Pulmonary blood volume in mitral regurgitation in Cavalier King Charles spaniels

Background: Pulmonary edema and venous congestion are well‐recognized signs of congestive heart failure (CHF) in advanced canine chronic mitral regurgitation (MR). However, little is known about pulmonary blood volume (PBV), blood pulmonary transit time (PTT), and the regulation of these. Objectives: To measure and evaluate the relationships of PBV, forward stroke volume (FSV), and heart rate normalized blood pulmonary transit time (nPTT) in healthy dogs and dogs with MR. Animals: Thirty‐three Cavalier King Charles Spaniels; 11 healthy, 4 in modified New York Heart Association (NYHA) class I, 11 in class II, and 7 in CHF. Methods: Heart rate normalized PTTs were measured by radionuclide angiocardiography. Left ventricular end diastolic and systolic diameter, left atrial/aortic root ratio, and FSV were measured by echocardiography. PBV and pulmonary blood volume index (PBVI) were calculated by established formulas. Results: PBVI was 308 ± 56 (mean ± SD) mL/m² for healthy dogs, 287 ± 51 mL/m² in NYHA class I, 360 ± 66 mL/m² in Class II, and 623 ± 232 mL/m² in CHF (P= .0008). Heart rate normalized PTT, not FSV, was a predictor of PBV (r= 0.92 and 0.02, respectively). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Increased PBV, not decreased FSV, is the main cause of increased nPTT in MR. Increased nPTT can be used as an indicator of abnormal cardiopulmonary function in dogs with MR.     

Prothrombotic and Inflammatory Effects of Intravenous Administration of Human Immunoglobulin G in Dogs

Background: Intravenous administration of human immunoglobulin G (hIVIgG) has been suggested to potentiate thromboembolism in dogs, but supportive scientific reports are lacking.
Objectives: To determine if hIVIgG therapy promotes hypercoagulability and inflammation in dogs.
Animals: Twelve healthy Beagle dogs.
Methods: Prospective, experimental trial. An hIVIgG/saline solution was infused IV at 1 g/kg BW over 8 hours to 6 dogs, and physiological saline was infused to the other 6 dogs. Blood samples were drawn before, during, and after infusion for serial measurement of indicators of coagulation and inflammation. Data were analyzed by 2-way repeated measures analysis of variance.
Results: Dogs administered hIVIgG developed mildly decreased blood platelet concentrations without thrombocytopenia (median, 200 × 10³/μL; range, 150–302 × 10³/μL; P < .01), leukopenia (median, 3.5 × 10³/μL; range, 20–62 × 10³/μL; P < .001), and mildly increased plasma total protein concentrations (median, 6.3 g/dL; range, 5.6–6.7 g/dL; P < .001). Administration of hIVIgG was also associated with increases in fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products in all dogs (either 5 μg/mL or 10 μg/dL), thrombin-antithrombin III complexes (median, 7.2 ng/mL; range, 4.9–14.2 ng/mL; P < .001), and C-reactive protein concentrations (median, 2.5 mg/dL; range, 0.5–4.3 mg/dL; P < .01).
Conclusion and Clinical Importance: Administration of hIVIgG to dogs promotes hypercoagulability and an inflammatory state. This should be further evaluated and considered when using hIVIgG in dogs with IMHA or other prothrombotic conditions.     

Correlation of Serum Cardiac Troponin I and Myocardial Damage in Cattle with Monensin Toxicosis

