Belgian Malinois Dog Research Articles

Sebaceous gland epithelioma with potential malignancy in a dog

Sebaceous gland tumors consist of neoplastic proliferations of sebaceous gland cells located around hair follicles in the dermis. These tumors are subclassified as sebaceous epithelioma, sebaceous adenoma, sebaceous adenocarcinoma and nodular hyperplasia. In this case report, a nodular growth in the sacral region of an eight-year-old male Belgian Malinois dog was presented. Macroscopically, the nodular mass had a slightly soft consistency, grayish-white, and dark red-black appearance. The mass was measured in the dimension of 2x1x1 cm. Histopathologically, the tumor was observed to have a multilobular structure shaped by neoplastic cell islands. The tumor consisted mainly of eosinophilic cells with small cytoplasm resembling epithelial basaloid cells and to a lesser extent differentiated sebocytes. The parenchyma of the tumor consisted of irregular islets containing a small number of mature sebocytes. Their nuclei are oval with one to three small nucleoli. Immunohistochemically, tumor cells for Ki67 antibody showed strongly positive immunoreactivity. Based on the histopathological and immunohistochemical features, the tumor was diagnosed as sebaceous epithelioma having, a potential malignancy. Since no case of sebaceous epithelioma with malignant potential has been reported in our country, we aimed to present the case with histopathological and immunohistochemical features.

Genetic variants in the TAC1 transcriptional regulatory region affect on trainability and excitability levels in Belgian Malinois dogs.

Trainability in dogs is affected by learning aptitude and memory capacity. While this trait has a heritable basis in canines, the specific genetic loci responsible for it remain unknown. Our previous results suggested that the BDNF, CCK and TAC1 genes are associated with learning and memory in canines. Experimental validation is crucial to confirm the effects of these candidate genes on trainability. Understanding the genetic foundation of this trait would offer insight into the inheritance pattern of complex behavioural characteristics. This study aimed to assess the genetic variations within candidate genes and explore their potential associations with behavioural phenotypes in dogs. The behavioural characteristics of 123 male Belgian Malinois dogs were assessed using a customised questionnaire. Target regions of candidate genes were screened for genetic variation by single-strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP). Following that, SSCP banding patterns were sequenced, and putative transcription factor binding sites were predicted using bioinformatics tools. Quantitative association analysis between identified genetic variants and behavioural trait scores was performed using the general linear model (GLM). Sequencing the coding and flanking regions revealed three mutations (c.-89C>T, c.-162G>C and c.*33T>A) in the dog TAC1 gene. Bioinformatics analysis predicted two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were located within the putative TAC1 promoter and could disrupt transcription factor binding sites. Statistical tests revealed that the c.-89C>T was significantly associated with excitability (p < 0.01), while the c.-162G>C was significantly associated with trainability level (p < 0.05). In summary, we identified two regulatory SNPs in the 5'-UTR promoter region of the TAC1 gene that are associated with excitability and trainability in Belgian Malinois dogs. These genetic variations have the potential to alter the binding sites of transcription factors NRF1 and OTX1, consequently influencing TAC1 expression and related behavioural characteristics. Our findings implicate TAC1 polymorphisms as candidates influencing breed-specific behavioural characteristics in canines. Further studies on diverse breeds of dogs are necessary to validate these SNPs' effects.

Ependymal cyst in the caudal cranial fossa of a young Belgian Malinois dog with abnormal cerebrospinal fluid findings

Abstract Fluid-filled cavities within the brain are well-recognized in human and veterinary medicine. Congenital or acquired brain cystic lesions could be isolated or associated with other diseases. Clinical signs related to cysts depend on their size and the mass effect they exert on surrounding neuroanatomical structures. We present a case of a 5-month-old Belgian Malinois dog with cervical pain and right head tilt. The dog had a normal haematochemical profile and negative infectious disease tests. A contrast enhancement Computed Tomography scan revealed the presence of a thin-walled cystic lesion in the caudal cranial fossa at the level of the right pontine-cerebellar junction. A cerebrospinal fluid tap was performed by lumbar puncture, revealing a monocytic pleocytosis. After initial improvement following corticosteroid and antibiotic therapy, clinical signs worsened, and the dog underwent a second clinical evaluation and magnetic resonance imaging examination. After euthanasia a complete postmortem examination was performed. Histological and immunohistochemical findings were suggestive of an ependymal cyst.

