bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical observations on medetomidine/ ketamine anaesthesia and its antagonism by atipamezole in the cat
Authors: Young L. E. , Jones R. S.
Published: April 2008

A combination of medetomidine and ketamine was administered intramuscularly to produce anaesthesia in 34 cats undergoing elective surgery or diagnostic procedures. Vomiting before the onset of sedation was observed in six cats. Surgical anaesthesia was rapid in onset and of consistently high quality. In order to hasten return to full awareness at the termination of surgery, atipamezole was administered, intramuscularly, in 33 cats. Recovery was smooth in all cases, with return to full consciousness occurring within a short time of the injection of atipamezole.
Haematology of the weanling, juvenile and adult cat
Authors: Earle K. E. , Smith P. M. , Gillott W. M. , Poore D. W.
Published: April 2008

Normal values for haematological parameters within the cat colony at the Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition were reviewed over a period of five years. Data was collected from a large number of animals (n = 468) fed commercially prepared pet food and will provide a useful guide for practitioners when assessing cats in a practice situation.
Dietary fibre and post prandial hyperglycaemia in normal and diabetic dogs
Authors: Blaxter A. C. , Cripps P. J. , Gruffydd‐Jones T. J.
Published: April 2008

Blood glucose responses to three different diets were measured in six normal dogs and in five diabetic dogs stabilised on insulin replacement therapy. In all animals a control canned diet was compared with the same diet containing 20 g wheat bran, and with the same diet containing 20 g guar granules. Reductions in hyper‐glycaemia were demonstrated for 240 minutes following the test meal containing guar in comparison with the control diet in all but one dog, and moderate reductions were demonstrated following the test meal containing bran. These findings suggest that, as in man, feeding restricted carbohydrate diets to diabetics is an outdated concept. As in human medicine, high fibre diets or dietary supplementation with soluble fibre, such as guar, reduces post prandial hypergly‐caemia and may help to improve gylcaemic control in diabetes mellitus.
Hiatal hernia in the dog and cat: A retrospective study of 16 cases
Authors: Bright R. M. , Sackman J. E. , DeNovo C. , Toal C.
Published: April 2008

Sixteen cases of hiatal hernia were diagnosed in cats and dogs at the University of Tennessee between 1978 and 1989. Three cases were found as incidental findings during thoracic or abdominal radiography and another two cases were found during post mortem examination. The remaining 11 cases were evaluated clinically and radiographically. The results of conservative or surgical therapy were reviewed. Not all animals with a hiatal hernia were symptomatic. Five animals with signs underwent surgery and another three had surgical intervention but were asymptomatic. Medical management was successful in controlling the signs in two animals showing signs consistent with reflux oesophagitis. One dog with ‘shortened oesophagus syndrome’ was treated inappropriately with conventional surgical techniques used in veterinary medicine for hiatal hernia. This study clearly emphasises the need to evaluate carefully each dog or cat with hiatal hernia before choosing the best therapeutic plan.
Response of dogs with functional pituitary macroadenomas and macrocarcinomas to radiation
Authors: Dow S. W. , LeCouteur R. A. , Rosychuk R. A. W. , Powers B. E. , Kemppainen R. J. , Gillette E. L.
Published: April 2008

A prospective study was conducted to assess the use of radiation therapy for treatment of dogs with large, functional pituitary tumours and pituitary‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism. Four dogs received only pituitary irradiation, whereas two dogs received irradiation and concurrent mitotane treatment. Effects of radiation therapy on tumour size and function were assessed by sequential CT scans, ACTH assays and ACTH stimulation tests. Reduction in tumour size and resolution of neurological abnormalities occurred in all dogs. The mean and median survival time following irradiation for dogs in this report was 740 days and 743 days, respectively. Atnecropsy, a pituitary chromophobe adenoma was detected in three dogs, and a pituitary carcinoma in one dog; necropsy was not carried out on two dogs. Pituitary hypersecretion of ACTH persisted for at
Bilateral olecranon avulsion in a cat
Authors: Wong W. T. , Mitten R. W.
Published: April 2008

Physeal fracture at the proximal olecranon has been rarely reported in the cat. Bilateral involvement in this case resulted in the cat adopting a ‘kangaroo‐like’ posture with both elbows flexed. Careful clinical examination and radiography were essential for a diagnosis. The fractures were successfully treated using the wire tension band principle.
Degenerative lumbosacral stenosis in 18 dogs
Authors: Watt P. R.
Published: April 2008

Eighteen dogs with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis were presented to the University of Queensland Small Animal Clinic (UQSAC) over a three‐year period. Presenting clinical signs included lumbosacral pain (89 per cent), hindlimb paresis and proprioceptive deficits (56 per cent), lameness (49 per cent), flaccid tails (22 per cent), and urinary dysfunction (16 per cent). All 18 dogs were treated by decompressive laminectomy. Two dogs were also treated by a pin fixation‐fusion technique. The major compressive lesion was a type II disc protrusion (72 per cent). Seventeen dogs (94 per cent) showed improvement postoperatively with minimal complications. Confirmation of diagnosis is difficult in that many aged dogs without clinical signs show radiographic signs compatible with stenosis.
Serodiagnosis of Lyme disease in UK dogs
Authors: May C. , Cartert S. D. , Barnes A. , Bell S. , Bennett D.
Published: April 2008

