Interruption of bacterial cycles in animal production: Related to veterinary public health

Summary

Adverse reactions to various trimethoprim‐sulphonamide (T‐S) combinations were studied retrospectively in dogs and cats referred to the Utrecht University Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals during the period 1985–1994. Dermatological and systemic reactions were observed in 19 dogs and 2 cats. Specific histological reaction patterns were seen in 3 dogs with toxic epidermal necrolysis, in 1 dog and 1 cat with erythema multiforme, and in 1 dog with pemphigus foliaceus. Diagnostic criteria used in humans proved to be reliable in dogs and cats as well. Adverse reactions were observed within 7–14 days after administration and were most often due to sulphadiazine (76%) and sulphatroxazole (14%). The incidence of adverse reactions to T‐S was 0.25%.     

Correlation of ultrasonographic appearance of lesions and cytologic and histologic diagnoses in splenic aspirates from dogs and cats: 32 cases (2002-2005)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy of cytologic diagnosis, compared with histologic diagnosis, in determination of disease in ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspirates of splenic lesions. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Splenic specimens from 29 dogs and 3 cats. PROCEDURES: Records were searched for dogs and cats that had undergone ultrasound-guided splenic aspiration. Criteria for inclusion were ultrasonographic identification of splenic lesions and cytologic and histologic evaluation of tissue from the same lesion. Cytologic samples were obtained by fine-needle aspiration, and histologic specimens were obtained via surgical biopsy, ultrasound-guided biopsy, or necropsy. RESULTS: Cytologic diagnoses corresponded with histologic diagnoses in 19 of 31 (61.3%) cases and differed in 5 of 31(16.1%) cases, and 1 aspirate was inadequate for evaluation. In 7 of 31 (22.6%) cases, histologic evaluation of tissue architecture was required to distinguish between reactive and neoplastic conditions. On the basis of histologic diagnosis in 14 animals with nonneoplastic conditions, the cytologic diagnosis was correct in 11 cases, not definitive in 2 cases, and incorrect in 1 case. In 17 animals with malignant neoplastic diseases, the cytologic diagnosis was correct in 8 cases, not definitive but consistent with possible neoplasia in 5 cases, and incorrect in 4 cases. Multiple similar-appearing nodules were significantly associated with malignancy, whereas single lesions were more often benign. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ultrasound-guided aspiration of splenic lesions is a minimally invasive tool for obtaining specimens for cytologic evaluation. Although cytologic diagnoses often reflect histologic results, if missampling or incomplete sampling occurs or tissue architecture is required to distinguish between reactive and neoplastic conditions, accurate diagnosis with fine-needle aspiration may not be possible.     

Lipoprotein electrophoresis differentiation of chylous and nonchylous pleural effusions in dogs and cats and its correlation with pleural effusion triglyceride concentration

Pleural effusions from 23 dogs and 25 cats hospitalized between November 1986 and April 1987 at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (VHUP) were classified as chylous (chylomicrons present) or nonchylous (chylomicrons absent) by the presence or absence, respectively, of a chylomicron band on lipoprotein electrophoresis gels of the effusions. Triglyceride concentrations, cholesterol concentrations, and cholesterol/triglyceride (C/T) ratios were compared between the chylous and nonchylous groups in each species. Cholesterol concentrations were not significantly different between chylous and nonchylous effusions in both dogs and cats. Cholesterol/triglyceride ratios of less than 1 were present in all dogs and cats with chylous effusions; however, 12% of dogs with nonchylous effusions and 50% of cats with nonchylous effusions also had a C/T ratio less than 1. Triglyceride concentrations accurately classified all effusions as chylous or nonchylous in both dogs and cats. Pleural effusions with triglyceride concentrations greater than l00 mg/dl were chylous in all cases, whereas, effusions with triglyceride concentrations less than l00 mg/dl were nonchylous in all cases.     

Erythema multiforme associated with zonisamide in a dog

This report describes a dog that developed erythema multiforme in temporal association with administration of the sulphonamide‐based anticonvulsant drug zonisamide. Similar adverse drug reactions have been associated with sulphonamide antimicrobial drugs. Caution should be exercised when prescribing this medication for dogs with known hypersensitivity to sulphonamides.     

