Ulcers In Dogs Research Articles

Treatment of Oral Ulcers in Dogs Using Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Aim:Adipose tissue Derived Mesenchymal Stem cells (ADMSCs) represent a promising tool for new clinical concepts in supporting cellular therapy. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of ADMSCs transplantation on oral ulcer healing in dogs.Study design:Mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from adipose tissues of dogs obtained by suction-assisted lipectomy (liposuction), by dish adherence and were expanded in culture. Oral ulcers were induced by topical application of formocresol in the oral cavity of 18 dogs. The dogs were classified into 3 groups. Either autologousADMSCs, Corticosteriod (Dexamethasone) or vehicle (saline) was injected. The healing process of the ulcer was monitored histopathologically. Gene expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF),platelets derived growth factor (PDGF),epidermal growth factor (EGF) and collagen was assessed in biopsies obtained from all ulcers “as healing markers”, by real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results:ADMSCs group showed significantly accelerated oral ulcer healing compared with the Dexamethasone and control groups. There was increased expression of VEGF, PDGF,EGF and collagen genes in ADMSCs-treated ulcers compared with Dexamethasone and controls. Conclusion:ADMSCs transplantation may help accelerate oral ulcer healing, possibly through the induction of angiogenesis by VEGF and PDGF, as well as epithelial and connective tissue proliferation as evidenced by increased EGF and collagen gene expression.

Autologous Platelet Gel to Treat Chronic Decubital Ulcers: A Randomized, Blind Controlled Clinical Trial in Dogs

To determine the efficacy of topical application of the autologous platelet gel (PG) in canine chronic protracted decubital ulcers. Prospective, randomized, blind controlled clinical trial. Dogs (n = 18) with bilateral chronic wounds caused by protracted decubitus ulcers. For each dog, wound side was randomized to receive either platelet gel (group PG) every 5 days for 5 dressing changes, or paraffin gauzes dressings (group C), as negative control. Wound healing and wound surfaces were compared at admission and then evaluated every 5th day, until day 25. Outcome variables were: open wound area, reduction of open wound surface compared to admission and to each preceding dressing change, time to complete epithelialization. Significant differences in healing process were observed at day 5 and continued throughout the entire study period (P < .00001). At 25 days, mean percent reduction in wound area was 93.5% in group PG and 13.2% in group C (P < .00001). Appropriately prepared autologous PG, an inexpensive, readily available blood derivative, applied topically results in more rapid healing of chronic non-healing decubital ulcers in dogs than those treated by use of paraffin-impregnated gauzes.

Use of bovine pericardium (Tutopatch®) graft for surgical repair of deep melting corneal ulcers in dogs and corneal sequestra in cats

To evaluate the efficacy of bovine pericardium (BP) graft in the treatment of deep melting corneal ulcers in three dogs and corneal sequestra in three cats. Three dogs with keratomalacia affecting the deep third of the stroma and three cats with corneal sequestrum were evaluated and underwent surgery. Following keratectomy, BP material was placed into the keratectomy bed and sutured to the recipient cornea with 9/0 polyglactin suture material. Postoperative treatment with topical and systemic antibiotics, systemic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, and topical atropine was prescribed. Follow-up examinations were carried out 1, 2 weeks, 1 and 2 months after the surgery and consisted of a complete ophthalmic examination. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed 1 and 2 months after the surgery in one dog and in one cat. At 1 week, corneal neovascularization was present around the BP graft in all cases. Four weeks after the BP graft, in two dogs and in all cats, the vascularization was regressing and the graft was integrated into the cornea, which was regaining transparency. Topical treatment with anti-inflammatory agents was then prescribed for 2 weeks. Two months after the surgery, 5 of 6 corneas in two dogs and three cats had healed with focal corneal scarring. The remaining dog had progression of the keratomalacia involving the deep BP graft that required additional surgery, but became blind. Bovine pericardium graft offers a promising option for surgical reconstruction of the cornea following keratectomy for the management of corneal ulcers and sequestra.

