Nodular granulomatous fungal skin diseases of cats in the United Kingdom: a retrospective review

IDEXX Laboratories database of cases submitted from the UK between March 2005 and February 2008 (36 months) was investigated for feline nodular granulomatous skin disease associated with fungal infection. Cytological and/or histological slides were reviewed and the diagnosis was based on the microscopic pattern of the inflammatory response and morphology of the causative organism. Aetiological diagnoses were hyalohyphomycosis (64 of 77 cases), phaeohyphomycosis (five of 77 cases) and dermatophytic pseudomycetoma (eight of 77 cases). All cases of hyalohyphomycosis were suspected to be alternariosis based on common features including anatomical distribution of lesions (48 of 64 cases involved the nostril and bridge of nose, face and ears), pattern of histological changes, morphology of the causative organism and results of fungal culture (Alternaria three of 16 and ‘saprophyte’ nine of 16 cases). Cases of phaeohyphomycosis were demographically and histologically similar to those of alternariosis, except the causative organisms were deeply pigmented brown and had a variety of morphologies that were different from Alternaria. Dermatophytic pseudomycetomas had a characteristic histological pattern including the presence of fungal microcolonies or grains within the tissue. These occurred most often on the trunk (five of eight cases) and four of eight cases were in Persian cats. These findings indicate that alternariosis is by far the most common nodular fungal skin disease of cats in the UK.     

Factors associated with mortality of geriatric horses in the United Kingdom

Geriatric horses (aged≥15 years) now represent a substantial proportion of the equine population, yet mortality rates for aged horses in the UK have not previously been described. Although post-mortem studies have provided some data regarding specific causes of death, "old age" is a common owner-reported reason for euthanasia of adult horses, indicating further elucidation of reasons for death or euthanasia is required for the geriatric equine population. The objective of this cohort study was to describe mortality rates, causes of death or euthanasia and factors associated with mortality in geriatric horses and ponies. Veterinary registered horses randomly selected for a cross-sectional questionnaire survey on geriatric health were enrolled in the cohort study (n=908). Follow-up information was obtained over an 18-month period via telephone questionnaires and mortality questionnaires, providing data regarding reasons for death or euthanasia, were completed for 118 cases of mortality. Overall and stratified mortality rates were calculated and Cox proportional hazards models were used to investigate risk factors associated with mortality. The majority (94%) of mortalities were euthanised, most frequently due to lameness (24%) and colic (21%). Veterinary advice was important in owner decision making regarding euthanasia of cases of colic or other acute illnesses, while poor quality of life was considered an important factor where euthanasia was due to chronic diseases or lameness. Overall mortality rate was 11.1 (95% C.I. 9.2-13.2) per 100 horse-years at risk, with the mortality rate of animals >30 years of age over five times the rate in horses aged 15-19 years. On multivariable analysis, increasing age was associated with increasing mortality and Cob/Cob crossbreeds and Thoroughbred/Thoroughbred crossbreeds had an increased risk of mortality. Horses considered to be underweight had a greater risk of mortality than those in good condition. Increasing number of owner-reported clinical signs and the degree to which pain was reported to limit normal daily activities were associated with increased risk of mortality. The results of this study provide useful information about rates and factors associated with mortality in geriatric horses in the UK, which should be relevant to veterinary surgeons involved in the treatment of aged horses.     

Feline histoplasmosis: a retrospective study of 22 cases (1986-2009)

Twenty-two cases of feline histoplasmosis seen at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital between 1986 and 2009 were reviewed. The median age of affected cats was 9 yr (mean, 8.8 yr). Female domestic shorthairs were more commonly affected. The clinical presentation of most cases was nonspecific. The most common presenting complaints included weakness, lymphadenopathy, weight loss, and anorexia. Less frequent clinical signs included vomiting, diarrhea, blindness, and lameness. Less than half of the cats had clinical evidence of pulmonary disease on admission. Anemia and hypoalbuminemia were common laboratory abnormalities. An interstitial pattern was the most common radiographic pattern observed with pulmonary disease. Diagnosis was based on identification of the organism on cytology or histopathology. Fifteen of the 22 cats were treated, and itraconazole was the most common antifungal agent prescribed. Median duration of the antifungal treatment was 5 mo for cats that survived to discharge. Overall survival at time of discharge for cats in this study was 55%.     

