Prevalence of and intrinsic risk factors for appendicular osteosarcoma in dogs: 179 cases (1996-2005)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of appendicular osteosarcoma (OSA) in Greyhounds compared with other breeds and identify potential intrinsic risk factors associated with development of OSA. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 179 dogs with primary appendicular OSA. PROCEDURES: Medical records of dogs in which primary appendicular OSA had been diagnosed between 1996 and 2005 were reviewed. Prevalence and crude odds ratios for OSA were calculated for various breeds by comparison with a reference population of mixed-breed dogs. Age and sex were examined as potential risk factors for the 3 breeds with highest prevalence. RESULTS: Breed period prevalence of OSA was highest for Greyhounds (21/339 [6.2%]), followed by Rottweilers (51/969 [5.3%]) and Great Danes (13/297 [4.4%]); all 21 Greyhounds with OSA were identified as having retired from racing. Sex was not identified as a risk factor for OSA in these breeds, but in all 3 breeds, risk of OSA increased with age. Greyhounds were significantly older at the time of OSA diagnosis (mean, 9.9 years) than were Rottweilers (8.3 years) and Great Danes (7.8 years). Rottweilers and Great Danes were more likely to have OSA involving the forelimbs than the hind limbs. The most frequent lesion sites for all 3 breeds were the proximal end of the humerus and distal end of the radius. The proximal end of the femur was also a common site for the Greyhounds. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results of the present study suggested that Greyhounds, Rottweilers, and Great Danes had an increased risk of developing OSA, compared with mixed-breed dogs.     

Clinical features of dilated cardiomyopathy in Great Danes and results of a pedigree analysis: 17 cases (1990-2000)

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical features of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in Great Danes and to determine whether DCM is familial in this breed. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 17 Great Danes with DCM. PROCEDURE: Medical records of Great Danes in which DCM was diagnosed on the basis of results of echocardiography (fractional shortening < 25%, end-systolic volume index > 30 ml/m2 of body surface area) were reviewed. Pedigrees were obtained for affected animals, as well as for other Great Danes in which DCM had been diagnosed. RESULTS: Dilated cardiomyopathy appeared to be familial and was characterized by ventricular dilatation, congestive heart failure (left-sided or biventricular), and atrial fibrillation. Pedigree analysis suggested that DCM was inherited as an X-linked recessive trait, but the mode of inheritance could not be definitively identified. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that DCM may be an X-linked recessive trait in Great Danes. Thus, dogs with DCM probably should not be used for breeding, and female offspring of affected dogs should be used cautiously. Male offspring of affected females are at an increased risk of developing DCM and should be evaluated periodically for early signs of disease. Results of pedigree analysis were preliminary and should be used only as a guide for counseling breeders, rather than as a basis for making breeding decisions.     

Prevalence of and risk factors for leptospirosis among dogs in the United States and Canada: 677 cases (1970-1998)

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there was a temporal trend in prevalence of leptospirosis among dogs in the United States and Canada and to determine whether age, sex, and breed were risk factors for the disease. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 1,819,792 dogs examined at 22 veterinary teaching hospitals between 1970 and 1998. PROCEDURES: The Veterinary Medical Data Base was searched for records of dogs in which a diagnosis of leptospirosis was made, and hospital prevalence was calculated. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between leptospirosis and age, sex, and breed. RESULTS: 677 dogs with leptospirosis were identified. Thus, hospital prevalence was 37 cases/100,000 dogs examined. A significant increase in leptospirosis prevalence between 1983 and 1998 was identified. Male dogs were at significantly greater risk of leptospirosis than were female dogs; dogs between 4 and 6.9 years old and between 7 and 10 years old were at significantly greater risk than dogs < 1 year old; and herding dogs, hounds, working dogs, and mixed-breed dogs were at significantly greater risk than companion dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The prevalence of leptospirosis among dogs examined at veterinary teaching hospitals in the United States and Canada has increased significantly since 1983. Male dogs of working and herding breeds were at greater risk.     

