Clinical features of muscle stiffness in 37 dogs with concurrent naturally occurring hypercortisolism.

BACKGROUND: Severe muscle stiffness (SMS) in dogs with hypercortisolism (HC) is uncommon. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate signalment, presentation, treatments, and long-term outcomes of dogs with concurrent HC and SMS. ANIMALS: Thirty-seven dogs. METHODS: Medical records of dogs with HC and concurrent SMS were recruited from 10 institutions. Clinical information, test results, therapeutic responses, and survival times were reviewed. RESULTS: All 37 dogs with HC and SMS had pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism (PDH); 36/37 weighed <20 kg. Signs and test results were typical of PDH aside from SMS, initially diagnosed in all 4 limbs in 9, pelvic limbs of 22, and thoracic limbs of 6 dogs. Hypercortisolism and SMS were diagnosed together in 3 dogs; HC 1-36 months before SMS in 23; SMS 1-12 months before HC in 11. Mitotane or trilostane, given to control HC in 36/37 dogs, improved or resolved HC signs in 28; SMS did not resolve, remaining static or worsening in 31/36 dogs, mildly improving in 5/19 dogs given additional therapies. Progression of SMS included additional limbs in 10 dogs and the masticatory muscles of 2. The median survival time from diagnosis of SMS was 965 days (range, 8-1188). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Concurrent SMS and HC is uncommon, possibly affecting only dogs with PDH. Development of SMS might occur before or after diagnosis of HC. Apart from SMS, the clinical picture and survival time of these dogs seem indistinguishable from those of dogs with HC in general. However, while muscle weakness usually resolves with HC treatment SMS does not.

Evaluation of compounded trilostane packets for dogs with naturally occurring hyperadrenocorticism.

BACKGROUND: Dogs treated for naturally occurring hyperadrenocorticism (NOH) in Korea often appear to require higher doses of trilostane than recommended by authors in the United States, Europe, or the United Kingdom. This phenomenon may be related to compounding trilostane into packets, which is a common practice among veterinary clinics in Korea. OBJECTIVE: Analyze packets filled by hand and others filled using a semi-automatic packing device for accuracy of trilostane strength. ANIMALS: Medication packets prepared for 3 dogs with preexisting prescriptions for NOH were analyzed. METHOD: A trilostane assay was developed for analysis. Trilostane (Vetoryl) capsules were used as clinical controls. Forty-four medication packets containing trilostane (Vetoryl), prepared by 3 clinicians for 3 dogs with NOH were analyzed. RESULTS: Of 44 trilostane-containing packets, only 40.9% (18 packets) had acceptable strength of trilostane. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Clinicians should be aware that compounding trilostane into packets fails to consistently provide measured amounts of trilostane, potentially interfering with response to treatment for NOH in dogs.

Hypoalbuminemia and Bandemia Predict Failure of Infliximab Rescue Therapy in Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Infliximab rescue therapy is effective in patients with corticosteroid refractory acute severe ulcerative colitis, but predictors of response remain poorly understood. We aimed to identify predictors of colectomy in this high-risk patient population. METHODS: Patients hospitalized with acute severe ulcerative colitis who received infliximab after failing intravenous corticosteroid therapy between July 2012 and June 2017 were retrospectively identified. Stepwise regression with backward elimination was used to identify predictors of colectomy at 90 days and 1 year. Ninety-day and 1-year colectomy rates were compared between the patients who received 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg IFX rescue dose. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients met the eligibility criteria. Twenty-nine patients received 5 mg/kg, and 34 received 10 mg/kg infliximab dose. Serum albumin on admission (OR 0.10; p = 0.04) and band neutrophil percentage at the time of infliximab administration (OR 1.21; p = 0.02) were independent predictors of 90-day colectomy. A combination of serum albumin ≤ 2.5 g/dl and band neutrophil count ≥ 13% had a 100% positive predictive value for 90-day colectomy. Unadjusted 90-day and 1-year colectomy rates were similar in the 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg infliximab groups. After adjusting for confounding factors, 10 mg/kg infliximab dose was potentially protective for 90-day (OR 0.07; p = 0.06) but not for 1-year colectomy (OR 0.19; p = 0.16). CONCLUSIONS: Bandemia and low serum albumin are independent predictors of failure of infliximab rescue therapy in acute severe ulcerative colitis. Serum albumin ≤ 2.5 g/dl and band neutrophil count ≥ 13% had a 100% positive predictive value for 90-day colectomy.

