The presence of antiphospholipid antibodies in healthy Bernese Mountain Dogs

Background

The role of antiphospholipid antibodies in the prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) previously identified in healthy Bernese Mountain Dogs remains unknown. In people, an isolated prolonged aPTT without evidence of bleeding might be because of a thrombophilic condition caused by antiphospholipid antibodies.

Objective

To examine if prolonged aPTT in healthy Bernese Mountain Dogs is because of antiphospholipid antibodies.

Animals

Twenty‐two healthy Bernese Mountain Dogs and 10 healthy adult dogs of various breeds.

Methods

Prospective case control study. Healthy Bernese Moutain Dogs were examined twice over 6 months. Dogs were investigated for the presence of lupus anticoagulants and anticardiolipin (aCL) antibodies by the use of multiple aPTT tests with low and high lupus anticoagulant sensitivities, a mixing study, and an ELISA test for aCL antibody optical density to detect solid phase antiphospholipid antibodies.

Results

In all, 15 of 22 healthy Bernese Mountain Dogs were positive for lupus anticoagulants. The Bernese Mountain Dogs had markedly higher levels of aCL antibodies compared with the control dogs (P = .006). In all, 7 of 21 of the Bernese Mountain Dogs were positive for both lupus anticoagulants and aCL antibodies, whereas 4 of 21 Bernese Mountain Dogs were negative for both.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Lupus anticoagulants and aCL antibodies could be the cause of prolonged aPTT in healthy Bernese Mountain Dogs. The importance of the antiphospholipid antibodies in the dogs remains unknown.     

Facet joint geometry and intervertebral disk degeneration in the L5-S1 region of the vertebral column in German Shepherd dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the possible association between facet joint geometry and intervertebral disk degeneration in German Shepherd Dogs. ANIMALS: 25 German Shepherd Dogs and 11 control dogs of similar body weight and condition. PROCEDURE: Facet joint angles in the caudal portion of the lumbar region of the vertebral column (L5-S1) were measured by use of computed tomography, and the intervertebral discs were evaluated microscopically. The relationship between facet joint geometry and disk degeneration was evaluated by use of statistical methods. RESULTS: German Shepherd Dogs had significantly more facet joint tropism than control dogs, but an association with disk degeneration was not found. However, German Shepherd Dogs had a different facet joint conformation, with more sagittally oriented facet joints at L5-L6 and L6-L7 and a larger angle difference between the lumbar and lumbosacral facet joints, compared with control dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A large difference between facet joint angles at L6-L7 and L7-S1 in German Shepherd Dogs may be associated with the frequent occurrence of lumbosacral disk degeneration in this breed.     

Comparison of measurements obtained by use of an electrogoniometer and a universal plastic goniometer for the assessment of joint motion in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To compare measurements obtained by use of a universal plastic goniometer (UG) and an electrogoniometer (EG) and from radiographs and to compare joint motion in German Shepherd Dogs and Labrador Retrievers. ANIMALS: 12 healthy adult German Shepherd Dogs and data previously collected from 16 healthy adult Labrador Retrievers. PROCEDURES: German Shepherd Dogs were sedated. One investigator then measured motion of the carpal, cubital (elbow), shoulder, tarsal, stifle, and hip joints of the sedated dogs. Measurements were made in triplicate with a UG and an EG. Radiographs were taken of all joints in maximal flexion and extension. Values were compared between the UG and EG and with values previously determined for joints of 16 Labrador Retrievers. RESULTS: An EG had higher variability than a UG for all dogs. The EG variability appeared to result from the technique for the EG. German Shepherd Dogs had lower values in flexion and extension than did Labrador Retrievers for all joints, except the carpal joints. German Shepherd Dogs had less motion in the tarsal joints, compared with motion for the Labrador Retrievers, but had similar motion in all other joints. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A UG is reliable for obtaining measurements in German Shepherd Dogs. There was higher variability for the EG than for the UG, and an EG cannot be recommended for use.     

