Haematological, ocular and skeletal abnormalities in a samoyed family

Haematological, ocular and skeletal abnormalities were documented in a samoyed male and its five offspring. Haematological abnormalities, found in repeated tests in all the dogs, included marked eosinophilia, eosinophilic bands and absence of Barr bodies. Two of the dogs had bilateral buphthalmia, retinal detachments and other ocular abnormalities. Three of the dogs had skeletal abnormalities including chondrodysplasia (dwarfism) and brachygnathia (undershot jaw). A similar combination of inherited skeletal and ocular disorders, without the haematological abnormalities, has been described in samoyeds. Acquired causes for the haematological findings, which are similar to the inherited Pelger-Huët anomaly described in several species, have been eliminated. Eosinophilic bands and scarcity of Barr bodies could be a marker, or a previously unreported manifestation, of an inherited disorder in samoyeds.     

The incidence of thoracic trauma in dogs with skeletal injury

One hundred dogs with skeletal injury were evaluated for co-existing thoracic abnormalities. Parameters used to assess thoracic trauma were physical examination, thoracic radiographs, electrocardiograms and arterial blood gas PaO₂. Thoracic abnormalities were found in 57 per cent of the dogs. Within this group, 77 per cent had abnormal thoracic radiographs, 44 per cent had abnormal low PaO₂, and 30 per cent had cardiac arrhythmias. No clinical signs suggestive of thoracic injury were found on physical examination in 79 per cent of the dogs with thoracic lesions.     

Characterization of renal defects in dogs with a syndrome similar to the Fanconi syndrome in man.

Ten adult dogs with multiple spontaneous defects of renal tubular reabsorption were studied. Clinical signs included polydipsia, polyuria, and glycosuria for 2 to 12 months. Eight of the dogs were Basenjis. Urinalyses revealed hyposthenuria, glycosuria, and amino aciduria in most dogs. Renal function was normal in 5 dogs and slightly reduced in the remainder. Moderate metabolic acidosis had developed in 3 dogs. Renal clearance studies revealed reduced tubular reabsorption of glucose, phosphate, sodium, potassium, and uric acid. Abnormal glucose tubular maximal curves were found. Results of oral glucose tolerance tests were normal. Two patterns of abnormal amino aciduria were evident: generalized amino aciduria and a pattern similar to that of cystinuria in dogs. Radiography of long bones and bone densitometry did not reveal any skeletal abnormalities. Five of the dogs died within 90 days of diagnosis; death was due to acute renal failure associated with profound dehydration, acidosis, and papillary necrosis. The other dogs remained stable without treatment after 18 months. Histopathology of kidneys did not reveal uniform abnormalities; some dogs had variable and nonspecific changes and others were normal. Electron microscopy did not reveal ultrastructural abnormalities in renal tubular cells. It was concluded that the syndrome in these dogs represents a new entity of renal disease in dogs, similar to idiopathic Fanconi syndrome in man.     

Effect of fenbendazole on Toxocara canis larvae in tissues of infected dogs.

The effect of fenbendazole therapy was studied in six dogs fed 10,000 embryonated Toxocara canis eggs. At 47 days after they were fed T canis, four dogs were given fenbendazole in two divided doses totaling 50 mg/kg of body weight each day for 14 days. Two infected dogs were not given fenbendazole. All dogs were necropsied at the end of treatment and the foci were counted in the lungs; their skeletal muscles were digested in 1% trypsin for the recovery of larvae. The T canis larvae were not recovered from the skeletal muscle of the four infected dogs treated with fenbendazole; 15 and 42 larvae/100 g of skeletal muscle were recovered from the two nonmedicated infeected dogs. The number of grossly visible foci on surfaces of lungs in treated dogs was markedly less than in the nonmedicated infected dogs. The results indicate that fenbendazole might be effective in preventing prenatal infection in dogs.     

