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Idiopathic detrusor-urethral dyssynergia in dogs: a retrospective analysis of 22 cases.

Results of a retrospective study of 22 dogs with signs of dysuria and/or stranguria in which a diagnosis of idiopathic detrusor-urethral dyssynergia was made are presented. The diagnosis was based on the exclusion of detectable pathological conditions which could also cause urine outflow obstruction. The affected cases were 22 middle-aged male dogs (mean age 4.9 years) of large and giant breeds (mean bodyweight 36.7 kg). Nine dogs had had periodic clinical signs for longer than one year, one for seven months and eight for two to five weeks, while in four dogs signs had begun four to five days before referral. All dogs received the alpha-sympatholytic agent prazosin as an initial treatment and in 11 it remained the only therapy. There was a good effect in seven and a moderate response in the other four dogs. In one dog, prazosin was ineffective and was replaced by diazepam, which markedly reduced the signs. Three other dogs required frequent catheterisation and antibiotics were administered. These dogs responded favourably. Another three dogs with evidence of impaired bladder contractility were also treated with the parasympathomimetic agent carbachol. One did not improve and was euthanased. Four dogs developed bladder paralysis and severe infectious cystitis. Only one of these could be managed satisfactorily by long-term administration of prazosin, carbachol and antibiotics, and the others had to be euthanased.

Animals↗

Ischaemic heart disease in the dog: a review of 65 cases.

Sixty-five dogs are reviewed with histopathologically confirmed intramural arteriosclerosis. Clinical data (clinical signs, electrocardiographic findings and ultrasound parameters) on these animals were collected from nine small animal clinics in Sweden: 16 dogs had died suddenly, with few or no previous clinical signs; 13 dogs died or were euthanased during or shortly after general anaesthesia or sedation; 30 dogs developed acute (14) or chronic (16) congestive heart failure; and six dogs died or were euthanased for causes unrelated to cardiac disease. Electrocardiography of 23 of the dogs revealed several types of arrhythmias, with atrial fibrillation and sinus tachycardia being most commonly detected. Ultrasonographic examinations of 24 dogs found a relatively high number (19) with decreased indices of contractility. Dogs that had died suddenly and in relation to general anaesthesia or sedation had a higher incidence (25 of 29) of purely arteriosclerotic changes in the myocardial vessels, whereas just over half the dogs with congestive heart failure (16 of 30) had other concomitant heart lesions (in most cases endocardiosis). The incidence of myocardial infarcts was high (51 of 65 cases). It is postulated that arteriosclerosis in the dog may be an important reason for sudden death and death during general anaesthesia. Coronary arterial disease should also be a consideration in the clinical evaluation of dilated cardiomyopathy and may contribute to the decreased myocardial contractility when it is present in dogs with mitral regurgitation.

Anesthesia, General↗

Thoracolumbar disc disease in large dogs: a study of 99 cases.

The records of 99 dogs weighing over 20 kg with thoracolumbar disc disease were reviewed. Two types of disc disease were recognised: degenerative nuclear extrusion (n=63) and degenerative annular protrusion (n=36). Sixty-nine per cent of the affected discs were located between T12-T13 and L2-L3. Of the 63 dogs with degenerative nuclear extrusions, 35 were non-ambulatory and seven had no conscious pain perception at the time of presentation. Decompressive surgery was performed in 55 dogs, four dogs were managed non-surgically and three dogs were euthanased. A successful outcome was achieved in 49 (78 per cent) cases as assessed by the authors and in 53 (84 per cent) cases as assessed by the owners. Mean follow-up time was 11.7 months (range 1.5 to 48 months). Five dogs subsequently lost the ability to ambulate on their hindlimbs. Myelographic investigations in three of these dogs revealed a second thoracolumbar degenerative nuclear extrusion. Of the 36 dogs with degenerative annular protrusions, seven were non-ambulatory at the time of presentation. Fifteen cases had multiple protrusions. Twenty dogs were managed non-surgically, 12 surgically and four were euthanased. A successful outcome was achieved in eight (22 per cent) cases as assessed by the authors and in 19 (52 per cent) cases as assessed by the owners. Mean follow-up time was 9.2 months (range 1.5 to 30 months). The outcome of dogs with annular protrusions was significantly worse compared to the outcome of dogs with nuclear extrusions (P<0.001).

