Congenital portosystemic shunt in dogs and cats

An overview of the circulation of the liver and of the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy as a result of portal vascular anomalies is given. Clinical signs associated with portal systemic shunts are described on the basis of 16 cases, 14 dogs and 2 cats. These animals ranged in age at the time of presentation from 4 months to 7 years. The predominant abnormality observed were central nervous signs, which differed in severity. The different techniques of contrast angiography allowing demonstration of a portal systemic shunt are presented along with a discussion of the pros and cons of each. Additionally the significance of making portal venous pressure measurements prior to each angiography is also explained. In most cases mesenteric portography was chosen. Based on their location the anomalies could be categorized as intrahepatic (4 dogs) or extrahepatic (10 dogs, 2 cats). In both groups breeds of various size are represented. The extrahepatic shunts could be further described as portal-caval (n = 5), portal-phrenic (n = 4) and portal-azygos (n = 3). In five of the older animals angiography showed in addition some hepatic perfusion by the portal vein. Laboratory evaluation revealed increased resting blood ammonia concentrations (greater than 200-912 micrograms/100 ml) in all animals. Seven dogs had definitely subnormal BUN concentrations (less than 10 mg%) and ten dogs low total plasma protein levels (less than 5.4 g%). Free amino acids (24) were determined in four dogs and a lowered hepatic encephalopathy index (less than 1.64) found. Medical palliative therapy to control the clinical signs is discussed. The only effective long term therapy is, however, surgery. The shunt vessel is narrowed so that a greater volume of portal blood reaches the liver. Experience gained from the surgical therapy of 14 animals is presented. Ten of these survived well without requiring further therapy at a later time. Finally the etiology, prognosis, and differential diagnosis are summarized.     

Pilot study of the relationship of free amino acids in serum and in the cerebrospinal fluid of horses

In a blind study serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of control horses and of horses in hepatic coma after chronic food intoxication with Senecio alpinus were collected simultaneously and the composition of free amino acids was determined. The hepatic encephalopathy index in serum (less than 1.65) and in CSF (less than 1.11) of liver patients was distinctly less than to the control values in serum (greater than 2.42) and in CSF (greater than 1.49). The serum concentrations of glutamic acid in hepatic coma were elevated five-fold in comparison to the controls. An indication of ammonia decontamination was that nearly ten-fold higher values of glutamine were found in the cerebrospinal fluids of patients than in serum. In comparison to controls the serum levels of glutamine in horses with hepatic encephalopathy were decreased by the factor 0.7.     

Diagnosis and prevention of feline toxoplasmosis

At the "Small Animal Clinic of the University of Veterinary Science" in Brno during four years 442 sick and 178 clinically normal cats were examined in regard to incidence and diagnosis of toxoplasmosis. Using the Sabin-Feldman reaction, antibodies against T.gondii were found in 40.3% of the cats (titer 4-128), whereas by means of complement fixation reaction and microprecipitation in agar gel, antibodies were found in 23.2% (titer 5-80) and 17.1% of the cats, respectively. Eight cats (1.3%) excreted T.gondii oocysts. The number of animals having specific antibodies increased statistically significant with age (P less than 0.01) and with particular hunting habits: it was higher in cats which were usually catching small rodents (P less than 0.01). A lower toxoplasmosis incidence was observed in indoor-cats (P less than 0.005) and in cats fed with boiled food only (P less than 0.005). In 35% of the cats showing no clinical symptoms of toxoplasmosis, there were found antibodies against T.gondii. Comparison of clinically normal and sick cats revealed that antibodies against T.gondii occurred significantly more often in cats with enlarged lymph nodes (P less than 0.01), with a disease of the digestive tract (P less than 0.01), of the liver (P less than 0.01), and of the nervous system (P less than 0.01). Several recommendations for diagnosis and prophylaxis of toxoplasmosis in cats are given.     

Diabetic neuropathy in dogs and cats--a bioptic electron microscopic study

Electron microscopic examination of peripheral nerves within dermal corium based upon skin biopsies (punch diameter = 6 mm) of chronic diabetic dogs and cats in comparison with normal controls revealed that more than 90% of the diabetic animals (31/34 dogs, 9/10 cats) had developed characteristic neuropathies. The main features were of axonal atrophy of myelinated and unmyelinated fibers, demyelination and - to a lesser degree - intraaxonal accumulation of glycogen (about 25%). In contrast with human diabetic polyneuropathy vascular basement membranes were throughout of normal appearance. Thickening of the perineural basement membranes were observed in a few canine cases only. Diagnostic procedures as well as questions on pathogenesis are discussed in detail.     

