Thoracic high resolution CT using the modified VetMousetrap™ device is a feasible method for diagnosing canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in awake West Highland White Terriers

Canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic, progressive interstitial lung disease particularly prevalent in West Highland White Terriers. In the present prospective pilot study, we evaluated the feasibility of modified VetMousetrap? device in high resolution CT to detect idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in West Highland White Terriers. Twelve awake West Highland White Terriers with canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 24 clinically healthy West Highland White Terriers were scanned using a helical dual slice scanner utilizing VetMousetrap? device without or with minimal chemical restraint with butorphanol. Three evaluators blindly assessed the images for image quality and the presence of canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis related imaging findings such as ground glass opacity and reticular opacities. Additionally, the attenuation of the lung was quantified with ImageJ software using histogram analysis of density over the lung fields. Computed tomography was successfully completed and motion artifact ranked in statistical analysis barely noticeable to mild in all dogs. The agreement between imaging findings and clinical status was very good with overall κ value 0.91 and percentage of agreement of 94%. There was also very good intraobserver (κ_range = 0.79‐0.91) and interobserver agreement (κ = 0.94). Moderate to severe ground glass opacity was present in all affected dogs. In the ImageJ analysis, a significant difference in lung attenuation between the study groups was observed. We conclude that modified VetMousetrap? device is applicable in diagnosing canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in awake West Highland White Terriers avoiding anesthetic risk in these often severely hypoxic patients.     

Clinical, bronchoscopic, histopathologic, diagnostic imaging, and arterial oxygenation findings in West Highland White Terriers with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, interstitial lung disease primarily affecting West Highland White Terriers (WHWTs). Objective: To describe the clinicopathological and diagnostic imaging features in WHWTs with IPF. Animals: Twelve WHWTs with IPF and 14 healthy control WHWTs. Method: Prospective study. Clinical signs and findings of physical examination, blood and arterial blood gas analyses, radiography, high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT), bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of IPF dogs were obtained and compared with controls. Histopathologic changes in IPF dogs were evaluated. Results: Mean partial pressure of oxygen was significantly lower in IPF (mean ± SD, 65.5 ± 15.4 mmHg) than in controls (99.1 ± 7.8 mmHg, P<.001). The alveolar‐arterial oxygen gradient was significantly higher in IPF (50.1 ± 17.3 mmHg) than in controls (17.5 ± 4.9 mmHg, P<.001). In HRCT, ground glass opacity (GGO) was detected in all IPF dogs, traction bronchiectasis in 4, and honeycombing in 1. Bronchoscopic airway changes were noted in all IPF dogs. On BAL fluid (BALF) cytology, the total cell count (TCC) was higher in IPF dogs, and the numbers but not the percentages of macrophages, neutrophils, and mast cells were increased. On histopathology, multifocal or diffuse interstitial fibrosis, type II pneumocyte hyperplasia, prominent intraalveolar macrophages, distortion of alveolar architecture, and emphysematous change were detected. Conclusion and Clinical Importance: IPF causes substantial hypoxemia. In HRCT, GGO is a consistent finding. IPF dogs have concurrent airway changes and an increase in BALF TCC.     

Surfactant Protein C in Canine Pulmonary Fibrosis

Background: Canine pulmonary fibrosis (CPF) occurs most commonly in West Highland White Terriers. The differing incidences of CPF among dog breeds suggest that genetic factors contribute to its pathophysiology. Pulmonary fibrosis in humans is associated with mutations in the gene coding for lung surfactant protein C (SP-C) ( SFTPC ).
Hypothesis/Objectives: To investigate the histopathologic changes and SP-C composition and genetic structure in dogs with CPF.
Animals: Five dogs with PF, 2 dogs with other lung diseases, and 3 healthy dogs.
Methods: Lung tissue from dogs with clinically suspected CPF and 5 control cases was analyzed histopathologically. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) collected postmortem from 3 terriers with histopathologically confirmed pulmonary fibrosis and the 5 controls were analyzed by Western blots, and the exons of SFTPC were sequenced for 2 dogs with PF and 1 dog with other lung disease.
Results: SP-C could not be detected in BALF of 1 dog with PF, although SP-B was present. A mutation was detected in SFTPC exon 5 of this dog. From 2 dogs with PF and in all 5 control dogs SP-B and SP-C were detected in BALF.
Conclusions: Taken together, the results indicate that canine and human lung fibrosis share histopathologic features and that analysis of SP-C and its gene in a larger set of dogs with PF is warranted.     

