Multiple-center study of reduced-concentration triamcinolone topical solution for the treatment of dogs with known or suspected allergic pruritus

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of triamcinolone acetonide topical solution (TTS) in dogs for use in reduction of clinical signs of pruritic inflammatory skin diseases of a known or suspected allergic basis and to evaluate adverse effects associated with TTS administration. ANIMALS: 103 pruritic adult dogs with known or suspected allergic skin disease. PROCEDURE: Dogs were treated for 4 weeks with TTS or with vehicle solution (control dogs) in a multiple-center study. Clinical signs were scored by owners and by examining veterinarians before and after treatment. Blood samples obtained before and after treatment were subjected to routine hematologic and serum biochemical analyses. RESULTS: Treatment success, as defined by an improvement of at least 2 of 6 grades in overall clinical score, was evident in 35 of 52 (67%) TTS-treated dogs (mean improvement, 1.98) and 12 of 51 (24%) control dogs (mean improvement, 0.29). For several criteria, TTS was significantly more effective than vehicle in reducing clinical signs. Minor alterations in hematologic determinations in TTS-treated dogs were limited to slightly lower total leukocyte, lymphocyte, and eosinophil counts after treatment. Minor adverse effects were reported by owners in 6 of 52 (12%) TTS-treated and 9 of 51 (18%) control dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Triamcinolone used as a spray solution at a concentration approximately one-sixth the concentration of triamcinolone topical preparations currently available for veterinary use is effective for short-term alleviation of allergic pruritus in dogs. Adverse effects are few and mild and, thus, do not preclude prolonged treatment with the solution.     

Further validation of a pruritus severity scale for use in dogs

A scale to assess the severity of pruritus in dogs was further validated. Comparison of the scale with one containing visible numerical markings demonstrated that owners were heavily influenced by the presence of numbers, resulting in a loss of the scale's ability to generate continuous data. The presence of a traditional visual analogue scale was therefore essential. The scale was tested on 713 owners who presented their dogs for veterinary attention. Pruritus scores in 408 dogs with skin disease covered the full range of possible values (0 to 10). In 305 dogs with no skin disease, 90 owners gave a score greater than zero. Comparison of the scores seen in pruritic dogs, and dogs with no evidence of skin disease, allowed a 'normal range' of 0–1.9 to be established. The scale was able to discriminate between conditions typically regarded as pruritic or non-pruritic. When the scale was assessed for its ability to detect changes in pruritus score following treatment, a median reduction of 4.4 points was observed. The scale was also used to determine what magnitude of response owners would expect following treatment of their pruritic dogs. Only 12% would have been satisfied with a 50% reduction, a figure that is typically quoted as a satisfactory response in clinical trials of anti-pruritic drugs. As a result, alternative methods of assessing clinical trials are proposed. This study has shown the scale to be a valuable tool for clinical assessment of patients, and for monitoring treatment responses in clinical trials.     

Behavioral evaluation of 65 aggressive dogs following a reported bite event

Peer-reviewed scientific publications on the topic of dog bites are numerous. Montreal was one of the first municipalities in the province of Quebec to require mandatory assessment of aggressive dogs by veterinarians. In 2019, dogs reported as aggressive and considered a potential risk to public safety by city officials were scheduled for a mandatory behavioral assessment by a veterinarian. For the purpose of this study, only aggressive dogs that had bitten (N = 65) were included. The goals were to better describe the aggressive behavior of these dogs (behavioral sequence, type of aggression, and overall reactivity) and perhaps identify new possible risk factors related to severity of injury and dangerousness. The number of signs of increased arousal/reactivity was positively and significantly associated with the injury severity score. Dangerousness increased with size of dogs. Entire males were most dangerous despite absence of recognizable differences in body weight between neutered and unneutered males.     