Lyme disease is a chronic, multisystemic, inflammatory disorder of man and animals associated with infection by the tick‐borne spirochaete, Borrelia burgdorferi. Lyme disease was recently reported for the first time in a dog in the UK (May and others 1990). Using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), we have performed a serological survey to investigate the prevalence of antibodies to B burgdorferi in UK dogs. The survey has shown that dogs from many areas in the UK have serum antibodies to B burgdorferi, that the presence of serum antibodies is associated with known exposure to ticks and that some dogs seropositive for B burgdorferi have clinical signs consistent with Lyme disease. High levels of serum anti‐Borrelia antibodies are not diagnostic for canine Lyme disease, but, in association with appropriate clinical signs, they help to confirm the diagnosis in suspected cases.
Pharmacology and therapeutics of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs in the dog and cat: 1 General pharmacology
Authors: Lees P. , May S. A. , McKellar Q. A.
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTS

The inflammatory process is described with particular reference to the cardinal signs, the microcir‐culatory changes and the mediators and modulators of inflammation. Mediators and modulars comprise targets for therapeutic intervention; and the arachidonic acid pathway, generating the eicosanoid group of compounds, is considered in detail. Most non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) of both carboxylic and enolic acid subgroups act partly and in some cases perhaps soley through inhibition of the enzyme cyclo‐oxy‐genase which is concerned with the generation of an important subgroup of eicosanoids, the prostaglandins. The wanted (therapeutic) and unwanted (side‐effects) actions of NSAIDs are considered together with their pharmacokinetic properties. The clinical pharmacology and therapeutic uses of NSAIDs in dogs and cats are described.
Pharmacology and therapeutics of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs in the dog and cat: 2 Individual agents
Authors: McKellar Q. A. , May S. A. , Lees P.
Published: April 2008

The general pharmacology of the non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used in dogs and cats has been described in part 1 of this review (Lees and others 1991). This paper outlines the properties of the individual agents as they are used in small animal practice. The NSAIDs which have been used extensively in small animals include the older agents such as Aspirin, cinchophen and phenylbutazone. These agents have previously been used empirically by extrapolation of dosages from other species and by clinical experience. Studies are now available which provide a scientific rationale for the dosage rate recommended. A number of new drugs have recently been licensed for use in the dog or may be licensed in the near future. These include flunixin, carprofen and tolfenamic acid and the data generated from these products provides very useful information for formulating I effective dosage regimens. There are also some NSAIDs such as piroxicam which have been investigated in the dog because they have particular properties which may be of use in common clinical conditions and others, such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen, which are readily available to the public and which owners may administer to dogs or cats at toxic doses.
Anaesthetic regimes for cataract removal in the dog
Authors: Young S. S. , Barnett K. C. , Taylor P. M.
Published: April 2008

Dogs scheduled for elective removal of non‐diabetic cataracts were assigned to one of four anaesthetic regimes. Thiopentone (Intraval Sodium; RMB Animal Health) or propofol (Rapinovet; Coopers Pitman‐Moore) was used as the induction agent and with each agent half the animals were paralysed with vecuronium (Nor‐curon; Organon Teknika) and ventilated mechanically, and half breathed spontaneously. Anaesthesia was maintained with halothane (Halothane‐M&B; RMB Animal Health) and nitrous oxide (BOC) in oxygen. The use of muscle relaxants significantly improved the eye position and significantly reduced the lowest halothane vaporiser setting used during anaesthesia. Propofol produced a significantly shorter recovery time than thiopentone.
Maxillary‐mandibular wiring for the management of caudal mandibular fractures in two cats
Authors: Lewis D. D. , Oakes M. G. , Kerwin S. C. , Hedlund C. S.
Published: April 2008

Maxillary‐mandibular wiring was used for mandibular immobilisation and maintenance of proper dental occlusion in two cats with caudal mandibular fractures. Alimentation was provided to one cat via a gastrostomy tube and to the other cat via a nasogastric tube during the seven day period the maxillary‐mandibular wires were maintained. Both cats had normal occlusion and mandibular function at the time of discharge from the hospital and at follow‐up examination.
Urinary alkaline phosphatase and 7‐glutamyl transferase as indicators of acute renal damage in dogs
Authors: Heiene R. , Biewenga W. J. , Koeman J. P.
Published: April 2008

Urinary alkaline phosphatase (AP) and 7‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels were measured in normal dogs, dogs with chronic renal failure, and dogs with acute renal failure, as confirmed by renal histology. The median values for urinary AP were 5–8 iu/litre/mmol creatinine for normal dogs, 6–7 for dogs with chronic renal failure and 49‐4 for dogs with acute renal failure. The median values for urinary GGT were 3–4 iu/litre/mmol creatinine for normal dogs, 4–9 for dogs with chronic renal failure and 9‐6 for dogs with acute renal failure. The results suggest that urinary AP can be used as an indicator of acute renal damage in the dog. GGT was shown to be less useful. No clear correlations were found between urinary enzyme levels and the extent of morphological kidney damage.
Cardiac damage in dogs infected with T brucei; clinical and electrocardiographic features
Authors: Ndung'u J. M. , McEwan N. A. , Jennings F. W. , Murray Max
Published: April 2008

