Frontal sinus carcinoma in forty-one dogs (2001–2022)

Reports on canine frontal sinus carcinomas (FSCs) are scarce. This retrospective review of 41 dogs with FSC (2001–2022) describes demographic and clinical characteristics of canine FSC and reports the clinical experience and overall survival following treatment with toceranib phosphate (TOC) and meloxicam in 10 cases. Median age at diagnosis was 10.6 years (range: 6.5–15.4 years). There was a male-to-female-ratio of 2.4:1. The most common breeds were Jack Russell Terriers (JRT) (n = 7; 17.1%) and Rottweilers (n = 3, 7.3%). Mesocephalic breeds (70.6%) were most commonly affected, brachycephalics accounted for 8.8%. The most frequent clinical signs included skull deformation dorsomedial to the eye (87.5%), pain/head-shyness (40.0%), ocular (22.5%)/nasal (17.5%) discharge, and exophthalmos (17.5%). Duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis varied from a few days to 9 months. There were no neurological signs at initial presentation despite imaging evidence of osteolysis of the lamina interna of the frontal bone in most dogs (69.4%). In 11.5%, pulmonary changes suggestive of metastasis or concurrent primary pulmonary neoplasia were present. Tumour types included squamous cell carcinoma (58.5%), unspecified carcinoma (29.3%), and adenocarcinoma (9.8%). Ten dogs were treated with TOC (median 2.8 mg/kg EOD or three times per week) and meloxicam (0.1 mg/kg, EOD) (TOC-M), resulting in subjective regression of skull deformity in 8/10 (80.0%) patients. Overall median survival time with TOC-M was 183.5 days (range: 120–434 days). FSCs typically present with skull deformation, but no overt neurological signs. Male dogs and JRT may be overrepresented. The use of TOC-M in FSC appears promising and warrants further prospective evaluation.     

Clinical and histopathological features and prognosis of gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas in Jack Russell Terriers

There has been an increase in the number of Jack Russell Terriers (JRTs) diagnosed with adenomas and adenocarcinomas of the gastrointestinal tract in Japan. This study retrospectively investigated the clinical and histopathological features and prognosis of adenocarcinomas arising in the gastrointestinal tract in JRT dogs. Seven JRTs and 39 dogs of other breeds diagnosed with gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma were included in the study. The most common sites of gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma in JRTs were the pylorus and rectum. On histopathological examination, these adenocarcinomas showed a papillary or tubular growth pattern, and the lesions were confined within the mucosal epithelium and poorly invasive. Among all dogs with gastric adenocarcinoma, the median survival time (MST) for five of the JRTs could not be determined because more than half of the cases remained alive, while the MST for nine non-JRT dogs was 34 days. Among all dogs with adenocarcinoma in the large intestine, the MST for three of the JRTs could not be determined, while the MST for nine non-JRT dogs was 1,973 days. The difference in MST between JRT and non-JRT dogs with gastric adenocarcinoma was significant (P=0.0220). Since gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas in JRTs show distinct characteristics with respect to their clinical features, treatment course, and prognosis, a different surgical and medical treatment plan should be considered compared to the management of gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas in other dog breeds.     

Development of glaucoma after cataract surgery in dogs: 220 cases (1987-1998)

OBJECTIVE: To examine postoperative ocular hypertension (POH) and other variables as predictors of the risk of developing glaucoma after cataract surgery in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 220 dogs that had cataract surgery. PROCEDURE: Medical records of 220 dogs (346 eyes) that had extracapsular cataract removal or phacoemulsification of cataracts were reviewed. With respect to glaucoma development, 8 variables were analyzed, which included development of POH, breed, sex, age at time of surgery, eye (right vs left), phacoemulsification time, intraocular lens (IOL) placement (yes or no), and stage of cataract development. Eyes developed glaucoma within 6 or 12 months of surgery or did not have signs of glaucoma at least 6 or 12 months after cataract surgery. RESULTS: Of 346 eyes, 58 (16.8%) developed glaucoma after surgery. At 6 months, 32 of 206 (15.5%) eyes examined had glaucoma; at 12 months, 44 of 153 (28.8%) eyes examined had glaucoma. Median follow-up time was 5.8 months (range, 0.1 to 48 months). Mixed-breed dogs were at a significantly lower risk for glaucoma, compared with other breeds. Eyes with IOL placement were at a significantly lower risk for glaucoma, compared with eyes without IOL placement. Eyes with hypermature cataracts were at a significantly higher risk for glaucoma, compared with eyes with mature or immature cataracts. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Multiple factors appear to contribute to the onset of glaucoma in dogs after cataract surgery. Complications prohibiting IOL placement during cataract surgery may lead to a high risk of glaucoma development.     

