Prevalence of primary breed-related cataracts in the dog in North America

The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of cataracts in dogs presented to veterinary medical teaching hospitals in North America between 1964 and 2003. A retrospective study of all dogs presented with cataracts to veterinary medical teaching hospitals in North America between 1964 and 2003 was conducted to determine cataract prevalence. The different decades, breeds, gender, and age at time of presentation with cataract were compared. The prevalence of dogs presented with cataract varied by decade and ranged from 0.95% (1964-73), 1.88% (1974-83), 2.42% (1994-2003), to 3.5% (1984-93). The total number of dogs presented with cataracts over the 40-year period was 39,229. From 1964 to 2003 the prevalence of cataract formation in this patient population increased by about 255%. Fifty-nine breeds of dogs were affected with cataracts above the baseline prevalence of 1.61% seen in mixed-breed/hybrid dogs. The breeds with the highest cataract prevalence included: Smooth Fox Terrier (11.70%), Havanese (11.57%), Bichon Frise (11.45%), Boston Terrier (11.11%), Miniature Poodle (10.79%), Silky Terrier (10.29%) and Toy Poodle (10.21%). The breeds with the largest number of cataractous dogs during the entire four decades were the Boston Terrier (11.11%), Miniature Poodle (10.79%), American Cocker Spaniel (8.77%), Standard Poodle (7.00%), and Miniature Schnauzer (4.98%). Gender ratios of cataractous dogs seemed to affect limited breeds. Age of presentation with cataract diagnosis varied among several breeds. In the mixed-breed/hybrid baseline population, cataract formation appeared to be age related with a higher frequency of cataract formation in dogs after 4-7 years. Cataract formation is one of the most prevalent eye diseases in the dog population, and in about 60 breeds of dogs the prevalence of cataract exceeds that of the baseline mixed-breed/hybrid group. The prevalence of cataract is also influenced by age in most purebred dogs and affects 16.80% of the 7-15+-year-old mixed-breed/hybrid dog population. Total and age-related cataract prevalence in dogs seems very similar to that in man.     

Three hundred and three dogs with cataracts seen in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Objective  To describe the most common canine breeds affected with cataracts in Rio de Janeiro.
Animals  Three hundred and three dogs were included in this retrospective study. Animal ages ranged from 6 months to 14.8 years.
Material and methods  All records of dogs seen by the Ophthalmology Service of Policlínica Veterinária Botafogo between January 2005 and June 2008 were reviewed. Animals with cataracts were separated, and breed and age were evaluated.
Results  Most of the dogs presented with cataracts were Toy Poodles with a mean age of 8.2 years, followed by Cocker Spaniels and Bichon Frises. The percentage of Toy Poodles affected with cataracts was 13.8% while 33.3% of Bichon Frise was diagnosed with cataracts.
Conclusions  Toy Poodles are a popular breed in Rio de Janeiro. Without regulations on breeding, the prevalence of cataracts may increase rapidly. Furthermore, due to the relatively late onset of cataract formation in the Toy Poodle (mean 8.2 years of age), affected animals may have produced several litters of puppies. This study emphasizes the importance of screening for the presence of inherited ocular abnormalities such as cataracts prior to breeding.     

Spontaneous cataract resorption and lens-induced uveitis in the dog.

Spontaneous cataract resorption and the associated lens-induced uveitis occur primarily in young dogs, especially the Afghan Hound, American Cocker Spaniel, Boston Terrier, Miniature and Toy Poodle, and Miniature Schnauzer. The resorption process, if extensive, will restore vision without surgical intervention, but medical control of the lens-induced uveitis by use of mydriatics and, infrequently, topical and systemic corticosteroids is essential. The main potential complications, severe medically nonresponsive uveitis and glaucoma, necessitate immediate cataract extraction.     

