P-38 Sebaceous adenitis in three related Hovawart dogs

Affected cats were three Bengals, one male and two females, whose age at onset of lesions ranged from 13- to 20-weeks old. Nasal planum scaling progressed to thick crusting, consequent exfoliation and exposure of underlying erosions. No signs of pruritus or pain were present but mild respiratory signs were noticed. In all cats, haematology and biochemistry were normal, they were FIV and FeLV negative, PCR for herpesvirus, calicivirus and Chlamydia were negative, and viral isolation for calicivirus and herpesvirus was negative. Wood's lamp examination was negative, as were bacterial and fungal cultures. Cytology showed exfoliating keratinocytes. A skin biopsy taken from one case showed no significant changes. Biopsies from the nasal planum of four dead cats with nondermatological conditions (controls) were collected for comparative studies. Morphometry to record the percentage of the granular layer (GL) and stratum corneum (SC) on the total thickness of the epidermis of the nasal planum was performed. The GL and SC accounted for 10.2 and 21.7% of the epidermal thickness in the affected cat, compared to 18.3 and 20.2%, respectively, in the controls. A significant reduction ( P  < 0.02) of the SC thickness was detected in the affected cat compared to controls. No treatment was instituted as all cats underwent complete (two cats) or nearly complete (one cat) resolution. The reported cases share the same breed, age at onset, type of lesions and a similar outcome. A reduction of the SC thickness in one of the affected cats was recorded. Therefore, an underlying congenital condition is suspected that manifests with high epidermal cell turnover and normal keratinization.
Funding: Self-funded.     

Lingual abscesses in three dogs

Lingual abscessation is a rare condition in dogs. Very little information is available on the diagnosis and treatment of lingual abscesses in the major surgical textbooks and current veterinary literature. The common clinical signs of lingual abscesses are macroglossia, hypersalivation and a reluctance to open the mouth, but these can vary depending on the time course of the disease and the location of the abscess. This article presents three cases of tongue abscess in the dog outlining treatment and outcomes. A thorough diagnostic work up, consisting of anamnesis, clinical and haematological examinations, oral inspection under sedation and the use of diagnostic imaging techniques should be mandatory before surgical exploration of the abscess. Surgery is followed by drainage and systemic antibiotics, complemented by systemic fluid support and pain management. Conservative management of lingual abscesses can be fatal. Sharp trauma from an unknown object is suspected to be the underlying cause for the abscesses in the present cases.     

Compound odontoma in three dogs

Three young, female dogs were operated for compound odontoma. All tumors were considered stage III with treatment consisting of partial mandibulectomy or maxillectomy. Microscopic examination of the resected tissue confirmed the diagnosis. Relatively aggressive, resective surgery resulted in prolonged tumor-free intervals.     

Hypomyelination in three Weimaraner dogs

Hypomyelination syndrome of the Weimaraner dog is a disease characterised by a reduction or absence of myelin in the axons of the central nervous system (CNS) exclusively. The objective of this study was to analyse the cause of this deficiency of myelin. Tissue samples of the CNS of three Weimaraner dogs with neurological signs were fixed in 10% formalin and embedded in paraffin wax, and histochemical, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies were performed. Histochemical staining with haematoxylin and eosin and Kluver-Barrera techniques showed generalised pallor in the peripheral areas of the ventral and lateral funiculi of the spinal cord. Immunohistochemical analysis showed a weak expression of both proteolipid protein (PLP) and myelin basic protein (MBP) and a marked decrease of Olig2(+) cells in the demyelinated areas. The immunohistochemical findings suggested a myelination or remyelination failure because of the smaller population of oligodendrocytes. However, PLP gene mutations may also be the cause of the decrease of PLP expression as described in other species.     

Multifocal oligodendroglioma in three dogs

This report describes the clinical, histopathologic, and imaging findings of multifocal oligodendrogliomas from three canine patients. Clinical history varied but included seizure activity and behavior changes. Neurologic examination abnormalities included ataxia, proprioceptive deficits, cranial nerve deficits, and changes in mentation. MRI in one patient revealed multifocal brain lesions; however, the MRI was normal in another one of the patients. Histopathologic evaluation identified multifocal neoplastic infiltrates in all three patients involving the cerebral cortex, brainstem, and spinal cord, with leptomeningeal extension in two of the three patients. All three patients were euthanized due to progression of their neurologic condition and/or complications due to aspiration pneumonia. Oligodendrogliomas should be considered a differential diagnosis for patients with multifocal brain disease.     

