Acute necrotizing myopathy in a dog

A 9 yr old spayed female cocker spaniel presented for an acute onset of weakness. Rhabdomyolysis and myoglobinuria were found 36 hr after presentation. The dog was managed for several electrolyte and mineral abnormalities and rhabdomyolysis-induced acute renal failure. The diagnosis of idiopathic necrotizing myopathy was determined by histopathology and by the exclusion of underlying infectious agents and metabolic defects. The dog recovered completely from the acute crisis and acute renal failure.     

Toxicity of Halogenated Oxyquinolines in Dogs. A Clinical Study: I. A Survey of Cases

A survey of 100 cases of oxyquinoline poisoning in dogs is presented. The disease, characterized by hyperexcitability of the CNS with convulsions as well as heart and liver injury, runs an acute course. The mortality (euthanized dogs included) was 30 %. Case-history data showed that the oxyquinoline treatment which preceded the disease was given because the dog had incidental diarrhoea. In most cases the drugs were administered for only 1 day before the dog fell ill. The median time from the last dose to onset of symptoms was 12 hrs. Old dogs were affected more often than expected and also showed higher mortality than did young dogs.     

Type I idiopathic non-erosive immune-mediated polyarthritis in a mixed-breed dog

A young adult dog was presented with an acute onset of stiffness, weakness, marked muscle atrophy and rapid weight loss. The dog was inappetent, lethargic, and had grossly visible distension of multiple joints. Synovial fluid analysis, routine bloodwork, and radiography confirmed immune-mediated polyarthritis; the dog responded favorably to treatment with prednisone and analgesics.     

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome in Dogs

A disease syndrome similar to the hemolytic uremic syndrome of people is described in three dogs with acute renal failure. In each dog, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis preceded the onset of anuric acute renal failure. Evidence of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (schizocytes, thrombocytopenia, and increased concentrations of fibrin split products) was present in the three dogs. Serum chemistry results showed increased concentrations of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and phosphorus. Ultrasound examination performed in one dog revealed increased echogenicity of the renal cortices. Treatment for anuric acute renal failure using a continuous dopamine and furosemide infusion established urine production in one of three dogs. Microscopic examination of tissue from the two dogs that underwent necropsy showed occlusion of the renal vasculature by fibrin thrombi consistent with microangiopathic arteriolar thrombosis. The pathophysiology and current knowledge of human hemolytic uremic syndrome is compared with hemolytic uremic syndrome in these dogs. (Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 1993; 7:220–227. Copyright © 1993 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.)     

Choroid plexus papilloma in a dog surviving for 15 months after diagnosis with symptomatic therapy

A 4-year-old female French bulldog presented with a 6-month history of right-sided head tilt and acute onset ataxia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a large mass lesion at the cerebellomedullary pontine angle. The dog was able to stand and walk after beginning symptomatic therapy with prednisolone, acetazolamide and glycerin. Magnetic resonance imaging 10 months after the first examination indicated slight expansion of the tumor. The dog was able to walk with continuous symptomatic therapy for 15 months until death, although the head tilt persisted. On postmortem examination, the gross tumor was slightly larger than when seen on the second MRI scan and was histopathologically diagnosed as a choroid plexus papilloma.     

Acute thallium toxicosis in a dog.

A Doberman Pinscher was evaluated for acute onset of gastroenteritis, characterized by anorexia, hematemesis, and hematochezia. The dog had ingested mole bait containing thallium 2 days prior to admission. Thallium toxicosis was confirmed by detection of thallium in the urine, using colorimetric analysis. The dog responded well to administration of antibiotics, fluids administered IV, warm-water enemas, and oral administration of activated charcoal slurries.     

Hemodialysis in a dog with acute renal failure from currant toxicity

A 3 1/2-year-old Labrador retriever being presented for acute onset vomiting and lethargy was diagnosed with acute renal failure (ARF). The dog had ingested dried currants, a type of raisin. Hemodialysis was successfully performed to treat the ARE Raisin toxicity can cause ARF and warrants early recognition and aggressive treatment.     

Megaoesophagus and glucocorticoid-deficient hypoadrenocorticism in a dog

A seven-year-old German shepherd dog was referred for acute onset regurgitation. Muscle weakness and severe dermatological disease were present. Thoracic radiographs revealed generalised megaoesophagus. Diagnostic testing revealed glucocorticoid deficiency, and rapid resolution of the megaoesophagus followed appropriate supplementation. The dog made a full recovery. Unique features of this case include a transiently positive antinuclear antibody titre and clinical features of myasthenia gravis.     

