Ocular disease in FeLV-positive cats: 11 cases (1981-1986).

A total of 147 cats positive for FeLV were retrospectively studied to determine the incidence of ocular disease. Of those cats, 97 had clinical cases of the disease and 50 were artificially infected with the virus. The incidence of ocular disease among FeLV-positive cats with clinical signs of disease was less than 2%, and represented less than 0.1% of the total feline cases for the 5-year period studied. The only ocular findings that could be associated with FeLV were pupillary and motility abnormalities. Retinal hemorrhage and subsequent degeneration found in experimentally infected and naturally infected cats were secondary to profound anemia, which was secondary to FeLV infection. On the basis of the literature and our findings, FeLV is not a major cause of primary or secondary ocular disease in the cat. Anterior uveal disease (iris bombé) was detected in 1 of 147 FeLV-positive cats, and the incidence of secondary infectious disease was zero.     

Disseminated histoplasmosis in dogs: 12 cases (1981-1986)

Diarrhea, intestinal blood loss, anemia, and lethargy were predominant clinical findings in 12 dogs with disseminated histoplasmosis. Young dogs were affected most commonly, with 6 dogs being 1 to 3 years old. A diagnosis of disseminated histoplasmosis was established on the basis of histologic or cytologic detection of Histoplasma organisms in intestinal or rectal mucosa in 7 dogs, in circulating leukocytes in 5 dogs, in bone marrow in 3 dogs, and in multiple tissues at necropsy in 1 dog (4 dogs had Histoplasma organisms detected in greater than 1 site). Anemia was detected in 10 dogs (PCV less than 20% in 3 dogs), and the anemia was inadequately regenerative or nonregenerative in 7. Hypoalbuminemia was detected in 9 dogs, and serum albumin concentrations were low (less than 1.0 g/dl) in 4 of the 9 dogs. Of 5 dogs treated with ketoconazole, 2 were in remission for greater than or equal to 1 year. Corticosteroid therapy may have exacerbated the disease in 4 dogs. Histoplasma infection of multiple organs was detected in 5 necropsied dogs.     

Secondary intracranial neoplasia in the dog: 177 cases (1986-2003).

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the frequency, location, and clinical findings associated with 177 secondary brain tumors in dogs. HYPOTHESIS: Secondary intracranial neoplasia is more common than primary intracranial neoplasia in dogs during the time period studied, and hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is the most common secondary intracranial tumor. ANIMALS: One hundred and seventy-seven client-owned dogs presented to the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital between 1986 and 2003. METHODS: Medical records were searched for a diagnosis of intracranial neoplasia in dogs who underwent complete postmortem examination. Of these dogs, those with a diagnosis of primary intracranial neoplasia were excluded. RESULTS: Of the 177 secondary brain tumors, 51 (29%) were HSAs, 44 (25%) were pituitary tumors, 21 (12%) were lymphosarcomas, and 21 (12%) were metastatic carcinomas. The average age at diagnosis was 9.6 +/- 3.0 years. Most tumors were located in the cerebrum, and a mentation change was the most common presenting clinical sign. On postmortem examination, the same tumor that was in the brain was also present in the lung in 84 cases (47%), in the kidney in 62 cases (35%), and in the heart in 55 cases (31%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Secondary intracranial neoplasia in dogs was more common than primary intracranial neoplasia during the time period studied. Many of these dogs had related disease in other body systems that was apparent on diagnostic tests such as thoracic radiography.     

Cystine-containing urinary calculi in dogs: 102 cases (1981-1989).

One hundred and seven cystine-containing urinary calculi from 1 female and 101 male dogs were analyzed. Cystine-containing calculi accounted for 2% (107 of 5,375) of all canine urinary calculi submitted to the urinary stone analysis laboratory from July 1981 through December 1989. Male dogs that formed cystine calculi were compared with 3 other canine populations to determine whether certain breeds were apparently at increased or decreased risk for cystine calculus formation. In one or more of 3 population comparisons, significantly increased risk of cystine calculus formation was found in Mastiffs, Australian Cattle Dogs, English Bulldogs, Chihuahuas, Bullmastiffs, Newfoundlands, Dachshunds, Basenjis, Australian Shepherd Dogs, Scottish Deerhounds, Staffordshire Terriers, Miniature Pinschers, pitbull terriers, Welsh Corgis, Silky Terriers, and Bichon Frises. Significantly low risk of cystine calculus formation was found in German Shepherd Dogs, Poodles, Schnauzers, and mixed-breed dogs.     

