Thoracic actinomycosis (arcanobacteriosis) or nocardiosis causing thoracic pyogranuloma formation in three dogs

OBJECTIVE: To describe three cases of canine thoracic actinomycosis (arcanobacteriosis) or nocardiosis in which the primary pathological lesion was a pyogranulomatous abscess in the mediastinum. Clinical signs, difficulties in diagnosis, treatment and prognosis are examined. Comparisons are made between human and veterinary literature to assist in formulating a rational treatment plan. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. PROCEDURE: Review of case records from 1984 to 1998. RESULTS: Three dogs presented with large intrathoracic pyogranulomas producing variable clinical signs, not necessarily associated with the respiratory tract. Ages ranged from 2 to 5 years old. Two dogs responded to surgical opening and passive drainage of the abscess, or surgical excision of the granuloma with associated structures, and medical therapy. One dog died intra-operatively. CONCLUSION: A combination of surgical and antimicrobial therapy may carry a fair-to-good prognosis for thoracic granuloma caused by actinomycosis (arcanobacteriosis) or nocardiosis. The extent of surgery should be based on assessment of individual cases and must include surgical biopsy for histology and culture to enable a specific diagnosis to be made. Complete surgical excision is not necessarily required. Prolonged antimicrobial therapy is indicated.     

Cutaneous actinomycosis and nocardiosis in dogs: 48 cases (1980-1990).

Medical records of 48 dogs with cutaneous actinomycosis or nocardiosis were reviewed. Male, large-breed dogs kept outdoors were overrepresented. The mean age at admission was 3.6 years. Cutaneous swelling (68%), abscesses (65%), draining tracts (48%), fever (36%), and signs of pain (13%) were the most common clinical findings. The cervicofacial area was affected in 48% of the dogs. Abdominal and thoracic wall involvement was less common. Leukocytosis, neutrophilia with left shift, monocytosis, and hyperglobulinemia were common. The diagnosis was confirmed by cytologic examination, bacteriologic culture, or histologic examination. Gram-positive filamentous bacteria were seen in 69% of the fine needle aspirates and in 50% of the biopsy specimens. Actinomyces spp were isolated from cutaneous lesions in 27 (60%) dogs. Nocardia asteroides was isolated from 1 dog. Treatment consisted of surgical debridement, drainage, and administration of antibiotics in 29 dogs (group A) and antibiotics alone in 13 dogs (group B). The infection redeveloped in 10 (42%) group-A dogs and 6 (60%) group-B dogs. Of the 10 group-A dogs with recurrent infection, 6 had resolution after a second surgery and 4 were euthanatized. Of the 6 group-B dogs, 1 had resolution after surgery, 4 were euthanatized or died because of persistent disease, and 1 had an unresolved infection. The combination of surgery and antibiotic treatment appeared to be superior to antibiotic treatment alone in resolving cutaneous Actinomyces and Nocardia infections.     

Hyperadrenocorticism in 10 dogs with skin lesions as the only presenting clinical signs

Ten dogs that had skin lesions as the only presenting signs of hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) and as the owners' primary complaint are described. Dogs were included if the initial examination was for skin disease, there were no signs of systemic illness on initial presentation and there was a confirmed diagnosis of HAC by specific screening tests. Dogs were excluded if they had a severe disease that might interfere with screening tests for HAC or if the screening tests were not diagnostic. There were five males and five females; six dogs were intact. Nine dogs were diagnosed at ≥7 years. Eight dogs weighed ≤10 kg. Alopecia was present in nine dogs. Eight dogs had bacterial pyoderma, five had hyperpigmentation, and four had thin skin. One dog had unresolved dermatophytosis. Skin lesions resolved after treatment in eight dogs. One dog was not treated and one was lost to follow-up. This study showed that skin lesions may be the only clinical signs of HAC. The presence of the more common clinical signs of HAC, such as a non-pruritic, truncal alopecia and/or thin skin, without any systemic signs of HAC and/or the presence of poorly responsive skin infections warrant screening for this disease.     

