Proportion Of Dogs Research Articles

Microalbuminuria Is Not Associated with Cisplatin-Induced Azotemia in Dogs

Cisplatin is an effective antineoplastic agent but its use is limited by renal toxicity. Microalbuminuria is a marker of renal damage and might be an indicator of cisplatin-induced azotemia. Microalbuminuria is not associated with azotemia in dogs treated with cisplatin. This study used 32 client-owned dogs. This was a prospective observational study in which cancer-bearing dogs were treated with cisplatin chemotherapy. Cisplatin-induced azotemia was defined as an increase of serum creatinine concentration above the reference range. Serum creatinine concentration, other routine tests of renal function, and microalbuminuria were measured after each cisplatin treatment. Variables potentially associated with azotemia were compared by use of Fisher's exact test and Wilcoxon's rank-sum test. Cisplatin-induced azotemia occurred in 10 (31%) dogs after 1-5 treatments. At each of the first 3 treatments, the proportions of dogs with microalbuminuria were similar between dogs with and without azotemia. Microalbuminuria measured after each treatment was not associated with azotemia through the first 3 treatments. Testing for microalbuminuria as a marker for cisplatin-induced renal damage is insensitive and not recommended.

Disease prevalence among dogs and cats in the United States and Australia and proportions of dogs and cats that receive therapeutic diets or dietary supplements

To estimate disease prevalence among dogs and cats in the United States and Australia and proportions of dogs and cats that receive therapeutic diets or dietary supplements. Telephone survey. Sample Population-Dog and cat owners located in 5 geographic areas. A telephone survey was administered to dog and cat owners. Of 18,194 telephone calls that were made, 1,104 (6%) were to individuals who owned at least 1 dog or cat and agreed to participate. Information was collected for 635 dogs and 469 cats. Only 14 (1%) respondents indicated that their pet was unhealthy, but 176 (16%) indicated that their pets had 1 or more diseases. The most common diseases were musculo-skeletal, dental, and gastrointestinal tract or hepatic disease. Many owners (n = 356) reported their pets were overweight or obese, but only 3 reported obesity as a health problem in their pets. Owners of 28 (2.5%) animals reported that they were feeding a therapeutic diet, with the most common being diets for animals with renal disease (n = 5), reduced-calorie diets (5), and reduced-fat diets (4). Owners of 107 of 1,076 (9.9%) animals reported administering dietary supplements to their pets. Multivitamins (n = 53 animals), chondroprotective agents (22), and fatty acids (13) were the most common dietary supplements used. Results suggest that most dogs and cats reported by their owners to have a health problem were not being fed a therapeutic diet. In addition, the rate of dietary supplement use was lower than that reported for people.

Canine atopic dermatitis: validation of recorded diagnosis against practice records in 335 insured Swedish dogs

A cross-sectional study of insured Swedish dogs with a recorded diagnosis of canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) was performed. In order to validate the correctness of this specific diagnosis in the insurance database, medical records were requested by mail from the attending veterinarians. All dogs with a reimbursed claim for the disease during 2002 were included in the original study sample (n = 373). Medical records were available for 335 individuals (response rate: 89.8%). By scrutinizing the submitted records it was determined that all dogs had been treated for dermatologic disease, and that 327 (97.6%) could be considered to have some allergic skin disease. However, as information regarding dietary trial testing was missing in many dogs the number that were truly atopic could not be determined. The clinical presentation and nature of test diet for dogs with or without response to dietary trial testing was compared for a subset of 109 individuals that had undergone such testing. The only significant difference between these two groups was that the proportion of dogs with reported gastrointestinal signs was higher in the group that subsequently responded to a diet trial. In conclusion, the agreement between the recorded diagnosis in the insurance database and the clinical manifestations recorded in the submitted medical records was considered acceptable. The concern was raised that many attending veterinarians did not exclude cutaneous adverse food reactions before making the diagnosis of CAD.