Background: Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is used as a biomarker of myocardial injury in people and small animals. Little is known about the diagnostic use of cTnI in cattle.
Hypothesis: Serum cTnI correlates to myocardial function and histopathologic lesions in cattle with monensin-induced myocardial injury.
Animals: Ten healthy cows.
Methods: Experimental study. Animals received 1 dose of monensin PO; 30 mg/kg (n = 1) or 40 mg/kg (n = 1) (Group A) or 50 mg/kg monensin (n = 8) (Group B) of body weight. Repeated measurements were performed of serum cTnI, biochemistry, and ECG and echocardiography until study termination at 80 (Group A) and 144 hours (Group B) after dosing. Semiquantitative histopathologic examinations of the heart were performed in each cow. A scoring system with regard to the magnitude of myocardial injury was established and a total heart score was compared with maximum cTnI concentration measured after monensin administration. Five hearts from healthy cows served as controls.
Results: Increased cTnI (>0.07 ng/mL) was found in 9/10 cows. cTnI was significantly associated with left ventricular shortening fraction ( r ²= 0.51; P = .02) and myocardial histopathologic lesion score ( r ²= 0.49; P = .021). All cows (n = 7) with evidence of myocardial necrosis had a cTnI concentration ≥ 1.04 ng/mL.
Conclusion and Clinical Importance: cTnI is related to myocardial necrosis and severity of myocardial damage in cattle with monensin toxicosis. cTnI could become a useful diagnostic tool in the noninvasive assessment of myocardial injury in cattle with naturally occurring cardiac disease.     

A Single Sample Method for Evaluating 51Chromium-Ethylene Diaminic Tetraacetic Acid Clearance in Normal and Hyperthyroid Cats

Background: Chronic kidney failure is frequently seen in middle-aged and elderly cats. ⁵¹Chromium-ethylene diaminic tetraacetic acid (⁵¹Cr-EDTA) clearance and single blood sample (SBS) method are used in several species to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
Hypothesis: The hypothesis of this study was that ⁵¹Cr-EDTA clearance could be determined using an SBS method in normal and hyperthyroid cats.
Animals: Forty-six cats were included in this study, with an average age of 9.5 years. Of these cats, 27 had hyperthyroidism; 19 were healthy.
Methods: After IV injection of ⁵¹Cr-EDTA (average dose: 4.25 MBq), 7 blood samples were obtained between 5 and 240 minutes. Reference clearance was calculated in mL/min and mL/min/kg body weight, using a 2-compartment model. Optimal time for clearance measurement with SBS was then determined by systematically comparing each individual plasma concentration to the reference multisample clearance.
Results: The average reference plasma clearance of ⁵¹Cr-EDTA for all cats was 14.9 mL/min (3.7 mL/min/kg). The clearance in hyperthyroid cats averaged 16.4 mL/min (4.3 mL/min/kg) and in normal cats averaged 10.3 mL/min (2.4 mL/min/kg).
The optimal time for the SBS was 48 minutes after injection of tracer ⁵¹Cr-EDTA ( R ²= 0.9414), giving the following converting equation: clearance = (0.0066 × DV_{48 minutes}) – 0.9277 (in mL/min).
Conclusions and Clinical Importance: In this study, the single sample ⁵¹Cr-EDTA clearance method was used to estimate the global GFR in cats. The method identified differences in clearance between normal and hyperthyroid cats. The optimal time for an SBS was 48 minutes.     

Increased pulmonary transit times in asymptomatic dogs with mitral regurgitation

Pulmonary transit time (PTT) normalized to heart rate (nPTT) is a measure of the pulmonary blood volume (PBV) to stroke volume ratio (PBV/SV). It is an index of cardiac performance. To determine the effect of compensated mitral regurgitation (CMR) and decompensated mitral regurgitation (DMR) caused by valvular endocardiosis on the index nPTT, we measured nPTT by first-pass radionuclide angiocardiography and ECG in 13 normal dogs, 18 dogs with CMR, and 13 dogs with DMR. PTT was measured as time between onset of appearance of activity at the pulmonary trunk and the left atrium. In the normal dogs, the relationship between PTT and mean R-R interval (mRR) was PTT = 4.08 x mRR + 0.15 (R2 = 0.71). Normal nPTT was 4.4 +/- 0.6 (SD) (range. 3.6-5.3). in CMR, 6.3 +/- 1.6 (SD) (range, 4.0-9.7). and in DMR, 11.9 +/- 3.4 (SD) (range, 8.0-18.8). The differences among all groups were significant. Heart rates were 110 +/- 22 bpm in normal dogs, 111 +/- 20 in dogs with CMR, and 144 +/- 18 in dogs with DMR (P < .001 for difference between DMR group and normal and CMR groups). Increased nPTT in CMR indicates preclinical heart pump dysfunction. Heart rate-normalized pulmonary transit times may be a useful index of heart function in mitral regurgitation.     

