Dogs Of Different Breeds Research Articles

Activities of blood superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and serum vitamin E level in dogs with age-related cataract

Purpose: Oxidative mechanisms play a major role in the etiology and pathogenesis of cataract, especially age-related cataract (ARC). Our study aimed to investigate the serum vitamin E level and the activities of systemic antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in the blood of dogs with age-related cataract but without any general diseases. Material and methods: The population examined consisted of 40 dogs of various breeds and both sexes, aged 10-16 years, diagnosed with age-related cataract. Cataract was diagnosed by complete ocular examination. Blood was collected during clinical examination from the external jugular vein in dogs weighing less than 20 kg or from the small saphenous vein in dogs weighing over 20 kg. The control group consisted of 10 healthy dogs of different breeds and sexes, aged 8-12 years, without cataract. SOD and GPX were measured by a colorimetric reagent kit Randox SOD and Randox GPX. The level of vitamin E was determined using a Perkin-Elmer LS 30 luminescent spectrometer. This apparatus determines the vitamin E level by the fluorometric method of Hansen and Warwick . Results: The results showed a significantly lower activity of SOD as well as a lower activity of GPX and a lower level of the vitamin E in dogs with ARC compared to healthy dogs. Conclusions: The results obtained indicate a weakening of the general antioxidant defence system in the course of ARC in dogs. These results suggest that such conditions may have effect on the development of canine age-related cataract and are consistent with the free radical theory of age-related cataract development.

DIGESTIBILIDADE E PALATABILIDADE DE DIETAS COM EXTRATO DE PRÓPOLIS PARA CÃES

Resumo O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o efeito da inclusão de extrato de própolis na digestibilidade e na palatabilidade de dietas para cães. Foram realizados dois experimentos, sendo o primeiro constituído por um ensaio de digestibilidade, com a inclusão de diferentes extratos de própolis (FT0,55, FT0,59, FT2,59, FT2,11). Com base nos resultados do primeiro ensaio, foi definido o extrato FT0,59 a ser utilizado nos demais experimentos, misturado em crescentes níveis à dieta, resultando em outras concentrações de apiginina. Ambos os ensaios de digestibilidade utilizaram dez cães da raça Beagles, os quais foram alojados em gaiolas metabólicas. A palatabilidade foi avaliada pela preferência alimentar e pela primeira escolha, sendo utilizados 20 cães de quatro diferentes raças. No primeiro ensaio de digestibilidade, somente a inclusão do extrato de própolis FT2,11 diminuiu o valor do coeficiente de digestibilidade aparente (CDA) da matéria seca (MS). Já no segundo ensaio, a inclusão crescente do extrato de própolis FT0,79 melhorou linearmente os CDA da proteína bruta (PB), extrato etéreo em hidrólise ácida (EEA), extrativos não nitrogenados (ENN), MS e energia metabolizável (EM) das dietas. A inclusão de extrato de própolis favoreceu a palatabilidade da dieta. Os flavonoides podem ser adicionados na dieta de cães como nutracêuticos em concentrações menores do que 2,11mg/kg de MS da dieta, sem alterar a digestibilidade.

Radiographic and Ultrasonographic Evaluation of the Urinary System Disorders in 14 Numbers of Dog

The present investigation was carried out to describe the complementary use of radiography and ultrasonography in the diagnosis of various urinary system disorders in dog to study the radiographic and ultrasonographic appearances of the organs. The study materials were composed of 14 dogs of different breed, age and sex having urinary system disorders. The urethral calculi were diagnosed in 5 male dogs with plain radiography. Cystic calculi could be diagnosed in 3 dogs and both radiography and ultrasonography were found equally good. Cystitis in 2 dogs could be confirmed with ultrasonography. Renal cyst in two dogs and tumour in the urinary bladder could be diagnosed with ultrasonography.

