Retrospective study on the diagnostic value of full-thickness biopsies from the stomach and intestines of dogs with chronic gastrointestinal disease symptoms

An evaluation of histologic findings in full-thickness biopsies from the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) from 64 dogs with chronic GIT disease symptoms was performed. In the majority of cases (38/64; 59%), intestinal lymphangiectasia and mucosal edema of unknown etiology were present. In 10 dogs (16%) an eosinophilic colitis, either alone or together with gastritis and/or enteritis, was found. In 5 dogs (8%) lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis or enterocolitis was diagnosed. Five dogs (8%) had an intestinal T-cell lymphoma. Samples from the remaining cases were histologically normal or did not allow for a final diagnosis. In contrast to reports about findings in endoscopic biopsies (which often are of varying quality or inadequate for diagnosis), in the majority of cases of this study, examination of full-thickness biopsies from the GIT allowed us to make a definitive histopathologic diagnosis. Furthermore, the study revealed that transmural biopsies are very helpful for diagnosing lymphoma.     

小动物肠道异物性梗阻和出血性胃肠炎诊治的比较研究

小动物肠道异物引起犬肠道梗阻是犬常见肠道疾病之一。在临床上容易和出血性胃肠炎发生混淆。本试验通过一例患犬的病史,结合血常规检查、CRP检查、内窥镜检查,并与出血性胃肠炎鉴别诊断,确定为犬肠道异物性梗阻,并对患犬尝试使用剖腹探查术治疗,术后以消炎、补充营养和体液、修复胃肠道粘膜为主,取得明显的治疗效果。研究结果可为宠物犬肠道异物性梗阻和出血性胃肠炎的鉴别诊治提供可参考的诊治方案。     

Endoscopic examination of the choanae in dogs and cats: 118 cases (1988-1998).

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether endoscopic examination of the choanae resulted in diagnosis of various diseases in dogs and cats with signs of respiratory tract disease. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 91 dogs and 27 cats that had endoscopic examination of the choanae. PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed for endoscopy findings and results of examination of biopsy or cytologic specimens. RESULTS: 34 animals had neoplasia in the choanal region; in 26 animals, diagnosis was confirmed by evaluation of specimens obtained by endoscopy. Five dogs with neoplasia had an erroneous diagnosis of rhinitis made on the basis of evaluation of specimens obtained by endoscopy. Six dogs and 2 cats had foreign objects in the choanae; 7 foreign objects were removed endoscopically, whereas 1 required nasal flushing. Results of endoscopy and biopsy of the choanae provided diagnosis of cryptococcosis and aspergillosis, but did not aid in the diagnosis of pythiosis or nasal mites. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Endoscopic examination of the choanae may assist in rapid diagnosis of nasal neoplasms, foreign objects, and certain infectious organisms.     

Serum gastrin in canine chronic lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis

This study evaluates serum gastrin concentrations in dogs with chronic lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis, as well as its possible relationship with the severity of lesions present in the stomach. To achieve this aim, 5 dogs without gastrointestinal disease and 15 dogs with chronic lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis were included. Serum gastrin concentrations were significantly increased in dogs with chronic lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis compared with those in dogs without gastrointestinal disease. Also, there was a positive correlation between the severity of the gastric lesion and the serum gastrin concentration. Our findings indicate the possibility that gastrin plays a role in the etiology of an accompanying chronic antral gastritis in canine chronic lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis.     

A case of protein-losing enteropathy treated with methotrexate in a dog

A 9-year-old female Pug was presented to us with chronic diarrhea. Hematologic findings indicated severe hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia, and endoscopy revealed severe edema of the duodenal mucosa. Based on these results and on additional histopathological findings, we made a diagnosis of protein-losing enteropathy caused by lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis with lymphangiectasia. The dog was initially treated with prednisolone and cyclosporine. This treatment regimen was not effective. However, when methotrexate was substituted for cyclosporine, progress was obtained and the diagnosis was confirmed.     

