Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital Research Articles

Disseminated aspergillosis in two dogs in Israel

Aspergillus terreus, normally a soil or plant saprophyte, causes disseminated systemic infection, involving primarily the skeletal and the cardiopulmonary system in humans and dogs.(1, 2) We describe two cases of German shepherd dogs that were referred to Koret School of Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital with a history of anorexia and weakness. Case 1 suffered from neurological deficits, paraparesis and lumbar pain whereas case 2 suffered from unilateral uveitis and exophthalmus. Both dogs were treated symptomatically, but deteriorated progressively despite therapy and were therefore euthanised. Necropsy revealed disseminated aspergillosis, and numerous organs had multiple, miliary, white-yellow foci. Microscopically, these were identified as granulomas, containing fungal hyphae. Affected tissue included brain, heart, kidneys, spleen, lymph nodes and bones (case 2). Aspergillus terreus was isolated from different organs and from urine culture. We suggest that disseminated aspergillosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis in German shepherd dogs presenting with ocular disease, neurological deficits, spinal column pain, urinary system disorders, and radiographic evidence of skeletal and/or respiratory pathology.

Feline Lymphoma in the Post-Feline Leukemia Virus Era

Lymphoma (lymphosarcoma or malignant lymphoma) is the most common neoplasm of the hematopoietic system of cats and reportedly the cat has the highest incidence for lymphoma of any species. A 21-year retrospective survey of feline lymphoma covering the period 1983–2003 was conducted with the patient database at the Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital (VMTH) at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine. This period comprises the post—feline leukemia virus (FeLV) era. Feline lymphoma historically has been highly associated with retrovirus infection. Mass testing and elimination and quarantine programs beginning in the 1970s and vaccination programs in the 1980s dramatically reduced the subsequent FeLV infection rate among pet cats. The results of this survey confirm a significant decrease in the importance of FeLV-associated types of lymphoma in cats. In spite of this decrease in FeLV infection, the incidence of lymphoma in cats treated at the VMTH actually increased from 1982 to 2003. This increase was due largely to a rise in the incidence of intestinal lymphoma, and to a lesser degree, of atypical lymphoma. A high incidence of mediastinal lymphomas in young Siamese or Oriental breeds also was observed, supporting previous studies. Associations of intestinal lymphoma and inflammatory bowel disease and diet should be further considered

Feline Lymphoma in the Post–Feline Leukemia Virus Era

Lymphoma (lymphosarcoma or malignant lymphoma) is the most common neoplasm of the hematopoietic system of cats and reportedly the cat has the highest incidence for lymphoma of any species. A 21-year retrospective survey of feline lymphoma covering the period 1983-2003 was conducted with the patient database at the Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital (VMTH) at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine. This period comprises the post-feline leukemia virus (FeLV) era. Feline lymphoma historically has been highly associated with retrovirus infection. Mass testing and elimination and quarantine programs beginning in the 1970s and vaccination programs in the 1980s dramatically reduced the subsequent FeLV infection rate among pet cats. The results of this survey confirm a significant decrease in the importance of FeLV-associated types of lymphoma in cats. In spite of this decrease in FeLV infection, the incidence of lymphoma in cats treated at the VMTH actually increased from 1982 to 2003. This increase was due largely to a rise in the incidence of intestinal lymphoma, and to a lesser degree, of atypical lymphoma. A high incidence of mediastinal lymphomas in young Siamese or Oriental breeds also was observed, supporting previous studies. Associations of intestinal lymphoma and inflammatory bowel disease and diet should be further considered.

Postanesthetic Cerebellar Dysfunction in Cats

Eleven cats with signs of cerebellar dysfunction, developed on recovery from a brief and uneventful general anesthesia, were examined at the Koret School of Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital (KSVMTH) between 1998 and 2002. Neurological signs included mild to severe ataxia of all 4 limbs, intentional tremor, lack of menace response, and delayed hopping. The cats were of different ages when anesthetized and none had shown any prior signs of neural disease. They were examined 1 day to 4 years after onset of clinical signs, and the neurological deficits remained unchanged in a follow‐up period of 6 months to 8 years. Medical and anesthetic records showed that all were Persian cross cats, 7 of them originating in the same city in Israel. Ketamine was the only anesthetic drug that had been used with all cats. It might be that a genetic component predisposes Persian cross cats to nonreversible cerebellar damage after exposure to an anesthetic dose of ketamine.

Postanesthetic cerebellar dysfunction in cats.

