Cholesterol granuloma associated with otitis media and destruction of the tympanic bulla in a dog

An 8-year-old, male neutered Irish Setter was presented with a 2-week history of pain upon opening the mouth and chronic otitis externa. Computed tomography examination revealed destruction of the left tympanic bulla with a soft-tissue density within the remains of the tympanic cavity. Cytology of aspirates collected from tissue adjacent to the tympanic bulla revealed suppurative inflammation and bacteria. A ventral bulla osteotomy was performed. Histopathology of granulation tissue within the remains of the tympanic cavity was diagnostic of cholesterol granuloma.     

Treatment and outcome of dogs with leptospirosis: 36 cases (1990-1998)

OBJECTIVE: To characterize serologic and clinical features and outcome of dogs with leptospirosis that were treated conservatively (i.e., medical management alone) or with hemodialysis. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 36 dogs with leptospirosis. PROCEDURE: History; results of physical examinations, ultrasonography, and serologic, hematologic, and serum biochemical analyses; time to resolution of azotemia; and outcome were obtained from medical records. Dogs were treated conservatively (n = 22) or with hemodialysis (14). RESULTS: Between 1990 and 1998, amount of rainfall was positively correlated with number of cases of leptospirosis identified per year. Serum antibodies against 6 Leptospira serovars were measured, and titers were highest to Leptospira pomona in 16 (44%) dogs, L bratislava in 9 (25%) dogs, and L hardjo in 1 (3%) dog. Eight (22%) dogs had equally high titers to L pomona and L bratislava, 1 (3%) had equally high titers to L grippotyphosa and L canicola, and 1 (3%) had high titers to L grippotyphosa, L pomona, L canicola, and L bratislava. During initial evaluation, all dogs were azotemic. Thirty (83%) dogs survived, including 12 of 14 (86%) dogs treated with hemodialysis and 18 of 22 (82%) treated conservatively. Serum creatinine concentration was similar in both groups after resolution of clinical signs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Infection with L pomona and L bratislava was recognized as a cause of leptospirosis in dogs, and resulted in development of acute renal failure with various degrees of azotemia. Prognosis for dogs with mild to moderate azotemia was good with conservative treatment, whereas treatment with hemodialysis appeared to improve prognosis for dogs with severe azotemia.     

Porcupine quill injuries in dogs: a retrospective of 296 cases (1998-2002)

The purpose of this retrospective study was to identify factors associated with quill injury in dogs. A second objective was to determine the risk of complications and any factors that would predict the likelihood of complications. Hospital records of 296 porcupine quill injuries in dogs from 1998 to 2002 were studied. There was an increased occurrence of porcupine encounters in the spring and fall months; Siberian huskies, rottweilers, and German shepherd crosses were significantly overrepresented for quill injuries. There was no association between risk of complications and either number of quills or antimicrobial use. Increasing time between quill injury and presentation was associated with an increased risk of complications. Because of the increased frequency of complication with a longer interval until presentation, clients should be strongly encouraged to bring the dog in as soon as the quill injury is discovered. Patients presented after 24 hours should be monitored closely during the first 3 weeks after injury, as most complications occurred during this time.     

Influence of open surgical correction on intermediate-term outcome in dogs with subvalvular aortic stenosis: 44 cases (1991-1998)

OBJECTIVE: To compare outcome and intermediate-term survival for dogs undergoing open surgical correction of subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS) with those for dogs with SAS that did not undergo surgery. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 44 dogs with congenital SAS. PROCEDURE: Maximum instantaneous systolic pressure gradients were determined by use of Doppler echocardiography. Cardiopulmonary bypass and open surgical correction of SAS (membranectomy with or without septal myectomy) was performed in 22 dogs, whereas 22 dogs did not undergo surgical correction. Cumulative survival was compared between surgical and nonsurgical groups, using Kaplan-Meier nonparametric analysis and a Mantel-Cox log-rank test. RESULTS: Initial systolic pressure gradients were not significantly different for dogs undergoing surgery (128 +/- 55 mm Hg), compared with those that did not undergo surgery (117 +/- 57 mm Hg). Systolic pressure gradients were significantly decreased after surgery in dogs that underwent surgery (54 +/- 27 mm Hg). Cumulative survival was not significantly different between dogs in the surgical and nonsurgical groups. Censoring surgery-related mortality in the analysis still did not reveal a significant difference in cumulative survival between the surgical and nonsurgical groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Despite reductions in the systolic pressure gradient and possible associated improvement in exercise tolerance, a palliative benefit on survival was not documented in dogs undergoing surgery for SAS.     

