bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paresis and unusual electrocardiographic signs in a severely hypomagnesaemic, hypocalcaemic lactating bitch
Authors: Aroch I. , Ohad D. G. , Baneth G.
Published: April 2008

A severely hypocalcaemic, hypomagnesaemic lactating bitch exhibited clinical signs of pulmonary oedema, paresis, dementia, gastrointestinal ileus and urinary bladder atony. The total calcium, ionised calcium and magnesium levels were extremely low. The clinical picture was very different from the one typically encountered in canine lactation tetany, and instead resembled bovine postparturient paresis. Muscle tremors, rigidity and seizures were not part of the acute clinical picture, but rather atony, weakness and paresis. General muscle dysfunction probably resulted from the extremely low ionised calcium levels in combination with very low levels of magnesium and possibly potassium. Heart failure and atony of the urinary bladder and intestines were probably a result of the severe hypocalcaemia. The alteration in calcium to magnesium ratio may have depressed neuromuscular transmission, leading to paresis and atony. The unusual electrocardiogram possibly also resulted from abnormal magnesium and calcium cation levels.
Treatment of fragmented coronoid process in young dogs by proximal ulnar osteotomy
Authors: Ness M. G.
Published: April 2008

Fragmented coronoid process in 13 elbows (10 dogs) was treated by medial elbow arthrotomy plus osteotomy of the proximal ulnar diaphysis. All the dogs were skeletally immature and had a lameness of at least four weeks' duration. An attempt was made to measure the disease‐modifying effect of this procedure by estimating the development of osteophytosis. Complications were infrequent and never serious. Clinical outcome, overall, was good. This preliminary work indicates that proximal ulnar diaphyseal osteotomy may have a place in the management of fragmented coronoid process in young dogs.
Hiatal herniation as a complication of chronic diaphragmatic herniation
Authors: Pratschke K. M. , Hughes J. M. L. , Shelly C. , Bellenger C. R.
Published: April 2008

Three of four cases of chronic diaphragmatic herniation seen over a period of 12 months developed hiatal herniation within five to eight days of corrective surgery for the diaphragmatic herniation. None of the dogs had shown any prior signs referrable to hiatal herniation. The features that developed subsequent to diaphragmatic herniorrhaphy in all cases were dyspnoea, increased intra‐abdominal pressure due to decreased abdominal domain and laxity of the oesophageal hiatus as judged subjectively at the time of surgery for hiatal herniation correction. These conditions may be significant underlying factors for the development of hiatal herniation not preceded by diaphragmatic herniation in the dog. Those associated factors accepted as important in humans, including reduced lower oesophageal sphincter tone and gastroesophageal reflux, may not be of similar importance in small animals.
Use of omental pedicle grafts in the management of non‐healing axillary wounds in 10 cats
Authors: Lascelles B. D. X. , Davison L. , Dunning M. , Bray J. P. , White R. A. S.
Published: April 2008

A retrospective analysis of the clinical case histories of 10 domestic shorthaired cats that underwent omentalisation, using a vascular pedicle of greater omentum, of chronic non‐healing axillary wounds was carried out. Wounds were debrided and closed in a primary fashion following omentalisation. The cats had undergone a modal number of three previous repair attempts over a three‐ to 18‐month period (mean 11 months) before referral. Further dehiscence occurred in eight cases, requiring a modal number of one further attempt at closure of the wound. Other complications included incisional herniation (two cats), serous exudate from the axillary wound (two cats) and paracostal abscessation (one cat). Long‐term cure was achieved in seven of the 10 cases, with wounds finally having healed at a mean of 24 days post‐omentalisation. Chronic axillary wounds are particularly difficult to treat and there are no reports of consistently successful techniques for their repair. This report suggests that omentalisation of these wounds may be a step towards such a repair procedure.
Resolution of metastatic calcification in the paws of a cat with successful dietary management of renal hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Jackson H. A. , Barber P. J.
Published: April 2008

A 10‐year‐old ovariohysterectomised domestic shorthaired cat was presented with multiple nodular calcifications of the footpads and interdigital spaces. Renal insufficiency was diagnosed by routine biochemistry and urinalysis. Additionally, the cat had a calcium and phosphorus solubility product greater than 70 mg/dl and elevated circulating parathyroid hormone. Dietary management of the renal disease resulted in a reduction in the mineral solubility product and normalisation of the concentration of parathyroid hormone accompanied by concurrent resolution of the pedal lesions.
Assessment of the accuracy of thoracic radiography in the diagnosis of canine chronic bronchitis
Authors: Mantis P. , Lamb C. R. , Boswood A.
Published: April 2008

Thoracic radiographs from 23 dogs with chronic bronchitis were mixed with those taken from 11 dogs (matched by age and bodyweight) without respiratory disease and interpreted twice by two blinded, independent examiners in an attempt to determine the accuracy of radiography for the diagnosis of chronic bronchitis. The only radiographic signs found more often in dogs with chronic bronchitis were thickening of the bronchial walls and increased numbers of visible bronchial walls (P<0·01). Other signs, including bronchial calcification and interstitial pattern, occurred with similar frequency in both groups of dogs. The examiners were consistent in their interpretations (kappa >0·64). The accuracy of radiographic diagnosis of chronic bronchitis is limited principally by insensitivity for bronchial lesions.
Morphea‐like lesion in a cat
Authors: Bensignor E. , Carlotti D. N. , Pin D.
Published: April 2008

