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PubMed2006

A possible predisposition to dilated cardiomyopathy in Huntaway dogs.

AIM: To compare the prevalence of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in New Zealand Huntaway dogs with the prevalence of DCM in other breeds of dog. METHODS: The necropsy database at Massey University was used to identify cases of DCM diagnosed between January 1999 and March 2006. Dogs were considered to have DCM if echocardiographic, gross necropsy, or histological findings were consistent with this diagnosis. The prevalence in Huntaways was then compared with the prevalence observed in all breeds of dog, as well as the prevalence observed in large breeds of dog. RESULTS: Twelve dogs were identified with DCM. One was diagnosed using echocardiography, while the other 11 were diagnosed by gross necropsy examination. The gross diagnosis of DCM was confirmed histologically in 6/11 dogs. The prevalence of DCM in Huntaways was significantly higher than the prevalence seen in all breeds of dog (p=0.008), and the prevalence in large breeds of dog (p=0.025). All four Huntaways diagnosed with DCM were male, and had an average age of 4 years. Three dogs presented with symptoms attributable to impaired heart function while one presented with symptoms of chronic renal failure. The duration of clinical symptoms prior to presentation ranged between 1 day and 3 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that Huntaways may be predisposed to the development of DCM. Although the increased prevalence in this breed was significant, only small numbers of affected Huntaways were identified, and additional cases are required to confirm these preliminary findings. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Huntaways are the most common working dog in New Zealand. The premature loss of a working dog is expected to have a significant economic impact on farmers. Further investigation of DCM in Huntaways may allow measures to reduce the prevalence in this breed.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Relationship between atrial fibrillation and primary hypothyroidism in the dog.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and primary hypothyroidism are most often diagnosed in middle-aged and older dogs of large and giant breeds. We hypothesized that the frequency of primary hypothyroidism may be higher in dogs with AF than in those without AF. Two groups were investigated. Group 1 (March 1987-June 1990) consisted of 128 dogs with AF. A thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) stimulation test was performed in dogs with a low voltage on the ECG and low uptake of pertechnetate on a thyroid scan. Group 2 (July 1990-July 1991) consisted of both dogs with AF (n = 38) and control dogs (n = 235) in which plasma thyroxine (T4) was measured. If T4 was below 15 nmol/l, a TSH stimulation test was performed. The frequencies of primary hypothyroidism in group 1 (8/128) and in the group 2 AF dogs (3/38) were not different, but were higher than in the control animals (3/235) (P < 0.05). The group 1 and the group 2 AF dogs were found to be comparable, and pooling of the data of the two groups enhanced the significance of the frequency of primary hypothyroidism in dogs with AF versus the control animals (11/166 versus 3/235) (P < 0.01). We concluded that the frequency of primary hypothyroidism in dogs with AF is higher than in the group of control dogs without AF. This may be due to the additional cardiovascular changes accompanying primary hypothyroidism in dogs that already have heart disease.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Increase of CC chemokine receptor 4-positive cells in the peripheral CD4 cells in dogs with atopic dermatitis or experimentally sensitized to Japanese cedar pollen.

BACKGROUND: Since dogs frequently develop allergic diseases, similar to those in humans, dogs represent a possible animal model for allergy in humans. In human atopic dermatitis (AD), CC chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) has been shown to play an important role in the development of allergic inflammation of AD; however, the association between allergic reaction and CCR4 is not well understood in dogs. OBJECTIVE: To examine CCR4 expression in peripheral blood CD4+ cells in dogs that had AD and were experimentally sensitized with Japanese cedar pollen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from 17 dogs with AD. The proportion of CCR4+ cells in peripheral blood CD4+ cells (CCR4/CD4) was evaluated by flow cytometry and compared with that in 10 healthy dogs. Similarly, in dogs that were experimentally sensitized to Japanese cedar pollen antigen, the proportion of CCR4/CD4 was examined pre- and post-sensitization. RESULTS: The proportion of CCR4/CD4 in dogs with AD was 40.3+/-3.3%, which was significantly higher than that in normal dogs (23.6+/-4.3%) (P<0.01). In the experimentally sensitized dogs, the proportion of CCR4/CD4 was 25.4+/-2.6% at pre-sensitization and it was significantly increased (29.8+/-2.9%) at post-sensitization (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The proportion of CCR4+ cells in peripheral blood CD4+ cells was measured in dogs with allergic conditions. The present findings indicate that CCR4+ cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of allergy in dogs as in humans.