Intracorneal hemorrhage in 19 dogs (22 eyes) from 2000 to 2010: a retrospective study

Objective The aim of this retrospective study is to review clinical data on patients that suffered intracorneal hemorrhage (ICH), and the veterinary and human literature available for this condition. Animal Studied A search for ICH was performed within the clinical database of the Animal Health Trust. Nineteen cases were identified (22 eyes). Procedures The patient’s age, breed, and gender were reviewed, together with etiology, location, treatment, and follow‐up. The relevant data were compared with the Animal Health Trust (AHT) ophthalmology referral population for the same period of time (n = 5555). Results Twenty‐two eyes were affected. No breed or sex predisposition could be identified. Patients aged 10 years and above were more frequently affected when compared with the AHT ophthalmology referral population. ICH was recorded in all corneal quadrants, with the mid‐peripheral cornea more often affected. Areas of corneas affected by the ICH showed long‐term loss of transparency. Ocular diseases as a source of neovascularization varied from ocular surface to intraocular disease. Systemic diseases were investigated in some patients, and no concomitant disease could be linked to the development of ICH. Conclusions Intracorneal hemorrhage is a rare condition associated with corneal neovasculature. As in the human ophthalmology literature, ICH could not be linked to a specific ocular or systemic disease. Severe complications described in humans with this condition, such as pupillary block or corneal perforation, were not seen in any of these canine patients. Canine ICH seem to reabsorb with time, with or without medical treatment. Surgical treatment was not required in any of our patients.     

Thrombocytosis in cats: a retrospective study of 51 cases (2000-2005)

Feline haematology profiles of patients presented to the University of Bristol Small Animal Hospital from January 2000 to October 2005 were evaluated for thrombocytosis (defined as a platelets count of >700x10(9)/l and confirmed on smear evaluation). Thrombocytosis was found in 79 cats (4.64% of the hospital feline population), with values ranging from 703 to 1895x10(9)/l. Signalment, clinical presentation, concurrence of other haematological abnormalities, diagnoses and outcome were evaluated in 51 cases in which complete medical records were available. Other variables (feline immunodeficiency virus/feline leukaemia virus status, thyroxine level, haemoplasma PCR, toxoplasma antibody titres) were also evaluated. No association was found between the presence of thrombocytosis and breed or gender. Gastrointestinal signs were the most common clinical presentation. Lymphopenia was the most common concurrent haematological abnormality. Based on final diagnosis reached, cats were grouped both according to the DAMNITV classification and according to the body system affected. Amongst the DAMNITV classification, inflammatory/infectious conditions were most commonly associated with thrombocytosis. According to body systems, gastrointestinal involvement was most represented, followed by endocrine cases. No association was found between the severity of thrombocytosis and outcome.     

Meniscal damage diagnosed by ultrasonography in horses: A retrospective study of 74 femorotibial joint ultrasonographic examinations (2000–2005)

This retrospective study reports diagnostic findings in 74 horses with ultrasonographic diagnosis of femorotibial joint damage; it describes the ultrasonographic features of meniscal tears and determines the prevalence of medial or lateral meniscal involvement and of associated synovial effusions. Horses were classified into four groups: with medial meniscal damage, with lateral meniscal damage, with lesions in both menisci, and with no ultrasonographic evidence of meniscal damage. After ultrasonographic appearance, meniscal lesions were described as central degeneration, horizontal tear, partial oblique tear of the distal angle, combined horizontal and oblique tears, or complex tear. Meniscal protrusion or other associated ultrasonographic or radiographic abnormalities were recorded. Of the 74 horses, 54 (73%) had medial meniscal damage, 5 (6.75%) had lateral meniscal damage, 5 (6.75%) had lesions in both menisci, and 10 (13.5%) had no meniscal lesion. Meniscal protrusion occurred in 20 cases (27%). Horizontal tears were the most frequent type of meniscal lesion (26 horses). Complex lesions were found in 6 lateral menisci and 14 medial menisci. Lesions of the cranial meniscal ligaments were seen in 10 horses. Synovial effusion of one or several joint compartments was found in 51 cases (68.9%).This study demonstrates the high prevalence of meniscal tears and synovitis in horses with ultrasonographic evidence of femorotibial derangement. Based on this series of clinical cases, horizontal tears of the medial meniscus appear to be the most frequent soft tissue injury of the equine stifle.     

Clinical use of blood products in cats: a retrospective study (1997--2000)

The records of the Transfusion Medicine Service of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at The Ohio State University were searched for client-owned cats that received whole blood (WB), packed red blood cells (PRBCs), or fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusions between December 1, 1997, and April 1, 2000. Eighty-one cats received 112 units of blood products, consisting of 49 units of WB (administered to 35 cats), 44 units of PRBCs (administered to 34 cats), and 19 units of FFP (administered to 13 cats); 10 cats received more than 1 product each. Anemia was the most common reason for transfusing RBC-containing blood products, requiring 33 units of WB (75%) and 39 units of PRBCs (80%). The 2 most common causes of anemia were blood loss (27%) and renal disease (20%). Hypoalbuminemia (n = 9) and coagulopathies (n = 6), primarily due to liver disease (n = 7), were the 2 most common reasons for cats to receive transfusions of FFP. There were no differences in increase in PCV after administration of either 1 unit of WB or 1 unit of PRBCs (P = .22). Transfusion reactions occurred in 3 cats; 2 reactions were mild febrile events, but a fatal reaction occurred when a type B cat inadvertently received type A blood.     