Posterior capsular opacification in diabetic and nondiabetic canine patients following cataract surgery

Posterior capsular opacification (PCO) is the most common postoperative complication of contemporary cataract surgery. Limited information is available regarding PCO formation and factors that influence PCO development in the dog. Two hundred sixty-five eyes (144 from diabetic dogs and 121 from dogs with breed-related cataracts) were prospectively evaluated for PCO formation for up to 12 months postoperatively. The mean age of all dogs in the study was 7.77 years and diabetic dogs were significantly older than dogs with breed-related cataracts. There were 73 males (61 neutered, 12 intact) and 74 females (70 neutered, 4 intact) in the study. Statistical analysis was performed based on age, breed/size, gender, stage of cataract at the time of surgery, PCO score at each time point, breed-related vs. diabetic cataract, right eyes compared to left eyes, and presence/absence of uveitis. Age and gender did not significantly influence PCO formation. Small and medium-sized breeds developed significantly more PCO in comparison to the large/giant breeds at 2 weeks and 2-4 months postoperatively, but the differences were not significant at later time points. There was an overall significant increase in PCO formation in eyes with early immature cataracts when compared to other stages of cataract up to 4 months postoperatively but not at later time points. There were no statistical differences in PCO score at 6 months or at 1 year postoperatively in eyes with breed-related and diabetic cataracts. Right eyes did not differ from left eyes in PCO score. PCO score significantly increased over time in breed-related and diabetic groups and in the overall population. No difference was found in the degree of PCO formation in eyes with inflammation prior to or after surgery compared with those without inflammation. In summary, age, gender, presence of inflammation, and cause of cataract (breed-related vs. diabetes mellitus) do not influence the development of PCO in canine cataract dogs. Small and medium-sized breeds develop significant PCO earlier than larger breeds. It is important to note that all eyes from all dogs in this study developed PCO in a time dependent manner.     

Lens morphometry determined by B-mode ultrasonography of the normal and cataractous canine lens

Purpose To determine axial lens thickness, anterior chamber depth and axial globe length in canine eyes with normal lenses and in eyes with immature, mature, congenital, posterior polar and diabetic cataract. Methods B‐mode ultrasonography was performed in 50 normal dogs and, as a prephacoemulsification screening procedure, in 100 dogs with cataract. Axial B‐mode ultrasonograms were used to determine lens thickness, anterior chamber depth and globe diameter. Statistical comparisons between groups were made by analysis of variance and multivariate analysis, with a significance level of P < 0.05. Results Axial globe lengths were not statistically significantly different between groups apart from the smaller globes in younger dogs with congenital cataract. Axial lens thickness in diabetics (8.4 ± 0.9 mm) was statistically significantly different from the lens thickness in normal eyes (6.7 ± 1.0 mm), eyes with immature cataract (6.4 ± 0.8 mm) and eyes with mature cataract (7.4 ± 0.9 mm) although these groups, while varying in thickness, were not statistically significantly different from each other. Anterior chamber depth was statistically significantly reduced in eyes with diabetic cataract (2.9 ± 0.1 mm) from that in normal eyes (3.8 ± 0.1 mm), eyes with immature cataract (3.5 ± 0.1 mm) and eyes with mature cataract (3.2 ± 0.6 mm) although these groups, while varying in chamber depth, were not statistically significantly different from each other. Conclusions Lenses with diabetic cataracts were significantly increased in axial thickness compared to lenses in other eyes, although lenses with mature cataracts showed a trend towards increased axial thickness and immature cataracts demonstrated a trend towards reduced thickness. While previous studies on cataract pathobiology have suggested a reduction in lens thickness in immature cataract through lens protein loss and an increase in thickness in mature cataracts through intumescence, this study is the first to document these changes in the canine lens.     

