Glycogenosis in the dog.

Four cases of a generalized form of glycogenosis occurring in German Shepherd dogs, all females, are described. Symptoms could be noticed as early as the age of two months and progressed slowly for months. They appeared as dizziness, muscular weakness, and in two of the cases as poor nutritional state. The abdomen became gradually distended. The main lesion seen at postmortem was a greatly increased liver size with some moderate liver fibrosis. Heavy deposits of a granular substance behaving as glycogen in histochemical tests and at electron microscopy were found in the hepatic cells, muscle fibres of the heart, skeletal and smooth muscles, and in nerve and glial cells of the central nervous system. The substance was lying freely dispersed in the cell cytoplasm without any indication of lysosomal storage. The disease of dogs does not seem to be fully comparable with any of the types observed in man, but is probably much related to Type III or Cori''s Disease. Structure analysis of the deposits and enzyme investigations have been done and are published (Čeh et al. 1976).     

Acupuncture treatment for idiopathic Horner's syndrome in a dog

A one-year-old female English Cocker Spaniel dog with idiopathic Horner''s Syndrome is described. The specific clinical signs in this specimen were miosis, ptosis, enophthalmos, and prolapsed nictitans for 2 days following sudden onset. According to history taking, ophthalmic, neurological, and radiological examination, the patient was diagnosed with idiopathic Horner''s syndrome. Manual acupuncture treatment was applied to the dog on local points two times in 2 days. The local acupoints were ST-4 (Di Chang) and GB-1 (Tong Zi Liao). The day after the initial acupuncture treatment, clinical signs related to idiopathic Horner''s syndrome had almost disappeared. The day after the second treatment, specific clinical signs were completely absent. During this period, the dog did not receive any orthodox treatment. Thus, it is suggested that manual acupuncture might be an effective therapy for idiopathic Horner''s syndrome.     

Lectin-Histochemistry: Glycogenosis in Cattle

Ten out of 47 calves that were born in a small Brahman herd from southern Brazil developed progressive muscular weakness and tremors, lethargy and poor body condition. Necropsy was performed on three affected animals. The only gross lesion detected was paleness of the muscles of the trunk and limbs. Multiple cytoplasm vacuoles located in different tissues were the principal microscopic lesions. Vacuoles were particularly evident in skeletal muscles and myocardium. PAS-positive granules were numerous in skeletal muscle fibres and Purkinje fibres of the myocardium, but were also observed in the neurons of the brain and spinal cord, and in the vascular smooth muscle fibres from all the examined tissues. Pretreatment with diastase completely abolished the PAS reactivity. The vacuoles reacted strongly to Griffonia simplicifolia II and Concanavalia ensiformes lectins, whose biding pattern has been reported as useful for demonstration of glycogen. Examination of the electron micrographs revealed that glycogen was free within the cytoplasm or accumulated in membrane-bound granules of several tissues, especially in striated muscle, liver and neurons of the CNS. These findings were consistent with generalized glycogenosis.     

Creatinine in the dog: a review

Creatinine is the analyte most frequently measured in human and veterinary clinical chemistry laboratories as an indirect measure of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Although creatinine metabolism and the difficulties of creatinine measurement have been reviewed in human medicine, similar reviews are lacking in veterinary medicine. The aim of this review is to summarize information and data about creatinine metabolism, measurement, and diagnostic significance in the dog. Plasma creatinine originates from the degradation of creatine and creatine phosphate, which are present mainly in muscle and in food. Creatinine is cleared by glomerular filtration with negligible renal secretion and extrarenal metabolism, and its clearance is a good estimate of GFR. Plasma and urine creatinine measurements are based on the nonspecific Jaffé reaction or specific enzymatic reactions; lack of assay accuracy precludes proper interlaboratory comparison of results. Preanalytical factors such as age and breed can have an impact on plasma creatinine (P-creatinine) concentration, while many intraindividual factors of variation have little effect. Dehydration and drugs mainly affect P-creatinine concentration in dogs by decreasing GFR. P-creatinine is increased in renal failure, whatever its cause, and correlates with a decrease in GFR according to a curvilinear relationship, such that P-creatinine is insensitive for detecting moderate decreases of GFR or for monitoring progression of GFR in dogs with severely reduced kidney function. Low sensitivity can be obviated by determining endogenous or exogenous clearance rates of creatinine. A technique for determining plasma clearance following IV bolus injection of exogenous creatinine and subsequent serial measurement of P-creatinine does not require urine collection and with additional studies may become an established technique for creatinine clearance in dogs.     

