P2Y12 receptor gene mutation associated with postoperative hemorrhage in a Greater Swiss Mountain dog

A novel hereditary disorder of platelets was identified across 5 generations of a family of Greater Swiss Mountain dogs. The first dog identified with the mutation bled excessively following routine ovariohysterectomy and required multiple transfusions. Coagulation screening assays, platelet counts, and von Willebrand factor antigen activity were within reference intervals. Flow cytometric studies indicated that platelets from the affected dog expressed normal levels of glycoproteins IIb and IIIa and responded to 2 platelet-activating agents, convulxin and platelet-activating factor, but not to ADP. Based on DNA studies, a 3 base-pair deletion predicted to result in elimination of a serine from the extracellular domain was identified in the gene encoding P2Y12, an ADP receptor protein located on platelet membranes. Flow cytometric analysis of platelets and studies of DNA performed concurrently on 2 unrelated Greater Swiss Mountain dogs were unremarkable. The mutation was subsequently identified in the sire, the maternal grand-dam, a maternal great grandparent, a paternal great grandparent, and a great-great grandparent. The sire was homozygous, but had not yet been identified as having a hemostatic disorder; the other 4 dogs were carriers. This is the first report of a mutation in the gene encoding the ADP receptor P2Y12 in a domestic animal. P2Y12 is the same receptor targeted by ticlopidine and clopidogrel, platelet inhibitors used in lieu of aspirin in people at risk for cardiovascular disease; thus, spontaneous bleeding is not expected unless there are other contributing factors. This disorder is particularly troublesome because spontaneous hemorrhage is absent to mild in affected dogs; however, following routine surgical procedures or trauma, excessive bleeding could occur and have possible fatal consequences.     

Analysis of a commercial dimethyl‐sulfoxide‐stabilized frozen canine platelet concentrate by turbidimetric aggregometry

Objectives – To assess platelet function of a commercial dimethyl‐sulfoxide (DMSO)‐stabilized frozen platelet concentrate (PC) using turbidimetric aggregometry. Design – In vitro analysis. Setting – Research laboratory in a school of veterinary medicine. Animals – Five units of frozen PC in 6% DMSO were studied. Fresh platelet‐rich plasma (PRP), with and without 6% DMSO, from 6 healthy dogs were used as controls. Interventions – Turbidimetric platelet aggregation was measured after initiation of platelet aggregation by addition of adenosine diphosphate (ADP), collagen, or thrombin at concentrations of 30 μM, 20 μg/mL, and 0.5 U/mL, respectively. Measures were performed at thaw and repeated 2 hours after thaw for the frozen PC. Measurements and Main Results – Compared with PRP, the frozen PC showed decreased aggregation in response to thrombin (amplitude of 84% versus 25%, P=0.01), and collagen (amplitude of 13% versus 3%, P=0.05) but not ADP (6.5% versus 18%, P=0.2). Compared with frozen PC at thaw, the frozen PC at 2 hours after thaw showed decreased aggregation in response to thrombin, collagen, and ADP (P<0.05). There was no difference in aggregation between PRP in 6% DMSO and frozen PC. Conclusions – These in vitro data suggest there is a decrease in platelet response to agonists associated with the freeze‐thaw process in the commercially available 6% DMSO canine frozen PC.     

Acute haemoabdomen associated with Angiostrongylus vasoruminfection in a dog: a case report

A one-year-old intact female, Danish shorthaired pointer was referred to the emergency service with a history of acute collapse and pale mucous membranes after a month of reduced activity but with no other clinical signs. An ultrasound examination of the abdomen indicated the presence of a large amount of free fluid with no obvious cause such as neoplasia or splenic rupture. Fluid analysis had the macroscopic appearance of blood with no signs of infection or neoplasia. Multiple Angiostrongylus vasorum L1 larvae were revealed on a direct rectal faecal smear. The dog was treated with fenbendazole 25 mg/kg orally once daily for 20 days and given supportive treatment. The dog was stabilised on this treatment. Haemoabdomen is a clinical sign where surgical intervention is often considered an integral part of the diagnostic investigation (i.e., laparotomy) or treatment. Failing to make the diagnosis of canine angiostrongylosis before performing surgery may have a serious adverse affect on the outcome. Consequently, in areas where A. vasorum is enzootic, a Baermann test and a direct faecal smear should be included in the initial diagnostic investigation of all dogs presenting with bleeding disorders of unknown origin.     

A novel approach to treatment of lymphangiosarcoma in a boxer dog

A five‐year‐old female boxer presented with a swelling in the area of the caudal mammary gland. The mass was surgically excised and histopathological examination revealed a poorly demarcated lesion, extending into mammary tissue and infiltrating the sinuses of adjacent lymph nodes. The diagnosis was lymphangiosarcoma. Full blood work, thoracic radiographs, abdominal and scar ultrasound were unremarkable, apart from possible inflammatory reactions in the latter and reactive/metastatic changes in inguinal lymph nodes. Doxorubicin treatment resulted in a 6‐month recurrence free interval. At relapse, the dog was treated with metronomic chemotherapy using chlorambucil and meloxicam, which failed to adequately control the disease. Toceranib phosphate was introduced and resulted in almost complete regression of the mass, leaving just a skin plaque. To the authors’ knowledge this is the first report describing the use of two novel therapeutic approaches to treat canine lymphangiosarcoma that resulted in a higher than previously described survival time.     

