The emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius has increased the interest in topical therapy for treating canine pyoderma. Shampooing with chlorhexidine followed by dilute bleach rinses are often recommended, but household bleach can dry the skin and is unpleasant to use. A shampoo formulated with sodium hypochlorite and salicylic acid was evaluated as sole therapy for dogs with superficial pyoderma associated with S. pseudintermedius, including methicillin-resistant strains. Client-owned dogs were recruited based on positive culture for methicillin-resistant staphylococci or prior failure of pyoderma to respond to antibiotics. This prospective, open-label pilot study assessed the efficacy of the shampoo when used three times weekly for 4 wk. Dogs were evaluated at baseline and at 2 and 4 wk by cytology, clinical examination, and owner assessment. Digital images were also obtained. Baseline bacterial counts, clinical assessments and owner scores were significantly improved at 2 and 4 wk. Clients completing the study reported excellent lathering and dispersion, reduction in odor, and brightening of white and light coats. No owners reported skin dryness or other adverse events during the study. We conclude that this shampoo containing sodium hypochlorite in a vehicle that avoids skin drying is an effective treatment for canine pyoderma.
Atopic dermatitis is a very common condition affecting dogs and often managed with allergen-specific immunotherapy, which requires accurate identification of causative allergens. Serology testing is used commonly. Serum was collected from 35 atopic dogs and separated into three samples each (1, 2, and 3). Samples 1 and 2 were sent to IDEXX Laboratories the same day; sample 3 was stored at –80°C and submitted ∼30 days later. Specific immunoglobulin type E reactivity to various allergens were determined using monoclonal anti-canine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and expressed as ELISA absorbance units. Percent difference ranged from 14.30 to 127.34% for samples 1 and 2. These values increased when comparing samples a month apart (21.78 to 129.65%). Between samples 1 and 2, for each allergen there were differences in interpretation 15.18% of the time; 32 of 35 dogs (91.4%) had at least one allergen with a different interpretation. Comparing sample 3 and the average of samples 1 and 2, differences in interpretation increased to 22.32%; all dogs had at least one allergen that was interpreted differently. These differences in interpretation can alter immunotherapy. Overall, results show the need for better reliability for allergen-specific immunoglobulin type E serology testing using monoclonal anti-canine ELISA.
The objective of this population-based retrospective cohort study was to identify factors associated with lifespan in pet dogs evaluated at primary care veterinary hospitals. Dogs ≥3 mo of age that visited any of 787 US hospitals at least twice from January 1, 2010, through December 31, 2012, were included. Survival curves were constructed for dogs by reproductive status, breed, body size, and purebreed (versus mixed-breed) status. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression was performed to identify factors associated with lifespan. There were 2,370,078 dogs included in the study, of whom 179,466 (7.6%) died during the study period. Mixed-breed dogs lived significantly longer than purebred dogs, and this difference was more pronounced as body size increased. Controlling for other factors, dogs of either sex had a greater hazard of death over the study follow-up period if sexually intact rather than gonadectomized. For dogs who lived to 2 yr of age, the hazard of death decreased with increasing frequency of dental scaling. Our findings support previous reports of the impact of body size and gonadectomy on lifespan and provide new evidence in support of ultrasonic dental scaling and mixed breeding.
This study used a cross-sectional survey designed to inquire about antiepileptic drug (AED) use in newly diagnosed idiopathic epileptic dogs among board-certified emergency and neurology specialists. Results were obtained from 300 completed surveys by 128 board-certified neurologists and 172 board-certified emergency and critical care (ECC) specialists. Case volume was slightly different between groups, with 36% of neurologists and 18% of ECC specialists managing >50 cases of first-time canine seizure patients yearly. The initial AED of choice was similar between the groups, with 66% of neurologists and 64% of ECC specialists using phenobarbital and 16% of neurologists and 26% of ECC specialists using levetiracetam. Although most respondents gave a loading dose of phenobarbital, roughly one-fourth of neurologists did not load the drug versus 6% of ECC specialists. The total loading dose was similar between respondents (16 mg/kg) but varied in administration protocol. Approximately half of neurologists and nearly two-thirds of ECC specialists gave a higher initial dose of levetiracetam than recommended. Almost all the respondents who gave a higher initial dose of levetiracetam used 60 mg/kg IV once. Understanding the common practices in AED use may promote future discussions regarding best practices in the management of canine idiopathic epilepsy.
