Congenital peripheral vestibular disease attributed to lymphocytic labyrinthitis in two related litters of Doberman pinscher pups

Five Doberman Pinscher pups from a litter of 10 (litter A) and 3 of 9 pups from a subsequent mating of the same bitch (litter B) had clinical signs consistent with unilateral or bilateral peripheral vestibular disease. Results of CBC, serum biochemical analysis, urinalysis, ophthalmologic examination, deep otoscopic examination, and CSF analysis were normal in all affected pups. Bacteriologic culture results from CSF were negative and affected pups did not have canine distemper antibody titers in CSF. The most severely affected littermates were euthanatized and necropsied at the owner's request. Gross lesions were not found at necropsy, but marked lymphocytic labyrinthitis was discovered microscopically in decalcified sections of the labyrinthine system. The case history and histologic findings were suggestive of an infectious, most likely viral, cause, but organisms were not isolated from specimens of CNS tissue. The involvement of the same bitch in the 2 litters suggests heritable factors. One mildly affected pup apparently recovered or compensated for its vestibular dysfunction.     

Cricopharyngeal achalasia in Cocker Spaniels

Cricopharyngeal achalasia is described in three Cocker Spaniel puppies, two being male littermates, the other a bitch from a litter comprising two bitches and two dogs. From 3 weeks of age, solid food was consistently regurgitated, while some fluids were returned via the nares. Diagnosis was made on fluoroscopic demonstration of failure of relaxation of the cricopharyngeal sphincter dorsal to the larynx. Myotomy of the cricopharyngeus muscle and partial section of the thyropharyngeus and oesophageal musculature resulted in considerable improvement. One animal with aspiration pneumonia remained with an occasional cough and all three animals were liable occasionally to regurgitate if eating fast.     

Efficacy and toxicity of tamoxifen citrate for prevention and termination of pregnancy in bitches

Five groups of bitches were given tamoxifen citrate (1 mg/kg of body weight) orally twice daily for 10 days. Drug administration commenced during late proestrus, day 4 of estrus, day 2 of diestrus, day 15 of diestrus, or day 30 of diestrus (n = 4/group). Nineteen of the bitches accepted natural mating by 1 or more of 3 stud dogs of known fertility (1 bitch did not). Twenty days after cessation of drug administration, ovarian, uterine, and hepatic specimens were obtained from each bitch in 4 of the groups. Pregnancy proceeded to natural termination in bitches of the remaining group (diestrous day 30). Pregnancy was not detected in any bitch of the proestrus, estrous, or early diestrous groups. Of 4 bitches of each of the remaining groups (diestrous day 15 and diestrous day 30), 2 aborted fetuses and/or resorbed placental remnants; the other 2 bitches in each of these groups had normal-appearing fetuses (diestrous day-15 group) or clinically normal pups (diestrous day-30 group). Of the 20 bitches given tamoxifen citrate, 5 developed endometritis with or without pyometra, and 4 of these had ovarian cysts. Although tamoxifen citrate is effective for preventing or terminating pregnancy in the bitch, the regimen used in the study reported here was associated with high frequency of pathologic changes in the reproductive tract.     

Seasonal flank alopecia in affenpinschers

Two intact, distantly related, female affenpinschers, belonging to a breeder, were referred in March 1993 for the investigation of bilateral, symmetrical flank alopecia in one bitch and bilateral, symmetrical flank, dorsum and tail alopecia in the other; the alopecia occurred from November to May and January to May, respectively. During that period the bitches were kept in a conservatory without artificial heating or lighting. The owner reported that the mother of one bitch had had bilateral, symmetrical flank alopecia during one winter when kept in the conservatory, but was normal the following winter when kept in the house. Three other females and a male exhibited the same clinical signs when kept in the conservatory during the winter. Seasonal flank alopecia has not previously been reported in affenpinschers.     

Postural Influence on Systemic Blood Pressure in Large Full-term Pregnant Bitches during General Anesthesia

Effects of positioning on systemic blood pressure were evaluated in six full-term pregnant golden retriever bitches during general anesthesia. Two positions (dorsal and left lateral recumbency) were examined. Anesthesia was induced with thiamylal sodium and maintained with halothane in oxygen. Direct arterial blood pressures were recorded from the bitches in each position. Effects of positioning for each bitch during general anesthesia were reexamined after the bitch weaned its pups; thus, each bitch served as its own control. Maternal posture had no significant effect (p greater than 0.05) on systemic blood pressure. Pregnancy had no significant effect (p greater than 0.05) on systemic blood pressure. Supine hypotension did not occur in anesthetized large, full-term pregnant bitches. Dorsal recumbency was an acceptable position for cesarean sections performed with the patient under general anesthesia.     