Trigeminal neuropathy in dogs: a retrospective study of 29 cases (1991-2000)

The medical records of 29 dogs unable to close their mouths due to flaccid paralysis or paresis of the muscles innervated by the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve, were reviewed. Idiopathic trigeminal neuropathy was diagnosed in 26 dogs based on complete resolution of clinical signs and lack of any long-term neurological disease. Of these dogs, golden retrievers were overrepresented. No age, sex, or seasonal predispositions were identified. Trigeminal sensory innervation deficits were observed in 35% (9/26), facial nerve deficits were observed in 8% (2/26), and Horner's syndrome was observed in 8% (2/26) of dogs. Electromyographic examination of the muscles of mastication revealed abnormalities in seven of nine dogs. Results of cerebrospinal fluid analysis were abnormal in seven of eight dogs. Corticosteroid therapy did not affect the clinical course of the disease. Mean time to recovery was 22 days. Lymphosarcoma, Neospora caninum infection, and severe polyneuritis of unknown origin were diagnosed in three of 29 dogs at necropsy.     

Parenteral nutrition in foals: a retrospective study of 45 cases (2000--2004)

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Adequate nutritional support of sick foals in critical care is an important aspect of treatment. When enteral feeding is contraindicated, parenteral nutrition (PN) provides a source of energy and protein. However, no study has critically assessed the use of PN in a large group of foals. OBJECTIVE: The administration of PN to clinically ill foals was examined retrospectively to determine the effects of PN formulation and variables on the incidence of PN-associated complications and outcome. HYPOTHESES: There was no effect of PN formula on 1) the occurrence or type of complications; 2) of PN formula on outcome; 3) of disease severity on the occurrence or type of complications; and 4) of disease severity on outcome. METHODS: Medical records of 45 foals, presented to the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center, which received PN, were reviewed for the years 2000-2004. RESULTS: The indications for PN were recumbency, depression or gastrointestinal conditions. Formulation of PN was not associated with the development of complications, and there was no association of PN formula with patient survival. Disease severity was positively associated with the development of PN complications and the occurrence of PN complications was associated with an increased risk of nonsurvival. CONCLUSION AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: The use of lipid-containing PN solutions facilitates the delivery of energy to the critically-ill foal without increasing the risk of deleterious side effects. Severely ill foals are more prone to develop complications associated with PN and to have a poor outcome.     

Diseases associated with hypercobalaminemia in dogs in United Kingdom: A retrospective study of 47 dogs

Cobalamin concentration is often assessed in clinical practice but little is known about the significance of hypercobalaminemia. The objective of this retrospective study was to identify the conditions associated with hypercobalaminemia in dogs and to investigate association with clinicopathological variables. Medical records of dogs having serum cobalamin measured between 2016 and 2018 were reviewed. One hundred sixty dogs were included and 47 (29%) showed hypercobalaminemia. Dogs with hypercobalaminemia had gastrointestinal (57%), hepatic (11%), neurological (11%), endocrine (9%), renal (4%), pancreatic (2%), and miscellaneous (6%) diseases. Overall, 11% had neoplasia. This distribution was not significantly different from that for hypocobalaminemic and normocobalaminemic dogs. There were significantly more dogs with hyperfolatemia in the hypercobalaminemia group. These results suggest that in clinical practice hypercobalaminemia is commonly identified in gastrointestinal and hepatic disease in dogs, but can also be seen with endocrine and neurological conditions. The frequency of hyperfolatemia alongside hypercobalaminemia may reflect common metabolic pathways.     

Monoclonal gammopathies in the dog: a retrospective study of 18 cases (1986-1999) and literature review

Eighteen dogs with monoclonal gammopathies were evaluated retrospectively. Most of the cases were associated with lymphoproliferative tumors (i.e., nine multiple myelomas, one Waldenstr?m's macroglobulinemia, one lymphoma, one chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and one mucocutaneous plasmacytoma). The prevalence of nonmyelomatous monoclonal gammopathies (28%) was also significant (three leishmaniasis and two ehrlichiosis). Presenting complaints and clinical signs often were nonspecific or related to bleeding diathesis. Significant laboratory findings included proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and anemia. Some unusual features were also observed: a multiple myeloma with immunoglobulin M secretion, another myeloma with two narrow spikes on the electrophoretic pattern, and a mucocutaneous plasmacytoma secreting an immunoglobulin G paraprotein.     

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.     

