Comparative study of chronic kidney disease in dogs and cats: Induction of myofibroblasts

We investigated the kidneys of dogs and cats to clarify whether renal myofibroblasts induction is associated with the severity of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Immunohistochemical expression of myofibroblast markers, α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) and vimentin, were evaluated quantitatively. The degrees of glomerulosclerosis, glomerular hypertrophy, interstitial cell infiltration, and interstitial fibrosis were also evaluated quantitatively. The plasma creatinine (pCre) concentrations correlated with glomerulosclerosis, cell infiltration, and fibrosis in dogs, and only with fibrosis in cats. The α-SMA expression correlated with pCre, glomerulosclerosis, cell infiltration, and fibrosis in dogs, and with pCre and fibrosis in cats. Tubular vimentin expression correlated with fibrosis in cats, but not in dogs. Interstitial vimentin expression correlated with pCre, glomerulosclerosis, cell infiltration, and fibrosis in dogs, but only with pCre in cats. In conclusion, it was suggested that the severity of CKD in dogs and cats was mediated by different pathways associated with myofibroblasts expression.     

Evaluation of the Logan & Boyce plaque index for the study of dental plaque accumulation in dogs

The objectives of this study were to assess intra-examiner (experienced examiner) and inter-examiner agreements (experienced versus non-experienced examiners) of scores assessed with the Logan & Boyce plaque index and to evaluate whether a modification of this index, where anatomical landmarks are used for horizontal division [mod L&B-AL] and dye references are used for assessing intensity of dye (plaque thickness) [mod L&B-DR], would improve repeatability. The Logan & Boyce index was found to be inaccurate when scoring plaque coverage as it underestimated the total crown surface. The contribution of the gingival part to the total tooth score was minimized by the Logan & Boyce index compared to the mod L&B-AL/DR. Precision of global plaque scorings was significantly improved by the mod L&B-AL/DR. Intra-examiner agreement of plaque thickness and plaque coverage scorings on the gingival part of the tooth was significantly improved by the mod L&B-AL/DR. Studies evaluating plaque accumulation in dogs should therefore use the mod L&B-AL/DR rather than the Logan & Boyce index.     

Copper-associated liver disease in Dalmatians: a review of 10 dogs (1998-2001)

This retrospective study summarizes 10 Dalmatians suspected of having hepatic copper toxicosis. Hepatic copper toxicosis can result from either a primary metabolic defect in hepatic copper metabolism or from altered hepatic biliary excretion of copper. An inherited copper-associated hepatopathy has been documented in Bedlington Terriers, and there is evidence for familial copper-associated liver disease in West Highland White (WHW) Terriers and Skye Terriers. Nine of the 10 Dalmatians in this study presented for gastrointestinal clinical signs, including anorexia and vomiting. All animals had increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) enzyme activity, and 9 of 10 had increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzyme activity. The relative increase in ALT activity was much greater than the relative increase in ALP activity, suggesting a predominantly hepatocellular rather than cholestatic liver disease. The mean hepatic copper concentration for 9 Dalmatians was 3,197 microg/g dry weight liver (dwl) (normal, <450 microg/g). In 5 of these 9 dogs, hepatic copper concentrations exceeded 2,000 microg/g dwl. Necroinflammatory alterations associated with copper-laden parenchymal cells were the notable histopathologic finding. The inflammatory infiltrate was either primarily lymphocytic or neutrophilic. Morphologic features of cholestasis generally were not prominent except in those dogs with severe pathology. These findings lend support to the hypothesis that a primary metabolic defect in hepatic copper metabolism occurs in the Dalmatian breed. The mechanism and genetic basis of this condition require further study.     

Geographical, clinical, clinicopathological and radiographic features of canine angiostrongylosis in Irish dogs: a retrospective study

Background

Angiostrongylus vasorum infection is associated with high morbidity and mortality in dogs. Although recognised in Ireland, there are no large series of cases reported. The aim of this retrospective study was to identify pertinent clinical and geographical features in Irish dogs.

