Muscle cramps in two standard poodles with hypoadrenocorticism

Two standard poodles were evaluated for painful, episodic muscle cramps affecting their thoracic and pelvic limbs. Both dogs had been diagnosed with hypoadrenocorticism and were being treated with fludrocortisone acetate and prednisone when evaluated for muscle cramps. However, the muscle cramping started approximately 1 month prior to the diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism. Findings on general physical examination included lethargy and dehydration. Neurological examination was normal between episodes. Serum biochemical abnormalities included hyperalbuminemia, azotemia, hyponatremia, hypochloremia, and hyperkalemia. Altering treatment to desoxycorticosterone pivalate resolved the electrolyte abnormalities and the episodes of muscle cramping in both dogs. The authors conclude that hypoadrenocorticism can be associated with episodes of painful muscle cramping in standard poodles.     

Sebaceous adenitis in Swedish dogs,a retrospective study of 104 cases

Background

Sebaceous adenitis (SA) is an uncommon, immune mediated skin disease in dogs. The aim was to retrospectively investigate SA in dogs in Sweden with respect to breed, sex and age distribution. A second aim was to retrospectively compare clinical signs in dogs with generalized SA and to estimate the survival after diagnosis in the English springer spaniel, standard poodle and the akita.

Methods

In total 34 Swedish veterinarians contributed with 104 clinically and histologically verified SA cases. Breed, gender and age at diagnosis were registered for each case. The degree of clinical signs at time for diagnosis and at follow-up and information about treatments, concurrent diseases and euthanasia were recorded for the springer spaniels, standard poodles and akitas using a standardized questionnaire.

Results

A total of 104 cases of SA were included; most cases were recorded for the springer spaniel (n = 25), standard poodle (n = 21) and the akita (n = 10). These three breeds, together with the lhasa apso and the chow-chow, were the most common when national registry data from the Swedish Board of Agriculture and Swedish Kennel Club were considered. The mean age at diagnosis was 4.8 years. The proportion of males was 61%. When the springer spaniels, standard poodles and the akitas with generalized signs were compared (n = 51), the spaniels showed significantly more severe clinical signs than the poodles at diagnosis regarding alopecia, seborrhoea, pyoderma and the overall severity of clinical signs. At follow-up, the degree of clinical signs for otitis externa and pyoderma differed significantly between the breeds. The estimated median survival time was 42 months.In dogs where data regarding survival was available at the end of the study (n = 44), SA was reported to be the reason for euthanasia in 14 dogs, whereof 7 within 24 months after diagnosis.

Conclusion

The result of this study implicates that the English springer spaniel is a breed predisposed to SA and that it has more severe clinical signs than the standard poodle. A large proportion of the dogs (spaniel, poodle and akita) investigated regarding survival were reported to have been euthanized to great extent due to the disease.     

Canine hypoadrenocorticism: Part II

Dogs with chronic, vague gastrointestinal signs and those with signs and laboratory abnormalities suggestive of an Addisonian crisis should be tested for hypoadrenocorticism. A previous article (Part I; Can Vet J 2009;50:63–69) discussed the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical signs, and diagnostic abnormalities found in these patients. The present article discusses definitive diagnosis and treatment for both the acute and the chronic Addisonian patient. Expedient treatment remains the cornerstone of management for these patients, particularly those in the former category. The long-term prognosis is excellent for these patients, given well-educated, committed, and vigilant owners.     

