Systemic lupus erythematosus in a colony of dogs

A colony of dogs was obtained by the mating of a female German Shepherd Dog crossbred and a male Belgian Shepherd Dog crossbred, both with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The colony also contained 16 dogs representing F1, F2, and F3 generations. Ten colony dogs had circulating antinuclear antibodies, and 5 of the 10 had clinical signs of SLE. Two F3-generation females had signs of severe SLE. Two dogs had antibodies to extractable nuclear antigen, notably 1 dog had antibodies to Smith (Sm) antigen and 1 had antibodies to Sjogren syndrome A (SSA) antigen. Thymulin (serum thymic factor associated with zinc) titers were generally low in the descendants, but fluctuations were detected within the same dog. In vitro response of lymphocytes from these colony dogs to concanavalin A was maximal for lower mitogenic concentrations, compared with response of lymphocytes from 10 healthy dogs. The suppressive lymphocyte activity in 6 autoimmune colony dogs was diminished in comparison with the activity in 5 nonautoimmune colony dogs and 6 healthy dogs.     

Development and evaluation of a flow cytometry microsphere assay to detect anti-histone antibody in dogs

Anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) is one of the diagnostic parameters that support a diagnosis of autoimmune disorders in humans, dogs, and horses, particularly the condition systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The most commonly used method for detecting ANA in canine serum is the indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay (IFA) that detects dog IgG with reactivity towards mammalian cell nuclei. Interpretation of the IFA results is very subjective and dependent on the source of tissue/cellular substrate. We have developed a flow cytometry based assay to detect canine serum antibodies specific to histones. Histones were chosen as the target antigen because these nuclear proteins are the most common nuclear substrate for ANA in dogs with SLE. Microsphere beads were coated with histones and incubated with canine sera. Bound anti-histone antibodies were detected by FITC-conjugated rabbit F(ab')2 anti-dog IgG. Sera from four groups of dogs (47 dogs total) were tested for anti-histone antibodies and compared with the traditional IFA assay. The groups included 15 healthy dogs, 15 dogs with noninflammatory diseases, 9 dogs with polyarthritis and positive ANA, and 8 German shepherds with perianal fistulas. The microsphere assay results indicated that only one dog in the noninflammatory group and four out of nine dogs in the polyarthritis group had mean fluorescent intensity values above our established cut-off (defined as 2 S.D. above the mean of healthy controls). There was moderate agreement between the anti-histone assay and the traditional ANA (kappa statistic=0.54). Absorption of ANA positive serum with total histones dramatically diminished the fluorescent signal detected by flow cytometry and the speckled nuclear pattern observed by IFA, whereas preabsorption did not change the diffuse nuclear staining pattern. These findings indicate that the anti-histone assay will not replace the ANA test and that other nuclear proteins, such as ribonucleoproteins may contribute to the diffuse ANA patterns.     

Immune-mediated vasculitis in five dogs

Vasculitis was diagnosed in 5 dogs. Clinical signs varied, but all 5 dogs had signs of systemic illness. Inflammation and fibrinoid necrosis of small blood vessels were consistent findings. The skin and mucous membranes were the main tissues involved in 3 dogs; polyarthropathy and myopathy were diagnosed in 1 dog and myopathy in 1 dog. Good response to corticosteroid therapy was achieved in 3 dogs; in 2 dogs, immunosuppressive therapy with cyclophosphamide was necessary and the dogs responded well.     