Results

The case records of dogs presenting to the University College Dublin Veterinary Hospital (1999-2010) were reviewed. A contemporaneous review of external faecal parasitology and post mortem submissions was also performed. A positive diagnosis of angiostrogylosis was identified in 49 dogs including 24 clinical, 10 post mortem and 15 external faecal sample cases. The majority (n = 44 (90%)) resided on the East Coast.In the clinical cases, the median age was 20 months, 29% of cases were older than 2 years. Clinical features included cardiorespiratory (63%), coagulopathic (71%) and other (63%) signs. Cough (n = 10), dyspnoea (n = 5) and tachypnoea (n = 3) were the most common cardiorespiratory abnormalities. Of animals with evidence of coagulopathy, excessive haemorrhage from a wound (n = 5), airway haemorrhage (n = 9), epistaxis (n = 3), haematoma (n = 4), suspected haemarthrosis (n = 3), neurological signs (n = 2) and haematuria (n = 1) were found. Ten dogs were anaemic, of which two were severe (haematocrit ≤ 0.20 L/L). Ten animals had thrombocytopenia, with four severely affected (≤50 × 10⁹/L). PT and APTT values were prolonged in 4 (24%) of 17 and a BMBT was prolonged in 5 (63%) of 8 cases. Vague signs of exercise intolerance (n = 6), lethargy (n = 6) and weakness (n = 2) were identified, with two (8%) animals having only these signs. In one animal the diagnosis appeared to be incidental. Thoracic radiographs (n = 19) identified abnormalities in 100% of cases. Four (17%) animals died before or within 24 hours of treatment and post mortem examinations confirmed angiostrongylosis. Fenbendazole was administered in 19 cases, 18 (95%) recovered. Two animals were euthanised, one which failed to respond to therapy and another in which an ante mortem diagnosis had not been made.

Conclusions

Angiostrongylosis is not uncommon in Ireland, is not confined to young dogs or the East Coast and can present with a wide variety of signs, particularly coagulopathic, respiratory or neurological signs.     

Evidence-based veterinary dentistry: a systematic review of homecare for prevention of periodontal disease in dogs and cats

Successful treatment and prevention of periodontal disease in pet animals requires a multidimensional approach to identify and eliminate exacerbating factors, provide scheduled professional examinations and care, and plan and implement a dental homecare program. Over the years, many therapeutic and preventive interventions have been developed or advocated for periodontal disease, but evidence of efficacy or effectiveness is highly variable. Accordingly, the main objective of this systematic review is to identify and critically appraise the evidence supporting various aspects of homecare for prevention of canine and feline periodontal disease.     

Sebaceous gland melanosis in dogs with endocrine skin disease or follicular dysplasia: a retrospective study

Abstract Skin biopsy specimens from 107 dogs with endocrine skin disorders were examined for the presence of melanin granules in the sebaceous glands or ducts (sebaceous gland melanosis). Nineteen of these cases (17.8%) had sebaceous gland melanosis. Skin biopsy specimens from 71 dogs with follicular dysplasia were similarly examined and 27 (38.0%) had sebaceous gland melanosis. Sebaceous gland melanosis alone cannot be used to differentiate histologically follicular dysplasia and endocrine skin disorders. Résumé— Des biopsies cutanées provenant de 107 chiens présentant des troubles cutanés associés à une dysendocrinie ont été examinées pour la rechereche de granules de mélanine dans les glandes sébacées ou dans leurs canaux (mélanose des glandes sébacées). Dix neuf de ces cas (17,8%) présentaient une mélanose des glandes sébacées. Des biopsies provenant de 71 chiens à dysplasic folliculaire ont été examinées de la même manière et 27 (38%) de ces cas présentaient également une mélanose des glandes sébacées. La mélanose des glandes sébacées seule ne peut être utilisée pour différencier histopathologiquement les dysplasies folliculaires des lésions cutanées associées à une dysendocrinie. [Bagladi, M.S., Scott, D.W., Miller, W.H. Sebaceous gland melanosis in dogs with endocrine skin disease or follicular dysplasia: A retrospective study (Mélanose des glandes sébacées chez des chiens présentant une dysendocrinic à expression cutanée et chez des chiens présentant une dysplasie folliculaire). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 85–90.] Resumen Se examinó la presencia de gránules de melanina en las glándulas sebáceas (melanosis de glándulas sebáceas) en muestras de biopsia cutánea de 107 perros con desequilibrios endocrinos cutáneos. Diecinueve de estos casos (17.8%) mostraban melanosis de glándulas sebáceas. Las muestras de biopsia cutánea de 71 perros con displasia folicular se examinaron de forma similar y 27 (38.0%) mostraban melanosis de glándulas sebáccas. La melanosis de glándulas sebáceas en sí no puede utilizarse para diferenciar histológicamente entre la displasia folicular y los desequilibrios endocrinos. [Bagladi, M.S., Scott, D.W., Miller, W.H. Sebaceous gland melanosis in dogs with endocrine skin disease or follicular dysplasia: A retrospective study (Melanosis glandulas sebaceas en perros con enfermedad endocrina o dysplasia folicular: estudio retrospectivo). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 85–90.] Zusammenfassung— Es wurden Hautbiopsien von 107 Hunden mit endokrinen Hauterkrankungen auf das Vorkommen von Melaningranula in den Talgdrüsen oder -ausführungsgängen (Talgdrüsenmelanose) untersucht. 19 dieser Fälle (17,8%) zeigten Talgdrüsenmelanose. Die Hautbiopsien von 71 Hunden mit follikulärer Dysplasie wurden auf ähnliche Weise untersucht, 27 davon (38,0%) wiesen ebenfalls Talgdrüsenmelanose auf. Talgdrüsenmelanose allein kann nicht dazu verwendet werden, um histologisch follikuläre Dysplasie und endokrine Hauterkrankungen zu unterscheiden. [Bagladi, M. S., Scott, D. W., Miller, W. H. Sebaceous gland melanosis in dogs with endocrine skin disease of follicular dysplasia: a retrospective study (Talgdrüsenmelanose bei Hunden mit endokrinen Hauterkrankungen oder follikulärer Dysplasie: eine retrospektive Studie). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 85–90.]     

