bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimuscarinic premedication in canine anaesthesia: a comparison of atropine, hyoscine and glycopyrrolate
Authors: WATNEY G. C. G. , CHAMBERS J. P. , WATKINS S. B.
Published: April 2008

Anticholinergic drugs are commonly given as preanaesthetic medication to reduce secretions and bradycardia. In this trial, clinical cases were given atropine, hyoscine or glycopyrrolate on a logarithmic dose scale. Another group was not given any anticholinergic agent. Anaesthesia was induced with thiopentone and maintained with halothane in oxygen and nitrous oxide. All the anticholinergic drugs decreased salivation although there was also a small fall in salivation in the control group. Pulse rates rose on induction and fell over the course of anaesthesia in the control group but the mean pulse rates did not fall below the normal range. Atropine and hyoscine produced a tachycardia followed by a fall in pulse rate similar to the control group during anaesthesia. Glycopyrrolate maintained the pulse at the same level throughout. In view of the disadvantages of tachycardia, glycopyrrolate is probably the anticholinergic agent of choice when such a drug is indicated.
Immune‐based erosive inflammatory joint disease of the dog: canine rheumatoid arthritis.
Authors: BENNETT DAVID
Published: April 2008

The features of 30 cases of canine rheumatoid arthritis are described. The disease is a chronic symmetrical polyarthritis characterized by erosive, destructive changes within the joint. The latter can be identified on radiographs by loss of mineral, the presence of discrete erosions or an irregular joint margin. Increased periarticular soft tissue is common and periosteal new bone is not unusual. The most obvious clinical feature is generalized stiffness particularly after rest. Joints are often thickened and painful on manipulation. A third of cases present with pyrexia, lethargy and inappetence in addition to lameness. Synovial fluid evaluation shows an increased number of white cells, most of which are polymorphs; the mucin clot is poor. The ESR is generally increased and rheumatoid factor (an antiglobulin auto‐antibody) is present in 73 per cent of cases. Treatment is often unrewarding, although many dogs can cope for considerable periods of time.
Polarized light biomicroscopic observations on the pre‐corneal tear film. 3. The normal tear film of the cat
Authors: CARRINGTON S. D. , BEDFORD P. G. C. , GUILLON J.‐P. , WOODWARD E. G.
Published: April 2008

Polarized light biomicroscopy was used to examine the pre‐corneal tear film in 14 normal cats. Blink rates were also determined. The normal range of surface morphology of the feline tear film was established. Two principal categories of surface patterning of the lipid layer of the tear film were identified. These occurred in all eyes examined and were: (a) a wave‐like pattern, and (b) a pattern of variable character resembling the polished surface of granite. Over most of the area of the tear film, the thickness of its lipid layer between blinks was under 0·089 μm in all cats examined. However, narrow streaks of thicker lipid (up to 0·511 μm) were occasionally observed. The mean total blink rate was 2·4/min. Overall, incomplete blinks constituted approximately 50 per cent of the total blink rate. The tear film of the cat is compared with that of man and the dog.
Clinical hip dysplasia in growing dogs: the long‐term results of conservative management
Authors: BARR A. R. S. , DENNY H. R. , GIBBS C.
Published: April 2008

The long‐term results of conservative management in 68 immature dogs with clinical and radiographic evidence of hip dysplasia are described. Seventy‐six per cent of the dogs had minimal gait abnormalities despite radiological evidence of moderate or severe osteoarthrosis.
‘Simultaneous' urethral pressure profilometry: Comparisons between continent and incontinent bitches
Authors: HOLT P. E.
Published: April 2008

‘Simultaneous’ urethral pressure profilometry using microtip pressure transducer catheters was evaluated as an aid to the diagnosis of urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence by means of comparisons between 50 continent and 50 incontinent anaesthetised bitches. Highly significant differences were detected and the technique was found to have considerable potential as a diagnostic aid.
Medial epicondylar spur associated with lameness in dogs
Authors: MAY C. , BENNETT D.
Published: April 2008

In four dogs with forelimb lameness a bony exostosis had developed near the caudal edge of the superficial digital flexor muscle on the medial epicondyle of the humerus. The aetiology possibly involves a traumatic enthesopathy. Surgical resection of the exostoses resolved the lameness.
Metastatic pattern in dogs with splenic haemangiosarcoma: Clinical implications
Authors: WATERS D. J. , CAYWOOD D. D. , HAYDEN D. W. , KLAUSNER J. S.
Published: April 2008

A retrospective study was undertaken to characterise the biological behaviour of splenic haemangiosarcoma (HSA) in dogs. Metastatic pattern data for 25 dogs with splenic HSA that were presented for clinical signs relating to splenic lesions (eg, abdominal mass and, or, haemoperitoneum) and had undergone necropsy were analysed. Six of 25 dogs with splenic HSA that were presented for abdominal mass/haemoperitoneum had right atrial HSA. Fifteen of 19 (79 per cent dogs) with splenic HSA associated with abdominal mass/hemoperitoneum without right atrial involvement had disease confined to the peritoneal cavity. The most common metastatic sites in these dogs were liver, omentum and mesentery. Extraperitoneal metastases were seen in four of 19 (21 per cent) dogs without right atrial involvement. Analysis of signalment data of dogs in this series and the literature revealed no differences between dogs with disease confined to the peritoneal cavity and dogs with extraperitoneal metastases. The subjectivity of primary site designation, importance of ante mortem identification of individuals with concurrent right atrial involvement, and need for more aggressive therapy directed at intraperitoneal metastases are discussed.
Fucosidosis in English springer spaniels: Results of a trial screening programme
Authors: BARKER C. G. , HERRTAGE M. E. , SHANAHAN F. , WINCHESTER B. G.
Published: April 2008