Morphologic alterations in the anterior lens capsule of canine eyes with cataracts

OBJECTIVE: To examine the morphologic changes in the anterior lens capsule and lens epithelium of canine eyes with cataracts. SAMPLE POPULATION: Anterior lens capsules from the eyes of 25 dogs with cataracts and from an additional 10 canine globes with lenses subjectively assessed to be normal. PROCEDURE: Thickness of each anterior lens capsule was measured by use of a digital microscopic camera and imaging software. All 25 capsules from eyes with cataracts were submitted for light microscopy; 4 were also submitted for electron microscopy. RESULTS: Thickness of the anterior lens capsule increased with age for the normal lenses and the lenses with cataracts; the change with age was similar for both groups. Light microscopy revealed fibrous metaplasia of lens epithelial cells in 7 of 25 anterior lens capsules with focal thickenings of the posterior aspect of the capsule. Electron microscopy revealed deposition of collagen and basement membrane-like material by fibroblast-like cells. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that thickness of the anterior lens capsule in dogs increases with age and that this increase in thickness is not significantly different between normal lenses and lenses with cataracts. In addition, epithelial cells from lenses with cataracts may undergo metaplasia to form plaques composed of fibrous tissue and ectopic basement membrane produced by epithelial cells.     

Lens-induced uveitis in dogs: 151 cases (1985-1990).

During a 5-year period, phacolytic uveitis was diagnosed in 202 eyes of 151 dogs admitted to the veterinary teaching hospital. The diagnosis of phacolytic uveitis was based on the finding of a cataractous lens and anterior uveitis, unassociated with other identifiable causes of uveal inflammation. The most commonly affected breeds were the Toy and Miniature Poodle (35%) and the American Cocker Spaniel (19%). The mean age was 7.0 years for all breeds, 5.1 years for the Cocker Spaniel, and 9.0 years for the Poodle breeds. Evidence of cataract resorption was visible in 72% of the eyes. Fifty-one dogs were affected bilaterally and 100 dogs unilaterally. The mean interval between recognition of the cataract and the onset of lens-induced uveitis (LIU) was 17 months; mean times of 25 and 11 months were seen in the Poodle breeds and American Cocker Spaniel, respectively. The mean age of dogs requiring greater than 1 revisit before the inflammation had subsided was 5.5 years. Complications, referable to the uveitis, were seen in 14% of eyes, the most important of which were glaucoma (16 eyes) and phthisis bulbi (9 eyes). Lens extraction surgery was done on 50 LIU-affected eyes, and on 35 normal eyes in LIU-affected animals. The 2- and 6-month success rates for LIU-affected eyes were 78 and 39%, respectively, and for normal eyes in LIU-affected animals were 85 and 71%, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Diagnostic ultrasonography of equine lens and posterior segment abnormalities

Purpose To define the indications for equine ocular ultrasonography and to provide representative ultrasonographic images of lens and posterior segment diseases. Methods Retrospective study. Equine medical records dating from January 1983 to March 2001 were reviewed. All cases that: (1) had a lens and/or posterior segment abnormality; and (2) received a complete ophthalmic examination and ocular ultrasonography were included. Results Forty‐three cases (n = 64 eyes) out of 112 total cases of equine lens and/or posterior segment abnormalities qualified. The following conditions were identified ultrasonographically in order of decreasing frequency: cataracts, vitreal opacities, retinal detachment, lens luxation, endophthalmitis, microphthalmos, choroiditis, lens rupture, lenticonus, buphthalmos and phthisis bulbi. Ultrasonography often enabled diagnoses to be made in the presence of anterior opacities in both surgical (pre and/or postoperatively) and nonsurgical cases. Additional ocular conditions were identified in adults with cataracts more frequently than in foals with cataracts. Conclusions Cataracts were the most common lens abnormality identified in horses that received ocular ultrasound examination. Cataracts were commonly found in association with other ocular abnormalities. Ultrasonography was a practical and effective method of evaluating the lens and posterior segment, particularly in cases with anterior opacities. Ultrasonography also provided critical information with regard to the potential for surgical removal of cataracts and was a valuable component of postsurgical follow‐up.     

