Corpus Callosal Abnormalities in Dogs

Background

Corpus callosal abnormalities (CCA) in dogs have been only sporadically reported and are poorly characterized.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To describe the clinical presentation and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of dogs with CCA.

Animals

Fifteen client‐owned dogs.

Methods

Retrospective study. Records of the contributing institutions were reviewed to identify dogs diagnosed with malformations affecting the corpus callosum (CC); cases in which the CCA was thought to be secondary were excluded.

Results

The most represented breeds were Staffordshire Bull Terriers (5/15) and Miniature Schnauzers (3/15; n = 3, 20%) and the mean age at time of presentation of 19 months (range 3–81 months). The clinical signs most commonly reported were adipsia/hypodipsia with associated hypernatremia (12/15), tremors (6/15), and seizures (6/15). Review of the MR images revealed that 10 dogs had absence of the rostral CC and hypoplasia of the caudal portion, 4 dogs had a diffusely hypoplastic and dysplastic CC, and 1 dog had a diffusely hypoplastic CC. In 14 cases, there was abnormal cortical development with fusion of the ventral frontal lobes and part of the diencephalon, indicating lobar holoprosencephaly.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Previous literature has mainly associated CCA with adipsia and only 12 of 15 dogs in the current series demonstrated this abnormality. There are different degrees of the malformation but in 10 dogs the rostral portion of the CC is most severely affected. Fourteen dogs have simultaneous fusion of the midline structures rostral to the CC; this region has several structures involved in thirst regulation and might explain this derangement.     

A Comparison of Liver Sampling Techniques in Dogs

Background

The liver sampling technique in dogs that consistently provides samples adequate for accurate histopathologic interpretation is not known.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To compare histopathologic results of liver samples obtained by punch, cup, and 14 gauge needle to large wedge samples collected at necropsy.

Animals

Seventy dogs undergoing necropsy.

Methods

Prospective study. Liver specimens were obtained from the left lateral liver lobe with an 8 mm punch, a 5 mm cup, and a 14 gauge needle. After sample acquisition, two larger tissue samples were collected near the center of the left lateral lobe to be used as a histologic standard for comparison. Histopathologic features and numbers of portal triads in each sample were recorded.

Results

The mean number of portal triads obtained by each sampling method were 2.9 in needle samples, 3.4 in cup samples, 12 in punch samples, and 30.7 in the necropsy samples. The diagnoses in 66% of needle samples, 60% of cup samples, and 69% of punch samples were in agreement with the necropsy samples, and these proportions were not significantly different from each other. The corresponding kappa coefficients were 0.59 for needle biopsies, 0.52 for cup biopsies, and 0.62 for punch biopsies.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

The histopathologic interpretation of a liver sample in the dog is unlikely to vary if the liver biopsy specimen contains at least 3–12 portal triads. However, in comparison large necropsy samples, the accuracy of all tested methods was relatively low.     

Incidence,Severity and Prognosis Associated with Hyponatremia in Dogs and Cats

Background

Hyponatremia is a common electrolyte abnormality in human patients and is associated with substantial morbidity and death. The incidence and importance of hyponatremia in dogs and cats has not been determined.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To describe the incidence of and prognosis associated with hyponatremia in dogs and cats at a university teaching hospital.

Animals

Of 16,691 dogs and 4,211 cats with measured blood or serum sodium concentration.

Methods

Retrospective study. Medical records of animals with a blood or serum sodium concentration measured during a 60‐month period were reviewed to determine the severity of hyponatremia and its associated fatality rate. Cases with moderate (11–15 mmol/L below the reference range) or severe hyponatremia (≥16 mmol/L below the reference range) were further reviewed.

Results

Of 4,254 dogs (25.5%) and 2,081 cats (49.4%) were diagnosed with hyponatremia. Case fatality rates of dogs and cats with hyponatremia were 13.7% and 11.9%, respectively, compared to 4.4% and 4.5% with a normal blood or serum sodium concentration (P < 0.0001). The magnitude of hyponatremia was linearly associated with a higher case fatality rate (P < 0.0001). Hyponatremia was associated with a lower case fatality rate than hypernatremia in the same population. Among the animals with moderate or severe hyponatremia, 92.1% of dogs and 90.6% of cats presented with community‐acquired hyponatremia, and 7.9% of dogs and 9.4% of cats developed hospital‐acquired hyponatremia.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Hyponatremia was found commonly in this population and was associated with increased case fatality rate. Presence and severity of hyponatremia might be useful as a prognostic indicator.     