A trial screening programme for the fucosidosis trait, based on measurement of the enzyme α‐L‐fucosidase in plasma and leucocytes, has been carried out among pedigree English springer spaniels in the United Kingdom. The results show that the disorder is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner and that the underlying genetic defect is prevalent in several pedigree lines. The enzymic test can confirm the diagnosis of the disorder in affected dogs showing clinical signs and can detect affected dogs before clinical signs are observed. Carriers can also be detected but the genetic status of some animals cannot be determined by this enzymic test because there is overlap between the enzyme levels in normal and heterozygous animals. An extensive pedigree incorporating the results of this trial has been constructed to illustrate the path of inheritance and to help identify carriers of the disorder.
Lateral spinal decompression in the dog: A review of 39 cases
Authors: BLACK A. P.
Published: April 2008

Lateral spinal decompression was performed in 39 dogs. Twenty‐seven (67‐5 per cent) showed significant neurological improvement within 72 hours of surgery. All 36 dogs included in the long term follow up walked or were pain free in an average time of two to two‐and‐a‐half weeks.
Darier's sign associated with a cutaneous mast cell tumour in a cat with multiple neoplasms
Authors: MACY D. W.
Published: April 2008

A cutaneous mast cell tumour associated with Darier's sign in a cat with multiple neoplasms is described. A 14‐year‐old cat with multiple neoplasms, one of which was a mast cell tumour developed marked subcutaneous oedema and erythema following palpation. The phenomenon is similar to Darier's sign described in people with mast cell tumours. The pathology of the Darier's sign is discussed.
Pharyngeal stick penetration injuries in the dog
Authors: White R. A. S. , Lane J. G.
Published: April 2008

Sixty‐five dogs were examined and treated for stick penetration wounds of the pharynx. Dysphagia, pain, pyrexia and local cellulitis were common presenting signs amongst recently injured dogs. Injuries involving the oesophagus resulted in subcutaneous emphysema and dyspnoea associated with pneumomediastinum. Longstanding wounds presented with discharging sinuses of the head, neck or cranial thoracic region.

Wooden foreign bodies were recovered from 37 dogs (57 per cent) with subsequent resolution of their clinical signs. No foreign body was retrieved from a further 18 dogs (28 per cent) but their clinical signs resolved after appropriate wound management. Four dogs (6 per cent) died shortly after the injury from major oesophageal tears which allowed mediastinal contamination. Six dogs (9 per cent) had no foreign body recovered at surgery and the discharging sinuses persisthed.

The need for vigorous management of the fresh injury in order to preclude the development of chronic complications is emphasised.
BSAVA EDUCATION COMMITTEE COMMISSIONED ARTICLE
Authors: ARNOCZKY STEVEN PAUL
Published: April 2008

Injury to the cruciate ligaments, especially the cranial cruciate ligament, is one of the most common clinical problems presented to the small animal veterinarian. While there have been many procedures described for the treatment of cruciate ligament rupture no unanimity exists as to which procedure is the best. Therefore, in order to select the reparative technique that might best serve an individual case, the veterinary clinician must be familiar with the anatomy, function, and mechanics of cruciate ligament injury as well as the principles of both extra‐articular and intra‐articular techniques. This paper reviews the current state of knowledge of the cruciate ligaments.

“Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament is the most common injury in the stifle joint of the dog.”

Paatsama 1952
Osteopetrosis in cats
Authors: KRAMERS P. , FLÜCKIGER M. A. , RAHN B. A. , CORDEY J.
Published: April 2008

Osteopetrosis was found in two adult cats, radiographically characterised by a ‘marble bone’ appearance of the axial skeleton and of the subchondral bone of all joints, and endosteal thickening of the cortex of long bones. Computer tomography and histological assessment revealed massive endosteal lamellar bone formation. Bone resorption was still apparent, though only atypical mononuclear osteoclasts were seen. Histological findings support the assumption that the disorder was acquired. Severe anaemia was found in one cat. In the other, no clinical abnormalities were present. The condition appears to be different from feline leukaemia virus‐induced medullary osteosclerosis described by Hoover and Kociba (1974).
Polymyositis in two German wirehaired pointer littermates
Authors: PRESTHUS J. , LINDBOE C. F.
Published: April 2008

Two cases of polymyositis in German wirehaired pointer littermates are described. The seven‐month‐old dogs were presented with a history of acute vomiting, weakness and drooling from the mouth. Examination of the dogs disclosed muscle weakness, dysphagia, megaoesophagus, elevated serum muscle enzyme levels and abnormal electromyographic and muscle biopsy findings. Both dogs were treated with prednisolone and made a complete recovery. The dam, and two littermates, were also examined, but no signs of polymyositis were seen in these.
Persistent pupillary membrane and congenital cataract in a litter of English cocker spaniels
Authors: STRANDE A. , NICOLAISSEN B. , BJERKAS I.
Published: April 2008