Myocilin protein levels in the aqueous humor of the glaucomas in selected canine breeds

Objective To compare aqueous humor myocilin protein levels in dogs with the primary glaucomas to those with the secondary glaucomas, primary cataracts, and diabetic cataracts. Materials and methods Four groups were selected, based on diagnosis by the attending veterinary ophthalmologists and included: primary glaucoma (primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) and primary closed angle glaucoma (PCAG); n = 155); secondary glaucoma (n = 94); primary (presumed inherited) cataract (n = 142), and diabetic cataract (n = 83). A total of 474 samples (187 males, 263 females, 24 unreported) with average ages of 117 months for the males and 101 months for the females were analyzed. Myocilin protein was measured using the Coomassie staining and Western blot methods relative to a myocilin control. Results Differences were seen between nonglaucomatous (cataractous) and glaucomatous dogs with myocilin levels in glaucomatous eyes being many times higher than those in the cataractous dogs. Primary glaucomatous dogs were found to have an aqueous humor myocilin protein level of 17.30 ± 1.03 units. Secondary glaucomas had the highest level of myocilin in the aqueous humor with 19.27 ± 1.41 units. Diabetic cataractous dogs had the lowest levels of myocilin reported with 6.60 ± 0.88 (mean ± SEM) units. Normal (cataractous) dogs had a myocilin level in the aqueous humor of 8.05 ± 0.86 units. Conclusion Aqueous humor protein levels were elevated, relative to the myocilin control, in both the primary and secondary glaucoma groups compared to the cataract and diabetic cataract groups. Like in the Beagle POAG, aqueous humor myocilin protein levels are increased. Further studies are indicated to investigate the exact role of the aqueous humor myocilin protein in the genesis in increased IOP in these primary glaucomatous breeds.     

Characterization of the village goat production systems in the rural communities of the Eastern Cape,KwaZulu-Natal,Limpopo and North West Provinces of South Africa

Expansion of goat improvement programs requires exploration of the factors that influence the production system and breeding initiatives. Characterization of goat breeds or populations is crucial in providing information on prevalent goat types and their attributes and may suffice as a guideline on conservation, development, and selection for improved productivity. This study investigated the existing village goat production system and phenotypic diversity of the different village populations from four South African provinces. The study further investigated the use of phenotypic attributes to classify goats to breeds or populations. Data was collected from 142 households in 26 villages of the Eastern Cape (n?=?2 villages), KwaZulu-Natal (n?=?6 villages), Limpopo (n?=?13 villages), and North West (n?=?5 villages) provinces through a survey. Individual interviews and focus group discussions revealed that the mean goat herd size per household was least in Limpopo at 13.2?±?12.40 and highest in Eastern Cape (34.18?±?28.36). Flocks had more (p?<?0.05) adults than kids, and the distribution of breeding animals was biased towards does and less bucks. Goats were kept mainly for meat, for selling, and for ritual ceremonies. The goat production system was mainly scavenging. Goat health was a major challenge across households and villages. Qualitative traits such coat, horn, ears, and wattle characteristics were recorded for populations of village goats (n?=?319) and a feral Tankwa breed (n?=?50). The dominant coat pattern was plain (74.53%) with black as the most common coat color (31.98%). Across breeds, a majority (88.08%) of the goats had horns, and 7.59% had wattles while 56.64% had beard. Adult goats (<3 years; n?=?398) were further analyzed for five quantitative traits of chest girth, height, length, and pin bone and there were significant (p?<?0.05) breed differences in all. A stepwise discriminatory procedure was used to rank the quantitative traits according to their discriminatory power to separate breeds or populations. Significant traits were then subjected to canonical discriminant analysis for principle component analysis. Based on the quantitative traits, the Tankwa, Xhosa, and Tswana goats formed their own cluster separated from commercial meat type breeds and the Venda and Zulu ecotypes. The discriminant function analysis correctly classified 90.41% of the Zulu goats and 82.93% of the Xhosa village populations. None of the Savanna goats were correctly classified. The study demonstrated diversity in village goat populations and production systems, which would allow for within population selection in genetic improvement programs. The heterogeneity in the phenotypic traits in the village goats is reflective of the role of village production systems in the maintenance of animal diversity in local populations.     

