Survey of tick infestation and tick-borne ehrlichial infection of dogs in Ishigaki Island, Japan.

Twelve (54.5%) of 22 free-roaming dogs in Ishigaki Island had tick infestation identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus. There were 121 ticks recovered and consisted of 28 females, 58 males, 22 nymphs and 3 larvae. Infection of dogs possibly with canine ehrlichial pathogens was examined by both indirect immunofluorescence assay and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Two dogs of the 13 examined were sero-positive for the human granulocytic ehrlichia agent, and one of two dogs was PCR positive for Ehrlichia platys. This dog had platelet numbers slightly lower than normal value, however, no morulae were found within platelet on peripheral blood smear stained with Giemsa.     

Surgical and nonsurgical management of and selected risk factors for spontaneous pneumothorax in dogs: 64 cases (1986-1999)

OBJECTIVE: To compare results of surgical versus nonsurgical treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 64 dogs with pneumothorax without any history of antecedent trauma. PROCEDURE: Information on signalment, thoracic radiographic findings, treatment, histologic findings, and outcome was obtained from the medical records. Signalment of affected dogs was compared with signalment of a control population of 260 dogs examined by the emergency service for reasons other than pneumothorax during the study period. RESULTS: Siberian Huskies were overrepresented in the case population, compared with the control population of dogs examined by the emergency service for other reasons. Twenty-eight dogs were treated without surgery (ie, thoracocentesis or tube thoracostomy with or without cage rest), and 36 were treated with surgery. Information regarding final outcome was available for 33 dogs treated with surgery (median follow-up time, 485 days) and 15 dogs treated without surgery (median follow-up time, 366 days). Dogs that underwent surgery had significantly lower recurrence (1/30) and mortality (4/33) rates, compared with dogs treated without surgery (6/12 and 8/15, respectively). A definitive diagnosis was obtained for 38 dogs, including 34 of 36 dogs undergoing surgery; 26 had bullous emphysema and 4 had neoplasia. Two dogs developed spontaneous pneumothorax secondary to migration of plant foreign bodies. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that recurrence and mortality rates for dogs with spontaneous pneumothorax managed surgically were significantly lower than rates for dogs managed by nonsurgical means alone. Early surgical intervention is recommended for definitive diagnosis and treatment of dogs with spontaneous pneumothorax.     

Collie eye anomaly in the rough collie in Norway

The results of eye examinations of 741 rough collies for collie eye anomaly (CEA) are described. Of the examined dogs, 40-8 per cent had CEA, including, in most cases, chorioretinal dysplasia (CRD). 7-7 per cent had coloboma of the optic disc while 3–5 per cent had complications of CEA, either retinal detachment or intraocular bleeding. There was no sex difference nor was the frequency of the disease influenced by coat colour. After estimating the total frequencies of the different manifestations of the disease, the dogs were divided into two groups according to the age at first examination. In the group of dogs examined between seven weeks and three months old, 48-9 per cent had CEA, compared to a frequency of 25-6 per cent in the group of dogs examined after three months of age. All the puppies with coloboma also showed signs of CRD, while among the older dogs 11 of the 66 CEA cases reported showed signs of coloboma without CRD. Twenty-two dogs which had been examined as puppies and given the diagnosis CEA with minor chorioretinal changes were re-examined at an older age. Of these dogs, 15 had ophthalmoscopi-cally normal fundi at re-examination while seven were unchanged from the first examination.     

