Myoclonus and hypersensitivity of the hind limbs and tail with urinary retention following neuraxial administration of morphine in a cat

An adult female domestic shorthair cat developed myoclonus, muscle rigidity, and hypersensitivity of the hind limbs and tail with urinary retention following neuraxial administration of morphine. Myoclonic contractions resolved following treatment with midazolam and a urinary catheter was placed until normal micturition returned. The cat was clinically normal 36 hours after neuraxial morphine injection. The cat underwent a second surgery without neuraxial morphine and control of postoperative pain required more intervention.Key clinical message:Neuraxial morphine may cause myoclonus and urinary retention. The response to pharmacological treatment of myoclonus is varied, but a benzodiazepine drug may be effective.     

Observations on the use of tetracycline and niacinamide as antipruritic agents in atopic dogs

Tetracycline and niacinamide were administered in combination to 19 atopic dogs to determine their effectiveness in controlling pruritus. The pruritus was controlled successfully in only one dog. One dog experienced diarrhea that was severe enough to warrant stopping the medication.     

磁共振成像在犬脑膜脑炎中的诊断应用

通过介绍1例犬脑膜脑炎的磁共振成像(MRI)影像诊断,探讨MRI在临床上的应用.患犬2个月前出现后肢轻瘫症状,MRI扫描脊柱未见任何异常,当地兽医诊断为外周神经炎,按外周神经炎治疗2周出院.1个月后复发,遂转院.转院后第3天中午突发流涎、全身癫痫症状,使用多咪静注射液后抽搐症状未见好转.血常规、生化检查未见异常,神经学...     

Antemortem diagnosis of canine neural angiostrongylosis using ELISA

A 5-month-old female Kelpie developed paraparesis, hind limb ataxia and spinal hyperaesthesia 4 days after ovariohysterectomy. Neurological examination demonstrated upper motor neuron signs in the pelvic limbs with lower motor neuron signs in the tail. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis demonstrated an increased protein concentration and marked eosinophilic pleocytosis. The dog was known to have eaten rats, snails and slugs. A tentative diagnosis of neural angiostrongylosis was made and later confirmed using an ELISA based on soluble antigens obtained from larval 4 Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Antibody titres from the patient's serum and CSF were 800 and 6400, respectively. The dog was treated successfully with prednisolone. ELISA testing of serum may provide a non-invasive means for diagnosing neural angiostrongylosis in dogs.     

Repair of sixth lumbar vertebral fracture-luxations, using transilial pins and plastic spinous-process plates in six dogs

Transilial pins and paired plastic spinous-process plates were used to repair fracture-luxations of the sixth lumbar vertebra in 6 dogs. All dogs had signs of lumbar pain and variable lower motor neuron deficits to the hindquarters (including hind limbs, tail, and pelvic region). Lumbar pain was decreased or resolved the day after surgery in all dogs, and 3 dogs were able to walk without assistance. One dog initially deteriorated neurologically after surgery and 2 dogs with multiple concurrent orthopedic injuries had no improvement in neurologic function and remained nonambulatory. Pin migration associated with improper bending of the transilial pins and requiring early implant removal was the most common postoperative complication. Four dogs had no neurologic abnormalities 1 to 3 months after surgery. One dog had a resolving unilateral sciatic nerve deficit 9 months after surgery, and another dog was euthanatized 3 months after surgery because of continued paraparesis and urinary and fecal incontinence. These 6 cases illustrate the efficacy of plastic spinous-process plates in combination with transilial pins for the repair of fracture-luxation of the sixth lumbar vertebra.     

Antibiotic-responsive generalized nonlesional pruritus in a dog

A 15-year-old dog was evaluated for a nonresponsive generalized pruritic condition of 5 months duration. Routine diagnostic testing, including intradermal testing with 63 inhaled allergens and the feeding of a home-cooked hypoallergenic diet, failed to define the cause of the pruritus. An intradermal skin test with a staphylococcal cell wall/toxoid mixture and a skin biopsy of the skin test site suggested that the dog had a bacterial hypersensitivity. Antibiotic therapy eliminated the pruritus and the dog's pruritus was successfully managed for 3 years with the combined use of subtherapeutic dosages of antibiotics and a commercial staphylococcal vaccine.     

