Influence of lifetime food restriction on causes, time, and predictors of death in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To describe effects of lifetime food restriction on causes of death and the association between body-mass characteristics and time of death in dogs. DESIGN: Paired-feeding study. ANIMALS: 48 dogs from 7 litters. PROCEDURES: Dogs were paired, and 1 dog in each pair was fed 25% less food than its pair mate from 8 weeks of age until death. Numerous morphometric and physiologic measures were obtained at various intervals throughout life. Associations of feeding group to time and causes of death were evaluated, along with important associated factors such as body composition components and insulin-glucose responses. RESULTS: Median life span was significantly longer for the group that was fed 25% less food, whereas causes of death were generally similar between the 2 feeding groups. High body-fat mass and declining lean mass significantly predicted death 1 year prior to death, and lean body composition was associated with metabolic responses that appeared to be integrally involved in health and longevity. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results were similar to results of diet restriction studies in rodents and primates, reflecting delayed death from species- and strain-specific intrinsic causes. Clinicians should be aware that unplanned body mass changes during mid- and later life of dogs may indicate the need for thorough clinical evaluation.     

Lifelong diet restriction and radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis of the hip joint in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of diet restriction on development of radiographic evidence of hip joint osteoarthritis in dogs. DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort study. ANIMALS: 48 Labrador Retrievers from 7 litters. PROCEDURES: Forty-eight 6-week-old puppies from 7 litters were paired with littermates by sex and weight, and each pairmate was randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups of 24 dogs each. Starting at 8 weeks of age, 1 group was fed ad libitum (control fed) and the other was fed 25% less (restricted fed) of the same diet for life on a pairwise basis. The dogs' hip joints were radiographed in the standard ventrodorsal hip-extended view at multiple intervals prior to 1 year of age and at annual intervals thereafter on the basis of birth anniversary. A board-certified radiologist unaware of group assignment scored the radiographs for evidence of osteoarthritis. RESULTS: Prevalence of radiographic evidence of hip joint osteoarthritis in all dogs increased linearly throughout the study, from an overall prevalence of 15% at 2 years to 67% by 14 years. Restricted-fed dogs had lower prevalence and later onset of hip joint osteoarthritis. Median age at first identification of radiographic evidence of hip joint osteoarthritis was significantly lower in the control-fed group (6 years), compared with the restricted-fed group (12 years). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Restricted feeding delayed or prevented development of radiographic signs of hip joint osteoarthritis in this cohort of Labrador Retrievers. Lifetime maintenance of 25% diet restriction delayed onset and reduced severity of hip joint osteoarthritis, thus favorably affecting both duration and quality of life. In addition, the data indicated that development of hip joint osteoarthritis was not bimodal in these dogs but occurred as a continuum throughout life.     

Serum immunoglobulin E concentrations in West Highland White Terrier puppies do not predict development of atopic dermatitis

Sera from 154 West Highland White Terrier puppies between 6 and 12 weeks of age were assayed for total IgE using a sandwich ELISA method. Development of clinical signs of atopic dermatitis in these dogs was monitored by use of an annual owner questionnaire, until the dog reached 3 years of age. Of 114 evaluated dogs, skin disease severe enough to warrant veterinary examination was reported in 52 (46%) during the three study years. A diagnosis of atopic dermatitis was made by the attending veterinarian in 28 dogs (25%). Certain litters had an especially high prevalence of apparently atopic dogs, consistent with the genetic predisposition towards atopy in this breed, but clear evidence of consistent heritability was not present. The median IgE concentration in 154 puppies at 6–12 weeks of age was 0.9 units mL⁻¹, with a skewed distribution. Significant ( P < 0.01) variation in serum IgE concentrations was observed between litters, with median serum IgE concentrations for a litter ranging from 0 to 27.7 units mL⁻¹. The median serum IgE concentration in puppies that later developed clinical signs of atopic dermatitis was not significantly different from that of puppies that remained healthy. There were no apparent correlations or significant differences found between serum IgE concentration as a puppy, parental history of skin disease, and subsequent emergence of clinical signs of atopic dermatitis. We conclude that early total serum IgE determinations seem to have little usefulness in predicting the later onset of atopic dermatitis in this breed.     