Eclampsia in dogs: 31 cases (1995-1998)

OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical characteristics and laboratory findings of dogs with eclampsia with those of dogs without eclampsia. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 31 dogs with eclampsia (affected) and 31 with dystocia (controls). PROCEDURE: Information on signalment, type of diet, reproductive history, litter size, time from whelping to eclampsia, body weight, clinical signs, results of physical examination and hematologic and biochemical analyses, response to calcium supplementation, and recurrence was obtained from the medical records of all dogs with eclampsia evaluated between 1995 and 1998 and compared with information from medical records of 31 of 102 dogs with dystocia evaluated during the same period. RESULTS: Dogs with eclampsia weighed less, had a smaller body weight-to-litter size ratio, higher rectal temperature and heart and respiratory rates, and lower plasma total solids concentration than control dogs. Ionized calcium concentration was < or = 0.8 mmol/L for all but 1 of the affected dogs; median concentration for the affected dogs was significantly less than that for control dogs. Six (19%) dogs did not manifest typical clinical signs associated with eclampsia. Twelve (39%) dogs with eclampsia had previous litters; none had a history of eclampsia. Affected dogs were discharged from the hospital within hours after admission, but 3 dogs returned 1 to 3 weeks later because of recurrence of eclampsia. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Eclampsia develops primarily in small-breed dogs with large litters. Plasma ionized calcium concentrations > 0.8 mmol/L in dogs with clinical signs typical of hypocalcemia may indicate that other causes of clinical signs should be considered. In addition, some dogs with eclampsia may have low ionized calcium concentrations and not manifest typical clinical signs.     

Development of glaucoma after cataract surgery in dogs: 220 cases (1987-1998)

OBJECTIVE: To examine postoperative ocular hypertension (POH) and other variables as predictors of the risk of developing glaucoma after cataract surgery in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 220 dogs that had cataract surgery. PROCEDURE: Medical records of 220 dogs (346 eyes) that had extracapsular cataract removal or phacoemulsification of cataracts were reviewed. With respect to glaucoma development, 8 variables were analyzed, which included development of POH, breed, sex, age at time of surgery, eye (right vs left), phacoemulsification time, intraocular lens (IOL) placement (yes or no), and stage of cataract development. Eyes developed glaucoma within 6 or 12 months of surgery or did not have signs of glaucoma at least 6 or 12 months after cataract surgery. RESULTS: Of 346 eyes, 58 (16.8%) developed glaucoma after surgery. At 6 months, 32 of 206 (15.5%) eyes examined had glaucoma; at 12 months, 44 of 153 (28.8%) eyes examined had glaucoma. Median follow-up time was 5.8 months (range, 0.1 to 48 months). Mixed-breed dogs were at a significantly lower risk for glaucoma, compared with other breeds. Eyes with IOL placement were at a significantly lower risk for glaucoma, compared with eyes without IOL placement. Eyes with hypermature cataracts were at a significantly higher risk for glaucoma, compared with eyes with mature or immature cataracts. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Multiple factors appear to contribute to the onset of glaucoma in dogs after cataract surgery. Complications prohibiting IOL placement during cataract surgery may lead to a high risk of glaucoma development.     

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.     

Prognostic factors associated with survival two years after surgery in dogs with malignant mammary tumors: 79 cases (1998-2002)

OBJECTIVE: To identify prognostic factors for female dogs that have undergone surgical removal of malignant mammary tumors. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 79 female dogs with malignant mammary tumors. PROCEDURE: Information obtained from the medical records included breed, age, sex, tumor size (maximum diameter), number and location of affected mammary glands, time between tumor identification and surgical removal, radiographic evidence of distant metastasis, surgical procedure, ovariohysterectomy (OHE) status, histologic classification of the tumor, and survival time. RESULTS: Results of univariate analyses indicated that clinical stage, tumor size, OHE status, metastasis to adjacent lymph nodes or distant sites, and histologic classification of the tumor were significantly associated with survival 2 years after surgery. Tumors > or = 5 cm in diameter and tumors that had been identified > 6 months before surgery were more likely to metastasize to adjacent lymph nodes. Ovariohysterectomy was more beneficial in dogs with complex carcinomas than in dogs with simple carcinomas. In multivariate analyses, clinical stage, tumor size, and OHE status were significantly associated with survival 2 years after surgery. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that tumor stage, tumor size, and OHE status were significant prognostic factors associated with survival 2 years after surgery in dogs with malignant mammary tumors. Further, either dogs with tumors > or = 5 cm in diameter or dogs with tumors present for > 6 months prior to surgery had a higher risk of having lymph node metastases.     