Clinical features and heritability of hypoadrenocorticism in Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers: 25 cases (1994-2006)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical features and heritability of naturally occurring hypoadrenocorticism in Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers (NSDTRs). DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 25 NSDTRs with hypoadrenocorticism. PROCEDURES: Questionnaires completed by owners of NSDTRs with hypoadrenocorticism and medical records from veterinarians were reviewed for information regarding diagnosis, age at diagnosis, concurrent diseases, age at death, and cause of death. Pedigrees were analyzed for heritability and mode of inheritance of hypoadrenocorticism (including complex segregation analysis of pedigrees of 1,515 dogs). RESULTS: On the basis of results of ACTH stimulation testing, hypoadrenocorticism was diagnosed in 16 female and 9 male NSDTRs (including 6 full siblings). Median age at diagnosis was 2.6 years; the diagnosis was made prior to 2 years of age in 11 dogs. Seventeen dogs had hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, or both, and serum electrolyte concentrations were within reference ranges for 8 dogs at the time of diagnosis. Median survival time after diagnosis for 4 dogs that died or were euthanized as a result of medical causes was 1.6 years. Heritability was calculated at 0.98 with no sex effect, and complex segregation analysis fit a major gene model with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In NSDTRs, hypoadrenocorticism was diagnosed at an earlier age, compared with published reports of age at diagnosis among the general dog population. Among the study dogs, 32% had no serum electrolyte abnormalities at the time of diagnosis, and the disease appeared to have an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance in the breed.     

Acute non-ambulatory tetraparesis with absence of the dens in two large breed dogs: case reports with a radiographic study of relatives

Background

Non-ambulatory tetraparesis with an absence of the dens of C2 (axis) has not previously been reported in large breed dogs. An absence or hypoplasia of the dens has been reported in both small, medium and large breed dogs, but not in closely related animals.

Methods

Two young large-breed dogs (a German shepherd and a Standard poodle) both with an acute onset of non-ambulatory tetraparesis were subjected to physical, neurological and radiographic examinations. Both dogs were euthanased and submitted for postmortem examination within one week of onset of clinical signs. To investigate possible heritability of dens abnormalities, oblique radiographs of the cranial cervical vertebrae were taken of nine and eighteen dogs related to the German shepherd and the Standard poodle, respectively.

Results

Absence of the dens, atlantoaxial instability and extensive spinal cord injury was found in both case dogs. Radiographs revealed a normal dens in both parents and in the seven littermates of the German shepherd. An absence or hypoplasia of the dens was diagnosed in six relatives of the Standard poodle.

Conclusions

Atlantoaxial subluxation with cervical spinal cord injury should be considered as a differential diagnosis in non-ambulatory tetraparetic young large breed dogs. Absence of the dens and no history of external trauma increase the likelihood for this diagnosis. This study provides evidence to suggest that absence or hypoplasia of the dens is inherited in an autosomal way in Standard poodle dogs.     

Inheritance of hypoadrenocorticism in bearded collies

OBJECTIVE: To assess heritability and mode of inheritance for hypoadrenocorticism in Bearded Collies. ANIMALS: 635 Bearded Collies. PROCEDURES: Dogs were classified as affected by hypoadrenocorticism or unaffected. Phenotypic and pedigree data were analyzed. Heritability was estimated by use of Bayesian statistical methods. Regressive logistic models for complex segregation analyses were used to characterize mode of inheritance. RESULTS: Hypoadrenocorticism was diagnosed in 60 (9.4%) dogs. Heritability of hypoadrenocorticism was estimated to be 0.76 with both sexes affected with equal probability. Evaluation of the pedigrees did not support a Mendelian autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. Evidence from the complex segregation analysis for a single locus of large effect on hypoadrenocorticism was not convincing. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Hypoadrenocorticism in Bearded Collies is highly heritable. Although a precise genetic mechanism responsible for inheritance of the disorder remains undetermined, breeding decisions must include consideration of the genetic likelihood of passing on this deleterious disorder to offspring of affected dams and sires.     