Ultrasonographic evaluation of renal parenchymal diseases in dogs: 32 cases (1981-1986)

The medical records of 32 dogs with microscopically proven renal parenchymal disease were evaluated to characterize the associated ultrasonographic patterns and to assess the contribution of ultrasonography to the diagnosis and management in each case. Ultrasonography provided additional information on internal renal architecture in 18 dogs with radiographic evidence of structural abnormality. Ultrasonography determined the renal origin of 2 abdominal masses, defined the extent and distribution of neoplastic disease in 6 dogs, and identified kidneys not seen on survey radiographs or excretory urograms in 5 dogs because of decreased abdominal contrast or poor function. The ultrasonographic patterns were most specific for focal and multifocal or diffuse neoplasia. Ultrasonographic findings were least specific for diffuse parenchymal disease without architectural disruption such as glomerulo/interstitial nephritis, renal tubular necrosis, and nephrocalcinosis. In these cases, biopsy was recommended. Six interpretive errors were made. Four of these errors were related to the overestimation of renal pelvic and diverticular size because of confusion with medullary papilla. Two errors occurred in the diagnosis of renal lymphosarcoma, one of which was interpreted to be pyelonephritis. The other was an interpretive dilemma because of absence of hypoechoic multifocal nodules. Renal tubular necrosis was confirmed in this case.     

Osteogenic sarcoma and cisplatin chemotherapy in dogs: 16 cases (1986-1989).

Sixteen dogs, given adjuvant cisplatin chemotherapy after amputation for osteogenic sarcoma of the appendicular skeleton, had a median survival time of 413 days. Ten dogs (62%) were alive 1 year after amputation. Dogs were given cisplatin at a dosage of 50 mg/m2 of body surface every 4 weeks for a total of 6 cisplatin treatments, or until metastatic disease was detected. Cisplatin chemotherapy was well-tolerated by most dogs, with only 1 dog developing serious gastrointestinal toxicosis, requiring hospitalization. Results of this study support other investigators' findings that when a cisplatin chemotherapy-based protocol is administered, survival times after amputation can be prolonged for dogs with osteogenic sarcoma.     

Gray-scale ultrasonography in the diagnosis of adrenal neoplasia in dogs: six cases (1981-1986)

In addition to survey abdominal radiography, 2-dimensional gray-scale ultrasonography was utilized as a non-invasive imaging mode in 6 dogs with adrenal neoplasia. Ultrasonography was a safe method of obtaining information about the organ of involvement, extra-adrenal extent of disease, vascular invasion or compression, and internal architecture of abdominal masses in the area of the adrenal gland. The data obtained ultrasonographically was determined to be useful in diagnosing adrenal neoplasia.     

Respiratory and cardiopulmonary arrest in dogs and cats: 265 cases (1986-1991).

Outcomes of cardiopulmonary arrest and resuscitation in clinically affected dogs and cats have not been adequately studied. We examined the records from 200 dogs and 65 cats that had received cardiopulmonary resuscitation for respiratory or cardiopulmonary arrest; none of the animals had been anesthetized or intubated at the time of arrest, and all had been hospitalized in a veterinary critical care facility. Cardiopulmonary arrest was found to be more common than respiratory arrest in dogs and cats. Hospital discharge rates for animals with cardiopulmonary arrest ranged from 4.1% for dogs to 9.6% for cats, and were consistent with those reported from studies of human beings with cardiopulmonary arrest. Hospital discharge rates for dogs and cats with respiratory arrest were 28% and 58.3%, respectively.     

