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Abstract Background Estrogen modulates the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system (RAAS) in women, but sex differences have not been fully explored in dogs. Objective We hypothesized that the RAAS profile of intact female (IF) Doberman Pinschers (DP) would differ from spayed female (SF) and intact male (IM) DP. Animals Eighteen healthy DP (6 IF, 6 SF, 6 IM). Methods Absolute and indexed RAAS metabolites, angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) and ACE2 activities, and genotypes (pyruvate kinase dehydrogenase 4, titin, and ACE variants) were compared among sex groups using Kruskal‐Wallis or chi‐square tests, and linear regression controlling for age. Data are expressed as median (minimum, maximum) and P

Background: Estrogen modulates the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system (RAAS) in women, but sex differences have not been fully explored in dogs. Objective: We hypothesized that the RAAS profile of intact female (IF) Doberman Pinschers (DP) would differ from spayed female (SF) and intact male (IM) DP. Animals: Eighteen healthy DP (6 IF, 6 SF, 6 IM). Methods: Absolute and indexed RAAS metabolites, angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) and ACE2 activities, and genotypes (pyruvate kinase dehydrogenase 4, titin, and ACE variants) were compared among sex groups using Kruskal‐Wallis or chi‐square tests, and linear regression controlling for age. Data are expressed as median (minimum, maximum) and P <.05 was considered significant. Results: The ACE activity was higher in IF DP (656 pmol/L; 436, 784) compared to SF DP (411 pmol/L; 287, 451; P =.01) and IM DP (365 pmol/L; 276, 1200; P =.04) after controlling for age. Angiotensin II, angiotensin I, and plasma renin activity marker (PRA‐S) were higher in IF DP compared to SF DP, but not significantly (P ≤.25). After controlling for age, angiotensin 1‐7/angiotensin I was lower in IF DP compared to SF DP (P =.01). Genotypes did not differ among groups. Most DP (94%) were ACE variant positive. Conclusions and Clinical Significance: Sex and reproductive status influenced the RAAS of DP, with IF DP showing genotype‐independent higher ACE activity. These findings hold implications for sterilization practices in female dogs, and support sex and reproductive status as a source of variability in RAAS studies. Additionally, the frequency of the ACE gene variant was very high in this group of DP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Aims Aptamer BC 007, a 15‐mer single‐strand DNA oligonucleotide (5'‐GGTTGGTGTGGTTGG‐3'), was developed to neutralize functional autoantibodies that bind to the extracellular domains of G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCR‐AAB), leading to the modulation of receptor‐mediated signalling cascades that induce pathophysiological states. Among the GPCR‐AAB, there are those directed against the β1‐adrenergic receptor (β1‐AAB) that are highly present in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and are increasingly accepted as disease drivers. Using Doberman Pinschers (DP) with DCM, which possess similarities with human DCM among these β1‐AAB positivity for that the disease‐driving role in DP DCM was demonstrated, the safety of BC 007, efficacy for neutralizing β1‐AAB, and the DP's outcome were investigated. Methods and results Fourteen client‐owned β1‐AAB‐positive DP with electrocardiographically and echocardiographically indicated DCM were treated with BC 007. For controlling, two groups were created: 14 β1‐AAB‐positive DP with DCM not treated with BC 007 (Control 1) and 14 DP with DCM closely matched to the BC 007‐treated DP (Control 2), retrospectively selected from the institutional database of DP. After treatment, DP were monitored both echocardiographically, and for β1‐AAB, and survival curves were calculated. Based on clinical and laboratory examination, no adverse effects associated with BC 007 treatment were observed during the study. Forty‐eight hours after treatment, the DP's blood was free of β1‐AAB, which led to a reduction or stabilization of left ventricular end‐systolic volume (ESVI) during β1‐AAB free time in 10 of the treated DP. In one DP, where β1‐AAB returned after 3 months and ESVI worsened again, a second BC 007 treatment after 9 months again cleared the blood from β1‐AAB and improved the ESVI. Compared with the controls, DP treated with BC 007 showed a significantly longer survival time [572 days, interquartile range (IQR) 442–840 days] vs. Control group 1 (266 days, IQR 97–438 days; logrank: P = 0.009) and Control group 2 (229 days, IQR 174–319 days; logrank: P = 0.012). Conclusions Treatment with BC 007 for β1‐AAB neutralization was safe, resulted in a long‐lasting reduction of β1‐AAB combined with improved cardiac function and prolonged the survival of DP with DCM. Using a natural large animal model of DCM considered superior to small animal models of immunization‐induced cardiomyopathy, combined with a study design comparable with clinical trials, we believe that our results provide the basis for optimism that treatment with BC 007 might also be effective in human patients with DCM.

