Fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy in dogs: a retrospective study

The clinical aspects of 26 dogs suspected of fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy (FEM) were documented and compared to results from 2 studies published in the literature. The short-term recovery capacity of 15 of these patients was also evaluated during a 30 day period by giving a neurological score. We have observed, compared to other studies, a larger proportion of cervical localization (15.4%) as well as a larger variety of race sizes for FEM. We have established that, after 30 days, 67% of patients had improved and that 88% of non-ambulatory patients had regained their ambulatory capacity. Also, patients showing signs of grey matter lesions (inferior motor neuron--IMN) as well as those having white matter lesions (superior motor neuron--SMN) had shown signs of neurological progress. Therefore, we have observed that the recovery capacity of an animal suffering from FEM does not seem to be impacted by its initial ambulatory state, nor by its lesions to IMN or SMN, although the low number of cases does not allow us to positively confirm this situation.     

A retrospective study of the MRI findings in 18 dogs with stifle injuries

O bjectives : To make an objective assessment of the usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of meniscal damage and cranial cruciate ligament disease in the canine stifle by comparing magnetic resonance imaging findings with surgical findings.
M ethods : Magnetic resonance images of 18 stifles from 18 dogs which had undergone magnetic resonance imaging for the investigation of stifle disease were reviewed. For every stifle, the menisci and cranial cruciate ligaments were assessed according to predetermined criteria. The magnetic resonance imaging findings were compared with the reported surgical findings and the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) were calculated using the surgical findings as the gold standard. Kappa analysis was used as an objective measure of agreement between surgical and magnetic resonance imaging findings. For 11 stifles, meniscal evaluation by three different observers was used to measure interobserver agreement using Kappa analysis.
R esults : Magnetic resonance imaging was demonstrated to be an accurate technique in the detection of meniscal injury (k=0·86), with excellent interobserver agreement (k=0·89 to 1·0). Disruption of cranial cruciate ligament continuity and an increase in ligament intensity were found to be useful criteria in the diagnosis of cranial cruciate ligament rupture.
C linical S ignificance : Magnetic resonance imaging offers a non-invasive alternative to exploratory surgery in the evaluation of cranial cruciate ligament and meniscal disease.     

Cervical vertebral fractures in 56 dogs: a retrospective study

The clinicopathological features of cervical fractures in 56 dogs were reviewed. "Hit by car" (HBC) was the most common inciting cause, and the axis and atlas were the vertebrae most frequently affected. Surgical treatment was associated with high (36%) perioperative mortality. However, all dogs that survived the perioperative period achieved functional recovery. Functional recovery was achieved in 25 (89%) of 28 nonsurgically treated dogs with adequate follow-up. Overall, severity of neurological deficits (nonambulatory status) and prolonged interval (five days or longer) from trauma to referral were associated with poorer outcome. Nonsurgical treatment is a viable therapeutic approach for many dogs with cervical fractures. Early neck immobilization and prompt referral are recommended, because delay in referral decreases the likelihood of functional recovery.     

Chronic hepatitis: a retrospective study in 34 dogs.

The aims of this study were to characterize the histological changes observed in 34 accessioned cases of canine chronic hepatitis and to correlate these changes with the clinical pathological data. Cases of chronic hepatitis were subdivided into 6 categories: chronic active hepatitis (10/34), chronic persistent hepatitis (7/32), chronic cholestatic hepatitis (6/34), fibrosing hepatitis with cirrhosis (3/34), chronic cholangiohepatitis (3/34), and miscellaneous secondary hepatitis (5/34). Iron accumulation was a consistent finding in all livers examined. Although all cases of chronic hepatitis had elevated liver enzymes, no correlation was detected between biochemical parameters and the severity of morphologic changes. Similarly, no correlation was detected between rhodanine staining for copper and morphologic or biochemical indicators of cholestasis. However, presence of copper correlated well with reticulo-fibrosis (r = 0.8) and bile duct hyperplasia, suggesting that changes in the hemodynamics of the hepatic acini due to fibrosis could influence storage of copper.     

Colorectal plasmacytomas: a retrospective study of nine dogs

Nine cases of colorectal plasmacytomas diagnosed between 1998 and 2001 were reviewed. Treatment consisted of complete surgical resection when possible. Two dogs had multiple plasmacytomas. Two dogs had local recurrence of the tumor at 5 and 8 months after resection. Two dogs were alive at 20 and 23 months with no recurrences at the time of follow-up. The median survival time was 15 months (range 5 to 33 months). Colorectal plasmacytomas are similar to mucocutaneous plasmacytomas, in that they tend to progress slowly and do not recur with complete excision.     