Retroperitoneal sarcomas in dogs: 14 cases (1992-2002)

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical features, surgical and histologic findings, biological behavior, and outcome of dogs with retroperitoneal sarcomas. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 14 dogs. PROCEDURES: Medical and pathology records from 1992 to 2002 of dogs with tumors originating in the retroperitoneal space were reviewed. Dogs with retroperitoneal tumors originating from the adrenal glands, kidneys, or ureters were excluded. Inclusion criteria included observation of a tumor arising from the retroperitoneal space during exploratory surgery or necropsy and histologic confirmation of tumor type. Details of clinical signs, diagnostic findings, surgical management, and outcome were determined from medical records and telephone interviews with veterinarians and owners. RESULTS: Retroperitoneal sarcoma was diagnosed in 14 dogs, 2 at necropsy and 12 during exploratory surgery. Hemangiosarcoma was the most common histologic diagnosis. Seven dogs had regional extension of the sarcoma into adjacent organs, and 4 dogs had metastatic disease. Grossly complete resection was possible in 6 dogs. Cytoreductive surgery or incisional biopsy was performed in the remaining dogs. Two dogs were treated with palliative radiation therapy (1 intraoperatively and 1 postoperatively). Three dogs received adjunctive chemotherapy, although none completed the targeted course because of development of local recurrence or metastatic disease. Local recurrence was reported in 2 of 12 dogs and metastasis in 10 of 14 dogs. Thirteen dogs died or were euthanatized as a result of the retroperitoneal sarcoma; 1 dog was alive and disease-free 410 days after surgery. Median survival time was 37.5 days. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In dogs, retroperitoneal sarcomas are aggressive tumors with a high rate of local recurrence and metastasis, and a poor survival time.     

Radiotherapy-induced myelosuppression in dogs: 103 cases (2002-2006)

Definitive radiotherapy refers to delivery of large doses, typically 48-62 Gray, of ionizing radiation over several weeks using a daily or alternate-day fractionation schedule. The impact of definitive radiotherapy alone on haematopoiesis in tumour-bearing dogs is unknown. Medical records from 103 dogs receiving definitive (60) Cobalt teletherapy for cancer over a 5-year period were reviewed for signalment, tumour type and location, total radiotherapy dose and fractionation scheme. Complete blood count data were collected before, halfway through, and at the end of radiation treatment, and analysed for changes associated with patient variables. The results demonstrate significant reductions in haematocrit, total white blood cell count, neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes, lymphocytes and platelets occurred during definitive radiotherapy but remained within laboratory reference intervals. These data are important for anticipation of toxicity associated with combinations of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in dogs but do not support the routine monitoring of haematology parameters during definitive radiotherapy.     

Risk factors affecting the outcome of surgery for atlantoaxial subluxation in dogs: 46 cases (1978-1998)

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors for successful surgical management of dogs with atlantoaxial subluxation (AAS). DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 46 dogs managed surgically for AAS. PROCEDURE: Age at onset of clinical abnormalities, duration of clinical abnormalities prior to surgery, radiographic appearance of the dens, type (dorsal or ventral procedure) and number (1 or 2) of surgeries performed, grade of postoperative atlantoaxial joint reduction, and neurologic status prior to surgery (preoperative), when dogs were discharged from the hospital (postoperative), and during a follow-up evaluation (final) were obtained from the dogs' medical records. Risk factors for surgical success and degree of neurologic improvement were identified and analyzed for predictive potential. RESULTS: Age at onset of clinical abnormalities < or = 24 months was significantly associated with greater odds of a successful first surgery and final outcome and a lower postoperative neurologic grade. Duration of clinical abnormalities < or = 10 months was significantly associated with greater odds of a successful final outcome and a lower final neurologic grade. A preoperative neurologic grade of 1 or 2 was significantly associated with a lower final neurologic grade. Potential risk factors that did not affect odds of a successful outcome included type of surgery performed, grade of atlantoaxial joint reduction, radiographic appearance of the dens, or need for a second surgery. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Age at onset of clinical abnormalities, duration of clinical abnormalities prior to surgery, and preoperative neurologic status are risk factors for success of surgical management of AAS in dogs.     