Ultrastructural findings of feline eosinophilic dermatoses

The objectives of this multicentre study were to describe demographics and clinical findings of a group of 63 dogs with nonseasonal atopic dermatitis (AD), where concurrent flea allergy dermatitis, ectoparasite infestation, food adverse reactions and secondary infections had been ruled out. The breed, sex, age of onset, distribution of skin lesions, prevalence of otitis externa, secondary skin infections and additional noncutaneous clinical signs were recorded. A veterinarian recorded skin lesions from 15 different body regions. Each body region was scored according to degree of erythema, alopecia, excoriations, scale, crusts, lichenification and hyperpigmentation that was present. An early age of onset (37% of the dogs being less than 1 year old) was more common in this group of dogs than described in the literature. The German shepherd breed was over-represented (21% as compared with 7–9.9% of the veterinary clinic population) and approximately half of the German shepherd dogs (46%) started showing clinical signs before 1 year of age. Erythema was the overall most common type of skin lesion, with facial erythema and conjunctivitis being less commonly reported than in other studies. Feet, ears and groin were the most common sites for skin lesions. This study indicates that it is not uncommon for dogs with nonseasonal AD to have the onset of clinical signs start at a younger age (less than 1 year of age) and have clinical lesions that vary from previously published reports. This discrepancy might be allergen-dependent or breed-related.
  The study was funded by Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Denmark.     

Use of the caudolateral curvilinear osteophyte as an early marker for future development of osteoarthritis associated with hip dysplasia in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between the caudolateral curvilinear osteophyte (CCO) and osteoarthritis associated with hip dysplasia in dogs. DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort study. ANIMALS: 48 Labrador Retrievers from 7 litters. PROCEDURE: In each of 24 sex- and size-matched pairs fed the same diet, a restricted-fed dog was fed 25% less than a control dog for life. The dogs' hips were evaluated in the standard ventrodorsal hip-extended radiographic projection at 16, 30, and 52 weeks of age and then yearly for life. Histologic examination of hip joint tissues was performed on 45 dogs. RESULTS: Median age at death was 11.2 years. Adjusting for feeding group, dogs with a CCO were 3.7 times as likely to develop radiographic signs of osteoarthritis than those without a CCO. Stratified by diet, 100% of the control dogs with a CCO developed radiographic signs of osteoarthritis and 55% of restricted-fed dogs with a CCO developed radiographic signs of osteoarthritis. The CCO was the first radiographic change seen in 22 of 29 (76%) dogs with osteoarthritis. Overall, 35 of 37 (95%) dogs with a CCO had histopathologic lesions of osteoarthritis. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicate a relationship between a CCO on the femoral neck and subsequent development of radiographic signs of osteoarthritis in Labrador Retrievers evaluated over their life span. A CCO is an important early radiographic indication of osteoarthritis associated with canine hip dysplasia.     

Evaluation of a circumferential femoral head osteophyte as an early indicator of osteoarthritis characteristic of canine hip dysplasia in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between a circumferential femoral head osteophyte (CFHO) and osteoarthritis characteristic of canine hip dysplasia, and to ascertain whether CFHO, like osteoarthritis, varies between diet-restricted and control-fed dogs. DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort study. ANIMALS: 48 Labrador Retrievers. PROCEDURES: Dogs were paired by size, sex, and litter and assigned to 1 of 2 equal groups at 2 months of age. The control-fed group was fed ad libitum, and the diet-restricted group was fed 25% less on a pairwise basis of the same diet for life. The dogs' hip joints were radiographed yearly for life. Each radiograph was evaluated for radiographic signs of osteoarthritis characteristic of hip dysplasia and for the presence and severity of a CFHO. RESULTS: 41 of the 48 (85.4%) dogs had a CFHO, which was detected at a median age of 5.4 years, and 33 of those 41 (80.5%) developed radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis. Nineteen (79.2%) dogs in the diet-restricted group and 22 (91.7%) in the control-fed group had a CFHO at a median age of 9 and 3 years, respectively. Of the dogs with a CFHO, 12 (63.2%) in the diet-restricted group and 20 (90.0%) in the control-fed group developed radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis characteristic of hip dysplasia at a median age of 11 and 6.5 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated a relationship between the CFHO and subsequent development of radiographic signs of osteoarthritis. If a CFHO is present in Labrador Retrievers, it might be considered an early indicator of osteoarthritis.     

