Radiography and ct features of atherosclerosis in two miniature schnauzer dogs

Two miniature Schnauzer dogs with chronic pancreatitis were investigated. Both dogs showed systemic hypertension and increased concentrations of triglycerides and C-reactive protein. Abdominal radiography revealed cylindrical calcification in the retroperitoneum, and computed tomography (CT) showed extensive calcification of the abdominal and peripheral arteries in both dogs. Metastases and other dystrophic conditions that can cause arterial calcification were excluded based on the laboratory tests, and the dogs were diagnosed with atherosclerosis ante mortem. Atherosclerosis should be considered when extensive arterial calcification is observed on abdominal radiography or CT in miniature Schnauzers.     

Clinical evaluation of an antiinflammatory and antioxidant diet effect in 30 dogs affected by chronic otitis externa: preliminary results

The aim of this evaluation study was to assess the possible role of a specific nutraceutical diet in relieving main clinical symptoms of chronic bilateral otitis externa (occlusion of ear canal, erythema, discharge quantity, and odor) in 30 adult dogs. Thirty dogs of different breeds (mean age?±?SEM; 6.03?±?0.15 years and mean weight?±?SEM; 32.01?±?1.17 Kg; 53.3 % males, 46.6 % females) with evident chronic clinical otitis symptoms were equally divided and randomly assigned to receive either the nutraceutical diet (ND group) or a standard diet (SD group) over a period of 90 days. In all cases a topical pharmacological treatment was given. The nutraceutical diet, also endowed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, significantly decreased the mean score intensity of all symptoms after 90 days of intervention (P?<?0.0001) with the exception of Malassezia pachydermatis infection which was only slightly reduced. Our investigation is one of the few evidence-based results where a commercial nutraceutical diet has been proven effective, in combination with drugs, in relieving otitis externa-related symptoms. This study opens new insights into otitis externa clinical management providing evidence of efficacy of a combined therapy with drugs and a specific nutraceutical diet.     

Treatment of canine leproid granuloma syndrome: preliminary findings in seven dogs

OBJECTIVE: To determine effective treatment strategies for patients with refractory canine leproid granuloma syndrome. DESIGN: Multi-institutional retrospective/prospective case series using client-owned dogs. PROCEDURE: Seven dogs (four Boxers, one Dobermann, one Bullmastiff and one Bullmastiff cross-bred; ages 3 to 11 years) with leproid granulomas were treated successfully using a variety of treatment regimens. These cases were recruited because: lesions were either widely distributed over the dog; progressive, despite routine therapy, or were associated with particularly disfiguring lesions. The treatment regimen evolved during the course of the clinical study. RESULTS: Combination therapy using rifampicin (5 to 15 mg/kg p.o., every 24 h) and clarithromycin (8 to 24 mg/kg p.o. daily; dose divided every 8 or every 12 h) was used most frequently and proved to be effective and free from side effects. Total daily doses of clarithromycin in excess of 14 mg/kg were considered optimal and long treatment courses, in the order of 1 to 3 months, were used. Combination therapy using rifampicin (25 mg/kg; that is, higher than the recommended dose) and clofazimine was effective in one case, but resulted in hepatotoxicity. A topical formulation of clofazimine in petroleum jelly was used as an adjunct to oral rifampicin and doxycycline in another patient treated successfully. CONCLUSION: Based on our evolving clinical experience, a combination of rifampicin (10 to 15 mg/kg p.o., every 24 h) and clarithromycin (15 to 25 mg/kg p.o. total daily dose; given divided every 8 to 12 h) is currently recommended for treating severe or refractory cases of canine leproid granuloma syndrome. Treatment should be continued (typically for 4 to 8 weeks) until lesions are substantially reduced in size and ideally until lesions have resolved completely. A topical formulation, containing clofazimine in petroleum jelly may be used as an adjunct to systemic drug therapy. Further work is required to determine the most cost effective treatment regimen for this condition.     

Distribution of propionibacteria on dogs: A preliminary report of the findings on 11 dogs

A microdissection technique was used to investigate the flora of the canine skin surface and hair follicle. Anaerobic incubation revealed a species of Propionibacterium on the skin of seven of 11 normal dogs. The organism had cultural and biochemical similarities to Propionibacterium acnes. Analysis of the distribution of the organism revealed significant differences between carriage on males and females, between dogs with long and shorthaired coats and between dogs with coarse and fine hair. When present, the regional distribution of P acnes was similar to that found on man, with higher numbers found on the trunk than on the feet.     