Acute onset quadriparesis as a sequela to an oropharyngeal stick injury

A three-year-old male neutered crossbred dog was referred for investigation of acute onset quadriparesis, which had occurred following an oropharyngeal stick injury. Myelography revealed a right-sided extradural lesion overlying the C5/6 intervertebral disc space. A dorsolateral hemilaminectomy was performed at this site and two fragments of wood were removed from the vertebral canal adjacent to the spinal cord. The dog was ambulatory with right-sided forelimb monoparesis within a week of surgery and improved further following discharge. Three months following surgery, the dog was exercising freely with only mild right forelimb lameness.     

Acute onset of pulmonary necrotising arteritis in a dog with a left-to-right patent ductus arteriosus

A 12-week-old, clinically normal Chihuahua was referred for investigation for a continuous heart murmur. Cardiac evaluation revealed an anatomically and haemodynamically typical left-to-right shunting patent ductus arteriosus. The continuous wave Doppler measurement of peak ductal jet velocity of 5.6 m/s was suggestive of a normal pulmonary to systemic arterial pressure ratio. The dog returned 16 days later with right heart failure and severe pulmonary hypertension. Marked reduction in left-to-right shunting was demonstrated and the ductal jet velocity had decreased to 2.5 m/s. Immediate ductus ligation, oxygen therapy before and after the operation, and administration of hydralazine failed to reduce pulmonary hypertension, and the dog was euthanased. Histopathological examination of the lung showed pulmonary necrotising arteritis with acute and chronic arterial lesions. Chronic pulmonary vascular changes related to high flow have been associated with altered nitric oxide and endothelin responses. These changes may be responsible for the acute onset of pulmonary hypertension due to relatively minor vascular insults in some human and veterinary patients with left-to-right shunts. The potential for acute progression supports the recommendations for early ductus ligation and the prognostic importance of detecting pulmonary hypertension presurgically in patent ductus arteriosus patients.     

Suspected polymyxin B-induced pemphigus vulgaris in a dog

A case of pemphigus vulgaris (PV), putatively induced by topical application of polymyxin B ear drops, is described. A 3-year-old, female Tosa Inu, presented with acute onset swelling, blistering and ulceration of the pinnae, nostrils, lips and oral mucous membranes. The dog was depressed, febrile and anorexic. For 7 days prior to the onset of the acute ulcerative disease, polymyxin B ear drops had been applied to both ears to treat an ear infection. Skin and mucosal biopsies showed suprabasilar cleft formation and acantholysis, indicative of PV. The polymyxin B ear drops were discontinued and the dog was treated with intravenous fluids, systemic and topical antibacterial therapy, and immunosuppressive therapy comprising prednisone and azathioprine. Complete remission was noted after 2 weeks, and the immunosuppressive therapy was discontinued one month later. No clinical signs of PV recurred over a 1 year follow-up period. As PV does not usually resolve spontaneously, or enter long-term remission, it was considered that the condition was most likely drug induced due to the aural application of polymyxin B.     

Mycotic endophthalmitis in a dog caused by Candida albicans

A case of mycotic endophthalmitis in the dog caused by Candida albicans is presented. The 3-year-old dog had a history of bloody diarrhea 3 months previously. The dog presented with acute signs of unilateral panuveitis. Aqueocentesis, vitreocentesis, and routine blood tests were performed but did not contribute to the diagnosis. The posterior segment could not be visualized because of flare and fibrin. On day 7 ultrasonography showed retinal separation which progressed to vitreous compartmentalization and abscessation by day 14. Three weeks after onset, glaucoma developed and enucleation was performed. Histology revealed the yeast Candida to be the causative agent. Post-enucleation serum Candida antibody titer was 1 : 640 (human threshold 1 : 120), as determined by agglutination test. A relapse of enteric signs 3 months later led to the diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic enteritis. An hematogenous route of infection is suspected.     

Salicylate-induced seizures in a dog

A 10-year-old, mixed-breed, castrated male dog was examined because of acute onset of vomiting followed by severe generalized seizures. The dog had been on a treatment regimen that included a salicylate-containing drug, and the owners unknowingly supplemented aspirin. Supportive treatment utilizing sodium bicarbonate resulted in return to normal within 24 hours. Blood salicylate concentrations were determined to be in the range toxic to human beings.     

