Middle-aged Dogs Research Articles

Development of an Early Warning System for Owners Using a Validated Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL) Instrument for Companion Animals and Its Use in a Large Cohort of Dogs.

Preventive measures in human healthcare are recognized as a means of providing early detection of disease, however, the veterinary profession has not been as effective in communicating the benefits of preventive measures to pet owners. Readily available pet healthcare information on the internet, owners not understanding that regular health evaluations can ensure the well-being of their pets and owners confusing the signs of chronic disease with normal aging have contributed to declining numbers of veterinary visits. The use of web-based generic health–related quality of life (HRQL) measures to evaluate health status (wellness) remotely could facilitate veterinary preventive medicine. This publication describes the development and practical application of an integrated alert system for an online generic HRQL measurement instrument (VetMetrica™) which generates scores in four domains of HRQL—Energetic/Enthusiastic (E/E), Happy/Content (H/C), Active/Comfortable (A/C), and Calm/Relaxed (C/R)—for 2 age groups (young/middle-aged, ≤7 years and old, ≥8 years). The alert provides an early warning, via email to owners, that a potentially significant deterioration in health status has occurred. The model accurately predicted the health status of 93 and 83% of sick young/middle aged and old dogs respectively, with healthy dogs predicted with 83% accuracy. HRQL data, collected via a white-labeled veterinary clinic branded app designed to facilitate connected care between owner and veterinarian, were analyzed for 6,108 dogs, aged between 6 weeks and 16 years. Of these 5,002 were deemed to be in perfect health by their owners, yet the alert was triggered for 1,343 (27%) of these, 75% of which were young/middle-aged and 25% were old, indicating that acute injuries notwithstanding, many middle aged dogs may have been suffering from undetected chronic disease such as osteoarthritis. This work has demonstrated that the use of VetMetrica™ delivered via the PetDialog™ app, which supports 24/7 remote health monitoring is an efficient way for vets to provide all their owners with the opportunity to monitor their animal's wellness throughout their lifetime, providing the vet with a mechanism to identify health problems early while stimulating owners to be more proactive in seeking veterinary attention.

Factores predisponentes y su influencia en el bienestar de los perros obesos

The obesity can be treated as a pathological condition characterized by an accumulation of fat greater than that necessary for the optimization of body functions, sufficient to deteriorate them and impair good health and animal welfare. An obese dog has an accumulation of fat responsible for increasing weight by at least 15 to 20%, in relation to its ideal weight. Obesity is caused by an excessive consumption of calories that exceed energy needs, although factors such as genetics and some secondary pathological conditions may be involved in the etiology. When a dog is excessively obese, circulatory, joint and locomotor problems increase, in addition to skin diseases and tumors. Currently, obesity affects about 30% of dogs and is, therefore, recognized as a serious disease, with multiple consequences on the health of the animal and not just an aesthetic problem. Some practices must be considered, such as eliminating bad habits (excessive daily meals and insufficient physical activity), assessing energy needs, weighing and examining your dog in order to achieve a healthy body weight. The objective of this study was to discuss the effects of obesity in dogs. 23 tutors aged between 18 and 60 years participated in the research, varying the level of education and monthly family income. These were tutors of 25 dogs, neutered and whole. Middle-aged dogs had higher body density, precisely because the tutor provided food (rations, food in general) and snacks at will, and because these animals did not practice regular exercises. The tutors found it difficult to perceive their dog's body condition. Some practices must be considered, such as eliminating bad habits (excessive daily meals and insufficient physical activity) and assessing energy needs. Therefore, it is possible to achieve a healthy body weight.

Citorredução com quimioterapia neoadjuvante em mastocitoma canino: relato de dois casos

The objective of this work is related to the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for preoperative mastocytoma cytoreduction in two dogs. Mastocytoma is one of the most common skin tumors in small animal clinics. It is characterized by being a malignant neoplasm originating from mast cells. It often accompanies as perineal, genital and inguinal regions, and can also reach trunk, limbs, head and neck. Older middle-aged dogs and brachycephalic breeds seem to be the most predisposed. This neoplasia has a varied behavior, may present as circumscribed, allopathic, erythematous and swollen formations, with or without soft conscience, ulcerated or not, manifesting from a single nodule to multiples nodules. The diagnosis is based on the findings of aspiration cytology, however histopathological examination can detect the degree of malignancy in grade I, II or II or in high and low grade. The indicated treatment is a surgical approach, whether or not accompanied by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The use of chemotherapy as a neoadjuvant method in surgery has the effect of reducing the tumor and increasing the surgical safety margin.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Crataegus oxyacantha in Dogs with Early-Stage Heart Failure.

