Underlying medical conditions in cats with presumptive psychogenic alopecia

OBJECTIVE: To identify underlying medical conditions in cats with a presumptive diagnosis of psychogenic alopecia. DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: 21 adult cats referred with a presumptive diagnosis of psychogenic alopecia. PROCEDURES: A detailed behavior and dermatologic questionnaire was completed by the primary caregiver, and complete behavioral and dermatologic examinations were performed. A standard diagnostic testing protocol that included cytologic examination of skin scrapings, fungal culture of hairs, evaluation of responses to parasiticides and an exclusion diet, assessment for atopy and endocrinopathies, and histologic examination of skin biopsy specimens was used to establish a definitive diagnosis in all cats. Cats that did not respond to an elimination diet were treated with methylprednisolone acetate to determine whether pruritus was a factor. RESULTS: Medical causes of pruritus were identified in 16 (76%) cats. Only 2 (10%) cats were found to have only psychogenic alopecia, and an additional 3 (14%) cats had a combination of psychogenic alopecia and a medical cause of pruritus. An adverse food reaction was diagnosed in 12 (57%) cats and was suspected in an additional 2. All cats with histologic evidence of inflammation in skin biopsy specimens were determined to have a medical condition, but of 6 cats without histologic abnormalities, 4 had an adverse food reaction, atopy, or a combination of the 2, and only 2 had psychogenic alopecia. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that psychogenic alopecia is overdiagnosed in cats. Thorough diagnostic testing should be done before ascribing a behavioral cause to hair loss in cats.     

人工育幼白颊长臂猿的行为矫正一例

记录1只人工育幼白颊长臂猿明显异常行为的矫正过程,矫正内容包括：（1）毛巾脱离训练;（2）吮吸手指、身体撞地、过度紧迫3种刻板行为矫正;（3）树栖行为恢复训练3部分.矫正采用环境丰容与食物丰容相结合的方式,幼猿由原简单布置的育幼室迁到备有较多攀爬绳索、可见同类行为模式、自然植被丰富等具有相当丰容程度的新笼舍,投喂方式由定时定点转为散放、不定时放置食物.毛巾脱离训练成功后,采用事件取样法对该长臂猿异常行为和树栖时间进行观察记录,结果表明幼猿吮吸手指、身体撞地、过度紧迫3种异常行为分别由原来87.6％、26.4％、17.2％降至44.8％、0％、0.2％;并成功激发其树栖生活的正常行为模式.休息、取食、运动行为由原来的40％、6％、3％提高至58％、17％、18％.     

Panniculitis associated with pancreatitis in a cocker spaniel

A 13-year-old, male cocker spaniel presented with a history of inappetence, depression and reluctance to stand. The dog had multiple, ulcerated skin lesions which were diagnosed as panniculitis by histopathology. A diagnosis of pancreatitis was made on the basis of markedly elevated serum lipase concentrations, abdominal ultrasonography which showed an abnormal lobulated area of hypoechoic tissue in the body and right lobe of the pancreas, and a fine needle biopsy from this area which revealed large numbers of degenerate neutrophils. After treatment with antibiotics and prednisolone, the dog made a full clinical recovery and was free of clinical signs for four months. The dog was euthanased five months later and postmortem examination revealed chronic, active pancreatitis and a pancreatic adenoma. This is the first report of antemortem diagnosis of pancreatitis and panniculitis in a dog.     

Owner-perceived signs and veterinary diagnosis in 50 cases of feline osteoarthritis

Veterinarians contacted to identify cats diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA) provided information on signalment, method of diagnosis, treatment and concurrent disease. Owners of 50 cats were interviewed to collect information on specific OA signs observed in the home, relating to mobility, self-maintenance, social and exploratory behavior, and activity and habits at diagnosis and after treatment. Mean age at diagnosis was 12 y; concurrent diseases were common (44%). Owner-reported abnormalities led to OA diagnosis in most cases; either as the primary finding (30%), or combined with abnormal physical examination or radiographic findings (64%). Owners frequently reported changes in mobility, particularly gait, jumping, and use of stairs. Oral or injectable disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs were the most common treatments (71%). Feline OA diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring appear to rely heavily on owner-perceived signs; physical examination abnormalities may not be detected. Questioning of owners revealed various observable signs potentially useful in OA detection and monitoring.     

