Matrix metalloprotease-9 activity in the cerebrospinal fluid and spinal injury severity in dogs with intervertebral disc herniation

We investigated whether matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 expression in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of dogs with intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH) is associated with the severity of neurological signs and prognosis. CSF from the cisterna magna (C-CSF) and the lumbar spine (L-CSF) of 34 dogs with IVDH was analyzed using zymography. Activity of MMP-9 in L-CSF was detected in 6 of 34 dogs with IVDH, often for more than 7 days after injury. MMP-9 activity was not detected from any of the C-CSF samples. Of the six cases that were MMP-9 positive, all four cases with grade V that had loss of deep pain were non-ambulatory 6 months after treatment. The remaining two cases with grade III and IV could recover mobility. In dogs with grade V thoracolumbar IVDH, MMP-9 expression in the CSF may indicate severe spinal cord injury with poor prognosis.     

Marked MMP-2 transcriptional up-regulation in mononuclear leukocytes invading the subarachnoidal space in aseptic suppurative Steroid-Responsive Meningitis–Arteritis in dogs

Canine Steroid-Responsive Meningitis–Arteritis (SRMA) is a suitable animal model for studies on the development of neutrophilic pleocytosis in aseptic meningitis. Samples of dogs in the acute phase of SRMA (n = 16) were examined for gene expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and -9 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1 and -2. Results were compared to those of dogs under glucocorticosteroid treatment for SRMA (n = 16) and dogs with other inflammatory and neoplastic diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) (n = 19). Samples included mononuclear (PBMCs) and polymorphonuclear cells (PBPMNs) of peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid white blood cells (CSF WBCs). In the acute phase of SRMA CSF WBCs showed mRNA expression for MMP-2 and -9 and TIMP-1 and -2, highlighting a contribution of these cells to the overall content of MMPs and TIMPs in CSF. MMP-2 mRNA levels in CSF WBCs were significantly up-regulated in comparison to PBMC expression levels, suggesting that MMP-2 is relevant for PBMC invasion into the subarachnoidal space and that the expression is influenced by migratory activity through the blood–CSF-barrier.     

Intervertebral disc disease in dogs – Part 2: Comparison of clinical,magnetic resonance imaging,and histological findings in 74 surgically treated dogs

The relationship between intervertebral disc (IVD) disease and IVD degeneration remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to compare the clinical severity of IVD herniation (IVDH), determined with a neurological grading system, with findings of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histology using grading systems for IVD degeneration in chondrodystrophic (CD; n = 37) and non-chondrodystrophic (NCD; n = 37) dogs. This study is the second part of a two-part investigation, where the first part involved the development and validation of a histological grading scheme for classification of canine IVD degeneration.IVD degeneration graded on MRI correlated significantly with IVD degeneration graded on histology, but not with pre-operative clinical signs. Hansen type 1 hernias were more common in the cervical and thoracolumbar segments and Hansen type 2 hernias were more common in the lumbosacral segment. Type 1 hernias occurred more often in CD dogs than in NCD dogs, and CD dogs were clinically more severely affected than NCD dogs. The grade of IVD degeneration on MRI was higher in CD dogs than in NCD dogs, but there was no difference between dogs with type 1 and type 2 hernias. No significant differences in histological grade were found between CD and NCD dogs or between type 1 and type 2 hernias.It was possible to conclude that IVD degeneration did not correlate with the neurological severity of IVDH. The extent of degeneration identified on MRI correlated with degeneration seen histologically. Although the MRI grading system reflected the severity of IVD degenerative changes as confirmed by histopathology, it appeared less useful in predicting the clinical implications.     

