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.     

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.     

Horner's syndrome in cats and dogs: a review

The literature was reviewed and reference made to a retrospective study of cases of Horner's syndrome seen at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. It was concluded that the cardinal diagnostic sign of Horner's syndrome is miosis. Ptosis, prolapse of the third eyelid and apparent enophthalmos are frequently presented but other signs of sympathetic deficit such as facial or aural vasodilatation are observed less consistently. The clinical diagnosis may be confirmed by pupillary response to cocaine. Horner's syndrome was frequently associated with trauma and less commonly with neoplasia. In a significant number of cases the cause was undetermined. Lesions of central neurons are reported infrequently while lesions of preganglionic and postganglionic neurons are described more often and appear to have a similar incidence. Preganglionic lesions most frequently involve the thoracic spinal cord and cervical sympathetic trunk while postganglionic lesions usually result from middle ear and retrobulbar disorders. The site of the lesion may be determined on the basis of clinical signs and pupillary response to phenyladrenalin or hydroxyamphetamine which both distinguish postganglionic lesions from preganglionic and central lesions.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Amoxycillin: clinical trials in dogs and cats

Amoxycillin, a new broad spectrum semi-synthetic penicillin was subjected to preliminary clinical testing in 351 cases in dogs and 264 in cats in veterinary practices. Two formulations were used: capsules by mouth and an aqueous suspension by injection. Those taking part were asked to use amoxycillin in the treatment of all conditions that they considered required an antibiotic and to report their results in terms of success or failure according to criteria laid down. Samples were taken whenever practicable for bacteriology. Dose ranges were 4 to 11 mg per kg for the oral capsules twice daily in dogs and most cats and 11 mg per kg once daily in some cat cases over five days and 2 to 7 mg per kg for the injectable suspension once daily in both species for three to five days. Results for the full range of conditions are given in tabulated form. Overall percentage of success according to the criteria laid down was 80.1%.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Clinical assessment and grading of back pain in horses

BackgroundThe clinical presentation of horses with back pain (BP) vary considerably with most horse''s willingness to take part in athletic or riding purpose becoming impossible. However, there are some clinical features that are directly responsible for the loss or failure of performance.ObjectivesTo investigate the clinical features of the thoracolumbar region associated with BP in horses and to use some of the clinical features to classify equine BP.MethodsTwenty-four horses comprised of 14 with BP and 10 apparently healthy horses were assessed for clinical abnormality that best differentiate BP from normal horses. The horses were then graded (0–5) using the degree of pain response, muscular hypertonicity, thoracolumbar joint stiffness and overall physical dysfunction of the horse.ResultsThe common clinical features that significantly differentiate horses with BP from non-BP were longissimus dorsi spasm at palpation (78.6%), paravertebral muscle stiffness (64.3%), resist lateral bending (64.3%), and poor hindlimb impulsion (85.7%). There were significantly (p < 0.05) higher scores for pain response to palpation, muscular hypertonicity, thoracolumbar joint stiffness and physical dysfunction among horses with BP in relation to non-BP. A significant relationship exists between all the graded abnormalities. Based on the cumulative score, horses with BP were categorized into mild, mild-moderate, moderate and severe cases.ConclusionsBP in horse can be differentiated by severity of pain response to back palpation, back muscle hypertonicity, thoracolumbar joint stiffness, physical dysfunctions and their cumulative grading score is useful in the assessment and categorization of BP in horses.     

Intussusception in dogs and cats: A review of 36 cases

Intussusception is recognized as a common cause of bowel obstruction in small animals. This study documents the clinical and surgical findings in nine cats and 27 dogs diagnosed as having intussusception. The main purposes of the study were to define the predisposing causes and clinical signs of intussusception and to evaluate various surgical techniques commonly employed in its treatment. No common predisposing cause could be established. Diagnosis of intussusception was based most often on clinical signs of bowel obstruction in association with the palpable abdominal mass. The majority of the intussusceptions involved the enterocolic junction. Formation of adhesions was more frequent in cats. Surgical treatments included simple reduction, manual reduction with plication, intestinal resection/anastomosis, and intestinal resection/anastamosis with plication. There was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) in the recurrence rate of the intussusceptions when the various surgical techniques were compared. Recurrence of an intussusception was not related to either the bowel segment involved or whether a simple reduction, bowel resection, or intestinal plication was performed at the initial surgery.     