A study of periodontal disease in sheep over a twelve month period

Sheep affected by broken mouth periodontal disease (P.D.) were examined over a twelve month period for different clinical parameters. It is suggested that P.D. in sheep is an episodic phenomenon similar to human P.D., and that only a few animals with signs of P.D. may undergo clinically significant destruction over a yearly period. No single parameter could reliably predict future deterioration in other parameters.     

Cerebrospinal fluid analysis and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of neurologic disease in dogs: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities in dogs can be challenging antemortem. Historically, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis has been used for routine diagnostic evaluation of animals with suspected neurologic disease; however, with increasing availability of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, the need for concurrent CSF analysis may be questioned. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively assess and compare the diagnostic information contributed from MR imaging and CSF analysis in a population of dogs presenting with neurologic disease. METHODS: Results of concurrent MR imaging and CSF analysis were evaluated in dogs presented for neurologic diseases. Based on clinical diagnosis, the sensitivity of CSF analysis and MR imaging for detecting a nervous system abnormality was calculated. Dogs with diagnoses confirmed by other diagnostic modalities were also evaluated separately. RESULTS: A total of 256 dogs were included in the study. For clinical diagnoses in which abnormalities were expected, MR imaging abnormalities were found in 89% and CSF abnormalities in 75% of dogs; CSF abnormalities were more common than MR imaging abnormalities only in inflammatory CNS disease. The majority of CSF abnormalities were nonspecific; an etiologic diagnosis was determined in only 2% of CSF samples. MR imaging excelled in detecting structural disorders, revealing 98% of vertebral abnormalities. In confirmed cases (n = 55), 76% of MR images and 9% of CSF samples were diagnostic. When intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) and vertebral malformation were excluded from analysis (n = 16 remaining), 25% of MR images and 6% of CSF cytology results were highly indicative of the confirmed diagnoses; CSF titer results provided the diagnosis in 25% of these cases. CONCLUSION: CSF analysis may not be necessary when MR findings of IVDD or vertebral malformation/instability are obvious; however, when the cause of neurologic disorder is uncertain, concurrent MR imaging and CSF analysis provides the greatest assistance in establishing a clinical diagnosis.     

Prevalence of intercurrent disease in dogs and cats presented for vaccination at a veterinary practice

A prospective study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of intercurrent disease in dogs and cats presented for vaccination in general practice. Fifty-two percent of animals were found to suffer from intercurrent disease and 3% had severe debilitating disease. A thorough clinical examination conducted at the time of routine vaccination appears to be an important element in maintaining companion animal health and welfare.     

