Veterinary Literature Research Articles

Diascopy and histopathological evaluation of nonblanching erythematous dermatoses in dogs.

Diascopy is a point-of-care diagnostic test used to differentiate skin erythema due to vascular dilation from haemorrhage. In the veterinary literature, only a handful of diseases have been described to be associated with a negative (nonblanching) diascopy result, and histological investigation of haemorrhage has been inconsistent. Retrospective study to undertake a histopathological investigation of canine, nonblanching erythematous dermatoses for the presence or absence of haemorrhage and vascular changes. Skin biopsies from dogs presented with moderate-to-severe nonblanching erythema were evaluated histologically. Additionally, clinical data about each patient were analysed. Twenty cases were identified with nonblanching erythema. Diagnoses included vasculopathy (n = 6), canine eosinophilic dermatitis (n = 3), cutaneous epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma (n = 2), and one case each of sterile granuloma and pyogranuloma syndrome, German shepherd dog pyoderma, multiple mast cell tumours, haemangiosarcoma, exfoliative cutaneous lupus erythematosus, canine leishmaniosis with sebaceous adenitis, sebaceous adenitis with concurrent dermatophytosis, calcinosis cutis and canine atopic dermatitis with insect-bite reaction. One or more vascular changes were present in all 20 cases and included perivascular oedema, endothelial swelling and neutrophilic infiltration of vessel walls. Haemorrhage was identified in 17 of 20 cases (85%). Three cases without dermal haemorrhage were calcinosis cutis, sebaceous adenitis with dermatophytosis and canine atopic dermatitis with insect-bite reaction. Negative diascopy was associated with haemorrhage and vascular pathological findings in the majority of cases, yet not all. Haemorrhage was identified histologically in all diseases previously reported as nonblanching as well as in a few additional diseases.

Bilateral pubic and ischial osteotomy in cats offers good exposure for resection of large vaginal masses with minimal postoperative complications.

To describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging findings, surgical technique, histopathological diagnosis, and postoperative outcome in 3 cats with extensive vaginal masses. Medical records of cats diagnosed with vaginal masses that had a bilateral pubic and ischial osteotomy and vaginectomy between 2004 and 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Three cats met the inclusion criteria. Histopathological diagnosis included T-cell-rich B-cell lymphoma (n = 1), mycetoma (1), and vaginal polyp (1). Diagnostic imaging included CT (n = 2) and MRI (1), and tumor length/width/height percentages in relation to the pelvic dimensions were 53% X 62% X 63% (case 1), 50% X 100% X 60% (case 2), and 150% X 120% X 120% (case 3). A bilateral pubic and ischial osteotomy was performed in all 3 cases. All 3 cases developed mild pelvic-limb splaying postoperatively; all resolved within 8 weeks, and 2 cases fully resolved within 14 days. Two of the 3 cases presented with mild stranguria postoperatively, which resolved fully in both cases. Vaginal neoplasia, either malignant or benign, is infrequently reported in cats in the veterinary literature. Bilateral pubic and ischial osteotomy for resection of vaginal masses in cats is a successful surgical approach, offering good exposure for resection of large vaginal masses, with minimal postoperative complications.

Review of intra-articular local anaesthetic administration in horses: Clinical indications, cytotoxicity, and outcomes.

Equine practitioners frequently inject local anaesthetics (LA) intra-articularly in both diagnosis of lameness and for pain management intra- or post-operatively with synovial endoscopy. Recent reviews of the human and veterinary literature support the concept that chondrotoxicity of LA on joint tissues depends on the type of drug, dose administered, and duration of exposure. The purpose of this review is to summarise the current literature describing intra-articular local anaesthetic use, including both in vitro and in vivo studies, and to draw some comparisons to literature from other species where potential toxicity and duration of effect have been evaluated with the goal of advancing the field's understanding of intra-articular local anaesthetic use in horses, and indicating future directions for the field. The aggregate data available from all species, while generally sparse for horses, indicate that LA are rapidly cleared from the synovial fluid after injection, often within 30 min. In vitro data strongly suggest that lidocaine and bupivacaine are likely more chondrotoxic than other LA, although to what extent is still unknown, and cytotoxicity of LA may be mitigated through concurrent injection with HA, PRP, and drug combinations including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories and opioids. The current body of in vitro research is not reflective of the in vivo environment, and further in vitro work, if performed, should focus on mimicking the native joint environment, utilising PK data and joint/injection volumes to replicate the native environment more accurately within the joint and the expected exposures to LA.

