Association of breed with the diagnosis of congenital portosystemic shunts in dogs: 2,400 cases (1980-2002)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the annual and overall proportion of diagnoses of congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS) in dogs and identify breeds at increased risk for CPSS. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 2,400 dogs with CPSS from veterinary teaching hospitals that reported to the Veterinary Medical Database (VMDB) from January 1, 1980 to February 28, 2002. PROCEDURE: The proportion of diagnoses of CPSS was calculated for all dogs and each breed recorded in the VMDB annually and for the 22.2-year period. Odds ratios and adjusted confidence intervals were calculated for breeds with at least 100 accessions by comparing odds of each breed with a diagnosis of CPSS with that of mixed-breed dogs. RESULTS: Congenital portosystemic shunts were reported in 0.18% of all dogs and 0.05% of mixed-breed dogs. The proportion of diagnoses of CPSS increased from 5 in 10,000 dogs in 1980 to 5 in 1,000 dogs in 2001. Yorkshire Terriers had the greatest total number of diagnoses of CPSS. Thirty-three breeds were significantly more likely to have a diagnosis of CPSS, compared with mixed-breed dogs. The greatest proportions of diagnoses were found in Havanese (3.2%), Yorkshire Terriers (2.9%), Maltese (1.6%), Dandie Dinmont Terriers (1.6%), and Pugs (1.3%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Certain breeds appear to be at increased risk for CPSS, compared with mixed-breed dogs. The increased odds ratios among specific breeds support the hypothesis of a genetic predisposition for CPSS. Clients and veterinarians should consider appropriate diagnostic tests for dogs with clinical signs and those used for breeding from breeds with increased risk of CPSS.     

Clinical manifestations of cataracts in small breed dogs

Objective  To determine the incidence, etiology, and concurrent ophthalmic findings in small breed dogs that presented with cataracts.
Animal studied  Five hundred and sixty-one small breed dogs (942 eyes) were presented to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of Seoul National University between July 2002 and December 2007 with cataract.
Procedure  The medical records of small breed dogs with cataract were reviewed. The reason for presentation, cataract duration, bilaterality, breed, gender, age, vision, etiology, stage of cataract development, concurrent ophthalmic findings, IOP, ocular ultrasonography findings, and scotopic electroretinography (ERG) findings were investigated.
Results  The most frequently presented breeds were the Miniature/Toy Poodle ( n  = 112, 20.0%), Yorkshire Terrier ( n  = 110, 19.6%), and Shih Tzu ( n  = 95, 16.9%). The Miniature/Toy Poodle showed a significantly higher odds ratio for cataract formation (2.6). The proportion of female cataract patients was significantly higher than that of male cataract patients in the overall population ( P  < 0.05). The Miniature/Toy Poodles had significantly higher numbers of females affected with cataract ( P  < 0.01). The mean age for cataract formation was 8.3 ± 3.9 years. The mean age at onset in the Miniature/Toy Poodle and Yorkshire Terrier was significantly higher, whereas that in the Miniature Schnauzer group was significantly lower ( P  < 0.0001). Clinical signs related to lens induced uveitis had a tendency to increase with cataract progression ( P  < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the b-wave amplitude for mixed rod cone response by stage ( P  = 0.137).
Conclusions  Small breed dogs with cataracts had characteristics with regard to age of onset and gender distribution, depending on the breed.     

Conjunctival effects of canine distemper virus-induced keratoconjunctivitis sicca

Objective  This study compared the histopathology of canine distemper virus (CDV)-induced keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) to non-infectious KCS in conjunctival tissues.
Animals studied  Forty mongrel dogs were assigned to three distinct groups: (i) non-infectious KCS (G1, n  = 10), (ii) CDV-induced KCS (G2, n  = 20), and (iii) healthy animals without any ocular alterations (G3, n  = 10).
Procedure  IgG titers and physical and ophthalmic examinations (e.g. Schirmer tear test [STT], tonometry, biomicroscopy, indirect biomicroscopy, and fluorescein test) were performed on all dogs. Conjunctival biopsies were collected and examined microscopically.
Results  Non-infectious and CDV-induced KCS demonstrated similar histopathological changes. Both types of KCS correlated with low STT, conjunctival hyperemia, mucopurulent ocular discharge, predominant lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, and acantholysis and keratinization of the ocular surface. G1 had lower conjunctival goblet cell counts than G3. Inclusion bodies were sporadically found in conjunctival samples of dogs from G2. The severity of ocular lesions in G1 and G2 did not correlate with the histopathological findings.
Conclusions  Dogs with non-infectious and CDV-induced KCS had very similar conjunctival histopathology. Our findings suggest that the pathophysiology of CDV-induced KCS is likely to be the same as non-infectious KCS, that is, a result of lacrimal deficiency and inflammation of the ocular surface.     