Patient and environmental factors associated with calcium oxalate urolithiasis in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that breed, age, sex, body condition, and environment are risk factors for development of calcium oxalate uroliths in dogs. DESIGN: Case-control study. ANIMALS: 1,074 dogs that formed calcium oxalate uroliths and 1,724 control dogs that did not have uroliths. PROCEDURE: A validated multiple-choice questionnaire was designed to collect information from veterinarians and owners within 1 year of the date of urolith detection concerning signalment and environment of the dogs. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to calculate odds ratios to assess whether breed, age, sex, body condition, and environment were risk factors for calcium oxalate urolith formation. RESULTS: Middle-aged (8- to 12-year-old) castrated male dogs had increased risk for formation of calcium oxalate uroliths. Urolith formation was also associated with increasing age. Dogs of certain breeds, including Miniature and Standard Schnauzer, Lhasa Apso, Yorkshire Terrier, Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu, and Miniature and Toy Poodle, had increased risk for developing calcium oxalate uroliths. Overweight dogs also had increased risk. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Knowledge of patient and environmental risk factors for development of calcium oxalate uroliths may facilitate development of surveillance strategies that result in earlier detection of this disease. Modification of environmental factors and body weight may minimize calcium oxalate urolith formation and recurrence.     

Secondary glaucomas in the dog in North America

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of secondary glaucomas in dogs associated with cataract formation, lens luxation or displacement, cataract surgery, uveitis, hyphema and intraocular neoplasia. METHODS: Information was obtained from the Veterinary Medical Data Base (VMDB) from all veterinary medical teaching hospitals in North America from March 1964 to March 2003. Secondary glaucomas were diagnosed at the same examination or after the primary diagnosis was made, and included those associated with cataract formation, lens luxation, cataract surgery, uveitis of unknown cause, hyphema of unknown cause, and intraocular neoplasia. The data were evaluated by decade, breed, gender and age of presentation. RESULTS: A total of 1 592 831 dogs were presented, and 9695 canine secondary glaucomas. Secondary glaucoma associated with cataract formation represented 81% of all the canine secondary glaucomas. Breeds (n = 7890 dogs) predisposed to secondary glaucoma and cataracts had an overall prevalence of 0.5%, but nearly 20% of all the cataractous dogs developed secondary glaucoma in at least one eye. For the years 1994-2003, these breeds included the American Cocker Spaniel; Boston Terrier; Toy, Miniature and Standard Poodle; English Springer Spaniel; Bichon Frise; and Labrador Retriever. The other forms of secondary glaucoma occurred less frequently, and included those glaucomas with lens luxation or displacement (779 dogs; 12.0%), postcataract surgery (528 dogs; 5.1%), with uveitis from unknown cause (399 dogs; 7.1%), with hyphema from unknown cause (117 dogs; 7.3%), and with intraocular neoplasia (19 dogs; 3.5%). The risk of the secondary glaucomas from 1984 to 2002 was highest after the intracapsular lens extraction (ICLE), less in the extracapsular technique (ECLE), and lowest for the phacoemulsification/phacofragmentation method. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of the canine secondary glaucomas ranges from 0.25% (1964-1973), 0.46% (1974-1983), 0.79% (1984-1993), to 0.80% (1994-2003) and are as frequent as the primary or breed-related glaucomas during these same time periods.     