P-58 Three cases of pathological dermal deposits associated with internal diseases in dogs (xanthomatosis, calcinosis and amyloidosis)

Intestinal parasites have been anecdotally associated with pruritus in dogs. A relationship was proposed when the elimination of a specific parasite resolved the pruritus, and re-infection with a parasite caused the pruritus to recur. Ascarids, coccidia, hookworms, tapeworms and whipworms have all been incriminated. Recent reports in the human and veterinary literature have suggested that there may be a relationship between Giardia infection and the development of pruritus and other allergic signs. In order to determine if there is an association between infection with Giardia and pruritus in dogs, faecal samples were collected from 71 pruritic dogs and 101 clinically normal dogs. Three faecal samples from each animal were analysed using a zinc-sulphate concentration technique for the presence of Giardia cysts, and one randomly selected faecal sample from each dog was analysed with an ELISA for Giardia -specific antigen. Ten of 101 dogs (9.9%) in the clinically normal group tested positive with the ELISA, and Giardia cysts were detected in the faeces of seven of these antigen-positive dogs. No Giardia cysts were found in the dogs that tested negative with the ELISA. None of the dogs in the pruritic group tested positive for Giardia by either method. The results indicated a negative association between Giardia infection and pruritic skin disease ( P  = 0.006). Cephalexin was commonly used in the pruritic group, but not in the control group, and may therefore be an explanatory variable.
Funding: Ontario Veterinary College Pet Trust.     

Characterization of pruritus in canine atopic dermatitis,flea bite hypersensitivity and flea infestation and its role in diagnosis

Background – In dogs, flea infestation (FI), flea bite hypersensitivity (FBH) and canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) have been mainly characterized by their lesions but never by their pruritus. In clinical practice, many of these dogs exhibit only pruritus. Hypothesis/Objectives – The purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of pruritus in these dermatoses and their potential usefulness for diagnosis. Animals – Dogs included were selected from the Oniris clinical data. Cases were selected in which the dogs had only one of the three dermatoses diagnosed. The diagnosis of CAD was based on Prélaud’s criteria and positive intradermal tests except flea; for FBH by compatible clinical signs and a response to an intradermal test with flea allergen; and for FI by the presence of fleas. Moreover, in each group, other primary pruritic skin diseases were excluded. Methods – Location, behavioural manifestations, seasonality and quantification of the pruritus were evaluated. The statistical analysis used chi‐squared test with a P‐value <0.05. Results – Three hundred and forty‐six dogs were analysed, 91 with CAD, 110 FI and 145 FBH. The period (season) of onset was not statistically different either for each dermatosis or among the three dermatoses. Some locations were highly specific for one dermatosis as follows: ventral abdomen/medial surface of thigh (chewing) and radius/carpus/tibia/tarsus (chewing) in FI; back/dorsolumbar area (chewing) and tail (chewing) in FBH; and paws (chewing/licking) and face/neck (rubbing) in CAD. Conclusions and clinical importance – Some features of pruritus could be suggestive of the causal disease, with possible diagnostic value in pruritic dogs.     

Randomized controlled trial of the efficacy of cyclosporine in the treatment of atopic dermatitis in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate efficacy of cyclosporine A, administered at either of 2 dosages, in dogs with atopic dermatitis (AD). DESIGN: Multicenter randomized controlled trial. ANIMALS: 91 dogs with AD. PROCEDURE: Dogs were assigned to receive placebo (30 dogs), cyclosporine at a low dosage (2.5 mg/kg [1.1 mg/lb], PO, q 24 h for 6 weeks; 30 dogs), or cyclosporine at a high dosage (5.0 mg/kg [2.3 mg/lb], PO, q 24 h for 6 weeks; 31 dogs). RESULTS: After 6 weeks, mean percentage reductions, compared with baseline scores, in scores of lesion severity were 34, 41, and 67% for dogs treated with the placebo, cyclosporine at the low dosage, and cyclosporine at the high dosage, respectively. Similarly, mean percentage reductions in pruritus scores were 15, 31, and 45%, respectively. Percentage reductions in skin lesion and pruritus scores were significantly higher for dogs given cyclosporine at the high dosage than for dogs given the placebo. Treatment efficacy was significantly associated with whether dogs had a history of seasonal AD. Percentage reductions in skin lesion and pruritus scores were high for dogs treated with cyclosporine at the highest dosage that had a history of nonseasonal AD. Dogs in all groups with seasonal AD improved during the study period. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that oral administration of cyclosporine at a dosage of 5.0 mg/kg once daily is effective in reducing severity of pruritus and skin lesions in dogs with AD, especially those with nonseasonal disease.     