Hip dysplasia in the New Zealand Huntaway and Heading dog

AIMS: To conduct a practice-based survey to obtain, for the first time, data on hip dysplasia in the New Zealand working dog breeds of Huntaway and Heading Dogs. METHODS: A mailed request and personal approaches to farmer clients of Taihape and Waimarino Veterinary Services were used to recruit dog owners from the Taihape district in the North Island of New Zealand. Recruited dogs were radiographed under anaesthesia in a standard position with both hind limbs extended so that the femurs were parallel and rotated medially. The standard scoring system adopted by the New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) Hip Dysplasia Scheme was used to score the hip radiographs of the dogs. RESULTS: Radiographs of the hips of 141 dogs (93 Huntaways; 48 Heading Dogs), were evaluated. The overall prevalence of hip dysplasia (defined as a combined score from both hips of 10) was 17.7%. Prevalences in Huntaways and Heading Dogs were 23.6% and 6.3%, respectively; in this sample of dogs, the odds ratio (and 95% confidence interval) for Huntaways having a score of 10 was 4.6 (1.316.0) that of Heading Dogs. The average scores were 10.8 for Huntaways and 5.9 for Heading Dogs. Huntaways were at the higher end of the breed average scores for dogs recorded in the NZVA Hip Dysplasia Scheme and Heading Dogs at the lower end. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study indicates that hip dysplasia may be a problem in the Huntaway breed. Investigation of the epidemiology of the condition in this breed is warranted and consideration should be given to removing high-risk Huntaways from the breeding pool.     

Prospective randomized clinical trial assessing the efficacy of Denamarin for prevention of CCNU-induced hepatopathy in tumor-bearing dogs

Background: Increases in liver enzymes occur in up to 86% of dogs receiving CCNU and can result in treatment delay or early discontinuation of treatment. Denamarin contains S‐adenosylmethionine and silybin, both of which have been investigated as treatments for various liver diseases. Hypothesis: Dogs on CCNU receiving Denamarin have lower alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity than dogs not receiving Denamarin. Dogs on Denamarin are less likely to require treatment delay because of hepatopathy and are more likely to complete their prescribed course of CCNU. Animals: Dogs with lymphoma, mast cell tumor, or histiocytic sarcoma that were prescribed CCNU with or without corticosteroids and with normal ALT activity were eligible for enrollment. Methods: Dogs were prospectively randomized to receive either concurrent Denamarin during CCNU chemotherapy or to receive CCNU alone. Liver‐specific laboratory tests were run before each dose of CCNU. Results: Increased liver enzyme activity occurred in 84% of dogs receiving CCNU alone and in 68% of dogs on concurrent Denamarin. Dogs receiving CCNU alone had significantly greater increases in ALT, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin and a significantly greater decrease in serum cholesterol concentrations than dogs receiving concurrent Denamarin. Dogs receiving CCNU alone were significantly more likely to have treatment delayed or discontinued because of increased ALT activity. Conclusions: Increased liver enzyme activity occurs commonly in dogs receiving CCNU chemotherapy. These results support the use of concurrent Denamarin to minimize increased liver enzyme activity in dogs receiving CCNU chemotherapy. Denamarin treatment also increases the likelihood of dogs completing a prescribed CCNU course.     

德国牧羊犬,中国地方狼犬及其杂种耐热性能观察

试验观察测定了德国牧羊犬(原种犬和纯繁犬各6头)、中国地方狼犬(2头)、德×中杂一代(5头)和级进二代(4头),在炎热季节里的体温、呼吸频率、采食量、饮水量、血液生理指标和行为等方面的变化。结果发现,纯繁德国牧羊犬的体温显著高于中国地方狼犬和杂一代(P<0.05);高温对纯繁德国牧羊犬采食量的影响显著高于中国地方狼犬和杂一代(P<0.05);其他方面,纯繁德国牧羊犬的应激反应也较中国地方狼犬明显。初步表明,中国地方狼犬和杂一代的耐热性较强,纯繁德国牧羊犬的耐热性较弱,级进二代的耐热性较杂一代有所下降。     

Delayed growth in two German shepherd dog littermates with normal serum concentrations of growth hormone, thyroxine, and cortisol

Four German Shepherd Dogs from a litter of 10 were evaluated because of postnatal onset of proportionate growth stunting that clinically resembled well-documented hypopituitary dwarfism in that breed. Although 2 pups had histologic evidence of hypopituitarism, the remaining 2 pups had normal serum growth hormone concentration and adrenocorticotropin secretory capability, and normal adrenal function test and thyroid function study results. Furthermore, the initially stunted German Shepherd Dogs grew at a steady rate until at 1 year, body weight and shoulder height approximated normal measurements. Seemingly, delayed growth in these pups may represent one end of a clinical spectrum associated with hypopituitarism in German Shepherd Dogs.     

Chemotherapy and remission status do not alter pre-existing innate immune dysfunction in dogs with lymphoma

Dogs with lymphoma have altered innate immunity and little is known about the effects of chemotherapy on innate immune function in dogs. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), lipoteichoic acid (LTA), and peptidoglycan (PG) – induced leukocyte cytokine production capacity, and phagocytosis and respiratory burst were evaluated in dogs prior to and following 6 weeks of chemotherapy. Dogs had decreased TNF production following LPS stimulation and increased IL-10 production following PG stimulation, which did not improve following remission of lymphoma. Dogs also had reduced E. coli-induced respiratory burst function after chemotherapy induced complete or partial remission. Dogs with lymphoma have an imbalance in pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokine production which did not improve with remission, and, following treatment, a decrease in respiratory burst function. Altered immune responses following exposure to bacterial pathogen associated molecular pattern motifs and bacteria may have many implications in the management of canine lymphoma.     