Results of rhinoscopy alone or in conjunction with sinuscopy in dogs with aspergillosis: 46 cases (2001–2004)

To determine results of diagnostic testing, including detection of nasal or frontal sinus fungal plaques, in dogs with nasal aspergillosis. Retrospective case series. 46 dogs with nasal aspergillosis. Medical records were reviewed for information on computed tomographic findings; rhinoscopic findings, including whether fungal plaques were seen in the nasal cavity; results of frontal sinus trephination and sinuscopy, including whether fungal plaques were seen in the frontal sinus; and results of histologic examination of biopsy specimens. In 38 (83%) dogs, fungal plaques were seen in the nasal cavity during rhinoscopy, whereas in the remaining 8 (17%), fungal plaques were not seen in the nasal cavity but were seen in the frontal sinus. Duration of clinical signs, proportions of dogs in which the referring veterinarian had performed a nasal examination prior to referral, proportions of dogs with computed tomographic evidence of nasal cavity cavitation or sinus involvement, and proportions of dogs with rhinoscopic evidence of destructive rhinitis were not significantly different between dogs with nasal fungal plaques and dogs with fungal plaques only in the frontal sinus. Results confirm that frontal sinus involvement is common in dogs with nasal aspergillosis and suggest that frontal sinus trephination and sinuscopy may aid in the diagnosis of aspergillosis in dogs, particularly dogs with rhinoscopic evidence of destructive rhinitis and computed tomographic evidence of sinus involvement that lack detectable fungal plaques in the nasal cavity.

Efficacy and Safety of a Purified Porcine Insulin Zinc Suspension for Managing Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs

The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a purified porcine insulin zinc suspension for treating dogs with uncomplicated diabetes mellitus. Fifty-three dogs were treated for 60 days after an initial dose determination period. The means of the blood glucose concentrations during 12-hour glucose curves and the means of the blood glucose nadir concentrations during 12-hour glucose curves for all dogs were determined before beginning insulin therapy (time 0), at the end of the dose determination period (time 1), 30 days after time 1 (time 2), and 60 days after time 1 (time 3). Presence of polyuria, polydipsia, and ketonuria was determined at each time point. Adequacy of control of hyperglycemia was based on 12-hour blood glucose curves and improvement in clinical variables (results of physical examinations, historic information, polyuria, polydipsia, and ketonuria). Safety was evaluated by questionnaire, performance of physical examination, CBC, serum chemistry profile, and urinalysis. The means of the blood glucose concentrations during 12-hour glucose curves and the means of the blood glucose nadir concentrations during 12-hour glucose curves for all dogs at times 1, 2, and 3 were significantly lower compared with time 0 (P < .0001). There was a reduction in the proportion of dogs with polyuria, polydipsia, and ketonuria of 82, 86, and 80%, respectively. All of the dogs had adequate glycemic control at time 1, 66% at time 2, and 75% at time 3. At time 3, 66% of dogs required insulin injections q12h. Other than hypoglycemia, there were no important adverse effects of insulin administration. The insulin, was safe and efficacious for reducing blood glucose and clinical signs in dogs with diabetes mellitus.

Effects of preanesthetic administration of morphine on gastroesophageal reflux and regurgitation during anesthesia in dogs

To determine the effect of morphine administered prior to anesthesia on the incidence of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in dogs during the subsequent anesthetic episode. 90 dogs (30 dogs/group). The randomized prospective clinical study included healthy dogs with no history of vomiting. Dogs were scheduled to undergo elective orthopedic surgery. Food was withheld for (mean+/-SD) 17.8+/-4.1 hours prior to induction of anesthesia. The anesthetic protocol included acepromazine maleate, thiopental, and isoflurane. Dogs were randomly selected to receive morphine at various dosages (0, 0.22, or 1.10 mg/kg, IM) concurrent with acepromazine administration prior to induction of anesthesia. A sensor-tipped catheter was used to measure esophageal pH, and GER was defined as a decrease in pH to < 4 or an increase to > 7.5. 40 dogs had acidic reflux, and 1 had biliary reflux. Proportions of dogs with GER were 8 of 30 (27%), 15 of 30 (50%), and 18 of 30 (60%) for morphine dosages of 0, 0.22, and 1.10 mg/kg, respectively. Mean duration of GER was 91.4+/-56.8 minutes. There was no significant association between GER and age, weight, vomiting after preanesthetic medication, administration of antimicrobials, or start of surgery. Most healthy dogs vomit after a large dose of morphine, but vomiting does not increase the likelihood of GER during the subsequent anesthetic episode. Administration of morphine prior to anesthesia substantially increases the incidence of GER during the subsequent anesthetic episode.