Double-blinded, placebo-controlled study to evaluate an antipruritic shampoo for dogs with allergic pruritus

Shampoo therapy is frequently used on pruritic dogs. However, there are few double-blinded, placebo-controlled studies of this form of therapy. This randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study evaluated the efficacy of a commercial medicated shampoo (DermaTopic; Almapharm) containing chlorhexidine, lactoferrin, piroctone olamine, chitosan and essential fatty acids in 27 dogs with mild to moderate allergic pruritus without secondary skin infections. All dogs received shampoo therapy with either DermaTopic or a shampoo vehicle as placebo twice weekly for four weeks. The extent of pruritus was evaluated before the study and then on a daily basis by the owners using a visual analogue scale. Before beginning the treatment and after four weeks, the skin lesions were evaluated by an experienced clinician with a validated lesion score (Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index - CADESI). The pruritus was reduced significantly by both DermaTopic and placebo. However, there was no significant difference between both groups. There was no statistically significant difference in the CADESI scores pre- and post-treatment in either group or between the two types of treatment. This study provides further evidence of the benefit of shampoo therapy for pruritic dogs.     

Effects of prescription diet on dealing with stressful situations and performance of anxiety-related behaviors in privately owned anxious dogs

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of a diet (CALM CANINE) supplemented with alpha-casozepine and L-tryptophan on the stress response of anxious dogs with a focus on anxiety-related behavioral parameters and physiological parameters. Forty-four privately owned dogs were first fed with the control diet, followed by the study diet, each for an 8-week period, with a transitional period of 1 week between the diets. After 7 weeks on a particular diet, owners reported their dogs' behavior by filling out a questionnaire. Using the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire, the effect of the study diet was found to be significant for 4 anxiety-related behavioral parameters, possibly mirroring a placebo effect. After 7 weeks on each diet, the urine cortisol-to-creatinine ratio (UCCR) was measured to assess the stress response to a visit to a veterinary practice for toenail clipping. UCCR was measured to complement the interpretation of behavioral data with regard to the stress susceptibility of the dogs. A positive correlation was found between baseline UCCR, as measured in the home situations, and poststressor UCCR. The stressor-induced increase was significantly lower in the dogs when they were fed the study diet than earlier when they were fed the control diet. The supplementation of casozepine or the proportion of protein in a given diet could have been a determining factor. The study diet seems to improve the ability of an individual to cope with stress and may reduce anxiety-related behavior in anxious dogs.     

Owner complaints of canine behavior in Iran–A preliminary survey

The current survey assessed 17 common behavioral complaints reported by 234 dog owners attending the Small Animal Hospital, University of Tehran using a questionnaire. According to the results, nearly 95% of dog owners reported at least 1 undesirable behavior in their dogs. Aggression toward other dogs and people, jumping up, and excessive barking were the most common behavioral complaints. Owners of large-breed dogs were more likely to complain about their dogs’ aggressive behaviors toward people/dogs and excessive barking compared with owners of small-breed dogs. Dogs without access to a yard were more likely to show phobia-associated behaviors, fearfulness, and separation-related behaviors, whereas those having access to a yard were more likely to show aggressive behaviors toward people/dogs and excessive barking. Interaction of dogs with people and type of reaction used by owners in response to the behavior were also related with some other behavioral characteristics of the animals.     

P‐56 Evaluation of the association between Giardia infection and pruritic skin disease in dogs

Intestinal parasites have been anecdotally associated with pruritus in dogs. A relationship was proposed when the elimination of a specific parasite resolved the pruritus, and re‐infection with a parasite caused the pruritus to recur. Ascarids, coccidia, hookworms, tapeworms and whipworms have all been incriminated. Recent reports in the human and veterinary literature have suggested that there may be a relationship between Giardia infection and the development of pruritus and other allergic signs. In order to determine if there is an association between infection with Giardia and pruritus in dogs, faecal samples were collected from 71 pruritic dogs and 101 clinically normal dogs. Three faecal samples from each animal were analysed using a zinc‐sulphate concentration technique for the presence of Giardia cysts, and one randomly selected faecal sample from each dog was analysed with an ELISA for Giardia‐specific antigen. Ten of 101 dogs (9.9%) in the clinically normal group tested positive with the ELISA, and Giardia cysts were detected in the faeces of seven of these antigen‐positive dogs. No Giardia cysts were found in the dogs that tested negative with the ELISA. None of the dogs in the pruritic group tested positive for Giardia by either method. The results indicated a negative association between Giardia infection and pruritic skin disease (P = 0.006). Cephalexin was commonly used in the pruritic group, but not in the control group, and may therefore be an explanatory variable. Funding: Ontario Veterinary College Pet Trust.     