A study of the lifetime occurrence of neoplasia and breed differences in a cohort of German Shepherd Dogs and Belgian Malinois military working dogs that died in 1992

The population of U.S. Department of Defense military working dogs provides an opportunity to study the lifetime occurrence of neoplasia in 2 breeds of dogs—the German Shepherd Dog and the Belgian Malinois. Medical records were reviewed for all dogs that died or were euthanized in 1992 (135 German Shepherd Dogs and 106 Belgian Malinois). Histologically confirmed neoplasms were recorded. More than 30% of both breeds (41 German Shepherd Dogs and 33 Belgian Malinois) developed at least 1 primary neoplasm during their lives, with 10% developing more than 1 neoplasm. Nearly 57% of the neoplasms were benign, and approximately 43% were malignant. German Shepherd Dogs lived 9.7 years, on average, and Belgian Malinois lived 7.9 years, on average. Of the dogs that developed any neoplasm, Belgian Malinois had a mean age at 1st diagnosis that was 1.1 years younger and a mean age at 1st diagnosis of malignancy that was 1.7 years younger than those in German Shepherd Dogs. The risk of a malignancy being the cause of death or euthanasia of a Belgian Malinois was 4.21 times the risk in German Shepherd Dogs (95% CI: 1.32, 13.47). Seminoma was the malignancy that occurred most frequently. Hemangioma was the benign neoplasm that occurred most frequently. Veterinarians identified masses clinically at equal rates in both groups.     

Congenital portosystemic shunts in Maltese and Australian Cattle Dogs

SUMMARY Congenital portosystemic shunts were definitively diagnosed in 62 dogs over a period of 15 years. Maltese and Australian Cattle Dogs were significantly over-represented, accounting for 14 and 13 cases, respectively. Maltese invariably had a single extrahepatic shunt derived from the left gastric or gastrosplenic vein, whereas Cattle Dogs usually had large intrahepatic shunts involving the right liver lobes. The clinical syndromes resulting from anomalous portosystemic communications were indistinguishable in the 2 breeds. Fasting blood ammonia concentration was elevated in 20 of 22 dogs tested, providing a minimally invasive and effective means of diagnosis. Complete or partial shunt attenuation was performed successfully in all 9 Maltese and in 2 of 6 Cattle Dogs in which it was attempted.     

Evaluation of survival time in dogs with stage III osteosarcoma that undergo treatment: 90 cases (1985-2004)

OBJECTIVE-To assess survival time in dogs that underwent treatment for stage III osteosarcoma and evaluate factors affecting survival. DESIGN-Retrospective case series. ANIMALS-90 dogs with stage III osteosarcoma. PROCEDURES-Records in the osteosarcoma database at the Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State University from 1985 to 2004 were searched for dogs with metastatic disease at the time of evaluation. Dogs were included in the study if they had metastasis to any site and if treatment was initiated. A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed, and the influences of age, sex, breed, primary tumor site, metastatic sites, and treatment on outcome were analyzed via log-rank analysis. RESULTS-Median survival time was 76 days, with a range of 0 to 1,583 days. No significant differences in survival times on the basis of age, sex, breed, or primary site were observed. Breeds and primary tumor sites were typical of those usually associated with osteosarcoma in dogs. Dogs treated palliatively with radiation therapy and chemotherapy had a significantly longer survival time (130 days) than dogs in all other treatment groups. Dogs treated with surgery alone had a significantly shorter survival time (3 days) than dogs treated with surgery and chemotherapy (78 days). Dogs with bone metastases had a longer survival time than dogs with soft tissue metastases. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE-Treatment of dogs with stage III osteosarcoma can result in various survival times. Dogs with metastasis to bone and dogs that were treated palliatively with radiation and chemotherapy had the longest survival times.     