Ophthalmic examination findings in a group of retired racing Greyhounds

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the frequency and types of ophthalmic findings in a group of retired racing Greyhounds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Complete ophthalmic examinations of both eyes of 100 retired racing Greyhounds were performed. Anterior segment examinations were performed by slit-lamp biomicroscopy. Tear production was measured by Schirmer tear test. Intraocular pressures were obtained by applanation tonometry. The posterior segments were examined by binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy following pharmacologic dilation. A photographic record of abnormalities was obtained whenever possible. RESULTS: Mean tear production by Schirmer tear test was 21 mm/min (range 11-30 mm/min). Mean intraocular pressure by applanation tonometry was 16 mmHg (range 9-28 mmHg). The most prevalent anterior segment findings were cataracts (17% dogs, 11% eyes), corneal degeneration/scarring (6% dogs, 4% eyes), and suspected typical and atypical 'pannus' (total 4% dogs, 4% eyes). The most prevalent posterior segment abnormalities were vitreal degeneration (31% dogs, 38% eyes) and chorioretinal degeneration/scarring (7% dogs, 4% eyes). Other findings included anterior chamber vitreal strands, stretched lens zonules, periocular alopecia, a case of mild unilateral chemosis, and a distichium. CONCLUSIONS: Ophthalmic abnormalities are not uncommon in retired racing Greyhounds.     

Efficacy of zinc citrate ascorbate for treatment of canine cataracts

Efficacy of zinc citrate ascorbate was evaluated in 146 dogs (265 eyes) that had various lens opacities. Zinc citrate ascorbate or saline placebo drops were applied topically once or twice daily for 4 to 31 weeks. Of 138 eyes treated with zinc citrate ascorbate, 86 eyes (62.3%) had no change, 48 eyes (34.8%) had increased lens opacity, and 4 eyes (2.9%) had decreased lens opacity. Of 127 eyes treated with a saline placebo, 99 eyes (77.9%) had no change, 25 eyes (19.7%) had increased lens opacity, and 3 eyes (2.4%) had decreased lens opacity. Zinc citrate ascorbate drops were not significantly (P = less than 0.05) more effective in clearing cataracts than were saline drops. Seemingly, zinc citrate ascorbate drops may have caused lens opacities to increase in area and density.     

Prevalence of primary breed-related cataracts in the dog in North America

The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of cataracts in dogs presented to veterinary medical teaching hospitals in North America between 1964 and 2003. A retrospective study of all dogs presented with cataracts to veterinary medical teaching hospitals in North America between 1964 and 2003 was conducted to determine cataract prevalence. The different decades, breeds, gender, and age at time of presentation with cataract were compared. The prevalence of dogs presented with cataract varied by decade and ranged from 0.95% (1964-73), 1.88% (1974-83), 2.42% (1994-2003), to 3.5% (1984-93). The total number of dogs presented with cataracts over the 40-year period was 39,229. From 1964 to 2003 the prevalence of cataract formation in this patient population increased by about 255%. Fifty-nine breeds of dogs were affected with cataracts above the baseline prevalence of 1.61% seen in mixed-breed/hybrid dogs. The breeds with the highest cataract prevalence included: Smooth Fox Terrier (11.70%), Havanese (11.57%), Bichon Frise (11.45%), Boston Terrier (11.11%), Miniature Poodle (10.79%), Silky Terrier (10.29%) and Toy Poodle (10.21%). The breeds with the largest number of cataractous dogs during the entire four decades were the Boston Terrier (11.11%), Miniature Poodle (10.79%), American Cocker Spaniel (8.77%), Standard Poodle (7.00%), and Miniature Schnauzer (4.98%). Gender ratios of cataractous dogs seemed to affect limited breeds. Age of presentation with cataract diagnosis varied among several breeds. In the mixed-breed/hybrid baseline population, cataract formation appeared to be age related with a higher frequency of cataract formation in dogs after 4-7 years. Cataract formation is one of the most prevalent eye diseases in the dog population, and in about 60 breeds of dogs the prevalence of cataract exceeds that of the baseline mixed-breed/hybrid group. The prevalence of cataract is also influenced by age in most purebred dogs and affects 16.80% of the 7-15+-year-old mixed-breed/hybrid dog population. Total and age-related cataract prevalence in dogs seems very similar to that in man.     

