Successful treatment of intra‐abdominal eumycotic mycetoma caused by Penicillium duponti in a dog

A 2‐year‐old female neutered golden retriever was presented for investigation of an intra‐abdominal mass. Computed tomography revealed a mass associated with the caudal pole of the right kidney. Incisional biopsy findings were consistent with eumycotic mycetoma. The mass was subsequently removed in conjunction with right ureteronephrectomy. Two years later, the dog re‐presented with a splenic mass and fungal plaques located throughout the peritoneum. Splenectomy was performed and the mass was diagnosed as eumycotic mycetoma caused by Penicillium duponti. Indefinite systemic treatment with 10 mg/kg itraconazole orally once a day was initiated. Thirty‐two months after the last surgery, there were no clinical signs apart from mild polydipsia. Haematology and biochemistry results were unremarkable. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of successful treatment of intra‐abdominal eumycotic mycetoma with a combination of surgery and systemic antifungal therapy in the dog. Penicillium duponti has not apparently been reported to cause disease in animals or humans.     

Cervical syringohydromyelia secondary to a brainstem tumor in a dog

An 11-year-old male Pekingese was evaluated because of a history of head tilt. Neurologic examination revealed a right-sided head tilt, ataxia, scoliosis, and proprioceptive deficits. Diagnostic testing included magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head and neck. After IV administration of gadopentetate dimeglumine, an extra-axial, highly contrast-enhanced mass in the brainstem, cerebellar herniation, and syringohydromyelia were detected via MRI. The dog was treated with corticosteroids and radiation therapy of the mass for 4 weeks (total dose, 42.5 Gy). Magnetic resonance imaging was repeated 9 weeks and 6 months after radiation therapy; compared with the initial findings, a reduction in the size of the brainstem mass was observed in both MRI scans. The third MRI scan also revealed a normal cerebellar shape, no evidence of herniation, and resolution of syringohydromyelia in the dog at that time. It is recommended that whenever syringohydromyelia is observed via MRI, a primary cause (cranial or caudal to the affected region) should be sought.     

MORPHOLOGY OF THE CAUDAL FOSSA IN CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIELS

Chiari malformations and syringohydromyelia are an important disease complex in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Although abnormalities in caudal fossa morphology are considered major contributors to the development of this disease, limited information exists on the range of morphologies in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and on the relationship of these to clinically evident disease. Sixty-four Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were studied. Each underwent a neurologic examination and magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine and brain. T2-weighted sagittal images were used to determine both the morphologic characteristics and volume of the caudal fossa in each dog. This volume was also analyzed as a percentage of total cranial cavity volume. Each attribute was correlated with neurological grade and presence of syringohydromyelia. Fifteen dogs had neurologic signs, and 59 had morphologic abnormalities of the craniocervical junction. While 27 dogs had syringohydromyelia, 13 of these were clinically normal. Cerebellar herniation and occipital dysplasia were common findings but were not associated with syringohydromyelia. Dorsal compressive lesions were noted at the first and second cervical vertebral junction. Factors associated with the presence of neurologic signs included syringohydromyelia and the ratio of caudal fossa/total cranial cavity volume; dogs with signs had significantly larger syringohydromyelia than asymptomatic dogs. Caudal fossa size was not associated with syringohydromyelia. A positive association was identified between foramen magnum size and length of cerebellar herniation. The prevalence of craniocervical junction abnormalities is high in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. While several factors are associated with neurologic signs, occipital hypoplasia appears to be the most important factor.     

Primary penile adenocarcinoma with concurrent hypercalcaemia of malignancy in a dog

A 13‐year‐old male neutered Siberian husky crossbreed dog was presented with a 3‐week history of haematuria and penile swelling. Clinical examination and computed tomography demonstrated a soft‐tissue mass located at the base of the penis without signs of other primary tumours or metastasis. Clinicopathological findings revealed paraneoplastic hypercalcaemia. Fine‐needle aspiration cytology of the mass suggested an epithelial tumour with several criteria of malignancy present. Following surgical excision of the mass, the hypercalcaemia resolved. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry revealed features consistent with an adenocarcinoma. Despite thorough examination, no perineal or anal sac tumour was found. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case of a penile adenocarcinoma with hypercalcaemia of malignancy.     