In a litter of seven three‐week‐old English cocker spaniels, four showed persistent pupillary membrane and congenital cataract. One affected male and two affected females were kept for breeding purposes. Brother/sister mating gave birth to 14 pups. Two pups died the first day. The other 12 were euthanased at an age of one year. None of them showed any sign of eye diseases either by clinical or histological examination. The parents, one male and two females, were euthanased at the age of 20, 24 and 33 months, respectively. Clinical and histological examination of the eyes showed varying degree of loss of vision, persistent pupillary membranes, microphthalmos and cataract.
Clinical and pathological features of a cerebellar oligodendroglioma in a cat
Authors: SMITH D. A. , HONHOLD N.
Published: April 2008

A cerebellar oligodendroglioma was responsible for the progressive development of neurological deficits in a six‐year‐old castrated male domestic longhaired cat. These abnormalities included a head tilt and loss of balance, nystagmus, proprioceptive deficits and eventually a fine head tremor and hypermetria of the forelimbs. The tumour was found to have destroyed most of the cerebellar grey matter, the flocculus, and the cerebellar roof nuclei on the right hand side. Increased peri‐axonal space and axonal vacuolation were visible in fibre tracts which connected to the cerebellum. The clinical signs and location of the tumour are related to the functional anatomy of the cerebellum.
Bacterial endocarditis and inflammatory joint disease in the dog
Authors: BENNETT D. , TAYLOR D. J.
Published: April 2008

The main clinical features of 12 cases of bacterial endocarditis were lameness, pyrexia, lethargy, anorexia and systolic cardiac murmurs. The lameness varied from generalised stiffness to an inability to stand and walk. Multiple joint involvement was typical. Two types of joint pathology were identified. A marked synovitis with granulation tissue sometimes covering the articular cartilage was present in some joints associated with the presence of bacterial organisms. Other joints proved sterile and showed a milder synovial pathology. In many dogs both an infective arthritis and a non‐infective arthritis co‐existed. Bilaterally symmetrical joint involvement was typical of the non‐infective arthritis. The pathogenesis of the latter was likely to involve the deposition of circulating immune complexes (bacterial antigens, antibody and complement) in the synovium. The infective arthritis was presumed to be secondary to embolic disease, ie, the spread of infected emboli from the heart valve to the joints. Treatment was unsuccessful in all cases.
Weakness associated with spinal subpial myelopathy in a weimaraner puppy
Authors: COMONT P. S. V. , PALMER A. C. , WILLIAMS A. E.
Published: April 2008

Clinical and pathological features are described in an eight‐week‐old weimaraner puppy which showed hindleg weakness and subpial myelin depletion in the spinal cord. The myelopathy was accompanied by pial thickening, vacuolation of sensory neurons in the spinal cord and of neurons in the medulla. Swollen axons occurred in the spinal cord, cerebellum and internal capsule. Comparisons are made between this case and a recently recorded form of hypomyelination in weimaraner dogs.
Scrotal width as an index of testicular size in dogs and its relationship to body size
Authors: WOODALL P. F. , JOHNSTONE ISOBEL P.
Published: April 2008

Measurements of scrotal width were strongly correlated with testicular weight in 71 dogs (r = 0–919) and thus provided a convenient index of testicular size and potential sperm production. However, to be useful in trying to predict male fertility this measurement had to be adjusted for bodyweight. A graph is presented which allows estimation of ‘average’ scrotal width and its 95 per cent confidence limits for potentially fertile dogs of bodyweight between 5 and 50 kg. With one exception, dogs with scrotal widths below the 95 per cent confidence limits had very few or no spermatozoa in smears from the cauda epididymidis.
Inherited eye disease in the dog and cat
Authors: BARNETT K. C.
Published: April 2008

This paper describes the more common inherited eye conditions in the dog and cat, paying particular attention to the newer conditions, not all of which have previously been reported in the literature. These newer conditions include entropion in the shar pei, microphthalmos in the dobermann and miniature schnauzer, cataract in the German shepherd dog and Norwegian buhund, progressive retinal atrophy in the Tibetan terrier, Tibetan spaniel, miniature longhaired dachshund and two forms in the Abyssinian cat, multifocal retinal dysplasia in the English springer spaniel and other breeds, persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous in the Staffordshire bull terrier and dobermann and optic nerve hypoplasia in the toy poodle. Anatomical classification presents a convenient means of describing these conditions which may affect the whole globe, the eyelids, the nictitating membrane, the nasolacrimal duct system, the conjunctiva, the cornea, the aqueous, the iris, the lens and zonule, the vitreous, the retina, the choroid and sclera and the optic nerve.
Chronic enteropathies in the dog
Authors: Batt R. M. , Hall E. J.
Published: April 2008

Chronic enteropathies are a common and diverse group of diseases in the dog, but diagnosis can be difficult and morphological criteria are an inadequate means of classification. The introduction of new screening procedures together with a biochemical approach to the analysis of tissue damage has assisted the characterisation of previously unrecognised conditions and provided insight into the causes of chronic intestinal disease in this species. These advances are reviewed and current knowledge of other important canine enteropathies characterised by predominantly morphological criteria is summarised.
Two unusual cases of canine exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Authors: Westermarck E. , Rimaila‐Pärnänen E.
Published: April 2008