Use of basal serum or plasma cortisol concentrations to rule out a diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism in dogs: 123 cases (2000-2005)

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether basal serum or plasma cortisol concentration can be used as a screening test to rule out hypoadrenocorticism in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. ANIMALS: 110 dogs with nonadrenal gland illnesses and 13 dogs with hypoadrenocorticism. PROCEDURES: Sensitivity and specificity of basal serum or plasma cortisol concentrations of either 2 microg/dL that are not receiving corticosteroids, mitotane, or ketoconazole are highly unlikely to have hypoadrenocorticism. However, if the basal cortisol concentration is 相似文献   

Canine hypoadrenocorticism: Part I

Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease) has been referred to as “the great pretender,” due to its ability to mimic other common diseases in the dog and thereby represent a diagnostic challenge. Naturally occurring hypoadrenocorticism is an uncommon canine disease. Young, female dogs are overrepresented. Hypoadrenocorticism typically results from immune-mediated destruction of all adrenocortical layers, resulting in deficiencies of min-eralocorticoids (aldosterone) and glucocorticoids (cortisol). A small number of dogs suffer from glucocorticoid deficiency only. Dogs suffering from hypoadrenocorticism may present in a variety of conditions, from a mildly ill dog to a shocky and recumbent dog. This review discusses etiology, pathophysiology, history, physical examination findings, and diagnostic findings in the Addisonian patient. A follow-up article (Part II) will discuss the definitive diagnosis and management strategies for these patients.     

Basal Serum Cortisol Concentration as a Screening Test for Hypoadrenocorticism in Dogs

Background

Measurement of basal serum or plasma cortisol concentration is used as a screening test for hypoadrenocorticism in dogs, but is not well characterized.

Objectives

To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of basal serum cortisol to detect hypoadrenocorticism in a population of dogs with a clinical suspicion of hypoadrenocorticism.

Animals

Four hundred and fifty dogs with nonadrenal gland illness and 14 dogs with naturally occurring hypoadrenocorticism were included.

Methods

Retrospective case‐control study. The records of all dogs having had an ACTH stimulation test performed between January 2005 and September 2011 at the University of Bristol were reviewed. Dogs were included if the test was performed as a screening for hypoadrenocorticism. The sensitivity and specificity of basal serum cortisol concentration to detect dogs with hypoadrenocorticism were calculated using 2 cut‐offs and compared to the gold standard ACTH stimulation test.

Results

Using a cut‐off of ≤2 μg/dL (≤55 nmol/L), the sensitivity and specificity of basal cortisol to detect hypoadrenocorticism were 100% and 63.3%, respectively, whereas for a cut‐off of ≤1 μg/dL (≤28 nmol/L), the sensitivity and specificity were 85.7% and 91.8%, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Measurement of basal serum cortisol is useful as a screening test for hypoadrenocorticism in dogs using a cut‐off of ≤2 μg/dL (≤55 nmol/L), and the disease is unlikely with a basal serum cortisol >2 μg/dL (>55 nmol/L). A basal serum cortisol ≤2 μg/dL (≤55 nmol/L) cannot be used to diagnose hypoadrenocorticism, and an ACTH stimulation test should be performed in these cases.     

Factors associated with canine skin extensibility in toy poodles

To assess factors for canine skin extensibility, our study investigated associations between the dogs’ skin extension index and the following factors, gender, age, neuter status, weight, coat color and six coat color related gene polymorphisms. Swab samples were collected from 69 toy poodles to extract DNA. The skin extension indices of the lower back and the neck were measured using the following formula: vertical height of the skin fold divided by body length multiplied by 100. The dogs’ age, weight, gender, neuter status and coat color were also recorded, as well as polymorphisms of the following six selected coat color related genes, Melanocortin 1 receptor, Tyrosinase-related protein 1, Melanophilin, Canine β-defensin-1, Major Facilitator Superfamily Domain Containing 12 and Agouti-signaling protein (ASIP). Univariable analysis showed there was a meaningful association between the lower back skin extension index and both gender and age (P<0.001 and P=0.048, respectively). Also, there was a possible association between the lower back skin extension index and ASIP Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (R96C) (P=0.078). Linear model analysis showed there was a significant association between the lower back skin extension index and gender (P<0.001), and there was a tendency of the association between the lower back skin extension index and ASIP SNP (R96C) (P=0.098). In addition, there was an association between gender and age for the skin extension index. (P=0.048). Therefore, these results suggest that a greater risk of skin extensibility in toy poodle could be related to being female and the ASIP SNP (R96C), because these factors were associated with higher lower back skin extension index.     

