Breed Predisposition Research Articles

Frequency, breed predispositions and other demographic risk factors for diagnosis of hypothyroidism in dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK

BackgroundHypothyroidism is a commonly diagnosed endocrinopathy in dogs. This study aimed to investigate the frequency and risk factors for diagnosis of hypothyroidism in UK primary-care practice. Dogs diagnosed with hypothyroidism were identified by searching electronic patient records of primary-care practices participating in VetCompass. A cohort study design estimated one-year (2016) period prevalence and incidence risk for hypothyroidism. Multivariable binary logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations between demographic risk factors and hypothyroidism.ResultsFrom 905,553 dogs, 2,105 dogs were recorded with diagnosed hypothyroidism in 2016; 359 incident and 1,746 pre-existing, giving an annual prevalence of 0.23% (95% CI 0.22–0.24) and annual incidence risk of 0.04% (95% CI 0.04–0.04). Multivariable logistic regression identified 24 predisposed and nine protected breeds. Standard Doberman pinscher (odds ratio [OR] = 17.02, 95% CI 12.8–22.64), Tibetan terrier (11.25, 95% CI 8.27–15.32) and boxer (10.44, 95% CI 8.66–12.58) breeds showed high predisposition. Pug (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.09–0.89), Yorkshire terrier (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.24–0.59), Shih-tzu (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.23–0.64) and Jack Russell terrier (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.29–0.54) were the most protected breeds. Overall, being a purebred dog, being insured, having bodyweight above the breed-sex mean, increasing age, being neutered and rising adult bodyweight also showed increased odds being a dog living with a diagnosis of hypothyroidism.ConclusionsSeveral strong breed predispositions for diagnosis of hypothyroidism were identified that can assist with disorder prioritisation in ongoing efforts to improve breed health. Other risk factors were also identified that can assist veterinary surgeons during clinical work-up of suspected cases. Identification of novel evidence for protected breeds provides useful information for research into genetic mechanisms.

Heritability of insidious uveitis in Appaloosa horses.

Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) is a blinding ocular disorder among horses, and the Appaloosa horse breed is disproportionally affected by a chronic form of this intraocular inflammatory disease known as insidious uveitis. Strong breed predisposition and previous investigations suggest that there is a genetic component to the pathology of insidious uveitis among Appaloosa horses; however, no estimates of the heritability of the disease have previously been determined. This study aimed to characterize the genetic underpinning of the disease by estimating the heritability for insidious uveitis among Appaloosas. After combining two genotyping array datasets from the Illumina Equine SNP70 BeadChip and the Axiom Equine 670 K Genotyping Array, heritability was estimated for 59 affected and 83 unaffected horses using both restricted maximum likelihood (REML) and phenotype correlation - genotype correlation solvers from the linkage disequilibrium adjusted kinship software. Based on previous research, age and sex were used as covariates, and the locus responsible for the characteristic Appaloosa coat pattern (LP), previously associated with ERU risk, was included as a fixed effect ('top predictor'). Using prevalence values from 0.05 to 0.42, the heritability estimate for insidious uveitis ranged from 0.95 (SE=0.14) to 1.74 (SE=0.25) with LP contributing 0.16-0.33 to the estimate. This study suggests that insidious uveitis is highly heritable (REML 95% CI, h2 =0.68-1.0) and additional loci outside of LP are contributing to the genetic risk for insidious uveitis for Appaloosas. Once identified, these other genetic factors may lead to new disease mitigation efforts in veterinary care and breeding practices.

The number of mitochondrial DNA mutations as a genetic feature for hair cycle arrest (alopecia X) in Pomeranian dogs.