Pregabalin alleviates clinical signs of syringomyelia-related central neuropathic pain in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs: a randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveWe aimed to assess the efficacy and benefit-risk profile of pregabalin (PGN) to reduce the clinical signs of central neuropathic pain (CNeP) as reflected by scratching episodes in dogs with symptomatic syringomyelia (SM).Study designRandomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study.AnimalsA total of 12 client-owned Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (age, 1.1–7.4 years, bodyweight, 8.2–10.8 kg) with magnetic resonance imaging-confirmed SM and clinical signs of CNeP.MethodsDogs were randomized to either PGN 150 mg or placebo for 25 days, followed by 48 hour washout period before crossover to the alternate phase of 25 days. The primary outcome was defined as number of scratching events during 10 minutes of video-recorded physical activity. Treatment effect was estimated using a generalized estimation equation model. Benefit-risk and quality of life assessments were obtained through owner interviews focusing on potential adverse events.ResultsThe treatment effect estimate was an 84% (95% confidence interval = 75–89%) reduction in mean number of scratching events relative to baseline compared with placebo (p < 0.0001). Owner-assessed satisfactory quality of life was status quo and rated as ‘good’ or ‘could not be better’ in six/11 dogs and improved in four/11 dogs. The most prevalent adverse events were increased appetite in nine/12 dogs and transient ataxia in nine/12 dogs. There was one dog withdrawn by the owner 7 days after crossover to PGN owing to persistent ataxia. No dogs needed rescue analgesia during the trial.Conclusions and clinical relevancePGN is superior to placebo in the reduction of clinical signs of SM-related CNeP in dogs. At a dose range of 13–19 mg kg^–1 orally twice daily, the encountered adverse events were acceptable to all but one owner.     

Sacral fractures in dogs and cats: a classification scheme and review of 51 cases

classification scheme for sacral fractures was based on a review of sacral fractures in 34 dogs and 17 cats. They were classified into five categories based on their radiographic appearance on standard lateral and ventrodorsal radiographs of the pelvis. Concomitant pelvic injuries were commonly observed: 32 per cent of dogs had a fracture of an ilium and 65 per cent of cats had unior bilateral sacroiliac subluxation. Neurological deficits were common where the fractures traversed the spinal canal or sacral foraminae. Comparison is made between sacral fractures in dogs and cats, and humans.     

Treatment of dermatophytosis in dogs and cats: review of published studies

The recent literature on the treatment of dermatophytosis in dogs and cats was reviewed. Based upon in vitro studies using isolated infected hairs and controlled or field in vivo studies, the following topical treatments were consistently found to be antifungal (i.e. antidermatophyte): lime sulfur (1:16), 0.2% enilconazole rinses, and a combined 2% miconazole/chlorhexidine shampoo. Animals or hairs were either bathed or rinsed once or twice weekly. Itraconazole, griseofulvin and terbinafine were evaluated in controlled or field studies, most commonly involving cats. Griseofulvin (50 mg kg(-1)) was reported to cure infected animals in 41-70 days. Itraconazole (10 mg kg(-1) once daily or in a combined daily/pulse therapy 10 mg kg(-1) once daily for 28 days and then week on/week off) was reported to cure infected animals in 56-70 days. Low-dose itraconazole (1.5-3.0 mg kg(-1)) in 15-day cycles required 1-3 cycles (15-45 days). Various doses of terbinafine (5-40 mg kg(-1)) were reportedly used to treat dogs or cats. The higher doses of terbinafine (> 20 mg kg(-1)) were required to achieve a mycological cure; the number of treatment days to cure varied from 21 to > 126 days. Lufenuron was reported anecdotally to be an effective cure, however, this was not substantiated in controlled studies. Finally, fungal vaccines were not found to be effective against challenge exposure, however, there is evidence that they may be useful in treatment protocols.