Lymphocytic-Plasmacytic Enteritis in 24 Dogs

Lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis (LPE) was diagnosed by intestinal biopsy in 24 dogs with chronic small intestinal diarrhea. Vomiting, weight loss, and reduced appetite were frequent. Breed predispositions were not documented, although four patients were German Shepherd dogs. Hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, and hypoglobulinemia were common and most likely a result of protein-losing enteropathy. Other biochemical abnormalities were uncommon. Intestinal malabsorption was common. Neutrophilia (sometimes with increased band neutrophils), monocytosis, lymphopenia, and eosinopenia were the most consistent hematologic abnormalities. The severity of the lymphocytic-plasmacytic infiltration was not significantly different (P greater than 0.05) between regions of small intestine. However, the severity of cellular infiltration often varied among different regions of small intestine in the same dog. Changes in villous architecture and lacteal dilation were common. Intestinal nematode infestation was diagnosed in five dogs, and pancreatic exocrine insufficiency was diagnosed in one dog. In the remaining 18 dogs, besides LPE, no other associated or concurrent intestinal disease was diagnosed.     

术苦芩总多糖对湿热泄泻仔猪肠道菌群和免疫功能的影响

旨在探究术苦芩总多糖(ZKQPs)对湿热泄泻仔猪肠道菌群和免疫功能的影响。通过HPLC分析ZKQPs的单糖组成,体外抑菌试验研究ZKQPs体外对常见肠道致病菌的直接影响,同时建立仔猪腹泻模型,用白头翁散(PP)及3种剂量的ZKQPs (25、50和75 mg·kg^-1)治疗腹泻仔猪,治疗结束后,收集小肠各段组织、盲肠内容物,对菌落进行鉴定与计数;通过16S rDNA高通量测序分析肠道菌群的变化,测定小肠免疫相关细胞因子mRNA表达。结果显示:ZKQPs一级结构主要由鼠李糖、葡萄糖、半乳糖和木糖构成。在体外试验中,大肠杆菌、沙门菌、猪源产气荚膜梭菌肠道常见有害菌对ZKQPs敏感,并在一定范围内呈现浓度依赖性。动物试验中,ZKQPs有效促进了腹泻仔猪肠道乳酸杆菌的生长,对致病大肠杆菌生长有较强的抑制作用,其中,50 mg·kg^-1ZKQPs影响最为显著。16S rDNA高通量测序结果表明,ZKQPs调节了腹泻仔猪菌群Alpha多样性,对肠道菌群在纲和属水平上有显著影响,腹泻仔猪芽胞杆菌纲、乳酸杆菌属相对丰度显著下降,梭菌纲相对丰度显著上升;ZKQPs治疗后芽胞杆菌纲、乳酸杆菌属相对丰度均显著上升且高于正常值,梭菌纲相对丰度极显著下降,显著改善了腹泻仔猪肠道菌群结构。仔猪腹泻时,小肠各段Th1细胞因子IL-2 mRNA水平上升(P<0.01),Th2细胞因子IL-4、IL-5 mRNA水平均下降;ZKQPs治疗后,腹泻仔猪小肠各段IL-2 mRNA水平下降,IL-4、IL-5 mRNA水平普遍上升,且不同细胞因子mRNA水平在小肠不同位置变化有所差异,50和75 mg·kg^-1ZKQPs治疗后对其影响最为显著,综合分析50 mg·kg^-1ZKQPs治疗腹泻仔猪对细胞因子mRNA水平影响最大。综上表明,ZKQPs在体外对常见肠道致病菌生长具有良好的抑制作用,可以改变腹泻仔猪肠道微生物群的丰富度和多样性,提高乳酸杆菌属的相对丰度,并改善菌群结构,同时调节肠道免疫反应,有效增强了仔猪抗腹泻能力。     

The role of K antigens of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli in colonization of the small intestine of calves.