Measurement of serum antinuclear antibody titer in dogs with and without systemic lupus erythematosus: 120 cases (1997-2005)

OBJECTIVE: To determine serum antinuclear antibody (ANA) titers in dogs with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and in dogs with related clinical and clinicopathologic findings. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 120 dogs. PROCEDURES: Information that was evaluated included signalment, clinical signs, results of routine laboratory testing, ANA titer, and diagnosis. RESULTS: The most common clinical signs were arthralgia, myalgia, and stiffness (n = 41 [34.2%]); the most common clinicopathologic abnormality was thrombocytopenia (30 [25%]). Serum ANA titer was < 160 (seronegative) in 89 dogs (74.2%), 160 in 14 dogs (11.7%), 320 in 5 dogs (4.2%), and > or = 640 in 12 dogs (10%). Immune-mediated disease was confirmed in 40 dogs, 18 of which fulfilled the criteria for a definitive or probable diagnosis of SLE. Only 1 of 47 dogs with no major signs compatible with SLE had immune-mediated disease, compared with 26 of 57 dogs with 1 major sign and 13 of 16 dogs with > or = 2 major signs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that measurement of ANA titer was not a useful diagnostic test in dogs without any major clinical or clinicopathologic abnormalities suggestive of SLE. In contrast, there was a good chance that results of the ANA assay would be positive and that the dog would be found to have immune-mediated disease if at least 2 major signs were evident. Findings suggest that it would be reasonable to limit the use of the ANA assay to those dogs that have at least 1 major sign compatible with a diagnosis of SLE.     

Mastocytemia in dogs with acute inflammatory diseases

Nineteen dogs were identified that had mastocytemia (mast cells in venous blood samples) not associated with mast cell neoplasia. The first 10 dogs were identified by examination of blood films from dogs with suspected parvovirus enteritis (8), fibrinous pericarditis and pleuritis secondary to thoracic lacerations (1), and renal insufficiency of unknown cause (1). Because of the apparent association with acute enteritis, blood films from 52 suspected canine parvovirus cases were examined retrospectively and 8 mastocytemic dogs were found. An additional 52 canine blood films were randomly selected from the same retrospective time period and 1 mastocytemic dog was found that had pneumothorax, pelvic fractures, and hemorrhagic septic abdominal effusion secondary to renal hemorrhage and traumatized intestines. All mastocytemic dogs had acute inflammatory leukograms the day that mast cells were first detected: neutropenia with toxic neutrophils (4), neutropenia with a left shift (8), total neutrophil count within reference interval but with a left shift (5), or neutrophilia with a left shift (2). All dogs except the renal insufficiency case had circulating toxic neutrophils. Five dogs were mastocytemic on more than 1 day. The pathogenesis of the mastocytemia associated with the acute inflammatory disease was not determined.     

Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis in Dogs from North Carolina and Virginia

Medical records of 3 dogs from North Carolina and 3 dogs from Virginia with ehrlichial morulae in circulating neutrophils were studied retrospectively. Two clinically distinct disease syndromes, including chronic, moderate to severe anemia (n = 3) and polyarthritis (n = 2) were associated with canine granulocytic ehrlichiosis (CGE) in these dogs. One dog was clinically healthy, and abnormalities were not detected during physical examination. Clinical signs were nonspecific and included fever, lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, and diarrhea. The most frequent laboratory abnormalities were normocytic normochromic nonregenerative anemia, moderate thrombocytopenia with large platelets, lymphopenia, and eosinopenia. Considerable variability was found in the serologic responses to Ehrlichia equi, Ehrlichia canis , and Ehrlichia chaffeensis antigens among the 5 dogs for which stored sera were available for indirect fluorescent antibody testing. Polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing of portions of the 16S rRNA gene from blood (collected in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) of 1 severely anemic dog (dog 3) and 1 polyarthritic dog (dog 4) resulted in DNA sequences nearly identical to the GenBank accessions for Ehrlichia ewingii. The DNA sequence from a 3rd dog (dog 5) was most similar to that of E. canis. Serologic or molecular results support the possibility of E. ewingii, E. equi , and E. canis coinfection or serologic cross-reactivity among canine granulocytic and monocytic Ehrlichia species in dogs from North Carolina and Virginia. Variability in response to tetracycline or doxycycline treatment was noted in these dogs, with more rapid resolution of signs in dogs with polyarthritis. We report the 1st cases of CGE in dogs from North Carolina and Virginia, including recognition of CGE in a healthy dog.     