Evaluation of the Perkins® handheld applanation tonometer in the measurement of intraocular pressure in dogs and cats

Objective  To evaluate and to validate the accuracy of the Perkins^® handheld applanation tonometer in the measurement of IOP in dogs and cats.
Animals  Twenty eyes from 10 dogs and 10 cats immediately after sacrifice were used for the postmortem study and 20 eyes from 10 clinically normal and anesthetized dogs and cats were used for the in vivo study. Both eyes of 20 conscious dogs and cats were also evaluated.
Procedure  Readings of IOP postmortem and in vivo were taken using manometry (measured with a mercury column manometer) and tonometry (measured with a Perkins^® handheld applanation tonometer). The IOP measurement with Perkins^® tonometer in anesthetized and conscious dogs and cats was accomplished by instillation of proxymetacaine 0.5% and of 1% fluorescein eye drops.
Results  The correlation coefficient ( r ²) between the manometry and the Perkins^® tonometer were 0.982 (dogs) and 0.988 (cats), and the corresponding linear regression equation were y  = 0.0893 x  + 0.1105 (dogs) and y  = 0.0899 x  + 0.1145 (cats) in the postmortem study. The mean IOP readings with the Perkins^® tonometer after calibration curve correction were 14.9 ± 1.6 mmHg (range 12.2–17.2 mmHg) in conscious dogs, and were 15.1 ± 1.7 mmHg (range 12.1–18.7 mmHg) in conscious cats.
Conclusion  There was an excellent correlation between the IOP values obtained from direct ocular manometry and the Perkins^® tonometer in dogs and cats. The Perkins^® handheld tonometer could be in the future a new alternative for the diagnosis of glaucoma in veterinary ophthalmology.     

Changes in Regulatory T Cells in Dogs with Cancer and Associations with Tumor Type

Background: Regulatory T cells (Treg) have been shown to suppress antitumor immunity and often are increased in humans and rodents with cancer. However, Tregs have not been well studied in dogs with cancer and it is not known if certain tumor types are associated with increased Tregs.
Hypothesis: We hypothesized that Treg percentages would be increased in dogs with cancer and that Treg percentages would be higher in dogs with certain types of cancer.
Animals: The percentages and numbers of Tregs and nonregulatory T cells and B cells were assessed in 34 dogs with cancer and 9 age-matched control dogs. Dogs evaluated included 14 dogs with sarcoma, 7 dogs with carcinoma, 7 dogs with lymphoma, and 6 dogs with mast cell tumor.
Methods: Numbers and percentages of Tregs, CD4⁺, and CD8⁺ T cells and B cells were determined using flow cytometry and compared between control dogs and dogs with cancer.
Results: The percentage of Tregs was significantly increased overall in dogs with cancer compared with control dogs. When tumor types were compared, Treg percentages were significantly increased in dogs with carcinoma. The Treg/CD8 T cell ratio was significantly higher in dogs with cancer compared with control dogs and was also significantly increased in 2 dogs with T-cell lymphoma.
Conclusions: Treg percentages in blood were increased in dogs with cancer, particularly in dogs with carcinoma. The Treg/CD8 ratio also identified tumor-specific abnormalities in dogs with cancer. These findings indicate that tumor-specific factors may affect Tregs in dogs.     