Efficacy and Safety of a Purified Porcine Insulin Zinc Suspension for Managing Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs

The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a purified porcine insulin zinc suspension for treating dogs with uncomplicated diabetes mellitus. Fifty-three dogs were treated for 60 days after an initial dose determination period. The means of the blood glucose concentrations during 12-hour glucose curves and the means of the blood glucose nadir concentrations during 12-hour glucose curves for all dogs were determined before beginning insulin therapy (time 0), at the end of the dose determination period (time 1), 30 days after time 1 (time 2), and 60 days after time 1 (time 3). Presence of polyuria, polydipsia, and ketonuria was determined at each time point. Adequacy of control of hyperglycemia was based on 12-hour blood glucose curves and improvement in clinical variables (results of physical examinations, historic information, polyuria, polydipsia, and ketonuria). Safety was evaluated by questionnaire, performance of physical examination, CBC, serum chemistry profile, and urinalysis. The means of the blood glucose concentrations during 12-hour glucose curves and the means of the blood glucose nadir concentrations during 12-hour glucose curves for all dogs at times 1, 2, and 3 were significantly lower compared with time 0 (P < .0001). There was a reduction in the proportion of dogs with polyuria, polydipsia, and ketonuria of 82, 86, and 80%, respectively. All of the dogs had adequate glycemic control at time 1, 66% at time 2, and 75% at time 3. At time 3, 66% of dogs required insulin injections q12h. Other than hypoglycemia, there were no important adverse effects of insulin administration. The insulin, was safe and efficacious for reducing blood glucose and clinical signs in dogs with diabetes mellitus.

A Prospective Comparison Between Stabilized Glutaraldehyde and Chlorhexidine Gluconate for Preoperative Skin Antisepsis in Dogs

To compare the efficacy of 0.3% stabilized glutaraldehyde and alcohol (SG+A), 0.3% SG and water (SG+W), and 4% chlorhexidine gluconate tincture (CG+A), as skin disinfectants in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Prospective, blinded clinical study. One hundred and twenty-one dogs. Cutaneous bacterial colony forming units (CFU) from the perioperative site after skin preparation, after antisepsis, and after surgery (incisional and paramedian), were quantified. The influence of high initial bacterial counts (> or =150 CFU) and surgical time on antibacterial efficacy was examined and the proportion of dogs from which Staphylococcus intermedius was cultured, determined. Perioperative skin reactions and wound infections were documented. All 3 antiseptic solutions significantly and equally reduced CFU to all post-antisepsis sampling levels irrespective of surgical duration (mean surgical times 151.6, 136.2, and 149.6 minutes for CG+A, SG+A and SG+W, respectively). Median percentage reductions in CFU ranged between 99.3% and 100%. In dogs with initial high counts and disinfected with CG+A and SG+W, the incisional samples had significantly higher counts than the post-antisepsis samples. In the CG+A and SG+W groups, the proportion of post-surgery samples yielding S. intermedius was significantly higher at the incisional than the paramedian sites. Eight mild cutaneous reactions were recorded in equal proportions for the 3 solutions. There were no recorded infections. All 3 preparations had an equal ability to reduce and maintain low CFU counts, with minimal cutaneous reactions. SG solutions are safe and effective preoperative skin antiseptics for elective clean-contaminated surgical procedures.