Background A congenital syndrome of hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction affects Doberman Pinschers. Its inheritance pattern is suspected to be autosomal recessive and it potentially represents a spontaneous animal model of an autosomal recessive syndromic hearing loss. Hypothesis/Objectives The objectives of this study were to use whole genome sequencing (WGS) to identify deleterious genetic variants in candidate genes associated with the syndrome and to study the prevalence of candidate variants among a population of unaffected Doberman Pinschers. Animals One affected Doberman Pinscher and 202 unaffected Doberman Pinschers. Methods WGS of the affected dog with filtering of variants against a database of 154 unaffected dogs of diverse breeds was performed. Confirmation of candidate variants was achieved by Sanger sequencing followed by genotyping of the control population of unaffected Doberman Pinschers. Results WGS and variant filtering identified an alteration in a gene associated with both deafness and vestibular disease in humans: protein tyrosine phosphatase, receptor type Q (PTPRQ). There was a homozygous A insertion at CFA15: 22 989 894, causing a frameshift mutation in exon 39 of the gene. This insertion is predicted to cause a protein truncation with a premature stop codon occurring after position 2054 of the protein sequence that causes 279 C‐terminal amino acids to be eliminated. Prevalence of the variant was 1.5% in a cohort of 202 unaffected Doberman Pinschers; all unaffected Doberman Pinschers were heterozygous or heterozygous for the reference allele. Conclusion and Clinical Importance We report the identification of a genetic alteration on the PTPRQ gene that is associated with congenital hearing and vestibular disorder in a young Doberman Pinscher dog.

Aims: Aptamer BC 007, a 15‐mer single‐strand DNA oligonucleotide (5'‐GGTTGGTGTGGTTGG‐3'), was developed to neutralize functional autoantibodies that bind to the extracellular domains of G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCR‐AAB), leading to the modulation of receptor‐mediated signalling cascades that induce pathophysiological states. Among the GPCR‐AAB, there are those directed against the β1‐adrenergic receptor (β1‐AAB) that are highly present in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and are increasingly accepted as disease drivers. Using Doberman Pinschers (DP) with DCM, which possess similarities with human DCM among these β1‐AAB positivity for that the disease‐driving role in DP DCM was demonstrated, the safety of BC 007, efficacy for neutralizing β1‐AAB, and the DP's outcome were investigated. Methods and results: Fourteen client‐owned β1‐AAB‐positive DP with electrocardiographically and echocardiographically indicated DCM were treated with BC 007. For controlling, two groups were created: 14 β1‐AAB‐positive DP with DCM not treated with BC 007 (Control 1) and 14 DP with DCM closely matched to the BC 007‐treated DP (Control 2), retrospectively selected from the institutional database of DP. After treatment, DP were monitored both echocardiographically, and for β1‐AAB, and survival curves were calculated. Based on clinical and laboratory examination, no adverse effects associated with BC 007 treatment were observed during the study. Forty‐eight hours after treatment, the DP's blood was free of β1‐AAB, which led to a reduction or stabilization of left ventricular end‐systolic volume (ESVI) during β1‐AAB free time in 10 of the treated DP. In one DP, where β1‐AAB returned after 3 months and ESVI worsened again, a second BC 007 treatment after 9 months again cleared the blood from β1‐AAB and improved the ESVI. Compared with the controls, DP treated with BC 007 showed a significantly longer survival time [572 days, interquartile range (IQR) 442–840 days] vs. Control group 1 (266 days, IQR 97–438 days; logrank: P = 0.009) and Control group 2 (229 days, IQR 174–319 days; logrank: P = 0.012). Conclusions: Treatment with BC 007 for β1‐AAB neutralization was safe, resulted in a long‐lasting reduction of β1‐AAB combined with improved cardiac function and prolonged the survival of DP with DCM. Using a natural large animal model of DCM considered superior to small animal models of immunization‐induced cardiomyopathy, combined with a study design comparable with clinical trials, we believe that our results provide the basis for optimism that treatment with BC 007 might also be effective in human patients with DCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the case of a 3-year-old castrated male Doberman pinscher presented with respiratory disease with classic signs of disseminated blastomycosis. Morphologic diagnosis include pyogranulomatous bronchopneumonia, osteomyelitis, fasciitis, myositis and lymphadenitis with yeasts consistent with Blastomyces dermatitidis. Itraconazole is the treatment of choice for dogs with blastomycosis.