131‐I therapy for Advanced, Unresectable Thyroid Tumors in Dogs

Introduction:  Greater than 50% of dogs with thyroid tumors present with surgically unresectable disease for which external beam radiotherapy has been reported to prolong survival. The success of ¹³¹I for control of thyroid tumors in cats and in humans suggests such therapy may also play a role in the management of canine thyroid cancer.
Methods:  Thirty‐nine dogs with WHO stage II/III (invasive or ectopic; n = 32) or IV (metastatic; n = 7) thyroid tumors were treated with ¹³¹I alone. Changes in thyroid function, ^99MTc‐pertechnetate (^99MTc) scintigraphic changes, and tumor response were recorded. Dogs with ventral cervical tumors were evaluated for feasibility of surgical resection following ¹³¹I.
Results:  Median overall survival was 839 days and 366 days for dogs with stage II/III and stage IV tumors, respectively. Thyroid hormone status, site and surgical resection were not associated with outcome in dogs with stage II/III tumors. Three dogs developed severe bone marrow suppression.
Conclusions:  These findings suggest ¹³¹I should be investigated more thoroughly in dogs with thyroid tumors not considered surgical candidates to more clearly characterize the indications for therapy and followup recommendations. ¹³¹I dosimetry in dogs with thyroid tumors remains problematic. Administration of ¹³¹I is currently based on empiric recommendations and, in general, the treatment is well tolerated although additional studies are indicated to optimize response and minimize toxicity.     

COMPARISONS OF RADIOGRAPHIC AND ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC ABNORMALITIES IN CANINE HEARTWORM DISEASE

Thoracic radiographs and electrocardiograms from 137 dogs with heartworm infection were independently evaluated and comparisons were made of (1) the presence or absence of right ventricular enlargement as assessed by these two diagnostic tests and (2) the presence or absence of right-sided congestive heart failure relative to the degree of right ventricular enlargement and ECG criteria of RVH.
Radiographic evidence of severe, but not moderate, right ventricular enlargement was associated with right-sided congestive heart failure. Similarly the presence of three or more, but not fewer than three, ECG criteria of RVH were associated with right-sided congestive heart failure. If either the thoracic radiographs or the ECG indicated that severe right ventricular enlargement was absent, right-sided congestive heart failure was seldom present. The most accurate correlation of the radiographic evaluation of severe right ventricular enlargement was afforded by the presence of three or more ECG criteria of RVH. ECG criteria of RVH such as R/S^v4, + T^v10 MEA^x, and S¹¹ are highly specific tests; while S^V2 is a highly sensitive but not highly specific test. The ECG is a good confirmation test of the presence of severe right ventricular enlargement and is a good exclusion test for the absence of right-sided congestive heart failure.     

Peripheral Nucleated Red Blood Cells as a Prognostic Indicator in Heatstroke in Dogs

Background: Heatstroke in dogs is often fatal and is associated with a high prevalence of secondary complications. Peripheral nucleated red blood cells (NRBC) occur in dogs with heatstroke, but their association with complications and the outcome is unclear.
Hypothesis: Peripheral NRBC are common in dogs with heatstroke and have prognostic significance.
Animals: Forty client-owned dogs with naturally occurring heatstroke.
Methods: Prospective, observational study. Dogs were followed from presentation to discharge or death. Serum biochemistry and coagulation tests were performed at presentation. CBC and evaluation of peripheral blood smears were performed at presentation and every 12 hours. The relative and the absolute NRBC numbers were calculated.
Results: Presence of NRBC was observed in 36/40 (90%) of the dogs at presentation. Median relative and absolute NRBC were 24 cells/100 leukocytes (range 0–124) and 1.48 × 10³/μL (range 0.0–19.6 × 10³/μL), respectively. Both were significantly higher in nonsurvivors (22) versus survivors (18) and in dogs with secondary renal failure and DIC versus those without these complications. Receiver operator curve analysis of relative NRBC at presentation as a predictor of death had an area under curve of 0.92. A cut-off point of 18 NRBC/100 leukocytes corresponded to a sensitivity and specificity of 91 and 88% for death.
Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Relative and absolute numbers of peripheral NRBC are clinically useful, correlate with the secondary complications, and are sensitive and specific markers of death in dogs with heatstroke, although they should never be used as a sole prognostic indicator nor should they replace clinical assessment.     

