Male Cocker Spaniel Research Articles

Combination of immunosuppressive drugs and allogeneic stem cell treatment in a dog with suspected nephrotic syndrome

The case study aims to describe the nephrotic syndrome (NS) in a castrated 3-year-old male Cocker Spaniel dog. The patient arrived at the hospital with a loss of appetite and weakness. Skin oedema with ascites was observed along with hypoalbuminaemia, hypoproteinaemia, hyperlipidaemia, hypercholesterolaemia, and proteinuria (urine protein to creatinine ratio = 22.4). Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed with NS, although a renal biopsy was not conducted. Prednisolone (1 mg/kg, p.o. q12 h) and mycophenolate mofetil (10 mg/kg, p.o. q12 h) were prescribed as the immunosuppressive drugs, and previously cryopreserved allogeneic adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (2 × 10<sup>7</sup> cells/kg) were injected intravenously. After several weeks of treatment, the patient recovered from NS. This is the first case report on immunosuppressive drugs and allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells being used to treat a dog with NS.

Transient respiratory arrest after quadratus lumborum block in a dog

AbstractA 13.9 kg, 4‐year‐old, male cocker spaniel dog was scheduled for cystotomy. Premedication consisted of intravenous medetomidine (5 µg/kg), induction with propofol (1 mg/kg, intravenous) and anaesthesia maintenance with isoflurane in O2 100%. A medetomidine constant‐rate infusion (1 µg/kg/h) was administered throughout. A bilateral quadratus lumborum block with 3 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine (each side) was performed, and intermittent positive‐pressure ventilation was initiated. At the end of the surgery, medetomidine constant‐rate infusion and intermittent positive‐pressure ventilation ceased. The patient remained in apnoea and developed severe hypercapnia (end‐tidal carbon dioxide: 12 kPa). Thirty minutes after isoflurane discontinuation, respiratory muscles movement started. Three days before, the dog underwent a mini‐hemilaminectomy (similar anaesthetic protocol) without complications. Epidural/spinal migration from the right quadratus lumborum block was suspected, although the definitive cause of transient respiratory arrest after bilateral quadratus lumborum block could not be ascertained. We advise caution when performing quadratus lumborum if previous neighbouring spinal surgery was performed.

Pseudohyperkalemia after total splenectomy in a dog: a case report

A 16-year-old, 7.4 kg, castrated male Cocker Spaniel presenting anorexia and weight loss was referred due to a splenic mass, and total splenectomy was performed to resolve clinical signs. Following surgery, the dog developed mild hyperkalemia (6.27 mmol/L) without any clinical symptoms. Further investigations were conducted to determine the cause of hyperkalemia. The serum-plasma potassium difference was measured (1.05 mmol/L), and pseudohyperkalemia was diagnosed. The cause of pseudohyperkalemia was considered as thrombocytosis after splenectomy. The dog did not receive any specific treatment to lower blood potassium. To our knowledge, we report the first case of post-splenectomy pseudohyperkalemia in a dog.

Multiple Myeloma with Skin and Renal Involvement and Anaplasma Phagocytophilum Co-Infection in a Dog

Abstract An 11-year-old male Cocker Spaniel was presented with acute onset of apathy, polyuria and polydipsia. Blood examination showed hypoalbuminemia and hyperglobulinemia, while electrophoresis revealed monoclonal gammopathy. Subsequent tests showed glycosuria, proteinuria, a positive serology test for Anaplasma spp. and ultrasonographical changes of the liver and spleen. Urine electrophoresis confirmed the presence of Bence-Jones protein. The dog’s condition deteriorated, and the dog had developed skin lesions on the neck and body. The owner decided to euthanize the dog and agreed to bone marrow and skin biopsy. Bone marrow cytology revealed an increased number of plasma cells and several cellular atypia. Histopathology of the skin lesions showed a round cell tumor of lymphoid or plasmacytoid origin. Subsequent immunohistology supported the diagnosis of multiple myeloma cutaneous involvement. This case report describes unusual features observed in a dog with multiple myeloma.

Two cases (a cat and a dog) illustrating computed tomographic features distinguishing an accessory lung lobe mass from a caudal mediastinal origin

AbstractA seven‐year‐old female Chinchilla cat and a 13‐year‐old male Cocker Spaniel were presented to Dick White Referrals for respiratory difficulties and cough, respectively. Based on radiographic and CT findings, including the midline location of the lesion and its mass effect on mediastinal structures, a caudodorsal mediastinal mass was considered more likely than a pulmonary origin in both cases. However, further investigations in the form of thoracic ultrasound and ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspirates in the first case and histopathology in the second, revealed the presence of an accessory lobe pulmonary carcinoma in both cases. Retrospective review of these cases allowed identification of CT features that can be used to distinguish mediastinal and accessory lung lobe masses in future cases, including absence of part or all of the accessory lobe and its lobar bronchus, presence of gas in the lesion and the shape of the lesion mimicking a lung lobe.