Association of breed with the diagnosis of congenital portosystemic shunts in dogs: 2,400 cases (1980-2002)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the annual and overall proportion of diagnoses of congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS) in dogs and identify breeds at increased risk for CPSS. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 2,400 dogs with CPSS from veterinary teaching hospitals that reported to the Veterinary Medical Database (VMDB) from January 1, 1980 to February 28, 2002. PROCEDURE: The proportion of diagnoses of CPSS was calculated for all dogs and each breed recorded in the VMDB annually and for the 22.2-year period. Odds ratios and adjusted confidence intervals were calculated for breeds with at least 100 accessions by comparing odds of each breed with a diagnosis of CPSS with that of mixed-breed dogs. RESULTS: Congenital portosystemic shunts were reported in 0.18% of all dogs and 0.05% of mixed-breed dogs. The proportion of diagnoses of CPSS increased from 5 in 10,000 dogs in 1980 to 5 in 1,000 dogs in 2001. Yorkshire Terriers had the greatest total number of diagnoses of CPSS. Thirty-three breeds were significantly more likely to have a diagnosis of CPSS, compared with mixed-breed dogs. The greatest proportions of diagnoses were found in Havanese (3.2%), Yorkshire Terriers (2.9%), Maltese (1.6%), Dandie Dinmont Terriers (1.6%), and Pugs (1.3%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Certain breeds appear to be at increased risk for CPSS, compared with mixed-breed dogs. The increased odds ratios among specific breeds support the hypothesis of a genetic predisposition for CPSS. Clients and veterinarians should consider appropriate diagnostic tests for dogs with clinical signs and those used for breeding from breeds with increased risk of CPSS.     

Prevalence of primary breed-related cataracts in the dog in North America

The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of cataracts in dogs presented to veterinary medical teaching hospitals in North America between 1964 and 2003. A retrospective study of all dogs presented with cataracts to veterinary medical teaching hospitals in North America between 1964 and 2003 was conducted to determine cataract prevalence. The different decades, breeds, gender, and age at time of presentation with cataract were compared. The prevalence of dogs presented with cataract varied by decade and ranged from 0.95% (1964-73), 1.88% (1974-83), 2.42% (1994-2003), to 3.5% (1984-93). The total number of dogs presented with cataracts over the 40-year period was 39,229. From 1964 to 2003 the prevalence of cataract formation in this patient population increased by about 255%. Fifty-nine breeds of dogs were affected with cataracts above the baseline prevalence of 1.61% seen in mixed-breed/hybrid dogs. The breeds with the highest cataract prevalence included: Smooth Fox Terrier (11.70%), Havanese (11.57%), Bichon Frise (11.45%), Boston Terrier (11.11%), Miniature Poodle (10.79%), Silky Terrier (10.29%) and Toy Poodle (10.21%). The breeds with the largest number of cataractous dogs during the entire four decades were the Boston Terrier (11.11%), Miniature Poodle (10.79%), American Cocker Spaniel (8.77%), Standard Poodle (7.00%), and Miniature Schnauzer (4.98%). Gender ratios of cataractous dogs seemed to affect limited breeds. Age of presentation with cataract diagnosis varied among several breeds. In the mixed-breed/hybrid baseline population, cataract formation appeared to be age related with a higher frequency of cataract formation in dogs after 4-7 years. Cataract formation is one of the most prevalent eye diseases in the dog population, and in about 60 breeds of dogs the prevalence of cataract exceeds that of the baseline mixed-breed/hybrid group. The prevalence of cataract is also influenced by age in most purebred dogs and affects 16.80% of the 7-15+-year-old mixed-breed/hybrid dog population. Total and age-related cataract prevalence in dogs seems very similar to that in man.     

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs--pathological, clinical, diagnosis and genetic aspects

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a heart disease which is often found in humans and animals. The age of onset of this progressive disease varies between 3 and 7 years of age. A juvenile form of DCM has been found in Portuguese Water Dogs and Doberman Pinscher Dogs. Some breeds such as Doberman pinscher, Newfoundland, Portuguese Water dog, Boxer, Great Dane, Cocker Spaniel and Irish Wolfhound exhibit a higher prevalence to DCM. There also seems to be a sex predisposition as male dogs are affected more often than female dogs and in Great Danes an X-linked recessive inheritance is likely. In Newfoundland and Boxer an autosomal dominant inheritance was found whereas an autosomal recessive inheritance was described in Portuguese Water Dogs. Atrial fibrillation as a cause or consequence of DCM is assumed for certain breeds. The causes of DCM are widely unknown in dogs. A genetic basis for this heart disease seems to exist. Apart from a few exceptions the mode of inheritance and the possible underlying gene mutations are not known for DCM in dogs. In humans mutations in several genes responsible for DCM have been identified. Comparative genetic analyses in dogs using genes causing DCM in men and a genome-wide scan with anonymus markers were not able to detect causative mutations or genomic regions harboring gene loci linked to DCM. The investigation of the genetic basis of canine DCM may lead to new insights into the pathogenesis of DCM and may result in new therapeutic approaches and breeding strategies.     