The colonizing and proliferating abilities of enterotoxigenic acapsular or K99- mutants of bovine enteropathogenic Escherichia coli strains were compared with those of their capsulated and K99+ parent strains in the small intestine of infected colostrum-fed calves. Calves infected with the enteropathogenic E. coli parent strains developed profuse diarrhea and severe dehydration. None of the calves which received the acapsular mutant developed diarrhea and one of three calves inoculated with the K99- enterotoxigenic mutant developed moderate diarrhea. The parent enteropathogenic E. coli strains colonized the middle and lower small intestine; in these areas a layer of specific immunofluorescence against the enteropathogenic E. coli covered most villi and 80% of the organisms were associated with the intestinal wall. The acapsular mutant strain failed to colonize the small intestine and fluorescent bacteria were not observed in any area of the small intestine. The K99- mutant proliferated to a lesser extent than did the K99+ parent strain in all areas of the small intestine but moderately colonized the lower small intestine where fluorescent bacteria were observed to cover parts of the intestinal villi.     

Necrotizing enterotyphlocolitis in dogs treated with a potent antimuscarinic

To assess the safety of a potent muscarinic receptor antagonist (antimuscarinic) for human clinical testing, repeat-dose oral toxicity studies were conducted in the Beagle dog. Treatment resulted in unexpected gastrointestinal system effects that were likely mediated by the exaggerated pharmacologic effects of the antimuscarinic on intestinal motility. Dogs developed profound anorexia followed by severe bloody diarrhea, and at necropsy, the intestinal tract was distended, filled with red-tinged fluid, and the mucosa was reddened. Histologically, intestinal lesions consisted of severe epithelial necrosis and mucosal atrophy localized predominantly to the ileum and large intestine. Feces from dogs with diarrhea were culture-positive for Clostridium perfringens (CP), suggesting that CP might be the etiologic agent; however, the intestinal lesions were not consistent with histologic findings reported in dogs with hemorrhagic canine enteritis.     

Idiopathic mesenteric and omental steatitis in a dog

A 2-year-old Miniature Dachshund was admitted to the hospital because of fever, frequent vomiting, and watery diarrhea. An intra-abdominal mass and a gastric ulcer were detected. At laparotomy, the omentum was yellow but not icteric, irregularly thickened, and fragile, and a large mass involving the root of the mesentery and the gastrosplenic ligament was found. The histopathologic diagnosis was steatitis, and the dog was treated with prednisolone and cyclosporine for 2.5 years. After 1.5 years, the abdominal mass was not detectable. The dog died suddenly from perforation of the small intestine caused by a foreign body. Necropsy revealed severe adhesions between portions of the small intestine, and cicatrization of the mesentery. Cause of the mesenteric and omental steatitis was not apparent.     

Intestinal malabsorption and cryptosporidiosis in an adult dog

Chronic intestinal cryptosporidiosis was diagnosed as the cause of chronic diarrhea and weight loss in an adult dog without obvious signs of immunosuppression. Results of tests for digestive function suggested that the dog had impaired intestinal absorption or bacterial overgrowth. The nutrient malabsorption might have resulted in or have been caused by the cryptosporidiosis. Temporary clinical improvement without reduction in fecal oocyst concentration was noticed following treatment with clindamycin. The dog was euthanatized. At necropsy, the dog was found to have chronic lymphoplasmacytic enteritis and cryptosporidiosis. A veterinary student that worked in the ward where the dog was kept developed cryptosporidal diarrhea.     

Small intestinal ganglioneuromatosis in a dog

A 6-week-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross was presented with a 4-week history of vomiting and small bowel diarrhoea. Abdominal ultrasound showed thickening of the distal jejunum and ileum. The dog underwent two exploratory laparotomies, during which grossly abnormal sections of intestine were resected. The patient developed septic peritonitis 48 h after the second surgery, caused by dehiscence of an intestinal anastomosis, and was euthanased. All intestinal tissue samples were examined histopathologically and a diagnosis of gastrointestinal ganglioneuromatosis was made. Intestinal ganglioneuromatosis is rare and this case represents a novel occurrence in the small intestine of a dog.     