Environmental and genetic variation of the effective radiative properties of the coat of Holstein cows under tropical conditions

Morphological characteristics, coat effective radiative properties, and the percentage of white colour were measured in the coats of 973 Holstein cows, and estimates of the genetic parameters were obtained for these traits, except morphological characteristics. The results showed that white coats are more dense with long, thin hairs, while the black coats are less dense with short, thick hairs. Effective transmissivity is greater in the less-dense coats with short, thin hairs, independently of coat colour. Effective reflectivity depends more on the variation in the radiative properties of the coat and skin surface rather than on the morphological characteristics of the coat. Effective absorptivity is greater in black and dense coats with long, thick hairs, than in the white and less-dense coat with short, thin hairs. All heritability estimates were of low magnitude, except for the percentage of white coat colour.     

Decreased sodium:potassium ratios in cats: 49 cases

BACKGROUND: Sodium:potassium (Na:K) ratios are often reported in feline biochemical panels, although the importance of this measurement has not been investigated. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to document the range of feline disease states associated with a decreased Na:K ratio, to determine the prevalence of this biochemical abnormality in a referral hospital population, and to identify any particular disease that was more likely to have a decreased Na:K ratio. METHODS: A group of 49 cats with decreased Na:K ratios was compared with a group of 50 cats with normal Na:K ratios that were randomly selected from the same hospital population. RESULTS: Twelve of the 49 cats (24.5%) had gastrointestinal disease, 10 (20.4%) had urinary disease, 8 (16.3%) had endocrine disease, 8 (16.3%) had cardiorespiratory disease, and 5 (10.0%) had diseases affecting other body systems. Six (12.2%) had artifactually decreased Na:K ratios. No cat was identified with hypoadrenocorticism. Statistical analysis revealed that, although none of these disease states was significantly over- or under-represented in the affected group, a significantly higher proportion of cats with decreased Na:K ratio had body cavity effusions (P = .025). Serum potassium concentrations were significantly higher in the affected group (P < .0001), but there was no significant difference in mean sodium concentration between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased Na:K ratios frequently occur in cats with diseases other than hypoadrenocorticism, including cats with effusions. These findings should be considered when evaluating cats with this biochemical abnormality.     

Comparison of classic hypoadrenocorticism with glucocorticoid-deficient hypoadrenocorticism in dogs: 46 cases (1985-2005)

OBJECTIVE: To compare dogs with glucocorticoid-deficient hypoadrenocorticism (GDH) with those with mineralocorticoid- and glucocorticoid-deficient hypoadrenocorticism (MGDH) and determine prevalence, historical and clinicopathologic markers, and outcome of dogs with GDH. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 46 dogs with hypoadrenocorticism. PROCEDURES: Records in the veterinary medical database at Purdue University were searched for dogs in which hypoadrenocorticism had been diagnosed at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital from 1985 to 2005. Data pertaining to signalment, history, a minimum clinicopathologic database, treatment, and outcome were collected. Dogs with hypoadrenocorticism were classified as having MGDH if hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, or both were detected and as having GDH if hyponatremia and hyperkalemia were absent. Dogs were excluded if they had ever been treated with mitotane or had been treated with > 1 dose of corticosteroids within a month prior to the ACTH-stimulation test. RESULTS: 35 dogs with MGDH and 11 dogs with GDH met the inclusion criteria. Dogs with GDH were older at the time of diagnosis and had a longer duration of clinical signs prior to diagnosis than those with MGDH. Dogs with GDH were more likely to be anemic, hypoalbuminemic, and hypocholesterolemic than dogs with MGDH. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: GDH was more common than reported in a referral hospital population of dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism. Definitive diagnosis of GDH remains a clinical challenge. Absence of a stress leukogram in dogs with signs of illness (especially relating to the gastrointestinal tract) warrants further investigation. Most dogs with primary cortisol deficiency do not develop mineralocorticoid deficiency.     