ULTRASONOGRAPHIC APPEARANCE OF JEJUNAL LYMPH NODES IN DOGS WITHOUT CLINICAL SIGNS OF GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASE

The jejunal lymph nodes of 57 dogs without clinical signs of gastrointestinal disease were examined to characterize their ultrasonographic appearance on B-mode and power Doppler examination, and to obtain ultrasonographic measurements. The lymph nodes were mildly hypoechoic to the mesentery in 71% of dogs and isoechoic in 29%. All dogs, 6 years of age or older had jejunal lymph nodes of uniform echogenicity. In dogs less than 6 years of age, nonuniform lymph nodes with different echopatterns were observed. Although most lymph nodes had no blood flow based on power Doppler examination, hilar blood flow was detected in 33% of dogs, which were generally less than 2 years of age. The median maximum thickness of the jejunal lymph nodes was 3.9 mm (range 1.6–8.2 mm), and their median maximum width 7.5 mm (range 2.6–14.7 mm). There was a significant correlation between larger lymph node diameter and younger age and higher body weight. We concluded that patient age should be considered when interpreting the echopattern and vascularity of jejunal lymph nodes in dogs, and that the jejunal lymph nodes of dogs without clinical signs of gastrointestinal disease may exceed the previously stated upper limit of 5–6 mm thickness.     

Study of prostatic disease in dogs: 177 cases (1981-1986).

Historical and physical signs associated with prostatic disease diagnosed in dogs over a 5.5-year period were defined. One hundred seventy-seven male dogs were determined to have prostatic abnormality. Of the 177 dogs, 87 were determined to have specific prostatic disease. The most common prostatic disease identified in this study was bacterial prostatitis, followed by prostatic cyst, prostatic adenocarcinoma, and benign hyperplasia. The most common prostatic disease identified in neutered dogs was prostatic adenocarcinoma. Mean age at onset of prostatic disease was 8.9 years; statistically significant difference was not observed between age at onset of the various types of prostatic disease identified. Doberman Pinscher was the most common breed with prostate disease. Twenty-nine percent of dogs with a specifically identifiable prostatic disease had signs of systemic illness, 41% had signs of lower urinary tract disease, 28% had signs of gastrointestinal tract abnormalities, and 13% had signs of locomotor difficulty.     

Treatment of chronic idiopathic large-bowel diarrhea in dogs with a highly digestible diet and soluble fiber: a retrospective review of 37 cases

The medical records of 37 dogs diagnosed with chronic idiopathic large-bowel diarrhea were reviewed. The median age of affected dogs was 6 years. The median body weight was 13.9 kg. The median duration of clinical signs before diagnosis was 32 weeks. Diarrhea usually was intermittent and characterized by increasing frequency, fecal mucus, hematochezia, and tenesmus. Vomiting was common but usually much less frequent and severe than the diarrhea. A variety of stressful factors and abnormal personality traits were identified. CBC and serum biochemistry usually were normal. Fecal examination rarely identified parasites. Rectal cytology specimens were most often normal, but some dogs had increased numbers of neutrophils. The colonic mucosa often was normal during colonoscopy, but decreased numbers of lymphoid follicles were found in some dogs. Histopathologic evaluation found that colonic mucosa was within normal limits. Treatment with soluble fiber (Metamucil) added to a highly digestible diet (Hills i/d) resulted in a very good to excellent response in most dogs. The median initial dosage of Metamucil was 2 tablespoons (2 T) per day. In some dogs, the fiber dosage was reduced or eliminated, or a grocery store brand of dog food was substituted, without causing diarrhea to return.     

Effects of ear type, sex, age, body weight, and climate on temperatures in the external acoustic meatus of dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate effects of ear type, sex, age, body weight, and ambient climatic conditions on external acoustic meatus (external ear canal) temperatures in dogs. ANIMALS: 650 dogs without clinical signs of ear disease. PROCEDURE: Dogs were assigned to 5 groups on the basis of auricular conformation and amount of hair in the external ear canal and 4 groups on the basis of body weight or age. External ear canal temperatures (EECT) were measured, using an infrared thermometer. Mean EECT determined for each group were compared to evaluate effects of ear type, age, weight, and sex, and EECT measured at different ambient temperatures and humidities were compared to determine climatic effects. RESULTS: Dogs with hirsute ear canals had significantly lower EECT than dogs with hairless ear canals, whereas significant differences were not detected between dogs with erect and pendulous auricles. Dogs < 6 years old had higher EECT than older dogs, and dogs that weighed < 6 kg had lower EECT than larger dogs. External ear canal temperatures measured when ambient temperatures were < 25 C were less than those measured at warmer temperatures. Sex and relative humidity did not affect EECT CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: EECT of dogs without ear disease were affected by weight and age, amount of hair in the external ear canal, and ambient temperature. However, hirsute ears had lower, not higher, EECT than hairless ears, suggesting that EECT may play less of a role in the development of otitis externa than believed.     