Clinical and pathologic features of parvoviral diarrhea in pound-source dogs

From June 1980 through May 1982, 161 pound-source dogs that developed diarrhea while being used in research were evaluated to determine whether canine parvovirus (CPV) type 2 was the etiologic agent. Evaluation included notation of clinical signs, determination of serum CPV-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) M and IgG titers, virus isolation attempts, and histologic examination of tissues. Criteria for diagnosis of canine parvoviral enteritis were serum CPV-specific IgM antibodies, isolation of CPV from feces, and histologic evidence of intestinal crypt cell necrosis. Upon arrival, 67 clinically normal pound-source dogs were evaluated to determine the prevalence of fecal shedding of CPV and to determine their antibody titers to CPV. Parvovirus was not isolated from any of these dogs, although 76% had IgG antibodies and 3% had IgM antibodies. Of the 161 dogs with diarrhea, 40 (25%) had parvoviral enteritis. Of dogs with parvoviral enteritis, 71% had IgG antibodies and 68% had IgM antibodies. Canine parvovirus was isolated from 18 dogs. Serum IgG antibodies were found in 85% of dogs with diarrhea due to other causes. The geometric mean titer of IgG antibodies to CPV was not significantly different among the 3 groups. Clinical signs that appeared significantly (P less than 0.05) more often in dogs with parvoviral enteritis included bloody diarrhea, anorexia, fever (greater than or equal to 39.4 C), and leukopenia (WBC less than 6,000/mm3). Cases occurred throughout the year, without apparent seasonal variation. The duration between arrival and onset of diarrhea was significantly (P less than 0.05) shorter for dogs with parvoviral enteritis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Clinical findings, rhinoscopy and histological evaluation of 54 dogs with chronic nasal disease

Nasal diseases are very common in dogs and rhinoscopy is often required for a definitive diagnosis. Rhinoscopy, while superficial in nature, can guide the clinician to the final diagnosis. In this study, rhinoscopy was performed on 54 dogs with symptoms of chronic nasopharyngeal disease. The endoscopic diagnosis of neoplasia or chronic nasal inflammation was validated with histological examination of pathological samples, in order to evaluate the degree of concordance between endoscopic findings and histological diagnosis. The agreement between endoscopy and histology was tested by application of Cohen''s kappa coefficient. We conclude that correlation between endoscopic results and histological diagnosis, expressed by a Cohen''s kappa coefficient of 0.73, is only possible with a constant cooperation between the clinician and the pathologist.     

Gastric neoplasia.

Gastric tumors are rare in dogs and cats but should always be considered, particularly in older dogs with chronic vomiting. The most common gastric tumor in dogs is carcinoma, although lymphoma is rare. Breeds that seem to be predisposed to gastric carcinoma are the Rough Collie, Staffordshire Terrier, and Belgian Shepherd. Lymphoma is the most common gastric malignancy in cats. Contrast radiographic examination and endoscopy are the elective procedures of choice for the diagnosis of these conditions. Biopsy is essential to confirm the diagnosis. Surgery is the only potentially curative modality for localized gastric carcinoma. Chemotherapy alone or following surgery is the elective treatment of choice for gastric lymphoma in dogs and cats. The prognosis is poor for both types of tumor, but prolonged survival times in individual animals are possible.     

Aetiology and diagnosis of persistent nasal disease in the dog: a retrospective study of 42 cases

Forty-two dogs with a history of persistent nasal disease were evaluated by a combination of clinical examination, thoracic and nasal radiography, retroflexed endoscopy and biopsy, and anterograde rhinoscopy and blind nasal biopsy. A definitive diagnosis was made in 91 per cent of cases. Neoplasia was the most common diagnosis (33 per cent of cases), followed by inflammatory rhinitis (24 per cent). Other diagnoses included periodontal disease (10 per cent), aspergillosis (7 per cent) and foreign bodies (7 per cent). Adenocarcinoma was the most common tumour diagnosed. The clinical findings were found to be too variable to be used as specific diagnostic criteria. Anterograde rhinoscopy and retroflexed endoscopy had higher specificity and sensitivity than radiology for the diagnosis of neoplasia, inflammatory rhinitis, aspergillosis and foreign bodies. With a systematic approach to the investigation of persistent nasal disease, a definitive diagnosis can be successfully obtained in the vast majority of cases.     

