Splenomegaly in Dogs

Splenomegaly confirmed by surgery or necropsy in 100 dogs was diagnosed histologically as benign neoplasia (n = 1), primary splenic malignancy (n = 59), neoplastic metastases (n = 6), and nonneoplastic disease (n = 34). Dogs with known systemic disease, such as lymphoma and mast cell tumor, that caused splenomegaly were not included in the study. Hemangiosarcoma was the most common splenic disease (43 cases). Overall mean age of the dogs was 10.7 years, the most common breed was German Shepherd dog, and 72 of the dogs weighed more than 21 kg. Dogs with anemia, nucleated red blood cells, abnormal red blood cell morphology, or splenic rupture had a significantly greater chance of having splenic neoplasia (P less than 0.002). A multivariable logistic regression analysis found that the presence of anemia and splenic rupture in dogs with splenomegaly was up to 69% accurate in predicting presence of splenic neoplasia. After splenectomy, the median survival time of dogs with splenic neoplasia was 13 weeks. For dogs with nonneoplastic splenomegaly it was at least 36 weeks.     

Prevalence, clinical features, and causes of epistaxis in dogs: 176 cases (1996-2001)

OBJECTIVE: To determine prevalence, clinical features, and causes of epistaxis in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 176 dogs with epistaxis. PROCEDURES: Medical records were reviewed for information related to signalment, clinical features, diagnosis, and outcome. RESULTS: 132 (75%) dogs were initially examined by the hospital's emergency service; prevalence of epistaxis was 0.3%. Dogs with epistaxis were more likely to be old (> or = 6 years), male, and large (> or = 26 kg [58.5 lb]) than were dogs in a reference population. In 109 (62%) dogs with epistaxis, an underlying cause was identified; 115 underlying disorders were identified, with 90 classified as local and 25 classified as systemic. Local causes of epistaxis included nasal neoplasia (n = 35), trauma (33), idiopathic rhinitis (20), and periapical abscess (2). Systemic causes included thrombocytopenia (12), thrombocytopathia (7), coagulopathy (3), hypertension (2), and vasculitis (1). Dogs with local causes were more likely to have unilateral than bilateral epistaxis, but 11 of 21 (52%) dogs with systemic disorders also had unilateral epistaxis. Dogs with systemic disorders were more likely to have clinical signs of systemic disease. Duration of epistaxis (acute vs chronic), severity, and duration of hospitalization were similar for dogs with local versus systemic disorders. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that epistaxis was a common disorder in dogs and frequently regarded as an emergency. Local causes of epistaxis were predominant, but clinical features traditionally thought to be helpful in distinguishing local versus systemic causes could not be reliably used for this purpose.     

A study of the lifetime occurrence of neoplasia and breed differences in a cohort of German Shepherd Dogs and Belgian Malinois military working dogs that died in 1992

The population of U.S. Department of Defense military working dogs provides an opportunity to study the lifetime occurrence of neoplasia in 2 breeds of dogs—the German Shepherd Dog and the Belgian Malinois. Medical records were reviewed for all dogs that died or were euthanized in 1992 (135 German Shepherd Dogs and 106 Belgian Malinois). Histologically confirmed neoplasms were recorded. More than 30% of both breeds (41 German Shepherd Dogs and 33 Belgian Malinois) developed at least 1 primary neoplasm during their lives, with 10% developing more than 1 neoplasm. Nearly 57% of the neoplasms were benign, and approximately 43% were malignant. German Shepherd Dogs lived 9.7 years, on average, and Belgian Malinois lived 7.9 years, on average. Of the dogs that developed any neoplasm, Belgian Malinois had a mean age at 1st diagnosis that was 1.1 years younger and a mean age at 1st diagnosis of malignancy that was 1.7 years younger than those in German Shepherd Dogs. The risk of a malignancy being the cause of death or euthanasia of a Belgian Malinois was 4.21 times the risk in German Shepherd Dogs (95% CI: 1.32, 13.47). Seminoma was the malignancy that occurred most frequently. Hemangioma was the benign neoplasm that occurred most frequently. Veterinarians identified masses clinically at equal rates in both groups.     