Pyothorax in nine dogs

The results of treatment of pyothorax using systemic antibiotics, drainage, and lavage of the pleural space, are reported for 9 dogs. All 9 dogs recovered completely. In 8 of the 9 dogs the follow-up period was at least 6 months and in none was there a relapse. The results obtained with this treatment are excellent in comparison with the results that have been reported for treatment with systemic antibiotics and drainage of the pleural space but without lavage. Apart from the addition of pleural lavage to the treatment protocol, the better result might be because migrating plant related foreign bodies did not seem to play an important role in the pathogenesis of pyothorax in this group of dogs.     

Lingual abscesses in three dogs

Lingual abscessation is a rare condition in dogs. Very little information is available on the diagnosis and treatment of lingual abscesses in the major surgical textbooks and current veterinary literature. The common clinical signs of lingual abscesses are macroglossia, hypersalivation and a reluctance to open the mouth, but these can vary depending on the time course of the disease and the location of the abscess. This article presents three cases of tongue abscess in the dog outlining treatment and outcomes. A thorough diagnostic work up, consisting of anamnesis, clinical and haematological examinations, oral inspection under sedation and the use of diagnostic imaging techniques should be mandatory before surgical exploration of the abscess. Surgery is followed by drainage and systemic antibiotics, complemented by systemic fluid support and pain management. Conservative management of lingual abscesses can be fatal. Sharp trauma from an unknown object is suspected to be the underlying cause for the abscesses in the present cases.     

Pyothorax in nine dogs

Summary

The results of treatment of pyothorax using systemic antibiotics, drainage, and lavage of the pleural space, are reported for 9 dogs. All 9 dogs recovered completely. In 8 of the 9 dogs the follow‐up period was at least 6 months and in none was there a relapse. The results obtained with this treatment are excellent in comparison with the results that have been reported for treatment with systemic antibiotics and drainage of the pleural space but without lavage. Apart from the addition of pleural lavage to the treatment protocol, the better result might be because migrating plant related foreign bodies did not seem to play an important role in the pathogenesis of pyothorax in this group of dogs.     

Cardiovascular involvement in 8 dogs with blastomyces dermatitidis infection

BACKGROUND: Blastomycosis is a common systemic fungal infection in dogs. HYPOTHESIS: Dogs with cardiovascular involvement may have abnormalities in electrical conduction and valvular function, and may have a worse prognosis. ANIMALS: Eight client-owned animals. METHODS: Dogs with cardiovascular lesions caused by blastomycosis were identified from retrospective evaluation of medical records. RESULTS: Five dogs had de novo infections and 3 had recurrences of previously treated infections. Harsh labored breathing, lethargy, and anorexia were the most common historic complaints. Three dogs had syncope. Physical examination and clinicopathologic data were typical of blastomycosis and included dyspnea, increased lung sounds, and lethargy. In addition, 3 dogs had heart murmurs and 1 had a third-degree atrioventricular block. Four dogs had myocarditis and 2 had pericarditis or epicarditis. Two dogs had cardiac signs attributed to extracardiac compression by fungal granulomas and clinical signs were relieved by treatment. Half of the remaining 6 dogs were euthanized; 2 of these were not treated. Of the remaining 3 dogs, 1 dog died acutely while sleeping; the second died intraoperatively during an attempt to place an epicardial pacemaker; and the third had Blastomyces-induced endocarditis and died of heart failure. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Blastomycosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of dogs from endemic areas with inflammatory myocarditis, heart block, heart base or intracardiac mass lesions, syncope, or endocarditis.     