Clinical Features and Outcome of Dogs with Epiglottic Retroversion With or Without Surgical Treatment: 24 Cases

Background

Published information describing the clinical features and outcome for dogs with epiglottic retroversion (ER) is limited.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To describe clinical features, comorbidities, outcome of surgical versus medical treatment and long‐term follow‐up for dogs with ER. We hypothesized that dogs with ER would have upper airway comorbidities and that surgical management (epiglottopexy or subtotal epiglottectomy) would improve long‐term outcome compared to medical management alone.

Animals

Twenty‐four client‐owned dogs.

Methods

Retrospective review of medical records to identify dogs with ER that underwent surgical or medical management of ER.

Results

Dogs with ER commonly were middle‐aged to older, small breed, spayed females with body condition score (BCS) ≥6/9. Stridor and dyspnea were the most common presenting signs. Concurrent or historical upper airway disorders were documented in 79.1% of cases. At last evaluation, 52.6% of dogs that underwent surgical management, and 60% of dogs that received medical management alone, had decreased severity of presenting clinical signs. In dogs that underwent surgical management for ER, the incidence of respiratory crisis decreased from 62.5% before surgery to 25% after surgical treatment. The overall calculated Kaplan–Meier median survival time was 875 days.

Conclusion and clinical importance

Our study indicated that a long‐term survival of at least 2 years can be expected in dogs diagnosed with epiglottic retroversion. The necessity of surgical management cannot be determined based on this data, but dogs with no concurrent upper airway disorders may benefit from a permanent epiglottopexy to alleviate negative inspiratory pressures.     

In Vivo Histologically Equivalent Evaluation of Gastric Mucosal Topologic Morphology in Dogs By using Confocal Endomicroscopy

Background

Confocal endomicroscopy (CEM) is an endoscopic technology permitting in vivo cellular and subcellular imaging. CEM aids real‐time clinical assessment and diagnosis of various gastrointestinal diseases in people. CEM allows in vivo characterization of small intestinal mucosal morphology in dogs.

Objective

To determine the feasibility of CEM to evaluate gastric mucosal morphology in dogs and to characterize the appearance in healthy dogs.

Animals

Fourteen clinically healthy research colony dogs.

Methods

Experimental study. Under general anesthesia, dogs underwent standard endoscopic evaluation and CEM of the gastric mucosa. In the initial 6 dogs, fluorescent contrast was provided with the fluorophore acriflavine (0.05% solution), applied topically. Subsequently, 8 dogs were assessed using a combination of fluorescein (10% solution, 15 mg/kg IV), followed by acriflavine administered topically. For each fluorophore, a minimum of 5 sites were assessed.

Results

Confocal endomicroscopy provided high quality in vivo histologically equivalent images of the gastric mucosa, but reduced flexibility of the endoscope tip limited imaging of the cranial stomach in some dogs. Intravenous administration of fluorescein allowed assessment of cellular cytoplasmic and microvasculature features. Topical application of acriflavine preferentially stained cellular nucleic acids, allowing additional evaluation of nuclear morphology. Identification of Helicobacter‐like organisms was possible in 13 dogs.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Confocal endomicroscopy provides in vivo images allowing assessment of gastric mucosal morphology during endoscopy, potentially permitting real‐time diagnosis of gastrointestinal disease.     

Association of Obesity with Serum Leptin,Adiponectin, and Serotonin and Gut Microflora in Beagle Dogs

Background

Serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine, 5HT) is involved in hypothalamic regulation of energy consumption. Also, the gut microbiome can influence neuronal signaling to the brain through vagal afferent neurons. Therefore, serotonin concentrations in the central nervous system and the composition of the microbiota can be related to obesity.

Objective

To examine adipokine, and, serotonin concentrations, and the gut microbiota in lean dogs and dogs with experimentally induced obesity.

Animals

Fourteen healthy Beagle dogs were used in this study.

Methods

Seven Beagle dogs in the obese group were fed commercial food ad libitum, over a period of 6 months to increase their weight and seven Beagle dogs in lean group were fed a restricted amount of the same diet to maintain optimal body condition over a period of 6 months. Peripheral leptin, adiponectin, 5HT, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF‐5HT) levels were measured by ELISA. Fecal samples were collected in lean and obese groups 6 months after obesity was induced. Targeted pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was performed using a Genome Sequencer FLX plus system.