Comparison of anal sac cytological findings and behaviour in clinically normal dogs and those affected with anal sac disease

No previous study has explored the relationship between cytology and the frequency of behaviours associated with anal sac disease (ASD). The goals of the study were: (i) to compare the cytological findings between anal sac secretions from normal dogs with no history of ASD to those with non-neoplastic ASD; (ii) to determine whether anal sac cytological findings can be used to differentiate between normal dogs and dogs with ASD; (iii) to explore the correlation of anal sac cytology and behaviour between normal dogs and dogs with ASD; and (iv) to describe behaviours typical of ASD as reported by owners. Thirty dogs were selected for this study, based on their behavioural history as detailed in a questionnaire completed by their owners. Of the thirty dogs, ten were considered normal insofar as they had no history of ASD clinical signs. The remaining 20 dogs were characterized as having ASD, with a chronic history of perianal pruritus, but no other pruritus. All dogs had their anal sacs manually expressed, and the discharge was examined microscopically in a blinded manner. A total of 171 oil immersion fields (OIFs) were examined from normal dogs and 333 OIFs from dogs with ASD. The behavioural results for dogs with ASD revealed that scooting recurred with a median frequency of 3 weeks post-anal sac expression. There were no clinically statistically significant cytological differences between normal dogs and those with ASD, thereby leading to the conclusion that cytology is an ineffective tool for diagnosing ASD.     

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.     

Prevalence and radiologic and histologic appearance of vesicourachal diverticula in dogs without clinical signs of urinary tract disease

OBJECTIVE: To determine prevalence and radiologic and histologic appearance of vesicourachal diverticula in dogs without clinical signs of urinary tract disease. DESIGN: Original study. ANIMALS: 50 dogs between 4 months and 17 years old representing 22 breeds that had been euthanatized for unrelated reasons; none of the dogs had a history or clinical signs of urinary tract disease. PROCEDURE: Retrograde positive-contrast radiography was performed, and radiographs were examined for macroscopic diverticula. Necropsy specimens from the urinary bladder vertex were examined by means of light microscopy for diverticula and signs of inflammation. RESULTS: 17 of the 50 (34%) dogs had vesicourachal diverticula, and 1 additional dog had a urachal cyst. Fifteen of the 17 diverticula were macroscopic; surface area of the diverticulum could be measured radiographically in 13 of these dogs and ranged from 1 to 90 mm2. The remaining 2 diverticula were microscopic. Sixteen diverticula were intramural and 1 was extramural. Light microscopic signs of bladder wall inflammation could be detected in 5 dogs, 4 of which had macroscopic diverticula. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that a high percentage of dogs without clinical signs of urinary tract disease may have vesicourachal [corrected] diverticula. Further studies are needed to determine the clinical relevance of vesicourethral diverticula in dogs.     

Anosmia associated with canine distemper

The sense of smell in dogs infected with canine distemper virus (CDV) was examined by use of EEG olfactometry, behavioral olfactometry, and electro-olfactography. Infection with CDV was confirmed by a direct immunofluorescence technique in 8 active cases and was suggested by clinical history compatible with canine distemper 10 to 26 weeks earlier in 6 cases. Pathologic alterations of the olfactory mucosa in 3 clinically affected dogs was examined by light microscopy. Infection with CDV was found to be associated with anosmia and lack of recorded responses on electro-olfactogram in 8 of 8 dogs with clinical signs of acute distemper from naturally acquired infections. Anosmia was found in 5 of 6 dogs that had recovered from acute distemper 10 to 26 weeks earlier. The sixth dog had hyposmia, with abnormalities on the electro-olfactogram. Histologic examination was not performed on the 6 dogs that had recovered. Histologic lesions observed at necropsy in 3 dogs that had had clinical signs of acute distemper were those of subacute purulent rhinitis and atrophy of the olfactory epithelium. Altered olfactory function could be explained by mucopurulent exudate blocking odors from olfactory receptors in the acutely affected dogs, but alteration of olfactory function in the dogs that had recovered without clinical evidence of rhinitis could not be explained.     

