Frequency of pulmonary mineralization and hypoxemia in 21 dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of hypoxemia and pulmonary mineralization using ^99mTc-methylene diphosphonate (^99mTc-MDP) in dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH). Twenty-one dogs with PDH were pro-spectively evaluated using thoracic radiography, arterial blood gas analysis, and bone phase and pulmonary perfusion scintigraphy (using ^99mTc-macro-aggregated albumin [^99mTc-MAA]). The radiographs and bone and perfusion studies were evaluated subjectively. An averaged quantitative count density ratio was calculated between the thorax and cranial thoraco-lumbar vertebrae from lateral thoracic ^99mTc-MDP images. Thoracic: vertebral ratios were calculated using ^99mTc-MDP studies from 21 control dogs. The thoracic: vertebral ratios were compared between the 2 groups (PDH and control). The mean age (±SD) of the 21 PDH dogs was 10.2 (±3) years, whereas the mean age of the control group was 9.8 (±3) years. Seven of the 21 dogs with PDH were hypoxemic (denned as an arterial partial pressure of oxygen [PaO₂] <80 mm Hg) with an average PaO₂ (±SD) of 62 (±15) mm Hg. Of the 7 hypoxemic dogs, 2 were found to have pulmonary mineralization based on bone scintigraphic images. Pulmonary perfusion abnormalities were not identified using ^99mTc-MAA in any of the 21 PDH dogs. Six PDH dogs had an abnormal interstitial pulmonary pattern and 5 of these dogs were hypoxemic. The average quantitative thoracic: vertebral ratio was not significantly different between the PDH and control dogs (0.5 ± 0.4 versus 0.4 ± 0.1, P = .16). Causes of hypoxemia other than pulmonary thromboembolism should be considered in dogs with PDH. Pulmonary mineralization may contribute to hypoxemia in dogs with PDH.     

Daily controlled physiotherapy increases survival time in dogs with suspected degenerative myelopathy

The purposes of the study reported here were to evaluate the signalment and clinical presentation in 50 dogs with degenerative myelopathy, to evaluate whether mean survival time was significantly affected by various means of physiotherapy performed in 22 dogs, and to determine whether neurologic status, anatomic localization, or age at onset had an influence on survival time in dogs that received physiotherapy. We found a significant (P < .05) breed predisposition for the German Shepherd Dog, Kuvasz, Hovawart, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Mean age at diagnosis was 9.1 years, and both sexes were affected equally. The anatomic localization of the lesion was spinal cord segment T3-L3 in 56% (n = 28) and L3-S3 in 44% (n = 22) of the dogs. Animals that received intensive (n = 9) physiotherapy had longer (P < .05) survival time (mean 255 days), compared with that for animals with moderate (n = 6; mean 130 days) or no (n = 7; mean 55 days) physiotherapy. In addition, our results indicate that affected dogs which received physiotherapy remained ambulatory longer than did animals that did not receive physical treatment.     

Epidemiologic features of von Willebrand's disease in Doberman pinschers, Scottish terriers, and Shetland sheepdogs: 260 cases (1984-1988)

During a study period from 1985 through 1988, plasma von Willebrand's factor antigen (vWF:Ag) concentration was measured as a marker for prevalence of the von Willebrand's disease (vWD) trait in Doberman Pinschers (doberman, n = 5,554), Scottish Terriers (scottie, n = 1,363), and Shetland Sheepdogs (sheltie, n = 4,279). Significant increase in prevalence of the trait was seen in scotties and shelties during this period. In 1988, 73% of dobermans, 30% of scotties, and 28% of shelties tested had abnormal vWF:Ag concentration (less than 50% vWF:Ag). We found significant differences between breeds with respect to age and vWF:Ag concentration of clinically affected dogs at time of diagnosis. The affected dobermans were older (doberman mean age, 4.6 years; scottie mean age, 1.7 years; sheltie mean age, 1.9 years) and had higher concentration of plasma vWF:Ag (doberman mean vWF:Ag, 15%; scottie mean vWF:Ag, 0%; sheltie mean vWF:Ag, 8%). Bleeding in affected dogs of all 3 breeds was observed predominantly from mucosal surfaces and from cutaneous sites of surgery or trauma. The most common site of mucosal bleeding in scotties and shelties was oral or nasal cavity, and in dobermans was the urogenital tract. Differences in clinical manifestations of vWD in purebred dogs may reflect heterogeneous defects within the vWF gene, causing a variety of abnormalities in production, structure, and function of vWF protein. Analogous to vWD in human beings, acquired deficiencies of vWF may also contribute to the clinical variability of vWD in dogs.     