Intravenous infection of dogs with Trypanosoma brucei resulted in an acute disease syndrome, characterised by fever, intense parasitaemia, severe anaemia and rapid weight loss. During the course of infection, evidence of severe cardiac abnormalities developed. Tachycardia and tachypnoea occurred soon after detection of parasitaemia, around day 6, progressing to severe bradycardia and dyspnoea in terminal stages of the disease in week 4. Murmurs of mitral and tricuspid incompetence were heard from day 12 by auscultation of the thoracic cavity. Electrocardiography revealed abnormalities in generation and conduction of electrical impulses, including sinus arrest and atrioventricular blocks, and accumulation of pericardial effusion in terminal stages. Effective treatment with the trypanocidal drug suramin resulted in rapid improvement of one of the dogs. When treatment was unsuccessful, however, chronic myocardial damage developed, with intramyocardial conduction defects, including S‐T segment and T wave changes, and ventricular escape beats. These abnormalities were similar to those reported for human African trypanosomiasis.
A comparison of the postoperative analgesic and sedative effects of flimixin and pap aver etum in the dog
Authors: Reid J. , Nolan A. M.
Published: April 2008

Twenty‐nine dogs undergoing a variety of surgical procedures were assigned randomly to one of two groups. All animals were premedicated with acepromazine (0–05 mg/kg) intramuscularly. Induction of anaesthesia was achieved with thiopentone sodium, or propofol in the case of sight hounds, and maintained with halothane in an oxygen/nitrous oxide mixture using a non‐rebreathing circuit. Dogs in group 1 were given flunixin (1 mg/kg made up to 5 ml with 0–9 per cent saline) slowly intravenously 10 minutes before the halothane was switched off. Group 2 dogs received papaveretum (0–2 mg/kg made up to 5 ml with saline] administered as before. Using a visual analogue scale, the dogs were scored for sedation and for pain by trained theatre staff who were unaware of the analgesic used. Scoring was at15, 30, 60, 120, 240 and 360 minutes after analgesic administration. Seven dogs were withdrawn from the trial (three from the papaveretum group and four from the group which received flunixin) because analgesia was deemed unsatisfactory and these animals were given pethidine (3 mg/kg intramuscularly) which produced adequate analgesia within 15 minutes in all cases. Clinically, flunixin proved to be as effective a postoperative analgesic as papaveretum for up to six hours and was associated with less sedation, Pain scores were significantly different at two and four hours with flunixin providing more analgesia than papaveretum and at the four hour time point, flunixin was associated with significantly less sedation than papaveretum. From this study it was concluded that flunixin has a place in the treatment of acute post surgical pain, either alone or in combination with opioid analgesics where pain is refractory to treatment with clinical doses of opioids alone.
Therapeutic aspects of acute spinal cord trauma
Authors: Janssens L. A. A.
Published: April 2008

Experimental spinal cord trauma is studied with the purpose of better understanding and of finding better treatments for clinically occurring spinal cord trauma. Logical treatments of spinal cord trauma inhibit or block pathophysiological pathways and cascades. These consist mainly of calcium ion channel blockers, free radical scavengers, anti‐oedema drugs and drugs that interfere with the arachidonic acid cascade and with thrombocyte aggregation and serotonin activity. Of these some have shown to be effective in experiments; dimethyl‐sulphoxide (DMSO), methylprednisolone and naloxone. Of these methylprednisolone and DMSO can be used effectively in small animal practice.
Pharmacokinetics and clinical efficacy of a cinchophen and prednisolone combination in the dog
Authors: McKellar Q. A. , Pearson T. , Galbraith E. A. , Boyle J. , Bell G.
Published: April 2008

The kinetics and efficacy of a cinchophen prednisolone combination preparation (PLT) were assessed in the dog. Cinchophen administered at a dose rate of 12‐5 mg/kg intravenously had a volume of distribution (Vd area) of 0–13 litres/kg, a clearance rate (Cl) of 0–15 litres/h and a half‐life (t 1/2β of 7–92 hours. Following oral administration the bioavailability was 87‐21 per cent. Prednisolone administered at a dose rate of 0–15 mg/kg intravenously had a Vd area of 2–7 litres/kg, a CI of 0–116 litres/h and a t1/2β of 1–11 hours. PLT given to dogs with osteoarthritis at a dosage range of between 25 and 44 mg/kg per day cinchophen and between 0–125 and 0–220 mg/kg per day prednisolone for a maximum of 14 days significantly improved lameness (P<0–001), weight bearing (P<0–005), joint mobility (P<0–01) and stiffness (P<0–001) scores and was similar in clinical efficacy to phenylbutazone.
Mandibulectomy and maxillectomy in the dog: long term survival in 100 cases
Authors: White R. A. S.
Published: April 2008

