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Summary: The dog breed Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen has a relatively high prevalence of idiopathic epilepsy compared to other dog breeds and previous studies have suggested a genetic cause of the disease in this breed. Based on these observations, a genome‐wide association study was performed to identify possible epilepsy‐causing loci. The study included 30 unaffected and 23 affected dogs, genotyping of 170K SNPs, and data analysis using plink and emmax. Suggestive associations at CFA13, CFA24 and CFA35 were identified with markers close to three strong candidate genes. However, subsequent sequencing of exons of the three genes did not reveal sequence variations, which could explain development of the disease. This is, to our knowledge, the first report on loci and genes with a possible connection to idiopathic epilepsy in Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen. However, further studies are needed to conclusively identify the genetic cause of idiopathic epilepsy in this dog breed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate dogs with acute onset of intracranial signs suspected of stroke by primary veterinary clinicians, and establish possible differential diagnoses and long‐term outcome. In addition, serum C‐reactive protein and plasma cytokines were investigated as potential biomarkers of disease. Materials and Methods: All cases were evaluated by neurologic examination, routine haematology and biochemistry and measurement of serum C‐reactive protein, plasma cytokine concentrations (interleukin‐2, ‐6, ‐8, ‐10, tumour necrosis factor) and low‐field MRI. Results: Primary veterinarians contacted the investigators with 85 suspected stroke cases. Only 20 met the inclusion criteria. Of these, two were diagnosed with ischaemic stroke. Other causes were idiopathic vestibular syndrome (n=6), brain tumour (n=5) and inflammatory brain disease (n=2); in five cases a precise diagnosis could not be determined. Median survival times were: brain tumour, 3 days, idiopathic vestibular syndrome, 315 days, ischaemic stroke, 365 days and inflammatory central nervous system (CNS) disease, 468 days. The median plasma concentrations of interleukin‐2, ‐6, ‐8, ‐10 or tumour necrosis factor were not significantly increased in any of the diagnosis groups compared to healthy controls. Serum C‐reactive protein was higher in dogs with brain tumours and inflammatory brain disease but not above the upper bound of the reference interval. Clinical Significance: Dogs that present with acute onset intracranial disease may have ischaemic stroke but are more likely to have other causes. Many dogs with such acute onset of neurological dysfunction (brain tumours excluded) may recover within a couple of weeks despite their initial severe clinical appearance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Seizures are common in dogs and can be caused by non-epileptic conditions or epilepsy. The clinical course of newly diagnosed epilepsy is sparsely documented. The objective of this study was to prospectively investigate causes for seizures (epileptic and non-epileptic) in a cohort of dogs with new-onset untreated seizures, and for those dogs with newly diagnosed epilepsy to investigate epilepsy type, seizure type and the course of disease over time, including the risk of seizure recurrence. Untreated client-owned dogs experiencing new-onset seizures were prospectively enrolled in a longitudinal observational study including clinical investigations and long-term monitoring at the Copenhagen University Hospital for Companion Animals. A baseline clinical assessment was followed by investigator/owner contact every eight weeks from inclusion to death or end of study. Inclusion of dogs was conducted from November 2010 to September 2012, and the study terminated in June 2014. Results: One hundred and six dogs were included in the study. Seventy-nine dogs (74.5%) were diagnosed with epilepsy: 61 dogs (77.2%) with idiopathic epilepsy, 13 dogs (16.5%) with structural epilepsy and five dogs (6.3%) with suspected structural epilepsy. A non-epileptic cause for seizures was identified in 13 dogs and suspected in 10 dogs. Four dogs in which no cause for seizures was identified experienced only one seizure during the study. In dogs with idiopathic epilepsy 60% had their second epileptic seizure within three months of seizure onset. Twenty-six dogs with idiopathic epilepsy (43%) completed the study without receiving antiepileptic treatment. The natural course of idiopathic epilepsy (uninfluenced by drugs) was illustrated by highly individual and fluctuating seizure patterns, including long periods of remission. Cluster seizures motivated early treatment. In a few dogs with a high seizure