Prevalence of the breed-related glaucomas in pure-bred dogs in North America

Objective To determine the prevalence of the breed‐related glaucomas in pure‐bred dogs presented to the veterinary medical teaching hospitals in North America that participate in the Veterinary Medical Data Base (VMDB). Materials and methods In this retrospective study, age of first diagnosis, breed, and gender data for all breeds of dogs were collected from the VMDB with the clinical diagnosis of primary glaucoma (glaucoma‐NOS) at 5–10 year intervals from 1964 to 2002. The prevalence for each breed (affected dogs compared to all dogs of each breed), any changes over the 38 years, and any gender differences for these glaucomas were determined. Results The prevalence of the primary breed‐related glaucomas has gradually increased from 0.29% (1964–1973); 0.46% (1974–1983); 0.76% (1984–1993); to 0.89% (1994–2002). Breeds that consistently featured among the highest 10 for glaucoma prevalence from four different periods (1964 to 2002) included American Cocker Spaniel, Basset Hound, Wire Fox Terrier, and Boston Terrier. During the last observation period (1994–2002), 22 different breeds had 1% or higher prevalence of the glaucomas. The highest prevalence of glaucomas in 1994–2002 by breed included: American Cocker Spaniel (5.52%); Basset Hound (5.44%); Chow Chow (4.70%); Shar‐Pei (4.40%); Boston Terrier (2.88%); Wire Fox Terrier (2.28%); Norwegian ElkHound (1.98%); Siberian Husky (1.88%); Cairn Terrier (1.82%); and Miniature Poodle (1.68%). A predominance of females with glaucoma occurred in the American Cocker Spaniel, Basset Hound, Cairn Terrier, Chow Chow, English Cocker Spaniel, Samoyed, and perhaps the Siberian Husky, and a predominance of males in the Australian Cattle dog and St Bernard. Age affected the time for first presentation of the glaucomas in the pure‐bred dog. In the majority of breeds the glaucomas were presented for initial diagnosis in dogs between 4 and 10 years of age. Conclusion Breed‐related glaucomas in pure‐bred dogs are frequently presented to the veterinary medical teaching hospitals in North America. The prevalence of the breed‐related glaucomas in the dog appears similar to humans, and in some breeds exceeds that in humans. In many breeds the high prevalence of the glaucomas suggests a genetic basis.     

Breed predisposition to congenital alacrima in dogs

Objective  To evaluate the clinical characteristics and breed predisposition of congenital alacrima in dogs.
Animals studied  Dogs with congenital keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
Procedures  A search of the medical records of the University of Tennessee Veterinary Teaching Hospital from 1974–2005 and the University of California–Davis Veterinary Teaching Hospital from 1986–2006 for dogs under 1 year of age with a diagnosis of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) was performed. These cases were further reviewed for dogs with a Schirmer's tear test I of ≤ 5 mm/min before 6 months of age, with no known causes for KCS, which did not respond to appropriate KCS therapy; these cases were considered to have congenital alacrima. These breeds were compared to all other breeds using the Fisher's exact test with correction for multiple comparisons.
Results  Congenital alacrima was identified in 19 dogs representing 11 breeds and mixed breeds. Yorkshire Terriers and Bedlington Terriers were statistically overrepresented compared to reference populations ( P  < 0.01 and P  = 0.04, respectively).
Conclusions  Yorkshire terriers are significantly at risk for congenital alacrima compared to other breeds. The significance of the increase in congenital alacrima in Bedlington Terriers in this study may not be clinically relevant and may be due to the small total number of dogs of this breed that presented to the both hospitals. Based on the poor response to therapy in humans with congenital alacrima, it may be prudent to offer guarded prognoses for KCS in juvenile Yorkshire terriers.     