Syringosubarachnoid shunt as a management for syringohydromyelia in dogs

Objective : To evaluate retrospectively the efficacy of syringosubarachnoid shunt for the management of syringohydromyelia/syringomyelia. Methods : Eleven dogs diagnosed with syringohydromyelia/syringomyelia by magnetic resonance imaging associated with Chiari‐like malformation underwent placement of a syringosubarachnoid shunt at the cervical (nine dogs) or lumbar (two dogs) spinal cord. In one dog, a suboccipital decompression (foramen magnum decompression) was performed 4 months before inserting a syringosubarachnoid shunt. All dogs were evaluated neurologically a few hours after surgery, 2 weeks and 6 months postoperatively. Retrospectively, cases were assigned a preoperative and postoperative pain score. Results : There were no intra‐ or peri‐operative complications. One dog (9%) was euthanased 5 weeks after surgery. Progressive neurological improvement was observed in nine dogs (81·8%) 2 weeks and 6 months postoperatively. No clinical improvement was seen in another dog (9%). One dog (9%) had replacement of the syringosubarachnoid shunt. Seven dogs (63·6%) were still alive 1 to 4 years (mean, 2·6 years) after surgery. Clinical Significance : Placement of a syringosubarachnoid shunt in the presence of a sufficiently large syrinx appears to be beneficial in dogs with Chiari‐like malformation and associated syringohydromyelia/syringomyelia.     

Successful Treatment of Disseminated Nocardiosis Caused by Nocardia veterana in a Dog

A 5‐year‐old male castrated Lhasa Apso cross was evaluated for a 1‐month history of inappetence, lethargy, gagging, and progressive right thoracic limb lameness. Synovial fluid analysis revealed nonseptic suppurative inflammation, and a diagnosis of immune‐mediated polyarthritis (IMPA) was made. After 3 months of treatment with prednisone and later cyclosporine, the dog developed multiple firm cutaneous and subcutaneous masses and a focal mass within the jejunum. Cultures of blood, urine, skin lesions, and the jejunal mass identified Nocardia veterana by matrix‐absorption laser desorption ionization‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) and allowed for earlier identification of the organism compared to more traditional secA1 gene sequencing. Immunosuppressive drug treatment was discontinued, and the dog was treated for 3 months by administration of trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (TMS). No recurrence of clinical signs was reported 1 year later. This case report highlights the clinical utility of MALDI‐TOF MS, particularly for the rapid identification of slow‐growing, fastidious organisms.     

INTRACRANIAL EPIDERMOID CYST AND SYRINGOHYDROMYELIA IN A DOG

A 5-year-old female Cocker Spaniel dog had a sudden onset of vestibular disease that localized to the caudal fossa. Upon computed tomography of the brain, a large, hypoattenuating mass with a slight peripheral ring enhancement pattern was detected ventral to the cerebellum. A hypoattenuating region was also identified in the center of the C2 spinal cord segment, consistent with syringohydromyelia. Postmortem examination of the brain revealed a fluid filled, cystic mass located dorsal to medulla oblongata that caused severe compression of the overlying cerebellum. The histopathologic diagnosis was an epidermoid cyst. Extensive syringohydromyelia and obstructive hydrocephalus were identified, both thought to be secondary to overcrowding of the caudal fossa.     