Oropharyngeal penetrating injuries in 50 dogs: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVES: To summarize the presenting complaints and clinical signs associated with traumatic penetrating injuries to the canine oropharynx. To determine how the site of injury, causative agent, and duration of disease affect the presentation and clinical outcome of treatment. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: 50 client-owned dogs. METHODS: The medical records of 50 dogs with oropharyngeal penetrating injuries referred to Glasgow University Veterinary Hospital (GUVH) between 1979-1999 were reviewed. Data regarding signalment, owners' presenting complaint, history, physical examination, radiographic and endoscopic findings, surgical findings, and outcome were recorded and compared with the GUVH population. Estimates of individual breed-specific odds ratios were calculated. Outcome was evaluated by reexamination 6 weeks after surgery with recurrence of disease recorded as failure. RESULTS: Oropharyngeal injuries occurred most often in medium to large breed dogs. The majority of dogs presented with chronic disease (82%). The common findings on clinical examination were discharging sinus (72%) and swelling (70%). Acute cases typically presented with dysphagia and oral pain. The original site of injury was evident in only 34% of dogs, with the sublingual area the most frequently traumatized. The apparent cause of injury to the oropharynx was most commonly a piece of wood (72%). Other causes were metallic foreign bodies (3 dogs) and bones (2 dogs). In the remaining 9 dogs, the cause was not determined. The clinical signs resolved in all dogs that presented acutely compared with only 62% in dogs with chronic signs. CONCLUSION: Medium to large breed dogs appear to be prone to oropharyngeal injuries caused mainly by wooden foreign bodies. This may be attributable to stick chewing or retrieving behavior in these animals. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: History of trauma, stick retrieval, submandibular/cervical swelling, and discharging sinus are commonly encountered in the presentation of this condition. The sublingual area was the most frequent portal of entry recorded, although in chronic cases the initial site of injury was often unclear. Radiography and endoscopy, while offering definitive diagnosis with positive findings, often provide false negative findings. Aggressive surgical debridement of all sinus tracts is essential in obtaining a successful result, but recovery of a foreign body is not necessarily a determinant of success.     

The use of ultrasound in the investigation of gastric carcinoma in a dog.

Gastric neoplasia accounts for less than 1% of all canine malignancies. Malignant epithelial tumours are the most common gastric neoplasm in dogs and are referred to as carcinoma or adenocarcinoma. Dogs with gastric carcinoma usually present with vomiting, anorexia, and weight loss. The duration of clinical signs is from weeks to months. 1 Survey and contrast radiography, endoscopy, and ultrasonography have been used in the diagnosis of gastric carcinoma in dogs. This report describes a case of gastric carcinoma in which the survey and contrast radiographs and endoscopic findings were normal. Gastric neoplasia was suspected on ultrasound examination and confirmed histologically.     

Providencia alcalifaciens as the presumptive cause of diarrhoea in dog

A case of diarrhoea in a four-month-old golden retriever is described. On the basis of anamnesis and bacteriological examination, the diagnosis of bacterial enteritis due to Providencia alcalifaciens was reached. Although there are contradictory opinions about the role of this organism as the enteric pathogen, it seems that Providencia alcalifaciens should also be taken into consideration in the routine bacteriological diagnostics of diarrhoea in dogs.     

Diagnosis and management of reflux esophagitis

Esophagitis has generally been considered rare in dogs and cats. However, it may not be as uncommon as previously thought due to the increased awareness of the disease and the increasing availability of endoscopy. Esophagitis can be caused by gastroesophageal reflux, trauma, foreign bodies, ingestion of caustic substances, structural abnormalities (ie, hiatal hernia, neoplasms), and chronic vomiting. This article will focus on the diagnosis and treatment of esophagitis secondary to gastroesophageal reflux. This is a diagnosis based on clinical signs, exclusion of other causes of esophagitis, and typical radiographic, endoscopic, and histopathologic findings.     