Морфо-біохімічні характеристики поліморбідної патології печінки та нирок свійських котів та собак

Domestic cats and dogs develop severe polymorphic internal pathology in the form of hepatic-renal and renal-hepatic syndromes, which are difficult to differentiate only by clinical symptoms. The purpose of the study is to determine the features of the course of these syndromes in domestic cats and dogs using morphological, instrumenta, laboratory studies, and the method of determining the area of the hair cuticle. Materials and methods. 19 domestic cats and 24 dogs of different breeds and genders with liver and kidney pathology and 20 clinically healthy animals by the above mentioned methods were examined. It is established that the difference between the course of each of the syndromes between cats and dogs cannot be established by clinical symptoms, results of echosonographic studies and indicators of erythrocyte and leukocytopoiesis. Morphological studies, both in cats and dogs, confirmed the development of both syndromes of chronic hepatitis, hepatodystrophy, cholecystitis, acute glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis, nephrosis. In the case of hepatic-renal syndrome, in dogs, unlike cats, the level of bilirubin and its fractions was repeatedly increased, and in the case of renal-hepatic increased the levels of urea and creatinine. Cats had a high level of ALT and AST activity in hepatic-renal syndrome and significantly less one with renal-hepatic syndrome. The level of hyperasotemia was lower (in 1,5 – 1,9 times) than in dogs with this syndrome. The low value of the area of the hair cuticle (in the range of 6-7 nm2) indicates the presence of a pathological process in the animal. With liver monopathology the hair cuticle area of 6-7 nm2 was found in 12.5, for hepatic-renal syndrome - in 45.0, and renal-hepatic - in 21.4% of sick cats, respectively, which indicates a more severe course of hepatic-renal syndrome.

Evaluation of Low Testesterone Levels in Male Dogs with Alopecia

Hypoandrogenism is one of the reasons for alopecia in humans, however it is rarely detected in dogs and cats. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first retrospective report describing only signalment and clinical manifestations of hypoandrogenism in male dogs. A retrospective review of the medical records of 76 male dogs of different breeds and ages with hypoandrogenism from 1999 to 2017 were included to the study. The most common clinical signs were alopecia that started from the tail to the neck and hyperpigmentation. This study identified a variety of cutaneous lesions in male dogs with hypoandrogenism. As there is relatively little published information describing hypoandrogenism in animals, further studies are required to understand the importance of these endocrinopathies.

Investigation on Toxocara spp. eggs in hair coat of dogs in YSR Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh, India.

Present study was aimed to record the Toxocara spp. eggs in dog's hair and to analyze the incidence in breed and age wise along with incidencevariations in the anatomical locations of hair over the body. Dogs presented to the hospital were screened for enteric parasitic ova and hair samples were collected from the different body regions including head and neck region, ventral and lateral abdomen, perianal and hindquarters and tail region. Out of the 236 dogs, 124 (52.54%) dogs showed Toxocara spp. eggs in the faecal samples and 60 (25.42%) showed the presence of Toxocara spp. eggs on their hair. It was noticed that the dogs with long hair showed (36.73%) more incidence than the short hair breeds (17.39%). The incidence of the Toxocara spp. eggs were varied with the presence of the hair at different anatomical locations and it was 36.67% in the head and neck region, 51.67% ventral and lateral abdomen, 86.67% in perianal and hindquarters, 56.67% in the tail region. 25.35% of the dogs were under 1-year-old, 25.98% dogs were between 1 and 6years old and 23.68% dogs were more than 6years had the Toxocara spp. eggs in their hairs. In conclusion, the presences of Toxocara spp. eggs in the hair of different breeds of dogs were recorded in the present geographical locationand it is a zoonotic alert for the pet owners.

The evaluation of three treatment protocols using oral prednisone and oral meloxicam for therapy of canine idiopathic lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis: a pilot study