Pre-pouch Ileitis is Associated with Development of Crohn's Disease-like Complications and Pouch Failure.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: It is unclear whether pre-pouch ileitis heralds an aggressive inflammatory pouch disease in patients with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis [IPAA]. We compared outcomes of patients with pouchitis and concomitant pre-pouch ileitis with those with pouchitis alone. METHODS: Patients undergoing IPAA surgery for inflammatory bowel disease, who subsequently developed pouchitis with concomitant pre-pouch ileitis [pre-pouch ileitis group], were matched by year of IPAA surgery and preoperative diagnosis [ulcerative colitis or inflammatory bowel disease-unclassified] with patients who developed pouchitis alone [pouchitis group]. Primary outcomes were development of Crohn's disease [CD]-like complications [non-anastomotic strictures or perianal disease >6 months after ileostomy closure] and pouch failure. Secondary outcomes were need for surgical/endoscopic interventions and immunosuppressive therapy. Log-rank testing was used to compare outcome-free survival, and Cox regression was performed to identify predictors of outcomes. RESULTS: There were 66 patients in each group. CD-like complications and pouch failure developed in 36.4% and 7.6% patients in the pre-pouch ileitis group and 10.6% and 1.5% in pouchitis group, respectively. CD-like complications-free survival [log-rank p = 0.0002] and pouch failure-free survival [log-rank p = 0.046] were significantly lower in the pre-pouch ileitis group. The pre-pouch ileitis group had a higher risk of requiring surgical/endoscopic interventions [log-rank p = 0.0005] and immunosuppressive therapy [log-rank p <0.0001]. Pre-pouch ileitis was independently associated with an increased risk of CD-like complications (hazard ratio [HR] 3.8; p = 0.0007), need for surgical/endoscopic interventions [HR 4.1; p = 0.002], and immunosuppressive therapy [HR 5.0; p = 0.0002]. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-pouch ileitis is associated with a higher risk of complicated disease and pouch failure than pouchitis. It should be considered a feature of CD.

Co-impairment of autonomic and glucagon responses to insulin-induced hypoglycemia in dogs with naturally occurring insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

This study aimed to investigate the contributions of two factors potentially impairing glucagon response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia (IIH) in insulin-deficient diabetes: 1) loss of paracrine disinhibition by intra-islet insulin and 2) defects in the activation of the autonomic inputs to the islet. Plasma glucagon responses during hyperinsulinemic-hypoglycemic clamps ([Formula: see text]40 mg/dL) were assessed in dogs with spontaneous diabetes (n = 13) and in healthy nondiabetic dogs (n = 6). Plasma C-peptide responses to intravenous glucagon were measured to assess endogenous insulin secretion. Plasma pancreatic polypeptide, epinephrine, and norepinephrine were measured as indices of parasympathetic and sympathoadrenal autonomic responses to IIH. In 8 of the 13 diabetic dogs, glucagon did not increase during IIH (diabetic nonresponder [DMN]; ∆ = -6 ± 12 pg/mL). In five other diabetic dogs (diabetic responder [DMR]), glucagon responses (∆ = +26 ± 12) were within the range of nondiabetic control dogs (∆ = +27 ± 16 pg/mL). C-peptide responses to intravenous glucagon were absent in diabetic dogs. Activation of all three autonomic responses were impaired in DMN dogs but remained intact in DMR dogs. Each of the three autonomic responses to IIH was positively correlated with glucagon responses across the three groups. The study conclusions are as follows: 1) Impairment of glucagon responses in DMN dogs is not due to generalized impairment of α-cell function. 2) Loss of tonic inhibition of glucagon secretion by insulin is not sufficient to produce loss of the glucagon response; impairment of autonomic activation is also required. 3) In dogs with major ß-cell function loss, activation of the autonomic inputs is sufficient to mediate an intact glucagon response to IIH.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In dogs with naturally occurring, insulin-dependent (C-peptide negative) diabetes mellitus, impairment of glucagon responses is not due to generalized impairment of α-cell function. Loss of tonic inhibition of glucagon secretion by insulin is not sufficient, by itself, to produce loss of the glucagon response. Rather, impaired activation of the parasympathetic and sympathoadrenal autonomic inputs to the pancreas is also required. Activation of the autonomic inputs to the pancreas is sufficient to mediate an intact glucagon response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia in dogs with naturally occurring diabetes mellitus. These results have important implications that include leading to a greater understanding and insight into the pathophysiology, prevention, and treatment of hypoglycemia during insulin treatment of diabetes in companion dogs and in human patients.

