Radiographic findings in dogs with pulmonary blastomycosis: 125 cases (1989-2006)

OBJECTIVE: To identify radiographic patterns in dogs with pulmonary blastomycosis and radiographic factors associated with outcome. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 125 dogs with pulmonary blastomycosis. PROCEDURES: Medical records were reviewed, and for each lung lobe, the primary radiographic pattern and percentage of lobar involvement at the time of initial examination were recorded. RESULTS: 79 dogs survived, 38 died, and 8 were euthanized without treatment. The initial radiographic pattern was variable and not significantly associated with outcome. Mean half-time for radiographic resolution of pulmonary infiltrates was 41.4 days for all patterns except masses, for which mean half-time to resolution was 90.8 days. Transient radiographic worsening was seen in 20 of 87 (23%) dogs but was not associated with a poor prognosis. Pulmonary bullae were seen in 20 (16%) dogs, most often in association with an alveolar pattern. Accuracy of using percentage of right caudal lung lobe involvement ( 20%) to predict outcome was 74.4%; accuracy of using number of affected lobes (< 4 vs >or= 4) to predict outcome was 65.8%. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that a nonuniform distribution of pulmonary infiltrates was equally as likely as a diffuse nodular interstitial pattern in dogs with pulmonary blastomycosis. On the basis of half-time for resolution of pulmonary infiltrates, follow-up radiography should be performed no more often than every 4 to 6 weeks in clinically stable patients. Transient radiographic worsening that occurred during the initial weeks of treatment was not associated with a poorer prognosis.     

Evaluation of total and ionized calcium status in dogs with blastomycosis: 38 cases (1997-2006)

OBJECTIVE: To determine blood ionized calcium (iCa) and serum total calcium (tCa) concentrations in dogs with blastomycosis and to evaluate whether serum tCa concentration, albumin-adjusted serum calcium concentration (AdjCa-Alb), and total protein-adjusted serum calcium concentration (AdjCa-TP) accurately predict iCa status. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 38 client-owned dogs with a cytologic diagnosis of blastomycosis. PROCEDURES: Dogs were classified as hypocalcemic, normocalcemic, or hypercalcemic on the basis of blood iCa concentration, serum tCa concentration, AdjCa-Alb, and AdjCa-TP; classification on the basis of serum tCa concentration, AdjCa-Alb, and AdjCa-TP was compared with blood iCa concentration. RESULTS: Except for 2 hypercalcemic dogs, all dogs had blood iCa concentrations within the reference interval. Use of serum tCa concentration overestimated hypocalcemia in 57.9% (22/38) of dogs and underestimated hypercalcemia in 1 dog. Use of AdjCa-Alb correctly reclassified all dogs as normocalcemic that were classified as hypocalcemic on the basis of serum tCa concentration, but failed to predict hypercalcemia in 1 dog. Use of AdjCa-TP correctly reclassified all but 2 dogs as normocalcemic that were classified as hypocalcemic on the basis of serum tCa concentration, and failed to predict hypercalcemia in 1 dog. No correlation was found between blood iCa concentration and serum concentrations of tCa, total protein, and albumin; AdjCa-Alb; or AdjCa-TP. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: High blood iCa concentration was uncommon in dogs with blastomycosis. Hypoalbuminemia contributed to a low serum tCa concentration despite a blood iCa concentration within reference limits. The use of serum tCa concentration, AdjCa-Alb, and AdjCa-TP may fail to identify a small number of dogs with high blood iCa concentrations.     