Lumbosacral stenosis in 29 military working dogs: epidemiologic findings and outcome after surgical intervention (1990-1999)

OBJECTIVE: To study the outcome of military working dogs (MWDs) diagnosed with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLS) after surgical intervention and to determine what prognostic indicators affected outcome. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Twenty-nine MWDs with DLS. METHODS: The medical records of dogs diagnosed and surgically treated for DLS at the Department of Defense Military Working Dog Veterinary Service Hospital were reviewed. Retrieved data were signalment, clinical signs, survey radiograph results, and surgical findings. RESULTS: Breed and sex were not found to have prognostic significance. Increasing age at surgery correlated with a poor surgical outcome. Twelve dogs (41%) returned to normal function, 11 (38%) improved, and 6 (20%) never returned to active duty. The average age at surgery was 74 months, 93 months, and 112 months for normal, improved, and dogs not returning to duty, respectively. Significant clinical findings associated with a poor prognosis were related to increasing neurologic severity. The only significant radiographic finding indicating a poor prognosis was foraminal narrowing. Surgical findings with negative prognostic significance were hypertrophic articular facets and interarcuate ligament. Recurrence rates were 16.7% and 54.5% for normal and improved dogs, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: MWDs with DLS have a good prognosis with surgical decompression if they are young dogs with mild clinical signs at the time of diagnosis. As age and severity of clinical signs increase, the prognosis for successful outcome decreases. Recurrence may be seen in some dogs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Information provided by this study should help military veterinarians determine the prognosis for working dogs with DLS after surgical treatment.     

Nocardial peritonitis in a cat

Objective To illustrate a successfully managed case of nocardial peritonitis in a cat.
Design Case report.
Animal An 8 year old neutered male Burmese cat presented for nonspecific signs of depression, anorexia, pallor and mild dehydration. Pyrexia, loss of weight and abdominal distension developed despite treatment with amoxycillin-clavulanate and supportive therapy.
Procedure Various medical and surgical procedures were used.
Results Haematology revealed severe inflammatory left shift. Biochemistry showed mild prerenal azotemia. A "ground glass" appearance to the abdomen was seen on radiographs. Fluid collected by abdominocentesis contained "sulphur granules" and had characteristics of a septic exudate. Laparotomy allowed drainage of peritoneal fluid and extensive lavage of the peritoneal cavity. Culture of the fluid revealed Nocardia sp. Sensitivity testing resulted in a change of antimicrobial therapy to trimethoprim-sulphadiazine.
Conclusion Response to surgical drainage and change in antibacterial therapy was excellent. No toxic side effects were encountered during the 3 months course of trimethoprim-sulphonamide. The cat made a complete recovery.     

Ocular and periocular manifestations of leishmaniasis in dogs: 105 cases (1993-1998)

The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the prevalence, type, and prognosis of ocular lesions associated with leishmaniasis in dogs. One hundred and five dogs (24.4% of all cases of leishmaniasis diagnosed during the study period) had ocular or periocular leishmaniasis, and 16 dogs (15.2% of ocular cases) had only ocular lesions and systemic signs were not apparent. Anterior uveitis was the most common manifestation and other prevalent findings included blepharitis and keratoconjunctivitis. Several distinct variations of eyelid lesions were seen including a dry dermatitis with alopecia, diffuse blepharedema, cutaneous ulceration, and discrete nodular granuloma formation. In some cases with keratoconjunctivitis, corneal lesions clinically resembled nodular granulomatous episclerokeratitis. Twenty-seven of the 34 cases with ocular lesions had improvement in signs following systemic antiprotozoal and topical anti-inflammatory therapy, although many cases with anterior uveitis required long-term topical therapy. Response of ocular signs correlated highly with overall, systemic response to therapy. Ophthalmic manifestations of systemic leishmaniasis are common in the dog, and this disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of most adnexal and anterior segment ocular inflammatory lesions in dogs in endemic areas.     