Dry reagent strip evaluation of urine is a standard screening and diagnostic test used to assess overall health and help detect or rule out specific disease conditions. A commercial at-home urinalysis reagent strip kit using a smartphone app to evaluate free-catch urine is being marketed directly to dog and cat owners. We compared agreement between simultaneous urinalysis using the commercial kit and standard reference methods in 48 canine urines submitted to our referral laboratory. Agreement was defined by analyte based on clinical impact. Sensitivity, specificity, and Cohen’s kappa evaluated categorical data, and a paired t test was used for continuous variables (significance P < .05). The commercial kit had ≥1 disagreement with the reference method per sample and produced results if the test strip was absent or reversed. Specific gravity and pH concurred with the reference method in only 31% (P < .011) and 27% (P < .001) of cases, respectively. The sensitivity was low for all analytes except ketones, which had 77% false positives. False-positive nitrites and leukocytes were also frequent (36 and 19%, respectively). False negatives for blood (27%), nitrites (38%), and protein (54%) were common. This kit is inaccurate; its use for clinical decisions is not recommended.
The objective of this study was to describe the operative technique and outcome of a simplified laparoscopic gastropexy approach in dogs. Twenty-one dogs undergoing prophylactic laparoscopic gastropexy with a simple continuous barbed suture without incising the seromuscular layer of the stomach and transversus abdominis muscle were reviewed. In 20 cases, additional procedures were performed (18 ovariectomies and 2 prescrotal castrations); 1 dog had two prior episodes of gastric dilation without volvulus and underwent gastropexy with a prophylactic intent. The gastropexy procedure had a median duration of 33 min (range 19–43 min). V-Loc 180 absorbable and the V-Loc PBT nonabsorbable suturing devices were used in 8 and 13 dogs, respectively. Minor intraoperative complications occurred in four cases: broken suture (1), needle dislodgement (2), and folded needle (1). Minor complications included self-limiting wound complications (3), abdominal discomfort (2), vomiting (1), and inappetence (2). Postoperative abdominal ultrasound performed after a median of 8 mo (6–36 mo) confirmed permanent adhesion at the gastropexy site in all dogs. One dog developed a fistula (1 yr postoperatively) and another a granuloma (3 mo postoperatively), both at the gastropexy site. Prophylactic laparoscopic gastropexy may be performed with knotless unidirectional barbed suture without creating an incision on the abdominal wall and stomach.
Ancylostoma caninum is a nematode of the canine gastrointestinal tract commonly referred to as hookworm. This study involved eight privately owned adult greyhounds presenting with persistent A. caninum ova shedding despite previous deworming treatments. The dogs received a combination treatment protocol comprising topical moxidectin, followed by pyrantel/febantel/praziquantel within 24 hr. At 7–10 days posttreatment, a fecal examination monitored for parasite ova. Dogs remained on the monthly combination treatment protocol until they ceased shedding detectable ova. The dogs then received only the monthly topical moxidectin maintenance treatment. The dogs remained in the study for 5–14 mo with periodical fecal examinations performed. During the study, three dogs reverted to positive fecal ova status, with two being associated with client noncompliance. Reinstitution of the combination treatment protocol resulted in no detectable ova. Use of monthly doses of combination pyrantel, febantel and moxidectin appears to be an effective treatment for nonresponsive or persistent A. caninum ova shedding. Follow-up fecal examinations were important for verifying the presence or absence of ova shedding despite the use of anthelmintic treatment. Limitations of the current study include small sample size, inclusion of only privately owned greyhounds, and client compliance with fecal collection and animal care.
A 16 wk old intact female Gordon setter was examined for a 2 wk history of progressive cerebellovestibular ataxia. Eosinophilia was found on complete blood count, and the remaining blood work was normal. A trial treatment with clindamycin and anti-inflammatory prednisone did not result in improvement of clinical signs; therefore, the dog was euthanized. On histopathologic examination, cross sections of a 75 μm wide nematode larva with a 5 μm cuticle, prominent lateral cords, lateral alae, and coeloemyelian musculature were identified in a focally extensive region of cerebellar necrosis. The size and morphology of the parasites was most consistent with Baylisascaris procyonis. This case highlights a rare but important zoonotic disease that should be considered as a differential diagnosis in any dog exhibiting acute, progressive central nervous system signs, and peripheral eosinophilia. The index of suspicion should be elevated in dogs with an unknown deworming history and known or suspected exposure to raccoons. Because most anthelminthics have been shown to be effective against B. procyonis, annual deworming is recommended in the at-risk population to reduce the likelihood of aberrant migration and zoonosis.