Bacterial infective stifle arthritis secondary to a migrating grass seed foreign body in an adult dog

AbstractAn adult neutered male cocker spaniel was presented with a 2‐ to 3‐week history of left pelvic limb lameness, stifle effusion, general malaise and pyrexia. Computed tomography imaging revealed an irregular tubular tract, extending from the stifle distally to the level of the mid tibial diaphysis, associated with the long digital extensor muscle. Ultrasonography revealed the tract had echogenic contents; however, no foreign body could be identified. Following surgical exploration, a grass seed was identified in the medial compartment of the left stifle. Culture of the grass seed and joint capsule tissue yielded growth of Pantoea agglomerans. Following the surgery and subsequent antibacterial and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory medication, the dog made a full recovery to normal activity.

Surgical management of cherry eye in a cocker spaniel dog

A two year old intact male cocker spaniel was presented with a history of pink coloured mass on the medial side of right eye from last 10 days. After clinical examination the condition was diagnosed as prolapse of third eye lid gland. The condition was corrected by using Morgan’s pocket technique. The pocketing technique does not alter the tear production and morphology of the third eyelid gland ducts.

Arthroscopic Removal of an Intra-Articular Migrating Plant Awn Associated with Septic Shoulder Joint Arthritis in a Dog

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to describe the clinical presentation, advanced imaging findings and outcomes of arthroscopic treatment of a bacterial septic shoulder arthritis caused by the penetration of a migrating plant awn in a dog. Case Report A 10-month-old, 11 kg, sexually intact male Cocker Spaniel was diagnosed with septic arthritis of the right scapulohumeral joint. Computed tomography revealed marked articular effusion and thickening of the capsule of the right shoulder joint. Ultrasound of the shoulder identified a bilinear hyperechoic structure located within the joint consistent with a plant (grass) awn. Arthroscopy was used for foreign body removal. Antibiotic treatment was prescribed according to bacteriologic sensitivity tests. Treatment was successful: the dog completely recovered and under high levels of activity showed neither clinical signs nor recurrence of lameness on follow-up at 6 and 24 weeks after surgery. Conclusion Migrating plant awn can be the cause of septic arthritis in a dog. The combination of advanced imaging techniques and arthroscopy allowed accurate diagnosis, reduced the risk of surgical complications and shortened recovery time in this patient. Considering the benefits of minimally invasive techniques, arthroscopy represents an excellent option for the treatment of dogs with similar intra-articular foreign bodies.

Carcinoid of the gallbladder in two dogs

ABSTRACT: A carcinoid is a rare neoplasm derived from neuroendocrine cells that may arise in the hepatobiliary system. This report described two cases of carcinoid of the gallbladder in dogs, with emphasis on the clinical, pathological and immunohistochemical aspects. Case 1 was a 10-year-old female Shih Tzu, with a history of prostration and occasional episodes of diarrhea and vomiting. Case 2 was a 10-year-old male Cocker Spaniel, with a history of diarrhea and abdominal pain. Abdominal ultrasonography suggested a neoplasm of the gallbladder in both cases. The dogs underwent cholecystectomy, and 10% formalin-fixed samples were sent for pathological examination. Histologically, a neoplastic proliferation of neuroendocrine cells was observed in the gallbladder submucosa of both cases. Immunohistochemical labeling for neuroendocrine antibodies, such as synaptophysin, neuron-specific enolase and chromogranin A, confirmed the diagnoses. Carcinoid of the gallbladder is a rare neoplasm in dogs, without specific clinical signs, but should be included in the differential diagnosis of lesions that affect this organ.

Canine Femoral Neck Lengthening Combined with DARthroplasty to Manage Severe Canine Juvenile Hip Dysplasia: A Case Report

Objective This study is a case description of femoral neck lengthening and dorsal acetabular rim (DAR) arthroplasty to treat severe hip luxation in a 5-month-old male Cocker Spaniel (14.3 kg) and to compare the clinical outcome with that of contralateral femoral neck excision. Study design Case report. Results Femoral head coverage improved after surgery (preoperative lateralization of the centre of the femoral head with regard to the dorsolateral acetabular rim: 10 mm; postoperative lateralization of the centre of the femoral head: –1.3 mm). The postoperative Barden's test was negative. The dog was bearing weight 2 weeks postoperatively. Radiographic signs of bone healing were present at the 6-week follow-up examination. No complications were detected. Conclusions Femoral neck lengthening and DAR augmentation were performed in a growing dog affected by severe hip luxation and DAR insufficiency.