Liposarcomas in dogs: 56 cases (1989-2000)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the biological behavior of liposarcomas in dogs and identify clinical signs, the effect of treatment on survival time, and potential prognostic factors. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 56 dogs with histologically confirmed liposarcoma. PROCEDURE: Information was obtained on signalment, tumor size, location of the tumor, stage of disease, remission duration, overall survival time, cause of death, type of surgery (incisional biopsy, marginal excision, or wide excision), and any additional treatments given. RESULTS: Surgery consisted of incisional biopsy in 6 dogs, marginal excision in 34, and wide excision in 16. Twenty-five dogs had histologic evidence of tumor cells at the surgical margins and 28 did not (status of the margins was unknown in 3 dogs). Twelve of 43 dogs had local recurrence. Median survival time was 694 days, and the only factor significantly associated with survival time was type of surgery performed. Median survival times were 1,188, 649, and 183 days, respectively, for dogs that underwent wide excision, marginal excision, and incisional biopsy. Factors that were not found to be significantly associated with survival time included tumor size, status of the margins, tumor location, and histologic subtype. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that in dogs, liposarcomas are locally invasive neoplasms that rarely metastasize and occur primarily in appendicular or axial locations and that wide excision is preferred to marginal excision when feasible.     

Evaluation of risk factors for blastomycosis in dogs: 857 cases (1980-1990)

An epidemiologic study was conducted by use of the Veterinary Medical Data Base to investigate risk factors for blastomycosis in dogs. From January 1980 through June 1990, 971 cases of blastomycosis in dogs from 22 North American veterinary teaching hospitals were identified. Of these cases, 114 (11.7%) were excluded from the study because of incomplete information regarding age, body weight, sex, and neuter status. A control group of 417,079 dogs was selected that included all other dogs with medical conditions unrelated to blastomycosis for which records were submitted to the data base during the same period. The prevalence of blastomycosis in dogs was 205/100,000 admissions during the study period. When veterinary teaching hospitals were grouped on the basis of their general geographic location, dogs in the East South central, East North central, West South central, and South Atlantic regions had a significantly (P < 0.05) increased risk of acquiring blastomycosis, compared with that of dogs in the Mountain/Pacific region. When teaching hospitals from all geographic regions were considered, dogs had a significantly (P < 0.05) increased risk of acquiring blastomycosis in autumn, compared with that in spring. Sporting dogs and hounds, as defined by the American Kennel Club, were at increased risk for blastomycosis. At highest risk were Bluetick Coonhounds, Treeing-walker Coonhounds, Pointers, and Weimaraners, compared with mixed-breed dogs. Ages of dogs with blastomycosis tended to be normally distributed. Generally, the highest-risk group was composed of sexually intact male dogs, 2 to 4 years old, weighing 22.7 to 34.1 kg. This same pattern was observed for sporting dogs and hounds.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Streptozocin for treatment of pancreatic islet cell tumors in dogs: 17 cases (1989-1999)

OBJECTIVE: To determine toxic effects of streptozocin given in combination with a diuresis protocol in dogs and establish whether streptozocin is efficacious in treatment of pancreatic islet cell tumors in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 17 dogs. PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed to obtain information regarding signalment, tumor stage and staging tests performed, number of streptozocin treatments, adverse effects, results of biochemical and hematologic monitoring during streptozocin treatment, tumor dimensions, duration of normoglycemia, and date of death, when applicable. Dogs were compared with a historical control group of 15 dogs treated surgically and medically. RESULTS: 58 treatments were administered to the 17 dogs. Only 1 dog developed azotemia. Serum alanine aminotransferase activity increased in some dogs but decreased when treatment was discontinued. Hematologic toxicoses were rare. Vomiting during administration was uncommon but occasionally severe. Two dogs developed diabetes mellitus after receiving 5 doses. Median duration of normoglycemia for 14 dogs with stage-II or -III insulinoma treated with streptozocin was 163 days (95% confidence interval, 16 to 309 days), which was not significantly different from that for the control dogs (90 days; 95% confidence interval, 0 to 426 days). Two dogs had rapid resolution of paraneoplastic peripheral neuropathy, and 2 others had measurable reductions in tumor size. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that streptozocin can be administered safely to dogs at a dosage of 500 mg/m2, IV, every 3 weeks when combined with a protocol for induction of diuresis and may be efficacious in the treatment of dogs with metastatic pancreatic islet cell tumors.     