Suspected intermediate syndrome in a dog after organophosphate poisoning.

To discuss the clinical presentation and successful treatment of a suspected case of intermediate syndrome due to organophosphate (OP) poisoning in a dog. Two dogs presented with acute cholinergic signs after ingesting an OP insecticide containing 50% acephate. Clinical signs consistent with acute cholinergic crisis resolved in both dogs within 24hours postingestion. One dog developed an onset of neurological signs consistent with intermediate syndrome approximately 24hours postingestion. This patient's clinical signs resolved with the use of pralidoxime chloride. OP poisoning most commonly presents as an acute cholinergic crisis, with rare instances of animals developing intermediate syndrome. Few reports of successful treatment and recovery from intermediate syndrome exist in the veterinary literature, particularly with instances in which 2 dogs within the same exposure setting were treated for acute cholinergic signs and only 1 progressed to an intermediate syndrome. This report also highlights the importance of early intervention with pralidoxime chloride prior to the onset of aging.

Dentinogenesis Imperfecta in a 1-Year-Old Female Labrador Retriever Dog: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Dentinogenesis imperfecta is a rare, autosomal dominant, hereditary disorder that occurs in humans and animals. In humans, known causative genetic mutations have been elucidated; however, veterinary literature on the topic is limited. This case report describes a 1-year-old female Labrador Retriever who presented for evaluation of generalized discoloration of the permanent dentition with historical discoloration of the deciduous dentition. Radiographic and histopathological findings will be discussed, as well as an in-depth review of the current human and veterinary literature pertaining to the pathogenesis and treatment options for dentinogenesis imperfecta.

Determination of the relationships between serum amyloid A, serum calprotectin and fecal calprotectin in healthy and infectious diarrheic calves and their diagnostic significances as inflammatory markers

In this study, serum amyloid A (SAA), serum calprotectin (SCalp) and fecal calprotectin (FCalp) levels were investigated in neonatal calves with infectious diarrhea. Total of 70 calves were divided into E. coli, C. parvum, C. parvum + viral, viral and control groups. Clinical parameters were recorded on days 0 and 7, post treatment. On these days, blood and stool samples were also taken. SAA, SCalp and FCalp levels were measured with commercial ELISA kits. Mean SAA levels on day 0 were measured as 0.54 (0.16–2.18) ng/ml and 38.40 (8.28–83.96) ng/ml for the diarrhea and healthy group, respectively (P < 0.001). Statistically significant difference was also obtained between the diarrhea [68.02 ng/ml 46.66–101.67] and control [24.05 ng/ml 11.92–56] groups in terms of SCalp levels on day 0 (P < 0.001). Cut-off value of SCalp to distinguish E. coli originated diarrhea from viral diarrhea was found to be 70.969 ng/ml (Sens: 94%). FCalp levels on day 0 were 93.08 (22.17–122.88) ng/ml and 87.01 ± 3.33 ng/ml in the diarrhea and healthy groups, respectively (P = 0.04). Cut-off concentration of FCalp was found to be 91.804 ng/ml (P = 0.0057). In addition, as a result of the logistic regression analysis, FCalp's ability to identify animals with diarrhea was found to be 6.316 times (P = 0.009) higher. The highest levels of SCalp and FCalp measured on day 0 were found among E. coli group. As a result, the importance of FCalp and SCalp in diagnosing the status of infectious diarrhea in calves for the first time in the veterinary literature is emphasized.

Colonic Hamartomatous Ganglioneuromatosis in a 4 Mo Old Puppy.

