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Background: Nonthyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS) can result in thyroid function test alterations that mimic hypothyroidism. The duration of NTIS‐induced changes in dogs is not well‐described. Objectives: Document alterations in thyroid function tests during NTIS and recovery, and the time necessary for their resolution. Animals: From 103 dogs sampled, 25 euthyroid dogs with acute, resolvable illness having a low serum total thyroxine (TT4) concentration on admission were analyzed. Methods: Prospective observational study. Serum TT4 concentration was measured in 103 dogs within 4 hours of admission. If below the reference interval (RI), subsequent serum samples were obtained every 24 hours from admission until discharge (acute phase) and at 2 weeks and 4 weeks after discharge (recovery phase). Serum samples were submitted for batch measurement of serum TT4, free thyroxine (fT4), total 3,5,3′‐triiodothyronine (TT3), and thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations. Results: In the cohort of dogs analyzed, serum TT4, TT3, and fT4 concentrations were below the RI in 100%, 80%, and 16% at admission; 20%, 80%, and 0% at discharge; 4%, 8%, and 0% at 2 weeks; and 0%, 0%, and 0% at 4 weeks, respectively. Serum TSH concentration was within the RI in 100% at admission and discharge, and above the RI in 4% and 12% at 2 weeks and 4 weeks, respectively. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Naturally occurring NTIS in dogs induces alterations in thyroid function tests during acute illness and recovery. Measurement of serum TT4 concentration 2 to 4 weeks after discharge or serum fT4 concentration by ED during illness is recommended for accurate assessment of thyroid function in acutely ill dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Erroneous thyroid function test results can occur because of drugs that alter thyroid hormone physiology in one or more aspects, including synthesis, secretion, distribution, and metabolism. Research since publication of the last review in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine (JVIM) 20 years ago has evaluated the effects of amiodarone, zonisamide, inhalant anesthetics, clomipramine, trilostane, and toceranib on thyroid function tests in the dog. In addition, recent work on the effects of glucocorticoids, sulfonamides, phenobarbital, and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs will be reviewed. Awareness of these effects is necessary to avoid misdiagnosis of hypothyroidism and unnecessary treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The pathogenesis of gallbladder (GB) mucoceles in dogs is unknown. It has been proposed that hyperlipidemia could impair GB motility and contribute to GB mucocele formation. Hypothesis/Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare GB motility in dogs with hyperlipidemia to control dogs using ultrasonography. We hypothesized that hyperlipidemic dogs will have decreased GB motility compared with controls. Animals: Twenty‐six hyperlipidemic and 28 healthy, age‐matched control dogs were prospectively enrolled. Methods: Cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were measured in all dogs. Hyperlipidemia was defined as hypercholesterolemia (>332 mg/dL) and/or hypertriglyceridemia (>143 mg/dL) using a biochemical analyzer. Ultrasound was performed before feeding, and 60 and 120 minutes after ingestion of a high fat diet. Gallbladder volumes (GBV) and ejection fractions (EF) were calculated. Results: Hyperlipidemic dogs had significantly larger GBVs (ml/kg) before feeding and 60 minutes after feeding of 1.2 (0.4‐7.5; P =.008) and 0.6 (0.1‐7.2; P =.04) compared with controls 0.6 (0.2‐2.6) and 0.4 (0.1‐1.9), respectively. Severely hyperlipidemic dogs had significantly larger GBV at baseline, 60 minutes, and 120 minutes of 1.7 (0.6‐7.5; P =.03), 1.3 (0.4‐7.2; P =.02), and 1.3 (0.2‐8.2; P =.04), respectively compared with mildly hyperlipidemic dogs. EFs at 60 and 120 minutes between controls, hyperlipidemic, and severely hyperlipidemic were all 0.3 at 60 minutes and 0.5, 0.3, and 0.3 at 120 minutes, respectively which were not statistically different. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Hyperlipidemia leads to GB distention in dogs which could lead to retention of bile and gallbladder disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hyperthyroid cats might have a predisposition to arterial thrombus formation. The mechanism for thrombogenesis currently is unknown but could be associated with systemic hypercoagulability as seen in hyperthyroid humans. Objective: Our purpose was to evaluate markers of hemostasis in hyperthyroid cats compared to healthy cats, and in hyperthyroid cats before and after radioactive iodine treatment (RIT). Animals Twenty‐five cats with hyperthyroidism and 13 healthy euthyroid cats >8 years of age. Methods: Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), fibrinogen concentration, antithrombin (AT), D‐dimers, thrombin‐antithrombin complexes (TAT), von Willebrand Factor antigen (vWF : Ag), and activity of factors VIII and IX were measured. An echocardiogram was performed in all cats. Hemostatic markers and echocardiogram were evaluated again 6 to 9 months after successful RIT in 7 cats. Results: Hyperthyroid cats had higher fibrinogen concentration (P <.0001), AT activity (P <.0001), and vWF : Ag concentration (P =.01) than healthy control cats with all results decreasing significantly post‐RIT. Hyperthyroid cats were not more likely to be in a hypercoaguable state than euthyroid cats (P =.08). Serum T4 concentration was not a predictor of a hypercoagulable state (P =.53). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Hyperthyroid cats have evidence of altered hemostasis that does not appear to be solely attributable to cardiac abnormalities, but no evidence of a hypercoagulable state. Findings suggest altered hemostasis resolves after RIT. Hyperthyroid cats could have endothelial dysfunction as indicated by increased vWF : Ag which could potentiate thrombogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pancreatitis is a common cause of extrahepatic bile duct obstruction (EHBDO) in dogs. Information describing the clinical course of dogs with pancreatitis associated bile duct obstruction (PABDO) is limited. Objectives: To describe the clinical course of PABDO in dogs and determine if presumed markers of disease severity are predictors of survival. Animals Forty‐six client‐owned dogs with PABDO. Methods: A retrospective review of medical records from dogs diagnosed with PABDO was performed. Data, including clinical signs and biochemical changes, were collected 6 times throughout the course of disease. Outcome was defined as either survival (discharge from the hospital) or death. Results: Thirty‐three (79%) out of 42 dogs with PABDO survived. Thirty‐one (94%) of the 33 dogs that survived received medical management alone. Time from onset of clinical signs to initial documented increase in serum bilirubin concentration, peak bilirubin elevation, and initial decline in serum bilirubin concentration were 7 (median), 8, and 15 days, respectively. The median number of days from onset of clinical signs to outcome date was 13. Clinical signs of fever, vomiting, and anorexia were decreased in frequency from the onset of clinical signs to the time of peak bilirubin. Median bile duct dilatation at the time of ultrasonographic diagnosis of PABDO and peak bilirubin were not different between survivors (7.6 mm, 11.7 mg/dL) and nonsurvivors (6 mm, 10.6 mg/dL, P =.12, P =.8). Conclusions: Dogs with PABDO often have a prolonged course of illness and improve clinically despite biochemical evidence of progression of EHBDO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Radioiodine is the treatment of choice for hyperthyroidism in cats. The ideal method of dose determination of radioiodine remains controversial. Objective: To compare a method of radioiodine dose determination that utilized thyroid scintigraphy with a standard fixed dose for treatment of hyperthyroidism. Animals Fifty‐seven and 23 client‐owned hyperthyroid cats in the variable and fixed dose groups, respectively. Methods: Cats with a percent dose uptake using 99mTc‐pertechnetate uptake on thyroid scintigraphy <5%, 5%‐10%, and >10% were to receive 3, 3.5, or 4.5 millicuries (mCi) of radioiodine, respectively, administered SC. Radioiodine dose was adjusted according to thyroid gland size as determined by the thyroid:salivary size ratio and categorized as <5:1, 5‐10:1, and >10:1. If the thyroid size fell into a higher dosing category than the percent dose uptake, the dose was increased accordingly. Cats in the fixed dose group received 4.5 mCi. Six months after treatment, cats were determined to be euthyroid, hypothyroid, or hyperthyroid based on serum thyroxine and thyroid stimulating hormone concentrations. Results: No difference in outcome was found between the variable and fixed dose treatment groups. Euthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and persistent hyperthyroidism developed in 61, 30, and 9% of cats in the fixed dose group compared to 58, 26, and 16%, respectively, in the variable dose group. Conclusions: A variable dosing method of radioiodine based on percent dose uptake primarily and thyroid gland size secondarily did not improve outcome compared to a standard fixed dose method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe an opportunistic, disseminated infection in a German shepherd dog associated with two fungal organisms not previously reported to cause disease. Lecythophora canina, a new species here described, was isolated from an osteolytic bone lesion. A fine needle aspirate of the lesion demonstrated septate hyphae. Plectospharella cucumerina (anamorph Plectosporium tabacinum) was isolated from a urine sample. Clinical manifestations were blindness, altered mentation, and osteomyelitis. Treatment with itraconazole and terbinafine for greater than one year resulted in stable clinical disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iopanoic acid is an iodine containing oral cholecystographic agent that has been used to treat hyperthyroidism in humans and has recently been evaluated in an experimental model of feline hyperthyroidism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of iopanoic acid in cats with spontaneous hyperthyroidism. Eleven cats were included in the study. Eight were treated initially with 50mg orally q 12h and three were treated with 100mg orally q 12h. Prior to treatment (baseline) and at 2, 4, and 12 weeks of treatment, owner questionnaires, physical exams, complete blood count, biochemistry analyses, and T3 and T4 concentrations were evaluated. The mean serum T3 concentration decreased with treatment at all time periods compared to baseline. Mean T4 concentrations were increased at weeks 4 and 12 compared to baseline. Five cats had a partial response during the initial 4 weeks of therapy, but the effects were transient and no significant improvements in clinical signs or physical exam findings were noted at any time period. Results suggest that iopanoic acid may be beneficial for acute management of thyrotoxicosis in some cats, but is not suitable for long-term management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central nervous system (CNS) manifestations of hypothyroidism have been associated with cerebrovascular complications. Reports of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) abnormalities are rare in hypothyroid dogs. The aim of this study was to determine if chronic hypothyroidism causes blood-brain-barrier (BBB) abnormalities that are detectable using indirect CSF biomarkers. The study included 18 normal, euthyroid, female mixed-breed dogs. Hypothyroidism was induced by iodine administration in 9 dogs; 9 served as untreated controls. Evaluations included physical and neurologic examination, complete CSF analysis, serum and CSF protein electrophoresis, measurement of plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and serum S-100B concentrations, and calculation of CSF albumin quota (AQ) and were conducted at baseline and 6, 12, and 18 months after induction of hypothyroidism. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. At baseline, differences between groups were not detected for any variable. Throughout the study, controls dogs remained free of neurologic disease and had test variables that remained within reference intervals. Two hypothyroid dogs developed CNS signs during the study, and evidence of cerebrovascular disease was found at necropsy. At 12 and 18 months, the CSF total protein, VEGF, S-100B, and fractional albumin concentrations, and AQ were significantly higher ( P<.04) in hypothyroid dogs than controls. Among test variables assayed in serum or plasma, the only significant difference was a higher S-100B concentration in hypothyroid dogs ( P=.003) at 18 months. BBB integrity is disrupted in chronic hypothyroidism. Significant increases in CSF concentrations of VEGF and S100-B in hypothyroid dogs indicate dysfunction in both endothelial and glial elements of the BBB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and effect of iopanoic acid in 13 cats with hyperthyroidism induced by daily subcutaneous administration of 25μg/kg levothyroxine for a period of 42 days. On day 28 of levothyroxine administration, cats were randomly allocated to receive treatment twice daily with a placebo (control group; n =4), 50mg iopanoic acid (low dose group; n =5), or 100mg iopanoic acid (high dose group; n =4) for 14 days. Compared to the control group, T3 concentrations were significantly decreased in both the low dose and high dose groups on days 35 and 42. T3 concentrations in the low dose and high dose groups at days 35 and 42 were not different from day -8. The effect of iopanoic acid on clinical signs of hyperthyroidism was less apparent. Further clinical studies evaluating the long-term effect in cats with spontaneous hyperthyroidism are warranted. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In humans, pancreatic hyperechogenicity and duct dilation are reported as normal aging changes. Similar changes have been reported with pancreatitis in the cat. We attempted to determine if aging changes occur in the ultrasound appearance of the normal feline pancreas. The pancreas of 84 normal (based on history, physical exam, biochemical profile, and feline trypsin-like immunoreactivity and pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity concentrations) cats of varying ages was scanned. Pancreatic width at the left limb and body, pancreatic duct diameter at left limb and body, and pancreatic echogenicity compared with liver and surrounding fat were noted and compared with age and body weight. Lower and upper limits of the 95% reference intervals for pancreatic left limb width were 2.6 and 9.5 mm, and 3.5 and 8.5 mm for the pancreatic body width. There was no significant difference in pancreatic width between the left limb and body. Lower and upper limits of the 95% reference interval for the diameter of the pancreatic duct at the left limb and body were similar, and were 0.65 and 2.5 mm. There was a weak but significant linear correlation between pancreatic duct diameter and age, with increasing pancreatic duct diameter with increasing age. There was no correlation of pancreatic width with age, and no correlation of pancreatic echogenicity with age or body weight. Based on this study, feline pancreatic size and echogenicity do not change with age. Pancreatic duct diameter increases slightly with age and should not be used as a sole indicator of pancreatitis in the geriatric cat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the disease of a Wheaton terrier admitted in teaching hospital at Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, Virginia. Activities of the dog prior to medical examinations; Results of the physical examination showing signs of severe respiratory distress including dyspnea and tachypnea; Details of the complete necropsy performed on the dog; Significance of the case in providing information about pulmonary thromboembolism in dogs.

Reviews the available therapeutic options for thyroid neoplasia in dogs and cats and described therapy for parathyroid neoplasia, which is less common in both species. Discussion on treating thyroid neoplasia in dogs; Information on treating thyroid neoplasia in cats; Definitive treatment for parathyroid gland adenomas.

Focuses on insulinomas, glucagonomas and gastrinomas in dogs. Treatment; Preoperative, surgical and symptomatic treatment; Prognosis.

Currently, no single test is 100% diagnostic in differentiating the type of secretory product produced by an adrenal mass. Take care to screen these pets for clinical signs and clinic-opathologic evidence attributable to the mass before considering adrenalectomy. A minimum database, a urine culture, an assessment for proteinuria, blood pressure measurement, a fundic examination, a thoracic radiographic examination, and an ACTH stimulation test are suggested as an initial workup in a patient with an obviously enlarged adrenal gland. As access to ultrasonographic examination increases and operator skill improves, more adrenal masses will likely be identified in veterinary patients. Clinical judgment and patient selection are critical in determining the extent of evaluation needed before treatment of an incidentally found adrenal mass. Adrenal tumors present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge; however, when these tumors are detected early and treated appropriately, many affected patients enjoy a complete remission and extended survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]