Male French Bulldog Research Articles

Hydrops fetalis caused by a complex congenital heart defect with concurrent hypoplasia of pulmonary blood vessels and lungs visualized by micro-CT in a French Bulldog

BackgroundHydrops fetalis (HF) is fluid accumulation in fetus body cavities and subcutaneous tissue. The condition has been described in various farm and companion animal species, including dogs. Most of cases result from a heart defect. Exact nature of this defect is rarely clarified.Case presentationA newborn, male French bulldog puppy with severe HF underwent a full anatomopathological examination to diagnose the primary cause of HF. Based on the anatomopathological examination, fetal ultrasound, and micro-computed tomography, transposition of the great arteries with hypoplasia of the ascending aorta, aortic arch interruption, ostium secundum atrial septal defect, severe tricuspid valve dysplasia, as well as hypoplasia of pulmonary vessels and lungs were diagnosed.ConclusionsThis is the first report of HF caused by severe, complex congenital heart defects with concurrent pulmonary vessel and lung hypoplasia.

Surgical technique and complications associated with laparoscopic pleuroperitoneal diaphragmatic herniorrhaphy in a dog

AbstractAn 11‐year‐old, neutered, male French bulldog was referred for surgical repair of an incidentally diagnosed pleuroperitoneal diaphragmatic hernia. Thoracic computed tomography revealed a left centroventral diaphragmatic hernia with a large volume of left‐sided intrathoracic fat. A minimally invasive laparoscopic approach was elected. A portion of the intrathoracic fat was laparoscopically reduced. Adhesions and friability of the herniated fat prevented further reduction, and the remaining fat was transected using a vessel‐sealing device to enable herniorrhaphy via intracorporeal suturing. Immediate postoperative computed tomography performed under general anaesthesia confirmed an intact diaphragm with a large volume of persistent left‐sided intrathoracic fat. The patient was immediately returned to the operating room and a keyhole left lateral thoracotomy performed to remove the remaining herniated fat. The patient recovered from surgery and anaesthesia uneventfully. There were no short‐ or long‐term postoperative complications of herniorrhaphy.

A new surgical approach for urethrorectal fistula in dog

AbstractA urethrorectal fistula is a rare congenital or acquired condition in dogs. Its treatment has been reported through a perineal incision, but not through a rectal mucosal approach. A 10‐month‐old, entire, male French bulldog was presented with leakage of urine from the rectum and urethra during urination, which was diagnosed as urethrorectal fistula by computed tomography, and surgery was performed. In our case, a rectal mucosal approach was used instead of a perineal approach, which has been reported previously. Postoperatively, the fistula tract was completely blocked and treatment was successful. Most treatment of urethrorectal fistulas involves excision of the fistula tube or urinary diversion, but the surgical approach should be considered depending on the location of the fistula. Because the perineum contains more important nerves and muscles related to defecation than the rectal mucosa, the rectal mucosal approach minimizes damage to muscles and nerves and reduces complications.

Patent hepatic ciliated foregut remnant resulting in an umbilicobiliary sinus tract, with gallbladder agenesis, in an 8-wk-old male French Bulldog.

Hepatic ciliated foregut remnants or cysts are congenital abnormalities resulting from retention of embryonic ciliated foregut within the liver. These structures are rarely reported in the human medical literature and have not been reported in the veterinary literature previously, to our knowledge. We describe here a case of an 8-wk-old male French Bulldog with a congenital patent hepatic ciliated foregut remnant resulting in an umbilicobiliary sinus tract. The dog also had concurrent gallbladder agenesis. The patient had yellow fluid discharging from the umbilicus, mimicking a patent urachus. Surgical exploration, removal, and histology provided a conclusive diagnosis of a hepatic foregut remnant and therapeutic resolution of the clinical signs. The histologic appearance of a hepatic foregut remnant is classical, namely a duct composed of 4 layers: an inner ciliated epithelial lining, loose connective tissue, smooth muscle, and a fibrous capsule.