Corneal collagen cross‐linking (CXL) for the treatment of melting keratitis in cats and dogs: a pilot study

UV-A/riboflavin cross-linking (CXL) of corneal collagen fibers is an established, highly promising therapy for corneal melting in physician-based ophthalmology. A prospective pilot study was conducted to demonstrate proof of principle of this novel method for the treatment of melting corneal ulcers in dogs and cats. After obtaining owner consent, CXL was performed in three cats and three dogs with corneal melting, which either affected the entire corneal surface or was resistant to conventional antibiotic and anticollagenolytic therapy, and affected parts or all of the corneal surface. Medical therapy was continued in all patients. The available follow-up ranged from 2 to 22.5 months and involved slit-lamp examination, fluorescein staining, and photographic documentation during all rechecks. Surgical stabilization of the cornea was not necessary in any case, because progression of corneal melting was arrested in all cases within 1-20 days of CXL treatment. Corneal re-epithelization occurred within 7-40 days in all eyes. At 40 days after CXL, all eyes presented a quiescent corneal state without signs of active inflammation and with beginning scar formation. The complications observed in three of the six animals included a corneal sequestrum, superficial corneal stromal pigmentation, and bullous keratopathy. This study shows the feasibility of CXL to treat progressive corneal melting in veterinary patients. CXL may represent a cost-efficient and safe alternative therapy in the treatment for corneal melting in veterinary ophthalmology. More investigations comparing the effectivity and complication rate of CXL to those of standard medical treatment are necessary.

Gastric ulceration in dog: A review

The common acid related diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract could be considered as primarily due to the defect in barrier function either of the gastric mucosal or duodenal epithelium leading to the formation of gastric or duodenal ulcers. An attempt was made in this review to discuss the classification, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of gastric ulcer in dogs. Early surgical advances in the management of peptic ulcers are emphasized that were then subsequently replaced by pharmacological treatment (histamine H2-receptor antagonists, proton pump inhibitors) and considered as the major strategy against the acid disorders.

Effect of a zinc l-carnosine compound on acid-induced injury in canine gastric mucosa ex vivo

To examine whether a zinc L-carnosine compound used for treatment of suspected gastric ulcers in dogs ameliorates acid-induced injury in canine gastric mucosa. Gastric mucosa from 6 healthy dogs. Mucosa from the gastric antrum was harvested from 6 unadoptable shelter dogs immediately after euthanasia and mounted on Ussing chambers. The tissues were equilibrated for 30 minutes in neutral Ringer's solution prior to incubation with acidic Ringer's solution (HCl plus Ringer's solution [final pH, 1.5 to 2.5]), acidic Ringer's solution plus zinc L-carnosine compound, or zinc L-carnosine compound alone. Tissues were maintained for 180 minutes in Ussing chambers, during which permeability was assessed by measurement of transepithelial electrical resistance. After the 180-minute treatment period, tissues were removed from Ussing chambers and labeled with immunofluorescent anti-active caspase-3 antibody as an indicator of apoptosis. Permeability of the gastric mucosa was significantly increased in a time-dependent manner by addition of HCl, whereas control tissues maintained viability for the study period. Change in permeability was detected within the first 15 minutes after acid application and progressed over the subsequent 150 minutes. The zinc L-carnosine compound had no significant effect on this increase in permeability. Apoptosis was evident in acid-treated tissues but not in control tissues. The zinc L-carnosine compound did not protect against development of apoptosis. Addition of HCl caused a dose-dependent increase in gastric permeability over time and apparent induction of apoptosis as determined on the basis of immunofluorescence. However, there was no significant protective effect of a zinc L-carnosine compound. Nonetheless, results suggested the utility of this method for further studies of canine gastric injury.

Duodenoscopic appraisal of duodenal ulcer in dogs

Aim: To assess the usefulness of duodenoscopy in the diagnosis of duodenal ulcers in dogs. Materials and Methods: Sick dogs with chronic gastrointestinal problems were physically examined and samples were collected for haematology, biochemistry and faecal examination. Duodenal biopsies, duodenal contents and brush cytology were obtained via duodenoscopy. Results: Seven duodenal ulcers cases were recorded, higher incidences was recorded in Labrador retriever, 2-4 years of aged male dogs. Significantly decreased Hb (9.10 ± 0.25 g/dl), RBCs (4.39 ± 0.19 mill/cu.mm) and albumin (2.343b ± 0.13 g/dl) level were noticed. Hyperaemia with ulceration of duodenal mucosa was observed. Conclusion: Duodenoscopy is very much useful for detection of duodenal ulceration and provided a sensitive technique for early diagnosis of mucosal lesions and ulceration.