Hypoadrenocorticism in small animals

The diagnosis and treatment of hypoadrenocorticism can be one of the greatest challenges faced by veterinary practitioners, as Addison's disease may have many faces and many presentations. Although the disease is most often diagnosed in dogs, cats may also suffer from Addison's disease. The practitioner must have a high index of suspicion to make a diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism. This index of suspicion is based on knowledge of the common signalment, history, physical examination, and laboratory findings. Diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism is supported by appropriate choice of diagnostic endocrine tests that are described in detail in this article. Once a diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism has been made, expedient treatment is of foremost concern. Timely treatment using fluids, corticosteroids, and supportive care will ensure a successful outcome; the emergency treatment of Addison's is covered briefly in this article and fully in another article in this issue. The purpose of this review was to describe the clinical diagnosis and chronic treatment of hypoadrenocorticism in dogs and cats.     

Clinicopathologic findings resembling hypoadrenocorticism in dogs with primary gastrointestinal disease

Nine dogs with primary gastrointestinal disease had clinical and laboratory findings resembling hypoadrenocorticism. The dogs had histories of anorexia, weakness or lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. Hypothermia, dehydration, and emaciation also were detected on physical examination. Hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, and abnormally low Na/K ratios were found on laboratory evaluation, but results of ACTH-response tests were not compatible with hypoadrenocorticism. The primary diagnoses were trichuriasis and salmonellosis in 2 dogs, trichuriasis in 5 dogs, and perforated duodenal ulcer in 2 dogs. Most dogs responded to medical or surgical treatment of their primary gastrointestinal disease, and the original electrolyte abnormalities resolved. These findings emphasize the importance of the ACTH-response test in the diagnostic evaluation of dogs with clinicopathologic findings similar to those of hypoadrenocorticism.     

Hypercalcaemia in the dog: a study of 40 cases

Forty dogs referred to the University Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Cambridge for medical and oncological conditions between 1985 and 1990 were found to be hypercalcaemia In 18 cases the primary or underlying condition was diagnosed as lymphoproliferative disease with multicentric lymphoma occurring most commonly. Ten dogs were suffering from hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease) and two had adenocarcinomas of the apocrine glands of the anal sac. In three dogs a clinical diagnosis of renal dysplasia was made, this diagnosis being confirmed at post mortem examination in one dog. In the remaining cases hypercalcaemia was associated with a primary lung tumour, a thymoma, an osteosarcoma with widespread skeletal metastases, primary hyperparathyroidism due to a parathyroid adenoma, chronic panniculitis, iatrogenic hypoadrenocorticism following mito-tane therapy (one case each] and, in a further case, no diagnosis was reached. The most common clinical signs were inappetence, polyuria/ polydipsia, weakness, vomiting, lethargy and depression. As a group, the dogs with lymphoproliferative disease had a significantly higher mean plasma calcium concentration (4-3 ± 0–7 vs 3–5 ± 0–4 mmol/litre), a significantly lower mean plasma inorganic phosphate concentration (1–5 ± 0–5 vs 2–4 ± 09 mmol/litre) and were significantly older (5-5 ± 2–4 vs 3-3 + 1–8 years) than the dogs with hypoadrenocorticism.     