Prevalence of SOD1 allele associated with degenerative myelopathy in canine population in Greece

Canine degenerative myelopathy (CDM) is a late-onset fatal disorder associated with a point mutation of the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene (c.118G > A). The purpose of this study was to determine the genotype and allele frequencies of this mutation in 108 dogs, mainly in Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd dogs with (CDM-affected group) and without CDM clinical symptoms (control group) in Greece. Genotyping of the c.118G > A mutation was possible by Sanger sequencing and PCR-RFLP. The observed genotype frequencies for the control group were 89.4% for the homozygous (G/G), 9.6% for the heterozygous (A/G), and 0.96% for the homozygous mutant (A/A) allele. The mutant allele was not common in the Belgian Malinois dogs (allele frequency = 0.029), but quite common in the German Shepherd dogs (allele frequency = 0.138). In the CDM affected group, all 4 dogs were homozygous for the mutant allele. These frequencies were close to those expected, indicating no significant departure from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. A strong but not statistically significant association between the mutant allele and CDM was observed. A previously identified deletion upstream of the mutation of interest was found at a high frequency (0.361) in the population.

Spinocerebellar ataxia in the Bouvier des Ardennes breed is caused by a KCNJ10 missense variant.

In Belgian Malinois, a KCNJ10 variant causes progressive spinocerebellar degeneration. Describe the clinical, diagnostic, pathological and genetic features of spinocerebellar degeneration in the Bouvier des Ardennes breed. Five affected Bouvier des Ardennes puppies with spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA), 8 healthy related dogs, and 63 healthy unrelated Bouvier des Ardennes. Sequential case study. Clinical signs started at 6 weeks of age in 1 puppy with severe signs of cerebellar disease, and at 7 to 10 weeks of age in the 4 remaining puppies with milder signs of spinocerebellar disease. The first puppy displayed severe intention tremors and rapidly progressive generalized hypermetric ataxia, whereas the 4 others developed a milder progressive SCA. Euthanasia after progression to nonambulatory status was performed by 8 weeks of age in the first puppy, and before 11 months of age in the 4 remaining puppies. Histopathology revealed cerebellar spongy degeneration and a focal symmetrical demyelinating myelopathy. All cases were homozygous for KCNJ10 XM_545752.6:c.986T>C(p.(Leu329Pro)), which is pathogenic for SCA with (or without) myokymia, seizures or both (SAMS) and spongy degeneration and cerebellar ataxia (SDCA) 1 in Belgian Malinois dogs. All sampled parents were heterozygous and none of the healthy dogs were homozygous for this recessive variant. This variant has an allele frequency of 15% in the 63 healthy dogs studied. Inherited spinocerebellar degeneration also affects the Bouvier des Ardennes breed and is caused by a KCNJ10 variant. It can present with a spectrum of severity grades, ranging from severe cerebellar to milder spinocerebellar signs.

Allele and genotype frequencies of the SOD1 gene polymorphism associated with canine degenerative myelopathy in Belgian Malinois dogs in Greece.

Background and Aim:Canine degenerative myelopathy (CDM) is an adult-onset fatal disorder associated with a point mutation of the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene (SOD1:c.118G>A). This study aimed to determine the allele and genotype frequencies of this mutation in a group of Belgian Malinois dogs in Greece.Materials and Methods:Samples (n=72) of whole blood were collected from 72 purebred dogs of the Hellenic Armed Forces; these samples were processed for DNA isolation, polymerase chain reaction, and digestion with the restriction endonuclease AcuI. Sample testing was conducted in compliance with ISO17025 accreditation requirements.Results:The observed relative genotype frequencies were 71% for the homozygous (GG), 25% for the heterozygous (AG), and 4% for the homozygous mutant (AA) alleles. These frequencies were close to those expected, indicating no significant departure from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE, p=0.395). The frequency of heterozygous animals indicates that a high risk of developing CDM in forthcoming generations exists in the tested population because mating among carriers would result in 25% AA progeny. The medical record of the group of study animals indicated selection against leishmaniosis, as applied throughout generations by owners and breeders. The potential association of this selection with the HWE status of the study population was discussed.Conclusion:The SOD1:c.118G>A mutation was common in the tested group of dogs; thus, they are suitable for a follow-up investigation on the development and progression of CDM. A case-control study on animals with evidence of sensitivity to infectious myelopathy could provide new insights into disease pathogenesis.