Scleroderma is a rare chronic disease of connective tissues, involving the skin and/or internal organs in humans, and rarely described in the dog. A case is reported of localised scleroderma in a cat which presented with two well delineated alopecic, sclerotic, raised and shiny lesions localised on the trunk. Diagnosis was made by histopathological examination of skin biopsies which showed the replacement of all dermal components by dense thick collagen bundles. No therapy was instituted and a spontaneous recovery occurred three months later. Clinical and histopathological aspects of this feline dermatosis are compared with human and canine morphea.
Elimination ofStaphylococcus intermedinsin healthy dogs by topical treatment with fusidic acid
Authors: Saijonmaa‐Koulumies L. , Parsons E. , Lloyd D. H.
Published: April 2008

Cutaneous and mucosal carriage ofStaphylococcus intermediuswas investigated in six healthy beagles before and after application of fusidic acid to mucosal surfaces as 1 per cent viscous eye drops twice daily for seven days. Bacterial populations were determined repeatedly over four weeks using quantitative techniques. The overall cutaneous populations ofS intermediusreduced significantly (P<0·01) two days after treatment but returned to pretreatment levels after a further week. The mucosal frequency ofS intermediusreduced significantly (P<0·001) two days after treatment and remained reduced (P<0·01) at the end of the study. The mucosal populations were also reduced (P<0·01) two days after treatment and remained lower (P<0·05) after a further week. No such changes occurred in the control group of six beagles. The study indicates the importance of mucosae as carriage sites forS intermediusin dogs. This form of therapy may be useful as an additional tool against canine recurrent pyoderma.
Myasthenia gravis: lessons from the past 10 years
Authors: Shelton G. D.
Published: April 2008

Over the past 10 years, significant advances have been made in our understanding of acquired myasthenia gravis (MG) in companion animals. The broad spectrum of presenting clinical signs has been defined and an accurate and sensitive diagnostic test is available. Even with these advances, the mortality rate in dogs with acquired MG remains unacceptably high. While an understanding of the genetic basis for susceptibility to autoimmune disease has started to be developed, the trigger for the initiation of this disease is not known and a mechanism for specific suppression of the aberrant immune response against the acetylcholine receptor remains a mystery.
Comparison of disposable circle and ‘to‐and‐fro’ breathing systems during anaesthesia in dogs
Authors: Hughes J. M. L.
Published: April 2008

Low‐flow anaesthesia is beneficial in terms of reducing atmospheric pollution with waste anaesthetics and improving economy. This study compared a disposable circle and a ‘to‐and‐fro’ breathing system at low fresh gas flows (10 ml/kg/minute) in 19 dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Ten dogs were assigned to the circle and nine to the to‐and‐fro breathing system. Fractional inspired halothane, end‐tidal carbon dioxide and halothane were higher and mean blood pressure was lower in dogs using the to‐and‐fro system, possibly indicating an increased anaesthetic depth in this group. Use of both systems resulted in an elevated inspired carbon dioxide level, although this was significantly lower in the circle system. Further work will be required to determine the clinical relevance of this difference and whether rebreathing can be eliminated by higher fresh gas flows. The disposable circle studied may be used safely in dogs.
Comparison of two surgical techniques for the management of cervical spondylomyelopathy in dobermanns
Authors: Rusbridge C. , Wheeler S. J. , Torrington A. M. , Pead M. J. , Carmichael S.
Published: April 2008

A study was undertaken to compare the efficacy of two surgical techniques for the treatment of caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy (CCSM): ventral decompression (slot) and vertebral distraction and stabilisation with a screw and washer (screw/washer). Twenty‐eight dobermanns managed surgically for disc‐associated CCSM during a four‐year period were studied retrospectively. The maximum postoperative period was 40 months. Cases were excluded if a minimum follow‐up of 24 months after surgery could not be made. A ‘slot’ took a longer time to perform and had a higher rate of immediate postoperative deterioration. Duration of hospital stay was similar for both procedures. At six months after surgery the two techniques were comparable; 12/14 (screw/washer) and 13/14 (slot) patients were deemed to have a satisfactory outcome. Recurrence of cervical spinal cord disease was higher in the screw/washer dogs. At one year after surgery the recurrence rate was zero (slot) and 5/14 (screw/washer), respectively. At two years after surgery 4/14 of the slot dogs had deteriorated compared to 7/14 of the screw/washer dogs. Where Investigated, the cause of deterioration was either a domino disc lesion or vertebral endplate collapse and dorsal displacement of the screw and washer.
Survey of canine and feline follicular tumours and tumour‐ like lesions in central Italy
Authors: Abramo F. , Pratesi F. , Cantile C. , Sozzi S. , Poli A.
Published: April 2008

Between January 1985 and June 1997, a total of 4005 skin biopsies were received from dogs and 898 from cats. Follicular tumours and tumour‐like lesions together represented 10‐4 per cent and 8‐1 per cent of all skin tumours in the dog and cat, respectively. The prevalence of tumour‐like lesions, such as follicular and dermoid cysts, dilated pore and focal adnexal dysplasia, was highest, representing 41‐2 per cent and 68 per cent of all follicular lesions in dogs and cats, respectively. In the dog, follicular tumours were distributed as follows: trichoblastoma (25‐6 per cent of all tumours and tumour‐like lesions), infundibular keratinising acanthoma (14 per cent), pilomatricoma (13 per cent), trichoepithelioma (3–9 per cent) and tricholemmoma (2–3 per cent). In the cat, the distribution was 26 per cent for trichoblastoma, 4 per cent for trichoepithelioma and 2 per cent for pilomatricoma. Tumour‐like lesions and infundibular keratinising acanthoma in the dog were mostly located on the trunk, trichoblastoma and tricholemmoma on the head, and pilomatricoma on the neck. In the cat, both tumour‐like lesions and trichoblastoma were frequently present on the neck and head.
Skin lesions caused by orthopoxvirus infection in a dog
Authors: Smith K. C. , Bennett M. , Garrett D. C.
Published: April 2008