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the most common cardiopathy in middle-aged dogs. When the dog is asymptomatic and has an enlarged left atrium, treatment is beneficial; however, some allopathic drugs are very costly and may produce side effects. To extend the duration of this asymptomatic phase, complementary therapies such as herbal medicine and homeopathy are available. Although herbal therapy with extract of Crataegus oxyacantha is beneficial, there is a risk of adverse reactions-unlike with homeopathy, where the risk is minimized with the administration of ultra-diluted doses. This study evaluated the efficacy of Crataegus oxyacantha, as mother tincture (MT) and in 6 cH homeopathic formulation, in treating the initial phase of heart failure due to MMVD in a veterinary clinic setting. A total of 30 dogs with MMVD, 7 years or older and weighing up to 10 kg, were randomized into three groups as follows: Crataegus 6 cH, Crataegus MT, and hydroalcoholic solution (placebo). Animals were evaluated through echocardiography parameters, laboratory blood tests, and systolic blood pressure (SBP) measurements at 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after initiation of therapy, for statistical analysis and monitoring of the blinded study. Patients who received Crataegus 6 cH showed a reduction in SBP 60 days after treatment, while those receiving Crataegus MT exhibited a reduction 90 days after the therapy was initiated. There was a significant linear regression when evaluating the effect of treatment with Crataegus 6 cH on SBP measurements over the evaluation intervals (linear equation: SBP = 176.57 mm Hg - 0.21x, where x represents days of treatment). There was an increase in both fractional shortening and isovolumetric relaxation time for those patients receiving the homeopathic formulation. Therapy with Crataegus was beneficial for hypertensive and cardiopathic dogs with MMVD, extending the duration of the asymptomatic phase. The reduction in SBP occurred more swiftly in the 6 cH group than in the MT-treated dogs.

Perineal Hernia in a Bitch

Background: Perineal hernia is characterized by the displacement of abdominal organs to the perineal region after rupture or weakening of the pelvic diaphragm muscles. This condition is common among middle-aged and elderly unneutered male dogs. Considering the severity of the condition and its rarity among bitches, this paper reports on a case of perineal hernia caused by hydrometra in a 12-year-old pinscher bitch.Case: The patient was a 12-year-old Pinscher bitch, weighing 3 kg, suffering from anuria and constipation in the 36 h prior to treatment, without reported trauma. She was unspayed, and her last estrus had occurred approximately thirty days previously. The physical examination revealed an increase in volume in the right perineal region, increased volume in the left inguinal region, increased body temperature (39.8ºC), pale mucous membranes, tachycardia, tachypnea, abdominal pain and increased popliteal lymph nodes. The diagnosis was determined based on her medical history, clinical signs and an ultrasound scan, which revealed dilated uterine horns displaced unilaterally in the left inguinal region, with evidence of hydrometra, full urinary bladder inside the hernia sac in the right dorsolateral perineal region and right kidney pyelectasis. After evaluating the animal’s physical condition, surgery was recommended, involving ovariohysterectomy associated with inguinal and perineal herniorrhaphy.Discussion: Perineal hernia, a common condition in male dogs, is characterized by the displacement of organs towards the perineal region. However, in this case, this condition occurred in female dog. Unlike males, the main causes of perineal hernia in females are trauma, chronic coughing related to heart disease, bronchitis, and tracheal collapse. Increased intra-abdominal pressure associated with a weak pelvic diaphragm predisposes for herniation of abdominal contents, such as occurred through hydrometra. In this case, other factors that could pertain to the etiology of perineal hernia were excluded, given the absence of trauma or secondary diseases. The diagnosis was made based on a physical examination and ultrasound scan. Pre-surgical biochemical blood tests were also performed. The chosen treatment was ovariohysterectomy followed by inguinal and perineal herniorrhaphy. The traditional surgical procedure to reduce the perineal hernia was employed, using approximation sutures due to the easy apposition of wound edges. The structures and soft tissues involved showed no changes in color or texture, thus obviating the need for more elaborate techniques, which are employed in the case of relapse or muscle atrophy. The patient showed clinical evolution after surgical correction, with decreased perineal volume and recovery of urinary function (normuria). The patient was discharged after 72 h, and six months after the surgical procedure, she presented no clinical alteration, according to information provided in a telephone call by her owner. It is believed that the increase in volume caused by the presence of hydrometra was the determining factor for the development of inguinal and perineal hernias. It is suggested that alterations causing uterine enlargement be investigated in order to include perineal hernia in female dogs as a differential diagnostic tool.