Systemic candidiasis in a dog

Candida albicans is a common cause of nosocomial infections in humans, but there are few reports of systemic candidiasis in dogs. This report describes an 11-year-old spayed female Scottish Terrier with systemic candidiasis. The diagnosis was made on the basis of results of microbiologic culture of specimens from urine and venous catheters and histologic examination of tissues obtained post mortem. Factors that predisposed the dog of this report to systemic candidiasis included diabetes mellitus, corticosteroid and broad-spectrum antimicrobial administration, venous and urinary catheterization, and administration of nutrition parenterally. The development of pyrexia and leukocytosis in dogs with risk factors that predispose to Candida spp infections warrants evaluation via microbial culture of specimens from urine and vascular catheters used in those dogs.     

Impact of tumour depth, tumour location and multiple synchronous masses on the prognosis of canine cutaneous mast cell tumours

The goal of this study was to determine the significance of tumour depth, tumour location and multiple synchronous tumour masses for the prognostic evaluation of canine cutaneous mast cell tumours (MCTs). The study population consisted of 100 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded cutaneous MCTs that had been surgically removed from 100 dogs and submitted to the Diagnostic Center of Population and Animal Health at Michigan State University between 1998 and 2001. None of the dogs had received chemotherapy or radiation therapy. For each case the following data were obtained from the referring veterinarians: sex, breed, weight, age at diagnosis, diagnostics performed, adjunct medications given at the time of surgery, tumour location, number of tumour masses, tumour recurrence (development of MCTs at the surgical site), development of additional MCTs at distant sites (outside the surgical margins), tumour duration before removal, survival time and cause of death, if applicable. Tumour depth was determined through microscopic evaluation of 5 microm sections stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Based on univariable and multivariable survival analysis, dogs with multiple synchronous cutaneous MCTs at the time of diagnosis have a worse prognosis compared with dogs with single tumours. Additional treatment beyond surgical excision alone should be considered for these animals. Older dogs and Boxers with cutaneous MCTs were at higher risk to develop additional MCTs at distant sites (outside the surgical margins), and older and male dogs with cutaneous MCTs had significantly shorter survival times. Univariable analysis also determined that dogs with cutaneous MCTs located on the head and neck had an increased risk of additional MCT development at distant sites and that sterilized dogs with cutaneous MCTs had shorter survival times. However, these findings were not confirmed by multivariable analysis. Tumour depth was of no prognostic significance for dogs with cutaneous MCTs.     

Thoracic, Abdominal and Vertebral Actinomycosis

The clinical, laboratory, radiographic, and histologic features and the response to therapy in three dogs with actinomycosis are reported. One dog (dog 1) had a 12-cm nonresectable mass extending from the ventrolateral chest wall into the left ventricular myocardium. Another dog (dog 2) had a diffuse peritonitis with "sulfur granules" and two large masses. One of these masses was nonresectable involving adjacent abdominal structures. A third dog (dog 3) had a subvertebral mass at T1-3 producing quadraplegia. Two dogs had periosteal reactions involving adjacent sternebrae (dog 1) or ribs and vertebral bodies (dog 3) that are characteristic of Actinomyces spp infections. In dogs 1 and 2 the diagnosis was based on the morphologic and tinctorial properties of free sulfur granules and/or tissue granules. Culture results were variable. Tissue from dog 1 yielded no growth, while polymicrobial infections, which included Actinomyces spp, were identified in dogs 2 and 3. Actinomyces odontolyticus was isolated from dog 3. Although the actinomycotic granulomas were either not excised or only partially excised from dogs 1 and 2, both animals were cured by the oral administration of high doses of penicillin G for 19 and 6 months, respectively. Dog 3 responded dramatically to the same antibiotic therapy given for 5 months. However, within 4 months of discontinuing treatment an abscess and draining fistulous tracts developed in the left axillary region. Two surgical fistulectomies and additional penicillin therapy were required to cure this animal. These cases and the current veterinary and human literature on actinomycosis are used to propose a rational approach to the treatment of actinomycosis in the dog.     