Severe, unilateral, unresponsive keratoconjunctivitis sicca in 16 juvenile Yorkshire Terriers

OBJECTIVE: To present ophthalmic findings, clinical data, and treatment outcomes of 16 juvenile Yorkshire Terriers with severe unilateral keratoconjunctivitis sicca. RESULTS: Each of the 16 dogs exhibited extreme unilateral dryness associated with blepharospasm, mucoid discharge, and corneal vascularization. Ages of affected dogs at presentation ranged from 5 months to 4 years. Mean Schirmer tear test (STT) result for affected eyes was 1 mm/min. Topical application of 0.2% cyclosporine to the affected eye was not associated with improvement in STT values in any dog. Clinical signs subjectively improved with topical application of 20% chondroitin sulfate ophthalmic solution in some dogs, and transposition of the parotid duct was performed in three dogs. Histopathologic examination in one dog failed to show evidence of orbital lacrimal gland tissue. Clinical signs, age of presentation, disease severity, and lack of response to treatment are consistent with breed-related unilateral aplasia or hypoplasia of the lacrimal gland. CONCLUSION: Lacrimal gland aplasia or hypoplasia should be considered in young dogs with severe unilateral ocular dryness, especially female Yorkshire Terriers.     

Determination of inheritance of single congenital portosystemic shunts in Yorkshire terriers

A hereditary basis for congenital portosystemic shunts (PSS) in Yorkshire terriers was explored through record and pedigree analysis and a breeding trial. The odds ratio for PSS in Yorkshire terriers was 35.9 times greater than for all other breeds combined. Wright's coefficient of inbreeding was approximately twice as high for Yorkshire terriers with PSS as compared to normal members of the breed (P=0.09). No common ancestors were found that were significant to the PSS group. Two affected Yorkshire terriers were bred and produced two normal puppies. Congenital PSS appears to be hereditary in Yorkshire terriers; however, the mechanism of inheritance has yet to be elucidated.     

Canine meibometry: establishing baseline values for meibomian gland secretions in dogs

Meibomian lipid secretions are essential in preventing tear evaporation. Disorders of the meibomian glands may therefore play an important role in the pathogenesis of some forms of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). Until now, meibomian lipid secretions have never been quantitatively evaluated in dogs. With the aim of establishing baseline values of canine meibomian lipid secretions, meibometry was conducted in 42 healthy dogs, 16 of which were Miniature Schnauzers. The mean meibomium level in 84 eyes of the 42 dogs was 179+/-60 Meibometer units. Age, gender and side did not affect the results. However, meibomium levels were significantly lower in the Miniature Schnauzers, a breed that is susceptible to KCS, compared to other breeds. This report demonstrates that meibometry is a simple and minimally invasive technique that may be readily used in conscious dogs to quantify meibomian gland secretions and explicate tear film dynamics in normal and dry canine eyes.     

A perspective on copper and liver disease in the dog.

Copper is a ubiquitous trace metal necessary for normal function of a variety of cellular proteins. Intracellular copper metabolism is complex, and only a few of the proteins/genes involved are known. Copper deficiency does not appear to be a clinical problem in dogs. Excess copper accumulation in the liver as a cause of hepatitis and cirrhosis was first demonstrated among Bedlington terriers. Subsequently, copper accumulation in the liver has been shown to occur in several other breeds of dogs. Excess hepatic copper has been found in dogs with normal liver histology, dogs with hepatitis, and dogs with end stage cirrhosis. Evidence is accumulating that copper is a cause of liver disease in breeds of dogs other than Bedlington terriers. Moreover, as more data are accumulated, the copper storage disease appears to have characteristics that are very similar among all of the affected breeds.     

