Eosinophilic cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis associated with neural Angiostrongylus vasorum infection in a dog

A 1‐year‐old, female intact Pug dog was presented to the Small Animal Teaching Hospital of the University of Liverpool with a 4‐week history of progressive multifocal intracranial signs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detected multiple hemorrhagic lesions in the brain. The Baermann and zinc sulfate flotation tests with centrifugation, performed on fecal samples, were positive for lungworm larvae and an antigenic test confirmed Angiostrongylus vasorum infection. Anthelmintic treatment was started with a consequent marked clinical improvement. Seventy days later, the dog was clinically normal, and no larvae were detected on the Baermann test. Repeat MRI of the brain revealed marked improvement of the hemorrhagic lesions. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis (CSF) showed marked eosinophilic pleocytosis, and anthelmintic treatment was restarted. A follow‐up CSF analysis 4 months after the first presentation revealed resolution of the eosinophilic pleocytosis. This is the first case report of marked eosinophilic pleocytosis associated with neural A vasorum infection in a dog. The CSF eosinophilic pleocytosis persisted for several weeks after treatment, even in the absence of concurrent clinical signs and with a negative A vasorum Baermann test.     

Angiostrongylus vasorum causing meningitis and detection of parasite larvae in the cerebrospinal fluid of a pug dog

This case report describes the presence of Angiostrongylus vasorum larvae in cerebrospinal fluid in an 11-month-old pug dog and the relative magnetic resonance images compatible with a focal meningitis. Clinical signs were compatible with a cerebellar lesion, and diagnosis was confirmed by parasitological analysis on faecal and endotracheal lavage samples. Treatment with fenbendazole and prednisolone resulted in a complete resolution of the clinical signs in two months time. A vasorum infection should be considered a possible aetiology of intracranial inflammation in dogs.     

Angiostrongylus vasorum (French heartworm) in a dog imported into Australia

This report describes a case of Angiostonglyus vasorum infection, sometimes referred to as French heartworm disease, in a dog imported into Western Australia from the United Kingdom. Diagnosis was made by identification of first stage larvae on fine needle aspiration of a consolidated lung lobe. First stage larvae were also identified in the faeces by the Baermann technique. The main clinical signs in this case were coughing and tachypnoea. The dog was treated successfully with fenbendazole at 50 mg/kg once daily for 10 days.     

Tracheal perforation secondary to suture irritation in a dog following a ventral slot procedure

An eight-year-old springer spaniel was presented with acute-onset subcutaneous emphysema of five days' duration. The dog had undergone ventral slot decompression of the C5-C6 intervertebral disc space eight weeks before presentation. Cervical tracheoscopy demonstrated perforation of the dorsal tracheal membrane of the distal cervical trachea. Perforation of the dorsal tracheal membrane secondary to suture knot irritation was confirmed by exploratory surgery. Repair of the perforation was performed by plication of the dorsal tracheal membrane. The dog was re-presented nine days after the initial surgery with acute recurrence of subcutaneous emphysema. Air leakage at the plicated dorsal tracheal membrane was observed at exploratory surgery, and a bipedicle sternothyroideus muscle flap was used to support the plicated membrane. Recovery was uneventful and 10 months postoperatively there had been no recurrence of clinical signs.     

Successful treatment of hypereosinophilic syndrome in a dog

An 11-year-old crossbred dog was presented with a history of episodic vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort and coughing. These signs had been present for several years. Marked peripheral eosinophilia (10.3 x 10(9)/L) was found. No underlying cause of reactive eosinophilia was apparent. Bone marrow aspiration biopsy showed hyperplasia of the eosinophilic cell line, with some increase in immaturity, although all cells were morphologically normal. There were numerous eosinophils in bronchial wash fluid and eosinophilic infiltrates were evident in biopsies of pancreas, liver, small intestine and colon but not stomach. Hypereosinophilic syndrome was diagnosed. The dog responded well to twice daily treatment with hydroxyurea and prednisolone. Clinical signs are well-controlled 16 months later.     