A seven‐year‐old male dobermann was presented for examination of a non‐pruritic ulcerated lesion occurring at the site of a suspected rat bite on the muzzle. Biopsy revealed focal ulcerative dermatitis, with cells in the epidermis, follicular infundibula and interposed sebaceous glands undergoing ballooning degeneration and containing large acidophilic intracytoplasmic structures resembling poxvirus inclusion bodies. The diagnosis of orthopoxvirus infection was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry. The biopsy site healed uneventfully, without evidence of recurrence or development of further cutaneous or internal lesions, and a serum sample collected eight weeks after first presentation had a low titre of poxvirus antibodies. This report demonstrates that orthopoxvirus infection should be considered as a cause of ulcerative skin lesions in dogs, particularly if there has been recent contact with rodents or other small mammals.
Book Reviews
Authors: Jones D. G. Clayton
Published: April 2008

Handbook on radiographic positioning
Thrombosis of the portal vein in a miniature schnauzer
Authors: Espiñeira M. M. Díaz , Vink‐Nooteboom M. , Van den Ingh T. S. G. A. M. , Rothuizen J.
Published: April 2008

A miniature schnauzer with a history of apathy, anorexia and jaundice was presented to the Utrecht University Clinic for Companion Animals. Abnormal laboratory findings included highly increased levels of total bile acids and alkaline phosphatase, and hyponatraemia. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed that the right side of the liver was enlarged and the left side was small, together with a thrombus in the portal vein. Biopsies from the right side of the liver demonstrated subacute to chronic active hepatitis, for which the dog was treated with prednisolone (1 mg/kg/day for four weeks). No improvement was observed and the owner requested euthanasia. At necropsy the left lobes of the liver were found to be small and firm, while the right lobes were large and soft. There were two thrombi in the portal vein. Microscopic examination revealed chronic active hepatitis and cirrhosis.
Use of compression stress radiography for the detection of partial tears of the canine cranial cruciate ligament
Authors: Rooster H. de , Bree H. van
Published: April 2008

Twenty‐three cases of partial rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) were reviewed. All of these patients were evaluated for clinical and radiographic signs of instability. Nine cases showed a negative drawer sign on manual assessment. A positive radiographic tibial compression test was obtained for all stifle joints with a partially ruptured cruciate. In 13 cases, the site of injury and the appearance of the torn ends were evaluated. The final diagnosis of partial CCL rupture was made by direct visualisation and probing of the CCL during arthrotomy (22 cases) or arthroscopy (one case).
Acute tracheal obstruction associated with anticoagulant rodenticide intoxication in a dog
Authors: Blocker T. L. , Roberts B. K.
Published: April 2008

An adult female neutered crossbred dog was referred in respiratory distress. Thoracic radiographs revealed tracheal narrowing‐with a soft tissue opacity dorsal to the trachea, near the thoracic inlet, and a patchy interstitial pulmonary infiltrate. The tracheal narrowing was thought to be due to a combination of intraluminal haemorrhage and mediastinal haemorrhage resulting from a coagulopathy caused by anticoagulant rodenticide intoxication. Treatment included supportive care and administration of vitamin K1, and the dog showed a complete resolution of the clinical signs.
Atherosclerosis in a dog with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Sottiaux J.
Published: April 2008

A seven‐year‐old male Pomeranian with unstable insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus developed atherosclerosis. Hyperlipidaemia, consisting of hypertriglyceridaemia and hypercholesterolaemia, was diagnosed concurrently with the onset of lipid‐laden aqueous humour. Serum lipoprotein analysis was characterised by the presence of chylomicrons, an increase in the very low density lipoprotein fraction, with a broad very low density lipoprotein‐low density lipoprotein band, and a reduced high density lipoprotein fraction. The dog developed ketoacidosis one year later and died. At postmortem examination, atherosclerotic plaques were observed in the terminal aorta and in medium‐sized arteries, including the coronary arteries, renal and arcuate arteries, and arteries of the brain. Mineralised plaques or complicated plaques were not observed. The absence of clinical signs of organ ischaemia was thought to be associated with the absence of thrombosis and/or complete occlusion of all vessels examined. Signs of chronic organ hypoxia, although considered likely owing to the severe vessel lumen reduction, were restricted to only a low voltage QRS complex on the electrocardiogram.
Use of propofol to manage seizure activity after surgical treatment of portosystemic shunts
Authors: Heldmann E. , Holt D. E. , Brockman D. J. , Brown D. C. , Perkowski S. Z.
Published: April 2008

The anaesthetic agent propofol has anticonvulsant properties and has been used in the treatment of refractory status epilepticus in human medicine. This report describes the use of propofol in four cats and one dog with naturally occurring seizures following surgical attenuation of single extrahepatic portosystemic shunts. Two of the animals had seizures that were unresponsive to other anticonvulsants. Subanaesthetic doses of intravenous propofol (1·0 to 3·5 mg/kg boluses and 0·01 to 0·25 mg/kg/minute continuous rate infusions) were used to control the seizures in all animals. However, a good neurological outcome was achieved in only two of the five cases, which is similar to the situation in previous reports.
Evaluation of serum free thyroxine and thyrotropin concentrations in the diagnosis of canine hypothyroidism
Authors: Dixon R. M. , Mooney C. T.
Published: April 2008

