Obstructive, granulomatous tracheitis caused by Onchocerca sp. in a dog

A 3-year-old spayed female dog was admitted with a history of episodes of dyspnoea and coughing. Severe tracheal stenosis was found on radiography. The dog died during an episode of refractory dyspnoea. Necropsy revealed an obstruction of the thoracic part of the trachea because of a chronic granulomatous inflammation protruding into the tracheal lumen. Histological examination revealed nematodes, which were identified as Onchocerca sp. according to their morphological characteristics. In contrast to the common ocular manifestation in dogs, obstructive tracheitis caused by Onchocerca infection has not been reported before.     

Tracheal rupture in a dog

A two-year-old male Retriever-crossbred dog was presented with progressive subcutaneous emphysema and pronounced dyspnoea following a cervical impact injury sustained ten days previously. Radiography revealed an almost complete transection of the cervical trachea and an associated pneumomediastinum and unilateral pneumothorax. The damaged tracheal segment was resected and anastomosis performed following drainage of the pneumothorax. The dog made an uneventful recovery with no evidence of stenosis detectable at the site of the repair six months post-operatively.     

Atypical lateral tracheal collapse in a Yorkshire terrier

A 10-month-old, neutered female Yorkshire terrier was presented with a 6-month history of inspiratory dyspnoea, coughing and exercise intolerance. Tracheoscopy revealed marked lateral-to-lateral fixed collapse of the cervical trachea and mild collapse of the thoracic trachea. Surgical exploration revealed a marked reduction in lateral tracheal width and multiple malformed tracheal rings. Placement of extraluminal ring prostheses around the cervical trachea resulted in widening of the tracheal diameter and an immediate improvement in clinical signs. 6 years postoperatively the patient was reported to have an excellent quality of life with complete resolution of clinical signs.     

Haemophilia A (Factor VIII deficiency) in the cat

A case of haemophilia A (classical haemophilia, factor VIII deficiency) in a cat is described. The cat presented with persistent bleeding from an oral wound, and protracted haemorrhage after castration. The diagnosis and management of this case is described. Subsequent investigation of the dam and a recent litter identified a further affected male kitten.     

A combined deficiency of factor VIII and contact activation defect in a family of cats

The coagulation parameters of a litter of kittens born to an obligate carrier of haemophilia A (classical haemophilia, factor VIII deficiency) are described. Three of four kittens were found to have an intrinsic coagulation defect, but only one was haemophilic. Factor XII deficiency was confirmed in one female, the other female and the dam being carriers of the defect. A confirmed haemophilic male from a previous litter was also found to be a factor XII deficient carrier.     

Haemophilia A (factor VIII deficiency) in a litter of Weimaraners

Inherited coagulopathies are reported in a number of dog breeds. However, to date, there is no report of Weimaraners suffering factor VIII deficiency (haemophilia A). We report the discovery of haemophilia A in both males from a single litter of Weimaraners. Haemophilia A in human beings often results from a de novo stochastic mutation. We found no evidence using currently available screening tests of haemophilia A in relatives as far back as three generations making a stochastic mutation possible in this litter.     

Changes in factor VIII activity and von Willebrand factor antigen concentration with age in dogs.

The factor VIII activity of 38 German shepherd puppies, 6-12 weeks old, submitted for diagnosis of haemophilia A was measured. Eight of these puppies had values higher than would be expected for haemophiliacs, but less than the reference range for adult dogs. A further sequential study of 21 puppies (6-26 weeks of age) indicated that the factor VIII activity of puppies is generally less than that of adult dogs until about 14 weeks of age. Changes in the concentration of von Willebrand factor antigen in the puppies were irregular. These variations are probably not sufficient to interfere with accurate diagnosis of haemophilia A in most affected young dogs, but may interfere with the detection of heterozygotes in young bitches.     

Haemophilia A (factor VIII deficiency) in German Shepherd dogs

Moderate haemophilia A (factor VIII deficiency) has been identified in eight male German Shepherd dogs. Of 12 related females, five were diagnosed as obligate or probable carriers. The diagnosis of haemophilia A, its pattern of inheritance and carrier detection are discussed.     