Immune-based non-erosive inflammatory joint disease of the dog. 1. Canine systemic lupus erythematosus

The features of 13 dogs with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are described. Canine SLE is a multisystemic disease characterized by autoimmunity and immune complex hypersensitivity. The presence of antinuclear antibody in the blood is an important diagnostic feature. All 13 cases had a non-erosive symmetrical polyarthritis. Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia was seen in five cases, thrombocytopenia in three, skin lesions in four; neurological involvement in one; and gastrointestinal signs in one. Treatment was with cytotoxic drugs(cyclophosphamide initially) and prednisolone.     

PROSTATIC REFLUX DURING POSITIVE CONTRAST RETROGRADE URETHROGRAPHY IN THE DOG

Forty-five positive contrast retrograde urethrograms in which contrast medium reflux into the prostate was identified were evaluated to determine whether a correlation existed between the time and pattern of reflux and the nature of the prostatic disease. Prostatic diseases identified included prostatitis (25 dogs), prostatic tumor (13 dogs), and prostatic hyperplasia (1 dog). Six dogs with contrast medium reflux had no evidence of prostatic disease. No correlation was found between presence of prostatic reflux and specific prostatic diseases; however, prostatic tumor or infection was observed more frequently than hyperplasia, metaplasia, or cyst in the dogs with contrast medium reflux. A linear pattern and irregular, indistinct margination of the contrast medium reflux were associated with prostatitis; however, these patterns were also observed in dogs without prostatic disease     

Sulfadiazine-induced allergy in six Doberman pinschers

Treatment with sulfadiazine-trimethoprim caused serious, but reversible, allergic drug reactions in 6 Doberman Pinschers 10 to 21 days after the first drug exposure and/or within 1 hour to 10 days after reexposure. Nonseptic polyarthritis was found in all dogs. Glomerulonephropathy, focal retinitis, polymyositis, skin rash, fever, anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia were found in some dogs. These clinical abnormalities were typical of an immune-mediated vasculitis and mimicked other immune-mediated disorders. In a drug challenge study, 1 dog was given sulfadiazine and trimethoprim separately. Administration of trimethoprim alone did not result in any abnormalities; however, exposure to sulfadiazine caused recurrence of the polyarthritis, glomerulonephropathy, and focal retinitis within 5 days, suggesting that sulfadiazine likely was the offending agent in all cases. In addition, during the sulfadiazine reexposure, marked complement activation was documented at the time clinical signs were apparent, supporting the suggestion that sulfadiazine caused an immune complex disease (type-III hypersensitivity reaction). Since all dogs were of the same breed, a genetic predisposition of some Doberman Pinschers to react adversely to sulfadiazine was suspected.     

Spirocerca lupi esophageal granulomas in 7 dogs: resolution after treatment with doramectin

Seven dogs with Spirocerca lupi esophageal granulomas were identified based on the site of involvement (ie, distal esophagus) and characteristic endoscopic appearance. Six dogs presented with signs of esophageal disease and 1 dog was asymptomatic. Ova were only identified in the feces of 2 dogs. On thoracic radiographs, 4 dogs had evidence of a caudodorsal mediastinal mass, and 2 of these dogs had spondylitis of midthoracic vertebrae. On endoscopy, single esophageal nodules were observed in 5 dogs, 1 dog had 3 nodules, and 1 dog had 6 nodules. All 7 dogs were treated with doramectin at a dosage of 200 microg/kg SC at 14-day intervals for 3 treatments. Dogs had physical and endoscopic examinations at 2, 4, and 6 weeks after treatment. By 6 weeks, clinical signs had resolved in 6 dogs (1 dog was asymptomatic), and the esophageal nodules had completely resolved in 4 dogs, and incompletely resolved in 3 dogs. Two dogs with incomplete resolution were treated again with doramectin at 500 microg/kg PO daily for an additional 6 weeks. Complete resolution of the esophageal nodules was confirmed by endoscopy in all dogs. Nodules had resolved in 4 dogs by 6 weeks, in 2 dogs by 12 weeks (after 6 weeks additional daily oral therapy), and in 1 dog 22 months after the initial 200 microg/kg treatment regimen. No dog experienced adverse effects to the drug, and all symptomatic dogs have been free of disease for periods ranging from 3 to 4 years.     

