Soft palate hypoplasia and concurrent middle ear pathology in six dogs

This retrospective clinical study describes six consecutive cases of bilateral hypoplasia/malformation of the soft palate in dogs in which associated middle ear disease was investigated and the palatine defects were surgical repaired. Radiographic abnormalities of the tympanic bullae were seen in both ears of all six dogs (12 of 12). Negative tympanocentesis findings were recorded in 11 of 12 ears. A purulent otitis media was confirmed in one ear of one dog, and loss of hearing was also demonstrated in this ear on brainstem auditory evoked response hearing assessment. There was no evidence of hearing loss on brainstem auditory evoked response in any of the remaining ears. Surgical repair of the soft palate defect was undertaken in all six dogs. Long-term assessment of the clinical outcome was considered excellent in five dogs and reasonable in one dog (mean 18 months, range seven to 27 months). It would appear that surgical intervention for the treatment of bilateral palatine malformation/hypoplasia may be associated with a better prognosis than reported previously. The lack of middle ear effusion and associated hearing impairment suggests that the underlying aetiology of middle ear pathology in dogs suffering from congenital palatine defects may be different from that observed in human beings. The true nature of the radiographic bullae changes seen in dogs with soft palate defects remains unclear.     

Inflammatory polyps of the middle ear in 5 dogs

OBJECTIVE: To describe inflammatory polyps of the middle ear in 5 dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: Five dogs with ear disease. METHODS: Medical records (1995-2001) were reviewed to identify dogs with inflammatory polyps of the middle ear. Signalment, clinical signs, ancillary diagnostic procedures, treatment, postoperative complications, and outcome were recorded. Owners and referring veterinarians were contacted to document outcome. RESULTS: Dogs with inflammatory polyps of the middle ear were male and aged 4 to 13 years. Two dogs had bilateral polyps, whereas 3 had unilateral polyps. The most common clinical presentation was otitis externa and media, with radiographic evidence of otitis media. Polyps were treated by ventral bulla osteotomy (VBO) in 1 dog and total ear canal ablation with lateral bulla osteotomy (TECA-LBO) in 4 dogs. Polyps consisted of a fibrovascular stroma infiltrated with neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes, and plasma cells. The overlying epithelium was frequently ulcerated. Immediate postoperative complications included a seroma after VBO (1 dog) and transient unilateral facial nerve paralysis after bilateral TECA-LBO (1 dog). No recurrence occurred within 9 to 69 months. CONCLUSIONS: Unilateral or bilateral, inflammatory polyps can occur in the middle ear of dogs in association with otitis externa and media. No recurrence occurred after surgical removal of the polyps. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Inflammatory polyps of the middle ear in dogs can be a cause of otitis externa/media. Surgical removal of aural polyps has a good prognosis.     

Aural Cholesteatoma in Twenty Dogs

Objective— To determine the clinical course in dogs with aural cholesteatoma. Study Design— Case series. Animals— Dogs (n=20) with aural cholesteatoma. Methods— Case review (1998–2007). Results— Twenty dogs were identified. Clinical signs other than those of chronic otitis externa included head tilt (6 dogs), unilateral facial palsy (4), pain on opening or inability to open the mouth (4), and ataxia (3). Computed tomography (CT) was performed in 19 dogs, abnormalities included osteoproliferation (13 dogs), lysis of the bulla (12), expansion of the bulla (11), bone lysis in the squamous or petrosal portion of the temporal bone (4) and enlargement of associated lymph nodes (7). Nineteen dogs had total ear canal ablation–lateral bulla osteotomy or ventral bulla osteotomy with the intent to cure; 9 dogs had no further signs of middle ear disease whereas 10 had persistent or recurrent clinical signs. Risk factors for recurrence after surgery were inability to open the mouth or neurologic signs on admission and lysis of any portion of the temporal bone on CT imaging. Dogs admitted with neurologic signs or inability to open the mouth had a median survival of 16 months. Conclusions— Early surgical treatment of aural cholesteatoma may be curative. Recurrence after surgery is associated with advanced disease, typically indicated by inability to open the jaw, neurologic disease, or bone lysis on CT imaging. Clinical Relevance— Presence of aural cholesteatoma may affect the prognosis for successful surgical treatment of middle ear disease.     