Gonadectomy in immature dogs: effects on skeletal, physical, and behavioral development

In a 15-month study, the effects of prepubertal gonadectomy on skeletal growth, weight gain, food intake, body fat, secondary sex characteristics, and behavioral development were investigated in 32 mixed-breed dogs. Male and female pups from 5 litters were randomly allotted to 3 groups: group I, neuter at 7 weeks (n = 14); group II, neuter at 7 months (n = 8); and group III, sexually intact dogs (n = 10). Growth plate closure was delayed (group I vs group III; P less than 0.000001; group II vs group III, P less than 0.000001) in all neutered dogs, as compared with sexually intact dogs. Growth plate closure was delayed longer (group I vs group II, P less than 0.000045) in dogs neutered at 7 weeks old, compared with dogs neutered at 7 months old. The rate of growth was unaffected by gonadectomy, but the extended growth period resulted in greater final radial/ulnar length in all male dogs and bitches neutered at 7 weeks. Gonadectomy did not influence food intake, weight gain, or back-fat depth. Penile development was immature in the adult group-I males (mean +/- SEM diameter of pars glandis = 11.1 +/- 1.0 mm), compared with adult group-II (16.3 +/- 0.5 mm) and group-III (21.0 +/- 2.2 mm) males. Subjectively, the prepuce and os penis of the group-I males were immature, compared with those of group-II and group-III males. Vulvar development in group-I and group-II bitches was less mature than vulvar development in the sexually intact bitches. Of 7 behavioral characteristics assessed, only general activity and excitability rated differently among treatment groups. All neutered dogs were judged to be more active (group I, P less than 0.004) than sexually intact dogs. Group-I males were judged to be more excitable (P less than 0.02) than group-III males. It was concluded that with respect to skeletal, physical, and behavioral development, the effect of neutering pups at 7 weeks old was similar to that of neutering pups at 7 months old.     

Type C botulism in American Foxhounds

Diffuse lower motor neuron dysfunction developed in a group of American Foxhounds while they were hunting. Of 19 dogs, 10 became weak and 9 became quadriplegic. Three of the quadriplegic dogs died before treatment could be instituted. The remaining quadriplegic dogs recovered after being given supportive treatment, with (4 dogs) or without (2 dogs) trivalent (types A, B, E) botulinal antitoxin. The 10 dogs that were weak recovered without treatment. A markedly decreased amplitude of evoked potentials and increased chronaxy were found by electromyographic examination of 2 of the quadriplegic dogs. A toxic substance that was neutralized by type C botulinal antitoxin in mouse inoculation tests was in the serum and feces of the most severly affected dog presented alive and in a fecal extract of another affected dog. In the one dog necropsied, neither gross nor histologic lesions were found in the central or peripheral nervous systems or in the skeletal musculature. The history, clinical signs, electromyographic findings, toxin neutralization tests in mice, and absence of histologic abnormalities in the neuromuscular system provided evidence for the diagnosis of C botulism.     

Effects of dermal application of 10.0% imidacloprid-0.08% ivermectin in ivermectin-sensitive Collies

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety of dermal application of 10.0% imidacloprid-0.08% ivermectin in ivermectin-sensitive Collies at dose rates of 3 to 5 times the proposed maximum therapeutic dose. ANIMALS: 15 Collies (5 males and 10 females) that were confirmed as ivermectin-sensitive dogs. PROCEDURE: Dogs were assigned to 3 treatment groups (control, 3X, or 5X group) in a randomized block design on the basis of the maximal ivermectin-sensitivity score obtained during preliminary screening. Dogs in groups 3X and 5X were treated at 3 and 5 times the maximum label dose, respectively. Control dogs received an application of an equal volume of a nonmedicated solution. Observation and scoring on all days were conducted to specifically include neurologic signs typical of ivermectin toxicosis, including lethargy, ataxia, abnormal mydriasis, and abnormal salivation. RESULTS: None of the dogs had clinical abnormalities during the study period. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Analysis of results of this study indicates that dermal application of 10.0% imidacloprid-0.08% ivermectin is safe for use in ivermectin-sensitive Collies at dose rates of 3 or 5 times the proposed maximum therapeutic dose.     