Incidence, cause, outcome and possible risk factors associated with facial nerve paralysis in dogs in a Sydney population (2001-2016): a retrospective study.

This study aims to assess the incidence and causes of facial nerve paralysis (FNP) in dogs in the Sydney region. Its outcome and possible risk factors are investigated to prognosticate and aid design of diagnostic and treatment plans. Retrospective case study. Client-owned dogs presented to the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Sydney (UVTHS), between 2001 and 2016 with FNP were included (n = 122). The incidence of each cause of FNP was investigated. A reference population of noncases seen at the UVTHS during the same time period was used to study the association between idiopathic facial nerve paralysis (IFNP) and gender, age and breed. IFNP (29.5%) was the most common diagnosis. Male dogs (odds ratio [OR], 2.3) had increased odds of IFNP compared with female dogs. Age was a significant risk factor for both the occurrence of FNP and IFNP. There was higher occurrence of IFNP among middle-aged dogs (5-13 years) and reduced risk in juvenile dogs (less than 2 years). Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were over-represented for FNP (OR, 6.9) and IFNP (OR, 17.5). For IFNP, 6 of 16 dogs with known follow-up showed definitive resolution within 3 years of diagnosis. Concurrent vestibular signs were common in dogs with middle/inner ear abnormality and intracranial disease; and were also seen in 50% of dogs with IFNP. The results of this study demonstrate statistical predilections in age, gender and breed for IFNP. Guarded prognosis for recovery should be given to dogs diagnosed with IFNP and supportive management instigated.

P2.14-10 Identification of Frequent, Activating HER2 Mutations and HER2 Inhibitor Response and Resistance in Canine Lung Cancer

Naturally occurring primary canine lung cancers share clinical and pathologic features with human never-smoker lung cancer, but their genetic and biologic underpinnings have been unknown. We mapped the genomic landscape of canine lung cancer, discovering somatic HER2 (ERBB2) mutations in ∼38% of canine pulmonary adenocarcinomas (cPACs). We describe our genomic findings, effects of HER2 mutations on cell signaling and HER2 inhibitor response/resistance, and results of pharmacokinetic (PK) studies of the HER2 inhibitor neratinib in healthy dogs. We performed multi-platform genomic analysis of 92 primary canine lung tumors or cell lines. We evaluated HER2 signaling by Western blot. Neratinib and lapatinib responses were assessed in HER2-mutant and wild-type cPAC cell lines in vitro. HER2-mutant cell lines were continuously treated with IC50 neratinib doses to select for drug resistance, then evaluated for resistance mutations. Neratinib tolerability and PK were evaluated in healthy, mixed-breed, middle-aged dogs given a single 6 mg/kg oral neratinib dose with or without maropitant citrate or loperamide. Plasma samples for PK were collected pre-dose and timepoints from 0.5-24h after dosing. Canine lung cancers exhibited low tumor mutation burden. HER2 was the most commonly mutated gene in cPACs, occurring in ∼38%, but was absent from canine adenosquamous or squamous cell carcinomas. HER2 hotspot V659E transmembrane domain (TMD) mutations were most common and comparable to activating TMD mutations in human cancer. HER2 V659E correlated with constitutive phosphorylation of Akt in cPAC cell lines. HER2 V659E lines displayed hypersensitivity to neratinib and lapatinib relative to wild-type lines. Continuous treatment of HER2-mutant cell lines led to rapid development of resistance. Characterization of resistance-driving alterations is ongoing, as are efficacy studies in mouse xenografts. A dose of 6 mg/kg neratinib in healthy dogs showed that neratinib was tolerable and achieved therapeutic levels from IC50 studies. Evaluation of neratinib tolerability and efficacy in dogs bearing HER2-mutant lung cancer is ongoing. HER2 TMD mutations are common in otherwise low-mutation-burden primary canine lung cancers. They confer constitutive HER2 signaling and HER2 inhibitor response in cell lines. Dosing and tolerability studies in healthy dogs have shown that therapeutically relevant doses are achievable. Study of HER2 inhibitor response/resistance in cell lines and mouse xenografts is ongoing as is clinical evaluation of neratinib activity in dogs with spontaneous lung cancer. These data offer immediate diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities for pet dogs and bear implications for comparative understanding of human never-smoker lung cancers and other HER2-mutant cancers.