Causes of uveitis in dogs: 102 cases (1989-2000)

Uveitis is one of the most common ocular diseases and one of the most common causes of blindness in dogs. The purpose of this retrospective study was to correlate the signalment, history, clinical signs and ophthalmic findings of dogs with uveitis with the underlying etiology. We conducted a retrospective study of 102 dogs presented to the NCSU-VTH from 1989 to 2000 with clinical signs of uveitis. Medical records of dogs presented for uveitis were reviewed. Dogs were included in the study only if a complete diagnostic work-up database was collected, if sufficient follow-up was documented, and if the uveitis was not secondary to trauma or a hypermature cataract. The mean age +/- SD of all dogs in this study was 6.2 +/- 3.6 years. There were 33 intact and 16 castrated males, and 14 intact and 27 neutered females. Fourteen breeds were represented, with the Golden Retriever (n = 14) most common. Fifty-nine dogs (58%) were diagnosed with idiopathic/immune-mediated uveitis, neoplasia was diagnosed in 25 dogs (24.5%) and 18 dogs (17.6%) were diagnosed with infectious causes of uveitis. Aqueous flare was the most common clinical sign, occurring in 88 dogs (86%). The most common infectious organisms associated with uveitis in the dogs of this study were Ehrlichia canis (n = 7). Lymphosarcoma (n = 17) was the most common neoplasm. In approximately 60% of dogs presenting for uveitis an underlying cause was not found, and a diagnosis of immune-mediated or idiopathic uveitis was made. However, approximately 25% of dogs had ocular and/or systemic neoplasia (with 17% of cases having lymphosarcoma) and 18% with an underlying infectious cause for uveitis. Because of the high percentage of systemic disease associated with uveitis in dogs, extensive diagnostic testing is recommended before instituting symptomatic anti-inflammatory therapy.     

DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN DIFFERENTIATING ENTERITIS FROM INTESTINAL NEOPLASIA IN DOGS

One hundred and fifty dogs with histopathologically confirmed intestinal disease were evaluated retrospectively. Sixty-one dogs had enteritis and 89 dogs had intestinal neoplasia. Ultrasonographic findings including the thickness and distribution of the intestinal lesion, the integrity of intestinal wall layering, regional lymph node thickness, the location of the intestinal segment involved, and regional motility were evaluated. Dogs with intestinal tumor had wall thickness (1.5 cm) significantly greater than dogs with NSE lesions (0.6 cm; p < 0.001). Ninety-nine percent of dogs with intestinal tumor had loss of wall layering while 88% of dogs with NSE had normal or altered wall layering (p < 0.001). Dogs with NSE were significantly more likely to have diffuse lesion (72%) than dogs with intestinal tumor (2%; p < 0.001). Lymph node median thickness in 24/61 dogs with NSE was 1.00 cm. The median thickness of the lymph nodes in 56/89 dogs with intestinal tumors was 1.9 cm. A multivariate analysis showed that loss of wall layering alone was an excellent predictive factor in differentiating intestinal tumor from NSE. In our population, dogs with loss of intestinal wall layering were 50.9 times more likely to have a tumor than enteritis.     

Causes of death or reasons for euthanasia in military working dogs: 927 cases (1993-1996)

OBJECTIVE: To determine causes of death or reasons for euthanasia in a population of military working dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 927 military working dogs. PROCEDURE: Records of all military working dogs that died during the period from 1993 to 1996 were evaluated for cause of death or reason for euthanasia by review of necropsy and histopathology reports, death certificates, and daily clinical treatment sheets. A single primary cause of death or euthanasia was determined. RESULTS: Although sexually intact male dogs were more numerous in the study population, castrated male dogs typically lived longer than spayed females or sexually intact males. Leading causes of death or euthanasia (76.3% of all dogs) were appendicular degenerative joint disease, neoplasia, spinal cord disease, nonspecific geriatric decline, and gastric dilatation-volvulus. Compared with German Shepherd Dogs, Belgian Shepherd Dogs were at increased risk for death attributable to neoplasia, behavior, and respiratory tract disease. German Shepherd Dogs had nearly twice the risk for death associated with spinal cord diseases, compared with Belgian Shepherd Dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: For most military working dogs, death or euthanasia results from a few diseases commonly associated with advanced age. Some breed differences in risk for these diseases may exist, which clinicians should consider in the procurement and long-term management of these dogs.     