Allergens↗

PubMed1991

Gentamicin pharmacokinetics in diabetic dogs.

Reduction of the prolonged terminal elimination phase of gentamicin may be caused by diabetes mellitus, irrespective of the model of diabetes. To test this hypothesis, five normal dogs, three dogs with alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus, and four dogs with naturally occurring diabetes mellitus (all of which were given exogenous insulin to control hyperglycemia) were given 4.4 mg/kg gentamicin intravenously. Serum pharmacokinetics were analyzed using non-compartmental pharmacokinetics assuming a sum of exponential terms. Gentamicin pharmacokinetics during the first 8 h were the same in normal and diabetic dogs. Over 7 days, MRT in normal dogs (5830 +/- 2970 min, mean +/- SD) was longer (P less than 0.01) than in diabetic dogs (136 +/- 164 min). In diabetic dogs, Cls was greater (3.01 +/- 0.86 ml/min/kg) than in normal dogs (1.45 +/- 0.11 ml/min/kg; P less than 0.01), whereas Vd(ss) was smaller in diabetic dogs (0.405 +/- 0.508 l/kg) than in normal dogs (8.56 +/- 4.48 l/kg; P less than 0.01). Serum gentamicin concentrations were less than 0.020 microgram/ml by 2 days in all of the diabetic dogs, but were 0.048 +/- 0.018 microgram/ml at 7 days in normal dogs. Thus, diabetes mellitus, either induced by alloxan administration or naturally occurring, abolished the terminal elimination phase of gentamicin disposition in a non-rodent species.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Correlation between hip joint laxity and subsequent coxarthrosis in dogs.

In a prospective study the degree of hip joint laxity was compared with subsequent hip joint development. A total of 70 non-selected adult dogs from 34 breeds presented for hip dysplasia screening was examined. The degree of hip laxity was quantitated using a newly developed radiographic stress technique. The dogs were re-examined according to the standard radiographic technique after 1 year or more. There was a positive correlation (r = 0.58) between the degree of subluxation (SI) and the subsequent Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) grade. All dogs with an SI value of up to 0.35 developed hip joints ranging between normal and mildly dysplastic at worst. Of the dogs with an SI value higher than 0.35, 76% developed hip dysplasia. Of those 40 dogs grading normal or borderline normal on standard radiographs, 15% demonstrated lax hip joints with an SI of more than 0.35. Breed-specific differences in the correlation of degree of hip joint laxity to the development of coxarthrosis were noted. If both excessive hip joint laxity and development of arthrosis are considered exclusion criteria for breeding dogs, then the current mode of selection does not adequately restrict potential breeding stock. Only dogs demonstrating an SI of 0.35 or less on stress radiographs and graded normal or borderline normal on standard radiographs should be used for breeding, equivalent to 49% of all dogs examined in this study. A further 36% of the dogs examined, most of them currently still accepted as breeding dogs, would not pass. Breed-specific acceptable degree of hip joint laxity in breeding dogs should be determined. Selecting breeding dogs based on the results of hip joint laxity assessment may further decrease the incidence of CHD in the offspring.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Early retinopathy in the Bernese Mountain Dog in France: preliminary observations.