Neurologic abnormalities as the predominant signs of neoplasia of the nasal cavity in dogs and cats: seven cases (1973-1986)

Neurologic abnormalities were the predominant historic and physical findings in 5 dogs and 2 cats with primary nasal cavity tumors that had invaded the cranial vault. Seizures, behavior changes, and obtundation were the most common signs. Other neurologic signs included paresis, ataxia, circling, visual deficit, and proprioceptive deficit. Although 1 dog and 2 cats had historic findings of mild respiratory disease, no physical abnormalities related to the respiratory tract were found in any of the 7 animals. Nasal cavity neoplasia was suggested by radiographic and computed tomographic studies and was confirmed histopathologically in each case. The nasal tumor types in the 5 dogs were epidermoid carcinoma (n = 1), adenocarcinoma (n = 2), solid carcinoma (n = 1), and anaplastic chondrosarcoma (n = 1). An esthesioneuroblastoma was found in each cat. Radiation therapy was effective for 3 months in palliating the clinical signs in the 2 dogs in which it was used. Neoplasia of the nasal cavity should be considered in the differential diagnosis for animals with neurologic signs suggestive of cerebral disorders.     

PREVALENCE OF EAR DISEASE IN DOGS UNDERGOING MULTIDETECTOR THIN‐SLICE COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY OF THE HEAD

Previous reports describing the prevalence of ear diseases in dogs have primarily been based on dogs presenting with clinical signs of disease. The prevalence of subclinical ear disease remains unknown. The purpose of this cross‐sectional retrospective study was to describe the prevalence of lesions consistent with middle and external ear disease in dogs presented for multidetector computed tomography (CT) of the head and/or cranial cervical spine at our hospital during the period of July 2011 and August 2013. For each included dog, data recorded were signalment, CT findings, diagnosis, and treatment. A total of 199 dogs met inclusion criteria. Nineteen dogs (9.5%) were referred for evaluation of suspected ear disease and 27 dogs (13.5%) had histories or physical examination findings consistent with otitis externa. A total of 163 dogs (81.9%) had CT lesions consistent with external ear disease (i.e. ear canal mineralization, external canal thickening, and/or narrowing of the external canal). Thirty‐nine dogs (19.5%) had CT lesions consistent with middle ear disease (i.e. soft tissue attenuating/fluid material in the tympanic bullae, bulla wall thickening or lysis, and/or periosteal proliferation of the temporal bone). Findings from this study indicated that the prevalence of external and middle ear disease in dogs could be higher than that previously reported.     

Pulmonic stenosis in the dog: 29 cases (1975-1984)

In a retrospective study of 29 dogs with congenital pulmonic stenosis, we evaluated the clinical, radiographic, angiocardiographic, and cardiac catheterization data. Eighteen dogs had no clinical signs of disease and were referred for evaluation of a previously detected cardiac murmur, 5 dogs had congestive right-sided heart failure, and 5 dogs were examined for exercise intolerance or syncope. Dogs with heart failure tended to be older than dogs without clinical signs of heart failure (19.3 months vs 12 months). All dogs had radiographic or electrocardiographic evidence of right ventricular enlargement. Poststenotic dilatation of the main pulmonary artery and apparent pulmonary undercirculation were observed frequently on survey radiographs. Isolated pulmonic valve dysplasia, representing a range of angiographic pulmonic valve abnormalities, was evident in 88% of the available 26 angiographic studies, whereas subvalvular stenosis was uncommon and observed in only 2 dogs. Muscular hypertrophy of the right ventricular infundibulum and supraventricular crest were observed in 96% and 25% of the angiocardiograms, respectively. Poststenotic dilatation of the main pulmonary artery was observed in every dog. A ratio between the width of the main pulmonary artery and the valve annulus was useful in identifying pulmonic stenosis and distinguishing this anomaly from other congenital malformations. The degree of poststenotic dilatation did not appear to be related to the severity of the systolic pressure gradient, which ranged from 20 to 228 mm of Hg (mean, 93 mm of Hg).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Response to intradermal skin testing with four cat allergen preparations in healthy and allergic dogs

Intradermal skin testing with 4 cat allergens was performed on 40 dogs. The allergens used were a commercial preparation, cat allergen 1, cat pelt extract, and cat serum. Twenty dogs had inhalant allergies (canine atopy) and 20 dogs were healthy. The dogs in these 2 groups were further allotted to groups of dogs with or without exposure to cats. Cat pelt extract was the only allergen that caused a statistically significant (P less than 0.025) difference in the number of positive reactions in healthy vs allergic dogs, with healthy dogs having the greater number of positive reactions. Seven (35%) of the 20 dogs with no known exposure to cats had positive reactions to at least one of the allergens. In dogs that had been exposed to cats, positive reactions developed in twice the number of dogs without clinical signs of canine atopy, compared with those with clinical signs of canine atopy. These data showed that dogs do become sensitized to cat allergen, but that this sensitization may not indicate known exposure to cats or clinical disease.     