A case of fatal anaphylaxis in a dog associated with a dexamethasone suppression test

Objective: To describe a case of fatal anaphylaxis in a dog associated with a ‘routine’ dexamethasone suppression test. Case summary: An 8‐year‐old, spayed female dog, was treated with parenteral dexamethasone for a diagnosis of immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia. The dog had responded to treatment, but 9 months later was evaluated for endogenous hyperadrenocorticism, prior to surgery for a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament. A normal ACTH stimulation test was followed by a high‐dose dexamethasone suppression test. Immediately following the intravenous injection of dexamethasone, the dog developed severe anaphylactic shock and died. The postmortem examination findings supported the diagnosis of anaphylaxis. New information provided: The anaphylaxis in this dog was fulminating and by‐passed the usual early signs of drug hypersensitivity. This is the first case in the veterinary literature reporting on dexamethasone as the cause of this dog's catastrophic event.     

Surgical management of combined hydrocephalus, syringohydromyelia, and ventricular cyst in a dog

Combined hydrocephalus, syringohydromyelia, and a ventricular cyst were found by magnetic resonance imaging in a 7-month-old, male miniature dachshund with gait abnormalities and altered mentation. Clinical signs did not improve with prednisone therapy. Ventriculoperitoneal shunting improved the clinical signs and anatomical abnormalities. Repeated operations were needed to replace the ventricular drainage tube at 3 and 31 months after the first surgery. The animal died suddenly with severe tonic-clonic, generalized seizures 3 weeks after the third operation. Ventriculoperitoneal shunting may be a viable treatment for syringohydromyelia associated with hydrocephalus.     

Vaginal Neurofibroma in a Hysterectomized Poodle Dog

A 15‐year‐old, spayed, female poodle dog was presented for evaluation of a mass of tissue prolapsed from the vulva. The dog had been hysterectomized when it was 5 years old. A vaginal mass had been removed approximately 10 months before presentation. Haematological and serum biochemistry analyses demonstrated mild leucocytosis and glycaemia. A vaginal smear was predominantly made up of parabasal cells and intermediate cells with no neoplastic cells. Thoracal and abdominal radiographic findings were unremarkable. The ovaries could not be identified using abdominal ultrasonography. A midline exploratory laparotomy identified both ovaries that were surgically excised. The vaginal mass was also removed following an episiotomy procedure. Histopathological examination of the mass demonstrated that it was a neurofibroma. Both ovaries had cystic changes. Four months after the surgery, the owner reported that the dog was clinically normal. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case of a vaginal neurofibroma after an incomplete ovariohysterectomy in the dog.     

Suspected Phenobarbital‐Induced Pseudolymphoma in a Dog

Pseudolymphoma is a drug reaction to anti‐epileptics that is well recognized in humans; it has been reported in one cat but not dogs. In this report, lymphoma‐like clinical signs are suspected to be secondary to phenobarbital administration in a dog. A 2.5‐year‐old male, neutered Shepherd mix presented for a 3‐day history of progressive ataxia, dazed mentation, pyrexia, and lethargy. While hospitalized, the dog developed generalized lymphadenopathy and sustained pyrexia. The dog was receiving levetiracetam and phenobarbital for epilepsy, and serum concentrations of both were within standard therapeutic ranges. Abdominal ultrasound revealed hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and generalized lymphadenopathy. Cytology of the peripheral lymph nodes was consistent with reactive lymph nodes, and aspirates of the liver and spleen revealed histiocytic‐neutrophilic inflammation. Phenobarbital was discontinued and replaced with zonisamide. Within 24 hours, the dog was normothermic, and other clinical signs resolved within a week. This case highlights a potentially serious yet reversible adverse reaction to phenobarbital in a dog. This idiosyncratic reaction could be mistaken for neoplasia and is an important differential for lymphoma‐like signs in any dog administered phenobarbital.     

Uterine Leiomyoma in a Spayed Poodle Bitch: A Case Report

A 16‐year‐old, spayed, female poodle dog was presented for evaluation of tenesmus, with the ability to attract male dogs and a willingness to mate. The dog had undergone an ovariohysterectomy when it was 7 years old. Haematological and serum biochemistry analyses demonstrated leucocytosis and a mild uraemia. A vaginal smear was predominantly made up of superficial cells, accounting for at least 80% of the cells. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a heterogeneous multicystic mass at the caudal abdomen and two masses with anechoic areas adjacent to the caudal pole of each kidney. A midline exploratory laparotomy identified a uterine mass and residual ovaries that were surgically excised. Histopathological examination of the mass demonstrated that it was a leiomyoma. The left ovary had a cystic structure and the right ovary had a papillary cystic adenoma. Seven months after the surgery, the owner reported that the dog was clinically normal. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case of a uterine leiomyoma after an incomplete ovariohysterectomy in the dog.     