Effectiveness of bromide in therapy resistant epilepsy of dogs

In therapy lasting between 8 and 79 (means = 31) months 22 epileptic dogs had been unsuccessfully treated with phenobarbital and/or primidone. Both drugs had been administered in their maximum dosages. In an add-on therapy, these dogs were given potassium bromide at a rate of 17 to 58 mg/kg daily for a period of 7 to 61 (means = 21) months. We could quantitatively evaluate the seizure data from 19 of the dogs: four became free of seizures; seven showed a greater than 50% reduction in seizure frequency; in two dogs, the seizures were reduced by greater than 50% but the number of seizure-days by less than 50%; in the remaining six dogs the therapy was unsuccessful. We achieved the best therapeutic results in animals that suffered only grand mal seizures. Grand mal in addition to other types of seizures and tonic seizures were affected to a lesser extent if at all. At the beginning of the therapy we saw temporary side effects--weakness in the hind limbs and sedation; these were temporary and dependent on the dosage. Serum concentrations differed even with the same dosage among individual dogs. The therapeutic range of bromide serum concentration was from 0.7 to 2.0 mg/ml. Most of the animals tolerated concentrations up to 1.5 mg/ml quite well. To begin an add-on therapy with potassium bromide we would recommend a daily dose of 30 to 40 mg/kg. During treatment, the dose should be determined for each individual dog.     

Multimorbidity in aged dogs and cats

As in humans, an increase in the incidence of concurrent diseases occurs in dogs and cats with age. To some extent considerable species specific differences occur; the dog is affected more than the cat. In advanced age more chronic diseases are observed as in humans. The following diseases show a particular predisposition in aged dogs and cats: The dog exhibits especially non-inflammatory skin diseases, cardiopathies, chronic diseases of the respiratory tract, oral cavity, liver, kidneys and urinary tract, diseases of the CNS, and tumours, whereas the cat suffers from the leukaemia complex, to a lesser extent from non-inflammatory skin and cardiac diseases, also from chronic diseases of the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys and urinary tract, endocrine system, and tumours.     

Imported leishmaniasis of dogs: clinical aspects, diagnosis and therapy with Na stibogluconate (Pentostam)

Between May 1982 and September 1986 13 dogs with leishmaniosis received inpatient treatment with Pentostam at the I. Medical Department of the Veterinary Faculty, University of Munich. Predominant clinical signs of all animals were alterations of the skin and hair coat and additionally they showed a reduced general condition (4 dogs), loss of weight (3 dogs), diarrhea (5 dogs) and pain during movements. In the blood samples taken prior treatment in 9 dogs there was an increased total protein concentration. 5 dogs had changes in the red and 4 dogs in the white blood count. Thrombocytopenia occurred in 6 dogs. Leishmaniosis was diagnosed clinically and serologically (IFAT). Na-Stibogluconate (Pentostam) was used for the treatment at a dosage of 10 or 20 mg/kg on 10 or 14 consecutive days. Two dogs died during an early stage of therapy. 6 dogs were discharged as clinically cured after a single or repeated treatment course(s).     

Glomerulonephritis in dogs and cats

Immunohistology and special staining of plastic sections allow diagnosis and differentiation of subtypes of glomerulonephritis in dogs. Frequency and clinical importance of these forms of glomerulonephritis vary significantly. In cats, glomerulonephritis occurs frequently in FIV-positive cats but is rare in animals suffering from persistent FeLV infection or FIP.     

Lens-induced uveitis (endophthalmitis phakoanaphylactica) in domestic animals]

In this paper ophthalmological and clinical results as well as the literature on lens-induced uveitis (LIU), a relatively unknown pathological syndrome in domestic animals, are presented. Out of all ocular material sent to the Institute of Pathology, GSF, from 1970 until 1990 (n = 864), 40 individual cases of LIU (14 cases in dogs, 13 in cats, 10 in rabbits, 1 in a horse and 2 in birds) were diagnosed. The histology of the eyes of the cases is characterized by a lesion of the lens capsule and a consequent reactive phacogenic inflammation of the anterior segment of the eye in the region of the anterior uvea. A comparison of the history and ophthalmological diagnosis indicates that 36 lens-induced uveitis cases occurred following a (spontaneous) traumatic injury to the eye, whereby the anterior lens capsule was perforated with the result of the lens material being exuded into the anterior uvea (iris-ciliary body region). The strongly vascularized anterior uvea is used as a carrier and a connecting link to the immune system. None of the histologically examined cases of LIU were diagnosed as such clinically. This can be explained by the fact that the uveitis is difficult to recognize on account of overlying secondary alterations in the eye. Nevertheless the morphological substrate of LIU is considered to be pathognomonic. The inflammatory and cellular reactions leading to a release of the lens material observed in domestic and laboratory animals exhibit only slight parallels to those observed in man. The case history of animals usually reveals a traumatic injury and an endophthalmitis (with or without secondary glaucoma) which cannot be controlled therapeutically. The therapy for promptly diagnosed cases should be a lens extraction to save the affected eye and its sight. In advanced cases the enucleation of the bulbus is the therapy of choice.     