Pyoderma caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in dogs: 20 cases

In this report we describe the historical, clinical, histopathological and microbiological features, as well as treatments and clinical outcome, of pyoderma where Pseudomonas aeruginosa alone was isolated on bacterial culture from lesional skin. Twenty dogs were included in this retrospective study. Seven dogs without prior history of systemic or skin disease presented with acute deep pseudomonal pyoderma characterized by a sudden onset of dorsal truncal pain. Skin lesions in these dogs consisted of erythematous papules, haemorrhagic bullae, ulcers and haemorrhagic crusts confined to the dorsum. An excellent clinical response was achieved with 3-4 weeks of treatment with oral fluoroquinolones. Thirteen dogs with a more gradual onset of skin lesions associated with pseudomonal pyoderma had a history of prior skin, ear or systemic disease and had previously been treated with antibiotics and/or immunomodulatory drugs. Skin lesions in these dogs were variable and similar to those described for superficial and deep staphylococcal pyoderma. In this group, one dog was euthanized prior to commencement of treatment, two dogs were lost to follow up, and 9 had resolution of lesions following treatment with topical silver sulfadiazine (one dog), fluoroquinolones (six dogs) or cephalexin (two dogs) administered orally for 3 to 12 weeks. Rod-shaped bacteria were not always detected on cytology. Histopathology of dogs with deep pseudomonal pyoderma was characterized by severe perforating suppurative folliculitis and furunculosis.     

Clinical and Pathological Features of Aortic Thromboembolism in 36 Dogs

Thirty-six dogs with aortic thromboembolism were identified in a retrospective study conducted using case material from the small animal necropsy service of the University of Pennsylvania, from 1977 through 1992. No age, breed, or sex predisposition was found. Thirty dogs presented with primary complaints referable to the aortic thromboembolus and the duration of signs varied from hours to months. In 16 dogs, the presence of the thromboembolus was confirmed antemortem by ultrasound or angiography. Coagulograms were performed in 11 animals, and were consistent with consumptive hemostatic disorders in 8. The aortic occlusions were determined to be emboli in 11 dogs, associated with cardiac disease (9 dogs) and neoplastic emboli (2 dogs). In 18 dogs, the aortic occlusions were determined to be caused by primary aortic thrombi. Nine of these dogs had renal disease and four dogs had severe atherosclerosis associated with thyroid disease. In seven dogs, it could not determined if the aortic occlusions were due to primary aortic thrombi or due to emboli. In 25 dogs, the aorta was the only vessel occluded; but in 11 dogs, thrombi were identified in vessels outside of the systemic arterial system. In 9 dogs, the pulmonary arteries contained thromboemboli; one dog had thrombi in the portal vein and pulmonary arteries, and one dog a cranial vena caval thrombus. Nine of 11 dogs with multiple vascular thrombi, as well as some of the dogs with primary aortic thrombi, may have had either a propensity for thrombosis (a hypercoagulable state) or an inability to lyse thrombi (a hypothrombolytic state).     