The study of canine atopic dermatitis involving the isolation of dogs

Twenty-seven pruritic dogs were used in this study. When a hypoallergenic diet was fed to these 27 dogs for six weeks, none of the dogs showed improvement of the pruritus. These dogs had a history and clinical signs of atopic dermatitis (AD) as defined by Prelaud's diagnostic criteria. Subsequently, the 27 dogs were isolated for observation for two weeks in the hospital. In the isolation room in the veterinary clinic, cages and tableware were all stainless steel, and carpet was not used. A hypoallergenic diet was continuously fed to the 27 dogs for two weeks, during which time they were kept in the isolation room. PVAS (Pruritus Visual Analog Scale) was performed prior to starting the isolation, at the start of the study and 2 weeks after starting the isolation. In 17 dogs (63%) the pruritus improved in the isolation room. A statistically significant reduction (p < 0.01) of PLS (Pruritus liners score) was recorded 2 weeks after isolation. It was hypothesized that the 17 dogs whose pruritus improved in the isolation room had AD caused by an environmental antigen that was not present in the isolation room. Pruritus of the remaining 10 dogs (37%) did not improve. For 6/10 dogs, the intradermal allergy testing was positive for an environmental antigen. For 4/10 dogs, the intradermal allergy testing was negative for all environmental antigens. Dogs for which sensitivity to an environmental antigen was not identified were thought to have atopic-like dermatitis.     

Long-term outcome of juvenile pubic symphysiodesis and triple pelvic osteotomy in dogs with hip dysplasia

OBJECTIVE: To compare long-term outcomes of juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS) and triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO) in dogs with hip dysplasia. DESIGN: Prospective clinical trial. ANIMALS: 18 dogs with hip dysplasia (ie, distraction index > or = 0.5 in at least 1 hip joint and no, mild, or moderate radiographic evidence of degenerative joint disease [DJD]). PROCEDURES: Dogs between 4 and 5.5 months old at enrollment were assigned to undergo JPS, and dogs between 5 and 12 months old were assigned to undergo TPO. All dogs were reexamined at 2 years of age. RESULTS: At 2 years of age, there were no significant differences between groups in regard to lameness scores, angle of extension of the hip joints, distraction index, peak vertical force, acetabular angle, radiographic DJD score, or owner-assigned scores of clinical function. Dorsal acetabular rim angle was significantly higher in dogs that underwent JPS than in dogs that underwent TPO. For dogs that underwent TPO, dorsal acetabular rim angle was significantly decreased and acetabular angle was significantly increased at 2 years of age, compared with values obtained prior to surgery. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that JPS and TPO have similar effects on hip joint conformation in dogs with moderate to severe hip dysplasia but that neither procedure eliminates the hip joint laxity characteristic of hip dysplasia or the progression of degenerative changes.     

Evaluation of circulating amino terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide concentration in dogs with respiratory distress attributable to congestive heart failure or primary pulmonary disease