Treatment of canine parvoviral enteritis with interferon-omega in a placebo-controlled challenge trial

Canine parvoviral enteritis continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality in dogs worldwide, and efficacious antiviral therapies are lacking. The present trial was aimed at evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of a recombinant feline interferon (type omega) preparation in the treatment of parvoviral enteritis in dogs. A double-blind, placebo-controlled challenge trial was performed in beagle pups (8-9 weeks); clinical signs, body weight, hematologic parameters, and mortality were monitored for a period of 14 days after challenge. Fourteen animals were inoculated with virulent canine parvovirus; 10 animals that developed clinical signs thereby meeting the inclusion criteria were admitted to the treatment phase in two randomly selected groups (placebo and IFN) of equal size. The IFN group received daily intravenous injections of rFeIFN-omega (2.5 MU/kg) for three consecutive days. The placebo group received daily injections of saline without IFN. Both groups of animals received individual supportive treatment consisting of adjusted diet and electrolyte solution.All five dogs in the placebo group developed fulminating enteritis with typical clinical signs and died within 10 days post-inoculation (or 6 days post-treatment). In the IFN-treated group, one animal died on day 2 after the treatment was started, whereas the other four dogs survived the challenge and gradually recovered. Our data confirm that the rFeIFN-omega can exert a significant therapeutic effect on dogs with parvoviral enteritis by improving clinical signs and reducing mortality.     

Parvovirus enteritis in Nigerian dogs

Parvovirus enteritis in dogs presented with clinical diarrhoea was studied. Parvovirus was identified in seven out of 11 dogs with diarrhoea by means of haemagglutination and haemagglutination-inhibition tests. Haemagglutination activity was found to persist in faeces for up to 22 days after onset of diarrhoea. Antibody to canine parvovirus was detected in 24 out of 40 dogs selected randomly from dogs presented for clinical examination. Antibody prevalence was highest in dogs 1 year old or younger.     

Prognostic value of serum acute-phase proteins in dogs with parvoviral enteritis

Objective : To evaluate the acute-phase protein response in dogs with parvoviral enteritis as predictor of the clinical outcome. Methods : Canine parvovirus infection was diagnosed based on the compatible clinical findings and confirmed by the canine parvovirus antigen test in 43 dogs of less than six months of age. Blood samples for complete blood cell count and acute-phase proteins (C-reactive protein, haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin and albumin) were collected before treatment. Twenty-three dogs died during or after treatment (non-survival) and the rest recovered (survival). Five healthy dogs were enrolled as control. Results : Serum C-reactive protein, ceruloplasmin and haptoglobin levels in dogs with parvoviral enteritis were higher (P<0·001, P<0·01 and P<0·001, respectively), but serum albumin was lower (P<0·001) than those in controls. Mean C-reactive protein and ceruloplasmin values in non-survival were higher (P<0·01) than those for survival dogs. C-reactive protein was found to be superior to ceruloplasmin, haptoglobin and albumin for distinguishing survival from non-survival dogs. Values higher than 92·4 mg/l for C-reactive protein had a sensitivity of 91% to predict mortality. Clinical Significance : The magnitude of the increase in serum acute-phase proteins in dogs with parvoviral enteritis could be a useful indicator of the prognosis of the disease. In acute-phase proteins, C-reactive protein is a potent predictor of mortality in dogs with parvoviral enteritis.     

Follow-up studies by large intestinal biopsies and necropsy in dogs with clinical signs of large bowel disease.