The Effects of Exercise on Urinary Albumin Excretion in Dogs

Persistent microalbuminuria has been shown to be an indicator of glomerular damage associated with early progressive renal disease in people and dogs. In people, transient or reversible microalbuminuria has been shown to occur with exercise. A semiquantitative test to measure microalbuminuria in the dog recently has become available. The purpose of this study was to determine if mild‐to‐moderate exercise induced microalbuminuria in the dog. Twenty‐six dogs were included in the study after undergoing tests to rule out hyperglycemia, urinary tract infection, azotemia, and a urine protein: creatinine ratio &gt; 1. Exercise consisted of 20 minutes of flat treadmill running. Urine samples were collected on 2 separate days before exercise, the morning of exercise, 3 hours postexercise, 7–9 hours postexercise, and each of the 2 mornings after exercise. For 24 of 26 dogs, this procedure was repeated after a minimum 7‐day interval between exercise sessions. The canine E.R.D. (early renal disease)‐Screen Urine Test (E.R.D.‐Screen test) was used to determine semiquantitative urine albumin concentrations. Microalbuminuria‐positive samples, as determined by the E.R.D.‐Screen test, were further analyzed to determine quantitative albumin concentrations. Four (15%) dogs were microalbuminuria positive. In each of these dogs, microalbuminuria was present both before and after exercise with no quantitative increase in urine albumin concentration postexercise. Twenty‐two (85%) dogs were microalbuminuria negative throughout the study and did not develop microalbuminuria at any time after exercise. On a 95% confidence interval, the proportion of dogs that might be expected to develop microalbuminuria after exercise is between 0 and 15%.

The effects of exercise on urinary albumin excretion in dogs.

Persistent microalbuminuria has been shown to be an indicator of glomerular damage associated with early progressive renal disease in people and dogs. In people, transient or reversible microalbuminuria has been shown to occur with exercise. A semi-quantitative test to measure microalbuminuria in the dog recently has become available. The purpose of this study was to determine if mild-to-moderate exercise induced microalbuminuria in the dog. Twenty-six dogs were included in the study after undergoing tests to rule out hyperglycemia, urinary tract infection, azotemia, and a urine protein:creatinine ratio >1. Exercise consisted of 20 minutes of flat treadmill running. Urine samples were collected on 2 separate days before exercise, the morning of exercise, 3 hours postexercise, 7-9 hours postexercise, and each of the 2 mornings after exercise. For 24 of 26 dogs, this procedure was repeated after a minimum 7-day interval between exercise sessions. The canine E.R.D. (early renal disease)-Screen Urine Test (E.R.D.-Screen test) was used to determine semiquantitative urine albumin concentrations. Microalbuminuria-positive samples, as determined by the E.R.D.-Screen test, were further analyzed to determine quantitative albumin concentrations. Four (15%) dogs were microalbuminuria positive. In each of these dogs, microalbuminuria was present both before and after exercise with no quantitative increase in urine albumin concentration postexercise. Twenty-two (85%) dogs were microalbuminuria negative throughout the study and did not develop microalbuminuria at any time after exercise. On a 95% confidence interval, the proportion of dogs that might be expected to develop microalbuminuria after exercise is between 0 and 15%.

The Influence of Age on Patellar Reflex Response in the Dog

The patellar tendon reflex is a clinical parameter commonly used to assess neurological status. Factors such as quadriceps muscle fiber composition, femur length, and patient age have been reported to influence total and fractionated reflex times in human beings. The purpose of this blinded, cross‐sectional study was to examine the effect of age on the patellar reflex in the dog. Eighty‐six dogs without evidence of neurological impairment or orthopedic disease of the stifle (eg, patellar luxation or cranial cruciate ligament rupture) were assigned to 1 of 2 groups on the basis of age: group 1, &lt;10 years old (n = 72); or group 2, ≥ 10 years old (n = 14). Patellar reflexes were elicited in both pelvic limbs by a reflex hammer while the dog was in lateral recumbency. The reflex was scored as present or absent by a blinded individual. Two dogs in group 1 had reflexes absent in both limbs, 3 dogs in group 2 had reflexes absent in both limbs, and 1 dog in group 2 lacked a response in 1 limb. The proportion of dogs with absent patellar reflexes in group 2 (4 of 14, 95% CI, 8–58%) was significantly higher than the proportion of dogs with absent patellar reflexes in group 1 (2 of 72, 95% CI, 0–10%) (P &lt; .006). Furthermore, dogs lacking at least 1 patellar reflex were older than those having both reflexes present (P= .04). Weight was not related to the presence of both reflexes (P= .49). These findings suggest that neurologically normal dogs may have an age‐dependent decline in patellar reflex magnitude or a prolongation of total reflex time (TRT).