Canine thyroid‐stimulating hormone (cTSH), total thyroxine (T4) and free T4by equilibrium dialysis (fT4d) were measured in serum samples from 107 dogs with clinical signs suggestive of hypothyroidism in which the diagnosis was either confirmed (n=30) or excluded (n=77) by exogenous TSH response testing. Median serum total T4and fT4d concentrations were significantly lower and cTSH significantly higher (P<0·001) in hypothyroid compared with euthyroid dogs. Differential positive rate analysis determined optimal cut‐off values of less than 14·9 nmol/litre (total T4), less than 5·42 pmol/litre (fT4d), greater than 0·68 ng/ml (cTSH), less than 17·3 (T4to cTSH ratio), and less than 7·5 (fT4d to cTSH ratio) for hypothyroidism. These had a sensitivity and specificity of 100 and 75·3 per cent, 80 and 93·5 per cent, 86·7 and 81·8 per cent, 86·7 and 92·2 per cent, and 80 and 97·4 per cent, respectively, for diagnosing hypothyroidism. Corresponding areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were 0·92, 0·93, 0·87, 0·93 and 0·93. Unexpectedly low cTSH values in hypothyroid dogs may have resulted from concurrent non‐thyroidal illness. Unexpectedly high serum cTSH values in the euthyroid dogs might have resulted from recovery from illness or concurrent potentiated sulphonamide therapy. Measurement of endogenous cTSH concentration is a valuable diagnostic tool for canine hypothyroidism if used in association with assessment of T4. Estimation of fT4d added only limited additional information over total T4measurement.
Pulmonary embolism and cor pulmonale in a cat
Authors: Sottiaux J. , Franck M.
Published: April 2008

A 14‐year‐old male neutered cat experienced pulmonary embolism 15 days following surgical debridement of a recurrent dorsolumbar abscess. Clinical signs were dominated by respiratory distress. Pulmonary embolism was suggested from the lateral thoracic radiograph by the presence of an abruptly attenuated lobar artery and a contiguous oligaemic area in the caudal lung lobe. Pulmonary hypertension was demonstrated on Doppler echocardiography by right pulmonary artery dilation and tricuspid regurgitation raising the pulmonary arterial pressure to 56 mmHg. Chronic pulmonary hypertension, assumed from right ventricular wall hypertrophy, and hypokinesia, indicating chronic cor pulmonale, was suggestive of chronic rather than acute pulmonary embolism. Postmortem histological evidence of pulmonary arteriolar occlusion confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism.
Perineal hernia with bladder retroflexion in a female cocker spaniel
Authors: Niles J. D. , Williams J. M.
Published: April 2008

Perineal herniation in the bitch is rare and its complication by bladder retroflexion in the bitch has not been previously reported in the literature. This case report describes a multigravid, five‐year‐old female cocker spaniel with bilateral perineal hernias, complicated by marked rectal sacculation and ventral bladder retroflexion. The case was managed initially by cystopexy and colopexy, followed seven days later by bilateral perineal herniorrhaphy. There was no recurrence of the problem by 12 months postsurgery.
Determination of the prevalence of feline blood types in the UK
Authors: Knottenbelt C. M. , Addie D. D. , Day M.J. , Mackin A. J.
Published: April 2008

The efficacy and diagnostic accuracy of a new desk‐top feline blood typing kit was evaluated by comparing the results of the kit with traditional blood typing methods on 35 feline blood samples. The kit was then used to blood type 139 non‐pedigree cats from Scotland and the north of England and 207 pedigree cats from throughout the UK. Of the non‐pedigree cats, 87×1 per cent were type A, 7·9 per cent were type B and 5·0 per cent were type AB, while of the pedigree cats, 54·6 per cent were type A, 40·1 per cent were type B and 5·3 per cent were type AB. The majority (121 out of 207) of these pedigree cats were British shorthaired, of which 39·7 per cent were type A, 58·7 per cent were type B and 1·6 per cent were type AB. No cats were identified that failed to express the type A and/or type B antigens. The prevalence of type AB cats appears to be higher in this study than previously reported. The prevalence of blood types within specific pedigree breeds in the UK appears to vary from that reported elsewhere.
Ultrasonographic estimation of prostate size in normal dogs and relationship to bodyweight and age
Authors: Atalan G. , Holt P. E. , Barr F. J.
Published: April 2008

A study was undertaken to establish the ranges of prostate dimensions, weight and volume in mature normal dogs and thus provide information which would allow differentiation from normality of size changes associated with disease. The study was performed on 154 healthy adult male entire dogs. Each prostate was imaged ultrasonographically and standard longitudinal and transverse sections were obtained. Prostate length (L), depth on longitudinal (DL) and transverse sections (DT) and width (W) were measured. Prostatic volume and weight were estimated according to formulae derived previously. There were statistically significant correlations between bodyweight or age and L, DL, DT and W. There were also significant correlations between estimated prostatic weight or volume and bodyweight, age, L, DL, DT and W. Formulae were derived to express the relationships between prostate size (weight or volume) and age or bodyweight.
Discospondylitis in association with an intra‐abdominal abscess in a dog
Authors: Siems J. S. , Jakovuevic S. , Adams L. G. , Munjar T. A. , DeNicola D. B.
Published: April 2008