Vaginal resection and anastomosis for treatment of vestibulovaginal stenosis in 4 dogs with recurrent urinary tract infections

CASE DESCRIPTION-4 dogs were evaluated because of recurrent urinary tract infections. CLINICAL FINDINGS-All dogs had recurrent urinary tract infections and similar clinical signs; 3 dogs had urinary incontinence. Digital vaginal examination revealed vestibulovaginal stenosis in all dogs, which was confirmed by results of contrast vaginourethrography. From image measurements, the vestibulovaginal ratio (ratio of the height of the vestibulovaginal junction to the maximum height of the vagina on a lateral vaginourethrogram) was calculated for each dog. Three dogs had severe stenosis (vestibulovaginal ratio, < 0.20; severe stenosis is defined as a vestibulovaginal ratio < 0.20), whereas the fourth dog had moderate stenosis (vestibulovaginal ratio, 0.24; ratio range for moderate stenosis is 0.20 to 0.25). TREATMENT AND OUTCOME-All dogs were anesthetized for surgical correction of the vestibulovaginal stenosis. Vaginal resection and anastomosis of the stenosis was performed in all 4 dogs, with 1 dog also undergoing episioplasty. Complete resolution of clinical signs was apparent in 3 dogs; 1 dog had postoperative complications including pollakiuria and stranguria, which resulted in rectal and vaginal prolapse. This dog underwent ovariohysterectomy, after which clinical signs resolved. All dogs had resolution of urinary tract infections at the time of follow-up (6 to 8 months after surgery). CLINICAL RELEVANCE-Resection and anastomosis may resolve recurrent urinary tract infections in dogs with severe or moderate vestibulovaginal stenosis. Episiotomy was not necessary for success of surgical treatment, and overall, that procedure increased morbidity, the severity of intraoperative hemorrhage, and duration of surgery.     

Left ventricular myxosarcoma in a dog

An entire male Neopolitan mastiff, aged two years and eight months, presented with a history of chronic diarrhoea and weight loss. The diarrhoea had been present for approximately 12 months and had progressively worsened, with weight loss developing over an eight-week period prior to presentation. No primary gastrointestinal or metabolic cause for the diarrhoea could be identified. Echocardiography revealed a large, multilocular, cyst-like structure within the pericardium compressing the heart and displacing it to the right. The mass was surgically excised from the left ventricular myocardium. Histopathological examination showed it to be a low-grade malignant myxosarcoma. The dog made a full recovery and was still clinically normal nine months postoperatively, with no evidence of tumour recurrence or metastases. However, 11 months postsurgery, the clinical signs of diarrhoea and weight loss returned. Tumour recurrence with local metastasis was diagnosed and the dog was euthanased 358 days after the original surgery.     

Diagnosis of erythema multiforme associated with thymoma in a dog and treated with thymectomy

A 7 yr old Labrador retriever initially presented for severe halitosis, mild ptylism, and depigmentation of the nasal planum. Erythema multiforme was diagnosed based on clinical signs and dermatopathology. Treatment was initiated but the condition did not resolve. Six months later, the dog was diagnosed with a mediastinal mass. Trucut biopsy was performed and histopathologic diagnosis was consistent with a thymoma. A median sternotomy was performed, the thymoma was excised, and the dog recovered well. Four months postoperatively, there were no longer any obvious erythema multiforme lesions and the skin condition was controlled without medication. Erythema multiforme may be a paraneoplastic disorder associated with thymoma in the dog, similar to thymoma-associated exfoliative dermatitis in the cat. Clinical signs of erythema multiforme may warrant performing thoracic radiographs or thoracic CT to rule out thymoma as an underlying cause.     

