Clinical Signs In Dogs Research Articles

Mycobacterioses in dogs and cats from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Mycobacterioses can produce nonspecific clinical signs in dogs and cats that make diagnosis difficult. Furthermore, the full characterization of mycobacterial agents is not always possible or practical. We characterized mycobacteria detected through cytology in 12 dogs and 7 cats with generalized clinical signs from the province of Buenos Aires in Argentina. In dogs, molecular testing confirmed the presence of Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis (MAH) in 8 cases and M. fortuitum in 1 case. All dogs were Miniature Schnauzers, suggesting that this breed may be more susceptible to M. avium than other dog breeds. The cat isolates were 2 M. bovis, 1 M. fortuitum, and 1 MAH. Mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit-variable-number tandem repeat patterns suggested possible links with cattle, swine, and humans studied previously in Argentina. The results show that pets may act as susceptible hosts with the potential risk of transmitting the infection to humans and other animals.

A Prospective, Randomized, Masked, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study of Capromorelin in Dogs with Reduced Appetite.

BackgroundReduced appetite is a common clinical sign in dogs. This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of capromorelin oral solution, (ENTYCE®, Aratana Therapeutics, Leawood, KS) a new drug that is a ghrelin receptor agonist, for stimulation of appetite in dogs with reduced appetite.Hypothesis/ObjectivesCapromorelin will increase appetite, as measured by the owner's evaluation, over 4 days. An additional objective was to evaluate the safety of capromorelin at the labeled dose.AnimalsA total of 244 client‐owned dogs reported by owners to be inappetent for at least 2 days were enrolled, with 177 cases in the effectiveness analysis.MethodsIn this prospective, randomized, masked, placebo‐controlled study, dogs were treated daily with capromorelin (3 mg/kg) oral solution (n = 121) or placebo oral solution (n = 56). Owners completed an evaluation of appetite at days 0 and 3 ± 1. Success was defined as improvement in appetite at day 3. Safety was evaluated by physical examination, clinical pathology, and monitoring adverse events and owner observations.ResultsCapromorelin treatment improved appetite compared to placebo (68.6% and 44.6% treatment successes with 95% CI 59.7, 76.3 and 32.2, 57.8, respectively, P = .008). Mean body weight in capromorelin‐treated dogs increased compared to placebo‐treated dogs (1.8% with 95% CI 1.3, 2.3, and 0.1% with 95% CI 0.9, 1.1, respectively, P < .001). Adverse reactions occurring in >5% of either group were diarrhea and vomiting.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceCapromorelin oral solution is an effective treatment for stimulation of appetite in dogs and represents the first ghrelin receptor agonist shown to be effective for this indication.

Epizootiological Study of the Occurrence of Canine Babesiosisin Southwestern Slovakia

Abstract This epizootiological study was carried out to investigate the occurrence of canine babesiosis in southwestern Slovakia. The study focused on the proportion of the species of ticks serving as babesia vectors of babesiosis in the ticks collected from selected locations close to Komárno, in southwestern Slovakia. Additionally, observations were made on the health and overall clinical signs in dogs suspected of having babesiosis. In 2014 we collected ticks from vegetation by the drag cloth (flagging) method and also directly from dogs. A totally of 622 ticks were collected: 491 Dermacentor reticulatus and 131 Ix-odes ricinus. Representative samples of ticks (n = 103) were examined by the molecular method and the presence of Babesia spp. DNA was identified in 12.5 % of the Ixodes ricinus ticks collected by flagging and in 9.5 % of the Ixodes ricinus ticks collected from the dogs. Babesia canis (KU681325) with 90 bp sequence, 100 % identical with Babesia canis isolates from dogs for example from: Turkey (KF499115), Rumania (HQ662634), Croatia (FJ209025), Poland (EU622792) and Russia (AY962186), was confirmed after sequencing in one Ixodes ricinus female obtained from a dog. This was the first confirmation of the occurrence of B. canis in Ixodes ricinus ticks in Slovakia. In 2.2 % of the Dermacentor reticulatus ticks obtained from vegetation by flagging, we were able to diagnose the DNA of Babesia canis. In 4.8 % of the Dermacentor reticulatus ticks collected from dogs, the presence of Babesia spp. was confirmed. Thirty three dogs with suspicion of babesiosis were observed in an ambulance by their health and clinical signs. The loss of appetite was observed in 22 patients (66.7 %), apathy in 19 cases (57.6 %), and fever in 19 cases. Closer specification indicating babesiosis was finding engorged ticks on the dog bodies which occurred in 21 cases (63.6 %), haematuria in 8 cases (24.2 %), anaemia in 4 cases (12.1 %), and tremor in 6 cases (18.2 %). Other non-specific signs, such as diarrhoea, vomitus, slowed-down movement, ataxia and lacrimation were also observed in less than 18 % of the examined dogs. On the basis of the specific clinical signs, blood was withdrawn from 33 dogs for preparation of blood smears and in 19 of them (57.6 %) babesia in erythrocytes were confirmed microscopically.