Lumbar cerebrospinal fluid in dogs with type I intervertebral disc herniation

BACKGROUND: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in dogs with Hansen type I intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH) is classically described as normal or mildly inflammatory with a predominance of large mononuclear cells or neutrophils in severe acute herniations. However, we have observed a moderate to marked pleocytosis with a predominance of lymphocytes in some dogs with IVDH. HYPOTHESIS: Moderate to marked CSF pleocytosis occurs more commonly in dogs with type I IVDH than is reported in the literature. Lymphocytic predominance is more common than nonlymphocytic pleocytosis in dogs with chronic IVDH. ANIMALS: Four hundred twenty-three client-owned dogs with type I IVDH. METHODS: Retrospective study. Lumbar CSF of dogs with surgically confirmed type I IVDH was evaluated cytologically. Information obtained from medical records included signalment, prior clinical history, time from onset of signs to presentation, neurologic status, and intraoperative findings. Dogs with prior history and/or intraoperative evidence consistent with chronic IVDH before an acute herniation were termed acute-on-chronic (AOC). RESULTS: Pleocytosis (> 5 cells/uL) was present in 51% of dogs, including 23% with cervical IVDH and 61% with thoracolumbar IVDH. Moderate or marked inflammation (> or = 20 cells/uL) was identified in the CSF of 51% of dogs with thoracolumbar IVDH and pleocytosis. A predominance of lymphocytes was significantly more common in dogs examined > 7 days from onset of signs (P= .032) and in dogs with AOC IVDH (P= .0013). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Moderate to marked CSF pleocytosis in dogs with type I IVDH is more common than previously reported. Lymphocytic pleocytosis is most common in dogs with chronic progression or AOC IVDH. Lymphocytic inflammation in the CSF of some dogs might suggest an immune-mediated response to chronically herniated disc material.     

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity in the cerebrospinal fluid and serum of dogs with acute spinal cord trauma from intervertebral disk disease

OBJECTIVE: To detect matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 in serum and CSF and determine relationships between MMP activity and severity of disease, duration of clinical signs, and duration of hospitalization in dogs with acute intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). ANIMALS: 35 dogs with acute IVDD and 8 clinically normal control dogs. PROCEDURE: CSF and serum were collected from affected and control dogs. Zymography was used to detect MMP-9. RESULTS: Activity of MMP-9 in CSF was detected in 6 of 35 dogs with IVDD; activity was significantly more common in dogs with duration of signs < 24 hours. Paraplegic dogs were more likely to have MMP-9 activity in the CSF than non-paraplegic dogs. No significant difference in hospitalization time was detected in dogs with IVDD between those with and without activity of MMP-9 in the CSF. Serum MMP-9 was detected more frequently in dogs with IVDD than in control dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Data were consistent with results of experimental rodent spinal cord injury studies that indicate that MMP-9 is expressed early during secondary injury.     

Influence of age on bronchoscopic findings in healthy beagle dogs

The aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of age on bronchoscopic features and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cellularity in dogs. Thirty healthy beagle dogs from three age groups were included: young dogs (10 months to 4.5 years of age; n = 8), middle-aged dogs (5–8 years old; n = 13) and older dogs (>8 years; n = 9). Haematology, thoracic radiography, bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage were performed; bronchoscopic findings were scored and BALF total and differential cell counts were determined. The total bronchoscopic score was higher in older dogs; these dogs had more irregular bronchial mucosa, more prominent mucosal vessels and bronchiectasis. Younger dogs had a higher percentage of neutrophils in BALF compared with middle-aged and old dogs and a higher percentage of lymphocytes in BALF compared with middle-aged dogs. The results show that age has an effect on bronchoscopic features of airways and the composition of BALF in the dog.     

Breed-related differences in altered BRCA1 expression,phenotype and subtype in malignant canine mammary tumors

BRCA1 is a high-penetrance breast cancer susceptibility gene and BRCA1-associated breast cancer has a high familial prevalence that is more common among certain populations of humans. A similar high prevalence also exists for canine mammary tumors (CMTs) and the objective of this study was to determine the breed-related differences in malignant CMTs. Comparative analyses of the expression of various prognostic factors for CMTs, including BRCA1, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) were conducted on 139 malignant CMT cases from five breeds with the highest prevalence of CMTs in Korea.Significant breed-related differences were observed in the expression of BRCA1 (P = 0.003), histological grade (P = 0.038), and extensive lymphatic invasion (P = 0.042). The Shih Tzu breed had the highest proportion of dogs with malignant CMT and strong overexpression of BRCA1. Cytoplasmic and membranous expression of BRCA1 was associated with the ER negative (P = 0.004), PR negative (P = 0.046), and triple negative (ER, PR, and HER-2 negative; P = 0.016) phenotype and the basal-like molecular subtype (P = 0.019) in Shih Tzu dogs. Since these features are similar to BRCA1-related human breast cancer, dogs with BRCA1-associated CMT, particularly Shih Tzu dogs, may serve as a suitable spontaneous model, although additional molecular studies are needed.     