The dog provides a large animal model of familial dilated cardiomyopathy for the study of important aspects of this common familial cardiovascular disease. We have previously demonstrated a form of canine dilated cardiomyopathy in the Doberman pinscher breed that is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait and is associated with a splice site variant in the pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) gene, however, genetic heterogeneity exists in this species as well and not all affected dogs have the PDK4 variant. Whole genome sequencing of a family of Doberman pinchers with dilated cardiomyopathy and sudden cardiac death without the PDK4 variant was performed. A pathologic missense variant in the titin gene located in an immunoglobulin-like domain in the I-band spanning region of the molecule was identified and was highly associated with the disease (p < 0.0001). We demonstrate here the identification of a variant in the titin gene highly associated with the disease in this spontaneous canine model of dilated cardiomyopathy. This large animal model of familial dilated cardiomyopathy shares many similarities with the human disease including mode of inheritance, clinical presentation, genetic heterogeneity and a pathologic variant in the titin gene. The dog is an excellent model to improve our understanding of the genotypic phenotypic relationships, penetrance, expression and the pathophysiology of variants in the titin gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Echocardiography and 24‐hour ECG are the gold standard tests to diagnose dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in Doberman Pinschers (DP), but myocardial damage might be detected earlier using a high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs‐cTnI) assay. Objective: To evaluate and compare an hs‐cTnI assay (Advia Centaur TnI‐Ultra assay) with a conventional cTnI assay in DP with different stages of DCM and in healthy DP. Animals: Three hundred forty‐five examinations from 162 DP with and 179 DP without DCM. Methods: Prospective longitudinal study. Dogs were allocated into 6 groups based on echocardiographic and 24‐hour ECG criteria: (1) healthy group (179 dogs), (2) last‐normal group (29 dogs), which included dogs that were considered to be healthy at the time of their examination but were assigned to the last‐normal group retrospectively when DCM was diagnosed at their next examination within 1.5 years, (3) only arrhythmias (45 dogs, 119 examinations), (4) only echocardiographic changes (24 dogs, 61 examinations), (5) echocardiographic changes with ventricular premature complexes (41 dogs, 100 examinations), and (6) decompensated (23 dogs, 36 examinations). Hs‐cTnI and conventional cTnI concentration measurements were performed and compared. Results: A cutoff value of hs‐cTnI concentration >0.113 ng/mL had a sensitivity of 81.2% and a specificity of 73.2% to identify the presence of DCM. The conventional cTnI assay showed a similar test performance, but the hs‐cTnI assay identified more dogs (21/29 dogs, 72%) in the last‐normal group compared to the conventional cTnI test (18/29 dogs, 62%). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The hs‐cTnI is an additional test with good potential to identify early DCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CASE REPORT Myositis ossificans traumatica (MOT) is a condition of non-neoplastic soft tissue ossification commonly reported in humans subsequent to large haematoma formation, particularly involving the quadriceps muscles. Similar conditions have been described in canine patients, particularly affecting the gluteal region in Doberman Pinschers with von Willebrand disease without a prior large haematoma having been noted. This report describes a Doberman dog presenting with MOT following a large haematoma formation, mimicking the typical presentation in humans, which validates comparison of the condition between these species. The pathophysiology of MOT is incompletely understood and may relate to haematoma formation in the presence of chronic muscle fatigue. CONCLUSION Diagnosis of MOT can be complicated, with lesions resembling soft tissue neoplasia or primary bone tumours in the early stages of development. A combination of advanced imaging, histopathology and the clinical examination may be required to reach a final diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Case Description- A six-month-old Doberman Pinscher male with sever laceration in the mucosa of the lip, nose and nostrils as well as the shoulder area was referred to Veterinary Hospital of Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman. Clinical Findings- The animal showed anorexia, depression, and sialorrhea. There was also a deep laceration over the right shoulder. Treatment and Outcome- Surgery was performed under general anesthesia. Submocusa and mocusa were sutured in separate layer using simple interrupted pattern of absorbable suture material, and the skin of the nostril was reconstructed with the same pattern and non-absorbable suture material. Clinical Relevance- Injuries of the oral cavity in dogs happen in a variety of conditions. This report describes surgical reconstruction of lip and muzzle laceration in a Doberman pinscher