Treatment of canine mast cell tumors with CCNU (lomustine)

The efficacy and toxicity of CCNU (1-[2-chloroethyl]3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea) were evaluated in 23 dogs with measurable mast cell tumors (MCT). Twenty-two dogs had cutaneous MCT and 1 dog had an intranasal MCT Nineteen (83%) dogs had biopsy of their original mass performed and 4 (17%) had aspiration cytology of masses. Of the 19 tumors histologically graded, 1 (5%) neoplasm was classified as grade I, 10 (53%) were grade II, and the remaining 8 (42%) were grade III. Dogs were treated with CCNU at a dosage of 90 mg/m2 body surface area every 3 weeks. Response could be evaluated in 19 dogs. Eight of the 19 dogs (42%) had a measurable response to CCNU. One dog had a durable complete response for 440 days. Seven dogs (37%) had a partial response for a median and mean duration of 77 days and 109 days, respectively (range, 21-254 days). Treatment with CCNU resulted in stable disease in 6 dogs (32%) for a median and mean duration of 78 days and 122 days, respectively (range, 42-347 days). The acute dose-limiting toxicity was neutropenia 7 days after administration of CCNU. The median and mean neutrophil counts 7 days after CCNU were 1,452 cells/microL and 1,683 cells/microL, respectively (n = 17). Other toxicoses were uncommon. CCNU should be considered an active agent in the treatment of MCT in dogs.     

Evaluation of Serum Ferritin as a Tumor Marker for Canine Histiocytic Sarcoma

Background: Canine histiocytic sarcoma (HS) is an aggressive malignancy. Hyperferritinemia has been documented in dogs with HS and could serve as a tumor marker aiding in diagnosis and treatment. In people, hyperferritinemia is found in inflammatory diseases, liver disease, and hemolysis, and thus may occur in dogs with these conditions. Objective: To determine if serum ferritin concentration is a tumor marker for canine HS. Animals: Dogs with HS (18), inflammatory diseases (20), liver disease (24), immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) (15), and lymphoma (23). Methods: Prospective, observational, cohort study: Serum ferritin concentration was measured at initial diagnosis. Parametric methods were used to compare mean log ferritin concentrations among disease categories. Receiver‐operating characteristic curves and likelihood ratios were used to evaluate serum ferritin concentration as a tumor marker. Results: Varying proportions of dogs with IMHA (94%), HS (89%), liver disease (79%), lymphoma (65%), and inflammatory diseases (40%) had hyperferritinemia. Dogs with IMHA had significantly higher mean ferritin concentration than dogs in all other categories. Dogs with HS had significantly higher mean ferritin concentration than those in the inflammatory disease and lymphoma categories. Mean serum ferritin concentration was not significantly different between dogs with HS and those with liver disease. Decision thresholds were determined to distinguish IMHA and HS from the other diseases associated with hyperferritinemia. Conclusion: Hyperferritinemia is common in dogs with HS and, after IMHA is ruled out, the degree of hyperferritinemia may be useful in differentiating dogs with HS from dogs with inflammatory diseases, liver disease, and lymphoma.     

Quantification of plasma DNA as a prognostic indicator in canine lymphoid neoplasia

Dogs have a similar incidence of spontaneous cancers as people, and a noninvasive test to monitor disease status in dogs would be of great value. Humans with cancer often have increased levels of cell‐free circulating DNA in their plasma, which has shown promise for diagnosis, prognosis and detection of residual disease. We hypothesized that dogs with cancer have increased circulating DNA compared with healthy dogs or dogs with non‐neoplastic diseases. Plasma DNA was measured in 40 healthy dogs, 20 dogs with non‐neoplastic diseases and 80 dogs with cancer. The reference interval for plasma DNA in healthy dogs was 1–15 ng mL^?1. Dogs with lymphoma and lymphoid leukaemia had significantly higher concentrations (range: 0–91 ng mL^?1, P < 0.0001). Antigen receptor rearrangement assays suggest that plasma DNA had the same clonality as the primary lymphoid tumours. Dogs with lymphoid neoplasia and plasma DNA >25 ng mL^?1 had shorter remission times than those with < 25 ng mL^?1 (P= 0.0116). In contrast to humans, where increased plasma DNA is seen in many diseases, dogs with nonlymphoid malignancies and non‐neoplastic diseases had plasma DNA concentrations similar to healthy dogs. This study shows that a portion of dogs with lymphoid neoplasia have increased tumour‐derived plasma DNA, which serves as a negative prognostic indicator.     

