Thoracoscopic Lung Lobectomy for Primary Lung Tumors in 13 Dogs

Objectives

To report our experience with thoracoscopic lung lobectomy in dogs with primary lung tumors and compare the long‐term outcome between dogs with primary lung tumors treated with lobectomy via thoracoscopy or thoracotomy.

Study Design

Retrospective case series; case–control study.

Animals

Thirteen dogs with primary lung tumors treated with thoracoscopic lung lobectomy; case‐matched cohort of 9 dogs with primary lung tumors treated with lobectomy via thoracotomy.

Methods

Medical records from dogs that underwent thoracoscopic lung lobectomy at a single institution were reviewed. Only cases with primary lung tumors were included. Surgical complications and conversion rate were reported. Cases without conversion and with clean margins on histologic examination were matched on prognostic criteria to cases with primary lung tumors treated with lobectomy via thoracotomy. Survival was compared between thoracoscopy and thoracotomy.

Results

Thirteen dogs with primary lung tumors that measured 2.2–7 cm underwent thoracoscopic lung lobectomy. Nine dogs were diagnosed with carcinoma and 4 with histiocytic sarcoma. There were 3 conversions to open thoracotomy because of poor visualization. There were no differences in short‐term outcome between dogs that had their procedures completed via thoracoscopy and those that were converted to thoracotomy. Nine dogs with clean margins were matched with 9 dogs treated via thoracotomy. Mean (standard deviation) followup was 367 (327) days for dogs undergoing thoracoscopy and 603 (612) days for dogs undergoing thoracotomy. The 2‐year survival rate was 44% for thoracoscopy and 56% for thoracotomy (P = .942).

Conclusion

Selected primary lung tumors in dogs can be safely resected with thoracoscopy and not affect long‐term outcome.

     

Epidemiology,clinical management,and outcomes of dogs involved in road traffic accidents in the United Kingdom (2009–2014)

Objective

To estimate the prevalence and risk factors for road traffic accidents (RTA) in dogs and describe the management and outcome of these dogs attending primary‐care veterinary practices in the United Kingdom.

Design

Retrospective cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Primary‐care veterinary practices in the United Kingdom.

Animals

The study population included 199,464 dogs attending 115 primary‐care clinics across the United Kingdom.

Measurements and main results

Electronic patient records of dogs attending practices participating in the VetCompass Programme were assessed against selection criteria used to define RTA cases. Cases identified as RTAs were identified and manually verified to calculate prevalence. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression methods were used to evaluate associations between risk factors and RTA. The prevalence of RTA was 0.41%. Of the RTA cases, 615 (74.9%) were purebred, 322 (39.2%) were female, and 285 (54.8%) were insured. The median age at RTA was 2.5 years. After accounting for the effects of other factors, younger dogs had increased odds of an RTA event: dogs aged under 3 years showed 2.9 times the odds and dogs aged between 6–9 years showed 1.8 times the odds of an RTA event compared with dogs aged over 14 years. Males had 1.4 times the odds of an RTA event compared with females. Overall, 22.9% of cases died from a cause associated with RTA. Of dogs with information available, 34.0% underwent diagnostic imaging, 29.4% received intravenous fluid‐therapy, 71.1% received pain relief, 46.0% were hospitalized, and 15.6% had surgery performed under general anesthetic.

Conclusions

This study identified important demographic factors associated with RTA in dogs, notably being young and male.

     

Longitudinal Analysis of Quality of Life,Clinical, Radiographic,Echocardiographic, and Laboratory Variables in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease Receiving Pimobendan or Placebo: The EPIC Study

Background

Changes in clinical variables associated with the administration of pimobendan to dogs with preclinical myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD ) and cardiomegaly have not been described.

Objectives

To investigate the effect of pimobendan on clinical variables and the relationship between a change in heart size and the time to congestive heart failure (CHF ) or cardiac‐related death (CRD ) in dogs with MMVD and cardiomegaly. To determine whether pimobendan‐treated dogs differ from dogs receiving placebo at onset of CHF .

Animals

Three hundred and fifty‐four dogs with MMVD and cardiomegaly.