Diskospondylitis associated with Brucella canis infection in dogs: 14 cases (1980-1991).

A retrospective study of 135 dogs with diskospondylitis revealed 14 dogs with concurrent Brucella canis infection. Sexually intact male dogs and dogs in the southeastern United States appeared to be at higher risk. Results of bacteriologic culturing of blood were less likely to be positive for dogs with diskospondylitis caused by B canis infection than for dogs with diskospondylitis caused by other organisms. Follow-up evaluation of 13 of the 14 dogs revealed complete remission of clinical signs in nine, but serologic test results continued to be positive for B canis infection long after resolution of clinical abnormalities. Radiographic follow-up evaluation in 6 dogs revealed active lesions despite complete remission of clinical abnormalities.     

Evaluation of the relationship between causative organisms and clinical characteristics of infective endocarditis in dogs: 71 cases (1992-2005)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate microbiologic findings in dogs with infective endocarditis (IE) and determine whether there were differences in clinical features of disease caused by different groups of infective agents. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 71 dogs with suspected or definite IE. PROCEDURES: Medical records were reviewed for results of bacterial culture and susceptibility testing, serologic assays for vector-borne disease, and PCR testing on vegetative growths. Cases were grouped by causative organism and relationships among infectious agent group, and various hematologic, biochemical, and clinical variables were determined. Survival analyses were used to determine associations between infecting organisms and outcome. RESULTS: Causative bacteria were identified in 41 of 71 (58%) dogs. Gram-positive cocci were the causative agents in most (21/41; 51%) infections, with Streptococcus canis associated with 24% of infections. Gram-negative organisms were detected in 9 of the 41 (22%) dogs. Infection with Bartonella spp was detected in 6 of 31 (19%) dogs with negative results for microbial growth on blood culture. Aortic valve involvement and congestive heart failure were more frequent in dogs with endocarditis from Bartonella spp infection, and those dogs were more likely to be afebrile. Infection with Bartonella spp was negatively correlated with survival. Mitral valve involvement and polyarthritis were more frequent in dogs with streptococcal endocarditis. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Streptococci were the most common cause of IE and were more likely to infect the mitral valve and be associated with polyarthritis. Dogs with IE secondary to Bartonella spp infection were often afebrile, more likely to develop congestive heart failure, rarely had mitral valve involvement, and had shorter survival times.     

Forecasting veterinary school admission probabilities for undergraduate student profiles

Increased competition for veterinary school admission has created a need to determine whether individual students are likely to be successful candidates for veterinary school admission early in their undergraduate careers. Students invest considerable time and money in pre-veterinary courses of study, hoping for acceptance into professional veterinary school. A forecasting model was developed to predict the likelihood of students with particular characteristics gaining acceptance. Characteristics such as gender, age, size of high school, and ACT, are known upon entrance into college and can be used to determine the likelihood of an individual's being accepted. Data were gathered from the Louisiana State University College of Veterinary Medicine (LSU-CVM) admissions for all students applying to veterinary school for the classes of 2006 through 2008 from the top two agricultural programs in the state in terms of quantity of applicants to veterinary school: Louisiana State University and Louisiana Tech University. A one-way ANOVA was used to examine whether there were any statistical differences between known demographic and performance variables and acceptance into veterinary school. A logit forecasting model was then estimated to predict the likelihood of gaining acceptance into veterinary school based only on variables known early in the student's undergraduate career. Age, gender, and ACT scores were determined to be important variables in determining the likelihood of gaining admission. Overall, the forecasting model is of use in assigning probabilities of acceptance into veterinary school for specific student profiles, which can assist in one-on-one assistance from advisor to student.     

Medical and surgical treatment of pyothorax in dogs: 26 cases (1991-2001)

OBJECTIVE: To compare outcomes of dogs with pyothorax treated medically versus surgically and to identify prognostic indicators for dogs with pyothorax. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 26 dogs. PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed to obtain information regarding signalment, results of physical and laboratory evaluations at the time of initial examination, results of bacterial culture of pleural fluid, radiographic abnormalities, treatment (surgical vs medical), complications, whether the disease recurred, disease-free interval, survival time, and cause of death. RESULTS: Calculated proportions of dogs free from disease 1 year after treatment were 25 and 78%, respectively, for dogs treated medically and surgically. Treatment was 5.4 times as likely to fail in dogs treated medically as in dogs treated surgically. Two regression models relating treatment group (medical vs surgical) to disease-free interval were found to be significant. The first contained terms for medical treatment and isolation of Actinomyces spp from pleural fluid; the second contained terms for medical treatment and radiographic detection of mediastinal or pulmonary lesions at the time of initial examination. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that surgical treatment is associated with a better outcome than medical treatment in dogs with pyothorax. In addition, surgery should be considered if radiographic evidence of mediastinal or pulmonary lesions is detected or if Actinomyces spp is isolated from the pleural fluid.     