A Cross‐Sectional Study of Epilepsy in Danish Labrador Retrievers: Prevalence and Selected Risk Factors

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and selected risk factors of epilepsy, the proportion of dogs with epilepsy in remission, and the types of seizures in Danish Labrador Retrievers. A prospective cross‐sectional study of epilepsy was conducted in 1999–2000. The study was carried out in 2 phases in a reference population consisting of 29,602 individuals. In phase 1, 550 dogs were selected by random sampling stratified by year of birth. A telephone interview was used to identify dogs with possible epilepsy. In phase 2, dogs judged during phase 1 as possibly suffering from epilepsy were further subjected to physical and neurologic examination, CBC, blood chemistry, and a questionnaire on seizure phenomenology. Seventeen dogs were diagnosed with epilepsy, yielding a prevalence of 3.1% (95% CI 1.6–4.6%) in the Danish population of Labrador Retrievers. A diagnosis of epilepsy was 6 times more probable in dogs &gt;4 years (born before 1995) than in younger dogs (born between 1995 and 1999) (P= .004, relative risk = 6.5). No significant difference in risk between genders was observed, nor could any effect of neutering be proven statistically. The frequencies of primary generalized seizures and partial seizures (with or without secondary generalization) were 24 and 70%, respectively. The type of seizures could not be classified in 6%. In conclusion, the 3.1% prevalence of epilepsy in Danish Labrador Retrievers is higher than the 1% prevalence of epilepsy described in the general canine population, establishing that this breed is at increased risk.

The influence of age on patellar reflex response in the dog.

The patellar tendon reflex is a clinical parameter commonly used to assess neurological status. Factors such as quadriceps muscle fiber composition, femur length, and patient age have been reported to influence total and fractionated reflex times in human beings. The purpose of this blinded, cross-sectional study was to examine the effect of age on the patellar reflex in the dog. Eighty-six dogs without evidence of neurological impairment or orthopedic disease of the stifle (eg, patellar luxation or cranial cruciate ligament rupture) were assigned to 1 of 2 groups on the basis of age: group 1, <10 years old (n = 72); or group 2, > or =10 years old (n = 14). Patellar reflexes were elicited in both pelvic limbs by a reflex hammer while the dog was in lateral recumbency. The reflex was scored as present or absent by a blinded individual. Two dogs in group I had reflexes absent in both limbs, 3 dogs in group 2 had reflexes absent in both limbs, and 1 dog in group 2 lacked a response in 1 limb. The proportion of dogs with absent patellar reflexes in group 2 (4 of 14, 95% CI, 8-58%) was significantly higher than the proportion of dogs with absent patellar reflexes in group 1 (2 of 72, 95% CI, 0-10%) (P < .006). Furthermore, dogs lacking at least 1 patellar reflex were older than those having both reflexes present (P = .04). Weight was not related to the presence of both reflexes (P = .49). These findings suggest that neurologically normal dogs may have an age-dependent decline in patellar reflex magnitude or a prolongation of total reflex time (TRT).

A cross-sectional study of epilepsy in Danish Labrador Retrievers: prevalence and selected risk factors.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and selected risk factors of epilepsy, the proportion of dogs with epilepsy in remission, and the types of seizures in Danish Labrador Retrievers. A prospective cross-sectional study of epilepsy was conducted in 1999-2000. The study was carried out in 2 phases in a reference population consisting of 29,602 individuals. In phase 1, 550 dogs were selected by random sampling stratified by year of birth. A telephone interview was used to identify dogs with possible epilepsy. In phase 2, dogs judged during phase 1 as possibly suffering from epilepsy were further subjected to physical and neurologic examination, CBC, blood chemistry, and a questionnaire on seizure phenomenology. Seventeen dogs were diagnosed with epilepsy, yielding a prevalence of 3.1% (95% CI 1.6-4.6%) in the Danish population of Labrador Retrievers. A diagnosis of epilepsy was 6 times more probable in dogs >4 years (born before 1995) than in younger dogs (born between 1995 and 1999) (P = .004, relative risk = 6.5). No significant difference in risk between genders was observed, nor could any effect of neutering be proven statistically. The frequencies of primary generalized seizures and partial seizures (with or without secondary generalization) were 24 and 70%, respectively. The type of seizures could not be classified in 6%. In conclusion, the 3.1% prevalence of epilepsy in Danish Labrador Retrievers is higher than the 1% prevalence of epilepsy described in the general canine population, establishing that this breed is at increased risk.