Incidence of Spinal Compressive Lesions in Chondrodystrophic Dogs with Abnormal Recovery after Hemilaminectomy for Treatment of Thoracolumbar Disc Disease: A Prospective Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

Objective— To investigate causes of the lack of clinical improvement after thoracolumbar disc surgery. Study Design— Case–control magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study. Animals— Chondrodystrophic dogs with acute thoracolumbar disc disease treated by hemilaminectomy: 10 that had no short‐term clinical improvement and 12 with “normal” clinical improvement. Methods— Dogs that had surgery for treatment of intervertebral disc extrusion (2003–2008) where thoracolumbar disc disease was confirmed by MRI were evaluated to identify dogs that had lack of clinical improvement after surgery. Ten dogs with delayed recovery or clinical deterioration were reexamined with MRI and compared with 12 dogs with normal recovery and MRI reexamination after 6 weeks (control group). Results— Of 173 dogs, 10 (5.8%) had clinical deterioration within 1–10 days after surgery. In 8 dogs, residual spinal cord compression was identified on MRI. Bleeding was present in 1 dog. In 3 dogs, the cause was an incorrect approach and insufficient disc material removal. In 3 dogs, recurrence occurred at the surgical site. In 1 dog, the centrally located extruded material was shifted to the contralateral side during surgery. These 8 dogs had repeat surgery and recovery was uneventful. In 2 dogs, deterioration could not be associated with a compressive disc lesion. Hemorrhagic myelomalacia was confirmed by pathologic examination in 1 dog. The other dog recovered after 6 months of conservative management. Conclusion— Delayed postsurgical recovery or deterioration is commonly associated with newly developed and/or remaining compressive disc lesion. Clinical Relevance— We recommend early MRI reexamination to assess the postsurgical spinal canal and cord, and to plan further therapeutic measures in chondrodystrophic dogs with delayed recovery after decompressive hemilaminectomy for thoracolumbar disc disease.     

Suppurative Inflammation of Apocrine Sweat Glands (Suppurative Hidradenitis) in the Dog: A Retrospective Clinicopathological Analysis of 100 Cases

Résumé— Une analyse rétrospective clinicopathologique a été menée chez 100 chiens présentant une hydradénite suppurative diagnostiquée par biopsie cutanée. Aucune prédisposition d'âge, de race ou de sexe n'a été mise en évidence. Tous les chiens présentaient cliniquement une folliculite bactérienne, ou une furonculose, ou les deux, qu'elle soit primaire ou secondaire à d'autres dermatoses. Aucene lésion clinique n'était pathognomonique d'hidradénite suppurative. Chez 73 chiens, l'hidradénite suppurative était associée microscopiquement à des degrés variables d'inflammation du follicule pileux. Chez 27 chiens, l'hidradénite suppurative était la seule évidence histologique d'inflammation annexielle. L'observation histopathologique d'hidradénite suppurative suggère l'existence sur le plan clinique d'une folliculite bactérienne, d'une furonculose, ou des 2. [Scott, D.W. Suppurative inflammation of apocrine sweat glands (suppurative hidradentis) in the dog: a retrospective clinicopathological analysis of 100 cases (inflammation suppurative des glandes sudorales apocrines (hidradénite suppurative) chez le chien: une analyse rétrospective clinicopathologique de 100 cas). Resumen— Se llevó a cabo un estudio clinicopatológico retrospectivo en 100 perros con hidradenitis supurativa diagnosticada mediante biopsia cutánea. No se detectó predominancia alguna de raza, sexo o edad. A todes los perros se les habia diagnosticado clinicamente foliculitis o furunculosis bacteriana, o ambas, ya sea de forma primaria o secundaria a otras dermatosis. No se encontraron lesiones clinicas especificas indicativas de hidradenitis supurativa. En 73 animales, la hidradenitis supurativa estaba asociada con varios grados de inflamación folicular a nivel microscópico. En los 27 casos restantes, los anejos presentaban unicamente hidradenitis supurativa. La presencia de hidradenitis supurativa a nivel microscópico sugiere la existencia de foliculitis o furunculosis bacteriana clinicas, o de ambas. [Scott, D.W. Suppurative inflammation of apocrine sweat glands (suppurative hidradenitis) in the dog: a retrospective clinicopathological analysis of 100 cases (inflamación supurativa de las glándulas sudoriparas apocrinas (hidradenitis supurativa) en el perro: estudio clinicopatológico retrospectivo de 100 casos). Abstract— A retrospective clinicopathological study was conducted on 100 dogs with suppurative hidradenitis as determined by skin biopsy. No apparent age, breed, or sex predilections were recognized. All dogs had been given a clinical diagnosis of bacterial folliculitis, furunculosis, or both of these, whether primary or secondary to other dermatoses. There were no clinical lesions that uniquely suggested the presence of suppurative hidradenitis. In 73 dogs, suppurative hidradenitis occurred in conjunction with varying degrees of hair follicle inflammation microscopically. In 27 dogs, suppurative hidradenitis was the only histological evidence of adnexal inflammation. The histopathologic finding of suppurative hidradenitis suggests the existence of clinical bacterial folliculitis, furunculosis, or both of these.     