Chronic active hepatitis in 26 Doberman pinschers

Chronic active hepatitis with increased hepatic copper concentration was diagnosed in 25 female and 1 male Doberman Pinscher dogs. Common clinical signs included polyuria/polydipsia, weight loss, anorexia, icterus, and ascites. Increased liver enzyme activities and abnormal liver function test results were the most consistent clinicopathologic changes. The dogs were assigned to 3 groups on the basis of clinical course of the disease. Group 1 dogs (n = 12) had clinical signs of advanced liver failure and died within one week. Group 2 dogs (n = 7) had less severe clinical signs of liver disease and died within one month. Group 3 dogs (n = 5) did not have clinical signs of illness or had mild clinical signs of liver disease and died 1 to 42 months after initial evaluation. One dog could not be reevaluated and another dog was alive 3 months after initial examination. Treatments consisted of supportive care for dogs in group 1, and dietary manipulations and corticosteroids for dogs in groups 2 and 3. The association of increased liver copper concentration and chronic active hepatitis is not known.     

Effect of mebendazole on hydatid cysts in pigs

Mebendazole given per os was found to be effective against larval Echinococcus granulosus infection in pigs. Twenty-four pigs were experimentally inoculated with adult E. granulosus tapeworms. Mebendazole (40 mg/kg) or placebo was injected into six pigs 2 months after infection. Seven other pigs were given mebendazole (25 mg/kg) in their feed for 10 days twice (2 and 5 months after infection). Post-mortem examination performed 8 months after infection revealed that two of the pigs treated with mebendazole per os had a single hydatid cyst each; the other five pigs were free of infection. All eleven control untreated pigs were infected with between two and 21 cysts of E. granulosus.Mebendazole given intraperitoneally was not effective as mebendazole given per os in preventing the development of hydatid cysts in pigs.     

Cestode infection in 2 dogs: cytologic findings in liver and a mesenteric lymph node

Mesocestoides cestode infections in dogs are well known for causing severe peritonitis with larvae or larval fragments (metacestodes, tetrathyridia, or calcareous corpuscles) frequently observed cytologically in peritoneal fluid samples. This case report describes the cytologic and clinical features of 2 dogs infected with cestode larvae, with one case confirmed and the other presumed to be Mesocestoides sp. In these 2 unusual cases, cestode larvae or larval fragments were found in fine‐needle aspirates of the liver and a mesenteric lymph node, but no organisms were found in peritoneal fluid samples. The data presented in this report indicate that clinical pathologists should not rule out Mesocestoides sp cestodiasis based on the absence of larvae in peritoneal fluid samples from dogs.     

Temporary regression of locally invasive polypoid rhinosinusitis in a dog after photodynamic therapy

A 5‐year‐old male cross‐breed dog with chronic rhinosinusitis was presented. Computed tomography (CT) revealed opacities consistent with soft tissue or fluid in the left nasal cavity and frontal sinus. A diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis with myxomatous polyps was based on the histology of biopsy samples, so prednisolone treatment was administered for 1 month. Although the clinical signs slightly improved, no changes were observed on the CT images. At 8 months after the initial presentation, the dog was treated with antivascular photodynamic therapy (PDT) using benzoporphyrin derivative monoacid ring A and, 11 days later, CT revealed remarkably decreased soft tissue opacity; the facial swelling and sneezing also resolved. Three additional sessions of PDT were performed at 114, 210, and 303 days after the first PDT because of recurrence of clinical signs. The disease was well controlled for approximately 10 months by antivascular PDT.     

Thrombocytosis associated with a myeloproliferative disorder in a dog

A dog with a myeloproliferative disorder and thrombocytosis had clinical signs that were consistent with a diagnosis of essential thrombocythemia. The dog was treated with aspirin, radioactive phosphorus, and melphalan. Eighteen months after referral, the disorder progressed to chronic granulocytic leukemia, and treatment was switched to hydroxyurea. Fourteen months later, the dog was euthanatized because of uncontrollable atrial fibrillation.     

Use of plasmapheresis and chemotherapy for treatment of monoclonal gammopathy associated with Ehrlichia canis infection in a dog

Monoclonal gammopathy associated with Ehrlichia canis infection was diagnosed in a German Shepherd Dog. The dog was treated by use of chemotherapy and tetracycline and by plasmapheresis. The dog tolerated plasmapheresis and long-term drug therapy well, and clinical signs resolved over a 90-day period. The monoclonal gammopathy resolved after treatment, but specific antibody to E canis indicated suppression followed by a rebound to the initial high titer.     