Association between vitamin E and enhanced athletic performance in sled dogs

To determine the association between prerace plasma vitamin E concentration and performance in sled dogs competing in the 1998 Iditarod Race. Prerace blood samples were collected from 670 dogs. Samples were analyzed for plasma vitamin E concentration while controlling for selected hematological and biochemical variables and signalment. Starting in teams of 16, exercise consisted of running up to 1159 miles pulling a laden sled and musher via checkpoints. The records of dogs that were withdrawn from the race for health reasons, fatigue, or strategic or technical reasons, and those of dogs that finished the race were analyzed. Multiple logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards analysis were used to determine factors associated with endurance. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with team speed. A total of 323 dogs (48%) were withdrawn from racing at various distances from the start. Median time to finish for 39 teams was 11.5 d and the winning time was 9.2 d. Dogs with prerace plasma vitamin E concentrations > 40.7 microg.mL-1 were 1.9 times more likely to finish (P = 0.0006) and had 1.8 times less of a risk of being withdrawn for every mile ran (P = 0.03) than were dogs with plasma vitamin E concentrations between 16.3 and 40.7 microg.mL-1. Neither a team's mean prerace vitamin E concentration, nor the proportion of dogs within a team with high (> 40.7 microg.mL-1) vitamin E concentration was associated with team speed. Dogs with higher plasma vitamin E concentrations have enhanced endurance compared with dogs with lower plasma vitamin E concentrations, but the plasma vitamin E status of a team is not associated with team speed.

Cystic echinococcosis in semi-nomadic pastoral communities in north-west China

In order to determine the prevalence of human cystic echinococcosis (CE) in semi-nomadic traditional pastoralist groups in north-west China, 2 large community studies were undertaken in Altai and Tacheng Prefectures in 1990/91 and 1995/96, respectively. The Kekergash community (Altai) comprised mainly ethnic Kazakhs, whereas the Narenhebuke community (Tacheng) comprised mainly Mongolians. Populations were screened for CE by abdominal ultrasound scan (US) and serological tests. The total prevalence of confirmed human CE was higher in Narenhebuke (2·7%, 49/1844) than in Kekergash (0·9%, 17/1861; P < 0·01). Within each community there was no significant difference of CE prevalence between the Kazakh and Mongolian groups, although Han Chinese exhibited twice the rate of CE (4·9%) in Narenhebuke compared to the dominant Mongolian population. For each community, human CE prevalence increased with age and there was a greater risk associated with the practice of home slaughter of livestock. Dogs were screened for Echinococcus granulosus infection and re-infection levels using a highly specific coproantigen test. The proportion of dogs with positive coproantigen tests was significantly higher in Narenhebuke (36·0%, 50/139) compared to Kekergash (17·8%, 16/90). In Narenhebuke the re-infection levels of dogs, as determined by coproantigen positivity, were higher in the winter quarters (49·4%, 39/79) compared to the summer quarters (18·3%, 11/60; P < 0·01). Furthermore, coproantigen re-test positivity was 25% at 3 months and 29·2% at 7 months. Highest dog coproantigen positivity was obtained over the winter period.

Canine distemper virus neutralising antibodies in vaccinated dogs.

The associations between the levels of canine distemper virus neutralising antibodies and vaccination history, age and gender were investigated in a cross-sectional study of a sample of 4627 dogs from the Finnish urban dog population. Dogs vaccinated with either Canlan (Langford Laboratories) or Dohyvac (Solvay Animal Health) or with both, had significantly lower titres than those vaccinated with Candur (Behringwerke), Duramune (Fort Dodge Laboratories) or Nobivac (Intervet), or with combinations including at least one of these. The vaccines were classified as having low and high immunogenicity on the basis of the geometric mean titre achieved by the vaccine when compared with the geometric mean titre of the entire dataset. The low geometric mean titre of Canlan, Dohyvac and their combination groups resulted from the large proportion of dogs without detectable titres, especially dogs under one year of age, rather than from uniformly low titres. An age-stratified comparison of vaccine usage and titres showed that the division of the vaccines into low and high immunogenicity vaccines was apparent in the dogs less than two years of age but not in the older dogs. The first vaccination with the high immunogenicity vaccines resulted in a higher proportion of dogs with detectable antibodies than even repeated vaccination with the low immunogenicity vaccines. Neither the time elapsed since the most recent vaccination nor the gender of the dogs was associated with the titre of antibody.