Financial incentive to control paratuberculosis (Johne's disease) on dairy farms in the United Kingdom

This paper estimates the financial incentive to control paratuberculosis on dairy farms by establishing the level of expenditure that would minimise the total cost of the disease (output losses plus control expenditure). Given the late onset of the clinical signs and the lack of treatments, control was focused on minimising the financial impact of paratuberculosis by adjusting the dairy cow replacement policy. The optimum replacement policies for disease-free herds and infected herds were compared by using dynamic programming. At the standard settings, the disease justified adjusting the culling policy; under constant bioeconomic assumptions, it reduced the expected annuity from milk production under the optimal replacement policy by about 10 per cent (27 pounds sterling per cow annually), a considerably lower figure than for other major endemic diseases that affect dairy cows in the uk. The effect was even less at lower milk prices, suggesting that there is at present little incentive for dairy farmers to put more resources into controlling the disease. However, the incentive could be increased if more information were available about how best to manage the disease under specific farm circumstances. Any effect that paratuberculosis may have on the future demand for milk and hence on milk prices would also be an important consideration.     

A retrospective analysis of feline bronchoalveolar lavage cytology and microbiology (1995-2000)

A retrospective study of 88 bronchoalveolar lavage specimens from 80 cats presenting to the University of Sydney Veterinary Centre between 1995 and 2000 was performed. Bronchoalveolar lavage cytology and microbiology in conjunction with other diagnostic aids and patient records were used to classify cases as lower respiratory tract infections (LTRIs), LRTI revisits, feline bronchial disease, cardiac disease, neoplastic disease and multisystemic disease. Cases for which a definitive diagnosis could not be made were classified as inconclusive. Infectious agents identified were Mycoplasma spp., Pasteurella spp., Bordetella bronchiseptica, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas sp., Cryptococcus neoformans, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and Eucoleus aerophilus. The study highlights the importance of bronchoalveolar lavage cytology and microbiology in the evaluation of feline lower respiratory tract disease.     

Dermatologic disorders in dogs with diabetes mellitus: 45 cases (1986-2000)

OBJECTIVE: To characterize skin lesions and causative infections in diabetic dogs and evaluate other potential causes of dermatologic disorders, including concurrent endocrinopathies, allergic skin disease, and long-term corticosteroid administration. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 45 dogs with diabetes mellitus (DM) that were examined by dermatologists. PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed for signalment; allergic conditions prior to development of DM; prior corticosteroid administration; and results of dermatologic examinations, ear and skin cytologic examinations, skin scrapings for parasites, bacteriologic and fungal culturing of ear and skin specimens, histologic examinations, and endocrine testing. RESULTS: Bacterial skin infection was the most common dermatologic disorder (n = 38 [84%]), followed by otitis (26 [58%]) and Malassezia-induced dermatitis (19 [42%]). Twenty-two (49%) dogs had pruritic skin disease consistent with allergic dermatitis, which preceded diagnosis of DM. Prior corticosteroid administration was reported in 21 (47%) dogs. Concurrent hyperadrenocorticism was diagnosed in 13 (29%) dogs, and concurrent hypothyroidism was diagnosed in 5 (11%) dogs. Iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism was diagnosed in 1 additional dog. Only 10 (22%) dogs did not have a documented concurrent endocrinopathy or allergic disease that could have caused the dermatitis. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Bacterial and yeast-induced dermatitis and otitis develop in dogs with DM. Many diabetic dogs with dermatologic problems have a preexisting allergic condition, history of prior corticosteroid administration, or concurrent endocrinopathy that may be a more likely cause of dermatologic problems than DM alone.     

Postal survey of the population of South American camelids in the United Kingdom in 2000/01

The members of the two leading British camelid breeders associations were surveyed by means of a postal questionnaire between December 2000 and January 2001; 696 questionnaires were posted and 218 usable responses were returned. A total of 3520 camelids were recorded, of which 2719 (77.2 per cent) were alpacas (Lama pacos) and 726 (20.6 per cent) were llamas (Lama glama). Ninety-four per cent of the camelid herds were of one species, and 70 per cent of the animals were kept for more than one purpose. Camelids imported from South America were present on 45 per cent of the units surveyed. Husbandry procedures and preventive health measures were uniform; 92.2 per cent of the animals were kept on pasture all year round, 99 per cent were supplemented with hay and 97.7 per cent with concentrate feed; 88.1 per cent were vaccinated against clostridial disease with a multivalent vaccine licensed for sheep, and 96.3 per cent were treated periodically with anthelmintic drugs. During 2000, ill health, other than dermatological conditions, was reported by 24.3 of respondents, and 32 different conditions were described. Skin disease was reported by 51 per cent of breeders. Zinc deficiency was diagnosed presumptively as the cause of skin disease by 31.9 per cent of the respondents, and ectoparasitism by 26.4 per cent. Of those who treated a skin condition, 71.9 per cent reported an improvement, but less than half of them considered the improvement to have been permanent.