Entéropathie, avec perte de protéines, secondaire à une lymphangiectasie intestinale, chez trois chiens

Protein-losing enteropathy secondary to intestinal lymphangiectasia in three dogs

Three cases of protein-losing enteropathy secondary to intestinal lymphangiectasia in the dog are presented.

In the three cases, common clinical findings were nonresponsive diarrhea and weight loss. Subcutaneous edema was observed in case 1. Polyphagia and polydipsia were evident in cases 2 and 3.

Serum examinations revealed low values of protein with a normal albumin/globulin ratio. There was histopathological evidence of dilatation of lacteals, as well as plasma cell and lymphocyte infiltration in the small intestine.

In the three cases, a corticotherapy was instituted and gave good results.

     

Caecal impaction and chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction in a dog

A 10-year-old female neutered cross-breed dog presented with a 4-month history of chronic intermittent diarrhoea and vomiting. Abdominal ultrasound showed dilated loops of small intestine and a suspected faecolith. Exploratory surgery revealed a caecal impaction and a typhlectomy was performed. Histopathological examination of caecal and full thickness small intestine sections demonstrated atrophy of smooth muscle fibres as well as an influx of plasma cells, lymphocytes and macrophages, and mild lymphoplasmacytic and eosinophilic enteritis. This combination of caecal impaction and chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction has not been reported previously in the dog.     

Sand impaction of the small intestine in eight dogs

Objective : To describe signalment, clinical findings, imaging and treatment of intestinal sand impaction in the dog. Methods : Medical records of dogs with radiographic evidence of small intestinal sand impaction were reviewed. Results : Sand impaction resulting in small intestinal obstruction was diagnosed in eight dogs. All dogs presented with signs of vomiting. Other clinical signs included anorexia, lethargy and abdominal pain. Radiographs confirmed the presence of radio-opaque material consistent with sand causing distension of the terminal small intestine in all dogs. Four dogs were treated surgically for their impaction and four dogs were managed medically. Seven of the eight dogs survived. Clinical Significance : Both medical and surgical management of intestinal sand impaction in the dog can be effective and both afford a good prognosis for recovery.     

IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—HETEROBILHARZIA AMERICANA INFECTION IN A DOG

An approximately three‐year‐old mixed breed female dog was evaluated for peritoneal effusion, anorexia, intermittent vomiting, and diarrhea. Radiographically, there was mineralization of the wall of small intestinal segments. Sonographic findings were consistent with multisystemic mineralization of liver, small intestinal wall, and pancreas. Multifocal granulomas containing schistosome eggs (Heterobilharzia americana) were identified histologically. The mineralization pattern described herein is an uncommon presentation of severe diffuse heterobilharziasis in a dog.     

Lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis associated with bacterial overgrowth in a dog

Lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis, associated with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, was diagnosed in a 3.5-year-old German Shepherd Dog with chronic intermittent diarrhea, using bacteriologic culture of duodenal juice and histologic examination of jejunal biopsy specimens. Oral administration of oxytetracycline alone resulted in clinical improvement and a marked decrease in the jejunal mononuclear cell infiltrate. Additional treatment with prednisolone administered orally resulted in almost complete clinical and histologic recovery. This case illustrates that small intestinal bacterial overgrowth may have to be considered as an underlying cause of lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis in the dog and that antibiotic treatment may be necessary to attain remission.     