Variables associated with outcome in dogs undergoing extrahepatic biliary surgery: 60 cases (1988-2002)

OBJECTIVE: To report clinical findings and define clinical variables associated with outcome in dogs undergoing extrahepatic biliary surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Sixty dogs that had extrahepatic biliary tract surgery. RESULTS: Primary diagnoses included necrotizing cholecystitis (36 dogs, 60%), pancreatitis (12 dogs, 20%), neoplasia (5 dogs, 8%), trauma (4 dogs, 7%), and gallbladder rupture from cholelithiasis without necrotizing cholecystitis (3 dogs, 5%). Bile peritonitis occurred in 19 (53%) dogs with necrotizing cholecystitis, 4 dogs with trauma, and 3 dogs with cholelithiasis without evidence of necrotizing cholecystitis. Cholecystectomy (37 dogs, 62%) and cholecystoduodenostomy (14 dogs, 23%) were the 2 most commonly performed procedures. Median hospitalization for survivors was 5 days (range, 1-15 days). There were 43 surviving dogs (72%) and 17 nonsurvivors (28%, 4 died, 13 euthanatized). Presence of septic bile peritonitis (P=.038), elevation in serum creatinine concentration (P=.003), prolonged partial thromboplastin times (PTTs; P=.003), and lower postoperative mean arterial pressures (P=.0001) were significantly associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Extrahepatic biliary surgery is associated with high mortality and a relatively long hospitalization time for survivors. Cholecystectomy and cholecystoduodenostomy were the most common surgical procedures to treat the 4 major biliary problems (necrotizing cholecystitis, pancreatitis, neoplasia, and trauma) observed in this cohort of dogs. The relatively high mortality rate likely reflects the underlying diseases and their effects on the animal (septic bile peritonitis, higher serum creatinine, prolonged PTT, and lower postoperative mean arterial pressure) rather than complications of surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Septic bile peritonitis, preoperative elevated creatinine concentration, and immediate postoperative hypotension in dogs undergoing extrahepatic biliary tract surgery are associated with a poor clinical outcome. Adequate supportive care and monitoring in the perioperative period is critical to improve survival of dogs with extrahepatic biliary disease.     

Pneumoperitoneum in dogs and cats: 39 cases (1983-2002)

OBJECTIVE: To identify the most common causes of pneumoperitoneum in dogs and cats and determine history, clinical features, and outcome of affected animals. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 31 dogs and 8 cats. PROCEDURES: Medical records were reviewed for signalment; history; abnormal physical, clinicopathologic, and radiographic findings; results of cytologic analysis and bacterial culture of abdominal fluid; gross and histologic findings at surgery or necropsy; and outcome. RESULTS: Pneumoperitoneum was classified as spontaneous in 25 animals and traumatic in 14. Causes of traumatic pneumoperitoneum included vehicular impact, gunshot wounds, abdominal dog bite wounds, and iatrogenic pneumothorax. Spontaneous pneumoperitoneum was caused by gastrointestinal tract perforation in 23 animals; underlying causes included neoplasia, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug administration, and corticosteroid administration. Two animals developed spontaneous pneumoperitoneum after bladder rupture. Animals with spontaneous pneumoperitoneum were significantly older and had clinical signs of longer duration than those with traumatic pneumoperitoneum. Sixteen animals survived, including 15 of 23 animals that underwent surgery. Animals that survived had significantly higher serum albumin concentrations than did animals that died or were euthanatized. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although pneumoperitoneum is most often attributable to perforation of a hollow viscus, other causes do exist. Early exploration is recommended for diagnosis and treatment of the underlying condition.     

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.     