Canine status epilepticus: a retrospective study of 50 cases

The medical records of 50 dogs that exhibited generalised convulsive tonic-clonic (GCTC) status epilepticus (SE) were reviewed and compared with the records of 50 dogs that exhibited non-SE GCTC seizures. The mean age, bodyweight and gender of the patients in both groups were not significantly different. Dogs in the non-SE group were two times more likely to be an idiopathic epileptic than to have secondary epileptic seizures. The SE group was more likely to have abnormalities on cerebrospinal fluid analysis, but not more likely to have abnormalities detected on computed tomography, when compared with the non-SE group. SE was 1.57 times more likely if the cause for the seizures was secondary or reactive epilepsy rather than idiopathic or primary epilepsy. In conclusion, dogs that exhibit SE should be thoroughly investigated for secondary causes.     

Primary hypoparathyroidism in dogs: a retrospective study of 17 cases

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinico-pathological findings, response to treatment and prevalence of complications in dogs with primary hypoparathyroidism. DESIGN: Retrospective study of 17 dogs presenting to the University of Melbourne Veterinary Clinical Centre and Murdoch University Veterinary Hospital over a 15 year period (1990 to 2004). Case records were evaluated for signalment, body weight, diet type, historical and clinical findings, serum total calcium, phosphate, albumin and parathyroid hormone concentrations, urinary fractional excretion ratios of calcium and phosphate, electrocardiogram (ECG) results, treatments administered, outcome and period of follow-up. RESULTS: The most common breeds identified were St Bernard (three dogs), Chihuahua (two dogs), German Shepherd (two dogs) and Jack Russell Terrier (two dogs). Three dogs were cross bred. Seizures, muscle tremors and fasciculations, stiff gait, tetany, muscle cramping, behavioural change and hyperventilation were the most common clinical signs. Vomiting, inappetence, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, hyperthermia, facial pruritus, ataxia, weakness, cataracts, and circling also occurred with less frequency. The mean duration of observed clinical signs preceding diagnosis was 33 days (median 13 days, range 1 to 173 days). All dogs had marked hypocalcaemia with normal or mildly increased serum albumin concentrations. Mean phosphate concentrations were significantly higher in inappetent dogs (P = 0.049). Mean serum calcium concentrations were significantly lower in dogs with cataracts compared to those without (P = 0.046). There were no other significant relationships between serum calcium or phosphate concentrations and the clinical presentation or outcome. No significant correlations were identified between the presence of a particular clinical sign and the duration of clinical signs. ECGs were obtained in four dogs and all exhibited QT interval prolongation due to a ST-segment prolongation. Sixteen of 17 dogs were treated successfully for hypocalcaemia and discharged from hospital. Acute management included parenteral calcium gluconate (10 dogs) and intravenous anticonvulsants (five dogs). Chronic therapy included oral vitamin D analogues and calcium supplementation. Treatment complications occurred in two dogs and included acute renal failure (one dog) and iatrogenic tissue necrosis following subcutaneous calcium administration (one dog). The mean follow-up period was 14.5 months (median 13 months, range 0 to 39 months). Twelve dogs were alive at the last follow up and two dogs were euthanased for unrelated reasons. The type of vitamin D analogue used was not associated with outcome. CONCLUSION: Primary hypoparathyroidism was an uncommon diagnosis in dogs. Saint Bernards, cross bred dogs, German Shepherd dogs and Terrier breeds were most commonly affected. Neurological signs were the most common presenting clinical signs, although alimentary signs may have been more common than previously reported. Dogs with primary hypoparathyroidism appeared to have a good prognosis following initiation of calcium supplementation and vitamin D therapy. Complications of treatment were uncommon and could be minimised with regular monitoring.     

Porcupine quill injuries in dogs: a retrospective of 296 cases (1998-2002)

The purpose of this retrospective study was to identify factors associated with quill injury in dogs. A second objective was to determine the risk of complications and any factors that would predict the likelihood of complications. Hospital records of 296 porcupine quill injuries in dogs from 1998 to 2002 were studied. There was an increased occurrence of porcupine encounters in the spring and fall months; Siberian huskies, rottweilers, and German shepherd crosses were significantly overrepresented for quill injuries. There was no association between risk of complications and either number of quills or antimicrobial use. Increasing time between quill injury and presentation was associated with an increased risk of complications. Because of the increased frequency of complication with a longer interval until presentation, clients should be strongly encouraged to bring the dog in as soon as the quill injury is discovered. Patients presented after 24 hours should be monitored closely during the first 3 weeks after injury, as most complications occurred during this time.     