Investigation of the role of aldosterone in hypertension associated with spontaneous pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism in dogs

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of aldosterone as an initiating and/or perpetuating factor in hypertension associated with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) in dogs. Thirteen dogs with PDH and 11 healthy control dogs were used. In all dogs, arterial blood pressure and plasma sodium, potassium, basal aldosterone, post-ACTH aldosterone, basal cortisol and post-ACTH cortisol concentrations were measured. The tests were repeated 10 days and three months after the beginning of o,p'-DDD treatment in PDH dogs. In untreated PDH dogs, plasma aldosterone was significantly decreased, whereas cortisol, sodium and arterial blood pressure were significantly increased compared to healthy dogs. Hypertension remained in most treated PDH dogs despite normalisation of cortisol and persistently low aldosterone levels. These results did not demonstrate that aldosterone is involved in the development and perpetuation of hypertension in PDH. However, glucocorticoids seemed to play a major role as an initiating and perpetuating factor in PDH in dogs.     

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)     

Systemic availability of o,p'-DDD in normal dogs, fasted and fed, and in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism

The systemic availability of o,p'-DDD was studied in 12 normal dogs and seven dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH). The drug was given by mouth at 50 mg kg-1 and plasma o,p'-DDD concentrations were determined by gas-liquid chromatography. First, six normal dogs were given the drug three times at intervals of one week in a Latin square pattern. Systemic drug availability was found to be very poor from intact tablets in fasted dogs, better with pure drug dissolved in maize oil given by stomach tube, and best with ground tablets mixed in oil poured on dog food. Then six normal dogs and five with PDH were given one dose of o,p'-DDD as intact tablets in dog food. Systemic drug availability was good in the normal animals and, for unknown reasons, better in dogs with PDH. The half-time of elimination was shorter in dogs with PDH than in normal ones. There was evidence of a gradual rise in plasma o,p'-DDD concentrations in seven dogs with PDH treated with 25 mg kg-1 every 12 hours for 14 or 20 days. The interaction between food and o,p'-DDD probably contributes to the variation in clinical response of dogs treated with the drug. The efficiency of therapy with o,p'-DDD should be improved considerably by administering the drug with food.     

Efficacy of milbemycin oxime in the treatment of canine generalized demodicosis: a retrospective study of 99 dogs (1995-2000)

Ninety-nine dogs diagnosed with generalized demodicosis were treated with milbemycin oxime. Cases diagnosed before two years of age were classified as juvenile-onset (53%) and those diagnosed after two years of age as adult-onset (47%). Dogs were considered cleared of mites when none could be demonstrated in scrapings and cured if no relapse was seen for 12 months. Eighty-five per cent (84/99) were cured with milbemycin oxime used for 1-6 months (mean 2.3 months) at a dosage of 0.5-1.6 mg kg-1 body weight (mean 0.75 mg kg-1). No significant difference in dosage or treatment time was seen between juvenile and adult cases. Chance of cure was significantly better in young animals (cured cases mean age 2.97 years) than in older animals (not cured cases mean age 8.02 years). Start of treatment early in the course of disease gave a significantly better chance of cure. Cases with severe pododemodicosis had less chance of a cure (9/11 not cured).     

Nasal tumors in the dog: retrospective evaluation of diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment

The records of 43 dogs with nasal tumors (1969- 1974) were evaluated in retrospect. The median age at diagnosis was 10 years. Most affected dogs were bloody nasal discharge, sneezing, and nasal bone deformities. A new method of obtaining tissure for cytologic and histologic evalution proved to be accurate in making a definitive diagnosis in 50% of the cases evaluated. Affected dogs were treated by surgery, surgery plus immunotherapy, or not at all. The results of those treated by surgery alone were no better than those not treated.     