An 11‐year‐old German shepherd dog cross was presented with a six‐week history of weight loss and abdominal distension. A diagnosis of abdominal abscess and discospondylitis was made. The dog responded to surgical excision of the abscess and conservative medical treatment for discospondylitis.
Primary immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia in a cat
Authors: Tasker S. , Mackin A. J. , Day M. J.
Published: April 2008

A young female Somali cat was referred for investigation of chronic intermittent haematuria. Petechiae were found on the ears and ventral abdomen and further investigation revealed severe thrombocytopenia and megakaryocyte hyperplasia. Direct marrow immunohistochemistry detected anti‐megakaryocyte autoantibody (immunoglobulin G), but extensive investigation failed to find secondary causes of immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia, so a diagnosis of primary (autoimmune) immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia was concluded. Thrombocytopenia persisted despite aggressive immunosuppressive therapy (prednisolone, azathioprine and vincristine) but resolved after oral prednisolone was replaced with dexamethasone.
Renal haemangioma in a dog
Authors: Eddlestone S. , Taboada J. , Senior D. , Paulsen D. B.
Published: April 2008

A three‐and‐a‐half‐year‐old, spayed female, crossbred dog was presented with chronic haematuria. Diagnostic tests included abdominal ultrasonography, intravenous urography, cystoscopy and nephrectomy. Renal haemangioma was identified as the cause of the haematuria, which resolved postoperatively. A subcutaneous mass developed one month after the nephrectomy, which was diagnosed by biopsy as a cutaneous cavernous haemangioma. No other masses were reported one year later.
Intestinal volvulus in dogs: a study of four clinical cases
Authors: Cairó J. , Font J. , Gorraiz J. , Martin N. , Pons C.
Published: April 2008

Four cases of intestinal volvulus in German shepherd dogs are described. A definitive diagnosis was achieved by exploratory laparotomy in three cases and after necropsy in the remaining animal. Clinical signs, laboratory investigations and radiological changes are reported for three of the dogs. These dogs were all euthanased. Treatment of complete intestinal volvulus is difficult. By the time the condition is diagnosed, the pathological changes are irreversible, with consequent poor prognosis.
Intestinal leiomyosarcoma in a cat
Authors: Barrand K. R. , Scudamore C. L.
Published: April 2008

Intramural ileocaecocolic leiomyosarcoma is described in an elderly neutered male domestic shorthaired cat with poor appetite and weight loss. Histological examination of the resected lesion revealed a poorly differentiated soft tissue sarcoma and a diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma was confirmed by positive immunohistochemical staining for vimentin and a‐smooth muscle actin. Postoperative survival time was 102 days before local recurrence justified euthanasia.
Therapy of difficult cases of canine pyoderma with marbofloxacin: a report of 39 dogs
Authors: Carlotti D. N. , Guaguere E. , Pin D. , Jasmin P. , Thomas E. , Guiral V.
Published: April 2008

Thirty‐nine dogs with severe and/or recurrent lesions of pyoderma were treated with marbofloxacin at an average dosage of 2·12 mg/kg bodyweight, once daily, for time periods varying from 10 to 213 days. Forty‐seven strains of bacteria, isolated from 34 cultures, were tested for sensitivity to various antibiotics. At day 0, no resistance to marbofloxacin was found, but one refractory case, a strain of Staphylococcus intermedius resistant to marbofloxacin, was cultured at day 28. Thirty‐three dogs (84·6 per cent) showed an excellent response (cure), one (2·6 per cent) a clear improvement and one (2·6 per cent) a smaller improvement, while the remaining four dogs showed no response after 11 to 60 days. Fifteen dogs (45·5 per cent) relapsed over the follow‐up period of three to 191 days, but none of the dogs in the study exhibited any adverse effects.
Dermatosis and associated systemic signs in a cat with thymoma and recently treated with an imidacloprid preparation
Authors: Godfrey D. R.
Published: April 2008

A cat was presented with acute‐onset exfoliative erythroderma and gross and histopathological lesions of erythema multiforme. Marked cardiovascular abnormalities including heart failure occurred concurrently and a dermatogenic enteropathy was also seen. Medical treatment resolved the dermatopathy and enteropathy but the heart failure progressed. A drug reaction was initially suspected to be the underlying cause with no neoplasia being detected, but repeat radiographs subsequently revealed a thymoma which had not been visible on the initial radiographs. The dermatopathy may have been a paraneoplastic disease associated with thymoma and, possibly, exacerbated by a drug reaction to imidacloprid. The cardiovascular and gastroenterological diseases were thought to be systemic effects associated with the exfoliative erythroderma. The thymoma was surgically removed but the cat subsequently died from heart failure.
Partial surgical removal of an intramedullary epidermoid cyst from the spinal cord of a dog
Authors: Shamir M. H. , Lichovsky D. , Alzenberg I. , Chrisman C. L.
Published: April 2008

An intramedullary space‐occupying lesion in the form of an epidermoid cyst was diagnosed in a one‐and‐a‐half‐year‐old flat‐coated retriever. Dorsal laminectomy and durotomy were performed in order to establish the diagnosis followed by excision of one third of the cyst. The remaining cystic tissue that was intimately attached to the spinal cord parenchyma was left in place in order to avoid further damage to the nervous tissue. The dog's neurological status improved dramatically after the surgery, but deteriorated four months later due to recurrence of the cyst.
Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma in a young German shepherd dog
Authors: Rhind S. M. , Welsh E.
Published: April 2008