Two cats were presented with multifocal neurological signs. One cat’s signs progressed over 2 wk; the other cat progressed over 5 days. Examinations were consistent with a process involving the prosencephalon, vestibular system, and general proprioceptive/upper motor neuron systems. MRI of the brain and cervical spinal cord reveal widespread T2 hyperintensity of the white matter. Affected areas included the cerebrum, cerebral peduncles, corticospinal tracts of the pons and medulla, and the cerebellum. T2 hyperintensity was present in all funiculi of the spinal cord. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps were consistent with cytotoxic or intramyelinic edema. Differential diagnosis included toxic or metabolic/degenerative leukoencephalopathies. Necropsies revealed widespread spongy degeneration of the central nervous system white matter. Toxicologic assays of liver specimens revealed desmethylbromethalin, a metabolite of bromethalin. Bromethalin is a rodenticide that causes uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation. Antemortem diagnosis is challenging. DWI and ADC maps were instrumental in narrowing the differential diagnosis and raised the index of suspicion for bromethalin. Bromethalin intoxication should be considered in all animals with a progressive course of multifocal neurologic deficits. MRI, specifically, DWI and ADC maps, may serve as a biomarker of cytotoxic or intramyelinic edema associated with spongiform leukoencephalomyelopathy.
Although intervertebral disc extrusions are extremely frequent in dogs, those affecting the cranial thoracic spine in large-breed dogs have not been reported. In this case report, the clinical, radiological, surgical, and histopathological findings in two German shepherd dogs with T3-T4 disc extrusions are reported. Clinical and imaging findings (acute onset and radiological evidence of lateralized disc material dispersed beyond the margins of the intervertebral disc space) allowed proper diagnosis of disc extrusion. Decompressive surgery via hemilaminectomy was performed in both patients with favorable outcomes. Intervertebral disc extrusions should be considered as a differential diagnosis of large-breed dogs with acute onset, upper-thoracic spinal cord disease. Imaging findings can aid in differentiating thoracic intervertebral disc extrusions from protrusions, thus leading to appropriate treatment.
Osteochondrodysplasia is a painful, progressive clinical syndrome unique to Scottish fold cats because of a heritable missense mutation in the TRPV4 gene. An 8 yr old male neutered Scottish fold cat was presented for a mass on his hind paw. The mass caused decreased mobility in the metatarsal region and digits and resulted in significant discomfort. Because of extensive skeletal abnormalities attributed to breed-related osteochondrodysplasia, the owner was reluctant to pursue amputation. Radiation therapy was pursued for palliation of pain. After coarsely fractionated external beam radiotherapy resulted in stabilization of the mass with eventual progression after 14 mo, samarium-153-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetramethylene phosphonic acid was administered systemically, and the cat showed immediate, whole-body improvement in mobility. Concurrent intestinal and respiratory disease was evaluated and managed. Samarium-153-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetramethylene phosphonic acid administration was repeated approximately every 6 mo for three treatments until the cat succumbed to thromboembolic disease attributed to previously diagnosed cardiac disease. Radiation therapy administered using either external beam or bone-seeking radioisotopes can be effective at palliating clinical signs associated with the skeletal abnormalities that accompany this disease.
A 7 yr, 6 mo old male neutered Australian cattle dog cross presented to a referral hospital with a large abdominal mass. An abdominal ultrasound revealed multifocal lesions throughout the liver, which were suspicious for intrahepatic metastasis, with no evidence of extrahepatic metastatic disease. Cytology indicated neoplasia of epithelial origin, with neuroendocrine neoplasia the primary suspicion. The patient was started on a maximally tolerated chemotherapy protocol of doxorubicin and metronomic cyclophosphamide. Stable disease was found on repeat abdominal ultrasounds, and the patient tolerated the protocol well. On completion of five doxorubicin doses, the dog was continued on metronomic cyclophosphamide and meloxicam. Progressive hepatic disease was found at 10 mo. The patient was euthanized 15.5 mo (465 days) after commencing treatment. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry (synaptophysin) performed on liver collected postmortem indicated (primary) hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma. Primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinomas are rare in dogs, and there is no standard of care for treatment. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of a primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma treated with high-dose doxorubicin and metronomic cyclophosphamide.