Search

Background Ascitic fluids of horses and humans have fibrinolytic activity, independent of the underlying mechanism of fluid formation. Objective To determine whether coagulation and fibrinogenolytic/fibrinolytic activity (ie, low fibrinogen and increased fibrin-fibrinogen degradation products [ FDPs], D-dimer, or both) occur in all types of ascitic fluid in dogs. Animals A total of 70 client-owned dogs with ascites. Methods In this cross-sectional study, dogs were categorized based on the pathophysiology of fluid formation into 4 groups: transudates due to decreased osmotic pressure, transudates due to increased hydrostatic pressure, exudates, and hemorrhagic ascites. Fibrinogen, FDPs, and D-dimer concentrations were measured and then compared in both ascitic fluid and plasma. Results Ten dogs had transudates due to decreased colloid osmotic pressure, 18 had transudates due to increased hydrostatic pressure, 13 had exudates, and 29 had hemorrhagic ascites. Ascitic fibrinogen concentrations (n = 70) were significantly lower (median = 59 mg/dL; range: 59-122 mg/dL) than those in the plasma (median = 168 mg/dL, range: 59-879 mg/dL; P < .0001). Ascitic FDPs concentrations (n = 70) were significantly higher (<5 μg/mL: 3/70 dogs, ≥5 to <20 μg/mL: 11/70 dogs, ≥20 μg/mL: 56/70 dogs) than those in the plasma (<5 μg/mL: 17/70 dogs, ≥5 to <20 μg/mL: 28/70 dogs, ≥20 μg/mL: 25/70 dogs; P < .0001). Ascitic D-dimer concentrations (n = 70) were significantly higher (median = 3.98 μg/mL, range: 0.02-9.19) than those in the plasma (median = 0.11 μg/mL, range: 0.01-4.08; P < .0001). Analysis of the data for each of the 4 different types of ascites showed similar results to those of all the data analyzed together. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Ascitic fluid of dogs has evidence of coagulation activation and fibrinogenolytic/fibrinolytic activity and that this phenomenon occurs independent of the underlying mechanism that leads to the formation of ascites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Dogs with spinal cord injury are at increased risk of developing bacteriuria due to increased residual urine volume. Cranberry extract inhibits binding of E. coli to uroepithelial cells, potentially reducing risk of bacteriuria. Hypothesis Cranberry extract reduces risk of bacteriuria in dogs after acute TL- IVDH. Animals Client-owned dogs with acute onset TL- IVDH causing nonambulatory status. Methods Randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded, prospective clinical trial. Dogs with acute TL- IVDH were recruited 48 hours postoperatively and randomized to receive cranberry extract or placebo in a masked fashion. Urine cultures and neurological examinations were performed 2, 4, and 6 weeks postoperatively. The number of dogs with bacteriuria (all bacterial species) and bacteriuria ( E. coli) were primary and secondary outcome measures and were evaluated using chi-squared test. Urine antiadhesion activity ( AAA) was measured in a subset (N = 47) and examined in a secondary analysis evaluating additional risk factors for bacteriuria. Results Bacteriuria was detected 17 times in 94 dogs (6 placebo, 11 cranberry, P = .12). There were 7 E. coli. positive cultures (1 placebo, 6 cranberry, P = .09). Dogs in both groups had positive urine AAA (14/21: placebo, 16/26: cranberry), and dogs with urine AAA had significantly fewer E. coli positive cultures (n = 1) than dogs without it (n = 4) ( P = .047). Conclusions and Clinical Importance This clinical trial did not show a benefit of oral cranberry extract but had low power. Cranberry extract supplementation did not impact urine AAA, but a possible association between urine AAA and lower risk of E. coli bacteriuria was identified. Other doses could be investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Folate and cobalamin are essential cofactors for homocysteine ( HCY) metabolism. Hyperhomocysteinemia, a multifactorial condition, may reflect B vitamin deficiency and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, thrombosis, and neurodegenerative and chronic gastrointestinal diseases in humans. Hyperhomocysteinemia has been reported in Greyhounds with suspected chronic enteropathy. Objectives To evaluate the frequencies of and the association between hypofolatemia and hyperhomocysteinemia in Greyhounds. Animals Data and serum samples from 559 Greyhounds. Methods Nested case-control study. The frequency of hypofolatemia in Greyhounds was determined by a laboratory database search. The relationship between hyperhomocysteinemia (measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) and hypocobalaminemia and hypofolatemia was evaluated, and its frequency compared between healthy Greyhounds and Greyhounds with thrombosis or chronic diarrhea. Results Hypofolatemia was identified in 172 of 423 (41%) Greyhounds and was more common