An approximately 2‐year‐old female Doberman Pinscher was referred for the evaluation of bilateral, chronic proliferative conjunctivitis. Ophthalmic examination revealed bilateral thick, opaque pseudomembranes originating from the conjunctivae that prevented visualization of the cornea and interior structures of the eye. Histopathological findings of biopsies of the pseudomembranes were consistent with ligneous conjunctivitis. Serum plasminogen activity levels were within the normal range. Treatment with topical and systemic anti‐inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs did not improve the conjunctival lesions. The pseudomembranes were surgically excised, and the conjunctival surfaces were reconstructed with amniotic membrane. At final re‐examination two years postsurgery, there was no evidence of recurrence of the pseudomembranes. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of the successful treatment of canine ligneous conjunctivitis with amniotic membrane transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Copper associated hepatitis (CAH) has been increasingly recognized in dogs, and speculation exists that hereditary defects in copper metabolism have been exacerbated by increased environmental copper exposure. However, no broad epidemiological investigations have been performed to investigate quantitative hepatic copper concentrations ([Cu]H) over time in both dogs that are (predisposed breed [PB]), and are not (non‐predisposed breed [NPB]), considered at‐risk for CAH. Objectives: To investigate [Cu]H in dogs and explore temporal, demographic, and histologic associations spanning 34 years. Animals 546 archived liver specimens. Methods: Retrospective study. Searches of the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory database identified dogs that had undergone hepatic histopathologic assessment. Cases with archived tissue were reviewed and classified by breed, time period, and presence or absence of hepatitis. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to determine [Cu]H. Results: In time period 2009–2015, median [Cu]H were 101 μg/g and 313 μg/g greater than median [Cu]H in time period 1982–1988 for NPB and PB dogs, respectively (P <.001 for both comparisons). The proportion of dogs with [CU]H > 300 μg/g increased in NPB (28% to 49%) and PB dogs (48% to 71%) during these periods (P =.002 for both comparisons). Median [Cu]H in dogs with hepatitis increased 3‐fold over time in both NPB (P =.004) and PB populations (P <.001). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The frequent recognition of CAH in recent years is likely due to the observed increases in [Cu]H over time. Importantly, effects are not limited to PB dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary A 7-year-old neutered female Doberman pinscher was presented with a palpebral nodule on the haired eyelid of the left eye. The nodule was removed surgically. Microscopically, the nodule was consistent with eyelid melanocytoma. The tumour was characterized by the presence of numerous lacunar and slit-like spaces filled by erythrocytes and interspersed throughout the neoplastic melanocytes. Immunohistochemically, these spaces were lined by cells expressing PNL2 and factor VIII, but the cells were negative for CD31. These findings were consistent with neoplastic melanocytes without endothelial cell participation. This feature was interpreted as ‘vasculogenic mimicry’, a mechanism of tumour angiogenesis that is well-recognized in human melanomas, but has not yet been reported in melanomas in animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The efficacy of treatment of dogs with cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM) is commonly based on the owner's and clinician's perception of the gait, which is highly subjective and suffers from observer bias. Hypothesis/Objectives: To compare selected kinetic and kinematic parameters before and after treatments and to correlate the findings of gait analysis to clinical outcome. Animals: Eight Doberman Pinschers with CSM confirmed by magnetic resonsance imaging. Methods: Patients were prospectively studied and treated with either medical management (n=5) or surgery (n=3). Force plate analysis and 3-D kinematic motion capture were performed at initial presentation and approximately 8 weeks later. Force plate parameters evaluated included peak vertical force (PVF). Kinematic parameters measured included number of pelvic limb strides, stifle flexion and extension, maximum and minimum thoracic limb distance, truncal sway, and thoracic limb stride duration. Results: Kinematic analysis showed that deviation of the spine to the right (truncal sway) was significantly smaller (P<.001) and the degree of right stifle flexion was significantly larger (P=.029) after treatment. Force plate analysis indicated that PVF was significantly different after treatment (P=.049) and the difference of the PVF also was significantly larger (P=.027). However, no correlation was found with either method of gait analysis and clinical recovery. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Kinetic and kinematic gait analysis were able to detect differences in dogs with CSM before and after treatment. A correlation of gait analysis to clinical improvement could not be determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A congenital syndrome of hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction affects Doberman Pinschers. Its inheritance pattern is suspected to be autosomal recessive and it potentially represents a spontaneous animal model of an autosomal recessive syndromic hearing loss. Hypothesis/Objectives: The objectives of this study were to use whole genome sequencing (WGS) to identify deleterious genetic variants in candidate genes associated with the syndrome and to study the prevalence of candidate variants among a population of unaffected Doberman Pinschers. Animals: One affected Doberman Pinscher and 202 unaffected Doberman Pinschers. Methods: WGS of the affected dog with filtering of variants against a database of 154 unaffected dogs of diverse breeds was performed. Confirmation of candidate variants was achieved by Sanger sequencing followed by genotyping of the control population of unaffected Doberman Pinschers. Results: WGS and variant