Malignant melanoma in pleural effusion in a 14-year-old cat

CASE DETAILS: A 14-year-old female cat presented with signs of respiratory distress. Pleural fluid was found on radiographic assessment. Cytologic evaluation of the fluid revealed malignant melanocytosis. The cat had a previous history of a recurrent malignant melanoma near the base of the right ear. Due to declining clinical condition, the cat was euthanized. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Cutaneous malignant melanomas (or melanosarcomas) are uncommon neoplasms in cats, and knowledge is limited. As far as the authors are aware, there are no previous reports in the veterinary literature of malignant melanocytes being identified in pleural effusion in cats, as they have in dogs. This report suggests that, despite conflicting information in the literature regarding the clinical behavior of cutaneous melanomas in cats, these tumors are capable of recurrence and metastasis. Aggressive treatment may be necessary even, as in this case, if the tumor is well differentiated on histopathology.     

OTOLITHIASIS IN THREE DOGS

Mineral opacities within the tympanic bullae, termed otoliths, were detected in three dogs by means of radiography and computed tomography. Radiographic signs of otitis externa were present in two dogs. One dog had clinical signs of vestibular disease, whereas the other two dogs had no clinical evidence of ear disease. Otolithiasis may represent mineralized necrotic material of a current or previous case of otitis media.     

Assessment of survey radiography as a method for diagnosis of congenital cardiac disease in dogs.

In order to assess the diagnostic accuracy of survey radiography for canine congenital cardiac anomalies, thoracic radiographs of 57 dogs with congenital cardiac anomalies, 31 normal dogs and 27 dogs with acquired cardiac disease were mixed, and reviewed by two independent observers, who were blinded to any patient information. The congenital anomalies were aortic stenosis (n=25), pulmonic stenosis (n=10), patent ductus arteriosus (n=9), ventricular septal defect (n=8), tricuspid dysplasia (n=3) and mitral dysplasia (n=2). Both observers were moderately accurate at identifying dogs with cardiac disease. Their ability to distinguish dogs with congenital versus acquired cardiac disease was poorer and this assessment was probably influenced by the recognition of patients that were skeletally immature, which biased observers towards a diagnosis of congenital cardiac anomaly. The diagnosis rate for specific congenital anomalies was also poor (the differential list included a correct diagnosis in only 40 and 37 per cent of cases). Radiographic signs of specific cardiac chamber enlargement or pulmonary vascular abnormalities were recognised by both observers in only 20 per cent of instances in which they might be expected. They were, however, recognised more frequently in dogs with anomalies that imposed a volume load on the heart than in dogs with anomalies that induced a pressure load on the organ. It is concluded that survey radiography is an inaccurate method for diagnosis of canine congenital cardiac anomalies because of the difficulty of recognising radiographic signs, which are not present in many cases.     

Intermittent gastroesophageal intussusception in a cat with idiopathic megaesophagus

An adult female domestic shorthair cat was evaluated for chronic upper respiratory disease and vomiting. A diagnosis of idiopathic megaesophagus with intermittent gastroesophageal intussusception (GEI) was made based on radiographic and endoscopic examinations. The GEI was manually reduced by use of a stomach tube during the endoscopic procedure. An incisional gastropexy was performed to prevent recurrence. Gastroesophageal intussusception is a rare condition in cats. In dogs it is usually associated with rapid progression of clinical signs, culminating in death. In this cat, the condition was associated with chronic signs, probably due to the intermittent nature of the GEI.     

A correlative study of the clinical and radiographic signs of periodontal disease in dogs

Twenty-four dogs admitted for routine teeth cleaning were selected arbitrarily to undergo a periodontal examination and a dental radiographic examination before the dental procedure. Data pertaining to the physical and radiographic manifestations of periodontal disease of 783 teeth were collected. All dogs had lesions consistent with periodontal disease, ranging from mild gingivitis and minimal plaque accumulation to severely inflamed gingiva, exuberant calculus formation, and root exposure. Of the 783 teeth examined, 153 (20%) had a pocket depth greater than or equal to 4 mm and less than or equal to 9 mm. Data regarding these teeth were subjected to statistical analysis. The clinical signs of plaque, calculus, mobility, pocket depth, and furcation were positively associated with radiographic signs of periodonta disease. The association between grossly evident gingivitis and radiographic signs of periodontal disease was not significant. Conditional probability analysis was applied to determine confidence intervals for the probability of a radiographic sign of periodontal disease occurring given that a clinical sign of periodontal disease occurs.     