Experiences with the intraocular silicon prosthesis as an alternative to enucleation in dogs and cats

The intraocular implantation of a silicone prosthesis fulfills all important requirements to be used in dogs and cats. Given the appropriate indication including glaucoma in the first place, this method should be preferred to enucleation. The operation procedure is described and clinical observations in 14 dogs and 6 cats are reported. All animals tolerated the implant well and appeared to be pain-free. The cosmetic results depended on the correct size of the implant and on the nature of the corneal response. Final evaluation of the cosmetic effect was only possible one year or even more after operation.     

Pharmacologic principles in the treatment of epilepsy in the dog and cat

The pharmacokinetics of antiepileptic drugs used for the treatment of human epilepsies is reviewed for dogs and cats. In dogs, especially phenobarbital and primidone must be regarded as useful drugs for chronic treatment on account of their elimination rate and bioavailability. Phenytoin, carbamazepine, valproic acid and benzodiazepines are eliminated so rapidly that a therapeutic value cannot be expected. In cats, phenytoin, phenobarbital, valproic acid and diazepam must be regarded as suited for chronic treatment, but there is a definite lack of clinical experience. Phenobarbital and primidone are useful for treatment of clonic-tonic generalized seizures (grand mal) in dogs. The effect of primidone depends mostly on its metabolite phenobarbital. Since primidone, given in high dosage for longer periods of time, gives rise to liver damage, phenobarbital is regarded as the drug of first choice. A status epilepticus may be treated by i.v. injection of diazepam, clonazepam, phenytoin or lidocaine. In cats with grand mal, treatment with daily doses of about 1 mg/kg diazepam may be tried. It proved effective for longer time periods without development of tolerance. There is no reliable clinical experience with other drugs in this species.     

Diagnostic possibilities of ANP blood measurements in dogs]

Atrial natriuretic peptide has been considered to be a major regulator in the body's water and salt homeostasis. Antagonizing those mechanisms leading to volume retention and overload (renin, angiotensin, aldosterone), ANP has been suggested to play a critical role in the pathology of certain diseases like renal failure, congestive heart failure or hypertension. In this regard, we measured ANP plasma concentration in normal healthy dogs and dogs with renal failure, congestive heart failure and Cushing syndrome. ANP levels were slightly decreased in dogs with Cushing disease (n = 9; 5.5 +/- 2 fmol/ml), increased in renal failure (n = 7; 16.2 +/- 5.8 fmol/ml, p less than 0.05) and markedly augmented in dogs with congestive heart failure (n = 14; 52.9 +/- 29.75 fmol/ml, p less than 0.01) as compared to healthy dogs (n = 6; 8.3 +/- 3.5 fmol/ml). Furthermore, characterization of the measured immunoreactivity (IR-ANP) revealed, that up to 50% of the IR-ANP in dogs with congestive heart failure corresponds to the ANP precursor molecule, not found in healthy subjects. This fact might present one possible explanation for the attenuated response to ANP in congestive heart failure. In addition, this finding may also serve a diagnostical purpose.     

Peculiarities of exotic animals in human-pet relations

In the past years an upward tendency in zoo animal husbandry is seen which is reflecting itself in additional visits to the small animal practitioner. The motivation for the increased keeping of zoo animals is of various nature and is a result of changes in the living conditions in the age of high technology. Misinterpretation when purchasing a zoo animal frequently leads to torturous husbandry. In contrast to dogs and cats, avian and rodent pets have additional characteristics. Cage housing and the therefore total dependence on the owner as well as the frequently missing sexual partner mean individual consideration for the needs of each species. Only the knowledge of these circumstances enables the small animal practitioner to assess the relationship of the owner and his pet, which is essential for therapy but also for an appropriate animal protection.     

The fatty acid profiles and energetic substrates of two Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus,Linnaeus) strains,Red‐Stirling and Chitralada,and their hybrid

Protein and lipid content as well as the fatty acid (FA) composition of storage tissues were analysed in two varieties of Oreochromis niloticus (Red‐Stirling and Chitralada) and their hybrid. The animals were maintained in cages for 11 months. The samples were taken when the animals weighed 10, 50, 100, 250 and 500 g. The results showed that changes in the metabolic processes occur during an increase in body mass in both varieties of tilapia and also their hybrid, but that these differences are not found in animals collected at the commercial weight. The protein content of the fillet and liver decreased with growth and the same protein content associated with growth was found for fillet lipid content. The genetic variety did not influence the FA profile of the fillet, but different genotypes had different hepatic FA compositions. Even with the same lipid content, the hepatocytes of Chitralada accumulated higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) n6 in triglycerides and increased C22:6n3 in the hepatocyte membranes. The higher n6PUFA content was compensated by a lower fraction of saturated FA in the hepatocyte triglycerides. The skin of Chitralada also had higher n6PUFA and C22:6n3 contents, suggesting a higher ability to deposit PUFA in the skin due to alterations in the liver synthetic pathway.     