Nasal melanosis in three dogs

Cytologically and histologically confirmed nasal melanosis was detected by rostrocaudal rhinoscopic evaluation of three dogs with unilateral nasal discharge caused by a chronic and severe odontopathic rhinitis. The extraction of affected teeth and prolonged antibiotic therapy led to a complete resolution of nasal disease. The nasal melanosis could be considered a partial metaplastic transformation of mucosal respiratory cells with accumulation of intracytoplasmic melanin.     

Phenol poisoning in three dogs

Three adult dogs were evaluated following oral administration of phenol by the owner. All three dogs experienced severe oral and gastric ulceration. Hematological abnormalities included neutropenia with the presence of toxic neutrophils, thrombocytopenia, and increased muscle enzymes. Endoscopic examination was performed, and biopsies yielded a diagnosis of gastric mucosal necrosis in two of the dogs. Following supportive care, the dogs recovered completely. Phenol is a caustic, highly poisonous derivative of coal tar. The dogs of this report were poisoned inadvertently by their owner who received misinformation concerning the use of this chemical via the Internet.     

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis in three dogs

A condition resembling human sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis was identified in 3 young large-breed dogs. All 3 dogs had similar clinical signs: ascites, vomiting, and excessive borborygmus. The condition was discovered at laparotomy and confirmed histologically. Laparotomy revealed a sac-like formation totally or partially occupying the peritoneal cavity. The predominant histologic abnormality was marked peritoneal and serosal fibrosis. None of the dogs had a favorable response to treatment, and euthanasia was performed because of development of abdominal distention.     

Chylous ascites in three dogs.

Chylous ascites was diagnosed in 3 dogs. Mesenteric lymphangiography was performed in 2 dogs and helped delineate abnormalities of the lymphatic system. The cause of chylous ascites in each dog appeared to be different. In 1 dog, a ruptured mesenteric lymphatic was identified at surgery. Evidence of abdominal lymphatic obstruction was found in another dog. Chylous ascites in the third dog appeared to be a complication of mesenteric lymphangiography for chylothorax.     

Ehrlichiosis and polyarthritis in three dogs

Three dogs admitted for evaluation of lameness were determined to be infected with a neutrophilic strain of Ehrlichia. Ehrlichia morulae were detected in low numbers in both synovial fluid and blood neutrophils. The dogs had rapid clinical improvement after appropriate antibiotic therapy. A diagnosis of canine ehrlichiosis easily could have been missed if morulae had not been identified. Ehrlichiosis should be considered in acutely lame dogs residing in areas enzootic for ehrlichiosis. A careful search for Ehrlichia morulae within synovial fluid and blood neutrophils should be performed. An E canis titer determination also may be helpful.     

Neospora caninum infection in three dogs

Infection with Neospora caninum in three young dogs is described. The predominant clinical signs were lower motor neuron deficits of the pelvic limbs, bladder and rectum. In two cases there was liver infection and dysfunction. The younger dogs had an acute onset rapidly progressive syndrome. The older dog had a similar but more chronic course. The diagnosis was confirmed by an immunofluorescence antibody test. The parasite is sensitive to clindamycin and trimethoprim/sulphonamide preparations, however the prognosis for return to function is poor especially if muscle contracture has occurred.     

Possible immunodeficiency in related rottweiler dogs

A litter of eight rottweiler pups is described in which two dogs died before the age of six months from systemic inflammatory disease, and two further pups developed inflammatory skin disease. All seven pups tested had a markedly low serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) concentration (< 0.1 mg/ml) and six of these dogs also had subnormal serum IgG (< 0.1 to 6.4 mg/ml). Tissues taken from three diseased pups were examined immunohistochemically using a number of lymphoid markers. Secondary lymphoid tissues had a paucity of CD3+ T lymphocytes, although T cells were found within some inflammatory foci. B-lymphocyte follicles were present within lymphoid tissues, but there were irregularities of plasma cell development and a lack of plasma cells of all classes within mucosal and cutaneous sites. Inflammatory lesions were dominated by macrophages expressing class II molecules of the major histocompatibility complex. Serum immunoglobulins were also investigated in eight related, clinically normal adult dogs. Five of these dogs, from two separate breeding lines, had subnormal serum IgA (< 0.1 to 0.15 mg/ml). The spectrum of disease within the affected litter may be consistent with an underlying inherited immunological defect, and the observed immunological abnormalities suggest a more complex disorder than simple IgA deficiency.     