Food allergy and dietary intolerance in dogs: A report of 25 cases

Food allergy or dietary intolerance was diagnosed in 25 dogs. A screening diet of home-cooked chicken and rice was used in all cases except in those dogs which were regularly fed chicken. If an improvement was noted, dogs were then challenged with their original diet and, if relapse occurred, they were suspected of having a diet-related dermatosis. After remission was achieved by again feeding the home-cooked screening diet the animals were provocatively challenged with dietary components. The offending component was a single constituent of the original in 13 of the animals. The age of onset of clinical signs ranged from three months to 10 years and the median age at onset of clinical signs was significantly different from the median age at the hospital. All animals responded to the screening diet within three weeks and none required a period of more than two weeks to respond to provocative challenge. The duration of time between challenge and the onset of clinical signs was significantly different between dogs with intolerance to cereal and those intolerant to dairy products.     

Hepatotoxicity associated with CCNU (lomustine) chemotherapy in dogs

One hundred seventy-nine tumor-bearing dogs were treated with 1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea (CCNU) between 1995 and 2001. CCNU was given as a single dose of 50-110 mg/m2 body surface area PO. Treatment interval varied, but the minimal interval between CCNU doses was 3 weeks. After treatment, 11 dogs (6.1%) developed hepatic toxicity. The median number of CCNU doses and the median total cumulative CCNU dose were significantly higher in dogs that developed hepatic toxicity (4 doses; 350 mg/m2) than in dogs without hepatic damage (3 doses; 230 mg/m2). Median duration to detection of hepatic toxicity from the last dose of CCNU was 11 weeks (range 2-49 weeks). Common biochemical abnormalities were abnormally high serum liver enzyme activities and hypoalbuminemia. Six dogs with CCNU-associated hepatic toxicity had ascites, and 3 dogs had concurrent pleural effusion. Serum concentrations of bile acids were abnormally high in 4 of 5 dogs tested. Percutaneous ultrasound-guided liver biopsies were performed in 10 dogs, and findings were nonspecific and chronic in nature. Seven dogs were euthanized because of progressive liver failure, and their median survival from diagnosis of liver disease was 9 weeks. Three dogs died of other causes and 1 dog of unknown cause. Although clinical signs resolved in 3 dogs, biochemical abnormalities and histopathologic lesions persisted 4 to 38 months from the time of diagnosis of liver disease. Our findings suggest that CCNU can cause delayed, cumulative dose-related, chronic hepatotoxicity that is irreversible and can be fatal.     

Computed tomography as an aid to management of chronic oropharyngeal stick injury in the dog

Objective : To describe the use of computed tomography scanning in the management of dogs with chronic signs after oropharyngeal stick injury. Methods : Dogs with a final diagnosis of chronic oropharyngeal stick injury that underwent a computed tomography scan during their investigation were selected retrospectively from case files at the Royal Veterinary College, London. Results : The six dogs were young (median age 3·1 years) and medium to large breed (19·0 to 42·0 kg). By the time of referral the most common clinical sign was cervical swelling (five dogs). Stick foreign bodies were apparent on the plain computed tomography images in all cases and appeared as well‐demarcated, linear abnormalities. A ventral mid‐line approach was used for foreign body retrieval, and the computed tomography findings corresponded well with the surgical findings, with stick foreign body length ranging from 1 to 7 cm. Closed suction drainage was used in five dogs, for two to four days. Clinical signs fully resolved postoperatively in all cases, although cervical swelling recurred three weeks after surgery in one case. This dog had the smallest foreign body, the greatest number of surgical interventions before referral (three) and the longest disease course before referral (eight months). Clinical Significance : Computed tomography scanning is accurate in identifying the presence and location of chronic stick foreign bodies. Recurrence of disease is possible despite successful retrieval of the wood fragments found by computed tomography scan.     

Effects of limited food consumption on the incidence of hip dysplasia in growing dogs.

