Biceps femoris muscle transposition for treatment of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in small breed dogs

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new extracapsular surgical technique for the treatment of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in small breed dogs. Nine small breed dogs (seven females and two males) weighing ≤ 15 kg were treated with biceps femoris muscle transposition (BFT). The duration of the BFT procedure was 20 min. Each patient underwent a standard clinical protocol and a questionnaire for the owners. Follow-up (at 1, 3, and 12 months postoperative) confirmed significant improvement in all patients, especially at 1 month postoperatively (p < 0.01) and again after complete stifle joint assessment at 3 months postoperatively. After 12 months, only two patients showed a slight increase in osteoarthritis. According to our results, BFT is a simple extracapsular surgical technique that can be used for the treatment of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in small breed dogs.     

A prospective study of breed differences in the thermal pain sensitivity of dogs

Objective

To compare the thermal nociceptive thresholds (TNTs) of dogs from three working/sport breeds.

Identification of mutations in HSF4 in dogs of three different breeds with hereditary cataracts

Cataracts are a leading cause of blindness in both dogs and humans. Mutations in several genes have been associated with inherited forms of human cataract, but no mutations have been identified as the cause of any form of canine inherited cataract. We have used a candidate gene approach to investigate 20 genes, known to be associated with cataract in humans, for their potential association with the development of hereditary cataract (HC) in dogs. We have identified mutations in the HSF4 gene in Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Boston Terriers and Australian Shepherds affected by HC. Interestingly, different mutations in this single gene may be causing a recessive form of cataract in Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Boston Terriers and a dominant cataract in Australian Shepherds. Identification of the mutations that cause HC in these three breeds provides a method of controlling the disease within populations at risk using a simple diagnostic test, and also establishes cataract in these breeds as models for their human counterparts.     

A retrospective-cohort study on the development of cataracts in dogs with diabetes mellitus: 200 cases

The objective of the study was to determine the incidence and estimated median time to cataract formation in dogs with diabetes mellitus. The animals studied were 200 dogs with diabetes mellitus which were referred to a university teaching hospital between 1985 and 1995. Medical records from dogs with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus were reviewed and, where necessary, further follow-up information was gathered from the referring veterinarian. Incidence rate and median time to diabetic cataract formation was calculated using survival-analysis techniques in a retrospective cohort study design. Among the 200 dogs in the study population, 23 had cataracts at the time of diabetes diagnosis that were presumed to be related to other disease processes. Of the remaining 177 dogs, 132 had documented cataract development with features suggestive as being secondary to diabetes. Twenty-three dogs did not have obvious cataracts at the time of their last examination while 22 dogs did not have cataracts at the time they were lost to follow-up. These 55 cases contributed to the statistical models as noncases of cataracts until the last date for which an examination was available. Half of the population had developed cataracts by the 170th day postdiagnosis of diabetes mellitus, while 75% and 80% of the population developed cataracts by 370 days and 470 days, respectively. The results of this study suggest that the majority of dogs with diabetes will develop cataracts within 5–6 months from the time of diagnosis of the disease, and that approximately 80% of dogs will develop cataracts within 16 months of diagnosis.     

Clinical, cytologic and histopathologic manifestations of protothecosis in two dogs

Two cases of sudden onset of blindness associated with ocular protothecosis in dogs are reported. Both were adult, spayed female, mixed-breed dogs that lacked the usual clinical signs of systemic infection with Prototheca species. Physical abnormalities at the time of presentation were limited to the affected eyes which had serous discharge, hyperemic conjunctiva, and aqueous flare. The pupillary light reflexes were slow, and the menace reflexes were absent. Both dogs had glaucoma. Results of complete blood counts and serologic titres for antibodies to Blastomyces dermatitidis and Histoplasma capsulatum were within reference intervals. Protothecosis was diagnosed by cytologic analysis of vitreous humor and was confirmed at necropsy. These two cases were unusual because of their presenting signs and prolonged course of disease progression.     