Molecular detection of Leishmania infantum, filariae and Wolbachia spp. in dogs from southern Portugal.

BackgroundLeishmaniosis caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum and dirofilariosis caused by the nematodes Dirofilaria immitis or Dirofilaria repens are vector-borne zoonoses widely present in the Mediterranean basin. In addition, some studies reported that the endosymbiont Wolbachia spp. play a role in the biology and pathogenesis of filarial parasites. The aim of this work was to evaluate the frequency of mono- and co-infections by L. infantum, filariae and Wolbachia spp. and their association with clinical signs in dogs from the south of Portugal. Leishmanial, filarial and Wolbachia spp. DNA were evaluated by specific real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays in blood samples from 230 dogs.FindingsOne hundred and thirty-nine (60.4 %) dogs were qPCR-positive for L. infantum and 26 (11.3 %) for filariae (24 for D. immitis only, one D. immitis and for Acanthocheilonema dracunculoides and another one for Acanthocheilonema reconditum only). Wolbachia spp. DNA was amplified from 16 (64.0 %) out of the 25 D. immitis-positive dogs. Nineteen (8.3 %) dogs were co-infected with L. infantum and D. immitis, including the one (0.4 %) A. drancunculoides-positive animal. In dogs without clinical signs consistent with leishmaniosis and/or dirofilariosis, L. infantum prevalence was 69 %, whereas in those dogs with at least one clinical manifestation compatible with any of the two parasitoses prevalence was 42.7 %. Leishmania prevalence was significantly higher in apparently healthy mongrels (77.2 %) and pets (76.9 %) than in defined-breed dogs (including crosses; 58.8 %) and in dogs with an aptitude other than pet (i.e. farm, guard, hunting, shepherd or stray), respectively, whereas in those dogs with at least one clinical sign, the detection of L. infantum DNA was higher in males (53.3 %) and in those dogs not receiving insect repellents (52.8 %).ConclusionsThe molecular detection of canine vector-borne disease (CVBD) agents, some of which are zoonotic, reinforces the need to implement efficient prophylactic measures, such as insect repellents and macrocyclic lactones (including compliance to administration), in the geographical areas where these agents are distributed, with the view to prevent infection and disease among mammalian hosts including humans.

Seroepidemiological survey and spatial analysis of the occurrence of Angiostrongylus vasorum in Swiss dogs in relation to biogeographic aspects

Angiostrongylus vasorum is a metastrongyloid nematode living in the pulmonary arteries and in the right heart causing potentially fatal respiratory distress, coagulopathies and a wide range of other clinical signs in dogs. The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence and distribution of A. vasorum in Swiss dogs and to identify correlations with biogeographic aspects. A total of 6136 dog sera from all over the country submitted by veterinarians for haematological or chemical analyses were examined for the presence of circulating A. vasorum parasite antigen and specific antibodies against A. vasorum by ELISA. The combined seroprevalence for both specific antibodies and antigen was 0.96% (95% confidence intervals: 0.7–1.2%), while the overall antibody prevalence was 3.08% (CI: 2.7–3.5%) and the antigen prevalence 2.17% (CI: 1.8–2.6%). The highest prevalence for dogs identified as positive in both ELISAs was detected in Western Switzerland (around Geneva, 2.21%, CI: 0.7–5.1%), representing a new endemic area. Known endemic regions in Southern Switzerland (Ticino, 2.17%, CI: 1.0–4.0%) and in the High Rhine area (northern Switzerland, 1.11%, CI: 0.4–2.4%) were confirmed. Spatial analysis identified a cluster with a radius of approximately 30km in Sisseln, located in this latter region at the German border, for antibody positive dogs, which interestingly corresponded to the location of historical cases of canine angiostrongylosis diagnosed 12–16 years previously. In total 96.6% (57/59) of the antigen- and antibody positive samples originated from areas with a mean temperature warmer than −2°C in January. Correspondingly, most of the samples (53/59, 89.8%) positive in both ELISAs originated from areas below 700 meters above sea level (m asl), suggesting the altitude being a limiting factor for A. vasorum transmission in Switzerland. This study confirms previously known endemic areas for A. vasorum in Switzerland, and additionally identifies positive dogs in virtually all bioregions. As asymptomatic dogs may suddenly develop a critical clinical status with potentially fatal outcome, disease awareness has to be maintained for dogs from across Switzerland at altitudes below 700m asl.