Forty-eight 8-week-old Labrador Retrievers were allotted to 2 groups of 24 dogs each; 1 group was fed ad libitum and the other group was given 25% less of the same feed until the dogs were 2 years old. Radiography of the hip joints was done when the dogs were 30, 42, 54, 78, and 104 weeks old. Subluxation was measured by the Norberg angle on radiographs made with the dog in the standard (extended limb) position. Independent of age at which the radiography was done, there was less subluxation of the femoral heads in the limit-fed dogs. Using the Swedish method of hip joint evaluation on the same radiographs, it was found that fewer dogs on limited food intake had signs of hip dysplasia. Radiographs done when dogs were 2 years old, for all the methods used (Norberg angle in standard and frog-limb position, the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals [OFA] score, and the Swedish score), revealed less hip dysplasia (less joint subluxation and less degenerative joint disease) in the limit-fed dogs. Using the OFA method, 7 of the 24 limit-fed dogs and 16 of the 24 ad libitum-fed dogs were diagnosed as having hip dysplasia. Similarly, using the Swedish method, 5 of the 24 limit-fed dogs and 18 of the 24 ad libitum-fed dogs were diagnosed as having hip dysplasia. The food-intake-related differences were significant both for the OFA score and for the Swedish score.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Evaluation of dietary patterns in dogs with cardiac disease

OBJECTIVE: To determine the dietary patterns and intake of nutrients of concern in dogs with cardiac disease. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 82 dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) or chronic valvular disease. PROCEDURE: Owners of dogs were contacted and given a standardized telephone questionnaire regarding diet and a 24-hour food recall to determine daily intake of calories, protein, fat, sodium, potassium, and magnesium. RESULTS: Among the 82 dogs, 71% had no congestive heart failure (CHF), and 29% had CHF or a history of CHF. Sixty-one percent of dogs had concurrent diseases. Anorexia was or had been evident in 34% of dogs and was significantly more common in the CHF group and in dogs with DCM. Most dogs (92%) received some treats and table food, with a median percentage of daily calories from treats of 19% (range, 0% to 100%). Most owners (57%) that administered pills used human or pet foods for pill administration. Most dogs ate more than the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) minimum values for fat and protein. Daily sodium intake varied from 14 to 384 mg/100 kcal, compared with the AAFCO minimum of 17 mg/100 kcal. A median of 25% of total daily sodium came from treats and table food (range, 0% to 100%). Dogs with CHF ate significantly more sodium, compared with dogs with no CHF. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dietary intake for dogs with cardiac disease is highly variable and often not optimal.     

Pituitary apoplexy-like disease in 4 dogs

BACKGROUND: Pituitary apoplexy in humans is a clinical syndrome resulting from sudden infarction, hemorrhage, or both in a normal or an adenomatous pituitary gland. OBJECTIVE: Describe a clinical syndrome in dogs similar to pituitary apoplexy in humans. ANIMALS: Four dogs exhibiting a sudden onset of neurologic signs. METHODS: A retrospective study was used, including clinical examination, computed tomography (CT), postmortem examination, and histopathology of the brain. Pituitary tissue from 3 of the dogs was subjected to immunocytochemistry. RESULTS: Four dogs (2 Mongrels, 1 Bordeaux Dog, and 1 Cocker Spaniel; median age, 11 years; median body weight, 20.5 kg) presented with acute neurologic signs including depression (n = 3), behavioral changes (n = 1), vision loss (n = 1), seizures (n = 1), and collapse (n = 1). CT disclosed suprasellar infarction, hemorrhage, or both associated with a pituitary macroadenoma in 3 dogs and a frank hemorrhage in a nonadenomatous pituitary gland in 1 dog. CT findings were correlated with postmortem findings, and pituitary apoplexy was confirmed by histopathology and immunocytochemistry of the pituitary tissue. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: This study provides histopathologic evidence of pituitary apoplexy in dogs. The results are relevant for future diagnosis and treatment of pituitary disease in dogs.     

Vitamin D Status in Different Stages of Disease Severity in Dogs with Chronic Valvular Heart Disease

Background

In humans with heart disease, vitamin D deficiency is associated with disease progression and a poor prognosis. A recent study showed that serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration, the hallmark of vitamin D status, was lower in dogs with heart failure than in normal dogs, and a low concentration was associated with poor outcome in dogs with heart failure.

Objectives

To elucidate the vitamin D status of dogs with chronic valvular heart disease (CVHD) at different stages of disease severity.

Animals

Forty‐three client‐owned dogs with CVHD.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, dogs were divided into 3 groups (14 dogs in Stage B1, 17 dogs in Stage B2, and 12 dogs in Stage C/D) according to ACVIM guidelines. Dogs underwent clinical examination including echocardiography. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were measured in each dog.

