Airway obstruction in a dog after Dieffenbachia ingestion

Objective – To describe a case of Dieffenbachia ingestion in a dog presented for dysphagia and airway obstruction successfully treated with a temporary tracheostomy and supportive care beyond that reported in the veterinary literature. Case Summary – An 8‐year‐old male neutered Labrador Retriever, weighing 30 kg, was presented with the complaint of choking and gagging. Abdominal radiographs showed that he had a distended stomach full of foreign material and a gastrotomy was performed. After receiving preanesthetic medication, the dog developed inspiratory stridor and during anesthetic induction, marked oropharyngeal swelling complicated tracheal intubation. During surgery a large amount of dog bedding and Dieffenbachia plant material was removed. Because of the severity of the oropharyngeal swelling, the dog required a temporary tracheostomy and treatment for an acute allergic reaction related to the Dieffenbachia ingestion. The patient was discharged after 6 days in the hospital and had no significant complications. New or Unique Information Provided – To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of successful treatment of an airway obstruction related to the toxicity of Dieffenbachia ingestion.     

Serum sickness in a dog associated with antivenin therapy for snake bite caused by Crotalus adamanteus

Objective: This case report describes antivenin‐associated acute and delayed hypersensitivity reactions in a dog envenomated by an Eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus), specifically reviewing the syndrome of antivenin‐associated serum sickness. Clinician awareness of this syndrome is important in order to allow for its recognition and appropriate treatment. Case summary: A Boxer dog was envenomated by an Eastern diamondback rattlesnake. Shock, echinocytosis, and coagulopathy were manifested, and the dog was given antivenin crotalidae polyvalent therapy and supportive care. The early onset of an anaphylactoid reaction was attributed to antivenin therapy and was managed with diphenhydramine and subcutaneous epinephrine therapy. Fever, chemosis, and limb edema occurred during the 3rd through 6th hospital days following antivenin therapy and were consistent with serum sickness syndrome as described in humans. Further immunoassay support reflecting complement activation and response to treatment were characteristic. New information provided: To our knowledge, this describes the first reported case of antivenin‐associated serum sickness in a dog.     

Generalized calcinosis cutis associated with disseminated paecilomycosis in a dog

A 4‐year‐old spayed female mixed breed dog was referred to the Michigan State University, Veterinary Teaching Hospital (MSU‐VTH) with vomiting, lethargy and anorexia of 2 weeks duration. Abdominal radiographs and ultrasonography showed hepatosplenomegaly. Cytological evaluation of ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspirates of the liver and spleen revealed fungal organisms and pyogranulomatous inflammation; fungal culture documented Paecilomyces variotii infection. The dog received antifungal therapy and supportive care. Multiple firm plaque‐like skin lesions, predominantly involving the inguinal region, developed 18 days after initial presentation and were diagnosed histopathologically as calcinosis cutis. While generalized calcinosis cutis has been reported in three dogs with blastomycosis and one dog with leptospirosis, the association with disseminated Paecilomyces spp. infection is novel.     

Successful management of suspected acorn (Quercus petraea) toxicity in a dog

A 7-year-old neutered male Labrador retriever dog was referred to a tertiary care veterinary hospital because of gastrointestinal signs and icterus. The dog developed a hepatopathy and acute kidney injury after ingesting acorns (Quercus petraea) 4 days prior to referral. The dog required hospitalization in an intensive care unit but made a full clinical recovery and was discharged after 6 days. This report documents that dogs can be affected by this toxicity and highlights the need for veterinarians to consider acorns as a potential cause of acute hepatotoxicity and renal injury. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case of acorn toxicity in a dog.     