BackgroundIdiopathic lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis (LPR) is a common inflammatory disorder of the nasal cavity in dogs due to unknown etiology. It is characterised by non-specific clinical signs, including nasal discharge, epistaxis and breathing problems. Diagnosis is usually based on the histopathologic identification of infiltrating plasmocytes and lymphocytes in the nasal mucosa and the exclusion of other underlying diseases. Treatment strategies include glucocorticoids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics and antifungal medications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of various therapeutic protocols for managing canine lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis based on the results of clinical, endoscopic and histological examinations, and to determine the relapse rate for LPR in dogs.Twenty dogs of different breeds and both sexes, aged 1 to 14 years, were divided into four groups, each consisting of five dogs, including three experimental groups diagnosed with LPR and a control group.The dogs from the first experimental group were administered prednisone orally at 1 mg/kg/day in the first 4 weeks and 0,5 mg/kg/day in the following 2 weeks. The second group of dogs was administered meloxicam orally at 0,1 mg/kg/day in the first 3 weeks, followed by prednisone at 1 mg/kg/day in the following 2 weeks and 0,5 mg/kg/day in the last week of the treatment. The dogs from the third experimental group were administered meloxicam orally at 0,1 mg/kg/day for 6 weeks. The control group of dogs was administered empty gelatin capsules (placebo) orally for 6 weeks. Clinical signs, endoscopic and histopathologic lesions were scored before and after treatment. Groups were compared using Chi- squared statistics in a 2 × 2 table for pre- versus post-treatment scores.ResultsClinical signs persisted in the group treated with meloxicam and were mostly resolved in prednisone-treated dogs. However, endoscopic and histological changes were still observed in these two groups after treatment. The severity of all diagnostic features was reduced in the group treated with meloxicam for 3 weeks followed by prednisone for 3 weeks. The significant differences (p < 0.05) were noted between experimental and control groups. The dogs showed a statistically significant reduction in characteristics of the LPR before and after treatment, as measured by clinical signs (Group 1vs.4 p = 0.00, group 2 vs 4 p = 0.00, group 3 vs 4 p = 0,01), by endoscopy (1 vs 4 p = 0,01, 2 vs 4 p = 0,00, 3 vs 4 p = 0,03), and by histopathology (groups 1 vs 4 p = 0,00, 2 vs 4 p = 0,00, 3 vs 4 p = 0,03). The significant differences were noted between experimental groups, as measured by endoscopy (group 2vs 3 p = 0,04), and by relapse rate (groups 1 and 2 p = 0,03, groups 2 and 3 p = 0,01).ConclusionsThe three treatment protocols administered to dogs improved clinical, endoscopic and histological status. However, oral administration of meloxicam for 3 weeks, followed by prednisone for 3 weeks, appeared to be the most successful treatment. These patients remained asymptomatic for 6 months.

Rapid eye movement density during REM sleep in dogs (Canis familiaris)

Dogs (Canis familiaris) are excellent models of human behavior as during domestication they have adapted to the same environment as humans. There have been many comparative studies on dog behavior; however, several easily measurable and analyzable psychophysiological variables that are widely used in humans are still largely unexplored in dogs. One such measure is rapid eye movement density (REMD) during REM sleep. The aim of this study was to test the viability of measuring REMD in dogs and to explore the relationship between the REMD and different variables (sex, age, body size, and REM sleep duration). Fifty family dogs of different breeds and ages (from 6 months to 15 years old) participated in a 3-h non-invasive polysomnography recording, and the data for 31 of them could be analyzed. The signal of the electro-oculogram (EOG) was used to detect the rapid eye movements during REM sleep, and REMD was calculated based on these data. The duration of REM sleep had a quadratic effect on REMD. Subjects' REMD increased with age, but only in male dogs with short REM sleep duration. Furthermore, in the case of dogs with short REM sleep, the interaction of body mass and REM sleep duration had a significant effect on REMD. No such effects were found in dogs with long REM duration. These results suggest that relationships may exist between REMD and several different variables.