Materials and Methods

Prospective, blinded study with dogs randomized (ratio 1:1) to pimobendan (0.4–0.6 mg/kg/d) or placebo. Clinical, laboratory, and heart‐size variables in both groups were measured and compared at different time points (day 35 and onset of CHF ) and over the study duration. Relationships between short‐term changes in echocardiographic variables and time to CHF or CRD were explored.

Results

At day 35, heart size had reduced in the pimobendan group: median change in (Δ) LVIDDN ?0.06 (IQR : ?0.15 to +0.02), P  < 0.0001, and LA :Ao ?0.08 (IQR : ?0.23 to +0.03), P  < 0.0001. Reduction in heart size was associated with increased time to CHF or CRD . Hazard ratio for a 0.1 increase in ΔLVIDDN was 1.26, P  = 0.0003. Hazard ratio for a 0.1 increase in ΔLA :Ao was 1.14, P  = 0.0002. At onset of CHF , groups were similar.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Pimobendan treatment reduces heart size. Reduced heart size is associated with improved outcome. At the onset of CHF , dogs treated with pimobendan were indistinguishable from those receiving placebo.

     

Comparison of Single,Averaged, and Pooled Urine Protein:Creatinine Ratios in Proteinuric Dogs Undergoing Medical Treatment

Background

Monitoring urine protein:creatinine ratios (UPC ) in dogs with protein‐losing nephropathy (PLN ) is challenging because of day‐to‐day variation in UPC results.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Determine whether single, averaged, or pooled samples from PLN dogs receiving medical treatment yield comparable UPC s, regardless of degree of proteinuria.

Animals

Twenty‐five client‐owned PLN dogs receiving medical treatment.

Methods

UPC ratios were prospectively measured in each dog utilizing 3 methods: single in‐hospital sample (day 3), average sample (days 1–3), and pooled sample (equal pooling of urine from days 1–3). Bland‐Altman analysis was performed to evaluate agreement between methods for all dogs, as well as in subgroups of dogs (UPC ≤4 or UPC >4).

Results

For all dogs, Bland‐Altman log‐transformed 95% limits of agreement were ?0.07–0.18 (single versus pooled UPC ), ?0.06–0.16 (single versus average UPC ), and ?0.06–0.04 (pooled versus average UPC ). For dogs with UPC ≤4, Bland‐Altman 95% limits of agreement were ?0.42–0.82 (single versus pooled UPC ), ?0.38–0.76 (single versus average UPC ), and ?0.27–0.25 (pooled versus average UPC ). For dogs with UPC >4, Bland‐Altman 95% limits of agreement were ?0.17–2.4 (single versus pooled UPC ), ?0.40–2.2 (single versus average UPC ), and ?0.85–0.43 (pooled versus average UPC ).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

UPC ratios from all methods were comparable in PLN dogs receiving medical treatment. In PLN dogs with UPC >4, more variability between methods exists likely because of higher in‐hospital results, but whether this finding is clinically relevant is unknown.

     

Cyclooxygenase Expression and Platelet Function in Healthy Dogs Receiving Low‐Dose Aspirin

Background

Low‐dose aspirin is used to prevent thromboembolic complications in dogs, but some animals are nonresponsive to the antiplatelet effects of aspirin (“aspirin resistance”).

Hypothesis/Objectives

That low‐dose aspirin would inhibit platelet function, decrease thromboxane synthesis, and alter platelet cyclooxygenase (COX) expression.

Animals

Twenty‐four healthy dogs.

Methods

A repeated measures study. Platelet function (PFA‐100 closure time, collagen/epinephrine), platelet COX‐1 and COX‐2 expression, and urine 11‐dehydro‐thromboxane B₂ (11‐dTXB₂) were evaluated before and during aspirin administration (1 mg/kg Q24 hours PO, 10 days). Based on prolongation of closure times after aspirin administration, dogs were divided into categories according to aspirin responsiveness: responders, nonresponders, and inconsistent responders.