A case of apparent canine erysipeloid associated with Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae bacteraemia

Background – Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a Gram‐positive facultative anaerobe found worldwide and is most commonly associated with skin disease in swine, while anecdotal reports of cases in dogs have been associated with endocarditis. Hypothesis/Objectives – Clinicians should consider systemic infectious diseases as a potential cause of erythematous skin lesions. Animals – A 5‐year‐old female spayed Labrador retriever presented with lethargy, anorexia and erythematous skin lesions while receiving immunosuppressive therapy for immune‐mediated haemolytic anaemia. Four days prior to presentation, the dog had chewed on a raw turkey carcase. Methods – Complete blood count, serum chemistry profile, urinalysis and blood cultures. Results – Blood cultures yielded a pure growth of E. rhusiopathiae serotype 1b. Amoxicillin 22 mg/kg orally twice daily for 2 weeks and discontinuation of azathioprine resulted in remission of fever and skin lesions. Conclusions and clinical importance – This report is the first documentation, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, of Erysipelothrix infection, a known zoonosis, in an immunosuppressed dog, highlighting the need for infectious disease monitoring in patients receiving such therapy. This information may also help educate veterinarians to include Erysipelothrix infection as a differential diagnosis in dogs with fever and skin lesions, as well as the role of blood cultures in diagnosing this disease.     

Coma and respiratory failure due to moxidectin intoxication in a dog

Objective: To describe the clinical consequences following ingestion by a dog of a moxidectin‐containing equine deworming product. Few reports exist concerning the treatment and outcome of severe moxidectin toxicity. Treatment, known factors influencing intoxication, and prognosis are reviewed. Case summary: A 10‐month‐old female Border Collie ingested an unknown quantity of a moxidectin‐containing equine deworming product several hours before presentation. Severe neurological signs subsequently developed and included: ataxia, seizures, coma, and respiratory failure. The dog was treated with supportive care including intravenous fluids, activated charcoal, and positive pressure ventilation. Normal spontaneous respiration returned in 34 hours and the patient was discharged 58 hours after ingestion. Full recovery occurred within 1 week of intoxication. New information provided: This report describes moxidectin intoxication and associated respiratory failure in a dog that required mechanical ventilation. The dog's recovery was rapid. Despite severity of signs, the prognosis for patients with moxidectin intoxication is good with appropriate supportive care.     

Stabilizing Dog Populations and Improving Animal and Public Health Through a Participatory Approach in Indigenous Communities

Free‐roaming dog populations are a global concern for animal and human health including transmission of infectious disease (e.g. rabies, distemper and parasites), dog bite injuries/mortalities, animal welfare and adverse effects on wildlife. In Saskatchewan (SK), Canada, veterinary care is difficult to access in the remote and sparsely inhabited northern half of the province, where the population is predominately Indigenous. Even where veterinary clinics are readily available, there are important barriers such as cost, lack of transportation, unique cultural perspectives on dog husbandry and perceived need for veterinary care. We report the effects of introducing a community action plan designed to improve animal and human health, increase animal health literacy and benefit community well‐being in two Indigenous communities where a dog‐related child fatality recently occurred. Initial door‐to‐door dog demographic surveys indicated that most dogs were sexually intact (92% of 382 dogs), and few had ever been vaccinated (6%) or dewormed (6%). Approximately three animal‐related injuries requiring medical care were reported in the communities per 1000 persons per year (95% CL: 1.6–6.6), and approximately 86% of 145 environmentally collected dog faecal samples contained parasites, far above levels reported in other urban or rural settings in SK. Following two subsidized spay/neuter clinics and active rehoming of dogs, parasite levels in dog faeces decreased significantly (P < 0.001), and important changes were observed in the dog demographic profile. This project demonstrates the importance of engaging people using familiar, local resources and taking a community specific approach. As well, it highlights the value of integrated, cross‐jurisdictional cooperation, utilizing the resources of university researchers, veterinary personnel, public health, environmental health and community‐based advocates to work together to solve complex issues in One Health. On‐going surveillance on dog bites, parasite levels and dog demographics are needed to measure the long‐term sustainability of benefits to dog, human and wildlife health.     

Xylitol intoxication associated with fulminant hepatic failure in a dog

Objective: To describe a case of xylitol intoxication causing fulminant hepatic failure in a dog. Case summary: A 2.5‐year‐old castrated male English Springer Spaniel weighing 26 kg, was presented after ingestion of half of a loaf of bread containing the sweetener xylitol. Toxic effects of the xylitol in this dog included vomiting, mild hypoglycemia and fulminant hepatic failure. Clinical management of acute hepatic failure and subsequent coagulopathy with supportive care and fresh frozen plasma is described. The dog was discharged 3 days after admission after a full clinical recovery. New or unique information provided: This paper describes the clinical consequence and successful treatment of fulminant hepatic failure in a dog following ingestion of xylitol.     