Outcome of accelerated radiotherapy alone or accelerated radiotherapy followed by exenteration of the nasal cavity in dogs with intranasal neoplasia: 53 cases (1990-2002)

OBJECTIVE: To compare long-term results of radiotherapy alone versus radiotherapy followed by exenteration of the nasal cavity in dogs with malignant intranasal neoplasia. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 53 dogs with malignant intranasal neoplasia. PROCEDURE: All dogs underwent radiotherapy consisting of administration of 10 fractions of 4.2 Gy each on consecutive weekdays. For dogs in the surgery group (n=13), follow-up computed tomography was performed, and dogs were scheduled for surgery if persistent or recurrent tumor was seen. RESULTS: Perioperative complications for dogs that underwent surgery included hemorrhage requiring transfusion (2 dogs) and subcutaneous emphysema (8). Rhinitis and osteomyelitis-osteonecrosis occurred significantly more frequently in dogs in the radiotherapy and surgery group (9 and 4 dogs, respectively) than in dogs in the radiotherapy-only group (4 and 3 dogs, respectively). Two- and 3-year survival rates were 44% and 24%, respectively, for dogs in the radiotherapy group and 69% and 58%, respectively, for dogs in the surgery group. Overall median survival time for dogs in the radiotherapy and surgery group (477 months) was significantly longer than time for dogs in the radiotherapy-only group (19.7 months). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that exenteration of the nasal cavity significantly prolongs survival time in dogs with intranasal neoplasia that have undergone radiotherapy. Exenteration after radiotherapy may increase the risk of chronic complications.     

Serum complement level in dogs with neoplastic disease

The hemolytic reactivity of complement obtained from 119 dogs with and without cancer has been determined. Dogs with cancer were divided retrospectively, into 2 groups--dogs with lymphosarcoma (37) and dogs with malignant neoplasms other than lymphosarcoma (31). Normal dogs (21) served as a control group. Also, for comparison, complement reactivity was determined on sera from a 4th group composed of a limited number (30) of dogs with serious systemic illnesses other than neoplasia. There was no significant difference among means for hemolytic complement reactivity of the 4 groups. However, when the dispersion of hemolytic complement values within each group of abnormal dogs was compared with that of normal dogs by variance ratio testing, it was found that all abnormal groups had highly significant greater variances than did normal dogs.     

Comparative efficacy of an injectable vaccine and an intranasal vaccine in stimulating Bordetella bronchiseptica-reactive antibody responses in seropositive dogs

OBJECTIVE: To compare antibody responses to intranasal and SC Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccines in seropositive dogs. DESIGN: Randomized controlled study. ANIMALS: 40 young adult Beagles vaccinated against B bronchiseptica. PROCEDURE: Dogs were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups (intranasal vaccine, SC vaccine, intranasal and SC vaccines, no vaccine) and vaccinated on day 0. Serum and salivary B bronchiseptica-reactive antibody responses were measured on days 0 through 7, 10, 14, 21, and 28. RESULTS: Dogs that were vaccinated with the SC vaccine, alone or in combination with the intranasal vaccine, had a significant increase in serum concentration of B bronchiseptica-reactive IgG beginning on day 5 and persisting through day 28. Dogs that were vaccinated with the intranasal vaccine alone had a significant increase in serum concentration of B bronchiseptica-reactive IgG beginning on day 10 and persisting through day 28, but serum IgG concentration in these dogs was significantly less than concentration in dogs that received the SC vaccine. Neither vaccine had a demonstrable effect on salivary concentrations of B bronchiseptica-reactive IgA or IgG. On day 10, all vaccinated groups had significantly higher serum IgA concentrations than did unvaccinated control dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that the SC B bronchiseptica vaccine may be used to stimulate antibody responses in seropositive dogs. There was no apparent benefit to administering these vaccines simultaneously. Intranasal vaccines may not be effective for booster vaccination of dogs previously exposed to or immunized against B bronchiseptica. Dogs should be vaccinated at least 5 days prior to exposure to B bronchiseptica.     