A 4 mo old male goldendoodle puppy was evaluated for chronic hematochezia with a history of recurrent rectal prolapse and tenesmus. A colo-colonic intussusception was diagnosed via abdominal imaging. Surgery was elected to reduce the intussusception, wherein a colonic mass was discovered. Colonic resection and anastomosis was performed, and the tissue were submitted for histopathological examination. The puppy was diagnosed with colonic hamartomatous ganglioneuromatosis based on the presence of markedly hyperplastic submucosal and myenteric plexi with infiltration and expansion of the mucosa and submucosa by Schwann cells and neuronal cell bodies. Ganglioneuromatosis is a rarely reported entity in the veterinary literature, and limited clinical follow up data is available for described cases. In humans, ganglioneuromatosis is associated with a PTEN genetic mutation, which confers increased susceptibility to the development of neoplasia of endocrine organs. Approximately 1 yr after the operation, this puppy appeared clinically normal with no abnormalities on repeated imaging. This case report describes the clinical presentation, surgical treatment, and histologic features of colonic hamartomatous ganglioneuromatosis with 1 yr postoperative clinical follow up data in a dog. Although uncommon, ganglioneuromatosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis list as a cause of gastrointestinal masses in puppies and young dogs.

Breathe easy: inhalational therapy for feline inflammatory airway disease.

Feline inflammatory airway diseases, including (but not limited to) asthma, chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis, are common and incurable disorders. These diseases require lifelong therapy and may result in substantial morbidity and, in some cases, mortality. Goals of therapy include reduction or resolution of clinical signs and the underlying pathologic processes driving those clinical signs. Inhalational therapy has the advantage of topical delivery of drugs to target tissues at higher doses with fewer systemic effects than oral medications. There are multiple options for delivery devices, and proper selection and training on the use of these devices - including acclimation of the cat to the device - can maximize therapeutic efficacy. As inhalational therapy is uncommonly used by many veterinarians and owners, this review article provides a foundation on the selection and use of devices and inhalant medications for specific feline inflammatory airway diseases. Cats present a unique challenge with respect to the use of inhalers, and easy-to-follow steps on acclimating them to the devices are provided. The review also discusses the mechanics of inhalational therapy and helps clarify why certain medications, such as albuterol (salbutamol), fluticasone or budesonide, are chosen for certain diseases. The ultimate aim is that the practitioner should feel more comfortable managing common airway diseases in cats. In compiling their review, the authors searched the veterinary literature for articles in English that discuss inhalational therapy in cats, and which focus primarily on inhaled glucocorticoids and bronchodilators. While most literature on inhalational therapy in cats is based on experimental feline asthma models, there are some studies demonstrating successful treatment in cats with naturally occurring inflammatory airway disease.

Lumbar vertebral canal stenosis due to marked bone overgrowth after routine hemilaminectomy in a dog

BackgroundBone overgrowth after decompressive surgery for lumbar stenosis resulting in recurrence of neurological signs has not been reported in veterinary literature. However, there are few cases described in human medicine.Case presentationA 13-month-old entire female dog, a crossbreed between a Springer Spaniel and a Border Collie, weighing 24 kg, was referred with a 5-day history of progressive spastic paraplegia, indicative of a T3-L3 myelopathy. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed a right-sided L2-L3 compressive extradural lesion, compatible with epidural haemorrhage, which was confirmed by histopathology. The lesion was approached via right-sided L2-L3 hemilaminectomy and was successfully removed. One-year postoperatively the dog re-presented with pelvic limb ataxia. MR and computed tomography (CT) images demonstrated excessive vertebral bone formation affecting the right articular processes, ventral aspect of the spinous process of L2-L3, and contiguous vertebral laminae, causing spinal cord compression. Revision surgery was performed, and histopathology revealed normal or reactive osseous tissue with a possible chondroid metaplasia and endochondral ossification, failing to identify a definitive reason for the bone overgrowth. Nine-month postoperatively, imaging studies showed a similar vertebral overgrowth, resulting in minimal spinal cord compression. The patient remained stable with mild proprioceptive ataxia up until the last follow-up 18 months post-revision surgery.ConclusionThis is the first report in the veterinary literature of bone overgrowth after lumbar hemilaminectomy which resulted in neurological deficits and required a revision decompressive surgery.

Comparison of Different Pneumorrhaphy Methods after Partial Pulmonary Lobectomy in Dogs.