Cisterna chyli ablation with thoracic duct ligation for chylothorax: results in eight dogs

OBJECTIVE: To report use of combined cisterna chyli ablation (CCA) and thoracic duct ligation (TDL) for treatment of spontaneously occurring chylothorax in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Eight dogs with chylothorax. METHODS: TDL was performed through a right caudal intercostal thoracotomy and CCA through a left flank paracostal approach or ventral median celiotomy. Long-term outcome (range, 2-48 months; median, 11.5 months) was evaluated by telephone communication with owners. RESULTS: Seven dogs were free of clinical signs related to chylothorax at last follow-up (range, 4-48 months; median, 15.5 months). One dog was euthanatized 2 months after surgery because of lack of improvement. No major complications occurred from CCA. CONCLUSION: CCA and TDL resolved chylothorax in most dogs (88%). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: CCA combined with TDL may improve the outcome of chylothorax in dogs.     

Keratoprosthesis with retrocorneal fixation: preliminary results in dogs with corneal blindness

Objective To evaluate the use and complications of a penetrating keratoprosthesis implantation in the management of corneal opacification in dogs. Methods A retrospective clinical study describes the indications for the surgical technique utilized and the outcomes of this procedure in 20 eyes of 19 dogs with blindness of corneal origin. A successful surgical outcome was defined as a clear keratoprosthesis optic and improvement or restoration of functional vision over a follow‐up period ranging from at least 8 months to a maximum of 7 years. Results Eyes with total corneal opacification resulting from chronic superficial keratitis (n = 11), keratoconjunctivitis sicca (n = 5), endothelial dystrophy (n = 3) and chemical burn (n = 1) were treated by unilateral (n = 18) or bilateral (n = 1) full‐thickness implantation of a keratoprosthesis. Keratoprostheses were retained in 15 eyes (75%) which regained vision to the date of reporting. Among these eyes, six had uncomplicated postoperative course, five developed retroprosthetic membranes and four developed granulation tissue over the optic of the keratoprostheses. These complications were successfully removed surgically in the nine eyes. The five remaining eyes (25%) developed serious early postoperative complications, for which enucleation had to be performed. Conclusion In keratopathies in which the corneal opacification could not be treated by standard medical or surgical procedures, this keratoprosthesis appears to be promising to restore vision in chronic superficial keratitis and deep corneal dystrophy. It appears to have a poor prognosis in keratoconjunctivitis sicca in brachycephalic dogs. The post operative complications retro‐prosthetic membranes and granulomatous overgrowth could be treated well.     

Long-term results of subtotal colectomy for acquired hypertrophic megacolon in eight dogs

Objectives : To evaluate the long‐term results of subtotal colectomy for acquired hypertrophic megacolon in the dog. Methods : Eight dogs with acquired hypertrophic megacolon underwent subtotal colectomy with preservation of the ileocolic junction. Long‐term follow‐up was obtained by clinical records and telephone interviews with the owners. Results : Eight large‐breed dogs (age range: 6 to 12 years; mean age: 10·75 years) were enrolled. The use of bone meal, low levels of exercise, chronic constipation with dyschesia and tenesmus refractory to medical management were factors predisposing dogs to acquired hypertrophic megacolon. The diagnosis was confirmed in all animals by abdominal palpation, plain radiography and postoperative histopathological findings. There were no intraoperative complications. One dog died as a result of septic peritonitis. The clinical conditions (that is, resolution of obstipation and stool consistency) of the remaining seven dogs were improved at discharge; all animals returned to normal defecation in five to 10 weeks (mean: 7·3 weeks) and were alive 11 to 48 months (mean: 40·5 months) after surgery. Clinical Significance : Predominantly bony diet and/or low levels of physical activity may predispose dogs to acquired hypertrophic megacolon. Our results emphasise the long‐term effectiveness of subtotal colectomy with preservation of the ileocolic junction in this condition.     

Cullen frontal sinus valved glaucoma shunt: preliminary findings in dogs with primary glaucoma

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of a novel, professionally manufactured, frontal sinus valved glaucoma shunt in maintaining normal intraocular pressure (IOP) and vision in dogs with primary glaucoma. METHODS: Three eyes of three dogs diagnosed with primary glaucoma were included in this prospective clinical study. A Cullen frontal sinus valved glaucoma shunt was implanted into each glaucomatous globe. Dogs were treated postoperatively with topical neomycin/polymyxin B/0.1% dexamethasone and 0.03% flurbiprofen every 6 h tapered over 8-12 weeks, and meloxicam at 0.1 mg/kg orally every 24 h for 7-10 days. IOP, intracameral shunt position and apparent patency, and vision were assessed twice daily for up to 4 (n= 3 eyes) and 10 (n= 2 eyes) days postoperatively, and then at re-examination periods of up to 36 weeks (n= 1 eye). Postoperative complications were recorded and documented photographically. RESULTS: Normal IOP was maintained in all shunted globes (range 10-29 mmHg; mean = 16.7 mmHg at 24 h; IOP = 23 mmHg at 36 weeks) postoperatively for 2 days (3/3 eyes), 8 weeks (2/2 eyes), and 36 weeks (1/1 eye) without additional antiglaucoma therapies. Photopic vision and shunt position and patency were maintained in all shunted globes for all follow-up periods. Postoperative complications included mild aqueous flare and fibrin (n= 3 eyes for 3-10 days postoperatively); intracameral shunt occlusion with fibrin (n= 1 eye at days 2 and 4); partial anterior chamber tube extrusion (n= 1 eye at day 4), and focal corneal edema (n= 1 eye at 18 weeks). Tissue plasminogen activator injected intracamerally through the silicone tube near the frontal sinus effectively resolved the fibrinous shunt occlusion. CONCLUSIONS: The Cullen frontal sinus valved glaucoma shunt shows promise for the management of canine primary glaucoma.     