in hypo- than in normocobalaminemic dogs (49% vs. 35%; P = .0064). Hyperhomocysteinemia was detected in 53 of 78 (68%) of Greyhounds, being more common in hypo- than in normofolatemic dogs (88% vs. 59%; P = .0175). All healthy Greyhounds, 21 of 30 (70%) of dogs with chronic diarrhea and 6 of 8 (75%) of those with thrombosis, were hyperhomocysteinemic. Serum HCY concentrations were inversely correlated with serum folate concentration (ρ = −0.28; P = .0386) and were positively associated with serum albumin concentration (ρ = 0.66; P = .0022). Conclusions and Clinical Relevance Hyperhomocysteinemia occurs frequently in the Greyhound population. Its association with hypofolatemia suggests decreased intracellular availability of B vitamins, but the functional implications warrant further investigation. Hyperhomocysteinemia in Greyhounds potentially may serve as a spontaneous canine model to further investigate hyperhomocysteinemia in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A table of contents for the issue is presented.

Background There is a growing interest in health care of elderly dogs; however, scientific information about physical and laboratory examination findings in this age group is limited. Objectives To describe systolic blood pressure ( SBP), and results of physical examination and laboratory tests in senior and geriatric dogs that were judged by the owner to be healthy. Animals Hundred client-owned dogs. Methods Dogs were prospectively recruited. Owners completed a questionnaire. SBP measurement, physical, orthopedic and neurologic examination, direct fundoscopy and Schirmer tear test were performed. Complete blood count, serum biochemistry, and urinalysis were evaluated. Results Forty-one senior and 59 geriatric dogs were included. Mean SBP was 170 ± 38 mmHg, and 53 dogs had SBP > 160 mmHg. Thirty-nine animals were overweight. A heart murmur was detected in 22, severe calculus in 21 and 1 or more (sub)cutaneous masses in 56 dogs. Thirty-two dogs had increased serum creatinine, 29 hypophosphatemia, 27 increased ALP, 25 increased ALT, and 23 leukopenia. Crystalluria, mostly amorphous crystals, was commonly detected (62/96). Overt proteinuria and borderline proteinuria were detected in 13 and 18 of 97 dogs, respectively. Four dogs had a positive urine bacterial culture. Frequency of orthopedic problems, frequency of (sub)cutaneous masses, and platelet count were significantly higher in geriatric compared with senior dogs. Body temperature, hematocrit, serum albumin, and serum total thyroxine concentration were significantly lower in geriatric compared with senior dogs. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Physical and laboratory abnormalities are common in apparently healthy elderly dogs. Veterinarians play a key role in implementing health screening and improving health care for elderly pets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Leptin and its receptor play a role in several disease processes such as pancreatitis and heart disease. However, their association with gallbladder mucocele ( GBM) in dogs has not been reported. Hypothesis/Objectives To evaluate differences in the expression of leptin and leptin receptor between dogs with and without GBM. Animals Twenty-five healthy dogs, including 9 laboratory beagle dogs, and 22 client-owned dogs with GBM. Methods Serum leptin concentration was determined in blood samples of all dogs by ELISA. Canine gallbladder samples were collected from 9 dogs with GBM that underwent surgery for therapeutic purposes and from 9 healthy laboratory beagle dogs as a normal control group. Samples were analyzed for leptin and leptin receptor mRNA by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results Serum leptin concentration was significantly higher in dogs with GBM than in healthy dogs (medians of 7.03 and 2.18 ng/mL, respectively; P < .001). Patients with GBM that had undergone surgery had significantly higher serum leptin concentrations than those that had not (medians of 12.2 and 4.09 ng/mL, respectively; P = .001). However, no difference in serum leptin concentration was found between dogs with GBM with or without endocrinopathies. The mRNA expression levels of leptin and its receptor were significantly increased in the gallbladder tissues of dogs with GBM. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Dysregulation of leptin might be involved in the pathophysiology of GBM, and leptin concentrations might be associated with GBM severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a six-year-old female, spayed American Pitbull terrier suffering from progressive lethargy, weakness, and anorexia for three-weeks duration. It discusses the results of the patient animal's physical examination, thoracic auscultation, neurological examination, as well as its abbreviated abdominal and thoracic ultrasound examinations.