Assessment of decompressive surgery in dogs with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis using force plate analysis and questionnaires

Objective— To evaluate the long-term outcome after decompressive surgery in dogs with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLS), using force plate analysis (FPA) and owner questionnaires.
Study Design— Prospective clinical study.
Animals— Dogs with DLS (n=31) and 24 clinically normal Labrador Retrievers.
Methods— FPA was performed before surgery (31 dogs) and at 3 days, 6 weeks, 6 months (each, 31 dogs) and ≥1.5 years (12 dogs) after surgery. Peak vertical forces (Fz⁺), braking (Fy⁺), and propulsive forces (Fy⁻), and the corresponding impulses were determined. Questionnaires were completed by the owners before and at 6 months and ≥1.5 years after surgery.
Results— Fy⁻ of the pelvic limbs and the ratio pelvic/thoracic of Fy⁻ (P/TFy⁻) were significantly smaller in dogs with DLS than controls. Fy⁻ and P/TFy⁻ decreased significantly 3 days after surgery, and increased during 6 months follow-up, but with long-term follow-up the values remained the same and were smaller than controls. From questionnaires there was a significant improvement after surgery compared with function before surgery. Most owners were satisfied with outcome after surgery.
Conclusions— Propulsive forces of the pelvic limbs in dogs with DLS are impaired and are partially restored by decompressive surgery.
Clinical Relevance— Owner's questionnaires illustrate that decompressive surgery restores function as perceived by owners whereas FPA continues to show impaired propulsive forces for the pelvic limbs.     

Intraoperative use of a reflective blanket (Sirius® rescue sheet) for temperature management in dogs less than 10 kg

O bjectives : To compare the effects of the Sirius^® rescue sheet with gel pads versus gel pads alone on intraoperative body temperature in dogs less than 10 kg.
M ethods : Forty small breed dogs undergoing elective surgical procedures were randomly assigned to two groups. One group was intraoperatively laid on warmed gel pads, and the other group was additionally wrapped in a Sirius^® rescue sheet. Oesophageal body temperature was determined every 10 minutes and compared between groups. Temperature of gel pads was measured preoperatively and postoperatively to compare heat loss of the gel pads between groups.
R esults : The body temperature of dogs wrapped with the Sirius^® rescue sheet increased intraoperatively. In dogs just lying on warmed gel pads, a decrease in mean body temperature was revealed and mean body temperatures differed between groups after 40 minutes. Extent of heat loss from the gel pads did not differ between the groups.
C linical S ignificance : The Sirius^® rescue sheet, used in addition to warmed gel pads, led to higher intraoperative body temperatures in small breed dogs undergoing surgical procedures to the extremities and the head. The cost-effectiveness and ease of handling make this a useful addition to clinical practice.     

Die Verteilung der Spermien im weiblichen Genitale des Schweines nach Insemination von frischem und tiefgefrorenem Sperma

Inhalt: 1. In Versuchen an insgesamt 24 weiblichen Schweinen wurde die Verteilung von Spermien im Uterus und Eileiter 4 bis 6 Stunden und 20 Minuten nach künstlicher Besamung mit 20 × 10⁹ Spermien untersucht. Die Spermien waren normal oder tief-gefroren konserviert und in einem Verdünner von 120 und 100 ml suspendiert.
2. Von den ehemals tiefgefrorenen Samenzellen konnten 4 bis 6 Stunden post inseminationem nur 0,0073 × 10⁶ (weniger als 1%) wiedergefunden werden, während in Vergleichsgruppen mit normal konserviertem Sperma 0,4080 × 10⁶ bzw. 52,4770 × 10⁶ Spermien ermittelt wurden.
20 Minuten nach der Insemination wurden TGN₂-Spermien in ähnlicher Zahl wie normal konservierte gefunden.
Nach Insemination mit abgetöteten Spermien waren im Eileiter keine Samenzellen nachzuweisen.     