Results

Low‐dose aspirin increased closure times significantly (62% by Day 10, P < .001), with an equal distribution among aspirin responsiveness categories, 8 dogs per group. Platelet COX‐1 mean fluorescent intensity (MFI) increased significantly during treatment, 13% on Day 3 (range, ?29.7–136.1%) (P = .047) and 72% on Day 10 (range, ?0.37–210%) (P < .001). Platelet COX‐2 MFI increased significantly by 34% (range, ?29.2–270%) on Day 3 (P = .003) and 74% (range, ?19.7–226%) on Day 10 (P < .001). Urinary 11‐dTXB₂ concentrations significantly (P = .005, P < .001) decreased at both time points. There was no difference between aspirin responsiveness and either platelet COX expression or thromboxane production.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Low‐dose aspirin consistently inhibits platelet function in approximately one‐third of healthy dogs, despite decreased thromboxane synthesis and increased platelet COX expression in most dogs. COX isoform expression before treatment did not predict aspirin resistance.

     

Bimatoprost sustained‐release intracameral implant reduces episcleral venous pressure in dogs

Objective

To determine the effect of a bimatoprost sustained‐release intracameral implant (Bimatoprost SR) on episcleral venous pressure (EVP) in normal dogs.

Methods

Normotensive beagle dogs were randomized to receive Bimatoprost SR 30 μg (n = 7) or sham injection (needle insertion only, n = 7) in one eye on day 1. EVP was measured with an episcleral venomanometer through day 65. Episcleral aqueous outflow vessels were identified using fluorescence imaging following intracameral injection of indocyanine green in one additional animal. A separate cohort of dogs that had been trained for conscious intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements received Bimatoprost SR 30 μg (n = 8) in one eye; IOP was evaluated through day 66.

Results

Baseline mean EVP was 10.0 mmHg in the Bimatoprost SR group and 10.4 mmHg in the sham group. Eyes treated with Bimatoprost SR exhibited a transient increase in mean EVP that peaked at day 8, followed by a decrease to levels below baseline. From day 29 to day 65, the change in mean EVP from baseline ranged from ?2.4 to ?3.9 mmHg (P < 0.05 vs. sham). Baseline mean IOP in eyes treated with Bimatoprost SR was 14.9 mmHg, and a steady IOP reduction was maintained through day 66. Bimatoprost SR‐treated eyes exhibited a selective, sustained dilation of aqueous outflow vessels that was not observed in sham‐treated eyes.

Conclusions

In normal dogs, Bimatoprost SR was associated with a transient increase in EVP followed by a sustained decrease. Changes in EVP were accompanied by a sustained dilation of aqueous outflow vessels.

     

Effect of Weight Loss in Obese Dogs on Indicators of Renal Function or Disease

Background

Obesity is a common medical disorder in dogs, and can predispose to a number of diseases. Human obesity is a risk factor for the development and progression of chronic kidney disease.

Objectives

To investigate the possible association of weight loss on plasma and renal biomarkers of kidney health.

Animals

Thirty‐seven obese dogs that lost weight were included in the study.

Methods

Prospective observational study. Three novel biomarkers of renal functional impairment, disease, or both (homocysteine, cystatin C, and clusterin), in addition to traditional markers of chronic renal failure (serum urea and creatinine, urine specific gravity [USG], urine protein‐creatinine ratio [UPCR], and urine albumin corrected by creatinine [UAC]) before and after weight loss in dogs with naturally occurring obesity were investigated.

Results

Urea (P = .043) and USG (P = .012) were both greater after weight loss than before loss, whilst UPCR, UAC, and creatinine were less after weight loss (P = .032, P = .006, and P = .026, respectively). Homocysteine (P < .001), cystatin C (P < .001) and clusterin (P < .001) all decreased upon weight loss. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed associations between percentage weight loss (greater weight loss, more lean tissue loss; r = ?0.67, r² = 0.45, P < .001) and before‐loss plasma clusterin concentration (greater clusterin, more lean tissue loss; r = 0.48, r² = 0.23, P = .003).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

These results suggest possible subclinical alterations in renal function in canine obesity, which improve with weight loss. Further work is required to determine the nature of these alterations and, most notably, the reason for the association between before loss plasma clusterin and subsequent lean tissue loss during weight management.

     

Elevated Serum Cardiac Troponin I in Cattle with Theileriosis

Background

Theileria annulata is a blood parasite affecting ruminants. Hemolytic anemia, secondary hypoxia, and vasculitis are the most important features of tropical theileriosis.

Objectives

Evaluation of electrocardiographic findings and changes in cardiovascular biochemical markers including cTnI concentrations in cattle naturally infected with theileriosis in the absence of acute cardiac failure.