Clinical manifestations of cataracts in small breed dogs

Objective  To determine the incidence, etiology, and concurrent ophthalmic findings in small breed dogs that presented with cataracts.
Animal studied  Five hundred and sixty-one small breed dogs (942 eyes) were presented to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of Seoul National University between July 2002 and December 2007 with cataract.
Procedure  The medical records of small breed dogs with cataract were reviewed. The reason for presentation, cataract duration, bilaterality, breed, gender, age, vision, etiology, stage of cataract development, concurrent ophthalmic findings, IOP, ocular ultrasonography findings, and scotopic electroretinography (ERG) findings were investigated.
Results  The most frequently presented breeds were the Miniature/Toy Poodle ( n  = 112, 20.0%), Yorkshire Terrier ( n  = 110, 19.6%), and Shih Tzu ( n  = 95, 16.9%). The Miniature/Toy Poodle showed a significantly higher odds ratio for cataract formation (2.6). The proportion of female cataract patients was significantly higher than that of male cataract patients in the overall population ( P  < 0.05). The Miniature/Toy Poodles had significantly higher numbers of females affected with cataract ( P  < 0.01). The mean age for cataract formation was 8.3 ± 3.9 years. The mean age at onset in the Miniature/Toy Poodle and Yorkshire Terrier was significantly higher, whereas that in the Miniature Schnauzer group was significantly lower ( P  < 0.0001). Clinical signs related to lens induced uveitis had a tendency to increase with cataract progression ( P  < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the b-wave amplitude for mixed rod cone response by stage ( P  = 0.137).
Conclusions  Small breed dogs with cataracts had characteristics with regard to age of onset and gender distribution, depending on the breed.     

Secondary glaucomas in the dog in North America

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of secondary glaucomas in dogs associated with cataract formation, lens luxation or displacement, cataract surgery, uveitis, hyphema and intraocular neoplasia. METHODS: Information was obtained from the Veterinary Medical Data Base (VMDB) from all veterinary medical teaching hospitals in North America from March 1964 to March 2003. Secondary glaucomas were diagnosed at the same examination or after the primary diagnosis was made, and included those associated with cataract formation, lens luxation, cataract surgery, uveitis of unknown cause, hyphema of unknown cause, and intraocular neoplasia. The data were evaluated by decade, breed, gender and age of presentation. RESULTS: A total of 1 592 831 dogs were presented, and 9695 canine secondary glaucomas. Secondary glaucoma associated with cataract formation represented 81% of all the canine secondary glaucomas. Breeds (n = 7890 dogs) predisposed to secondary glaucoma and cataracts had an overall prevalence of 0.5%, but nearly 20% of all the cataractous dogs developed secondary glaucoma in at least one eye. For the years 1994-2003, these breeds included the American Cocker Spaniel; Boston Terrier; Toy, Miniature and Standard Poodle; English Springer Spaniel; Bichon Frise; and Labrador Retriever. The other forms of secondary glaucoma occurred less frequently, and included those glaucomas with lens luxation or displacement (779 dogs; 12.0%), postcataract surgery (528 dogs; 5.1%), with uveitis from unknown cause (399 dogs; 7.1%), with hyphema from unknown cause (117 dogs; 7.3%), and with intraocular neoplasia (19 dogs; 3.5%). The risk of the secondary glaucomas from 1984 to 2002 was highest after the intracapsular lens extraction (ICLE), less in the extracapsular technique (ECLE), and lowest for the phacoemulsification/phacofragmentation method. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of the canine secondary glaucomas ranges from 0.25% (1964-1973), 0.46% (1974-1983), 0.79% (1984-1993), to 0.80% (1994-2003) and are as frequent as the primary or breed-related glaucomas during these same time periods.     

Topical KINOSTAT™ ameliorates the clinical development and progression of cataracts in dogs with diabetes mellitus

Objective To determine whether topical administration of the aldose reductase inhibitor Kinostat™ can ameliorate the onset or progression of cataracts in dogs with naturally occurring diabetes mellitus (DM). Materials and Methods A randomized, prospective, double‐masked placebo control pilot study was conducted with 40 dogs newly diagnosed with DM with no or minimal lens changes. Twenty‐eight dogs received Kinostat™ and 12 dogs received placebo. Procedures Owners administered the agent into both eyes three times daily for 1 year and compliance was monitored with log sheets. Complete ophthalmic examinations were performed on dilated eyes at the time of enrollment and 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months into treatment. Cataract severity was assessed on a scale of 0–3. At 12 months, full bloodwork, including HbA1C and blood Kinostat^TM levels were performed. Results After 12 months of treatment, the cataract score in the placebo group significantly increased with seven dogs (14 eyes) developing mature cataracts, two dogs (4 eyes) developing cortical opacities, and one dog (2 eyes) developing equatorial vacuoles with mild punctate cortical opacities. In contrast, the cataract score in the Kinostat^TM treated dogs was significantly less with seven developing anterior equatorial vacuoles, two developing incipient anterior cortical cataracts, and four developing mature cataracts. In fact, the cataract scores of the Kinostat^TM group at 12 months did not significantly increase from the score at the time of enrollment. The HbA1C values between the two groups after 12 months of treatment were similar, and no blood levels of Kinostat^TM were found in any enrolled dog. Conclusion The onset and/or progression of cataracts in dogs with DM can be significantly delayed by topical administration of Kinostat™.     