Disseminated histoplasmosis in cats: 12 cases (1981-1986)

Anemia, weight loss, lethargy, fever, anorexia, and interstitial lung disease were the predominant clinical findings in 12 cats with disseminated histoplasmosis. Some cats were examined because of dysfunction or lesions of bone, eyes, or skin. In most cases, the clinical signs were observed by the owner for 4 weeks or less before seeking veterinary care. Young cats were most commonly affected, with 7 of the 12 cats less than or equal to 1 year old. Identification of Histoplasma organisms in bone marrow aspirates was used to confirm the diagnosis of histoplasmosis in 11 of the 12 cats. Histoplasma infection of multiple organs was found at necropsy. In this study, disseminated histoplasmosis had a higher prevalence in cats than in dogs at the same veterinary medical teaching hospital. Feline disseminated histoplasmosis was not associated with FeLV infection. Treatment was attempted in 7 of the 12 cats.     

Permanent tracheostomy in Equidae: 47 cases (1981-1986)

Between 1981 and 1986, permanent tracheostomy was performed in 46 ponies and 1 adult Quarter Horse. Tracheostomies of 19 ponies and the horse were examined in June 1986 and evaluated for vertical length of stomal orifice (mean = 25.0 +/- 4.7 mm in the ponies and 55 mm in the horse), degree of tracheal obstruction (0/20), regrowth and apposition of epidermis (3/20), and whether or not stomal airflow occurred with nasal occlusion (20/20). In addition, the animals were evaluated to determine whether dyspnea developed during exercise. Records of 27 ponies were evaluated. Six of the 27 were not dyspneic with exercise at their last routine physical examination. Twenty-one ponies had died or had been euthanatized, but only 5 of these deaths were attributed to complications associated with the respiratory tract; 3 ponies had collapsing tracheas and 2 had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The permanent tracheostomy technique provided a functional and cosmetic airway and was associated with a low rate of complications.     

Pathogenic bacteria and fungi associated with external ocular diseases in dogs: 131 cases (1981-1986)

Medical records of 131 dogs with external ocular diseases were reviewed. Bacteriologic culture of swab specimens from 151 eyes revealed 100 eyes (66.2%) were considered positive for potentially pathogenic microorganisms. Of 127 species of microorganisms (bacterial and fungal) isolated, 50 (39.3%) were Staphylococcus spp (S intermedius, 17.3%). Streptococcus spp were the next most frequently isolated organism at 32 (25.2%), (Str canis, 16.5%). beta-Hemolytic streptococci (17%) were isolated more frequently than were alpha-hemolytic streptococci (9%), and coagulase-positive staphylococcal species (29%) were isolated almost 3 times as often as were coagulase-negative species (11%). Fungal and yeast organisms were isolated from 4.6% of the eyes. In vitro, most Staphylococcus spp were susceptible to cephalothin, bacitracin, and gentamicin, whereas most Streptococcus spp were susceptible to chloramphenicol, erythromycin, carbenicillin, and cephalothin. Pseudomonas spp were sensitive to tobramycin, gentamicin, and amikacin.     

Colopexy in broodmares: 44 cases (1986-1990).

Colopexies were performed in 44 broodmares requiring abdominal surgery for large colon volvulus or right dorsal displacement of the large colon. Colopexies were performed by suturing the lateral bands of the left and right ventral colon to the ventral abdominal wall. Forty-seven percent of the mares in which a colopexy was performed had previous surgery for a large colon volvulus or right dorsal displacement of the large colon. Postoperative complications considered directly associated with the colopexy procedure were intermittent abdominal pain in 7, reoperation in 5, subcutaneous fistulous tracts in 1, and catastrophic rupture of the left ventral colon in 2 horses. Thirty-six horses survived greater than 6 months after colopexy, 34 of which had complete follow-up examinations. Twenty-seven mares have foaled at least once subsequent to the colopexy procedure, totalling 40 foals. Colopexy was considered a viable technique to prevent recurrence of large colon displacement or volvulus in selected predisposed populations.     

Clinical features of salmonellosis in cats: six cases (1981-1986)

Of 6 cats with salmonellosis, only cats 1, 4, and 5 manifested clinical signs of gastroenteritis. In cats 2 to 5, salmonellosis was characterized by fever, a left-shifted leukogram, and vague nonspecific signs of illness. Salmonellae were isolated from blood and feces of cats 1 to 4, and from extraintestinal sites as part of a mixed gram-negative bacterial flora in cats 5 and 6. Of 4 cats with Salmonella bacteremia, cats 2, 3, and 4 were successfully treated with trimethoprim-sulfadiazine, amoxicillin, and/or chloramphenicol; treatment with cephapirin was ineffective in 3 cats. In some cats, salmonellosis was observed as a chronic febrile illness without specific gastrointestinal signs or as a localized tissue infection.     