Comparison of factor VIII:C and factor IX sensitivity of different commercial APTT reagents for canine plasma

In the present study, six commercial reagents for the determination of the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) were compared with respect to their factor VIII:C and factor IX sensitivity for measurements of canine plasma. For this purpose, plasma with different levels of factor VIII:C or factor XI activity (100, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 15, and 10% [factor VIII:C: additionally 5%]) was prepared by mixing pool plasma with plasma of dogs with haemophilia A or B. Double measurements of three different sample mixtures were carried out for each activity level. The sensitivity of the reagents was measured first based on the ratios of the coagulation time to the 100% values. In addition, the single factor activity (F VIII:C/IX(X0.975)), whose accompanying APTT corresponded to the upper limit of the reference range (97.5%-quantile, n = 50) of the respective reagent, was determined graphically. The APTT reflected a decrease of factor IX activity generally more sensitive than a reduction of factor IX activity of an identical degree. Based on ratios distant differences respecting factor VIII:C and factor IX sensitivity were found between different reagents using two way analysis of variance (p < 0.05). Significant differences between various reagents were also found with respect to the F VIII:C(X0.975) and the F IX(X0.975). These corresponded to values between 27 and 50% or 32 and 64%, respectively, dependent on the reagent. As a result, the more sensitive reagents fulfilled the demands on the sensitivity of APTT in humans. Based on the latter criterion the highest sensitivity for both factors was found for the same reagent (Pathromtin) consisting of kaolin as a contact activator and human placental phospholipid. Respecting all proofed reagents, however, no relation was found between contact activator and single factor sensitivity.     

Pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax and pneumoretroperitoneum following endoscopic retrieval of a tracheal foreign body from a cat

A 6-year-old entire male cat was presented with a 1-week history of severe dyspnoea without coughing. Upon auscultation, an inspiratory and particularly pronounced expiratory wheeze was noted, with severe dyspnoea. The minimum database was normal. Plain thoracic radiographs showed signs of a mural or intraluminal intrathoracic (T1-T4) tracheal narrowing. A dynamic collapsing trachea was ruled out using fluoroscopy. Bronchoscopy was performed and a dark green and brown spiculated foreign object was found just cranial to the carina. Following removal, the cat rapidly developed extensive truncal subcutaneous emphysema and oxygen-responsive dyspnoea and cyanosis. Follow-up radiographs demonstrated unilateral pneumothorax and lung collapse, marked pneumomediastinum and dissection of air through the tracheal wall. A thoracic drain was placed and the pneumothorax resolved rapidly. Follow-up radiographs demonstrated resolution of pneumothorax and development of extensive retroperitoneal air. The cat made an uneventful recovery. The foreign object was the calyx and stem of a flower. This article emphasises the importance of diagnostic imaging in the dyspnoeic patient, both for confirming initial suspicions of respiratory tract disease, and in managing and charting post-therapy resolution or complications.     

Treatment of traumatic tracheal collapse with extraluminal titanium mesh screens

A 12‐year‐old Thoroughbred gelding presented with a history of exercise intolerance and inspiratory stridor. Physical examination revealed a blunt crush injury to the ventral neck and underlying trachea of unknown duration. Tracheoscopy revealed a grade 3 tracheal collapse. Surgical management of the case involved placement of extraluminal titanium mesh screens circumferentially around the trachea for complete support. During the period of hospitalisation, the only post operative complication was seroma formation, which resolved with routine care. Follow‐up after 5 years revealed no further evidence of exercise intolerance, inspiratory dyspnoea or stridor. The horse returned to his previous level of work as a show hunter.     

Tracheal stenosis following endotracheal intubation in a dog

A 2-month-old intact female Rottweiler was presented for investigation of coughing and respiratory distress 9 d after an exploratory laparotomy for intestinal foreign body removal. Tracheal stenosis was suspected by radiography and confirmed with computed tomography (CT) and tracheoscopy. After 1 wk of medical management, clinical signs had resolved and the severity of the tracheal narrowing was markedly improved, as confirmed by radiography and tracheoscopy. Tracheal stenosis is a considerable complication of endotracheal intubation in veterinary medicine and may be medically managed, depending on the severity of the tracheal injury.Key clinical message:To our knowledge, this is the first clinical case report of tracheal stenosis resulting from endotracheal intubation in a dog and its resolution after medical management.     