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.     

Gallbladder mucocele in dogs: 30 cases (2000-2002)

OBJECTIVE: To determine long-term outcome of dogs with gallbladder mucocele. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 30 dogs with gallbladder mucocele, including 23 that underwent cholecystectomy. PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed for signalment, history, and clinical, ultrasonographic, and surgical findings. Follow-up information was obtained for all dogs that survived the perioperative hospitalization period. RESULTS: 23 dogs had signs of systemic illness; 7 had no clinical signs. Median values for serum activities of alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase, serum total bilirubin concentration, and total WBC count were significantly higher among dogs with gallbladder rupture than among dogs without rupture. Sensitivity of sonography for detection of rupture was 85.7%. Overall perioperative mortality rate for dogs that underwent cholecystectomy was 21.7%; mortality rate was not significantly greater for dogs with rupture. Aerobic bacteria were isolated from the bile or gallbladder wall in 8.7% of dogs. All 18 dogs discharged from the hospital had complete resolution of clinical signs. In dogs that underwent in-hospital reexamination, serum liver enzyme activities were significantly decreased, compared with preoperative activities. Persistent increases in serum activities of 1 or more liver enzymes were detected in 9 of 12 dogs; 6 of 12 dogs had persistent abnormalities in hepatic echogenicity. Mean follow-up period was 13.9 months. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that cholecystectomy is an effective treatment for gallbladder mucocele. Although perioperative mortality rate is high, prognosis after discharge from the hospital is excellent. Rupture of the gallbladder warrants emergency surgical intervention but does not preclude a positive outcome.     

Nocardial Pleuritis in a Cat

A seven year old himalayan x siamese cat was presented to the Ontario Veterinary College Teaching Hospital with severe peracute respiratory signs. A diagnosis of nocardial pleuritis was made on the basis of clinical findings, radiology and bacteriology examination of the thoracic exudate. Combined surgical and chemotherapeutic measures for three weeks and further chemotherapy at home for two weeks proved to be a successful treatment regime.     

A Retrospective Study of Inguinal Hernia in 35 Dogs

Inguinal hernia was associated with trauma in five dogs and was considered nontraumatic in 30 dogs. There were 11 males, 13 intact females, and six spayed females with nontraumatic inguinal hernia. Six dogs had bilateral hernias. Five dogs were younger than 4 months at the time of diagnosis. In 11 older dogs with nontraumatic inguinal hernia, the hernias were identified less than 7 days before surgical repair; in 14 older dogs, the hernias had been recognized for 1 to 60 months. Clinical signs in dogs without small intestinal incarceration were usually limited to a visible or palpable mass without pain or systemic illness. Hemiorrhaphy approaches included inguinal, midline with contralateral ring evaluation, and celiotomy with or without inguinal exposure. Fat and omentum were the most common hernial contents. Small intestine was within the hernias of 12 dogs. Six dogs had nonviable small intestine. Postoperative complications included two incisional infections, one incisional dehiscence, two cases of peritonitis and sepsis associated with bowel leakage after intestinal resection and anastomosis, and one hernia recurrence. The overall prevalence of postoperative complications was 17%, and the mortality rate was 3%. Vomiting for 2 to 6 days was predictive of nonviable small intestine. Dogs younger than 2 years were at 11 times greater risk for nonviable small intestine than dogs older than 2 years. Four of five dogs with nontraumatic inguinal hernia and nonviable small intestine were intact males, whereas none of 13 intact females were affected. Only one of 14 dogs with longstanding hernias had nonviable small intestine.     