Rauwolfia serpentina toxicity in a dog

Objective– To describe the clinical manifestations and treatment of Rauwolfia serpentina toxicity in a dog. Case Summary– A 9‐month‐old intact male mixed breed dog was presented following ingestion of an antihypertensive medication containing alkaloids from R. serpentina. R. serpentina alkaloids cause depletion of the biologic amines: norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. The dog experienced hypotension, mental depression, bradycardia, diarrhea, bronchoconstriction, and gastrointestinal ulceration similar to the adverse effects reported in humans. The dog was released from the hospital after 4 days of supportive care. New Information Provided– This is the first case of accidental R. serpentina toxicity in a dog reported in the literature. This case had a good clinical outcome with supportive care and monitoring of all the subsequent adverse effects.     

Eosinophilic cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis associated with neural Angiostrongylus vasorum infection in a dog

A 1‐year‐old, female intact Pug dog was presented to the Small Animal Teaching Hospital of the University of Liverpool with a 4‐week history of progressive multifocal intracranial signs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detected multiple hemorrhagic lesions in the brain. The Baermann and zinc sulfate flotation tests with centrifugation, performed on fecal samples, were positive for lungworm larvae and an antigenic test confirmed Angiostrongylus vasorum infection. Anthelmintic treatment was started with a consequent marked clinical improvement. Seventy days later, the dog was clinically normal, and no larvae were detected on the Baermann test. Repeat MRI of the brain revealed marked improvement of the hemorrhagic lesions. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis (CSF) showed marked eosinophilic pleocytosis, and anthelmintic treatment was restarted. A follow‐up CSF analysis 4 months after the first presentation revealed resolution of the eosinophilic pleocytosis. This is the first case report of marked eosinophilic pleocytosis associated with neural A vasorum infection in a dog. The CSF eosinophilic pleocytosis persisted for several weeks after treatment, even in the absence of concurrent clinical signs and with a negative A vasorum Baermann test.     

Paintball intoxication in a pug

Objective: To describe a case of toxicity caused by oral ingestion of paintballs by a dog and how it was initially misdiagnosed as ethylene glycol intoxication due to similar clinical signs and a positive ethylene glycol blood test. Case summary: A 7 year‐old, 8.3 kg, female spayed Pug was referred for treatment of ethylene glycol (EG) toxicity. The patient was ataxic, disoriented, polyuric, polydipsic, and had a positive EG blood test. The patient was started on fomepizole therapy and intravenous fluids. Biochemical assays of the serum showed abnormalities that were not typical of EG toxicity. The following morning the patient defecated bright pink feces. The owner revealed that bright pink paint balls were present in the household when questioned. The patient completed fomepizole therapy and was discharged 40 hours after presentation with no clinical signs. Follow‐up telephone conversations found the pet to be clinically normal 2 months after discharge. New or unique information provided: This is the first known case report of paint ball intoxication in a dog that resulted in a positive EG blood test and clinical signs similar to ethylene glycol toxicity.     

An end‐to‐end urethral anastomosis after inguinal tunnelization: a new technique in a dog

An 8‐year‐old male dog was presented with a peri‐urethral intrapelvic mass with the characteristics of a sarcoma on computed tomography and cytology evaluation. A two‐step procedure leading to a permanent urinary diversion was performed. During the same procedure, the caudal pelvic urethra and mass were resected and an extrapelvic anastomosis of the pelvic portion of the urethra to its penile portion was performed after passage of the pelvic urethra through the inguinal canal. The procedure successfully produced a tension‐free end‐to‐end urethral anastomosis and no complications were observed during the postoperative period. Histologically, the lesion was reported as a narrowly excised liposarcoma. A 4‐week course of curative intent of radiotherapy was initiated 2 weeks after surgery. Eight months later, the dog was free of clinical signs.     