Animals

Ninety adult Holstein cattle (>1 year) with clinical and laboratory evidence of theileriosis and 30 healthy cattle served as controls.

Methods

Case‐control study in which blood samples were collected and randomized after clinical, hematologic, parasitologic examination and laboratory confirmation and electrocardiographic recording on all animals, serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and creatine kinase‐MB (CK‐MB) were evaluated.

Results

Serum concentration of cTnI was significantly higher in cattle with theileriosis (mean: 0.028 ng/mL; range: 0.005–0.21 ng/mL; control mean: 0.011; range: <0.005–0.09 ng/mL; P = .003). There was significant correlation between serum level of cTnI and PCV (r = ?0.257; P < .001) and also between cTnI and parasitemia (r = 0.515; P < .001). Mean serum activities of AST and CK‐MB were 107 ± 46 and 301 ± 103 U/L in sick animals, which were significantly higher than healthy cattle (P = .002 and P = .041, respectively). There were no pathologic arrhythmias detected in sick animals.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Theileriosis is a risk factor for elevation of cardiac biomarkers in naturally infected Holstein cattle. Severity of anemia and parasitemia might contribute to the pathophysiology of myocardial damage. The prognostic significance of increased serum cardiac troponin I concentrations in cattle with hemolytic anemia merits further investigation.

     

A survey of northern Victorian dairy farmers to investigate dairy calf management: colostrum feeding and management

Objectives

To describe colostrum management practices carried out in northern Victorian dairy herds and to identify weaknesses in these areas that may affect calf health and welfare by comparing the results with the current industry recommendations

Methods

A questionnaire to obtain information about colostrum management and calf‐rearing practices was sent to commercial dairy farming clients of Rochester Veterinary Practice between June and September 2013. The questionnaire consisted of a general herd overview and colostrum harvesting practices.

Results

The response rate was 39% (58/150). Many dairy producers were not meeting the current industry recommendations in the following areas: (1) time of removal calf from the dam, (2) relying on calf suckling colostrum from the dam to achieve adequate passive transfer, (3) failing to supplement calves with colostrum, (4) feeding inadequate volumes of colostrum, (5) delayed colostrum harvesting, (6) pooling of colostrum, (7) failing to objectively assess colostrum quality or relying on visual assessment and (8) storing colostrum for a prolonged periods of time at ambient temperatures.

Conclusion

The results from this survey highlight the need for greater awareness of industry standards for colostrum management and feeding hygiene.

     

Cervical Vertebral Trabecular Bone Mineral Density in Great Danes With and Without Osseous‐Associated Cervical Spondylomyelopathy

Background

Great Danes (GDs) with osseous‐associated cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM) have osteoarthritis (OA) of the cervical vertebrae. OA is often associated with increases in bone mineral density (BMD) in people and dogs.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To compare the trabecular BMD of the cervical vertebrae between clinically normal (control) GDs and GDs with osseous‐associated CSM by using computed tomography (CT). We hypothesized that the vertebral trabecular BMD of CSM‐affected GDs would be higher than that of control GDs.

Animals

Client‐owned GDs: 12 controls, 10 CSM affected.

Methods

Prospective study. CT of the cervical vertebral column was obtained alongside a calibration phantom. By placing a circular region of interest at the articular process joints, vertebral body, pedicles, and within each rod of the calibration phantom, trabecular BMD was measured in Hounsfield units, which were converted to diphosphate equivalent densities. Trabecular BMD measurements were compared between CSM‐affected and control dogs, and between males and females within the control group.

Results

Differences between CSM‐affected and control dogs were not significant for the articular processes (mean = −39; P = .37; 95% CI: −102 to 24), vertebral bodies (mean = −62; P = .08; 95% CI: −129 to 6), or pedicles (mean = −36; P = .51; 95% CI: −105 to 33). Differences between female and male were not significant.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

This study revealed no difference in BMD between control and CSM‐affected GDs. Based on our findings no association was detected between cervical OA and BMD in GDs with CSM.     

Clinical Features and Outcome of Dogs with Epiglottic Retroversion With or Without Surgical Treatment: 24 Cases

Background

Published information describing the clinical features and outcome for dogs with epiglottic retroversion (ER) is limited.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To describe clinical features, comorbidities, outcome of surgical versus medical treatment and long‐term follow‐up for dogs with ER. We hypothesized that dogs with ER would have upper airway comorbidities and that surgical management (epiglottopexy or subtotal epiglottectomy) would improve long‐term outcome compared to medical management alone.