The objective of the study was to describe a form of early retinopathy in the Bernese Mountain Dog in France. Sixty-two Bernese Mountain Dogs (38 males and 24 females), whose ages ranged from 2 months to 9 years, were examined over a period of 3 years. Visual behavior, pupillary light reflexes, menace responses and ocular fundi were evaluated in all animals. Electroretinography (ERG) was performed on six of the affected dogs after dark adaptation. Fluorescein angiography (FA) was performed on one affected dog. Whenever possible, the pedigrees of the affected dogs were evaluated. A histological examination of the retina was performed on one of the affected dogs. Eight dogs (seven males and one female) were diagnosed with retinopathy with an early onset of clinical signs. (Four dogs were aged between 3 months and 1 year, two dogs were aged 2 and 3.5 years, and one dog was 7 years old.) Night vision was impaired in most of the dogs. Retinopathy was characterized ophthalmoscopically by a bilateral, symmetrical horizontal zone of tapetal hyper-reflectivity adjacent to and above the optic disc, and sometimes by peri-papillary hyper-reflectivity. ERG changes included a reduction in b-wave amplitude varying from one case to another. Fluoroscein angiography demonstrated an ischemic-type alteration with epitheliopathy opposite the hyper-reflective zone. Pedigree examinations suggested a familial predisposition. The histological examination indicated photoreceptor degeneration that was more pronounced in the central tapetal zone. In France, retinopathy in the Bernese Mountain Dog involves an early retinal degeneration that produces specific manifestations of the ocular fundus, night visual impairment or blindness, and has familial transmission.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Billroth II gastrojejunostomy in dogs. Stapling technique and postoperative complications.

Billroth II gastrojejunostomy was performed with surgical staplers in 6 dogs that were not irradiated and in 11 dogs that subsequently received radiation to the pancreas and proximal part of the duodenum. The dogs were monitored clinically for 135 days and then euthanatized and necropsied. Each gastrojejunostomy site was preserved in formalin and the stomal diameter was measured. No mechanical complications were encountered with the use of surgical staplers and no leakage was observed at the staple closure sites before abdominal closure. All dogs vomited approximately 100 ml of coagulated blood 4 to 8 hours after surgery, and 300 to 400 ml of brown fluid after approximately 24 hours. Vomiting was the most common clinical finding after the first 24 hours. Vomiting was subjectively graded from 1 to 3 with grade 1 representing the least severe problem and grade 3 the most severe. Grade 1 vomiting occurred in 12 of 16 dogs that survived 135 days; in the other four dogs, vomiting was classified as grade 2 or 3. All dogs with grade 1 vomiting had stomal diameters of 1.7 to 2.9 cm (mean, 2.2 +/- 0.4 cm standard deviation). Dogs with grade 2 or 3 vomiting had stomal diameters of 2.2 to 4.0 cm (mean, 3.2 +/- 0.8 cm standard deviation). The difference was statistically significant (p less than 0.005). The percentage of weight gained or lost was recorded for each dog. Two nonirradiated dogs gained body weight, whereas the other nonirradiated dogs and all irradiated dogs lost body weight.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

PubMedDate not supplied

En bloc resection of primary rib tumors in 40 dogs.

Single or multiple rib resection was performed in 40 dogs for the treatment of primary osteosarcoma or chondrosarcoma. The resulting thoracic wall defect was closed with polypropylene (12 dogs), primary muscle flap (16 dogs), diaphragmatic advancement (10 dogs), or a combination (2 dogs). Few immediate (less than 2 weeks) postoperative complications were observed. Twenty dogs with osteosarcoma had a median survival time of 3.3 months (range, 0.5 to 23 months), with a 20% 6-month survival time. Metastases occurred in all the dogs. Fourteen dogs with chondrosarcoma followed up longer than 2 weeks had a median survival time of 10.7 months (range, 0.5 to 36 months) with a 64% 6-month survival time. Eight dogs developed metastases, five died from concurrent disease, and one dog is alive. Dogs with chondrosarcoma survived significantly longer than dogs with osteosarcoma. Survival time was not related to tumor size or number of ribs resected.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Cardiovascular effects of 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 minimum alveolar concentrations of isoflurane in experimentally induced hypothyroidism in dogs.

This study was performed to determine the cardiovascular responses to isoflurane in euthyroid and hypothyroid dogs. Four healthy mixed-breed dogs were studied prior to thyroidectomy (PRE), 6 months after thyroidectomy (HYP), and after 2 months of oral supplementation with 1-thyroxine (SUP). Heart rate (HR), cardiac output (Q), stroke volume (SV), systolic, diastolic, mean arterial blood pressure (SAP, DAP, MAP), and total peripheral resistance (TPR) were determined in awake dogs and in the same dogs when end-tidal isoflurane concentration were 1.28%, 1.92%, and 2.56%. Ventilation was controlled in anesthetized dogs and PACO2 maintained between 38 to 42 mm Hg. Isoflurane caused significant (P < .05) dose-dependent reduction in Q, SV, SAP, DAP, and MAP in the PRE, HYP, and SUP dogs. Cardiac output was lower in the HYP dogs than in the PRE or SUP dogs during awake measurement. TPR was increased in the awake HYP dogs compared with the PRE or SUP dogs. During anesthesia, HYP dogs tended to have lower Q, SV, SAP, and MAP PRE or SUP groups, but the only significant reduction was SAP during 1.5 MAC. The cardiovascular responses to isoflurane in hypothyroid dogs are similar to euthyroid animals with a dose-dependent depression in Q, SV, and arterial pressure.

