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Background: The use of adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test as method to monitor efficacy of trilostane treatment of hypercortisolism (HC) in dogs has been questioned. Objectives: To evaluate and compare 12 methods with which to monitor efficacy of trilostane treatment in dogs with HC. Animals: Forty-five client-owned dogs with HC treated with trilostane q12h. Methods: Prospective cross-sectional observational study. The dogs were categorized as well-controlled, undercontrolled, and unwell through a clinical score obtained from an owner questionnaire. The ability to correctly identify trilostane-treatment control of dogs with HC with the following variables was evaluated: before trilostane serum cortisol (prepill), before-ACTH serum cortisol, post-ACTH serum cortisol, plasma endogenous ACTH concentrations, prepill/eACTH ratio, serum haptoglobin (Hp) concentration, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (γGT) and alkaline phosphatase activity, urine specific gravity, and urinary cortisol:creatinine ratio. Results: Ninety-four re-evaluations of 44 dogs were included; 5 re-evaluations of 5 unwell dogs were excluded. Haptoglobin was significantly associated with the clinical score (P

Objectives The aim of this study was to collect clinical information from owners of cats with hypersomatotropism (HS) distributed worldwide, assessing the impact of HS and its treatments on cats’ quality of life (QoL) and survival time. Methods A survey focused on clinical presentation, diagnostic procedures, treatments, cats’ QoL and disease progression was distributed worldwide to owners of cats with HS. The owner’s perception of the cats’ QoL before and after or during treatment was defined using a score ranging from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent). Improvement following treatment (IFT) was quantified using a score ranging from 1 (absent) to 5 (obvious). Different treatment groups, including at least five cases, were compared. Results A total of 127 cats were included from at least 11 different countries. Among these, 120 (95%) were diabetic and 7 (5%) were not. Out of 120 diabetic cats, 55 (46%) were treated with insulin as a single treatment (INS). Other treatments were not mentioned to owners in 35/120 (29%) cases. The median QoL score at diagnosis was 2 (range 1–5) and improved after treatment in all groups. Cabergoline (4; range 1–5), radiotherapy (4; range 2–5) and hypophysectomy (5; range 4–5) showed better median IFT scores compared with INS (3; range 1–5) ( P = 0.046, P Conclusions and relevance Not all cats with HS will have diabetes mellitus. Causal treatments seem associated with the greatest improvements in perceived cats’ QoL and survival; such treatments should therefore be discussed with owners. Cabergoline could be an effective alternative management option.

Supplemental material, sj-docx-1-jfm-10.1177_1098612X221098718 for Quality of life and response to treatment in cats with hypersomatotropism: the owners’ point of view by Andrea Corsini, Stijn JM Niessen, Diego D Miceli, Sarah Caney, Florian K Zeugswetter, Nadja S Sieber-Ruckstuhl, Carolina Arenas, Linda M Fleeman, Rodolfo O Leal, Martina Battellino and Federico Fracassi in Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery

Supplemental material, sj-docx-2-jfm-10.1177_1098612X221098718 for Quality of life and response to treatment in cats with hypersomatotropism: the owners’ point of view by Andrea Corsini, Stijn JM Niessen, Diego D Miceli, Sarah Caney, Florian K Zeugswetter, Nadja S Sieber-Ruckstuhl, Carolina Arenas, Linda M Fleeman, Rodolfo O Leal, Martina Battellino and Federico Fracassi in Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery

Supplemental material, sj-docx-2-jfm-10.1177_1098612X221098718 for Quality of life and response to treatment in cats with hypersomatotropism: the owners’ point of view by Andrea Corsini, Stijn JM Niessen, Diego D Miceli, Sarah Caney, Florian K Zeugswetter, Nadja S Sieber-Ruckstuhl, Carolina Arenas, Linda M Fleeman, Rodolfo O Leal, Martina Battellino and Federico Fracassi in Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery

Supplemental material, sj-docx-1-jfm-10.1177_1098612X221098718 for Quality of life and response to treatment in cats with hypersomatotropism: the owners’ point of view by Andrea Corsini, Stijn JM Niessen, Diego D Miceli, Sarah Caney, Florian K Zeugswetter, Nadja S Sieber-Ruckstuhl, Carolina Arenas, Linda M Fleeman, Rodolfo O Leal, Martina Battellino and Federico Fracassi in Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery

Retroperitoneal paragangliomas are rare tumors of the neuroendocrine system. Only a few canine case reports are available with rare descriptions of their imaging features. The objectives of this multi-center, retrospective case series study were to describe the diagnostic imaging features of confirmed retroperitoneal paragangliomas and specify their location. Medical records and imaging studies of 10 affected dogs with cytological or histopathologic results concordant with retroperitoneal paragangliomas were evaluated. Dogs had a median age of 9 years. Four of them had clinical signs and laboratory reports compatible with excessive production of catecholamines. Six ultrasound, four CT, four radiographic, and one MRI studies were included. The paragangliomas did not have a specific location along the aorta. They were of various sizes (median 33 mm, range: 9-85 mm of length). Masses had heterogeneous parenchyma in six of 10 dogs, regardless of the imaging modality. Strong contrast enhancement was found in all CT studies. Encircling of at least one vessel was detected in six of 10 masses, clear invasion of a vessel was identified in one of 10 masses. In five of 10 cases, the masses were initially misconstrued as lymph nodes by the on-site radiologist. Retroperitoneal paragangliomas appear along the abdominal aorta, often presenting heterogeneous parenchyma, possibly affecting the local vasculature, and displaying strong contrast enhancement on CT. Clinical signs can be secondary to mass effects or excessive catecholamine production. Underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis of this tumor are suspected as they can be silent, of small size, or confused with other structures.