Computed Tomographic Measures of Funnel-Shaped Lumbar Vertebral Canal and Articular Process Dysplasia Malformations Differ Between German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois Military Working Dogs.

Researchers who study the selection and breeding program criteria for military working dogs aim to help maximize the years of active duty service. Computed tomographic (CT) quantitative phenotyping has been previously described as a method for supporting these research studies. Funnel-shaped lumbar vertebral foramen malformations have been previously described in Labrador retriever military working dogs and proposed to be risk factors for impaired arterial perfusion of nerve tissues during exercise. Articular process dysplasia malformations have been previously described in varying dog breeds and proposed to be risk factors for articular process degenerative joint disease and vertebral foramen stenosis. Aims of this retrospective, cross-sectional study were to describe quantitative CT phenotyping methods for characterizing funnel-shaped lumbar vertebral foramina and articular process dysplasia malformations and to apply these methods in a comparison between groups of German shepherd and Belgian Malinois military working dogs. A military working dog hospital's database was searched for German shepherd and Belgian Malinois dogs aged <6 years that had CT scans of the lumbosacral region during the period of 2008–2016. Observers unaware of CT findings recorded available clinical data for each of the dogs. An observer unaware of clinical data recorded CT measures of funnel-shaped lumbar vertebral foramina and articular process dysplasia malformations for each of dogs and each of the lumbar vertebrae that were available in the scans. A total of 59 dogs were sampled: 41 German shepherd and 18 Belgian Malinois. Articular process dysplasia and funnel-shaped vertebral foramen phenotypic traits were present in both breeds in this sample, with the frequency and quantitative measure of these traits being greater in German shepherd dogs and heavier dogs. Lower weight dogs had a lesser degree of a funnel-shaped foramen at all sampled vertebral locations. A consistent relationship between articular process dysplasia measures and body weight was not seen. Computed tomography measures of funnel shaped vertebral foramina were greater in German shepherd vs. Belgian Malinois dogs at the L7 vertebra (P < 0.01). The CT measures of cranial articular process dysplasia were greater in German shepherd vs. Belgian Malinois dogs at the L4 (P < 0.01) and L5 (P < 0.05) vertebrae.

Рак предстательной железы и обоняние собак: возможности неинвазивной диагностики

A screening of prostate cancer is an important problem of healthcare system worldwide. To evaluate a possibility and efficiency of Belgian Malinois dogs sense of smell in diagnosis of prostate cancer. Urine samples from 176 men were assessed. Of these, 112 samples were taken from patients with biopsy-proven prostate cancer, and 64 from healthy young men. The study with two Belgian Malinois dogs consisted of two stages. The first stage was to train the dogs to distinguish the urine of patients with prostate cancer. A total of 66 urine samples were used at this stage (from 42 patients with prostate cancer and 24 healthy people). At the second detection stage, urine samples of patients with prostate cancer was identified. A total of 110 urine samples were evaluated (70 patients with prostate cancer and 40 healthy people). The first dog correctly identified 68 samples from patients with prostate cancer, and in 37 cases it indicated the absence of disease (sensitivity 97.1%, specificity 92.5%, accuracy 95.4%). The second animal correctly identified 69 and 39 samples, respectively (sensitivity 98.6%, specificity 97.5%, accuracy 98.2%). A possibility of training dogs to identify patients with prostate cancer has been demonstrated. Further studies dedicated to the detection of volatile organic compounds in the urine using specialized analyzers of "electronic nose" type, as well as gas chromatography in combination with mass spectrometry, are of both scientific and practical interest.

Epithelioid and spindle-cell haemangioendothelioma in the brain of a dog: a case report

A 9.5-year-old male Belgian malinois dog died after showing clinical symptoms that included fatigue, anorexia and dyspnoea. Necropsy revealed macroscopic findings in the brain and other organs. A solitary, brown-red-coloured mass, approximately 0.5 cm thick and 1.5 × 2 cm in diameter, was detected on the right side of the medulla oblongata, pons and cerebellum. The cut surface showed no invasion of the brain parenchyma. Histologically, the neoplasm was characterised by proliferation of endothelial cells, which showed epithelioid and spindle cell features. Some tumour cells had intracytoplasmic lumen formations containing red blood cells. The nuclei of the tumour cells were large and vesicular. In immunohistochemical experiments the tumour cells stained positive for factor VIII-related antigen, CD31 and CD34. A description is provided of the features of this epithelioid and spindle-cell haemangioendothelioma (EHE) that originated from vessels of the meninges in the subarachnoid space.