Results

Leptin concentrations were higher in the obese group (1.98 ± 1.00) compared to those of the lean group (1.12 ± 0.07, P = .025). Adiponectin and 5‐hydroytryptamine of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF‐5HT) concentrations were higher in the lean group (27.1 ± 7.28) than in the obese group (14.4 ± 5.40, P = .018). Analysis of the microbiome revealed that the diversity of the microbial community was lower in the obese group. Microbes from the phylum Firmicutes (85%) were predominant group in the gut microbiota of lean dogs. However, bacteria from the phylum Proteobacteria (76%) were the predominant group in the gut microbiota of dogs in the obese group.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Decreased 5HT levels in obese group might increase the risk of obesity because of increased appetite. Microflora enriched with gram‐negative might be related with chronic inflammation status in obese dogs.     

Incidence,Timing, and Risk Factors of Azathioprine Hepatotoxicosis in Dogs

Background

The use of azathioprine (AZA) in dogs is limited by the development of hepatotoxicosis and cytopenias.

Hypothesis and Objectives

To characterize the observed incidence, timing, and risk factors for AZA hepatotoxicosis in dogs treated clinically, and to determine the relationship between the development of hepatotoxicosis and cytopenias.

Animals

Fifty‐two dogs treated with AZA with clinical and biochemical follow‐up, with a subset of 34 dogs available for determination of changes in liver enzyme activities in serum.

Methods

Retrospective medical record review, from January 2009 through December 2013.

Results

Hepatotoxicosis (as defined by a >2‐fold increase in serum ALT) was observed in 5 of 34 dogs (15%) within a median onset of 14 days (range, 13–22 days). Dogs had a median 9‐fold increase in ALT and 8‐fold increase in ALP, which stabilized or resolved with drug discontinuation or dose reduction. German shepherds were significantly over‐represented (3 of 5 dogs with hepatotoxicosis; P = .0017). Thrombocytopenia or neutropenia were seen in 4 of 48 dogs with CBC follow‐up (8% of dogs), but occurred significantly later in treatment (median onset, 53 days; range 45–196 days) compared to hepatotoxicosis (P = .016).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

These results support the routine monitoring of liver enzymes during the first 1–4 weeks of AZA treatment in dogs, with continued monitoring of the CBC. Additional studies are warranted to characterize the apparently higher risk of AZA hepatotoxicosis in German shepherds.     

Vaginal Microbiota of Spayed Dogs with or without Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections

Background

Limited information is available regarding the vaginal microbiota of normal spayed dogs and spayed dogs with recurrent UTIs. Vaginal lactic acid‐producing bacteria (LAB) have been associated with decreased frequency of recurrent urinary tract infection in women and may have a protective role within the urinary tract of female dogs.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Spayed dogs with historical recurrent UTI will have decreased prevalence of LAB and increased prevalence of uropathogenic bacterial populations in the vaginal microbiota when compared with the vaginal microbiota of healthy, spayed dogs.

Animals

Twenty‐one client‐owned adult spayed female dogs with historical recurrent UTI and 23 healthy, spayed female dogs without a history of recurrent UTI.

Methods

Dogs were placed into a recurrent UTI group or control group in this prospective study. Bacterial populations were isolated and characterized from vaginal swabs obtained from each dog.

Results

The most common bacterial isolates obtained from the vaginal tract of all dogs were Escherichia coli (11/44) and S. pseudintermedius (13/44). E. coli was isolated from the vaginal tract of 8 of 21 (38%) dogs in the rUTI group and 3 of 23 (13%) dogs in the control group (P = .08). LAB were isolated from 7 of the 44 dogs. Two of these 7 dogs were in the rUTI group and 5 of the 7 dogs were in the control group.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The vaginal microbiota of spayed female dogs with recurrent UTI was similar to the control population of normal, spayed female dogs.     

Computed Tomographic Angiography under Sedation in the Diagnosis of Suspected Canine Pancreatitis: A Pilot Study

Background

Computed tomography (CT) is highly accurate for diagnosing pancreatitis in humans. The diagnosis of pancreatitis in dogs is based on clinical signs, laboratory findings, and ultrasonographic (US) changes. There are, however, inherent limitations in relying on laboratory and ultrasound findings for the clinical diagnosis of pancreatitis in dogs.

