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.

     

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.

     

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.

     

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.

     

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.

     

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.

     

Idiopathic Canine Laryngeal Paralysis as One Sign of a Diffuse Polyneuropathy: An Observational Study of 90 Cases (2007–2013)

Objective

To determine survival and incidence of complications in dogs with idiopathic laryngeal paralysis (ILP) and concurrent neurologic signs.

Study Design

Observational study.

Animals

Dogs (n = 90) with ILP.

Methods

Medical records (January 2007–June 2013) of dogs with ILP were reviewed. Neurologic comorbidities, including pelvic limb neurologic abnormalities and esophageal abnormalities were identified. Using medical record information and client interviews, the relationship between these comorbidities and postoperative survival (primary outcome measure) and postoperative complications (secondary outcome measure) was identified.

Results

Dogs that had surgical correction of ILP had a 2.6‐fold reduction in the hazard of death throughout the study period (HR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.34–4.84, P = .006). Owner assessed patient quality of life (10‐point scale) increased by an average of 4.1 ± 1.4 units immediately postoperatively, and 4.9 ± 0.9 units until death or followup compared with preoperative values. Thirty‐five of 72 dogs available for followup had evidence of diffuse neurologic comorbidities. Overall complication rate for dogs with neurologic comorbidities was 74%, compared with 32% for dogs without neurologic comorbidities. Presence of any neurologic comorbidity was associated with a significantly greater odds of any complication (OR = 4.04; 95% CI: 1.25–13.90, P = .019) as well as recurring complications (OR = 8.00; 95% CI: 1.49–54.38; P = .015).

Conclusion

Surgical correction of ILP was positively associated with survival, and dogs with neurologic comorbidities were at greater risk for developing postoperative complications.

     

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.

     

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.

     

Long‐Term Survival of Dogs with Adrenal‐Dependent Hyperadrenocorticism: A Comparison between Mitotane and Twice Daily Trilostane Treatment

Background

Treatment of adrenal‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism (ADH) involves either surgical resection of the adrenal tumor or medical therapy. For many years, mitotane has been considered the medical treatment of choice for dogs with ADH.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine survival and prognostic factors for dogs with ADH treated with mitotane and trilostane.

Animals

Twenty‐six dogs with ADH were included in the study.

Methods

Fourteen dogs were treated with mitotane and 12 dogs were treated with trilostane. Medical records were reviewed. Epidemiologic factors, signalment, clinicopathologic abnormalities, endocrine test results, and treatment protocols were evaluated to identify potential predictive factors of overall survival time.

Results

Survival times of dogs treated with mitotane (median, 15.6 months) or trilostane (median, 14.0 months) were not significantly different. Using univariate analysis, age and postadrenocorticotropic hormone cortisol concentrations were inversely correlated with survival time. The multivariate model also identified weakness at presentation as a negative prognostic indicator.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

The type of medical treatment (mitotane versus trilostane) does not influence survival time in dogs with ADH; therefore, trilostane, a drug with less frequent and milder adverse effects, might be used as the primary medical treatment when adrenalectomy cannot be performed.     

A Homozygous KCNJ10 Mutation in Jack Russell Terriers and Related Breeds with Spinocerebellar Ataxia with Myokymia,Seizures, or Both

Background

Juvenile‐onset spinocerebellar ataxia has been recognized in Jack Russell Terriers and related Russell group terriers (RGTs) for over 40 years. Ataxia occurs with varying combinations of myokymia, seizures, and other signs of neurologic disease. More than 1 form of the disease has been suspected.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The objective was to identify the mutation causing the spinocerebellar ataxia associated with myokymia, seizures, or both and distinguish the phenotype from other ataxias in the RGTs.

Animals

DNA samples from 16 RGTs with spinocerebellar ataxia beginning from 2 to 12 months of age, 640 control RGTs, and 383 dogs from 144 other breeds along with the medical records of affected dogs were studied.

Methods

This case‐control study compared the frequencies of a KCNJ10 allele in RGTs with spinocerebellar ataxia versus control RGTs. This allele was identified in a whole‐genome sequence of a single RGT with spinocerebellar ataxia and myokymia by comparison to whole‐genome sequences from 81 other canids that were normal or had other diseases.

Results

A missense mutation in the gene coding for the inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir4.1 (KCNJ10:c.627C>G) was significantly (P < .001) associated with the disease. Dogs homozygous for the mutant allele all had spinocerebellar ataxia with varying combinations of myokymia and seizures.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Identification of the KCNJ10 mutation in dogs with spinocerebellar ataxia with myokymia, seizures, or both clarifies the multiple forms of ataxia seen in these breeds and provides a DNA test to identify carriers.     

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.     

Urinary and Plasma Catecholamines and Metanephrines in Dogs with Pheochromocytoma,Hypercortisolism, Nonadrenal Disease and in Healthy Dogs

Background

Diagnosis of pheochromocytoma (PC) is based on a combination of clinical suspicion, finding an adrenal mass, increased plasma, and urine concentrations of catecholamine metabolites and is finally confirmed with histopathology. In human medicine, it is controversial whether biochemically testing plasma is superior to testing urine.

Objectives

To measure urinary and plasma catecholamines and metanephrines in healthy dogs, dogs with PC, hypercortisolism (HC), and nonadrenal diseases (NAD) and to determine the test with the best diagnostic performance for dogs with PC.

Animals

Seven PC dogs, 10 dogs with HC, 14 dogs with NAD, 10 healthy dogs.