Animals

Twenty‐four client‐owned dogs.

Methods

Retrospective review of medical records to identify dogs with ER that underwent surgical or medical management of ER.

Results

Dogs with ER commonly were middle‐aged to older, small breed, spayed females with body condition score (BCS) ≥6/9. Stridor and dyspnea were the most common presenting signs. Concurrent or historical upper airway disorders were documented in 79.1% of cases. At last evaluation, 52.6% of dogs that underwent surgical management, and 60% of dogs that received medical management alone, had decreased severity of presenting clinical signs. In dogs that underwent surgical management for ER, the incidence of respiratory crisis decreased from 62.5% before surgery to 25% after surgical treatment. The overall calculated Kaplan–Meier median survival time was 875 days.

Conclusion and clinical importance

Our study indicated that a long‐term survival of at least 2 years can be expected in dogs diagnosed with epiglottic retroversion. The necessity of surgical management cannot be determined based on this data, but dogs with no concurrent upper airway disorders may benefit from a permanent epiglottopexy to alleviate negative inspiratory pressures.     

Placement of Deep Brain Electrodes in the Dog Using the Brainsight Frameless Stereotactic System: A Pilot Feasibility Study

Background

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) together with concurrent EEG recording has shown promise in the treatment of epilepsy. A novel device is capable of combining these 2 functions and may prove valuable in the treatment of epilepsy in dogs. However, stereotactic implantation of electrodes in dogs has not yet been evaluated.

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of implanting stimulating and recording electrodes in the brain of normal dogs using the Brainsight system and to evaluate the function of a novel DBS and recording device.

Animals

Four male intact Greyhounds, confirmed to be normal by clinical and neurologic examinations and hematology and biochemistry testing.

Methods

MRI imaging of the brain was performed after attachment of fiducial markers. MRI scans were used to calculate trajectories for electrode placement in the thalamus and hippocampus, which was performed via burr hole craniotomy. Postoperative CT scanning was performed to evaluate electrode location and accuracy of placement was calculated. Serial neurologic examinations were performed to evaluate neurologic deficits and EEG recordings obtained to evaluate the effects of stimulation.

Results

Electrodes were successfully placed in 3 of 4 dogs with a mean accuracy of 4.6 ± 1.5 mm. EEG recordings showed evoked potentials in response to stimulation with a circadian variation in time‐to‐maximal amplitude. No neurologic deficits were seen in any dog.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Stereotactic placement of electrodes is safe and feasible in the dog. The development of a novel device capable of providing simultaneous neurostimulation and EEG recording potentially represents a major advance in the treatment of epilepsy.     

Neutrophil Gelatinase‐Associated Lipocalin in Dogs With Sepsis Undergoing Emergency Laparotomy: A Prospective Case–Control Study

Background

Neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) is an early indicator of acute kidney injury (AKI) in dogs and its use has not been evaluated in dogs with sepsis.

Animals

Fifteen dogs with sepsis requiring laparotomy (study dogs) and 10 dogs undergoing surgery for intervertebral disc disease (control dogs).

Objective

To determine whether NGAL increases in dogs with sepsis undergoing emergency laparotomy and whether it is correlated with development of AKI and survival.

Methods

Longitudinal study conducted at a referral teaching hospital. Serum neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (sNGAL), urinary NGAL normalized to urinary creatinine concentration (UNCR), and serum creatinine concentration were measured at 4 time points (admission, after anesthesia, and 24 and 48 hours postsurgery). Development of AKI (increase in serum creatinine concentration of 0.3 mg/dL) and in‐hospital mortality were recorded. Linear mixed‐model analysis was employed to assess differences between groups over time. Mann–Whitney U‐test was performed for comparison of continuous variables between groups and Chi square or Fisher''s exact tests were used to assess correlation between discrete data.

Results

Serum NGAL and UNCR were significantly higher in study dogs across all time points (P = .007 and P < .001, respectively) compared with controls. Urinary NGAL normalized to creatinine in the study group was not significantly different between survivors (n = 12) and nonsurvivors (n = 3). Dogs that received hydroxyethyl starch had significantly higher UNCR across all time points (P = .04) than those that did not.