Cryptococcosis with central nervous system involvement in a dog in the UK: a case report and review of the condition

This case report describes the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, treatment and outcome in a dog diagnosed with diffuse cryptococcosis with involvement of the central nervous system (CNS). This represents the fourth case of cryptococcosis with CNS involvement in dogs described in the UK. The dog presented with signs of multifocal brain disorder; investigations, including magnetic resonance imaging, cerebrospinal fluid analysis and serology, revealed cryptococcosis. As previously reported, despite treatment, in our case the outcome was extremely poor. Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic fungal disease distributed worldwide, which in dogs often causes disseminated disease with multi-organ involvement. Despite being rare in the UK, CNS cryptococcosis should be included as a possible differential diagnosis in healthy young to middle-aged dogs presenting with signs of diffuse, progressive central nervous system disease.

Hyperinsulinemic Hypoglycemia Secondary to Multiple β cell Adenomas in a Boxer Bitch

Background: The most frequent pancreatic tumours are derived from insulin-secreting β cells, commonly called insulinomas; these are characterised by high insulin secretion causing hypoglycaemia and clinical signs such as seizures, tremors, weakness, and polyphagia, among others. In dogs, this tumour represents <0.5% of neoplasias; the majority are solitary carcinoma masses and rarely adenomas. Insulin-secreting tumours are usually diagnosed in middle-aged or older dogs. There is no apparent sex predilection for the disease and it has been mainly reported in medium to large breeds. Independently of whether they are adenomas or carcinomas, dogs have the same disease-free time and survival time and the prognosis is poor.Case: An 8-year-old female Boxer was brought to the University Veterinary Hospital with a history of weakness, tremors, and generalised convulsions. Physical examination, CBC and urinalysis revealed no abnormalities. In the blood chemistry profile, hypoglycaemia was detected along with hyperinsulinemia. An abdominal ultrasound revealed the presence of two abnormal masses located in the pancreas. The insulin:glucose ratio was 59.8. Exploratory celiotomy was performed and two masses were located in the mesentery, adjacent to the left pancreatic lobe, and a third was in the pancreatic tissue of the same lobule. All masses were resected during the same surgery. Cytology of the masses coincided with apparently malignant insulinoma, however, the histopathological and immunohistochemically report indicated an insulin-secreting adenoma. The patient improved clinically and remained stable for approximately 545 days, after which seizures relapsed and a new treatment was not approved. The patient died 575 days after surgery. Discussion: In dogs, pancreatic islet cell tumours correspond to endocrinologically active neoplasm that secrete hormones and are associated with functional disorders (hyperinsulinemia) in relation to hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia causes episodic signs that are generally observed for a few seconds to several minutes, because of regulatory compensatory mechanisms. In animals, rapid hypoglycemia activates the sympathetic nervous system via hypothalamic glucoreceptors, producing signs such as tachycardia, tremors, nervousness, irritability, and intense hunger. Other clinical signs are related to neuroglycopenia by a decrease in blood glucose, which stimulates the autonomic nervous system, causing hypothermia, lethargy, weakness, ataxia, collapse, muscular fasciculation, convulsions, and coma. The diagnosis of an insulin-secreting tumour requires confirmation of hypoglycemia with evidence of elevated insulin secretion and the identification of a pancreatic mass by ultrasonography or exploratory celiotomy. An insulin:glucose ratio >30 is indicative of insulinoma. Unfortunately, the specificity of the amended insulin:glucose ratio is poor. In the past, there has been confusion with respect to their biological nature, because, based on histological and electron microscopic evaluations, 60% of these neoplasms are carcinomas and 40% are adenomas. Nevertheless, these claims were not substantiated and most insulinomas are currently considered to be malignant (carcinomas). The objective of this paper was to present a rare case of a Boxer dog that had three β cell tumours of the pancreas, which produced hyperinsulinemia and hypoglycemia. Although this is not a malignant tumour, we demonstrated, as described in the literature, that regardless of the histopathological classification, insulin-producing tumours have a poor prognosis in dogs.

Flow Cytometric Detection of Circulating Osteosarcoma Cells in Dogs.