A comparative examination of swine sera for antibody to Aujeszky virus with the conventional and a modified virus-serum neutralization test and a modified direct complement fixation test.

Sera of pigs from élite breeding herds, of boars and sows collected at slaughter-houses, and of pigs from herds known to be infected, were examined for antibody to Aujeszky virus. The conventional and a modified virus-neutralizing antibody (VNA) test and a modified direct complement fixation (CF) test were employed. In simultaneous titrations of positive sera the modified VNA test gave titers approx. 4 log2 units above the titers obtained by the conventional test. The conventional VNA test was found insufficiently sensitive. Unspecific neutralization in the modified VNA test was infrequent in serum dilution 1/2 and rare in dilution 1/4. The GF tests on sera of slaughter sows and animals from known infected herds showed a remarkable consistency with the VNA tests. Inconsistent results were obtained with but few sera. Abt. 5 % of the sera could not be examined because of complement fixation with control antigen.     

Investigation of Single and Paired Measurements of Adrenocorticotropic Hormone for the Diagnosis of Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction in Horses

Background

Paired measurement of ACTH concentration may be more reliable than a single measurement.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To determine whether the mean of 2 measurements of ACTH concentration is more reliable in assessing pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) than a single measurement.

Animals

Paired ACTH measurements were performed on (1) 148 occasions from 124 horses being investigated for PPID, (2) 90 occasions from 76 horses with PPID that were receiving treatment with pergolide, and (3) 63 occasions from 50 horses in which there was no clinical suspicion of PPID. Histologic examination of the pars intermedia was performed in 67 of the untreated horses.

Methods

Outcome of testing using single and the mean of paired samples was compared directly and both methods were compared against histology, which was considered the gold standard.

Results

Paired ACTH measurement altered binary classification as healthy or diseased in 6 of 211 cases, all off which had equivocal initial ACTH concentrations between 20 and 39 pg/mL. Using histology as the gold standard, optimal sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing PPID were 69.4 and 80.9%, respectively, for a single measurement and 72.2 and 76.2%, respectively, for paired measurements. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.72 and 0.73 for single and paired measurements compared with histopathologic diagnosis, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Paired measurement of ACTH concentration offers no advantage over a single measurement.     

Basal Serum Cortisol Concentration as a Screening Test for Hypoadrenocorticism in Dogs

Background

Measurement of basal serum or plasma cortisol concentration is used as a screening test for hypoadrenocorticism in dogs, but is not well characterized.

Objectives

To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of basal serum cortisol to detect hypoadrenocorticism in a population of dogs with a clinical suspicion of hypoadrenocorticism.

Animals

Four hundred and fifty dogs with nonadrenal gland illness and 14 dogs with naturally occurring hypoadrenocorticism were included.

Methods

Retrospective case‐control study. The records of all dogs having had an ACTH stimulation test performed between January 2005 and September 2011 at the University of Bristol were reviewed. Dogs were included if the test was performed as a screening for hypoadrenocorticism. The sensitivity and specificity of basal serum cortisol concentration to detect dogs with hypoadrenocorticism were calculated using 2 cut‐offs and compared to the gold standard ACTH stimulation test.

Results

Using a cut‐off of ≤2 μg/dL (≤55 nmol/L), the sensitivity and specificity of basal cortisol to detect hypoadrenocorticism were 100% and 63.3%, respectively, whereas for a cut‐off of ≤1 μg/dL (≤28 nmol/L), the sensitivity and specificity were 85.7% and 91.8%, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Measurement of basal serum cortisol is useful as a screening test for hypoadrenocorticism in dogs using a cut‐off of ≤2 μg/dL (≤55 nmol/L), and the disease is unlikely with a basal serum cortisol >2 μg/dL (>55 nmol/L). A basal serum cortisol ≤2 μg/dL (≤55 nmol/L) cannot be used to diagnose hypoadrenocorticism, and an ACTH stimulation test should be performed in these cases.     

