Horner's syndrome in dogs and cats: 49 cases (1980-1986)

Medical records of 49 dogs and cats with Horner's syndrome were reviewed. Causes included head, neck, and chest trauma, chronic otitis, cranial thoracic mass, and injury attributable to cleaning of the external ear canal. Cause could not be delineated in 54.5% of the dogs. Numerous diagnostic tests and pharmacologic challenge exposure with epinephrine were used to localize the site of injury. Resolution of all clinical signs was observed in 36 animals and required a mean of 7.7 weeks.     

Horner's syndrome in dogs and cats: 100 cases (1975-1985)

The medical records of 74 dogs and 26 cats with Horner's syndrome (HS) that were admitted to the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine between January 1975 and October 1985 were reviewed. In dogs, but not cats, HS was associated significantly (P less than 0.01) with increasing age. Dogs with hypothyroidism (defined liberally but not rigorously), intracranial neoplasia, or thoracic neoplasia, cats with otitis media/interna (defined liberally), and dogs and cats with brachial plexus root avulsion were at greater risk for developing HS than were animals that were hit by a car. Dogs and cats with otitis externa were at less risk of developing HS than were animals that were hit by a car. The cause of HS could not be determined in 50% of dogs and 42.3% of cats. The results of topical adrenergic drug testing in dogs were inconclusive in localizing lesion site. In dogs and cats, HS appeared to be unassociated with gender, breed, or right vs left side. The important causes of HS in dogs and cats were trauma (hit by car), brachial plexus root avulsion, intracranial and thoracic neoplasia, and otitis media/interna.     

Idiopathic Horner's syndrome in collie dogs

Seven cases of idiopathic Horner's Syndrome in the Collie are described. Five males and two females presented with unilateral miosis, ptosis of the upper eyelid, enophthalmos and protrusion of the third eyelid. Thorough examination, pharmacological testing with phenylephrine, complete blood counts and radiography of the tympanic bullae and thorax were performed. The etiology was not identified in any of the cases. Clinical signs improved with pharmacologic testing within 20–40 min. In five dogs, total resolution of clinical signs was observed at 4 and 16 weeks after their initial appearance. Pharmacological testing suggested that the deficit could be at the preganglionic neuron.     

Coccidioidomycosis in dogs and cats: a review

The dimorphic fungi Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii are the causative agents of coccidioidomycosis. Dogs and cats residing in and visiting endemic areas are at risk of exposure to infectious arthrospores. The primary infection is pulmonary and frequently results in chronic cough. Disseminated disease is common and causes cutaneous, osseous, cardiac, ocular, nervous system, or other organ disease. Radiographic changes include a variable degree of interstitial pulmonary infiltration, hilar lymphadenopathy, and osseous lesions. Serological titers support the diagnosis, but definitive diagnosis relies on identification of Coccidioides in cytological or tissue samples. Coccidioidomycosis should be considered in any dog or cat that has been potentially exposed during the previous 3 years and is presented with chronic illness, respiratory signs, lameness, lymphadenopathy, nonhealing cutaneous lesions, or neurological, ocular, or cardiac abnormalities.     

Campylobacteriosis in dogs and cats: a review

Campylobacter species are commonly isolated from faecal samples collected from dogs and cats, with the most prevalent species being C. upsaliensis, C. helveticus, and C. jejuni. Although the majority of dogs and cats are subclinically infected, some will develop mild to moderate enteritis. Immature animals, animals from intensive housing backgrounds, and animals with concurrent disease are especially predisposed to infection and the development of clinical signs. Bacterial culture methods applied in diagnostic laboratories remain biased to C. jejuni and C. coli detection, but molecular methods to diagnose Campylobacter spp. infections in dogs and cats have become widely available and can aid rapid and accurate diagnosis. Multilocus sequence typing has also been developed for subtyping different strains and has been used in epidemiological investigations. In the majority of cases, clinical signs are self-limiting and antimicrobial treatment is not warranted. Campylobacter spp. isolated from dogs and cats have shown resistance to commonly used antimicrobials, so antimicrobial therapy should only be administered where this is justified. Contact with dogs and cats is a recognised risk factor for human campylobacteriosis, thus people living or working in close contact with cats and dogs should be made aware of the zoonotic organisms these animals can shed.     