Cataracts in the Bichon Frise

Purpose To determine the clinical characteristics of possible inherited cataract in the Bichon Frise breed. These characteristics include the relative frequency, gender effects, site of first cataract formation, age of onset, relationship of age to cataract maturity, and other concurrent pre‐ and postoperative ophthalmic diseases. Methods Four different populations of Bichon Frise were examined. They included: (1) referred patients of the University of Florida (VMTH; 1990–2000); (2) patients from other universities and large institutions (VMDB; 1970–2000); (3) patients from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF; 1970–2000); and (4) special patients recruited from eye clinics and ACVO specialty practices (1995–2001). Blood samples were obtained from many patients for future DNA analyzes. Statistical comparisons between groups were by general linear and anova analyzes, and P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results The four populations of cataractous and total Bichon Frise dogs included: (1) UF‐VMTH: 57 cataractous dogs; (2) VMDB: 406 dogs (28%) with cataracts; total dogs ? 1407; (3) CERF: 505 cataractous dogs (6%); total dogs ? 8222; and (4) ACVO: 223 cataractous dogs (57%); total dogs ? 391. In each population group, gender did not affect cataract distribution. Dogs between 2 and 8 years of age were most frequently affected, and initial cataract involvement affected equally the anterior and posterior cortices. Immature cataracts occurred more often in younger dogs, and hypermature cataracts were more frequently diagnosed in older dogs. Dogs with early cataracts were encountered more frequently in the CERF population. Pre‐ and postoperative retinal detachments (RD) were not infrequently diagnosed in the UF‐VMTH and VMDB groups. RD in the UF‐VMTH and VMDB groups occurred in 33% and 13% of the patients, respectively. Conclusions Cataracts were first encountered in CERF and VMDB data between 1975 and 1979 and have increased since this time. As expected, both similarities and differences between the four different populations of Bichon Frise were encountered. Both sexes of dogs are equally affected. The anterior and posterior cortical areas of the lens were first involved and dogs 2–8 years of age are most frequently affected. Cataracts affected younger dogs in the CERF group and older cataractous dogs in the other populations. Cataract formation appears to be inherited in the Bichon Frise dog. The frequency of pre‐ and postoperative retinal detachments present higher risks for cataract surgery in this breed.     

Lens-induced uveitis in dogs: 151 cases (1985-1990).

During a 5-year period, phacolytic uveitis was diagnosed in 202 eyes of 151 dogs admitted to the veterinary teaching hospital. The diagnosis of phacolytic uveitis was based on the finding of a cataractous lens and anterior uveitis, unassociated with other identifiable causes of uveal inflammation. The most commonly affected breeds were the Toy and Miniature Poodle (35%) and the American Cocker Spaniel (19%). The mean age was 7.0 years for all breeds, 5.1 years for the Cocker Spaniel, and 9.0 years for the Poodle breeds. Evidence of cataract resorption was visible in 72% of the eyes. Fifty-one dogs were affected bilaterally and 100 dogs unilaterally. The mean interval between recognition of the cataract and the onset of lens-induced uveitis (LIU) was 17 months; mean times of 25 and 11 months were seen in the Poodle breeds and American Cocker Spaniel, respectively. The mean age of dogs requiring greater than 1 revisit before the inflammation had subsided was 5.5 years. Complications, referable to the uveitis, were seen in 14% of eyes, the most important of which were glaucoma (16 eyes) and phthisis bulbi (9 eyes). Lens extraction surgery was done on 50 LIU-affected eyes, and on 35 normal eyes in LIU-affected animals. The 2- and 6-month success rates for LIU-affected eyes were 78 and 39%, respectively, and for normal eyes in LIU-affected animals were 85 and 71%, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Congenital portosystemic shunts in toy and miniature poodles

Three male Poodles (two Toy, one Miniature) were presented to their veterinarians for evaluation of urolithiasis and varying degrees of hepatic encephalopathy. All three dogs were diagnosed as having intrahepatic shunts and referred for surgical correction. In each case, shunts arose from the right branch of the portal vein and were amenable to perivascular dissection caudal to where the vessel entered the hepatic parenchyma and to placement of perivascular cellophane bands to achieve shunt attenuation. During the same period, a female Miniature Poodle also presented for treatment of a congenital portosystemic shunt discovered during evaluation for generalised motor seizures. This animal had an extrahepatic portoazygous shunt that was completely ligated. Congenital portosystemic shunts have not previously been identified in Toy and Miniature Poodles at the University Veterinary Centre, Sydney and the anatomical types of shunt seen in this breed have not previously been reported in a consecutive series of cases. The three male dogs are noteworthy for a number of reasons: all had intrahepatic shunts, despite being small breed dogs; all three presented in a similar fashion, and all had shunts of an anatomical type amenable to placement of cellophane bands. One male dog died within 12 hours of surgery, the remaining three dogs survived and their liver function was normal at follow-up between 2 and 3 months after surgery. Use of cellophane bands for successful attenuation of intrahepatic shunts has not been previously reported.     