The relationship of cataract maturity to intraocular pressure in dogs

Objective To determine the distribution of intraocular pressure, as measured by applanation tonometry, in dogs with cataracts, and compare these tonometric results to the different stages of cataract formation (incipient, immature, mature, and hypermature). Animals studied Retrospection study of canine clinical patients (86 dogs). Procedures All records of dogs presented from 1991 to 1996 to the university veterinary medical teaching hospital for diagnosis of cataracts and evaluation for cataract surgery were reviewed. The tonometric measurements from the initial ophthalmic examination were selected in cataractous and nonglaucomatous eyes either receiving no topical or no systemic medications. The stage of cataracts was based on the degree of opacification, tapetal reflection, clinical vision, and visibility of the ocular fundus by indirect ophthalmoscopy. The distribution of tonometric results were grouped by the cataract maturity, and compared by anova and Tukey’s general linear tests. Results Intraocular pressure with incipient cataracts ranged from 9 to 17 mmHg (mean 12.7 ± 1.2 mmHg). Intraocular pressure with immature cataracts ranged from 3 to 27 mmHg (mean 13.6 ± 0.6 mmHg). For the mature cataracts, IOP ranged from 5 to 22 mmHg (mean 11.9 ± 0.7 mmHg). For the hypermature cataract group, IOP ranged from 4 to 23 mmHg (mean 10.8 ± 0.6 mmHg). Comparison of the tonometric results among the different stages of cataract formation indicated a significant difference (P = 0.0086) between only the immature and hypermature groups. Conclusions Intraocular pressure in lens‐induced uveitis (LIU) is lowered but the relationship to the stage of cataract maturity is less clear. Significant tonometric differences were present between the immature and hypermature cataract groups, but these differences are too small to be clinically useful. Decreased intraocular pressure of dogs with all stages of cataract formation suggests concurrent LIU during all stages of cataract formation, especially with the mature and hypermature stages. The average tonometric measurements in dogs with these cataracts were about two standard deviations below the mean IOP reported in normal dogs.     

Effect of oral antioxidants on the progression of canine senile cataracts: a retrospective study

BackgroundCataracts are the leading cause of impaired vision or blindness in dogs. There are many antioxidants that can prevent cataract progression, but whether they are clinically effective in dogs has not been established.ObjectivesTo analyze the delaying or preventing effect of oral antioxidants on canine senile cataracts through retrospective analysis.MethodsMedical records of dogs from January 1, 2015 to July 10, 2020 were reviewed. Dogs that were 8 yr of age or older with senile cataracts were included in this study. The dogs were divided into two treatment groups (dogs administered with Ocu-GLO supplement and dogs administered with Meni-One Eye R/C supplement) and a control group (dogs that were not administered any supplement). Dogs with incipient and immature cataracts were included in this study. Altogether, 112 dogs (156 eyes) with incipient cataracts and 60 dogs (77 eyes) with immature cataracts were included. The period of time that cataracts progressed from incipient to immature, and from immature to mature was recorded for each dog.ResultsThere was no significant delaying effect on the progression of incipient cataracts. However, both Ocu-GLO (hazard ratio = 0.265, p = 0.026) and Meni-One (hazard ratio = 0.246, p = 0.005) significantly delayed the progression of immature cataracts compared to the control group.ConclusionsAlthough there was no significant delaying effect of oral antioxidants on incipient cataract progression, antioxidants could be used to delay the progression of senile immature cataract.     

Canine recommended breed weight ranges are not a good predictor of an ideal body condition score

Breed‐specific ideal bodyweight range information is widely used by dog owners and breeders as a guideline to ensure animals are within a healthy weight range. Body Condition Scoring, a method used by veterinarians to assess an animal's overall shape with regard to weight is considered to be an excellent method to determine an animal's overall body condition; these values, however, do not always correspond to published weight ranges. Here, the weight, neuter status, age and a nine‐point Body Condition Score of a population of 140 purebred dogs were recorded and subsequently analysed to determine whether bodyweight was an effective predictor for Body Condition Scores. This comparison indicated that published recommended, breed‐specific body weight ranges are not a good predictor for an ideal BCS and as such, guidelines for owners and breeders need to be systematically reviewed.     

Domestic dog skull diversity across breeds,breed groupings,and genetic clusters

Domestic dogs have become a model organism for studying the extent and consequences of morphological diversity, especially in the skull. It has been demonstrated that Cephalic Index (CI, skull width/skull length) correlates with central concentration of ganglion cells in the retina and with ventral rotation of the cerebral hemispheres. These changes may be reflected in the behavior of breeds with different skulls shapes. This study explored skull variation in the breed groups (n = 7) described by the Australian National Kennel Club to determine if CI differed significantly among the breed groups; groups were expected to differ not least in behavior. The CI of 12 representative dogs (females, n = 6; males, n = 6) of the most popular breeds (n = 80; total n = 960 dogs) were measured. Multivariate analysis of variance was performed to determine CI variance among the breed groups and between previously reported clusters of breeds with similar DNA, which identifies common ancestry. Although CI differed significantly among some breed groups, neither the breed groupings nor the DNA clusters satisfactorily explained all the variance in CI. The results show that breed groupings and genetic clusters only partially explain CI differences. They also suggest that CI is on a continuum and that the definition of three categories of canine skull as dolichocephalic, mesocephalic, and brachycephalic may be overly arbitrary.     