Animals↗

Intramyocardial arterial narrowing in dogs with subaortic stenosis.

Earlier studies have described intramyocardial arterial narrowing based on hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the vessel wall in dogs with subaortic stenosis (SAS). In theory, such changes might increase the risk of sudden death, as they seem to do in heart disease in other species. This retrospective pathological study describes and quantifies intramyocardial arterial narrowing in 44 dogs with naturally occurring SAS and in eight control dogs. The majority of the dogs with SAS died suddenly (n=27); nine had died or been euthanased with signs of heart failure and eight were euthanased without clinical signs. Dogs with SAS had significantly narrower intramyocardial arteries (P<0.001) and more myocardial fibrosis (P<0.001) than control dogs. Male dogs and those with more severe hypertrophy had more vessel narrowing (P=0.02 and P=0.02, respectively), whereas dogs with dilated hearts had slightly less pronounced arterial thickening (P=0.01). Arterial narrowing was not related to age, but fibrosis increased with age (P=0.047). Dogs that died suddenly did not have a greater number of arterial changes than other dogs with SAS. This study suggests that most dogs with SAS have intramyocardial arterial narrowing and that the risk of dying suddenly is not significantly related to the overall degree of vessel obliteration.

Age Factors↗

von Willebrand's disease in Dobermann dogs in Australia.

Over a 5-year period (1988-92), von Willebrand factor antigen (vWf:Ag) concentrations were determined on plasma samples from 614 Dobermanns. The vWf:Ag concentration was < 50 canine units (CU)/dL in 373 dogs (61%); these dogs were classified as carriers of the von Willebrand's disease (vWD) gene. In order to identify which dogs were at risk of haemorrhage due to vWD, we determined a cut-off vWf:Ag concentration below which dogs could be considered at risk. This cut-off was chosen in order to minimise the number of dogs genuinely at risk of haemorrhage, being wrongly classified as not at risk. This was done without sacrificing the specificity of the cut-off to any great extent. A vWf:Ag concentration of < 36 CU/dL was empirically chosen as the optimum cut-off concentration. In 282 dogs (76% of the carriers), the vWf:Ag concentration was below this cut-off and these dogs were, thus, classified as being at risk of haemorrhage due to vWD. Haemorrhage attributable to vWD was seen in 107 dogs (29% of the carriers, or 17% of all the dogs). Haemorrhage mostly followed trauma or surgery, but spontaneous genito-urinary and gastrointestinal haemorrhages were also frequent. Of these dogs, 92 were of known age, with a median of 3 years, and 102 were of known sex, with 61% being female. In 89 dogs in which the severity of haemorrhage was subjectively assessed, mild and moderate bleeding occurred with similar frequency (48% and 43%, respectively). There were 8 cases of severe haemorrhage, with two deaths.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Mycobacterial nodular granulomas affecting the subcutis and skin of dogs (canine leproid granuloma syndrome).