Canine Cushing's syndrome (hypercortisolism) can be caused by a pituitary tumor (pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism; PDH) or a cortisol-secreting adrenocortical tumor (csACT). For both cases, non-invasive biomarkers that could pre-operatively predict the risk of recurrence after surgery would greatly impact clinical decision making. The aim of this study was to determine whether circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) can be used as diagnostic (presence of PDH or csACT) and/or prognostic (disease recurrence, histological grade) non-invasive biomarkers for canine Cushing's syndrome. After a pilot study with 40 miRNAs in blood samples of healthy dogs (n = 3), dogs with PDH (n = 3) and dogs with a csACT (n = 4), we selected a total of 20 miRNAs for the definitive study. In the definitive study, these 20 miRNAs were analyzed in blood samples of healthy dogs (n = 6), dogs with PDH (n = 19, pre- and post-operative samples) and dogs with a csACT (n = 26, pre-operative samples). In dogs with PDH, six miRNAs (miR-122-5p, miR-126-5p, miR-141-3p, miR-222-3p, miR-375-3p and miR-483-3p) were differentially expressed compared to healthy dogs. Of one miRNA, miR-122-5p, the expression levels did not overlap between healthy dogs and dogs with PDH (p = 2.9x10−4), significantly decreased after hypophysectomy (p = 0.013), and were significantly higher (p = 0.017) in dogs with recurrence (n = 3) than in dogs without recurrence for at least one year after hypophysectomy (n = 7). In dogs with csACTs, two miRNAs (miR-483-3p and miR-223-3p) were differentially expressed compared to healthy dogs. Additionally, miR-141-3p was expressed significantly lower (p = 0.009) in dogs with csACTs that had a histopathological Utrecht score of ≥ 11 compared to those with a score of

A 3-month-old, intact female Czechoslovakian wolfdog was referred for growth retardation. General physical examination revealed an IV/VI left basilar continuous murmur, a body condition score of 3/9, body weight 2.2kg, and dermatological alterations. Transthoracic echocardiography diagnosed patent duct arteriosus. Genetic testing revealed that the dog had a Lhx3 mutation and the low concentration of insulin-like growth factor 1 confirmed the diagnosis of pituitary dwarfism. The endocrine disorder was treated with levothyroxine, and the congenital heart disease was corrected interventionally, leading to a net improvement in the clinical condition. After 3 years, the dog was referred for polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, and alopecia. Diagnostic workup revealed pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism due to a pituitary macroadenoma. In addition to levothyroxine, the dog was treated with trilostane with resolution of the clinical signs.

Objectives The aims of this study were to validate a commercially available chemiluminescent assay for measurement of feline plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone concentration (ACTH), to determine the normal reference interval (RI) of plasma ACTH in healthy cats, to assess plasma ACTH in cats with naturally occurring hypercortisolism (HC), primary hypoadrenocorticism (PH) and other diseases (OD), and to evaluate the effect of aprotinin on plasma ACTH degradation. Methods Forty healthy cats, 10 with HC, 11 with PH and 30 with OD, were included. The chemiluminescent enzyme immunometric assay was evaluated by measurement of intra-assay precision, interassay precision and linearity. The RI for plasma ACTH in healthy cats was established using robust methods. Plasma ACTH of samples collected with and without aprotinin, stored at 4°C and assayed over a 6-day period, was measured. Results The intra-assay coefficients of variance (CVs) ranged from 2.7% to 4.3% and interassay CVs from 3.3% to 10.7%. Dilution studies showed excellent accuracy (R2 >0.99). The RI for plasma ACTH in healthy cats was 32–370 pg/ml. Plasma ACTH was not significantly different between healthy cats and the OD group. Cats with pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism (PDH) and PH had significantly higher plasma ACTH than the other groups. Plasma ACTH did not show significant differences when samples collected with and without aprotinin were compared. Conclusions and relevance The Immulite chemiluminescent assay is a valid technique for measuring plasma ACTH in cats and the RI of plasma ACTH is quite wide. Owing to the low overlap between healthy or OD cats and cats with HC or PH, the measurement of plasma ACTH appears to be useful and should be included in the diagnostic work-up when HC or PH are suspected. Furthermore, the measurement of plasma ACTH may be an accurate test for differentiating PDH from adrenal-dependent hypercortisolism.