184 Dog-Assisted Therapy in the Emergency Department: Identifying Potential Risks of Clinically Significant Microbial Transmission

Dog- assisted therapy (DAT) has been shown to be useful in improving educational, psychological, and motivational effectiveness in regards to patient recovery. Petting dogs has been shown to have relaxing effects mediated by the release of serotonin, prolactin, and oxytocin, and has significant positive effects on cardiovascular health. Dogs are known to be a major reservoir for both viral and bacterial zoonotic infections including Rabies, Norovirus, Pasturella, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Bordatella, Coxiella, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). There have been some case reports illustrating the possibility of transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria causing infection from pets to humans. This study sought to determine the presence of common “problematic” pathogens potentially carried by a group of emergency department (ED) therapy dogs, namely MRSA, E. Coli, Clostridium difficile, and Pseudomonas. It is hypothesized that the incidence of positive cultures would be negligible. A convenience sample of 7 therapy dogs was swabbed (coat, nose, and paws) before and after walking through the ED visiting patients. One perianal swab from each dog was obtained to test for Clostridium difficile (C. diff). Samples were cultured on plates containing Blood Agar, Chocolate Agar, Colistin and Naladixic acid (CNA), and MacConkey Agar (MAC). These culture mediums were specifically selected to optimize the growth of the pathogens of concern. A rapid membrane enzyme immunoassay for the simultaneous detection of C. diff glutamate dehydrogenase antigen and toxins A and B in a single reaction well was used to assess for C. diff. This test serves as a screen for the presence of C. diff and confirms the presence of toxigenic C. diff by detecting toxins A and B in fecal specimens. The rate (presence/absence) of pathogens was quantified for each dog during each session (pre/post). Paired samples t-tests were utilized to test for statistical significance (p < 0.05). The study involved 7 dogs of different breeds, including Golden Retrievers, Miniature Poodle, and Great Dane. The dogs were led through the department by their handler, and per protocol, did not visit the critically ill and suicidal patients. Upon arrival, all tests at baseline were negative for all 7 dogs. Following the dogs’ visits through the emergency department, all tests were negative for the 7 dogs on post-measure. Microbial analysis of the collected samples revealed that all 7 dogs carried commensal skin flora, even after very close contact with the patients who involved petting, hugging, and kissing the dogs. There was no growth of the pathogens of concern, namely E. coli, MRSA, C. diff, and Pseudomonas. Although there have been rare case reports of clinically significant transmission of microbial agents from domestic pets to humans, this study helps to demonstrate that pet therapy dogs do not pose a potential clinical harm to patients in the emergency department setting.

Correlation between clinical findings, mast cell count and interleukin 31 immunostaining in the skin of dogs with atopic dermatitis

ABSTRACT: In this study the correlation between the clinical score, mast cell count and interleukin 31 (IL-31) immunostaining in the skin of dogs with atopic dermatitis was determined. A total of 31 dogs of different breeds, from one to eight years of age, were chosen for the study. The 20 females and 11 males were categorized based on the CADESI-4 system, as having discrete, moderate or marked atopic dermatitis. Skin samples were collected from the axillary and interdigital regions and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for cytohistomorphological analyses and toluidine blue to evaluate the mast cell counts, and immunohistochemistry for the IL-31 immunostaining. Animals revealing higher atopic dermatitis scores had greater numbers of mast cells and IL-31 immunolabeled cells. More numbers of cells immunolabeled for IL-31 were evident in the axillary skin compared with the interdigital skin in dogs having this condition. A correlation was identified between the clinical scores and mast cell numbers in the interdigital region, as well as between the clinical scores and number of cells immunolabeled for IL-31 in the axillary area. A correlation was also reported between the mast cell numbers and IL-31 immunolabeled cells only in the axillary skin, and none in the interdigital regions. It was thus concluded that the mast cells and IL-31 are involved in the pathogenesis of the canine atopic dermatitis (CAD), as well as lymphocytes and plasma cells. It was also observed that the higher the degree of clinical severity of the disease, the more the numbers of mast cells and IL-31 in the skin of those animals suffering from CAD, which implies the influence of these immunological constituents on the genesis of pruritus and disease progression.