Hemorrhagic enteritis associated with Clostridium perfringens type A in a dog

A female Shetland sheep dog died suddenly with hemorrhagic diarrhea and vomitting, and was examined pathologically and microbiologically. Gross pathological change was restricted to the intestinal tract. The intestine contained watery, blood-stained fluid. Histopathologically, the principal intestinal lesion was superficial mucosal hemorrhagic necrosis at the jejunoileum. Many Gram-positive bacilli were found adhering to the necrotic mucosal surface in parts of the intestinal tract. Clostridium perfringens in pure culture were isolated from jejunal contents by anaerobic culture. These results suggested that the typical lesion of this case coincided with canine hemorrhagic enteritis and enterotoxemia due to C. perfringens infection could be the cause of sudden death.     

Morphometry of the canine intestine with reference to the use of double balloon endoscopy

Double balloon endoscopy (DBE) enables the diagnosis and treatment of small intestinal disease. The dog is a potential animal model for DBE training and also a candidate for the clinical application of this technique. However, the anatomy of the canine small intestine may limit the use of DBE by restricting the push-and-pull manoeuvres required for DBE. To establish what these limitations are, the length and width of different portions of the small intestine as well as the mesenteric dependences were measured in 55 dogs. Several external parameters related to body size plus the age, weight, sex and breed were recorded. Potential restriction of the progress of the enteroscope due to narrow intestinal diameter is expected in the jejunum of mid- and small size dogs.     

Experimental infection of dogs with Campylobacter jejuni

Three groups of conventional puppies were inoculated orally with Campylobacter jejuni biotype 2 which had been isolated from the small intestine of a dog with enteritis. Mild enteric disease was observed in one group. There was superficial intestinal colonization by the organism but penetration of intestinal epithelial cells was not apparent. C jejuni was isolated from the blood and viscera of inoculated dogs which showed no histological evidence of disease.     

Antimicrobial use in the treatment of calf diarrhea

Calves with diarrhea often have small intestinal overgrowth with Escherichia coli bacteria, regardless of the inciting cause for the diarrhea, and 30% of systemically ill calves with diarrhea have bacteremia, predominantly because of E coli. Antimicrobial treatment of diarrheic calves should therefore be focused against E coli in the small intestine and blood, the 2 sites of infection. Fecal bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing is not recommended in calves with diarrhea because fecal bacterial populations do not accurately reflect small intestinal or blood bacterial populations and because the break points for susceptibility test results have not been validated. Antimicrobial efficacy is therefore best evaluated by the clinical response of a number of calves to treatment, with calves randomly assigned to treatment groups. Amoxicillin, chlortetracycline, neomycin, oxytetracycline, streptomycin, sulfachloropyridazine, sulfamethazine, and tetracycline administered PO are currently labeled in the United States for the treatment of calf diarrhea. On the basis of published evidence for the oral administration of these antimicrobial agents, only amoxicillin can be recommended for the treatment of diarrhea. Dosage recommendations are amoxicillin trihydrate (10 mg/kg PO q12h) or amoxicillin trihydrate-clavulanate potassium (12.5 mg combined drug/kg PO q12h) for at least 3 days; the latter constitutes extra-label drug use. Parenteral administration of broad-spectrum beta-lactam antimicrobials--ceftiofur (2.2 mg/kg IM or SC q12h) and amoxicillin or ampicillin (10 mg/kg IM q12h)--or potentiated sulfonamides (25 mg/kg IV or IM q24h) is recommended for treating calves with diarrhea and systemic illness; both constitute extra-label drug use. In calves with diarrhea and no systemic illness (normal appetite for milk, no fever), it is recommended that the health of the calf be monitored and that oral or parenteral antimicrobials not be administered.     