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) was diagnosed in two German shepherd dogs and treatment given for three months and two years. The owners later discontinued therapy because the dogs' condition improved and both had a normal life for 2.5 and 5.5 years without medication or modified diet. This suggests that dogs with EPI do not always exhibit clinical signs and that the disease can occur in a ‘subclinical’ form. The atrophic process of the pancreas was followed by serial histopathological examination of biopsies in one of the dogs.
Radiological features of 80 cases of diaphragmatic rupture
Authors: Sullivan M. , Lee R.
Published: April 2008

The films from 80 cases of diaphragmatic rupture in the dog and cat over a 10 year period were examined. The most common findings were loss of the cupola and masking of the cardiac shadow. Identification of the stomach or intestine in the thorax made the diagnosis straightforward. However, in some animals these organs were not visible and there was considerable accumulation of free pleural fluid. The use of barium contrast studies and post drainage films were unable to confirm the presence of a rupture in all cases with inconclusive plain film findings. The identification of a rupture was only made by exploratory surgery in these animals.
Medical management of vesicourachal diverticula in 15 cats with lower urinary tract disease
Authors: Osborne C. A. , Kroll R. A. , Lulich J. P. , Johnston G. R. , Kruger J. M.
Published: April 2008

The biological behaviour of radiographically detectable vesicourachal diverticula in 13 male and two female cats with haematuria, dysuria, and, or, urethral obstruction was evaluated following spontaneous or treatment‐induced remission of lower urinary tract disease. The observation that diverticula are larger in obstructed than non‐obstructed cats supports the hypothesis that the higher prevalence of diverticula in males is associated with a higher prevalence of urethral obstruction in males. Complete resolution of vesicourachal diverticula occurred in all 15 patients. Regression of diverticula following eradication of bacterial urinary tract infections with antimicrobial agents and, or, medical dissolution of urocystoliths indicates that diverticulectomy is not always warranted. It is probable that diverticula heal within two to three weeks following elimination of increased intraluminal bladder pressure.
Nutrition in relation to skeletal growth deformities
Authors: Hazewinkel H. A. W.
Published: April 2008

The pathophysiology of alimentary hyperparathyroidism and its pathological fractures and growth deformities are described. Renal hyperparathyroidism with hyperostotic osteodystrophy in young animals and isostotic osteodystrophy in old animals is briefly mentioned. Hypercalcitoninism caused by excessive prolonged calcium intake in growing dogs will go together with disturbances in skeletal remodelling and disturbed enchrondral ossification, leading to such entities as canine wobbler syndrome, enostosis, osteochrondrosis dissecans, and radius curvus syndrome. Dogs, who are dependent upon dietary vitamin D sources, can develop rickets with skeletal growth deformities when a diet deficient in vitamin D is fed under controlled conditions. Growth plates and mineralisation grade normalised when commercial dog food was given.

As a sole therapy normalisation of the diet will not be sufficient in all skeletal growth deformities as described above. Prevention by feeding diets with optimal contents will be of benefit to veterinarians and their patients.
Hereditary congenital heart defects in dogs
Authors: Patterson D. F.
Published: April 2008

Congenital heart defects is probably the most common class of malformations found in dogs, occurring with a frequency approaching 1 per cent in animals presented to veterinary clinics. The frequency is significantly higher among purebred dogs than in dogs of mixed breeding and specific anatomic malformations occur with highest frequency in certain breeds. Genetic studies of patent ductus arteriosus, pulmonic stenosis, subaortic stenosis, ventricular septal defect, tetralogy of Fallot and persistent aortic arch have confirmed that these are specific heritable defects, the genes for which are concentrated in a number of different breeds. Each of these defects is inherited in a complex manner consistent with a polygenic basis. This paper will describe evidence supporting the view that the common forms of congenital heart disease in the dog are polygenic threshold traits. The general criteria for recognition of polygenic traits and methods for their control will be discussed.
Hip dysplasia in dogs
Authors: Brass W.
Published: April 2008

The wide dissemination of hip dysplasia among large dogs has led, over the years, to a variety of control programmes. Until now, the diagnostic evaluation of radiographs has been essential for any successful combat against hip dysplasia. Judging procedures differ, although generally within narrow limits. On the continent, the recommendations of the Federation Cynologique Internationale are followed to a large extent. Hip dysplasia has polygenic hereditary traits. Besides the influences of the genes, there are also environmental factors that play a role in the variability of the hip status. Breed schemes have, so far, been based on selection and the partial or total exclusion of affected dogs from breeding.

The system applied to German shepherd dogs in West Germany in the last 20 years has proved successful without imposing strict measures.
Familial renal disease in dogs
Authors: Nash A. S.
Published: April 2008

Juvenile renal disease in dogs has been encountered in over 20 breeds but in only nine of these (cocker spaniel, Norwegian elkhound, lhasa apso, shih tzu, samoyed, dobermann, standard poodle, soft‐coated wheaten terrier and bull terrier) have familial nephropathies been reported, and in only two (samoyed and cocker spaniel) has the exact mode of inheritance been elucidated. Reasons for this unsatisfactory state of affairs are: 1 Renal failure in young dogs may not be due to a familial nephropathy, and while helpful diagnostic information may be gained from blood and urine analysis, accurate diagnosis of the specific type of renal disease requires examination of renal biopsy or post mortem material by an experienced pathologist. 2 Not all affected animals show clinical signs at the same age, making collection of data, often from widely dispersed animals, both difficult and slow. 3 The disease process in one breed may be very different from that in another, so that each breed has to be investigated separately. 4 There has to be a willing determination to face the problem by individual breed clubs, with the commitment of a large number of breeders, owners and veterinary surgeons.