Echocardiographic assessment of right ventricular systolic function in Boxers with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy

ObjectivesTo determine whether there are differences in measures of longitudinal right ventricular (RV) systolic function among Boxers with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) compared with healthy control Boxer dogs. To explore relationships between markers of RV systolic function and age, body weight, gender, arrhythmia frequency, and markers of left ventricular (LV) systolic function in Boxer dogs. AnimalsThe study included 50 client-owned Boxer dogs. MethodsThis is a retrospective echocardiographic study. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and pulsed wave tissue Doppler imaging–derived systolic myocardial velocity of the lateral tricuspid annulus (S') were measured in healthy control Boxers (n = 18), Boxers with ARVC and normal LV systolic function (n = 19), and Boxers with ARVC and reduced LV systolic function (n = 13). ResultsTricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (p=0.002) and S' (p=0.001) were significantly different between affected and control groups. Significant correlations were found between measures of left heart size and function and both TAPSE and S'. No correlations were found between RV function parameters and age, gender, or body weight in this fairly homogeneous, single-breed population. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that both TAPSE and S' had an area under the curve of 0.77 in distinguishing healthy Boxers from those with ARVC. ConclusionsTricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and S' are reduced in Boxers with ARVC. In contrast to prior studies evaluating these parameters in dogs of different breeds and body types, no correlation was found between markers of RV function and body weight in this population of Boxer dogs.

Determination of the reference interval for the activity of N-Acetyl-β-D-Glucosaminidase (NAG) in urine of healthy dogs

ABSTRACT: The diagnosis of acute kidney injury by evaluating the activity of urinary enzymes is an important tool especially for its precocity in relation to methods of assessment of renal function considered late as the installation of injury precedes the function change. This study was performed to determine the reference interval for urinary NAG activity (N-Acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase) in urine of healthy dogs of different breeds, ages and sexes. It was utilized an automated method for the determination of NAG activity standardized for dog urine samples. Through statistical analysis it was observed that NAG is positively correlated with the age of the animal and urine specific gravity but is not interfered by sex or weight. Based on the determination of urinary activity and after correcting the values for a 1,025 urine specific gravity was obtained an reference interval of X ‘= 3.62U/L±0.66U/L.

Fatty Acid Patterns Detected By Ambient Ionization Mass Spectrometry in Canine Invasive Urothelial Carcinoma From Dogs of Different Breeds.

Background:In early work ambient ionization mass spectrometry (MS) revealed lipid patterns distinguishing muscle invasive bladder cancer (invasive urothelial carcinoma, InvUC) from normal urothelium. A new ambient ionization MS approach, touch spray MS (TS-MS) can rapidly generate mass spectra in real time, potentially in a point-of-care setting. A tissue sample removed from a patient is touched by a probe, and mass spectra generated within seconds.Objective:To validate TS-MS methods using specimens from naturally-occurring InvUC in dogs where the cancer closely mimics the human condition, and to demonstrate proof-of-concept that TS-MS can elucidate lipid patterns distinguishing InvUC from normal urothelium.Methods:Samples of normal urothelium and InvUC from dogs of several breeds were analyzed by TS-MS with correlative histopathology across each sample. Results were compared to those obtained with desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI-MS), a more traditional method. Data were analyzed by Principal Component Analysis and Linear Discriminant Analysis.Results:Lipid patterns identified by TS-MS, as well as by DESI-MS, differed between InvUC and normal urothelium with m/z 281.5 (oleic acid) and m/z 563.5 (oleic acid dimer) substantially contributing to the differences. Using histologic diagnosis as the gold standard, TS-MS had a global prediction rate of 93%.Conclusions:TS-MS can be used to identify lipid patterns that differentiate canine InvUC from normal urothelium. Optimization of TS-MS could lead to a point-of-care approach to distinguish cancer from normal in ex vivo tissues in real time, and to define biochemical processes leading to cancer development and progression.

Evaluation of programmed cell death processes on the lens epithelium of older dogs with diabetic and hypermature cataracts