Caso de leishmaniose visceral canina de origem desconhecida em Curitiba (Estado do Paraná, Brasil) tratado com sucesso com miltefosina

There are no records of autochthonous cases of canine visceral leishmaniasis in the city of Curitiba, Paraná state, Brazil. In 2020, a male French bulldog (CW01), approximately 2 years old was taken by its owners to a private veterinarian clinic. The suspicion of CVL was confirmed by means of a serology test (ELISA/IFAT reagent), rapid chromatographic immunoassay (DPP®) (ELISA - Biomanguinhos®), parasitological culture and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The animal routinely frequented parks in Curitiba and was taken on several trips to the municipalities of Bombinhas and Balneário Camboriú (Santa Catarina) and to Matinhos (Paraná) where CVL had not previously been reported. Treatment was initiated orally with Milteforan™ which resulted in a significant reduction in the parasitic load. The suspicion of autochthony was investigated through entomological research. A total of 10 traps were installed, one at the animal's home, seven in adjacent city blocks and two in a forest edge. No sandflies were trapped in the dog's home and adjacent houses. The traps in the forest edge caught one Migonemyia migonei female and five Brumptomyia spp. females. This case serves as a warning of the possible introduction of CVL in the city of Curitiba.

Bone Lesions in a Young Dog and a NEEM (Azadirachta indica) Spray as the Only Preventive Measure against Leishmaniasis: A Case Report

As the spread of canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is increasing throughout the world, the need for effective agents to prevent its transmission has intensified. In this case report, an intact 1.5-year-old male French bulldog was presented for treatment of severe, sudden, and constant lameness on his right hindlimb, which had started approximately four months previously and was unresponsive to routine nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. A Neem oil-based product was sprayed three times a week on the dog’s coat for about fourteen months as the only prophylactic measure against CanL. The orthopedic examination revealed grade 3–4 lameness and marked atrophy of the thigh muscles with swollen and painful right stifle joint. The radiological investigation showed polyostotic periosteal proliferation at both hindlimbs. The diagnosis of CanL was established by examination of fine-needle aspiration of lymph nodes (left prescapular, right and left popliteal) and immunofluorescence antibody testing. A leishmanicidal therapeutic protocol was prescribed. Within ten days of starting the therapy, the dog was significantly less lame, and eight months later radiographic examination revealed complete regression of the bone lesions. Some owners resort to a naturalistic approach for CanL prevention, also using products that have not been clinically evaluated. Neem oil is thought to prevent sandfly bites in dogs. Some laboratory and field studies have identified Neem oil as a possible alternative herbal drug that is repellent to sandflies. However, the clinical, laboratory, and radiographic findings clearly show that the Neem oil spray formulation used in this case report was not an effective means of CanL prevention. There is no clinical evidence in support of Neem oil-based products for the protection of dogs against CanL transmission. As Neem oil has previously been shown to be somewhat volatile, this case report suggests that even though it is a very effective repellent against sandflies, in practice, its effect on the dogs’ coat was only short-lived.

Long-term survival in a dog with primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumor treated with toceranib phosphate.

Primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumors (PHNETs) are rare in dogs, and limited information exists about the treatment of these tumors. A 12-year-old castrated male French bulldog was presented to our clinic with gastrointestinal signs. Diagnostic tests revealed increased hepatic enzyme levels, a mass in the hepatic quadrate lobe, multiple intrahepatic nodules, and enlarged hepatic hilar lymph nodes. The liver mass was diagnosed cytologically as a malignant epithelial tumor suspected to be of neuroendocrine origin. The dog was treated with single-agent toceranib phosphate (TOC) and survived 25.1 months after the initial presentation. On necropsy, a liver mass was found and was subsequently diagnosed as a PHNET on histopathology. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of long-term survival in a dog with PHNET treated with TOC.

Chemodectoma located in the left atrium in 11 month survival dog with the use of palliative therapy

The aim of this study was to present a clinical case of chemodectoma located in the left atrium in a dog. Chemodectoma is a heart base tumor, neoplasms that occur in the proximity of major blood vessels. A presumptive diagnosis is made based on location and appearance of the tumor in echocardiography examination. In advanced diagnostics computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imagining (MRI) are used. Final diagnosis is made mainly during autopsy based on histopatological examination or less commonly in veterinary medicine on a histopathological examination of the tissue taken during a biopsy or of the entire removed tumor. In literature few methods of treatment are presented, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In an 8-year-old male French bulldog a tumor in the left atrium was detected. The tumor filled almost the entire left atrium, additionally pericardial effusion and ascites were observed. For treatment, tarantula cubensis extract (Theranecron) was used. After the introduction of Theranecron the patient felt significantly better. Theranecron may be one of the possibilities of palliative therapy in the case of diagnosing inoperable chemodectoma.