Hair cycle arrest (HCA) is a noninflammatory alopecic disease affecting various dog breeds, particularly Pomeranian dogs. This disease is probably a hereditary disorder considering the strong breed predisposition. Despite efforts to identify the pathogenesis of this disease, an underlying specific cause is unknown. To identify candidate gene mutations for HCA in Pomeranian dogs. Four Pomeranian dogs diagnosed with HCA and four unaffected Pomeranian dogs. Whole blood was used for DNA extraction. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed, and variants were analysed using a Genome Analysis Toolkit (GATK) and SnpEff. All reads were aligned to the reference genome, Dog10K_Boxer_Tasha. Sanger sequencing was performed to define the complex mutations. A total of 113 variants of mitochondrial DNA were found to be effective gene mutations in the eight dogs. The affected dogs showed significantly increased effective mutations (average 57 variants) compared with unaffected dogs (average eight variants; p< 0.05). There was no significant difference in the number of chromosomal DNA mutations between the two groups. We suggest that an increased number of mitochondrial gene mutations are features for HCA in Pomeranian dogs.

Neuropathologic changes associated with systemic bacterial infection in 28 dogs.

Although systemic bacterial infection (SBI) is a common cause of sepsis and death in dogs, the neuropathology of canine SBI has been poorly characterized. Here we describe the neuropathologic features of SBI in a retrospective series of 28 dogs. The mean age of affected dogs was 5.5 y, and there was no sex or breed predisposition. Gross lesions in the brain were reported in 13 cases (46%) and consisted mainly of leptomeningeal hemorrhages in 10 of these cases (77%). Associated extraneural lesions included suppurative mitral valve endocarditis (12 cases; 43%) and pneumonia (10 cases; 36%). The main neurohistologic findings were neutrophilic (suppurative) and/or fibrinous meningoencephalitis with hemorrhage, vasculitis, thrombosis, and neuronal necrosis. Intralesional bacteria were observed in neutrophils or macrophages in 10 cases (77%). The putative primary site of infection was determined in 16 cases (57%) and consisted of pneumonia (6 cases; 38%), pyelonephritis (4 cases; 25%), and skin lesions (3 cases; 19%). Bacterial culture of fresh or frozen tissue samples yielded bacterial growth in 26 cases (93%), including Streptococcus canis (6 cases; 23%), Escherichia coli (4 cases; 15%), and Staphylococcus intermedius (3 cases; 12%).

EPIZOOTOLOGICAL FEATURES OF CORONAVIRUS INFECTION IN CATS

The relevance of the study of coronavirus infection in animals is conditioned upon the lack of sufficient information about the mechanisms of development of this disease, imperfect methods of diagnosis and treatment, and, most importantly, almost 100% of their mortality. The purpose of this study was to identify the age, breed, seasonal, and sexual characteristics of cats' predisposition to coronavirus infection and the development of infectious peritonitis. The paper presents the results of epizoothogolic features of the spread of coronavirus infection among animals of this species and feline infectious peritonitis during 2020-2022 based on the veterinary clinic “White Wolf” (city of Kyiv). During this period, 483 samples were examined from cats with symptoms of coronavirus infection. From these samples, using immunochromatographic analysis, a virus of the Coronaviridae family was detected in 399 animals, and infectious peritonitis was established in 63 animals. This paper highlights the results of a study of the age, breed, and sexual predisposition of cats to coronavirus infection and the development of infectious peritonitis. It was found that cats of any age are susceptible to coronavirus infection, while infectious peritonitis develops in animals aged from 2 months to 3 years. Coronavirus infection was most frequently found in mixed breed cats and British shorthair cats, infectious peritonitis – in Burmese and Bengal breeds. The study also summarised data on the seasonal manifestation of coronavirus infection and infectious peritonitis of cats. Based on the results of epizootological analysis, a nosological profile of infectious diseases was formed in animals of this species that had similar clinical symptoms of coronavirus infection and infectious peritonitis. Eight infections are presented, of which the most frequently recorded diseases were caused by viruses of the Herpesviridae, Caliciviridae, and Parvoviridae families. The results of this study provide new information about the epizootological features of the manifestation and development of coronavirus infection in cats, which allows not only improving the available diagnostic methods, but also developing new ones

Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Cats

Background: Esophageal neoplasms are rarely reported in cats. The frequency rate is less than 0.5% and those neoplasms are usually malignant. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is an idiopathic epithelial neoplasm, invasive and metastatic that can induce partial or complete obstruction of the esophageal lumen. There is no breed or sex predisposition, and it is more common in cats over 8-years-old. Esophageal SCC is more frequent in the middle third of the esophagus. The prognosis is poor, as the cats are usually diagnosed at an advanced stage. This report aims to describe clinical, endoscopic, radiographic, and pathological features of two cases of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in cats.Cases: A 11-year-old neutered male cat presenting regurgitation, weight loss, anorexia and dyspnea was referred to veterinary internal medicine care. Simple and contrast-enhanced radiographic images of the cervical and thoracic regions showed an alveolar pattern in the cranial lung lobes and signs of esophageal lumen irregularity and dilatation in the mediastinum topography. The upper digestive endoscopy showed a dilated esophageal lumen, and an irregular mass was observed in the thoracic esophagus involving the entire esophageal circumference. Biopsy fragments were collected, and the histopathological result was compatible with squamous cell carcinoma. The second case was a 10-year-old neutered male cat presenting hyporexia, regurgitation, dyspnea, tachypnea, and abnormal breath sounds. The ultrasound of the chest showed 3 amorphous hypoechogenic and heterogeneous areas in the right and left hemithorax between parietal and visceral pleura. The cytological examination was compatible with a malignant epithelial tumor. The patient died 3 months after the onset of clinical signs. At gross exam, it was observed a friable, irregular, and ulcerated mass of 5.0 x 3.0 cm in the middle third of the esophagus. Metastatic foci in the lungs and liver were also observed. The histopathological diagnosis was esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, with metastases to liver and lungs. Microscopically, in both cases, were seen aproliferation of polyhedral epithelial cells in the mucosa, arranged in nests or trabeculae with central keratinization. These cells presented oval to rounded nuclei, loose chromatin, prominent nucleolus, and abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm, with marked anisocytosis and anisokaryosis, supported by a thin fibrovascular stroma. In the second cat the neoplastic cells infiltrated the esophageal submucosa, including lymphatic vessels and muscle layer. Lung and liver metastases from theSCC had a cellular pattern similar to the primary neoplasm.Discussion: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is extremely rare in cats. The SCC begins in the squamous layer of the mucosa and can infiltrate the muscular layer or protrude into the esophageal lumen, leading to clinical signs, as seen in these 2 cats. The differential diagnoses for esophageal SCC include foreign bodies, esophageal strictures, and infiltrative or compressive non-esophageal tumors. Although uncommon, esophageal tumors should be considered when evaluatingelderly cats with regurgitation and weight loss. The diagnosis of esophageal SCC was confirmed by histopathological findings collected endoscopically or during necropsy. As noted in both cases, the prognosis of SCC is generally unfavorable, usually due to the difficulty in treatment and diagnosis in a late stage of the disease.Keywords: feline, esophagus, neoplasms, metastasis, cancer.

Breed and conformational predispositions for prolapsed nictitating membrane gland (PNMG) in dogs in the UK: A VetCompass study.

BackgroundProlapsed nictitating membrane gland (PNMG) is the most common disorder of the third eyelid in dogs. However, the epidemiology of PNMG in the wider dog population remains understudied.MethodsUsing de-identified clinical data from the VetCompass Programme, this cohort study aimed to report the prevalence, demographic and breed-related risk factors of PNMG in dogs attending UK primary care veterinary practices in 2016.ResultsThere were 1,802 PNMG cases identified from 905,543 dogs, yielding an annual prevalence of 0.20% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.19–0.21). The median age at first diagnosis was 0.63 years (IQR 0.33–1.98, range 0.11–18.00). Dogs aged under 1 year had 10.82 times the odds (95% CI 9.17–12.76) compared with dogs aged from 2 to under 4 years. Neutered animals had higher odds than entire animals within both sexes. Breeds with the highest odds of PNMG compared with crossbred dogs included Neapolitan Mastiff (odds ratio (OR) 34.26, 95%CI 15.92–73.75), English Bulldog (OR 24.08, 95% CI 20.62–28.13), Cane Corso (OR 14.66, 95% CI 8.18–26.28), Lhasa Apso (OR 12.37, 95% CI 10.26–14.92) and American Cocker Spaniel (OR 11.57, 95% CI 5.59–23.96). Purebred dogs had 1.43 times the odds (95% CI 1.26–1.63) of PNMG compared with crossbreed dogs. Breeds with brachycephalic skull conformation had 6.71 times the odds (95%CI 5.89–7.64) compared with breeds with mesocephalic skull conformation. Insured dogs had 1.89 times the odds (95% CI 1.65–2.16) compared with uninsured dogs.ConclusionsThis study reports the largest cohort of primary-care PNMG cases assembled to date. The results showing young age at diagnosis along with the breed, purebred and brachycephalic skull conformation predispositions suggest a hereditary involvement in PNMG development. These results may help to guide breeding strategies to reduce the prevalence of PNMG and improve welfare in predisposed individuals.