Evaluation of environmental risk factors for leptospirosis in dogs: 36 cases (1997-2002)

OBJECTIVE: To identify environmental risk factors for leptospirosis. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 36 dogs with leptospirosis and 138 dogs seronegative for leptospirosis as determined by microscopic agglutination test for antibodies against Leptospira spp. PROCEDURES: Medical records of dogs evaluated for leptospirosis from 1997 though 2002 were identified. Owner address was used to geocode locations of dogs, and location-specific environmental risk factor data were obtained by use of a geographic information system. Risk of leptospirosis was estimated by odds ratios, controlling for potential confounding by dog age, sex, and breed. RESULTS: Leptospirosis in 19 of the 30 dogs in which an infecting Leptospira serovar could be identified was associated with Leptospira kirschneri serovar grippotyphosa infection. Dogs in which a diagnosis of leptospirosis was made, and dogs with leptospirosis caused by L kirschneri serovar grippotyphosa, were more likely to have addresses located in areas classified as rural in 1990 but urban in 2000. By use of information on recent urbanization and a logistic regression model, the status of 81.6% and 89.8% of dogs with leptospirosis and leptospirosis caused by serovar grippotyphosa, respectively, were correctly classified. Other environmental variables (proximity to streams, recreational areas, farmland, wetlands, areas subject to flooding, and areas with poor drainage; annual rainfall; and county cattle or pig population) did not significantly improve accuracy of classification. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dogs in periurban areas are at greater risk of leptospirosis. Vaccination of dogs in these areas to protect against leptospirosis should be considered.     

Bufo marinus intoxication in dogs: 94 cases (1997-1998)

OBJECTIVE: To determine history, clinical and electrocardiographic abnormalities, treatment, and outcome of dogs exposed to toxins produced by the Bufo marinus toad. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 94 dogs. PROCEDURE: Medical records of dogs examined between July 1997 and July 1998 for which a diagnosis of toad intoxication had been made on the basis of history and physical examination findings were reviewed. RESULTS: Most (66) dogs were treated during the spring and summer. For 54 dogs, exposure to toads had been witnessed. For the remaining 40, toad intoxication was diagnosed on the basis of history and clinical signs. The most common clinical signs were neurologic abnormalities, hyperemic mucous membranes, ptyalism, recumbency or collapse, tachypnea, and vomiting. The oral cavity was lavaged with tap water in all dogs. Fifty-two dogs were hospitalized for treatment. Body weight of dogs hospitalized > 2 hours was significantly less than that of dogs treated as outpatients. The most common electrocardiographic findings were sinus arrhythmia, sinus tachycardia, and normal sinus rhythm. Eighty-nine dogs recovered fully, 4 died, and 1 was euthanatized. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In areas in which B marinus toads are endemic, toad intoxication should be considered in the differential diagnosis for dogs with an acute onset of neurologic abnormalities, hyperemic mucous membranes, and ptyalism, especially during the spring and summer months. The prognosis is good for dogs with toad intoxication that receive appropriate treatment.     

Combined cycloablation and gonioimplantation for treatment of glaucoma in dogs: 18 cases (1992-1998)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a combined cycloablative and gonioimplantation technique for treatment of glaucoma in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 18 adult dogs with glaucoma. PROCEDURE: Medical records of dogs that received a valved gonioimplant and a cyclodestructive procedure (cyclocryoablation or diode laser cyclophotocoagulation) during a 6-year period were reviewed. Retention of vision and intraocular pressure control were assessed, as well as number and nature of complications. RESULTS: 19 eyes of 18 dogs received a valved gonioimplant and either cyclocryoablation (n = 12) or diode laser cyclophotocoagulation (7). At > or = 1 year after surgery, 11 of 19 eyes had vision and 14 of 19 eyes had intraocular pressure < 25 mm Hg. Two dogs (2 eyes) were lost to follow-up 3 and 6 months after surgery. Despite the alternative route for aqueous humor flow created by the gonioimplant, 7 eyes had increased intraocular pressure (27 to 61 mm Hg) < 24 hours after surgery. Other complications included excessive intraocular fibrin, focal retinal detachment, corneal ulcer, retinal hemorrhage, cataract, and implant migration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Combined cycloablation and gonioimplantation appears to be a promising technique for retention of vision and control of intraocular pressure in dogs with glaucoma.     