Alterações bioquímicas e hetatológicas em cães naturalmente infectados por Leishmania (infantum) chagasi

The aim of this study was to detect the biochemical and hematological disorders found in dogs naturally infected with Leishmania (infantum) chagasi. Dogs were divided into three groups: control (n = 32), with negative serological and parasitological diagnosis and without clinical signs; oligosymptomatic (n = 48), with positive serological and parasitological diagnosis and one to three clinical signs; and polysymptomatic (n = 50), with positive serological and parasitological diagnosis and over three clinical signs. Animals in the oligosymptomatic and polysymptomatic groups were found to have a reduction in serum albumin and in the number of erythrocytes, lymphocytes and eosinophils when compared to the control group. The polysymptomatic group also presented an increase in serum globulin. We conclude that the greater the number of clinical signs in dogs with leishmaniasis, the larger the changes in hematological and biochemical parameters.

Chronic Prostatitis (CP) in Atlas Shepherd Dog: A Case-Control Study

This study reports the clinical, ultrasonographic and bacteriological findings from dog with chronic prostatitis (CP). A Berger de l’Atlas dog ten years old, suffering from a urinary problem was presented to the canine clinical pathology of Tiaret veterinary science Institute for consultation. The digital rectal examination (DRE) was the first diagnostic test used for CP screening. The classic ellipsoid formula was adequate for determining the prostate volume. Clinical examination of the prostate based on rectal palpation and ultrasound detected prostatic hypertrophy with no signs of pain. Urine and prostatic fluid aspirated under ultrasound guidance are clouding. The estimated increase in the prostate volume measured with abdominal ultrasound was 25.04 cm3 .The culture of urine and prostatic fluid revealed presence of Escherichia coli. No complications were observed after drainage, and clinical signs in dog.

Efficacy of the paramunity inducer PIND-ORF in the treatment of canine parvovirus infection

Canine parvovirus (CPV) infection is a common and severe disease particularly affecting young dogs. The paramunity inducer PIND-ORF is reported to stimulate the innate immune system and, if used as a supplementary medication, might lead to a more rapid improvement in clinical signs in dogs with CPV infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of PIND-ORF in dogs with CPV infection in a prospective, placebo-controlled, double-blinded trial using 38 dogs randomly assigned to two groups. Inclusion criteria were clinical signs consistent with CPV infection and a positive faecal CPV PCR. Dogs received either PIND-ORF (n = 20) or placebo (n = 18) and additional symptomatic treatment. Time to recovery and mortality rate were compared between the two groups. Clinical signs, complete blood counts (CBC), and serum protein and albumin concentrations were evaluated daily during hospitalisation and on day 14. Viral shedding and antibody titres were measured by faecal CPV PCR and serum neutralisation assay.There was no significant difference in time to recovery, clinical signs, blood parameters, duration of virus shedding, and antibody titres between the two groups. The only significant difference was an increase in lymphocyte counts and antibody titres observed in the PIND-ORF group only. Three dogs receiving placebo did not survive, but the mortality rate was not significantly different between groups (P = 0.097). No significant effect of PIND-ORF on recovery and outcome could be demonstrated.

