Bilateral hydronephrosis secondary to anticoagulant rodenticide intoxication in a dog

Objective: To describe an unusual site of hemorrhage in a case of anticoagulant rodenticide toxicity. Case summary: A dog treated for Brodifacoum anticoagulant rodenticide intoxication was referred for treatment of thrombocytopenia and dysuria. Sonographic examination revealed a large blood clot within the urinary bladder, extending proximally along both ureters, and a bilateral hydronephrosis. In this dog, management of the vitamin K₁‐dependent coagulopathy was unusually complicated by uremia and thrombocytopenia. New information provided: This is the first reported case of hydronephrosis secondary to anticoagulant rodenticide intoxication in a dog.     

Peliosis hepatis in a dog infected with Bartonella henselae

A 6-year-old spayed female Golden Retriever was examined because of generalized weakness and abdominal distention. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a large quantity of peritoneal fluid. In addition, the liver appeared larger than normal and contained multiple, small, nodular masses and cyst-like structures. Abdominal exploratory surgery was performed, and 5 L of serosanguineous peritoneal fluid was removed. Gross lesions were not found in the stomach, kidneys, intestines, adrenal glands, or urinary bladder. There were diffuse cystic nodules in all liver lobes. The dog did not recover from anesthesia. A diagnosis of peliosis hepatis was made on the basis of gross and histologic appearance of the liver. A polymerase chain reaction assay revealed Bartonella henselae DNA in liver specimens. To our knowledge, this is the first report of molecular evidence of B henselae infection in a dog with peliosis hepatis.     

Thrombotest (PIVKA) Test Results in 25 Dogs with Acquired and Hereditary Caogulopathies

In the veterinary literature, it has been suggested that a prolongation in the thrombotest (PIVKA test) is a sensitive and diagnostic indicator of anticoagulant rodenticide intoxication. We evaluated prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromoplastin time (aPTT), and PIVKA indicator in 25 bleeding dogs: 7 with inherited coagulopathies. All dos with acquired coagulopathies had prolonged PIVKA values when compared to the normal controls. Factor VII deficient dogs had a prolonged PIVKA and PT test result, whereas dogs with intrinsic coagulopathies only had an aPTT prolongation. A three-fold increase of the PIVKA or PT values was highly suggestive of an anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning compared to other acquired coagulopathies. Prolonged PIVKA resuls were not specific for anticoagulant rodenticide intoxication in our group of bleeding dogs.     

Bartonella vinsonii subspecies berkhoffi as a possible cause of anterior uveitis and choroiditis in a dog

A 2-year old, neutered, female spaniel mixed breed was referred to the North Carolina State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital for evaluation of bilateral anterior uveitis. The dog was febrile and, in addition to anterior uveitis, multifocal hyporeflective lesions were present in the tapetal fundus of both eyes. The antibody titer for Bartonella vinsonii subspecies berkhoffi was positive (1 : 512). Aqueous paracentesis was performed for PCR in an attempt to detect B. vinsonii in the eye but was unsuccessful. The ocular manifestations of Bartonella infection in humans are currently expanding as more sensitive serologic and PCR techniques are being developed to identify Bartonella spp. In addition to optic neuritis and neuroretinitis, retinochoroidal lesions are one of the most common manifestations of B. henselae infection, and are frequently accompanied by vitreous or anterior segment inflammation. Diagnosis of a Bartonella infection in humans can be made on serology alone, in conjunction with ocular examination findings. The ultimate proof of B. vinsonii (berkhoffi) as a direct cause of ocular disease would be detection of the infectious agent in the eye. However, it is unknown at this time whether Bartonella causes ocular disease primarily, secondarily via an autoimmune reaction, or both. Due to the difficulties associated with culture of Bartonella spp. and the limitations of PCR, serology is currently the most useful tool for screening dogs for possible Bartonella spp. infection. In the case presented here, even though the PCR was negative, the clinical signs of anterior uveitis and choroiditis might reasonably be associated with B. vinsonii (berkhoffi) seroreactivity, which was repeatable on three separate occasions. Clinical improvement was also accompanied by a post-treatment decrease in B. vinsonii (berkhoffi) seroreactivity, potentially supporting resolution of Bartonella infection in this dog. This is the first reported case of a possible association between uveitis, choroiditis and Bartonella infection in the dog, without clinical manifestations of other organ or tissue involvement. Future studies based on PCR analysis of intraocular fluids may clarify the involvement of B. vinsonii (berkhoffi) in dogs with intraocular inflammatory disease. Furthermore, performing fluorescein angiography in dogs with elevated Bartonella titers may also prove useful in the identification and characterization of lesions.     

Xylitol intoxication associated with fulminant hepatic failure in a dog

Objective: To describe a case of xylitol intoxication causing fulminant hepatic failure in a dog. Case summary: A 2.5‐year‐old castrated male English Springer Spaniel weighing 26 kg, was presented after ingestion of half of a loaf of bread containing the sweetener xylitol. Toxic effects of the xylitol in this dog included vomiting, mild hypoglycemia and fulminant hepatic failure. Clinical management of acute hepatic failure and subsequent coagulopathy with supportive care and fresh frozen plasma is described. The dog was discharged 3 days after admission after a full clinical recovery. New or unique information provided: This paper describes the clinical consequence and successful treatment of fulminant hepatic failure in a dog following ingestion of xylitol.     

Acute polyneuromyopathy with respiratory failure secondary to monensin intoxication in a dog

Objective

To describe a successfully managed case of polyneuropathy and respiratory failure secondary to presumed monensin intoxication.