Resistance or inertia at any level will prevent or delay successful investigation and possible prevention of the disease.
The role of allergy in the development of canine pyoderma
Authors: Mason I. S. , Lloyd D. H.
Published: April 2008

Pyoderma is commonly seen in canine veterinary practice and usually occurs as a complicating factor in other primary conditions. Allergic skin disease is often the underlying cause but the precise relationship between allergy and infection is unknown. Our studies have investigated the relationship between bacterial proliferation at the skin surface and hypersensitivity reactions with the skin. Hypersensitive dogs were shown to have significantly higher surface counts of staphylococci than normal controls and these bacteria were concentrated in the more superficial layers of the stratum corneum. Intradermal injection of staphlococcal antigens in normal dogs elicited epidermal damage similar to that seen in clinical disease. Preliminary autoradiographic studies using a model of canine skin hypersensitivity reactions showed that percutaneous absorption of radiolabelled staphylococcal antigens was increased by mast cell degranulation. These findings suggest that a major role of hypersensitivity reactions in the pathogenesis of pyoderma may be via an effect on epidermal permeability, promoting penetration of staphylococcal antigens from the stratum corneum which then cause the lesions of pyoderma. Hypersensitivity reactions may also lead to changes in the skin surface microclimate leading to increased bacterial counts on the skin surface, so exacerbating the condition.
Gastric carcinoma in the dog: A clinicopathological study of 11 cases
Authors: Fonda D. , Gualtieri M. , Scanziani E.
Published: April 2008

From October 1984 to May 1987, advanced gastric carcinoma was diagnosed in 11 dogs at the University of Milan. All cases were examined clinically, radiologically and endoscopically, and nine dogs were submitted for autopsy. The tumour mass was excised surgically in one case and treated by photodynamic therapy (haematoporphyrins and laser) in one other case. Fiberoptic examination allowed diagnosis in all the subjects. In seven of eight cases, histological diagnosis was achieved by means of transendoscopic biopsy. There appeared to be a breed predisposition to the tumour as eight of 11 tumours affected Belgian shepherd dogs and all these had neoplasms arising from the lesser curvature with prevailing histological features of mucin secreting tumours.
Dilation of the pancreatic duct: An ultrasonographic finding in acute pancreatitis
Authors: Lamb C. R.
Published: April 2008

Dilation of the pancreatic duct in two dogs with acute pancreatitis was identified using ultrasonography. This sign supported the diagnosis of pancreatitis. However, reference to the human medical literature indicates that dilation of the pancreatic duct may occur with a variety of conditions, and should be considered a potentially non‐specific finding in dogs.
Gastroesophageal reflux and hiatus hernia associated with laryngeal paralysis in a dog
Authors: Burnie A. G. , Simpson J. W. , Corcoran B. M.
Published: April 2008

Gastro‐oesophageal reflux together with sliding hiatus hernia is reported in a dog, associated with laryngeal paralysis. Diagnosis was made following endoscopy and fluoroscopy. Surgical treatment of the laryngeal paralysis resulted in complete remission of clinical signs.
Abnormal skin fragility in a cat with cnolangio‐carcinoma
Authors: Regnier A. , Pieraggi M. T.
Published: April 2008

An eight‐year‐old shorthaired cat which presented with a five‐month history of bouts of anorexia and vomiting, developed a large spontaneous skin tear over the left shoulder when manipulated for clinical workup. The cat had no previous history of abnormal skin fragility and clinical examination of the skin revealed a general thinning but no scarring or hyperextensibility. After one day of hospitalisation the animal was euthanased because of its poor condition and on post mortem examination a cholangiocarcinoma with distant metastasis was identified. The skin biopsy specimens obtained from different sites revealed dermal atrophic changes, characterised in electron microscopy by disorganisation in the packing of both collagen fibrils and fibres, and by collagen fibrils with an abnormally wide range of diameters and with an irregular shape in cross section. Although no specific cause of the dermal lesions was suggested, this case differed greatly from the fragile skin conditions previously described in the cat.
Transvenous cardiac pacing in 19 dogs and one cat
Authors: Darke P. G. G. , McAreavey D. , Been M.
Published: April 2008

Eighteen dogs and one cat with symptomatic bradycardias were equipped with cardiac pacemakers. One further dog died during anaesthesia for pacemaker placement. Each animal was sedated, and a ‘tined’ transvenous pacing lead was passed to the apex of the right ventricle from the jugular vein. Following temporary pacing and general anaesthesia, the permanent pacemaker was placed subcutaneously at the neck in the dogs and at the abdominal wall in the cat. In 11 dogs and the cat, the pacemaker was implanted in a dacron pouch. Complications (mainly serous reaction to the pacemaker) developed in four out of seven dogs in which no pouch had been employed. The pacing lead was retained after discharge from hospital in all except one dog. Pacing successfully relieved clinical signs in all cases. Fifteen out of 18 dogs and the cat survived one year after pacing and the mean survival time was greater than 18 months. Transvenous pacing is a simple and reliable technique that avoids transthoracic or transabdominal surgery for pacemaker lead placement.
Cervical spondylomyelopathy (‘wobbler’ syndrome) in the dog: A study based on 224 cases
Authors: Lewis D. G.
Published: April 2008