Prevalence and risk factors of Giardia duodenalis in dogs from Romania

The protozoan Giardia duodenalis is a mammalian-infecting parasite that produces diarrhoea and malabsorption in its hosts. A survey to investigate canine infections with G. duodenalis in Romania was undertaken between June 2008 and December 2009. The objectives of the study were to (i) estimate the prevalence of infection in different dog populations (kennels, shelters, shepherd, household) using microscopy and a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test kit; (ii) to establish the level of agreement and characteristics of the tests; and (iii) to identify risk factors for infection by multivariate logistic regression models. Faecal samples were collected from 614 dogs aged from 1 month to 16 years (mean ± SD=2.88 ± 2.86 years). Each sample was tested for the presence of cysts using a flotation method with saturated sodium chloride solution and 416 out of 614 stool samples were further examined for the presence of G. duodenalis specific antigens using Giardia Microwell ELISA (SafePath? Laboratories). Giardia cysts were identified in 8.5% of total dogs (52/614) and statistical significantly more frequently in dogs living in communities. The cysts prevalence according with dog populations was as follows: 7.2%(9/125) in kennel dogs; 16.5%(27/164 in shelter dogs; 4.3%(2/46) in shepherd dogs; 4.8%(4/84) in household dogs from urban areas; and 5.1%(10/195) in household dogs from rural areas. The overall prevalence of Giardia infection by ELISA was 34.6% (144/416). The prevalence was significantly higher in kennel dogs (50%; 13/26), shelter dogs (47.7%; 74/155) and shepherd dogs (40.5%; 17/42) than in household dogs from urban areas (34.1%; 15/44) and household dogs from rural areas (16.8%; 25/149). It was noticed poor agreement between microscopy and ELISA (k=0.19). The microscopy performed best, with an Youden Index of 0.74, a Se of 73.68% and a Sp of 100%. ELISA had 100% Sp, but only 19.44% Se. Young dogs (up to 12 months age) and living in communities were identified as risk factors for infection by multivariate logistic regression analysis. 71.2% (37/52) Giardia cysts positive dogs presented co-infections with other intestinal parasites: Toxocara canis (14/52; 26.9%), Isospora ohioensis (12/52; 23.1%), Ancylostoma caninum (9/52; 17.3%), Uncinaria stenocephala (7/52; 13.5%), Trichocephalus vulpis (6/52; 11.5%), Hammondia heydorni/Neospora caninum (5/52; 9.6%), Sarcocystis spp. (5/52; 9.6%), Isospora canis (4/52; 7.7%), Capillaria aerophila (3/52; 5.8%), Strongyloides stercoralis (2/52; 93.8%), Dipylidium caninum (1/52; 1.9%) and Toxascaris leonina (1/52; 1.9%).     