Pulmonary loborraphy can be performed using manual sutures and staples, although other methods, such as tissue adhesives, are also cited in the veterinary literature. Although the surgery is well tolerated in the canine species, failure in pulmonary aerostasis is still a reality since all the methods described so far eventually lead to air leakage after the use of the partial lobectomy technique in the lungs. Within this context, the aim of this research was to compare the effectiveness of different hermetic sealing methods after partial lobectomy of the right caudal lung lobe (RCLL) in dogs. 30 cadavers models were divided in 6 groups: G1-cobbler suture associated with simple continuous; G2-overlapping continuous suture associated with simple continuous suture; G3-Ford interlocking suture; G4-Stapling device; G5-Tissue glue (cyanoacrylate). After performing the sealing techniques, the lungs were submerged in water and inflated with oxygen at positive ventilatory pressures at physiological (up to 14.7 mmHg, which is equivalent to up to 20 cmH2O) and supraphysiological levels (above 14.7 mmHg) to evaluate the performance of the sealing methods. At physiological ventilatory pressure levels, there was no difference between groups. Sealing with surgical glue was superior to interlocking sutures and stapling devices at supraphysiological levels of ventilatory pressure.

Nodular hyperplasia of lymphoglandular complexes in dogs: A potential diagnostic pitfall for rectal masses.

Lymphoglandular complexes are components of the gut-associated lymphoid tissue that are characterized by submucosal lymphoid aggregates invested by projections of mucosal epithelium. Reports of pathology involving these structures are rare in both human and veterinary literature. Here, the authors report 2 cases of rectal masses excised from dogs following a period of tenesmus and hematochezia. In both animals, the masses were composed of lymphoid tissue closely encompassing tubuloacinar structures. Immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction antigen receptor rearrangement testing demonstrated that the lymphoid population was polyclonal, comprising T and B cells arranged in loosely follicular aggregates centered on the epithelial foci. In light of these findings, a diagnosis of lymphoglandular complex nodular hyperplasia was reported. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of this condition in dogs.

Synovial sepsis diagnostics and antimicrobial resistance: a one-health perspective.

This article, as part of the Currents in One Health series, reviews the current state of diagnostics for synovial sepsis. Synovial sepsis is a condition that affects veterinary and human medicine and requires coordinated efforts from both parties, as well as environmental considerations to accurately diagnose and preserve effective treatments. The article discusses best practices to identify the causative agent in septic synovitis, trends in bacterial identification and antimicrobial resistance patterns across common bacterial species, and a one-health perspective to optimize diagnostics across species. Antimicrobial resistance is a challenge facing both human and veterinary medicine and requires mindful and attentive prescribing to reduce the development of antimicrobial resistance and preserve antimicrobials for future application. The current standard of care for bacterial identification in veterinary practice is culture and antimicrobial susceptibility; however, positive culture rates from synovial sepsis cases often remain < 50%. Recent developments in advanced bacterial identification present opportunities for improved bacterial identification in synovial sepsis. Increased bacterial isolation will also help guide empirical antimicrobial therapy. Utilizing information and recommendations from both the human and veterinary literature will improve timely and accurate bacterial identification and therefore rapid and effective treatment of synovial sepsis across species and limit the development of antimicrobial resistance.

A review of cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions in dogs: A diagnostician's guide to allergy.

Allergic dermatoses are common in people and domestic animals. Resultant lesions are routinely biopsied and submitted for histological examination to confirm a diagnosis or rule out diseases with overlapping or atypical clinical features. Diagnostic pathologists and clinicians are often faced with the difficult task of determining whether an allergic reaction pattern is present on both the microscopic and macroscopic levels and correlating histopathologic findings with clinical and historical data to achieve a precise clinical diagnosis. The bulk of the current veterinary literature on allergic dermatoses focuses on atopic dermatitis in dogs, distantly followed by cats, horses, and other animals. The objectives of this review are to demonstrate the key histopathologic and clinical diagnostic features of the various allergy-mediated reaction patterns, and to provide diagnosticians with a practical guide for clinicopathological correlations. Current concepts in the pathophysiology of immediate hypersensitivity reactions, with a focus on atopic dermatitis, are discussed. Points of potential histopathologic overlap between the "classic" allergic reaction pattern and less common inflammatory, predominately eosinophilic, conditions that may mimic this pattern will be discussed with the goal of highlighting the critical need for collaboration between pathologists and clinicians in furthering patient care.