Clinical, radiographic, pathologic, and genetic features of osteochondrodysplasia in Scottish deerhounds

Clinical, radiographic, pathologic, and genetic features of a form of osteochondrodysplasia in 5 related Scottish Deerhound pups from 2 litters were evaluated. All pups appeared to be phenotypically normal at birth. At approximately 4 or 5 weeks, exercise intolerance and retarded growth were observed. Kyphosis, limb deformities, and joint laxity gradually developed. Radiography of the affected pups revealed skeletal changes characterized by abnormalities in long bones and vertebrae, with involvement of epiphyses, growth plates, and metaphyses. Short long bones and vertebrae and irregular and delayed epiphyseal ossification were most noticeable in younger pups; in older pups, bony deformities became more prominent. In skeletally mature dogs, osteopenia and severe deformities were seen. The histologic changes of the growth plate were compatible with a diagnosis of chondrodysplasia. Growth plate chondrocytes contained periodic acid Schiff-positive, diastase-resistant cytoplasmic inclusions. A single autosomal recessive mode of inheritance was suspected.     

RADIOGRAPHIC FEATURES OF GOLDEN RETRIEVER MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY

Golden Retriever muscular dystrophy is an inherited, degenerative myopathy due to the absence of dystrophin and is used as a model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy of young boys. This report describes the radiographic abnormalities of Golden Retriever muscular dystrophy in 26 dogs. The thoracic abnormalities included diaphragmatic asymmetry (18/26), diaphragmatic undulation (18/26), and gastro-esophageal hiatal hernia (6/26). Pelvic abnormalities included narrowing of the body of the ilia (14/19), ventral deviation and curvature of the tuber ischii (14/19), elongation of the obturator foramen with a decrease in opacity of the surrounding bone (12/19), and lateral flaring of the wings of the ilia (12/19). Abdominal abnormalities consisted of hepatomegaly (14/22) and poor serosal detail (12/22). The unique thoracic abnormalities were a consistent finding in affected Golden Retriever muscular dystrophy dogs. The diagnosis of muscular dystrophy should be included in the differential list if the combination of diaphragm undulation and asymmetry, and gastro-esophageal hiatal hernia are identified. These diaphragmatic abnormalities are related to hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the diaphragm. Additionally, the skeletal changes of pelvic tilt, elongation of the pelvis, widening of the obturator foramina and thinning of the ischiatic tables appear to be specific to Golden Retriever muscular dystrophy in dogs. These pelvic abnormalities are most likely secondary to bone remodeling associated with the progressive skeletal myopathy and subsequent contracture/fibrosis.     

Effects of diets with different calcium and phosphorus contents on the skeletal development and blood chemistry of growing great danes

The skeletal development of three groups of great dane dogs, fed a diet composed according to the published nutritional requirements for dogs (controls) or with increased calcium or calcium and phosphorus content, was examined radiographically, histologically and biochemically. The diets were fed from the time the dogs first began eating food in addition to their dam's milk, until they were 17 weeks old. Thereafter, the calcium and phosphorus intakes of the dogs in the high calcium groups were normalised for a further 10 weeks. The dogs fed the high calcium diet without a proportionally high phosphorus intake became hypercalcaemic and hypophosphataemic, and had severe disturbances in skeletal development, growth, and mineralisation which were typical for rickets. After their calcium intake was normalised the lesions of rickets resolved but osteochondrotic lesions became apparent. The dogs fed the high calcium and phosphorus diet became slightly hypophosphataemic, their growth was retarded, and they had disturbances in skeletal development resembling osteochondrosis, which had only partly resolved after 10 weeks on the normal calcium and phosphorus diet.     