Primary lens luxation in the Chinese Shar Pei: clinical and hereditary characteristics

A pedigree analysis of a family of 15 related Chinese Shar Peis was conducted. This pedigree analysis, including affected and nonaffected dams, sires and offspring, was compiled to document and characterize the occurrence, common clinical signs, and age of onset of primary lens luxation while suggesting a possible mode of inheritance in this breed. Of the five offspring from the mating of an affected dam to two unrelated affected males, 100% of offspring were affected with bilateral primary lens luxations. Of the four viable offspring from the mating of the same affected dam to an unrelated, unaffected male, two dogs (50%) were affected. The average age of onset of affected animals (seven) in this first generation was 4.9 years (range 3–6 years). The six dogs in the second generation of the same pedigree line were 2-years-old at examination with none of these animals affected at the time of this study. The most common presenting complaints were a unilateral change in ocular appearance (5 of 7 dogs) and subjective vision impairment (4 of 7 dogs). The most common clinical sign upon ophthalmic examination was iridodonesis (unilateral 4 of 7 dogs; bilateral 3 of 7 dogs) and the presence of an aphakic crescent (3 of 7 dogs). Gonioscopy and tonometry of severely affected eyes revealed a narrow or closed iridocorneal angle and ocular hypertension. This study suggests that primary lens luxation does occur in the Chinese Shar Pei, resembling the clinical condition (age of onset, clinical signs) previously described in the terrier breeds, the Border Collie, and the Tibetan Terrier. Application of the phenotypic findings in this study to a Mendelian genetic model of inheritance suggests that primary lens luxation in the Chinese Shar Pei is inherited as a simple autosomal recessive trait.     

A comparison of factors that influence survival in dogs with adrenal-dependent hyperadrenocorticism treated with mitotane or trilostane

Background: Trilostane is a recognized treatment for canine pituitary‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH); however, its efficacy in dogs with adrenal‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism (ADH) is unknown. Objectives: To examine factors that might influence survival in the medical management of ADH, with particular emphasis on treatment selection. Animals: Thirty‐seven animals referred to 4 centers over a period of 12 years that had been diagnosed with ADH and treated with either trilostane (22/37), mitotane (13/37), or both (2/37). Methods: Retrospective analysis of clinical records. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the survival times of 13 dogs treated only with mitotane when compared with 22 dogs treated only with trilostane. The median survival time for animals treated with trilostane was 353 days (95% confidence interval [CI] 95–528 days), whereas it was 102 days (95% CI 43–277 days) for mitotane. Metastatic disease was detected in 8 of 37 dogs. There was a significantly lower probability of survival for dogs with metastatic disease when compared with those without metastatic disease (P < .001). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The choice of medical treatment for ADH may not have a major effect on survival times. However, the presence of metastatic disease considerably decreases survival time regardless of the choice of medical treatment.     

Comparison of two low-dose dexamethasone suppression protocols as screening and discrimination tests in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism

Two low-dose dexamethasone suppression test protocols were evaluated in 18 dogs with hyperadrenocorticism (14 dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism [PDH] and 4 dogs with adrenocortical tumor) and in 5 healthy control dogs. Blood was obtained immediately before and 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours after IV administration of either 0.01 mg of dexamethasone sodium phosphate/kg of body weight or 0.015 mg of dexamethasone polyethylene glycol/kg. At 8 hours after dexamethasone administration, 18 of 18 (100%) dogs with hyperadrenocorticism given the sodium phosphate preparation and 16 of 18 (89%) affected dogs given the polyethylene glycol preparation failed to have suppression of plasma cortisol concentration (less than 1.4 micrograms/dl). Plasma cortisol concentration was suppressed to less than 1.4 micrograms/dl at 2, 4, and/or 6 hours after administration of either dexamethasone preparation in 5 of 14 dogs with PDH and to less than 50% of baseline cortisol concentration in 10 of 14 dogs with PDH. Suppression, as identified by these 2 criteria, was not observed at 2, 4, 6, or 8 hours after administration of either dexamethasone preparation in dogs with adrenocortical tumor. For both protocols, the 8-hour plasma cortisol concentration was suppressed to less than 1.4 micrograms/dl and to less than 50% of baseline in the 5 control dogs. Both protocols were comparable for use as screening tests in establishing a diagnosis of hyperadrenocorticism. Suppression of plasma cortisol concentration to less than 50% of baseline (or less than 1.4 micrograms/dl) during the test was consistent with diagnosis of PDH. Failure to have such suppression, however, was observed in dogs with PDH as well as in those with adrenocortical tumor.     