Mandibulectomy or maxillectomy was performed in dogs for the removal of 100 bone‐involved oral tumours of varying histological type. These techniques provided excellent results when used for the excision of carcinomas achieving one year survival rates for basal cell carcinomas (acanthomatous epulides) and squamous cell carcinomas of 100 and 84 per cent, respectively. Mandibulectomy and maxillectomy were, therefore, considered to achieve good wide local excision and to be the techniques of choice for the management of oral carcinomas. Prognoses for sarcomas were, however, considerably poorer. There was a high incidence of local recurrence (32 per cent) and distant metastasis (27 per cent) and one year survival rates for fibrosarcomas, osteosarcomas and malignant melanomas were 50, 42 and 0 per cent, respectively. Mandibulectomy and maxillectomy were not considered to achieve radical local excisional margins in all cases and were inadequate as the sole form of treatment for sarcomas of the oral cavity. Mandibulectomy and maxillectomy may be useful, however, as part of a combined modality approach to oral sarcomas or may be justified as the sole therapy where adjuvant modalities are not available.
Occurrence and management of obesity in companion animals
Authors: Crane S.W.
Published: April 2008

Obesity is the most common malnutrition of pet animals. Risk factors include the pet's age, gender, activity level, owner attitudes toward obesity, and alterations in intrinsic and extrinsic controls of feeding behaviour and differences in resting metabolic rate. The power of clinical nutrition in veterinary practice can be expressed through careful client and pet evaluation and by dispensing proper advice on diet selection and feeding quantity. A weight management programme should be conducted under the direction of the professional veterinarian using scientifically formulated weight reduction diets and a programme of exercise deemed medically appropriate.
Osteochondrodysplasia in bull terrier littermates
Authors: Watson A. D. J. , Miller A. C. , Allan G. S. , Davis P. E. , Hewlett C. R.
Published: April 2008

A four‐month‐old male bull terrier with an abnormal hindquarter gait was found to have changes suggesting nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism, together with unusual large foci of non‐ossified material in both femoral necks and similar smaller foci in metaphyses of several long bones. Abnormal cartilage was found in the one femoral neck examined at autopsy six weeks later, with features suggesting impaired vascular remodelling of cartilage due to failure of chondrocyte maturation. Similar clinical and radiographic abnormalities were found in three littermates (one male, two females), but not the dam. The status of six other littermates and the sire is unknown. The femoral neck lesions had healed in two pups re‐examined eight months later, but some limb bones remained abnormal in shape. The abnormalities in affected pups suggested osteochondrodysplasia.
Delayed physeal closure associated with castration in cats
Authors: May C. , Bennett D. , Downham D. Y.
Published: April 2008

Radiographs of 152 cats under four years of age were examined for evidence of physeal closure. Radiographic closure was compared between entire male, castrated male, and female (neutered and entire] cats. Physeal closure in castrated males was delayed when compared to that of entire males.
Rational use of shampoos in veterinary dermatology
Authors: Halliwell R. E. W.
Published: April 2008

Shampoo therapy has much to offer the clinician. It is important to remember the basic principles and the constituents of the products in use. Dramatic effects will not be the rule, but the rational use of these products can be of enormous benefit in a very wide range of dermatological disorders.
Static respiratory compliance in normal dogs
Authors: Corcoran B. M.
Published: April 2008

Static respiratory compliance was measured in a series of normal dogs. The values (mean SEM) for total compliance (n = 42), pulmonary compliance (n = 42) and chest wall compliance (n = 93) were 61 (3–8), 82 (4–7) and 94 (3‐3) ml/ cmH20, respectively. There was a strong positive correlation between bodyweight and chest wall circumference and all divisions of compliance (r 0–55) and a slight negative correlation (r = ‐0–39) between age and chest wall compliance. There was a significant difference between compliance values for narrow chested dogs and broad chested dogs (P < 0–01). Of the four most frequently encountered breeds in this study (border collie, German shepherd, labrador retriever and rottweiler) the German shepherd dog had the strongest correlation between bodysize and compliance while the rottweiler, in general, showed a negative correlation. When corrected for body‐weight the border collie had the highest compliance values and the rottweiler had the lowest. It was concluded from this study that compliance values for specific breeds cannot be extrapolated from the general population data and must be determined on an individual breed basis.
Arthrosis in the elbow joint of young rapidly growing dogs: a genetic investigation
Authors: Grandalen J. , Lingaas F.
Published: April 2008

In cooperation with breed clubs and practising veterinarians throughout Norway, the elbow joints of rottweilers, Bernese mountain dogs and Newfoundlands were screened for osteophyte formation/arthrosis, indicating primary elbow lesions. The changes were graded 0 to 3 and the results subjected to statistical analysis regarding frequencies, frequencies relative to sex, relative risks, differences between offspring groups and heritability. The number of dogs examined were: rottweilers, 1423, Bernese mountain dogs, 414 and Newfoundlands, 209. The frequency of elbow arthrosis varied from 30 to 50 per cent, males being more often and more severely affected than females. The relative risk of developing arthrosis among offspring of affected animals compared to offspring of non‐affected animals, was 1–6. Heritability varied from 10‐4 per cent to 47‐8 per cent, depending on the method used. Based on these results, it is concluded that elbow screening programmes should be carried out in breeds disposed to elbow lesions. Breeding animals should be selected on the basis of the elbow status of parents and other relatives, if possible.
Gastric carcinoma in the Belgian shepherd dog
Authors: Scanziani E. , Giusti A. M. , Gualtieri M. , Fonda D.
Published: April 2008

