme, which is currently being developed in an international project initiated by the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI, USA), is of particular relevance, since an ambitious attempt is being made to design a new comprehensive test framework incorporating modern scientific approaches and covering most aspects of current regulatory testing requirements. The ACSA project has access to the pesticide database of the US EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP). Preliminary results have confirmed the two major conclusions from the joint SET/BfR study conducted in Germany. Taking these results into account, it is recommended that the regulatory requirement for 12-month studies to be routinely carried out in dogs should be abandoned. While 90-day studies should be conducted in both rats and dogs, chronic studies should only take place in rats. If the dog is more sensitive than the rat in the 90-day study, an additional safety factor to the NOEL value obtained in the chronic rat study should be applied in order to set the threshold for safe human exposure, instead of conducting a 12-month study in dogs. This safety factor may be calculated from chronic NOEL data available in several pesticide databases. Chronic tests using dogs would then only be required if the test compound belongs to a new class of chemicals that has never been tested before. Thus, the report concludes that, according to current scientific knowledge, the routine 12-month studies in dogs are no longer required for agricultural chemicals and pesticides, and international regulations should be changed accordingly. Active international support of such measures is welcomed, from both an economical and an animal welfare perspective.

Animal Testing Alternatives↗

PubMed1991

Affinity purification of a major and a minor allergen from dog extract: serologic activity of affinity-purified Can f I and of Can f I-depleted extract.

Most dog-allergic patients react to a major 25 kd component on sodium dodecyl sulfate blots, Can f I (Ag 13). We initially raised monoclonal antibodies (Cf-3 and Cf-2) reactive with IgE-binding components distinct from Can f I. After a slight modification, we immunized other strains of mice and produced monoclonal antibodies coded Cf-1a and Cf-1b reactive with Can f 1. We affinity purified the allergens, Can f I and "dog allergen 2" with Cf-1a and Cf-2 ascites, respectively, and house dust-rich dog dander. Comparison of purified Can f I with dog saliva in RAST demonstrated that Can f I is a potent allergen for most dog-allergic patients (average response, 70%). After depletion of dog saliva of Can f I, a slightly lower contribution for Can f I was found, but the overall results supported the conclusion that Can f I is a major allergen in dog saliva. Comparison of purified dog allergen 2 with dog dander in RAST demonstrated that dog allergen 2 is less important for dog-allergic patients (average response, 23%). We radiolabeled the purified allergens and developed assays to measure Can f I and dog allergen 2 in allergen extracts and dust samples. Dog saliva was a strong allergen source, dog urine and feces contained very little of the allergens, and both allergens were found to a variable degree in the nine dog breeds tested.

Allergens↗