Hypothesis/Objectives

We hypothesized that CT angiography would be a rapid and reliable method to confirm pancreatitis in dogs compared to ultrasonography. The aim was to describe the CT characteristics and compare them to ultrasound findings and correlate the CT appearance to the severity of the patients'' clinical course.

Animals

A prospective pilot case series; 10 dogs with pancreatitis were enrolled if the history, clinical signs, laboratory, and ultrasonographic findings were indicative of pancreatitis.

Methods

A 3‐phase angiographic CT was performed under sedation. Afterward, each dog had US‐guided aspirates of the pancreas collected and blood drawn for cPLi assay. Images were evaluated for portion of visible pancreas, pancreatic size and margin, pancreatic parenchyma, presence of peripancreatic changes and contrast enhancement pattern. The results were compared with outcome.

Results

An enlarged, homogeneously to heterogeneously attenuating and contrast‐enhancing pancreas with ill‐defined borders was identified in all dogs. CT identified more features characterizing pancreatic abnormalities compared to US. Thrombi were found in 3/10 dogs. Three dogs with heterogeneous contrast enhancement had an overall poorer outcome than those with homogenous enhancement.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

CT angiography under sedation was used in dogs to confirm clinically suspected pancreatitis and identified clinically relevant and potentially prognostic features of pancreatitis in dogs.     

Bacterial Urinary Tract Infections Associated with Transitional Cell Carcinoma in Dogs

Background

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are believed to be common in dogs with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), but incidence and contributing factors have not been reported.

Objectives

To determine the frequency and bacterial agents associated with UTI in dogs with TCC and define contributing factors.

Animals

Eighty‐five dogs with a history of urogenital TCC undergoing treatment with chemotherapy that had at least 1 urine culture performed.

Methods

Medical records and culture results were retrospectively reviewed and ultrasound images were reviewed when available. Clinical factors were evaluated statistically for association with positive culture.

Results

Fifty‐five percent (47/85) of dogs had at least 1 positive culture during the course of treatment. Female dogs (80%, 40/50) were more likely than male dogs (29%, 10/35) to have at least 1 positive culture. Ultrasound examination determined that female dogs were more likely to have urethral (74%, 31/42) or trigonal tumor involvement (71%, 30/42) compared to male dogs (32%, 9/28 and 43%, 12/28, respectively). The most commonly isolated organisms were Staphylococcus spp. (23.9%, 29/121) and Escherichia coli (19.8%, 24/121). Dogs with urethral involvement of TCC were significantly more likely to have at least 1 positive culture than dogs without urethral involvement (75%, 30/40 versus 30%, 9/30).

Conclusions

Urinary tract infection is common in dogs with TCC highlighting the importance of regular monitoring for bacterial cystitis in dogs with TCC. In addition, clinical factors such as tumor location and sex may be predictive of positive culture and can help clinicians assess the risk of UTI.     

Use of Multidetector Computed Tomography in the Assessment of Dogs with Pericardial Effusion

Background

Contrast‐enhanced multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) allows high spatial and temporal resolution imaging of cardiac, thoracic, and abdominal structures. Accurate determination of the cause of pericardial effusion (PE) is essential to providing appropriate treatment and prognosis. Echocardiography and pericardial fluid analysis may not differentiate between causes of PE and cannot identify extracardiac metastasis.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Describe the thoracic and abdominal MDCT findings and evaluate the utility of MDCT to differentiate between neoplastic and nonneoplastic causes of PE in dogs.

Animals

Eleven client‐owned dogs with PE diagnosed by echocardiography.

Methods

Prospective observational study. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), 3‐view thoracic radiography, and contrast‐enhanced thoracic and abdominal MDCT images were evaluated for the presence of cardiac masses, pulmonary metastases, and abdominal masses. Histopathology in 5 dogs and survival analysis in all dogs were evaluated.

Results

A neoplastic cause was identified in 6/11 dogs and a nonneoplastic cause was identified in 5/11. Cardiac MDCT findings were consistent with TTE findings in all dogs with right atrial (5/5) and heart base masses (1/1). Pulmonary metastases were identified in 1/11 dogs by thoracic radiography and in 2/11 dogs by MDCT. MDCT identified splenic or hepatic lesions consistent with neoplasia in 6/11 and 5/11 dogs, respectively. Focal MDCT pericardial changes at the pericardiocentesis site were noted in 3/11 dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Multidetector computed tomography did not improve the detection of cardiac masses in dogs with PE over echocardiography. The benefit of MDCT was primarily in the detection of pulmonary metastases and extracardiac lesions using a single imaging modality.     