Fracture occurrence from radionuclides in the skeleton.

Because skeletal fractures were an important finding among persons contaminated with 226Ra, experience with fractures among dogs in our colony was summarized to determine the projected significance for persons contaminated with bone-seeking radionuclides. Comparison by Fisher's Exact Test of lifetime fracture occurrence in the skeletons of beagles injected as young adults suggested that for animals given 226Ra, 228Ra, 228Th, or 239Pu citrate, there was probably an excess over controls in fractures of the ribs, leg bones, spinous processes, and pelvis (os coxae) plus the mandible for dogs given 226Ra and the scapulae for dogs given 228Ra or 228Th. Regression analysis indicated that significantly elevated fracture occurrence was especially notable at the higher radiation doses, at about 50 Gy average skeletal dose for 239Pu, 140 Gy for 226Ra, about 40 Gy for 228Ra, and more than 15 Gy for 228Th. The average number of fractures per dog was significantly elevated over that noted in controls for the highest radiation doses of 239Pu and 226Ra and for the higher doses of 228Ra and 228Th. For those dogs given 90Sr citrate, there was virtually no important difference from control beagles not given radionuclides, even at group mean cumulative skeletal radiation doses up to 101 Gy. Because of a large proportion of dogs with fractures that died with bone malignancy (even at dosage levels lower than those exhibiting an excess average number of fractures per dog), we conclude that fracture would not be an important endpoint at lower levels of plutonium contamination in humans such as would be expected to occur from occupational or environmental exposure.

In vivo and in vitro tests showing sensitization to Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) pollen allergen in atopic dogs.

Using both in vivo and in vitro tests, dogs with atopic dermatitis were examined for sensitization with Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica, CJ) pollen allergen. Ten dogs with clinical manifestation of atopic dermatitis were shown to be sensitized to CJ pollen based on the results of intradermal skin test and serum antigen-specific IgE test. In vitro lymphocyte stimulation test showed blastogenic response after stimulation with crude antigen of CJ pollen in all of the 5 cases examined. The peripheral leukocytes showed increased histamine release after stimulation with crude antigen of CJ pollen in 2 cases examined. These data indicate that a proportion of dogs with atopic dermatitis is sensitized to CJ pollen in a cell-mediated manner and show immediate phase reaction of type I hypersensitivity.

Reliability of the hip distraction index in two-month-old German Shepherd Dogs

Objective To determine whether distraction index (DI), a measure of passive hip joint laxity, at 2 months of age was predictive of DI at 4 or 12 months of age in German Shepherd Dogs. Design Prospective cohort study. Animals 45 German Shepherd Dogs. Procedure DI was measured at 2, 4, and 12 months of age. At the same times, a standard ventrodorsal radiographic projection of the pelvis with the hip joints extended was obtained and examined for evidence of degenerative joint disease (DJD). To facilitate radiographic positioning, dogs were sedated or anesthetized. Results DI at 2 months of age was not significantly correlated with DI at 4 or 12 months of age. However, DI at 4 months of age was correlated with DI at 12 months of age. The proportion of dogs with DI ≥ 0.3 at 12 months of age that had radiographic evidence of DJD by 12 months of age (13/22; 59%) was significantly greater than the proportion of dogs with DI &lt; 0.3 at 12 months of age that had radiographic evidence of DJD by 12 months of age (1/9; 11 %). Clinical Implications For German Shepherd Dogs, DI at 2 months of age was not sufficiently reliable to predict DI at 4 and 12 months of age; however, DI at 4 and 12 months of age were comparable. We recommend that, for German Shepherd Dogs, DI not be measured before 4 months of age and that particularly for breeding dogs, DI be remeasured after maturity to confirm DI obtained at earlier ages. Studies including other breeds of dogs should be done to determine the youngest reliable age to initiate hip joint screening. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 1998;212:1560–1563)