Arachnoentomoses of domestic carnivores and effectiveness of insacar total in dogs otodectosis

The research analyzes the epizootological features of arachnomyioses of domestic carnivores of different species on the territory of cities in the Middle Volga region. With varying degrees of extensive invasion, this group of diseases consisted of sarcoptic mange of dogs, ear mange of dogs and cats, demodecosis of dogs, notoedric mange of cats and aphanipterosis of animals. The authors studied the seasonal, age and breed dynamics of sarcoptic mange of dogs, notoedric mange of cats, demodectic mange of dogs and aphanipterosis of cats. The authors established the peaks of invasion in arachnomyioses of various species of domestic carnivores, identified the most vulnerable age groups of animals to diseases. The analysis of the breed predisposition of animals to this group of diseases and the distribution of sick animals by sex was carried out. It is established that arachnomyioses are characterized by regional epizootological features. A new drug Insakar Total C, developed by the staff of FGBNU FNC VIEV RAS (Moscow) for ear mange of dogs, was tested. The research was carried out on dogs of the shelter for homeless animals "Paw of Help" at the Ulyanovsk SAU. During the test, it was found that Insakar Total C shows 100% therapeutic effectiveness in ear mange of dogs of moderate severity. The use of the drug, according to the instructions and instructions, completely frees sick animals from ticks- ear mange. The research was carried out with the grant support of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation.

Multicenter retrospective study on the prevalence of idiopathic cystitis in domestic cats within a metropolis

The domestic cat has a predisposition to diseases of the genitourinary system. Among the diseases of the lower urinary tract in a domestic cat, the leading place belongs to cystitis. Among cats living in city apartments, compared with cats on free range, the diagnosis of idiopathic cystitis is 2.5 times more common . The lack of contact of the organism with the environment and threats has led to a decrease in the resistance of cats to stress. Prior to the publication of this article, there was no official information on the age and breed predisposition to idiopathic cystitis in domestic cats within the metropolis of Ukraine. We identified the following groups of pathologies: idiopathic cystitis, urolithiasis, bacterial cystitis and urethral plugs. 2 age groups of animals were formed - up to 6 and older than 6 years. The study involved domestic cats of 29 breeds. The study is retrospective and multicenter and it includes data obtained on the basis of outpatient journals of the network of Zoolux clinics from 09.10.2020 to 12.07.2021. A total of 384 clinical cases were used in the study, of which 44 were eliminated. Idiopathic cystitis was diagnosed in 256 animals (75.3%), of which males - 159 (62.1%) and females - 97 (37.9%). Domestic cats under 6 years of age (179 animals, 69.9%) most often suffered from idiopathic cystitis. Domestic cats of Eastern European breeds were the largest population among patients with idiopathic cystitis of cats of long- and short-haired breeds (138 animals, 53.9%). Key words: dysuria, stranguria, urocystitis, stress factors, urolithiasis, pollakiuria, lower urinary tract.

