Unilateral uveitis in a dog with uveodermatologic syndrome

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 7-year-old Siberian Husky-type dog with heterochromia irides was evaluated because of signs of pain associated with the right eye. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Unilateral panuveitis, iris bombé, and secondary glaucoma were detected in the right eye. Tear production was low bilaterally. Facial and truncal poliosis and vitiligo were also evident; skin biopsy specimens were obtained from the nasal planum. Uveodermatologic syndrome was diagnosed on the basis of histopathologic findings of a lichenoid interface dermatitis and pigmentary incontinence within the dermis. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed on skin samples retrospectively, and findings were inconclusive. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Treatment involved topical (ocular) and oral administration of corticosteroids, oral administration of azathioprine, and topical (ocular) administration of a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor and a lacrimostimulant. The secondary glaucoma was refractory to treatment, and the right eye was enucleated. Uveodermatologic syndrome was confirmed via histologic examination of ocular tissues. The left eye remained free of inflammation 16 months after the initial diagnosis. The periocular skin and skin of the nose partially regained pigment, but the hair did not. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Some breeds in which uveodermatologic syndrome has been reported (eg, Siberian Huskies, Old English Sheepdogs, Australian Shepherds, and Shetland Sheepdogs) often have heterochromia irides. This case highlights the fact that dogs with asymmetric uveal pigmentation may have unilateral ocular changes; therefore, uveodermatologic syndrome should not be excluded as a differential diagnosis on the basis of unilateral clinical signs.     

Abdominal compartment syndrome in a dog with babesiosis

Objective: To describe a case of abdominal compartment syndrome in a dog with babesiosis. Case summary: A 9‐year‐old female Bull Terrier presented with complicated babesiosis. Additional findings including respiratory distress, abdominal distension, and a decrease in urine output associated with an elevated abdominal pressure (23.5–25 cmH₂O) led to a further diagnosis of abdominal compartment syndrome. This case report describes the clinical course of both conditions through resolution. New information provided: Abdominal compartment syndrome is not well described in the veterinary literature, but clinicians should be aware of this potential complication in critically ill patients. The pathophysiology and veterinary literature of abdominal compartment syndrome are reviewed.     

Haemolytic-uraemic syndrome in a dog

An 11-year-old female German Shepherd dog presented with lethargy and anorexia, which progressed to haemorrhagic vomiting, diarrhoea and seizures. Serum biochemistry and haematology results showed azotaemia and mild thrombocytopaenia. Euthanasia was elected and the dog was submitted for necropsy examination. There were widespread serosal and mucosal petechial and ecchymotic haemorrhages within the abdomen, with ascites and multiple renal infarcts. The renal infarcts were associated with fibrinoid necrosis and thrombosis of inter-lobular arteries and arterioles. These arterial lesions and clinical signs are consistent with haemolytic-uraemic syndrome, which has not previously been reported in dogs in Europe.     

Hypercalcemia in a dog with resolution of iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome

A six-year-old spayed Pug was presented with crust formation and ulcer on the skin. The patient had received long-term glucocorticoid therapy for treatment of tentatively diagnosed panniculitis. Severe calcification and pyoderma was observed and the patient was diagnosed with iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome and predonisolone was gradually withdrawn. After the withdrawal, the patient developed marked hypercalcemia (15.3 mg/dl) and finally died from renal failure. It is postulated that the eluted calcium from the calcified lesions may have contributed to the high serum calcium level as the underlying disease was not identified on necropsy.     