Seven cases of gastric carcinoma in Belgian shepherd dogs were histologically diagnosed at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Milan, in addition to the eight cases reported in 1989. In all 15 cases the lesser curvature was invaded by the tumour. Histologically, six neoplasms were signet ring cell carcinoma, five were undifferentiated carcinoma, two were mucinous adenocarcinoma and one was a tubular adenocarcinoma; one case showed different histological features (tubular and papillar adenocarcinoma, signet ring cell and undifferentiated carcinoma) none of which prevailed. The Grimelius stain showed the presence of few ente‐rochromaffin cells scattered in the tumoral tissue in four cases. The examination of the pedigree of eight Belgian shepherd dogs with gastric carcinoma demonstrates that all these animals were related, suggesting a genetic mechanism in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Radiological assessment of 50 cases of incisive or maxillary neoplasia in the dog
Authors: Frew D. G. , Dobson J. M.
Published: April 2008

This paper reviews the radiological features of 50 canine incisive or maxillary tumours and discusses the value of radiological assessment in the diagnosis and staging of these tumours. The 50 tumours examined included 21 sarcomas, 15 carcinomas, three melanomas and an assortment of benign tumours of the oral cavity. There was not any site specificity for the different histological tumour types within the upper dental arcade, although fibrosarcomas had a tendency to be maxillary whereas the squamous cell carcinomas were equally distributed between the incisive and maxillary regions. Seventy‐eight per cent of fibrosarcomas, 82 per cent of squamous cell carcinoma and all three melanomas examined showed radiological evidence of bone involvement. Radiographic changes were also seen in the benign tumours. The pattern of growth of tumours correlated with the radiological changes observed. Malignant tumours showed a tendency to irregular or aggressive bone loss whereas bone production predominated in the benign tumours.
A complication arising after surgical correction of short radius syndrome
Authors: Guthrie S. , Pead M.
Published: April 2008

A nine‐month‐old, male whippet underwent corrective surgery for ‘short radius syndrome’ which had resulted in elbow subluxation. This consisted of a radial osteotomy and placement of K‐wires, connected by elastic bands, in the ulna and radius. The implants were removed two weeks later as the elbow subluxation had reduced. However, the correct anatomy was not maintained and the radial head migrated distally. K‐wires were reinserted and when the subluxation had reduced, a screw was placed through the ulna into the proximal radius. Recovery was uneventful and at follow‐up limb function had improved.
Presumptive trimethoprimsulphamethoxazole associated thrombocytopenia and anaemia in a dog
Authors: McEwan N. A.
Published: April 2008

A two‐year‐old Scottish terrier was referred for investigation of a chronic skin problem. A diagnosis of generalised demodectic mange with a deep pyoderma was made and treatment commenced with trimethoprirn‐sulphamethoxazole and amitraz washes. On the sixth week of treatment the owner reported that the dog had developed haematuria. Investigations revealed that the dog was thrombocytopenic and anaemic. Antimicrobial treatment was stopped and the platelet count returned to normal over a three week period. A diagnosis of trimethoprim‐sulphamethoxazole associated thrombocytopenia was made.
Canine myasthenia gravis
Authors: Hopkins A. L.
Published: April 2008

Decreased acetylcholine receptor content of the neuromuscular junction underlies the muscular weakness seen in both acquired and congenital myasthenia gravis. Immune mediated mechanisms account for the acquired defect while decreased membrane insertion of receptor leads to the congenital disorder. The congenital form typically presents in the first few weeks of life with generalised episodic weakness as the predominant sign. Although treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors may help temporarily, the prognosis is poor. Acquired myasthenia gravis can occur between eight months and 13 years of age and may present as megaoesophagus alone or as exercise‐related weakness in conjunction with megaoesophagus. Although treatment of the immune mediated form is often successful and spontaneous remissions also occur, aspiration pneumonia secondary to megaoesophagus remains a major cause of mortality in affected dogs. Resolution of megaoesophagus must therefore be a major goal for future treatment regimes. The remarkable similarity between canine and human acquired myasthenia gravis suggests that the canine thymus gland warrants greater attention pathologically and perhaps therapeutically considering the value of thymectomy in human patients.
Neurological diseases of rottweilers: Neuroaxonal dystrophy and leukoenceph‐ alomalacia
Authors: Chrisman C. L.
Published: April 2008

Neuroaxonal dystrophy (NAD) and leukoencephalomalacia (LEM) are two neurological disorders of the rottweiler that initially present as ataxia of all four limbs. Disorders to be included in the differential diagnosis are caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy, canine distemper virus meningoencephalomyelitis, other nervous system infections or inflammations and spinal cord neoplasia. All diagnostic tests including myelography, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, electrodiagnos‐tic testing and serum and cerebrospinal fluid titres for canine distemper virus are normal in NAD and LEM. There is no treatment for either disease and neurological signs progressively deteriorate. Eventually neurological deficits develop besides ataxia and these help differentiate NAD from LEM. Dogs with NAD develop head tremors and nystagmus while dogs with LEM develop conscious proprioceptive deficits and quadriparesis; the short term prognosis for NAD is better than LEM. Most dogs with LEM are euthanased because of non‐ambulatory tetraparesis within one year.