Detection of anti-lens crystallin antibody in dogs with and without cataracts

Objective To determine if antilens crystallin (ALC) serum and aqueous humor antibodies were present in normal dogs and dogs with cataracts, whether antibody incidence varied with stage of cataract, and whether antibody titer had a relationship to the presence of lens‐induced uveitis. Methods Serum and aqueous humor samples were obtained from normal dogs and dogs with cataracts. Lens crystallin was separated by SDS‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE), and antilens crystallin antibodies were detected by Western immunoblot analysis. An indirect ELISA using crystallin protein as antigen was also used to detect antilens crystallin antibodies in serum and aqueous humor. Test groups included normal, incipient, immature, mature, hypermature and diabetic cataract. Results SDS‐PAGE identified bands with molecular weights of lens crystallin subunits. Western immunoblotting demonstrated reaction between canine serum and these protein bands. The five canine serum samples that reacted with crystallin subunits on Western blots had corresponding reactivity on the ELISA. All aqueous humor samples (30) were negative. Serum ALC antibodies were detected in 59.3% (16/27) of controls, 66.7% (16/24) of incipients, 50.0% (10/20) of immatures, 37.9% (11/29) of matures, 28.6% (6/21) of hypermatures, and 26.7% (4/15) of diabetics. Serum ALC antibodies were detected in 43.1% (47/109) of all cataract samples. There was a statistically significant negative association between the presence (P = 0.004) and maturity (P = 0.004) of cataract and presence of ALC serum antibodies. In the immature and hypermature cataract groups, there was a statistically significant negative association between ALC serum antibody titer and severity of uveitis (95% confidence interval). Conclusions There is a negative association between the presence (P = 0.004) and maturity (P = 0.004) of cataract and presence of ALC serum antibodies.     

The influence of breed,age, gender,training level and ambient temperature on forelimb and back temperature in racehorses

A previous thermographic study of racehorses identified 13 regions of interest (ROIs) for monitoring the impact of training. However, that investigation did not consider the influence of breed, age, gender or training intensity level on the temperature of ROIs. The present study adopted a multivariate analysis approach to determine whether the aforementioned factors, along with ambient temperature, significantly influenced ROI temperature in the key body regions. Thermography measurements were obtained from 53 racehorses of three breeds. Horses were in regular training for over 10 months, having 13 thermographic examinations in each racing season. Backward stepwise multiple linear regression indicated that ambient temperature and breed contributed significantly to the model for predicting ROI temperature at all 13 ROIs. Training intensity level contributed significantly to the model only at the thoracic vertebrae, the left third metacarpal bone and left fetlock joint. Neither gender nor age contributed to the model significantly at any ROI. Our data suggest that ambient temperature, breed and training level affect racehorse body surface temperature in some areas of the distal parts of the forelimbs and the back. This contributes to a better understanding of the normal range of thermographic findings in racehorses undergoing intensive training.     

Diet type affects viscosity of ileal digesta of dogs and simulated gastric and small intestinal digesta

Two experiments were conducted to determine effects of diet type on viscosity of ileal digesta of dogs and simulated gastric and small intestinal digesta. In experiment 1, three canned and three dry dog foods were surveyed for effects on ileal digesta viscosity. Experiment 2 evaluated the same six diets for effects on simulated gastric and small intestinal digesta. Canned diets and dry diets contained an average 22.7% and 89.9% dry matter (DM) respectively. Concentrations of total dietary fibre (TDF) in the diets ranged from 1.8% to 26.5%. Ileal digesta viscosities ranged from 1326 to 46,641 and 7748 to 10,208 cP for canned and dry treatments respectively. Ileal DM concentrations ranged from 8.2% to 16.2% and 15.4% to 15.8% for canned and dry treatments respectively. Dry matter intake ranged from 224 to 290 and 295 to 325 g/day for canned and dry treatments respectively. During gastric digestion simulation, viscosity peaked at 2 and 4 h for all three canned diets and dry diets respectively. During small intestinal digestion simulation, viscosity peaked between 6 and 12 h for most diets except one canned diet and one dry diet, which contained high concentrations of TDF (25.1% and 26.5% respectively). Viscosity of these solutions peaked between 12 and 18 h. Viscosity of ileal digesta and simulated gastric and small intestinal digesta was the lowest after consumption of canned diets with the exception of the canned diet containing very high concentrations of dietary fibre (25.1% TDF). Ileal digesta viscosity of dogs appears to be responsive to the diet type characteristics.     