Analysis of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in cerebrospinal fluid of miniature dachshund with intervertebral disc herniation

We evaluated whether the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentration of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) is related to disease severity, prognosis and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 activity of the CSF in miniature dachshund with intervertebral disc herniation. Samples were obtained from 23 patients and 6 normal dogs, and all patients received hemilaminectomy. Twenty dogs recovered successfully and 3 of 11 dogs without deep nociception had MMP-9 activity in the CSF and an unsuccessful outcome. The COMP levels from patients were significantly higher than those from normal dogs. MMP-9 activity and neurological severity were not related to the COMP levels. However, the COMP levels from 3 unsuccessful cases that had MMP-9 activity were significantly lower than those from all recovered cases and/or successful cases without deep nociception. Concerning severe cases, increased proteolytic activity might affect the COMP concentration and prognosis due to MMP-9 associated deleterious effects.     

Analysis of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in cerebrospinal fluid of miniature dachshund with intervertebral disc herniation

We evaluated whether the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentration of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) is related to disease severity, prognosis and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 activity of the CSF in miniature dachshund with intervertebral disc herniation. Samples were obtained from 23 patients and 6 normal dogs, and all patients received hemilaminectomy. Twenty dogs recovered successfully and 3 of 11 dogs without deep nociception had MMP-9 activity in the CSF and an unsuccessful outcome. The COMP levels from patients were significantly higher than those from normal dogs. MMP-9 activity and neurological severity were not related to the COMP levels. However, the COMP levels from 3 unsuccessful cases that had MMP-9 activity were significantly lower than those from all recovered cases and/or successful cases without deep nociception. Concerning severe cases, increased proteolytic activity might affect the COMP concentration and prognosis due to MMP-9 associated deleterious effects.     

Computed tomographic morphology and clinical features of extrahepatic portosystemic shunts in 172 dogs in Japan

Canine extrahepatic congenital portosystemic shunts (EH-cPSS) are classified into several anatomical types, depending on the origin and termination of the shunt vessel. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the proportion and clinical features of each anatomical shunt type in a population of dogs presented to a veterinary teaching hospital in Japan. Dogs diagnosed with EH-cPSS using computed tomographic (CT) portography were included (n = 172) and shunts were classified based on previous reports. Clinical data were collected from case records and analysed statistically. The most common anatomical type was the spleno-phrenic shunt (n = 64), followed by the spleno-azygos (n = 38), right gastric-caval (n = 29), spleno-caval (n = 21), right gastric-caval with caudal loop (n = 9), right gastric-phrenic (n = 6), colono-caval (n = 3), spleno-phrenic and azygos (n = 1), and porto-caval (n = 1) shunts. Spleno-phrenic and spleno-azygos shunts were diagnosed more frequently in older dogs than right gastric-caval and spleno-caval shunts (P < 0.05). The portal vein/aortic (PV/Ao) ratio was significantly larger in dogs with spleno-phrenic shunts than in dogs with spleno-azygos, right gastric-caval or spleno-caval shunts (P < 0.05). The PV/Ao ratio was significantly larger in dogs with spleno-azygos shunts than in dogs with right gastric-caval shunts. Dogs with spleno-phrenic shunts had significantly lower serum alkaline phosphatase activities than those with right gastric-caval or spleno-caval shunts. Dogs with spleno-phrenic shunts had significantly lower fasting ammonia concentrations than those with spleno-caval shunts.     

Culture of canine synoviocytes on porcine intestinal submucosa scaffolds as a strategy for meniscal tissue engineering for treatment of meniscal injury in dogs

Meniscal injury is a common cause of canine lameness. Tissue engineered bioscaffolds may be a treatment option for dogs suffering from meniscal damage. The aim of this study was to compare in vitro meniscal-like matrix formation and biomechanical properties of porcine intestinal submucosa sheets (SIS), used in canine meniscal regenerative medicine, to synoviocyte-seeded SIS bioscaffold (SSB), cultured with fetal bovine serum (SSBfbs) or chondrogenic growth factors (SSBgf). Synoviocytes from nine dogs were seeded on SIS and cultured for 30 days with 17.7% fetal bovine serum or recombinant chondrogenic growth factors (IGF-1, TGFβ1 and bFGF). The effect on fibrochondrogenesis was determined by comparing mRNA expression of collagen types Iα and IIα, aggrecan, and Sry-type homeobox protein-9 (SOX9) as well as protein expression of collagens I and II, glycosaminoglycan (GAG), and hydroxyproline.The effect of synoviocyte seeding and culture conditions on biochemical properties was determined by measuring peak load, tensile stiffness, resilience, and toughness of bioscaffolds. Pre-culture SIS contained 13.6% collagen and 2.9% double-stranded DNA. Chondrogenic growth factor treatment significantly increased SOX9, collagens I and IIα, aggrecan gene expression (P < 0.05), and histological deposition of fibrocartilage extracellular matrix (GAG and collagen II). Culture with synoviocytes increased SIS tensile peak load at failure, resilience, and toughness of bioscaffolds (P < 0.05). In conclusion, culturing SIS with synoviocytes prior to implantation might provide biomechanical benefits, and chondrogenic growth factor treatment of cultured synoviocytes improves in vitro axial meniscal matrix formation.     