Effect of three treatment protocols on acute ocular hypertension after phacoemulsification and aspiration of cataracts in dogs

Objective  To compare the effect of topical latanoprost, intracameral carbachol, or no adjunctive medical therapy on the development of acute postoperative hypertension (POH) and inflammation after routine phacoemulsification and aspiration (PA) of cataracts in dogs.
Design  Retrospective study.
Procedures  Dogs received either one drop of topical 0.005% latanoprost (21 dogs, 39 eyes), an intracameral injection of 0.3 mL of 0.01% carbachol (15 dogs, 30 eyes), or no adjunctive therapy (46 dogs, 90 eyes) immediately following PA of cataract(s). Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured in all dogs 2 and 4 h after surgery. IOP was measured and aqueous flare assessed at 8 am the day after surgery.
Results  Carbachol-treated dogs had significantly higher mean IOP (33.2 ± SD 20.8 mmHg) 2 h after surgery than dogs receiving no adjunctive therapy (22.0 ± SD 14.1 mmHg) ( P  =  0 .049). There were no significant differences in IOP among groups at any other time point. There were no significant differences in number of POH episodes between dogs treated with carbachol (47%), latanoprost (29%), or dogs that received no adjunctive therapy (33%). There were no significant differences in mean aqueous flare grade between eyes treated with latanoprost (1.7 ± SD 0.4) or carbachol (1.4 ± SD 0.6), and eyes that received no adjunctive therapy (1.7 ± SD 0.4).
Conclusions  Topical 0.005% latanoprost or intracameral injection of 0.3 mL of 0.01% carbachol after PA in dogs did not reduce POH or increase intraocular inflammation compared to dogs not receiving adjunctive therapy after PA of cataracts.     

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.     

Effects of risk factors and prophylactic treatment on primary glaucoma in the dog

Seventy dogs from 26 breeds were admitted with primary glaucoma between January 1979 and December 1983. Compared with mixed-breed dogs, 8 breeds were at higher risk (P less than 0.01) of developing glaucoma: Basset Hound, Beagle, Boston Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, Dalmatian, Miniature Poodle, Norwegian Elkhound, and Siberian Husky. Dogs between the ages of 5 and 10 years were at increased risk (P less than 0.001). There was no predisposition for either eye to be affected first (P greater than 0.55). Females were at twice the risk of males (P less than 0.01). Fourteen dogs had bilateral glaucoma. Among 46 dogs for which the number of months that the second eye remained normal was available, 24 were treated prophylactically and 22 were not treated or had treatment stopped. Prophylactic treatment significantly extended the interval between diagnosis in the first eye and development of glaucoma in the second eye for dogs in predisposed breeds (P less than 0.01). Prophylactic treatment did not make a difference when all breeds were considered (P greater than 0.19), nor did gender affect this interval (P greater than 0.37).     

The diagnosis and differential diagnosis of cataract in the dog

Cataract is a common eye condition in the dog, classified in several ways and with a varied aetiology. The clinical appearance of hereditary cataract is described in the Boston Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Large Munsterlander, English Cocker Spaniel, American Cocker Spaniel, Afghan Hound, Welsh Springer Spaniel, German Shepherd Dog, Standard Poodle. Cataracts secondary to other eye diseases, both hereditary and non-hereditary, and to systemic conditions are also discussed, as well as the differential diagnosis of cataract.     