Vitamin D Status in Different Stages of Disease Severity in Dogs with Chronic Valvular Heart Disease

Background

In humans with heart disease, vitamin D deficiency is associated with disease progression and a poor prognosis. A recent study showed that serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration, the hallmark of vitamin D status, was lower in dogs with heart failure than in normal dogs, and a low concentration was associated with poor outcome in dogs with heart failure.

Objectives

To elucidate the vitamin D status of dogs with chronic valvular heart disease (CVHD) at different stages of disease severity.

Animals

Forty‐three client‐owned dogs with CVHD.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, dogs were divided into 3 groups (14 dogs in Stage B1, 17 dogs in Stage B2, and 12 dogs in Stage C/D) according to ACVIM guidelines. Dogs underwent clinical examination including echocardiography. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were measured in each dog.

Results

Serum 25(OH)D concentration was significantly lower in Stage B2 (median, 33.2 nmol/L; range, 4.9–171.7 nmol/L) and C/D (13.1 nmol/L; 4.9–58.1 nmol/L) than in Stage B1 (52.5 nmol/L; 33.5–178.0 nmol/L) and was not significantly different between Stage B2 and Stage C/D. Among clinical variables, there were significant negative correlations between 25(OH)D concentration and both left atrial‐to‐aortic root ratio and left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter normalized for body weight.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

These results indicate that vitamin D status is associated with the degree of cardiac remodeling, and the serum 25(OH)D concentration begins to decrease before the onset of heart failure in dogs with CVHD.     

Long‐Term Survival of Dogs with Adrenal‐Dependent Hyperadrenocorticism: A Comparison between Mitotane and Twice Daily Trilostane Treatment

Background

Treatment of adrenal‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism (ADH) involves either surgical resection of the adrenal tumor or medical therapy. For many years, mitotane has been considered the medical treatment of choice for dogs with ADH.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine survival and prognostic factors for dogs with ADH treated with mitotane and trilostane.

Animals

Twenty‐six dogs with ADH were included in the study.

Methods

Fourteen dogs were treated with mitotane and 12 dogs were treated with trilostane. Medical records were reviewed. Epidemiologic factors, signalment, clinicopathologic abnormalities, endocrine test results, and treatment protocols were evaluated to identify potential predictive factors of overall survival time.

Results

Survival times of dogs treated with mitotane (median, 15.6 months) or trilostane (median, 14.0 months) were not significantly different. Using univariate analysis, age and postadrenocorticotropic hormone cortisol concentrations were inversely correlated with survival time. The multivariate model also identified weakness at presentation as a negative prognostic indicator.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

The type of medical treatment (mitotane versus trilostane) does not influence survival time in dogs with ADH; therefore, trilostane, a drug with less frequent and milder adverse effects, might be used as the primary medical treatment when adrenalectomy cannot be performed.     

Clinical Features and Treatment Outcomes of 41 Dogs with Sublingual Ectopic Thyroid Neoplasia

Background

Thyroid neoplasia is common in dogs, but there are few reports of dogs with ectopic, sublingual thyroid tumors.

Objectives

To describe clinical features and outcomes of dogs with ectopic, sublingual thyroid neoplasia.

Animals

Five hundred and forty‐four dogs with thyroid neoplasia.

Methods

This retrospective study reviewed the medical records of dogs referred for thyroid neoplasia between 1995 and 2013. Data extracted included signalment, extent of thyroid disease (eutopic or ectopic; metastasis), serum thyroxine (T₄) concentration, treatment, and survival.

Results

Of 544 dogs with thyroid neoplasia, 41 (7.5%) dogs had ectopic sublingual thyroid tumors. The clinical features of these 41 dogs were similar to the cohort group of 503 dogs with eutopic or ectopic mediastinal thyroid tumors, but dogs with sublingual tumors were younger and less likely to have metastatic disease (15% versus 30%, P < .05). Of the 41 dogs, 28 received treatment: 21 with surgery (which included partial hyoidectomy in 13), 7 with radioiodine alone, and 13 with surgery followed by administration of radioiodine. Overall median survival was 562 days (range, 1‐1,850 days).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

When compared with eutopic thyroid carcinomas, ectopic sublingual thyroid tumors generally have a less aggressive biologic behavior. Many dogs have prolonged survival, even without treatment, although death because of local tumor invasiveness or metastasis can develop in some dogs. Surgical thyroidectomy, including partial hyoidectomy, is generally effective for control of local disease. Administration of radioiodine, alone or in combination with surgical treatment, is recommended for multifocal disease or metastasis.     