Background Famotidine is an acid suppressant commonly administered to dogs. Prolonged famotidine use in people results in decreased efficacy, but the effect in dogs is unknown. Hypothesis/Objectives To compare the effect of repeated oral administration of famotidine or placebo on intragastric pH and serum gastrin in dogs. We hypothesized that famotidine would have a diminished effect on intragastric pH on day 13 compared to day 1. Animals Six healthy adult colony Beagles. Methods Randomized, 2-factor repeated-measures crossover design. All dogs received oral placebo or 1.0 mg/kg famotidine q12h for 14 consecutive days. Intragastric pH monitoring was used to continuously record intragastric pH on treatment days 1-2 and 12-13. Mean pH as well as mean percentage time ( MPT) that intragastric pH was ≥3 or ≥4 were compared between and within groups by analysis of variance. Serum gastrin was measured on days 0, 3, and 12 for each treatment. Results Continued administration of famotidine resulted in a significant decrease in mean pH, MPT ≥3, and MPT ≥4 ( P < .0001) on day 12 and 13. This resulted in a mean decrease in pH by 1.63 on days 12 and 13 compared to days 1 and 2. Furthermore, a mean decrease of MPT ≥3 and MPT ≥4 by 33 and 45% was observed for the same time period, respectively. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Continued administration of famotidine results in a diminished effect on intragastric pH in dogs. Caution is advised when recommending long-term, daily oral administration of famotidine to dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Although pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism ( PDH) is one of the most common endocrinopathies in dogs, the effects of withholding treatment on survival time in dogs with PDH remain unclear. Hypothesis/Objectives The purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of treatment in dogs with PDH by comparing survival times between dogs treated with trilostane and untreated dogs. Animals Forty-three dogs diagnosed with PDH at a primary-care hospital in Japan between June 2009 and January 2014. Methods Retrospective cohort study. The medical records of dogs with PDH treated with trilostane (n = 17) or left untreated (n = 26) were reviewed retrospectively. Survival analysis at 2 years after diagnosis of PDH was performed. Results Median survival time for the trilostane group was not reached (95% confidence interval [ CI], 443 days-not applicable) and was significantly longer than the 506 days (95% CI, 292-564 days; P = .016) for the untreated group. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis (including age at diagnosis, basal cortisol concentration at diagnosis, and treatment group) only identified assignment to the untreated group (hazard ratio, 5.01; 95% CI, 1.63-15.44) as associated with increased mortality. Conclusions and Clinical Importance The results of this retrospective cohort study suggest that withholding treatment for dogs with PDH might be associated with a higher risk of death. This represents the largest study to date to report survival times of untreated dogs with PDH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Up to 25% of elderly humans have proteinuria, often associated with underlying lesions. Data concerning the presence of proteinuria in elderly dogs is scarce. Objectives To describe the presence and persistence of proteinuria and to compare urinary protein : creatinine ratio ( UPC) between free catch and cystocentesis urine samples in apparently healthy elderly dogs. Animals Hundred apparently healthy elderly dogs. Methods Prospective study. Owners of 100 elderly dogs were asked to collect 2 free catch urine samples. Dogs were considered healthy based on owner's perception and an age chart, based on ideal bodyweight, was used to define dogs as senior or geriatric. UPC of urine collected by free catch and cystocentesis were compared. Overt proteinuria and borderline proteinuria were defined as UPC >0.5 and between 0.2 and 0.5, respectively, if examination of sediment did not explain proteinuria. Proteinuria was considered persistent if present at both sampling times. Results At baseline, 71 owners succeeded in collecting urine. Eleven percent of dogs had overt proteinuria, 14% were borderline proteinuric, and 75% nonproteinuric. Thirty-seven repeated urine samples, with a median time interval of 31 days (range 10-90), were available. Nineteen percent of dogs had a persistently