OBJECTIVE: To obtain a better understanding of a disease affecting dogs in which nodular mycobacterial granulomas are present in the subcutis or skin. DESIGN: Retrospective survey PROCEDURE: A diagnosis of an unidentified mycobacterial infection was made in 45 dogs following detection of acid-fast bacilli surrounded by granulomatous or pyogranulomatous inflammation in tissue sections. Eight cases were identified from the records of our diagnostic laboratory. In all cases culture for mycobacteria was unsuccessful. Another 37 cases were identified by practitioners and veterinary pathologists in response to a survey mailed to veterinary clinics throughout Australia. Data from these 45 cases were entered into a data base. The data set was incomplete, as some respondents did not answer all questions. RESULTS: Over 90% of affected dogs had short coats and about half were Boxers or Boxer-cross dogs. A weak seasonal trend for the development of primary lesions in autumn and winter was identified. Cases were recorded from New South Wales (35 dogs), Western Australia (4), Queensland (4), Tasmania (1) and New Zealand (1). The subcutis and skin of the ears and head (including the ears) were involved in 64% and 85% of cases, respectively, for which lesion site was recorded. Culture was attempted but was unsuccessful in 19 cases, including 11 cases where material was submitted to our laboratory and/or a Mycobacteria Reference Laboratory. Lymph node enlargement, internal organ involvement or constitutional signs were not a feature of the syndrome, and most lesions did not worry the dogs. Although many practitioners recorded a favourable response to therapy with doxycycline (response rate 57%) or amoxycillin-clavulanate (63%), spontaneous resolution of infection was thought to have occurred in six of seven dogs (86%) not given systemic antimicrobials, and three dogs where antimicrobials had failed previously. A minority of cases failed to respond to antimicrobial therapy and continued to have chronic lesions. There was no discernible trend for dogs of a particular age or sex to be affected. CONCLUSION: This syndrome is caused by saprophytic mycobacteria of limited pathogenicity that give rise to lesions restricted principally but not exclusively to the subcutis and skin of body extremities. Fastidious growth requirements have prevented their isolation on synthetic media used for culture of mycobacteria. Organisms presumably enter the subcutis following a breach in integrity of the epidermal barrier and produce self-limiting disease in immunocompetent dogs. Lesions tend to resolve spontaneously. The possibility of a public health threat from affected dogs is highly unlikely.

Animals↗

Canine coronavirus in Australian dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the frequency of serum antibodies (IgG and IgM) to canine coronavirus (CCV) in the Australian dog population and evaluate the role of CCV as a causative agent of gastroenteritis. DESIGN: A serological survey of antibodies to CCV among different dog populations. PROCEDURE: The development and characterisation of an indirect ELISA for the detection of antibodies (IgG and IgM) to CCV was undertaken. Sera collected from both diarrhoeal and non-diarrhoeal dogs from various populations throughout Australia were tested for these antibodies to CCV. RESULTS: Serum samples (1396) collected from 1984 to 1998 were tested for the presence of IgG antibodies to CCV. Samples were divided into two categories on the basis of the number of dogs housed together. The groups were either an open population containing dogs housed as groups of three or less, or kennel populations. Sera from 15.8% of the open population and 40.8% of kennelled dogs were positive for CCV antibodies. The prevalence of antibodies varied from zero to 76% in kennelled dogs. About 23% of 128 dogs positive for IgG antibodies to CCV were also positive for IgM antibodies to CCV, indicating recent CCV infection. Of those dogs that were presented with clinical signs of gastroenteritis such as diarrhoea and vomiting (n = 29), 85% were positive in the IgM ELISA and 85.7% in the IgG ELISA for antibodies to CCV. In comparison, for those dogs presented without any history of gastroenteritis only 15% were positive for IgM and 30% positive for IgG. CONCLUSION: Serological evidence indicates that infection with CCV in dogs is widespread throughout the Australian mainland. The prevalence of antibodies varies greatly among different populations, with an average of 40.8% positive in kennelled populations and 15.8% in the open population.

Animals↗

Noninvasive estimation of cardiac systolic function using continuous-wave Doppler echocardiography in dogs with experimental mitral regurgitation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of noninvasive estimation of cardiac systolic function using transthoracic continuous-wave Doppler echocardiography in dogs with mitral regurgitation. PROCEDURE: Seven mongrel dogs with experimental mitral regurgitation were used. Left ventriculography and measurement of pulmonary capillary wedge pressure were performed under inhalational anaesthesia. A micromanometer-tipped catheter was placed into the left ventricle and transthoracic echocardiography was carried out. The peak rate of left ventricular pressure rise (peak dP/dt) was derived simultaneously by continuous-wave Doppler and manometer measurements. The Doppler-derived dP/dt was compared with the catheter-measured peak dP/dt in the dogs. RESULTS: Classification of the severity of mitral regurgitation in the dogs was as follows: 1+, 2 dogs; 2+, 1 dog; 3+, 2 dogs; 4+, 1 dog; and not examined, 1 dog. We were able to derive dP/dt from the transthoracic continuous-wave Doppler echocardiography in all dogs. Doppler-derived dP/dt had a significant correlation with the catheter-measured peak dP/dt (r = 0.90, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: It was demonstrated that transthoracic continuous-wave Doppler echocardiography is a feasible method of noninvasive estimation of cardiac systolic function in dogs with experimental mitral regurgitation and may have clinical usefulness in canine patients with spontaneous mitral regurgitation.