It is well known that posterior capsule opacification (PCO), one of the most common late postoperative complications of cataract surgery, is mainly caused by proliferation and differentiation of remaining lens epithelial cells (LECs) on the posterior lens capsule. Many authors suggest that alterations induced by the pathophysiology of cataracts, its metabolism and the use of 0.1% trypan blue (TB) must cause some degree of cellular damage on these cells, wicht would help to prevent and/or reduce the incidence of PCO after cataract surgery in humans. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of cell death markers on LECs of older dogs with diabetic and hypermature cataracts, after capsulorhexis, both using 0.1% TB. Twenty samples collected from 13 dogs of different breeds, with ages varying from 8 to 12 years-old, with diabetic and hypermature cataracts, which had been subjected to phacoemulsification surgery (Phaco) using 0.1% TB for staining were studied. Animals were classified as dogs with diabetic (DC) and hypermature cataracts (HC), and expression of molecular markers for apoptosis and autophagy (caspase-3 and beclin-1) on LECs were obtained by immunofluorescence technique. The expression of caspase-3 and beclin-1 was observed in every studied sample and did not differ between groups. In conclusion, our findings suggest that apoptosis and autophagy processes occur to LECs in older dogs presenting diabetic and hypermature cataracts after Phaco utilizing 0.1% TB. Our results may be helpful to future studies of PCO in post-phacoemulsification surgery patients.

Establishment and characterization of a canine keratinocyte organoid culture system.

Perturbations of epidermal and follicular homeostasis have been attributed to a variety of skin diseases affecting dogs. The availability of an invitro system to investigate these diseases is important to understand underlying pathomechanisms. To establish an accurate and reliable invitro 3D system of canine keratinocyte organoids to lay the basis for studying functional defects in interfollicular epidermis (IFE) and hair follicle (HF) morphogenesis, reconstitution and differentiation that lead to alopecic and epidermal diseases. Skin biopsies were obtained from freshly euthanized dogs of different breeds with no skin abnormalities. Cells derived from microdissected IFE and HFs were seeded in Matrigel and keratinocyte organoids were grown and characterized using immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR and RNA sequencing. Both organoid lines develop into a basal IFE-like cell type. Gene and protein expression analysis revealed high mRNA and protein levels of keratins 5 and 14, IFE differentiation markers and intercellular molecules. Key markers of HF stem cells were lacking. Withdrawal of growth factors resulted in upregulation of markers such as KRT16, Involucrin, KRT17 and SOX9, showing the potential of the organoids to develop towards more differentiated tissue. Our 3D invitro culture system provides the basis to explore epidermal function, to investigate the culture conditions necessary for the development of organoids with a HF signature and to address cutaneous disorders in dogs. However, for induction of HF signatures or hair growth, addition of different growth factors or co-culture with dermal papilla will be required.

Ultrasound Evaluation of Lung Fields in Healthy Dogs: Scanning Technic and Aspects of Normality.

Background: The ultrasound exam has always played a secondary role in pulmonary imaging, with its applicability restricted in emergency care to screen for pleural and/or pericardial effusion, pneumothorax and pulmonary contusion. The recognition of different reverberating artifacts arising from the normal aerated lungs (A lines) and in the presence of lungs with interstitial and/or alveolar infiltrates (B lines) led to wider application of the technique in patients with respiratory syndrome. The objective of this study was to describe the ultrasound imaging methodology and the aspects of the pleura, pleural space and lung fields in healthy dogs.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: Twenty healthy dogs of different breeds and ages, males and females were evaluated in this study; good health status was confirmed by physical examination, electro and echocardiographic assessment, thoracic radiography and systemic arterial blood pressure measurements. Dogs were scanned by a single examiner experienced in diagnostic imaging and previously trained for 6 months in thoracic ultrasound image interpretation. A MyLab 40 with a microconvex multifrequency probe (5-8 MHz) was used in this study. Evaluation was performed in an orthopneic position (standing or sternal recumbecy) under manual containment. Ultrasound examinations were based on the VetBLUE (Veterinary Bedside Lung Ultrasound Exam) protocol. Lung fields were regionally scanned at the 2nd-3rd, 4-5th, 6-7th and 8-9th intercostal spaces in the right and left hemithorax. A subxiphoid window was added to screen for free fluid in the pleural space and/or pericardial sac. Pleural sliding and A lines, that are hyperechoic parallel equidistant lines arising from the visceral pleura-lung interface could be easily seen at all intercostal spaces in all dogs in this sample, with more difficult visualization at the 2nd-3rd intercostal space. B lines were observed in seven out of twenty dogs (35%). However, this artifact was limited to one intercostal space and a maximum of two lines were detected per field. B line artifacts were more commonly seen in the right hemithorax, at the level of the 8-9th intercostal space however without significant differences. In the subxiphoid window evaluation A lines were not detected.Discussion: The observation of B lines in healthy dogs was previously described and as in our study there were no significant differences relative to B line observation relatively to the intercostal space neither between the right and the left hemithorax. B lines are generally associated with decreased pulmonary aeration in response to interstitial/alveolar infiltration, which generates reflections and comet tail artifacts. The low number of B lines observed in this study may be associated with larger veins or lymphatics vessels, focal interstitial thickening or microatelectasia. The high respiratory frequency does not interfere in the sonographic evaluation. The dyspnea presented for animals with acute respiratory syndromes can be aggravated in stress situations, such as the displacement to the radiology service and manipulation necessary to the radiographic projections. Regional scanning by some acoustic windows allows rapid assessment of the thorax, with significant contributions to decision making in emergency situations. However, ultrasonography does not eliminate the need for other imaging modalities such as radiography and computed tomography and should be seen as a screening tool for patients presenting with acute respiratory syndromes.