High-Grade Cutaneous Mast Cell Tumour with Widespread Intrathoracic Metastasis and Neoplastic Pericardial Effusion in a Dog

An 8-year-old neutered male French Bulldog was presented with a 2-day history of intermittent vomiting, reduced appetite and recent rapid development of multiple cutaneous masses over the head and neck regions. On presentation, the patient had a moderate volume of pericardial and bilateral pleural effusion. Echocardiography demonstrated irregular, heterogeneous thickening of the walls of the right ventricle and right atrium, consistent with infiltrative intramyocardial disease. Cytological examination of fine needle aspirates from one of the cutaneous masses confirmed a mast cell tumour. Pericardial fluid analysis revealed a haemorrhagic neoplastic effusion due to mast cell neoplasia. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examination of tissues obtained post mortem confirmed a high-grade cutaneous mast cell tumour with metastasis to the heart, pericardium, mediastinum and spleen. No metastatic disease was present in the submandibular lymph nodes or liver. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated KIT staining pattern 2. There was strong nuclear Ki67 labelling in an average of 65.0cells per grid and an average of three positive AgNORs per nucleus in neoplastic cells. Polymerase chain reaction for the activating duplication mutation in exons 8 and 11 of c-Kit were negative. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a canine cutaneous mast cell tumour associated with neoplastic pericardial effusion and widespread intrathoracic metastasis.

Antibodies to Leishmania infantum in peritoneal effusion from a dog with atypical signs of leishmaniosis: treatment and follow‐up

A three‐year‐old entire male French bulldog was brought in with the following clinical signs: apathy, vomiting and abdominal distension. Physical examination showed dehydration, tachypnoea and presence of jaundice. Abdominal radiology revealed the presence of an important loss of details in the abdominal structures compatible with peritoneal effusion, confirmed by abdominal ultrasonography. Findings detected by ultrasonography consisted of splenomegaly with alteration of the echotexture, hepatomegaly with presence of nodules and irregular areas in the liver capsule. An ultrasound‐guided sample of the peritoneal fluid was taken for laboratory analysis. Abnormal clinicopathological results included pancytopenia, hyperglobulinaemia, hypoalbuminaemia, and elevation of the hepatic parameters and total bilirubin. High antibodies to Leishmania infantum were detected by ELISA in serum and peritoneal fluid samples. However, PCR for L infantum showed a negative result from the peritoneal fluid sample. This is the first reported case of canine leishmaniosis with the specific detection of L infantum antibodies in peritoneal effusion.

DISCOSPONDYLITIS IN A 7-MONTH-OLD FRENCH BULLDOG: A CASE REPORT

A 7-month-old, intact, male French bulldog presented for paraplegia for two days, and persistent fever and diarrhea for seven days. Complete blood count and biochemical profiles were within normal limits. Radiography and computed tomography (CT) revealed destructive endplate lesions between T11 and T12. Surgery of intervertebral disc (IVD) curettage was performed because the dog was beginning to lose deep pain perception. Staphylococcus epidermis was isolated from blood culture and specimens of the IVD. After surgery, intravenous and oral antibiotics were continued for three weeks. The dog regained ambulatory status one month after surgery. Diagnosis of discospondylitis of T11 and T12 was confirmed according to CT and positive bacteria culture. To our knowledge, this case is the youngest dog confirmed with discospondylitis managed successfully, and the first case report of discospondylitis in a French bulldog. Aggressive surgical treatment is highly recommended in young dogs with rapidly progressive neurologic deficits from discospondylitis.

Cor triatriatum sinister in a dog

This report describes the transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiographic features of cor triatriatum sinister in an asymptomatic 6-year-old male French bulldog. Although cor triatriatum sinister represents a well-known and widely described cardiac malformation in humans, its description in the canine population is rare. In this clinical case, non-invasive echocardiographic techniques were helpful in visualizing and characterizing the lesion, allowing a valuable assessment of the malformation, and its hemodynamic consequences.