Endoscopic removal of a molariform supernumerary intranasal tooth (heterotopic polyodontia) in a horse

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 3-year-old Thoroughbred mare was evaluated because of abnormal upper respiratory tract sounds (that had become apparent during race training) of 3 to 4 months' duration. CLINICAL FINDINGS: On initial physical evaluation, there were no abnormal findings. During trotting, an abnormal upper airway expiratory sound was audible. Endoscopic examination revealed a small mass protruding into the right ventral nasal meatus. Radiographic images of the skull revealed no abnormal findings. Computed tomography of the head revealed an abnormal structure in the same location as the mass that was observed during endoscopy. The x-ray attenuation of the mass was identical to that of dental tissue. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: The mass was surgically removed with endoscopic guidance. On gross examination, the excised mass appeared to be a nearly normal molariform tooth. Histologic examination revealed that it was a well-formed tooth, with no other associated cellular populations. The mass was determined to be a molariform supernumerary intranasal tooth. Six months following discharge from the hospital, the trainer reported that the abnormal respiratory tract sound was no longer audible. During a follow-up endoscopic examination performed at the training facility, no abnormalities were detected. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In horses, an intranasal tooth should be considered as a differential diagnosis for expiratory stridor. Clear definitions of heterotopic polyodontia, dentigerous cyst, and temporal teratoma can be used to clinically diagnose these separate anomalies. In the horse of this report, computed tomographic findings contributed to determination of a diagnosis and formulation of a treatment plan.     

Cystic papillary meningioma in the sella turcica of a dog.

An 8-year-old spayed Scottish Terrier was examined because of a history of intermittent abnormal behavior that progressed to hind limb ataxia and eventually to recumbency with opisthotonos. X-Ray computed tomography revealed a radiolucent mass in the area of the hypothalamus. At necropsy, a suprasellar cystic papillary meni-ngioma was identified. The unusual clinical signs of disease and computed tomographic findings of this case complicated diagnosis.     

Continuous Urethral Spasm Responsive to Acepromazine in a Mare

A Standardbred mare presented with a 3-year history of stranguria and pollakiuria. Urethral spasm was detected by transrectal and digital examination. Ancillary diagnostic tests revealed no abnormal findings. The mare recovered after a 1-month treatment with acepromazine. Similar cases and responses to treatment have not been reported before in horses.     

Suspected mitochondrial myopathy in a Jack Russell terrier

A Jack Russell terrier with a history of progressive exercise intolerance was examined at the age of four months and again 10 months later. Clinical examination revealed a stunted, thin dog with a stilted gait. The dog had raised lactate levels before and after feeding and a raised lactate/pyruvate ratio after feeding, indicating a metabolic abnormality. Histochemical evaluation of muscle biopsies revealed subsarcolemmal accumulation of oxidative activity when stained with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide tetrazolium reductase and ragged red fibres when stained with modified Gomori trichrome; all fibre types were involved. Ultrastructural examination of the muscle confirmed the presence of subsarcolemmal accumulations of mitochondria. Histochemical staining for the activity of enzymes of the Krebs cycle, oxidative phosphorylation and other metabolic cytosolic enzymes failed to demonstrate an abnormality. In view of the clinical picture and the biochemical and histological findings, a tentative diagnosis of mitochondrial myopathy was made. The difficulties associated with diagnosing mitochondrial disorders are discussed.     