Detection of von Willebrand's Disease in Dogs with a Rapid Qualitative Test, Based on Venom-Coagglutinin-Induced Platelet Agglutination

A rapid, qualitative blood test was developed to identify potential bleeders among dogs that are von Willebrand's disease suspects. The test, based on venom coagglutinin-induced agglutination of formalin-fixed washed platelets, was compared to the more lengthy electroimmunoassay for factor VIII-related antigen. The 2 tests were performed on plasma samples from 82 dogs, including 68 Doberman pinschers. The 39 plasma samples that were found to be "clinically normal" by the new test had factor VIII-related antigen concentrations ranging from 32% to 192% of that in a pool of normal canine plasma samples. Plasma samples from the 43 dogs that tested as "potential bleeders" by the new test had factor VIII-related antigen concentrations from 4% to 38%. All 43 "potential bleeders" were Doberman pinschers. Shortly after being evaluated by the new test, 46 of the dogs underwent invasive diagnostic, therapeutic, or cosmetic procedures. Excessive hemorrhage was encountered in 40% of the 25 dogs that tested as "potential bleeders. " In contrast, only 5% of the 21 dogs that tested as "clinically normal" exhibited abnormal bleeding.     

Urinary cortisol‐creatinine ratio in dogs with hypoadrenocorticism

BackgroundBasal serum cortisol (BSC) ≥2 μg/dL (>55 nmol/L) has high sensitivity but low specificity for hypoadrenocorticism (HA).ObjectiveTo determine whether the urinary corticoid:creatinine ratio (UCCR) can be used to differentiate dogs with HA from healthy dogs and those with diseases mimicking HA (DMHA).AnimalsNineteen healthy dogs, 18 dogs with DMHA, and 10 dogs with HA.MethodsRetrospective study. The UCCR was determined on urine samples from healthy dogs, dogs with DMHA, and dogs with HA. The diagnostic performance of the UCCR was assessed based on receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves, calculating the area under the ROC curve.ResultsThe UCCR was significantly lower in dogs with HA (0.65 × 10⁻⁶; range, 0.33‐1.22 × 10⁻⁶) as compared to healthy dogs (3.38 × 10⁻⁶; range, 1.11‐17.32 × 10⁻⁶) and those with DMHA (10.28 × 10⁻⁶; range, 2.46‐78.65 × 10⁻⁶) (P < .0001). There was no overlap between dogs with HA and dogs with DMHA. In contrast, 1 healthy dog had a UCCR value in the range of dogs with HA. The area under the ROC curve was 0.99. A UCCR cut‐off value of <1.4 yielded 100% sensitivity and 97.3% specificity in diagnosing HA.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe UCCR seems to be a valuable and reliable screening test for HA in dogs. The greatest advantage of this test is the need for only a single urine sample.     

Circadian variations of serum thyroxine, free thyroxine and 3,5,3'triiodothyronine concentrations in healthy dogs

This study was to determine the daily fluctuation of serum thyroxine (tT₄), free thyroxine (fT₄), 3,5,3''-triiodothyronine (T₃) concentrations in healthy dogs. Thyroid function of these dogs was evaluated on the basis of results of TSH response test. Samples for the measurement of serum tT₄, fT₄, and T₃ concentrations were obtained at 3-hour intervals from 8 : 00 to 20 : 00. Serum tT₄, fT₄, and T₃ concentrations were measured by the enzyme chemiluminescent immunoassay (ECLIA). Mean T₃ concentrations had no significant differences according to the sample collection time during the day. Mean tT₄ and fT₄ concentrations at 11 : 00 were 3.28 ± 0.86 µg/dl and 1.30 ± 0.37 ng/dl, respectively and mean tT₄ and fT₄ at 14:00 were 3.54 ± 1.15 µg/dl and 1.35 ± 0.12 ng/dl, respectively. These concentrations were significantly high compared with tT₄ and fT₄ concentrations at 8:00, which were 1.75 ± 0.75 µg/dl and 0.97 ± 0.25 ng/dl, respectively (p < 0.05). According to the sample collection time, mean tT₄ and fT₄ concentrations changed with similar fluctuation during the day. Based on these results, it was considered that measurement of serum tT₄ and fT₄ concentrations from 11 : 00 to 14 : 00 might more easily diagnose the canine hypothyroidism in practice.     