Anesthetics, Inhalation↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Transportal approach for attenuating intrahepatic portosystemic shunts in dogs.

A novel surgical approach, using portal venotomy during total hepatic vascular occlusion, was used to locate and attenuate congenital intrahepatic portosystemic shunts in nine dogs. Shunt location was consistent with a persistent ductus venosus in only two dogs. In the remaining seven dogs the shunts were window-like orifices arising from either the left (two dogs) or right portal vein branch (five dogs) and communicating with the ipsilateral hepatic vein or caudal vena cava. The transportal approach using total hepatic vascular occlusion consistently provided good access to the portosystemic shunts, including those with window-like communications. A 7 to 16 minute period of total vascular occlusion was well-tolerated hemodynamically, with few intraoperative complications. Intrahepatic shunts were successfully attenuated in eight dogs, while one dog with portal atresia was euthanatized. The postoperative course was complicated by high protein pulmonary edema (one dog), an encapsulated biliary pseudocyst (one dog) and uncontrollable hemorrhage caused by an uncharacterized coagulopathy (one dog). Three dogs required a second operation to further attenuate their shunts. The clinical condition of all seven surviving dogs was improved after surgery.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Complete ligation of extrahepatic congenital portosystemic shunts in nonencephalopathic dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate lack of encephalopathy as a positive prognostic factor for complete ligation of extrahepatic congenital portosystemic shunts in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of case records. ANIMALS: Dogs with extrahepatic congenital portosystemic shunts treated at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, from 1985 to 1996. METHODS: The ability to completely ligate the shunting vessel in 12 nonencephalopathic dogs was compared with that in 44 encephalopathic dogs with similar shunts. RESULTS: Clinical signs in the 12 nonencephalopathic dogs were related to ammonium biurate urolithiasis. All 12 dogs had single extrahepatic shunting vessels. The rate of complete ligation in the nonencephalopathic dogs was 92%, whereas the rate of complete ligation in the 44 encephalopathic dogs with single extrahepatic shunts was 59%. The ability to completely ligate the shunt in nonencephalopathic dogs was significantly better (P = .04) than in the encephalopathic dogs. CONCLUSION: Lack of encephalopathy is a positive prognostic factor for complete ligation of single extrahepatic congenital portosystemic shunts. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In most affected dogs, extrahepatic congenital portosystemic shunts in nonencephalopathic dogs can be completely ligated.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Reoperative neurosurgery in dogs with thoracolumbar disc disease.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the subset of dogs in our neurosurgical practice that underwent spinal surgery for thoracolumbar (TL) disc herniation and subsequently underwent additional decompressive TL surgery. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective case series. SAMPLE POPULATION: Thirty dogs that underwent reoperation for TL disc herniation. A comparison group of Dachshunds that underwent only one decompressive TL disc surgery was also studied. METHODS: Dogs that underwent reoperation were divided into two groups based on the interval between their first and second surgery. The early reoperation group included those dogs having a second surgery less than 4 weeks after the initial operation. The late reoperation group included those dogs having a second surgery more than 4 weeks after the initial operation. For each Dachshund in the late reoperation group, two Dachshunds that underwent only one decompressive TL disc surgery were selected and formed the comparison group. Dogs in the comparison group were matched with reoperated cases based on the severity of preoperative neurologic deficit and site of disc herniation. These two groups were compared to determine: (1) if age and body weight were risk factors for reoperation, and (2) if dogs had a poorer functional outcome after their second decompressive surgery than did those in the comparison group after their first (and only) decompressive surgery. RESULTS: A total of 30 of 467 (6.4%) dogs that underwent decompressive TL disc surgery were reoperated. In the early reoperative cases (n = 5 dogs), the inciting cause in all cases was residual compression from disc material at the site of the initial surgery. In the late reoperation group, 22 of 25 (88%) cases had a second disc herniation at a site distinct from the initial lesion. Dachshunds had a significantly higher risk for late reoperation (odds ratio and 95% CI = 3.67, 1.46 to 10.03); other small and medium-sized breeds (<20 kg) were underrepresented. Age and body weight were not significant predictors for reoperation. A total of 21 of 23 (91%) dogs had functional recovery after late reoperation. Complete sensorimotor loss was a significant negative predictor of functional recovery in the late reoperative cases (P = .01). Likelihood of functional recovery in dogs after their second decompressive surgery was identical to the functional recovery of dogs in the comparison group. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our results show that a second disc herniation occurring at a site distinct from the initial lesion is the most common cause for reoperation and that Dachshunds have a significantly greater risk than other breeds.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Long-term radiographic comparison of tibial plateau leveling osteotomy versus extracapsular stabilization for cranial cruciate ligament rupture in the dog.