Unilateral facial paralysis and keratitis sicca, signs of temporohyoid osteoarthropathy in the horse

A 9-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare was presented with a history of abnormal behaviour and acute facial nerve paralysis on the left side. Clinical examination revealed a slight head tilt and a corneal ulcer of the left eye. The base of the left ear was warm and painful. Endoscopic examination of the left guttural pouch showed thickening of the proximal part of the stylohyoid bone. Computer tomography revealed a left-sided prominent bony enlargement of the middle and proximal part of the stylohyoid bone and the tympanic bulla, fusion of the temporrhoid joint, and osseous proliferation of the pars petrosa of the temporal bone. The diagnosis was confirmed postmortem. The literature concerning the anatomy, clinical signs, and therapy of temporrhoid osteoarthropathy is discussed.     

Congenital sinus cyst in a foal

A rhesus monkey developed psychogenic polydipsia after a change in feeding regimen was instituted. Hyposthenuria, hyponatremia, hypochloremia, and an abnormal calculated plasma osmolality were found. Water deprivation testing and administration of antidiuretic hormone indicated that renal medullary solute depletion had resulted from the prolonged polyuria. Restricted water consumption resulted in resolution of the electrolyte abnormalities and restored ability to excrete concentrated urine.     

P‐5 Importance of psychogenic factors in canine recurrent pyoderma

Recurrent pyoderma is a relapsing bacterial infection of the skin. Evaluation of the primary predisposing factors is essential, but they are not always easy to determine. We reported that psychogenic factors should be considered as one cause of canine dermatoses featuring pruritic behavior such as grooming and scratching, and predicted that it could be added as a cause of recurrent pyoderma. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the roles of psychogenic factors in canine recurrent pyoderma. This study examined 21 dogs with recurrent pyoderma, which showed relapsing but antibiotic‐responsive skin lesions. Predisposing factors, especially allergy, infection, endocrine disorders, congenital factors and improper treatments, were carefully ruled out with standard diagnostic procedures. Diagnosis of psychogenic factors was based on fulfillment of the following features: (1) distinctive area of broken hairs or asymmetric erythema, (2) incidental pruritic behavior related to emotionally unstable situation or physiological intervention, (3) existence of environmental antecedent triggers or concurrent psychiatric symptoms, and (4) requirement for psychogenic treatment, consisting of behavior modification and psychopharmacological therapy in some. The incidence of psychogenic factors and the efficacy of the treatment in recurrent pyoderma were evaluated. In these 21 dogs, 10 cases (47.6%) were compatible with the presence of psychogenic factors, and seven cases (33.3%) were improved with behavioral treatment. Psychogenic factors should be considered in the aetiology of so‐called idiopathic canine recurrent pyoderma. Further investigation is needed to understand the relationship between skin barrier dysfunction and psychogenic factors. Funding: Self‐funded.     

Cerebral extension of steroid-responsive meningitis arteritis in a boxer

A comatose 30-month-old, entire male boxer was presented because of an acute history of a cluster of three to four seizures. Neurological examination suggested a diffuse to multifocal intracranial lesion. Magnetic resonance tomography revealed symmetrical multifocal to diffuse changes of the cerebral grey matter and ependymal lining with sediment in the lateral ventricles. Haematological examination revealed leucocytosis with neutrophilia. Cerebrospinal fluid examination revealed high protein concentration and polymorphonuclear pleocytosis. Despite antiepileptic treatment, therapy against increased intracranial pressure and antibiosis, the dog's condition continued to deteriorate and he was euthanased. Pathological examination revealed fibrinosuppurative meningo-ependymitis and necrotising arteritis throughout the brain. In addition, chronic inflammation and arterial stenosis was found in the spinal meninges. No infectious agent was found. A diagnosis of steroid-responsive meningitis arteritis was made. The massive extension into the meninges and ventricular system of the forebrain has not been described previously in dogs with steroid-responsive meningitis arteritis and should be considered in the differential diagnosis when an intracranial suppurative infection is suspected.     