In vivo effects of adjunctive tetracycline treatment on refractory corneal ulcers in dogs

To evaluate effect of adjunctive treatment with tetracycline analogues on time to complete corneal reepithelialization in dogs with nonhealing (ie, refractory) corneal ulcers. Randomized controlled clinical trial. 89 dogs with refractory corneal ulcers. Corneal ulcers were treated via debridement and grid keratotomy. Dogs were assigned to receive 1 of 3 treatment regimens for up to 6 weeks: doxycycline (5 mg/kg [2.27 mg/lb], PO, q 12 h) with topically applied ophthalmic ointment containing neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin (ie, triple antibiotic ointment; q 8 h); cephalexin (22 mg/kg [10 mg/lb], PO, q 12 h) with topically applied oxytetracycline ophthalmic ointment (q 8 h); or a control treatment of cephalexin (22 mg/kg, PO, q 12 h) with topically applied triple antibiotic ointment (q 8 h). Healing was monitored via measurements of the wound with calipers and evaluation of photographs obtained every 2 weeks. Treatment effectiveness was evaluated by wound healing and decreased signs of pain. The Boxer breed was overrepresented in all groups. At the 2-week time point, wound healing was significantly more common in small-breed dogs, compared with large-breed dogs. Dogs treated with oxytetracycline ophthalmic ointment had a significantly shorter healing time than did dogs receiving the control treatment. Corneal ulcers in dogs that received doxycycline PO healed more rapidly than did ulcers in dogs in the control treatment group; however, this difference was not significant. Topical tetracycline ophthalmic ointment was a safe, inexpensive, and effective adjunctive treatment for refractory corneal ulcers in dogs.

The role of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells in treating formocresol induced oral ulcers in dogs

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), a subpopulation of adult somatic stem cells, are an attractive stem cell source in regenerative medicine because of their multipotentiality. In this study, the effects of MSCs transplantation on oral ulcer healing were examined. Mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from bone marrow aspirates of dogs by dish adherence and expanded in culture. Oral ulcers were induced by topical application of formocresol in the oral cavity of dogs. Either autologous MSCs or vehicle (saline) was injected around the ulcer. The healing process of the ulcer was monitored clinically and histopathologically. Gene expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was detected in MSCs by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Expression of VEGF and collagen genes was detected in biopsies from all ulcers. Mesenchymal stem cells expressed mRNA for VEGF MSCs transplantation significantly accelerated oral ulcer healing compared with controls. There was increased expression of both collagen and VEGF genes in MSCs-treated ulcers compared with controls. Mesenchymal stem cells transplantation may help accelerate oral ulcer healing, possibly through the induction of angiogenesis by VEGF together with increased intracellular matrix formation as detected by increased collagen gene expression.

Effect of dexamethasone in combination with acetylcysteine at different times on corneal wound healing in dogs

Summary The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of different time combinations of dexamethasone and acetylcysteine on experimentally induced corneal ulcers in dogs. Experimental corneal wounds were created surgically to the anterior one third of the cornea in the center of all eyes of 15 mixed breed dogs. The eyes were divided into five groups according to planned post-operative medications: group 1, one drop of N- acetylcysteine 3% and one drop of dexamethasone 0.1% immediately after surgery; group 2, two drops of N- acetylcysteine 3% from day 1, one drop of N-acetylcysteine 3% and one drop of dexamethasone 0.1% from day 15; group 3, two drops of N-acetylcysteine 3%; group 4, two drops of dexamethasone 0.1%; group 5 (control), two drops of normal saline. When applied immediately after corneal ulceration, dexamethasone 0.1% (group 4) decreased corneal haze significantly and did not delay corneal wound healing. Addition of dexamethasone 0.1% to N-acetylcysteine 3% from day 15 (group 2) significantly suppressed opacity at two months after the beginning of the study, but when dexamethasone 0.1% associated to N-acetylcysteine 3% immediately after corneal ulceration (group 1), significant delay in corneal wound healing was induced. It is concluded that combination of dexamethasone 0.1% and NAC 3% immediately after surgery may delay corneal wound healing, also use of these drugs individually, has no obvious clinical effect on corneal haze. On the other hand, use of these drugs in combination with each other may reduce the corneal haze in later months after discontinuation of drugs. However, further studies using larger groups of animals are needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of these pharmacological modulators following experimentally induced corneal wounds in dogs.