Horner's syndrome and ipsilateral laryngeal hemiplegia in three cats

Horner's syndrome is described in three cats associated with wounds to the ventrolateral neck. In each case, ipsilateral laryngeal hemiplegia was observed on laryngoscopy. This finding provided strong evidence to support a diagnosis of second order Horner's syndrome due to disruption of the cervical sympathetic trunk, as motor fibres innervating laryngeal abductors also traverse the neck; both as descending fibres within the contiguous cervical vagus and as ascending fibres within the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Notably, the ability to vocalise was unimpaired in all cases and, in two cats, neck wounds were not apparent until the neck had been clipped and closely examined. These findings indicate that assessment of laryngeal function is of value when localising the site of the neural defect responsible for selected cases of second order Horner's syndrome.     

Acute respiratory distress syndrome in dogs and cats: a review of clinical findings and pathophysiology

Objective: To review the clinical and pathophysiologic aspects of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in dogs and cats. Data sources: Data from human and veterinary literature were reviewed through Medline and CAB as well as manual search of references listed in articles pertaining to acute lung injury (ALI)/ARDS. Human data synthesis: Since the term ARDS was first coined in 1967, there has been a abundance of literature pertaining to this devastating syndrome in human medicine. More complete understanding of the complex interactions between inflammatory cells, soluble mediators (e.g., tumor necrosis factor, interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8, platelet activating factor) and the clinical patient has provided for timely recognition and mechanistically based protective strategies decreasing morbidity and mortality in human patients with ARDS. Veterinary data synthesis: Although little is known, ARDS is becoming a more commonly recognized sequela in small animals. Initial case reports and retrospective studies have provided basic clinical characterization of ARDS in dogs and cats. Additionally, information from experimental models has expanded our understanding of the inflammatory mechanisms involved. It appears that the inflammatory processes and pathologic changes associated with ARDS are similar in dogs, cats, and humans. Conclusions: Unfortunately, current mortality rates for ARDS in small animals are close to 100%. As our capability to treat patients with advanced life‐threatening disease increases, it is vital that we develop a familiarity with the pathogenesis of ARDS. Understanding the complex inflammatory interactions is essential for determining effective preventative and management strategies as well as designing novel therapies for veterinary patients.     

Congenital hypothyroidism of dogs and cats: a review

Congenital hypothyroidism is a rare and underdiagnosed congenital endocrine disorder in dogs and cats and the true incidence is unknown. The disorder may cause a range of clinical signs depending on the primary defect, which affect production of thyroid hormones; some cases present when adult. Hallmark clinical signs of congenital hypothyroidism are mental impairment and skeletal developmental abnormalities, resulting in disproportionate dwarfism; goitre may or may not be present. Documented causes of congenital hypothyroidism in dogs include deficiency of, or unresponsiveness to, thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) or thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid dysgenesis, dyshormonogenesis and iodine deficiency. In cats, TSH unresponsiveness, thyroid dysgenesis, dyshormonogenesis and iodine deficiency have been confirmed. Adequate replacement therapy results in a successful outcome in the majority of cases, especially when started early in life, as permanent developmental abnormalities can be prevented. This review describes reported cases in dogs and cats, diagnostic investigation, and recommendations for treatment.     

Iron homeostasis and disorders in dogs and cats: a review

Iron is an essential element for nearly all living organisms and disruption of iron homeostasis can lead to a number of clinical manifestations. Iron is used in the formation of both hemoglobin and myoglobin, as well as numerous enzyme systems of the body. Disorders of iron in the body include iron deficiency anemia, anemia of inflammatory disease, and iron overload. This article reviews normal iron metabolism, disease syndromes of iron imbalance, diagnostic testing, and treatment of either iron deficiency or excess. Recent advances in diagnosing iron deficiency using reticulocyte indices are reviewed.     