The normal endoscopic appearance of the caudal reproductive tract of the cyclic and non-cyclic bitch: post-uterine endoscopy

Endoscopy of the caudal reproductive tract, or post-uterine endoscopy, is a method of examining the mucosal aspect of the vagina and vestibule/vulva of the live bitch. In this study the post-uterine, or caudal, reproductive tracts of forty-five bitches of pedigree and mixed ancestry were examined endoscopically. The instrumentation and method of endoscopic examination are described. The endoscopic appearance of the mucosal aspect of the vagina, vestibule and vulva was observed during anoestrus and several phases of the sexual cycle, and in the spayed bitch. Visual records made during endoscopy were compared with the exfoliative vaginal cytology and behavioural responses. The results obtained indicate that post-uterine endoscopy is a relatively rapid and accurate method of detecting the sexual status of the bitch, and compared well with the other methods used in this study. It is suggested post-uterine endoscopy also has a value in allied investigative procedures or reproductive processes.     

True Hermaphroditism in Six Female Littermates After Administration of Synthetic Androgens to a Pregnant Bitch

A pregnant bitch was treated with a synthetic testosterone mixture on approximately day 40. The female offspring (six pups) showed an increased anogenital distance, vaginal enlargement and a variable amount of vaginal discharge. The urinary orifice was found dorsally in the vestibulum, stooled on a protruding phallus-like structure. All six pups underwent a laparotomy and subsequent spaying and a modified ventral episioplasty technique to lift up the labia to a more vertical position in order to prevent urine accumulation. Histopathological examination of the genital tracts demonstrated the presence of bilateral ovotestis and remnants of the Wolffian duct system in all cases. The finding of true hermaphroditism of the offspring after exogenous androgen administration during gestation of the bitch has not yet been reported elsewhere.     

Perineal hernia with bladder retroflexion in a female cocker spaniel

Perineal herniation in the bitch is rare and its complication by bladder retroflexion in the bitch has not been previously reported in the literature. This case report describes a multigravid, five-year-old female cocker spaniel with bilateral perineal hernias, complicated by marked rectal sacculation and ventral bladder retroflexion. The case was managed initially by cystopexy and colopexy, followed seven days later by bilateral perineal herniorrhaphy. There was no recurrence of the problem by 12 months postsurgery.     

Trisomy 2 in three cases of canine haemangiopericytoma.

Two female (12 and 14 years old) and one male dog (10 years old) developed haemangiopericytomas. Three copies of chromosome 2 were present in the tumours of all three dogs. Additional alterations were an interstitially deleted chromosome 1, centric fusions 3/34 and 8/15, isochromosome 32 and two unidentified marker chromosomes (M1, M2) in one bitch. In the other bitch, the additional alterations were trisomy 37, centric fusions 8/38 and 30/31, and a derivative chromosome 13 (der13). In the male dog, tandem fusion 2/19 was present in addition to two structurally normal chromosomes 2.     

Transplacental Neospora caninum infection in dogs

A Beagle bitch was inoculated SC and IM with 1.5 million Neospora caninum tachyzoites on the 35th day of gestation. Eight pups were born alive 28 days after N caninum inoculation of the bitch. Pup 1 did not breathe and died while still enclosed in fetal membranes. Pup 2 died 2 days after birth (DAB). Pups 3, 4, and 5 were euthanatized on 2, 3, and 20 DAB, respectively, because they were hypothermic and not nursing. Pups 6, 7, and 8 remained clinically normal. Indirect fluorescent N caninum serum antibody titers were: less than 50 (pups 1 and 8 at 17 DAB, and the bitch before inoculation), 50 (pups 2 and 3 on 2 DAB), 200 (pups 6 and 7 on 17 DAB), and 800 (bitch on day 17 after parturition). Neospora caninum was recovered in cultured cells inoculated with placenta and tissues from all 5 pups necropsied, and N caninum was seen in histologic sections of the heart of pup 5. Results indicate that N caninum can be transplacentally transmitted in dogs.     

Primary uterine inertia in four labrador bitches

Uterine inertia is a common cause of dystocia in the bitch and is designated as primary (i.e., uterine contractions fail to ever be initiated) or secondary (i.e., uterine contractions cease after a period of time but before labor is completed). The etiology of primary uterine inertia is not well understood. The accurate diagnosis of primary uterine inertia requires the use of tocodynamometry (uterine monitoring). Primary uterine inertia has been postulated to result from a failure of luteolysis resulting in persistently elevated progesterone concentrations. In this study, primary uterine inertia was diagnosed in a series of four bitches in which luteolysis was documented suggesting some other etiopathogenesis for primary uterine inertia.     

Is Mechanically Induced Cystic Endometrial Hyperplasia (CEH) a Suitable Model for Study of Spontaneously Occurring CEH in the Uterus of the Bitch?

Cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) was experimentally reproduced by the intraluminal insertion of a silk wire in the uterus of metestral bitches to obtain a model for the study of spontaneously occurring CEH in the bitch. This mechanically reproduced CEH corresponded histologically very well to spontaneously occurring CEH. With respect to sex hormone receptor expressions, however, there was no similarity. In the mechanically induced CEH, progesterone receptor expression was reduced in the epithelial cells (surface epithelium and endometrial glands) and slightly increased in the stromal fibroblasts and myometrium as compared with the normal metestrus uterus. The oestrogen receptor expression in mechanically induced CEH was reduced in the epithelial cells (surface epithelium and endometrial glands) and more or less unchanged in the stromal fibroblast and myometrium as compared with the normal metestrus uterus. This is in contrast to the increased sex hormone receptor expressions in all uterine cell types, observed in spontaneously occurring CEH. The mechanically induced CEH model corresponds immunohistochemically more to early placentation and to pyometra in the bitch. Thus this experimental CEH model is not suitable for pathogenic studies of spontaneously occurring CEH in the bitch.     

Experimental and naturally occurring transplacental transmission of canine distemper virus

In the present study, 2 different effects of experimentally induced infection with virulent canine distemper virus (CDV) on pregnant CDV-susceptible dogs were studied. In 1 bitch, abortion occurred 7 days after viral inoculation and there was no evidence of fetal infection. Another bitch had subclinical infection and delivered 3 CDV-infected pups. Sequential clinical, immunologic, and virologic studies of a litter of gnotobiotic pups (3rd bitch) that were congenitally infected with CDV demonstrated the heightened susceptibility to CDV in the neonatal period. The data presented add canine distemper to the list of transplacental infectious diseases in the canine species.     

Estimated pregnancy length from ovulation to parturition in the bitch and its influencing factors: a retrospective study in 162 pregnancies

An accurate timing of parturition is very useful for managing canine parturition. It is generally accepted that parturition in bitches occurs between 64 and 66 days after the luteinizing hormone peak. In this retrospective study, we determined pregnancy length in different breeds and its influencing factors dating it from the estimated day of ovulation (EDO), defined as the day when peripheral plasma level of progesterone (P4) reaches 6 ng/ml. From January 2001 to December 2006, 162 pregnancies in 151 bitches of 53 different breeds were followed. Different parameters concerning the bitch, the litter, the type of semen and the type of reproduction were studied. The mean estimated pregnancy length in the bitch from EDO to parturition was 63.1±2.1 days. The main influencing factors for the pregnancies studied were the breed, the size of the bitch and the number of puppies within the litter.     

Anoestrus in the Dog: a Fascinating Story

In the bitch, progression from early to late anoestrus is characterized by a higher amplitude and a larger number of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulses generated by the hypothalamus, an increase in the sensitivity of the pituitary to GnRH, and an increase in ovarian responsiveness to gonadotrophins. An increase in basal plasma follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentration is a critical event required for initiation of folliculogenesis. A period of increased luteinizing hormone pulsatility has been reported shortly before the onset of pro-oestrus. Apart from these changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, there is also involvement of dopaminergic influences in the initiation of a new follicular phase in the bitch. Administration of the dopamine-agonists bromocriptine and cabergoline shortens the anoestrus and is associated with a decrease in the plasma prolactin concentration, suggesting that the shortened anoestrus is the result of suppression of prolactin secretion. Yet, the anoestrus is not shortened in bitches treated with metergoline, a drug, which in a low dosage lowers the plasma prolactin concentration via a serotonin-antagonistic pathway. In addition, under physiological conditions low plasma prolactin concentrations are found during the entire anoestrus. Furthermore, a low dosage of bromocriptine, insufficient to cause a decrease in the plasma prolactin concentration, prematurely induces folliculogenesis. These observations indicate that not the decrease in the plasma prolactin concentration, but another dopamine-agonistic influence plays a critical role in the transition to a new follicular phase. The dopamine-agonist induced shortening of the anoestrus is associated with a rapid rise in the basal plasma FSH concentration, similar to what is observed during the physiological late anoestrus. This observation underlines the importance of an increase in the circulating plasma FSH concentration in the initiation of folliculogenesis in the bitch.     

Identification of focal adenomyosis as a uterine lesion in two dogs

A focal uterine adenomyosis is described in two bitches. In both cases, the uterus showed knobbly enlargements of 4 to 8 cm in diameter, which resulted in distinct clinical symptoms. Other pathological changes of the uterus were not present. One bitch was presented because of a history of vaginal discharge of several months' duration. Radiographs, as well as ultrasonography, revealed a soft tissue lesion at the cervix. The other bitch showed a marked reduction in its general condition and a sudden onset of a tense abdomen. Radiologically, a lesion of soft tissue opacity was observed in the mid-abdomen and was seen to originate from the left uterine horn during exploratory laparotomy. A torsion of the lesion was present, which explained the clinical signs in this second case.     