Physiological and haematological indices suggest superior heat tolerance of white-coloured West African Dwarf sheep in the hot humid tropics

Coat colour contributes to physiological adaptation in mammals and mediates response to thermal stress. Twenty-four adult West African Dwarf sheep of both sexes and with different coat colour types were used in this study. We measured rectal temperature (RT), respiratory rate (RR) and pulse rate (PR) before sunrise and sunset during the late dry season (January–March) and early rainy season (April–June) as well as packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count, plasma sodium (Na⁺) and potassium (K⁺). Animals with black coat colour had the highest (P?<?0.05) mean values of 38.92?±?0.03 °C, 65.09?±?1.06 breaths/min, 81.35?±?0.78 beats/min, 1.70?±?0.01 for RT, RR, PR and heat stress index (HSI), respectively, followed by brown mouflon and brown with extensive white, while the Badger Face coloured sheep had the least mean values. There were significant (P?<?0.05) differences between male and female sheep for RT, RR, PR and HSI. Season had a significant (P?<?0.05) effect on RT, RR, PR and HSI. Coat colour and sex also significantly (P?<?0.01) affected RBC, WBC, Na⁺ and K⁺. Seasonal variation (P?<?0.05) in all the blood parameters was observed, with the exception of PCV. Interaction effect of coat colour and sex was significant (P?<?0.05) on RT and HSI. Correlation coefficients among the measured traits ranged from positive to negative values. These results indicate that selection of white-coloured sheep to attenuate heat stress is desirable in the hot humid tropics.     

Heritability estimations for diseases, coat color, body weight, and height in a birth cohort of Boxers

OBJECTIVE: To obtain heritability estimates for diseases and characteristics in Boxers. ANIMALS: Birth cohort of 2,929 purebred Boxers from 414 litters. PROCEDURE: Heritability estimates were determined for cheiloschisis-palatoschisis, cryptorchidism, epilepsy, stifle disorders, cardiac disorders, coat color, birth weight, and adult weight, and height. Binary traits were analyzed by use of a mixed-effects probit model. Some traits also were analyzed by use of a model that postulated monogenic inheritance. Full pedigree analyses were performed. Variation in incidences of disease among clusters of related dogs was evaluated. RESULTS: Heritability estimates were virtually zero for cardiac disorders, medium (0.17 to 0.36) for most other traits, and high (> 0.55) for coat color, birth weight, and adult height. Litter effects and risk factors affected cheiloschisis-palatoschisis, heart murmur, coat color, broadly defined epilepsy, and adult weight. Litter effects may be attributable to common environmental effects for littermates but also may be attributable to dominance variation caused by a recessive gene. Heritability estimates increased when stricter definitions for epilepsy and stifle disorders were used. The monogenic model did not reveal higher heritability estimates for 6 traits analyzed. Incidences for white coat differed significantly for 10 familial clusters, confirming high heritability and effects of familial lineage. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicate that genetic improvement of most traits should be feasible, except for cardiac disorders. However, because most traits are influenced by environmental effects as well as genetic effects, genetic counseling based on polygenic inheritance and use of familial information rather than strict exclusion of parents is preferred.     

Kartagener's syndrome in an old miniature poodle

A 12-year old male miniature poodle with a chronic progressive cough of two years duration was found to have situs inversus totalis, rhinitis, bronchiectasis and bronchopneumonia with metaplasia. Clinical and pathological findings satisfy the clinical criteria for a diagnosis of Kartagener's syndrome. However, the dog had no history of respiratory disease during it's first year of life, it sired at least one healthy puppy and electron microscopic examination of tracheal cilia showed only minimal microtubular abnormalities. This is the first report of a miniature poodle with Kartagener's syndrome. Kartagener's syndrome and mild forms of primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) may play an important role in the development of chronic respiratory disease in older dogs.     

Hypoadrenocorticism in a family of Standard poodles

Thirty-one ancestors of a Standard Poodle with hypoadrenocorticism were located. Hypoadrenocorticism had been confirmed in 8 of 32 dogs (25%) by use of ACTH response testing or necropsy. In 2 additional dogs, hypoadrenocorticism was diagnosed on the basis of characteristic clinical signs and serum electrolyte abnormalities consistent with adrenocortical insufficiency. Although an obvious pattern of inheritance was not evident, the high prevalence of hypoadrenocorticism suggested that heredity may have been a factor in the development of idiopathic adrenal insufficiency in dogs of this family.