Horner's syndrome in a puppy

A puppy was presented with unilateral Horner's syndrome thought to have been in existence since the eyes first opened. No other clinical signs were evident and the condition was attributed to trauma during assisted birth. All abnormalities resolved spontaneously by 11 weeks of age.     

Spinal trauma in dogs and cats: a review of 51 cases

The clinical and radiographical features, and the results of treatment of 41 dogs and 10 cats with traumatic injuries of the spine are reviewed. There was a poor correlation between the degree of vertebral displacement and the neurological condition of the animals. Eighteen cases were treated conservatively, 16 were treated surgically and 17 were destroyed. Surgery was reserved for animals with either severe or progressive neurological dysfunction, and vertebral body plating and hemilaminectomy were the commonest procedures. Of the cases treated conservatively 94.4 per cent showed significant neurological improvement compared with 87.5 per cent of those treated surgically.     

Diagnostic imaging of congenital porto-systemic shunts in dogs and cats: a review

An overview of clinical, laboratory, and diagnostic imaging features of congenital porto-systemic shunt (PSS) in dogs and cats is presented through the analysis of recent literature, and personal case log. Particular emphasis is given to diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonographic examination of PSS in the evaluation of shunt vessel anatomy, and of ancillary findings such as abnormalities of portal vein flow, portal branches, and liver size. Operative mesenteric portography to obtain information on PSS morphology and position, and quantitative hepatic scintigraphy, which allows the calculation of shunt fractions, are also described. Limitations for each diagnostic imaging technique are given.     

Cutaneous paraneoplastic syndromes in dogs and cats: a review of the literature

Cutaneous paraneoplastic syndromes are a group of noncancerous dermatoses associated with internal malignancy. Their recognition can facilitate detection and timely treatment of underlying cancer. More than 30 such disorders have been identified in the human scientific literature, whereas only a few are described in veterinary medicine. This may reflect a lower incidence in animals than in people or may be the result of failure to recognize an association between certain skin lesions and neoplasia. Establishing a relationship between a cutaneous disorder and neoplasia can be difficult unless the skin lesions are rare and almost always associated with a particular tumour type, as is the case for most recognized veterinary paraneoplastic dermatoses. Among these are feline paraneoplastic alopecia, feline thymoma-associated exfoliative dermatitis, nodular dermatofibrosis, feminization syndrome associated with testicular tumours, superficial necrolytic dermatitis and paraneoplastic pemphigus. The aetiology of most cutaneous paraneoplastic syndromes has remained elusive in both people and animals.     

A review of hyperfibrinolysis in cats and dogs

The fibrinolytic system is activated concurrently with coagulation; it regulates haemostasis and prevents thrombosis by restricting clot formation to the area of vascular injury and dismantling the clot as healing occurs. Dysregulation of the fibrinolytic system, which results in hyperfibrinolysis, may manifest as clinically important haemorrhage. Hyperfibrinolysis occurs in cats and dogs secondary to a variety of congenital and acquired disorders. Acquired disorders associated with hyperfibrinolysis, such as trauma, cavitary effusions, liver disease and Angiostrongylus vasorum infection, are commonly encountered in primary care practice. In addition, delayed haemorrhage reported in greyhounds following trauma and routine surgical procedures has been attributed to a hyperfibrinolytic disorder, although this has yet to be characterised. The diagnosis of hyperfibrinolysis is challenging and, until recently, has relied on techniques that are not readily available outside referral hospitals. With the recent development of point‐of‐care viscoelastic techniques, assessment of fibrinolysis is now possible in referral practice. This will provide the opportunity to target haemorrhage due to hyperfibrinolysis with antifibrinolytic drugs and thereby reduce associated morbidity and mortality. The fibrinolytic system and the conditions associated with increased fibrinolytic activity in cats and dogs are the focus of this review article. In addition, laboratory and point‐of‐care techniques for assessing hyperfibrinolysis and antifibrinolytic treatment for patients with haemorrhage are reviewed.