The effects of cataract stage, lens-induced uveitis and cataract removal on ERG in dogs with cataract

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of cataract stage, lens-induced uveitis and cataract removal on the electroretinogram (ERG) of dogs with cataract. ANIMALS STUDIED: Fifty-seven dogs diagnosed with unilateral or bilateral cataract whose ERG was recorded at Rakuno Gakuen University Teaching Animal Hospital from 2001 to 2004. PROCEDURES: Four responses were recorded during the ERG: rod ERG, standard combined ERG, single-flash cone ERG and 30-Hz flicker ERG. Cataracts were divided into four stages: incipient, immature, mature and hypermature, and with or without lens induced uveitis (LIU). Noncataractous eyes of dogs with unilateral cataract were used as the control. We compared ERG amplitude, implicit time, and the b- to a-wave amplitude ratio of cataractous vs. noncataractous eyes, preoperative vs. postoperative cataractous eyes, and cataractous eyes with and without LIU. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in ERG amplitude between incipient, immature and hypermature cataractous eyes, while in mature cataractous eyes decreased amplitude was confirmed in all responses compared with control eyes. However, no significant difference in b/a ratio was found at any stage of cataract. In postoperative eyes, increased amplitude was recorded in all responses compared to preoperative values. In eyes with LIU a decreased amplitude in the rod ERG and b-wave of standard combined ERG was recorded and, furthermore, a significant decline was confirmed in b/a ratio. CONCLUSION: ERG values were influenced by cataract stage and LIU. LIU was associated with a reduction in the b/a ratio.     

Surgical repair of deep melting ulcers with porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) graft in dogs and cats

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of using a porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) graft for the surgical repair of deep melting ulcers in dogs and cats. METHODS: Two cats and five dogs presented with deep and large melting ulcers of the cornea. In each case, the necrotic and collagenolytic tissue of the cornea was removed by keratectomy. A SIS graft, 1 mm greater than the corneal defect, was rehydrated in sterile saline and sutured to the edges of the ulcer with a simple interrupted pattern of 9/0 polyglactin 910. A nictitating membrane flap was utilized in two cats and four dogs for 2 weeks. All cases were treated postoperatively with topical and systemic antibiotics, a systemic anti-inflammatory drug and topical atropine. All animals were re-evaluated 15 days, 4 weeks, 35-45 days, 2-3 months and 6 months postsurgery. RESULTS: At 15 days postsurgery, a superficial intense corneal neovascularization surrounded the SIS graft. No ocular discomfort was present and fluorescein staining was negative in all cases. At 4 weeks the SIS graft was thick and opaque in all cases, although in one cat the SIS graft had partially detached. Between 35 and 45 days, SIS graft integration was evident in all eyes, and corneal neovascularization had decreased progressively. All eyes healed without complications and retained corneal transparency. This occurred even in the presence of corneal perforation in two cases: one prior to and one during surgery. CONCLUSION: Results of our study suggest the SIS graft may be an effective alternative surgical treatment to the traditional conjunctival grafts commonly used to repair melting ulcers in dogs and cats. The advantages of using a SIS graft include good corneal transparency, preservation of corneal integrity and maintenance of vision.     

Platelet function in dogs: breed differences and effect of acetylsalicylic acid administration