Serum Serotonin Concentrations in Dogs with Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease

Background: Increased serotonin (5HT) signaling has been implicated in valvular disease of humans and animals, including canine degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD). High circulating 5HT concentration is a potential source of increased signaling, and serum 5HT concentrations have not been previously reported in dogs with DMVD.
Hypothesis: Dogs with DMVD and small breed dogs predisposed to DMVD have higher serum 5HT concentrations than large breed controls.
Animals: Fifty dogs affected with DMVD, 34 dogs predisposed to DMVD but without cardiac murmur or echocardiographic evidence of DMVD, and 36 healthy large breed control dogs.
Methods: Prospective analysis. Serum 5HT concentration was measured by an ELISA test.
Results: Median serum 5HT concentration was significantly higher in dogs with DMVD and in dogs predisposed to DMVD as compared with controls (DMVD, 765.5 ng/mL [interquartile range, 561.3–944.4]; predisposed, 774.9 ng/mL [528.3–1,026]; control, 509.8 ng/mL [320.8–708.8]; P = .0001). Subgroup analysis of predisposed dogs indicated significantly higher serum 5HT concentrations in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS) dogs than in other breeds (CKCS, 855.0 ng/mL [635.8–1,088]; non-CKCS, 554.2 ng/mL [380.6–648.4]; P = .0023). Age, platelet count, and platelet morphology were not correlated with 5HT concentration in any group.
Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Dogs with DMVD had significantly higher serum 5HT concentrations when compared with large breed control dogs. Healthy CKCS dogs had significantly higher serum 5HT concentrations than other healthy dogs predisposed to DMVD. Additional investigation into a possible role of 5HT in the pathogenesis of DMVD is warranted.     

Acute blindness in dogs: Sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome versus neurological disease (140 cases, 2000–2006)

Objective  To evaluate dogs with amaurosis and compare signalment, history, ophthalmic examination and neurologic abnormalities between dogs diagnosed with sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS) versus neurological disease (ND). Animals Studied-140 dogs with acute vision loss and ocular abnormalities insufficient to account for visual deficits. An electroretinogram (ERG) was performed on each dog.
Procedures  Medical records were reviewed and information was collected for all dogs meeting the inclusion criteria. Dogs diagnosed with SARDS were compared to those with ND based on signalment, duration of clinical signs, past medical problems, clinicopathologic findings, and ophthalmic and physical examination abnormalities.
Results  120 dogs were diagnosed with SARDS and 20 dogs with ND based on ERG results. Mixed-breed dogs were most commonly diagnosed with SARDS as well as ND. Pure breed dogs frequently diagnosed with SARDS included the Miniature Schnauzer and Dachshund. Dogs with SARDS did not differ significantly from those with ND based on age or sex distribution. Cushing's-like symptoms were reported more frequently in SARDS dogs as well as conjunctival hyperemia and retinal vascular attenuation. Papilledema and asymmetric visual deficits were observed more frequently in dogs with ND. Dogs with ND were no more likely than SARDS dogs to have additional neurological deficits.
Conclusions  Appreciable overlap of clinical signs exists between dogs with SARDS and dogs with ND resulting in acute vision loss. As a significant portion of dogs (14%) in the present study were diagnosed with ND, an ERG to rule out ND is indicated in dogs with amaurosis.     

Effect of breed on anatomy of portosystemic shunts resulting from congenital diseases in dogs and cats: a review of 242 cases

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of species and breed on the anatomy of portosystemic vascular anomalies in dogs and cats. DESIGN: Retrospective study of 233 dogs and nine cats presenting to the University Veterinary Centre, Sydney. METHODS: Case records were evaluated for breed, sex, age, anatomical and histological diagnosis. Cases were included when a portosystemic vascular anomaly resulted from a congenital or developmental abnormality of the liver or portal venous system. RESULTS: Disease conditions included single congenital portosystemic shunt with patent portal vasculature (214 dogs, nine cats), portal vein aplasia (nine dogs), multiple acquired shunts resulting from portal vein hypoplasia (seven dogs), biliary atresia (one dog) and microvascular dysplasia (one dog). One Maltese had a single, congenital shunt and multiple acquired shunts resulting from hepatic cirrhosis. Breeds that were significantly over-represented included the Maltese, Silky Terrier, Australian Cattle Dog, Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, Border Collie, Jack Russell Terrier, Irish Wolfhound and Himalayan cat. Bichon Frise with shunts were significantly more likely to be female than male (12:2, P < 0.001). Two hundred and fourteen dogs (91.4%), and all cats, had shunts that were amenable to attenuation. Inoperable shunts occurred in 19 dogs (8.2%). Fifty six of 61 (92%) operable shunts in large breed dogs were intrahepatic, versus 10/153 (7%) in small breeds (P < 0.0001). Breeds that were not predisposed to portosystemic shunts were significantly more likely to have unusual or inoperable shunts than dogs from predisposed breeds (29% versus 7.6%, P < 0.0001). No significant relationship between breed and shunt type could be determined in cats. CONCLUSION: Breed has a significant influence on shunt anatomy in dogs. Animals presenting with signs of portosystemic shunting may suffer from a wide range of operable or inoperable conditions. Veterinarians should be aware that unusual or inoperable shunts are much more likely to occur in breeds that are not predisposed to congenital portosystemic shunts.     