filtering identified an alteration in a gene associated with both deafness and vestibular disease in humans: protein tyrosine phosphatase, receptor type Q (PTPRQ). There was a homozygous A insertion at CFA15: 22 989 894, causing a frameshift mutation in exon 39 of the gene. This insertion is predicted to cause a protein truncation with a premature stop codon occurring after position 2054 of the protein sequence that causes 279 C‐terminal amino acids to be eliminated. Prevalence of the variant was 1.5% in a cohort of 202 unaffected Doberman Pinschers; all unaffected Doberman Pinschers were heterozygous or heterozygous for the reference allele. Conclusion and Clinical Importance: We report the identification of a genetic alteration on the PTPRQ gene that is associated with congenital hearing and vestibular disorder in a young Doberman Pinscher dog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

von Willebrand disease (vWD) is the most common inherited coagulopathy in dogs, particularly in Doberman Pinschers. We developed a pyrosequencing-based assay to estimate the frequency of the c.7437G>A mutation associated with vWD type 1 in the Doberman Pinscher population of Buenos Aires, Argentina. We found a 0.41 frequency for the mutated allele, which varied significantly within families (family 1 = 0.43, family 2 = 0.58, unrelated animals = 0.35). The use of a popular founder male carrier of mutant allele A increased vWD incidence within a family and in the general population. The mode of inheritance was confirmed as autosomal dominant with incomplete penetrance. No differences were found between sexes and coat colors. Pyrosequencing was a good complement to clinical and coagulation tests for vWD type 1 diagnosis and a useful alternative for detecting the c.7437G>A mutation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a young castrated male Doberman Pinscher with syncopal episodes taken to the Cornell University Hospital for Animals Emergency Service because of nonproductive coughing and vomiting. According to the author furosemide, pimobendan, and diltiazent hydrochloride was given and Electrocardiography (ECG) was monitored. It is suggested that the dog died due to defibrillation.

Background Immune system involvement is suggested as an underlying cause for Doberman hepatitis (DH) based on female predisposition, lymphocyte infiltration, abnormal hepatocyte expression of major histocompatibility complex class II antigens, and homozygosity for dog leukocyte antigen DRB1*00601. Objective To measure serum antinuclear antibodies ( ANA) and serum antihistone antibodies ( AHA) in Dobermans with hepatitis. To determine whether increased serum ANA or serum AHA could be used to support the diagnosis of Doberman hepatitis (DH). Animals Privately owned 25 subclinically and 13 clinically affected DH Dobermans and 17 healthy control Dobermans. Methods Case-control study. Indirect immunofluorescence ( IIF) microscopy and line blot tests were employed for the ANA pilot studies and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ( ELISA) assay for detection of IgG AHA. Results Indirect immunofluorescence revealed ANA-positive cases, and line blot showed AHA reactivity. In ELISA, importantly increased concentrations of AHA were found in 92% (23/25) of dogs in the subclinical stage and 84.6% (11 of 13) of dogs in the clinical stage of DH compared with no control dogs (0/17) ( P < 0.0005). The mean AHA absorbance values of the blood samples obtained from the 25 subclinical DH dogs (1.36 ± 0.60, mean ± SD) and the 13 clinically affected dogs (1.46 ± 0.49) were significantly higher than in 17 control dogs (0.51 ± 0.18; P < 0.0001). Conclusions and Clinical Importance As the presence of AHA indicates autoimmune activity, our results favor an autoimmune background as one cause for DH. Antihistone antibody could represent a novel means for screening Dobermans with increased serum alanine transaminase concentrations and suspicion of DH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary A 17-month-old female doberman pinscher was referred for an abdominal mass and ascites. Exploratory laparotomy revealed the presence of a large neoplastic mass replacing the right ovary and associated with multiple mesovarian, mesometrial and peritoneal nodules. An ovariohysterectomy was performed. Grossly, the tumour was soft and multilocular with large areas of haemorrhage and necrosis. Microscopically, it was infiltrative and composed of round and polygonal cells arranged respectively in solid sheets or forming distorted tubular structures separated by thick fibrovascular septae. Tubules contained necrotic debris, proteinaceous fluid or small endoluminal papillary structures. Marked cellular atypia, multiple neoplastic emboli and high mitotic count were observed. Immunohistochemically, the round cells uniformly expressed placental alkaline phosphatase, while the polygonal cells arranged in tubules and papillae expressed cytokeratin (CK) AE1/AE3 and CK7. A final diagnosis of metastasizing ovarian embryonal carcinoma (EC), a primitive germ cell tumour characterized by rudimentary epithelial differentiation was made. Canine ovarian EC should be considered as a differential diagnosis for undifferentiated aggressive ovarian tumours in young dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the case of a 10-year-old female Doberman Pinscher referred for evaluation of suspected congestive heart failure. Topics covered include the findings of thoracic radiography and serum biochemical analysis, interpretation of the 6-lead electrocardiographic (ECG) examination which confirmed the diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and outcome following the administration of antiarrhythmic drugs, oxygen supplementation, and diuretic treatment.