Canine Sterile Nodular Panniculitis: A Retrospective Study of 14 Cases

Background: Sterile nodular panniculitis (SNP) is an uncommon inflammatory condition of subcutaneous fat that can be idiopathic, but has also been associated with underlying conditions such as pancreatic disease or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The pathogenesis and clinical course of the condition are not well understood. Objectives: To retrospectively review cases of SNP associated with systemic signs, concurrent disease, or both and characterize the clinical, laboratory, imaging, and histopathologic findings, treatment, and response to treatment. Animals: Fourteen dogs with histologically confirmed SNP diagnosed between 1996 and 2008. Methods: Retrospective study. Results: Skin lesions were ulcerated or draining nodules in 9 dogs and nonulcerative subcutaneous nodules in 5. Most dogs had systemic signs, such as fever, inappetence, lethargy, and multiple lesions. Common clinicopathologic findings included neutrophilia with or without left shift, increased alkaline phosphatase activity, mild hypoglycemia, hypoalbuminemia, and proteinuria. Concurrent diseases included pancreatic disease, SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, polyarthritis, lymphoplasmacytic colitis, and hepatic disease. Dogs responded to immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids when administered. Prognosis for recovery was related to the underlying disease process. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: SNP is not a single disease. Rather, it is a cutaneous marker of systemic disease in many cases. After thorough evaluation for concurrent disease and infectious causes, immunosuppressive treatment is often effective.     

Evaluation of piroxicam for the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of piroxicam for the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma in dogs. DESIGN: Prospective case series. ANIMALS: 17 dogs with measurable oral squamous cell carcinoma. PROCEDURE: Dogs were treated with piroxicam at a dosage of 0.3 mg/kg (0.14 mg/lb) of body weight, PO, every 24 hours until progressive disease or unacceptable signs of toxicosis developed or the dog died. RESULTS: One dog had a complete remission (maxillary tumor), and 2 dogs had partial remissions (lingual tumor and tonsillar tumor). An additional 5 dogs had stable disease, including 1 with a maxillary tumor, 2 with mandibular tumors, and 2 with tonsillar tumors. Variables associated with tumor response were not identified. Median and mean times to failure for the 3 dogs that had a remission were 180 and 223 days, respectively. Median and mean times to failure for the 5 dogs with stable disease were 102 and 223 days, respectively. Time to failure was positively associated with tumor response and negatively associated with tumor size. One dog had mild adverse gastrointestinal tract effects that resolved with the addition of misoprostol to the treatment regimen. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that piroxicam may be useful in the treatment of dogs with oral squamous cell carcinoma; response rate was similar to that reported for other cytotoxic treatments. Larger-scale studies are warranted to determine what role piroxicam may have, alone or in combination with other treatments, for the treatment of dogs with oral squamous cell carcinoma.     

Partial Maxillectomy in the Dog Comparison of Suture Materials and Closure Techniques

This study compares the healing of oronasal defects created by partial maxillectomy when closed using two different suture materials and two different suture patterns. In experiment 1, 24 dogs were divided into four equal groups. Partial maxillectomy was performed on each dog and was closed using either a two-layer simple interrupted suture pattern (12 dogs) or a modified Mayo mattress pattern (12 dogs) with either polyglactin 910 (12 dogs) or polypropylene (12 dogs) sutures. On the seventh postoperative day, the dogs were euthanized, suture line bursting pressures were measured, and wound healing was evaluated grossly and histopathologically. Suture line dehiscence occurred in one dog from each of the four groups. These were the only dogs in which electrocoagulation had been used. The healing of suture lines closed with the two-layer simple interrupted pattern was superior to that of those closed with the modified Mayo mattress pattern based on the degree of gross oral ulceration, suppurative inflammation, fibrosis and oral epithelial covering at the suture line, and the number of necrotic sites in the adjacent tissue. The healing of suture lines closed with polypropylene was superior to that of those closed with polyglactin 910 based on suture line bursting pressures and the degree of suppurative inflammation and tissue necrosis at the suture sites. In Experiment 2, partial maxillectomies were performed on four dogs, and closure was achieved using a two-layer simple interrupted suture pattern with either polyglactin 910 (two dogs) or polypropylene (two dogs). On the 30th postoperative day, the dogs were euthanized, and wound healing was evaluated grossly and histopathologically. All suture lines were well healed. All polyglactin 910 oral sutures were absent, while all polypropylene oral sutures were still present.     