Clinical findings in 40 dogs with hypersensitivity associated with administration of potentiated sulfonamides

The purpose of this study was to summarize the clinical findings in 40 dogs with systemic hypersensitivity reactions associated with the administration of potentiated sulfonamides. Dogs ranged from 6 months to 14 years of age, with a mean of 5.7 +/- 3.2 years. Spayed female dogs were overrepresented (24 of 40, or 60% of the dogs), as were Samoyeds (3 of 40; 8%) and Miniature Schnauzers (5 of 40; 13%). Mean dosages of potentiated sulfonamides were 47.0 +/- 14.9 mg/kg/d (range, 23.4-81.4 mg/kg/d). The time from the 1st administration of the drug to the onset of the clinical signs of hypersensitivity ranged from 5 to 36 days, with a mean of 12.1 +/- 5.9 days. There was no relationship between either the dosage or type of sulfonamide given and the time to the onset of the clinical signs. Fever was the most common clinical sign observed (55% of the dogs); thrombocytopenia was 2nd (54%), and hepatopathy (28%) was 3rd. Neutropenia, keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), hemolytic anemia. arthropathy, uveitis, skin and mucocutaneous lesions, proteinuria, facial palsy, suspected meningitis, hypothyroidism, pancreatitis, facial edema, and pneumonitis were also observed in some patients. Of 39 dogs with adequate follow-up, 30 (77%) recovered, whereas 8 (21%) either died or were euthanized, and 1 recovered clinically but had persistent increases in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity. Dogs with hepatopathy generally had a poorer prognosis (46% recovery) than dogs without hepatopathy (89% recovery; P = .0035). Sixty-three percent of the dogs with thrombocytopenia recovered, compared to 90% of the dogs without thrombocytopenia (P = .042). Recovery was not associated with sex, age, breed, or type of sulfonamide administered.     

Familial protein-losing enteropathy and protein-losing nephropathy in Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers: 222 cases (1983-1997)

Records and pedigrees of Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers (SCWT) with protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) or protein-losing nephropathy (PLN) were studied retrospectively. Criteria for inclusion were defined based on analysis of blood (panhypoproteinemia for PLE, hypoalbuminemia for PLN) and urine (proteinuria for PLN) and histopathologic examination of tissue. Two hundred twenty-two affected dogs (female:male ratio = 1.6, P < .001) were clinically identified. Dogs were diagnosed with PLE earlier (P < .005; mean +/- SD age: 4.7+/-2.6 years, n = 76) than with PLN (6.3+/-2.0 years, n = 84) or with both diseases (5.9+/-2.2 years, n = 62). Clinical signs included vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, pleural and peritoneal effusions, and less commonly thromboembolic disease. Dogs with PLE generally had panhypoproteinemia and hypocholesterolemia; intestinal lesions included inflammatory bowel disease, dilated lymphatics, and lipogranulomatous lymphangitis. Dogs with PLN generally had hypoalbuminemia, proteinuria, hypercholesterolemia, and azotemia; renal lesions typically showed chronic glomerulonephritis/glomerulosclerosis, and less commonly endstage renal disease. Dogs with combined PLE/PLN had intermediate mean values (P < .001) for serum total protein, albumin, globulin, and cholesterol but had a higher mean urine protein:creatinine ratio than did PLN dogs (P < .05); intestinal and renal lesions in these dogs were similar to those in the other groups. Two dogs had incidental mild renal dysplasia. Pedigree analysis from 188 dogs demonstrated a common male ancestor, although the mode of inheritance is unknown. Both PLE and PLN are common diseases in this small breed population. The prognosis is poor. Compared with previously reported intestinal and renal diseases in dogs, a new, distinctive familial predisposition for both PLE and PLN has been recognized in the SCWT breed.     