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate assessment of circulating amino terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration as a means to discriminate between congestive heart failure and primary pulmonary disease in dogs. DESIGN: Prospective case series. ANIMALS: 46 dogs with signs of respiratory distress or coughing. PROCEDURES: All dogs underwent physical and thoracic radiographic examinations. Dogs with evidence of heart disease (eg, murmur, arrhythmia, or large cardiac silhouette detected by radiography) also underwent echocardiography. Dogs with no evidence of heart disease or failure were included if they underwent bronchoalveolar lavage (with cytologic examination and bacterial culture of the lavage fluid). Blood samples for NT-proBNP assay were obtained within 12 hours of the diagnosis of heart failure or prior to bronchoalveolar lavage in dogs with primary pulmonary disease. Circulating concentrations of NT-proBNP were compared between groups and correlated with radiographic and echocardiographic measures of cardiac size. RESULTS: Congestive heart failure and primary pulmonary disease were diagnosed in 25 and 21 dogs, respectively. Dogs with congestive heart failure had significantly higher median serum or plasma NT-proBNP concentration (2,554 pmol/L; interquartile [25% to 75%] range, 1,651.5 to 3,475.5 pmol/L) than dogs with primary pulmonary disease (357 pmol/L; interquartile range, 192.5 to 565.5 pmol/L). Radiographic vertebral heart score and echocardiographic left atrial-to-aortic diameter ratio were not correlated with NT-proBNP concentration. Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (measured echocardiographically) and NT-proBNP concentration were weakly correlated. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Serum or plasma NT-proBNP concentration assessment may be useful for discrimination of congestive heart failure from primary pulmonary disease in dogs with respiratory distress or cough.     

Masitinib decreases signs of canine atopic dermatitis: a multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial

This study investigated the efficacy and safety of masitinib, a selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor capable of downregulating mast cell functions, for treatment of canine atopic dermatitis (CAD). Dogs with confirmed CAD received masitinib at 12.5 mg/kg/day (n = 202) or control (n = 104) for 12 weeks. A reduction in CAD Extent and Severity Index (CADESI-02) score of ≥ 50% at week 12 was observed in 61% of masitinib-treated dogs versus 35% of control dogs (P < 0.001), according to the modified intent-to-treat population. For dogs resistant to ciclosporin and/or corticosteroids (60% of the study population), CADESI-02 response rates were 60 versus 31%, respectively (P = 0.004). The mean reduction in pruritus score of severely pruritic dogs was 46 versus 29%, respectively (P = 0.045). Furthermore, 65% of owners with severely pruritic dogs assessed masitinib efficacy as good/excellent versus 35% control (P = 0.05). Overall, 63% of investigators assessed masitinib efficacy as good/excellent versus 35% control (P < 0.001). Premature discontinuations from the modified intent-to-treat population (28.2% masitinib versus 26.0% control) were mainly due to adverse events (13.4 versus 4.8%, respectively) or lack of efficacy (12.4 versus 18.3%, respectively). In total, 13.2% dogs presented with severe adverse events (16.0% masitinib versus 7.7% control). Masitinib showed a risk of reversible protein loss, although regular surveillance of blood albumin and proteinuria allowed for discontinuation of treatment while the dog was still clinically asymptomatic. Masitinib proved to be an effective and mostly well-tolerated treatment of CAD, including severe and refractory cases, with medically manageable adverse effects.     

Procarbazine as adjunctive therapy for treatment of dogs with presumptive antemortem diagnosis of granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis: 21 cases (1998-2004)

BACKGROUND: Granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis (GME) is an idiopathic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. Remission often is short-lived in dogs treated with glucocorticoids. Procarbazine is T cell-specific and crosses the blood-brain barrier. HYPOTHESIS: Dogs with presumptive antemortem diagnosis of GME given procarbazine as adjunctive therapy to prednisone will have improved long-term outcome compared with dogs given no treatment or glucocorticoids alone. ANIMALS: Two groups were studied: (1) Dogs with presumptive antemortem diagnosis of GME treated with procarbazine and prednisone (n = 21); (2) Dogs that had a histologic diagnosis of GME at postmortem examination and received no treatment (n = 11). METHODS: Dogs with presumptive GME treated with procarbazine were identified retrospectively from medical records of 2 veterinary referral hospitals. Selection criteria required all dogs have a neurologic examination, blood work, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and brain imaging (MRI or CT). RESULTS: Median survival time for all dogs studied was 5.0 months. Median survival time for dogs treated with procarbazine was 14.0 months and for untreated dogs, 0.73 months. Treatment with procarbazine was significantly correlated with survival time (P < .001). Procarbazine was the only independent predictor of survival. Prednisone was reduced in dosage or discontinued in 17 dogs. Adverse reactions to procarbazine therapy included myelosuppression in 7 dogs and hemorrhagic gastroenteritis in 3 dogs. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that procarbazine treatment of presumptive GME may result in greater improved long-term outcome than has been previously reported for glucocorticoid treatment alone and may complement other immunomodulatory therapies. Procarbazine-treated dogs must be monitored for adverse reactions.     