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis: clinical and morphologic findings in nine affected Polish Owczarek Nizinny (PON) dogs

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to characterize the clinical and morphologic features of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) in the Polish Owczarek Nizinny (PON) breed of dog. ANIMALS: Nine Swedish PON dogs of both sexes were included in the study. PROCEDURE: All dogs underwent a detailed clinical evaluation, with emphasis on ophthalmic exams. Histopathology and electron microscopy were performed on the eyes, brain and various internal organs. Immunohistochemical staining for detection of sphingolipid activator proteins (SAPs) and mitochondrial ATP synthase (SCMAS) was performed on the eyes and brain. RESULTS: The dogs showed behavioral abnormalities, motor disturbances and visual impairment or blindness. Pupillary responses were abnormal while fundus changes varied from normal to severe retinal atrophy. Electroretinography (ERG) showed variable changes, from slight alterations in the process of dark adaptation to severely reduced or nonrecordable ERG a- and b-wave amplitudes. Histopathology revealed intracytoplasmic storage bodies within neurons of the brain and in retinal cells, especially the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Round to oval granular type of inclusion bodies, known as granular osmiophilic dense deposits (GRODS), were found in neuronal cells in the brain and in the retina. Immunohistochemistry identified the storage material in the brain and retina as consisting of SAPs. CONCLUSION: The presently described NCL disease in PON dogs shows similarities to previously recorded cases in the Miniature Schnauzer. The closest human equivalent to this disease is infantile NCL (CLN1), in which the major stored proteins are SAPs and the ultrastructure of the inclusion bodies of neuronal cells is granular.     

Prevalence of diagnostic characteristics indicating canine autoimmune lymphocytic thyroiditis in giant schnauzer and hovawart dogs

O bjectives : To investigate prevalence of autoantibodies to thyroglobulin (TgAA) and/or elevated levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), indicating canine autoimmune lymphocytic thyroiditis (CLT) and/or hypothyroidism, in two high-risk dog breeds.
M ethods : A cohort study was conducted in two birth cohorts of giant schnauzer and hovawart dogs. The cohorts were three to four and six to seven years of age at the time of blood sampling and screening for TgAA and TSH levels. Blood sampling was accompanied by one initial and one follow-up questionnaire to the dog owners. A total number of 236 giant schnauzers and 95 hovawarts were included in the study.
R esults : Seventeen (7.2 per cent) giant schnauzers and three (3·2 per cent) hovawarts had been diagnosed as hypothyroid at the time of sampling. Out of the remaining dogs, 22 giant schnauzers (10·0 per cent) and nine hovawarts (10·1 per cent) had elevated TgAA and/or TSH levels. Prevalence of elevated TgAA and TSH levels varied with age.
C linical S ignificance : The high prevalence of diagnostic characteristics indicating CLT/hypothyroidism in these two breeds suggests a strong genetic predisposition. It would be advisable to screen potential breeding stock for TSH and TgAA as a basis for genetic health programmes to reduce prevalence of CLT in these breeds.     

Intracranial astrocytomas in eight cats: clinical and pathological findings

Intracranial astrocytomas are rarely diagnosed in cats. Clinical and pathological aspects of these tumors are more often described in humans and dogs. The classification scheme used in human medicine is of important prognostic value. We have analyzed clinical neurological and pathological findings from 8 cats with intracranial astrocytomas. The animals were 10.1 years old in average and presented with a history of tetraparesis (n = 3), epilepsy (n = 2), loss of balance (n = 3) and dyspnoe (n = 1). The latter cat died immediately after the first presentation while the other animals were euthanized because of a progressive course of the symptoms despite therapy. Even though feline astrocytomas, that we could classify into 4 different types in this study, are clinically and pathologically well correlated with those of other species, a prognostically useful classification has never been established before.     

Mucopolysaccharidosis type VI in a juvenile miniature schnauzer dog with concurrent hypertriglyceridemia,necrotizing pancreatitis,and diabetic ketoacidosis

A 7-month-old, neutered male miniature schnauzer dog with a history of cryptorchidism and umbilical hernia was referred for diabetic ketoacidosis. Clinical evaluation revealed stunted growth, skeletal abnormalities, hypertriglyceridemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, and acute necrotizing pancreatitis. Further testing was diagnostic for mucopolysaccharidosis type VI causing the stunted growth and skeletal deformities, but no connection between mucopolysaccharidosis type VI, hypertriglyceridemia, and pancreatic diseases was found.