Diferential Diagnosis between Esophageal Granuloma and Pulmonary Metastasis

Background: Spirocercosis is a parasitic infection caused by Spirocerca lupi. This pathology affects canid carnivores, especially domestic dogs. Early diagnosis has been proven challenging and most infected animals are diagnosed when disease is in advanced stage. Exams such as computed tomography scans or radiographs can aid in disease confirmation.Radiographic exam frequently reveals the presence of a mass located in mediastinal region, which can be erroneously diagnosed as pulmonary mass. The aim of this study was to report the differential diagnosis between paraesophageal granuloma, possibly due to spirocercosis, and pulmonary metastasis in a dog with a history of neurofibrosarcoma.Case: A 8 year-old male Cocker Spaniel dog, weighing 17.4 kg, was presented with anterior limb suspension and a recurrent nodule of 2.0 cm diameter, located on the main pad, with previous diagnosis of neurofibrosarcoma (malignant Schwannoma). Routine evaluation work-up included thoracic radiographs and abdominal ultrasound for clinical staging, electrocardiogram, complete blood count (CBC), coagulogram, renal and hepatic function tests, with results within the normal range for the species. The dog submitted to left anterior limb amputation due to recurrent neurofibrosarcoma in the carpal region. Histopathological exam confirmed recurrent neurofibrosarcoma without vascular invasion. Considering neoplasm biological behavior and clean surgical margins, only routine follow-up was established, with clinical exams. The dogwas presented to the Veterinary Hospital five months after surgical treatment and it was presented with fever, prostration, and history of vomiting. Radiographic exam showed a circumscribed mass in caudal mediastinal area. Computed tomography scan was performed to best evaluate the mass and the result was compatible with paraesophageal abscess. These findings were consistent with paraesophageal abscess with necrotic center caused by Spirocerca lupi; however, it was not possible to exclude the possibility of lymph node neoplasms, with necrotic center/secondary abscess. Coproparasitological test result was negative; however, considering the endemic aspect of spirocercosis, the dog was treated with Ivermectin was given orally, for 14 days, and complete remission was observed at the end of the treatment, without any significant side effects.Discussion: Spirocercosis has a worldwide dissemination, limited only by the presence of intermediate host. In endemic regions, prevalence in dogs may be 100%. Diagnosis may be challenging, especially in atypical cases and in patients with complications. Spirocercosis diagnosis may be achieved from therapeutic response in typical cases, with suggestiveradiographic and tomographic findings. Radiologic and tomographic findings in this case were similar to common spirocercosis findings. Follow up by a veterinary oncologist is of utmost importance; an unprepared veterinarian could indicate thoracotomy or even euthanasia. Even though coproparasitological exam was negative, the endemic aspect of spirocercosis in the area supported the decision for treatment and therapeutic diagnosis. Oncologic patients should be carefully evaluated,for not all pathologies they develop after a neoplasm diagnosis are related to cancer. Knowledge of disease biologic behavior is essential to make correct decisions regarding patient health status.Keywords: Spirocerca lupi, granulomas, neurofibrosarcoma.