increased UPC (>0.2), with persistent overt proteinuria present in 8%. A strong correlation (ρ = 0.88) was found between UPC of urine collected by free catch and cystocentesis. Conclusions and Clinical Importance As 19% of study dogs had persistent proteinuria, our findings emphasize that measurement of proteinuria should be part of geriatric health screening. For UPC in dogs, free catch urine provides a good alternative to cystocentesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Cavalier King Charles spaniels ( CKCSs) are predisposed to degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD) and studies have indicated a genetic cause. Animals A total of 8,860 CKCSs were examined at shows or private clinics from 1991 to 2010. Objectives To analyze the effects of a breed scheme for CKCS on the age at which a murmur consistent with DMVD was first detected. Methods The presence or absence of a murmur consistent with mitral regurgitation was noted and age a murmur was first detected recorded. Results A total of 16,887 examinations were performed on 8,860 dogs. The median age dogs developed a murmur were slightly younger in male than female dogs (7.8 versus 8.3 years, 95% confidence interval [ CI] 7.4-8.1 versus 8.0-8.4, P < .001) and cardiologists detected murmurs in younger dogs than did general practitioner ( GP) veterinary surgeons (7.2 versus 8.6 years, 95% CI 7.0-7.4 versus 8.3-8.7 P < .001). In bitches examined by GP vets during the study, there was a significantly increased age of detection of murmurs over time (8.6-9.2 years, 95% CI 8.3-9.1 and 8.5-10.9, P = .001) but not for male dogs examined by GP vets or dogs of either sex examined by cardiologists. Conclusions and Clinical Importance This study suggests that the age incidence of murmurs associated with DMVD might be increased by application of breeding guidelines based on auscultation alone. This benefit was only seen in a subgroup and compliance of breeders with this voluntary scheme was poor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Leptospirosis in dogs is occasionally associated with a hemorrhagic syndrome, the pathophysiology of which is not fully understood. Hypothesis/Objectives To characterize hematologic, hemostatic, and thromboelastometric abnormalities in dogs with leptospirosis and to study their association with hemorrhagic diatheses and outcomes. Animals Thirty-five client-owned dogs. Methods A prospective observational single cohort study was conducted. Results from the CBC, coagulation tests (prothrombin, activated partial thromboplastin and thrombin times, fibrinogen, fibrin(ogen) degradation products, and D-dimer concentrations), rotational thromboelastometry ( TEM), signalment, hemorrhagic diatheses, occurrence of disseminated intravascular coagulation ( DIC) at admission, and survival to discharge were recorded. Results The most common hematologic and hemostatic abnormalities were anemia (30/35), thrombocytopenia (21/35), and hyperfibrinogenemia (15/35). Eight dogs were diagnosed with DIC. A normal TEM profile was found in 14 dogs, a hypercoagulable profile in 14 dogs, and a hypocoagulable profile in 7 dogs. The 8 dogs with hemorrhagic diatheses at admission had significantly decreased platelet counts ( P = .037) and increased D-dimer concentrations ( P = .015) compared with other dogs. Dogs with a hypocoagulable profile exhibited more hemorrhagic diatheses compared with the dogs that had normal and hypercoagulable profiles ( P = .049). The mortality rate was lower in dogs with a hypercoagulable profile than in those with a hypocoagulable profile (21% vs 57%; P = .043). Disseminated intravascular coagulation was not a significant prognostic factor. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Thromboelastometric parameters were altered in dogs with both hypercoagulable and hypocoagulable profiles. A hypocoagulable profile was significantly correlated with hemorrhagic diathesis and higher mortality rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Effective treatments are needed for idiopathic chronic rhinitis in dogs, but assessment of efficacy requires a practical, quantifiable method for assessing severity of disease. Objectives To develop and perform initial validity and reliability testing of an owner-completed questionnaire for assessing clinical signs and dog and owner quality of life ( QOL) in canine chronic rhinitis. Animals Twenty-two dogs with histopathologically confirmed chronic