Coagulation profiles in dogs with congenital portosystemic shunts before and after surgical attenuation

BACKGROUND: Serious postoperative hemorrhage has been reported in dogs after closure of congenital portosystemic shunts (CPS). HYPOTHESIS: In dogs with portosystemic shunting, low coagulation factor activity is responsible for coagulopathy, which can cause complications after surgery. ANIMALS: Thirty-four dogs with CPS and 39 healthy dogs. METHODS: In a prospective study, coagulation times, platelet count, and the activity of 8 coagulation factors were measured in dogs before and after surgical shunt attenuation and in 31 healthy dogs. The effect of abdominal surgery on hemostasis was determined at ovariectomy in 8 healthy dogs. RESULTS: Dogs with CPS had lower platelet counts, lower activity of factors II, V, VII, and X, and increased factor VIII and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) compared to healthy dogs. After surgical attenuation, dogs with CPS had decreased platelet counts and activity of factors I, II, V, VII, IX, X, and XI and a prolonged prothrombin time (PT). Ovariectomy resulted in decreased activity of factors VII and X. Six weeks after surgery, portosystemic shunting persisted in 9 of 30 dogs, with no improvement of hemostatic values. CPS dogs without shunting had improved coagulation times and increased activity of factors II, V, VII, and X. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Dogs with CPS have lower activity of clotting factors compared to healthy dogs, resulting in a prolonged APTT. Surgical attenuation of the shunt results in increased abnormalities in coagulation times and factors immediately after surgery. Hemostasis is normalized after complete recovery of shunting after attenuation, in contrast to dogs with persistent shunting.     

Short-limbed dwarfism and ocular defects in the Samoyed dog

A syndrome of short-limbed dwarfism and ocular defects was found in Samoyed dogs. The most prominent abnormalities were small stature and valgus deformity of the carpi. Radiographic evidence of retarded growth at the distal ulnar physis was apparent by 12 weeks of age. Ocular defects included cataracts and retinal detachment. Family studies and limited breeding experiments were consistent with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance.     

THE RADIOGRAPHIC APPEARANCE OF CANINE CONGENITAL HYPOTHYROIDISM: SKELETAL CHANGES WITH DELAYED TREATMENT

Congenital hypothyroidism was diagnosed in five Boxer dogs presented to the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania between 1978 and 1979. The dogs ranged in age from 5–19 months, and were from two unrelated litters. Congenital hypothyroidism was confirmed by serum T3 and T4 radioimmunoassay and TSH stimulation test. Serial radiographs made before and after L-thyroxine oral supplementation were studied retrospectively to evaluate the resolution of skeletal abnormalities and to compare skeletal with chronological age. On initial presentation, all five dogs had the following skeletal manifestations of congenital hypothyroidism: short broad skulls, shortened vertebral bodies, and epiphyseal dysgenesis and delayed maturation. Epiphyseal dysgenesis was most common in the humeral (n = 3) and femoral condyles (n = 4), and proximal tibia (n = 4). Accelerated epiphyseal ossification occurred during thyroid hormone supplementation. Three dogs developed osteochondrosistype lesions. Bowing of the radius and disproportionate radius and ulna length resulted in humeroradial joint widening (n = 4) and humeroulnar joint subluxation (n = 1). Degenerative joint changes in the elbows (n = 4), stifles (n = 1), and shoulder (n = 1) were more common in the older dogs.     