The histopathological lesions associated with NAD include axonal spheroids in many spinal cord and caudal brainstem nuclei and reduced numbers of Purkinje cells in the cerebellum, while in LEM, multifocal areas of demyelination and malacia of the spinal cord and brainstem are the primary histopathological lesions. Both NAD and LEM are suspected to have an autosomal recessive genetic transmission.
Diagnosis of insulinoma in the dog: A study of 11 cases
Authors: Dunn J. K. , Heath M. F. , Herrtage M. E. , Jackson K. F. , Walker M. J.
Published: April 2008

The use of an intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) is described in 11 confirmed cases of insulinoma. Basal plasma glucose and serum insulin concentrations, glucose half‐life (t.J and fractional clearance rate (k‐value) were determined in the affected animals and seven healthy dogs. A fasting plasma glucose concentration of 3 mmol/litre or less with a coexisting serum insulin concentration greater than 20 mU/litre, and an insulin:glucose ratio (IGR) greater than 4‐2 U/mol were considered to be diagnostic for insulinoma. Although there was a narrow area of overlap in the U2and k‐values between normal and affected animals, a t.,2of less than 20 minutes with a k‐value of more than 3 per cent/minute were also highly suggestive of insulinoma. The insulinogenic index (δI/δG) was too variable to be of diagnostic significance. Contrary to previous reports, it appears that insulin‐secreting tumours retain a degree of responsiveness to a glucose challenge and that the IVGTT, using a dose of 0–5 g glucose/kg bodyweight, is a useful diagnostic procedure in dogs with insulinoma.
Tolerance and pharmacokinetics of cephalexin in cats after oral administration
Authors: Kietzmann M. , Nolte I. , Strothmann‐Luerssen A. , Grünau B. , Schärer V.
Published: April 2008

The tolerance of cephalexin in 10 cats was studied after oral administration of coated tablets (Cefaseptin; Chassot and Cie AG). Over a period of 21 days, the drug was administered twice daily at doses of 25, 30, 50 and 75 mg/kg body‐weight. While the first three dose rates were well tolerated clinically, the highest dose was not. After seven days of treatment, signs of intolerance were salivation, vomiting and diarrhoea. Biochemical and haematological parameters (determined in blood, plasma and urine) were not altered. Plasma and skin concentrations of cephalexin were measured after oral treatment of cats with 25 and 50 mg cephalexin/kg body‐weight. After treatment with 25 mg/kg body‐weight, a mean elimination plasma half‐life of 1–7 hours was calculated. The cephalexin concentration measured in the skin after two hours ranged from 8 to 22 per cent of the plasma level, so it is questionable if sufficiently high skin concentrations for efficacy are achieved with doses of 25 mg/kg body weight.
Plasma electrolyte concentrations in dogs receiving diuretic therapy for cardiac failure
Authors: Cobb M. , Michell A. R.
Published: April 2008

Treatment of clinical cases of heart failure in dogs, using frusemide, was associated with statistically significant reductions in plasma concentrations of potassium, magnesium, sodium and chloride, compared with healthy controls and untreated dogs with dysrhythmias. The reductions in sodium and chloride seem too slight to be clinically significant but those in magnesium and potassium could potentially have harmful effects, including the induction of cardiac dysrhythmias. Indeed, diuretic‐treated dogs with ventricular ectopic beats in their electrocardiograms had significantly lower plasma potassium concentrations than other dogs undergoing diuretic treatment. As potassium and magnesium are predominantly intracellular cations, the falls in plasma concentration may well be associated with substantial deficits within cells, including those of the myocardium.
Effects of thiopentone and propofol on lower oesophageal sphincter and barrier pressure in the dog
Authors: Waterman A. E. , Hashim M. A.
Published: April 2008

The effects of thiopentone and propofol on oesophageal pressures were examined in 39 bitches. The dogs were premedicated with either atropine (n = 13), acepromazine maleate (n = 13) or a combination of atropine and acepromazine. Anaesthesia was induced with either thiopentone (15 dogs) or propofol (24 dogs), both given intravenously. Immediately following the induction of anaesthesia, gastric pressure and lower oesophageal sphincter pressure (LOSP) were measured and oesophageal barrier pressure determined. There were no significant differences attributable to the premedication regimens used but both LOSP and barrier pressure were significantly lower in the dogs anaesthetised with propofol compared to the animals given thiopentone (LOSP 12‐2 ± 4‐2 cm H2O propofol group versus 26‐8 ± 6‐5 cm H2O thiopentone group).
Lymphoma (malignant lymphoma, lymphosarcoma) in the dog
Authors: Rallis T. , Koutinas A. , Lekkas S. , Papadiamantis C.
Published: April 2008

This report describes seven cases of canine lymphoma involving three German shepherd dogs, two boxers and two mongrels with a male to female ratio of 1–3 to 1. Their mean age and body weight was four years (range 1–5 to 8) and 31 kg (range 21 to 40), respectively. Six of the animals were euthanased at their owner's request and one died. Excessive lymph node enlargement, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, blood lymphocytosis and proteinuria were the most striking clinical and clinicopathological findings. All the cases except one presented systemic signs and three developed secondary leukaemia because of bone marrow involvement. The anatomical types were classified according to the World Health Organization's criteria as thymic (one dog) and generalised (six dogs) and the clinical stage as IV (four dogs) and V (three dogs). Extranodal lymphomas involving the kidneys, meninges and the alimentary tract were seen in two cases. Histologically, the lymphomas were classified as lymphoblastic in four dogs, and in the remaining animals as lymphoblastic with plasmacytoid differentiation, lymphocytic with plasmacytoid differentiation, and poorly differentiated (stem cell) with one type appearing in each dog.
Cryptococcal osteomyelitis in a dog
Authors: Brearley M. J. , Jeffery N.
Published: April 2008