Seasonal incidence of estrus and interestrous interval for bitches of seven breeds

For 7 breeds of bitches (Toy Poodle, Cocker Spaniel, Basset Hound, Boston Terrier, German Shepherd Dog, Pekingese, and Beagle), estrous activity occurred in all seasons. Differences in seasonal incidence of estrus were not statistically significant when compared within the total group or within and between breeds. The German Shepherd Dog breed had the shortest interestrous interval (149 +/- 28.5 days), which was significantly different from that of the other breeds. Means interestrous interval in parous Beagle bitches was not significantly different from that in nonparous Beagle bitches. In Beagle bitches, the mean interval between fertile estrous periods was not significantly different from the mean interval between nonfertile estrous periods.     

Metabolizable energy intake of client‐owned adult dogs

A post hoc analysis of the metabolizable energy (ME) intake of privately owned pet dogs from the authors' nutrition consultation practice (Years 2007–2011) was carried out to identify if current ME recommendations are suitable for pet dogs. Data on 586 adult dogs were available (median age 5.5, median deviation from ideal weight 0.0), 55 of them were healthy; the others had various diseases. For ration calculation, a standardized questionnaire and the software diet‐check Munich^? was used. ME was predicted according to NRC (2006). Data were evaluated for the factors disease, breed, size, age, gender and type of feeding. The mean ME intake of all adult dogs amounted to 0.410 ± 0.121 MJ/kg metabolic body weight (BW^0.75) (n = 586). There was no effect of size and disease. Overweight dogs ate 0.360 ± 0.121 MJ/kg BW^0.75, and underweight dogs ate 0.494 ± 0.159 MJ/kg BW^0.75. Older dogs (>7 years, n = 149, 0.389 ± 0.105 MJ/kg BW^0.75) had a lower ME intake than younger ones (n = 313, 0.419 ± 0.121 MJ/kg BW^0.75), and intact males had a higher ME intake than the others (p < 0.001). Some breeds were above average: Jack Russell Terrier, Dalmatian, small Munsterlander and Magyar Viszla, Bearded Collies, Sight Hounds, German Boxers, English foxhounds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Flat‐Coated Retrievers with a mean ME intake of 0.473 ± 0.121 MJ/kg BW^0.75. The following breeds were below average: Dachshunds, Bichons, West highland White Terrier, Collies except Bearded Collies, Airedale Terriers, American Staffordshire terriers and Golden Retrievers with a mean ME intake of 0.343 ± 0.096 MJ/kg BW^0.75. The mean maintenance energy requirements of pet dogs are similar to that of kennel dogs which do not exercise very much. These results suggest that opportunity and stimulus to exercise provided for pet dogs are lower than for kennel dogs. Lower activity in pet dogs may reduce part of potential effects of breed, medical history and age groups.     

Hereditary cataract in the dog

Hereditary cataract in the dog is described as it occurs in the Boston Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the Miniature Schnauzer, the Golden Retriever, the Labrador Retriever, the American Cocker Spaniel, the Afghan Hound, and the Old English Sheepdog. The mode of inheritance in each breed is also discussed and includes both dominant and recessive patterns.