Chronic pulmonary disease in West Highland white terriers.

This paper describes the clinical features, and diagnostic findings of a chronic respiratory condition in 29 West Highland white terriers. Typically, the dogs were coughing chronically, had dyspnoea and tachypnoea of varying severity, and had deteriorated progressively over months to years. The mean (sem) survival time in months from the clinical signs being first noted by the owners was 17.9 (2.3). Most cases had a combination of respiratory signs, but coughing was the predominant sign in 18 cases. Inspiratory crackles were audible on chest auscultation in 28 cases, 10 of which were also wheezing. Rhonchi were the predominant sound in the remaining case. The main radiographic changes were mild to severe increased Interstitial markings in all cases, with additional bronchial markings in 14 of the dogs. Right-sided cardiomegaly (cor pulmonale) was recorded in 15. Bronchoscopic findings in 17 of the dogs were either normal or involved a mild airway mucoid reaction in eight. Chronic mucosal changes were observed in eight, but in two this finding was equivocal. Dynamic changes to the lumen of the airway were present in seven cases. No significant haematological or biochemical changes could be detected in 20 cases, but four cases were hypercholestrolaemic. A histopathological assessment of four cases revealed alveolar septal fibrosis to be the predominant change. Prednisolone, with or without bronchodilators, was the most commonly used therapy, and the response was variable. The condition appears to be associated with significant pulmonary interstitial fibrosis of unknown aetiology and has clinical similarities to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis) in human beings.     

Factors associated with elevated cutaneous Malassezia p a chyderm a tis populations in dogs with Pruritic skin isease

The prevalences of breeds and concurrent diseases in a group of 40 dogs with pruritic skin disease associated with elevated cutaneous Malassezia pachydermatis populations were compared with samples of a dermatological hospital population. The ages and genders of the affected dogs were comparable to those of the dermatology population. Basset hounds, cocker spaniels and West Highland white terriers were significantly overrepresented. Concurrent diseases were diagnosed in 27 dogs, of which 15 were atopic. However, the prevalences of atopic disease, primary keratinisation defects and endocrinopathies in dogs with elevated cutaneous M pachydermatis populations were comparable to those in the dermatology population as a whole. These results indicate that certain breeds are predisposed to the development of elevated cutaneous M pachydermatis populations and that concurrent skin diseases can frequently be identified in affected dogs. However, the relationship between these concurrent diseases and abnormal M pachydermatis populations remains unclear.     

Surgical management of chronic otitis secondary to craniomandibular osteopathy in three West Highland white terriers

Three West Highland white terriers were presented for investigation of left‐sided para‐aural abscessation. CT revealed chronic otitis media with extensive osseous proliferation surrounding the horizontal and vertical ear canals contiguous with the expanded temporal bone, consistent with a unilateral variant of craniomandibular osteopathy. A left total ear canal ablation with lateral bulla osteotomy was performed in all dogs. An ultrasonic bone curette (Sonopet; Stryker) proved useful when removing the osseous proliferation in two dogs. Histopathological examination of the ear canals was consistent with craniomandibular osteopathy and the treatment led to resolution of the presenting clinical signs in all dogs. To our knowledge, this is the first report of craniomandibular osteopathy engulfing the external ear canal, presumably leading to chronic otitis media and para‐aural abscess formation. This is also the first reported use of an ultrasonic bone curette in canine otic surgery.     

IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY OF TRACTION BRONCHIECTASIS SECONDARY TO PULMONARY FIBROSIS IN A PATTERDALE TERRIER

An 8‐year‐old, Patterdale terrier was referred for evaluation of tachypnoea, exercise intolerance, and weight loss. Computed tomographic images showed pneumomediastinum, diffuse pulmonary ground glass opacity, and marked dilatation of peripheral bronchi, but no evidence of thickened bronchial walls. The histopathologic diagnosis was diffuse pulmonary interstitial fibrosis, type II pneumocyte hyperplasia, and bronchiectasis. The lack of evidence of primary bronchitis supported a diagnosis of traction bronchiectasis. Traction bronchiectasis can occur as a sequela to pulmonary fibrosis in dogs.     

Oesophageal and gastric endoscopic foreign body removal: complications and follow‐up of 102 dogs

Objectives : To assess complication rate, risk factors for complications and outcome in dogs with oesophageal and gastric endoscopic foreign body (FB) removal. Methods : Medical records of 102 dogs undergoing endoscopic removal of oesophageal and/or gastric FBs from March 2001 to November 2006 were retrospectively reviewed. All owners were contacted by telephone to provide follow‐up information. Results : West Highland white terriers, Yorkshire terriers and Bernese mountain dogs were over‐represented compared to the hospital population. Endoscopy alone was successful in 92/102 dogs (90·2 per cent), whereas gastrotomy (but no oesophagotomy) was required in 10 dogs (9·8 per cent). Complications in 13/102 dogs (12·7 per cent) were perforation (8), oesophageal stricture (1), oesophageal diverticula (1), perioesophageal abscess (1), pneumothorax and pleural effusion (1) and respiratory arrest (1). Six dogs (all weighing <10 kg) had complications resulting in death or euthanasia. Bone FBs, bodyweight of less than 10 kg, and oesophageal or gastric FB in place for more than three days were significant risk factors for complications. Of the dogs available for follow‐up (75/96), 92 per cent had no complications after discharge. Clinical Significance : Endoscopic FB removal is associated with a low overall complication rate with bone FBs and bodyweight of less than 10 kg as significant risk factors.     

High allergen-specific serum immunoglobulin E levels in nonatopic West Highland white terriers

Human and canine atopic dermatitis (AD) share an association with IgE specific to environmental allergens, but few studies have evaluated serum allergen‐specific IgE in nonatopic dogs. This study compared serum allergen‐specific IgE levels in 30 atopic and 18 nonatopic West Highland white terriers. Atopic dermatitis was confirmed using standard criteria. Nonatopic dogs were over 5 years of age and had no clinical signs or history of AD. Serum allergen‐specific IgE levels were measured with Allercept^® IgE ELISAs using a 48‐allergen Australian panel. Positive reactions were defined as ≥150 ELISA absorbance units. Intradermal tests were performed in 16 atopic dogs, either at the time of or at various times prior to serum collection. In atopic dogs, the most common positive ELISA and intradermal test results were to Dermatophagoides farinae (11 of 30 dogs), but there were no statistically significant correlations between results from the two methods for any allergen. In nonatopic dogs, multiple high‐positive ELISA reactions were reported to 45 of 48 allergens, most commonly D. farinae and Tyrophagus putrescentiae (17 of 18 dogs each). Positive ELISA results in nonatopic dogs were statistically significantly higher than those in atopic dogs for 44 of 48 allergens, including two allergens (D. farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) commonly regarded as significant in canine AD. In conclusion, positive allergen‐specific IgE ELISAs were not specific for canine AD, and high allergen‐specific IgE levels were seen in nonatopic dogs. The clinical significance of this and whether it characterizes a protective phenotype is unclear.     