Canine Amniotic Membrane Transplantation for Ocular Surface Reconstruction of Created Deep Corneal Ulcers in Dogs

Canine Amniotic Membrane Transplantation for Ocular Surface Reconstruction of Created Deep Corneal Ulcers in Dogs

Effect of bovine freeze‐dried amniotic membrane (Amnisite‐BA™) on uncomplicated canine corneal erosion

To evaluate the effectiveness of bovine freeze-dried amniotic membrane (FD-AM) (Amnisite-BA) in the surgical treatment of corneal ulceration in dogs. Eight normal Shih-tzu dogs. The corneas of 16 eyes were scored with an 8.0-mm trephine under general anesthetic and 100% ethanol was applied to remove a standardized button of corneal epithelium. The eyes were treated as described below and the corneas were evaluated 48 h later. The dogs were divided into four treatment groups: (i) control, (ii) amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT), (iii) nictitating membrane flap and (iv) contact lens. The proportion of the corneal wound that healed was calculated and all eyes were enucleated. Histological sections of cornea were assessed with the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) assay. The proportion of corneas healed in the different treatment groups was (i) 38.02%, (ii) 89.15%, (iii) 52.31%, and (iv) 60.56%. Epithelial healing was significantly increased in the AMT group (ii) (P = 0.001) while groups (iii) and (iv) were not significantly different from the control group (P = 0.537 and P = 0.198, respectively). The number of PCNA positive cells was (i) 275.00, (ii) 740.50, (iii) 285.75 and (iv) 420.59, these varying compared with the control group with statistical significance of (ii) P = 0.002, (iii) P = 0.999, and (iv) P = 0.467. The greatest healing rate and epithelial cell proliferation was achieved with AMT compared to the other treatment regimes. The results of this study show that FD-AM transplantation is an effective treatment for enhancing canine corneal wound healing and suggest that the approach will provide superior results compared to conventional treatments for the condition.

Surgical repair of deep melting ulcers with porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) graft in dogs and cats

To evaluate the efficacy of using a porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) graft for the surgical repair of deep melting ulcers in dogs and cats. Two cats and five dogs presented with deep and large melting ulcers of the cornea. In each case, the necrotic and collagenolytic tissue of the cornea was removed by keratectomy. A SIS graft, 1 mm greater than the corneal defect, was rehydrated in sterile saline and sutured to the edges of the ulcer with a simple interrupted pattern of 9/0 polyglactin 910. A nictitating membrane flap was utilized in two cats and four dogs for 2 weeks. All cases were treated postoperatively with topical and systemic antibiotics, a systemic anti-inflammatory drug and topical atropine. All animals were re-evaluated 15 days, 4 weeks, 35-45 days, 2-3 months and 6 months postsurgery. At 15 days postsurgery, a superficial intense corneal neovascularization surrounded the SIS graft. No ocular discomfort was present and fluorescein staining was negative in all cases. At 4 weeks the SIS graft was thick and opaque in all cases, although in one cat the SIS graft had partially detached. Between 35 and 45 days, SIS graft integration was evident in all eyes, and corneal neovascularization had decreased progressively. All eyes healed without complications and retained corneal transparency. This occurred even in the presence of corneal perforation in two cases: one prior to and one during surgery. Results of our study suggest the SIS graft may be an effective alternative surgical treatment to the traditional conjunctival grafts commonly used to repair melting ulcers in dogs and cats. The advantages of using a SIS graft include good corneal transparency, preservation of corneal integrity and maintenance of vision.

Gastric ulceration subsequent to partial invagination of the stomach in a dog with gastric dilatation-volvulus

CASE DESCRIPTION-An 8-year-old castrated male German Shepherd Dog was evaluated because of abdominal distension, retching, and vomiting. CLINICAL FINDINGS-Gastric dilatation-volvulus was suspected on the basis of the dog's signalment, history, clinical signs, and results of clinicopathologic analyses and abdominal radiography. Celiotomy was performed, and gastric dilatation-volvulus was confirmed along with splenomegaly. Gastric invagination was performed over an area of gastric necrosis. The dog was reevaluated 21 days later after an episode of collapse. Findings of physical examination and clinicopathologic analyses were suggestive of internal hemorrhage. Abdominal ultrasonography and subsequent celiotomy revealed severe gastric ulceration at the gastric invagination site, splenic torsion, and a focal splenic infarct. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME-Splenectomy and gastrectomy of the necrotic tissue were performed. The dog was discharged from the hospital, and the owner was instructed to administer gastroprotectants and feed the dog a bland diet. The dog was reported to be healthy 3.25 years after surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE-Findings suggest that complications associated with the gastric invagination procedure include severe gastric ulceration that may require subsequent surgery. Prolonged treatment with gastroprotectants following gastric invagination surgery may be necessary to avoid gastric ulceration in dogs.