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.     

Use of carboplatin for treatment of dogs with malignant melanoma: 27 cases (1989-2000)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate response rate and duration of malignant melanomas in dogs treated with carboplatin. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 27 client-owned dogs with spontaneously occurring measurable malignant melanomas. PROCEDURE: Records of dogs with melanomas treated with carboplatin from October 1989 to June 2000 were reviewed. Carboplatin was administered IV at doses of 300 or 350 mg/m2 of body surface area. Response to treatment and evidence of drug toxicity were determined. RESULT: Response to treatment could be evaluated in 25 dogs. Of those, overall response rate was 28%. One dog had a complete response, 6 (24%) dogs had a partial response (> 50% reduction in tumor burden). Median duration of partial response was 165 days. Eighteen dogs had stable disease (n = 9; 36%) or progressive disease (9; 36%). Response to treatment was significantly associated with carboplatin dose on a milligram per kilogram basis (15.1 mg/kg 16.9 mg/lb] of body weight vs 12.6 mg/kg [5.7 mg/lb]). Evidence of gastrointestinal toxicosis could be assessed in 27 dogs. Mean body weight of 5 dogs that developed gastrointestinal toxicosis was significantly less than that of 22 dogs without gastrointestinal toxicosis (9.9 kg [21.8 lb] vs 19.3 kg [42.5 lb]). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Carboplatin had activity against macroscopic spontaneously occurring malignant melanomas in dogs and should be considered as an adjunctive treatment for microscopic local or metastatic tumors. Gastrointestinal toxicosis was associated with body weight. Because small dogs are more likely to have adverse gastrointestinal effects, gastrointestinal protectants should be considered for these patients.     

5-Hydroxytryptophan toxicosis in dogs: 21 cases (1989-1999)

OBJECTIVE: To determine epidemiologic characteristics, clinical findings, and treatment outcome of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) toxicosis in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 21 dogs with evidence of accidental 5-HTP ingestion. PROCEDURE: Information was retrieved from the National Animal Poison Control Center database. Records of dogs ingesting 5-HTP between January 1989 and February 1999 were reviewed for information on signalment, dose ingested, clinical signs (onset, severity, duration), treatments administered, and outcome. RESULTS: Clinical signs of toxicosis developed in 19 of 21 (90%) dogs. Neurologic signs included seizures (9 dogs), depression (6), tremors (5), hyperesthesia (5), and ataxia (4). Gastrointestinal tract signs included vomiting or diarrhea (12 dogs), signs of abdominal pain (3), and hypersalivation (2). Other clinical signs were hyperthermia (7 dogs) and transient blindness (3). Three dogs died. No important clinical laboratory or necropsy findings were reported. The doses of 5-HTP ingested ranged from 2.5 to 573 mg/kg (1.1 to 260 mg/lb) of body weight; the minimum toxic dose reported in our study was 23.6 mg/kg (10.7 mg/lb), and the minimum lethal dose was 128 mg/kg (58.1 mg/lb). Onset of signs ranged from 10 minutes to 4 hours after ingestion, and signs lasted up to 36 hours. Of 17 dogs with clinical signs of toxicosis that received treatment, 16 recovered; treatment consisted of decontamination, seizure control, thermoregulation, fluid therapy, and supportive care. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ingestion of 5-HTP in dogs can result in a potentially life-threatening syndrome resembling serotonin syndrome in humans, which requires prompt and aggressive care.     