Paramunization of FeLV-positive cats with PIND-AVI]

84 FeLV-positive cats were continually treated with the paramunity inducer (immunomodulator) PIND-AVI (23 healthy cats once a week, 61 diseased cats up to 3 times a week), the frequency depending on their general condition. The ELISA control tests were repeated after 4 to 6 weeks. Paramunization was continued in cats still viremic until remission of viremia. 21 healthy cats already reacted negatively to the first control ELISA, the 2 others after 8 weeks of paramunization. Within an observation time of 18 to 30 months there were no relapses. 49 of the 61 diseased cats (80.3%) reacted negatively to the first control. 5 cats (8.2%) had died at the beginning of the treatment. 5 cats (8.2%) showed a remission of viremic after being paramunized continually for 7 to 20 weeks. 2 cats (3.3%) remained viremic throughout the observation time (more than 2 years). None of the animals had a relapse. Neither had any of 9 chronically diseased cats, known to have been viremic for 3 to 12 months at the beginning of paramunization. The importance of the results of these paramunization tests for the treatment of various retrovirus infections of human beings and animals is briefly discussed.     

Pan-steatitis in farmed northern bluefin tuna, Thunnus thynnus (L.), in the eastern Adriatic

Clinical, gross and histopathological investigations were carried out into large-scale mortalities on eastern Mediterranean bluefin tuna, Thunnus thynnus (L.), farms. Fish showed only nervous signs and darkened colour. At post-mortem the liver was bronze coloured and the pyloric area waxy in consistency. There was no evidence of any other gross pathology. Histopathology showed severe hepatic necrosis and lipidosis. Peri-pancreatic lipoid tissue was heavily infiltrated with an inflammatory round cell infiltrate. Fish on all three farms had been fed on a North African pilchard diet rather than traditional local or Baltic species. Once the diet was modified, losses ceased. A diagnosis of pan-steatitis as seen in other farmed fish species, as well as in terrestrial animals, on particular fish-based diets was made, although the actual factor within the diet which induced the inflammatory effect is not known.     

Megakaryocytic leukemia in three cats

The present report describes a myeloproliferative disease, type megakaryocytic leukemia in three cats, 4, 8 and 11 years old. Clinically, the animals showed severe anemia. Neoplastic infiltrates were present in bone marrow, spleen, lymphnodes, liver and kidney. Two animals were FeLV positive.     

Experiences with a sedimentation technique for the enrichment of cerebrospinal fluid cells in the dog and cat. Part 1.]

The differentiation of cells of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) gives valuable information about certain neurologic diseases. The sedimentation technique of Sayk modified by K?lmel is introduced and its application described. Cells of 300 samples of CSF from dogs and cats are evaluated. There were very good to reasonable results in 88% (263 of 300) of the samples. A comparison between cell number, morphology and protein content in 150 samples was performed. 90 CSF samples with normal cell count (less than or equal to 5/mm3, determined in the Fuchs-Rosenthal chamber) were compared with the cell yield after sedimentation. In 58% (52 of 90) of the samples more than 200 cells were found, in 13% (12 of 90) more than 800 could be differentiated. The results are compared with those of other methods mentioned in the literature.     

Dysphagia as the result of disorders of esophagus function in dogs and cats

Disturbances of the oesophageal function in dogs and cats lead to the clinical symptoms of dysphagia. An oesophageal dilatation of various degree can result from this and can be categorized as primary, i.e. idiopathic form, or secondary form, if its cause is known. This present study of our own patient population gives a survey of the symptomatology, diagnostic measures, incidence, pathogenesis, and therapy of oesophageal dilatation.     

The dry chemical system Kodak Ectachem DT 60. Working methods, performance and suitability for laboratory diagnosis in dogs and cats

The Kodak Ektachem DT 60 Analyzer, a compact tabletop analyzer, which is based on the multilayer film technology, has been evaluated to assess its suitability for veterinary use. For a period of 6 months more than 400 serum samples from dogs and cats were analyzed for the following 11 analytes: ALT, CK, AP, alpha-amylase, total bilirubin, glucose, urea, total protein, creatinine, sodium, and potassium. Results obtained with the DT 60 Analyzer were compared with those gained from a Hitachi 705 autoanalyzer and from an Eppendorf flame photometer. Precision study results (within-run precision and between-run precision) were generally very good. Comparisons with other methods were quite satisfactory. Good to very good correlation was found for nearly all the parameters. The analyzer is easy to use and has proved to be reliable. It can be used successfully in the determination of serum-analytes in dogs and cats.