An 18‐month‐old, entire male German shepherd dog was presented with signs indicative of a caudal abdominal space‐occupying mass. A needle‐core biopsy of this mass failed to establish a definitive diagnosis, but identified a prominent round‐cell component. The dog's condition worsened and euthanasia was performed on humane grounds. Histopathology of the mass revealed a mesenchymal chondrosarcoma.
Owner perception of the care of long‐term phenobarbital‐treated epileptic dogs
Authors: Lord L. K. , Podell M.
Published: April 2008

A study was undertaken to evaluate owners' perception of the effect that epilepsy and long‐term phenobarbital therapy had on the quality of pet and owner lifestyle. Selected owners who participated in a prospective, longitudinal clinical epilepsy study were sent a questionnaire at the end of the two‐year study. Inclusion criteria were dogs with a history of seizures without previous medical attention or therapy by any veterinarian before enrolment, subsequent determination of seizure aetiology using a standardised diagnostic protocol and treatment with phenobarbital for a minimum period of six months. A relatively equal distribution of the respondents' dogs had a determined (secondary, 47 per cent) or undetermined (primary, 53 per cent) seizure aetiology, and the vast majority of owners agreed that they would choose to treat their epileptic pet again rather than opt for other alternatives. Most owners disagreed that their pet was leading a poor quality of life after the start of phenobarbital therapy. A significant negative correlation existed between an owner's perception of the pet's quality of life and the amount of work required to care for the pet during the two‐year study period. This study demonstrates that many owners are willing to care for epileptic dogs on long‐term phenobarbital treatment, regardless of the underlying cause.
Resolution of paraneoplastic alopecia following surgical removal of a pancreatic carcinoma in a cat
Authors: Tasker S. , Griffon D. J. , Nuttall T. J. , Hill P. B.
Published: April 2008

A 13‐year‐old female neutered domestic longhaired cat was presented with a five‐month history of progressive weight loss and bilaterally symmetrical alopecia of the ventrum, limbs and perineum. The alopecic skin had a shiny appearance and hair in the non‐alopecic areas was easily epilated. Fine needle aspirate cytology of a palpable cranial abdominal mass revealed it to be of epithelial or glandular origin. A pancreatic mass was excised by left pancreatectomy during exploratory laparotomy, and histopathology and skin biopsies confirmed a diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma with concurrent paraneoplastic alopecia. No evidence of metastases was found on liver and lymph node biopsies. At re‐examination 10 weeks after surgery, the hair had fully regrown. Skin signs recurred after 18 weeks and metastatic spread of the tumour was confirmed on postmortem examination. This case confirms that paraneoplastic alopecia associated with internal malignancies is a potentially reversible process if the internal neoplasm is excised.
Effect of body position on ultrasonographic estimations of bladder volume
Authors: Atalan G. , Holt P. E. , Barr F. J.
Published: April 2008

A study was undertaken to determine the effect of body position on ultrasonographic bladder measurements and volume estimations. Of the 42 dogs studied, 15 were fresh canine cadavers without urological disease and the remaining 27 were undergoing investigations for disorders of the lower urinary tract. Bladder volume was estimated using a formula described previously. Irrespective of whether all dogs were considered together or only live animals were included, measurements made in dorsal recumbency tended to underestimate bladder volume while those made in right lateral recumbency resulted in overestimation. This was due to significant differences in all linear measurements, apart from width, between body positions. Measurements in right lateral recumbency were higher than those in dorsal recumbency. In all animals and in living dogs alone, bladder measurements in dorsal recumbency appeared to give a more accurate estimation of actual bladder volume.
Progression of aortic stenosis in the boxer
Authors: French A. , Fuentes V. Luis , Dukes‐McEwan J. , Darke P. G. G. , Martin M. , Corcoran B.
Published: April 2008

Thirty‐five boxers that had been referred to the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies between 1989 and 1994 with left heart base murmurs and aortic velocities greater than 1.5 m/second on Doppler echocardiography were recalled for clinical examination and Doppler echocardiography between 1995 and 1996. Five dogs (14 per cent) showed an increase in murmur grade on repeat visit. Six dogs (17 per cent) showed an increase in aortic velocity of greater than 20 per cent. Eight dogs (23 per cent) had developed aortic valvular or subvalvular twcbdimensional echocardiographic changes that had not been present at the initial visit. Seven dogs (20 per cent) had developed aortic regurgitation, and three dogs (8 per cent) mitral regurgitation.
Haemangiosarcoma of the scapula in three dogs
Authors: Erdem V. , Pead M. J.
Published: April 2008

Three cases of haemangiosarcoma in the scapula of the dog are reported. Two cases were euthanased soon after diagnosis, due to the presence of metastases, while the third was treated surgically and recovered well. However, seven months after surgery, this dog was represented with a cervical spinal problem which was presumed to be a metastatic lesion.
Neurological dysfunction in dogs following attenuation of congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts
Authors: Tisdall P. L. C. , Hunt G. B. , Youmans K. R. , Malik R.
Published: April 2008