Long-term complications after phacoemulsification for cataract removal in dogs: 172 cases (1995-2002)

OBJECTIVE: To determine common postoperative complications and risk factors for development of postoperative glaucoma or failure to preserve vision after phacoemulsification for cataract removal in dogs. Design-Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 172 dogs (290 eyes) that underwent phacoemulsification surgery for cataract removal. PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed for postoperative complications; prevalence rates for each complication were calculated for follow-up periods of 3 months, > 3 to 6 months, > 6 months to 1 year, > 1 to 2 years, > 2 to 3 years, > 3 to 4 years, and > 4 years. Odds ratios for breed, age, sex, cataract hypermaturity, lens-induced uveitis, and diabetes mellitus were determined with respect to glaucoma and failure (ie, blindness, enucleation, or evisceration). RESULTS: The most common complication was mild posterior capsule opacification. Retinal detachment was uncommon (1% to 2%) for all time periods. Prevalence of glaucoma increased with time, although it remained < 10% until after the 1-year follow-up period. Boston Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Cocker Spaniel-Poodle crosses, and Shih Tzus had increased risk of developing glaucoma. Eyes with hypermature cataracts were more likely to develop glaucoma. Prevalence of failure increased with time, although it remained < 10% until after the 3-year follow-up period. Cocker Spaniel-Poodle cross and Shih Tzus were more likely to have failure. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Evaluation of breed and cataract hypermaturity may aid in the selection of patients. The increasing prevalence of postoperative complications with time indicated that longterm monitoring is warranted.     

Idiopathic lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis in dogs: 37 cases (1997-2002)

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical signs and rhinoscopic, computed tomographic, and histologic abnormalities in dogs with idiopathic lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 37 dogs. PROCEDURE: Clinical information was obtained from medical records. Nasal computed tomographic images and histologic slides of biopsy specimens were reviewed. RESULTS: Dogs ranged from 1.5 to 14 years old (mean, 8 years); most (28) were large-breed dogs. Nasal discharge was unilateral in 11 of 26 (42%) dogs and bilateral in 15 of 26 (58%) dogs. In dogs with unilateral disease, duration of clinical signs ranged from 1.5 to 36 months (mean, 8.25 months; median, 2 months), and in dogs with bilateral disease, duration of signs ranged from 1.25 to 30 months (mean, 6.5 months; median, 4 months). Computed tomography (n = 33) most often revealed fluid accumulation (27/33 [82%]), turbinate destruction (23/33 [70%]), and frontal sinus opacification (14/33 [42%]). Rhinoscopy (n = 37) commonly demonstrated increased mucus and epithelial inflammation; turbinate destruction was detected in 8 of 37 (22%) dogs. Bilateral biopsy specimens from all 37 dogs were examined. Four dogs had only unilateral inflammatory changes. The remaining 33 dogs had bilateral lesions; in 20, lesions were more severe on 1 side than the other. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Findings suggest that idiopathic lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis is a key contributor to chronic nasal disease in dogs and may be more common than previously believed. In addition, findings suggest that idiopathic lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis is most often a bilateral disease, even among dogs with unilateral nasal discharge.     

Massive hepatocellular carcinoma in dogs: 48 cases (1992-2002)

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical signs, diagnostic findings, outcome, and prognostic factors in dogs treated surgically for massive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and compare survival times of surgically and conservatively treated dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 48 dogs. PROCEDURE: Medical records were examined for clinical signs, diagnostic and surgical findings, and postoperative outcome. Dogs were allocated into surgery and nonsurgery groups depending on whether curative-intent liver lobectomy was performed. Data from the surgical and nonsurgical groups were analyzed to identify prognostic factors and determine and compare rates of tumor control and survival time. RESULTS: 42 dogs were treated surgically, and 6 were managed conservatively. In the surgery group, intraoperative mortality rate was 4.8% with no local recurrence, metastatic rate was 4.8%, and median survival time was > 1,460 days (range, 1 to 1,460 days). High alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities were associated with poor prognosis. Median survival time for the nonsurgery group was 270 days (range, 0 to 415 days), which was significantly less than that of surgically treated dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Liver lobectomy is recommended for dogs with massive HCC because tumor-related mortality rate was 15.4 times higher in dogs in the nonsurgery group, compared with the surgery group. Tumor control was excellent after surgical resection with no local recurrence and a low metastatic rate. Prognostic factors were identified, but their clinical relevance was uncertain because only 9.5% of dogs in the surgery group died as a result of their disease.