Comparison of mitotane treatment for adrenal tumor versus pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism in dogs.

The purpose of this study was to determine the sensitivity of dogs with hyperadrenocorticism to treatment with the adrenocorticolytic agent mitotane. Specifically, we looked for differences in response to treatment using this drug in dogs with adrenocortical tumors (adrenal tumor hyperadrenocorticism, ATH) vs those with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH). For inclusion in this study, each dog must have had clinical signs, data base laboratory abnormalities, and endocrine screening test results consistent with the diagnosis of hyperadrenocorticism. Further, each dog had to have been treated for at least 6 months with mitotane and have histologic evidence for adrenocortical or pituitary neoplasia (all dogs were necropsied). Thirteen dogs with ATH (8 carcinomas, 5 adenomas) were identified. The ages and body weights of these 13 dogs were computer-matched to 13 dogs with PDH. All dogs were initially treated with approximately 50 mg of mitotane/kg/d of body weight. Reexaminations were performed after 7, 30, 90, and 180 days of treatment. Individual dosages varied widely after the initial 5 to 12 days of treatment. The mean (+/- SD) dose of mitotane (mg/kg/d) for the first 7 days of treatment was 47.5 +/- 9.4 for dogs with ATH vs 45.7 +/- 11.9 for dogs with PDH. The mean plasma cortisol concentrations 1 hour after ACTH administration at the 7-day recheck were significantly higher in dogs with ATH (502 +/- 386 nmol/L) than in dogs with PDH (88 +/- 94 nmol/L).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Plasma cortisol response to ketoconazole administration in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism

The effect of orally administered ketoconazole on plasma cortisol concentration in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism was evaluated. Every 30 minutes from 0800 hours through 1600 hours and again at 1800 hours, 2000 hours, and 0800 hours the following morning, 15 clinically normal dogs and 49 dogs with hyperadrenocorticism had plasma samples obtained and analyzed for cortisol concentration. The mean (+/- SD) plasma cortisol concentration for the initial 8-hour testing period was highest in 18 dogs with adrenocortical tumor (5.3 +/- 1.6 micrograms/dl), lowest in 15 control dogs (1.3 +/- 0.5 micrograms/dl), and intermediate in 31 dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH; 3.4 +/- 1.2 micrograms/dl). Results in each of the 2 groups of dogs with hyperadrenocorticism were significantly (P less than 0.05) different from results in control dogs, but not from each other. The same cortisol secretory experiment was performed, using 8 dogs with hyperadrenocorticism (5 with PDH; 3 with adrenocortical tumor) before and after administration at 0800 hours of 15 mg of ketoconazole/kg of body weight. Significant (P less than 0.05) decrease in the 8-hour mean plasma cortisol concentration (0.9 +/- 0.2 microgram/dl) was observed, with return to baseline plasma cortisol concentration 24 hours later. Twenty dogs with hyperadrenocorticism (11 with PDH, 9 with adrenocortical tumor) were treated with ketoconazole at a dosage of 15 mg/kg given every 12 hours for a half month to 12 months. The disease in 2 dogs with PDH failed to respond to treatment, but 18 dogs had complete resolution of clinical signs of hyperadrenocorticism and significant (P less than 0.05) reduction in plasma cortisol responsiveness to exogenous adrenocorticotropin (ACTH).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Clinical and genetic investigations of idiopathic epilepsy in the Bernese mountain dog