OBJECTIVE: Comparison of 2 methods of surgical management of cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury in large-breed dogs using a radiographic osteoarthrosis (OA) scoring system. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Client-owned dogs (n=66). METHODS: Radiographs were evaluated from dogs weighing >/=22.7 kg, with surgical management of CCL rupture using extracapsular repair (ECR) or tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO). Radiographs were taken immediately before surgery and >/=12 months later. An OA score was assigned to each set of radiographs taken at the preoperative and final examinations by evaluating 32 specific features of stifle OA. The difference between preoperative and final OA scores were subtracted and 2 final score categories of a change </=5 or >5 were created. A logistic regression model was used to evaluate the effect of right versus left pelvic limb, age, preoperative weight, postoperative weight, days from surgery until final radiographic recheck, cranial cruciate status at surgery, medial meniscus status at surgery, and ECR versus TPLO. RESULTS: The ECR group had 27 stifles (22 dogs) and the TPLO group had 52 stifles (44 dogs). ECR dogs had a preoperative weight of 33.4+/-9.3 kg (range 22.7-54.1 kg) and a preoperative OA score of 13.0+/-8.4 (range 1-34) compared with TPLO dogs that had a preoperative weight of 38.9+/-9.1 kg (range 25-63.9 kg) and preoperative OA score of 15.9+/-8.4 (range 4-44). Postoperative weights for ECR and TPLO dogs were 33.6+/-9 kg (range 21.8-54.6 kg) and 39.4+/-10.1 kg (range 24-72 kg), respectively. Final OA scores were: ECR dogs, 26.3+/-10.8 (range, 10-54); TPLO dogs, 23.3+/-9.5 (range, 12-50). Dogs with a final change in OA score of >/=6 were 5.78 times more likely to have had ECR compared with those that had TPLO as stabilization procedure (odds ratio=5.78; Log-likelihood test P-value=.025). Other dependent variables were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Based on logistic regression analysis, dogs with larger OA score differences were 5.78 times more likely to have had ECR than TPLO. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Prospective, randomized surgical trials with pre-defined objective measures would be required to further evaluate the clinical importance of these preliminary findings which suggest that TPLO may help stabilize the cranial tibial thrust as originally proposed.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Thoracoscopic lung lobectomy for treatment of lung tumors in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To report use of thoracoscopic lung lobectomy (TLL) for treatment of lung tumors (LT) in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Nine dogs. METHODS: Dogs that had TLL for tumor removal were included. Using general anesthesia and 1-lung ventilation, TLL was performed using a 30-60 mm endoscopic gastrointestinal anastomosis stapler. If the visual field was obscured, lobe resection was completed via thoracotomy. RESULTS: Metastatic and primary LT were resected by thoracoscopic lobectomy in 9 dogs (6 male, 3 female; mean (+/-SD) weight, 29+/-7 kg; mean age, 10.7+/-1.9 years). Six dogs had a solitary mass and 3 dogs had 2 masses within a single lobe. The left caudal lobe was removed in 3 dogs. In 5 dogs, TLL was used alone whereas conversion to thoracotomy was required in 4 dogs because of poor visibility. There were 7 metastatic LT and 2 primary LT. Mean duration of thoracoscopic surgery was 108.8+/-30.3 minutes compared with 150.75+/-55.4 minutes in dogs requiring conversion to thoracotomy. Mean hospitalization was 3.1+/-1.3 days. CONCLUSION: Provided the visual field is not obscured, TLL can be performed effectively in dogs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dogs with metastatic or primary LTs should be considered for TLL, particularly for small masses positioned away from the hilus in the left caudal lung lobe.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Surgical excision of primary canine rectal tumors by an anal approach in twenty-three dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe an anal approach for excision of primary rectal tumors in dogs and to report outcome. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Dogs (n=23) with primary rectal tumors. METHODS: Review of medical records (1990-2000) of dogs with primary rectal neoplasia excised surgically using an anal approach with rectal prolapse. With dogs anesthetized, the rectum was prolapsed, stabilized with stay sutures during tumor excision with 1 cm margins to the level of the muscularis, then the rectal mucosa was sutured. RESULTS: Each dog had only 1 tumor type (adenocarcinoma [8], solitary polyp [5], carcinoma [4], plasmacytoma [2], adenoma [1], leiomyoma [1], mucinous carcinoma [1], and papilloma [1]). Mean tumor volume was 3.1 cm(3) (range 0.1-37.7 cm(3)). Postoperative complications (rectal bleeding [5], tenesmus [4]) were mild and resolved within 7 days after surgery; another dog had partial mucosal dehiscence identified at 6 days. The primary tumor was incompletely excised in 1 dog (4.3%), and local recurrence occurred 16 and 24 months after surgery in 2 dogs. Outcome beyond the immediate postoperative period was known for 18 dogs, including 2 dogs still alive. Mean postoperative disease-free interval for these 18 dogs was 36.8 months (range 5-84 months). CONCLUSION: Surgical excision of tumors of the caudal rectum can be accomplished through the anus after rectal prolapse. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: An anal approach facilitated by rectal prolapse should be considered as a viable option for the surgical treatment of selected cases of tumors of the caudal aspect of the rectum in dogs.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Factors influencing survival after radiotherapy of nasal tumors in 130 dogs.