Epidermal Dysplasia And Malassezia pachydermatis Infection In West Highland White Terriers

Abstract— A chronic, severely pruritic, seborrhoeic skin disorder of West Highland White terriers is reported. The dermatosis has no apparent sex predilection, often begins in animals less than one year of age and is probably genetically programmed. This syndrome is characteristically refractory to standard therapeutic regimens. Histologically the dermatosis is characterized by variable degrees of hyperplastic superficial perivascular dermatitis with a keratinization defect, epidermal dysplasia and the presence of budding yeast in surface and follicular keratin. Malassezia pachydermatis is isolated in pure culture from the skin lesions. Because of the unique histological findings in this syndrome, we propose that the disorder be called “epidermal dysplasia and Malassezia pachydermatis infection in the West Highland White terrier”. Résumé— Une affection cutanée chronique, sévèrement, prurigineuse, séborrhéique, est décrite chez des West Highland White terriers. La dermatose, sans prédisposition apparente de sexe, débute souvent sur des animaux agés de moins d'un an et reconnait probablement une origine héréditaire. La caractéristique de ce syndrome est d'étre résistant aux thérapeutiques habituelles. A l'histologie, la dermatose est caractérisée par des degrés variables de dermatite hyperplasique superficielle périvasculaire avec un défaut de kératinisation une dysplasie épidermique et la présence de levures bourgeonnantes dans la kératine superficielle et folliculaire. Malassezia pachydermatis est isolée en culture pure à partir des lésions cutanées. En raison de l'aspect histologique univoque dans ce syndrome, nous proposons que cette affection soit appelée: “Dysplasie épidermique et infection àMalassezia pachydermatis du West Highland White terrier”. Zusammenfassung— Eine chronische, hochgradig pruriginÖse, seborrhoische Hauterkrankung des Westhighland-White-Terriers wird beschrieben. Die Dermatose zeigt keine deutliche Geschlechtsdisposition, beginnt oft im Alter unter einem Jahr und ist wahrscheinlich genetisch bedingt. Dieses Syndrom spricht auf die üblichen therapeatischen Maßnahmen nicht an (Diagnostik durch Biopsie). Histologisch ist diese Dermatose gekennzeichnet durch unterschiedliche Grade einer hyperplastischen, superfiziellen, perivaskulären Dermatitis mit Keratinisierungsdefekt, durch epidermale Dysplasie und die Anwesenheit von Sproßpilzen (Hefen) im oberflächlichen und follikulären Keratin. Aus den Hautveränderungen wird Malassezia pachydermatis in Reinkultur isoliert. Wegen der einzigartigen histologischen Befunde bei diesem Syndrom schlagen wir vor, diese Erkrankung “Epidermale Dysplasie und Malassezia pachydermatis—Infektion beim Westhighland-White-Terrier” zu nennen.     

Epidermal Dysplasia And Malassezia pachydermatis Infection In West Highland White Terriers