Clinical evaluation of medetomidine, a novel sedative and analgesic drug for dogs and cats

Medetomidine, a potent alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist, was investigated in open, multicenter clinical trials with patients of various canine and feline breeds (1736 dogs and 678 cats). The purpose of the study was to find an optimal dose of medetomidine for sedation and analgesia in clinical practice and to study how well the intended procedure could be performed under the influence of the drug. The mean dose (i.m.) of medetomidine used for examinations, clinical procedures and minor surgical interventions was 40 micrograms/kg, and for radiography 30 micrograms/kg. In cats the dose was 80-110 micrograms/kg. On the doses chosen, almost all animals were recumbent and 72% of the dogs and 85% of the cats were in a slight anaesthetic stage, unable to rise. The evaluation of the overall suitability of medetomidine (% of cases) in different indications was "very satisfactory" or "satisfactory" in 95% of dogs and 81-96% of cats. Side effects reported were limited almost exclusively to vomiting and muscle jerking in dogs (12% and 0.5% of the cases) and to vomiting in cats (65%). Medetomidine seems to suffice for pharmacological restraint of dogs and cats. The concomitant use of medetomidine (80-100 micrograms/kg) and ketamine (7 mg/kg) in cats (n = 295) provided a good anaesthesia (20-40 min). The recovery was smooth. The present study shows that medetomidine provides an effective level of sedation and analgesia for clinical use.     

A Retrospective Study of Cavernous Sinus Syndrome in 4 Dogs and 8 Cats

Cavernous sinus syndrome (CSS) is characterized by deficits in more than one of the cranial nerves (CN) that traverse the cavernous sinus at the base of the cranial vault: CN III (oculomotor), IV (trochlear), VI (abducens), and the first two branches of CN V (trigeminal). Records from 4 dogs and 8 cats with CSS diagnosed over a 14-year period were reviewed. The most common clinical signs were ophthalmoparesis or ophthalmoplegia, mydriasis with no direct or consensual pupillary light reflexes, ptosis, decreased corneal sensation, and decreased retractor oculi reflex. All cats had initial signs referable to a left CSS lesion (one had bilateral CSS), whereas in all dogs the lesions were localized to the right cavernous sinus. Median ages at diagnosis were 9 and 10 years of age for dogs and cats, respectively. Cerebel lomedullary cisternae cerebrospinal fluid analysis in 6 animals was useful as a sensitivebut nonspecific diagnostic test of an intracranial inflammatory or neoplastic lesion. Magnetic resonance imaging scans provided a more definitive diagnostic test in all dogs, revealing a contrast-enhancing mass on T1 weighted scans in the region of the cavernous sinus. A definitive pathological diagnosis was obtained in 2 dogs: a primary intracranial neoplasm and a metastatic intracranial neoplasm. A definitive diagnosis was obtained in 6 cats: metastatic neoplasm (n =1), primary intracranial neoplasm (n = I), primary intracranial infectious disease (n = 2). and associated systemic infectious disease (n = 2). The prognosis associated with CSS in dogs and cats was considered guarded to poor. J Vet Intern Med 1996_;10:65–71. Copyright © 1996 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine .     

Erythema multiforme possibly triggered by food substances in a dog

A 5-year-old female border collie presented with erythematous skin lesions at the axillae, groin, mucocutaneous junctions, and pinnae. Biopsy revealed lymphocytic interface dermatitis with hydropic degeneration of basal cells and keratinocyte apoptosis. Based on gross and histological features, diagnosis of erythema multiforme was made. The disease was resolved by treatment with azathioprine, prednisolone, and a hypoallergenic diet. Finally, the skin lesion was controlled without drug therapy but recurred easily every time commercial foods except the hypoallergenic diet were used, suggesting that food substances triggered this outbreak.     