rhinitis and 72 healthy dogs. Methods In this prospective study, an online questionnaire was created based on literature review and feedback from veterinarians, veterinary internists with respiratory expertise, and owners of dogs with rhinitis. Owners of affected dogs completed the questionnaire twice, 1 week apart, to test reliability. Healthy dogs were assessed once. Data were analyzed using the Rasch Rating Scale Model, and results were interpreted using Messick's framework for evaluating construct validity evidence. Results Initial item generation resulted in 5 domains: nasal signs, paranasal signs, global rhinitis severity, and dog's and owner's QOL. A 25-item questionnaire was developed using 5-point Likert-type scales. No respondent found the questionnaire difficult to complete. Strong psychometric evidence was available to support the substantive, generalizability, content, and structural aspects of construct validity. Statistical differences were found between responses for affected and control dogs for all but 2 items. These items were eliminated, resulting in the 23-item Severity of Nasal Inflammatory Disease ( SNIFLD) questionnaire. Conclusions and Clinical Importance The SNIFLD questionnaire provides a mechanism for repeated assessments of disease severity in dogs with chronic rhinitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Acute-phase proteins ( APPs) are sensitive markers of inflammation, and serum C-reactive protein ( CRP) recently has been shown to be a useful diagnostic marker in dogs with bacterial pneumonia ( BP). In humans with community-acquired pneumonia, APPs also have great utility as follow-up markers aiding in the assessment of treatment response. Objectives The aim of our study was to investigate the applicability of APPs as markers of treatment response in dogs with BP. Animals Nineteen dogs diagnosed with BP and 64 healthy dogs. Methods The study was conducted as a prospective longitudinal observational study. Serum CRP, serum amyloid A ( SAA), and haptoglobin concentrations were followed during a natural course of BP. Normalization of serum CRP was used to guide the duration of antibiotic treatment (treatment was stopped 5-7 days after CRP normalized) in 8 of 17 dogs surviving to discharge; 9 of 17 dogs were treated according to conventional recommendations. Results All measured APPs initially were significantly increased, but the magnitude of increase was not correlated to disease severity. C-reactive protein and SAA concentrations decreased rapidly after initiation of antimicrobial treatment. When normalization of serum CRP was used to guide the duration of antibiotic treatment, treatment duration was significantly ( P = .015) decreased without increasing the number of relapses. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Serum CRP and SAA reflected the recovery process well and therefore may be used as markers of treatment response. According to the results, the normalization of serum CRP may be used to guide the duration of antibiotic treatment in dogs with BP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 10-month-old spayed female Cane Corso dog was evaluated after a 2-month history of progressive blindness, ataxia, and lethargy. Neurologic examination abnormalities indicated a multifocal lesion with primarily cerebral and cerebellar signs. Clinical worsening resulted in humane euthanasia. On necropsy, there was marked astrogliosis throughout white matter tracts of the cerebrum, most prominently in the corpus callosum. In the cerebral cortex and midbrain, most neurons contained large amounts of autofluorescent storage material in the perinuclear area of the cells. Cerebellar storage material was present in the Purkinje cells, granular cell layer, and perinuclear regions of neurons in the deep nuclei. Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis ( NCL) was diagnosed. Whole genome sequencing identified a PPT1c.124 + 1G>A splice donor mutation. This nonreference assembly allele was homozygous in the affected dog, has not previously been reported in db SNP, and was absent from the whole genome sequences of 45 control dogs and 31 unaffected Cane Corsos. Our findings indicate a novel mutation causing the CLN1 form of NCL in a previously unreported dog breed. A canine model for CLN1 disease could provide an opportunity for therapeutic advancement, benefiting both humans and dogs with this disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]