Animals↗

Detection of Echinococcus granulosus coproantigens in faeces from naturally infected rural domestic dogs in south eastern Australia.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the occurrence of Echinococcus granulosus in rural domestic dogs in farming areas around Yass, New South Wales, and Mansfield and Whitfield, Victoria. DESIGN: Faeces were collected per-rectally from farm dogs voluntarily presented by their owners in four farming districts in New South Wales and two in Victoria. PROCEDURE: Faeces were collected in the field, an extract prepared from each sample and E granulosus coproantigens detected in an ELISA. Farmers were also questioned about their dog feeding and worming practices. RESULTS: Echinococcus granulosus coproantigens were detected in 99 of 344 dogs (29%) from 95 farms in south eastern New South Wales and 38 of 217 dogs (17.5%) from 43 farms in Victoria. Cross-reactions between E granulosus coproantigen trapping antibody and coproantigens in faeces from dogs monospecifically infected with other species of intestinal helminthes (Taenia ovis, T hydatigena, T pisiformis, Spirometra ericacei, Dipylidium caninum, hookworm, Toxocara canis, Trichuris vulpis) were not evident. Dietary and worming data revealed many owners fed raw meat and occasionally offal from domestic livestock and wildlife to their dogs and few owners wormed their dogs frequently enough to preclude the chance of patent E granulosus being present in their dogs. CONCLUSION: Echinococcus granulosus occurs commonly in rural dogs in south eastern Australia and an education program promoting the public health importance of responsible management of rural dogs is urgently needed.

Animals↗

Fecal alpha1-proteinase inhibitor concentration in dogs with chronic gastrointestinal disease.

BACKGROUND: Fecal alpha(1)-proteinase inhibitor (alpha(1)-PI) clearance is a reliable, noninvasive marker for protein-losing enteropathy in human beings. An assay for use in dogs has been developed and validated. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate fecal alpha(1)-PI concentration in dogs with chronic gastrointestinal disease, compared with healthy dogs, and to assess its correlation with serum albumin concentration. METHODS: Fecal samples were collected from 2 groups of dogs. Group 1 consisted of 21 clinically healthy client-owned dogs without signs of gastrointestinal disease. Group 2 consisted of 16 dogs referred for investigation of suspected gastrointestinal disease. On the basis of gastric and duodenal biopsies, group 2 was further subdivided into dogs with normal histology (n = 9) and those with histologic abnormalities (n = 7: inflammatory bowel disease, n = 3; lymphangiectasia, n = 4). An ELISA was used to measure alpha(1)-PI concentrations in fecal extracts. RESULTS: Fecal alpha(1)-PI concentrations, expressed as micro g/g of feces, were not significantly different between groups 1 and 2 as a whole. However, fecal alpha(1)-PI concentrations (median, minimum-maximum) were significantly higher in dogs with gastrointestinal diseases associated with histologic abnormalities (60.6 micro g/g, 7.4-201.7 micro g/g) compared with dogs with normal histology (3.8 micro g/g, 0.7-74.0 micro g/g) and control dogs (9.9 micro g/g, 0.0-32.1 micro g/g). There was no significant correlation between fecal alpha(1)-PI and serum albumin concentrations in dogs with gastrointestinal disease. CONCLUSIONS: Increased fecal alpha(1)-PI concentration may signal the need to obtain gastrointestinal biopsies for a final diagnosis. Fecal alpha(1)-PI concentration may be a useful test for early detection of protein-losing enteropathy before decreases in serum albumin concentration can be detected.

Animals↗

Hematologic and biochemical abnormalities indicating iron deficiency are associated with decreased reticulocyte hemoglobin content (CHr) and reticulocyte volume (rMCV) in dogs.