Feasibility and repeatability of thermal quantitative sensory testing in normal dogs and dogs with hind limb osteoarthritis-associated pain

The objectives of this study were to determine whether thermal quantitative sensory testing (QST) can be performed in client-owned dogs, is repeatable and whether QST differs between normal dogs and dogs with hind limb osteoarthritis (OA). This clinical, prospective, observational study used clinically normal dogs (n = 23) and dogs with OA-associated hind limb pain (n = 9). Thermal QST was performed in standing dogs using a high-powered light source delivered by a previously validated system. Dogs were tested on two occasions, 2 weeks apart. Five tests were performed on each hind limb at each time point. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to evaluate the effects of leg, time point and OA/normal status on thermal threshold latencies (TTL). Additionally, paired t tests were used to compare the TTL of left and right limbs within groups and between time points.Thermal thresholds were successfully measured in 32 client-owned dogs without prior training. TTL were significantly different between normal and OA dogs (P = 0.012). There was no difference between limbs (P = 0.744) or time periods (P = 0.572), when analyzed by repeated measures analysis of variance, and no interactions between group and limb, visit and limb, or visit and group. In conclusion, thermal thresholds can be measured in client owned dogs with no prior training and are repeatable from week to week. Further data are required to determine if OA results in thermal hypoalgesia as measured at the distal hind limb and whether this is an indication of central sensitization.     

Quadricuspid aortic valve and associated abnormalities in the dog: Report of six cases

ObjectivesTo describe the clinical and echocardiographic findings in dogs with quadricuspid aortic valve (QAV).BackgroundQAV is a rare canine congenital heart disease which has been reported only three times in the young dog.Animals, materials and methodsSix dogs (0.3- to 13-year-old) with QAV diagnosed by two-dimensional echocardiography were retrospectively evaluated. Medical records, echocardiograms, and follow-ups were reviewed.ResultsAccording to aortic cusp morphology, QAV was classified as type A (n = 1), type B (n = 4) or type C (n = 1). QAV was associated with at least one other heart disease in all of the dogs including, ventricular septal defect (n = 1), enlarged left coronary ostium (n = 4), degenerative mitral valve disease (MVD, n = 1) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA, n = 3). Mild to moderate aortic regurgitation was also detected in all dogs by continuous-wave and color-flow Doppler echocardiography. QAV was diagnosed in four asymptomatic dogs referred for evaluation of a heart murmur. The remaining two dogs had QAV and PDA with evidence of mild exercise intolerance and moderately retarded growth. The PDA was surgically corrected in both dogs and at the time of writing, 1–2.5 years after the initial diagnosis, none of the six animals shows evidence of clinical signs.ConclusionQAV is a cause of aortic insufficiency. It may incidentally be found by two-dimensional echocardiography in dogs of various ages in association with other congenital or acquired cardiac abnormalities.     

Entamoeba infections in different populations of dogs in an endemic area of Lahore,Pakistan

Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite that affects humans and other primates all over the world. It is a common waterborne pathogen in endemic areas that have fecal oral transmission cycle. The aim of the present study was to examine the prevalence of E. histolytica and other Entamoeba species cysts in three different dog populations. Fecal samples from 600 dogs were collected and processed to detect Entamoeba cysts using the triple fecal test (light microscopy) and fecal antigens of E. histolytica were detected using a fecal antigen ELISA (TechLab E. histolytica II). Because it is impossible to differentiate E. histolytica from Entamoeba dispar and E. moshkovskii, using light microscopy we referred to all cysts morphologically consistent with E. histolytica as E. histolytica/dispar/moskovskii to reflect this uncertainty. Samples from 197 household dogs without clinical signs, 122 samples from household dogs exhibiting clinical signs of diarrhea, dysentery and vomiting and 281 stray dogs with no specific clinical signs were examined. Entamoeba histolytica-like cysts were observed in 94 (15.6%, 95% CI = ±3.88) by triple fecal test microscopy and E. histolytica antigens were demonstrated in 66 (11%, 95% CI = ±4.41) by fecal antigen ELISA in 600 fecal samples. Significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) in prevalence were found between the three populations. Twenty (10.1%, 95% CI = ±7.86) and 11 (5.6%, 95% CI = ±7.70) of 197 fecal samples from household dogs without clinical signs were positive by microscopy and by antigen ELISA, respectively. Twenty-nine (23.8%, 95% CI = ±6.58) and 23 (18.8%, 95% CI = ±7.81) of 122 the fecal samples from household dogs with clinical signs were positive by microscopy and by antigen ELISA, respectively. Forty-five (16.01%, 95% CI = ±5.62) and 32 (11.3%, 95% CI = ±6.38) of 281 fecal samples from stray dogs were positive by microscopy and by fecal antigen ELISA, respectively. Dogs from the youngest age group (6 months to 1 year) were more likely to be E. histolytica antigen positive than were dogs from the other two older age groups, with a significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) between all age groups. Statistically, no significant (P ≥ 0.05) difference of prevalence was seen in male and female dogs. The local dogs had the highest prevalence rate of E. histolytica antigens (36 of 246, 14.2%, 95% CI = ±6.32) followed by imported breeds (11 of 115, 9.5%, 95% CI = ±10.4) and crossbred (19 of 239, 8.3%, 95% CI = ±7.47), indicating a significant (P ≤ 0.05) trend of positivity between various breeds of dogs. These findings suggest that dogs may play an important role in the epidemiology of this pathogen.     

Nutritional management of inherited copper-associated hepatitis in the Labrador retriever

Canine hereditary copper-associated hepatitis is characterized by gradual hepatic copper accumulation eventually leading to liver cirrhosis. Therapy is aimed at creating a negative copper balance with metal chelators, of which d-penicillamine is the most commonly used. d-penicillamine often causes gastro-intestinal side effects and life-long continuous therapy may lead to a deficiency of copper and zinc. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of a low-copper, high-zinc diet as an alternative to continuous d-penicillamine treatment for the long-term management of canine copper-associated hepatitis.Sixteen affected Labrador retrievers were followed for a median time period of 19.1 months (range, 5.9–39 months) after being effectively treated with d-penicillamine. The dogs were maintained on a diet containing 1.3 ± 0.3 mg copper/1000 kcal and 64.3 ± 5.9 mg zinc/1000 kcal. Liver biopsies were taken every 6 months for histological evaluation and copper determination. Plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase, as well as serum albumin were determined.Dietary treatment alone was sufficient to maintain hepatic copper concentration below 800 mg/kg dry weight liver in 12 dogs during the study period. Four dogs needed re-treatment with d-penicillamine. ALT activity and albumin concentration were not associated with hepatic copper concentration, but showed a significant association with the stage and grade of hepatitis respectively. In conclusion, a low-copper, high-zinc diet can be a valuable alternative to continuous d-penicillamine administration for long-term management of dogs with copper-associated hepatitis. The copper re-accumulation rate of an individual dog should be considered in the design of a long-term management protocol and in determining re-biopsy intervals.     

Clinical and echocardiographic features of mild mitral valve regurgitation in 108 horses

The clinical and echocardiographic characteristics of 108 horses with echocardiographically confirmed mild mitral valve regurgitation (MR) were investigated along with its clinical progression. Follow-up consisted of a re-examination of 28 horses and questionnaires were used to obtain information on a further 43 cases. Thirty-seven horses with mild MR were lost to follow-up. Horses with mild MR were re-examined between 2 and 9 years (3.8 ± 1.8 years) following first presentation, with mild MR still present and a small, but statistically significant (P = 0.049) increase of left ventricular diameter in end-diastole. These results suggested that mild MR has a good mid-term prognosis in sport and pleasure horses.     