Highly invasive and poorly differentiated corneal squamous cell carcinoma in a dog

BackgroundPrimary corneal tumors are unusual in dogs although there has been a rise in the prevalence of canine corneal squamous cell carcinoma in the past decades due to different factors. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation, presence of chronic keratitis or history of superficial trauma are some of them. We report for the first time a highly infiltrative corneal neoplasia with both exophytic and deep stromal growth, which presented atypical histologic features of a squamous cell carcinoma.Case presentationAn adult male French bulldog was referred with an exophytic, pink to white gelatinous mass occupying approximately 70% of the central cornea on the right eye. Histological findings from the excisional biopsy were consistent with corneal carcinoma and transconjunctival enucleation was performed at the request of the owner. A final diagnosis of primary corneal squamous cell carcinoma was done based on the squamous differentiation observed in the neoplastic cells of the superficial layers. However, cells in deeper layers were less differentiated, showed pseudoacinar formations and did not expressed marker for stratified squamous epithelium (i.e., cytokeratin 5/6). The dramatic thickening of the cornea and the fact of observing neoplastic cells almost at the level of the Descemet’s membrane make this case very unusual as the squamous cell carcinoma in dogs tends to involve the superficial stroma or colonize the corneal surface as an exophytic lesion.ConclusionsBased on the histological findings, a high infiltrative and poorly differentiated corneal squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed. In terms of clinical relevance, our results suggest that corneal lesions compatible with neoplasia need an early diagnosis in order to prevent the aggressive growth of the tumor and the enucleation of the eye.

Oral faecal microbiota transplantation for the treatment of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea in a dog: a case report

BackgroundSuccessful clinical outcomes of faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection have been reported in humans and a marmoset. However, it has been unclear whether oral FMT was effective for the treatment of C. difficile-associated diarrhoea in dogs.Case presentationAn 8-month-old, intact male French bulldog was presented with a 4-month history of intermittent large bowel diarrhoea. Physical and clinical examinations did not identify any specific causes for diarrhoea. Real-time PCR analysis and immunochromatography detected C. difficile antigen and toxin A&B genes and proteins in a faecal sample. Based on these findings, diarrhoea in the dog was considered to be induced by C. difficile-associated colitis. The dog was treated with oral FMT, in which a faecal solution obtained from a healthy beagle was orally administered to the subject. Stool consistency and frequency and faecal blood and mucus became normal 2–3 days after oral FMT, and real-time PCR analysis and immunochromatography was negative for C. difficile antigen and toxin A&B genes and proteins. No adverse events were observed.ConclusionThe present case report demonstrated that oral FMT was an effective treatment for C. difficile-associated diarrhoea in a dog. The findings in this report provide a rationale to evaluate clinical efficacy of oral FMT for other gastrointestinal diseases in dogs.

Spontaneous regression of canine papillomavirus type 2-related papillomatosis on footpads in a dog

Persistent papillomatosis on footpads related to canine papillomavirus type 2 (CPV-2) infection has been described in dogs with immunocompromised condition. A 9-year-old, male French bulldog was presented with cauliflower-like nodules on the footpads of his left front leg. Histopathological examination revealed multiple finger-like projections of squamous epithelium with intranuclear inclusion bodies. Immunohistochemistry using an anti-bovine papillomavirus antibody demonstrated immunostaining in the keratinocytes. Partial genome DNA of CPV-2 was amplified from the lesion. Full genome sequence of CPV-2 in the subject showed 99.95% nucleotide identity with that of CPV-2 from the reference data. Two weeks after a biopsy, the skin lesion spontaneously regressed without any specific treatment. In non-immunocompromised dogs, CPV-2-related footpad papillomatosis could spontaneously resolve after a biopsy.

Tumour-to-Tumour Metastasis Phenomenon: Metastatic Prostatic Adenocarcinoma within an Anaplastic Oligodendroglioma in the Brain of a Dog

A 10-year-old entire male French bulldog was presented following clusters of generalized tonic-clonic epileptic seizures. Neurolocalization was consistent with a lesion in the left forebrain. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed a large, ill-defined, intra-axial, space-occupying lesion at the level of the left temporal and parietal lobes, causing marked compression of the adjacent parenchyma. Computed tomography of the thorax and abdomen was consistent with disseminated metastatic disease. The dog was humanely destroyed and subjected to necropsy examination. Histological examination of the brain revealed a metastasis of prostatic carcinoma within an anaplastic oligodendroglioma in the left forebrain. To the author's knowledge, this is the first report describing clinical, imaging and histopathological features of an intracranial tumour-to-tumour metastasis in the brain of a dog.