Ethmoidal encephalocoele associated with seizures in a puppy

A six-month-old puppy was presented for investigation of a seizure disorder. Neurological examination indicated persistent cerebral dysfunction in the absence of any identifiable metabolic disorder and magnetic resonance imaging revealed extension of the rostral lobes of the cerebrum into the nasal cavity. Despite symptomatic treatment, the puppy continued to exhibit seizures and appeared distressed and so was euthanased. Postmortem examination confirmed the abnormal anatomy of the rostral part of the brain and absence of a cribriform plate. There was extensive grey and white matter degeneration plus intraparenchymal haemorrhage in the abnormal brain tissue. The findings are consistent with a diagnosis of ethmoldal encephalocoele--a condition that has not previously been reported in the dog.     

Intestinal lymphangiectasia in a dog

An eight-month-old female crossbred terrier was presented with a short history of diarrhoea, dyspnoea and abdominal distension. Clinical examination revealed thoracic effusion, ascites, and subcutaneous oedema. Hypoalbuminaemia, hypoglobulinaemia and lymphopaenia were all present. Histological examination of a jejunal biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of intestinal Iymphangiectasia. Full clinical recovery followed treatment by dietary management.     

Necrotizing meningoencephalitis associated with cortical hippocampal hamartia in a Pekingese dog

A 4-year-old male Pekingese dog was referred to the clinic with a history of recurrent seizures and progressive abnormal gait and behavior, which did not respond to treatment. At necropsy, a large cortical defect in the right temporo-parietal cortex, malacia of subcortical white matter, right basal nuclei, and capsula interna, as well as abnormalities of the right hippocampus were observed. Histological examination of the brain revealed moderate to severe nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis in the left cerebral hemisphere and extensive infarction-like lesions with milder inflammation in the right hemisphere. In the right hippocampus, the pyramidal cells were arranged in a gyrus-like pattern and intermingled with gemistocytic and fibrillary astrocytes. The histopathological features of the inflammatory lesions were consistent with necrotizing meningoencephalitis and resembled those described in so-called Pug dog encephalitis. The hippocampal changes were interpreted as dysplasia (monolateral hippocampal cortical hamartia), unrelated to clinical signs and necrotizing inflammatory lesions.     

Dorsal displacement of the soft palate in 92 horses during high-speed treadmill examination (1993-1998)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the occurrence of dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) during high-speed treadmill (HSTM) exercise in racehorses, and determine treatment efficacy relative to the endoscopic findings observed during resting and HSTM endoscopic examination. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. Animals-Ninety-two racehorses (74 Thoroughbreds, 18 Standardbreds). METHODS: The signalment, history (clinical and race), treatments, and video recordings made during resting and HSTM endoscopy were reviewed in 92 racehorses that developed DDSP during HSTM exercise. Only horses that completed 3 starts before and after HSTM examination were included in performance-outcome analysis. Statistical associations were made between the independent variables (the historical findings and the resting and HSTM endoscopic findings) and performance outcome. RESULTS: Forty-five horses (49%) displaced their palate in an uncomplicated manner, whereas the other horses either had another upper-respiratory abnormality in association with DDSP (35) or displaced after swallowing (12). Although respiratory noise was not recorded during HSTM exercise, only 57 horses (62%) that developed DDSP during HSTM examination had a history of abnormal upper-respiratory noise. For the 45 horses that met the criteria for performance outcome analysis, there were no independent variables recorded during resting or HSTM endoscopy that had a significant association with performance outcome. Treatment for DDSP varied by clinician. Overall, 29 horses (64%) had improved average earnings per start after diagnosis and treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Thirty-five horses (38%) that had DDSP during HSTM endoscopy had no previous history of abnormal upper-respiratory noise, and 74 (80%) had no structural abnormalities noted on resting endoscopic examination. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: HSTM examination is an excellent tool for diagnosis of DDSP and the manner in which it occurs. DDSP did not occur similarly in all horses, and was often associated with another upper-respiratory abnormality. Thus, it is unlikely that a single treatment can be applied effectively for all horses that experience DDSP. Both surgical and medical treatments can be beneficial in improving a horse's performance after a diagnosis of DDSP is made. Neither resting nor HSTM endoscopic findings were clearly prognostic.     