Ultrasonographic detection of ingested and perforating wooden foreign bodies in four dogs

Four dogs that had ingested wooden foreign bodies were examined. All 4 dogs were young and were examined because of lethargy and a mass involving the left flank that was partially responsive to antimicrobial treatment. Ultrasonography of the flank mass revealed inhomogeneous subcutaneous tissues representing seroma, edema, or reactive tissue. Long, linear, bright interfaces representing the wooden foreign bodies were identified in the stomach of 3 dogs and in the abdominal cavity of 1 dog. The interfaces were associated with uniform shadowing in 3 dogs. Local omental and mesenteric changes suggestive of focal peritonitis were evident in 1 dog. In all 4 dogs, the foreign bodies were removed through an exploratory celiotomy. All dogs recovered without complications.     

Aggression in Dogs and Associated Neuropathology

The central nervous systems of eight dogs with behavioral changes were compared. Three had pathological lesions involving the limbic system. The nervous system and, in particular, the limbic system should be examined as a possible site for lesions in dogs with a history of behavioral changes.     

Histochemical study of normal and collapsed tracheas in dogs

Tracheas from 15 toy breed dogs with normal tracheas and 6 dogs with collapsed tracheas were examined histologically and histochemically. Tracheal cartilage was analyzed for chondroitin sulfate by means of alcian blue (CEC method) and for calcium with alizarin red S. Cartilage arcs from dogs with collapsed tracheas had areas that were apparently hypocellular, and some had other areas that appeared like fibrocartilage or fibrous tissue. Histochemically, collapsed tracheal cartilage had less chondroitin sulfate and calcium than did normal tracheal cartilage. Cartilage arcs from the collapsed tracheas were not uniformly affected to the same degree, and parts of a given tracheal arc appeared normal, whereas other parts had an abnormal histologic appearance.     

Leucoencephalomalacia and Cerebral White Matter Vacuolar Degeneration in Two Related Labrador Retriever Puppies

Two Labrador Retriever dogs from a common dam had similar neurological deficits consisting of cortical blindness, dullness, and loss of previously learned habits. Both were examined at 5 months of age, and histopathological examination revealed leucoencephalomalacia and vacuolar degeneration of the cerebral white matter. Histopathologic findings in these 2 dogs differed from those reported previously in Labrador Retrievers with spongy degeneration of central nervous system white matter. A nonlittermate full sibling to 1 of these dogs was examined at 1.5 years of age for similar clinical signs that did not progress for the next 25 months.     

Prevalence of antibodies against Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in dogs and foxes in Austria

Sera from 1770 dogs and 94 red foxes from Austria were examined for antibodies against Neospora caninum using the indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). 3.6% of the dogs were seropositive with titres ranging from 1:50 to 1:6400. Dogs from rural areas were significantly more often seropositive for N. caninum than those from the urban area of Vienna (5.3% versus 2.1%). There were no significant differences in sex or breed, but a slight increase in seropositivity with age was apparent, indicating postnatal infection. None of the foxes had antibodies against N. caninum. Additionally, sera from 242 dogs and 94 foxes were examined for antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii using the IFAT. Thirty-five percent foxes and 26% of the dogs were positive; 1.7% of the dogs were positive for both parasites. This is the first report of the prevalence of N. caninum infections in dogs and foxes in Austria.     

Prevalence and characteristics of pain in dogs and cats examined as outpatients at a veterinary teaching hospital

OBJECTIVE: To determine prevalence of pain among dogs and cats examined as outpatients at a veterinary teaching hospital and characteristics of pain in dogs and cats with evidence of pain. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. ANIMALS: 1,153 dogs and 652 cats examined as outpatients at The Ohio State University during 2002. PROCEDURE: A questionnaire was administered to owners of all dogs and cats. For dogs and cats with evidence of pain, the cause, signs, anatomic location, type (superficial somatic, deep somatic, or visceral), duration, and severity of the pain and the principle mechanism (inflammatory, neuropathic, both, or unknown) responsible for the pain were determined on the basis of questionnaire responses and results of physical examination. The presence of primary hyperalgesia, secondary hyperalgesia, allodynia, and hyposensitivity was recorded. RESULTS: 231 (20%) dogs and 92 (14%) cats had evidence of pain. Dogs with evidence of pain were significantly older and heavier than dogs without. Cats with evidence of pain were significantly older than cats without. In most dogs and cats with evidence of pain, the pain was determined to be of short duration (< 7 days), of mild or moderate severity, somatic, associated with primary hyperalgesia, and inflammatory. Analgesic drugs were frequently administered to dogs with chronic pain, but were not always considered effective. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that mild or moderate pain associated with inflammation may be seen in dogs and cats examined as outpatients. Older, heavier dogs and older cats were more likely to have evidence of pain.     