Over the past 10 to 12 years, cervical spondylomyelopathy has been increasingly recognised in large breed dogs. The breeds mainly affected are dobermanns, great danes and basset hounds. Factors such as age, sex and location of the lesions are discussed in detail based on findings from 224 cases seen at the University of Liverpool Small Animal Hospital. The anatomical changes responsible for the signs show some striking similarities in young dogs of all the breeds affected. Where the condition is commoner later in life, such as in the dobermann, the changes and their effect on the spinal cord show considerable differences. These different findings are compared, and an attempt made to explain them.
Internal fixation of femoral head and neck fractures in the cat
Authors: Jeffery N. D.
Published: April 2008

A quick surgical approach for internal reduction and fixation of femoral head and neck fractures is described. The results and reasons for preferring this technique to femoral head and neck excision are discussed.
Use of conjunctival pedicle grafts in the management of feline keratitis nigrum
Authors: Blogg J. R. , Stanley R. G. , Dutton A. G.
Published: April 2008

Feline keratitis nigrum (necrosis, sequestrum or sequestration) usually presents as a black plaque in the axial or paraxial cornea. Most cats can be treated by excision of the lesion and covering the defect with a third eyelid flap. This technique did not provide satisfactory results in some cases. This paper describes microsurgery using conjunctival pedicle grafting following keratectomy to provide a one step technique to manage recurrent feline keratitis nigrum, feline keratitis nigrum with full thickness lesions of corneal stroma and eyes also affected with keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
Ultrasonographic appearance of torsion of a testicular seminoma in a cryptorchid dog
Authors: Miyabayashi T. , Biller D. S. , Cooley A. J.
Published: April 2008

An intra‐abdominal testicular tumour was diagnosed in a 10‐year‐old, male, cryptorchid golden retriever. Upon surgical removal, torsion of the testis was found. The histopathological diagnosis was seminoma. The ultrasound examination in this case revealed a parenchymal mass lesion. An ultrasound examination is a useful supplemental diagnostic tool for differentiation of abdominal mass lesions.
Bacterial discospondylitis in a cat
Authors: Malik R. , Latter M. , Love D. N.
Published: April 2008

A cat with hindlimb ataxia which progressed to paraplegia was found to have bacterial discospondylitis and a paravertebral abscess at necropsy. The infection had penetrated the vertebral canal. It is postulated that the vertebral infection occurred following haematogenous spread from a pneumonic focus.
Corneal endothelial cell degeneration in a German shepherd dog
Authors: Brooks D. E. , Samuelson D. A. , Smith R J.
Published: April 2008

The replacement of the normal endothelial cell morphology with formation of a fibrocellular posterior collagenous layer by the corneal endothelium was demonstrated in an eight‐year‐old male German shepherd dog with bilateral progressive corneal oedema. Descemet's membrane was multilaminar and thickened. The ultrastructural findings in this dog are similar but not identical to histological changes present in several human corneal diseases.
Canine gastric dilatation‐volvulus
Authors: Burrows C. F. , Ignaszewski L. A.
Published: April 2008

Gastric dilatation‐volvulus (GDV) is a dramatic and enigmatic disease of large and giant breed dogs characterised by the rapid accumulation of gas in the stomach. This causes gastric dilatation, twisting of the stomach about its long axis, compression of surrounding organs, hypovolaemic and cardiogenic shock, and if untreated, death. It has been estimated that the disease afflicts approximately 60,000 dogs in the USA each year with a mortality rate ranging from 7 to 60 per cent depending on accessibility to adequate veterinary care. The cause is unknown. While diet was at one time believed to be associated with the genesis of the disease, critical review of available data provides no evidence to support this hypothesis. A variety of predisposing or risk factors have been identified but none is suspected of being the cause, indeed, the disorder may have a multiple aetiology. Current thinking suggests that the final common pathway in the development of GDV may be an inhibition of gastric motility and emptying. This could come about through a primary disruption of normal gastric electrical patterns or through the effect of extraneous stressful events that disrupt gastric motility. After dilatation a series of potentially lethal events is unleashed which include compression of the caudal vena cava, pooling of blood in the microcirculation of the viscera and hindlimbs, metabolic acidosis, gastric necrosis, cardiac arrhythmias, disseminated intravascular coagulation, hypotensive and cardiogenic shock and death. Nevertheless, even advanced cases can survive if treated appropriately. If the cause could be identified logical prophylaxis might follow. Studies at the University of Florida have failed to demonstrate any effect of diet on gastric function in large breed dogs, suggesting that diet is probably not the cause of the disease.