Eleven cats with signs of cerebellar dysfunction, developed on recovery from a brief and uneventful general anesthesia, were examined at the Koret School of Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital (KSVMTH) between 1998 and 2002. Neurological signs included mild to severe ataxia of all 4 limbs, intentional tremor, lack of menace response, and delayed hopping. The cats were of different ages when anesthetized and none had shown any prior signs of neural disease. They were examined 1 day to 4 years after onset of clinical signs, and the neurological deficits remained unchanged in a follow-up period of 6 months to 8 years. Medical and anesthetic records showed that all were Persian cross cats, 7 of them originating in the same city in Israel. Ketamine was the only anesthetic drug that had been used with all cats. It might be that a genetic component predisposes Persian cross cats to nonreversible cerebellar damage after exposure to an anesthetic dose of ketamine.

Gender effects in hearing loss in Dalmatians

Brainstem auditory-evoked-response data were collected from 3101 Dalmatian dogs from 1984 to 1998 at the Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital at the University of California, Davis. Also collected were data on eye color and the presence or absence of a color-patch at birth. Our objective was to evaluate the role of gender in hearing loss, including the possibility that the probability of suffering unilateral or bilateral deafness was greater if the dam was hearing impaired than if the sire was hearing impaired. Results of a multiple-trait threshold-model analysis support the commonly held observation that females were more likely to be deaf than males. In addition, females were also more likely to have two blue eyes (a condition associated with an increased prevalence of deafness). However, gender differences in hearing loss were limited to these direct observations. There was no detectable difference in the prevalence of hearing loss between offspring of deaf mothers and the offspring of deaf fathers. Finally, there was no detectable decrease in the prevalence of hearing loss over the years covered in the data set — suggesting that Dalmatian breeders are not yet selecting against hearing problems.

Thrombocytopenia in cats: a retrospective study of 41 cases.

The prevalence of feline thrombocytopenia (< 200,000 platelets/microL) at North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital, from January 1985 to March 1990, was 1.2% (41/3300). Cats were divided into six categories based on clinical diagnoses: 29% (12/41) had infectious disease, 20% (8/41) had neoplasia, 7% (3/41) had cardiac disease, 2% (1/41) had primary immune-mediated disease, 22% (9/41) had multiple diseases, and 20% (8/41) had disorders of unknown etiology. The mean platelet count for all thrombocytopenic cats was 52,000/microL +/- 46,000/microL (1 SD) with a range of 1000-190,000/microL. No significant differences were found between groups with respect to platelet count, packed cell volume, or white blood cell count, though anemia and leukopenia were common among the cats as a whole. Bleeding disorders (hemorrhage or thrombosis) were observed in 29% (12/41) of thrombocytopenic cats and were more likely to be associated with neoplasia, cardiac disease, and platelet counts less than or equal to 30,000/microL. Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy was diagnosed in 12% (5/41) of the cats. Infections and/or neoplasia affecting the bone marrow were the most common diseases associated with thrombocytopenia. Feline leukemia virus and myeloproliferative neoplasia accounted for approximately 44% (18/41) of the specific diagnoses in thrombocytopenic cats.

Smoke Inhalation Injury In A Pony

SummaryA seven year old Welsh pony stallion was admitted to the Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation injury (SII) sustained in a barn fire. The pony was severly affected and demonstrated the three clinical phases typically described with SII. A nuclear pulmonary perfusion scan demonstrated multiple areas of unperfused lung suggesting reflex hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction, while thoracic radiographs showed only a mild increase in broncho‐interstitial pattern. The pony responded well to treatment with oxygen, diuretics, intravenous fluids, bronchodilators, non‐steroidal antiinflammatory agents and antibiotics. A tracheostomy was done to relieve upper airway obstruction and to facilitate removal of tracheobonchial pseudomembranous casts. Ultrasonic nebulization and to facilitate removal of tracheobonchial pseudomembranous casts. Ultrasonic nebulization was utilized to moisturize and break up secretions and casts and to deliver bronchodilatory agents. The pony recovered and seven months following the fire was pasture breeding mares. The pathophysiology and treatment of SII in the equine is discussed.

Serological titers of equine monocytic ehrlichiosis associated with gastro-intestinal disorders and serological follow-up on two endemic farms

The purpose of this work was to study the association of positive serological titers to Ehrlichia risticii, the causative agent of equine monocytic ehrlichiosis (EME) with gastro-intestinal disorders in hospitalized horses referred to The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital (OSU VMTH). In addition, serological titers for E. risticii were monitored in two horse populations with endemic EME for one season to monitor temporal changes in titers. A statistically significant difference was found between the proportion of the total hospitalized horse population presented with a gastro-intestinal disorder during the study period, and study horses with IFA titers ≥1:80 with these signs ( P<0.05). No such difference was found between the proportion of the total hospital horse population presented with signs of gastro-intestinal disorder, and the study horses with IFA titers of 1:20–1:40 with these signs, suggesting that these titers may not have any clinical significance for EME ( P>0.05) Thirty-eight horses on two farms endemic for EME were tested approximately every 3 weeks, 33 of which were tested serially at least two times. Five of the 38 horses (13.2%) had IFA titers ≥1:80-two that were positive initially and three that seroconverted the study; 15 horses' titers fluctuated between negative (IFA titers <1:20) and exposed titers (1:20 through 1:40); and 18 horses remained negative throughout the study.