Abstract— A chronic, severely pruritic, seborrhoeic skin disorder of West Highland White terriers is reported. The dermatosis has no apparent sex predilection, often begins in animals less than one year of age and is probably genetically programmed. This syndrome is characteristically refractory to standard therapeutic regimens. Histologically the dermatosis is characterized by variable degrees of hyperplastic superficial perivascular dermatitis with a keratinization defect, epidermal dysplasia and the presence of budding yeast in surface and follicular keratin. Malassezia pachydermatis is isolated in pure culture from the skin lesions. Because of the unique histological findings in this syndrome, we propose that the disorder be called “epidermal dysplasia and Malassezia pachydermatis infection in the West Highland White terrier”. Résumé— Une affection cutanée chronique, sévèrement, prurigineuse, séborrhéique, est décrite chez des West Highland White terriers. La dermatose, sans prédisposition apparente de sexe, débute souvent sur des animaux agés de moins d'un an et reconnait probablement une origine héréditaire. La caractéristique de ce syndrome est d'étre résistant aux thérapeutiques habituelles. A l'histologie, la dermatose est caractérisée par des degrés variables de dermatite hyperplasique superficielle périvasculaire avec un défaut de kératinisation une dysplasie épidermique et la présence de levures bourgeonnantes dans la kératine superficielle et folliculaire. Malassezia pachydermatis est isolée en culture pure à partir des lésions cutanées. En raison de l'aspect histologique univoque dans ce syndrome, nous proposons que cette affection soit appelée: “Dysplasie épidermique et infection àMalassezia pachydermatis du West Highland White terrier”. Zusammenfassung— Eine chronische, hochgradig pruriginÖse, seborrhoische Hauterkrankung des Westhighland-White-Terriers wird beschrieben. Die Dermatose zeigt keine deutliche Geschlechtsdisposition, beginnt oft im Alter unter einem Jahr und ist wahrscheinlich genetisch bedingt. Dieses Syndrom spricht auf die üblichen therapeatischen Maßnahmen nicht an (Diagnostik durch Biopsie). Histologisch ist diese Dermatose gekennzeichnet durch unterschiedliche Grade einer hyperplastischen, superfiziellen, perivaskulären Dermatitis mit Keratinisierungsdefekt, durch epidermale Dysplasie und die Anwesenheit von Sproßpilzen (Hefen) im oberflächlichen und follikulären Keratin. Aus den Hautveränderungen wird Malassezia pachydermatis in Reinkultur isoliert. Wegen der einzigartigen histologischen Befunde bei diesem Syndrom schlagen wir vor, diese Erkrankung “Epidermale Dysplasie und Malassezia pachydermatis—Infektion beim Westhighland-White-Terrier” zu nennen.     

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease in dogs: Genetic aetiology

The incidence of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease among litters with affected individuals is examined for four of the smaller breeds of dog, with special regard to the West Highland white terrier and the Yorkshire terrier. In these two breeds, the incidence is such to indicate monogenic recessive inheritance of the condition. The symbol pd is proposed for the gene. The available evidence suggests a similar aetiology for the miniature poodle and pug.     

Plasma amino acid concentrations in 36 dogs with histologically confirmed superficial necrolytic dermatitis

Plasma amino acid concentrations were measured in 36 dogs diagnosed with superficial necrolytic dermatitis (SND) via skin biopsy. The median age of the dogs was 10 years, and 27 out of 36 (75%) were male. Twenty-two out of 36 (61%) of the dogs were accounted for by six breeds; West Highland white terriers (six), Shetland sheepdogs (five), cocker spaniels (four), Scottish terriers (three), Lhasa apsos (two) and Border collies (two). The mean concentration (+/- standard deviation) was calculated for each measured plasma amino acid and compared to previously documented concentrations of plasma amino acids measured in dogs with acute and chronic hepatitis. The ratio of branched chain amino acids to aromatic amino acids in the dogs with SND was 2.6, slightly lower than that in normal dogs. The mean plasma amino acid concentrations for dogs with SND were significantly lower than for dogs with acute and chronic hepatitis. A metabolic hepatopathy in which there is increased hepatic catabolism of amino acids is hypothesized to explain the hypoaminoacidaemia seen in SND.     

Evaluation of a new full‐body animal rescue and transportation sling in horses: 181 horses (1998–2006)

Objective– The goal of this study was to evaluate the reliability of the Animal Rescue and Transportation Sling (ARTS) for emergency and clinical use in horses. Design– A retrospective study of the use of the ARTS in the hospital and field. Setting– The medical records of 158 horses referred to the Equine Hospital, University of Zurich, and 23 records from the Large Animal Rescue. Animals– The ARTS was used in 121 standing and 60 recumbent horses. Seventy‐eight horses were sedated, 47 patients were under general anesthesia when the sling was applied and no sedation or anesthesia was required in 56 horses. Interventions and Main Results– The ARTS was applied in crane and helicopter rescue operations to stabilize horses that required lifting (n=41), during emergency transportation (n=24), to facilitate induction of general anesthesia (n=4) or recovery from general anesthesia (n=51). Additionally, the sling was used to immobilize horses with fractures (n=29), to reduce weight‐bearing in horses with severe lameness (n=12), to support horses with disorders of the CNS (n=7), to help recumbent horses rise (n=9), and to provide support for horses after repair of large abdominal hernias (n=4). Acceptance of the ARTS by the horses was scored as excellent (n=153), good (n=19) and poor (n=6), and the sling was not tolerated in 3 horses. Only after long‐term use (weeks) did the skin over certain pressure points become irritated, resulting in superficial pressure sores. Conclusions– The ARTS was reliable, safe, and easy to use. It proved to be ideal for a wide variety of emergencies.     