Myotonia in related Chow Chow dogs

A myopathy associated with myotonia was observed in three related Chow Chow dogs. The clinical signs were first noticed at 2 to 3 months of age. They included muscle spasm and stiffness of gait which decreased in severity with exercise. Electromyographic findings and the demonstration of a muscle percussion dimple confirmed the presence of myotonia. Dystrophic changes were observed in muscle biopsies but histochemical techniques did not demonstrate fibre type changes. An inherited aetiology was suspected but not confirmed.     

Autoimmune orchitis in two related dogs

The testes of three dogs which suffered spermatogenic arrest were examined by indirect immunofluorescence tests. Two of these dogs (a father and son) had previously been shown to have focal inflammatory lesions in the testes. Autoantibodies directed against sperm tails were present in the sera of these dogs, but not in the third dog which had a non-inflammatory testicular degeneration. The findings are compared with those in other animals and man.     

Intussusception following methiocarb toxicity in three dogs

Objective: To report intussusception as a complication of methiocarb toxicity in dogs and discuss possible risk factors. Series summary: Intestinal intussusception was diagnosed from 24 hours to 18 days following symptomatic treatment of methiocarb toxicity in three dogs. All cases had persistent clinical signs of methiocarb toxicity despite initial treatment and attempts to eliminate residual toxin. Cases 1 and 3 recovered uneventfully following supportive care, enterectomy of the affected bowel and end‐to‐end anastamosis. All dogs were <8 months of age. New information provided: Details of three cases of methiocarb toxicity that later developed intussusception and possible risk factors in these cases.     

Cutaneous trichilemmal cysts in three dogs.

Cutaneous trichilemmal cysts were recognized in 3 dogs. The lesions were multiple, asymptomatic, and occurred over the dorsal lumbar, lateral thoracic, dorsal neck, and cranial carpal regions. These cysts were not accompanied by other disease processes, and did not recur following surgical excision. Histologically, the trichilemmal cyst is characterized by trichilemmal differentiation of the entire cyst wall, and the formation of a predominantly amorphous and nonlaminated keratin in the cyst cavity.     

Histiocytic ulcerative colitis in three non-boxer dogs

Histiocytic ulcerative colitis (HUC) is described in three non-boxer dogs. Clinical signs were typical of large-bowel diarrhea and included soft stool, hematochezia, tenesmus, and an increased frequency of defecation. Diagnosis in each case was made by light microscopic evaluation of endoscopically obtained colonic biopsy specimens. Treatment regimes varied, but included immunosuppressive agents, anti-inflammatory drugs, antimicrobials, and dietary modification. Clinical response was substantial in two patients, while the third patient was euthanized due to treatment failure. The authors' observations indicate that HUC may be encountered in non-boxer dogs.     

Growth hormone responsive dermatosis in three dogs

Growth hormone responsive dermatosis was diagnosed in three dogs. Each dog showed truncal hair loss, and two animals also had alopecia of the ventral neck, tail and thighs. The diagnosis in two cases was made by eliminating other causes of hormonal alopecia and demonstrating little increase in plasma growth hormone concentration after the intravenous administration of xylazine. All three dogs responded favourably to the subcutaneous administration of recombinant human somatotropin.     

Lateral glenohumeral ligament rupture in three dogs

Three adult large breed dogs were evaluated for chronic forelimb lameness. Clinical examination localised pain to the area of the shoulder joint. Traditional imaging methods, including radiography, arthrography and ultrasonography, were unrewarding. Arthroscopy performed via a lateral portal demonstrated complete tears of the proximal part of the lateral glenohumeral ligament in all cases. Two of the three cases responded to treatment with intra-articular methylprednisolone and rest with a resolution of the lameness, while the third failed to improve. Surgical intervention in this third case involved lateral capsulorraphy, and re-examination at five weeks postoperatively showed the dog to be without lameness. Tearing of the lateral glenohumeral ligament should be considered in the differential diagnosis of shoulder lameness. Surgical stabilisation should be considered in cases refractory to conservative treatment.     

Haemangiosarcoma of the scapula in three dogs

Three cases of haemanglosarcoma in the scapula of the dog are reported. Two cases were euthanased soon after diagnosis, due to the presence of metastases, while the third was treated surgically and recovered well. However, seven months after surgery, this dog was re-presented with a cervical spinal problem which was presumed to be a metastatic lesion.