Does switching brands matter? Complications associated with switching between phenobarbital brands in two dogs with idiopathic epilepsy

AbstractSwitching between brands of the same antiseizure medication has been associated with a loss of epileptic seizure control in people. No such reports are available in the veterinary literature. Here, we describe two cases in which client‐owned dogs with idiopathic epilepsy experienced complications following phenobarbital brand switch, despite no change in the administered dosage. Both dogs had been on treatment with oral phenobarbital for at least 23 months without complications. Following brand switching, one dog became markedly sedated, ataxic and anorexic, and the other dog experienced severe cluster seizures. The measured serum phenobarbital concentrations were significantly altered from the previously measured pre‐brand switching concentrations. Echoing what has been described in human medicine, these cases suggest that therapeutic complications can occur when switching phenobarbital brand in chronically treated dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. Such complications should be considered when modulating antiseizure treatment in dogs. The exact cause for the resulting complications is unclear.

Cooling Methods Used to Manage Heat-Related Illness in Dogs Presented to Primary Care Veterinary Practices during 2016-2018 in the UK.

The management of heat-related illness (HRI) in dogs has received limited attention in the veterinary literature, especially regarding effective cooling methods. Guidelines published in 2016 for prehospital management of dogs with HRI advised "cool first, transport second", and recommended using cold-water immersion and evaporative cooling (water application with air movement) as the optimal approaches to reduce the patient's temperature. The current retrospective cross-sectional observation study analysed electronic patient records from the VetCompass programme to describe the cooling methods used in dogs with HRI presented to primary care veterinary practices during 2016-2018. Of 623 HRI events identified, 341 (54.74%, 95% CI 50.81-58.60%) included information on cooling in their clinical record. Of these, 74/341 (21.70%, 95% CI 17.65-26.38%) were cooled prior to transport for veterinary care. Overall, 23.97% (95% CI 19.24-29.44%) were cooled using one of the two recommended cooling methods, whilst the most common cooling method recorded was the application of wet towels (51.31%, 95% CI 45.34-57.24%). Canine cooling guidance and messaging in both the public and veterinary sectors requires urgent review to ensure that the most effective cooling methods are promoted because delays to canine temperature reduction worsen patient outcomes.

Advances in diagnosis and management of canine insulinoma: a review

Insulinomas are the most common pancreatic tumours in dogs. Diagnosis of insulinoma requires the concurrent presence of hypoglycaemia and serum insulin levels within or above the upper limit of the reference range. The diagnostic imaging modality of choice is triple-phase contrast enhanced tomography. Surgical resection is generally the most effective treatment option, leading to prolonged survival; however, medical management becomes necessary for many dogs at some point. After surgery, dogs can live for a few years without clinical signs of hypoglycaemia, but eventually clinical hypoglycaemia frequently recurs due to the outgrowth of micrometastases that were undetected at the time of surgery. This review consolidates and provides updated recommendations from the veterinary literature on the diagnosis and management of canine insulinomas.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Gordonia Species Infection in a Peach-Faced Lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis).

Respiratory distress is a common presentation for avian species. A 9-week-old peach-faced lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis) was presented with a 2-week history of progressive dyspnea. Computed tomographic (CT) images were suggestive of splenomegaly and bilateral granulomatous pulmonary disease. Polymerase chain reaction testing of samples from the choana, cloaca, and distal tracheal/syringeal area were positive for Mycobacterium species hsp65. A comparison search of the 400 base pair sequence in the NCBI/BLAST/blastn database revealed a best match of 93% similarity to Gordonia species and 91% similarity to Gordonia bronchialis. Gordonia is a genus in the phylum Actinomycetota, the same lineage that includes Mycobacterium species. Gordonia species can be mistaken for Mycobacterium species unless more definitive diagnostic testing is pursued. Infection caused by Gordonia species is rare in humans. Reports commonly cite infection of immunocompromised patients, and to our knowledge, no reports of treatment have been published in the veterinary literature. After the test results were obtained, the patient was treated with azithromycin and pradofloxacin for 3 months. The lovebird was presented for reexamination when the antibiotic treatment was complete. When reexamined, and a second series of CT images evaluated, it was determined that the treatment achieved clinical resolution of signs and lesions.