Radiotherapy-induced myelosuppression in dogs: 103 cases (2002-2006)

Definitive radiotherapy refers to delivery of large doses, typically 48-62 Gray, of ionizing radiation over several weeks using a daily or alternate-day fractionation schedule. The impact of definitive radiotherapy alone on haematopoiesis in tumour-bearing dogs is unknown. Medical records from 103 dogs receiving definitive (60) Cobalt teletherapy for cancer over a 5-year period were reviewed for signalment, tumour type and location, total radiotherapy dose and fractionation scheme. Complete blood count data were collected before, halfway through, and at the end of radiation treatment, and analysed for changes associated with patient variables. The results demonstrate significant reductions in haematocrit, total white blood cell count, neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes, lymphocytes and platelets occurred during definitive radiotherapy but remained within laboratory reference intervals. These data are important for anticipation of toxicity associated with combinations of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in dogs but do not support the routine monitoring of haematology parameters during definitive radiotherapy.     

Transtracheal aspiration in the diagnosis of pulmonary blastomycosis (17 cases: 2000-2005)

Blastomyces dermatitidis is a common etiologic agent of fungal pneumonia in dogs. Definitive diagnosis is based on cytologic demonstration of the organism in affected tissues. Fluid obtained through transtracheal aspiration has previously been reported to have a low diagnostic yield for B. dermatitidis organisms. This retrospective study identified B. dermatitidis organisms in 76% of samples when transtracheal aspiration was performed in 17 nonsedated dogs with pulmonary blastomycosis. Transtracheal aspiration is a noninvasive and simple procedure that should be considered as an early diagnostic test whenever blastomycosis is a differential diagnosis in dogs with pulmonary disease.     

Femoral capital physeal fractures in dogs: 34 cases (1979-1989)

Complications associated with femoral capital physeal (CP) fractures in 34 dogs were evaluated. Fractures were surgically repaired, using divergent K-wires or lag screws; radiographic follow-up was available for 21 CP fractures. In all cases, radiographic abnormalities such as degenerative joint disease and resorption of the femoral neck and/or head were seen. Changes were more severe when fracture occurred at an early age. For 4 of 21 dogs (20%), femoral head and neck excision was performed because of complications associated with CP fracture repair. Prognosis for femoral CP fractures is guarded, although affected dogs should be able to function as pets.     

MOPP chemotherapy for treatment of resistant lymphoma in dogs: a retrospective study of 117 cases (1989-2000)

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of the MOPP chemotherapy protocol (mechlorethamine, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone) as a rescue regimen in dogs with lymphoma. One hundred seventeen dogs that had resistance to previously administered chemotherapy were evaluated. Before treatment with MOPP, all dogs received a median of 6 chemotherapy drugs for a median duration of 213 days. Thirty-one percent (36 of 117) had a complete response (CR) to MOPP for a median of 63 days, and 34% (40 of 117) had a partial response (PR) for a median of 47 days. Sixteen percent (19 of 117) had stable disease (SD) for a median of 33 days. Predictors for response to MOPP were not identified. Gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity occurred in 28% (33 of 117) of the dogs, and 13% (15 dogs) required hospitalization. Five dogs developed septicemia, and 2 died as a result. MOPP was an effective treatment for dogs with resistant lymphoma and was well tolerated by the majority of affected dogs.     

Surgical management of cricopharyngeal dysphagia in dogs: 14 cases (1989-2001)

OBJECTIVE: To determine outcome of and complications associated with cricopharyngeal myotomy or myectomy for treatment of cricopharyngeal dysphagia (CPD) in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 14 dogs. PROCEDURE: Medical records of dogs with CPD that underwent cricopharyngeal myotomy or myectomy were examined. Follow-up information was obtained through telephone interviews with owners and referring veterinarians and clinical examinations when feasible. RESULTS: 16 surgical procedures were performed on the 14 dogs. Dysphagia was completely resolved immediately after surgery in 1 dog, and clinical signs did not recur (follow-up time of 8 years); a second dog also had immediate complete resolution of dysphagia, but follow-up time was only 10 days. Three dogs had transient complete resolution with a mean time to recurrence of dysphagia of 12.3 weeks (range, 2 to 36 weeks). Three dogs had permanent partial resolution. Six dogs had no improvement after surgery. Eight of the 14 dogs were euthanatized because of problems related to CPD, including persistent dysphagia (n = 8) and aspiration pneumonia (5). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The failure rate for dogs undergoing surgical treatment of CPD may be high, particularly if concurrent aspiration pneumonia or malnutrition is not addressed prior to surgery. For those dogs with concurrent diseases, more aggressive medical management, such as enteral tube feeding, may be warranted rather than surgery. In dogs with CPD complicated by other anatomic or functional conditions, such as myasthenia gravis, laryngeal paralysis, and esophageal stricture, surgery may also not be indicated.     