Evaluation of Risk Factors for Morbidity and Mortality after Pylorectomy and Gastroduodenostomy in Dogs

Objectives— To (1) identify and describe the type and frequency of postoperative complications after pylorectomy and gastroduodenostomy in dogs and (2) identify preoperative and intraoperative risk factors, including the presence of neoplasia, prognostic for patient mortality after surgery. Study Design— Case series. Animals— Dogs (n=24) treated by pylorectomy and gastroduodenostomy. Methods— Medical records (2000–2007) for 2 teaching hospitals of dogs treated that had pylorectomy and gastroduodenostomy were reviewed. Pre‐, intra‐, and postoperative data were obtained from the medical record. Results— Of the 24 dogs, 75% survived 14 days, but 10 (41%) died by 3 months. Overall median survival time (MST) was 578 days. On log‐rank univariate analysis, preoperative weight loss (P=.001) and malignant neoplasia (P=.01) were associated with decreased survival time. Dogs with malignant neoplasia had a MST of 33 days. Common postoperative morbidity included hypoalbuminemia (62.5%) and anemia (58.3%). Conclusions— Pylorectomy with gastroduodenostomy has a good short‐term outcome but long‐term survival time is poor in dogs with malignant neoplasia. Clinical Relevance— Overall, most dogs treated with pylorectomy and gastroduodenostomy survived the postoperative period; however, preoperative weight loss and malignant neoplasia were associated with decreased survival time. Because dogs with malignant neoplasia have markedly shortened survival times, pertinent preoperative, diagnostics steps should be exhausted to identify underlying neoplasia.     

PROGNOSTIC SIGNIFICANCE OF TUMOR HISTOLOGY AND COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC STAGING FOR RADIATION TREATMENT RESPONSE OF CANINE NASAL TUMORS

Prognostic significance of tumor histology and four computed tomography (CT) staging methods was tested retrospectively in dogs from three treatment centers that underwent intent-to-cure-radiotherapy for intranasal neoplasia. Disease-free and overall survival times were available for 94 dogs. A grouping of anaplastic, squamous cell, and undifferentiated carcinomas had a significantly shorter median disease-free survival (4.4 mo) than a grouping of all sarcomas (10.6 months). Disease-free survivals were not significantly different, when all carcinomas were compared with all sarcomas. The published original and modified WHO staging methods did not significantly relate to either survival endpoint. A modified human maxillary tumor staging system previously applied to canine nasal tumors was prognostically significant for both survival endpoints; a further modified version of that CT-based staging system resulted in improved significance for both survival endpoints. Dogs with unilateral intranasal involvement without bone destruction beyond the turbinates on CT, had longest median survival (23.4 months); CT evidence of cribriform plate involvement was associated with shortest median survival (6.7 months). Combining CT and histology statistically improved prognostic significance for both survival endpoints over the proposed CT staging method alone. Significance was lost when CT stages were collapsed to 相似文献   

Splenic Infarction in 16 Dogs: A Retrospective Study

Sixteen dogs with splenic infarction due to causes other than splenic torsion were identified. Dogs with splenic infarction often had multiple concurrent diseases, and surgical management of splenic infarction was associated with high mortality. Splenic infarction occurred in dogs with hypercoagulable conditions associated with liver disease, renal disease, and hyperadrenocorticism, or as a consequence of uniform splenomegaly, neoplasia, or thrombosis associated with cardiovascular disease. Clinical signs and common laboratory findings generally reflected the underlying disease process. A variety of splenic abnormalities were detected by abdominal ultrasound in 15 dogs, with the ventral extremity of the spleen being most often abnormal. Four dogs were euthanized or died because of the presence of severe systemic disease, whereas 12 dogs underwent laparotomy. Complete splenectomy was performed in 9 dogs and partial splenectomy was performed in 2 dogs. Seven dogs died in the immediate postoperative period, 3 required chronic veterinary care, and 2 had uncomplicated long-term recoveries. Splenic infarction should be regarded as a sign of altered blood flow and coagulation, rather than as a primary disease, and surgical management should be reserved for patients with life-threatening complications such as hemoabdomen or sepsis.     