A study was conducted to investigate the clinical aspects and to define the mode of inheritance of idiopathic epilepsy in the Bernese mountain dog. Pedigree analyses were carried out on an open, non-preselected population of 4005 dogs. Five different subpopulations with 50 epileptic dogs from 13 generations were included. Almost all epileptic patients showed generalised seizures of the grand-mal type with a well-defined prodromal and postictal phase. The majority (62 per cent) of the epileptic dogs had had their first seizures at between one and three years of age and it was found that the age at first seizure was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in dogs from affected parental animals than in dogs from healthy parental animals. A clear predisposition for males was also noted. Additionally, there was no correlation between inbreeding coefficient and age at first seizure or incidence rate of seizures. The increased occurrence of the disease in different subpopulations and different families of the same sires or dams showed that there was a genetic basis for the condition in the Bernese mountain dog. Furthermore, the results of the pedigree analyses and binomial test support the hypothesis that idiopathic epilepsy has a polygenic, recessive mode of inheritance in the breed. Additional objective test-mating programmes would however be necessary to define the exact mode of inheritance.     

Subtotal scapulectomy as the treatment for scapular tumour in the dog: a report of six cases

The medical records of six dogs treated by sub-total scapulectomy for tumours involving the scapula were reviewed. The mean age of dogs in this study was 8 years and 4 months. Clinical signs on presentation included lameness of the affected forelimb and a palpable mass over the scapular area on physical examination. Pre-operative chest and affected forelimb radiographs were taken in most cases in addition to a biopsy. Subtotal scapulectomy was performed, ensuring margins clear of neoplastic tissue of at least 2 cm, preservation of the glenoid cavity and thus retention of the scapulo-humeral joint. On histopathological examination the tumours where diagnosed as chondrosarcoma (one), haemangiosarcoma (two), anaplastic malignant neoplasia (one) and osteosarcoma (one). Limb function was found to be good in all cases postoperatively. Prognosis was related to histopathological diagnosis of the tumour, favourable with chondrosarcoma and poor with the other tumour types.     

Pulsatile secretion pattern of growth hormone in dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism

The amplitude and frequency of growth hormone (GH) secretory pulses are influenced by a variety of hormonal signals, among which glucocorticoids play an important role. The aim of this study was to investigate the pulsatile secretion pattern of GH in dogs in which the endogenous secretion of glucocorticoids is persistently elevated, i.e. in dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH). Blood samples for the determination of the pulsatile secretion pattern of GH were collected at 10-min interval between 08:00 and 14:00 h in 16 dogs with PDH and in 6 healthy control dogs of comparable age. The pulsatile secretion patterns of GH were analyzed using the Pulsar program. GH was secreted in a pulsatile fashion in both dogs with PDH and control dogs. There was no statistical difference between the mean (+/-S.E.M.) basal GH level in dogs with PDH (0.7+/-0.1 microg/l) and the control dogs (0.6+/-0.1 microg/l). The mean area under the curve (AUC) for GH above the zero-level in dogs with PDH (4.6+/-0.6 microg/l per 6 h) was significantly lower than that in the control dogs (7.3+/-1.0 microg/l per 6 h). Likewise, the mean AUC for GH above the base-level in dogs with PDH (0.6+/-0.1 microg/l per 6 h) was significantly lower than that in the control dogs (3.7+/-1.0 microg/l per 6 h). The median GH pulse frequency in the dogs with PDH (2 pulses/6 h, range 0-7 pulses/6 h) was significantly lower (P = 0.04) than that (5 pulses/6 h, range 3-9 pulses/6 h) in the control group. The results of this study demonstrate that PDH in dogs is associated with less GH secreted in pulses than in control dogs, whereas the basal plasma GH concentrations were similarly low in both groups. It is discussed that the impaired pulsatile GH secretion in dogs with PDH is the result of alterations in function of pituitary somatotrophs and changes in supra-pituitary regulation.     