Pituitary macroadenomas and macroadenocarcinomas in dogs treated with mitotane for pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism: 13 cases (1981-1986)

Pituitary macroadenoma/macroadenocarcinoma (PMA; tumor size greater than or equal to 1 cm in diameter) was diagnosed in 13 dogs after 0.5 to 24 months of mitotane treatment for pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH). The diagnosis of PDH was established on the basis of results of common tests of the pituitary-adrenocortical axis in conjunction with results of x-ray computed tomography or necropsy. Initial clinical findings and clinicopathologic test results were typical of PDH. Signs referable to the CNS developed in 7 of the 13 dogs. The most common neurologic sign was stupor. Pituitary macroadenoma/macroadenocarcinoma was an unexpected finding in the other 6 dogs, because none had clinical signs of disease referable to the CNS at the time that pituitary tumor was documented. In the 13 dogs, strong correlation existed between tumor volume, compression/invasion of the surrounding nervous tissue, and development of neurologic signs, ie, neurologic signs were most frequently associated with larger tumors. The size of the tumor, however, was not always an indication of whether neurologic signs would be observed. All 7 dogs with neurologic signs were euthanatized because of the deleterious effects of the PMA. Of the 6 dogs without neurologic signs, 2 died of unrelated cause. Alternative treatment (ie, hypophysectomy, 60Co-teletherapy) was used successfully in 2 other dogs. Alternative treatment would seem indicated if PMA is documented in a dog with PDH. However, identification of PMA is dependent on evaluation of x-ray computed tomographic images. Signalment, history, physical examination, and alterations in routine clinicopathologic findings in these 13 dogs of our study were similar to previously reported findings in dogs with PDH but apparently without large pituitary tumors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Pancreatic abscess in dogs: six cases (1978-1986)

Pancreatic abscess was diagnosed by exploratory celiotomy in 6 dogs. The most common clinical signs included acute onset of lethargy (n = 5), anorexia (n = 6), vomiting (n = 5), and diarrhea (n = 2). Physical examination revealed pain response to abdominal palpation (n = 5), depression (n = 5), icterus (n = 3), fever (n = 3), and cranial abdominal mass (n = 2). Consistent preoperative clinicopathologic abnormalities included leukocytosis with left shift, observance of toxic neutrophils on the blood smear, hyperlipasemia, hyperamylasemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and increased serum alkaline phosphatase activity. In 5 of 6 dogs, abdominal radiography revealed increased soft tissue density in the cranial portion of the abdomen. Ultrasonography performed on 4 dogs confirmed pancreatic mass. In all dogs, exploratory celiotomy revealed a cavitary pancreatic mass that contained sterile, mucopurulent material. Histopathologic diagnoses included acute necrotizing or chronic-active pancreatitis and steatitis. Two dogs were euthanatized at the time of diagnosis, and the remaining 4 were treated by use of pancreatic debridement(s), open abdominal drainage, and intensive administration of fluids and antibiotics. One dog was euthanatized 4 days after surgery, because of progressive pancreatic abscessation. Three dogs recovered and were discharged.     

Pulmonary thromboembolism in dogs: 47 cases (1986-1987)

Medical records of 47 dogs with pulmonary thromboembolism were reviewed. Middle-aged to older dogs predominated and dyspnea and arterial hypoxemia were consistent clinical findings. Thoracic radiographic findings were variable. Cardiac disease, neoplasia, hyperadrenocorticism, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and sepsis were identified most frequently. Multiple disease processes were identified in 64% of the dogs.     

Trends in transfusion medicine in dogs at a veterinary school clinic: 315 cases (1986-1989).

Transfusion practices in dogs treated at Tufts University Foster Hospital for Small Animals were monitored for 1 year before and 2 years after receipt (by the School) of a Transfusion Medicine Academic Award, a 5-year National Institutes of Health curriculum and career development grant. The most important changes observed were increased use of packed RBC instead of fresh whole blood for initial treatment of anemia and hemorrhage attributable to coagulopathies and surgery. In addition, increased use of plasma was part of the treatment of disseminated intravascular coagulation. Change was not observed in the use of plasma for dogs with hypoalbuminemia.     