Echocardiographic diagnosis of congenital membranous ventricular septal aneurysm in the dog and cat

Membranous ventricular septal aneurysm was diagnosed by echocardiography in 17 dogs and three cats. The aneurysm appeared as a thin membrane protruding into the right ventricle from the margins of a congenital ventricular septal defect (VSD). The aneurysm was intact in nine dogs and two cats and perforated by a small VSD in eight dogs and one cat. Other congenital heart defects were present in seven dogs. In all animals, the aneurysm was an incidental finding observed during echocardiographic examination, and it did not appear to directly cause any cardiac dysfunction.     

Pneumonitis associated with occult heartworm disease in dogs

Nine of 69 dogs with occult heartworm disease (13%) had allergic pneumonitis characterized by consistent clinical and radiographic signs. Although the clinical signs were severe, the degree of radiographic pulmonary arterial abnormalities was mild. Corticosteroid therapy resulted in rapid resolution of clinical and radiographic signs; thiacetarsamide therapy was then given without complications. This syndrome may not be recognized as heartworm-associated and may be confused with other disorders, some being associated with a poor prognosis and requiring different therapy.     

Material in the middle ear of dogs having magnetic resonance imaging for investigation of neurologic signs

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and potential significance of finding material in the middle ear of dogs having magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Of 466 MR studies reviewed, an increased signal was identified in the tympanic bulla in 32 (7%) dogs. Cavalier King Charles spaniels, Cocker spaniels, Bulldogs, and Boxers were over-represented compared to the population of dogs having MR imaging. Five (16%) dogs had definite otitis media and one (3%) had a meningioma invading the middle ear. Of the remaining dogs, 13 (41%) had possible otitis media and 13 (41%) had neurologic conditions apparently unrelated to otitis media. The most common appearance of material in the middle ear was isointense in T1-weighted images and hyperintense in T2-weighted images. There was no apparent correlation between the signal characteristics of the material and the diagnosis. Enhanced signal after gadolinium administration was observed affecting the lining of the bulla in dogs with otitis media and in dogs with unrelated neurologic conditions. In dogs without clinical signs of otitis media, finding an increased signal in the middle ear during MR imaging may reflect subclinical otitis media or fluid accumulation unrelated to inflammation. Brachycephalic dogs may be predisposed to this condition.     

Prevalence of clinical and subclinical middle ear disease in cats undergoing computed tomographic scans of the head

Three hundred and ten cats that had CT imaging of the head between January 2000 and December 2007 were evaluated retrospectively. Data that were recorded included signalment, presenting complaint, clinical signs, presence of upper respiratory tract disease, and CT findings. One hundred and one cats had evidence of middle ear disease on CT. Thirty-four of the 101 cats (34%) did not have a primary complaint of ear-related disease, clinical signs or physical findings consistent with ear disease, suggesting that the middle ear disease was subclinical. Twenty-seven of the 34 cats (79%) had concurrent nasal disease. Middle ear lesions were chronic in appearance. With the exception of tympanic bulla lysis, CT findings were similar in cats presenting with primary aural disease versus cats with presumptive subclinical middle ear disease. The majority of the cats did not return for treatment of the identified middle ear abnormalities. Subclinical middle ear disease is relatively frequent in cats undergoing CT imaging of the head. Few cats required subsequent treatment for ear disease although follow up was limited. Identification of subclinical middle ear abnormalities on CT should prompt acquisition of a detailed patient history and bilateral otoscopic examination.     

A follow-up study of neurologic and radiographic findings in working German Shepherd Dogs with and without degenerative lumbosacral stenosis

OBJECTIVE: To identify radiographic abnormalities associated with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLSS) in German Shepherd Dogs (GSDs) and determine whether specific radiographic abnormalities could be used to identify dogs at risk of developing DLSS. DESIGN: Cohort study. ANIMALS: 33 GSDs working as police dogs. PROCEDURES: Results of physical, neurologic, and orthopedic examinations were used to identify dogs with DLSS. Survey radiography of the lumbosacral junction was performed, and radiographs were compared with radiographs obtained 3 years earlier. RESULTS: DLSS was diagnosed in 15 of the 33 (45%) dogs. Thirteen of the 15 dogs with DLSS and 14 of the 18 dogs without DLSS had radiographic abnormalities of the lumbosacral junction. Twenty-two (67%) dogs were able to perform unrestricted duties, including 3 dogs with suspected DLSS. Six (18%) dogs had been excluded from active duty during the period of surveillance because of DLSS. Significant progression in specific clinical and radiographic signs was detected, but multiple logistic regression analysis did not identify any radiographic signs that could be used to predict the development of DLSS. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that survey radiography cannot be used to predict development of DLSS in working GSDs.