The experimental production of gastric ulcers by induced muscle spasm

Abstract A new technique is described for the experimental production of gastric ulcers in dogs. It depends on producing an intermittent but severe localized increase in the contractility of the stomach by means of electrodes implanted in the gastric muscle. A suitable stimulator is attached to the animal's back. Following some early technical, failures an adequate stimulus was applied for 2–3 weeks in 16 animals. In 13 cases macroscopic lesions developed in the stimulated area, varying from frank perforation to superficial erosions. Confirmation by barium meal examinations and histology is provided. It is suggested that the responsible mechanism may be a localized ischaemia, due to the increased muscle spasm, predisposing to the necrosis and ulceration of the mucosa followed by the more superficial layers of the stomach wall.

Topical treatment of non‐healing corneal epithelial ulcers in dogs with aminocaproic acid

The potential efficacy of topical epsilon-aminocaproic acid, an antiplasmin agent, in the treatment of persistent corneal epithelial defects was evaluated in a study of the medical records of 44 dogs, in which 51 eyes had been diagnosed with a corneal epithelial defect lasting more than 10 days, with no apparent underlying cause. At an initial examination all the affected eyes had had non-adherent epithelium removed. Thirty-four of the eyes in 28 dogs examined between January 2000 and March 2003 were also treated by the topical application of a solution of 35.7 mg/ml ophthalmic aminocaproic acid three times a day; the other 17 eyes in 16 dogs treated between October 1997 and March 1999 had received only topical treatment with gentamicin in addition to the debridement. Both groups were assessed clinically at weekly intervals for a maximum of three weeks. The two groups had approximately the same breed distribution, and there were no statistically significant differences between them in terms of their age, sex, affected side or duration of the corneal erosions. After three weeks, 32 of the 34 eyes treated with aminocaproic acid (94.1 per cent) had been cured, compared with seven of the 17 eyes treated with gentamicin (41.2 per cent) (P=0.0001). No adverse drug reactions were reported.

ISVD‐4 Deep cutaneous ulcerations secondary to atherosclerosis in a hypothyroid dog

The purpose of this report is to describe the clinical and histopathological characteristics of deep cutaneous ulcerations secondary to atherosclerosis. A 5‐year‐old Dalmatian dog was presented with slowly progressive, slightly puritic, nonpainful skin ulcers involving the lateral tarsus, the inner thigh, and one footpad. The hair coat was greasy, dull and covered by oily scales. The tail was alopecic. The dog was abnormally quiet, bradycardic and had a swollen puffy face. Complete blood count revealed a moderate anaemia, and the chemistry panel revealed a severe hypercholesterolemia (12.03 g/L) and hypertriglyceridemia (7.91 g/L). Endocrine tests unveiled low serum T4 (&lt;4.67 ng/mL) and high endogenous TSH (2.08 ng/mL). Histological examination of skin biopsy specimens demonstrated deep chronic ulcers. Beneath these ulcers, deep dermal and subcutaneous medium to large arteries exhibited variable degrees of sclerosis, multiple foci of lipid deposition, and large foamy lipid‐laden histiocytes infiltrating within the tunica intima and media. Rare neutrophils and lymphocytes occasionally infiltrated the arterial walls. Oral thyroxin supplementation induced rapid changes in the dog's attitude, facial swelling and heart rate. The hair coat improved dramatically and ulcers rapidly healed following treatment implementation. There are only rare descriptions of clinical consequences of atherosclerosis in the veterinary literature. To our knowledge, this is the first report of atherosclerosis‐related cutaneous ulceration in dogs. Atherosclerosis is rare in this species, where it most often occurs secondary to diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism. Ischaemia induced by atheromatous plaques and secondary thrombosis is likely the cause of the skin ulceration in this patient. Funding: Self‐funded.

EUS-guided ethanol injection for treatment of a GI stromal tumor

EUS-guided ethanol injection for treatment of a GI stromal tumor

Collagen Shield Impregnated with Ofloxacin in the Treatment of Corneal Ulcers in Dogs and Cats

Collagen Shield Impregnated with Ofloxacin in the Treatment of Corneal Ulcers in Dogs and Cats

Modulation of proteolytic activity associated with persistent corneal ulcers in dogs.

Canines affected with corneal lesions demonstrate increased proteolytic activity at the affected site. Canines that develop persistent corneal ulcers and maintain elevated levels of proteolytic activity respond to protease inhibitor therapy with polysulpated glycosaminoglycan, PSGAG. In this study, the proteolytic activity expressed in lacrimal fluid of canines was evaluated as normal (1.15 U mL-1) or healed (1.19 U mL-1). Six of the 26 dogs affected with persistent corneal ulcers, however, had a protease level consistent with the unaffected control animals. These dogs did not appear to respond to PSGAG therapy. Two pathophysiologies for persistent corneal ulcers are indicated. Identifying which mode is active could help determine the therapeutic treatment needed.