Expression of trefoil factor genes in the duodenum and colon of dogs with inflammatory bowel disease and healthy dogs

Trefoil factors (TFF) are small peptides produced by goblet cells, which are crucial for epithelial restitution. In humans with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), TFF expression is up-regulated as part of an unspecific repair mechanism. The goal of this study was to assess TFF gene expression in the gastrointestinal tract from dogs with IBD compared to healthy controls. Preliminary assessment by PCR revealed TFF1 and 3 expression in the small and large intestine, whereas TFF2 was amplified only in the stomach. Subsequent RT-qPCR (with relative quantification against 3 reference genes) on endoscopic duodenal (IBD n = 22, healthy controls n = 18) and colonic (IBD n = 12, controls n = 11) biopsies revealed that TFF1 expression was significantly up-regulated in the duodenum from IBD dogs (Mann–Whitney p = 0.001), whereas TFF3 expression was significantly lower in IBD colon compared to controls (t-test p = 0.018).This study demonstrates evidence for dysregulation of TFF gene expression in canine IBD. Up-regulation of TFF1 could signify ectopic expression as a compensatory repair-mechanism, whereas down-regulation of TFF3 could contribute to defective epithelial barrier function, respectively. Whether this is a cause or consequence of IBD could not be established.     

Weekly variability of plasma and serum NT-proBNP measurements in normal dogs

ObjectivesTo determine the weekly variability of serum and plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentrations in healthy dogs.Animals, materials and methodsFifty-three normal dogs were examined prospectively. Serum (n = 25) or plasma (n = 28) samples were obtained for NT-proBNP assay at one week interval for 3 consecutive weeks.ResultsMedian serum or plasma NT-proBNP concentration did not change over 3 consecutive weeks. Twenty-two of 53 dogs (42%) had at least one NT-proBNP value >500 pmol/L, including 14 dogs with at least one serum NT-proBNP concentration >500 pmol/L and 8 dogs with at least one plasma NT-proBNP concentration >500 pmol/L during the 3-week sampling period. The difference between the maximum and minimum NT-proBNP value obtained over the 3-week sampling period was <100 pmol/L in 40% of dogs, between 100 and 200 pmol/L in 40% of dogs, and >200 pmol/L in 20% of dogs. Of the 19 dogs with a value >500 pmol/L on either week 1 or 2, 11 dogs (58%) had a subsequent NT-proBNP value <500 pmol/L on either week 2 or 3.ConclusionsThere is a high degree of variability in weekly serum and plasma NT-proBNP values in healthy dogs. Individual variability should be considered when interpreting NT-proBNP results in dogs.     

Immunohistochemical detection of IgM and IgG in lung tissue of dogs with leptospiral pulmonary haemorrhage syndrome (LPHS)

Leptospiral pulmonary haemorrhage syndrome (LPHS) is a severe form of leptospirosis. Pathogenic mechanisms are poorly understood. Lung tissues from 26 dogs with LPHS, 5 dogs with pulmonary haemorrhage due to other causes and 6 healthy lungs were labelled for IgG (n = 26), IgM (n = 25) and leptospiral antigens (n = 26). Three general staining patterns for IgG/IgM were observed in lungs of dogs with LPHS with most tissues showing more than one staining pattern: (1) alveolar septal wall staining, (2) staining favouring alveolar surfaces and (3) staining of intra-alveolar fluid. Healthy control lung showed no staining, whereas haemorrhagic lung from dogs not infected with Leptospira showed staining of intra-alveolar fluid and occasionally alveolar septa. Leptospiral antigens were not detected. We conclude that deposition of IgG/IgM is demonstrable in the majority of canine lungs with naturally occurring LPHS, similar to what has been described in other species. Our findings suggest involvement of the host humoral immunity in the pathogenesis of LPHS and provide further evidence to support the dog as a natural disease model for human LPHS.     

Fluoxetine combined with clorazepate dipotassium and behaviour modification for treatment of anxiety-related disorders in dogs

The effectiveness of clorazepate dipotassium combined with fluoxetine and a behaviour modification programme for the treatment of anxiety disorders in dogs was investigated. Forty dogs with anxiety disorders were initially enrolled and 36 dogs completed the trial. Dogs were classified into two behavioural categories (anxious dogs with aggression and anxious dogs without aggression) according to their presenting complaints, and were also subdivided into males, females, juveniles and adults. The dog owners were provided with a behaviour modification plan for their dogs to be commenced in the first week of therapy. Clorazepate dipotassium was administered PO at 1.0 mg/kg every 24 h for 4 weeks, and fluoxetine was administered PO at 1.0 mg/kg every 24 h for 10 weeks. Therapy with both drugs was initiated simultaneously. Improvement was reported in 25/36 dogs. Significant differences in treatment effects were observed between anxious dogs with aggression and anxious dogs without aggression (P < 0.05). Positive correlations between owner compliance with the treatment plan and reported improvement achieved during three periods of study were also noted.