Osteomyelitis caused by Cryptococcus neoformans was diagnosed in a three‐year‐old male Irish wolfhound. The case details and radiological findings of radiolucency and periosteal reaction of the left third metatarsal bone had lead to an initial diagnosis of a malignant bone tumour. Biopsy revealed a fungal granuloma and culture identified the causal organism. A four month course of ketaconazole was instigated and the lameness resolved. Twelve months after the end of treatment there was no recurrence of the problem.
Doppler echocardiography
Authors: Darke P. G. G.
Published: April 2008

Echocardiography offers an invaluable noninvasive technique for examining structures within the heart, for measuring the size of cardiac chambers and for assessing myocardial function. Doppler provides a further objective measure of blood flow within the heart and great vessels that reflects the haemodynamic function of the heart. Furthermore, it demonstrates valvular disorders very accurately, especially with the aid of colour‐flow mapping.
Hypertension: A review of the mechanisms, manifestations and management
Authors: Dukes J.
Published: April 2008

Hypertension is a common disease of man although it is rarely diagnosed in veterinary medicine. This partly reflects a failure of recognition of the incidence and importance of hypertension in animals. Recognition of hypertension is usually late in the course following acute ocular, cardiac, renal or neurological presentation. Early screening and identification of hypertension is important as it is an organ destructive and self‐perpetuating process. The physiological control and measurement of blood pressure and the pathogenesis and management of hypertension in small animals is reviewed.
Diagnosis and management of malabsorption in dogs
Authors: Batt R. M.
Published: April 2008

Malabsorption can result from interference with either the degradation or absorption phases in the handling of dietary constituents and represents an important cause of weight loss and diarrhoea in dogs. Effective treatment depends on identification and understanding of the underlying disease which could affect the functional capacity of the exocrine pancreas or small intestine. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) can be identified by a low concentration of trypsin‐like immunoreactivity in serum and results in serious malabsorption due to interference with degradation of carbohydrate, protein and fat. Treatment with oral pancreatic extract complemented by a low fat, high quality protein diet, is effective in many cases. Refractory cases may need additional treatment with an oral antibiotic for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), and H2‐receptor blockers to help prevent denaturation of the pancreatic extract by stomach acid. The pancreas plays a key role in the normal absorption of cobalamin (vitamin B12) in dogs and malabsorption of cobalamin in EPI may not resolve with treatment so that cobalamin may need to be given parenterally. Small intestinal disease may result in interference with the number or functioning of individual enterocytes, in some cases accompanied by cellular infiltration of the mucosa. Diagnosis depends on indirect assessment of intestinal damage, for example by assay of serum vitamins and determination of intestinal absorption and permeability, and in selected cases followed by endoscopic examination, intestinal biopsy and culture of duodenal juice. Treatment depends on the disease and may include oral antibiotic for SIBO and immunosuppressive drugs for infiltrative disease. Dietary management is also important, for example with a restricted fat diet containing highly digestible carbohydrate and high quality protein, and when a dietary sensitivity is suspected a restriction diet of a selected protein source may be needed.
Nutritional support of hospitalised animals
Authors: Donoghue S.
Published: April 2008

Effective nutritional support requires a sound knowledge of both basic and clinical nutrition of dogs and cats as well as familiarity with products and their administration. Management includes the assessment of a patient's nutritional status and estimation of fuel sources. Most starved or stressed patients utilise fatty acids at over 70 per cent kcalME (metabolisable energy) and protein at over 20 per cent kcalME; appropriate diets contain at least 30 per cent kcalME from protein as well as fat. Approximate calorie needs are based on maintenance energy requirements. Enteral nutritional support is superior to parenteral support in most patients as gastrointestinal integrity and enterocyte viability are maintained. Meat‐based pet foods, liquid enteral products and nutrient supplements are offered in slurries and via tubes. Management includes careful monitoring of patients and the gradual transition to diets with more complex nutrient sources.
Congenital deafness and vestibular deficit in the dobermann
Authors: Wilkes M. K. , Palmer A. C.
Published: April 2008

A condition characterised by the early onset of vestibular deficit and hearing loss was investigated in the dobermann breed of dog. Affected pups showed behavioural signs of head tilt, circling and ataxia and there was a total absence of vestibular response to rotation or caloric stimulation. Severe deafness, as assessed by brainstem auditory evoked response testing, was present by three weeks of age in all affected animals. The inner ears showed a progressive neuroepithelial type of cochlear degeneration with loss of the auditory sensory cells. In the vestibular system, however, there was no equivalent sensory cell loss and the only abnormal feature was the absence or abnormality of the otoconia in some of the affected animals. Pedigree analysis suggested that the condition was inherited as an autosomal recessive trait.
Angiostrongylus vasorum infection in a Scottish terrier associated with gastric dilation
Authors: Koch J. , Jensen A. L. , Monrad J.
Published: April 2008

A case of Angiostrongylus vasorum infection in an eight‐month‐old Scottish terrier associated with gastric dilation is reported,
A Colour Atlas of Small Animal Endoscopy
Authors: HARCOURT‐BROWN N. H.
Published: April 2008