Osteosarcoma (OSA) is a malignant tumor of middle-aged dogs and adolescent humans. The clinical outcome of OSA has not improved over more than three decades, and dogs typically succumb to metastatic disease within 6 months despite tumor resection through limb amputation and adjuvant chemotherapy. Therefore, undetectable tumor cells with potential to form metastases are present at diagnosis. An assay to identify canine immortalized and primary OSA cells through flow cytometric detection of intracellular collagen 1 (Col I) and osteocalcin was optimized, and applied to blood samples from tumor-bearing dogs for detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Spiking variable number of OSA cells into normal dog blood recovered 50-60% of Col I positive cells with high forward and variable side light scatter. An algorithm to exclude nonviable, doublet, and autofluorescent cells was applied to sequential blood samples from three dogs obtained prior to and after limb amputation, and at approximately, triweekly intervals over 121, 142, and 183 days of chemotherapy, respectively. Dogs had >100 CTC/106 leukocytes prior to amputation, variably frequent CTC during chemotherapy, and an increase up to 4,000 CTC/106 leukocytes within 4 weeks before overt metastases or death. Sorted CTCs were morphologically similar to direct tumor aspirates and positive for Col I. Although preliminary, findings suggest that CTCs are frequent in canine OSA, more numerous than carcinoma CTC in humans, and that an increase in CTC frequency may herald clinical deterioration. This assay may enable enumeration and isolation of OSA CTC for prognostic and functional studies, respectively. © 2019 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.

Effects from aging on semen quality of fresh and cryopreserved semen in Labrador Retrievers

Characteristics of frozen sperm associated with fertility and aging have not been fully determined in dogs. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between fresh and post-thaw sperm quality, age, among the factors of motility, viability, morphology and oxidative stress in a group of fertile stud dogs with extensive breeding records and in dogs with reported subfertility problems. Sperm parameters from 39 fertile dogs were measured in fresh semen and frozen thawed semen. Additionally, frozen semen from 9 subfertile dogs was thawed and analyzed. Subfertile dogs were defined by referring veterinarians solely on the basis of owner history; breeding records were not available to this study. Evaluation included total motility (TM) and progressive motility (PM), average path velocity (VAP), viability, morphology and presence of sperm reactive oxygen species (ROS). Fertile males' ages ranged from 1 to 10 years, subfertile males’ ages ranged from 4 to 14 years. All dogs were assigned to age groups according to age as young (1–3 years) middle (4–6 years) and senior (>7 years). The effect of sperm state (fresh vs. frozen-thawed), age, and fertility history (fertile vs. subfertile) on the measured endpoints were determined using a mixed effects model. TM showed a negative correlation with age in the frozen-thawed semen.Additionally, TM in fresh semen was higher in all age groups compared to post thaw semen (P < 0.05). PM was higher in all age dogs of fresh semen compared to frozen-thawed semen (P < 0.05). As such, TM and PM in post thaw semen statistically decreased compared to fresh semen regardless of age of stud male (P < 0.05).Differences in VAP were only observed between young and senior age groups in fresh semen (P < 0.05) while young and middle age dogs from fresh semen were different in all age groups for frozen-thawed semen (P < 0.05). ROS was higher in the young frozen-thawed semen compared to the young fresh semen (P < 0.05). When comparing TM, PM and VAP of fertile vs. subfertile dogs, middle aged fertile dogs are different from middle aged and senior subfertile dogs (P < 0.05). No differences were found in measures of ROS between fertile and subfertile. For sperm viability and morphology, differences were observed between all age groups of fertile dogs in comparison to all ages of subfertile dogs (P < 0.05). Sperm motility appeared to be the most affected parameter by freezing damage than any other parameter measured in this study, while we were not able to determine a significant association between ROS production and fertility status.

Canine infective endocarditis

Canine infective endocarditis is defined as an infection of the endocardium, commonly involving one or more heart valves and leading to proliferative (vegetative) or erosive lesions. Prerequisites for development of infective endocarditis include endocardial damage, formation of a sterile vegetative lesion or coagulum, presence of bacteraemia and microorganism adherence to the coagulum. Predisposing factors include any that may facilitate meeting the prerequisites, including congenital heart disease, extra-oral infections and immunosuppression, amongst others. Large, male, middle-aged and purebred dogs may be overrepresented, in particular Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Boxers and German Shepherd Dogs. Typically caused by bacteria, the most common isolates include Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., Gram-negative rods (particularly Escherichia coli) and Bartonella spp. Blood culture can have low sensitivity, with up to 70% of cultures being negative. Bartonella spp. are increasingly being recognised as a cause of culture-negative aortic infective endocarditis. The preferred method of diagnosis in vivo is echocardiography, with a reported sensitivity of 87.5%. The prognosis is guarded despite appropriate treatment, and some negative prognostic factors have been identified.