Anesthetic complications in diabetic dogs subjected to phacoemulsification

ABSTRACT: The aim of this paper was to compare the incidence of anesthetic complications in diabetic and nondiabetic dogs subjected to phacoemulsification. In total, 30 male and female dogs of different breeds were used. The dogs were distributed into two groups: diabetic (DG) (n=15) and control (CG) (n=15). The animals were premedicated with acepromazine (0.03mg/kg) and meperidine (4mg/kg), intramuscularly. After 20 minutes, anesthesia was induced with propofol (2 to 5mg/kg) and maintained with isoflurane. The animals were monitored and the heart rate, respiratory rate, peripheral oxyhemoglobin saturation, end tidal carbon dioxide tension, inspired and expired isoflurane fraction, and invasive arterial pressure were recorded at 10 minute intervals during the surgical procedure. Arterial hemogasometry was performed after anesthetic induction (T0) and at the end of the surgical procedure. Diabetic patients (DG 10±2 years) were older than non-diabetic group (CG 6±2 years). The expired isoflurane fraction after induction was 30% higher in the control group (CG 1.3±0.3%, DG 1.0±0.2%) (p&lt;0.01). The most common anesthetic complication was hypotension. In total, 80% of the diabetic animals (n=12) exhibited mean arterial pressure (MAP) lower than 60mmHg (54±9.6mmHg) after anesthetic induction, and 83% of the hypotensive dogs (n=10) required vasoactive drugs to treat hypotension. Regarding hemodynamic changes, diabetic patients subjected to general anesthesia were more likely to exhibit hypotension which may be due to the response of older animals to the drugs used; however, this change deserves further investigation.