Effect of acepromazine, xylazine and thiopentone on factor VIII activity and von Willebrand factor antigen concentration in dogs

The effect of acepromazine maleate, xylazine and thiopentone on the packed cell volume, plasma protein content, factor VIII activity and von Willebrand factor antigen concentration of blood was studied in normal dogs. The same variables were measured in dogs with haemophilia A given acepromazine maleate and thiopentone. Both the packed cell volume and plasma protein content decreased after the administration of either acepromazine maleate or xylazine. Values were not changed further after administration of thiopentone. Changes in the haemostatic variables measured were generally small. Consequently, blood samples collected from dogs under the influence of premedicant doses of acepromazine maleate or xylazine, and when subsequently anaesthetised with thiopentone, are adequate for the assay of factor VIII activity and von Willebrand factor antigen concentration for establishing an animal's haemophilia A and von Willebrand's disease status.     

Diode laser ablation of a tracheal osteochondroma in a dog

A mass almost completely obstructing the tracheal lumen was detected during endoscopic investigation of dyspnoea in a four‐month‐old golden retriever. Histopathology was consistent with osteochondroma. The lesion was ablated using endoscopic diode laser ablation.     

Tracheal perforation managed by temporary tracheostomy in a horse

Tracheal trauma with resultant rupture is uncommonly reported in veterinary literature. We report the case of a 16-year-old Thoroughbred gelding that sustained a 1 cm longitudinal perforation of the dorsal tracheal membrane in the proximal cervical region. The horse subsequently developed dyspnoea due to acute upper respiratory obstruction secondary to severe emphysema of the guttural pouches. A temporary tracheostomy caudal to the site of tracheal perforation was performed under local anaesthesia. This procedure helped relieve the upper airway obstruction and aided resolution of the injury by diverting air away from the site of tracheal perforation. After conservative management, the gelding recovered completely.     

Inherited bleeding disorders of dogs and cats

The congenital bleeding disorders of domestic animals usually mimic closely the same disorders in man and are inherited in a similar fashion. Classical haemophilia (haemophilia A, factor VIII deficiency) and haemophilia B (factor IX deficiency) occur in both dogs and cats and are sex-linked conditions. Affected animals are almost always male and heterozygote females are asymptomatic carriers. Offspring of a carrier female have a 50 per cent chance of inheriting the defective X-chromosome and, on average, half of the sons will be affected and half of the daughters will be carriers. Diagnosis of affected animals is confirmed by specific factor assay. Carriers may be identified with a statistical certainty of greater than 80 per cent. Canine von Willebrand's disease is a less severe disorder due to a defect of platelet adhesion. It is an autosomal trait, inherited in most breeds in an incompletely dominant fashion.     

Intramural tracheal haematoma causing acute respiratory obstruction in a dog

Respiratory obstruction resulting from a discrete haematoma within the dorsal tracheal membrane was seen in an 11-year-old neutered female greyhound that had been involved in a fight two days earlier. There was no history or evidence of rodenticide toxicity or other coagulopathy, and it is suggested that the tracheal haematoma resulted from trauma. A right third intercostal thoracotomy was performed and this allowed resection of the haematoma from within the dorsal membrane of the cranial thoracic trachea, relieving the obstruction with no subsequent signs of dyspnoea. Intramural haematoma should be considered as a rare differential diagnosis for dogs presenting with acute respiratory obstruction.     

Determination of Canine Factor VIII-related Antigen Using Commercial Antihuman F VIII Serum

Factor VIII-related antigen (F VIII:AGN) in 21 canine plasma samples was assayed by immunoelectrophoresis using a rabbit anticanine F VIII serum prepared from a canine F VIII concentrate and a commercial rabbit antihuman F VIII serum. A good correlation existed (r value 0.916) between the antigen levels obtained using the two sera. In normal dogs the plasma F VIII:AGN level was 95 +/- 39% (Mean +/- SD) compared to 175 +/- 40% in dogs with severe hemophilia A and 17 +/- 15% in dogs with von Willebrand's disease. It was concluded that there was sufficient cross reactivity between canine F VIII and commercial rabbit antihuman F VIII serum to make the latter useful in the differential diagnosis of F VIII deficiencies in the dog.     

TRACHEITIS IN SHEEP AFTER ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF A MINERAL SUPPLEMENT

Outbreaks of illness and deaths in sheep after the concurrent administration of a cobalt, copper and zinc mineral supplement and laevamisole are described. Clinical illness was characterised by profound dyspnoea and inability to exercise. The consistent postmortem finding was severe, necrotising tracheitis with partial occlusion of the airway. This lesion was reproduced experimentally by intratracheal administration of the mineral supplement dissolved in one particular formulation of laevamisole but not in water or another preparation of laevamisole. Further experiments revealed that combined zinc sulphate and copper sulphate dissolved in the particular formulation of laevamisole would produce the tracheal lesions.