Thoracoscopic pericardial window for management of pericardial effusion in 15 dogs

To report short-term complications and long-term outcomes of thoracoscopic pericardial window for management of pericardial effusion in dogs. Retrospective study of dogs in which thoracoscopic pericardial window was performed using a three-cannula technique. Surgery time, complications, postoperative management, area of resected pericardium, histopathology results and outcome were evaluated. Diagnoses included dogs with idiopathic pericardial effusion (n = 10), cardiac mass (n = 4) and mesothelioma (n = 1). One case required conversion to sternotomy. Median thoracoscopic surgery time was 52 · 5 (range, 45-80) minutes. Complications occurred in four (26%) cases. Median time to discharge was one (range, 1-6) day. Of dogs with idiopathic pericardial effusion, one is alive at 150 days, one was lost to follow-up at 180 days while eight were euthanased of which five were for unrelated reasons. All dogs with neoplastic causes died or were euthanased because of their illness. Median survival time for dogs with idiopathic pericardial effusion (635 days; range, 70-1165) was significantly longer than that for dogs with neoplasia (30 days; range, 1-107). Thoracoscopic pericardial window is of low morbidity with short surgery and hospitalisation times. It provides good long-term control of idiopathic pericardial effusion but short-term palliation of clinical signs in dogs with neoplastic disease.

Aplysia giganteatoxicosis in 72 dogs in Western Australia

This study aimed to: (1) confirm a temporal association between exposure to the sea hare Aplysia gigantea and the development of a neurotoxicosis in dogs and (2) further characterise the clinical signs, treatment and outcomes in dogs with this suspected toxicosis. The medical records from four veterinary practices within the Geraldton region of Western Australia were searched for dogs that had been exposed to A. gigantea and subsequently presented to a veterinarian during the period of January 2001 to March 2011. Signalment, exposure history, clinical signs, treatment and outcome were recorded. In total, 72 dogs met the inclusion criteria. Clinical signs included ptyalism, emesis, ataxia, hyperaesthesia, tremors, muscle fasciculations, seizures, nystagmus and respiratory distress; 30 dogs did not have abnormal clinical signs at presentation; 69 dogs were presented during January to April. Treatment included gastrointestinal and dermal decontamination, and supportive management of seizures, tremors and muscle fasciculations. Of the 72 dogs, 65 survived to discharge, 4 died and 3 were euthanased. Information from subsequent examinations was available for 57 dogs and no long-term complications were reported. Exposure to A. gigantea was temporally associated with the development of neuroexcitatory clinical signs in dogs. Gastrointestinal and respiratory signs also occurred in some dogs. Dogs with suspected toxicosis were presented mostly in the months of January to April. The proportion of dogs that died or were euthanased because of worsening clinical signs was approximately 10%.

Does filaggrin expression correlate with severity of clinical signs in dogs with atopic dermatitis?

Filaggrin expression is decreased in subsets of humans and dogs with atopic dermatitis (AD). Filaggrin expression is modulated by inflammation, but it is unknown whether expression is inversely correlated with clinical signs. To investigate the correlation between filaggrin expression and the severity of clinical signs in an experimental model of canine AD. Eighteen atopic research beagle dogs sensitized to house dust mite allergens. Dogs were challenged with house dust mites for 3days consecutively (days1-3) and skin biopsies collected on days1 (before allergen challenge), 3 (peak of challenge) and 10 (at resolution of lesions). Clinical signs were scored using a modified version of CADESI-03, the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index. Immunohistochemical staining was measured subjectively by three investigators who graded filaggrin staining for continuity, granularity and intensity. For objective evaluation of staining, the stratum granulosum and epidermis were traced, and the percentage of filaggrin per unit stratum granulosum and epidermal area were calculated. Correlations were investigated using Pearson's product-moment correlation (for linear correlations) and Spearman's rank correlation (for nonlinear correlations), pooling all days together and then separately on each day, using total clinical scores and either subjective or objective filaggrin scores. The only significant correlation was found between the subjective filaggrin scores and total clinical scores on day1. No inverse correlation exists between the severity of clinical signs and filaggrin expression; the clinical relevance of filaggrin in canine AD is unknown.