Prevalence of Chiari‐like Malformations in Clinically Unaffected Dogs

Background

The importance of Chiari‐like malformation (CM) in the generation of clinical signs or the formation of syringomyelia in dogs is incompletely understood, partly because the prevalence of various CM definitions in unaffected dogs is unknown.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The aims were: to estimate the prevalence of CM in dogs asymptomatic for CM or syringomyelia, according to 3 currently used definitions; and, to investigate the effect of brachycephaly and head position during magnetic resonance (MR) imaging on estimates of the prevalence of CM.

Animals

One ninety‐nine client‐owned dogs without apparent signs of CM or syringomyelia.

Methods

Blinded, retrospective analysis. Archived MR images were analyzed for evidence of cerebellar indentation and impaction into or herniation through the foramen magnum. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship of CM diagnosis with head position and the cranial index (a measure of brachycephaly).

Results

In 185 non‐Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS) dogs, indentation was identified in 44% (95% CI, 47–51%) and impaction in 22% (95% CI, 16–28%). No asymptomatic, non‐CKCS dogs showed herniation. Regression analysis showed a significant increase in the odds of indentation and impaction in an extended head position and as the cranial index increased (became more brachycephalic).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The high prevalence of cerebellar indentation and impaction suggests that they may be normal anatomical variations and therefore unsuitable as definitions of CM. We suggest that future research into CM in dogs should define cases and controls more strictly so that overlap between normal and abnormal animals is minimized.     

Tracheobronchial Brush Cytology and Bronchoalveolar Lavage in Dogs and Cats with Chronic Cough: 45 Cases (2012–2014)

Background

Animals with chronic cough can have normal bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytology when small airway disease is absent. Cytology of a tracheobronchial brushing can detect inflammation in larger airways; however, evaluation of this technique has been limited in veterinary medicine.

Objective

To compare airway brush cytology to bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis in dogs and cats with chronic cough.

Animals

Forty dogs and five cats undergoing bronchoscopic investigation of chronic cough.

Methods

Prospective study. Bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage were performed followed by tracheobronchial brushing of central airways. Results of cytologic assessment of BAL fluid and brush cytology were compared for the presence or absence of inflammation and concordance of inflammatory cell type.

Results

Brush cytology detected central airway inflammation in 34 of 40 (85%) dogs with inflammatory BAL fluid. However, the type of inflammation reported differed in 23 of 34 dogs. In five cats with inflammation in BAL fluid, brush cytology detected inflammation in four; the type of inflammation was discordant in all cats.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Brush cytology has good agreement with BAL regarding the presence of inflammation, although the type of inflammation detected with the different sampling techniques commonly varies. Brush cytology can provide supplementary information to BAL, and additional studies will provide further information on the role of tracheobronchial brush cytology in the diagnosis and management of respiratory conditions.     

Incidence,Severity and Prognosis Associated with Hypernatremia in Dogs and Cats

Background

Hypernatremia has been associated with substantial morbidity and death in human patients. The incidence and importance of hypernatremia in dogs and cats has not been determined.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To describe the incidence of and prognosis associated with hypernatremia in dogs and cats at a university teaching hospital.

Animals

A total of 16,691 dogs and 4,211 cats with measured blood or serum sodium concentration.

Methods

Retrospective study. Medical records of animals with a blood or serum sodium concentration measured during a 60‐month period were reviewed to determine the severity of hypernatremia and its associated case fatality rate. Cases with moderate (11–15 mmol/L above the reference range) or severe hypernatremia (≥16 mmol/L above the reference range) were further reviewed.

Results

A total of 957 dogs (5.7%) and 338 cats (8.0%) were diagnosed with hypernatremia. Case fatality rates of dogs and cats with hypernatremia was 20.6 and 28.1%, respectively compared to 4.4 and 4.5% with a normal blood or serum sodium concentration (P < .0001). The magnitude of hypernatremia was linearly associated with a higher case fatality rate (P < .0001). Hypernatremia was associated with a higher case fatality rate than hyponatremia. Among the animals with moderate or severe hypernatremia, 50% of dogs and 38.5% of cats presented with community‐acquired hypernatremia, and 50% of dogs and 61.5% of cats developed hospital‐acquired hypernatremia.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Hypernatremia was found infrequently in this population but was associated with increased case fatality rates in dogs and cats. Presence and severity of hypernatremia might be useful as a prognostic indicator.     