Case Summary

A 9‐month‐old Australian Shepherd was evaluated for progressive generalized weakness and respiratory distress. Several days preceding presentation, the dog was seen playing with a monensin capsule, and had free access to a barn where the product was stored and where chewed capsules were subsequently found. The dog was presented with flaccid tetraparesis, hyperthermia, and severe respiratory distress. Bloodwork and urinalysis revealed marked increase in serum creatine kinase concentration and presumed myoglobinuria. Cardiac troponin I level was markedly increased. Management included mechanical ventilation for 5 days, fluid‐therapy, active cooling, antimicrobial therapy, analgesia, gastroprotectants, antiemetics, enteral feedings, continuous nursing care, and physiotherapy. Intravenous lipid rescue therapy was administered with lack of improvement in respiratory function and muscle strength. The patient completely recovered and was discharged after 12 days of hospitalization.

New or Unique Information Provided

Monensin intoxication should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute polyneuromyopathy and respiratory failure in dogs with access to this compound. Respiratory failure secondary to monensin intoxication does not necessarily carry a poor prognosis if mechanical ventilation can be provided as a bridge until return of respiratory function is achieved.     

Treatment of a dog with severe baclofen intoxication using hemodialysis and mechanical ventilation

Objective: This case report describes the successful management of a dog with coma and respiratory depression due to severe baclofen intoxication. Case summary: A Doberman Pinscher mixed breed dog ingested 500 mg (20 mg/kg) of baclofen. Signs of severe intoxication included coma and profound respiratory muscle weakness. The dog was supported with positive pressure ventilation and treated with one session of hemodialysis. Weaning from the ventilator was achieved within 4 hours of hemodialysis, and recovery from coma occurred over the following 12–36 hours. The dog regained full neurologic function and was normal at discharge following 3 days of hospitalization. New or unique information provide: Severe central nervous system depression and respiratory depression due to baclofen intoxication can be life threatening. In addition to other supportive care, hemodialysis may hasten recovery and ventilatory support may be essential to achieve a positive outcome. With successful treatment, toxicity can be decreased and the associated life‐threatening central nervous system and ventilatory depression can resolve. Prognosis for return of normal function is excellent.     

Bartonella henselae seroprevalence in cattle breeders and veterinarians in the rural areas of Aydin and Denizli, Turkey

Bartonella henselae infections are usually detected among people who have close contact with animals. Veterinarians and cattle breeders, in particular, are considered as the risk groups for B. henselae infections. In this study, the seroprevalence of antibodies to B. henselae was investigated in these two groups of subjects in the two cities of Aydin and Denizli, which are located in the same region in the southwest of Turkey. Total antibodies to B. henselae were evaluated by indirect immunofluorescence assay in serum samples taken from 63 cattle breeders and 27 veterinarians. Twenty samples (22.2%) were found to react on 1/64 titre with B. henselae antigens. Bartonella henselae seroprevalence was found to be significantly related to age (P = 0.033) and higher in those living in Aydin (P = 0.047). Age was the only independent factor in multivariate analysis (P = 0.008). Seroprevalence was found to be 2‐fold higher in those people who had had tick contact (P = 0.093). In conclusion, the physicians in the region should consider B. henselae infection among veterinarians and breeders in their differential diagnosis list of fever of unknown origin.     

Clinical and histologic outcome in a dog surviving massive hepatic necrosis

This report describes the clinical and histologic recovery of a 2‐year‐old mixed‐breed dog presented with hypovolemic shock, markedly increased serum alanine amino transferase activity, and hemoabdomen. Emergency exploratory surgery revealed a friable liver with multiple capsule hemorrhages necessitating removal of the left lateral lobe. Histologic evaluation showed acute massive hepatic necrosis with centrilobular and midzonal distribution. The dog survived, and all monitored laboratory values normalized within 7 weeks. A liver biopsy taken 8 weeks after presentation revealed normal hepatic architecture with a few, randomly distributed neutrophilic foci. Follow‐up included intermittent determination of liver variables including liver function tests for a period of 7 years. The dog's health status, and all test results remained normal during this time. Complete recovery and good long‐term quality of life after life‐threatening acute liver failure secondary to massive hepatic necrosis is possible in dogs.     

Nasal infection with Scedosporium apiospermum in a dog

CASE HISTORY: A 2-year-old female Siberian Husky was presented with a 6-month history of sneezing and mucous discharge from the right nostril.

CLINICAL FINDINGS: Reduced airflow through the right nostril was evident. Radiographs showed subtle loss of detail of turbinates within the right nasal chamber. Rhinoscopy revealed swollen and erythematous turbinates and a white mass within the caudal aspect of the right nasal cavity. Histopathologically, there was a heavy mixed inflammatory infiltrate in the submus- cosa of the right turbinate, and the presence of fungal hyphae and spores in the white mass. A heavy growth of Scedosporium apiospermum was cultured from the mass.

DIAGNOSIS: Chronic rhinitis of the right nasal cavity and infection with S. apiospermum.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This is the first reported case of S. apiospermum isolated from the nasal cavity of a dog in New Zealand. Fungal culture is necessary to differentiate this fungus from Aspergillus spp.     

Pathologic sideroblasts and siderocytes associated with chloramphenicol therapy in a dog

Siderotic granules were recognized in blood erythrocytes from a male Boxer dog with suppurative prostatitis, cystitis and pyelonephritis that was being given high dosage chloramphenicol therapy. Siderotic inclusions were recognized in the cytoplasm of 96% of the rubricytes and metarubricytes in a bone marrow aspirate. Siderotic inclusions were numerous and in some cases formed a ring around the nucleus. This perinuclear location suggested that pathologic mitochondrial iron accumulation had occurred, resulting in the formation of "ringed" sideroblasts. The occurrence of pathologic sideroblasts was confirmed by electron microscopy. Blood siderocytes and bone marrow sideroblasts disappeared after cessation of chloramphenicol therapy.