Ehrlichia and Babesia infections in dogs in The Netherlands

A retrospective study was performed at the Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals at Utrecht University amongst 75 dogs diagnosed with a Babesia canis and/or an Ehrlichia canis infection. The majority of the dogs had visited an endemic area (most often the Mediterranean area or the Dutch Antilles), but two dogs became infected with Babesia in the Netherlands. Babesia infections were associated with a stay in an endemic area and an incubation period that are both significantly shorter (less than 3 months) than those for Ehrlichia and co-infections (more than 3 months). Reasons for the owner to seek veterinary attention (lethargy, anorexia, fever), findings from the physical examination (pale mucous membranes, hepato-/splenomegaly) and laboratory results (anemia, thrombocytopenia, hypo-albuminemia) were highly aspecific, making serology or PCR mandatory for diagnosing infections. Antigenic stimulation by the parasite sometimes resulted in immune-mediated diseases such as immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, glomerulonefritis, and polyarthritis and in the case of ehrlichiosis in hypergammaglobulinemia. Specific therapy (imidocarb-diproprionate and/or doxycycline) was necessary, and because combined infections were common, it was considered appropriate to administer both drugs while the definitive diagnosis was being established. The prognosis was reasonably good, with almost half of all patients showing no clinical signs after treatment, although Babesia and co-infections were associated with a significantly longer survival sometimes resulted than Ehrlichia infections.     

The effect of cisterna chyli ablation combined with thoracic duct ligation on abdominal lymphatic drainage

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of cisterna chyli ablation (CCA) and thoracic duct ligation (TDL) on abdominal lymphatic drainage in normal dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. ANIMALS: Nine female beagle dogs. METHODS: TDL was performed in 3 dogs and was combined with CCA (CCA-TDL) and local omentalization in 6 dogs. Contrast lymphangiography was attempted in all dogs immediately before and after TDL. Dogs were reanesthetized at 31-37 days for lymphatic studies by new methylene blue (NMB) injection into a mesenteric lymph node and by contrast lymphangiography. RESULTS: In 6 CCA-TDL dogs, 2 had direct shunting of contrast from the lymphatic system into major abdominal veins, 3 had contrast material that dissipated into abdominal vessels within the mesenteric root, and 1 had shunting into the azygous vein. NMB was not observed within the omental pedicle after CCA-TDL. Chylous drainage was by the azygous vein in all 3 TDL dogs. CONCLUSIONS: CCA-TDL disrupted chylous drainage to the thoracic duct and resulted in direct intraabdominal lymphaticovenous anastomoses identified by shunting of lymphatic flow directly into the abdominal vasculature in 5 of 6 CCA-TDL dogs. Omentalization of the cisternal ablation site was not beneficial in augmenting extrathoracic lymphatic drainage and is not recommended with CCA-TDL. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: CCA-TDL represents a novel approach to surgical redirection of chylous drainage to the venous circulation outside of the thorax and may be useful in the treatment of spontaneous chylothorax in the dog.     

Clinical outcome and associated diseases in dogs with leukocytosis and neutrophilia: 118 cases (1996-1998)

OBJECTIVE: To describe diseases, prognosis, and clinical outcomes associated with leukocytosis and neutrophilia in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 118 dogs with leukocytosis and neutrophilia. PROCEDURE: Medical records from 1996 to 1998 were examined for dogs with WBC > or = 50,000 cells/microliter and neutrophilia > or = 50%. Signalment, absolute and differential WBC counts, body temperature, clinical or pathologic diagnosis, duration and cost of hospitalization, and survival time were reviewed. RESULTS: Mean age was 7.7 years, WBC count was 65,795 cells/microliter, and absolute neutrophil count was 53,798 cells/microliter. Mean duration of hospitalization was 7.4 days and cost of hospitalization was $2,028.00. Forty (34%) dogs were febrile, and 73 (62%) dogs died. Overall median survival time was 17 days. Dogs with neoplasia or fever were more likely to die than dogs that were hospitalized or had systemic or local infections. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Leukocytosis and neutrophilia were associated with high mortality rate and have prognostic value. Given the mean duration and cost of hospitalization, frank discussion with an owner at first recognition of leukocytosis and neutrophilia may be warranted.