A suspected case of Lyme borreliosis in a hunting dog in Korea

A two-year-old male Pointer had been presented with anorexia, cachexia, and weight loss of 10-day duration. Upon physical examination, fever, lethargy, superficial lymph node enlargement, and tick infestation were noted. The only abnormality in CBC and serum chemistry analyses was mild hyperglobulinemia. Spleen was enlarged by radiography, and the lymph nodes showed neutrophilic lymphadenitis by cytological examination. A polymerase chain reaction test for babesiosis and commercial ELISA tests for Ehrlichia canis, heartworm, and Lyme disease was negative except for Lyme disease, which was verified by both an IFA-IgG test and a quantitative C₆ assay. Doxycycline was administered for 2 weeks and the recovery was uneventful. Post-treatment C₆ titer decreased to within normal limits.     

Hepatic ultrasonography in the dog

Ultrasonography may be used to evaluate noninvasively a wide variety of diseases affecting the canine liver. Hepatic mass lesions, parenchymal pathology, gallbladder and biliary disease, and vascular abnormalities may be detected and characterized by ultrasonography. Ultrasonically guided percutaneous liver biopsy can improve the succes and safety of obtaining diagnostic cytologic material. The response of liver disorders to treatment may be effectively monitored by serial ultrasonographic examination. The ultrasonographic diagnosis of canine liver disease is described and illustrated with 11 case history reports.     

Risk management of paratuberculosis in dairy herds

Risk management of paratuberculosis (Johne's disease) in a dairy herd requires an assessment of the likelihood of paratuberculosis occurring in the herd, the economic impact of paratuberculosis on the herd and an evaluation of measures that can be taken to reduce this likelihood and impact.The likelihood of paratuberculosis occurring in the herd is related to the regional herd-level prevalence of paratuberculosis and the herd management (e.g., introducing animals from other herds). The economic impact of paratuberculosis includes production losses due to subclinical and clinical cases, losses due to increased replacement of animals and costs of control measures. Furthermore, a reduction of the price of milk from infected herds might result from consumer concerns about the zoonotic potential of paratuberculosis.Measures that reduce the likelihood of paratuberculosis occurring in a herd and its impact include preventive management measures (e.g., closed herd management and an effective separation of susceptible young stock from adult cattle), test-and-cull schemes for known infected herds and quality assurance schemes for test-negative herds. Quality assurance schemes for test-negative herds, such as schemes for 'low-Map bulk milk' and 'Map-free' herds, aim at safeguarding or increasing the profitability of these herds.Keys to success of risk management of paratuberculosis include realistic expectations of the results of paratuberculosis control, quality assurance and control programmes that are appreciated by farmers and incentives for farmers to participate in such programmes.     

Two cases of dermatophytic pseudomycetoma in the dog: an immunohistochemical study

Two cases of canine dermatophytic pseudomycetoma resulting in subcutaneous nodules resembling those previously reported in Persian cats are described. Culture performed from one nodule yielded dark yellow colonies consistent with Microsporum canis. Immunohistochemistry, using rabbit anti-M. canis, demonstrated specific binding to fungal elements in paraffin sections. The specificity of the antiserum was further tested by an agar gel immunodiffusion assay using a soluble extract from a feline isolate of M. canis as antigen. The antiserum did not cross-react with an Aspergillus fumigatus antigen. These are the first two reported cases of canine dermatophytic pseudomycetoma and immunohistochemical staining supported the diagnosis.     