Background: Cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM), also known as wobbler syndrome, affects mainly large and giant-breed dogs, causing compression of the cervical spinal cord and/or nerve roots. Structural and dynamic components seem to play a role in the development of CSM; however, pathogenesis is not yet fully understood. Physiologic and pathologic movements of the cervical spine depend on the morphology and morphometry of articular processes, as well as on intervertebral discs and vertebral column ligaments. Moreover, the characteristics of the articular processes affect motion and stability of the vertebral column. The goal of this study was to investigate the angle, shape, and position of the articular surfaces within the articular processes and compare them between Doberman Pinschers and Great Danes with and without cervical spondylomyelopathy. Results: Magnetic resonance images were obtained for 60 dogs: 15 clinically normal Dobermans (Dob-N), 15 CSM-affected Dobermans (Dob-CSM), 15 clinically normal Great Danes (GD-N), and 15 CSM-affected Great Danes (GD-CSM). Angle, shape, and position (lateral distance) of the articular surfaces from the articular processes were analyzed from C2-3 to C7-T1. Results indicate that the mean angle was different between Dob-CSM and GD-CSM at C4-5, C5-6, and C6-7, and between GD-N and GD-CSM at C6-7. There were differences between Dob-N and GD-N, and between Dob-CSM and GD-CSM for the lateral distance at most locations, except C2-3. Compared with Great Danes, Dobermans generally had a greater proportion of concave caudal surfaces at C4-5, C5-6, and C6-7. Concave articular surfaces have been associated with greater axial rotation. This may explain the high proportion of disc-associated CSM in Dobermans compared to Great Danes. The differences between breeds suggest they may have different motion patterns in the caudal cervical vertebral column. Conclusions: Considering that no differences in angle, shape, or position of the articular surfaces within the articular processes were found between normal and CSM-affected dogs, their relevance appears to have a secondary role in the pathogenesis of CSM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The dynamic component of disc-associated cervical spondylomyelopathy ( DA- CSM) currently is evaluated using traction magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI), which does not assess changes in flexion and extension of the cervical vertebral column. In humans with cervical spondylotic myelopathy, kinematic MRI is used to identify dynamic compressions. Hypothesis/Objectives To evaluate the feasibility and utility of kMRI in Doberman Pinschers with DA- CSM using a novel positioning device. We hypothesized that kMRI would identify compressive lesions not observed with neutral positioning and change the dimensions of the spinal cord and cervical vertebral canal. Animals Nine client-owned Doberman Pinschers with DA- CSM. Methods Prospective study. After standard MR imaging of the cervical spine confirmed DA- CSM, dogs were placed on a positioning device to allow imaging in flexion and extension. Morphologic and morphometric assessments were compared between neutral, flexion, and extension images. Results Flexion was associated with improvement or resolution of spinal cord compression in 4/9 patients, whereas extension caused worsening of compressions in 6/9 patients. Extension identified 6 new compressive lesions and was significantly associated with dorsal and ventral compression at C5-C6 ( P = .021) and C6-C7 ( P = .031). A significant decrease in spinal cord height occurred at C6-C7 from neutral to extension ( P = .003) and in vertebral canal height at C5-C6 and C6-C7 from neutral to extension ( P = .011 and .017, respectively). Conclusions and clinical importance Our results suggest that kMRI is feasible and provides additional information beyond what is observed with neutral imaging, primarily when using extension views, in dogs with DA- CSM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Doberman Pinschers with dilated cardiomyopathy ( DCM) are at high risk of sudden cardiac death ( SCD). Risk factors for SCD are poorly defined. Aim To assess cardiac biomarkers, Holter- ECG, echocardiographic variables and canine characteristics in a group of Doberman Pinschers with DCM dying of SCD and in a DCM control group to identify factors predicting SCD. Methods/Animals A longitudinal prospective study was performed in 95 Doberman Pinschers with DCM. Forty-one dogs died within 3 months after the last cardiac examination ( SCD-group) and were compared to 54 Doberman Pinschers with DCM surviving 1 year after inclusion. Holter- ECG, echocardiography, measurement of N-terminal prohormone of brain-natriuretic peptide ( NT-pro BNP), and cardiac Troponin I ( cTnI) concentrations were recorded for all dogs. Results Volume overload of the left ventricle (left ventricular end-diastolic volume ( LVEDV/ BSA) > 91.3 mL/m²) was the single best variable to predict SCD. The probability of SCD increases 8.5-fold ( CI0.95 = 0.8-35.3) for every 50 mL/m²-unit increment in LVEDV/ BSA. Ejection fraction (EF), left ventricular end-systolic volume ( LVESV/ BSA) and NT-pro BNP were highly correlated with LVEDV/ BSA ( r = −0.63, 0.96, 