Vertebral canal and spinal cord mensuration: a comparative study of its effect on lumbosacral myelography in the dachshund and German shepherd dog

One hundred noncontrast spinal radiographic studies followed by myelography were evaluated to compare vertebral canal size and spinal cord location and size in a chondrodystrophic breed (50 Dachshunds) with those variables in a nonchondrodystrophic breed (50 German Shepherd Dogs). Measurements were made of the sagittal diameter (height) of the vertebral canal, sagittal diameter (height) of the spinal cord, and transverse diameter (width) of the spinal cord in the lumbar and sacral regions. Differences were detected in the craniocaudal location of maximal vertebral canal height and maximal spinal cord height. The spinal cords in the Dachshunds terminated further caudally than those in the German Shepherd Dogs. Location of maximal spinal cord width was different between the breeds, consistent with the apparent, more caudal termination of the cord in the Dachshunds. The ratio of spinal cord to vetebral canal heights was notably greater in the Dachshunds than in the German Shepherd Dogs. These differences in vertebral canal and spinal cord mensuration may influence the choice of radiographic technique and its interpretation. Injection sites may be selected further cranially in German Shepherd Dogs (L4-5) than in Dachshunds (L5-6).     

Risk factors associated with interdog aggression and shooting phobias among purebred dogs in Denmark

The prevalence of behaviour problems is reported from a questionnaire study among members of the Danish Kennel Club (DKC). In total, 4359 dog owners were included in the analyses. With logistic regression, we analysed four behaviour problems: dominance towards the owner, interdog dominance aggression, separation anxiety and shooting phobia. Compared to Labrador Retrievers, the following breeds and breed groups had higher odds of being reported to have interdog dominance aggression: Belgian Sheepdogs, Dachshunds, Dalmatians, German Shepherds, Hovawarts, Pinschers, Rottweilers, Scent dogs and Spitz dogs. Poodles, retrieving/flushing dogs, Sheepdogs, Spitz dogs and terriers had higher odds of shooting phobia. The odds of interdog dominance aggression were higher among dogs owned by younger dog owners compared to dogs owned by older dog owners. Dogs living in the capital area of Copenhagen had increased odds of interdog dominance aggression as compared to dogs living in other parts of Denmark. Dogs belonging to owners with limited knowledge of the breed before acquiring the dog had higher odds of interdog dominance aggression. Dogs attending obedience training classes had reduced odds of shooting phobia. Dogs belonging to dog breeders had reduced odds of being reported to have the investigated behaviour problems.     

Pulmonary vascular response of dogs with heartworm disease.

Heartworm diseases in dogs is an infectious disease that produces pulmonary hypertension. Dogs with the early vascular changes of heartworm disease, but without the clinical cardiopulmonary signs and pulmonary hypertension, were studied. Dogs with early heartworm were identified that had an exaggerated hypertensive response to hypoxia and to postaglandin F2alpha as compared to those of normal dogs. The pulmonary hypertensive response of dogs with spontaneous heartworm disease varied widely between individuals.     

Causes of death or reasons for euthanasia in military working dogs: 927 cases (1993-1996)

OBJECTIVE: To determine causes of death or reasons for euthanasia in a population of military working dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 927 military working dogs. PROCEDURE: Records of all military working dogs that died during the period from 1993 to 1996 were evaluated for cause of death or reason for euthanasia by review of necropsy and histopathology reports, death certificates, and daily clinical treatment sheets. A single primary cause of death or euthanasia was determined. RESULTS: Although sexually intact male dogs were more numerous in the study population, castrated male dogs typically lived longer than spayed females or sexually intact males. Leading causes of death or euthanasia (76.3% of all dogs) were appendicular degenerative joint disease, neoplasia, spinal cord disease, nonspecific geriatric decline, and gastric dilatation-volvulus. Compared with German Shepherd Dogs, Belgian Shepherd Dogs were at increased risk for death attributable to neoplasia, behavior, and respiratory tract disease. German Shepherd Dogs had nearly twice the risk for death associated with spinal cord diseases, compared with Belgian Shepherd Dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: For most military working dogs, death or euthanasia results from a few diseases commonly associated with advanced age. Some breed differences in risk for these diseases may exist, which clinicians should consider in the procurement and long-term management of these dogs.     

Cystine-containing urinary calculi in dogs: 102 cases (1981-1989).

One hundred and seven cystine-containing urinary calculi from 1 female and 101 male dogs were analyzed. Cystine-containing calculi accounted for 2% (107 of 5,375) of all canine urinary calculi submitted to the urinary stone analysis laboratory from July 1981 through December 1989. Male dogs that formed cystine calculi were compared with 3 other canine populations to determine whether certain breeds were apparently at increased or decreased risk for cystine calculus formation. In one or more of 3 population comparisons, significantly increased risk of cystine calculus formation was found in Mastiffs, Australian Cattle Dogs, English Bulldogs, Chihuahuas, Bullmastiffs, Newfoundlands, Dachshunds, Basenjis, Australian Shepherd Dogs, Scottish Deerhounds, Staffordshire Terriers, Miniature Pinschers, pitbull terriers, Welsh Corgis, Silky Terriers, and Bichon Frises. Significantly low risk of cystine calculus formation was found in German Shepherd Dogs, Poodles, Schnauzers, and mixed-breed dogs.     