Serum Serotonin Concentrations in Dogs with Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease

Background: Increased serotonin (5HT) signaling has been implicated in valvular disease of humans and animals, including canine degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD). High circulating 5HT concentration is a potential source of increased signaling, and serum 5HT concentrations have not been previously reported in dogs with DMVD.
Hypothesis: Dogs with DMVD and small breed dogs predisposed to DMVD have higher serum 5HT concentrations than large breed controls.
Animals: Fifty dogs affected with DMVD, 34 dogs predisposed to DMVD but without cardiac murmur or echocardiographic evidence of DMVD, and 36 healthy large breed control dogs.
Methods: Prospective analysis. Serum 5HT concentration was measured by an ELISA test.
Results: Median serum 5HT concentration was significantly higher in dogs with DMVD and in dogs predisposed to DMVD as compared with controls (DMVD, 765.5 ng/mL [interquartile range, 561.3–944.4]; predisposed, 774.9 ng/mL [528.3–1,026]; control, 509.8 ng/mL [320.8–708.8]; P = .0001). Subgroup analysis of predisposed dogs indicated significantly higher serum 5HT concentrations in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS) dogs than in other breeds (CKCS, 855.0 ng/mL [635.8–1,088]; non-CKCS, 554.2 ng/mL [380.6–648.4]; P = .0023). Age, platelet count, and platelet morphology were not correlated with 5HT concentration in any group.
Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Dogs with DMVD had significantly higher serum 5HT concentrations when compared with large breed control dogs. Healthy CKCS dogs had significantly higher serum 5HT concentrations than other healthy dogs predisposed to DMVD. Additional investigation into a possible role of 5HT in the pathogenesis of DMVD is warranted.     

A KCNJ10 mutation previously identified in the Russell group of terriers also occurs in Smooth-Haired Fox Terriers with hereditary ataxia and in related breeds

Background

Hereditary ataxias with similar phenotypes were reported in the Smooth-Haired Fox Terrier, the Jack Russell Terrier and the Parson Russell Terrier. However, segregation analyses showed differing inheritance modes in these breeds. Recently, molecular genetic studies on the Russell group of terriers found independent mutations in KCNJ10 and CAPN1, each associated with a specific clinical subtype of inherited ataxia. The aim of this study was to clarify whether or not Smooth-Haired Fox Terriers with hereditary ataxia and dogs of other related breeds harbor either of the same mutations. A sub goal was to update the results of KCNJ10 genotyping in Russell group terriers.

Findings

Three Smooth-Haired Fox Terriers with hereditary ataxia and two Toy Fox Terriers with a similar phenotype were all homozygous for the KCNJ10 mutation. The same mutation was also found in a heterozygous state in clinically unaffected Tenterfield Terriers (n = 5) and, in agreement with previous studies, in Jack Russell Terriers, Parson Russell Terriers, and Russell Terriers.

Conclusions

A KCNJ10 mutation, previously associated with an autosomal recessive spinocerebellar ataxia in Jack Russell Terriers, Parson Russell Terriers, and Russell Terriers segregates in at least three more breeds descended from British hunting terriers. Ataxic members of two of these breeds, the Smooth-Haired Fox Terrier and the Toy Fox Terrier, were homozygous for the mutation, strengthening the likelihood that this genetic defect is indeed the causative mutation for the disease known as “hereditary ataxia” in Fox Terriers and “spinocerebellar ataxia with myokymia, seizures or both” in the Russell group of terriers.     

The effect of topical pimecrolimus on keratoconjunctivitis sicca and chronic superficial keratitis in dogs: results from an exploratory study

OBJECTIVE: Pimecrolimus is an ascomycin derivative that interferes selectively with the activation of T cells and mast cells and inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines. This study evaluated the efficacy of an experimental ophthalmic formulation of pimecrolimus in treating keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) and chronic superficial keratitis (CSK) in dogs. ANIMALS AND PROCEDURES: Eight dogs with KCS and six with CSK were included. The dogs were of various breeds, suffered from chronic conditions, and had been pretreated unsuccessfully. The affected eyes were treated with 1 drop of an experimental, corn oil-based pimecrolimus 1% formulation three times a day. Parameters evaluated included Schirmer tear test (STT), ocular discharge, conjunctival inflammation, corneal inflammatory cell infiltrate and scarring, and comfort level. RESULTS: The effect of pimecrolimus 1% was pronounced (increase in STT values to higher than 4 mm/min, no signs of inflammation) or moderate (increase in STT values of 3-4 mm/min, mild signs of corneal/conjunctival inflammation) in a total of 6/8 animals with KCS. In 4/6 animals with CSK, the effect was either pronounced (total regression of fibrovascular infiltration into the cornea, no corneal scarring) or moderate (distinct regression of pannus, mild corneal scarring). The response to treatment was unsatisfactory in four of 14 animals. CONCLUSION: Results of this exploratory study suggest that topical 1% pimecrolimus may be a new effective treatment for keratoconjunctivitis sicca and chronic superficial keratitis in dogs.     