犬瘙痒性皮肤病研究进展

瘙痒是犬皮肤病的典型临床症状之一,通常除瘙痒外还常伴脱毛、红斑等皮肤症状。瘙痒问题不仅困扰动物本身,也影响到饲养者的生活质量。瘙痒的发生机制复杂,目前国内外已有大量对人和犬瘙痒性皮肤病的临床和基础研究,揭示了瘙痒和神经免疫系统之间的关系,引入了“瘙痒-抓挠”循环的概念,且表明了免疫系统、皮肤屏障和神经系统的单独促进作用和交互作用是瘙痒产生的关键因素,任一环节的问题都可开启“瘙痒-抓挠”的恶性循环。临床上引起犬瘙痒的病因复杂,参照2007年由国际瘙痒研究论坛成员提出的瘙痒分类,将引起犬瘙痒的疾病根据病因类比对应分为了六大类,引起皮肤病性瘙痒的疾病分为了感染性、过敏性、肿瘤性等,其中在临床上最主要的是犬过敏性瘙痒。犬瘙痒性皮肤病的诊断方法及鉴别诊断多样,需从多方面对患病犬进行信息收集,按一定顺序进行排查和鉴别诊断。犬瘙痒性皮肤病的治疗周期长且疾病易反复,目前常用的西医药物存在副作用大、靶点单一、价格昂贵等不足,中药方剂成分复杂,有效成分多,可从多通路多途径治疗机制复杂的瘙痒,在犬瘙痒性皮肤病的治疗上具有优势和广阔前景。文章对瘙痒发生的机制、犬瘙痒性疾病的分类、诊断及中西医治疗思路等最新研究...     

Frequency of nonspecific clinical signs in dogs with separation anxiety, thunderstorm phobia, and noise phobia, alone or in combination

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of nonspecific clinical signs in dogs with separation anxiety, thunderstorm phobia, noise phobia, or any combination of these conditions and determine whether these conditions are associated in dogs. DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: 141 dogs. PROCEDURE: Diagnoses were established using specific criteria. Owners of dogs completed a questionnaire on how frequently their dogs exhibited destructive behavior, urination, defecation, vocalization, and salivation when the owners were absent and the types and frequency of reactions to thunderstorms, fireworks, and other noises. RESULTS: Associations of the 3 conditions and of various nonspecific clinical signs within and between diagnoses were nonrandom. The probability that a dog would have separation anxiety given that it had noise phobia was high (0.88) and approximately the same as the probability it would have separation anxiety given that it had thunderstorm phobia (0.86). However, the probability that a dog would have noise phobia given that it had separation anxiety (0.63) was higher than the probability that it would have thunderstorm phobia given that it had separation anxiety (0.52). The probability that a dog would have noise phobia given that it had thunderstorm phobia (0.90) was not equivalent to the converse (0.76). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that dogs with any of these conditions should be screened for the others. Interactions among these conditions are important in the assessment and treatment of dogs with > 1 of these conditions. Responses to noise were different from those to thunderstorms, possibly because of the unpredictability and uncertainty of thunderstorms.     

Survival times in dogs with right atrial hemangiosarcoma treated by means of surgical resection with or without adjuvant chemotherapy: 23 cases (1986-2000)