OBJECTIVE To explore sources of serum aldosterone concentration variability in a population of healthy and diseased ferrets, determine a preliminary 1 -sided reference interval for serum aldosterone concentration in healthy ferrets, and identify a decision limit to differentiate healthy from diseased ferrets on the basis of serum aldosterone concentration. DESIGN Prospective threshold definition and diagnostic accuracy study. ANIMALS 78 healthy (n = 56) and diseased (22) ferrets. PROCEDURES Serum aldosterone concentrations were measured on consecutively admitted ferrets, and an upper reference limit for aldosterone concentrations was established. Sensitivity and specificity of aldosterone concentration cutoffs to differentiate healthy from diseased ferrets were estimated with receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS Measurements of serum aldosterone concentrations in the ferrets showed wide variability, with a median concentration of 4.75 pg/mL (interquartile range, 0.55 to 17.9 pg/mL; range, 0.02 to 283.9 pg/mL) and 76% (59/78) of samples having concentrations < 18 pg/mL. Ferrets that were healthy, older, or sexually inactive had significantly lower aldosterone concentrations. The upper limit of the reference interval for healthy ferrets was 13.3 pg/mL (90% confidence interval, 9.9 to 16.9 pg/mL). Analysis of receiver operating characteristic curves indicated that an aldosterone concentration cutoff value of 7.6 pg/mL differentiated healthy ferrets from diseased ferrets with a sensitivity of 72.7% and specificity of 73.2% (area under the curve, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.67 to 0.91). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that high aldosterone concentrations should not be considered diagnostic of primary hyperaldosteronism in ferrets. A need exists to develop better tests to identify primary hyperaldosteronism.

Background Successful treatment of cats with hypersomatotropism by transsphenoidal hypophysectomy is described in small numbers of cats. Objectives To describe the endocrine profile, survival, and remission rates of hypersomatotropism and diabetes mellitus in a cohort of cats with hypersomatotropism that underwent hypophysectomy between 2008 and 2020. Animals Twenty-five client-owned cats with spontaneous hypersomatotropism. Methods Retrospective study. Diagnosis of hypersomatotropism was based on clinical signs, plasma insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentration, and imaging of the pituitary gland. Growth hormone (GH) and IGF-1 concentrations were measured repeatedly after surgery. Survival times were calculated based on follow-up information from owners and referring veterinarians. Results Median postoperative hospital stay was 7 days (range, 3-18 days). One cat died within 4 weeks of surgery. Median plasma GH concentration decreased significantly from 51.0 ng/mL (range, 5.0-101.0 ng/mL) before surgery to 3.8 ng/mL (range, 0.6-13.0 ng/mL) at 5 hours after surgery. Remission of hypersomatotropism, defined as normalization of plasma IGF-1 concentration, occurred in 23/24 cats (median, 34 ng/mL; range, 14-240 ng/mL) and 22/24 cats entered diabetic remission. Median survival time was 1347 days (95% confidence interval, 900-1794 days; range, 11-3180 days) and the overall 1-, 2-, and 3-year all-cause survival rates were 76%, 76%, and 52%, respectively. Conclusions and clinical importance This study shows the beneficial outcome of hypophysectomy in cats with hypersomatotropism, marked by low death rate and a high percentage of diabetic remission and definitive cure.

Background: Percutaneous ultrasound (US)-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of adrenal gland lesions is controversial in veterinary medicine. Objective: To evaluate the frequency and radiologists' perception of the risk of the procedure as well as determining the incidence of complications. Methods: Retrospective study. A first survey was submitted by e-mail to all board-certified radiologists of the American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR) and European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging (ECVDI). A second survey was sent to radiologists who declared having performed the procedure at least once in their career (observational cross-sectional case study). Results: The first survey was sent to 977 diplomates and answered by 138. Of 138 diplomates, 40 currently performed the procedure and 98 did not; 44 of the 98 gave the hypertensive crisis risk in pheochromocytoma as a reason. To the second survey, 12 of 65 responded positively; 50 dogs with 58 lesions were recruited, including 23 pheochromocytomas. Complications were reported in 4 of 50 dogs; 3 hemorrhages (1 mild and 1 moderate) and 1 death from acute respiratory distress syndrome (possibly related to laryngeal paralysis). No hypertensive crisis was reported. There was no relationship between the method of FNA/type of needle used and occurrence of complications. Based on the recollection of these 65 radiologists, who performed approximately 200 FNA of adrenal lesions, a death rate of approximately 1% was estimated. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Percutaneous US-guided FNA of adrenal lesions can be considered a minimally risky procedure, despite the negative perception by radiologists.