Serovar-specific prevalence and risk factors for leptospirosis among dogs: 90 cases (1997-2002)

OBJECTIVE: To estimate serovar-specific prevalence of leptospirosis by use of veterinary teaching hospital and laboratory submission data; describe annual and seasonal patterns of leptospirosis; and identify risk factors for age, sex, and breed. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 90 dogs with leptospirosis. PROCEDURES: Hospital records of dogs examined at Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital with a diagnosis of leptospirosis and laboratory records of dogs from which sera were tested for antibodies against Leptospira spp at Purdue University Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory from 1997 through 2002 were reviewed. The likely infecting Leptospira serovar was identified. Seasonal and annual prevalences were calculated by use of hospital population at risk (hospital cases) or serologic testing submissions (diagnostic laboratory cases). Age-, sex-, and breed-specific risk factors for hospital cases were estimated by odds ratios. RESULTS: Of the 39 hospitalized dogs identified, 34 had been serologically tested, and 22 of those were infected with Leptospira kirschneri serovar grippotyphosa. Of the 51 diagnostic laboratory cases, 59% had a reciprocal titer > or = 800 against serovar grippotyphosa. Diagnostic laboratory cases were more common in summer, whereas hospital cases of leptospirosis were more common in fall. Male dogs were at significantly greater risk of leptospirosis than female dogs; and dogs 4 to 6.9 years old were at significantly greater risk than dogs < 1 year old. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: L kirschneri serovar grippotyphosa infection was associated with most cases of leptospirosis in dogs. Use of an effective vaccine that includes this serovar is advisable for dogs at risk of leptospirosis.     

Factors affecting the occurrence, duration of hospitalization and final outcome in canine parvovirus infection

The objectives of this matched case-control study in a veterinary teaching hospital were to investigate the influence of signalment and historical data on the odds of occurrence of canine parvovirus (CPV) enteritis and the potential usefulness of the clinical signs and clinicopathologic abnormalities recorded on admission as prognostic indicators of mean duration of hospitalization (DOH) and outcome of the disease. Ninety-four puppies with natural CPV enteritis and 188 age-matched controls were studied. The odds to develop CPV enteritis were higher in purebreds compared to mixed-breed puppies. Vomiting and depression at the time of admission were associated with a prolongation of DOH by 2 and 1.75 days, respectively. The lymphopenic and hypoalbuminemic dogs were hospitalized for 1.9 and 2.5 more days, respectively, compared to those without these abnormalities. The odds of non-survival were higher in those puppies with evidence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) at the time of admission.     

Comparison of insulin-like growth factor-I concentration in mammary secretions and serum of small- and giant-breed dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) concentrations in canine mammary secretions and serum during lactation and to compare them between small and giant breeds of dogs. ANIMALS: 7 gestating Beagles and 4 gestating Great Danes. PROCEDURE: Dogs were fed a common nutritionally complete and adequate gestation and lactation diet. Milk samples were collected at postpartum hour 12 and postpartum days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 after IV oxytocin administration. Two puppies/litter were identified at whelping for collection of blood samples corresponding to the days of milk sample collection plus days 35 and 42. Maternal blood samples were obtained on days 1, 7, and 42 from Beagles and days 1, 7, and 28 from Great Danes and were acid/ethanol extracted and analyzed by use of a radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: Maternal serum IGF-I concentration was greater in Great Danes at all sample collection times. Similarly, colostrum from Great Danes contained more IGF-I, compared with that of Beagles (70 ng/ml vs 40 ng/ml, respectively). These values decreased to approximately 10 ng/ml by day 3 in both breeds and remained between 10 and 20 ng/ml for the duration of lactation. Growth rate and serum IGF-I concentration were greater in Great Dane puppies at birth to day 42. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: High IGF-I concentration in colostrum may be biologically important for newborn puppies. Body mass and serum IGF-I concentration are directly correlated in growing Beagle and Great Dane puppies. Serum IGF-I concentration may be an indicator of growth potential in dogs.     

