Hemolytic anemia,spherocytosis, and thrombocytopenia associated with honey bee envenomation in a dog

This case report describes a massive honey bee envenomation in a 14‐month‐old male Belgian Malinois dog from St. Kitts, West Indies. Acute and delayed onsets of hemolytic anemia, echinocytosis, spherocytosis, thrombocytopenia, hemoglobinemia, and hemoglobinuria developed following envenomation. The dog recovered after treatment with glucocorticoids and supportive therapy. Spherocytosis, hemolysis, and thrombocytopenia in patients with massive bee envenomation are likely due to the direct toxic effects of the primary components of bee venom, melittin and phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂). Mellitin causes hemolysis by forming large pores in erythrocytes resulting in leakage of hemoglobin and also causes spectrin stiffening and resultant echinocyte and spherocyte formation. Melittin also stimulates PLA₂, a hydrolase that causes echinocytosis and spherocytosis, in vivo and in vitro, and mitochondrial breakdown in platelets. However, delayed manifestations could be attributed to immune‐mediated mechanisms from the generation of antibodies against damaged erythrocytes and platelet membrane proteins.     

Massive envenomation by Vespula spp. in two dogs.

Two dogs, a 5 year old golden retriever and a 5 year old yellow Labrador, were stung by numerous yellow jackets (Vespula sup.). Both dogs exhibited signs consistent with direct toxic effect of the wasp venom. The laborador was more severely affected, and was euthanized less than 24 hours after after admission. On postmorten, changes were seen that were consistent with anaphylaxis and disseminated intravascular coagulation. The golden retriever, although exhibiting respiratory distress, prolongation of coagualtion, and increased liver enzymes, eventually made a full recovery.     

Cardiac arrhythmia and suspect cardiomyopathy in a boxer dog

A 3 year old Boxer dog was presented with a history of syncope and an irregular heart heat. An arrhythmia characterised by ventricular premature contractions was detected and was thought to cause the syncopal episodes. On the basis of the age, breed and the characteristic electrocardiographic findings, a diagnosis of Boxer Cardiomyopathy was made. The dog was treated with procainamide 500 mg every 8 hours to control the arrythmia and there were no further syncopal episodes in the subsequent 13 months.     

Cardiac arrhythmia and suspect cardiomyopathy in a Boxer dog

A 3 year old Boxer dog was presented with a history of syncope and an irregular heart heat. An arrhythmia characterised by ventricular premature contractions was detected and was thought to cause the syncopal episodes. On the basis of the age, breed and the characteristic electrocardiographic findings, a diagnosis of Boxer Cardiomyopathy was made. The dog was treated with procainamide 500 mg every 8 hours to control the arrythmia and there were no further syncopal episodes in the subsequent 13 months.     

Idiopathic dyserythropoiesis in a dog

Idiopathic dyserythropoiesis in a dog was characterized by chronic nonregenerative normocytic normochromic anemia, cellular marrow and abnormal morphology of erythroid precursors. Serum concentrations of Vitamin B(12), folate and iron were inconsistent with secondary causes of dyserythropoiesis. The disorder appeared to be distinct from myelodysplastic syndromes described previously.     

Spontaneous resolution of hypothermia-induced atrial fibrillation in a dog

Objective: To report a case of spontaneous resolution of atrial fibrillation secondary to hypothermia in a dog without detectable heart disease. Case summary: An 8‐year‐old female spayed mixed breed dog presented with a history of prolonged exposure to below freezing environmental temperatures. The dog presented hypothermic (<32°C or <90°F) and minimally responsive to stimuli. The heart rate was 80 beats per minute (bpm) and irregular. Atrial fibrillation was diagnosed. The dog had pale mucous membranes, absent femoral pulses, and no obtainable blood pressure via indirect Doppler technique. Resuscitation fluids were administered and active external warming was instituted. Peripheral edema was observed during the rewarming phase and the irregular heart rate was noted to increase. The atrial fibrillation spontaneously resolved with no specific anti‐arrhythmic therapy. No underlying myocardial disease was found. The recovery of this dog was complete with a subsequent repeat of the echocardiogram and electrocardiogram (ECG) 8‐months later found to be within normal limits.     

Management of a proximal pelvic limb skin laceration in a dog using a skin flap and an external fixator

A nine-year-old, spayed female crossbred dog sustained a traumatic skin lesion to the right proximal pelvic limb, extending to the extensor surface of the stifle. Surgical management of the wound included primary closure using a body skin flap fashioned from the right caudolateral abdominal wall. To achieve closure and prevent tension on the wound, the coxofemoral and stifle joints on the affected side needed to be immobilised in flexion. Flexion immobilisation of the stifle was achieved using the anatomical principle of muscle reciprocation. The ipsilateral tarsal joint was immobilised in flexion using a uniplanar-bilateral (type II) transarticular external skeletal fixator and this resulted in the automatic flexion of the stifle. The fixator was removed six weeks postoperatively when the wound had healed. There were no apparent complications associated with the fixator either during its use or in the longer term following its removal.     