Renal dialysis and long-term treatment of a dog with kidney disease associated with canine leishmaniosis

BackgroundRenal disease is considered the main cause of natural mortality in dogs with canine leishmaniosis. The pathological mechanisms associated with kidney injury in canine leishmaniosis include immune complex glomerulonephritis, tubulointerstitial nephritis and occasionally renal amyloidosis. Proteinuria is a frequent finding in canine leishmaniosis and its quantification by the urine protein-creatinine ratio (UPC) is an important parameter in the staging of canine lesihmaniosis as presented by the LeishVet group.ResultsA 4.5 year-old spayed female Belgian Malinois dog was presented to the Hebrew University Veterinary Teaching hospital with epistaxis and rhinitis and diagnosed also with proteinuria and acute kidney injury (AKI IRIS grade V) associated with canine leishmaniosis that developed to LeishVet stage III with chronic kidney disease (CKD) after stabilization. Clinicopathologic abnormalities included azotemia with a peak creatinine concentration of 7.76 mg/dl (reference interval, 0.3–1.2 ng/dl), hypoalbuminemia (1.76 g/dl, reference interval 3-4.4 g/dl), hyperglobulinemia (4.54 g/dl, reference interval 1.8–3.9 g/dl) and proteinuria (urine protein/creatinine ratio 15.6, normal < 0.2). Serology by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for Leishmania infantum was positive with high antibody levels. The dog was hospitalized and treated with intermittent hemodialysis, feeding through an esophageal feeding tube, medical treatment for protein losing nephropathy and antileishmanial treatment with allopurinol. Kidney function gradually improved and the dog’s creatinine levels and proteinuria decreased until complete normalization two years after the acute insult. However, rhinitis and sneezing persisted and although the anti-leishmanial antibodies decreased over time, the dog remains constantly seropositive.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first report of hemodialysis management of AKI associated with canine leishmaniosis. Hemodialysis was imperative in stabilizing the dog’s renal disease and controlling its azotemia. It demostrates that hemodialysis can be beneficial in the management of acute deterioration of kidney disease in canine leishmaniosis.

Breed, parity, and cycle season effects on life-timereproduction in bitches: a retrospective study

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the effects of breed, parity, and season on the reproductive parameters in bitches reared under a temperate climate. Breeding and pregnancy statuses, proestrus, estrus, and pregnancy durations, litter size, and cycle interval were recorded from German shepherds (GS, n = 34), Labrador retrievers (LA, n = 23), Belgian Malinois dogs (BM, n = 13), and Pointers (PO, n = 9) up to 10th parities. The mean age at first breeding (464.8 ± 26.2 days, mean ± SD) and the pregnancy rate (74.6%) were not different among breeds. The pregnancy duration was shortened as the number of puppies born increased in each whelping (P < 0.008). The cycle interval varied by breed (208.2, 215.1, 208.6, and 237.0 days for GS, LA, BM, and PO, respectively, P < 0.01) and decreased linearly from 241.1 to 202.0 days as parity increased from 1 to 10 (P < 0.04). The season did not affect the cycle interval, proestrus, and estrus length (P > 0.05). Reproductive parameters varied among the GS, LA, BM, and PO bitches reared in Turkey. The effect of seasonal variation was negligible.

Vertebral Heart Size in Healthy Belgian Malinois Dogs

This study was designed to apply the vertebral heart scale system to determine the radiographic heart size in working Belgian Shepherd Malinois dogs. Right lateral thoracic radiographs from nineteen healthy dogs, weighting 24+/- 2.85 kg and ageing from one to 8 years were analyzed. The overall mean vertebral heart size (VHS) calculated was 9.58 +/-0.53 vertebral units, ranging from 8.52 to 10.35v, with coefficient of variation of 5.5%. No significant gender influence on vertebral heart size values was observed.