Characteristics of pain and response to analgesic treatment in dogs and cats examined at a veterinary teaching hospital emergency service

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence and characteristics of pain in dogs and cats examined by an emergency service at a veterinary teaching hospital and evaluate the response of dogs and cats with signs of pain to analgesic treatment. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. ANIMALS: 317 dogs and 112 cats. PROCEDURE: A questionnaire was used to categorize the characteristics of pain. The location, cause, and signs of pain were determined by obtaining a thorough history and conducting a physical examination. Pain was categorized by type (superficial somatic, deep somatic, or visceral), mechanism (inflammatory, neuropathic, or both), severity (mild, moderate, or severe), and duration. Evidence for primary or secondary hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity to manipulation was determined. The response to single or multiple analgesic drug administration was assessed. RESULTS: 179 (56%) dogs and 60 (54%) cats had signs of pain. In most of these dogs and cats, pain was classified as acute (< 24 hours' duration) and of moderate severity and was associated with primary hypersensitivity. Most dogs had deep somatic pain; most cats had visceral pain. Inflammation was the most common mechanism. One hundred nineteen (66%) dogs and 41 (68%) cats were treated with analgesic drugs. Analgesic treatment was considered effective in 73 (61%) dogs and 31 (76%) cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that moderate to severe acute somatic pain caused by inflammation is common in dogs and cats examined by an emergency service and that a combination of multiple analgesic drugs is more effective than any single analgesic drug in the treatment of pain in these dogs and cats.     

Successful intravenous human immunoglobulin treatment of drug-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome in a dog

A two-year-old, male English springer spaniel developed severe mucocutaneous ulceration following treatment with trimethoprim-potentiated sulphadiazine. The clinical signs were consistent with Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS): there were no target or arciform lesions typical of erythema multiforme minor and major; more than one mucosal surface was affected; epidermal detachment affected less than 10 per cent of the body surface area; and there was a clear history of drug exposure. Systemic signs included a severe hepatopathy, dyspnoea, pyrexia and cachexia. Glucocorticoid therapy was associated with secondary infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The clinical signs rapidly resolved following a single intravenous infusion of 0.51 g/kg human immunoglobulin (ivHIG) as a 5 per cent solution. By blocking FAS/FAS ligand (CD95/CD95L) interactions, ivHIG is thought to prevent keratinocyte apoptosis. It also binds to immunoglobulin G Fc receptors, inhibiting cell activation and cytokine synthesis, neutralises autoantibodies and immune complexes, blocks complement activity, is antimicrobial and increases colloid osmotic pressure. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of successful treatment of canine SJS using ivHIG, although it has been used to treat erythema multiforme in a cat and toxic epidermal necrolysis in a dog.     

Molecular epidemiology of feline bordetellosis in two animal shelters in California,USA

"Kennel cough" in dogs in animal shelters is readily transmissible, reduces adoption rates, and commonly leads to the euthanasia of affected dogs. In cats, tracheobronchitis, conjunctivitis, and pneumonia have been associated with Bordetella bronchiseptica infection-but most cases of upper-respiratory infection (URI) probably are caused by herpesvirus and calicivirus, and many B. bronchiseptica culture-positive cats are clinically normal. Our prospective observational study was undertaken to document the contribution of B. bronchiseptica to disease in cats and dogs from two animal shelters undergoing outbreaks of canine kennel cough, to evaluate whether cross-species transmission might have occurred, and to determine if the presence of infected cats represented a risk to dogs. Clinically defined cases of kennel cough in dogs and URI in cats were investigated in two shelters by calculating clinical-disease incidence, alveolar-lavage cytological examination, bacterial and viral cultures, antibiotic-susceptibility testing, and molecular fingerprinting by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.In a 40-cat and 40-dog "no-kill" shelter, the prevalences of culture positivity were 47% for B. bronchiseptica and 36% for calicivirus at the same time as two resident dogs demonstrated clinical cough. When no dogs had kennel cough 3 months later, 10% of cats were B. bronchiseptica-culture-positive and 63% calicivirus positive. In a large traditional shelter, the incidence of kennel cough in dogs increased over 12 weeks to a maximum of 19 cases/week/120 dogs, during which time the culture prevalence was 23% for B. bronchiseptica in dogs and 47% in cats. Three to 6 months before the kennel-cough epidemic, no dogs or cats were B. bronchiseptica positive. Very little genetic variability was detected in isolates from these shelters; all isolates except one corresponded to a single strain type which was identical to the pattern in a vaccine used in these shelters. Isolates from other cats, a horse, a llama, and a sea otter were genetically distinct from the shelter isolates. There was widespread resistance to cephalosporins and ampicillin, but low or no resistance to amoxicillin/clavulanate, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline, and enrofloxacin. Greater percent resistance was observed in the traditional shelter than in the no-kill shelter and feline isolates were more likely to be resistant than canine isolates.     