Characteristics of pain and response to analgesic treatment in dogs and cats examined at a veterinary teaching hospital emergency service

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence and characteristics of pain in dogs and cats examined by an emergency service at a veterinary teaching hospital and evaluate the response of dogs and cats with signs of pain to analgesic treatment. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. ANIMALS: 317 dogs and 112 cats. PROCEDURE: A questionnaire was used to categorize the characteristics of pain. The location, cause, and signs of pain were determined by obtaining a thorough history and conducting a physical examination. Pain was categorized by type (superficial somatic, deep somatic, or visceral), mechanism (inflammatory, neuropathic, or both), severity (mild, moderate, or severe), and duration. Evidence for primary or secondary hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity to manipulation was determined. The response to single or multiple analgesic drug administration was assessed. RESULTS: 179 (56%) dogs and 60 (54%) cats had signs of pain. In most of these dogs and cats, pain was classified as acute (< 24 hours' duration) and of moderate severity and was associated with primary hypersensitivity. Most dogs had deep somatic pain; most cats had visceral pain. Inflammation was the most common mechanism. One hundred nineteen (66%) dogs and 41 (68%) cats were treated with analgesic drugs. Analgesic treatment was considered effective in 73 (61%) dogs and 31 (76%) cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that moderate to severe acute somatic pain caused by inflammation is common in dogs and cats examined by an emergency service and that a combination of multiple analgesic drugs is more effective than any single analgesic drug in the treatment of pain in these dogs and cats.     

The occurrence of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs in South Australia

Heart, lung and samples of blood from 230 dogs were examined for infections of filarial parasites. Dirofilaria immitis worms and microfilariae were detected in one dog. Blood samples from a further 1428 dogs were examined for microfilariae and 22 were found to be infected. Eighteen dogs were infected with D immitis microfilariae and four with Dipetolonema reconditum microfilariae. The histories were available for 18 of the dogs infected with heartworm and only seven dogs had not travelled outside South Australia. It was concluded that heartworm infection was endemic in South Australia but the apparent prevalence was only about 1%.     

Blood oxygen and carbon dioxide tensions in normal dogs and in dogs with respiratory failure

Arterial blood samples were obtained from thirty normal conscious dogs breathing air. The mean values and standard deviations recorded were PaO₂ 101.3±5.6 mmHg, PaCO₂ 34.0±3.9 mmHg, oxygen saturation 93.8 ±1.2%, oxygen content 19.3 ± 1.8 ml/100 ml. Ten dogs with respiratory problems were also examined and of these animals seven had lower than normal oxygen tensions while three had carbon dioxide levels higher than those found in healthy dogs. It was concluded that, in severe respiratory disease, measurement of arterial oxygen tension gives a useful assessment of respiratory failure in dogs.     

Thoracic wall and pulmonary trauma in dogs sustaining fractures as a result of motor vehicle accidents