Differences in Behavior and Activity Associated with a Poly(A) Expansion in the Dopamine Transporter in Belgian Malinois

In Belgian Malinois dogs, a 38-base pair variable number tandem repeat in the dopamine transporter gene (SLC6A3) is associated with behavior changes in Malinois. By additional sequencing in SLC6A3, we identified an intronic 12-nucleotide poly(A) insertion (“PolyA(22)”) before the terminal exon that was associated with seizure, “glazing over” behaviors, and episodic biting behaviors in a sample of 138 Malinois. We next investigated whether PolyA(22) was associated with 1) increased locomotor activity and 2) response to novelty. Using a sample of 22 Malinois and 25 dogs of other breeds, dogs’ activity was monitored in a novel and non-novel environment while wearing activity monitoring collars. All dogs were more active in novel compared with non-novel environments, and Malinois were more active overall than other breeds. There was an effect of PolyA(22) genotype on activity levels, and this effect appeared to underlie the difference detected between Malinois and other breeds. There was no effect of PolyA(22) genotype on the relative decrease in activity between novel and non-novel environments for either group or all dogs considered together. In addition to an association between PolyA(22) and owner reports of seizure, “glazing over” behaviors, and episodic biting behaviors, these findings support an effect of PolyA(22) on dopamine transporter function related to activity. Further investigation is required to confirm mechanistic effects of PolyA(22) on SLC6A3. The complex polygenic nature of behavior and the range of behaviors associated with this insertion predict that effects are likely also modified by additional genetic and environmental factors.

Dopamine transporter single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Belgian Malinois dogs

Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.

Belçika Malinois Irkı Bir Köpekte Konjuktival Dermoid

Summary In this report, the gross and histopathological findings and the surgical treatment of a rarely seen case conjunctival dermoid was described in Belgian Malinois dog. A 6 month-old female Belgian Malinois dog, weighing 8 kg was referred to the University animal hospital with the complaint an abnormal mass on the right eye. In ophthalmic examination of right eye, epiphora and conjunctival hyperaemia were observed. Mass in the right conjunctiva at the temporal canthus was surgically removed. In microscopic examination, resected tissue revealed that dermoid was originated from conjunctiva.

Characterization of a dopamine transporter polymorphism and behavior in Belgian Malinois

BackgroundThe Belgian Malinois dog breed (MAL) is frequently used in law enforcement and military environments. Owners have reported seizures and unpredictable behavioral changes including dogs’ eyes “glazing over,” dogs’ lack of response to environmental stimuli, and loss of behavioral inhibition including owner-directed biting behavior. Dogs with severe behavioral changes may be euthanized as they can represent a danger to humans and other dogs. In the dog, the dopamine transporter gene (DAT) contains a 38-base pair variable number tandem repeat (DAT-VNTR); alleles have either one or two copies of the 38-base pair sequence. The objective of this study was to assess frequency of DAT-VNTR alleles, and characterize the association between DAT-VNTR alleles and behavior in MAL and other breeds.ResultsIn an American sample of 280 dogs comprising 26 breeds, most breeds are predominantly homozygous for the DAT-VNTR two-tandem-repeat allele (2/2). The one-tandem-repeat allele is over-represented in American MAL (AM-MAL) (n = 144), both as heterozygotes (1/2) and homozygotes (1/1). All AM-MAL with reported seizures (n = 5) were 1/1 genotype. For AM-MAL with at least one “1” allele (1/1 or 1/2 genotype, n = 121), owners reported higher levels of attention, increased frequency of episodic aggression, and increased frequency of loss of responsiveness to environmental stimuli. In behavior observations, Belgian Military Working Dogs (MWD) with 1/1 or 1/2 genotypes displayed fewer distracted behaviors and more stress-related behaviors such as lower posture and increased yawning. Handlers’ treatment of MWD varied with DAT-VNTR genotype as did dogs’ responses to handlers’ behavior. For 1/1 or 1/2 genotype MWD, 1) lower posture after the first aversive stimulus given by handlers was associated with poorer obedience performance; 2) increased aversive stimuli during protection exercises were associated with decreased performance; 3) more aversive stimuli during obedience were associated with more aversive stimuli during protection; and 4) handlers used more aversive stimuli in protection compared with obedience exercises.ConclusionsThe single copy allele of DAT-VNTR is associated with owner-reported seizures, loss of responsiveness to environmental stimuli, episodic aggression, and hyper-vigilance in MAL. Behavioral changes are associated with differential treatment by handlers. Findings should be considered preliminary until replicated in a larger sample.