Clinical evaluation of axial pattern skin flaps in dogs and cats: 19 cases (1981-1990).

Nineteen axial pattern skin flaps were used in 16 dogs and cats to provide skin for repair of extensive cutaneous defects. Retrospective evaluation of medical records was used to determine percentage flap survival, postoperative complications, and long-term outcome of axial pattern skin flaps. The most common indication for use of axial pattern flaps was to augment wound closure following tumor resection (n = 7). Other indications included trauma (n = 5), chronic nonhealing wounds (n = 4), urine-induced cellulitis (n = 1), idiopathic dermal necrosis (n = 1), and chronic lymphoplasmocytic dermatitis (n = 1). Mean flap survival (+/- SD) was 96% (+/- 8). Postoperative complications included wound drainage (n = 15), partial dehiscence of the sutured flap (n = 7), distal flap necrosis (n = 6), infection (n = 3), edema (n = 3), and seroma formation (n = 2). After a median follow-up time of 5 months, evaluation of animals indicated that surgery provided successful wound reconstruction with good cosmetic results. Reconstruction of large cutaneous defects is facilitated by axial pattern flap application regardless of cause of wound. Postoperative complications are common but amenable to standard wound management techniques such as drain placement and surgical debridement of devitalized distal flap skin.     

Smoke exposure in cats: 22 cases (1986-1997).

OBJECTIVE: To review clinical findings and clinical course for cats exposed to smoke in residential fires and to determine clinical variables that may have prognostic importance. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 22 cats admitted to our veterinary teaching hospital between 1986 and 1997 with a history of smoke exposure during a residential fire. PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed for history, clinical signs, physical examination findings, changes in respiratory tract signs, initial hematologic analysis, treatment, results of thoracic radiography, and outcome. RESULTS: Fifteen of 22 (68%) cats were categorized in the uncomplicated group, 5 (23%) in the complicated group, and 2 (9%) were discharged after a short period because of financial considerations. Twenty (91%) cats survived, but 2 (9%) were euthanatized because of severe respiratory compromise or neurologic changes. Predominant thoracic radiographic changes were diffuse interstitial pattern (6 cats) and focal alveolar pattern (5). The majority (8/13) of cats that were stable or had improved by the day after admission had an uncomplicated clinical course while hospitalized, whereas cats that were worse on the day after admission tended to have a complicated clinical course. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cats that survive a residential fire and are admitted to a hospital have a good chance to be discharged. Cats that do not have signs of respiratory tract dysfunction at admission probably will not develop severe respiratory complications. For cats with signs of respiratory dysfunction at admission, better prognostic information will be determined by monitoring progression of the respiratory condition on the day after admission.     

Thyroid carcinoma causing hyperthyroidism in cats: 14 cases (1981-1986)

The medical records of 14 hyperthyroid cats with thyroid carcinoma were analyzed retrospectively regarding historical, physical, laboratory, and thyroid scintiscan findings, treatment, and treatment outcome. Breed predilection was not detected, and older castrated male cats were most commonly affected. The most common clinical signs detected by owners were weight loss, polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, hyperactivity, and anorexia. Physical examination findings included tachycardia, palpable cervical mass, hyperactivity, cardiac murmur, and abnormal coat. Common abnormal laboratory findings were high serum thyroxine and triiodo-thyronine concentrations and high serum alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and aspartate transaminase activities. Azotemia, hyperphosphatemia, and hyperglycemia were noticed less frequently. The most common thyroid scintiscan findings were multiple nodular areas of high radionuclide uptake in the cervical region, thoracic inlet, and cranial mediastinum. The most common morphologic diagnosis was mixed compact and follicular carcinoma, with follicular and papillary carcinomas being less common. Most cats responded well to treatment of the thyroid tumor, with rapid resolution of the historical and physical examination findings. The most common necropsy findings were local tumor invasion, regional lymph node metastases, cardiomyopathy, and interstitial nephritis.