An intestinal neuroendocrine tumour associated with paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia and melaena in a 10-year-old boxer

A 10-year-old female neutered boxer was presented with a five-week history of episodic collapse and melaena. Twenty-four-hour electrocardiograph (Holter) analysis revealed the collapsing episodes to coincide with episodes of paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia. Investigation of the dog's melaena revealed a gastric ulcer which was treated medically and an ileocaecal mass which was surgically excised. Histopathological examination of the mass was consistent with a neuroendocrine (carcinoid) tumour. The patient's recovery after surgery was unremarkable. At six-week follow-up, there had been no further episodes of melaena or collapse and repeat Holter analysis did not show any significant abnormalities. In this dog the gastric ulceration and paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia could be attributed to a paraneoplastic syndrome as a result of circulating vasoactive substances released by the tumour; this is supported by the evidence that all clinical signs resolved after surgical excision of the mass and the dog was clinically well 18 months after surgery.     

Evaluation of closed pericardial patch grafting for management of severe pulmonic stenosis

Closed pericardial patch-grafting has been advocated for the treatment of severe pulmonic stenosis. In this study pre- and postoperative echocardiography was used to determine if the transvalvular pressure gradient was successfully lowered by this surgery and whether it remained lowered long term. The valvulotomy-ventriculectomy wire was passed using a blunt needle in four dogs (Bresnock technique1) and via a soft catheter in five dogs (Shores and Weirich modification). Eight of nine patients survived the perioperative period. These dogs were assessed up to 40 months following surgery for clinical and echocardiographic changes. Five cases showed significant decrease in peak pulmonic pressure gradient immediately after surgery (decreasing by 50-81%, P < 0.05), and six cases showed significant decrease 2 to 40 months postoperatively (decreasing by 31-80%, P < 0.005) when compared to preoperative values. There was no significant change in pulmonic pressure gradient from immediately postoperatively to 2 to 40 months postoperatively (P < 0.48). Six dogs showed clinical improvement postoperatively, however persistent right ventricular hypertrophy was observed in all cases. One dog died with symptoms of congestive heart failure 16 months postoperatively. Closed pericardial patch grafting can improve clinical signs in symptomatic patients, however the surgery has significant risks, long term prognosis for these patients is guarded and recurrence of clinical signs and development of congestive heart failure is possible. Cardiac changes can be monitored with Doppler flow echocardiography. Patients with extremely elevated preoperative pressure gradients may be expected to have poorer outcomes.     

Bicavitary eosinophilic effusion in a dog with coccidioidomycosis

This is a case of coccidioidomycosis in a dog, examined for vomiting and labored breathing. Physical examination and thoracic and abdominal imaging revealed pleural and peritoneal effusions, both of which exhibited neutrophilic inflammation with a substantial eosinophilic component. The dog had positive IgM and IgG coccidioidomycosis titers at initial evaluation. The eosinophilic component of the inflammation was attributed to coccidioidomycosis. The dog underwent approximately 6 months of fluconazole treatment, with both effusions and clinical signs improving after 6 weeks. Three months after cessation of antifungal treatment, the dog developed a mid-diaphyseal lytic and proliferative lesion in the left radius caused by Coccidioides spp. This case illustrates the importance of consideration of coccidioidomycosis when an eosinophilic cavitary effusion is present in dogs that live in or have traveled to endemic regions.     

Delayed primary surgical treatment in a dog with a persistent right aortic arch

A 5-year-old, 1.36-kg, neutered male Yorkshire terrier was referred for evaluation of a persistent right aortic arch with concurrent megaesophagus. The dog was 3 months old when clinical signs were first noted, 2 years of age when diagnosed with megaesophagus, and 4 years of age when diagnosed with vascular ring anomaly (VRA). Surgical correction of the VRA was performed when the dog was 5 years of age, after gastrostomy tube feeding for 1 year to maintain nutritional requirements and mitigate the degree and duration of the esophageal distention. Thirteen months after surgery, the dog was eating soft dog food with no vomiting or regurgitation.