Eleven of 89 dogs (12 per cent) developed neurological signs within six days of surgical attenuation of a congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt. Neurological signs were not associated with hepatic encephalopathy or hypoglycaemia. Signs varied in severity from non‐progressive ataxia (three dogs) to generalised motor seizures (four dogs), progressing to status epilepticus (three dogs). In a further four cases, ataxia and disorientation were treated vigorously with anticonvulsant medication, presumably preventing the development of seizures. Two dogs that developed status epilepticus died or were eventually euthanased. All other animals survived, although some had persistent neurological deficits. Postligation neurological complications were not prevented by gradual shunt attenuation. Prophylactic treatment with phenobarbitone (5 to 10 mg/kg preoperatively, followed by 3 to 5 mg/kg every 12 hours for three weeks) did not significantly reduce the incidence of neurological sequelae (2/31 [6 per cent] dogs with phenobarbitone vs 9/58 [16 per cent] without phenobarbitone; P = 0.2). However, no animal receiving phenobarbitone experienced generalised motor seizures or status epilepticus. In conclusion, these observations suggest that postligation neurological syndrome comprises a spectrum of neurological signs of variable severity. Perioperative treatment with phenobarbitone may not reduce the risk of neurological sequelae, but may reduce their severity.
Spontaneous laryngeal paralysis in four white‐coated German shepherd dogs
Authors: Ridyard A. E. , Corcoran B. M. , Tasker S. , Willis R. , Welsh E. M. , Demetrtou J. L. , Griffiths L. G.
Published: April 2008

Four cases of spontaneous laryngeal paralysis in juvenile whitecoated German shepherd dogs are described. The presenting signs were typical for laryngeal paralysis, with stridor present in all four cases. Laryngoscopy revealed bilateral laryngeal paralysis in three cases, and unilateral paralysis in one. Concurrent megaoesophagus was also identified in one dog. All dogs underwent surgical treatment for laryngeal paralysis. Euthanasia was performed in one case due to intractable regurgitation and aspiration pneumonia. A possible association with white coat colour is discussed.
Concurrent torsion of the right cranial and right middle lung lobes in a whippet
Authors: White R. N. , Corzo‐Menendez N.
Published: April 2008

A four‐year‐old, entire male whippet was presented with a three‐day history of lethargy, inappetence, occasional retching, a soft cough and intermittent episodes of haemoptysis. Clinical and laboratory findings, and thoracic radiographic and ultrasonographic studies suggested a diagnosis of lung lobe torsion. A concurrent lung lobe torsion of the right cranial and right middle lung lobes was confirmed at exploratory thoracotomy. Management Included resection of both the affectpd lung lobes. No obvious underlying aetiology for the condition was apparent. The dog made a full recovery from the procedure and at the time of writing (11 months postoperatively) was reported to be well, exercising normally and showing no breathing abnormalities
Presumptive sialadenosis in a cat
Authors: Boydell P. , Pike R. , Crossley D.
Published: April 2008

A cat was presented with signs associated with enlargement of the mandibular salivary glands. Histological findings were normal, consistent with a diagnosis of sialadenosis, and the cat responded to symptomatic treatment with oral phenobarbitone.
Influence of selective breeding on the Prevalence of chorioretinal dysplasia and coloboma in the rough collie in Sweden
Authors: Wallin‐Håkanson B. , Wallin‐Hakanson N. , Hedhammar Å.
Published: April 2008

A total of 8204 rough collies, representing 76 per cent of all collies registered by the Swedish Kennel Club between 1989 and 1997, were examined before 10 weeks of age for collie eye anomaly (CEA). All dogs were permanently identified and examination results were registered and computerised. The policy of breeders during the study period was to select against coloboma in breeding stock, but to allow breeding of chorioretinal dysplasia (CRD) affected animals. The prevalence of CRD increased significantly from 54.2 per cent to 684 per cent (P<0.001) from 1989 to 1997, while the prevalence of coloboma did not (8.3 per cent to 8.5 per cent, P=0.4). These results are not compatible with a simple, recessive, autosomal inheritance for the entire CEA complex.
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 in a crossbred dog
Authors: Walker M. C. , Jones B. R. , Guildford W. G. , Burbidge H. M. , Alley M. R.
Published: April 2008

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 was diagnosed in a 12‐year‐old male crossbred dog. Relevant history included polyuria and polydipsia of four months' duration. Physical examination revealed abdominal enlargement, seborrhoea and polypnoea. Diagnostic tests indicated hypercalcaemia, elevated serum alkaline phosphatase and alanine aminotransferase, an exaggerated response to adrenocorticotropic stimulation of the adrenal gland, lack of cortisol suppression with a low dose dexamethasone suppression test and suppression of cortisol secretion with a high dose dexamethasone test. An enlarged right parathyroid gland was removed surgically and confirmed histopathologically to be a parathyroid adenoma. The pituitary‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism was treated successfully with mitotane for 14 months before the patient was euthanased for an unrelated problem.
Cor triatriatum sinister in a cat
Authors: Koie H. , Sato T. , Nakagawa H. , Sakai T.
Published: April 2008

A heart murmur was detected in a five‐month‐old Persian chinchilla cat. The animal was referred to Nihon University Animal Medical Center where radiographic examination revealed an enlarged heart with dilation of pulmonary arteries and veins and pulmonary oedema. Echocardiography revealed partition of the left atrium, with turbulent blood flow within the left atrium. The patient was placed under continuous care at the facility, but died at seven months of age. Postmortem examination revealed that the left atrium was partitioned by a fibromuscular septum, with a 1 mm diameter perforation, consistent with a diagnosis of cor triatriatum sinister.
Homonymous hemianopia in a pug with necrotising meningoencephalitis
Authors: Beltran W. A. , Ollivet F. F. M.
Published: April 2008