Canine Perineal Hypospadias

Background: Hypospadias is a congenital malformation, rarely reported in dogs, caused by a failure of the urogenital folds to fuse during fetal development resulting in incomplete formation of the penile urethra. The inadequate production of fetal androgens is believed to be the etiology of this condition. It is characterized by urethra and corpus spongiosum defciency, often accompanied by penile underdevelopment, and cryptorchidism. Classifcation is based on anatomical location of the urethral meatus opening as glandular, penile, perineal, anal, and scrotal. The aim of this paper is to report a case of perineal hypospadias in a male, six-month old French bulldog, describing the therapeutic approach. Case: A six month old male French bulldog, weighing 14.3 kg, was presented for a veterinarian appointment at the Department of Veterinary Medicine (Federal University of Sergipe, Brazil) due to a prolapsed nictitans gland and abnormalities of its genitalia. The medical records included recurrent urinary infection, presence of ectoparasites (thick) and ehrlichiosis, previously treated with doxycycline for 28 days (5 mg/kg/BID). During physical examination, the patient was bright and alert showing a good overall body condition. Temperature, pulse, respiration, thoracic auscultation and lymph nodes were within normal limits. Abdominal palpation was unremarkable. Inspection of the external genitalia was conclusive for bifd scrotum containing both testicles, incomplete fusion of the distal penile urethra, a vestigial penis, and an incomplete preputial cover. The urethral meatus was located ventral to the anus, in the perineal region between the testicles. It was also observed the presence of fecal material in the region where the urethra was opened, predisposing the animal to bacterial infections. However, no macroscopic sign of bacterial infection was noticed at the time of the appointment. Complementary exams such as complete blood count (CBC), urinalysis, two projections of contrast radiography, and abdominal ultrasound were requested. Orchiectomy and penile amputation were undertaken. Postoperative Enrofloxacin and Ketoprofen were prescribed. The dog returned for reevaluation and showed excellent recovery. Discussion: French bulldog seems to be more affected than other breeds by several congenital diseases, including hypospadias. The reported hypospadias was classifed as perineal, that is considered the most common type of hypospadias among dogs. Urinary infection was related by the tutor and that most likely occurred due to the urethral meatus opening location, which facilitates contamination by fecal coliforms. The CBC showed an absolute lymphopenia probably caused by the infection previously diagnosed. Urinalysis showed no alterations. The contrast radiography showed that there was not penile urethra, which one was ending ventral to the anus. The detailed examination was important to establish a defnitive diagnosis, to choose the best surgical technique and the most effective therapy. Both testicles and penis were nonfunctional, leading to the choice of orchiectomy and penile amputation, avoiding dryness and/or injuries due to penile and preputial mucosa exposure. Urethrostomy was not performed given the location of the urethra and the fact that he did not expressed signs of dysuria, not justifying the use of this technique. Although it is rare, hypospadias is a pathological condition that must be properly diagnosed and treated because it interferes not only in the animal esthetics, but also in its health and quality of life, as it predisposes the occurrence of infections and other possible complications. Keywords: malformation, penis, prepuce, canine

Transvenous Balloon Valvuloplasty through Femoral Vein in a French Bulldog with Pulmonic Stenosis

A 9-month-old castrated male French Bulldog (13 kg of body weight) was presented with the primary complaint of loud heart murmur and exercise intolerance. Diagnostic imaging studies found severe pulmonic stenosis (peak velocity > 5 m/s) with right ventricular hypertrophy. Because of higher pressure gradient between right ventricle and right ventricular outflow tract (> 100 mmHg), the dog was underwent balloon valvuloplasty through femoral vein. After procedure, the peak pulmonic velocity was reduced to 2.1 m/s (PG = 18 mmHg). Further follow-up study found no further deterioration, for 6 months to date. This is the first case report of pulmonic stenosis treated by transvenous balloon valvuloplasty through femoral vein in Korea.