Stenting of the caudal aorta and aortic trifurcation for the treatment of thrombosis in 7 dogs

BackgroundAortic and aortoiliac thrombosis in dogs causes disease and death.ObjectiveTo describe the procedure and outcomes for stenting the caudal aorta and aortoiliac trifurcation.AnimalsSeven client‐owned dogs that underwent aortic/aortoiliac stenting for treatment of thrombosis.MethodsRetrospective multi‐center investigation. Medical records were reviewed for dogs that underwent stenting of the aorta or aortoiliac trifurcation between 2008 and 2020. Information collected included history, signalment, clinicopathologic data, diagnostic imaging, procedure reports, and outcomes.ResultsSeven dogs with an occlusive thrombus located at or near the aortic trifurcation were included. Four of 7 dogs were non‐ambulatory. Hind limbs were paretic in 5 dogs, paralyzed in 1 dog, and claudication alone was noted in 1 dog. Five of the 7 dogs had protein‐losing nephropathy (PLN). Of 5 dogs with PLN, 1 had protein‐losing enteropathy (PLE) and controlled hypothyroidism and 1 had caudal aortic chondrosarcoma. Two dogs had no identified underlying disease. Angiography was performed before catheter directed thrombolysis and stent placement. No deaths occurred during the procedure. Postoperative complications included pain (4/7), bruising and edema (3/7), bruising only (1/7), and edema only (1/7). Median survival time (MST) of the 7 dogs was 264 days (range, 1‐1053 days). Five of 7 dogs were ambulatory within 2 days of stenting and survived to discharge with a MST of 425 days (range, 208‐1053 days).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceStenting of the aorta and aortoiliac trifurcation can provide an apparently safe and effective treatment with rapid return to ambulation for some dogs with aortic thrombosis.     

Suppurative polyarthritis in striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) from Cape Cod, Massachusetts: detection of mycoplasma DNA.

Striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, U.S.A. were necropsied (n=34; 1995-1997) or clinically evaluated (n=25, 2002-2003) to characterize a lameness and polyarthritis, reported by wildlife veterinarians and rehabilitators, and unsuccessfully treated with antibiotics. Overall, 22 affected skunks had one or multiple swollen joints, swollen paws, and subcutaneous abscesses. Purulent exudate was located in joint spaces, in periarticular connective tissue between muscle fascicles and tendons, and between and along flexor and extensor tendons of the paws. Histologic examination revealed suppurative arthritis, with necrosis and erosion of articular cartilage, and suppurative osteomyelitis. Special stains failed to reveal a causative microorganism within affected joints, and routine bacteriologic cultures failed to isolate a pathogen with any significant frequency or consistency. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) experiments were performed using DNA extracted from archived, formalin-fixed joint samples of 11 affected skunks, and DNA from joints of 7 of 11 affected skunks yielded amplicons with sequences highly similar to sequences of Mycoplasma fermentans within the Mycoplasma bovis cluster, whereas DNA samples from joints of four unaffected skunks were negative by PCR. Skunks from Connecticut, U.S.A. (n=21; 1995-2003) were similarly examined and were found not to have suppurative polyarthritis, suggesting a unique geographic distribution of this condition. Concurrent pathologic conditions in adult skunks from both Cape Cod and Connecticut included verminous pneumonia, gastric nematodiasis, arthropod ectoparasitism, and canine distemper. Amyloidosis was present in skunks with and without suppurative polyarthritis, and the amyloid was immunohistochemically identified as AA-amyloid. This is the first report of suppurative polyarthritis in wild skunks with evidence of a mycoplasmal etiology.