Canine neurogenic Keratoconjunctivitis sicca: 11 cases (2006-2010)

Objective To describe the clinical data of dogs with neurogenic Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) and an ipsilateral dry nose without other neurologic deficits. Procedure The retrospective case study included 11 dogs diagnosed with neurogenic KCS and an ipsilateral dry nose between 2006 and 2010. Medical records were reviewed for breed, age, sex, history, suspected cause of neurogenic KCS, clinical signs, and treatment modalities. Follow‐up information was obtained by re‐examination of patients or completion of a telephone survey with the referring veterinarian or the owners. Results Mean age of the dogs was 6.6 ± 4.5 years. Neurogenic KCS was diagnosed in three females, five spayed females, one male, and two castrated males representing 10 different breeds. Ophthalmic signs of KCS (mean Schirmer tear test [STT] value of 1.9 ± 2.9 mm/min) combined with an ipsilateral dry nose were diagnosed in seven left and four right eyes. The suspected cause of neurogenic KCS was idiopathic in nine and trauma in two cases. Systemic therapy consisted of oral pilocarpine 1–2% eye drops combined with case‐specific topical treatment with cyclosporine 0.2% and tear substitutes. Duration of systemic treatment with pilocarpine until healing was 125 days (range 84–204, median 98 days) for five dogs. One dog was lost to follow‐up, and the remaining five dogs are still under systemic treatment with pilocarpine. Conclusions Neurogenic KCS with an ipsilateral dry nose seems to be a predominantly idiopathic disease of middle‐aged female dogs without breed predisposition, which may be self‐limiting in some cases.     

Immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia in 110 dogs in Victoria, Australia

Objective   Evaluate the survival and prognostic indicators (i.e. breed predilection, season, blood transfusion, and the prevalence of autoagglutination) of dogs with immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA) in Victoria, Australia.
Design   Retrospective study of 110 diagnosed with primary IMHA at the University of Melbourne Veterinary Clinic and Hospital.
Results   In total, 80 of the dogs (72.7%) were discharged from hospital and 48 of 65 (73.8%) dogs available for follow-up were known to be alive at 1 year, giving an overall 1-year survival of 48 (50.5%) of 95 dogs for which survival data were available. Regarding breed, 80 (18.2%) of the 110 dogs were Maltese-breed dogs compared with 81 (7.4%) of 1100 control dogs (P < 0.001). Springer Spaniels (P = 0.02), Hungarian Vizslas (P = 0.02) and Airedale Terriers (P < 0.001) were also over-represented compared with the control sample. There was no evidence of an association between the occurrence of IMHA in dogs and season in this study. Receiving one or more blood transfusions did not affect survival to the time of discharge from hospital. On initial blood smear examination, 57 (51.8%) of the 110 dogs had spontaneous autoagglutination and its presence was associated with decreased survival to discharge from hospital (P = 0.03). Packed cell volume, white cell count, platelet count and serum total bilirubin on admission had no effect on survival to the time of discharge from hospital or 1 year later.
Conclusion   Dogs with IMHA have a guarded prognosis as only half are still alive 1 year after the acute event.     