Ретроспективный анализ распространения типов врожденного стеноза легочной артерии у собак

Objective: to determine the occurrence and clinical characteristics of different types of PS (pulmonary stenosis) in dogs &#x0D; Reseach tasks: to identify the breed predisposition to PS, to study the clinical, echocardiographic and electrocardiographic characteristics of various types of PS and to analyse their dependence on the severity of the heart defect.&#x0D; Materials and methods: a retrospective analysis of Biocontrol veterinary clinic medical records throughout six years (2014–2020). Cardiological examination of dogs presented to the primary ambulatory appointment included physical examination, echocardiography using the Philips HD15 ultrasound system, radiography and electrocardiography.&#x0D; Animals: 31 dogs with isolated pulmonary artery stenosis (17 males and 14 females). Breeds: French Bulldog, English Bulldog, Yorkshire Terrier, German Spitz, American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier, Toy Terrier, Cane Corso, Whippet, Biewer Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua, Entlebucher, German Boxer, East European Shepherd, American Bully.&#x0D; Results and discussion: 43 dogs with a PS were examined from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2020. Of these, 31 dogs (72 %) with isolated PS and 12 dogs (28 %) with a combination of PS with other congenital heart defects. The most common combinations were PS with aortic stenosis (25 %) and PS with ventricular septal defect (25 %). The most common form of isolated PS was type A valve stenosis (68 %). Severe stenosis prevailed (58 %). The most common breeds were French Bulldogs (22.6 %), English Bulldogs (16.1 %) and Yorkshire Terriers (9.7 %). Males were more prevalent (55 %). 61 % of animals from the group of dogs with severe PS visited clinic because of signalment, and syncope was the most frequently reported symptom (28 %).&#x0D; The symptoms associated with congenital heart defect were not identified in the group of animals with moderate and mild degrees of PS. ECG showed that 100 % of dogs were diagnosed with sinus rhythm. Electrical right axis deviation of the heart was detected in 45 % of dogs. Direct dependency was between the severity of the stenosis and the severity of electrical right axis deviation. According to echocardiographic studies — 100 % of animals with severe and moderate stenosis and 14% with mild stenosis were diagnosed with concentric, eccentric or mixed forms of right ventricle myocardial hypertrophy, enlargement of the right atrial. Direct dependency is founded between the severity of stenosis, the type of right ventricle hypertrophy and the size of the right atrium.&#x0D; The more severe stenosis, the more mixed form of hypertrophy; increase of the right atrium was recorded in dogs with mixed right ventricular hypertrophy. Post-stenotic dilatation of the trunk and branches of the pulmonary artery was determined in all dogs with single right coronary artery type R2A.&#x0D; Conclusions: PS is most commonly found in French Bulldogs. The most common type of PS is type A valvular stenosis in the form of an isolated defect. Severe PS is prevalent. There is direct dependency is between the severity of the defect and the severity of right ventricular myocardial hypertrophy, the large size of the right atrium and electrical right axis deviation of the heart.

Reporting the epidemiology of aural haematoma in dogs and proposing a novel aetiopathogenetic pathway

To evaluate the incidence and risk factors for aural haematoma in dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK. A cohort study design. Dogs diagnosed with aural haematoma during 2016 were identified from the VetCompass database. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression modelling were used for risk factor analysis. There were 2,249/905,554 dogs diagnosed with aural haematoma during 2016. The estimated one-year incidence risk for aural haematoma was 0.25% (95% confidence interval 0.24–0.26). After accounting for confounding factors, 14 breeds showed increased odds and 20 breeds showed reduced odds of aural haematoma compared with crossbred dogs. Breeds with the highest odds included Bull Terrier (OR 7.42, 95% confidence interval 4.39–12.54), Saint Bernard (OR 7.28, 95% confidence interval 3.58–14.81) and French Bulldog (OR 6.95, 95% confidence interval 5.55–8.70). Increasing age, increasing bodyweight and breeds with V-shaped drop and semi-erect ear carriage also showed increased odds of aural haematoma. Associations between ear carriage within breeds and the risk of aural haematoma suggest that trauma along the line of cartilage folding within V-shaped and semi-erect ears may trigger aural haematoma. New knowledge of key breed predispositions will contribute to improved breed health control strategies.