Azithromycin in the treatment of a dog infected with Giardia intestinalis

Giardia intestinalis infection is a common cause of diarrhoea in humans and other mammalian species throughout the world. This report describes a case of a dog suffering from diarrhoea, infected with G. intestinalis, effectively treated with azithromycin. Azithromycin is an azalide, semisynthetic macrolide antibiotic having a large spectrum of activity against bacterial pathogens and some protozoa. In this case, Giardia infection in a dog was confirmed by microscopic examination and PCR. Sequencing of the detected Giardia amplicon confirmed infection with assemblage A-I. The dog received azithromycin administered at dose of 10 mg/kg per os, once a day for 5 days. After the therapy, the diarrhoea stopped. Effectiveness of the treatment was also confirmed by PCR and microscopic examination. This is the first report on the therapy of canine giardiosis with azithromycin. It seems that azithromycin can be considered as promising antibiotic for the control of Giardia infection in dogs.     

Use of therapeutic plasmapheresis in a case of canine immune-mediated hemolytic anemia

Objective – To investigate the clinical application and potential utility of plasmapheresis in canine immune-mediated hemolytic anemia.
Case Summary – A 7-year-old spayed female Maltese diagnosed with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia was initially treated with prednisone, cyclosporine, and received multiple transfusions of packed RBC. Because of the progression of clinical signs despite traditional medical therapy, plasmapheresis was initiated. Plasma immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M levels were measured before, during, and after treatment to help determine if there had been a significant decrease in immunoglobulin levels with plasmapheresis. Plasmapheresis was successfully performed over a 2.5-hour period in this dog with minimal complications. Hypocalcemia was identified as a known complication of circuit anticoagulation, and was corrected through calcium supplementation. Post-plasmapheresis there was a decrease in immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M levels, and the patient showed clinical improvement. Following discharge the dog had no known complications of therapy, and had complete resolution of the anemia.
New or Unique Information Provided – Plasmapheresis was performed successfully with minimal complications. Because transfusion requirements appeared to be reduced, and the procedure was well tolerated, there may be a place for this modality in severe cases to act as a bridge until medical therapy takes full effect. Because of the cost of performing this therapy, and the potential requirement for multiple treatments, it should be reserved for selected patients.     

Changes in Factor VIII:Coagulant Activity and von Willebrand Factor Antigen Concentration After Subcutaneous Injection of Desmopressin in Dogs with Mild Hemophilia A

Four German Shepherd dogs with mild hemophilia A were given Desmopressin (Minirin intranasal solution, Ferring, Malmo, Sweden) subcutaneously at a range of doses in a controlled blind study. No substantial change in plasma FVIII activity was observed 0.5, 1, 2, 4, or 6 hours after administration of Desmopressin. Plasma von Willebrand factor antigen concentrations increased rapidly after doses of 0.4, 1.0, 2.0, and 5.0 micrograms/kg to mean values of 140%, 127%, 120%, and 140% of baseline, respectively. The duration of this increase was dependent on the dose of Desmopressin injected.     

Surgical treatment of gastric leiomyoma in a dog

A 12-year-old entire male Maltese terrier was presented with a 1 month history of vomiting and haematemesis. Microcytic hypochromic anaemia was detected. Abdominal radiography, ultrasonography and gastric endoscopy identified a discrete intramural mass in the pyloric antrum. An ulcerated leiomyoma was removed by a partial-thickness intraluminal resection of the gastric wall. The dog recovered well and is free from clinical signs 20 months after surgery.     

Successful treatment of hypereosinophilic syndrome in a dog

An 11-year-old crossbred dog was presented with a history of episodic vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort and coughing. These signs had been present for several years. Marked peripheral eosinophilia (10.3 x 10(9)/L) was found. No underlying cause of reactive eosinophilia was apparent. Bone marrow aspiration biopsy showed hyperplasia of the eosinophilic cell line, with some increase in immaturity, although all cells were morphologically normal. There were numerous eosinophils in bronchial wash fluid and eosinophilic infiltrates were evident in biopsies of pancreas, liver, small intestine and colon but not stomach. Hypereosinophilic syndrome was diagnosed. The dog responded well to twice daily treatment with hydroxyurea and prednisolone. Clinical signs are well-controlled 16 months later.     

Severe calcinosis cutis associated with treatment of hypoparathyroidism in a dog.