Concentrations of Prolactin, LH, Testosterone, TSH and Thyroxine in Normospermic Dogs of Different Breeds

Concentrations of prolactin (PRL), LH, testosterone (T), TSH and thyroxine (T₄) were determined before and at 20, 120 and 180 min after a single iv injection of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in eight Beagles, eight Fox Terriers, six Labrador Retrievers and five Great Danes that were normospermic. Mean basal PRL concentrations were lower in the Fox Terriers compared with the Great Danes (p < 0.05). Mean LH concentrations were higher in the Fox Terriers than in the Beagles, and T was lower in the Fox Terriers at some times but not others (p < 0.05). Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) concentrations did not differ among breeds, while mean basal T₄ values were lower in Fox Terriers compared with Labrador Retrievers and Great Danes (p < 0.05). Stimulation of T₄ secretion 120 and 180 min after iv TRH injection was most pronounced in the Beagles and less in the Fox Terriers (p < 0.05). The results of the present study indicate that potential breed differences in circulating concentrations of PRL, LH, T, TSH and T₄ in male dogs with apparently normal fertility can be encountered, but further studies are needed to determine whether the observed differences are typical features of these breeds, reflect subsets of dogs within breeds, or are in part because of possible uncontrolled parameters such as sample timing, ambient photoperiod, housing conditions or diet.     

Atypical Reaction to Acetaminophen Intoxication in a Dog

Objective: To report an unusual manifestation of acetaminophen intoxication in a dog.
Case Summary: A Miniature Pinscher was presented for evaluation of lethargy and facial swelling after ingestion of 500–750 mg/kg of acetaminophen. Laboratory testing revealed eccentrocytes, Heinz bodies, hemoglobinemia, and a declining packed red cell volume consistent with oxidative damage to the erythrocytes. Hepatocellular damage, as monitored by serum alanine aminotransferase, was not documented. The dog responded well to therapeutic intervention, and was discharged from the hospital. The dog returned to the hospital 2 days later with clinical signs and diagnostic tests consistent with acute keratoconjunctivitis sicca, which was assumed to be due to a toxic etiology. The dog responded well to therapy, regaining normal levels of tear production within six weeks.
New or Unique Information Provided: Acetaminophen intoxication may be associated with severe erythrocytic oxidative damage in the absence of detectable hepatic injury in dogs. Acetaminophen intoxication may have the potential to cause acute keratoconjunctivitis sicca in dogs. ( J Vet Emerg Crit Care 2001; 11(2): 123–126 )     

COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF THE VENTRICLES IN THE YORKSHIRE TERRIER AND THE GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG USING LOW-FIELD MRI

MR images provide for the exact assessment of the brain, including ventricular size. Still inter- and intrabreed comparison of ventricle size is difficult due to the varying anatomies in dogs. To compare the ventricle area of different sized breeds, 25 dogs (13 Yorkshire Terriers and 12 German Shepard dogs) were reviewed, retrospectively. Hemisphere and ventricle of each side were outlined manually three times. All measurements were averaged and their percentage (ventricle area by hemisphere area) was defined as the relative ventricle area. This value in Yorkshire Terriers (5.3) was significantly higher compared to German Shepard dogs (1.7). However, on the basis of the neurologically symptomatic sample (7 Yorkshire Terriers) in this study, threshold values of normal and abnormal relative ventricle areas could not be detected.     

Complete Ligation of Extrahepatic Congenital Portosystemi Shunts in Nonencephalopathic Dogs

Objective —To evaluate lack of encephalopathy as a positive prognostic factor for complete ligation of extrahepatic congenital portosystemic shunts in dogs.
Study Design —Retrospective analysis of case records.
Animals —Dogs with extrahepatic congenital portosystemic shunts treated at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, from 1985 to 1996.
Methods —The ability to completely ligate the shunting vessel in 12 nonencephalopathic dogs was compared with that in 44 encephalopathic dogs with similar shunts.
Results —Clinical signs in the 12 nonencephalopathic dogs were related to ammonium biurate urolithiasis. All 12 dogs had single extrahepatic shunting vessels. The rate of complete ligation in the nonencephalopathic dogs was 92%, whereas the rate of complete ligation in the 44 encephalopathic dogs with single extrahepatic shunts was 59%. The ability to completely ligate the shunt in nonencephalopathic dogs was significantly better ( P = .04) than in the encephalopathic dogs.
Conclusion—Lack of encephalopathy is a positive prognostic factor for complete ligation of single extrahepatic congenital portosystemic shunts.
Clinical Relevance —In most affected dogs, extrahepatic congenital portosystemic shunts in nonencephalopathic dogs can be completely ligated.     