8658860258318000Recently, genetic alterations in the genes encoding succinate dehydrogenase subunit B and D (SDHB and SDHD) were identified in pet dogs that presented with spontaneously arising pheochromocytomas (PCC) and paragangliomas (PGL, together PPGL), suggesting dogs might be an interesting comparative model for the study of human PPGL. To study whether canine PPGL resembled human PPGL, we investigated a series of 50 canine PPGLs by immunohistochemistry to determine the expression of synaptophysin (SYP), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and succinate dehydrogenase subunit A (SDHA) and B (SDHB). In parallel, 25 canine PPGLs were screened for mutations in SDHB and SDHD by Sanger sequencing. To detect large chromosomal alterations, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays were performed for 11 PPGLs, including cases for which fresh frozen tissue was available. The immunohistochemical markers stained positive in the majority of canine PPGLs. Genetic screening of the canine tumors revealed the previously described variants in four cases, SDHB p.Arg38Gln (n = 1) and SDHD p.Lys122Arg (n = 3). Furthermore, the SNP arrays revealed large chromosomal alterations of which the loss of chromosome 5, partly homologous to human chromosome 1p and chromosome 11, was the most frequent finding (100% of the six cases with chromosomal alterations). In conclusion, canine and human PPGLs show similar genomic alterations, suggestive of common interspecies PPGL-related pathways.

No standardized treatment guidelines are reported in veterinary medicine for dogs with large pituitary corticotroph neoplasms causing neurological signs, and such dogs usually have a short overall survival. When these dogs undergo pituitary surgery and the tumor regrows there are few reports of subsequent treatments. A 7 yr old male Maltese diagnosed with pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism developed seizures in conjunction with a large pituitary corticotroph adenoma and underwent transsphenoidal hypophysectomy. After 3 yr of clinical remission, hypercortisolism recurred, and trilostane therapy was initiated. One year later, the dog developed new neurological signs and computed tomography revealed regrowth of a large pituitary mass that was then treated with radiation therapy. The dog lived disease-free for 3 more yr. At postmortem examination, a more aggressive pituitary neoplasm than the one examined at the time of surgery was found, which is suggestive of malignant transformation into a carcinoma despite the absence of convincing metastasis.

Background Percutaneous ultrasound (US)-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of adrenal gland lesions is controversial in veterinary medicine. Objective To evaluate the frequency and radiologists' perception of the risk of the procedure as well as determining the incidence of complications. Methods Retrospective study. A first survey was submitted by e-mail to all board-certified radiologists of the American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR) and European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging (ECVDI). A second survey was sent to radiologists who declared having performed the procedure at least once in their career (observational cross-sectional case study). Results The first survey was sent to 977 diplomates and answered by 138. Of 138 diplomates, 40 currently performed the procedure and 98 did not; 44 of the 98 gave the hypertensive crisis risk in pheochromocytoma as a reason. To the second survey, 12 of 65 responded positively; 50 dogs with 58 lesions were recruited, including 23 pheochromocytomas. Complications were reported in 4 of 50 dogs; 3 hemorrhages (1 mild and 1 moderate) and 1 death from acute respiratory distress syndrome (possibly related to laryngeal paralysis). No hypertensive crisis was reported. There was no relationship between the method of FNA/type of needle used and occurrence of complications. Based on the recollection of these 65 radiologists, who performed approximately 200 FNA of adrenal lesions, a death rate of approximately 1% was estimated. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Percutaneous US-guided FNA of adrenal lesions can be considered a minimally risky procedure, despite the negative perception by radiologists.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus. Despite the expanding knowledge regarding the pathophysiology of DKA and the application of new treatment techniques for the complications, it remains a challenging disorder to treat. It is, in part, due to the deleterious impact that diabetic ketoacidosis has on multiple organ system and the frequent occurrence of concurrent often serious disorders that are responsible for the high mortality rate. Nevertheless, with logical therapy adapted to the individual and careful monitoring of clinical and clinicopathological parameters, the rate of therapeutic goal is high.

A 12-year-old male Yorkshire Terrier was presented because of decreased appetite. Physical examination revealed mammary gland swelling and galactorrhea. Contrast-enhanced computed tomographic scanning of the skull indicated an enlarged pituitary gland, compatible with a pituitary tumor. The serum prolactin concentration was markedly elevated. One week after the start of treatment with the dopamine agonist cabergoline, the serum prolactin concentration normalized and the galactorrhea resolved. Cabergoline was administered for approximately 4 months and then discontinued. Subsequently, serum prolactin concentration increased again, and mammary gland swelling and galactorrhea reappeared. The dog was euthanized 10 months after the first detection of the galactorrhea because of problems not directly related to pituitary disease. Postmortem examination revealed an infiltrative adenoma of the pituitary gland with immunolabeling for prolactin. The clinical and histopathologic findings indicated the diagnosis of a functional prolactinoma in a male dog.