Intrathoracic Axial Osteosarcoma

Background: Bone tumors have a challenging diagnosis and treatment. Osteosarcoma is the name given to a heterogeneous group of malignant, agressive and invasive tumors that often determine bone lysis. Almost all of the animals develop lung metastases, progressing to death. Usually affect the appendicular skeleton, but can also occurs in others areas, although these presentations are rare. Prognosis is always poor. The aim of this paper is to report a case of a dog with osteoblastic osteosarcoma of the sternum, which was diagnosed by computed tomography and histopathologic analysis after excisional biopsy.Case: A male Cocker Spaniel dog, weighing 25 kg, elderly, was examined at the Veterinary Hospital. As main complaint was reported soft swelling on the ventral cervical region causing dyspnea. The patient had previously been medicated with dexamethasone with a significant decrease in the swelling, however recurrence was observed with the cessation of the treatment. Due to the presence of heart murmur, patient underwent to chest radiography and eletrocardiography. Images showed a tumor in the sternal lymph node region, displacing the heart caudally, trachea and esophagus dorsally, causing cranial edema due to a compression of the venous return by the cranial vena cava and subsequent dyspnea. Furosemide (Lasix®) was administered during ambulatorial treatment and prescribed to home, with satisfactory results, with decreased edema and consequent improvement of respiratory symptoms. It was decided to perform computed tomography to better design of the chest structure. The structure located in cranial thoracic region measured about 10.5 cm long x 5.8 cm high x 8.4 cm wide. The patient was undergone to sternotomy to remove the mass that was closely adhered to the sternum and pericardium. The pericardectomy and sternum removal were not performed due to animal being old and present metabolic and cardiopulmonary conditions. Some samples were collected for histological examination resulting in osteoblastic osteosarcoma. After surgical treatment, the patient showed improvement of dyspnea, more active and no signs of pain at the surgical site. Due to the unfavorable result of the histopathological analysis, it was decided to star chemotherapy. The protocol chosen was carboplatin (Carboplatino®) as a single drug, every 21 days totalizing four applications as recommended by literature. Two cycles of carboplatin were done as adjuvant chemotherapy. The patient supported the treatment very well without any clinical or laboratory abnormality. Any radiographic signs of pulmonary metastasis or local recurrence was seen, however, after 18 months of survival, the patient died of non-related cause.Discussion: Osteosarcoma is the most commonly diagnosed bone tumor in dogs. Intense dyspnea and the swelling in the submandibular region was due to the compression of thoracic structures by the size of the tumor and the internal location within the chest. The cranial swelling is due to the syndrome caval that is rare in veterinary medicine and is describe in some specific conditions. Computed tomography was performed to better tumor delineation, as it is an important tool to assess the extent of the tumor and other characteristics, allowing optimal surgical planning for each case. Histophatological diagnosis of osteoblastic osteosarcoma is characterized by new bone formation that appears radiographically with increased radiopacity, as observed in all images. Gold standard treatment of neoplasms is the association of surgical excision followed by chemotherapy, which was effective in this case reported, since it provided quality of life during 18 months, three times higher than the majority of cases reported in the literature, being death due to causes unrelated to the tumor.

Mammary gland tumors in a male Cocker Spaniel

BackgroundMammary gland tumors are the most common tumors in sexually intact female dogs; however, they are rare in male dogs. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between sexual hormones and mammary gland tumors in a male dog.Case presentationA 13-year-old, intact male Cocker Spaniel presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Kangwon National University, Republic of Korea, with an acute right ruptured caudal abdominal mass. Physical examination revealed a 14 × 14 cm ruptured mass in the right caudal abdomen, as well as a 1.5 × 1.5 cm mass in the first right mammary gland. The estrogen and progesterone concentrations in serum were within normal levels. Total mastectomy was done on the right side mammary glands. Following surgery, the site was fully recovered; however, a mass that had grown to 2 × 2 cm was found in the left fifth mammary gland and a testis tumor was also found over the period of 4 months. Mastectomy was performed on the left caudal mammary gland and castration was also performed. After the final surgery, the dog fully recovered. Histopathological examination of all three masses revealed high grade mammary adenocarcinoma in the mammary gland and the testis was diagnosed as Leydig cell adenoma. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the estrogen and progesterone receptors were expressed on limited cells in mammary and testis tumors.ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that mammary tumors and testes tumors can occur in male dogs without relationship to female sexual hormone.

Intraoperative analgesic effects of intratesticular lidocaine in a dog undergoing elective orchiectomy: case report

A 1-year-old male Cocker Spaniel, weighing 10.5 kg, was referred for elective orchiectomy. An intratesticular injection of lidocaine was performed as a part of multimodal anesthetic protocol that also included: acepromazine, meloxicam, tramadol and ketamine. During the intraoperative period the cardiorespiratory parameters (heart rate, respiratory rate, and mean arterial blood pressure), the intraoperative anesthetic (ketamine) and analgesic (fentanyl) consumption, and the presence of autonomous nociceptive responses were evaluated. Increases of baseline cardiorespiratory parameters above 10% or the presence of autonomous nociceptive responses would be considered as indicative of insufficient analgesic coverage, for which 1 μg/kg IV of fentanyl would be employed. The evaluated cardiorespiratory variables were stable, and no autonomous nociceptive responses were observed. For this reason no additional ketamine boluses nor rescue analgesics were administered. It is suggested that intratesticular lidocaine, as a part of the multimodal analgesic protocol employed, contributed to improve the analgesic coverage during orchiectomy in this dog.

Collision Tumour of Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Malignant Melanoma in the Oral Cavity of a Dog

A 7-year-old, male cocker spaniel was presented with a gingival proliferative lesion in the rostral maxilla and enlargement of the regional lymph node. Morphological and immunohistochemical analysis revealed a collision tumour composed of two malignant populations, epithelial and melanocytic, with metastasis of the neoplastic melanocytes to the regional lymph node. The epithelial component consisted of trabeculae and islands of well-differentiated squamous epithelium immunoreactive to cytokeratins. The melanocytic component had a varying degree of pigmentation of polygonal and spindle-shaped cells, growing in nests or densely packed aggregates and immunolabelled with S100, melanoma-associated antigen (melan A), neuron-specific enolase and vimentin antibodies. Protein markers involved in tumorigenesis or cell proliferation (i.e. COX-2, p53, c-kit and Ki67), were overexpressed by the neoplastic cells. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first description of an oral collision tumour involving malignant melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma in the dog.