Salivary gland necrosis in dogs: a retrospective study of 19 cases

Salivary gland necrosis has been described in dogs and is characterised by enlarged, hard, painful salivary glands, retching and vomition or regurgitation. The cause has yet to be determined. A retrospective study of 19 dogs with the same clinical signs was undertaken for breed, age, gender, history and presenting signs, diagnostic evaluations and findings, treatment and outcome. An underlying association was identified in 16 of the 19 dogs. This included Spirocerca lupi infestation (seven dogs), megaoesophagus (three dogs) and oesophagitis, oesophageal diverticulum, giardiasis and suspected autoimmune sialadenitis. Almost all associated lesions involved the oesophagus. Where the associated disease was successfully treated, the salivary glands returned to normal and all clinical signs resolved. It is hypothesised that an afferent vagal reflex may be involved, and that the mechanism of disease is similar to the neural pathogenesis suggested for hypertrophic osteopathy; in this instance, the efferent targets are the salivary glands rather than the limbs.     

Neutropenia in dogs and cats: a retrospective study of 261 cases

Case records of 232 dogs and 29 cats with neutropenia were reviewed to examine the spectrum of underlying etiologies causing the neutropenia. Six etiological categories included nonbacterial infectious disease; increased demand due to marked inflammation, bacterial sepsis, or endotoxemia; drug-associated neutropenia; primary bone-marrow disease; immune-mediated neutropenia; and diseases of unclear etiology. The largest single category associated with the development of neutropenia was nonbacterial infectious disease (e.g., feline leukemia virus [FeLV], feline immunodeficiency virus [FIV], histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and parvovirus), with parvovirus infection accounting for 47.1% of all cases. The least common (0.38%) cause was naturally occurring immune-mediated neutropenia.     

Localised sarcoptic mange in dogs: a retrospective study of 10 cases

The authors report 10 cases of localised sarcoptic mange in dogs. In each case, lesions were localised to one precise area of the skin. Pruritus was present in nine cases and absent in one. Affected areas were the feet (one case), the face and/or the pinnae (six cases), the abdominal skin (one case), the flank (one case) and the lumbar area (one case). The types of lesions were erythema, papules, lichenification, scales, crusts and alopecia. Parasites were found in all cases except one, in which anti-immunoglobulin G Sarcoptes serology was positive. The acaricidal treatments given were lindane, ivermectin or selamectin and were all successful.     

Outcomes of dogs presented for cataract evaluation: a retrospective study

Two hundred and forty-four dogs were evaluated for cataracts at the University of Tennessee from January 2001 to December 2002. Fifty-four canine breeds were affected. Odds ratios for cataracts were significantly higher for six purebred dogs (including the cocker spaniel, miniature schnauzer, toy poodle, Boston terrier, miniature poodle, and bichon frise) compared with mixed-breed dogs. One hundred fifty-nine dogs did not have cataract surgery. The most common reason for dogs not having surgery was retinal degeneration (n=66).     

Medial canthoplasty for epiphora in dogs: a retrospective study of 23 cases

The medical records of 23 dogs that underwent medial canthoplasty for treatment of epiphora were reviewed. The most prevalent breed encountered was the shih tzu. Other affected breeds included the Pekingese, Maltese, toy poodle, and pug. All dogs had epiphora associated with medial canthal trichiasis and/or entropion. Other ocular abnormalities included conjunctivitis, keratitis, pigmentary keratitis, corneal ulceration, globe prolapse, and nasal fold trichiasis. After medial canthoplasty, the epiphora resolved in all dogs.     

Diagnosis of pharyngeal disorders in dogs: a retrospective study of 67 cases

OBJECTIVES: To assess the frequency distribution of pharyngeal disorders and to compare clinical signs in diseases of the different pharyngeal areas. To review the investigation methods. METHODS: Medical records of 67 dogs presenting with abnormalities of the pharyngeal area were retrospectively reviewed and classified according to the anatomic area involved, i.e. the nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal and laryngopharyngeal areas. Clinical signs, endoscopic findings and results of additional sampling were reviewed. RESULTS: Nasopharyngeal disorders were most frequently encountered (49 per cent), with choanal masses being the most frequent diagnosis (24 of 33), followed by laryngopharyngeal disorders (37.5 per cent) and oropharyngeal disorders (10.5 per cent). A rare condition, stenosis of the intrapharyngeal opening, was classified separately (3 per cent). An overall good correlation between matched cytology and histopathology samples was found. In all categories of diseases, clinical signs related to both the upper respiratory and digestive tracts were reported. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Pharyngeal disorders are more frequently localised in the nasopharyngeal area and include essentially choanal masses. The use of a flexible endoscope for retrograde rhinoscopy is essential for adequate investigation of the proximal nasopharyngeal area. Clinical signs do not allow differentiation of the pharyngeal disorder within the different pharyngeal areas.