Thymoma in a dog with a part of granular cell proliferation and concurrent lymphoma cells

A 12-year-old male Shiba dog showed anemia and the swelling of systemic lymph nodes. X-ray and post mortal examinations revealed a anterior mediastinal mass. Histologically, the tumor mass consisted of four different elements; cord-like proliferation of cuboidal epithelial cells, tubular or cystic structures lined with ciliated epithelial cells, proliferation of large round-shaped epithelial cells with PAS-slightly positive granular cytoplasm, and diffuse proliferation of neoplastic lymphocytes. Epithelial cells in cord-like or cystic structures were strongly positive for cytokeratin. Granular or foamy cells were negative for all markers examined and had myelin-like bodies in the cytoplasm by electron microscopy. The neoplastic lymphocytes in the tumor mass were considered being derived from concurrent multicentric lymphoma. Based on these findings, the present case was diagnosed as thymoma with a part of granular cell proliferation and concurrent lymphoma cells.     

A new anaesthetic circuit for use in the dog

A co–axial non–rebreathing circuit for use in small animal anaesthesia is described. The advantages and disadvantages of this type of circuit are discussed in relation to other circuits in current use.     

Horner's syndrome associated with a functional thyroid carcinoma in a dog

A seven-year-old entire male Irish setter was presented because of a neck mass, prolapse of the third eyelid and apparent drooping of the upper eyelid. Historical findings included increased appetite as well as polyuria and polydipsia for about two weeks. The most remarkable findings on physical examination were right-sided Horner's syndrome, pre-scapular lymphadenopathy and a large, ventral cervical mass. Lateral cervical radiographs showed a large, soft tissue opacity surrounding the trachea and retropharyngeal area which was causing displacement and narrowing of the cervical trachea and oesophagus. Results of thyroid testing suggested hyperthyroidism. At necropsy, a large, invasive tumour was identified in the ventral cervical region and multiple metastases of various sizes were detected in the lungs. Histopathological examination of the tumour revealed follicular thyroid carcinoma and confirmed widespread pulmonary metastasis.     

Thrombosis and nephritic syndrome in a dog with visceral leishmaniasis

Visceral leishmaniasis with glomerulonephritis and nephrotic syndrome was diagnosed in a six-year-old dog presented with thromboembolic manifestations. A blood coagulation test indicated low levels of antithrombin III, prolonged partial thromboplastin time, hypofibrinogenaemia, an increase in fibrin degradation products and decreased plasminogenic activity. These results confirmed the diagnosis of thrombosis induced by glomerulonephritis, accompanied by secondary fibrinolysis. Bone marrow aspiration revealed an abundance of parasites of the genus Leishmania. Histopathology confirmed the presence of membranous glomerulonephritis due to Leishmania species parasites, as well as the presence of thrombosis in the aorta, iliac arteries, vena cava and femoral veni.     

Thiazole orange positive platelets in a dog with Evans' syndrome

We examined transition for the percentage of reticulated platelets (RP%) and platelet count in a canine case of Evans' syndrome. The result demonstrated that measurement of the RP% can be useful in evaluating platelet production in the bone marrow and response to treatment.     

Suspected toxic shock-like syndrome in a dog with closed-cervix pyometra

Several cases of toxic shock-like syndrome (TSLS) have been reported in dogs but no inciting cause has been identified. TSLS associated with a closed-cervix pyometra was suspected in the reported bitch. The dog was evaluated for the complaint of generalized dermatopathy (erythema and oedema) and systemic signs with multiorganic involvement (depression, fever, immature neutrophilia, hypoalbuminaemia, renal disease, vomiting and diarrhoea). Histological features consistent with TSLS included superficial dermatitis with epidermal neutrophilic exocytosis and necrotic keratinocytes. The tentative diagnosis of TSLS was based on case history, clinical presentation, laboratory and histopathological findings, and the resolution of all clinical signs following surgical removal of the localized bacterial infection.     

Adams-Stokes syndrome and therapy with pacemaker implantation in a dog

Case report concerning therapeutic pacemaker implantation in a 3 year old West-Highland-White terrier with Adams-Stokes syncopes. EKG's, X-ray-pictures, illustrations of the pulse rate and quality and oxygen measurements with a "Pulsoximeter" before and during surgery are shown. A special place takes the report of selection and control of the anesthesia in this case of a special operation. 17 references and 11 pictures.