Eosinophilic keratoconjunctivitis in two rabbits

The purpose of this case report is to describe the clinical course and cytologic findings, treatment, and outcome of eosinophilic keratoconjunctivitis in two rabbits. Ophthalmic examination revealed ocular discharge, dacryocystitis, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, white conjunctival and corneal plaques, corneal vascularization, and stromal infiltration with different degrees of severity in each case. In case 2 there was also ulcerative disease of the cornea. Computerized tomography scan of the head, corneal biopsy for histopathologic examination with additional Luna and Giemsa stain were performed in case 2 and conjunctival as well as corneal specimens were obtained for bacteriologic culture and cytologic examination in case 1. Based on test results, a diagnosis of eosinophilic keratoconjunctivitis was made in case 2 and a tentative diagnosis of eosinophilic keratoconjunctivitis was made in case 1. Response to treatment with a topical steroid and topical cyclosporin was supportive of the diagnosis in both cases and shared many similarities with the response to treatment previously described in cats. Eosinophilic keratitis should be considered as part of a differential diagnosis list in rabbits with a history of keratitis.     

Feeding and drinking behavior problems

The physiologic and behavioral basis of normal canine and feline feeding is given in detail. Abnormalities of ingestive behavior include obesity and anorexia in both species, flank or blanket sucking in Doberman Pinschers, coprophagia and stone chewing in dogs, and wool chewing in cats. Drinking behavior is discussed briefly, and the abnormalities of hypernatremia (a failure of thirst) and psychogenic polydipsia and polyphagia are reviewed.     

Megaesophagus was complicated with Billroth I gastroduodenostomy in a cat

A seven-year-old, female, domestic short hair cat was presented with a history of chronic anorexia. Radiographic examination revealed a large space-occupying calcified mass in the abdominal cavity. The mass was located in pylorus and did not extend into the duodenum and surrounding tissues. Billroth I gastroduodenostomy was conducted to remove the mass. Histopathological examination of the mass showed a lymphoma. Although Recovery following the operation was excellent, the patient showed intermittent vomiting unrelated to feeding. Radiographical examination revealed a megaesophagus, which was assumed to be a complication of the Billroth I procedure, since the condition was not observed before the procedure.     

Diet-related zinc-responsive skin disease in dogs: a dying dermatosis?

In the United Kingdom, most cases of zinc-responsive skin disease in dogs result from feeding soya and, or, cereal-based diets, possibly, in some animals, in association with an apparent inherent defect of zinc absorption. Most such diets are not deficient in zinc but contain excessive quantities of other substances which reduce its availability for absorption. Important clinical signs include a dull, harsh coat with or without achromotrichia, erythema, seborrhoea sicca, bilaterally symmetrical, circular to linear, white/yellow crusts affecting the head, limbs, scrotum and perineum, ceruminous otitis and peripheral lymphomegaly. The diagnosis is suggested by the history, physical signs, laboratory tests and the examination of skin biopsies and is confirmed by an unequivocal response to oral zinc supplementation (10 mg/kg zinc sulphate once daily with food) while keeping the original diet unchanged. Non-specific laboratory tests (serum alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol and thyroxine concentrations before and after thyroid stimulating hormone administration) reported by others as being abnormal in some cases of zinc-responsive dermatosis have been unhelpful but a plasma zinc concentration below the mean of the reference range supports the diagnosis. The classical histological change of zinc-responsive dermatoses, parakeratosis, has been seen in only 64 per cent of cases biopsied. Long term management necessitates a change in diet to canned meat and biscuit. Long term therapy is not required. Many manufacturers of diets predisposing to the condition are now adding additional zinc to their diets resulting in a dramatic reduction in the numbers of new cases of the condition being seen.