Yohimbine prevents the retrograde flow of spermatozoa into the urinary bladder of dogs induced by xylazine

This study was carried out to determine whether yohimbine antagonizes the retrograde flow of spermatozoa into the urinary bladder of dogs caused by xylazine. Adult dogs were assigned to one of four groups of six dogs each and treated as follows: saline control, xylazine (2.2 mg/kg, i.m.), yohimbine (0.2 mg/kg, im.), yohimbine/xylazine (yohimbine, 0.2 mg/kg, i.m., followed 10 min later by xylazine. 2.2 mg/kg, i.m.). Pre- and post-treatment urine were collected by cystocentesis from all dogs. The mean (± SD) adjusted total number of spermatozoa in the post-treatment urine of xylazine-treated dogs (141.02 ± 136.75 × 10⁶) was 15 times higher ( P < 0.05) than the number in the post-treatment urine of control dogs (9.16 ± 20.26 × 10⁶), 1763 times higher ( P < 0.05) than the number in the urine of yohimbine-treated dogs (0.08 ± 0.20 × 10⁶), and 56 times higher ( P < 0.05) than the total number in the post-treatment urine of yohimbine/xylazine-treated dogs (2.54 ± 4.54 × 10⁶). These results confirm that xylazine induces a significant ( P = 0.007) displacement of spermatozoa into the urinary bladder of dogs and demonstrate that pre-treatment with yohimbine prevents this effect.     

Haematological findings in captive dolphins and whales

Objective To examine haematological features in five species of healthy, captive marine mammals.
Animals Twenty bottlenose dolphins ( Tursips truncatus ), seven Pacific white-sided dolphins ( Lagenorhynchus obliquidens ), five Risso dolphins ( Grampus griseus ) and five false killer whales ( Pseudorca crassidens ).
Results and conclusion The red blood cell count was 4.21 × 10¹²/L in bottlenose dolphins, 5.32 × 10¹²/L in Pacific white-sided dolphins, 4.35 × 10¹²/L in Risso dolphins and 4.43 × 10¹²/L in false killer whales. The haemoglobin concentration was 1.51 g/L and packed cell volume 44.7% in bottlenose dolphins; the corresponding values were 1.71 g/L and 48.9% in Pacific white-sided dolphins, 1.72 g/L and 49.4% in Risso dolphins, and 1.52 g/L and 47.8% in false killer whales. The white blood cell count was 7.097 × 10⁹/L in bottlenose dolphins, 5.928 × 10⁹/L in Pacific white-sided dolphins, 5.001 × 10⁹/L in Risso dolphins and 7.921 × 10⁹/L in false killer whales. There were no significant differences in these values among bottlenose dolphins and Pacific white-sided dolphins. The proportion of eosinophils in the differential leukocyte count ranged from 10.3% to 11.5% in bottlenose dolphins, Pacific white-sided dolphins and false killer whales, but was only 0.4% in Risso dolphins. The eosinophilic granules were larger in Risso dolphins and false killer whales than in bottlenose and Pacific white-sided dolphins.     

Urinary Corticoid : Creatinine Ratios in Dogs with Pituitary-Dependent Hypercortisolism during Trilostane Treatment