Use of thioridazine in the treatment of aberrant motor behavior in a dog

Thioridazine, a phenothiazine derivative, was used in a dog to treat aberrant motor behavior consisting of tail mutilation, aggression, random biting into the air, frenzied locomotion, and vocalization. Use of this drug resulted in control of the behavior, which allowed the tail to heal. The dog returned to a docile and obedient nature.     

Lafora disease as a cause of visually exacerbated myoclonic attacks in a dog

An 8-year-old, castrated male, miniature wire-haired dachshund was presented with a 4-month history of intermittent facial twitching (myoclonus). The myoclonic episodes progressed over a 16-month period. Generalized seizure activity was infrequent. Clinical examination revealed visually stimulated myoclonus. Response to therapy with antiepileptic drugs was equivocal. Genetic testing identified the dog as being affected by Lafora disease.     

Primary orthostatic tremor in Great Danes

Two Great Danes were presented for an investigation of 6-month histories of incessant tremor of all 4 limbs and trunk occurring only when the dogs were standing at rest. Dog 1 was a 2-year-old intact female harlequin Great Dane living in the UK, and dog 2 was a 2-year-old castrated male fawn Great Dane living in the United States. The owners described both dogs as having constant quivering of the limbs while standing, suggestive of an involuntary dance, since the age of 18 months. The intensity of the tremors was reported in both dogs to have steadily increased since onset. In dog 1, tremors were noticed to be more pronounced in the fore limbs when she was eating and more pronounced in the hind limbs when she was trying to sit. The owner of dog 1 also reported that the dog could no longer assume a position of recumbency without manual assistance because of the severity of the tremors. Intermittently, tremors were reported to involve the facial musculature of dog 2. Vaccinations were current, and the owners of both dogs did not report any previous medical history, exposure to natural or manufactured toxins, or concurrent treatment. No familial relationship was identified between these 2 dogs.     

The efficacy of a commercial shampoo and whirlpooling in the treatment of canine pruritus - a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study

Twenty‐two dogs with a history of at least 4 weeks pruritus were studied to determine the effect of whirlpool use on the efficacy of topical therapy with an antipruritic shampoo (Allermyl®, Virbac; Bad Oldesloe, Germany). Dogs in group 1 received initially topical therapy with conventional shampooing (2 mL shampoo per kilogram bodyweight) once weekly for 4 weeks. Dogs in group 2 received the same therapy using a whirlpool (Sanwhirl, Peter Aschauer GmbH; Gräfelfing, Germany). The treatments were crossed between the groups resulting in each dog in groups 1 and 2 receiving both therapies. Group 3 was the control group and was treated once weekly in the whirlpool without any shampoo during the 8 weeks of study. Prior to each therapy, dogs were evaluated by a clinician not aware of the type of treatment using a clinical scoring system (Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index – CADESI). Owners evaluated the pruritus daily on a visual analogue scale. There was a significant difference in pruritus scores but not CADESI scores after therapy between the control treatment and the conventional shampoo therapy or shampoo treatment in the whirlpool. These results provide evidence for the short‐term benefit of shampoo therapy for canine pruritus.     

Endocrine, metabolic, internal, and neoplastic causes of pruritus in the dog and cat

Many of the etiologies of pruritus presented herein have been discussed with a view to promoting an awareness of less common causes of pruritus in the dog and cat. For those differential diagnoses that have as yet not been described in our companion animals, the purpose is to stimulate us to look. Of particular interest are the diseases that may cause pruritus without obvious cutaneous pathology. In these instances, the challenge is to make the association. To this end, Table 1 lists those differential diagnoses that would be considered in human beings who have generalized pruritus unassociated with significant cutaneous pathology. Those diseases described to date in the dog and cat have been identified.     