Association between Estrus and Onset of Seizures in Dogs with Idiopathic Epilepsy

Background

Catamenial epilepsy in humans is defined as changes in seizure frequency over the course of the menstrual cycle. Three hormonally based patterns of seizure exacerbation have been determined.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether there is an association between onset of seizures and the estrous cycle in intact bitches with presumptive idiopathic epilepsy and whether a pattern to the onset of seizures could be recognized.

Animals

Forty‐five intact female dogs from a hospital population with a presumptive diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy.

Methods

In a retrospective study, the database of a small animal hospital in Sweden was searched for medical records of intact female dogs diagnosed with epilepsy or seizures. The stage of the estrous cycle as reported either by the owner or the veterinarian at the time of the first seizure was noted.

Results

Of the 45 dogs with idiopathic epilepsy, 17 (38%) had their first seizure when in heat and six dogs (13%) had their first seizure 1–3 months after heat. Nine dogs (20%) had seizures reoccurring in relation to their estrous cycle.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

These findings suggest an association between estrus and onset of seizures in intact bitches with presumptive idiopathic epilepsy. Two hormonally based patterns could be recognized: one during heat and one during a specific time point at the end of diestrus. This could be explained by the proconvulsive effects of estrogen or loss of protective effect against seizures of progesterone, respectively.     

Autologous Peripheral Blood Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Dogs with T‐Cell Lymphoma

Background

Peripheral blood hematopoietic cell transplantation (PBHCT) is a feasible treatment option for dogs with B‐cell lymphoma.

Objective

To examine apheresis and PBHCT outcomes in dogs diagnosed with T‐cell lymphoma (TCL).

Animals

Fifteen client‐owned dogs diagnosed with high‐grade TCL.

Methods

After high‐dose cyclophosphamide and rhG‐colony‐stimulating (rhG‐CSF) factor treatment, peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected using cell separators. The harvested cells then were infused after varying doses of total body irradiation (TBI). Postirradiation adverse effects were managed symptomatically and dogs were discharged upon evidence of hematopoietic engraftment.

Results

More than 2 × 10⁶ CD34+ cells/kg were harvested from 15/15 dogs. Thirteen of 15 (87%) dogs engrafted appropriately, whereas 2 (13%) of the dogs died in the hospital. One dog developed cutaneous B‐cell lymphoma 120 days post‐PBHCT. The median disease‐free interval and overall survival (OS) of the 13 dogs transplanted in first remission from the time of PBHCT were 184 and 240 days, respectively. Stage and substage of disease at diagnosis had no effect on OS. Two of 13 (15%) dogs were alive 741 and 772 days post‐PBHCT.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

PBHCT may be considered as a treatment option for dogs with TCL.     

Longitudinal Prevalence of Hypertension,Proteinuria, and Retinopathy in Dogs with Spontaneous Diabetes Mellitus

Background

The prevalence and progression of vascular complications of spontaneous diabetes mellitus (DM) in dogs have not been described.

Objectives

To investigate the effects of duration of disease, as estimated by time since DM diagnosis, and glycemic control on prevalence of systemic hypertension, proteinuria, and diabetic retinopathy in dogs with spontaneous DM.

Animals

Seventeen client‐owned dogs with spontaneous DM.

Methods

Prospective, longitudinal observational study. Dogs with DM of less than 1 year''s duration were recruited and evaluated once every 6 months for 24 months. Recorded measures included indirect BP, urine albumin, protein and creatinine concentrations, serial blood glucose and serum fructosamine concentrations, ophthalmic examination, and a standardized behavioral questionnaire.

Results

Eleven dogs completed the 2‐year follow‐up period, during which the highest recorded prevalence of systolic and diastolic hypertension was 55 and 64%, respectively. Prevalence of microalbuminuria and elevated urine protein:creatinine ratio (UPC) ranged up to 73 and 55%, respectively. Prevalence of retinopathy ranged up to 20%. No significant effect of time since DM diagnosis or glycemic control was detected for any of the measures examined. Additionally, no significant associations between BP, urine albumin concentration, UPC and retinopathy were detected.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

With the exception of proteinuria, which was substantial in some cases, clinically deleterious diabetic vascular complications were not identified in dogs in this study.