Diazepam as a treatment for metronidazole toxicosis in dogs: a retrospective study of 21 cases

The currently recommended treatment for metronidazole toxicosis is drug discontinuation and supportive therapy. Reported recovery times are 1-2 weeks. The records of 21 dogs with metronidazole toxicosis were retrospectively analyzed to determine whether diazepam improved recovery. The dosage and duration of metronidazole therapy and the response and recovery times of 13 dogs treated with diazepam were compared to those of 8 dogs receiving only supportive care. Response time was defined as the time to resolution of the debilitating clinical signs. Recovery time was the time to resolution of all residual clinical signs. The average dosage and duration of metronidazole administration for the diazepam-treated and untreated groups were 60.3 mg/kg/d for 44.9 days and 65.1 mg/kg/d for 37.25 days. The protocol for diazepam administration consisted of an initial i.v. bolus and then diazepam PO q8h for 3 days. The average dosage of both the i.v. and PO diazepam was 0.43 mg/kg. The average response time for the diazepam-treated dogs was 13.4 hours compared to 4.25 days for the untreated group. Recovery time also was markedly shorter for the diazepam-treated dogs (38.8 hours) compared to the untreated group (11 days). Results of this study showed that dogs with metronidazole toxicosis recover faster when treated with diazepam. Although the mechanism of metronidazole toxicosis or how diazepam exerts its favorable effect is not known, it is likely related to modulation of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor within the cerebellar and vestibular systems.     

Canine intervertebral disk disease: a retrospective study of clinical outcome in 238 dogs (2003-2004)

The aim of the study was the assessment of the prognosis of intervertebral disk diseases on the basis of a large case load with the help of currently available therapy modalities. Medical records of 238 dogs presented within 2 years (2003-2004) with neurological deficits resulting from intervertebral disk disease and surgical treatment at the Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery of the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover were reviewed. 85% of the patients showed a good and 15% a poor long-term functional outcome. Both the presence of deep pain sensation and the weight of the dog were the only variables detected as having a significant impact on prognosis. The time needed to motor function improve depended on the degree of neurological deficits before surgery, and patients with a cervical lesion had a more rapid recovery than patients with a thoracolumbal disease. All other variables, including age, previous signs of intervertebral disk disease, preoperative steroid medication, a lower motor neuron involvement and durotomy did not significantly influence the outcome. Radiographic changes of the vertebral column such as spondylosis, spondylarthrosis, a narrowed disk space up to a fusion of the vertebral bodies mostly were found at the site of a removed intervertebral disk. In dogs with intervertebral disk disease evaluated in the current study a good result could be obtained after surgical decompression.     

Acute renal failure in dogs after the ingestion of grapes or raisins: a retrospective evaluation of 43 dogs (1992-2002)

A review of records from the AnTox database of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Animal Poison Control Center identified 43 dogs that developed increased blood urea nitrogen concentration, serum creatinine concentration, or both as well as clinical signs after ingesting grapes, raisins, or both. Clinical findings, laboratory findings, histopathological findings, treatments performed, and outcome were evaluated. All dogs vomited, and lethargy, anorexia, and diarrhea were other common clinical signs. Decreased urine output, ataxia, or weakness were associated with a negative outcome. High calcium x phosphorus product (Ca x P), hyperphosphatemia, and hypercalcemia were present in 95%, 90%, and 62% of the dogs in which these variables were evaluated. Extremely high initial total calcium concentration, peak total calcium concentration, initial Ca x P, and peak Ca x P were negative prognostic indicators. Proximal renal tubular necrosis was the most consistent finding in dogs for which histopathology was evaluated. Fifty-three percent of the 43 dogs survived, with 15 of these 23 having a complete resolution of clinical signs and azotemia. Although the mechanism of renal injury from grapes and raisins remains unclear, the findings of this study contribute to an understanding of the clinical course of acute renal failure that can occur after ingestion of grapes or raisins in dogs.     

A study of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in dogs as a disease model for canine necrotizing encephalitis

In the present study, the use of dogs with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) as a disease model for necrotizing encephalitis (NE) was assessed. Twelve healthy dogs were included in this study. Canine forebrain tissues (8 g), including white and grey matter, were homogenized with 4 mL of phosphate-buffered saline for 5 min in an ice bath. The suspension was emulsified with the same volume of Freund''s complete adjuvant containing 1 mg/mL of killed Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra. Under sedation, each dog was injected subcutaneously with canine brain homogenate at four sites: two in the inguinal and two in the axillary regions. A second injection (booster) was administered to all the dogs using the same procedure 7 days after the first injection. Clinical assessment, magnetic resonance imaging, cerebrospinal fluid analyses, necropsies, and histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations were performed for the dogs with EAE. Out of the 12 animals, seven (58%) developed clinically manifest EAE at various times after immunization. Characteristics of canine EAE models were very similar to canine NE, suggesting that canine EAE can be a disease model for NE in dogs.