Volume 46: Issue 4

The objective of this study was to investigate possible associations between serum triglyceride and canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI) concentrations in miniature schnauzers. One hundred and ninety-five miniature schnauzers were enrolled and divided into two groups based on whether they had normal (group 1) or increased (group 2) serum triglyceride concentrations. Serum cPLI concentrations were measured and compared between groups. A significant positive correlation was seen between serum triglyceride and cPLI concentrations (Spearman r=0.321; P<0.0001). Miniature schnauzers with hypertriglyceridemia had a significantly higher median serum cPLI concentration (99.5 μg/L) than miniature schnauzers with normal serum triglyceride concentrations (median cPLI concentration 39.3 μg/L; P=0.0001). A cutoff value of 862 mg/dL was selected for serum triglyceride concentrations based on receiver operator characteristic analysis. Miniature schnauzers with severe hypertriglyceridemia (≥862 mg/dL) were 4.5 times more likely to have a serum cPLI concentration consistent with pancreatitis (≥200 μg/L) than miniature schnauzers with a normal serum triglyceride concentration. The present study supports an association between hypertriglyceridemia (especially when severe [≥862 mg/dL]) and high cPLI concentrations in miniature schnauzers.

The purposes of this study were to describe a modified surgical technique in which intraoperative extubation was performed to evaluate abduction of the arytenoid cartilage prior to tying the suture and to assess outcome and complication rates associated with this procedure. Medical records from 30 client-owned dogs with acquired idiopathic laryngeal paralysis were retrospectively reviewed. All clients were contacted by telephone to obtain follow-up information regarding their dog. Six of the 30 surgeries required additional dissection (primarily around the craniodorsal aspect of the cricoarytenoid joint) after the initial intraoperative laryngeal examination. The procedures in 29 of the 30 dogs were deemed a success by the owners. Three (10%) dogs developed postoperative aspiration pneumonia. One of these dogs required long-term antibiotic therapy. Twenty-nine dogs returned to normal activity, and none of the dogs had any exercise intolerance associated with respiratory difficulties. Three owners reported that their dogs were able to swim, and one dog hunted postoperatively. Results of this study suggest that intraoperative laryngeal examination may help limit postoperative complications by allowing for direct, intraoral visualization of the arytenoid cartilage. This enables a surgeon to modify the soft tissue dissection around the cricoarytenoid joint to ensure that adequate abduction is apparent.

Dogs with congenital portosystemic shunt (PSS) are typically diagnosed before 2 years of age. The objective of this study was to determine if miniature schnauzers are more likely to be diagnosed with congenital PSS at an older age than are other breeds. This retrospective study examined the case records of 171 dogs diagnosed with congenital PSS; dogs were included if they were definitively diagnosed as having congenital PSS by nuclear scintigraphy, contrast portography, and/or exploratory surgery. Seven (23%) of 31 miniature schnauzers diagnosed with congenital PSS were 7 years of age or older at the time of diagnosis, compared to 3.4% for all other breeds. Miniature schnauzers had a relative prevalence ratio of 6.3 (95% confidence interval 2.2 to 18.6; P=0.001) for being diagnosed at or after 7 years of age when compared to all other breeds of dogs. Clinical signs of congenital PSS may not manifest sufficiently to cause an owner to seek veterinary care for some dogs until they are older. Congenital PSS should be considered in mature dogs, particularly miniature schnauzers, that are presented with signs potentially consistent with hepatic encephalopathy.

Introduction

The American Animal Hospital Association recommends these nutritional assessment guidelines because good nutrition enhances pets’ quality and quantity of life, and is integral to optimal animal care. Incorporating nutritional assessment into regular animal care is critical for maintaining pets’ health, as well as their response to disease and injury. It requires little to no additional time or cost.

The specific goals of this article are to provide:

Awareness of the importance of nutritional assessment of dogs and cats.
Guidelines for nutritional evaluation of animals to promote optimal health and response to disease.
Evidence and tools to support recommendations.

The

Severe Neurological Signs and Hypernatremia Secondary to Polyethylene Glycol Paintball Ingestion in a Dog

Bruce GravesDVM,

Jessica KielbDVM, DACVECC, and

Nolan ChalifouxDVM, MSTR, DACVECC

Association Between Serum Triglyceride and Canine Pancreatic Lipase Immunoreactivity Concentrations in Miniature Schnauzers

Intraoperative Evaluation of the Larynx Following Unilateral Arytenoid Lateralization for Acquired Idiopathic Laryngeal Paralysis in Dogs

Diagnosis of Congenital Portosystemic Shunt in Miniature Schnauzers 7 Years of Age or Older (1997–2006)

Thyroid Cancer in Dogs: An Update Based on 638 Cases (1995–2005)

Proximal Duodenal Perforation in Three Dogs Following Deracoxib Administration

Clinical and Neuropathological Findings of Acute Carbon Monoxide Toxicity in Chihuahuas Following Smoke Inhalation

Hypercalcemia of Malignancy in a Cat With Bronchogenic Adenocarcinoma

Gamma-irradiated Calvarium Allograft Cranioplasty in a Cat Following Brain Tumor Removal

Externalized Ileocolic Anastomosis: Case Report

Surgical Management of Diffuse Polypoid Cystitis Using Submucosal Resection in a Dog

AAHA Nutritional Assessment Guidelines for Dogs and Cats

Introduction

Table of Contents

Severe Neurological Signs and Hypernatremia Secondary to Polyethylene Glycol Paintball Ingestion in a Dog

The Effect of Time of Antimicrobial Administration on the Outcome of Septic Dogs

Hyperechoic Retroperitoneal Fat in a Cat with Systemic Coagulopathy

Myocarditis in a Dog Positive for Brucella canis

A Retrospective Study on Boar-Induced Trauma in 42 Dogs

Soft-Tissue Sarcomas in Dogs: A Review

Vascular Encephalopathy Associated With Bacterial Endocarditis in Four Dogs

The Use of Carbon Dioxide Laser for the Ablation of Meibomian Gland Adenomas in Dogs

Outcomes of Dogs Presented for Cataract Evaluation: A Retrospective Study

Nutritional Myths