BACKGROUND: The ADVIA 120 automated hematology system uses low- and high-angle light scatter to determine individual RBC and reticulocyte volume and hemoglobin (Hgb) concentration. Current hematologic and biochemical markers of iron status in the dog are insensitive, and results may be highly variable, especially in the presence of concurrent disease (ie, inflammation, neoplasia). Reticulocyte Hgb content (CHr) has proven useful in detecting early iron deficiency and iron deficiency masked by concurrent disease in human patients. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively investigate the association of low CHr and reticulocyte MCV (rMCV) with hematologic and biochemical abnormalities indicative of iron deficiency in canine patients. METHODS: Reference intervals for CHr and rMCV were established on a population of 362 hematologically-normal dogs using standard methods. CBC and serum biochemical results from 833 dogs at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital were retrospectively evaluated. The prevalence of decreased CHr and rMCV values was determined based on the reference intervals. Hematologic (HCT, MCV) and biochemical (serum Fe concentration, percent saturation of transferrin [% sat]) values were compared among dogs with low CHr (n=58), low rMCV (n=50), and control dogs (cohort groups from the initial population) using a Fisher exact test. RESULTS: Reference intervals were 22.3-27.9 pg for CHr and 77.8-100.2 fL for rMCV. Seven percent (n=58) of dogs in the hospital population had low CHr and 6% (n=50) had low rMCV based on the reference values. Dogs with low CHr had significantly lower HCT, MCV, serum Fe, and % sat values than did control dogs. In addition, dogs with low CHr or low rMCV values had a higher frequency of microcytosis, anemia, low serum Fe concentration, and low % sat than did control dogs. CONCLUSION: Low CHr and low rMCV are associated with hematologic and serum biochemical abnormalities indicative of iron deficiency. CHr and rMCV hold promise as noninvasive, cost-effective measures of iron status in the dog.

Anemia, Iron-Deficiency↗

A retrospective study of aplastic pancytopenia in the dog: 9 cases (1996-2003).

BACKGROUND: Aplastic pancytopenia is defined by the presence of pancytopenia in blood and a hypocellular bone marrow with the hematopoietic space replaced by adipose tissue. Several causes of acquired aplastic pancytopenia are known; however, in some cases, an underlying cause is never determined. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this retrospective study was to identify the incidence, potential causes, and outcome of aplastic pancytopenia in dogs. METHODS: Bone marrow cytologic and core biopsy reports were reviewed to identify dogs diagnosed with aplastic pancytopenia between July 1, 1996 and June 30, 2003. Four-hundred eighty-six bone marrow reports that included aspirate and core biopsy evaluations were reviewed. Signalment, treatment given, previous and current disease conditions, clinical signs of disease, clinical laboratory data, therapy, response to therapy, and survival time were recorded. RESULTS: Nine dogs (1.85% of bone marrow samples reviewed) met the criteria for inclusion. Two dogs (22%) had associated diseases that included monocytic ehrlichiosis and Sertoli cell tumor. In 7 dogs (78%), the cause of aplastic pancytopenia could not be definitively determined, although an idiosyncratic drug reaction to griseofulvin was suspected in 1 of the dogs. The median age of dogs diagnosed with aplastic pancytopenia was 3.2 years, and apparent breed or sex predilection was not identified. Median HCT, total WBC count, and platelet count on the day of presentation were 21.8%, 1.0 x 10(3)/microL, and 2.0 x 10(3)/microL, respectively. Six of 9 dogs diagnosed with aplastic pancytopenia died or were euthanized within 21 days. Two dogs had complete hematologic recovery. One dog was living 3 years after diagnosis, but hematologic recovery was never documented. CONCLUSIONS: Aplastic pancytopenia is diagnosed infrequently and idiopathic aplastic pancytopenia may account for up to 67% or more of canine cases. Although the prognosis is guarded, some dogs with aplastic pancytopenia recover.

Animals↗

Gastric acid secretion in Basenji dogs with immunoproliferative enteropathy.