The first clinical and laboratory evidence of co-infection by Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia canis in a Brazilian dog

Information on Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Brazil is very restricted. The aim of this study was to report clinical, parasitological, hematological and molecular evidence of a natural A. phagocytophilum infection of an urban Brazilian dog. The dog was an eight-month-old male French bulldog. Veterinary clinical examinations were performed three times: in April, June and December 2013. Biochemical and hematological analyses were performed during all examinations, and blood samples were collected for parasitological surveys in June and December. Morulae were present within neutrophils in blood smears from June. Both samples were PCR positive for A. phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia spp. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the phylogenetic topology placed samples from this study in close proximity to other A. phagocytophilum isolates. Ehrlichia isolates from this dog were 100% identical to E. canis isolates, thus E. canis and A. phagocytophilum co-infection was diagnosed in this dog. Lethargy and skin lesions were the clinical signs observed in this dog. Abnormal hematological parameters, among those, severe thrombocytopenia, were observed in all three occasions. This finding highlights the growing importance of A. phagocytophilum in South America.

Brainstem auditory evoked potential findings in a French bulldog with bilaterally congenital sensorineural deafness

Abstract : A 3-month-old, intact male French bulldog was suspected of deafness. The dog was irresponsive toenvironmental noises generated out of sight, but normal responses were noted for visual stimuli. No abnormalitieswere observed on the neurological, otoscopic, radiographic, and blood examinations. To diagnose the apparent deafness,brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) was recorded in the presented dog together with a normal dog. Whilethe BAEP from the control dog showed a normal wave consisting of 5 peaks, absence of all peaks was noted inthe suspected deaf dog. Therefore the dog was definitively diagnosed as bilaterally congenital sensorineural deafness.Keywords : brainstem auditory evoked potential, congenital sensorineural deafness, French bulldog In recent decades, the occurrence of congenital deafnesshas been increased in dogs relative to the increased aware-ness among breeders, owners and clinicians [13]. Generally,auditory function is necessary for avoiding traffic accidentand other danger incidence. Because deaf dogs are easily sur-prised and have an increased tendency to bite, they are hardlysuitable for use as working. Therefore the puppy with bilat-eral deafness needs to be trained by a responsible owner, butthis kind of training is difficult and unfamiliar. By these rea-sons, bilaterally deaf puppies are easily euthanized [7].If the proper diagnosis of hearing impairment could bedone in dogs, especially working breeds, it will decrease costand efforts for being needed in training. Bilateral deafnesscould be evaluated by monitoring behavioral responses forsound stimuli presented outside of the visual field or with theanimal blindfolded, taking care to avoid visual or vibratorycues [11]. However, behavioral testing is often unreliable andsubjective [1]. Therefore several objective methods, includ-ing electroaudiomerty-encephalographic, audiometry, respira-tory audiometry, tympanometry, auditory evoked responses,and acoustic reflexes, have been used for diagnosing audio-logical or otological disorders in veterinary medicine [10].Among those methods, the brainstem auditory evoked poten-tial (BAEP) has been proven to be the most objective andnon-invasive assessment of auditory function [14, 15]. There-fore the BAEP is frequently used as a screening test for deaf-ness. Previously congenital deafness had been recognized inFrench bulldog, but the BAEP finding has not been reportedin this breed [11, 13]. Therefore this report firstly describesthe clinical and diagnostic features of bilaterally congenitalsensorineural deafness (CSD) in a French bulldog using theBAEP.A 3-month-old, intact male French bulldog was presentedwith suspected deafness. This dog was the youngest onefrom 4 literamates, and the other 3 littermates had no hear-ing disabilities or other diseases. The owner had not observedany response of the dog for sound stimuli since 1 month agoadoption. There was no history of exposure to any causes ofdeafness; illness, head trauma or ototoxic drugs. Physicalexamination revealed mild erythema on the bilateral earpinna and epidermal collarettes on the abdomen. Its coatcolor was predominantly white and black, especially whiteareas presented on the ventral thorax, abdomen, feet, foreleg,and head. On behavior testing, the dog was irresponsive toenvironmental noises generated out of sight, but normalresponses were noted for visual stimuli. Any startle responseswere not elicited to sudden loud noises. Bilaterally, intacttympanic membranes and the grossly normal external earcanals were observed on the otoscopic examination. Thetympanic bulla was examined by radiography with differentviews of the open mouth dorsolateral, lateral-oblique, androstrocaudal projections. Those radiographic studies revealednormal bone density and no fluid density or diminution offoraminal detail within the tympanic bulla. In addition,