Small breed dogs with confirmed stroke: concurrent diseases and sonographic findings

Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) are important causes of neurological clinical signs in dogs. The objective of this work was to describe concurrent diseases and ultrasonographic features in dogs with CVA confirmed through postmortem evaluation. All medical records of transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCDUS) examinations performed in 512 dogs between 2007 and 2009 were reviewed, searching for history and clinical diagnosis, as well as sonographic and histological results. Forty-two dogs were selected, showing acute onset of clinical signs with no progressive focal cerebral dysfunction and diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease confirmed at necropsy. Concurrent diseases and conditions were: cerebral amyloid microangiopathy (33%), endocrinopathies (31%), coagulopathy (24%), Schnauzer hyperlipemia (7%) and unknown (5%). The relation between sonography and histology results indicated 100% sensitivity and 90% specificity for focal lesion detection. A diffuse decrease in echogenicity was related to inflammatory diseases and/or edema with 62% sensitivity. A diffuse increase in echogenicity has 100% sensitivity and was usually related to aging changes. This study showed the occurrence of coexisting diseases with CVA and sonographic features of these conditions in small breed dogs.

Use of Nitinol Stents for End‐Stage Tracheal Collapse in Dogs

To report bronchoscopic placement of nitinol stents (Vet Stent-Trachea®) for improvement of end-stage clinical signs in dogs with tracheal collapse. Case series. Dogs (n = 18). Medical records (January 1, 2004-October 31, 2008) were searched for dogs with a diagnosis of tracheal collapse; 18 dogs met inclusion criteria. Tracheal diameter was compared before and after stent deployment. Stent dimensions were compared after stent deployment and at radiographic follow-up. There was a significant difference in the minimum tracheal diameter when initial and post deployment tracheal diameters were compared (P = .003). Stent length was significantly shorter at follow-up when compared to post deployment measurements (P = .004). Owner assessment of outcome was available for all dogs with 11.1% mortality within 60 days. Complications were documented in 9 dogs. Use of a nitinol stent (Vet Stent-Trachea®) in dogs with end-stage tracheal collapse is associated with a fair to good outcome despite significant temporal stent fore shortening after bronchoscopic placement.

Neoplasmas envolvendo o sistema nervoso central de cães: 26 casos (2003-2011)

O objetivo deste estudo retrospectivo foi identi [1]icar cães com neoplasmas envolvendo o sistema nervoso central (SNC), atendidos entre janeiro de 2003 a junho de 2011, no HVU-UFSM, e obter informações a respeito da raça, do sexo, da idade, dos sinais neurológicos, da localização, da evolução clínica, do tipo e da origem do tumor e dos achados de exames complementares. Os 26 neoplasmas envolvendo o SNC incluídos nesse estudo ocorreram principalmente em Boxers (35%), com predomínio de idade de cinco anos ou mais (92,3%). A evolução dos sinais clínicos nos neoplasmas encefálicos variou entre sete e 115 dias e nos medulares entre sete a 420 dias. Os sinais neurológicos principais em cães com neoplasmas encefálicos e medulares foram alteração do nível de consciência (58%), caracterizada principalmente por sonolência, e hiperestesia espinhal (57%), respectivamente. As regiões tálamo-cortical e T3-L3 foram as mais acometidas (58% e 43%, respectivamente). Dos 12 neoplasmas que afetaram o encéfalo, 10 eram primários (83,3%). Dos 14 neoplasmas que afetaram a medula espinhal, apenas quatro eram primários (28,6%). Dos neoplasmas encefálicos e medulares primários, o mais comum foi o meningioma, perfazendo 40% e 75% dos casos, respectivamente.

Methylphenidate toxicosis in dogs: 128 cases (2001–2008)

To determine clinical signs and outcomes of methylphenidate hydrochloride (MPH) toxicosis in dogs; to assess effects of amount (ie, dose) and formulation (immediate or extended release) of ingested MPH on onset, duration, and severity of clinical signs; and to describe management of MPH intoxication. Retrospective case series. 128 dogs with MPH toxicosis or exposure. Data from an Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) database from November 1, 2001, to November 30, 2008, were reviewed. Records of dogs were searched for APCC classifications of confirmed (n = 71) or suspected (39) MPH toxicosis; dogs (18) that ingested MPH but did not develop clinical signs of toxicosis were also included. Signalment, dose, clinical signs, treatment, and outcome were evaluated. Clinical signs of toxicosis were reported in 107 of 128 (84%) dogs that ingested MPH; these included hyperactivity in 42 (33%), tachycardia in 27 (21%), vomiting in 19 (15%), agitation in 16 (13%), and hyperthermia in 13 (10%). Doses ranged from 0.36 mg/kg (0.164 mg/lb) to 117.0 mg/kg (53.18 mg/lb). Severity of clinical signs was not strongly associated with dose. More severe and prolonged clinical signs were associated with ingestion of extended-release formulations of MPH; 3 dogs that consumed these formulations (doses, 10.2 mg/kg [4.64 mg/lb], 15.4 mg/kg [700 mg/lb], and 31.1 mg/kg [14.14 mg/lb]) died. Favorable outcomes were reported for most (31/34 [91%]) dogs. Ingestion of even small amounts of MPH can cause severe clinical signs in dogs. Monitoring and supportive care are recommended regardless of dose.