Researchers at Colorado State University also found no association with diet in clinical patients. Recent studies at the University of Florida have revealed distinct abnormalities in gastric electrical activity in GDV patients. In human patients these abnormalities, called dysrhythmias, have been associated with gastric distention, bloating, delayed emptying, nausea and retching. Unfortunately, dysrhythmias are also present, albeit to a lesser degree, in experimental GDV. These findings leave unanswered the question as to whether abnormalities in gastric motility play a role in the genesis of GDV.
Taurine: an essential nutrient for cats
Authors: Morris J. G. , Rogers Q. R. , Pacioretty L. M.
Published: April 2008

The β‐sulphonic amino acid taurine is synthe‐sised in animals from dietary sulphur amino acids. Cats exclusively use taurine to conjugate cholic acid rather than being able to use the alternate glycine conjugation. Since total body synthesis of taurine in cats is limiting, metabolic deficiencies of taurine occur when the dietary intake of taurine is restricted. A deficiency of taurine in cats is expressed by aberrant functions of a wide range of organ systems. Pathological changes occur in the eye, feline central degeneration; reproductive abnormalities occur in the female, a high incidence of fetal resorptions and abortions, low birth weight and survival of live‐born young; growth rate in the new born kitten is depressed; heart induction of dilated cardiomyopathy and compromised immune function. All these conditions are prevented or reversed with adequate dietary taurine. While all tissues contain taurine, the concentration varies with the tissue. Generally plasma has been used to assess taurine status in cats, but the concentration of taurine in plasma varies widely. Food deprivation of cats given high taurine diets causes a marked fall in the concentration of taurine in plasma. Major changes in whole blood concentration do not occur as rapidly as plasma and therefore appear to be a superior diagnostic test for taurine status. An inadequate number of samples have been analysed to define a marginal taurine level from whole blood concentration to prevent clinical signs. The minimal dietary concentration of taurine to prevent clinical signs of efficiency is dependent on the type of diet. For commercial expanded (dry) cat foods a concentration of 1200 mg taurine/kg dry matter appears adequate.

Higher concentrations are required in canned diets, 2000 to 2500 mg taurine/kg dry matter to supply adequate taurine. The reasons for the higher concentration of taurine required in canned foods is not due to availability of taurine in the classical context. Rather it appears that heating during the canning process produces products which increase enterohepatic loss of taurine.
Feline urological syndrome (FUS) ‐ theory and practice
Authors: Gaskell C. J.
Published: April 2008

Feline urological syndrome (FUS, urolithiasis, feline urethral obstruction, ‘blocked cat’) is the most important condition of the lower urinary tract of the cat, both because of its frequency of occurrence and the immediately serious nature of some facets of the clinical condition. It is also an enigmatic disease on which much clinical and research effort has been expended, but about which much remains to be understood. Problems include those of definition, of aetiology and of pathogenesis, and each are of practical as well as theoretical importance. The first, in the absence of a single diagnostic criterion, is clearly essential as a basis for clinical management. Considerable efforts have been made to define a single cause or aetiology but have not proved helpful and it is now clear that the development of FUS may be related to a number of factors. Understanding of the pathogenesis of FUS remains patchy, for while the metabolic consequences of urethral obstruction are relatively well understood, little is known of the earlier, pre‐clinical stages of the disease where the role of struvite crystals and the colloid matrix of the obstructing material remains unclear. These aspects, and their relevance in the management of clinical FUS will be discussed.
Prolonged coagulopathy associated with brodifacoum poisoning in two dogs
Authors: Hall E. J.
Published: April 2008

Two dogs developed a generalised bleeding disorder after ingestion of brodifacoum, a compound belonging to a new generation of more potent and longer‐acting anticoagulant rodenti‐cides. Haemorrhage recurred after treatment with conventional dosages of vitamin K1 Successful therapy required dosages of vitamin K1 of 5 mg/kg for a period of up to eight weeks.
Ultrastructural lesions to the canine intestinal epithelium caused by enteropathogenic E coli
Authors: Hart C. A. , Embaye H. , Getty B. , Saunders J. R. , Batt R. M.
Published: April 2008

Mucosal biopsies from canine jejunum and ileum were established in organ culture, and remained structurally intact for up to 72 hours. Infection of such mucosal biopsies with an enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) 0111 results in the characteristic loss of brush border observed during natural and induced infection in other animal species. Within four hours of infection, bacteria had become attached to the mucous overlying the microvilli and by eight hours had penetrated between the microvilli resulting in partial loss of the brush border. After 24 hours incubation there was almost complete effacement of the brush border with cup and pedestal formation at sites of bacterial adherence. We conclude that EPEC should be considered as a potential cause of diarrhoea in the dog and that organ culture of canine mucosal biopsies provides a useful model for studying infection with EPECs and other enteric pathogens.
Canine urolithiasis: epidemiology and analysis of urinary calculi
Authors: Hesse A.
Published: April 2008

The incidence of canine urolithiasis was found to lie between 0–5 to 1 per cent of the canine population. Epidemiological and analytical data were collected for 1731 urinary stones, and causal relationships investigated. Calculi were found in 72 breeds. While they were relatively common among dachshunds, dalmatians, cocker spaniels, Pekingese, bassets, poodles, schnauzers and small terrier breeds, urinary stones were relatively rare among German shepherd dogs, boxers, collies, chow chows, old English sheepdogs, spitz and rottweiler breeds. Struvite, which was found in 55‐6 per cent of all calculi, proved to be the most common constituent, followed by cystine (22‐5 per cent) and ammonium urate (6‐6 per cent). Xanthine calculi were rare (six cases), while silicium dioxide calculi were present in only one case. The likelihood of calculi in male animals was twice that of bitches, although the latter were found to be more prone to infection of the urinary tract. Adiposity was present in 29 per cent of all dogs with calculi. The average age of the animals was seven years. In 98‐7 per cent of all cases the calculi were found in the lower urinary tract, and surgical removal of the stones was required in 87‐5 per cent of cases. The main types of calculi appear among specific breeds, which indicates that a careful breeding programme may help to reduce the frequency of urinary calculi.
Stenosis of the thoracolumbar vertebral canal in a basset hound
Authors: Stigen ø. , Hagen G. , Kolbjørnsen ø.
Published: April 2008