Results

Serum 25(OH)D concentration was significantly lower in Stage B2 (median, 33.2 nmol/L; range, 4.9–171.7 nmol/L) and C/D (13.1 nmol/L; 4.9–58.1 nmol/L) than in Stage B1 (52.5 nmol/L; 33.5–178.0 nmol/L) and was not significantly different between Stage B2 and Stage C/D. Among clinical variables, there were significant negative correlations between 25(OH)D concentration and both left atrial‐to‐aortic root ratio and left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter normalized for body weight.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

These results indicate that vitamin D status is associated with the degree of cardiac remodeling, and the serum 25(OH)D concentration begins to decrease before the onset of heart failure in dogs with CVHD.     

Evaluation of acute congestive heart failure in dogs and cats: 145 cases (2007–2008)

Objective – To characterize the clinical presentation, management, and in‐hospital outcomes of dogs and cats diagnosed with acute congestive heart failure (CHF). Design – Retrospective study of animals seen between January 2007 and May 2008. Setting – Emergency service at a university teaching hospital. Animals – Ninety dogs and 55 cats with CHF. Measurements and Main Results – Patient characteristics, including age, clinical signs, clinicopathologic abnormalities, diagnostic testing, and outcome were recorded. Forty‐eight of the animals already were receiving cardiac medications at the time of presentation. The most common diseases represented were chronic valvular disease and cardiomyopathies. Cats had significantly lower median body temperature at admission compared with dogs (P<0.001). The most common abnormalities were elevated lactate (64%), elevated BUN (52%), hypochloremia (31%), hyperglycemia (27%), and elevated liver enzymes (26%). Many of these became even more prevalent during hospitalization. One hundred and sixteen animals were discharged from the hospital, for a survival rate of 80%. There was no survival difference between dogs and cats (P=0.39). Dogs that developed hypokalemia during hospital stay (P=0.04) were more likely to survive compared with those without hypokalemia and initial body temperature was lower for those cats that did not survive (P=0.02). Of those that did not survive, the majority were euthanized (n=25), while 4 dogs died. Conclusions – Dogs and cats presented to the emergency service with CHF had a high survival rate. In cats, initial body temperature was lower for those cats that did not survive. Although clinicopathologic abnormalities were common in both species, only dogs with hypokalemia had improved survival to hospital discharge.     

Premature death, risk factors, and life patterns in dogs with epilepsy

BACKGROUND: Epilepsy in dogs is often difficult to medically control, resulting in premature death of dogs with epilepsy. However, the risks of premature death are not known. HYPOTHESIS: Dogs with epilepsy have an increased risk of premature death as compared to a general population of dogs. ANIMALS: Sixty-three dogs diagnosed with epilepsy between 1993 and 1996 were included in this study. METHODS: A prospective longitudinal study of the population was performed from the diagnosis of epilepsy until the time of euthanasia, death, or a maximum of 12 years to investigate mortality and risk factors. Information about sex, onset, type, frequency, and control of seizures, remission of epilepsy, death, cause of death, and owner's perspective was collected and analyzed. RESULTS: The median age at death of dogs was 7.0 years. The life span of dogs in which euthanasia or death was directly caused by their epileptic condition was significantly shorter as compared with epileptic dogs that were euthanized because of other causes (P = .001). The median number of years that a dog lived with epilepsy was 2.3 years. Females lived longer with epilepsy than males (P = .036). Seizure type (primary generalized versus focal seizures) was not significantly associated with survival time. The remission rate of epilepsy (spontaneous remission and remission with treatment) was 15%. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The diagnosis of epilepsy implies an increased risk of premature death. The prognosis for dogs with epilepsy is dependent on a combination of veterinary expertise, therapeutic success, and the owner's motivation.     

Clinical characteristics, management and long-term outcome of suspected rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder in 14 dogs

Objective : To describe the clinical characteristics, management and long‐term outcome in dogs with suspected rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder. Method : Medical records and video recordings of 14 dogs with suspected rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder were reviewed and the owners were contacted via telephone or email for further information. Results : Clinical signs included episodes of violent limb movements, howling, barking, growling, chewing, or biting during sleep. Episodes occurred at night and during daytime naps. The age at onset ranged from 8 weeks to 7·5 years with a median of 6 years but 64% of dogs were one year or less. There was no apparent sex or breed predisposition. Rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder events were reduced in severity and frequency in 78% of the dogs treated with 40 mg/kg/day oral potassium bromide. One dog was euthanised within 3 months of the onset of signs because of their severity. The duration of the disorder in the 13 surviving dogs ranged from 1·5 to 9 years. None of the dogs spontaneously recovered. Clinical Significance : Rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder is suspected to occur in dogs, as it does in human beings. It causes concern to the owners and disrupts the home environment. Unlike human beings, rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder of dogs often has a juvenile onset.