Laboratory assessment of trilostane treatment in dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism.

BACKGROUND: Results of ACTH stimulation test (ACTHst), pre- and post-trilostane serum cortisol concentrations (SCCs), urine concentration (urine-specific gravity [USG]), and urine cortisol : creatinine ratios (UCCRs) are common variables used to monitor trilostane treatment of dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH). However, none has consistently discriminated dogs receiving an adequate dose (A) from those overdosed (O) or underdosed (U). OBJECTIVES: To assess and compare recommended monitoring variables, including serial SCCs in a cohort of dogs with PDH treated with trilostane. ANIMALS: Privately owned dogs with PDH (n = 22) and 3 healthy dogs (controls). METHODS: Prospective, multicenter, 2-day study. On day "a" (randomized): ACTHst was completed. Day "b" (>2 to <7 days later): SCCs were assessed -0.5 hours, immediately before, and 1, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 6, 8, and 12 hours after trilostane administration. On the first study day, urine collected at home was assessed for USG, UCCR and owner opinions regarding PDH were categorized as: A (clinical signs resolved), U (remains symptomatic), or ill (possible O). RESULTS: At 27 pairs of evaluations, 7 dogs were categorized as A, 19 U, and 1 possible O (excluded from the study). There was overlap in SCC results from the A and U dogs at every time point. Results of USG, UCCR, and ACTHst did not discriminate A from U dogs. Trilostane suppresses SCC within 1 hour of administration and its duration of action in most PDH dogs is <8 hours. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: No single variable or group of variables reliably discriminated A dogs from U dogs during trilostane treatment for PDH.

Ultrasonography does not consistently detect parathyroid glands in healthy cats.

Ultrasound is used to evaluate the parathyroid glands of several species but there are limited reports of its use in cats. With this prospective anatomic study, we hypothesized that ultrasound could identify two parathyroid glands as hypoechoic nodules associated with each thyroid lobe and that a normal size range could be established. Six cat cadavers were imaged with ultrasound and histopathology of the thyroid and parathyroid tissue was performed for comparison. In addition, clinically healthy adult cats were prospectively recruited and placed in Group 1 (2-6 years; n = 11) or Group 2 (7-13 years; n = 9). Ultrasound of the cervical region was performed using a 7-15 MHz linear transducer. Number, size, and location of all hypoechoic nodules within or immediately adjacent to the thyroid lobes were documented. Ultrasound identified between 0-6 hypoechoic nodules per thyroid lobe in cat cadavers and between 0-3 hypoechoic nodules per thyroid lobe in clinically healthy cats, which does not correlate with the normal anatomy. In conclusion, parathyroid glands were frequently not ultrasonographically observed or were not distinguishable from thyroid tissue and this problem was worse in older cats because of the prevalence of nodular thyroid lesions, which primarily included foci of adenomatous hyperplasia.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Biopsychosocial Care for Adults With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Pilot Study.