Hypothyroidism and myocardial failure in two Great Danes

Two Great Danes were evaluated for signs of congestive heart failure. Dilated cardiomyopathy was diagnosed in each dog. Both dogs were diagnosed concurrently with primary hypothyroidism. Following appropriate supplementation with levothyroxine, both dogs showed significant improvement in myocardial contractility, as demonstrated by increased fractional shortening and reductions in left atrial size, and left ventricular end-systolic and diastolic diameters. These observations suggest that hypothyroidism may lead to myocardial failure in Great Danes that is partially or fully reversible following thyroid hormone replacement therapy, and that hypothyroidism should be considered in all Great Danes presenting with systolic failure.     

Paecilomycosis in dogs and horses and a review of the literature

We reviewed 14 cases of paecilomycosis in a tertiary care veterinary hospital and all reports of the disease in the veterinary literature. Paecilomycosis is a rare disease primarily of dogs, horses, reptiles, and humans. Clinical manifestations in veterinary patients vary but include disseminated disease and diskospondylitis, particularly in dogs: pneumonia in dogs, horses, and reptiles; keratitis in horses; and miscellaneous local infections. It is important to have an appropriate index of suspicion because the diagnosis can be difficult, particularly in localized disease where it is difficult to determine whether a positive culture represents an etiology or a contamination with an environmental saprophyte. Spinal radiographs, transtracheal washes, histopathology, and fungal culture have proven to be valuable diagnostic tools. The prognosis for paecilomycosis is poor, although some treatment success has been reported, and success rates could improve if additional information were available regarding fungal species occurring in veterinary patients and drugs to which these fungi are susceptible.     

Potential risks,prognostic indicators,and diagnostic and treatment modalities affecting survival in dogs with presumptive aspiration pneumonia: 125 cases (2005–2008)

Objective – To evaluate a clinical population of dogs diagnosed with presumptive aspiration pneumonia (AP) and determine diagnostic and treatment modalities contributing to survival. Design – Retrospective study. Setting – A university veterinary teaching hospital in an urban setting. Animals – One hundred and twenty‐five dogs with presumed AP treated from 2005 to 2008. Interventions – None. Measurements and Main Results – Dogs with presumptive AP identified by a review of medical records had an overall survival of 81.6% (102/125). Male large‐breed dogs (mean 24.9 kg; 82/125) were overrepresented and were more likely to develop AP in this study population. Recent anesthesia had been performed in 16% (20/125), and vomiting was reported in 64% (80/125). The most common radiographic findings were a predominantly alveolar pattern (187/272, [68.8%] total lung lobes) in the right middle lung lobe (80/115, [69.6%]). A mean of 2 lung lobes were involved radiographically, and the relationship between survival and the number of lung lobes affected was statistically significant (P=0.04). Neutrophilia with a left shift was common with no significant change on consecutive daily evaluations. The mean PaO₂ was 77.7 mm Hg (SD, 17.5 mm Hg) (range, 40.7–100 mm Hg) with a median alveolar‐arterial gradient of 41.1 mm Hg (range, 8.1–81.8 mm Hg). In this study population, 37.6% (47/125) of dogs had microbial cultures performed and of these, 76.6% (36/47) were positive for growth; Escherichia coli (38.8%), Mycoplasma spp. (21.3%), Pasturella spp. (19.1%), and Staphylococcus spp. (17%) were the most common isolates in either single or multiagent infections. No treatment modality was statistically associated with increased survival. Colloid therapy was a negative prognostic indicator. Conclusions – In this study the overall prognosis for AP was good. Patients with only 1 affected lung lobe appeared more likely to survive. Supportive treatment modalities are warranted for the hospitalized patient, although no individual treatment method was found to be clearly superior to others.     

Relationship of the degree of goniodysgenesis and other ocular measurements to glaucoma in Great Danes