Post-surgical Evaluation of the Analgesic Impact of Epidural Tramadol, when Associated with Levobupivacaine, in Bitches Undergoing Mastectomy and Ovariohysterectomy

Background:Mammary tumors are the most common neoplasms in female dogs. Surgical removal of the mammary gland chain is considered the standard treatment and is usually performed along with ovariohysterectomy (OH) to suppress ovarian hormonal influence. Mastectomies cause moderate to severe pain and require preferential multimodal analgesic protocols. The aim of this study was to compare the postoperative analgesic efficacy and the recovery times on female dogs undergoing mastectomies and OH between those treated with epidural levobupivacaine alone and those treated with associated doses of tramadol and anesthetized with propofol.Materials, Methods &amp; Results:Eighteen female dogs were pretreated with acepromazine (0.03 mg/kg), using propofol (4 mg/kg)for induction andanesthesia maintenance. The dogs were randomly divided into three groups (n = 6) treated with epidural anesthesia with levobupivacaine alone at 1.5 mg/kg (GL) or associated with tramadol at doses of 2 mg/kg (GLT2) or 4 mg/kg (GLT4). After anesthesia,the mean propofol infusion rate for each groupwere calculed. During the postoperative period,the degree of analgesia according to the University of Melbourne Pain Scale for 6 hours were determined, considering seven time points for evaluation (M30, M60, M90, M120, M180, M240, and M360). Supplemental analgesia with morphine (0.5 mg/kg) to those dogs with scores ≥13 were provided. During the recovery period,the time intervals between the end of anesthesia, and the following events: extubation (EX), the first head movement (MC), and the establishment of sternal (PE) and quadrupedal (PQ) positions were measured. The data were subjected to the Friedman test for analysis of non-parametric variables within the same group and to the Mann–Whitney test for independent variables, comparing the mean scores between groups (statistical significance was set at P&lt;0.05). In the GL group, a higher mean propofol infusion rate than in either the GLT2 or GLT4 groups were found. The EX, PE, and PQ times were similar between the groups with a lower MC interval (P=0.041) for dogs in the GLT2 group. The pain assessment revealed higher scores for dogs in the GL group than for those in the GLT4 group (M30 to M120 and M360). Over time, the initial scores increased after M90 (GL group) and afterM120 (in all groups) andadditional analgesia were required only in GL dogs.Discussion:Mammary tumors were more frequent in middle-aged and elderly female dogs, corroborating current literary data. Regarding anesthesia recovery, no differences in the time for extubation and sternal and quadrupedal positions were found, probably due to similar propofol infusion times and to similar metabolism among the dogs, independent of the higher mean infusion rates used in the group treated only with the local anesthetic. The post-surgical analgesic evaluation revealed lower pain scores in the groups in which tramadol was associated with levobupivacaine, in agreement with studies reporting its analgesic potential to approach surgical pain at doses ranging from 1 to 4 mg/kg. However, even lower scores with the highest dose of the proposed opioid were detected, suggesting improved effectiveness for occupying opioid and monoaminergic pathway receptors. Considering the results, epidural anesthesia with levobupivacaine and tramadol seems to provide adequate post-surgical analgesia for a minimum period of 6 hours, and the best comfort is obtained with a dose of 4 mg/kg of opioid.

Clinical measurements performed during alfaxalone total intravenous anaesthesia for radiography and neurophysiological investigations in dogs