Pathomorphological evaluation of hepatobiliary lesions in dogs and cats of Ankara region

The objective of this study was to investigate pathological disorders of the hepatobiliary system in dogs and cats in Ankara using pathomorphological methods, and to determine the types and frequency of the observed lesions. Furthermore, we aimed to evaluate hepatic reparation as a reaction of the liver to injury with different hepatobiliary lesions using immunohistochemical methods. Livers obtained from 56 cats and 74 dogs submitted for post-mortem investigation were examined macroscopically and microscopically. Samples with hepatic fibrosis were stained immunohistochemically with an α-SMA antibody. Lesions were found in 98% of the livers of the examined dogs and cats. The most common histopathological diagnoses were hepatitis (39.28%), hepatocellular lipidosis (16.07%), and cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis (14.28%) in cats. In dogs they were hepatitis (28.38%), passive congestion (25.68%) and proliferative lesions (21.62%). For some hepatobiliary lesions, breed, age and gender predispositions were observed. Immunohistochemically, the α-SMA antibody positively stained parenchymal, portal and septal myofibroblasts. A positive correlation was verified between immunohistochemical α-SMA scores and histochemical fibrosis scores. This is the first study in Turkey documenting both the incidence of hepatobiliary lesions among feline and canine species, and their pathomorphological features. In terms of reparation, the major role of the hepatic myofibroblasts in liver fibrosis was observed. There were variations in the intensity and location of positively stained cells according to the type of lesion. The conclusion of this research indicates the need to pay attention to certain hepatic lesions in dogs and cats, and provides a reference standard for further clinical and histopathological studies.

The ABCC4 gene is associated with pyometra in golden retriever dogs

Pyometra is one of the most common diseases in female dogs, presenting as purulent inflammation and bacterial infection of the uterus. On average 20% of intact female dogs are affected before 10 years of age, a proportion that varies greatly between breeds (3–66%). The clear breed predisposition suggests that genetic risk factors are involved in disease development. To identify genetic risk factors associated with the disease, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in golden retrievers, a breed with increased risk of developing pyometra (risk ratio: 3.3). We applied a mixed model approach comparing 98 cases, and 96 healthy controls and identified an associated locus on chromosome 22 (p = 1.2 × 10–6, passing Bonferroni corrected significance). This locus contained five significantly associated SNPs positioned within introns of the ATP-binding cassette transporter 4 (ABCC4) gene. This gene encodes a transmembrane transporter that is important for prostaglandin transport. Next generation sequencing and genotyping of cases and controls subsequently identified four missense SNPs within the ABCC4 gene. One missense SNP at chr22:45,893,198 (p.Met787Val) showed complete linkage disequilibrium with the associated GWAS SNPs suggesting a potential role in disease development. Another locus on chromosome 18 overlapping the TESMIN gene, is also potentially implicated in the development of the disease.

Digital Lesions in Dogs: A Statistical Breed Analysis of 2912 Cases.

Breed predispositions to canine digital neoplasms are well known. However, there is currently no statistical analysis identifying the least affected breeds. To this end, 2912 canine amputated digits submitted from 2014–2019 to the Laboklin GmbH & Co. KG for routine diagnostics were statistically analyzed. The study population consisted of 155 different breeds (most common: 634 Mongrels, 411 Schnauzers, 197 Labrador Retrievers, 93 Golden Retrievers). Non-neoplastic processes were present in 1246 (43%), tumor-like lesions in 138 (5%), and neoplasms in 1528 cases (52%). Benign tumors (n = 335) were characterized by 217 subungual keratoacanthomas, 36 histiocytomas, 35 plasmacytomas, 16 papillomas, 12 melanocytomas, 9 sebaceous gland tumors, 6 lipomas, and 4 bone tumors. Malignant neoplasms (n = 1193) included 758 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), 196 malignant melanomas (MM), 76 soft tissue sarcomas, 52 mast cell tumors, 37 non-specified sarcomas, 29 anaplastic neoplasms, 24 carcinomas, 20 bone tumors, and 1 histiocytic sarcoma. Predisposed breeds for SCC included the Schnauzer (log OR = 2.61), Briard (log OR = 1.78), Rottweiler (log OR = 1.54), Poodle (log OR = 1.40), and Dachshund (log OR = 1.30). Jack Russell Terriers (log OR = −2.95) were significantly less affected by SCC than Mongrels. Acral MM were significantly more frequent in Rottweilers (log OR = 1.88) and Labrador Retrievers (log OR = 1.09). In contrast, Dachshunds (log OR = −2.17), Jack Russell Terriers (log OR = −1.88), and Rhodesian Ridgebacks (log OR = −1.88) were rarely affected. This contrasted with the well-known predisposition of Dachshunds and Rhodesian Ridgebacks to oral and cutaneous melanocytic neoplasms. Further studies are needed to explain the underlying reasons for breed predisposition or “resistance” to the development of specific acral tumors and/or other sites.