Electroretinographic changes after intravenous lipid emulsion therapy in a dog and a foal with ivermectin toxicosis

This case report describes ivermectin‐induced blindness in a dog and a foal with normal ophthalmic fundic examinations and attenuated electroretinography (ERG). Subsequent recovery in ERG was noted following intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) therapy. A dog and a foal were evaluated for ivermectin‐induced blindness. Clinical signs included dull mentation, absent pupillary light reflexes (PLRs), and absent menace on presentation. The animals had normal fundoscopic examinations; however, in both cases ERG was consistent with neurosensory retinal dysfunction. Following ILE therapy for ivermectin toxicosis, return of menace, PLRs, and normal mentation were noted, as was improvement in ERG and serum ivermectin levels. These are the first documented cases of ivermectin‐induced blindness in a dog and a foal with normal fundic examinations and attenuated ERG. ERG improved in both animals after ILE therapy. ERG may assist in the diagnosis of ivermectin toxicosis in dogs and horses. ILE therapy may hasten recovery in treatment of ivermectin‐induced blindness.     

Treatment of accidental ethanol intoxication with hemodialysis in a dog

Objective – To describe the successful treatment of accidental ethanol intoxication with hemodialysis in a dog. Case Summary – A 1.5‐year‐old female intact mixed breed dog was presented in a comatose state believed to be due to ethanol intoxication. The initial 9 hours of supportive care treatment were complicated by multiple seizures and hypothermia, and resulted in only minimal improvement in the dog's level of consciousness. Hemodialysis was implemented and resulted in rapid clinical recovery, corresponding to a rapid decline in serum ethanol concentration. New or Unique Information Provided – To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of using hemodialysis to treat accidental ethanol intoxication in a dog. The patient's initial serum ethanol concentration was higher than those previously reported for cases of accidental ethanol intoxication in dogs, and the serum ethanol concentration was shown to rapidly decline during hemodialysis. Treatment with hemodialysis for severe ethanol intoxication was effective in this case and may be able to decrease morbidity and mortality in some cases.     

Muscular dystrophy due to a sarcoglycan deficiency in a female Dobermann dog

A four‐month‐old female Dobermann presented with myalgia, dysphagia, progressive weakness and loss of body condition. Diagnostic evaluation at nine months of age revealed markedly elevated serum creatine kinase activity, electromyographic abnormalities and histological evidence of chronic‐active muscle necrosis. Imaging confirmed dysphagia and aspiration pneumonia. Muscular dystrophy was suspected and immunohistochemical staining of muscle cryosections demonstrated reduced sarcoglycans. Treatment consisted of gastrostomy, and over the next 5 months the dog gained weight, despite continued loss of muscle mass. The dog died at 14 months of age after developing clinical signs of aspiration pneumonia. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of muscular dystrophy in a Dobermann and only the second detailed report of a canine sarcoglycanopathy. Supportive care resulted in an acceptable quality of life for 10 months after clinical signs were first observed.     

Ehrlichia canis infection in a dog with no history of travel outside the United Kingdom

A two‐year‐old female neutered Tibetan terrier was referred following a one‐month history of lethargy, inappetence and pancytopenia, which had been poorly responsive to immunosuppressive and fluoroquinolone treatment. The dog was diagnosed with pure red cell aplasia and was found to be positive for Ehrlichia canis by both antibody titre measurement and polymerase chain reaction. The dog lived in London and had not travelled outside the UK. The dog was treated with doxycycline, prednisolone and ciclosporin, but died as a result of gastrointestinal tract haemorrhage. To the authors’ knowledge, this represents the first reported case of Ehrlichia canis in a dog in the UK with no previous travel history.