Prevalence of incidental humeral intracondylar fissures in brachycephalic breed dogs in CT studies

Humeral intracondylar fissures (HIF) have been predominantly reported in spaniel breeds and proposed to be possible risk factors for humeral condyle fractures (HCF). We hypothesized that the prevalence of incidental HIF in French Bulldogs may be greater than that of other brachycephalic breeds. A retrospective, observational, prevalence study was performed using CT examinations of French bulldogs and other brachycephalic breed dogs presenting for an unrelated condition. Two European College of Veterinary Diagnostic and Imaging-certified radiologists reviewed the images of the humeral condyles of these dogs. A classification system was devised to grade the findings. We considered a Score 1 to be normal, Score 2 to have centralised sclerosis, Score 3 to have a partial fissure and Score 4 to have a complete fissure. A total of 228 elbows were reviewed from 122 dogs. Of this population, 145 elbows were from French Bulldogs, 54 were from Pugs, and the remainder were from a mix of other brachycephalic breeds. The prevalence of HIF (score 3 or 4) in elbows of the French bulldog, pug and other breed groups was 6.9% (CI 2.8–11%), 5.6% (CI 0–11.7%), and 3.4% (CI 0–10.15%), respectively. At a dog level, the prevalence of HIF (score 3 or 4 present in at least one elbow) was found to be 11.8% (CI 4.6–19%) in French Bulldogs, 11.1% (CI 0–22.9%) in Pugs, and 5.26% (CI 0–15%) in the other breed group. There was no significant difference between the breed groups. The inter-reviewer reliability for CT scoring of HIF based on Cohen's weighted kappa was low at 0.19.     

Use of endogenous ACTH concentration and adrenal ultrasonography to distinguish the cause of canine hyperadrenocorticism

Twenty-nine dogs were diagnosed with hyperadrenocorticism (HAC). A single determination of endogenous plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and adrenal ultrasonography were used in a prospective study to differentiate between pituitary-dependent HAC (PDH) and adrenal-dependent HAC (ADH). In 27 out of the 29 dogs (93 per cent), both endogenous plasma ACTH concentrations and adrenal ultrasonography indicated the same cause of HAC. Twenty-one of the 29 cases (72 per cent) were shown to be pituitary-dependent; all had plasma ACTH concentrations of greater than 28 pg/ml (reference range 13 to 46 pg/ml) and both adrenal glands were ultrasonographically of similar size and of normal shape. All 21 cases responded well to mitotane therapy. Six cases (21 per cent) were shown to be adrenal-dependent; all had plasma ACTH concentrations below the limit of the assay (<5 pg/ml) and the presence of an adrenal mass on ultrasonography. The sensitivity and specificity of adrenal ultrasonography and endogenous ACTH determinations to identify the cause of HAC were demonstrated to be 100 per cent and 95 per cent, respectively, for ADH. These discriminatory tests are more accurate than published figures for dexamethasone suppression testing.     

Panniculitis associated with pancreatitis in a cocker spaniel

A 13-year-old, male cocker spaniel presented with a history of inappetence, depression and reluctance to stand. The dog had multiple, ulcerated skin lesions which were diagnosed as panniculitis by histopathology. A diagnosis of pancreatitis was made on the basis of markedly elevated serum lipase concentrations, abdominal ultrasonography which showed an abnormal lobulated area of hypoechoic tissue in the body and right lobe of the pancreas, and a fine needle biopsy from this area which revealed large numbers of degenerate neutrophils. After treatment with antibiotics and prednisolone, the dog made a full clinical recovery and was free of clinical signs for four months. The dog was euthanased five months later and postmortem examination revealed chronic, active pancreatitis and a pancreatic adenoma. This is the first report of antemortem diagnosis of pancreatitis and panniculitis in a dog.     

Evaluation of two point-of-care analysers for measurement of fructosamine or haemoglobin A1c in dogs

Measurement of glycosylated proteins such as fructosamine and haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) can be used to assess glycaemic control in canine diabetic patients. Two point-of-care analysers, designed for human diabetics, were evaluated for use in dogs. Blood samples were collected from 50 normoglycaemic dogs, 100 diabetic patients and five dogs with insulinoma and tested using the In Charge fructosamine meter and the Haemaquant/Glycosal HbA1c meter. Readings were obtained in all cases except for 21 of 50 diabetics, which were above the upper limit of the In Charge meter. Diabetic dogs had higher fructosamine and HbA1c concentrations compared to controls. However, there was poor agreement between the In Charge meter readings and serum fructosamine concentrations, suggesting that there are problems associated with the use of this device in dogs. HbA1c concentrations showed a high degree of correlation with glycosylated haemoglobin measured at an external laboratory, suggesting that the Haemaquant/Glycosal meter warrants further evaluation for veterinary use.     

Spontaneous pneumoperitoneum in two cats

Spontaneous pneumoperitoneum is an infrequently observed presentation in cats. This report details two cases of pneumoperitoneum in the cat. The first case was suspected to have been caused by a gastric perforation secondary to gastric lymphoma. The second case was caused by a perforated gastric ulcer in a cat that had been recently treated with corticosteroids and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.     

Identification and distribution of a novel Malassezia species yeast on normal equine skin

This study aimed to investigate the distribution of Malassezia species yeasts on the skin of healthy horses. Acetate tape samples were obtained from the lip, axilla, interbulbar region, groin and anus of 12 healthy horses. The samples were stained and examined microscopically and sites harbouring yeast-like organisms were identified. Contact plates were applied to the skin at these sites and cultured at 26 degrees C and 32 degrees C. No growth was obtained on horse blood, Sabouraud's dextrose or modified Dixon's agar. A pure growth of a Malassezia-type organism was obtained on Sabouraud's dextrose agar enriched with oleic acid when it was incubated at 30 degrees C. It was identified by 26S ribosomal DNA D1/D2 sequence analysis as a member of the genus Malassezia, and most closely related to Malassezia sympodialis. However, the level of sequence divergence indicated that it was a novel species.     

Long-term outcome of 56 dogs with nasal tumours treated with four doses of radiation at intervals of seven days

A retrospective study was undertaken on 56 dogs treated for nasal tumours by megavoltage radiotherapy with a hypofractionated schedule consisting of four doses of 9 Gy given at intervals of seven days. The dogs were followed until they died or were euthanased. The clinical signs had improved in 53 of the 56 dogs by the end of the treatment schedule. Mild acute radiation side effects were observed in the majority of the dogs but late radiation side effects were rare. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed a median survival time after the final dose of radiation of 212 days. The one- and two-year survival rates were 45 per cent and 15 per cent. Fifty of the dogs were euthanased because the initial clinical signs recurred.