Emerging viral encephalitides in dogs and cats.

Few viral pathogens resulting in encephalitis in dogs and cats have emerged over the past decade or so. All are the result of penetration through presumed species barriers and all are considered zoonoses or possible zoonotic pathogens. In all cases, encephalitis is a rare event that has low morbidity but high mortality. More viruses are likely to emerge as pathogenic in our domesticated carnivorous companions as our habitats continue to overlap with the shrinking wildlife habitats. Hopefully, however, none reach the level of distinction that was once held by rabies virus.     

Putative drug-related pemphigus foliaceus in four dogs

Four dogs developed cutaneous lesions following the administration of various antibiotics. Histopathology of the lesions was compatible with pemphigus foliaceus, although apoptotic cells suggestive of erythema multiforme were seen in two cases. In two dogs the lesions resolved after 7.5-8.5 months of immune-suppressive treatment. No recurrence was seen during the follow-up period (3 and 4.5 years). The lesions in the other two dogs resolved within 3 weeks to 3 months following discontinuation of the antibiotic. No recurrence of clinical signs occurred during the follow-up period (1 and 4 years, respectively).     

The use of semiconductor diode laser for deflation and coagulation of anterior uveal cysts in dogs, cats and horses: a report of 20 cases

OBJECTIVE: To describe semiconductor diode laser use for anterior uveal cyst deflation and coagulation in dogs, horses and cats. ANIMALS STUDIED: The presenting clinical signs, surgical technique and postoperative results for four dogs, nine horses and seven cats with anterior uveal cysts treated with diode laser are described. Treated cysts were of sufficient size and/or number to potentially impair vision, damage the corneal endothelium, or increase intraocular pressure (IOP). One dog with free-floating cysts exhibited 'fly biting' behavior. Cysts were suspected of causing shying on the affected side and/or head-shaking behavior in seven horses. Cysts were free floating within the anterior chamber in dogs, occurred in the corpora nigrum in horses and were attached to the posterior iris surface in cats. In cats, shallowing of the anterior chamber and dyscoria were observed. In all cats prior to cyst deflation, IOP increased after pharmacologic pupil dilation. Cats were more likely than dogs and horses to have bilateral and multiple cysts. PROCEDURE: Two dogs and all horses were treated without general anesthesia and two dogs and all cats were treated under general anesthesia. Diode laser was used to perforate, deflate and coagulate the cysts. RESULTS: Postoperatively, all eyes were free of discomfort or significant inflammation and minimal or no topical or systemic anti-inflammatory therapy was required. Abnormal behavior improved or resolved in all cases. In all cats, IOP 24 h after photocoagulation was lower than the postdilation IOP. Cysts did not recur, but new cysts were discovered in several cases. CONCLUSION: Semiconductor diode laser coagulation of anterior uveal cysts is safe, effective and noninvasive.     

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.     

Renal biopsy: a retrospective study of methods and complications in 283 dogs and 65 cats

Renal biopsy often is required to establish a definitive diagnosis in dogs and cats with renal disease. In this retrospective study, we determined the complications of renal biopsy as well as factors that may be associated with development of complications and procurement of adequate renal biopsy specimens in 283 dogs and 65 cats. Data extracted from medical records at 4 institutions were evaluated using logistic regression. Proteinuria was the most common indication for renal biopsy in dogs. Complications were reported in 13.4 and 18.5% of dogs and cats, respectively. The most common complication was severe hemorrhage; hydronephrosis and death were uncommon. Dogs that developed complications after renal biopsy were more likely to have been 4 to < 7 years of age and > 9 years, to weigh < or = 5 kg, and to have serum creatinine concentrations > 5 mg/dL. The majority of biopsies from both dogs (87.6%) and cats (86.2%) were considered to be of satisfactory quality. Biopsies from dogs were more likely to be of high quality if they were obtained when the patient was under general anesthesia and more likely to contain only renal cortex if they were obtained by surgery. We concluded that renal biopsy is a relatively safe procedure, with a low frequency of severe complications. Hospital practices and patient variables have the potential to impact both the quality of the specimen obtained and the rate of complications.     