Improvements in survival of dogs with nasal tumors have been slow to develop throughout the past three decades. Despite multiple studies examining various radiation time-dose schema, the advancement of CT-based computerized treatment planning, and the evaluation of detailed staging systems, the optimal treatment regimen, and most important prognostic factors regarding survival remain unclear. In this study, data from four previous studies were combined with data from 44 additional dogs, and this population of 130 dogs was evaluated for factors which influenced survival. Twenty-one dogs were treated with orthovoltage at the University of Pennsylvania. One hundred nine dogs were treated with cobalt photons at North Carolina State University. Sixty-five of these 109 dogs had been previously described. Of the 44 dogs not previously described, 35 were treated with a shrinking field technique. Survival was determined from the medical record, or from information derived by telephone or mail survey. The univariate Cox regression model was used to examine for relationship between various patient, tumor, and treatment variables and survival. Significant relationships identified in the univariate analysis were further analyzed using the multivariate Cox regression model. Median survival of the 130 dogs was 8.9 months (95% C.I., 8-11 months). In the univariate analysis, the following variables were associated with decreased survival: 1) age >10 years old, 2) regional lymph node metastasis, 3) advanced tumor stage, 4) use of megavoltage radiation, 5) overall total dose >55 Gray, and 6) boost technique performed. In a multivariate analysis of 125 dogs with complete data for age, radiation type, and radiation dose, age (p < .001) and radiation type (p = .02) were identified as joint predictors of survival. After adjusting for age, the staging system lost prognostic significance (p = .06). In a subset of dogs that received cobalt radiation, after adjusting for age, dogs treated with a boost technique had decreased survival (p = .001). In general, local control of canine nasal tumors following aggressive radiation therapy is poor. Early diagnosis and selection of appropriate patients is warranted and palliative types of treatment should be considered in dogs with a poor chance of long term survival.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Ultrasonographic appearance and clinical findings in 14 dogs with gallbladder mucocele.