ObjectiveTo describe clinically relevant, physiological measurements collected during a 3 hour duration of alfaxalone total intravenous anaesthesia. Study designCase series. AnimalsA total of 112 client-owned middle-aged or older dogs. MethodsDogs were premedicated with intramuscular acepromazine (0.03 mg kg–1). Anaesthesia was induced and subsequently maintained for up to 3 hours with alfaxalone administered intravenously. Dogs breathed 100% oxygen via an endotracheal tube. Heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure were evaluated 30 minutes after administration of acepromazine and used as baseline values for comparisons of intra-anaesthetic data. Blood glucose was measured 1 week prior to anaesthesia and every hour during alfaxalone anaesthesia. Quality and duration of recovery were recorded. Mean data for physiological variables were compared over three time points—before induction of anaesthesia, for the first hour of anaesthesia and from 60 minutes to discontinuation of anaesthesia. ResultsMean induction dose of alfaxalone was 1.4 mg kg–1 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3–1.5). Post induction apnoea for >60 seconds occurred in 13 (11.6%) dogs. Mean alfaxalone infusion rate during the first 60 minutes of anaesthesia was 0.099 mg kg–1 minute–1; mean infusion rate was 0.092 mg kg–1 minute–1 from 60 minutes until discontinuation of anaesthesia. Heart rate was well maintained; hypotension (mean arterial blood pressure < 60 mmHg) was encountered in 23 (21%) dogs. Blood glucose levels did not alter during anaesthesia. Median time between discontinuation of alfaxalone infusion and extubation was 17 (7–35 minutes), time to assuming sternal recumbency was 75 (58–110 minutes), and time to standing was 109 (88–140 minutes). Conclusions and clinical relevanceAlfaxalone infusion provided effective anaesthesia in this population. In a minority of cases, respiratory and haemodynamic support of the patient was required.

Association between life span and body condition in neutered client-owned dogs.

BackgroundThere is an association between overweight status and life span in kenneled dogs, but a similar association has not been reported for pet dogs.ObjectivesTo examine the effects of being overweight in middle age on the life span of neutered client‐owned dogs.AnimalsFifty‐thousand seven‐hundred eighty seven middle‐aged neutered client‐owned dogs attending a network of approximately 900 veterinary hospitals across North America.MethodsRetrospective case‐control study. For each of 12 breeds, groups of dogs aged between 6.5 and 8.5 years were identified as being in “overweight” or “normal” body condition. Within each breed and sex, differences in life span between dogs in normal body condition and overweight body condition in the 2 groups were then analyzed by Cox proportional hazards models.ResultsFor all breeds, instantaneous risk of death for dogs in overweight body condition was greater than those in normal body condition throughout the age range studied, with hazard ratios ranging from 1.35 (99.79% confidence interval [CI] 1.05‐1.73) for German Shepherd dog to 2.86 (99.79% CI 2.14‐3.83) for Yorkshire Terrier. In all breeds, median life span was shorter in overweight compared with normal weight dogs, with the difference being greatest in Yorkshire Terriers (overweight: 13.7 years, 99.79% CI 13.3‐14.2; normal: 16.2 years, 99.79% CI 15.7‐16.5) and least in German Shepherd dogs (overweight: 12.1 years, 99.79% CI 11.8‐12.4; normal: 12.5 years, 99.79% CI 12.2‐12.9).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceVeterinary professionals should consider promoting healthy body condition for dogs, particularly from midlife onward.

Osteossarcoma renal em cadela: Relato de caso

Bone osteosarcomas are very common to find in small animals, but the osteosarcoma extra-osseous primary renal are not, because of that, relates on literature about it are rare. The propose of this college work was relate the case of a undefined female and middle-aged dog attended on a Rio de Janeiro state´s clinic who had a unexpected appearance of a renal osteosarcoma. The characteristic clinical symptoms of renal osteosarcoma are similar to the renal pathologies in general and doesn´t show specificity, for this reason, should be make complementary exams like ultrasonography, abdominal radiography and laboratorial exams for example, to help the diagnostic. The animal in case was submitted to a unilateral nephrectomy and for the purpose to diagnostic was made a histopathological exam on Veterinary laboratory tests - Veterinary Diagnosis. Little is known about the prognosis of this pathology, because there too many few relates on literature about the evolution of this kind of case, becoming hard to get a parameter about animal´s afterlife with a unexpected disease. Therefore, it´s possible to conclude the necessity of more searches about this case.

Pathological Findings in the Pituitary Glands of Dogs and Cats.