The clinical effect of environmental control of house dust mites in 60 house dust mite-sensitive dogs

Abstract   The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of benzyl benzoate, an acaricide for the control of house dust mites, in 60 house dust mite-sensitive dogs. All dogs showed positive reactions on intradermal skin testing for house dust mites ( Dermatophagoides farinae , Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus ) alone, or house dust mites with storage mites ( Acarus siro , Tyrophagus putrescentiae , Glycophagus domesticus ). House dust samples from the owners' houses were collected and sent to the clinic, where the authors performed a test (Acarex® test) to semiquantify the amount of guanine, a house dust mite product. Treatment with benzyl benzoate was repeated until the house dust samples were negative for house dust mite guanine. After treatment, 29 out of 60 house dust mite-sensitive dogs (48%) showed no skin lesions or pruritus. Moderate results were achieved in 22 dogs (36%), with reduced pruritus and minimal skin lesions, but still requiring medication. In 13 dogs, this involved regular treatment (3–4 times a year) with antibiotics and antiyeast medication, and in eight dogs, immunotherapy was used. One dog was controlled with essential fatty acids as monotherapy and one dog was controlled with immunotherapy and essential fatty acids. In the remaining nine dogs (15%), the pruritus remained the same, and these dogs were controlled with oral corticosteroids. These results indicate that house dust mite elimination is a useful tool in the management of house dust mite-sensitive dogs.     

Failure of terfenadine as an antipruritic agent in atopic dogs: results of a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study.

Terfenadine (5 mg/kg body weight, q12h) and placebo (0.5 grain/dog q12h) were both administered orally as individual agents to 18 dogs with atopy in a double-blinded study. No dog improved. Hyperactivity, polyphagia, lethargy, anorexia, increased pruritus, or ocular discharge were seen in three dogs treated with terfenadine. Under the conditions of the study, terfenadine was not a useful antipruritic agent for the atopic dog.     

Failure of papyerine hydrocholoride and doxycycline hyclate as antipruritis agents in pruritic dogs: Results of an open clinical trial

Papaverine hydrochloride (150 to 300 mg/dog every 12 hours) and doxycycline hyclate (3 mg/kg every 12 hours) were both administered orally as individual agents to 13 dogs with pruritus of allergic or idiopathic origin. No dog improved. Depression, anorexia, and vomiting were seen in one dog treated with papaverine hydrochloride. Under the conditions of the study, papaverine and doxycycline were not useful antipruritic agents for the dog.     

Dermatomyositis in five Shetland sheepdogs in the United Kingdom

Five cases of dermatomyositis in four Shetland sheepdog puppies and one adult bitch are described. The dogs all had well-defined patches of scaling, crusting and alopecia over the muzzle, periorbital skin and distal limbs, and the tail, perineum and pinnae were affected in some of them. The affected puppies were all sired by the same stud dog. The affected adult bitch was unrelated to the puppies. Three of the four dogs tested had high serum creatine kinase concentrations and electromyographic abnormalities were detected in three of the four dogs tested. The histological changes observed in the skin of four of the dogs strongly supported the diagnosis of dermatomyositis, and in the fifth dog they were compatible with this diagnosis. Two of the puppies were euthanised shortly after being diagnosed. In the other two puppies and the adult the disease remains stable and non-progressive 15 to 18 months after diagnosis. The sire of the four affected puppies has been used extensively because it was considered to be genetically clear of collie eye anomaly.     

Intrathecal morphine overdose in a dog

CASE DESCRIPTION: A healthy 6-year-old 28.5-kg (62.7-lb) spayed female Boxer undergoing surgical repair of a ruptured cranial cruciate ligament was inadvertently administered an overdose of morphine (1.3 mg/kg [0.59 mg/lb]) via subarachnoid injection. CLINICAL FINDINGS: 50 minutes after administration of the overdose, mild multifocal myoclonic contractions became apparent at the level of the tail; the contractions migrated cranially and progressively increased in intensity and frequency during completion of the surgery. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: The myoclonic contractions were refractory to treatment with midazolam, naloxone, phenobarbital, and pentobarbital; only atracurium (0.1 mg/kg [0.045 mg/lb], IV) was effective in controlling the movements. The dog developed hypertension, dysphoria, hyperthermia, and hypercapnia. The dog remained anesthetized and ventilated mechanically; treatments included continuous rate IV infusions of propofol (1 mg/kg/h [0.45 mg/lb/h]), diazepam (0.25 mg/kg/h [0.11 mg/lb/h]), atracurium (0.1 to 0.3 mg/kg/h [0.045 to 0.14 mg/lb/h]), and naloxone (0.02 mg/kg/h [0.009 mg/lb/h]). Twenty-two hours after the overdose, the myoclonus was no longer present, and the dog was able to ventilate without mechanical assistance. The dog remained sedated until 60 hours after the overdose, at which time its mentation improved, including recognition of caregivers and response to voice commands. No neurologic abnormalities were detectable at discharge (approx 68 hours after the overdose) or at a recheck evaluation 1 week later. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although intrathecal administration of an overdose of morphine can be associated with major and potentially fatal complications, it is possible that affected dogs can completely recover with immediate treatment and extensive supportive care.     