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TRANSSPHENOIDAL HYPOPHYSECTOMY AS TREATMENT FOR MACRO-ADENOMAS IN THE DOG: CASE SERIES Pisoni L, Del Magno S, Foglia A, Fracassi F, Corradini S, Joechler M. Introduction Pituitary tumors can be classified according to the ratio between the pituitary height and the brain area (P/B value) with a cut-off of 0.31 mm-1 between micro and macroadenomas1. The aim of the study is to retrospectively review the surgical therapy and the related complications of the cases of transsphenoidal hypophysectomy in dogs with macroadenomas performed at the DIMEVET of the University of Bologna. Material and methods In the study dogs with a pituitary adenoma diagnosed by CT or MRI and treated surgically between 2011 and January 2015 were included. For transsphenoidal hypophysectomy all the dog were sedated with midazolam and fentanyl, the induction was executed with propofol and after oro-tracheal intubation, anesthesia was maintained by propofol in costant rate infusion and isolfuorane. Analgesia was provided by fentanyl. All the surgical procedures were performed according to the microsurgical technique described by Meij in 19972. In the post-operative period the dogs were monitored for neurological deterioration, electrolytes and fluid balance. Antibiotics, gastroprotection and opioids were administered. Hormonal supplementation consisted of desmopressin, corticosteroids and thyroxine. The histological evaluation of the masses removed was carried out. Results Seven dogs were included in the study and 8 surgeries were performed. The main represented breed was the Labrador Retriever (2/7 dogs), the median body weight was 34,5 kg, the median age was 7,5 years and 6/7 dogs were male. Of the 7 dogs included, 4 had pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism. One dog had hypopituitarism and 4 dogs showed severe neurological signs. All the 7 cases had an enlarged pituitary gland, the median P/B value was 0,8 mm-1 . In one dog the first surgical approach to the sphenoid bone resulted too caudal, in one dog there was a moderated bleeding during surgery and one dog had septic shock when recovered from anesthesia. In the post-operative period, complications were hypernatremia and hypertension (5/8 cases), neurological deterioration (4/8), exophthalmos (2/8), agitation (2/8) and venous thrombus (2/8), one in the splenic vein and one in the cranial vena cava. Four dogs were discharged, while 1 dog died due to sepsis and 3 dogs were euthanized for deterioration of clinical and neurological conditions. The histological diagnosis was adenoma in all cases. Discussion and conclusion Transsphenoidal hypophysectomy represents a solution to decrease the mass effect in enlarged pituitary adenomas, however better results were observed in microadenomas. A surgical learning curve is necessary for the surgeon. Nevertheless the complete removal of the mass is not always possible. In surgery the main difficulties were the exact locatization of the fossa hypophysalys and to recognize and completely remove the neoplastic tissue. All the cases presented had macroadenomas, some of them with very enlarged pituitary glands. In these dogs more complications were encountered in the post-operative period. Surgery represents a curative therapy, in cases of complete removal of the mass, both for the neurological signs and the eventual endocrinological disease. 1. Kooistra et al, J Endocrinol, 1997 2. Meij et al, Vet Surg, 1997

A 12-year-old male Yorkshire Terrier was presented because of decreased appetite. Physical examination revealed mammary gland swelling and galactorrhea. Contrast-enhanced computed tomographic scanning of the skull indicated an enlarged pituitary gland, compatible with a pituitary tumor. The serum prolactin concentration was markedly elevated. One week after the start of treatment with the dopamine agonist cabergoline, the serum prolactin concentration normalized and the galactorrhea resolved. Cabergoline was administered for approximately 4 months and then discontinued. Subsequently, serum prolactin concentration increased again, and mammary gland swelling and galactorrhea reappeared. The dog was euthanized 10 months after the first detection of the galactorrhea because of problems not directly related to pituitary disease. Postmortem examination revealed an infiltrative adenoma of the pituitary gland with immunolabeling for prolactin. The clinical and histopathologic findings indicated the diagnosis of a functional prolactinoma in a male dog.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study is to describe the long-term survival of a dog affected by an ACTH producing-pituitary adenoma treated by surgery, medication and radiation therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 7-yr-old old male Maltese dog w as referred to DIMEVET for epileptic seizures, polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia and symmetrical alopecia. Pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism w as diagnosed by endocrine tests. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a pituitary mass w ith a P/B ratio 0.75, reference 3%, p53 immunoreactivity.2 Reports of invasive canine pituitary tumors are rare; this is the first report of a long-term survival of a dog affected by this type of tumor that w as treated by surgery and subsequently by radiation therapy. Comprehensive management of pituitary adenomas using the various treatment modalities may significantly prolong the dog’s life. BIBLIOGRAPHY: 1Kooistra et al., 1997; 2Mamelak et al., 2011.

In dogs with idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) the response to treatment influences the dog's quality of life, time of survival, economic impact on owners and, sometimes, the decision for euthanasia. The aim of this retrospective single-center study was to evaluate prognostic factors able to influence the response to treatment in dogs with IBD. Dogs with a diagnosis of idiopathic IBD, treated with immunosuppressive drugs, were enrolled. History about drugs and diet previously employed, clinical signs, laboratory findings, treatment, and follow-up, were recorded. Data from September 2004 to December 2014 were reviewed. Group 1, were defined as dogs that had responded to treatment, in which immunosuppressive drugs and antibiotic treatment was discontinued without relapses. Group 2, were defined as dogs that responded to treatment with immunosuppressive drugs but the disease relapsed after interruption of treatment. Group 3, were defined as dogs that did not respond to diet, antibiotic and immunosuppressive drugs. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were obtained for Groups 1, 2 and 3; the survival curves for these groups were compared using the log-rank test. A two stage-analysis was also applied. In the first univariate stage, the variables were screened using x test. In the second stage, factors that screened through p < 0.15 were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression, The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated from the final model. One hundred and four dogs met the inclusion criteria. Dogs of Group 1 and 2 had a median survival longer than dogs of Group 3, 1250 days (range 210–4380) and 913 days (range 61–3100) versus 210 days (range 30–2005), respectively. At univariate regression analysis, a statistical difference in dogs of Group 3 with respect to dogs of Group 1 and 2 in following variables, were observed: previous treatment with steroids; weight loss; prevalence of small bowel diarrhoea; decreased haematocrit, serum albumin, total protein, creatinine, cholesterol; increased concentration of aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT); and received treatment with other immunosuppressive drugs than steroids at diagnosis. In multivariable model analysis previous treatment with steroids (OR = 5.47; 95%CI 1.86–16.11; p = 0.001) and decreased total proteins (OR = 12.5; 95%CI 3.62–41.75; p = 0.016) were independent variables associated with belonging to Group 3. In conclusion response to treatment in dogs with IBD is correlated with time of survival; and previous treatment with steroids along with decrease total proteins are negative prognostic factors because are associated with a lack of response to treatment.