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug toxicosis in dogs and cats: 240 cases (1989-1990)

A search of medical records at the Georgia Animal Poison Information Center over a 19-month period revealed 240 cases of dog and cat exposure to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). The most common NSAID consumed were ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin, and indomethacin. The most common clinical signs of toxicosis were vomiting and diarrhea, CNS depression, and circulatory manifestations. Pets are at risk from NSAID toxicosis through administration by the owners or accidental consumption of improperly stored drugs.     

Bacteria associated with pyothorax of dogs and cats: 98 cases (1989-1998)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the organisms most commonly isolated from pleural fluid from dogs and cats with pyothorax. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 51 dogs and 47 cats. PROCEDURE: Results of bacteriologic culture of pleural fluid samples obtained by means of thoracentesis were obtained from medical records. To obtain information on in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of organisms commonly isolated from dogs and cats, records of all dogs and cats examined during 1998 were reviewed, and information was obtained on identity and in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of aerobic organisms isolated from samples other than urine or urinary tract samples. RESULTS: Median ages of dogs and cats were 4 years. Bacteria were isolated from pleural fluid samples from 47 of 51 (92%) dogs and 45 of 47 (96%) cats. Obligate anaerobic bacteria were isolated from 28 dogs and 40 cats. A mixture of obligate anaerobic and facultative bacteria was isolated from 17 dogs and 20 cats. Samples from cats most often yielded a member of the nonenteric group (most commonly members of the genus Pasteurella), whereas those from dogs more often yielded a member of the family Enterobacteriaceae (most commonly E coli). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that antimicrobial agents chosen for the initial treatment of dogs and cats with pyothorax should be active against a mixture of obligate anaerobic and facultative bacteria.     

Hepatotoxicity of phenobarbital in dogs: 18 cases (1985-1989).

The medical records of 18 dogs that had hepatic disease and received phenobarbital as an anticonvulsant for 5 to 82 months were reviewed. Clinical signs included sedation and ataxia in all dogs, 5 dogs were also anorectic, 2 had coagulopathy, 3 were icteric, and 5 had ascites. Serum biochemical analysis revealed serum albumin concentration less than or equal to 2.2. g/dl in 12 dogs, serum alkaline phosphatase activity greater than or equal to 169 U/L in 18 dogs, serum alanine transaminase activity greater than or equal to 57 U/L in 15 dogs, and total bilirubin concentration greater than or equal to 1 mg/dl (in the absence of lipemia) in 7 dogs. Serum phenobarbital concentration was greater than or equal to 40 micrograms/ml in 12 of 17 dogs. Sulfobromophthalein excretion was prolonged in 8 of 10 dogs. Preprandial serum bile acid concentrations were high in 8 of 10 dogs, and 2-hour postprandial serum bile acid concentrations were high in 9 of 10 dogs. Two of 4 dogs tested had resting plasma ammonia concentrations greater than 200 mg/dl. An ammonia tolerance test was performed on 2 other dogs; both had ammonia concentration greater than or equal to 200 mg/dl in the plasma 30 minutes after receiving 100 mg of ammonium chloride/kg of body weight, PO. Nine dogs died, 1 was euthanatized, and necropsies were performed on these 10 dogs. Biopsies and necropsies of 6 dogs revealed chronic hepatic fibrosis with nodular regeneration (cirrhosis). One dog had hepatocellular carcinoma and mild cirrhosis. In 1 dog, after phenobarbital had been withheld, necropsy revealed complete recovery of the previously observed lesions.     