Treatment of Organophosphate Toxicosis in Columba Livia

Amale (916 gm) and female (713 gm) Show King Pigeon (Columba livid) were admitted to the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital for evaluation of acute anorexia, incoordination, and weakness. The animals had been normal the night before the presentation. The male was ataxic and had mild muscle tremors and diarrhea. The female was recumbent and had severe muscle tremors, mild ptyalism, diarrhea, and moist rales on ausculta tion. A pungent chemical odor was noted on both birds. The night before clinical signs were noted, the client had sprayed the aviary with a malathion solution. These two pigeons were seen ingesting a solution containing two tablespoons of 56% mala thion in two cups of water. (The recommended spraying dilution was two tablespoons of stock solution per gallon of water. Quantity of ingested solution was not determined.)

RADIOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF CRANIAL CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RUPTURE IN THE DAIRY COW

Case records and radiographs of 37 dairy cows presented to the University of Illinois Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital with a diagnosis of cranial cruciate ligament rupture were reviewed. Signalment, history, duration of lameness prior to clinical presentation, and physical examination findings were evaluated. Survey radiographs were examined and radiographic lesions were documented. Individual cows were classified into groups (A, B, C) based on the severity of radiographic lesions, with Group A cows having minimal radiographic lesions. Cows in Groups A and B had radiographic lesions similar to Class I in beef bulls reported in another study.3,4 An attempt was made to relate the severity of radiographic lesions with age and duration of lameness. Group A animals tended to be younger cows (x̄= 4.58 years) with a short duration of lameness. Group B cows were older (x̄= 7.87 years) with a somewhat longer duration of lameness. Group C cows were slightly younger (x̄= 7.30 years) than Group B cows; however, their duration of lameness was much longer (x̄= 57.2 weeks vs 6.35 weeks for Group B and 2.54 weeks for Group A). The pathogenesis of cranial cruciate ligament rupture and its associated lameness appeared to differ in dairy cows from beef bulls. The majority of animals in this study had radiographic lesions of mild to moderate severity (Groups A and B). In contrast, based on previous work, beef bulls had a greater tendency to be similar to our Group C designation. Beef bulls became lame with cranial cruciate ligament rupture only after severe lesions of degenerative joint disease had already occurred. It has been stated that lameness associated with cranial cruciate ligament rupture in the beef bull is, therefore, secondary to degenerative joint disease. In contrast, the syndrome in dairy cows, as evidenced here, differs, since they often presented with cranial cruciate ligament rupture with little or no radiographic evidence of degenerative joint disease.

Treatment of chronic chlorpyrifos poisoning in a Limousin bull

A purebred three-year-old Limousin bull developed diarrhea, anorexia, and weight loss a few days following topical application of chlorpyrifos Dow Chemical Co., Midland, Michigan 48640.&#x0D; Approximately one month following exposure, the bull was referred to the Oklahoma State University, College of Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital for evaluation and treatment. The clinical syndrome was very similar to chlorpyrifos poisoning previously described in dairy bulls. Chlorpyrifos [0, 0-dimethyl-0-) 3, 5, 6-trichloro -2-pyridyl) phosphorothioate], insecticide is used for the control of lice and horn flies on beef-breed cattle by pouring on the skin at the withers as a one-time seasonal treatment.

Incomplete Rupture of the Cranial Cruciate Ligament in a Dog

Veterinary SurgeryVolume 10, Issue 2 p. 94-95 Incomplete Rupture of the Cranial Cruciate Ligament in a Dog GUY B. TARVIN D.V.M., Corresponding Author GUY B. TARVIN D.V.M. *Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois ‡Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons.Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital, University of Illinois, “Urbana, Illinois 61801.Search for more papers by this authorSTEVEN P. ARNOCZKY D.V.M., STEVEN P. ARNOCZKY D.V.M. †Laboratory of Comparative Orthopedics, New York, New York ‡Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons.Search for more papers by this author GUY B. TARVIN D.V.M., Corresponding Author GUY B. TARVIN D.V.M. *Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois ‡Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons.Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital, University of Illinois, “Urbana, Illinois 61801.Search for more papers by this authorSTEVEN P. ARNOCZKY D.V.M., STEVEN P. ARNOCZKY D.V.M. †Laboratory of Comparative Orthopedics, New York, New York ‡Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons.Search for more papers by this author First published: April 1981 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-950X.1981.tb00637.xCitations: 7 AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article.Citing Literature Volume10, Issue2April 1981Pages 94-95 RelatedInformation