A case of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) pyoderma in a Labrador retriever dog

An 8-year-old, neutered male Labrador retriever dog with generalized pruritis had a history of recurring atopic dermatitis and superficial pyoderma. Cocci and yeast were found on cytology and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius was cultured. A regimen of marbofloxacin, dexamethasone, ketoconazole, and cyclosporine in addition to bathing with 2% chlorhexidine shampoo resulted in marked improvement.     

Comminuted fracture of the ulnar carpal bone in a Labrador retriever dog

A 4-year-old male Labrador retriever dog was evaluated for acute lameness without weight-bearing in the right forelimb after an 8-meter fall. Radiographs revealed a comminuted fracture of the ulnar carpal bone that required removal of bone fragments. This appears to be the first report of such a condition.     

Hypocortisolaemia in a Labrador retriever

A four-year-old Labrador retriever was presented with lethargy and exercise intolerance. Clinical examination was unremarkable. A subnormal Cortisol response to adrenocorticotrophin hormone (ACTH) was demonstrated (plasma Cortisol concentrations before and after administration of ACTH were both below the detection limit of the assay) but plasma aldosterone concentrations were within the normal range. Endogenous plasma ACTH concentrations were high, indicating primary adrenocortical disease. Following glucocorticoid supplementation at a replacement dose (prednisolone 0.1 mg/kg) the dog made a full clinical recovery.     

Cerebellar granuloprival degeneration in an Australian kelpie and a Labrador retriever dog

A 7-month-old Australian kelpie dog and a 14-month-old Labrador retriever dog were diagnosed with an uncommon form of cerebellar abiotrophy called cerebellar granuloprival degeneration. This was characterized by a loss of the granular neurons with relative sparing of the Purkinje neurons.     

Intrathoracic lipoma in a Labrador retriever

Pyrexia, granulocytosis and hyperglobulinaemia were the main clinical findings in an unusual case of intrathoracic lipoma in a 12-year-old male Labrador retriever. The response to antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatment was poor, prompting further investigation. Survey radiographs and ultrasonography revealed a cavitated, fluid-filled soft tissue mass in the right hemithorax, which was successfully removed resulting in rapid resolution of clinical signs. Lipomas are rare intrathoracic extrapulmonary tumours. Previously reported clinical signs are dyspnoea and coughing, attributed to the mass effect of the lipoma. The unusual presentation in this case was caused by necrosis of the lipoma, probably owing to torsion of the pedicle attaching it to the cranial mediastinum.     

Hemangiosarcoma in a geriatric Labrador retriever

A geriatric Labrador retriever dog was presented for acute collapse. The dog was conscious but lethargic, tachypneic, tachycardic with weak femoral pulses, occasional pulse deficits, and pale mucous membranes. Radiography, ultrasonography, quick assessment tests, and a complete blood (cell) count (CBC)/biochemistry panel indicated internal hemorrhage and potential problems with hemostasis. The dog was euthanized. A necropsy, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry for CD31 and Factor VIII-related antigen cell markers supported a diagnosis of splenic hemangiosarcoma.     

Glucocorticoid-dependent hypoadrenocorticism with thrombocytopenia and neutropenia mimicking sepsis in a Labrador retriever dog

Glucocorticoid-deficient hypoadrenocorticism (GDH) with immune-mediated-neutropenia (IMN) and -thrombocytopenia (IMT) were diagnosed in a 3-year-old Labrador retriever dog. Glucocorticoid-deficient hypoadrenocorticism is rare and diagnostically challenging as clinical signs and laboratory abnormalities are often nonspecific. Immune-mediated cytopenias and other autoimmune disorders, as part of an autoimmune polyglandular syndrome have been reported with hypoadrenocorticism in humans. This is the first reported case of hypoadrenocorticism and bicytopenia in a dog.     

Generalized tetanus in a Labrador retriever

A 10-week-old, intact female, Labrador retriever was presented for progressive extensor rigidity, facial swelling, and difficulty in walking. Generalized tetanus was diagnosed and treated successfully.     

Gastroesophageal intussusception in a Labrador retriever.

A 14-month-old, intact male Labrador retriever was referred for evaluation of vomiting and regurgitation. A diagnosis of gastroesophageal intussusception with aspiration pneumonia was made. The patient responded favorably to aggressive surgical and medical management. The guarded to poor prognosis for gastroesophageal intussusception makes the successful outcome of this case unique.     

Dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy in a Labrador retriever

Sex-linked muscular dystrophy associated with dystrophin deficiency has been reported in several breeds of dogs and is best characterized in the golden retriever. In this case report, a young, male Labrador retriever with dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy is presented. Clinical signs included generalized weakness, lingual hypertrophy, and dysphagia. Electromyographic abnormalities including complex repetitive discharges were present. Serum creatine kinase concentration was dramatically elevated. Histopathological changes within a muscle biopsy specimen confirmed a dystrophic myopathy, and dystrophin deficiency was demonstrated by immunohistochemical staining. While X-linked muscular dystrophy has not previously been reported in the Labrador retriever, a hereditary myopathy with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance has been characterized. A correct diagnosis and classification of these two disorders are critical for breeders and owners since both the mode of inheritance and the prognosis differ.     

Carpal intra-articular blastomycosis in a Labrador retriever

A 6-month-old male castrated Labrador retriever was presented for coughing and forelimb lameness. Blastomyces dermatitidis was identified in cytology of sputum and synovial fluid. Repeat arthrocentesis 7 months later revealed resolution of septic arthritis. Fungal septic arthritis should be considered for cases of monoarthritis and may respond to oral itraconazole treatment.     

A possible new inherited myopathy in a young Labrador retriever

A 5-month-old, male, Labrador retriever was evaluated for progressive weakness and muscle atrophy. Histologic evaluation of fresh frozen muscle revealed distinct cytoarchitectural changes and central mitochondrial accumulations indistinguishable from those found in the inherited myopathy described in Great Danes. Multiple male littermates and half-siblings were similarly affected.     

Transient renal tubulopathy in a Labrador retriever.

A four-month-old male Labrador retriever was presented for polyuria, polydipsia and persistent euglycaemic glucosuria. On referral, diagnostic tests demonstrated abnormal fractional excretions of electrolytes, increased urinary excretion of selected amino acids, mild renal tubular acidosis and mild proteinuria, indicating renal tubular dysfunction. Pyelonephritis was suspected and potentiated amoxycillin was administered. On re-evaluation at six months of age, the dog was no longer polyuric or polydipsic and the metabolic abnormalities associated with the tubulopathy had resolved. Transient Fanconi's syndrome has not previously been reported in small animals. This report demonstrates the potential for recovery of function in cases presenting with renal tubulopathies.     

Impairment of neutrophil functions in a dog with an eosinophilic dermatosis.

An eosinophilic dermatosis was diagnosed in a dog with a multifocal distribution of pruritic, pustular and erosive lesions on the trunk. Ectoparasites, fungi and bacteria were not detected in the skin of the dog. At a subsequent admission to the university clinic, bacterial conjunctivitis and superficial pyoderma had developed. At a time when the dog received no medical therapy, evaluation of phagocytosis and chemotactic migration towards a variety of chemotactic factors revealed a general suppression of patient neutrophil responsiveness, as compared to a control dog. Viability of the patient's neutrophils was normal. It was proposed that deactivation of neutrophil functions occurred following exposure to suppressive factors from mast cells, or as a consequence of surface receptor down-regulation due to prolonged cell activation by as yet unknown stimulants. The observed susceptibility to infections in the dog suffering from a primary, sterile eosinophilic dermatosis may be related to impaired host defence against opportunistic microorganisms.     

Alimentary lymphosarcoma in a 4-year-old Labrador retriever

Lymphosarcoma, a common canine hematopoietic neoplasm, occurs in multicentric, alimentary, mediastinal, and extranodal forms. Alimentary lymphoma accounts for approximately 5% of cases and is less easily diagnosed than the more common multicentric form. Chemotherapy is often effective, but recent therapeutic advances hold great promise for success in treating canine lymphoma. A 4-year-old, black Labrador retriever was presented (day 1) with a 2-day history of vomiting, polyuria/polydipsia, lethargy, and anorexia. The heart and respiratory rates were within normal limits, and the rectal temperature was 38.9 degrees C. Abdominal splinting was noted on palpation, which elicited urination. No obvious additional abnormalities were detected.     

Unilateral renal cell carcinoma in a Labrador retriever

A 7-year-old, neutered male, Labrador retriever was presented with a history of hematuria. Radiographic and ultrasonographic studies led to a presumptive diagnosis of unilateral renal neoplasia. Unilateral nephroureterectomy was performed. Histopathologic examination of the resected mass confirmed the diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma. Six weeks postoperatively, the dog was well.