Treatment of dogs infected with Hepatozoon americanum: 53 cases (1989-1998)

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical and pathologic findings before and after short-term (group 1) and long-term (group 2) treatment in dogs with Hepatozoon americanum infection. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 53 dogs with H. americanum infection. PROCEDURE: Medical records of dogs that were treated for hepatozoonosis diagnosed on the basis of meront or merozoite stages in skeletal muscle were reviewed. RESULTS: Circulating gametocytes of H. americanum were identified in 12 of 53 dogs. Dogs were treated with various drugs, including toltrazuril, trimethoprim-sulfadiazine, clindamycin, pyrimethamine, and decoquinate. Mean WBC counts prior to treatment were 85,700 and 75,200 cells/microl in groups 1 and 2, respectively, and 1 month after initiation of treatment were 12,600 and 14,600 cells/microl, respectively. Initial response to treatment was excellent in all dogs. Twenty-three of 26 dogs in group 1 relapsed at least once and died within 2 years; mean (+/- SD) survival time was 12.6+/-2.2 months. Twenty-two of 27 group-2 dogs survived; 11 dogs had no clinical signs and were still receiving decoquinate (mean duration of treatment, 21 months), 11 dogs had no clinical signs after treatment for 14 months (range, 3 to 33 months; mean survival time, 39 months [range, 26 to 53 months]), 2 dogs were lost to follow-up, and 3 dogs were euthanatized because of severe disease. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although no treatment effectively eliminated the tissue stages of H. americanum, treatment with trimethoprim-sulfadiazine, clindamycin, and pyrimethamine followed by long-term administration of decoquinate resulted in extended survival times and excellent quality of life.     

Surgery alone or in combination with radiation therapy for treatment of intracranial meningiomas in dogs: 31 cases (1989-2002)

OBJECTIVE: To compare, for dogs with intracranial meningiomas, survival times for dogs treated with surgical resection followed by radiation therapy with survival times for dogs treated with surgery alone. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 31 dogs with intracranial meningiomas. PROCEDURE: Medical records of dogs with histologic confirmation of an intracranial meningioma were reviewed. For each dog, signalment, clinical signs, tumor location, treatment protocol, and survival time were obtained from the medical record and through follow-up telephone interviews. RESULTS: Dogs that underwent tumor resection alone and survived > 1 week after surgery had a median survival time of 7 months (range, 0.5 to 22 months). Dogs that underwent tumor resection followed by radiation therapy had a median survival time of 16.5 months (range, 3 to 58 months). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that in dogs with intracranial meningiomas, use of radiation therapy as a supplement to tumor resection can significantly extend life expectancy.     

Cystine-containing urinary calculi in dogs: 102 cases (1981-1989).

One hundred and seven cystine-containing urinary calculi from 1 female and 101 male dogs were analyzed. Cystine-containing calculi accounted for 2% (107 of 5,375) of all canine urinary calculi submitted to the urinary stone analysis laboratory from July 1981 through December 1989. Male dogs that formed cystine calculi were compared with 3 other canine populations to determine whether certain breeds were apparently at increased or decreased risk for cystine calculus formation. In one or more of 3 population comparisons, significantly increased risk of cystine calculus formation was found in Mastiffs, Australian Cattle Dogs, English Bulldogs, Chihuahuas, Bullmastiffs, Newfoundlands, Dachshunds, Basenjis, Australian Shepherd Dogs, Scottish Deerhounds, Staffordshire Terriers, Miniature Pinschers, pitbull terriers, Welsh Corgis, Silky Terriers, and Bichon Frises. Significantly low risk of cystine calculus formation was found in German Shepherd Dogs, Poodles, Schnauzers, and mixed-breed dogs.