Malassezia dermatitis in the dog: a retrospective histopathological and immunopathological study of 86 cases (1990–95)

A retrospective histopathological and immunopathological study was conducted on 86 dogs with Malassezia dermatitis. West Highland White terriers, English Setters, Shih Tzus, Basset Hounds, American Cocker Spaniels, spayed females, and castrated males were found to be at increased risk. The histopathological reaction pattern of lymphocytic superficial perivascular to interstitial dermatitis with parakeratotic hyperkeratosis, irregular epidermal hyperplasia, diffuse intercellular oedema and lymphocytic exocytosis was found to be consistent with a diagnosis of Malassezia dermatitis whether yeast were histologically visible (73.3% of the cases) or not (26.7%). Immunopathological studies revealed that 60– > 90% of the inflammatory cells within the epidermis, and 25–75% of those within the dermis were CD3+T lymphocytes, and that the only immunoglobulin-positive cells were dermal plasma cells.     

Doppler echocardiographic prediction of pulmonary hypertension in West Highland white terriers with chronic pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is commonly diagnosed by Doppler echocardiography (DE) of tricuspid regurgitation (TR). However, TR may be absent or difficult to measure. HYPOTHESIS: Doppler-derived systolic time intervals of pulmonary artery (PA) flow may be used to predict PH in dogs. ANIMALS: Seventy-three healthy dogs and 45 West Highland white terriers (WHWT) with interstitial pulmonary disease (IPD). METHODS: Echocardiographic studies, including determination of right ventricular acceleration time (AT), ejection time (ET), and AT : ET ratio; right ventricular shortening fraction (RV-SF); and TR velocity, were performed. Pulmonary hypertension was defined by TR >3.1 m/s. RESULTS: In healthy WHWT, AT (median, range) was 73 ms (53 to 104) and AT : ET was 0.40 (0.28 to 0.55). AT : ET was minimally affected by age (R2 = 0.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.01-0.07, P < .001) but not by heart rate, body weight, or RV-SF. In all WHWT with TR, AT and AT : ET were inversely related to calculated systolic PA pressure (R2 = 0.52, 95% CI 0.42-0.62, P < .001 and R2 = 0.36, 95% CI 0.29-0.42, P = .001). Clinical cutoffs to predict systolic PH were defined for AT (58 ms; sensitivity [Se] 88% and specificity [Sp] 80%) and AT : ET (0.31; Se 73% and Sp 87%). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: PH is common in WHWT with IPD. Analysis of right ventricular AT and AT : ET may be predictive of PH and should be particularly useful if TR is absent.     

Serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid endothelin-1 concentrations as diagnostic biomarkers of canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Background: Diagnosis of canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is challenging. Endothelin‐1 (ET1) is a biomarker of IPF in humans, but whether ET1 can detect and differentiate IPF from other canine respiratory diseases is unknown. Objective: To evaluate whether measurement of the concentration of ET1 in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) can be used to distinguish canine IPF from chronic bronchitis (CB) and eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy (EBP). Animals: Twelve dogs with IPF, 10 dogs with CB, 6 dogs with EBP, 13 privately owned healthy West Highland White Terriers (WHWT), and 9 healthy Beagle dogs. Methods: Prospective, case control study. ET1 concentration was determined by ELISA in serum and in BALF. Results: No significant difference in serum ET1 concentration was detected between healthy Beagle dogs and WHWT. Serum ET1 concentration was higher in dogs with IPF (median interquartile range; 2.32 pg/mL, 2.05–3.38) than healthy Beagle dogs (1.28, 1.07–1.53; P < .001), healthy WHWT (1.56, 1.25–1.85; P < .001), dogs with EBP (0.94 0.68–1.01; P = .001), and dogs with CB (1.54 0.74–1.82; P = .005). BALF ET1 concentration was below the detection limit in healthy WHWT and in dogs with CB, whereas it was measurable in all dogs with IPF. A cut‐off serum concentration of 1.8 pg/mL had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 81.2% for detection of IPF, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.818. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Serum ET1 can differentiate dogs with IPF from dogs with EBP or CB. ET1 can be detected in BALF of dogs with IPF.     

Influence of signalment on developing cranial cruciate rupture in dogs in the UK

Objectives : To investigate risk factors associated with cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs. Methods : Retrospective case‐control study: medical records of a first‐opinion veterinary practice were searched for dogs diagnosed with cranial cruciate ligament rupture (1995 to 2007). For each case, six unaffected dogs were randomly selected from all dogs presenting that day for comparison. Multi‐variable binary logistic regression was performed to assess the association of variables on likelihood of cruciate rupture. Results : Frequency of cranial cruciate ligament rupture was 1·19% [95% confidence interval (CI) 1·02 to 1.36%]. West Highland white terriers (n=17), Yorkshire terriers (n=14) and Rottweilers (n=11) were at significantly increased risk of cranial cruciate ligament rupture (P≤0·002). Rottweilers were at five times greater risk compared with other pure breeds (OR 5·12, 95% CI 2·281 to 11·494, P<0·001), obesity quadrupled the risk of cranial cruciate ligament rupture (OR 3·756, 95% CI 1·659 to 8·502, P=0·001) and females were twice as likely to suffer cranial cruciate ligament failure compared to males (OR 2·054, 95% CI 1·467 to 2·877, P<0·001). Dogs less than two years old were statistically less likely to sustain cranial cruciate ligament rupture than dogs older than eight years (OR 0·246, 95% CI 0·127 to 0·477, P<0·001). There was no significant difference in median weights (in kilograms) of neutered dogs, compared to their entire counterparts in either the case group (P=0·994) or in the control group (P=0·630). There was also no significant difference in body condition (‐underweight/normal weight/overweight/obese) of neutered versus entire dogs among the cases (P=0·243), or the controls (P=0·211). Clinical Significance : Cranial cruciate ligament rupture is more likely in Rottweilers and in female dogs, older dogs and obese dogs. Following multi‐variable analysis, it was established that neutering was not associated with increased risk of cranial cruciate ligament rupture.     

Conventional and functional magnetic resonance imaging features of late subacute cortical laminar necrosis in a dog

Cerebral cortical laminar necrosis (CLN) is a consequence of severe hypoxic, ischemic, or hypoglycemic events. In humans, these cortical lesions show characteristic linear T1‐weighted (T1W) hyperintensity in the late subacute stage. Limited information reporting magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in dogs affected by CLN is available. A 3‐year‐old Belgian Shepherd dog was referred 8 days after sudden onset of blindness after general anesthesia. Neurological examination showed central blindness and mild ataxia. Three‐Tesla MRI examination of the brain revealed bilateral asymmetrical areas of T2‐weighted hyperintensity within the occipital, parietal, temporal, and frontal cortex, involving gray and white matter. Furthermore, linear T1W‐hyperintense lesions were found in the cerebral cortex of the same areas and showed heterogeneous contrast enhancement. Perfusion‐weighted images revealed hyperperfusion in the affected regions. Lesions were compatible with subacute CLN with corresponding edema suspected to be secondary to anesthesia‐related brain hypoxia. Three‐Tesla MRI enabled identification of the laminar pattern of the cortical lesions.