Influence of Dietary Beta-1,3/1,6-Glucans on Clinical Signs of Canine Osteoarthritis in a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Problem statement: There are indications for a beneficial effect of beta-1,3/1,6-glucans on the clinical signs of dogs with osteoarthritis. Data from a controlled trial were necessary to prove or disprove the indications. Approach: A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with privately owned dogs was carried out to assess the efficacy of a preparation of beta-1,3/1,6-glucans in the treatment of osteoarthritis. With the use of a questionnaire, the clinical signs were evaluated by the owners. For a period of 8 weeks, the test dogs daily received a complete dry food without or with 800 ppm beta-1,3/1,6-glucans. There were 23 dogs per experimental group. Results: When compared with the baseline values, the administration of beta-1,3/1,6-glucans significantly improved activity (vitality) and significantly reduced stiffness, lameness and pain. In the placebo group there only was a significant change in the clinical signs of stiffness. When the changes over time for the two groups were compared, there were no statistically significant differences, but the test group showed greater numerical improvement as to the scores for activity, stiffness, lameness and pain. Conclusion: Beta-1,3/1,6-glucans can be considered safe and it is suggested that a dose of 800 ppm in a dry food would be beneficial for dogs with osteoarthritis.

Clinical Features and Outcome of Heterobilharzia americana Infection in Dogs

Heterobilharzia americana (HA), the causative agent of canine schistosomiasis, is a flatworm with a freshwater snail as an intermediate host. Only case reports or small case series evaluating naturally infected dogs have been published. Describe clinical signs in dogs naturally infected with HA. Twenty-two dogs naturally infected with HA from 1985 to 2009. Retrospective study. All medical records were searched for HA and schistosomiasis. Only dogs with a diagnosis based on identification of ova on histopathology or fecal saline sedimentation were included. The median age was 3.1 years (1-12). The median duration of clinical signs before diagnosis was 0.63 months (0.03-12). The most common clinical signs were lethargy (91%), weight loss (77%), hyporexia (68%), vomiting (59%), and diarrhea (55%). Eleven of the 22 dogs were hypercalcemic. Hypercalcemia did not resolve without definitive treatment with praziquantel. HA infection was an incidental diagnosis in 7/22 dogs. Diagnosis was obtained via necropsy (4), histopathology (9), and fecal examination (9). Definitive treatment included praziquantel and fenbendazole. Eighteen dogs were diagnosed antemortem and 17 were treated. Twelve dogs were alive for 6 months to 3 years after diagnosis. HA infection occurs in younger, larger breed, indoor dogs. Hypercalcemia does not resolve without praziquantel treatment. Prognosis is good and neither hypercalcemic-induced renal failure nor ascites appears to worsen prognosis. Dogs in affected areas or that have traveled to affected areas that present for weight loss, gastrointestinal or liver disease, and hypercalcemia, should be tested.