Treatment of accidental ethanol intoxication with hemodialysis in a dog

Objective – To describe the successful treatment of accidental ethanol intoxication with hemodialysis in a dog. Case Summary – A 1.5‐year‐old female intact mixed breed dog was presented in a comatose state believed to be due to ethanol intoxication. The initial 9 hours of supportive care treatment were complicated by multiple seizures and hypothermia, and resulted in only minimal improvement in the dog's level of consciousness. Hemodialysis was implemented and resulted in rapid clinical recovery, corresponding to a rapid decline in serum ethanol concentration. New or Unique Information Provided – To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of using hemodialysis to treat accidental ethanol intoxication in a dog. The patient's initial serum ethanol concentration was higher than those previously reported for cases of accidental ethanol intoxication in dogs, and the serum ethanol concentration was shown to rapidly decline during hemodialysis. Treatment with hemodialysis for severe ethanol intoxication was effective in this case and may be able to decrease morbidity and mortality in some cases.     

An overview of potentially life-threatening poisonous plants in dogs and cats

Objectives: This article discusses the toxicity of the most common poisonous plants known to cause life‐threatening systemic effects or death in dogs and cats as reported to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC). Data sources: The article presents an overview of geographic distribution, toxic principle, clinical signs, clinical chemistry alterations, and treatment of intoxication as reported in the literature and based upon data retrieved from the APCC between January 2001 and December 2003. Summary: Most plant exposures in dogs or cats result in mild to moderate signs of vomiting and diarrhea while liver, kidney, central nervous system, or cardiovascular effects are rare. Some garden or household plants can cause serious systemic effects or death when a small amount of plant material has been ingested. Based on APCC records, the most frequently reported poisonous plants causing serious systemic effects include Lily (Lilium and Hemerocallis spp.), Azalea (Rhododendron spp.), Oleander (Nerium oleander), Sago palm (Cycas spp.), Castor bean (Ricinus communis), Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe spp.), and Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale). Conclusion: Despite the variety of toxins present in the plants listed above, early clinical signs of toxicosis in dogs and cats can be nonspecific and can include vomiting, lethargy, anorexia, salivation, or diarrhea. Cardiac arrhythmias may be present with oleander, azalea, or kalanchoe ingestion. Evidence of liver or kidney damage (Cycas, Lilium, Hemerocallis spp., Ricinus communis) may occur 1–2 days after the exposure. Treatment consists of early decontamination and supportive care and may vary according to the type of plant involved and clinical signs present.     

Pet‐associated Campylobacteriosis: A persisting public health concern

Campylobacter is regarded as a leading cause of human bacterial gastroenteritis in the United States. We report on a case of laboratory‐confirmed Campylobacter jejuni infection in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania among members of a household living with a laboratory‐confirmed but non‐speciated Campylobacter‐infected puppy. We describe an outbreak of likely dog‐associated campylobacteriosis, the risk factors, potential routes of exposure and the clinical features in the exposed family members, which began shortly after exposure to the recently purchased dog. We also provide public health recommendations to prevent Campylobacter infections in veterinary care providers, pet owners and those planning to adopt pets in the future. Finally, this report underscores the importance of the One Health approach when public health responders, human and animal healthcare providers and clinical diagnostic laboratories are tasked with developing effective strategies when investigating, detecting and responding to zoonoses (diseases shared between animals and humans).     

Brain abscess and bacterial endocarditis in a Kerry Blue Terrier with a history of immune-mediated thrombocytopenia

Objective: To describe a case of multifocal brain abscessation as a sequela from bacterial endocarditis in a dog with a 4‐month history of immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP) and treatment with immunosuppressive therapies. Case summary: An 8‐year‐old spayed female Kerry Blue Terrier weighing 13 kg was presented for evaluation of progressive neurologic deficits after a 4‐month history of immunosuppressive treatment of ITP. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed lesions consistent with multiple central nervous system abscesses and rupture of an abscess into an adjacent ventricle. Staphylococcus species were cultured from blood and cerebral spinal fluid and a vegetative lesion of the mitral valve was identified by echocardiographic examination. Intensive care, intravenous antibiotics, and supportive therapy led to resolution of clinical signs. Resolution of the vegetative lesion on the mitral valve was documented by serial echocardiographic examination. The dog was clinically normal 11 months after treatment. New or unique information provided: Bacterial endocarditis can be an occult infection and difficult to diagnose. Emboli from endocarditis are common, but those that affect the spleen and kidneys are often clinically silent in dogs. This case represents the first report of multifocal brain abscessation (documented with magnetic resonance imaging) as a sequela from bacterial endocarditis.     