M. J. Brearley, J. E. Cooper and M. Sullivan. Published by Wolfe
Effect of food intake on urine pH in cats
Authors: Finke M. D. , Litzenberger B. A.
Published: April 2008

Ninety adult cats were fed an experimental canned meat‐based cat food at levels necessary to maintain weight for 11 days. On the 12th day the cats were split into six groups of 15 cats each and fed 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 or 100 per cent of their previous food allotment. Four hours after the food was offered a urine sample was obtained via cysto‐centesis. The pH of the urine sample was determined and the sample microscopically evaluated for the presence of struvite crystals. Post prandial urine pH was found to be a linear function of the amount of food consumed: (urine pH = 6–15 + [food intake (g) × 0–015]; P = 0‐000). The presence of struvite crystals was dependent on urine pH while amorphous crystals were not. These data suggest that ad libitum feeding (nibble eating) may be beneficial in the management of feline struvite urolithiasis by reducing the magnitude of the post prandial alkaline tide. It also supports the suggestion that struvite crystal formation is largely a function of urinary pH.
Distribution of angiostrongylosis in Cornwall
Authors: Martin M. W. S. , Neal C.
Published: April 2008

One hundred and ninety‐seven faecal samples were examined for Angiostrongylus vasorum larvae, from dogs throughout Cornwall, which were presented with one or more clinical signs consistent with infection, were known to eat slugs or snails or were related to an infected dog. Twenty samples (10‐1 per cent) contained nematode larvae, of these A vasorum larvae were identified in eight (4‐1 per cent) and larvae of Filaroides species in eight (4‐1 per cent). Seven of the eight dogs positive for A vasorum were found to have been infected within an area six miles in diameter incorporating Redruth. Statistical analysis suggested that this aggregation of cases was unlikely to be a random event (P < 0–01). No correlation between published data on the distribution of the intermediate host, slugs and snails and the cases of A vasorum infection reported in this paper could be found. It is concluded that A vasorum infection is enzootic within a small area around Redruth in the mid‐west of Cornwall.
Concurrent bronchiolar‐alveolar and large cell anaplastic pulmonary carcinoma in a dog
Authors: Merrett D. J. , Day M. J.
Published: April 2008

The simultaneous occurrence of bronchiolar‐alveolar carcinoma and large cell anaplastic carcinoma of the lung is reported in a 12‐year‐old Australian terrier. Radiological findings in this case indicated diffuse infiltration but were nonspecific. Cytological examination of a fine needle lung aspirate and post mortem examination confirmed the presence of two concurrent forms of pulmonary neoplasia.
A putative clostridial myositis in a dog
Authors: Mañé M. C. , Vives M. A. , Barrera R. , Ezquerra L. J. , Jiménez A. , Rodriguez J.
Published: April 2008

A clinical case of possible clostridial myositis in a dog and its treatment is described. This condition is rare in carnivores and bacteriological examination was not made in this case. Tests revealed neutrophilia, together with increased levels of aspartate aminotransferase and creatine phosphokinase (CPK). One month after the onset of the disease, all these parameters were again normal apart from CPK which did not regain a normal level until five months later, by which time cicatrisation of the lesion by second intention was complete.
A new surgical technique For repair of perineal hernias in the dog
Authors: Raffan P. J.
Published: April 2008

A new surgical technique is described for the repair of perineal hernias. Transposition of both the internal obturator muscle and the superficial gluteal muscle together was used to repair 52 hernias in 44 dogs. The technique gave a strong pelvic diaphragm, fewer postoperative complications than other techniques and good long term results.
Cavitating mycotic pulmonary infection in a German shepherd dog
Authors: Guerin S. R. , Walker M. C. , Kelly D. F.
Published: April 2008

A four‐year‐old German shepherd dog had a chronic cough unresponsive to antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory therapy. Radiography revealed consolidation and cavitation in the anterior left lung field. Histological examination of the lung showed extensive necrosis, cavitation and chronic vascular lesions. Fungal infection of the lung was identified histologically and appeared to be an Aspergillus species. Necropsy confirmed extensive consolidation of the affected lung, but no other gross evidence of mycotic infection outside the lung.
Assessment of methadone as an anaesthetic premedicant in cats
Authors: Dobromylskyj P.
Published: April 2008

Ninety cats scheduled to undergo surgical procedures requiring the provision of postoperative analgesia were premedicated with either 0·1, 0·3 or 0·5 mgl/kg of racemic methadone by intramuscular injection. Each cat was assessed on three behavioural criteria before administration and again 20 minutes later. In a further 20 cats a specific assessment was made of the respiratory rate, heart rate and intraoperative minute volume during ovariohysterectomy following premedication with methadone (0·5 mgl/kg intramuscularly). In these cats an assessment of duration of analgesia was attempted. There was no significant change in behavioural scores following premedication with methadone. No cat vomited or became excited. No evidence of serious respiratory depression was found in the 20 cats monitored in detail. Duration of analgesia in cats receiving methadone (0·5 mgl/kg intramuscularly) before ovariohysterectomy varied from 1·5 to over 6·5 hours. Methadone may be used at dose rates of up to 0·5 mg/kg as a premedicant for cats without significant risk of undesirable behavioural changes or serious intraoperative respiratory depression when combined with the anaesthetic protocol described.