Background: This study reports on the logistics and feasibility of a novel multidisciplinary approach to biopsychosocial care at a tertiary adult inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) center. Methods: Consecutive patients referred for a new IBD consultation completed the following self-assessments: the Short Form-12, the Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Global Health Scale, the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0, and the PROMIS-29. These measures were scored at the time of appointment check-in by a trained licensed clinical social worker (SW), and those scoring 1.5 standard deviations below the population mean were targeted for SW assessment and intervention at the point of care; patients or providers could also request a SW evaluation even if cutoffs were not met. In this stepped-care model, the SW could refer to same-day on-site psychiatry services or outside interventions and services. In addition, we implemented a 12-month curriculum with a monthly didactic and case-based education seminar for health care providers who interact with patients with IBD. Results: Between February 2014 and May 2015, 110 patients (53% male; mean age, 42 years) completed a self-assessment. All patients completed their self-assessment within 10 minutes. Of these, 36.4% (40/110) were targeted for SW assessment and intervention. The SW interventions were grouped into 4 categories: psychological education and coping tools for symptom management and emotional wellness (n = 30); psychotherapy referrals (n = 30); financial/governmental programs (n = 11); and psychiatry referrals for consultation and/or medication prescription (n = 21). The educational seminars were highly rated by participating providers. Conclusions: A multidisciplinary biopsychosocial approach to adult IBD care is feasible. Education for providers and close coordination across specialties are critical to the success of a multidisciplinary biopsychosocial program.

Patient-Reported Outcomes of Quality of Life, Functioning, and GI/Psychiatric Symptom Severity in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

BACKGROUND: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at risk for psychiatric disorders that impact symptom experience and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Therefore, comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments should be considered in ambulatory care settings. Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures created by the National Institutes of Health have shown construct validity in a large IBD internet-based cohort, but their validity in ambulatory settings has not been examined. We sought to validate PROMIS patient-reported measures of HRQOL, functioning, and psychiatric symptom severity at a tertiary IBD clinic. METHODS: Adult patients (n = 110) completed the PROMIS Global Health scale, PROMIS-29, SF-12, and WHODAS 2.0. Pearson's correlation coefficients (r) determined the relationships between scores to validate the PROMIS Global Health Physical and Mental metrics, compared with the SF-12 and WHODAS 2.0. We compared these measures by disease subtype of Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. RESULTS: PROMIS measures were highly correlated (r range = 0.64-0.82) with standard measures of HRQOL and functioning. On the PROMIS Global Health measures, 20.9% had impaired physical health, and 13.7% had impaired mental health. Impairments were reported in pain interference (20% of patients), anxiety (18.2%), satisfaction with social role (15.5%), physical functioning (10.9%), fatigue (10%), depression (7.3%), and sleep disturbance (5.5%). Patients with Crohn's disease had worse scores than those with ulcerative colitis on measures of the global physical health (P = 0.027), physical functioning (P = 0.047), and pain interference (P = 0.0009). CONCLUSIONS: PROMIS instruments provide valid assessment of HRQOL and functioning in ambulatory adults with IBD. Of note, patients with Crohn's disease demonstrated significantly worse impairments than those with ulcerative colitis.

Combined Immunosuppression Impairs Immunogenicity to Tetanus and Pertussis Vaccination Among Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