frequency owners declined treatment against the investigators advice. Conclusions: Epilepsy is the most likely diagnosis in dogs presenting with new-onset seizures. The course of idiopathic epilepsy is highly individual and might not necessarily require long-term treatment. This must be considered when advising owners about what to expect with regard to treatment and prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report represents a scientific and working clinical consensus statement on seizure management in dogs based on current literature and clinical expertise. The goal was to establish guidelines for a predetermined, concise, and logical sequential approach to chronic seizure management starting with seizure identification and diagnosis (not included in this report), reviewing decision-making, treatment strategies, focusing on issues related to chronic antiepileptic drug treatment response and monitoring, and guidelines to enhance patient response and quality of life. Ultimately, we hope to provide a foundation for ongoing and future clinical epilepsy research in veterinary medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Canine cognitive dysfunction ( CCD) is an age-dependent neurodegenerative condition dominated by changes in behavioral patterns. Cohort studies investigating cognitive status in dogs are lacking. Objectives To investigate cognitive function, progression of age-related behavioral changes, survival, and possible biomarkers of CCD in aged dogs. Animals Fifty-one dogs >8 years old; 21 with no cognitive deficits, 17 with mild cognitive impairments ( MCI) and 13 with CCD. Methods Longitudinal study. Recruitment period of 12 months and an observational period of 24 months including a baseline and 3 planned subsequent assessments. Cognitive status was determined using validated questionnaires. Plasma Aβ-peptides were quantified using commercial ELISA assays and cytokines by a validated immunoassay. Results Signs characterizing dogs with CCD were aimless wandering, staring into space, avoid getting patted, difficulty finding dropped food and anxiety. Thirty-three percent of dogs with a normal cognitive status progressed to MCI and 22% classified as MCI progressed to CCD during the study period. For 6 dogs diagnosed with CCD, signs of cognitive dysfunction increased with time. A diagnosis of CCD did not affect survival. The level of plasma Aβ42 was significantly increased ( P < .05) in the CCD group (92.8 ± 24.0 pg/mL) compared to the MCI (77.0 ± 12.3 pg/mL) and normal group (74.9 ± 10.0 pg/mL), but no significant differences in concentrations of systemic inflammatory markers were detected. Conclusions Canine cognitive dysfunction is a progressive disorder with an individual variability in the rate of cognitive decline and clinical signs. Plasma Aβ42 seems to be an interesting plasma biomarker of CCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Syringomyelia ( SM) is common in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel ( CKCS). Dogs with syringes express clinical signs or might be clinically silent. Objectives To investigate the prevalence and heritability of symptomatic SM, the association between clinical signs and magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI) findings, and long-term outcome. Animals All CKCS registered in the Danish Kennel Club in 2001 (n = 240). Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire-based prevalence study validated by telephone interviews and clinically investigated clinical signs of SM. Dogs were 6 years at the time of investigation. A prospective observational litter study including clinical investigations, MRI and 5-year follow-up of symptomatic and asymptomatic siblings. Heritability was estimated based on the scale of liability in the study population and litter cohort. Results The cross-sectional study estimated a prevalence of symptomatic SM at 15.4% in the population. Thirteen symptomatic and 9 asymptomatic siblings participated in the litter study. Spinal cord syringes were confirmed in 21 of 22 littermates (95%). Syrinx diameter and mean syrinx : spinal cord ratio were significantly correlated with clinical signs ( P < .01). Estimated heritability of symptomatic SM was 0.81. Symptomatic SM motivated euthanasia in 20%. Dogs with syringes, which expressed no clinical signs at the age of 6, remained asymptomatic in 14/15 cases (93%). Conclusions and Clinical Importance The prevalence of symptomatic SM is high and genetics have a high impact on clinical disease expression. Further investigations of factors influencing the outbreak threshold of clinical signs of SM are desirable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Although a common neurological disorder in dogs, long-term outcome of epilepsy is sparsely documented. Objectives To