Evaluation of body postures of Belgian Malinois dogs during a police dog training in Germany

Polis kopegi egitimi, yuksek uyarilma ve stres seviyesi iceren kati bir egitimdir. Bu calismada, Belcika Malinois kopeklerinin polis kopegi egitiminde, itaat egzersizleri sirasinda teslimiyetci vucut dili sergileme yonundeki davranissal egilimlerinin incelenmesi amaclanmistir. Ayrica, bu kopeklerde degisik vucut pozisyonlarina neden olan faktorler de degerlendirilmistir. Sonuc olarak itaat egzersizleri sirasinda, 42 kopegin 6’si (%14,3) normal - kendine guvenli vucut pozisyonuna sahip olarak degerlendirilmistir. Bununla birlikte, diger kopekler (% 85,7) teslimiyet davranisina ait en az bir davranis unsurunu sergilemislerdir. Yas ve teslimiyetci vucut dili, cinsiyet ve teslimiyetci vucut dili ve gercek bir sucluyla karsilasmis olma ve teslimiyetci vucut dili arasinda istatistiksel olarak anlamli bir korelasyon bulunmamistir. Bu arastirmadan elde edilen sonuclar Belcika Malinois irkina ait kopeklerin uyarilma ve stres seviyesi yuksek egitim kosullarinda notral davranis veya dikkat davranisindan ziyade teslimiyetci davranis gostermeye daha yatkin olduklarini gostermistir

Aspiration of barium‐impregnated polyethylene spheres by a dog

This case report describes an 11-year-old Belgian Malinois dog with acute onset of cough caused by aspiration of barium-impregnated polyethylene spheres (BIPS) and pneumonia following an episode of suspected gastric dilation. Although bronchoscopic retrieval of the BIPS was largely unsuccessful, the dog recovered uneventfully, with most of the BIPS being coughed out and swallowed over a 1-month period. Aspiration of BIPS should be considered a potential complication of their administration. Furthermore, endoscopic removal of aspirated BIPS is challenging and may not be indicated because of their inert nature and possible self-clearance.

Glomerulocystic Kidney Disease in a Belgian Malinois Dog: An Ultrastructural, Immunohistochemical, and Lectin-binding Study

Renal cysts in the cortex of a juvenile Belgian Malinois dog with acute renal failure were studied by means of light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry for intermediate filaments, and binding for wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), peanut agglutinin (PNA), and Maclura pomiferaagglutinin (MPA) lectins to determine the morphological and histochemical features of the epithelial cells of these cysts. The cysts were renal corpuscles with expanded urinary space. Glomerular tufts were small with poorly developed capillary loops and increased mesangial matrix. Continuity with the proximal tubule was evident in some cystic glomeruli. Two cell types lined Bowman's capsule. One was squamous with a central cilium and microvilli. The other had morphological and histochemical features of immature podocytes (parietal podocytes). These cells were round and protruded into the urinary space; they had thick cytoplasmic projections that resembled foot processes of podocytes, microvilli, and filtration slits. The parietal podocytes expressed vimentin and cytokeratins and had affinity for WGA as do normal immature podocytes. These features suggest that the parietal podocytes are derived by metaplasia of the parietal cells. The basement membrane of Bowman's capsule was irregularly thickened and showed multifocal glycosylation changes with lectin histochemistry (WGA, PNA, MPA) in areas adjacent to the parietal podocytes. Histologic and ultrastructural findings in this dog are consistent with glomerulocystic kidney disease. This is the second report of canine glomerulocystic kidney disease. Features are similar to those of the human counterpart, but it is unclear whether genetic defects cause the disease in the dog. The presence of parietal podocytes in all cysts suggests that abnormal differentiation may play an important role in the pathogenesis of this type of polycystic kidney disease.

Veterinary Care of the Belgian Malinois Military Working Dog

The Belgian Malinois dog was introduced into the Department of Defense Military Working Dog Program in 1984. All dogs are purchased in Europe and have adapted well to the rigorous training requirements of the program. Most veterinary problems seen in this breed are related to kennel confinement and include traumatic dental disease, tail lesions, a variety of dermatologic conditions, and an inability to gain weight. Epilepsy is a breed problem and has been seen in this population, as has gastric dilatation/volvulus. Both elbow and hip dysplasia exist in the Malinois breed.