Serum alkaline phosphatase activity in Scottish Terriers versus dogs of other breeds

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether Scottish Terriers have higher serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities and a higher prevalence of diseases commonly associated with high serum ALP activity than do dogs of other breeds. DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. ANIMALS: 85 Scottish Terriers and 340 age-matched control dogs that were not Scottish Terriers. PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed, and data for year of evaluation, age, sex, breed, serum ALP activity, and final diagnosis were recorded. RESULTS: Scottish Terriers had a significantly higher mean serum ALP activity than did control dogs (1,520 U/L vs 306 U/L). Regardless of breed, dogs that had a disease commonly associated with high serum ALP activity had a significantly higher mean serum ALP activity than did dogs without such diseases (1,304 U/L vs 427 U/L). Scottish Terriers were 2.4 times as likely to have a disease commonly associated with high serum ALP activity than were control dogs, but Scottish Terriers with diseases commonly associated with high serum ALP activity had a significantly higher mean ALP activity than did control dogs with such diseases (2,073 U/L vs 909 U/L), and Scottish Terriers without such diseases had a significantly higher mean serum ALP activity than did control dogs without such diseases (1,349 U/L vs 228 U/L). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that Scottish Terriers have higher serum ALP activities than do dogs of other breeds. Although Scottish Terriers also have a higher prevalence of diseases associated with high serum ALP activity, this alone did not explain the higher mean serum ALP activity in the breed.     

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca associated with administration of etodolac in dogs: 211 cases (1992-2002)

OBJECTIVE: To characterize features and response to treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) associated with oral administration of etodolac in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SAMPLE POPULATION: 65 cases obtained from a survey of veterinary ophthalmologists (group A) and 146 cases reported to Fort Dodge Animal Health (group B). PROCEDURES: Data analyzed included breed, sex, age, weight, dose and duration of etodolac administration, results of Schirmer tear test at the time of diagnosis and last follow-up, treatments, and response to treatments. Groups A and B were analyzed separately by use of forward stepwise logistic regression models developed to predict probability of complete remission or clinical improvement as a function of several variables. RESULTS: Most dogs developed severe KCS (84 eyes of 50 dogs [group A]; 111 eyes of 62 dogs [group B]). Resolution of KCS occurred in 7 of 65 (A) and 23 of 146 (B) dogs. No response to treatment was observed in 26 of 65 (A) and 27 of 146 (B) dogs. Fifty-one (A) and 52 (B) dogs had records that were sufficiently complete to use in models. In group B, dogs with etodolac treatment intervals < 6 months prior to the onset of KCS were 4.2 times as likely to have remission as were dogs with treatment intervals > or = 6 months. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Shorter duration of etodolac administration (< 6 months) was associated with improved outcome in 1 population of dogs. Monitoring of tear production should be considered prior to and during administration of etodolac in dogs.     

Prevalence of respiratory signs and identification of risk factors for respiratory morbidity in Swedish Yorkshire terriers

Yorkshire terriers may be prone to respiratory disease; however, limited epidemiological information is available. A cross-sectional study design was used to compare the prevalence of respiratory signs in Yorkshire terriers with the prevalence in a population of dogs in general and to identify risk factors for respiratory clinical signs within the Swedish population of Yorkshire terriers. Data on clinical signs and risk factors were obtained from a questionnaire. The prevalence of respiratory signs in general (RS) was significantly higher among Yorkshire terriers compared with control dogs (RS 56.3 per cent and 23.0 per cent), and likewise more frequent respiratory signs (FRS) (26.0 per cent and 5.0 per cent). Age, sex and breed were shown to be significant risk factors, and an interaction between age and sex was discovered. The study indicated a sex ratio reversal in the prevalence of RS - the probability of females having RS increased with advancing age, while the probability for males was fairly constant.     

Copper inhibition of the thiobarbituric acid reaction in Bedlington terriers

The effect of copper on thiobarbituric acid (TBA) reaction values, an index of lipid peroxidation, was examined in Bedlington Terriers, healthy dogs, and rats. High hepatic concentrations of copper appeared to lower TBA values in the inherited, chronic, progressive hepatic degeneration of Bedlington Terriers, a disease associated with copper toxicosis. The suspected TBA inhibition was confirmed when Cu2+ was added to homogenates of healthy dog or rat liver or a malondialdehyde standard. The amount of copper added approximated that in diseased Bedlington Terriers. Because of the interference by copper, the TBA test was judged to be an inappropriate test for the evaluation of lipid peroxidation in samples containing high copper concentrations such as those in diseased Bedlington Terriers.