investigate risk factors for survival and duration of survival in a population of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy or epilepsy associated with a known intracranial cause. Animals One hundred and two client owned dogs; 78 dogs with idiopathic epilepsy and 24 dogs with epilepsy associated with a known intracranial cause. Methods A retrospective hospital based study with follow-up. Dogs diagnosed with epilepsy between 2002 and 2008 were enrolled in the study. Owners were interviewed by telephone using a structured questionnaire addressing epilepsy status, treatment, death/alive, and cause of death. Results Median life span was 7.6 years, 9.2 years, and 5.8 years for all dogs, and dogs with idiopathic epilepsy or dogs with epilepsy associated with a known intracranial cause ( P < .001), respectively. Survival time for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy was significantly ( P = .0030) decreased for dogs euthanized because of epilepsy (median: 35 months) compared to dogs euthanized for other reasons (median: 67.5 months). Neutered male dogs with idiopathic epilepsy had a significant ( P = .031) shorter survival (median: 38.5 months) after index seizure compared to intact male dogs (median: 71 months). Treatment with two antiepileptic drugs ( AED′s) did not negatively influence survival ( P = .056). Conclusion and Clinical Importance Dogs with idiopathic epilepsy can in many cases expect a life span close to what is reported for dogs in general. In dogs where mono-therapy is not sufficient, the need for treatment with two AED′s is not linked to a poor prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Canine cognitive dysfunction ( CCD) is a neurodegenerative condition affecting geriatric dogs and sharing several characteristics with human Alzheimer's disease ( AD). CCD manifests as alterations of behavioral patterns and daily routines. Clinical signs are associated with neurodegenerative changes (eg, cortical atrophy and amyloid-beta deposits). Objectives To investigate clinical characteristics, survival, and risk factors with CCD. Vitamin E was investigated as a potential marker of CCD. Methods Ninety-four dogs >8 years of age were investigated with a validated CCD questionnaire and allocated to CCD, borderline CCD (b- CCD) and non- CCD groups. The dogs were included in 2008-2009 and followed up in an observational study until follow-up in 2012. Results Four key clinical signs dominated in dogs with CCD: sleeping during the day and restless at night, decreased interaction, disorientation at home, and anxiety. A number of borderline CCD cases developed into CCD over time indicating that a prodromal stage of CCD may exist. CCD did not influence survival negatively. Small breeds did not show better survival than large breeds ( P = .055) and there was no difference between sexes ( P = .99). Conclusions and Clinical Importance A few key questions addressing sleep-wake cycle, interaction, and signs of confusion and anxiety can be used as a clinical marker of CCD. Special attention should be paid to anxiety in dogs with CCD because it may be especially stressful to both dog and owner. Dogs with CCD seem to have a good chance of living a full lifespan if supported by the veterinarian and the owner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Belgian Shepherds have focal genetic epilepsy. The prevalence of epilepsy has been estimated as 9.5% in the breed and as 33% in the family investigated. Dogs with epilepsy might have an increased risk of premature death. Objective/Hypothesis To investigate survival and selected risk factors for premature death in a Belgian Shepherd family with genetic epilepsy. Animals One hundred ninety-nine related Belgian Shepherds. Methods Longitudinal observational study, 2009-2011. Follow-up telephone interviews were all conducted using a structured questionnaire addressing epilepsy, including seizure history and phenomenology, possible remission, possible death, and cause of death. Results The life span of epileptic dogs was not significantly shortened by the presence of epilepsy ( P = .87). Epilepsy was the predominant cause of death in the population (19/75 = 25%) and epilepsy-related deaths accounted for 70% (19/27) of all deaths in the group of dogs with epilepsy. Two probable sudden unexpected deaths related to epilepsy occurred in dogs with generalized seizures. Cluster seizures occurred in 33% (17/51) but did not significantly influence the life span of epileptic dogs. Dogs with epilepsy had an epilepsy remission proportion of 13.7%. Conclusion and Clinical Importance The Belgian Shepherds investigated in the present study display a focal genetic epilepsy with an overall benign course. The life span was not significantly affected by the presence of epilepsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Epilepsy with a genetic background is increasingly being identified. In certain dog breeds, epilepsy occurs with a higher prevalence than the estimate of 1-2% reported in the general dog population. Hypothesis The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen ( PBGV) experiences an increased occurrence of epilepsy compared to the general dog population. Animals The target population consisted of all 876 PBGV dogs registered in the Danish Kennel Club from January 1, 1999 to December 31, 2008. The study population included 820 dogs that met the inclusion criteria. Methods A population study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of epilepsy in the Danish PBGV population. A mailed questionnaire was used to detect possible signs of epilepsy. The information was subsequently validated by telephone interviews of positive and possible positive responders and a negative responder control group, using an extensive questionnaire developed to detect epilepsy. Dogs evaluated as epilepsy positive after the telephone interview were offered a clinical investigation. Results The prevalence of epilepsy was estimated to be 8.9% (42/471) in the PBGV population. Average age of onset was 26.3 months. Sex and mode of response did not affect the prevalence, but a strong litter effect was seen. Among euthanized dogs, epilepsy was the predominant cause (6/45 = 13.3%). Conclusion and Clinical Importance Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen dogs experience an increased risk of epilepsy characterized by a relatively early onset and dominated by focal seizures with and without secondary generalization. With an estimated prevalence of 8.9% and substantial clustering within litters, a genetic factor associated with epilepsy is suspected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To establish the mode of inheritance and describe the clinical features of epilepsy in the Belgian shepherd, taking the outset in an extended Danish dog family (199 individuals) of Groenendael and Tervueren with accumulated epilepsy. Methods: Epilepsy positive individuals (living and deceased) were ascertained through a telephone interview using a standardised questionnaire regarding seizure history and phenomenology. Living dogs were invited to a detailed clinical evaluation. Litters more than five years of age, or where epilepsy was present in all offspring before the age of five, were included in the calculations of inheritance. Results: Out of 199 family members, 66 dogs suffered from epilepsy. The prevalence of epilepsy in the family was 33%. Fifty-five dogs experienced focal seizures with or without secondary generalisation, while four dogs experienced primary generalised seizures. In seven dogs, seizures could not be classified. The mode of inheritance of epilepsy was simple Mendelian. Clinical Significance: This study identified that the Belgian shepherd suffers from genetically transmitted focal epilepsy. The seizure phenomenology expressed by family members have a strong resemblance to what has been reported for familial partial (focal) epilepsy in humans with variable foci with suggestion of linkage to chromosome 2 and chromosome 22q12. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this letter, the evolution of the stimulated Raman scattering effect on pulse amplification for an Yb-doped double-clad fiber amplifier is investigated. It is experimentally demonstrated that the generated Raman-Stokes pulses occur together with the signal pulse, which causes severe distortion of the output signal pulse. The signal and Raman spectral components are discriminated and their temporal evolution dependence on peak power is analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aim: To assess the efficacy of pregabalin monotherapy in Cavalier King Charles spaniels with spontaneous syringomyelia and scratching due to assumed central neuropathic pain. Materials and methods: A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study approved by the Danish Medicines Agency. Client-owned pet-dogs (bodyweight: eight to twelve kg) with quantifiable spontaneous scratching and MRI confirmed syringomyelia. Treatment with pregabalin, 150 mg BID for 21 days, a 48-hour wash-out period and placebo BID for 21 days or vice versa. Primary outcome: video-monitored number of scratching events during 10 minutes of exercise in six cases so far. Results: Still blinded, the six cases can clearly be separated into two symptomatic different groups with a mean relative reduction in scratching episodes of 49% (range 33-66). Discussion: The underlying mechanisms of central neuropathic pain in patients (dogs as well as humans) are still unknown. Effective treatment in pet dogs is challenging since no evidence-based protocols are published. The present study potentially results in an evidence-based recommendation and offers a comparator substance for future clinical trials in canine patients with central neuropathic pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatment of canine epilepsy is problematic. Few antiepileptic drugs have proven efficacy in dogs and undesirable adverse effects and pharmacoresistance are not uncommon. Consequently, the need for investigation of alternative treatment options is ongoing. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of levetiracetam as mono-therapy in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. The study used a prospective single-blinded parallel group design. Twelve client-owned dogs were included and were randomised to treatment with levetiracetam (30 mg/kg/day or 60 mg/kg/day divided into three daily dosages) or phenobarbital (4 mg/kg/day divided twice daily). Control visits were at days 30, 60 and then every 3 months for up to 1 year. Two or more seizures within 3 months led to an increase in drug dosage (levetiracetam: 10 mg/kg/day, phenobarbital: 1 mg/kg/day). Five of six levetiracetam treated dogs and one of six phenobarbital treated dogs withdrew from the study within 2–5 months due to insufficient seizure control. In the levetiracetam treated dogs there was no significant difference in the monthly number of seizures before and after treatment, whereas in the phenobarbital treated dogs there were significantly ( P  = 0.013) fewer seizures after treatment. Five phenobarbital treated dogs were classified as true responders (≥50% reduction in seizures/month) whereas none of the levetiracetam treated dogs fulfilled this criterion. Adverse effects were reported in both groups but were more frequent in the phenobarbital group. In this study levetiracetam was well tolerated but was not effective at the given doses as mono-therapy in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perceptions of cancer care are impacted by many factors and differ among individuals. Patients generally want consistent support, effective communication, accessible treatments, and information to manage physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs. Black/African American cancer survivors have expressed concerns about providers ignoring the social and financial implications of cancer care and neglecting to address the generations of mistrust between minority communities and the healthcare system. There is limited information about these perceptions as they relate specifically to radiation therapy which we aim to address with this study. Female breast cancer survivors identifying as Black/African American within the metropolitan Milwaukee area were eligible to participate in a semi-structured interview guided by a demographic questionnaire, a life narrative account, and a residential history. Participants were purposively sampled by neighborhood racial and ethnic composition (majority Black, minority Black, and racially diverse communities) to ensure a diversity of experiences. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using a codebook developed and refined based on a conceptual model. Individuals worked in assigned pairs to open code each transcript. Data coded as "clinical presentation" or "treatment/healthcare" were pulled and reviewed for discussion of radiation therapy. Within these codes, further thematic analysis was performed to breakdown perceptions of this treatment modality. Fifty Black women were interviewed, 25 from majority, 7 from diverse, and 18 from minority communities. In discussing radiation therapy, six key themes emerged: emotional reactions, logistics of daily treatment, social barriers, side effects, general positive experiences, and general negative experiences. Emotional reactions included feelings of fear, anger, and being overwhelmed. Social barriers related to family obligations, transportation, distance from a treatment center, and racism. Commonly discussed side effects included fatigue, dermatitis, impacts on reconstruction, and long-term cardiotoxicity. Women living in majority Black communities were more likely to discuss side effects and general positive experiences while other themes were more equally explored by majority, minority, and diverse community members alike. Black women have diverse and varied perspectives of radiation therapy during breast cancer treatment. Anticipated themes surrounding logistics, side effects, and overall emotions of treatment were observed. Unique to their experiences, Black women have faced racism and an increased burden of social barriers during their treatment. Further studies exploring the perspectives of Black female cancer survivors are needed to optimize quality of care and outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]