OBJECTIVE: To determine survival times in dogs with right atrial hemangiosarcoma treated by means of pericardectomy and tumor resection, with or without adjuvant chemotherapy, and identify complications associated with treatment. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 23 dogs. PROCEDURE: Dogs were included only if the diagnosis was confirmed histologically. RESULTS: The most common initial complaints included acute collapse (8 [35%] dogs), anorexia or inappetence (8 [35%]), and lethargy (8 [35%]). The most common physical examination abnormalities included muffled heart sounds (12 [52%] dogs), tachycardia (7 [30%]), and weak pulses (7 [30%]). Postoperative complications developed in 12 (52%) dogs; however, most complications were minor. Twenty (87%) dogs were discharged from the hospital. Survival time was significantly longer in the 8 dogs that received adjuvant chemotherapy (mean, 164 days; median, 175 days) than in the 15 dogs that did not receive chemotherapy (mean, 46 days; median, 42 days). Dogs that received chemotherapy were significantly younger and had significantly lower WBC counts than did dogs that did not receive chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that in dogs with right atrial hemangiosarcoma, surgical resection of the tumor was associated with a low complication rate and complications that did arise typically were minor. In addition, use of adjuvant chemotherapy following resection was associated with significantly longer survival times, compared with resection alone.     

Effects of clomipramine hydrochloride on dominance-related aggression in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare effects of the serotonergic drug clomipramine hydrochloride with those of placebo for treatment of dominance-related aggression in dogs. DESIGN: Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. ANIMALS: 28 neutered dogs > 1 year old with dominance-related aggression. PROCEDURE: Dogs displaying > or = 3 aggressive episodes/wk toward > or = 1 human family member in response to identifiable behavioral triggers were included in the study. Owners were instructed not to change patterns of interaction with their dogs during the study. After 2 weeks of baseline observations, dogs were treated for 6 weeks with clomipramine (1.5 mg/kg [0.7 mg/lb] of body weight, q 12 h; n = 15) or placebo (13). Responses to triggers were assigned the following aggression scores: no response, 0; growl or lip curl, 1; snap or bite, 2. Mean scores for responses to triggers were obtained during the 2-week pretreatment period (baseline) and during the first and second weeks, third and fourth weeks, and fifth and sixth weeks of treatment. At the end of the study, owners assigned a score designed to evaluate their overall perceived change in aggressiveness; this was referred to as the global score. RESULTS: Mean aggression scores decreased at the fifth and sixth week of treatment in both groups, compared with baseline scores. However, mean scores between groups were not different. Global scores, assigned by the owner, generally reflected changes in mean aggression scores. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Compared with placebo, clomipramine administered to dogs at the dosage recommended for treatment of separation anxiety did not reduce aggressiveness toward human family members.     

Survey of undesirable behaviors displayed by potential guide dogs with puppy walkers

This research aimed to identify the frequency and type of undesirable behaviors observed by guide dog puppy walkers and management strategies used by them during the puppy-walking period.All members of 36 puppy-walking families (N = 96), recruited from the National School of Guide Dogs for Blind People in Florence (Italy), completed an 80-item questionnaire. This sampling represented homes caring for 28 Labrador retrievers, 6 Golden retrievers, and 2 German shepherd dogs. Of these dogs, 47.2% (n = 17) were males and 52.8% (n = 19) females, and 66.7% (n = 24) were between 7 and 12 months old.Three categories of undesirable behaviors were recorded. First, behaviors considered inconsequential to the guide dog role were: digging (11.8%, n = 11); chewing objects (4.4%, n = 4); stealing or begging for food (3.1%, n = 3); licking people (5.9%, n = 5); getting on furniture (4.4% n = 4); defending territory (2.8%, n = 2); and coprophagia (5.9%, n = 5). Second, the following behaviors considered easily resolvable through training were recorded: lack of recall (8.9%, n = 10); pulling on lead (11.8%, n = 11); jumping up (28.1%, n = 30); barking at other dogs (5.9%, n = 5); chewing the leash (1.5%, n = 1); and house soiling (5.9% (n = 5). Third, these potentially disqualifying behaviors were observed: scavenging (17.7%, n = 17); aggressive barking, growling, and biting (10.4%, n = 10); and fear of thunderstorms (6.2%, n = 6); loud noises (32.3%, n = 31); men (2.1%, n = 2); women (3.1%, n = 3); and people with unusual clothes (6.2%, n = 6). None of the puppies was reported to be fearful of children.Overall, 67.7% (n = 66) of respondents recorded at least 1 undesirable behavior. However, only few of them might lead to disqualification. The results suggest that most of the puppies were well socialized to people and not fearful.Puppy walkers could contribute to the early assessment of potential behavioral problems, which are a major cause of disqualifying guide dogs.