Clinical manifestations of canine babesiosis in Hungary (63 cases)

Clinical observations of Babesia canis infection in 63 dogs during a 1-year period are summarised, demonstrating the pathogenicity of the Babesia strain endemic in Hungary. Most patients had babesiosis in the spring and autumn, correlating with the seasonal activity of ticks. Male animals appeared in higher numbers, probably due to an overrepresentation of outdoor dogs. Uncomplicated babesiosis was diagnosed in 32 cases. The disease affected dogs of any age in this study. Symptoms were similar to those published from other parts of the world: lethargy, fever, splenomegaly, pallor, icterus, haemoglobinuria and presence of ticks were the most common observations. Thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia and neutropenia were frequent haemogram changes. Imidocarb appeared to be highly effective in eliminating the Babesia infection. Thirty-one animals demonstrated babesiosis with complications. Most Rottweilers (7/9) developed complicated disease. Old age was a risk factor for multiple complications. Multiple organ manifestations had poor prognosis. Hepatopathy (44%), pancreatitis (33%), acute renal failure (ARF; 31%) and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC; 24%) were frequent complications, while immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA; 10%), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS; 6%) and cerebral babesiosis (3%) were rarely observed. There was a significant difference between the mean age of dogs having uncomplicated disease, babesiosis with a single complication and babesiosis with multiple complications (3.4, 4.8 and 8.6 years, respectively, p < 0.001). The recovery rate (78, 68 and 25%, respectively, p = 0.005) and mortality rate (3, 21 and 67%, respectively, p < 0.001) also tended to differ significantly in these groups. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and DIC are two possible pathways leading to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) in babesiosis. DIC was found to predict MODS more sensitively in this study than SIRS: there were 6 animals developing MODS out of 11 identified with DIC, while only 5 dogs developed MODS out of 22 having SIRS.     

Assessing the immune state of dogs suffering from pituitary gland dependent hyperadrenocorticism by determining changes in peripheral lymphocyte subsets

In order to evaluate the immune state of dogs suffering from pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH), peripheral lymphocyte subsets were examined. Twenty seven PDH dogs and eight healthy control dogs were used in the current study. Eight healthy dogs served as the control group. Twenty seven PDH dogs were categorized into 4 groups based on their post serum cortisol concentrations by ACTH stimulation test: 2−5, excellent control (n = 8); 5−20, fair control (n = 7); >20, poor control (n = 4); and untreated (n = 8). Cell counts were executed with white blood cells (WBC), lymphocytes, CD3⁺ (T lymphocytes), CD4⁺ (Helper T lymphocytes), CD8⁺ (Cytotoxic T lymphocytes), CD21⁺ (B lymphocytes) cells in addition to calculating CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio. Results indicated a significant difference in lymphocyte numbers and lymphocyte subset populations (CD3⁺, CD4⁺, CD8⁺, and CD21⁺ cells) between PDH and control dogs. Moreover, comparison of the PDH groups (excellent control; fair control; poor control; untreated) demonstrated that all groups had a significant decrease in lymphocytes numbers (CD3⁺, CD4⁺ and CD21⁺ cell counts) as compared to control group. Meanwhile, no significant differences were observed in WBC counts and CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio between groups. Furthermore, lymphocyte subset distribution in excellent control PDH dogs without concurrent disease (n = 4) better resembled that of control dogs as compared to PDH dogs with concurrent disease (n = 4). PDH dogs may be suffering from an immuno-depressed state as evidenced by significant differences in lymphocyte subset populations. Furthermore, treatment of both PDH and concurrent disease might improve lymphocyte subset distribution.     

Usefulness of measuring serum lysozyme activity in dogs with neoplastic disease

Serum lysozyme activity (SLA) was measured in a turbidimetric assay with a microcentrifugal analyzer. In a control group of 53 healthy dogs of both sexes and ranging in age from 4 to 10 years, SLA had a mean value of 1.2 mg/l with a range (+/- 2 SD) of 0.6 - 1.8 mg/l. In 80 dogs with a variety of neoplastic diseases the histopathological diagnosis was compared with the SLA value. SLA value was increased in 83% of the cases with malignant tumors and in 29% of the cases with benign tumors. Proper clinical examination is essential in differentiating between neoplastic disease and some interfering diseases, e.g. chronic dermatitis, pyometra and chronic nephritis. Measuring of SLA in dogs may be helpful in screening those animals with suspected malignancies.