Senile cardiac amyloidosis in the dog

Thirty-two cases of senile cardiac amyloidosis from a routine necropsy material of 594 dogs were studied. The age of the affected dogs ranged from 10 to 16 years. Amyloid was observed in the intramural arteries and arterioles, predominantly in the ventricular myocardium. The vessels were often obturated with amyloid, and myocardial necroses and fibroses were common consequences of the vascular lesions. In three cases amyloid deposits were also observed in the main subepicardial coronary arteries. In contrast to man, only slight interstitial amyloid degeneration was found in four of the dogs observed. Amyloid in the mitral valves, tricuspid valves and aortic cusps was observed in six, two and three cases respectively. It was concluded that the distribution of senile cardiac amyloidosis in the heart of the dog differs considerably from that in man.     

Medetomidine and dexmedetomidine: a review of cardiovascular effects and antinociceptive properties in the dog

Alpha(2)-adrenoreceptor agonists (alpha(2)-agonists) are commonly used in small animal anaesthesia for their potent sedative and analgesic properties, although concerns about their cardiovascular effects have prevented their full adoption into veterinary practice. Research into alpha(2) adrenoreceptor agonists and their clinical use is extensive, therefore this review focuses on the use of dexmedetomidine and medetomidine in dogs. Emphasis is given to the cardiovascular effects and antinociceptive action of these agents.     

Potential role of serum inhibitors of erythropoiesis in the anemia associated with infection, renal disease and malignancy in the dog

Serum from dogs with anemia secondary to infection, malignancy and chronic renal disease was tested for the capacity to inhibit in vitro erythropoiesis. Serum inhibition was found in seven of 10 dogs with infectious diseases, four of 10 dogs with malignant diseases, and two of 10 dogs with chronic renal failure. The results were reproducible with at least three different marrow donor dogs. Serum inhibition did not correlate with decreased packed cell volumes. However, serum inhibition occurred in the two dogs with greatest azotemia suggesting that inhibitors of erythropoiesis are present only in advanced stages of renal failure.     

Quantitative evaluation of echinocytes in the dog

Echinocytes were evaluated quantitatively in both healthy and sick dogs and compared with red blood cell (RBC) morphology on Wright's-stained blood smears. Of 68 samples submitted from sick dogs, 32 had high echinocyte numbers. Two diseases, glomerulonephritis and lymphosarcoma, accounted for 15 of the 32 cases. In only four instances were echinocytes reported from blood smear evaluation and not found to be high by quantitative studies. We conclude that nonartifactual echinocytosis occurs in the dog and that it may be associated with specific diseases.     

Serum Adipokine Concentrations in Dogs with Naturally Occurring Pituitary‐Dependent Hyperadrenocorticism

Background

An excess of intra‐abdominal fat is observed frequently in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism (HAC). Adipokine dysregulation is a possible cause of complications related to visceral obesity, but little information is available on adipokine in dogs with naturally occurring HAC.

Objectives

To examine the differences in the circulating adipokines concentrations in overweight dogs with and without pituitary‐dependent HAC (PDH).

Animals

Thirty healthy dogs and 15 client‐owned dogs with PDH.

Methods

Case–controlled observational study, which enrolled 15 overweight dogs diagnosed with PDH and 30 otherwise healthy dogs of similar body condition score. Nine of 15 dogs with PDH were treated with low‐dose trilostane twice daily and reassessed after treatment.

Results

The serum leptin (P < .0001) and insulin (P < .0001) concentrations were significantly higher in the PDH group (leptin, 22.8 ± 8.8 [mean ± SD]; insulin, 9.1 ± 6.1) than the healthy group (leptin, 4.9 ± 3.7; insulin, 1.9 ± 0.9). However, there were no significant differences in the adiponectin, resistin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐10, and IL‐18 levels between the 2 groups. In the PDH group, the serum cortisol concentrations had a linear association with the leptin concentrations, and there were significant decreases in the leptin (P = .0039) and insulin (P = .0039) levels after trilostane treatment. However, the leptin and insulin levels remained higher after trilostane treatment than in healthy control dogs with similar body condition score.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Hypercortisolemia in dogs with PDH might upregulate the circulating leptin levels. However, a large population‐based study will be necessary to determine whether the upregulation of leptin is involved directly with the complications caused by HAC.