Retrospective review of diphenhydramine vs diphenhydramine plus glucocorticoid for the treatment of allergic reaction in cats.

The aims of the present study were to report the outcomes of treating allergic reactions in cats with diphenhydramine vs diphenhydramine plus glucocorticoid and to determine whether signs recurred or additional veterinary intervention was needed in the days after initial treatment. This retrospective study evaluated 73 cats treated for allergic reaction with diphenhydramine alone or in combination with a glucocorticoid at a 24 h emergency and specialty referral veterinary hospital between 1 January 2012 and 31 March 2021. In total, 44 cats were treated with diphenhydramine alone, and 29 were treated with diphenhydramine plus dexamethasone sodium phosphate. The inciting cause was known or highly suspected in 50 patients. Vaccines were the most common (31 patients), followed by insect envenomation (17 cases). No cat in either group progressed to anaphylaxis. There was no difference in resolution of clinical signs between the groups. Follow-up contact was successfully made with 40/73 cat owners. All 40 cats were alive. Eight had persistent signs. There was no difference in the number of cats with persistent signs between groups. Five cats required additional treatment after the initial emergency visit. There was no difference between the two groups for persistent signs at follow-up. There was no difference in measured outcomes between cats treated with diphenhydramine alone vs those treated with a glucocorticoid in addition to diphenhydramine in this population. The ideal treatment for allergic reactions is unknown. Based on currently available data in human and veterinary literature, glucocorticoids are not indicated to treat acute allergic reactions. The role of antihistamines as part of a symptomatic supportive treatment plan to shorten the duration of signs is unclear at this time and may be considered.

Large intestinal ganglioneuromatosis in a juvenile Arabian filly: Management and long‐term follow‐up

SummaryAn 11‐month‐old Arabian filly was presented for chronic diarrhoea, ill‐thrift and intermittent colic. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed multifocal regions of marked colonic wall thickening. Exploratory laparotomy confirmed multifocal, multi‐sized nodular and segmental intramural mass‐like lesions affecting the right ventral and transverse colon, respectively. Locally extensive regions of mural thickening in the aborad transverse colon resulted in severe luminal restriction (&lt;2.5 cm) and subsequent obstruction of the orad transverse and right dorsal colons with impacted feed material. The lesions were unresectable and full‐thickness biopsy samples were submitted for histopathological evaluation. The filly was subsequently diagnosed with transmural intestinal ganglioneuromatosis of the right ventral and transverse colons. The filly was successfully conservatively managed over a 24‐month follow‐up duration. Management consisted of long‐term dietary modifications in the form of a low‐bulk diet, as well as enteral laxatives and a tapering course of corticosteroids postoperatively. This is the first case of intestinal ganglioneuromatosis in veterinary literature that was (1) diagnosed in a juvenile horse, (2) successfully medically managed and (3) followed up for more than 12 months.

Review of Canine Lymphoma Treated with Chemotherapy-Outcomes and Prognostic Factors.

While canine lymphoma is a relatively common and important disease seen by veterinarians, there are limited comprehensive reviews of the literature regarding the remission and survival times following chemotherapy, and the associated prognostic factors. This comprehensive thematic review covers the available veterinary literature covering treatment outcomes and identified prognostic factors. A lack of standardised approaches to evaluate and report the outcomes was identified, including factors that would alter the duration of responses by weeks, or occasionally months. After publication of the suggested reporting criteria, this has improved but is still not uniformly applied. The prognostic factors included for evaluation varied from as few as three to seventeen, with over 50 studies using only univariate analysis. Individual papers reported much longer outcomes than others, but assessing the outcomes overall, there has been minimal change over the last 40 years. This supports the belief that novel approaches for lymphoma therapy will be required to substantively improve outcomes.