Surgical management of vesicoureteral reflux with recurrent urinary tract infection after renal transplantation in a dog

CASE DESCRIPTION A 3-year-old male Cocker Spaniel renal transplant recipient was readmitted 39 weeks after transplantation because of acute clinical signs of pollakiuria, intermittent vomiting, decreased appetite, lethargy, and mild fever. CLINICAL FINDINGS Hydronephrosis and hydroureter were observed with ultrasonography and contrast cystography, and a diagnosis of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) was made. Urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by Escherichia coli was also diagnosed on the basis of results of urine culture. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME Despite treatment of the UTI with an appropriate antimicrobial for 6 weeks, the VUR persisted and the UTI recurred 9 weeks after cessation of antimicrobial treatment. Therefore, surgical correction by means of revision extravesicular ureteroneocytostomy was performed. Both VUR and hydronephrosis resolved after surgery. No recurrences of clinical signs of urinary tract complications were observed during the subsequent 22-month follow-up period. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that ureteral reimplantation with an extravesicular technique incorporating a long submucosal tunnel may be an effective treatment for VUR when medical management fails in canine renal transplant recipients with recurrent UTIs.

An incidental prostatic leiomyoma in a dog

A 12-year-old entire male cocker spaniel presented for re-evaluation of mitral valve disease. Abdominal palpation revealed a large mass caudally. Abdominal ultrasonography identified a large, heterogeneous, mixed echogenicity mass adjacent...

CASE REPORT: LOW DOSE CYCLOSPORINE COMBINED KETOCONAZOLE CURES A DOG OF STERILE NODULAR PANNICULITIS

An eight-year-old neutered male Cocker Spaniel with multiple subcutaneous masses on the right flank was presented to National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital. The masses were excised and submitted for histopathologic evaluation and bacterial culture. A diagnosis of severe panniculitis was made and no microorganism was identified with bacterial culture. The patient did not respond well and showed significant side effects from prednisolone therapy. Later, low-dose cyclosporine was used instead and the lesions resolved. Complete remission was observed when ketoconazole was added in order to increase the blood concentration of cyclosporine in the patient. There were no adverse side effects noted during this combination therapy. The patient has remained free of the disease at the time this report was written. In conclusion, low-dose cyclosporine combined with ketoconazole therapy is safe and effective for treating sterile nodular panniculitis, when glucocorticoid does not provide an adequate clinical result.

Primary intraocular chondrosarcoma in a dog

A five-year-old male Cocker Spaniel was presented for evaluation of the right eye due to discomfort, abundant purulent discharge and progressive enlargement of the eyeball. The owner revealed that the right eye has appeared to be inflamed and smaller then the left eye for years. Ophthalmic examination revealed corneal perforation, buphthalmia and conjuctival hyperemia. Enucleating was performed due to signs of endophthalmitis and ocular discomfort. Histopathology revealed a multilobulated proliferation of chondrocytes producing hyaline cartilage with occasional pleomorphism and binucleate cells. A diagnosis of primary intraocular chondrosarcoma was done.

Presumptive pure erythroid leukemia in a dog

A 6.5-year-old, intact male Cocker Spaniel dog was referred with a history of depression and anorexia of 1-week duration. Mucosal pallor was prominent on physical examination. Complete blood cell count revealed pancytopenia and occasional blast cells. Bone marrow aspirate cytology indicated that individual particles were composed of approximately 60% hematopoietic cells and a monomorphic population of blast cells with perfectly round nuclei, consistent paranuclear clearing, and deeply basophilic cytoplasm devoid of granules dominating the marrow fields. The granulocytic lineage was severely decreased with a granulocytic-to-erythroid ratio of 0.15 and a blast cell percentage of at least 70% of all nucleated cells; the myeloblasts and monoblasts composed <5% of nonerythroid cells. Bone marrow cytology slides were submitted for immunocytochemical immunophenotyping using antibodies to myeloperoxidase, cluster of differentiation (CD)3, CD79a, CD11b, CD45, and CD34. The neoplastic cells did not express any of the antigens assessed. The combination of light microscopic cytomorphology and the immunophenotype were strongly suggestive of pure erythroid leukemia.