Management of eyelid neoplasms in the dog and cat

Eyelid neoplasms are common in the older dog and typically benign. Eyelid neoplasms in the cat are less common and more often malignant. Resection of eyelid masses may be curative; however, restoration of the eyelid structure after mass excision is essential for maintaining long-term ocular surface health. Surgical techniques and instrumentation for eyelid surgery are reviewed. Indications, benefits. and limitations of sharp excision, cryotherapy, and laser excision and ablation are discussed. Neoplasia of the third eyelid is also discussed.     

Primary ocular osteosarcoma in a dog

An adult male Rottweiler presented to the veterinary medical teaching hospital at Purdue University with a 1-month history of hyphema. On physical examination conjunctivitis, episcleral hyperemia, corneal edema, hyphema, mild glaucoma and loss of vision were observed in the left eye. No other abnormalities were found. The left globe was surgically removed because of the high likelihood of neoplasia and it was fixed in 10% buffered formalin and submitted for pathology. A histologic diagnosis of primary osteosarcoma of the eye was made. Radiographic evaluation did not reveal any evidence of other tumors or pulmonary metastasis. This is the fourth canine case of primary intraocular osteosarcoma to be documented.     

Orbital neurofibrosarcoma in a dog

A young dog was presented with rapidly progressive, unilateral, exophthalmos. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of the retrobulbar mass resulted in a diagnosis of fibrosarcoma. Magnetic resonance imagery revealed tumor invasion into the brain, and palliative therapy was elected. The dog was euthanized 4 weeks following diagnosis due to progressive neurological signs. The final diagnosis was neurofibrosarcoma involving the pons, brainstem, left orbit and left trigeminal nerve.     

Pathologic sideroblasts and siderocytes associated with chloramphenicol therapy in a dog

Siderotic granules were recognized in blood erythrocytes from a male Boxer dog with suppurative prostatitis, cystitis and pyelonephritis that was being given high dosage chloramphenicol therapy. Siderotic inclusions were recognized in the cytoplasm of 96% of the rubricytes and metarubricytes in a bone marrow aspirate. Siderotic inclusions were numerous and in some cases formed a ring around the nucleus. This perinuclear location suggested that pathologic mitochondrial iron accumulation had occurred, resulting in the formation of "ringed" sideroblasts. The occurrence of pathologic sideroblasts was confirmed by electron microscopy. Blood siderocytes and bone marrow sideroblasts disappeared after cessation of chloramphenicol therapy.     

Nasal infection with Scedosporium apiospermum in a dog

CASE HISTORY: A 2-year-old female Siberian Husky was presented with a 6-month history of sneezing and mucous discharge from the right nostril.

CLINICAL FINDINGS: Reduced airflow through the right nostril was evident. Radiographs showed subtle loss of detail of turbinates within the right nasal chamber. Rhinoscopy revealed swollen and erythematous turbinates and a white mass within the caudal aspect of the right nasal cavity. Histopathologically, there was a heavy mixed inflammatory infiltrate in the submus- cosa of the right turbinate, and the presence of fungal hyphae and spores in the white mass. A heavy growth of Scedosporium apiospermum was cultured from the mass.

DIAGNOSIS: Chronic rhinitis of the right nasal cavity and infection with S. apiospermum.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This is the first reported case of S. apiospermum isolated from the nasal cavity of a dog in New Zealand. Fungal culture is necessary to differentiate this fungus from Aspergillus spp.     

Unilateral external and internal ophthalmoplegia caused by intracranial meningioma in a dog

Unilateral internal and external ophthalmoplegia caused by an intracranial meningioma occurred in a 15-year-old Belgian Sheepdog. The dog initially presented with ventro-lateral strabismus of the left eye, and ptosis of the left upper eyelid. Anisocoria was present with the left pupil fixed and dilated. Both eyes were visual. Neuro-ophthalmic evaluation revealed a lesion located in the left oculomotor nerve. Pharmacological testing with dilute pilocarpine (0.1% in artificial tears) revealed evidence of parasympathetic denervation of the left eye. Further evaluation via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a well-defined mass to the left of midline and lateral to the sella turcica. An attempt was made to excise/debulk the mass due to worsening conditions and the dog died the following day. Necropsy revealed a mass of randomly arranged bundles and streams of spindle cells. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated a strong avidity for vimentin and a negative response for S-100 protein. These findings suggest a diagnosis of meningioma.     

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.