BACKGROUND: Pertussis epidemics have recently emerged across the United States, prompting broad public health recommendations for adult Tdap vaccination (tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis). The impact of immunosuppressive regimens for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on vaccine responses to the Tdap vaccine is not known. METHODS: We performed a prospective controlled trial between April 2011 and March 2012. Adults with IBD were consecutively stratified based on therapeutic regimen into one of 5 groups: A: no IBD therapy or 5-aminosalicylates alone; B: maintenance biologic monotherapy; C: maintenance immunomodulator monotherapy; D: combined biologic and immunomodulator therapy; and E: healthy age-matched controls. Subjects received Tdap, and serum antibody levels against tetanus toxoid, pertussis toxoid, and filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA) were drawn just before and approximately 4 weeks after vaccination. The primary outcome was the booster response rate to each antigen. Secondary outcomes included the differences in pregeometric and postgeometric mean titers. RESULTS: A total of 98 subjects enrolled, and 84 completed the study. Tetanus response rates were 55%, 56%, 40%, 27%, and 63% across groups A to E, respectively. Group D rates were lower than those of group B (P = 0.02). Postvaccination pertussis toxoid responses were 59%, 72%, 47%, 45%, and 75%, while FHA responses were 86%, 72%, 80%, 64%, and 75% across groups A to E, respectively. Prevaccination and postvaccination geometric mean titer differences for FHA were lower in group D than those in group A (P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Antibody responses to tetanus and pertussis vaccination may be affected by therapeutic drug regimen. Patients with IBD should optimally receive Tdap before starting immunomodulators, particularly when used in combination with anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha agents.

Prevalence of incidental thyroid nodules in ultrasound studies of dogs with hypercalcemia (2008-2013).

Ultrasound is commonly used to evaluate the cervical region in dogs with hypercalcemia due to suspected hyperparathyroidism. Incidental thyroid nodules may be detected during these studies, however little information has been published to guide clinical decision-making when this occurs. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of incidental thyroid nodules in hypercalcemic dogs undergoing cervical ultrasound at our hospital during the period of 2008-2013. Dogs with a palpable neck mass were excluded. Cervical ultrasound images for each dog were retrieved and reviewed by a board certified veterinary radiologist who was unaware of patient outcome. Presence, number, and dimensions of thyroid nodules were recorded. Results of thyroid nodule aspirate, biopsy or necropsy were recorded from medical records when available. Ninety-one dogs met inclusion criteria. Of these, 14/91 (15%) dogs had at least one thyroid nodule. Mean (± standard deviation) thyroid gland nodule length, width, and height were 1.51 ± 0.74, 0.96 ± 0.73, and 0.75 ± 0.36 cm, respectively. A histologic diagnosis was available for the incidental thyroid lesions in eight dogs, including one dog with two nodules. Confirmed diagnoses for these nodules were thyroid cyst (3/9, 33%), thyroid adenoma (3/9, 33%), thyroid adenocarcinoma (2/9, 22%) and nodular hyperplasia (1/9, 11%). Findings indicated that incidental thyroid nodules may be present in hypercalcemic dogs with no palpable neck mass and no clinical signs of thyroid disease. Some of these nodules may be malignant and therefore a recommendation for cytology or biopsy may be justified.

Oral hypoglycemics in cats with diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus is a common disease in cats. Similar to people, cats with diabetes mellitus often have type 2 disease. Oral hypoglycemic drugs can be a potential treatment option for affected cats, especially when cats or owners do not tolerate administration of injectable insulin. Several classes of oral hypoglycemic drugs have been evaluated in cats but these drugs have not been commonly used for treatment of diabetic cats. With the advent of newer oral hypoglycemic drugs, and a better understanding of diabetes mellitus in cats, further investigation may allow for better diabetic control for feline patients.