A 6-month-old, female border collie was referred for evaluation of hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, fever, and painful ventral abdominal skin. She had recently been treated intravenously and subcutaneously (SC) with a diluted 10% calcium gluconate solution. The medical evaluation supported the diagnosis of primary hypoparathyroidism, but the subsequent hospital course was complicated by severe calcinosis cutis, which caused extensive skin necrosis and marked debilitation. This patient illustrates that administration of a calcium gluconate solution SC can be associated with extensive morbidity when administered to hyperphosphatemic patients.     

Surgical treatment of a vertebral fracture associated with a haematogenous osteomyelitis in a dog.

A seven-month-old Rottweiler was referred for a diagnosed femoral neck fracture and a suspected vertebral fracture. The simplified neurological examination revealed an acute paraplegia. A discospondyilitis associated with a pathologic fracture of Th11 and a spinal compression, and a haematogenous epiphysitis of the femoral neck were diagnosed based on radiographic and computed tomographic examinations. The vertebral fracture was stabilised using screws and polymethylmetacrylate with gentamycin by a lateral intercostal approach. The dog was able to walk seven days later. A femoral head and neck ostectomy was performed two weeks later. Staphylococcus intermedius was isolated from both sites, which confirmed the diagnosis. The dog was treated with cephalexin (30 mg/kg/d) for six weeks. A telephone interview with owners indicated that no more clinical signs were present four months after the second surgery. Discospondylitis associated with haematogenous osteomyelitis has only been reported in two cases. Paraplegia is an unusual clinical presentation for discospondylitis. The lateral approach (which allowed a direct access to the infected site) and the technique (screws associated with antibiotic-impregnated cement) are unique for surgical treatment of discospondylitis. Although applying cement to an infected area may pose a risk, antibiotic-loaded cement is successfully used in the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis in humans.     

Successful treatment of severe salt intoxication in a dog

Objective: To report successful treatment of severe salt intoxication and hypernatremia in a dog. Case summary: A 5‐year‐old intact female Doberman Pinscher was admitted to the intensive care unit with a history of seizures and coma. The owner had administered approximately 100 g of cooking salt to induce vomiting following ingestion of a nontoxic dose (10 g) of chocolate. Upon admission, the dog was comatose with intermittent seizures and vomiting. Diagnostic tests confirmed salt intoxication (Na: 200 mEq/L, Cl: 180 mEq/L) and metabolic acidosis (pH: 7.18; pCO₂: 39 mmHg; HCO₃: 14.3 mmol/L). Immediate treatment included intravenous fluid therapy, an anticonvulsant, antiemetic, diuretic, low molecular weight heparin, and supplemental oxygen. A fluid therapy protocol was initiated to decrease serum sodium concentration by approximately 2 mEq/L/hr. After 24 hours of intensive care, the patient regained consciousness and volume and acid‐base abnormalities improved. The patient developed a variety of abnormal clinical signs as a result of the severe hypernatremia. After 5 days of treatment, the serum sodium concentration returned to the established reference range. The patient recovered completely in 10 days. New information provided: Severe hypernatremia due to salt ingestion is a rare condition in dogs. All dogs in previous case reports of salt intoxication have died. This case report is the first to report survival of a dog with severe salt intoxication.     

一例母犬胃内异物合并绝育手术的诊疗

文章研究治愈母犬胃内异物的同时做绝育手术的效果.对病犬采用临床检查、血常规检查、血清生化检查、影像学检查等方法确诊胃内有异物,并通过手术取出胃内异物的同时进行绝育.结果 表明:从母犬胃内取出一块大小为2 cm×1 cm×1 cm的石子,并成功给母犬做绝育,术后恢复效果较好.该病例的诊疗经验为临床上犬胃内异物的诊治和绝育...     

Temporary remission of hypoglycemia in a dog with an insulinoma after treatment with streptozotocin.

Temporary remission of hypoglycemia was achieved in a dog with an insulinoma by treatment, using streptozotocin. Nephropathy, manifested as a renal tubular defect, and hepatopathy were associated with the administration of streptozotocin.     

A case of protein-losing enteropathy treated with methotrexate in a dog

A 9-year-old female Pug was presented to us with chronic diarrhea. Hematologic findings indicated severe hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia, and endoscopy revealed severe edema of the duodenal mucosa. Based on these results and on additional histopathological findings, we made a diagnosis of protein-losing enteropathy caused by lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis with lymphangiectasia. The dog was initially treated with prednisolone and cyclosporine. This treatment regimen was not effective. However, when methotrexate was substituted for cyclosporine, progress was obtained and the diagnosis was confirmed.     

Autologous blood transfusion following an allogenic transfusion reaction in a case of acute anaemia due to intra‐abdominal bleeding

This report describes the use of an autologous transfusion to temporarily improve the oxygen carrying capacity in a case of haemoabdomen. The horse required multiple blood transfusions but use of allogenic transfusions was hindered by a severe adverse reaction. The blood previously lost into the abdomen was drained and returned to the circulation without observed adverse effects. Autologous blood transfusion is a technique which can be used alone, or in addition to, allogenic blood transfusions in selected cases of acute blood loss in horses.