OBJECTIVES: To assess the association between goniodysgenesis, ocular measurements, and glaucoma in Great Danes. ANIMALS: 180 Great Danes. PROCEDURE: Eye examination and measurements were obtained from 180 Great Danes; for 30 of these dogs, depth of the anterior chamber, vitreal body length, and total depth of the globe were also measured. These data were merged with electronic pedigree information on 43,371 kennel club registered Great Danes. Relationships among goniodysgenesis, ocular measurements, and glaucoma and the heritability of goniodysgenesis were estimated. RESULTS: The degree of goniodysgenesis was significantly and positively associated with the likelihood of glaucoma. There was a significant association between the degree of goniodysgenesis in offspring and parents. The estimated heritability of the degree of goniodysgenesis was 0.52. The depth of the anterior chamber of the eye was also a good predictor of goniodysgenesis (ie, the dog was almost certain to have glaucoma if the depth was < 3.7 mm). If both parents had goniodysgenesis < 70%, then with 95% confidence, the occurrence of glaucoma in the ensuing offspring would be < 4/1000. This strategy translates to ensuring that the depth of the anterior chamber of the eye is > 3.7 mm for both parents. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The strong and significant correlation among goniodysgenesis, other eye measurements, and glaucoma and the significant heritability of goniodysgenesis suggests that glaucoma may be heritable in Great Danes. If so, glaucoma can be controlled by breeding only from sires and dams with a minimum degree of goniodysgenesis.     

Aetiology of canine otitis externa: a retrospective study of 100 cases

The objective of this retrospective study was to investigate in 100 dogs with otitis externa (OE) the possible associations between signalment, history, clinical and laboratory findings and the various primary, secondary and perpetuating causative factors of ear canal inflammation. The age of the dogs ranged from 3 months to 14 years (median: 4.75 years) and they included 45 males and 55 females. Cocker spaniels, Jura des Alpes and Brittany spaniels were significantly overrepresented among dogs with OE when compared to the hospital canine population. In the majority of the cases, OE was chronic-recurrent (63%) or bilateral (93%). Allergic dermatitis (43/100 dogs), grass awns (12/100) and otoacariasis (7/100) were the most common primary causative factors; no primary factor could be incriminated in 32 cases and more than one was found in three dogs. Malassezia spp. (66/100 dogs), cocci (38/100) and rods (22/100) were the secondary causative factors, while ear canal stenosis (38/100) and tympanic membrane perforation-otitis media (25/100) were the most important perpetuating factors. Atopic dermatitis and adverse food reactions-associated OE was more common in females and dogs with a history of pruritic skin disease, while grass awn-induced OE occurred in cocker spaniels and acute cases. Tympanic membrane perforation was less frequent in atopic dermatitis and adverse food reactions-associated OE, but more common when otoscopic and ear canal cytological examination revealed the presence of grass awns and rods, respectively. Finally, cocci overgrowth was positively associated with ear canal stenosis.     

Evaluation of the phospholamban gene in purebred large-breed dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of the phospholamban gene in purebred large-breed dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). ANIMALS: 6 dogs with DCM, including 2 Doberman Pinschers, 2 Newfoundlands, and 2 Great Danes. PROCEDURE: All dogs had clinical signs of congestive heart failure, and a diagnosis of DCM was made on the basis of echocardiographic findings. Blood samples were collected from each dog, and genomic DNA was isolated by a salt extraction method. Specific oligonucleotides were designed to amplify the promoter, exon 1, the 5'-part of exon 2 including the complete coding region, and part of intron 1 of the canine phospholamban gene via polymerase chain reaction procedures. These regions were screened for mutations in DNA obtained from the 6 dogs with DCM. RESULTS: No mutations were identified in the promoter, 5' untranslated region, part of intron 1, part of the 3' untranslated region, and the complete coding region of the phospholamban gene in dogs with DCM. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicate that mutations in the phospholamban gene are not a frequent cause of DCM in Doberman Pinschers, Newfoundlands, and Great Danes.     

Inherited myopathy of great Danes

A hereditary, non-inflammatory myopathy occurring in young great Danes with distinctive histological features in muscle biopsy specimens is reviewed. Onset of clinical signs is usually before one year of age and both sexes are affected. Clinical signs are characterised by exercise intolerance, muscle wasting, and an exercise-induced tremor. Although most affected dogs have a severe form of the disease, occasional dogs may have a less pronounced form and survive into adulthood with an acceptable quality of life. Litters containing affected puppies are born to clinically unaffected parents, and an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance is likely. All recorded cases have had fawn or brindle coat coloration. Elevated serum creatinine kinase concentrations and spontaneous electrical activity in skeletal muscles are frequently found. While originally reported (Targett and others 1994) as a central core myopathy in this breed, the histochemical characteristics of the distinct cytoarchitectural structures differ from those of the well-characterised central core myopathy in human beings. In fact, these structures differ from any known myopathy in human beings and likely represents a unique non-inflammatory myopathy affecting dogs. Until this myopathy is characterised further, the name inherited myopathy in great Danes is suggested.