Complications associated with the use of indwelling epidural catheters in dogs: 81 cases (1996-1999)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate complications associated with use of indwelling epidural catheters in dogs in a clinical setting. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. ANIMALS: 81 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed for dogs in which a 19-gauge epidural catheter was placed percutaneously at L7-S1 and advanced to the point of maximum efficacy for pain control (between L7 and T4, depending on the procedure). Catheters were used to provide perioperative epidural analgesia during surgeries that included perineal (n = 6), hind limb (33), abdominal (43), thoracic (5), forelimb (2), and cervical (1) procedures. RESULTS: Catheters were maintained in situ from 1 to 7 days (mean, 2.3 days; median, 2.0 days). Sixty-four dogs did not have complications; 17 dogs had minor complications. Catheter dislodgement was the most common complication (13/80 [16%] dogs). Catheter site contamination without inflammation developed in 2 (2.4%) dogs; inflammation at the catheter site developed in 2 (2.4%) dogs but was not related to duration of time the catheter was in place. Complications were not serious and did not require treatment other than catheter removal. Dogs that dislodged their catheters were significantly younger (mean, 2.9 years; median, 2.0 years) than other dogs (mean, 6.2 years; median, 6.0 years). Dogs that received femoral fracture repair dislodged their catheters more often (62.5%) than dogs undergoing other procedures (10.9%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The complication rate associated with temporary epidural catheterization of dogs appears to be low, and complications generally are not serious.     

Validation of a Rapid Parathyroid Hormone Assay and Intraoperative Measurement of Parathyroid Hormone in Dogs with Benign Naturally Occurring Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Objectives— To (1) validate a rapid chemiluminescent parathyroid hormone (PTH) assay, (2) determine it's usefulness locating a parathyroid nodule(s), and (3) determine if >50% decrease in PTH corresponds with excision of autonomously functioning parathyroid tissue. Study Design— Prospective cohort study. Animals— Dogs (n=12) with naturally occurring primary hyperparathyroidism and 25 healthy dogs. Methods— The assay was validated with linearity, precision, and intermethod comparison. Preoperative and postoperative systemic plasma PTH concentrations, measured from saphenous venous blood, were compared. Intraoperative local PTH concentrations were measured in right and left jugular venous blood before and after surgical excision of the grossly abnormal parathyroid gland(s). Results— Within run and day‐to‐day precisions were acceptable (coefficient of variation <15%). Dilutional parallelism was used to demonstrate high correlation between measured and calculated PTH concentrations (R²=0.99). The assay methods had good correlation but numerical results of the rapid assay were usually lower than the immunoradiometric assay. Seven of 12 dogs had uniglandular disease and five had multiglandular disease. Systemic and local PTH concentrations decreased >50% in all the dogs after excision of the parathyroid gland(s). Mean preoperative systemic plasma PTH concentrations were significantly higher than mean postoperative systemic concentrations. Local PTH concentrations could not be used reliably to differentiate the side of the autonomously functioning gland(s). Hypercalcemia resolved postoperatively in all the dogs. Conclusion— This assay measures PTH in dogs. Rapid PTH measurement provided documentation of decreased PTH concentration after removal of autonomously functioning parathyroid tissue. Clinical Relevance— Use of this assay allows documentation of a significant decrease in PTH concentration after excision of autonomously functioning parathyroid tissue.     

Cardiovascular Effects of a Continuous Two-Hour Propofol Infusion in Dogs Comparison With Isoflurane Anesthesia

The cardiovascular effects during 2 hours of anesthesia with either a continuous propofol infusion or isoflurane were compared in the same six healthy dogs. Dogs were randomly assigned to be anesthetized with either propofol (5 mg/kg, IV administered over 30 seconds, immediately followed by a propofol infusion beginning at 0.4 mg/kg/min), or isoflurane (2.0% end-tidal concentration). The propofol infusion was adjusted to maintain a light plane of anesthesia. Dogs anesthetized with propofol had higher values for systemic arterial pressure due to higher systemic vascular resistance. Dogs anesthetized with isoflurane had higher values for heart rate and mean pulmonary artery pressure. Cardiac index was not different between the two groups. Apnea and cyanosis were observed during induction of anesthesia with propofol. At the end of anesthesia the mean time to extubation for dogs anesthetized with either propofol or isoflurane was 13.5 min and 12.7 min, respectively. A continuous infusion of propofol (0.44 mg/kg/min) provided a light plane of anesthesia. Ventilatory support during continuous propofol infusion is recommended.