Cataracts are not associated with retinal detachment in the Bichon Frise in the UK--a retrospective study of preoperative findings and outcomes in 40 eyes

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the Bichon Frise population in the UK is at the same risk of developing retinal detachment in association with cataract formation and following phacoemulsification as described in reports from the USA. Procedures The medical records of Bichon Frises which were presented for cataract assessment and of those which were treated with phacoemulsification at Willows Referral Service between 1997 and 2009 were reviewed. Results Forty eyes (26 dogs) with unilateral or bilateral cataracts were included in the study. There was no evidence of retinal detachment associated with the cataracts at initial presentation. Phacoemulsification was performed on 34 eyes (20 dogs). Clinically evident lens‐induced uveitis was treated preoperatively in 17/34 eyes. Artificial lens implantation was carried out in 30/34 eyes; automated anterior vitrectomy was performed in 7/34 eyes. The mean follow‐up time was 16.6 months (range 1.5–73 months). At the last re‐examination, 31/34 eyes (91.2%) were visual. Three eyes (8.8%) were blind – two (in the same dog) because of presumptive bilateral optic nerve disease and one because of uveitis and secondary glaucoma. There was no evidence of retinal detachment following phacoemulsification in any of the 34 eyes. Conclusion This study suggests that the Bichon Frise population in the UK does not appear to have a predisposition for retinal detachment in association with cataract formation or following cataract surgery. Prophylactic random transscleral laser retinopexy or transscleral cryopexy cannot therefore be routinely recommended for Bichon Frises with cataracts in the UK.     

Normal clinical electroretinography parameters for poodle,Labrador retriever,Thai ridgeback,and Thai Bangkaew

The purpose of the present study was to establish normal electroretinogram (ERG) parameters using 56 normal eyes of four dog breeds common in Thailand: poodle, Labrador retriever, Thai ridgeback, and Thai Bangkaew. Standard ERG findings were bilaterally recorded using a handheld multi-species ERG unit with an ERG-jet lens electrode for 28 dogs under preanesthesia with diazepam, anesthesia with propofol, and anesthesia maintenance with isoflurane. There were significant differences in the mean values of ERG amplitudes and implicit times among the four dog breeds (p < 0.05) except for the b-wave implicit time of the photopic 30 Hz flicker response with 3 cd.s/m² (p = 0.610). Out of the four breeds, Thai Bangkaew had the longest implicit time (p < 0.001) of scotopic low intensity responses, b-wave of scotopic standard intensity responses (3 cd.s/m²), a-wave of the higher intensity response (10 cd.s/m²), and a-wave of the photopic single flash response (3 cd.s/m²). For the b/a ratio, only the ratio of the Cone response was significantly different among the different breeds. In this summary, normal ERG parameters for four dog breeds were reported. Data from the investigation supported the hypothesis that determination of breed-specific limits of normality for ERG responses is necessary for individual clinics and laboratories.     

Breed‐associated variability in serum biochemical analytes in four large‐breed dogs

Background: Genetic background can influence the expected values of hematologic and serum biochemical analytes in domestic animal species. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if there are breed‐related differences in serum biochemical variables in healthy purebred dogs of 4 breeds and to develop appropriate reference intervals. Methods: Alaskan Malamutes (n=59), Siberian Huskies (n=78), Golden Retrievers (n=90), and English Setters (n=77) were included in the study. The dogs had a median age of 42 months (range 10–112 months) and each breed included a mix of intact and neutered dogs of both sexes. Serum biochemical profiles (Olympus AU400e) were performed along with physical examinations, CBCs, and urinalyses to ensure dogs were clinically healthy. Differences in the values of biochemical analytes were assessed nonparametrically and reference intervals for all breeds combined were calculated as the central 95% percentile. Results: Significant differences were observed between breeds for all serum biochemical analytes except alkaline phosphatase, glucose, and chloride. The analyte ranges had a large degree of overlap between the different breeds. Conclusions: Although many statistically significant breed‐related differences in serum biochemical values were observed, the differences were small and unlikely to have clinical relevance or impact medical decision making.