Haematological and serological data from dogs raised worm-free and monospecifically infected with helminths

Pups free from helminth infection were obtained by treating the bitch prior to parturition, and the bitch and her pups after whelping, with oxfendazole and praziquantel. They were then housed in an area free from contamination with helminth eggs. Freedom from infection was confirmed by necropsy examinations and by serological tests using the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Groups of pups were infected with Toxocara canis, Echinococcus granulosus, Taenia ovis, T. pisiformis and T. hydatigena and bled at 5-day intervals. Haematological examinations and measurement of serum proteins were performed on blood samples obtained throughout 30 days of infection. Levels of serum proteins were not significantly altered in any infection. Pups infected with T. canis showed a marked increase in numbers of circulating eosinophils during the phase of larval migration through the liver and lungs; they also showed marked antibody responses to T. canis larval ES antigen. Haematological values were not significantly altered in any other pups.     

Computer tomographic imaging in 4 dogs with primary nasal canine transmissible venereal tumor and differing cellular phenotype

Primary nasal canine transmissible venereal tumor (CTVT) without genital affection is uncommon. The aim of this report was to describe the primary nasal CTVT findings and CT staging in 4 dogs with different cytological phenotypes. Three male dogs and 1 bitch were evaluated for their chronic histories of sneezing, snoring, mucopurulent nasal discharge and nasal deformation. Cytological examination of nasal secretions suggested CTVT, confirmed by histopathological examination and LINE‐1/c‐myc. Males had the plasmacytoid phenotype of CTVT, and the bitch had the lymphocytoid phenotype. CTVT were staged based on the CT findings using modified Adams staging system. The bitch was classified as stage 1, 2 males were classified as stage 3 and 1 male as stage 4. All dogs had a complete tumoral remission after chemotherapy. Plasmacytoid phenotype was identified in cases with most important damage of the nasal cavity. However, the cytological type did not affect the response to chemotherapy.     

Hypocalcaemia in the cat

Extract

Hypocalcaemia (“milk fever”) is not uncommon in the bitch, but few, if any, cases are to be found recorded in the literature of this condition in the queen.     

Pituitary dwarfism in a German shepherd dog (author's transl)

Pituitary dwarfism has been described in more than 20 German shepherd dogs. Some cases probably were caused by persistent cysts of Rathke's pouch. This is the first histopathological, immunohistochemical and endocrinological study. A 13-month-old, 7-kg, dwarf purebred German shepherd bitch with alopecia and hyperpigmentation was admitted to the clinic for euthanasia. Retardation of growth was noticed when the dog was about two months old. No littermates had this condition. Two subsequent breedings from the same parents produced normal offspring. The clinical parameters in our dog (hematology, function of liver and kidney) were normal. Grossly, the pituitary gland had small and large multiple cysts, which light microscopy showed to be exclusively within the adenohypophysis. The latter had pressure atrophy, and immunohistochemically showed only remnants of the hormone-producing cells (growth hormone-GH; prolactin-PRL; thyrotropin-TSH; luteinizing hormone-LH; adrenocorticotrophin-ACTH/MSH). The thyroid was relatively small, and histologically showed focally resting follicles without lumen. Endocrinological studies showed a surprisingly high value for serum growth hormone (cGH 4.1 ng/ml; normal range 1.8-3.8 ng/ml as determined by a specific homologous radioimmunoassay) and a pathologically low serum somatomedin (SM 0.132; normal value more than 0.50 unit/ml, determined by 35S incorporation in piglet rib cartilage). Hypothyroidism was verified by a low T4 binding value (T4 0.9 micrograms/100 ml; normal 4.1 +/- 0.9 micrograms/100 ml) and a low thyroid binding index (TBI 0.54; normal 0.61 +/- 0.05). While ACTH was lowered (ACTH less than 10 pg/ml; normal 74-210 pg/ml), cortisol was normal (0.81 micrograms/100 ml; normal 0.5-2.5 micrograms/100 ml). Pituitary dwarfism in the 13-month-old bitch can be ascribed to the persistence of one end of the ductus craniopharyngeus, Rathke's pouch. Pressure atrophy of the adenohypophysis led to the loss of most of the hormone-producing tissue. An increase in growth hormone with lowered somatomedin raises questions. We have no conclusive explanation for this, due to the present lack of knowledge of how growth is regulated. High growth hormone and low somatomedin values are found in Laron's syndrome in infants. The literature indicates that pituitary dwarfism in German shepherd dogs may be a hereditary autosomal recessive trait.