Osteogênese Imperfeita em cão jovem da raça pinscher

Background: Osteogenesis imperfecta is a severe genetic disease rarely described in veterinary medicine. This multisystemic condition is caused by a defect in the production and metabolization of collagen, which implicates in bone fragility. This disease has been described in cattle, sheep, domestic felines, mouse and dogs of different breeds, including collie, golden retriever, beagle, dachshund and chow chow. Animals affected by this condition present multiple fractures without previous occurrence of trauma. Therefore, this report aimed to describe a case of osteogenesis imperfecta type III in a miniature pinscher dog.Case: A 1-year-old male miniature pinscher dog, was admitted for clinical evaluation in Fortaleza, Brazil, with a history of spontaneous fractures without known causes. This animal was maintained indoors, fed on dry feed and presented recurrent events of claudication and pain. In the physical examination, the individual walked solely with the forelimbs, avoiding the use of the hind limbs and presented pain behavior. Bulging of the skull was observed laterally, which promoted a triangular appearance of head and face. Fontanelles were soft, and the eyes presented blueish sclera and corneal opacity. Teeth were small, translucid, fragile and deformed. Radiography images revealed bulging of the calvaria and persistent fontanelles with open cranial sutures. In addition, cranial convolutions were less clear, which was compatible with hydrocephalus. Dental roots were narrow, short and presented partial pulp obliteration. The radiographic contrast of the dentin was low with a reduction of periapical radiolucency. Bone radiopacity was low in the bones of the abdomen and pelvis, in addition to femur. Metaphysis of the right tibia was enlarged and angular. Multiple fractures were identified in the pelvis with the formation of opaque bony calluses and bone marrow sclerosis. Physiological parameters and blood test results were unaltered. After the diagnosis of osteogenesis imperfecta type III, treatment was performed with meloxicam 0.1 mg/kg, SID, VO) and tramadol (2 mg/kg, TID, VO) until pain was controlled. When the patient was stable, the treatment was halted until the next event of fractures followed by pain.Discussion: Type I collagen is considered the most abundant protein in connective tissue, accounting for 95% of the various types of collagen found in bone tissue. In osteogenesis imperfecta, there is a shortage in coding of type I collagen, which prevents this protein from exerting its structural functions properly. In addition, it is subjected to intra and extracellular degradation, affecting cell migration and differentiation and, concomitantly, cell-matrix interaction. Hence, these changes are considered the main pathophysiological factors of osteogenesis imperfecta. There is a wide range of phenotypic presentations in individuals with osteogenesis imperfecta. However, there is a pattern of fractures and features that aid clinically and radiologically in the characterization of the disease and form the basis for case identification and diagnosis. In this case, the diagnosis was concluded primarily considering significant clinical signs, such as: repetitive fractures, triangular face, bulging of the skull, bluish sclera and corneal opacity. Radiographic examinations were used to confirm the diagnosis and to aid in treating the fractures. Although the genetic test provides a better understanding of the disease, it was not performed in this case, as it is routinely unavailable in many treatment centers. In conclusion, we described a case of osteogenesis imperfecta in a miniature pinscher dog.

Management of Complete Talocrural Luxations by Selective Talocrural Arthrodesis using Hybrid Transarticular External Skeletal Fixation in Dogs.

This article presents a novel surgical technique in the management of open complete talocrural luxations and evaluates the results, and clinical benefits with its routine clinical utilization. Retrospective study. Seventeen medium- or large-breed client-owned dogs of different breed, age and sex with complete talocrural luxations and radiographic follow-up of at least 24 weeks duration. Selective talocrural arthrodesis was performed by using a hybrid transarticular external skeletal fixator frame. Clinical and radiographical evaluation was performed regarding the lesion, concomitant injury, duration of the surgery, time to first use of the limb, fixator removal time, complications and clinical outcomes. Dogs started to use the injured limb between postoperative days 1 to 11. Pin or wire tract related complications were observed in all dogs. Time to fixator removal ranged from 57 to 90 days with a median of 73 days. All of the operated joints with an exception of one dog resulted in talocrural fusion. Mid-term clinical outcomes score was regarded as excellent in 13/17 dogs, good in 3/17 dogs and poor in 1/17 dogs subject to authors' evaluation. A transarticular hybrid external fixator may allow early use of postoperative limb with an excellent patient compliance and is well tolerated as well. The technique showed a promising opportunity of providing favourable limb use.

Use of a GnRH synthetic analog (buserelin) for estrous induction in female dogs

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a GnRH synthetic analog, as an estrous inducer in female dogs when administered during the anestrous phase, and to evaluate the pregnancy rate achieved through natural copulation. For this purpose, ten female dogs of different breeds were used. The subjects received buserelin by intramuscular injections at a dose of 2,1mcg when female dogs weighed up to 10kg (Group 1) and of 4,2mcg when the dogs weighed above 10kg (Group 2). Of the ten subjects, only three presented estrus after a single injection of buserelin: two dogs from Group 1 and one dog from Group 2 on average 7±1.29 days. The remaining seven dogs were given a second dose of buserelin, equal to the first administration. Of these, three belonged to Group 1 and four to Group 2. Four of these dogs exhibited clinical signs of estrus within, on average 9±7.3 days from the second injection. The seven female dogs that did enter estrus were fertilized successfully through natural copulation. The administration of buserelin was effective in inducing estrus in female dogs during the anestrous phase, with a maximum of two administrations.