The results of follow-up studies in 77 dogs with clinical signs of large bowel disease are presented. In 32 dogs colonic and/or rectal biopsy follow-up studies were done, combined with necropsy in seven dogs. In 45 dogs a follow-up necropsy only was done. The time between the first and the last series of biopsies varied from three to 729 days and between the first series of biopsies and necropsy from one to 980 days. Colitis found in 45 dogs in the initial biopsies was still present in 29 cases in the follow-up biopsy studies and/or at necropsy. Eleven cases showed hystiocytic ulcerative colitis. In general, adenoma, carcinoma and lymphosarcoma were confirmed in the follow-up examination, except for one adenoma, which appeared to be a carcinoma at necropsy. In cases in which the differential diagnosis was adenoma or carcinoma, the necropsy diagnosis was always carcinoma and in cases of a differential diagnosis of lymphosarcoma and/or colitis, lymphosarcoma was always diagnosed at necropsy. Several dogs without colonic changes in the initial biopsies had other gastric or small intestinal lesions at necropsy such as gastritis and enteritis of the small intestine, or tumors, in these areas.     

The diagnosis of bladder disease in dogs by cystoscopy

Cystoscopy plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of urological problems in man. Until recently its use in dogs was limited to rigid endoscopy in the bitch. With modern flexible fibre-optic instruments the majority of male dogs can also be examined without the need for surgical intervention. This paper describes the techniques used and the cystoscopic findings in a series of 38 clinical cases. In 24 of these, abnormal findings were present permitting a diagnosis to be made or confirmed. The potential for this technique as a diagnostic procedure is discussed.     

Aspects of the diagnosis, pathogenesis and epidemiology of canine parvovirus

Between 18 July 1980 and 2 January 1981, 188 samples (145 faeces and 43 intestinal contents) were submitted from dogs with suspected canine parvovirus (CPV) enteritis. CPV was demonstrated in 56 (30%) of these samples; the weekly rate of positive CPV identification was remarkably constant at approximately 30% even though clinical and often post-mortem findings strongly supported a diagnosis of CPV enteritis. The simplest, most sensitive and most rapid method for detection of virus was haemagglutination (HA) which was twice as sensitive as isolation of virus and 8 times as sensitive as electron microscopy (EM). Forty nine of 56 (88%) samples positive for CPV were from dogs less than 1 year old and 44 (79%) CPV-positive samples were from pups less than 6 months old; only one sample from a pup less than 2 months old (pup was 7 weeks old) was positive. An additional 68 samples (53 faeces and 15 intestinal contents) were submitted from Beagle dogs that were part of a colony of approximately 1200 dogs. Epidemiological data pinpoints the entry of CPV into the colony in November 1978 at which time most dogs including pups less than 6 months of age developed antibody to CPV without developing clinical disease. From these data an overview of some aspects of the pathogenesis and epidemiology of CPV is constructed.     

Characterisation of lipid profiles in dogs with parvoviral enteritis

OBJECTIVE: To characterise the lipid profiles in dogs with parvoviral enteritis. METHODS: Blood was collected before treatment from 30 dogs that fulfilled the criteria for severe sepsis including hypo- or hyperthermia, hypotension, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia and evidences of organ dysfunction. Canine parvovirus was detected by haemagglutination and indirect fluorescence antibody tests in the faeces. Twenty control dogs were also enrolled on the basis of normal physical examination results, complete blood count and serum biochemistry profiles. RESULTS: Tachycardia, tachypnoea, hypotension, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia and increased serum markers of tissue injury (alanine aminotransferase, creatinine kinase myocardial isoenzyme [CK-MB], blood urea nitrogen and creatinine) were observed in dogs with parvoviral enteritis. Serum total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were lower, but serum triglyceride level was higher in dogs with parvoviral enteritis than those in control dogs (P<0.001). Circulating tumour necrosis factor alpha correlated negatively with total cholesterol (r=-0.979; P<0.001) but positively with triglyceride (r=0.953; P<0.001) in dogs with parvoviral enteritis. Serum total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were lower in non-survival (n=9) dogs than in survival dogs (n=21, P<0.001). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Serum total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels decreased, but serum triglyceride level increased in dogs with parvoviral enteritis. Low serum total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels may be used as an index of the severity of parvoviral enteritis.