Transient cold agglutinins associated with Mycoplasma cynos pneumonia in a dog

This report details a case of reversible cold agglutinins in a dog with Mycoplasma cynos pneumonia. An 11‐month‐old female spayed Rhodesian Ridgeback was presented for lethargy and cough. Thoracic radiographs revealed an alveolar pattern present bilaterally in the cranioventral lung lobes. Septic neutrophilic inflammation with suspected Mycoplasma sp. organisms was noted on cytologic examination of a trans‐tracheal wash, and the dog was treated empirically with IV ampicillin/sulbactam and enrofloxacin pending culture results. Red blood cell agglutination was noted unexpectedly on several blood film reviews during hospitalization; however, the dog never developed clinical or laboratory evidence of hemolysis. Cold agglutinins were demonstrated based on the results of a saline dilution and cold agglutinin test that showed agglutination at 4°C but not at room temperature (21°C) or 37°C. Based on a positive culture for M cynos, the dog was treated for 8 weeks with oral enrofloxacin. After clinical and radiographic resolution of the pneumonia, repeated saline dilution and cold agglutinin tests of peripheral blood were negative at all temperatures. Reversible, asymptomatic cold agglutinins are common in human patients with mycoplasma pneumonia, but this is the first reported case in a dog.     

A case of type B botulism in a pregnant bitch

A two‐year‐old pregnant Gordon setter presented with acute onset of flaccid tetraparesis and respiratory distress. Neurological examination revealed diffuse lower motor neuron dysfunction. Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin B was isolated from the dog's serum. The dog was hospitalised and received supportive care; respiratory function was monitored but positive‐pressure ventilation was not required. Recovery was complete within 1 month and parturition occurred without complication 49 days after admission. The puppies delivered lacked any obvious congenital defects and development during the first few months of life was normal. The source of contamination was suspected to be poorly conserved dry food. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of C. botulinum neurotoxin B isolation in a dog and the first report of botulism in a pregnant bitch.     

Septic pericarditis in a Yorkshire Terrier

Objective: To describe a novel case management strategy for a small breed dog diagnosed with septic pericarditis. Case summary: An 8‐year‐old spayed female Yorkshire Terrier presented for evaluation of pericardial effusion and persistent hypoglycemia. The dog had been hospitalized at a primary care facility for acute onset of vomiting, lethargy, inappetance, and painful abdominal distension. Pericardial effusion was detected and upon referral, cytologic examination revealed a suppurative exudate with Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. The dog was treated with pericardiocentesis and placement of an indwelling pericardial catheter. Subtotal pericardiectomy was performed and a thoracotomy tube was utilized postoperatively. A penicillin‐susceptible Bacteroides species was cultured from the pericardial fluid and was treated with a 6‐week course of antibiotics. The dog was discharged from the hospital and clinical signs have not recurred in over 2 years. New or unique information provided: Septic pericarditis, an uncommon cause of canine pericardial effusion, has been described primarily in large breed dogs and in association with bacterial infection secondary to Hordeum grass (foxtail) awn migration. This case was unique in that the dog was a small breed with no evidence of foreign body penetration or other precipitating cause for the pericarditis. In a novel management plan, an indwelling pericardial catheter was employed to stabilize the dog before subtotal pericardiectomy.     