Fourteen dogs with enlarged gallbladders and immobile stellate or finely striated bile patterns on ultrasound are described. Smaller breeds and older dogs were overrepresented, with 4/14 Cocker Spaniels. Most dogs presented for nonspecific clinical signs such as vomiting, anorexia and lethargy. Abdominal pain, icterus and hyperthermia were the most common findings on physical examination. All dogs except one had serum elevation of total bilirubin and/or alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase and gamma glutamyl transferase. All dogs were diagnosed with a gallbladder mucocele upon histologic and/or macroscopic evaluation. Ultrasonographically, mucoceles are characterized by the appearance of the stellate or finely striated bile patterns and differ from biliary sludge by the absence of gravity dependent bile movement. On ultrasound, gallbladder wall thickness and wall appearance were variable and nonspecific. The cystic or common bile duct were normal sized in 5 dogs although all 5 had evidence of biliary obstruction at surgery or necropsy. Loss of gallbladder wall integrity and/or gallbladder rupture were present in 50% of the dogs, all located in the fundus. Gallbladder wall discontinuity on ultrasound indicated rupture whereas neither bile patterns predicted the likelihood of gallbladder rupture. Pericholecystic hyperechoic fat or fluid were suggestive of but not diagnostic for a gallbladder rupture. Cholecystectomy appears to be an appropriate treatment for mucoceles, if not to treat a gallbladder rupture, at least in most dogs to prevent it since gallbladder wall necrosis was identified by histology in 9 of 10 dogs. Mucosal hyperplasia was present in all gallbladders examined histologically. Positive aerobic bacterial culture was obtained from bile in 6 of 9 dogs. Cholecystitis was diagnosed histologically in 5 dogs and 4 dogs had signs of gallbladder infection solely upon bacterial bile culture. Gallbladder infection was not present with all the mucoceles suggesting that biliary stasis and mucosal hyperplasia may be the primary factors involved in mucocele formation. Based on the results of our study, we suggest two alternate courses of action in the presence of a distended gallbladder with an immobile ultrasonographic stellate or finely striated bile pattern: a cholecystectomy when clinical or biochemical signs of hepatobiliary disease are present or a medical treatment (antibiotics and choleretics) and patient monitoring by follow-up ultrasound examinations when the patient does not have clinical or biochemical abnormalities. An aerobic bile culture should be obtained in all patients, by ultrasound-guided fine needle aspirate or at surgery.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Double-phase parathyroid scintigraphy in dogs using technetium-99M-sestamibi.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of double-phase parathyroid scintigraphy using 99mTc-sestamibi for detecting and localizing hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands in hypercalcemic dogs. Fifteen hypercalcemic dogs that underwent parathyroid scintigraphy were included in this study: 3 dogs with hypercalcemia of malignancy, and 12 dogs with hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue (parathyroid adenoma or parathyroid hyperplasia). The presence of parathyroid adenoma or parathyroid hyperplasia was documented by histopathologic examination. In 3 dogs with hypercalcemia of malignancy, parathyroid scintigraphy was negative for hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue and the scans were classified as true negative. Parathyroid scintigraphy correctly identified the presence and location of hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue in only 1 of 6 dogs with a parathyroid adenoma. False positive and false negative results occurred in dogs with parathyroid adenomas. Parathyroid scintigraphy failed to detect hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue in 5 of 6 dogs with parathyroid hyperplasia and were classified as false negative. False positive results were obtained in the remaining dog with parathyroid hyperplasia. Sensitivity of parathyroid scintigraphy for detecting and localizing hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue was 11%, specificity was 50%, and overall accuracy was 27%. Positive and negative predictive value were 25% and 27%, respectively. Sensitivity for detection of parathyroid adenomas was 25%, and sensitivity for detection of hyperplastic glands was 0 %. Results of this study indicate that double-phase parathyroid scintigraphy does not appear to have acceptable accuracy in detecting hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands in dogs. Due to the poor sensitivity and specificity of the technique in dogs, parathyroid scintigraphy is not recommended for definitive identification of abnormal parathyroid glands as the cause of hypercalcemia in dogs.

Animals↗