Canine atopic dermatitis: a retrospective study of 266 cases examined at the University of California, Davis, 1992-1998. Part I. Clinical features and allergy testing results

The medical records of 266 dogs diagnosed as having atopic dermatitis were reviewed. Statistical data were evaluated referable to breed predilections, clinical signs and positive reactions to allergens. Positive reactions were most common to house dust mites (more common with clinical signs in the fall) followed by moulds (more common with clinical signs in the fall and spring). Dogs with positive reactions to moulds, trees or cultivated plants were more likely to have skin and ear yeast infections. Dogs with positive reactions to cultivated plants were more likely to have otitis externa and pedal lesions. Positive reactions to house dust were more common in dogs with early onset of signs and in those tested early in the disease. Dogs had more positive reactions to weeds when allergy tests were performed in the summer and fall. Positive reactions to flea antigen were highly correlated with the clinical diagnosis of flea allergy dermatitis.     

Identification of microsatellite markers linked to progressive retinal atrophy in American Eskimo Dogs

OBJECTIVE: To identify microsatellite markers linked to progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in American Eskimo Dogs. SAMPLE POPULATION: Blood samples or buccal epithelial cells from 66 American Eskimo Dogs, including 53 PRA-unaffected and 13 PRA-affected dogs. PROCEDURE: The genotypes of unaffected and affected dogs were determined by use of microsatellite markers spanning canine chromosome 9 (CFA09). Homozygosity mapping was used to detect linkage between markers and the gene locus for PRA. RESULTS: Significant allelic association between marker alleles and the gene locus for PRA was detected for GALK1 and TK1, indicating linkage between these markers and the causative gene locus for PRA. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These data indicate that PRA in American Eskimo Dogs is located on CFA09 and allow for the development of a microsatellite-based test to identify carrier (unaffected) and affected dogs before clinical signs appear.     

Congenital portosystemic shunts in dogs: 46 cases (1979-1986)

Congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS) were diagnosed in 46 dogs. The historic, physical, and laboratory findings were tabulated. Half of the affected males were cryptorchid. Urolithiasis was detected in 20% of the dogs. The biochemical tests with the best sensitivity for the diagnosis of CPSS were sulfobromophthalein retention, fasting serum ammonia concentration, and serum alkaline phosphatase activity. The survival time and quality of life were assessed by physical and biochemical reevaluation of the dogs and by means of a questionnaire that was completed by the owners. Five dogs were treated medically. Thirty-three dogs were treated surgically. Dogs that had complete surgical occlusion of the CPSS became normal, and quality of life was excellent. Dogs that had partial occlusion of the CPSS improved, and some became clinically normal. Dogs that did not have surgical correction of the CPSS had continuation of signs, but several survived for years.     

Validation of a client-based clinical metrology instrument for the evaluation of canine elbow osteoarthritis

Objective : To validate a disease‐specific client‐based clinical metrology instrument (questionnaire) for dogs with chronic osteoarthritis of the elbow joint. Materials and Methods : This was a prospective cohort study involving 26 dogs with chronic osteoarthritis of the elbow with 24 associated clients. Validity (face and criterion), reliability and responsiveness of the metrology instrument (named “Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs [elbow]”) were tested in a sequence of studies. Face validity involved use of international peer review. Reliability was assessed using a test‐retest scenario with a two week interval; peak vertical force as measured by a force platform was used as an external standard measure. Responsiveness was tested with a two week, single‐blinded placebo‐controlled intervention using a licensed non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug. Results : The reliability of Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (elbow) in the test‐retest scenario was good; intraclass correlation coefficient is 0·89, 95 per cent confidence interval 0·75 to 0·95, compared with intraclass correlation coefficient 0·92, 95 per cent confidence interval 0·74 to 0·98, for peak vertical force. Responsiveness testing indicated that the “net” effect size (allowing for placebo effect) for Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (elbow) was 0·13 compared with (?)0·18 for the force platform. Criterion validity for Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (elbow) against peak vertical force was poor; Spearman’s rank correlation is ?0·24 (P=0·30). Clinical Significance : Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (elbow) was considered reliable with satisfactory responsiveness. The poor criterion validity suggests a mismatch between force platform peak vertical force and client perceptions of lameness. This instrument requires further validation in larger studies with alternative client groups and alternative therapeutic interventions, but this initial validation suggests that Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (elbow) is worthy of continued investigation.