Detection of Neospora caninum tachyzoites in cerebrospinal fluid of a dog following prednisone and cyclosporine therapy

Abstract: A 9‐year‐old female spayed Shetland Sheepdog was presented to the Kansas State University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital for evaluation following a 3‐week history of left rear limb lameness that had progressed to generalized ataxia. Multifocal or diffuse brain lesions were suspected based on physical examination findings. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) contained 52 nucleated cells/μL composed of mixed inflammatory cells. Treatment with prednisone and cyclosporine was initiated based on a presumptive diagnosis of granulomatous meningoencephalitis. Thirteen days later the dog was nonambulatory and mentally obtunded. Repeat CSF analysis revealed 298 nucleated cells/μL with 61% eosinophils. Rare protozoal tachyzoites consistent with Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, or Sarcocystis spp. were found extracellularly and within macrophages and an eosinophil. Despite cessation of prednisone and cyclosporine therapy and provision of supportive care, the dog died 6 days later. Examination of brain tissue sections revealed multifocally extensive, necrotizing, histiocytic, and lymphoplasmacytic meningoencephalitis with numerous protozoal zoites and cysts. Immunohistochemical analysis of brain tissue using a monoclonal antibody specific for N. caninum confirmed the diagnosis of neosporosis. Similar but less severe lesions were noted in the spinal cord, although organisms were not found. This case emphasizes the value of repeated CSF analysis when therapy is ineffective and the importance of excluding infectious causes of meningoencephalitis before commencement of immunosuppressive therapy.     

Successful treatment of Solanum dulcamara intoxication in a Labrador retriever puppy

A 10-week-old intact male Labrador retriever dog was presented for acute onset of weakness, ataxia, and generalized muscle tremors. The puppy was suffering respiratory and central nervous system (CNS) depression, was mildly pyrexic, and vomited plant material that was identified as creeping nightshade (Solanum dulcamara). He responded well to supportive care and was discharged successfully. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of Solanum dulcamara toxicity occurring in a dog.     

Suspected tick paralysis (Ixodes holocyclus) in a Miniature Horse

A 9‐year‐old Miniature Horse gelding infested with ticks (Ixodes holocyclus) was presented with flaccid motor paralysis causing recumbency. Neurological examination and other diagnostic tests did not identify an alternative aetiology, leading to a presumptive diagnosis of tick paralysis. The gelding was treated with tick antiserum and intensive supportive care. He made a gradual recovery over the 48 h following presentation and was discharged without further complications. This case report describes in detail the clinical signs and successful treatment of a Miniature Horse with flaccid paralysis caused by suspected envenomation by Ixodes holocyclus.     

Human tularaemia associated with exposure to domestic dogs—United States, 2006–2016

Dogs have been implicated in the zoonotic transmission of numerous pathogens. Whereas cats are known to transmit Francisella tularensis to humans via bite and other routes, the role of dogs in facilitating infection is much less understood. We reviewed tularaemia case investigation records collected through national surveillance during 2006–2016 to summarize those with dog involvement, characterize the nature of dog‐related exposure and describe associated clinical characteristics. Among 1,814 human tularaemia cases, 735 (41%) supplemental case investigation records were available for review; and of those, 24 (3.3%) were classified as dog‐related. Median age of patients was 51 years (range: 1–82); 54% were female. Two thirds (67%) of cases presented with ulceroglandular/glandular tularaemia; pneumonic (13%) and oropharyngeal (13%) illness occurred less frequently. Dog‐related exposures were classified as follows: direct contact via bite, scratch or face snuggling/licking (n = 12; 50%); direct contact with dead animals retrieved by domestic dogs (n = 8; 33%); and contact with infected ticks acquired from domestic dogs (n = 4; 17%). Prevention of dog‐related tularaemia necessitates enhanced tularaemia awareness and tick avoidance among pet owners, veterinarians, health care providers and the general public.     

Bilateral hydronephrosis secondary to anticoagulant rodenticide intoxication in a dog

Objective: To describe an unusual site of hemorrhage in a case of anticoagulant rodenticide toxicity. Case summary: A dog treated for Brodifacoum anticoagulant rodenticide intoxication was referred for treatment of thrombocytopenia and dysuria. Sonographic examination revealed a large blood clot within the urinary bladder, extending proximally along both ureters, and a bilateral hydronephrosis. In this dog, management of the vitamin K₁‐dependent coagulopathy was unusually complicated by uremia and thrombocytopenia. New information provided: This is the first reported case of hydronephrosis secondary to anticoagulant rodenticide intoxication in a dog.