Over the years several drugs have been tested for the treatment of canine Cushing’s syndrome. Mitotane is an adrenolytic drug that is very effective but not very “wieldy“, it was the drug most widely used in the past. For more than 10 years it has being available trilostane, an enzyme inhibitor which has been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of this endocrinopathy and it is officially approved for the treatment of canine hypercortisolism. In this review the therapeutic approach to canine Cushing’s syndrome with particular

In human medicine many studies point out as yeasts, commensals on mucosae, can became pathogens in course of immunodeficiency, chemotherapy, cortisone therapy, endocrinopathies (Bulacio et al 2012, J. Mycol. Med., 22: 348-353). Such risk factors were also suggested in Veterinary Medicine but, so far, only few studies about this topic were made (Tampieri et al 2008, Parassitologia, 50: 95; Bieganska et al., 2012, 18th congress ISHAM, p.177). In this paper, the yeast flora of oral, conjunctiva and rectal mucosae of dogs was examined, in relation to presence (“sick dogs”) or absence (“healthy dogs”) of predisposing factors such as endocrinopaty, neoplasy, cortisone therapy or other weakening pathologies. One hundred eight dogs (61 “healthy” and 47 “sick”) were examined; from each dog 4 swabs from oral, conjunctival and rectal mucosae were collected and inoculated in duplicate on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (BBL) with 0.05g/ chloramphenicol (Sigma). The plates were incubated both at 25°C and 37°C ad observed daily for 7 days. The yeasts isolated were identified microscopically for Malassezia pachydermatis and with Api 20C AUX (Biomerieux Italia S.p.a, Firenze, Italy) and Dalmau plates on Yeast Morphology Agar DIFCO (Becton Dickinson Italia S.p.a, Milano, Italy) for the other yeasts. Yeasts were found in 83 dogs out of 108 examined (76.8%). M. pachydermatis was isolated in at least one sample from 78/108 dogs (73.2%), especially in rectal mucosae where also the major number of yeast species was present. Conversely, lowest yeasts isolation was from conjunctival swabs. The other yeasts isolated were: Rhodotorula spp (8.34%), Candida albicans (3.7%), C. glabrata (2.78%), Cryptococcus laurentii (1.85%), C. guilliermondii, C. parapsilosis, C. boidinii, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Cr. albidus (0.92%). M. pachydermatis was found more frequently in healthy dogs (83.6%) compared to sick dogs (57.4%) (X2y = 6.18p>0.05). On the contrary, other yeasts were found more frequently in sick dogs (15.22%) than in healthy dogs (6.2%) (Fisher exact p

La sindrome di Cushing nel gatto è una patolo- gia rara, con poco più di un centinaio di casi de- scritti in letteratura. La condizione di ipercorti- solismo può essere dovuta ad una neoplasia surrenalica o, più comunemente, a un adenoma ipofisario. L’eccesso di glucocorticoidi compor- ta lo sviluppo di insulino-resistenza, pertanto nel gatto l’ipercortisolismo è spesso associato a diabete mellito. Altro aspetto tipico è una grave dermatopatia, caratterizzata da fragilità cutanea e infezioni ricorrenti. Il test con mag- giore accuratezza diagnostica è la soppressione con desametasone, mentre la diagnostica per immagini permette di differenziare l’origine del- la patologia. Recenti studi hanno dimostrato che il trilostano presenta una discreta efficacia nel trattamento dell’ipercortisolismo felino. Al- tre opzioni terapeutiche sono la surrenalecto- mia e, recentemente, l’ipofisectomia; quest’ulti- ma ancora poco praticata ma dai risultati pro- mettenti. La radioterapia è stata valutata ad og- gi in pochi casi, tuttavia rappresenta una buona opzione in termini di sicurezza e remissione della sintomatologia.

La Sindrome di Cushing è una delle più fre- quenti endocrinopatie del cane. La diagnosi de- ve sempre prevedere l’integrazione dell’anam- nesi, del segnalamento, dei segni clinici, degli esami di base, dei test endocrini specifici e del- la diagnostica per immagini. Effettuare un pro- tocollo diagnostico completo in soggetti con sintomatologia caratteristica della patologia au- menta notevolmente la sensibilità e la specifici- tà di ciascun test endocrino. Nella presente re- view si mettono a fuoco i principali aspetti eziopatogenetici, clinici, sintomatologici e dia- gnostici della Sindrome di Cushing nel cane.