Methods

Prospective diagnostic clinical study. Urine and heparin plasma samples were collected and stored at −80°C before analysis using high‐pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to electrochemical detection or tandem mass spectrometry were performed. Urinary variables were expressed as ratios to urinary creatinine concentration.

Results

Dogs with PC had significantly higher urinary normetanephrine and metanephrine : creatinine ratios and significantly higher plasma‐total and free normetanephrine and plasma‐free metanephrine concentrations compared to the 3 other groups. There were no overlapping results of urinary normetanephrine concentrations between PC and all other groups, and only one PC dog with a plasma normetanephrine concentration in the range of the dogs with HC and NAD disease. Performances of total and free plasma variables were similar. Overlap of epinephrine and norepinephrine results between the groups was large with both urine and plasma.

Conclusion and clinical importance

Measurement of normetanephrine is the preferred biochemical test for PC and urine was superior to plasma.     

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.     

Incidence,Timing, and Risk Factors of Azathioprine Hepatotoxicosis in Dogs

Background

The use of azathioprine (AZA) in dogs is limited by the development of hepatotoxicosis and cytopenias.

Hypothesis and Objectives

To characterize the observed incidence, timing, and risk factors for AZA hepatotoxicosis in dogs treated clinically, and to determine the relationship between the development of hepatotoxicosis and cytopenias.

Animals

Fifty‐two dogs treated with AZA with clinical and biochemical follow‐up, with a subset of 34 dogs available for determination of changes in liver enzyme activities in serum.

Methods

Retrospective medical record review, from January 2009 through December 2013.

Results

Hepatotoxicosis (as defined by a >2‐fold increase in serum ALT) was observed in 5 of 34 dogs (15%) within a median onset of 14 days (range, 13–22 days). Dogs had a median 9‐fold increase in ALT and 8‐fold increase in ALP, which stabilized or resolved with drug discontinuation or dose reduction. German shepherds were significantly over‐represented (3 of 5 dogs with hepatotoxicosis; P = .0017). Thrombocytopenia or neutropenia were seen in 4 of 48 dogs with CBC follow‐up (8% of dogs), but occurred significantly later in treatment (median onset, 53 days; range 45–196 days) compared to hepatotoxicosis (P = .016).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

These results support the routine monitoring of liver enzymes during the first 1–4 weeks of AZA treatment in dogs, with continued monitoring of the CBC. Additional studies are warranted to characterize the apparently higher risk of AZA hepatotoxicosis in German shepherds.     

Longitudinal Prevalence of Hypertension,Proteinuria, and Retinopathy in Dogs with Spontaneous Diabetes Mellitus

Background

The prevalence and progression of vascular complications of spontaneous diabetes mellitus (DM) in dogs have not been described.

Objectives

To investigate the effects of duration of disease, as estimated by time since DM diagnosis, and glycemic control on prevalence of systemic hypertension, proteinuria, and diabetic retinopathy in dogs with spontaneous DM.

Animals

Seventeen client‐owned dogs with spontaneous DM.

Methods

Prospective, longitudinal observational study. Dogs with DM of less than 1 year''s duration were recruited and evaluated once every 6 months for 24 months. Recorded measures included indirect BP, urine albumin, protein and creatinine concentrations, serial blood glucose and serum fructosamine concentrations, ophthalmic examination, and a standardized behavioral questionnaire.

Results

Eleven dogs completed the 2‐year follow‐up period, during which the highest recorded prevalence of systolic and diastolic hypertension was 55 and 64%, respectively. Prevalence of microalbuminuria and elevated urine protein:creatinine ratio (UPC) ranged up to 73 and 55%, respectively. Prevalence of retinopathy ranged up to 20%. No significant effect of time since DM diagnosis or glycemic control was detected for any of the measures examined. Additionally, no significant associations between BP, urine albumin concentration, UPC and retinopathy were detected.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

With the exception of proteinuria, which was substantial in some cases, clinically deleterious diabetic vascular complications were not identified in dogs in this study.     

Clinical Features and Treatment Outcomes of 41 Dogs with Sublingual Ectopic Thyroid Neoplasia

Background

Thyroid neoplasia is common in dogs, but there are few reports of dogs with ectopic, sublingual thyroid tumors.

Objectives

To describe clinical features and outcomes of dogs with ectopic, sublingual thyroid neoplasia.

Animals

Five hundred and forty‐four dogs with thyroid neoplasia.

Methods

This retrospective study reviewed the medical records of dogs referred for thyroid neoplasia between 1995 and 2013. Data extracted included signalment, extent of thyroid disease (eutopic or ectopic; metastasis), serum thyroxine (T₄) concentration, treatment, and survival.

Results

Of 544 dogs with thyroid neoplasia, 41 (7.5%) dogs had ectopic sublingual thyroid tumors. The clinical features of these 41 dogs were similar to the cohort group of 503 dogs with eutopic or ectopic mediastinal thyroid tumors, but dogs with sublingual tumors were younger and less likely to have metastatic disease (15% versus 30%, P < .05). Of the 41 dogs, 28 received treatment: 21 with surgery (which included partial hyoidectomy in 13), 7 with radioiodine alone, and 13 with surgery followed by administration of radioiodine. Overall median survival was 562 days (range, 1‐1,850 days).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

When compared with eutopic thyroid carcinomas, ectopic sublingual thyroid tumors generally have a less aggressive biologic behavior. Many dogs have prolonged survival, even without treatment, although death because of local tumor invasiveness or metastasis can develop in some dogs. Surgical thyroidectomy, including partial hyoidectomy, is generally effective for control of local disease. Administration of radioiodine, alone or in combination with surgical treatment, is recommended for multifocal disease or metastasis.