A 24‐month‐old female pug, which had previously been treated for visual hemifield loss, was referred with generalised seizures and other neurological disorders. A diagnosis of necrotising meningoencephalitis was suggested from the clinical signs together with the results of computed tomography and cerebrospinal fluid examination. This was confirmed seven months later by histological examination of the brain following euthanasia. Typical histopathological lesions of the disease were found in various areas of both cerebral hemispheres, including the visual striated cortex of the right cerebrum.
Cranial cruciate stabilitv in the rottweiler and racing greyhound: an in vitro study
Authors: Wingfield C. , Amis A. A. , Stead A. C. , Law H. T.
Published: April 2008

An in vitro biomechanical study of cadaver stifles from rottweilers and racing greyhounds was undertaken to evaluate the contribution of the cranial cruciate ligament to stifle joint stability. This was performed at differing stifle joint angles, first with the joint capsules and ligaments intact and then with all structures removed except for the cranial cruciate ligament. Craniocaudal laxity increased in both breeds as stifle flexion increased. The rottweiler stifle showed greater craniocaudal joint laxity than the racing greyhound at all joint angles between 150° and 110°, but the actual increases in joint laxity between these joint angles were similar for both breeds. Tibial rotation during craniocaudal loading of the stifle increased craniocaudal laxity in both breeds during joint flexion. The relative contribution of the cranial cruciate ligament to cranial stability of the stifle joint increased as the joint flexed and was similar in both breeds.
Clinical evaluation of a valveless non‐absorber breathing system in spontaneously breathing canine patients
Authors: Holden D. J.
Published: April 2008

A valveless non‐absorber breathing system novel to veterinary anaesthesia is described. The performance of this system was evaluated in 35 anaesthetised spontaneously breathing dogs weighing between 2–1 and 56 kg. Fresh gas flows were reduced incrementally until rebreathing (defined as an increase in end‐Inspired carbon dioxide tension above 0.2 per cent) started to occur, as measured by capnography. A significant relationship (P<0.0001) between critical fresh gas flow and bodyweight was determined, and a mean critical fresh gas flow rate of 145 ±21 ml/kg/minute was derived for 15 dogs weighing 10 kg or less (mean 6.7 ±2.6 kg) and one of 98 ±16 ml/kg/minute for the remaining 20 dogs weighing 11 kg or greater (mean 30.2 ±13.9 kg). The fresh gas requirements for each group were found to differ significantly (P<0.0001), although the correlation between critical fresh gas flow and bodyweight was not Significant (P=0.054) in the dogs weighing 10 kg or less. It is suggested that the system may prove an economical and useful addition to the breathing systems currently used in canine anaesthesia.
Tears of the palmar superficial fascia in five racing greyhounds and a Labrador retriever
Authors: Guilliard M. J. , Mayo A. K.
Published: April 2008

Tears of the palmar superficial fascia over the palmar extremity of the accessory carpal bone were identified as the cause of lameness in five racing greyhounds and as a coincidental finding in a Labrador retriever with an avulsion of the insertion of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon. The lameness in the greyhounds was mild and transient, although racing performance was affected. The Labrador retriever was severely lame. In all cases there was a marked soft tissue swelling and a palpable defect in the superficial fascia. One case was managed conservatively and surgical repair was performed in the remaining five cases. The greyhounds returned to successful racing and the Labrador retriever made a complete recovery.
Comparison of the biornechanical properties of rottweiler and racing greyhound cranial cruciate ligaments
Authors: Wingfield C. , Amis A. A. , Stead A. C. , Law H. T.
Published: April 2008

An in vitro study of rottweiler and racing greyhound cranial cruciate ligaments revealed that the rottweiler ligaments had a significantly greater cross‐sectional area at their distal attachments. Mechanical testing showed that the ultimate load related to body mass was significantly higher in the extended racing greyhound stifle during cranial tibial loading to failure, as were linear stiffness, tensile strength and tangent modulus. During ligament axis loading to failure, the only significant difference in structural and mechanical properties recorded between the two breeds was a greater ultimate strain for the greyhound ligament with the stifle joint flexed. Energy absorbed by the ligament complex at failure during cranial tibial loading was twice that for ligament axis loading for both breeds. The clinical significance is that the rottweiler cranial cruciate ligament is more vulnerable to damage as it requires half the load per unit body mass that the greyhound requires to cause a rupture.0
Use of a circular external skeletal fixator for stifle arthrodesis in a dog
Authors: Collins K. E. , Lewis D. D. , Lanz O. I. , Newell S. M.
Published: April 2008

Arthrodesis of the right stifle was performed in a 21 kg German shepherd dog that had sustained a comminuted fracture of the lateral femoral condyle as a result of a gunshot wound. The arthrodesis was stabilised with a circular external skeletal fixator. A simplified technique to facilitate creation of the osteotomies of the femur and tibia, and positioning of the stifle at the desired angle, is described. Compression of the subchondral bone surfaces of the distal femur and proximal tibia was achieved using tensioned coiled transarticular Kirschner wires. Arthrodesis of the stifle was confirmed radiographically 21 weeks following surgery, and the fixator was removed. After union of the arthrodesis and removal of the fixator, the dog was fully weightbearing when standing or walking, and intermittently weightbearing or non‐weightbearing at faster gaits.