La policitemia vera è un disturbo mieloproliferativo considerato raro nella specie felina. Un gatto di 5 anni è stato presentato per crisi convulsive parziali a insorgenza improvvisa. È stata evidenziata una importante eritrocitosi con un modico innalzamento delle proteine plasmatiche. Un protocollo diagnostico, comprensivo della misurazione della eritropoietina sierica, ha permesso di escludere patologie in grado di causare un’eritrocitosi secondaria ed è pertanto stata emessa una diagnosi di eritrocitosi primaria (policitemia vera). Il protocollo terapeutico ha previsto un iniziale salasso e la successiva somministrazione di idrossiurea al dosaggio di 100 mg/gatto/die con completa remissione della sintomatologia e buon controllo del valore ematocrito.

Background: Urinary proteome is a topic not deeply investigated in dogs. Leishmaniasis (L) and Cushing’s Syndrome (CS) are frequently associated with persistent proteinuria. Evaluation of urine proteome with sensitive methods is considered a non invasive procedure to monitor the therapy and select novel biomarkers. Objectives: Comparison of urinary electrophoretic profiles between healthy (H) and diseased dogs (L, CS) at the time of diagnosis and during the treatment monitoring. Methods: Urine samples were collected from 49 dogs (12 H, 26 L, 11 CS) and Urine Protein and Albumin to Creatinine ratios (UPC, UAC), HRE and SDS-PAGE were performed. Electrophoretic profiles were analyzed by ImageJ©; proteins were identified by ESI-Q-TOF. Results: UPC and UAC (mean±SD) were significantly higher (p

Le disendocrinie sono problematiche sistemiche che si ripercuotono su molteplici organi e apparati. Particolarmente rilevante risulta la connessione fra malattie ormonali e disturbi all’apparato cardio-circolatorio. Chi si occupa di cardiologia deve essere conscio di tale interconnessione e comprendere che ciascun disturbo cardiovascolare può potenzialmente essere la manifestazione, a volte precoce, di un problema sistemico. Nella presente trattazione verranno brevemente descritte alcune fra le principali disendocrinie del cane e del gatto, con particolare riferimento alle possibili ripercussioni sull’apparato cardio-circolatorio.

Gli atti rappresentano una review degli aspetti eziopatogenetici, clinici e terapeutici dell'ipertiroidismo felino.

L’iperaldosteronismo primario è una patologia considerata rara nel gatto ed è causata da un’eccessiva secrezione di aldosterone da parte della corteccia surrenalica. L’ipersecrezione può essere causata o da un’iperplasia bilaterale della zona glomerulosa o da una neoplasia aldosterone-secernente, detta aldosteronoma. Due gatti di sedici anni sono stati presentati per debolezza, atassia e ventroflessione del collo. Un protocollo diagnostico completo ha permesso di evidenziare in entrambi i soggetti ipokalemia e un notevole aumento della creatinchinasi. In entrambi i gatti l’ecografia addominale ha evidenziato una massa a carico di una ghiandola surrenale; tale reperto, associato alla misurazione dell’aldosteronemia, ha permesso di raggiungere un forte sospetto di aldosteronoma. Il protocollo terapeutico nel primo caso ha previsto l’asportazione chirurgica della ghiandola surrenale, mentre nel secondo caso si è optato per una terapia medica con integrazione di potassio gluconato e spironolattone. In entrambi i casi è stata ottenuta una completa remissione della sintomatologia.

Nella relazione vengono descritti i meccanismi eziopatogenetici che portano allo sviluppo di squilibri della calcemia del cane e del gatto

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the changes of some biochemical and ultrasonographic (US) parameters in a group of dogs with naturally occurring acute pancreatitis (AP) during the therapeutic follow-up.Dogs with clinical signs and abdominal US findings suggestive of AP associated with increased serum canine pancreatic lipase (cPL) activity were included into the study. In these dogs, the serum concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP), amylase and lipase were also measured. Severity indexes were established to semi-quantitatively evaluate the severity of clinical and US findings. In particular, a clinical score (0-3) for each of the following clinical parameters was given: presence and frequency of vomiting, appetite and general condition; an US score (0=normal, 1=abnormal) was assigned per each of the following parameters: pancreas (echogenicity, volume, echotexture and echogenicity of the mesentery), gastrointestinal tract, biliary ducts, lymph nodes and abdominal effusion (total score 0-14). All dogs were treated with fluid therapy, ampicillin-sulbactam, 15mg/kg IV q8h, buprenorphine, 0.01mg/kg q8h, and, if needed, maropitant 1mg/kg SC q24h. The two severity scores, serum CRP, amylase and lipase concentrations were measured at diagnosis (T0) and after 1 (T1), 3 (T3), and 5 (T5) days, and at discharge (Td) and 1 week after discharge (Td1).Nine client-owned dogs were included with a median (range) age of 10 years (8-14 years). Median (range) clinical and US scores were 8 (6-9) and 8.5 (3-13), respectively, at T0, and 0 (0-1) and 1 (0-3), respectively, at Td1. A significant, positive correlation was found between the clinical and US score (p

Un furetto domestico (Mustela putorius furo) è stato condotto alla visita per la comparsa di alopecia bilaterale simmetrica ed ipertrofia vulvare. I rilievi clinico-anamnestici suggerivano la presenza di una malattia surrenalica. L’esecuzione di un’ecografia addominale ha confermato la diagnosi, evidenziando l’interessamento della ghiandola surrenale destra. Il soggetto è stato sottoposto a terapia medica con risultati discreti.