CT morphology of anomalous systemic arterial supply to normal lung in dogs.

Anomalous systemic arterial supply to the normal lung (ASANL) is a rare congenital anomaly in humans, in which the systemic arteries supply the basal segments of the lower lobe. It has a normal bronchial connection, but lacks a normal pulmonary artery. This anomaly has not been previously reported in the veterinary literature. The objectives of this retrospective descriptive study were to characterize the CT findings and clinical features of ASANL , and to determine the breed predisposition in a population of referral canine cases. Thoracic CT images, in which the caudal lung lobes were fully inflated and the pulmonary artery could be traced to the periphery, were reviewed. A total of 1,950 dogs were enrolled, and the aberrant vasculature equivalent to ASANL in humans was detected in 48 dogs. Shetland Sheepdogs (7/48, odds ratio [OR]=8.0, P<0.00001), Miniature Dachshunds (19/48, OR=3.9, P<0.00001), and Labrador Retrievers (6/48, OR=4.5, P=0.0009) were over-represented. The affected lung lobes were the right caudal lobe (24/48, 50%), the left caudal lobe (21/48, 43.8%), and bilateral caudal lobes (3/48, 6.3%). The aberrant vessels originated from the left gastric artery (14/48), descending thoracic aorta (8/48), celiac artery (6/48), and splenic artery (1/48). In the remaining 19 cases, the origin of the aberrant vessels could not be determined. Although the clinical significance of ASANL in dogs remains unclear, surgeons should be aware of this finding prior to lobectomy of the caudal lung lobes to avoid intraoperative systemic arterial bleeding.

Patellar fractures in cats: Repair techniques and treatment decision-making.

While feline patellar fractures are not commonly encountered in practice, they tend to be found more often in younger cats; no breed or sex predispositions are recognised. If there is no evidence of a traumatic aetiology, the cat may be suspected of having patellar fracture and dental anomaly syndrome (PADS). Patellar fractures are easy to diagnose on lateral radiographs and there are several different fracture types. The type of fracture, the age of the cat at fracture occurrence and whether there is suspicion of a pathological aetiology are all relevant when considering treatment technique. While some cats with patellar fractures will do well with conservative management, surgical treatment is often indicated and decision-making can be challenging. Information and recommendations provided in this review are based on the literature and the author's own clinical experience. There are several publications on PADS, but there is limited evidence as to what the underlying cause of this condition is, and the best method for managing patellar fractures is still an area where more research is needed. This review aims to gather the papers, case series and case reports published over the past few decades in order to discuss how best to manage different types of patellar fractures.

Histopathological frequency of caninehepatobiliary disease in the United Kingdom.

Canine hepatobiliary disease is common; however, data determining disease frequency and breed predispositions are lacking. The primary objective was to identify the frequency of different hepatobiliary disease in a United Kingdom population of dogs and consequently determine breeds at both an increased and decreased risk of hepatobiliary disease. Anonymised histopathology reports from a commercial veterinary diagnostic laboratory, which were submitted between August 2013 and February 2018, were analysed. Data were retrospectively categorised into hepatobiliary diseases according to World Small Animal Veterinary Association Standards and the breed, age and genders recorded. Cases with incomplete data or no definitive diagnosis were excluded. Breed predisposition was calculated using odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals against a United Kingdom-based control population of micro-chipped dogs. Histopathology results from 4584 cases met inclusion criteria. The most frequent histological diagnoses were reactive hepatitis (n=770); chronic hepatitis (n=735) and reversible hepatocellular injury (n=589). A number of breeds were shown to be at an increased or decreased risk of individual liver diseases. This is the first study to document the histopathological frequency of hepatobiliary diseases in a large cohort of dogs in the United Kingdom, as well as novel possible breed and age predispositions. Despite multivariable analysis not being performed to account for confounding factors, this information hopes to inform and support future investigations for hepatic disease in particular breeds and potential predispositions.