A three‐month‐old female basset hound was referred to the Norwegian College of Veterinary Medicine with a history of progressive paresis of the pelvic limbs. Following neurological examination and the study of myelograms, extradural masses causing spinal cord compressions at the T12.13 and T13‐L1 junctions were diagnosed. At necropsy bone‐tissue of the vertebral laminae was found to have formed stenoses of the vertebral canal producing compressions of the spinal cord. Irreversible tissue‐damage was observed in histological sections prepared from the compressed areas of the spinal cord.
Polymyositis associated with Ehrlichia canis infection in two dogs
Authors: Buoro I. B. J. , Kanui T. I. , Atwell R. B. , Njenga K. M. , Gathumbi P. K.
Published: April 2008

Clinical, haematological, biochemical, electrophysiological and pathological features of two dogs infected with Ehrlichia canis and with concurrent signs of polymyositis are presented. Both dogs had a history of relatively acute onset, progressive tetraparesis, hyporeflexia and generalised muscle wasting. Skeletal muscles were atrophic and characterised histologically by plasmocytic, lymphocytic and immature lymph‐oreticular cellular infiltrates with accompanying areas of necrosis. Histopathological similarities between ehrlichiosis and polymyositis are noted and a probable aetiological relationship is inferred.
Corneal epithelial inclusion cyst in the dog
Authors: Bedford P. G. C. , Grierson I. , McKechnie N. M.
Published: April 2008

Unilateral corneal epithelial inclusion cysts are recorded in a series of 16 dogs. The cysts were not congenital, there was no breed incidence, and in 11 patients there was history of corneal trauma or ulceration before cyst formation. There was some variability in clinical presentation, and sight was affected in six dogs. Fifteen patients were treated successfully by superficial keratectomy without cyst recurrence.
Colchicine treatment in a dog with hepatoportal fibrosis
Authors: Rutgers H. C. , Haywood S. , Batt R. M.
Published: April 2008

A two‐year‐old female spayed English setter with hepatic encephalopathy was found to have hepatoportal fibrosis and acquired portosystemic shunts on laparotomy and liver biopsy. The dog was treated symptomatically with a low‐protein diet, lactulose and metronidazole, while colchicine was given as antifibrotic therapy. There was a gradual improvement in clinical signs and liver function until 30 months after first presentation, when the dog developed severe haematuria caused by renal infarction of unknown aetiology. Post mortem examination revealed hepatic fibrosis to be unchanged. This case illustrates that long term survival may be possible in canine hepatoportal fibrosis and suggests that colchicine may be effective in improving liver function and slowing progression of hepatic fibrosis.
Urethral tumours in dogs
Authors: Davies J. V. , Read H. M.
Published: April 2008

Urethral tumours in 21 dogs are reported. Transitional cell carcinoma was the most frequent presentation. A more deliberate radiographic protocol has enhanced diagnostic ability and has improved presurgical evaluation. The use of a transpubic surgical approach has allowed the direct examination of the affected urethra and excision or resection of focal and diffuse lesions in 10 dogs with periods of remission varying from eight to 22 months. The apparent success of the surgical technique underlines the necessity for early and careful investigation of the dysuric, haematuric case.
Clinical effectiveness of atipamezole as a medetomidine antagonist in cats
Authors: Vaha‐Vahe A. T.
Published: April 2008

The efficacy of atipamezole to reverse medetomidine induced effects in cats was investigated in a clinical study (n=160) including placebo. The atipamezole doses (intramuscularly) were two, four and six times (2X, 4X and 6X) the preceding medetomidine dose, which was 100 ug/kg body weight intramuscularly. Medetomidine was shown to produce moderate to deep sedation, recumbency and bradycardia in cat. Atipamezole was clearly able to reverse these effects of medetomidine. The median arousal time in the atipamezole dose groups was five minutes and walking time, 10 minutes, compared with more than 30 minutes in the placebo group. Heart rate was increased towards normal by atipamezole in a dose related manner. The clinical evaluation of the ability of atipamezole to reverse the effects of medetomidine was found to be ‘good’ in 82‐5, 75 or 65 per cent of cases in dose groups 2X, 4X and 6X, respectively. The effect of atipamezole was evaluated as being ‘too potent’ in 2–5, 5 or 25 per cent of the cases in these respective groups. The incidence of side effects was negligible. In conclusion, atipamezole at the dose of two to four times the preceding dose of medetomidine seems to be an effective medetomidine antagonist for clinical use in cats.
A degenerative myelopathy in young German shepherd dogs
Authors: Longhof S. L. , Duncan I. D. , Messing A.
Published: April 2008

Two young male German shepherd dogs, six and seven months old, were evaluated for progressive hindlimb ataxia and paresis. Both dogs were found to be thin and poorly muscled on physical examination, and on neurological examination, the lesions were localised to the spinal cord between T2 and L4. Microscopical examination of the spinal cords demonstrated widespread axonal degeneration similar to that seen in aged German shepherd dogs with chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy (CDRM), although the distribution of these changes was not identical to CDRM.