With the exception of classic functional adenomas in dogs and horses, pituitary lesions are infrequently described in the veterinary literature. Approximately 10% of pituitary glands from asymptomatic humans contain abnormalities, but the equivalent proportion in small animals is unknown. Pituitary glands from 136 dogs and 65 cats collected during routine necropsies were examined to determine the prevalence of pituitary lesions and their histopathological diagnosis. Lesions were characterized in sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), Gordon and Sweet's and reticulin stains, and immunohistochemistry for adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), growth hormone, melanocyte stimulating hormone-α, and prolactin. Pituitary abnormalities were identified in 36 of 136 (26.4%) dogs and 10 of 65 (15.3%) cats. Cystic changes were the most common lesion, occurring in 18 (13.2%) dogs and 8 (12.3%) cats. Pituitary neoplasia was detected in 14.1% (12/85) of middle-aged and old dogs; 1 (1.5%) cat had pituitary nodular hyperplasia. PAS and reticulin stains helped differentiate ACTH-immunoreactive adenomas from hyperplastic nodules: adenomas contained PAS-positive intracytoplasmic granules and loss of the normal reticulin network. One dog had a pituitary carcinoma with infiltration into the thalamus. Other pituitary abnormalities included secondary metastases (2 dogs) and hypophysitis (4 dogs, 1 cat). In most cases, the lesion appeared to be subclinical and could be considered incidental, whereas clinical manifestations were apparent in only 4 dogs (2.9%) and none of the cats with pituitary lesions. Pituitary abnormalities are common in dogs and cats, and their clinical relevance requires further investigation.

Transdermal water-in-oil nanocarriers of nitric oxide for triggering penile erection

Men’s sexual health can have significant effects on a man’s self-esteem, sexual relationship and male reproductive functions. Although commercially available drugs (e.g., VIAGRA and CIALIS) show effective treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED), patients with severe ED fail to respond to these medicines. Topical nitric-oxide (NO) delivery to penis can be a painless, alternative solution with severe ED because NO triggers erection and diffuses to the trabecular arteries and smooth muscles in the penis. We here develop water-in-oil (W/O) nanoemulsions (NEs) that contain NO and can directly spread on the penis. We optimize NE formation conditions including hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) and ratio of oil, water and surfactants. Then, by spreading NEs on penis skin of intact middle aged dogs, we verify medication effects and safety of the NEs in vivo. The water-in-oil NEs can be a promising non-invasive medication for ED patients with low response to a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, thus increasing quality of life in the aging society.

Quantitative computed tomographic evaluation of bone mineral density in beagle dogs: comparison with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry as a gold standard.

This study aimed to demonstrate the higher accuracy and reproducibility of quantitative computed tomography (QCT) compared with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as a gold standard for measuring canine bone mineral density (BMD). Seven middle-aged beagle dogs underwent lumbar vertebral and bilateral femoral DXA and QCT scans. BMD (mg/cm2) was measured at the vertebral body from L2 to L6, femoral neck, and proximal and distal femoral diaphyses. The BMD values were measured 3 times and compared. The BMD value on QCT was higher than that on DXA for femoral BMD but not for vertebral BMD. The correlation was strong for the lumbar vertebrae (r=0.66) and was strongest for L3 (r=0.85). No correlation was found for the femoral neck (P=0.35), and only moderate correlations were found for the proximal and distal femoral diaphyses (r=0.43 and r=0.40, respectively). The limits of agreement were narrower for vertebral BMD than for femoral BMD, and L3 had the narrowest limits of agreement. The intraclass correlation (ICC) was higher for DXA than for QCT at all lumbar and femoral sites measured, but the ICC of QCT was higher than 0.7. In conclusion, L3 can be used to monitor changes in BMD, and relative values and sequential monitoring of femoral BMD can also be useful because of the high reproducibility of QCT measurements. QCT would be a useful technique for evaluation of BMD in veterinary practice.

Tratamiento inmunosupresor para la miositis de los músculos de la masticación en fase aguda en perro: Reporte de un caso

Muscle myositis is an inflammation of the muscles responsible for mastication of dogs, being an idiopathic and autoimmune disease. It can occur in dogs of any breed, with a higher prevalence in young and middle-aged dogs. Among the clinical signs may be reluctance to feed, excessive salivation, oedema of the temporal muscles, pain when opening the jaw, atrophy of the muscles that make up the mastication, among others. Therapy is the use of immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids, regressing gradually, and may be associated with supportive therapy, such as in the use of gastric shields. The objective of the present study was to report a clinical case of a female dog with no defined race whose clinical signs presented were edema of the temporal and masseter muscles, third eyelid prolapse, salivation and trismus. The diagnosis was based on the patient's history, findings on the physical examination and results of the complementary tests performed as a complete blood count. The objective of the present study was to report the clinical follow - up of a patient diagnosed with the same disease.