Gall bladder torsion and rupture in a dog

A 6-year-old desexed female German Shepherd dog was referred to the Murdoch University Veterinary Hospital for assessment and management of acute onset vomiting, diarrhoea, polydipsia and lethargy of 2 days duration. Surgical, microbiological and histological findings were consistent with necrotising cholecystitis secondary to gall bladder torsion, resulting in gall bladder rupture and secondary non-septic bile peritonitis. A chronic peritoneopleural perforation resulting from an abdominal cavity foreign body and congenital peritoneopericardial hernia were also present. The dog made a full recovery following cholecystectomy, foreign body removal, repair of the peritoneopleural perforation and peritoneopericardial herniorrhaphy. This is the first recorded case of gall bladder torsion in the dog.     

Naturally occurring tularemia in a dog

A 4-year-old spayed female Irish Setter was examined because of acute onset of lethargy, anorexia, and weakness. The dog had eaten an adult rabbit 36 hours earlier. Tularemia was suspected because of the rabbit exposure; however, other common diseases characterized by fever, malaise, and lymphadenopathy of acute onset were also considered (ie, ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever). The dog was treated with doxycycline (5 mg/kg [2.3 mg/lb], PO, q 24 h) for 14 days as well as supportive treatment with a balanced electrolyte solution (lactated Ringer's solution [200 mL, SC]). The diagnosis was first established by results of bacteriologic cultures of fine-needle aspirates obtained from lymph nodes and confirmed by results of ELISA and a polymerase chain reaction assay Successful and timely antemortem diagnosis of tularemia in dogs can be accomplished through lymph node aspiration and bacteriologic culture.     

Bartonella-associated inflammatory cardiomyopathy in a dog

A 6-year-old, male, mongrel dog was presented for acute onset of dyspnea and cough. At admission, the dog was cachectic and severely depressed. The electrocardiogram showed a sinus rhythm conducted with left bundle truncular branch block and interrupted by frequent multiform ventricular ectopic beats organized in allorhythmias. Thoracic radiographs revealed a marked cardiomegaly with perihilar edema, whereas transthoracic echocardiography revealed a dilated cardiomyopathy with segmental dyskinesis. Furosemide, enalapril, pimobendan, and mexiletine were prescribed, and a Holter was scheduled after resolution of congestive heart failure. Three days later, the dog died suddenly during sleep. Histopathology revealed diffuse myocyte hypertrophy with multifocal hemorrhages, alternating to areas of severe replacement fibrosis and lymphoplasmocytic infiltrates. Immunohystochemistry stains were strongly positive for T-lymphocyte infiltration (CD3) and weakly positive for B-lymphocytes (CD79). Polymerase chain reaction was positive for Bartonella spp. Based on these results, a post-mortem diagnosis of bacterial inflammatory cardiomyopathy was made.     

Urinary tract infection caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius in a dog

A young neutered male pug dog was presented for evaluation of acute onset pollakiuria and hematuria. Culture and susceptibility testing of urine identified a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, which was susceptible to only tetracycline among commonly used antimicrobials. Treatment with doxycycline led to bacteriological cure and resolution of clinical signs.     

Spontaneous left medial liver lobe torsion and left lateral lobe infarction in a rottweiler

The abdominal ultrasonogram of a dog admitted for acute onset of collapse revealed an abnormally displaced left medial liver lobe with no blood flow. Surgical and histological findings confirmed the ultrasonographic diagnosis of left liver lobe torsion. Ultrasonographic findings were useful and probably sufficient for a correct diagnosis.     

Surgical correction of gastro‐oesophageal intussusception with bilateral incisional gastropexy in three dogs

Three dogs presented for evaluation of acute onset tachypnoea and dyspnoea following episodes of vomiting and/or regurgitation. Thoracic radiographs were suggestive of a gastro‐oesophageal intussusception in all three dogs; one dog also showed evidence of aspiration pneumonia. All three dogs underwent surgical correction with a bilateral incisional gastropexy. All dogs recovered from anaesthesia uneventfully and were discharged from the hospital 3 days after presentation. Persistent megaoesophagus was evident in all three dogs, and they are being chronically managed with a strict feeding regime and pro‐motility agents.