Discussion—Conclusion

Serum neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin and UNCR are increased in dogs with sepsis requiring emergency laparotomy. Additional studies are needed to evaluate its role as a marker of AKI in this population.     

Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns in Urinary Tract Infections in Dogs (2010–2013)

Background

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in dogs. The responsible bacterial populations have evolved with increasing resistance to many antimicrobials.

Objective

To characterize the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of canine urinary tract isolates over a 51‐month period.

Animals

One thousand six hundred and thirty‐six bacterial isolates from 1,028 dogs.

Methods

Aerobic bacterial isolate growth and susceptibility data from urine cultures of dogs were identified, retrospectively. Medical records were reviewed to obtain signalment, comorbidities, and antimicrobial use in the previous 30 days. The UTIs were further categorized as uncomplicated, complicated, or pyelonephritis.

Results

Common bacterial isolates identified were Escherichia coli (52.5%), Staphylococcus spp. (13.6%), and Enterococcus spp. (13.3%). In vitro susceptibility among all isolates varied for commonly prescribed antimicrobials (amoxicillin [59%], amoxicillin/clavulanic acid [76%], cephalexin [66%], enrofloxacin [74%] and trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole [86%]). For all antimicrobials tested (except aminoglycosides), in vitro susceptibility was higher in uncomplicated versus complicated infections (P < .05). Uncomplicated infection isolate susceptibility rates remained ≤90% for PO administered antimicrobials. Administration of amoxicillin, doxycycline, and enrofloxacin, but not amoxicillin/clavulanic acid in the previous 30 days was associated with resistance to that antimicrobial. Multidrug resistant isolates of E. coli and Staphylococcus spp. were more common in dogs with complicated than uncomplicated UTIs (36% versus 21%, P < .0001).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

In vitro susceptibility was highly variable and no PO administered antimicrobial had >90% efficacy among isolates tested. Multidrug resistance was frequent among isolates tested suggesting that routine culture and susceptibility testing is indicated. Previously prescribed antimicrobials may affect empirical choices made pending susceptibility testing.     

Behavioral Abnormalities in Lagotto Romagnolo Dogs with a History of Benign Familial Juvenile Epilepsy: A Long‐Term Follow‐Up Study

Background

Lagotto Romagnolo (LR) dogs with benign juvenile epilepsy syndrome often experience spontaneous remission of seizures. The long‐term outcome in these dogs currently is unknown. In humans, behavioral and psychiatric comorbidities have been reported in pediatric and adult‐onset epilepsies.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The objectives of this study were to investigate possible neurobehavioral comorbidities in LR with a history of benign familial juvenile epilepsy (BFJE) and to assess the occurrence of seizures after the remission of seizures in puppyhood.

Animals

A total of 25 LR with a history of BFJE and 91 control dogs of the same breed.

Methods

Owners of the LR dogs in the BFJE and control groups completed an online questionnaire about each dog''s activity, impulsivity, and inattention. Principal component analysis (PCA) served to extract behavioral factors from the data. We then compared the scores of these factors between the 2 groups in a retrospective case–control study. We also interviewed all dog owners in the BFJE group by telephone to inquire specifically about possible seizures or other neurological problems after remission of seizures as a puppy.

Results

Lagotto Romagnolo dogs with BFJE showed significantly higher scores on the factors Inattention and Excitability/Impulsivity than did the control group (P = .003; P = .021, respectively). Only 1 of the 25 BFJE LR exhibited seizures after remission of epilepsy in puppyhood.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Although the long‐term seizure outcome in BFJE LR seems to be good, the dogs exhibit behavioral abnormalities resembling attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in humans, thus suggesting neurobehavioral comorbidities with epilepsy.     

Chiari‐Like Malformation and Syringomyelia in American Brussels Griffon Dogs

Background

Although Chiari‐like malformation (CM) and syringomyelia (SM) have been described in many small breed dogs, the prevalence and clinical manifestations of this complex have not been documented in a large cohort of American Brussels Griffon (ABG) dogs.

Objectives

To characterize the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of CM and SM in the ABG breed.

Animals

Eighty‐four American Kennel Club registered ABG dogs were recruited.