0.86, respectively). Generated conditional inference trees (CTREEs) revealed that the presence of ventricular tachycardia ( VT), increased concentration of cTnI, and the fastest rate (FR) of ventricular premature complexes ( VPC) ≥260 beats per minute (bpm) are additional important variables to predict SCD. Conclusion Conditional inference trees provided in this study might be useful for risk assessment of SCD in Doberman Pinschers with DCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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OBJECTIVE To compare mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate (OCR) of fibroblasts from Doberman Pinschers with and without dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and mutation of the gene for pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase isozyme 4 (PDK4) and to evaluate in vitro whether treatment with adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector (ie, gene therapy) would alter metabolic efficiency. ANIMALS 10 Doberman Pinschers screened for DCM and PDK4 mutation. PROCEDURES Fibroblasts were harvested from skin biopsy specimens obtained from Doberman Pinschers, and dogs were classified as without DCM or PDK4 mutation (n = 3) or with occult DCM and heterozygous (4) or homozygous (3) for PDK4 mutation. Fibroblasts were or were not treated with tyrosine mutant AAV type 2 vector containing PDK4 at multiplicities of infection of 1,000. Mitochondrial OCR was measured to evaluate mitochondrial metabolism. The OCR was compared among dog groups and between untreated and treated fibroblasts within groups. RESULTS Mean ± SD basal OCR of fibroblasts from heterozygous (74 ± 8 pmol of O2/min) and homozygous (58 ± 12 pmol of O2/min) dogs was significantly lower than that for dogs without PDK4 mutation (115 ± 9 pmol of O2/min). After AAV transduction, OCR did not increase significantly in any group (mutation-free group, 121 ± 26 pmol of O2/min; heterozygous group, 88 ± 6 pmol of O2/min; homozygous group, 59 ± 3 pmol of O2/min). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Mitochondrial function was altered in skin fibroblasts of Doberman Pinschers with DCM and PDK4 mutation. Change in mitochondrial function after in vitro gene therapy at the multiplicities of infection used in this study was not significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was carried out in 180 healthy dogs, to assess the breed specific normal vertebral heart score (VHS) using thoracic radiographs. Dachshund, Doberman pinscher, German shepherd, Golden retriever, Labrador retriever, Mongrel, Pug, Rottweiler, Shih Tzu and Spitz were the breeds included in this study. According to their breeds, dogs were divided into ten groups and each group included eighteen dogs. Based on age, each group was subdivided into three with six dogs in each category and each sub division had equal number of either sex. The long axis of the heart was measured from the ventral border of the left main stem bronchus to the cardiac apex and short axis was measured at the widest point of the cardiac image on a line perpendicular to the long axis at the level of the caudal vena cava. The value of both long and shot axis were compared with the vertebral column starting at the cranial boarder of T4. The VHS value was estimated by the addition of vertebral lengths obtained with the help of both long and short axis. Breed, age and sex specific VHS values were calculated and analysed statistically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The current study was undertaken to evaluate the findings of canine hip dysplasia screening in Kenya. Materials and Methods: Records for 591 dogs were included in this study. The data was obtained from the national screening office, Kenya Veterinary Board, for the period between the years 1998 and 2014. Monthly screening records were assessed and information relating to year of evaluation, breed, sex, age, and hip score captured. Descriptive statistics of hip scores was computed based on year, sex, age, and breed. Results: A total of 591 records from the year 1998 to 2014 were retrieved at the National Screening Centre, the Kenya Veterinary Board. Each record was examined and data pertaining to year of screening, the breed, sex, age of the dogs, and the total hip score were recorded. The highest number of dogs screened for hip dysplasia (HD) was in the year 2009 and the lowest in the year 1998. More females than males were screened for HD and the mean age of all the dogs was 22.9±12.7 months. The most common breeds of dogs screened during the study period were German Shepherd (67.0%), Rottweiler (15.6%), and Labrador Retriever (12.2%). The mean hip score for the 591 dogs was 15.1±10.9 and the median 12.0. The mean hip scores per breed were; German Shepherd (16.3±12.1); Golden Retriever (16.0); Hungarian Vizla (15.0); Labrador Retriever (3.0±6.7); Great Dane (13.3±3.2); Rottweiler (12.2±8.2); Doberman (10.3±4.2); Rhodesian Ridgeback (9.6±3.8); and Boxer (9.3±0.6). Based on the hip score, moderate to severe HD was diagnosed in 16.6% of the dogs, mild HD in 32.7%, Borderline HD in 37.7%, fair HD in 6.9%, and good HD in 6.1%. Conclusion: Canine HD is a common occurrence in Kenya with most dogs suffering mild to border line HD. In addition, German Shepherd and Golden Retriever appear to be the most affected breeds. It is therefore recommended that stringent measures be imposed to dog breeding programs to avoid transmission of this undesirable trait and consequently improve the welfare and the quality of dog breeds in Kenya. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To characterize and compare gait variables in Doberman Pinschers with and without cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM). ANIMALS 18 Doberman Pinschers (9 clinically normal dogs and 9 CSM-affected dogs). PROCEDURES A neurologic examination was performed on all dogs. The diagnosis of CSM was confirmed with MRI. Temporospatial and kinetic gait variables were measured by use of a pressure-sensitive walkway. Temporospatial variables evaluated included stance phase duration, swing phase duration, gait cycle duration, stride length, and gait velocity. Kinetic variables evaluated included peak vertical force and vertical impulse. Random-effects linear regression was used to determine the difference between CSM-affected and clinically normal dogs for each of the 7 variables. RESULTS Values for temporospatial variables were significantly smaller in the thoracic limbs of CSM-affected dogs, compared with values for the thoracic limbs of clinically normal dogs. For the kinetic variables, peak vertical force was significantly higher in the thoracic limbs than the pelvic limbs for all dogs. Vertical impulse values were higher in the thoracic limbs than the pelvic limbs. There were significant differences in mean vertical impulse between the thoracic and pelvic limbs for both groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In this study, significant differences in temporospatial variables were identified between the thoracic limbs of clinically normal and CSM-affected dogs, with the values being smaller for the CSM-affected dogs than for the clinically normal dogs. A pressure-sensitive walkway may provide a valid, practical option for rapid, objective assessment of gait and response to treatment in dogs with CSM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Hypothyroidism and dilated cardiomyopathy ( DCM) are both common diseases in Doberman Pinschers. A possible influence of hypothyroidism on the etiology and progression of DCM is controversial. Objectives Evaluation of the role of hypothyroidism in etiology and progression of DCM. Animals A total of 175 Doberman Pinschers. Methods In this longitudinal prospective study, echocardiography and 24-hour ambulatory ECG recordings were performed in all dogs as screening tests for DCM. Total thyroxine (TT4) and thyroid ultrasonography served as initial screening tests for hypothyroidism and low TT4 values were followed up by a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test or free total thyroxine ( fT4)/ cTSH measurements. Additionally, a follow-up study of dogs affected by both DCM and hypothyroidism under optimal treatment for hypothyroidism was conducted. Results A total of 107 dogs were healthy, 45 dogs had DCM, 11 hypothyroidism, and 12 dogs had both DCM and hypothyroidism. TT4 values as well as the thyroid volumes were equivalent in the healthy dogs and in those with DCM. Neither ventricular premature complexes nor echocardiographic parameters differed between healthy and hypothyroid dogs. Dogs with DCM had a 2.26-fold (CI0.95 = 1.1-4.8) higher risk of also being affected by hypothyroidism. Despite optimal thyroid treatment of dogs with hypothyroidism and DCM, there was a progression of the heart disease. Conclusions and Clinical Importance This study did not confirm a role of hypothyroidism in the etiology or progression of DCM. Treatment of hypothyroidism did not improve the clinical outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combination of an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) with an aldosterone receptor antagonist can increase serum potassium and magnesium and lower serum sodium concentrations. The objective of this study was to retrospectively determine whether an ACEI and spironolactone can be coadministered to Doberman pinschers with occult dilated cardiomyopathy without serious adverse influences on serum electrolyte concentrations. Between 2001 and 2007,26 client-owned Doberman pinschers were given enalapril, spironolactone, and carvedilol and followed for at least 6 months. Most dogs had been prescribed mexiletine for ventricular tachyarrhythmia suppression. Dogs were treated with pimobendan when congestive heart failure was imminent. Baseline and follow-up (3-10 visits) color-flow Doppler echocardiograms, serum urea nitrogen (SUN), creatinine, sodium, potassium, and magnesium concentration data were tabulated. Compared to baseline data, there were no significant changes in serum sodium or serum creatinine concentrations. Serum magnesium (P = 0.003), serum potassium (P = 0.0001), and SUN (P = 0.0001) concentrations increased significantly with time. Although the combination of ACEI and spironolactone was associated with significant increases in magnesium, potassium, and SUN concentrations, these changes were of no apparent clinical relevance. At the dosages used in this study, this combination of drugs appears safe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]