Il nanismo ipofisario è una rara patologia congenita dovuta ad un insufficiente secrezione di GH da parte dell’ipofisi. Tale disendocrinia si manifesta prevalentemente nei soggetti di razza Pastore Tedesco. I segni clinici, legati al ritardo nell’accrescimento, sono ampliamente descritti in letteratura veterinaria, al contrario, minori informazioni risultano disponibili riguardo l’approccio diagnostico e terapeutico. Quattro cani di razza Pastore Tedesco sono stati riferiti per ridotto accrescimento corporeo e persistenza di un mantello da cucciolo. La valutazione della sintomatologia clinica ed un protocollo diagnostico comprensivo di esami ematobiochimici di base, test di stimolazione con GHRH, misurazione delle concentrazioni di IGFI ed un test genetico specifico atto a valutare la mutazione sul gene Lhx3 hanno permesso di confermare l’ipotesi iniziale di nanismo ipofisario.

E' un testo fondamentale di endocrinologia clinica veterinaria fortemente basato sulla medicina basata sull'evidenza. Vengono trattati gli aspetti eziopatogenetici, clinici, diagnostici e terapeutici delle più importanti disendocrinie del cane e del gatto.

Un criceto russo (Phodopus campbelli) viene sottoposto a visita clinica a causa della comparsa di una progressiva alopecia bilaterale simmetrica non pruriginosa, associata a poliuria e polidipsia. L’esecuzione di un esame clinico completo, supportato da esami complementari mirati, ha consentito di diagnosticare un iperadrenocorticismo.

To evaluate the clinical and analytical accuracy of two portable blood glucose meters (PBGM) in cats and dogs. Samples were obtained from 30 cats and 30 dogs divided in three glycemic ranges (high, medium and low). Each device was tested on: (1) capillary blood; (2) fresh whole venous blood; (3) blood containing EDTA; (4) fluoridated blood and (5) serum. PBGM readings were compared with results of a hexokinase reference method. Influence of hematocrit, 2 different anticoagulants and type of blood (capillary and venous) was also investigated. In both cats and dogs, PBGM readings of capillary blood, whole blood and blood with an anticoagulant tended to underestimate while readings of serum tended to overestimate the results obtained by the reference method. These differences were more distinct in the high glycemic range. Evaluation of the mean differences between readings of a PBGM on whole blood and values measured by the reference method in the three glycemic ranges revealed that these differences would not cause any incorrect clinical decisions. Differences between capillary and whole blood were not significant in dogs whilst in cats capillary blood showed lower results when compared with whole blood. With low hematocrit both PBGM overestimated glucose concentrations. Both PBGM showed lower results when tested on blood containing an anticoagulant compared to fresh whole blood. Conclusions and clinical relevance: Our study found both PBGM, despite clear variations of performance, to be sufficiently accurate and safe for clinical use in both cats and dogs.

A 12-year-old intact male dog was presented for polyuria and polydipsia, compulsive walking and seizures. A diagnostic protocol confirmed primary polycythemia (PCV 74%), Cushing’s disease due to a pituitary macroadenoma, and pulmonary thrombosis. Following phlebotomy and medical therapy, transsphenoidal hypophysectomy was performed but, unfortunately, the dog died 48 hours after surgery.

Un cane meticcio, femmina intera di 13 anni è stato condotto alla visita per problemi di polidipsia, intolleranza all’esercizio, intolleranza al caldo e respirazione stertorosa. Tali sintomi erano insorti alcuni mesi prima, con andamento cronico-progressivo. La valutazione dei segni clinici, in associazione ad esami collaterali di base ed indagini endocrine specifiche hanno consentito di formulare una diagnosi di acromegalia progesterone-indotta. In seguito all’intervento di ovario-isterectomia la sintomatologia clinica è completamente regredita e i parametri ormonali si sono normalizzati.

Descrizione clinico-patologica di un soggetto portatore di macroadenoma ipofisario, trattato chirurgicamente con ipofisectomia trans-sfenoidale, con buon decorso clinico, ma deceduto improvvisamente per collasso cardio-circolatorio dovuto a feocromocitoma maligno. In medicina veterinaria sono rare le segnalazioni di macroadenomi ipofisari a cui ha fatto seguti terapia chirurgica, con periodo di follow up piuttosto lunghi, come in questo caso (13 mesi). Vedere pdf allegato. Il caso è stato oggetto di comunicazione orale.