Methods

Prospective study. Complete histories and neurologic examinations were obtained before MRI. Images were blindly reviewed and calculations were made by using OsiriX. All analyses were performed by Student''s t‐test, Spearman''s correlation, ANOVA, and chi‐square test where appropriate.

Results

Chiari‐like malformation and SM were present in 65% and 52% of dogs, respectively. Twenty‐eight percent of dogs had neurologic deficits and 20% had neck pain. Mean central canal (CC) transverse height was 2.5 mm with a mean length of 3.6 cervical vertebrae. Neurologic deficits were significantly associated with a larger syrinx (P = .04, P = .08) and syrinx size increased with age (P = .027). SM was associated with a smaller craniocervical junction (CCJ) height (P = .04) and larger ventricles (P = .0001; P < .001).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Syringomyelia and CM are prevalent in American Brussels Griffon dogs. Syrinx size is associated with neurologic deficits, CM, larger ventricles, a smaller craniocervical junction height, neurologic deficits, and cerebellar herniation. Fifty‐two percent of dogs with a SM were clinically normal.     

Histiocytic Sarcoma with Central Nervous System Involvement in Dogs: 19 Cases (2006–2012)

Background

Reports of histiocytic sarcoma (HS) involving the central nervous system (CNS) are sparse and consist mainly of case reports describing 1–3 animals.

Objective

The objective of this study was to report the signalments, clinical signs, clinicopathologic and diagnostic imaging findings, treatment, and outcome of a series of dogs with HS and CNS involvement.

Animals

Nineteen dogs with HS examined at veterinary referral hospitals.

Methods

Retrospective case series. Medical records were reviewed and cases with a histopathological diagnosis of CNS HS were included in the study. Diagnostic imaging studies of the CNS were evaluated and histopathologic samples were reviewed to confirm the diagnosis.

Results

Retrievers and Pembroke Welsh Corgis were overrepresented in this cohort of dogs. Tumors involved the brain in 14 dogs and the spinal cord in 5. In 4 dogs, HS was part of a disseminated, multiorgan process whereas it appeared confined to the CNS in 15 dogs. Diagnostic imaging had variable appearances although extraaxial masses predominated in the brain. There was meningeal enhancement in all dogs that was often profound and remote from the primary mass lesion. Pleocytosis was present in all dogs with CSF evaluation. Median survival was 3 days.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Breed predispositions appear to vary from reports of HS in other organ systems. Some unique imaging and clinicopathologic characteristics, particularly brain herniation, profound meningeal enhancement, and pleocytosis in combination with 1 or more mass lesions, might help to differentiate this neoplasm from others involving the CNS, although this requires further study.     

Signalment,Clinical Presentation,Concurrent Diseases,and Diagnostic Findings in 28 Dogs with Dynamic Pharyngeal Collapse (2008–2013)

Background

Most information about pharyngeal collapse in dogs is anecdotal and extrapolated from human medicine. A single case report describing dynamic pharyngeal collapse in a cat has been published, but there is no literature describing this disease process in dogs.

Objective

To describe the signalment, clinical presentation, concurrent disease processes, and imaging findings of a population of client‐owned dogs with pharyngeal collapse.

Animals

Twenty‐eight client‐owned dogs with pharyngeal collapse.

Methods

Radiology reports of dogs for which fluoroscopy of the respiratory system was performed were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with a fluoroscopic diagnosis of pharyngeal collapse were included in the study population. Data regarding clinical signs, diagnostic, and pathologic findings were evaluated.

Results

Twenty‐eight dogs met the inclusion criteria. The median age of affected patients was 6.6 years, whereas median body condition score was 7/9. The most common clinical signs were coughing (n = 20) and stertor (n = 5). In 27 of 28 cases, a concurrent or previously diagnosed cardiopulmonary disorder was detected. The most common concurrent disease processes were mainstem bronchi collapse (n = 18), tracheal collapse (n = 17), and brachycephalic airway syndrome (n = 8). Fluoroscopy identified complete pharyngeal collapse in 20 of 28 dogs.

Conclusions

Pharyngeal collapse is a complex disease process that likely is secondary to long‐term negative pressure gradients and anatomic and functional abnormalities. Based on the findings of this study, pharyngeal fluoroscopy may be useful diagnostic test in patients with suspected tracheal and mainstem bronchial collapse to identify concurrent pharyngeal collapse.