Background: The adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test is used to evaluate trilostane treatment in dogs with hypercortisolism.
Hypothesis: The urinary corticoid : creatinine ratio (UCCR) is a good alternative to the ACTH stimulation test to determine optimal trilostane dose.
Animals: Eighteen dogs with pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism.
Methods: In this prospective study, the dose of trilostane was judged to be optimal on the basis of resolution of clinical signs of hypercortisolism and results of an ACTH stimulation test. The owners collected urine for determination of UCCR at 2-week intervals for at least 8 weeks after achieving the optimal trilostane dose.
Results: The UCCRs were significantly higher before treatment (11.5–202.0 × 10⁻⁶; median, 42.0 × 10⁻⁶) than at rechecks 2 months after optimal dosing, but they did not decrease below the upper limit of the reference range in the majority of dogs. The UCCRs of 11 dogs that initially were dosed insufficiently (range, 7.5–79.0 × 10⁻⁶; median, 31.0 × 10⁻⁶) did not differ significantly from UCCRs when the dosage was optimal (8.2–72.0 × 10⁻⁶; median, 33.0 × 10⁻⁶). Post-ACTH cortisol concentrations did not correlate significantly with UCCRs at rechecks during trilostane treatment. Long-term follow-up indicated that the decrease in UCCR below the upper limit of the reference was associated with hypocortisolism.
Conclusion and Clinical Importance: The UCCR cannot be used as an alternative to the ACTH stimulation test to determine the optimal dose of trilostane, but might be helpful in detecting dogs at risk for developing hypocortisolism during trilostane treatment.     

Clinical, immunological and histopathological findings in a subpopulation of dogs with pododermatitis

Abstract   Clinical, immunological and histopathological findings in 20 adult dogs of varying breeds with chronic (≥ 6 months) inflammation confined to the pedal skin were compared over a 2-year period with those of a group of age-matched controls ( n  = 20). All affected dogs were pruritic but systemically well. Lesions were present on all four feet in 18/20 cases. Affected feet were characteristically erythematous, swollen, painful and alopecic. Sinus tracts were evident in 4/20 dogs. Despite a methodical series of diagnostic tests, no underlying cause was identified. None of the dogs responded to antimicrobial therapy administered for 8 weeks, none had evidence of ectoparasitism and none satisfied the criteria for atopic dermatitis. There was no response to a dietary trial using a novel protein source. The condition was characterized histopathologically by epidermal hyperplasia, hyperkeratosis, spongiosis, dermal oedema and perivascular aggregates of lymphocytes and plasma cells. Clinical signs did not correlate with histopathological findings. Affected dogs had significantly elevated serum IgG and IgM concentrations. The results of lymphocyte proliferation assays and phenotypic studies to determine the relative percentage of CD3⁺, CD4⁺, CD8⁺ and CD21⁺ lymphocyte subsets, and the ratio of CD4⁺/CD8⁺ cells were not significantly different between groups. No age, sex or seasonal predilections were noted. All dogs subsequently responded to immunosuppressive doses of prednisolone or cyclosporin. The term immunomodulatory-responsive lymphocytic–plasmacytic pododermatitis is proposed to denote what may be a previously unrecognized condition in some dogs with pododermatitis of undetermined aetiology.     

QUANTITATIVE THYROID SCINTIGRAPHY IN GREYHOUNDS SUSPECTED OF PRIMARY HYPOTHYROIDISM

The existence of hypothyroidism in greyhounds remains controversial and its investigation is complicated by the low circulating thyroid hormone concentrations typically found in healthy dogs of this breed. Quantitative measurement of thyroidal technetium-99m pertechnetate (^99mTcO₄⁻) uptake is known to be useful in assessing thyroid function in other breeds. The aim of this study was to evaluate thyroid scintigraphy as a method of assessing thyroid function in greyhounds suspected of primary hypothyroidism. Twenty greyhounds (eight females, 12 males) were studied. Thirteen had bald thigh syndrome and seven poor performance and low total T4. Total T4 concentrations were decreased in 18 (90%), and free T4 in two (10%) dogs. All canine thyroid stimulating hormone concentrations were within the reference interval. Thyroidal ^99mTcO₄⁻ uptake values (mean ± SD, 0.76 ± 0.26%) were within the reference limits published for euthyroid dogs (0.39–1.86%) making hypothyroidism highly unlikely. There were no significant differences ( P <0.05) when comparing data between dogs with bald thigh syndrome (13 dogs) and the remaining dogs (seven dogs). Seventeen (85%) dogs had higher uptake in the left thyroid gland than in the right that might reflect an anatomic feature of the greyhound breed. Calculation of percent thyroidal uptake of ^99mTcO₄⁻ is more accurate than thyroid:salivary gland ratios because of high variability in salivary gland uptake. Percent thyroidal uptake of ^99mTcO₄⁻ should be used when assessing thyroid function scintigraphically in the greyhound breed.     

SCINTIGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF FOUR DOGS WITH PROTEIN-LOSING ENTEROPATHY USING 111INDIUM-INDIUM-LABELED TRANSFERRIN

The purpose of this sutdy was to determine the clinical utility of ¹¹¹ In-labeled transferrin ( 111 In-TF) scintigraphy for evaluating dogs suspected of having protein-losing enteropathies. Four dogs were injected intravenoulsy with autologous ¹¹¹In-TF after 30 min incubation (at 37°C) of 18.5 MBq (0.5mCi) ¹¹¹In CI₃ with one ml of autologous plasma, Serial right lateral, left lateral and dorsal images were obtained 2, 4, and 24 hours post ¹¹¹ In-TF administration, Images were subjectively evaluated for the presence or absence of ¹¹¹ within the gastrointestinal tract. The results of total protein, albumin and globulin legels and results form gastrointestinal tract. the results of total protein, albumin and globulin levels and results from gastrointestinal biopsies were recorded. In one dog, a follow-up scientigraphic study was done six months after initial evaluation and initiation of treatment for plasmocytic-lymphocytic enteritis. Gastrointestinal activity was noted by two hours in two dogs, while all four dogs had gastrointestinal activity on the 24 hour images. The mean (±std dev) plasma protein, albumin and globulin levels were 3.5 (±0.9), 1.7 (±1) and 1.8 (±0.3) respectively at the time of initial presentation. In the one dog that was evaluated after therapy, faint visualization of radioactivity within the colon was noted on the 24 hour image. Based on this study, ¹¹¹In-TF appears to be a viable scientigraphic method for evaluating dogs with suspected dogs withfd suspected protein-losing enteropathies, Potential limitations of tjis radiopharmaceutical include cost and prolonged isolation of the animal prior to release to the client due to the long physical half-life (T_½= 2.82 days).     

Evaluation of Functional Outcome After BFX® Total Hip Replacement Using a Pressure Sensitive Walkway

Objective— To evaluate stance phase limb use after cementless (BFX^®) total hip replacement (THR) in dogs and to relate postoperative radiographic variables to static bodyweight distribution after surgery.
Study Design— Prospective clinical study.
Animals— Dogs (n=35) that had THR.
Methods— THR was performed using the BFX^® THR technique. Postoperative pain management regimens were similar for all dogs. Standing bodyweight distribution (%BW_distrib) was measured using a pressure sensitive walkway and radiographs made before surgery and at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Repeated measures models (with backwards-stepping to obtain the final model) were used for statistical analysis.
Results— Temporally, %BW_distrib to the operated limb increased ( P <.0001; normal by 3 months) and decreased to the unoperated limb ( P =.0001) and also increased to the pelvic limbs and decreased to the thoracic limbs. %BW_distrib to the unoperated limb was significantly less than the operated limb at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Postoperative canal fill and femur flare were significantly negatively correlated with change in %BW_distrib (estimate=−0.24, P =.0413).
Conclusion— BFX^® THR results in normal %BW_distrib to the operated limb by 3 months after surgery. A greater fill of the proximal femur may be associated with a suboptimal outcome.
Clinical Relevance— BFX^® THR normalizes standing bodyweight distribution dogs with hip osteoarthritis. Objective evaluation of THR outcome and radiographic features may reveal factors that could be improved through changes in prosthesis design or surgical technique.