Clinicopathologic features of an unusual outbreak of cryptococcosis in dogs, cats, ferrets, and a bird: 38 cases (January to July 2003)

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical and pathologic findings associated with an outbreak of cryptococcosis in an unusual geographic location (British Columbia, Canada). DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 1 pink-fronted cockatoo, 2 ferrets, 20 cats, and 15 dogs. PROCEDURE: A presumptive diagnosis of cryptococcosis was made on the basis of serologic, histopathologic, or cytologic findings, and a definitive diagnosis was made on the basis of culture or immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: No breed or sex predilections were detected in affected dogs or cats. Eleven cats had neurologic signs, 7 had skin lesions, and 5 had respiratory tract signs. None of 17 cats tested serologically for FeLV yielded positive results; 1 of 17 cats yielded positive results for FIV (western blot). Nine of 15 dogs had neurologic signs, 2 had periorbital swellings, and only 3 had respiratory tract signs initially. Microbiologic culture in 15 cases yielded 2 isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans var grubii (serotype A) and 13 isolates of C. neoformans var gattii (serotype B); all organisms were susceptible to amphotericin B and ketoconazole. Serologic testing had sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 98%. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Serologic titers were beneficial in identifying infection in animals with nonspecific signs, but routine serum biochemical or hematologic parameters were of little value in diagnosis. Most animals had nonspecific CNS signs and represented a diagnostic challenge. Animals that travel to or live in this region and have nonspecific malaise or unusual neurologic signs should be evaluated for cryptococcosis.     

Prevalence of Toxocara spp. and other parasites in dogs and cats in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Several cases of visceral larva migrans syndrome in children led to an investigation of the ova of Toxocara spp. and other species in stool specimens from stray dogs and cats in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Fecal samples from 474 stray dogs and 299 stray cats were examined. Ova of Toxocara canis or cati were present in stools from 26.6% of the dogs and 25.1% of the cats. In dogs the prevalence of Toxocara canis was noticeably greater in puppies (56.1%) than in mature animals (11.9%).     

Survival Following Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Dogs and Cats

Dogs and cats receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) were evaluated for factors leading to cardiac arrest and for survival following the procedure. One-hundred-thirty-five canine and forty-three feline patients seen at the University of California, Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital that received CPR between August 1987 and December 1991 were studied. Initial resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful in 72% of dogs and 58% of cats. Five dogs and one cat were still alive 3 days after CPR. Ultimately only four dogs and one cat were discharged from the hospital alive. These five patients with uniquely longer survival all had cardiac arrests associated with drug and/or anesthetic reactions.     

Outcome and complication rate of nasal planectomy reconstructed with direct mucocutaneous apposition

Nasal planectomy is recommended in cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal planum in dogs and can be curative if excision is complete. Due to the noticeable alteration in appearance inherent in nasal planectomy, several techniques are described for reconstruction. The goal of this study is to report the complication rate and owner satisfaction following nasal planectomy with repair by direct mucocutaneous apposition compared to other reported reconstruction techniques meant to be more cosmetic. Eleven dogs were identified that underwent nasal planectomy with reconstruction via mucocutaneous apposition. Complications were noted in 8/11 dogs: all minor. All dogs underwent CT preoperatively for surgical planning. Complete excision was noted in 10/11 cases. Results suggest that direct mucocutaneous apposition is a viable surgical option for reconstruction following nasal planectomy with favorable major complication rates and owner satisfaction. In addition, direct mucocutaneous apposition for closure following nasal planectomy should be considered, especially in cases in which bone is not resected, because of low complication rates and reasonable cosmetic outcome.