Urolithiasis in dogs: Evaluation of trends in urolith composition and risk factors (2006‐2018)

BackgroundUrolithiasis is a common and often recurrent problem in dogs.ObjectiveTo evaluate trends in urolith composition in dogs and to assess risk factors for urolithiasis, including age, breed, sex, neuter status, urolith location, and bacterial urolith cultures.Sample PopulationA total of 10 444 uroliths and the dogs from which they were obtained.MethodsThe laboratory database at the UC Davis Gerald V. Ling Urinary Stone Analysis Laboratory was searched for all urolith submissions from dogs between January 2006 and December 2018. Mineral type, age, breed, sex, neuter status, urolith location, and urolith culture were recorded. Trends were evaluated and variables compared to evaluate risk factors.ResultsCalcium oxalate (CaOx) and struvite‐containing uroliths comprised the majority of all submissions from dogs, representing 47.0% and 43.6%, respectively. The proportion of CaOx‐containing uroliths significantly decreased from 49.5% in 2006 to 41.8% in 2018 (P = .006), with no change in the proportion of struvite‐containing urolith submissions. Cystine‐containing uroliths comprised 2.7% of all submissions between 2006 and 2018 and a significant nonlinear increase in this mineral type occurred over time (1.4% of all submissions in 2006 to 8.7% in 2018; P < .001). Of all cystine‐containing uroliths, 70.3% were from intact male dogs. Age, breed, and sex predispositions for uroliths were similar to those previously identified.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceAlthough calcium oxalate‐ and struvite‐containing uroliths continue to be the most common uroliths submitted from dogs, a decrease in the proportion of CaOx‐containing uroliths and an increase in the proportion of cystine‐containing uroliths occurred during the time period evaluated.

Dermatite necrolítica superficial canina – revisão

Canine superficial necrolytic dermatitis (SND) is a progressive debilitating skin disorder commonly associated with liver abnormalities. It is an erosive skin disease with multifocal distribution, usually in the foot pads, mucocutaneous junctions and extremities of the limbs. The pathogenesis of SND in dogs is not known, and may be related to liver disease, mycotoxicosis and use of anticonvulsant drugs. SND manifests itself insidiously, especially in adult dogs, with no breed or gender predisposition. Therapy is supportive, improving the animal’s quality of life and survival time, with most animals dying within a few months of diagnosis, regardless of the proposed treatment.

Differences in metabolic profiles between the Burmese, the Maine coon and the Birman cat-Three breeds with varying risk for diabetes mellitus.

Feline diabetes mellitus shares many features with type 2 diabetes in people, regarding clinical presentation, physiology, and pathology. A breed predisposition for type 2 diabetes has been identified, with the Burmese breed at a fivefold increased risk of developing the condition compared to other purebred cats. We aimed to characterize the serum metabolome in cats (n = 63) using nuclear magnetic resonance metabolomics, and to compare the metabolite pattern of Burmese cats with that of two cat breeds of medium or low risk of diabetes, the Maine coon (MCO) and Birman cat, respectively. Serum concentrations of adiponectin, insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 were also measured (n = 94). Burmese cats had higher insulin and lower adiponectin concentrations than MCO cats. Twenty one metabolites were discriminative between breeds using a multivariate statistical approach and 15 remained significant after adjustment for body weight and body condition score. Burmese cats had higher plasma levels of 2-hydroxybutyrate relative to MCO and Birman cats and increased concentrations of 2-oxoisocaproic acid, and tyrosine, and lower concentrations of dimethylglycine relative to MCO cats. The metabolic profile of MCO cats was characterized by high concentrations of arginine, asparagine, methionine, succinic acid and low levels of acetylcarnitine while Birman cats had the highest creatinine and the lowest taurine plasma levels, compared with MCO and Burmese. The pattern of metabolites in Burmese cats is similar to that in people with insulin resistance. In conclusion, the metabolic profile differed between healthy cats of three breeds. Detection of an abnormal metabolome might identify cats at risk of developing diabetes.