Effects of post-exercise supplements on glycogen repletion in skeletal muscle

Post-exercise carbohydrate supplementation has been routinely used to enhance glycogen concentrations in skeletal muscle, particularly during multiple-day athletic events. Consumption of protein hydrolysates mixed with carbohydrate supplements during the post-exercise period may increase insulin response and cause glycogen repletion in skeletal muscle. A group of Alaskan sled dogs were selected to examine post-exercise supplementation in a paired crossover study design. The dogs were subjected to the same exercise regimen and provided one of three treatments-water, glucose polymers, or glucose polymers with protein hydrolysates-over a 2-month period. Parameters tested at various post-exercise time points included plasma insulin, glucagon and glucose concentrations, and skeletal muscle glycogen content to gain a better understanding of glucose metabolism and glycogen repletion. The results showed an enhanced insulin, glucose, and glucagon response immediately after supplementation and significantly increased glycogen concentrations in skeletal muscle within 24 hours when dogs received either of the glucose-containing supplements compared with water alone. There were no differences in the plasma parameters or skeletal muscle glycogen stores in dogs provided the glucose polymers alone or the glucose polymers plus protein hydrolysates. Thus, post-exercise carbohydrate supplementation increased muscle glycogen repletion, but inclusion of protein hydrolysates in the supplements provided no additional benefits.     

Correlation of haemostatic abnormalities with tumour stage and characteristics in dogs with mammary carcinoma

Sixty female dogs with untreated mammary carcinoma, comprising equal numbers of dogs in tumour stages I to IV, were evaluated for haemostatic abnormalities using the following tests: platelet count, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, plasma activity of factor V, VIII and X, plasma concentration of fibrinogen, fibrin monomers and fibrinogen degradation products, and plasma antithrombin III activity. Two-thirds of all dogs had one or more haemostatic test abnormality of which the likelihood and frequency was increased in those with stage III and IV neoplasia. Haemostatic abnormalities were more frequently observed in dogs which had mammary tumours with distant metastases, extended tumour necrosis, inflammatory carcinomas, tumours fixed to underlying structures, or tumours in which there was penetration of the tumour capsule by tumour cells. As in humans with mammary carcinoma, these haemostatic abnormalities might be used as prognostic indicators, but their clinical importance remains unknown.     

Computed tomographic evaluation of growth-related changes in the hip joints of young dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes in canine hip joint characteristics during growth via computed tomography (CT) and compare CT features of hip joints with and without laxity in young dogs placed in 2 imaging positions. ANIMALS: 21 dogs (42 hip joints). PROCEDURES: From 2 to 12 months after birth, CT examinations of the acetabulum of each hip joint in simulated normal standing and simulated weight-bearing positions were performed monthly for all dogs. Acetabular angle, dorsal acetabular rim angle (DARA), and femoral head diameter (FHd) were analyzed as skeletal variables; the lateral center edge angle (LCEA), dorsolateral subluxation (DLS) score, and center distance (CD) index were analyzed as joint laxity variables. At 12 months, all dogs underwent the Ortolani test to as-sess hip joint laxity. RESULTS: Hip joint laxity was detected in 5 dogs (10 joints) at 12 months of age; from 2 months, the acetabular angle and FHd increased and DARA decreased significantly until 5 months and the LCEA and DLS score increased significantly until 6 months. In nonlax hip joints in both positions, the CD index decreased significantly until 4 months of age and be-came stable thereafter. In lax hip joints, the CD index increased from 4 through 12 months; between 8 and 12 months, these changes were significantly greater in the weight-bearing position than in the standing position. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that CT-detected abnormalities in the DARA and CD index during body weight loading might be useful indicators of hip dysplasia in 2- to 6-month-old dogs.     

Calcium-excess causes subclinical changes of bone growth in Beagles but not in Foxhound-crossbred dogs, as measured in X-rays

Numerous investigations and reports have covered the potential negative effects of an excess of calcium (Ca) in the skeletal development of young dogs. However, it still remains unclear why not all puppies, particularly of larger breeds, develop clinical signs of skeletal disorders after an overexposure to Ca. This trial with the small Beagle breed and a larger Foxhound-crossbred dog (with an adult weight of around 35 kg) investigated the effects of Ca-excess on parameters of bone growth. The employed small breed is known for its chondrodystrophic predispositions, no such data are reported for the slender hound-type Foxhound-crossbred dogs. The Ca-supply had no influence on weight development and general health of the dogs. The measurements of bone lengths and widths in X-rays of the forearm of Beagles and Foxhound-crossbred dogs at 6 weeks of age, and again after a period of overexposure to Ca at about 27 weeks of age, revealed a growth-reducing influence only in Beagles, without influence on clinical parameters of skeletal health.     