Effects of body position and clinical signs on L7-S1 intervertebral foraminal area and lumbosacral angle in dogs with lumbosacral disease as measured via computed tomography

To measure effects of dog position on L7-S1 intervertebral foraminal area and lumbosacral (LS) angle by means of computed tomography (CT) and determine whether changes in values between positions are associated with clinical signs in dogs with LS disease. 86 dogs examined via a positional CT protocol that included flexion and extension scans of L7-S1. Archived CT images and medical records were reviewed. Included dogs had good-quality flexion and extension CT scans of L7-S1 and no evidence of fractures, neoplasia, or previous LS surgery. One person who was unaware of CT findings recorded clinical status with regard to 3 signs of LS disease (right or left hind limb lameness and LS pain) at the time of CT evaluation. One person who was unaware of clinical findings measured L7-S1 foraminal areas and LS angles, with the aid of an image-analysis workstation and reformatted parasagittal planar CT images. Intraobserver variation for measurements of L7-S1 foraminal area ranged from 6.4% to 6.6%. Mean foraminal area and LS angle were significantly smaller when vertebral columns were extended versus flexed. Percentage positional change in L7-S1 foraminal area or LS angle was not significantly different among dogs with versus without each clinical sign. There was a significant correlation between percentage positional change in L7-S1 foraminal area and LS angle in dogs with versus without ipsilateral hind limb lameness and LS pain. Positional CT is a feasible technique for quantifying dynamic changes in L7-S1 intervertebral foraminal morphology in dogs with LS disease.

Sebaceous adenitis in Swedish dogs, a retrospective study of 104 cases.

BackgroundSebaceous adenitis (SA) is an uncommon, immune mediated skin disease in dogs. The aim was to retrospectively investigate SA in dogs in Sweden with respect to breed, sex and age distribution. A second aim was to retrospectively compare clinical signs in dogs with generalized SA and to estimate the survival after diagnosis in the English springer spaniel, standard poodle and the akita.MethodsIn total 34 Swedish veterinarians contributed with 104 clinically and histologically verified SA cases. Breed, gender and age at diagnosis were registered for each case. The degree of clinical signs at time for diagnosis and at follow-up and information about treatments, concurrent diseases and euthanasia were recorded for the springer spaniels, standard poodles and akitas using a standardized questionnaire.ResultsA total of 104 cases of SA were included; most cases were recorded for the springer spaniel (n = 25), standard poodle (n = 21) and the akita (n = 10). These three breeds, together with the lhasa apso and the chow-chow, were the most common when national registry data from the Swedish Board of Agriculture and Swedish Kennel Club were considered. The mean age at diagnosis was 4.8 years. The proportion of males was 61%. When the springer spaniels, standard poodles and the akitas with generalized signs were compared (n = 51), the spaniels showed significantly more severe clinical signs than the poodles at diagnosis regarding alopecia, seborrhoea, pyoderma and the overall severity of clinical signs. At follow-up, the degree of clinical signs for otitis externa and pyoderma differed significantly between the breeds. The estimated median survival time was 42 months.In dogs where data regarding survival was available at the end of the study (n = 44), SA was reported to be the reason for euthanasia in 14 dogs, whereof 7 within 24 months after diagnosis.ConclusionThe result of this study implicates that the English springer spaniel is a breed predisposed to SA and that it has more severe clinical signs than the standard poodle. A large proportion of the dogs (spaniel, poodle and akita) investigated regarding survival were reported to have been euthanized to great extent due to the disease.

Long-term palliation of tetralogy of Fallot in dogs by use of a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt

To describe a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt (mBT) procedure and assess its use in dogs with clinical signs associated with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). Descriptive report. 6 dogs with severe TOF-associated clinical signs. Each dog had TOF (confirmed echocardiographically or angiographically) and underwent an mBT shunt procedure for surgical palliation of signs. The surgery was performed through a left fourth rib resection or a left fifth intercostal thoracotomy. The left subclavian artery was dissected free from surrounding mediastinal tissue. The main pulmonary artery trunk was exposed through an incision in the overlying pericardium. A shunt comprised of a 6-mm-diameter tube of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (5 dogs) or a segment of carotid artery (1 dog) was sutured end to side between the left subclavian artery and pulmonary artery trunk. 5 of the 6 dogs survived the immediate postoperative period. The dog that died shortly after surgery was the smallest of the dogs (weight, 2.9 kg [6.38 lb]) and had received the carotid artery autograft. Three dogs survived long term and 2 dogs died of unknown causes 6 years after undergoing the mBT shunt procedure. In all dogs that survived the mBT procedure, shunt patency was confirmed and quality of life appeared improved. These findings have suggested that the mBT shunt procedure safely provides long-term palliation of TOF-associated clinical signs in dogs. In addition, it may offer an effective low-risk and lower-cost alternative to open heart repair of TOF.