Gastric acid secretion was studied in 13 Basenji dogs with immunoproliferative enteropathy. Considerable variation in the severity of gastritis and enteritis existed among dogs. Basenji dogs were categorized into two groups on the basis of postmortem gastric and intestinal histology (group I, gastritis and enteritis; group II, only enteritis). Pentagastrin-induced gastric acid secretory capacity was increased (P less than 0.002) in group II dogs as compared to healthy Beagle controls. Gastric acid secretory capacity of Basenji dogs with gastritis and enteritis (group I) was not different from that observed in control dogs. Basal serum gastrin concentrations and secretin-stimulated serum gastrin concentrations of either group of Basenji dogs did not differ from controls. On the basis of symptomatology, Basenji dogs with diarrhea had significantly increased basal and postsecretin stimulation gastrin concentrations (P = 0.01) when compared with asymptomatic Basenji or healthy control dogs. These findings support a potential role for altered gastric acid secretory capacity in the pathogenesis of immunoproliferative enteropathy of Basenji dogs. Results of the secretin stimulation studies support previous pathologic studies that failed to detect gastrin-secreting tumors. Incorporated into this investigation was a trial to determine whether the combination of oxymorphone and acepromazine could be used for acid secretory studies. Compared to pentobarbital, which has been frequently used for acid secretory studies in a research setting, the drug combination resulted in increased gastric fluid volumes, a comparative increase in acid secretion, and a rapid uneventful recovery. We conclude that the combination of oxymorphone and acepromazine provides an acceptable means of restraint in dogs undergoing acid secretory studies.

Acepromazine↗

Piroxicam therapy in 34 dogs with transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder.

Thirty-four dogs with histopathologically confirmed, measurable, nonresectable transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder were treated with piroxicam (0.3 mg/kg PO sid) and were evaluated for tumor response and drug toxicity. Dogs were evaluated at the Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital by means of physical examination, thoracic and abdominal radiography, cystography, complete blood count, serum biochemistry profile, and urinalysis. In selected cases, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) concentrations in plasma and in supernatants of stimulated monocytes, and natural killer cell activity were quantified. Dogs were evaluated before therapy and at 28 and 56 days after initiation of therapy. Dogs with stable disease or remission at 56 days remained on the study and were evaluated at 1 to 2 months intervals. Tumor responses were 2 complete remissions, 4 partial remissions, 18 stable diseases, and 10 progressive diseases. The median survival of all dogs was 181 days (range, 28 to 720+ days), with 2 dogs still alive. Piroxicam toxicity consisted of gastrointestinal irritation in 6 dogs and renal papillary necrosis (detected at necropsy) in 2 dogs. Monocyte production of PGE2 appeared to decrease with therapy in dogs whose tumors were decreasing in size, and increased in dogs with tumor progression. A consistent pattern in natural killer cell activity was not observed. In vitro cytotoxicity assays against 4 canine tumor cell lines revealed no direct antitumor effects of piroxicam. In summary, antitumor activity, which was not likely the result of a direct cytotoxic effect, was observed in dogs with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder treated with piroxicam.

Administration, Oral↗

Vaccine-associated immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in the dog.

Vaccination has been incriminated as a trigger of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) in dogs and in people, but evidence to support this association is lacking. In a controlled retrospective study, idiopathic IMHA was identified in 58 dogs over a 27-month period. When compared with a randomly selected control group of 70 dogs (presented for reasons other than IMHA) over the same period, the distribution of cases versus time since vaccination was different (P < .05). Fifteen of the dogs (26%) had been vaccinated within 1 month (mean, 13 days; median, 14 days; range, 1 to 27 days) of developing IMHA (P < .0001), whereas in the control group no marked increase in frequency of presentation was seen in the first month after vaccination. The dogs with IMHA were divided into 2 groups based on time since vaccination: the vaccine IMHA group included dogs vaccinated within 1 month of developing IMHA; the nonvaccine IMHA group included dogs that developed IMHA more than 1 month after vaccination. The recently vaccinated dogs with IMHA (vaccine IMHA group) had significantly lower platelet counts (P < .05) and a trend towards increased prevalence of intravascular hemolysis and autoagglutination when compared with the nonvaccine IMHA group. Similar mortality rates were seen in teh vaccine IMHA group (60%) and the nonvaccine IMHA group (44%), with the majority of fatalities (> 75%) occurring in the first 3 weeks after presentation. Persistent autoagglutination was a negative prognostic indicator for survival in both groups (P < .05). Presence of icterus and hyperbilirubinemia were negative prognostic indicators for survival in the nonvaccine IMHA group (P < .0001 and P < .01, respectively) but not in the vaccine IMHA group. In the recently vaccinated dogs, combination vaccines from various manufacturers against canine distemper, adenovirus type 2, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus (DHLPP) were involved in each case. Vaccines against rabies virus, Bordetella spp, coronavirus, and Lyme Borrelia were administrated concomitantly to some dogs. This study provides the first clinical evidence for a temporal relationship of vaccine-associated IMHA in the dog.