BACKGROUND: Clinical studies investigating platelet function in dogs have had conflicting results that may be caused by normal physiologic variation in platelet response to agonists. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to investigate platelet function in clinically healthy dogs of 4 different breeds by whole-blood aggregometry and with a point-of-care platelet function analyzer (PFA-100), and to evaluate the effect of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) administration on the results from both methods. METHODS: Forty-five clinically healthy dogs (12 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels [CKCS], 12 Cairn Terriers, 10 Boxers, and 11 Labrador Retrievers) were included in the study. Platelet function was assessed by whole-blood aggregation with ADP (1, 5, 10, and 20 microM) as agonist and by PFA-100 using collagen and epinephrine (Col + Epi) and Col + ADP as agonists. Plasma thromboxane B(2) concentration was determined by an enzyme immunoassay. To investigate the effect of ASA, 10 dogs were dosed daily (75 or 250 mg ASA orally) for 4 consecutive days. RESULTS: A higher platelet aggregation response was found in CKCS compared to the other breeds. Longer PFA-100 closure time (Col + Epi) was found in Cairn Terriers compared to Boxers. Plasma thromboxane B(2) concentration was not statistically different between groups. Administration of ASA prolonged the PFA-100 closure times, using Col + Epi (but not Col + ADP) as agonists. Furthermore, ASA resulted in a decrease in whole-blood platelet aggregation. CONCLUSIONS: Platelet function is influenced by breed, depending upon the methodology applied. However, the importance of these breed differences remains to be investigated. The PFA-100 method with Col + Epi as agonists, and ADP-induced platelet aggregation appear to be sensitive to ASA in dogs.     

The effect of breed,sex, and oral meloxicam administration on pain biomarkers following hot-iron branding in Hereford and Angus calves

Hot-iron branding uses thermal injury to permanently identify cattle causing painful tissue damage. The primary objective was to examine the physiological and behavioral effects of oral meloxicam (MEL), compared to a control, administered at the time of hot-iron branding in Angus and Hereford steers and heifers. The secondary objectives were to investigate breed and sex effects on pain biomarkers. A total of 70 yearlings, consisting of 35 heifers and 35 steers (Angus, Hereford, or Angus × Hereford), were enrolled in the study. Animals were blocked by sex, randomized across weight, and assigned to receive MEL (1 mg/kg) or a placebo (CON). Biomarkers were assessed for 48 h after branding and included infrared thermography (IRT), mechanical nociceptive threshold (MNT), accelerometry and a visual analog scale (VAS), and serum cortisol and prostaglandin E₂ metabolites (PGEM). Wound healing was assessed for 12 wk. Hair samples to quantify cortisol levels were taken prior to and 30 d post-branding. Responses were analyzed using repeated measures with calf nested in treatment as a random effect, and treatment, time, treatment by time interaction, breed, and sex as fixed effects. There was a treatment by time interaction for PGEM (P < 0.01) with MEL having lower values than CON at 6, 24, and 48 h (MEL: 18.34 ± 3.52, 19.61 ± 3.48, and 22.24 ± 3.48 pg/mL, respectively; CON: 32.57 ± 3.58, 37.00 ± 3.52, and 33.07 ± 3.48 pg/mL; P < 0.01). MEL showed less of a difference in maximum IRT values between the branded (2.27 ± 0.29 °C) and control site (3.15 ± 0.29 °C; P < 0.01). MEL took fewer lying bouts at 0–12 h (4.91 bouts ± 0.56) compared with CON (6.87 bouts ± 0.55; P < 0.01). Compared with Hereford calves, Angus calves exhibited greater serum but lower hair cortisol, greater PGEM, more lying bouts, and less healed wound scores at 3, 4, and 5 wk. Compared with heifers, steers exhibited lower PGEM, lower branding site and ocular IRT, higher MNT, and lower plasma meloxicam levels. Steers spent more time lying, took more lying bouts and had greater VAS pain, and more healed wound scores at 5 wk than heifers. Meloxicam administration at branding reduced branding and control site temperature differences and reduced lying bouts for the first 12 h. Breed and sex effects were observed across many biomarkers. Changes from baseline values for IRT, MNT, lying time, step count, VAS pain, and wound scoring all support that branding cattle is painful.     

Phacoemulsification and acryl foldable intraocular lens implantation in dogs: 32 cases

This study evaluated the surgical outcome and complications of phacoemulsification and the implantation of an acryl foldable intraocular lens (IOL) with a squared edge in dogs with cataracts. Thirty-two eyes from 26 dogs were examined. The mean follow up period was 75.9 days ranging from 23 to 226 days. The complications after phacoemulsification were posterior capsular opacity (PCO) around the IOL (n = 11), ocular hypertension (n = 4), focal posterior synechia (n = 4), hyphema (n = 3) and corneal ulcer (n = 2). The complications associated with the IOL were decenteration of the optic (n = 2) and ventral haptic displacement (n = 1). Most cases of PCO were found only around the margin of the IOL, and all eyes had vision during the observation period. In conclusion, the implantation of an acryl-foldable lens with a squared edge at the time of phacoemulsification is an effective method for preserving the central visual field of dogs with cataract.