Dysostosis Enchondralis of the Ulnar Bone in the Basset Hound

Ninety-four Basset Hounds were examined for the clinical features, the radiographical changes and the nutritional and hereditary possibilities connected with the development of decreased longitudinal growth of the ulnar bone. In six puppies the possibility was examined of the development of the disease being due to overloading of the foreleg. Ten of the dogs were examined for gross pathology and 4 by histology post mortem.Clinical symptoms and radiographical changes were not seen until the age of 31/2 months. In all cases there were broadening of the joint space in the elbow joint and degeneration of the articular cartilage at the semilunar notch. An abnormally broad and irregular growth plate was seen in the affected young dogs, and histology revealed obvious abnormalities in the growth plate located in the zone of resting cartilage indicating degenerative disturbances in the cartilage. There were no signs of rickets, and it was not possible to demonstrate that the disease was caused by misleading.It is concluded that the disease corresponds to similar anomalies found in the other chondrodystrophic breeds of dogs, and it is suggested that the decreased growth of the ulnar bone may be hereditary.     

Hyperphosphatasemia in Scottish terriers: 7 cases

Increased serum alkaline phosphatase (ALKP) activity in dogs is commonly encountered. In the study reported here, 7 Scottish Terriers were identified with hyperphosphatasemia, for which a cause could not be determined. The clinicopathologic findings of the syndrome are described and correlated with hepatic pathologic changes in biopsy specimens and in specimens obtained at postmortem examination. Five of the 7 dogs were related. The ALKP activity ranged from 1.7 to 17 times the reference value at the time of biopsy. Increased ALKP activity was present for >6 months in 2 dogs and >12 months in 5 dogs; activity was > 1,000 U/L for at least 1 measurement in 5 dogs. Results of liver function testing, adrenocortical function testing, and hepatic ultrasonography were reviewed. Results of histological examination were normal in 6 dogs. One dog had regional, chronic cholangitis without evidence of cholestasis. The lesion was judged unlikely to account for the degree of hyperphosphatasemia. This study provides evidence of possible benign hyperphosphatasemia in Scottish Terriers or of another familial disorder causing asymptomatical hyperphosphatasemia without corresponding histopathological abnormalities in the liver. Prospective studies of ALKP isoenzyme characterization, investigation of skeletal integrity, evaluation of additional related dogs to determine prevalence, and longer follow-up evaluation are necessary to better characterize this finding.     

Biochemical abnormalities observed in serum of dogs infected with large Babesia in Warsaw (Poland)

Biochemical abnormalities observed in canine babesiosis are related to the severity of the disease. The primary biochemical abnormalities found in affected dogs are: increase of the serum activity of transaminases and alkaline phosphatase, azotemia, and hypoglycemia. The purposes of this study were: 1) to estimate biochemical abnormalities in dogs infected with large Babesia in Warsaw and 2) to evaluate statistically changes observed during canine babesiosis in dogs from Warsaw. Samples of serum were collected from dogs naturally infected with large Babesia. Among 2023 positive samples, 202 were randomly selected. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total serum protein (TSP), albumin and blood glucose concentration were determined with a clinical chemistry analyser. Elevated activity of ALT, AST and ALP was detected accordingly in: 64.9, 92.6 and 31.7% of dogs. Elevated creatinine concentration and BUN were detected accordingly in 30.7 and 62.4% of dogs. Decrease of TSP, albumin, BUN, and hypoglycemia was detected accordingly in: 19.8, 32.7, 1.5 and 18.3% of dogs. The most common biochemical abnormalities found in affected dogs were: increase of activity of transaminases and ALP, elevated creatinine concentration, hypoalbuminemia and hypoglycemia. These abnormalities resulted from hepatopathy, renal failure and fasting.