Morphometric study of the layers of the canine small intestine at five sampling sites

The histology of the canine intestine has not been accurately defined. To establish the precise thickness of its different layers, whole wall samples of the small intestine were removed from 41 cadavers at five standardised sampling sites (duodenum, proximal jejunum, distal jejunum, proximal ileum and distal ileum). The total thickness was estimated by morphometry, as was the thickness of the mucosa, muscularis mucosae, submucosa and muscularis externa. In addition, the size of the lymphoid aggregates in the submucosa and the thickness of the circular and longitudinal layers within both the muscularis mucosae and the muscularis externa were estimated. The total intestinal thickness depended very much upon the thickness of the mucosa and submucosa. The mucosa decreased progressively from proximal to distal parts of the small intestine (47% reduction). The thickness of the submucosa, however, changed little from the duodenum to the distal jejunum, but increased significantly in the ileum; this change was positively correlated with the amount of lymphoid tissue. Sex influenced the thickness of the intestinal wall, with males displaying higher thickness values along the small intestine. Conversely, no correlation between bodyweight and intestinal thickness was found for any of the five sampling sites. This study gives absolute and relative values for the thickness of the layers of the dog intestine which might help in the diagnosis of small intestinal pathology from postmortem samples and/or endoscopic biopsies.     

Tylosin-responsive chronic diarrhea in dogs

Fourteen dogs had shown chronic or intermittent diarrhea for more than 1 year. Diarrhea had been successfully treated with tylosin for at least 6 months but recurred when treatment was withdrawn on at least 2 occasions. Tylosin-responsive diarrhea (TRD) affects typically middle-aged, large-breed dogs and clinical signs indicate that TRD affects both the small and large intestine. Treatment with tylosin eliminated diarrhea in all dogs within 3 days and in most dogs within 24 hours. Tylosin administration controlled diarrhea in all dogs, but after it was discontinued, diarrhea reappeared in 12 (85.7%) of 14 dogs within 30 days. Prednisone given for 3 days did not completely resolve diarrhea. Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG did not prevent the relapse of diarrhea in any of 9 dogs so treated. The etiology of TRD, a likely form of antibiotic-responsive diarrhea (ARD) is unclear. The following reasons for chronic diarrhea were excluded or found to be unlikely: parasites, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, inflammatory bowel disease, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, enteropathogenic bacteria (Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., Yersinia spp., or Lawsoni intracellularis), and Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin and Clostridium difficile A toxin. A possible etiologic factor is a specific enteropathogenic organism that is a common resident in the canine gastrointestinal tract and is sensitive to tylosin but difficult to eradicate. Additional studies are required to identify the specific cause of TRD.     

The distribution of immunoglobulin-containing cells in canine small intestine.

Peroxidase conjugated antisera to canine immunoglobulins G and A and to human immunoglobulin M, have been used to study the distribution of immunoglobulin-containing cells in the small intestine of the young and adult dog. At all levels of the small bowel of the adult dog, IgA:IgM:IgG cells have a 2:1:1 ratio while the greatest number of immunocytes is found in the duodenum and decreases towards the distal portion of the small intestine. The young puppy shows a predominance of IgM-containing cells in the small intestinal lamina propria during early life but the adult pattern of immunocyte distribution has been achieved by weaning.     

A Case of Viral Neonatal Calf Diarrhea in a Québec Dairy Herd

This report is concerned with a consistent problem of neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD) in a dairy herd in which, for nearly two years, the morbidity had approached 100% and the mortality had varied from 20% to 45%. Generally, diarrhea appeared at three days of age. By the fluorescent antibody tissue section technique the two Nebraska NCD viruses (reo-like and corona-like) were detected in the cytoplasm of many absorptive cells of the small intestine from a calf submitted for necropsy. Reo-like virus antigen was not detected in the absorptive and crypt cells of the colon but coronavirus-like antigen was. An adenovirus was also isolated from the small intestine of this calf. The disease was reproduced experimentally in a two day old colostrum deprived calf with a bacteria free intestinal homogenate obtained from the naturally infected calf. Both Nebraska NCD viruses were demonstrated in this experimental animal. However, the adenovirus was not re-isolated. Histological lesions observed in the small and large intestines of the naturally and experimentally infected calves were similar and because of their good correlation with the immunofluorescent findings, a combination of the two Nebraska NCD viruses was thought to be a major cause of the neonatal calf diarrhea problem afflicting this dairy herd.