Anemia, Hemolytic↗

The effect of hetastarch on serum colloid oncotic pressure in hypoalbuminemic dogs.

The purpose of this study was to determine the duration of action of a single dose of hetastarch, a synthetic colloid, in hypoalbuminemic dogs. Thirty hypoalbuminemic dogs (albumin concentration, < or = 2.0 g/dL) received 1 dose of hetastarch each, with an average dose of 18.1 mL/kg. Doses ranged from 7.7 to 43.9 mL/kg, with the majority of doses (n = 26) in the range of 10 to 25 mL/kg. Dogs were allotted to one of several groups: all dogs, dogs with acute gastrointestinal protein loss, dogs with chronic gastrointestinal protein loss, all dogs with gastrointestinal protein loss, and dogs with nongastrointestinal protein loss. Colloid oncotic pressure was measured immediately before and immediately after hetastarch administration, and 12 hours after hetastarch administration. There was a significant (P < .001) increase in the mean colloid oncotic pressure after hetastarch treatment in all groups, except in the group with acute gastrointestinal protein loss. Twelve hours after hetastarch treatment, the mean colloid oncotic pressure had decreased significantly (P < .001) from the immediate post-treatment value in all groups, except in dogs in the groups with acute and chronic gastrointestinal protein loss. Twelve hours after hetastarch treatment the mean colloid oncotic pressure was not significantly (P < .001) different from the baseline mean colloid oncotic pressure in any of the groups. Twenty-three dogs (77%) survived their illness and were sent home, whereas, 7 (23%) died or were euthanized. The effect of a single dose of hetastarch on raising colloid oncotic pressure in dogs with hypoalbuminemia decreases significantly within 12 hours of administration, and is no longer significantly above baseline values. We conclude that multiple dosing is necessary to prolong the beneficial effects of hetastarch.

Animals↗

Prevalence of Toxocara canis infection in household dogs.

The prevalence of Toxocara canis infection in household dogs was estimated by examining feces from 1,743 dogs aged between 1 month and 15 years old. Fecal samples from 75 (4.3%) of the 1,743 dogs were positive for the eggs of T. canis. The dogs with positive fecal samples ranged from 1 month to 5 years old in age. The infection rate in dogs aged 1 to 6 months old was significantly (p < 0.01) higher than that in dogs aged 7 months to 2 years old or over 3 years old. Indoor dogs aged 1 to 6 months old showed a significantly (p < 0.01) lower prevalence than outdoor dogs of the same age group. With respect to the place of origin of the dogs, those originating from individual households (5.7%) showed (p < 0.05) a higher prevalence as compared to the animals purchased from pet shops/breeding kennels (3.5%). Considering the origin and the living conditions, the prevalence in indoor dogs originating from individual households was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that in indoor dogs purchased from pet shops/breeding kennels.

Animals↗

Echinococcus granulosus infections of dogs in the Durazno region of Uruguay.

The prevalence and distribution of Echinococcus granulosus in domestic dogs was examined in three dog populations in the Durazno region of Uruguay. The prevalence was 19.7 per cent in 704 dogs successfully purged with arecoline hydrobromide. Higher prevalences were detected in dogs from the rural area (30.0 per cent) and the village of La Paloma (25.9 per cent) than in the town of Sarandi del Yi (7.9 per cent). The frequency distribution of E granulosus was overdispersed (k, the negative binomial parameter = 0.08), with only a few animals harbouring heavy infections. The results of a questionnaire showed that the prevalence was greatest in male dogs, in dogs that were not kennelled, in dogs that had access to fields and in dogs that were not dosed with praziquantel. Dogs that were given raw sheep offal by their owners were no more likely to be parasitised than other dogs; this may reflect the inaccuracy of the owners' replies, or that the dogs were being infected outside their home.

Animals↗