The records of 267 dogs seen at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Teaching Hospital for fractures resulting from motor vehicle accidents were examined to determine the prevalence and types of thoracic wall and pulmonary trauma associated with such cases. Results were analyzed for type and prevalence of thoracic wall and pulmonary injury, and for the prevalence of such injury in dogs with and without extrathoracic injury, in dogs with fractures of single vs multiple bones, in dogs with single fractures of specific bones, in dogs with fractures in the cranial vs the caudal one half of the body, and in dogs with fractures ipsilateral vs contralateral to thoracic injury. The overall prevalence of thoracic wall and pulmonary trauma was 38.9%; pulmonary contusions, pneumothorax, and fractured ribs were the most common injuries. More than 1 type of thoracic wall or pulmonary injury was diagnosed in 57.7% of the cases. Of the dogs with thoracic injury, 24% also had extrathoracic injuries; 16.5% of dogs without thoracic injury had extrathoracic injuries, not including fractures. Of the dogs with fractures of 1 bone, 36.3% had thoracic injuries. Of the dogs with fractures of more than 1 bone, 42.3% had thoracic injuries. The prevalence of thoracic wall and pulmonary trauma was significantly associated with the site of the fracture (cranial vs caudal and ipsilateral vs contralateral); significant association with the specific bone fractured was also seen for some fractures.     

Circumcostal gastropexy for preventing recurrence of gastric dilatation-volvulus in the dog: an evaluation of 30 cases

Follow-up evaluation (mean, 13.7 months) was obtained in 30 dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus that were surgically treated with circumcostal gastropexy. Evaluation was performed by questionnaire (29 dogs), radiographic contrast studies (23 dogs), and necropsy (6 dogs). The gastropexy was thought to be intact in all 23 dogs examined radiographically. Necropsy of 6 dogs dying from causes unrelated to gastric dilatation-volvulus (mean of 12.7 months after surgery) revealed an intact gastropexy site in each dog. Only 1 (3.3%) dog had clinical recurrence of gastric dilatation after surgery. Five additional dogs dying postoperatively were necropsied and had intact gastropexy sites.     

Immunohistochemical detection of canine distemper virus in haired skin, nasal mucosa, and footpad epithelium: a method for antemortem diagnosis of infection.

A reliable antemortem diagnostic method is needed for determining infection with canine distemper virus (CDV). The utility of immunohistochemical detection of CDV antigen was examined was examined for samples of nasal and footpad epithelium and haired skin in dogs with and without detectable CDV antigen in the lung and/or brain. Tissues from 57 dogs at risk of CDV infection were tested. Viral antigen was found in the lung and/or brain of 28 dogs. Among these dogs, viral antigen was demonstrated in the epithelial cells of the nasal mucosa in 24 of 27 dogs, in the footpad epithelium in 24 of 26 dogs, and in the haired skin of the dorsal neck in 26 of 27 dogs. Among the 29 dogs without CDV antigen in either the lung or brain, 1 dog had positive staining for viral antigen in the skin and nasal mucosa. Biopsies of haired skin of the dorsal neck, which is relatively simple to sample, can be used for immunohistochemical testing for acute and subacute infection with CDV.     

Population dynamics of inherited copper toxicosis in Dutch Bedlington terriers (1977-1997)

Inherited copper toxicosis in Bedlington terriers was 1st reported in 1975 and the entire Dutch population was examined from 1976 until the present for presence of the disease. To examine the effect on the prevalence of the disease of excluding affected dogs from breeding we have compared 2 time cohorts, the 1st consisting of dogs born from January 1, 1976, to January 1, 1986 (n = 155), and the 2nd of dogs born from January 1, 1990, to January 1, 1997 (n = 195). The diagnosis was made in the 1st cohort by evaluating liver biopsies, and in the 2nd cohort with a DNA marker. The population was also resolved into clusters of related dogs to analyze the familial distribution of the disease in the population and to search for ancient founders of the disease among the ancestors of sick dogs. Forty-six percent of dogs examined between 1976 and 1986 had copper toxicosis. Eleven percent of dogs examined in the 2nd cohort had evidence of disease. This reduction was achieved while maintaining the already limited genetic heterogeneity of the population: the number of clusters and the mean relatedness between the clusters were similar in both time cohorts. The disease was evenly distributed over the clusters of related dogs in both cohorts. All ancestors had contributed to the distribution of copper toxicosis and no specific founders could be identified. This indicates that when the breed was established in The Netherlands, the disease was already highly prevalent in the founding dogs.