Myoclonus and urinary retention following subarachnoid morphine injection in a dog

A 5-year-old German Shepherd dog which presented for total hip replacement developed myoclonus and urinary retention after the subarachnoid injection of preservative-free morphine. Myoclonus was resistant to treatment, except pentobarbital anesthesia. Urinary retention was treated with bethanechol and subsided within a few days. Involuntary muscular activity can result from the epidural, subarachnoid or systemic injection of various opioid drugs, or as a result of the toxic or irritant effect of preservatives or autologous blood. The latter were not causative factors in this case. Opioid agonist inhibition of central inhibitory neurotransmitter action may have explained the myoclonus. Postoperative urinary retention was attributed to the spinal action of morphine inhibiting efferent parasympathetic nervous activity.     

Additive benefits of EFAs in dogs with atopic dermatitis after partial response to antihistamine therapy

It has been reported that 20 to 70 per cent of atopic cases in the dog can be controlled with antihistamines, though the effective antihistamine cannot be predetermined. Combination therapy with essential fatty acids (EFAS) and antihistamines has been shown to be useful in dogs. All of the work published to date has been performed in open studies, without the use of placebo, and in dogs where the aim has been to control pruritus as a symptom rather than that caused specifically by atopy. The aim of this study was to assess the combined effects of four antihistamines; hydroxyzine, chlorpheniramine, cyproheptadine and clemastine; with both an EFA supplement and a placebo of olive oil, in 25 dogs to control pruritus in clinically proven cases of atopy.     

Evaluation of a Midhumeral Block of the Radial,Ulnar, Musculocutaneous and Median (RUMM Block) Nerves for Analgesia of the Distal Aspect of the Thoracic Limb in Dogs

Objective: To evaluate a technique for midhumeral peripheral nerve blockade in the dog. Study Design: Cadaveric technique development; in vivo placebo‐controlled, prospective crossover study. Animals: Canine cadavers (n=38) and 8 clinically healthy, adult hound dogs. Methods: A technique for peripheral block of the radial, ulnar, musculocutaneous, and median nerves (RUMM block) was evaluated using cadaver limbs. Eight purpose‐bred, research dogs were anesthetized; a RUMM block was performed on each thoracic limb. One limb from each dog randomly received 0.5% bupivacaine and the opposite limb was assigned to receive sterile saline solution as a control. After recovery from anesthesia, skin sensation at selected dermatomes was evaluated for 24 hours using a mechanical stimulus. Weight‐bearing, conscious proprioception, and withdrawal reflex were also evaluated. One month after initial testing, each dog was reanesthetized and each limb received the opposite treatment. Results: Sensory thresholds were significantly increased over baseline measurements when compared with control limbs for all nerves. Complete sensory block was achieved in radial (15/16), ulnar (3/16), musculocutaneous (8/16), and median (11/16) nerves, using a mechanical stimulus of analgesia. Complete simultaneous block of all nerves was only obtained in 1 of 16 limbs. Conclusion: RUMM block resulted in desensitization of the skin in the associated dermatomes for 4–10 hours. Complete sensory block of the dermatomes supplied by the radial nerve was most consistent. Clinical Relevance: RUMM block may be an effective technique to provide adjunctive analgesia for dogs undergoing surgery of the distal aspect of the thoracic limb.