Evaluation of twice-daily lower-dose trilostane treatment administered orally in dogs with naturally occurring hyperadrenocorticism.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate effectiveness and incidence of adverse reactions to twice-daily lower-dose oral administration of trilostane in the treatment of dogs with naturally occurring hyperadrenocorticism (NOH). DESIGN: Clinical trial. ANIMALS: 47 dogs with NOH. PROCEDURES: 47 dogs were treated orally with trilostane (0.21 to 1.1 mg/kg [0.1 to 0.5 mg/lb], q 12 h). All dogs were reevaluated at 2 weeks and 2 months, 38 dogs at 6 months, and 28 dogs at 1 year of treatment. RESULTS: 9 of 47 dogs had an adrenocortical tumor causing NOH, and all had good responses after 2 months (mean trilostane dosage, 0.89 mg/kg [0.40 mg/lb], q 12 h). All successfully underwent surgical adrenal tumor extirpation. Thirty-eight dogs had pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH); 15 dogs did not require a dose increase during the study, and at each of 4 reevaluations, 10 of 15, 13 of 15, 14 of 15, and 11 of 11 had a good response. Twenty-three dogs with PDH had their dose or frequency of trilostane administration increased during the study. Mean trilostane dosage at 1-year reevaluation in dogs with a good response was 1.7 mg/kg (0.8 mg/lb), twice daily, or 1.1 mg/kg, 3 times daily. At each of 4 reevaluations, 17 of 23, 14 of 23, 17 of 23, and 13 of 17 dogs with PDH had a good response. Five dogs became ill because of trilostane-induced adverse effects, but only 1 required hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Administration of initial lower doses of trilostane to dogs with NOH is effective.

Serum 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone concentrations during the reproductive cycle in healthy dogs and dogs with hyperadrenocorticism.

OBJECTIVE: To determine concentrations of 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) in serum of healthy bitches during various stages of the reproductive cycle and in bitches with hyperadrenocorticism and to compare the dynamics of 17OHP with those of progesterone. DESIGN: Prospective evaluation study. ANIMALS: 15 healthy sexually intact bitches and 28 spayed bitches with hyperadrenocorticism. PROCEDURES: 11 healthy bitches were evaluated during estrus, nonpregnant diestrus, and anestrus (group 1); 4 other healthy bitches were evaluated during pregnancy and after ovariohysterectomy (group 2). Cycle stages were determined via physical examination, vaginal cytologic evaluation, and serum progesterone concentration. Bitches with hyperadrenocorticism were evaluated once at the time of diagnosis (group 3). Serum hormone concentrations were determined with immunoassays. RESULTS: In group 1, the serum 17OHP concentration was significantly higher in diestrus (median, 1.8 ng/mL) than in estrus (median, 1.1 ng/mL) and anestrus (median, 0.2 ng/mL) and higher in estrus than in anestrus. Changes in serum progesterone concentrations accounted for 22% (estrus) or 23% (diestrus) of the variation in serum 17OHP concentrations. In group 2, 17OHP and progesterone concentrations were significantly higher during pregnancy than after ovariohysterectomy. The serum 17OHP concentration in group 3 was significantly lower (median, 0.2 ng/mL) than in group 1 in estrus and diestrus and in group 2 during pregnancy (median, 0.7 ng/mL) but was not different from 17OHP concentrations in anestrus or after ovariohysterectomy (median, 0.2 ng/mL). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Serum 17OHP concentrations in healthy bitches increased during estrus, diestrus, and pregnancy and at those times were higher than in spayed bitches with hyperadrenocorticism.

Cross-sectional imaging characteristics of pituitary adenomas, invasive adenomas and adenocarcinomas in dogs: 33 cases (1988-2006).

BACKGROUND: Pituitary tumors in dogs can be adenomas, invasive adenomas, or adenocarcinomas. In people, invasive adenomas and pituitary adenocarcinomas carry a worse prognosis than adenomas. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVE: To identify differentiating features on cross-sectional imaging in dogs with pituitary adenomas, invasive adenomas, and adenocarcinomas. ANIMALS: Thirty-three dogs that had computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed and a necropsy diagnosis of pituitary adenoma (n = 20), invasive adenoma (n = 11), or adenocarcinoma (n = 2). METHODS: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for signalment, history, and diagnosis. CT and MR images were reviewed for characteristics of pituitary tumors. RESULTS: Mean (+/- standard deviation) age for dogs with pituitary adenomas (10.6 +/- 2.9 years) was greater than that of those with invasive adenomas (8.3 +/- 2.7 years, P = .04). Eighteen out of 20 (90%) dogs with adenomas had contrast-enhancing masses. Thirteen out of 20 (65%) had homogeneous enhancement. Mean adenoma height was 1.2 +/- 0.7cm. Eight out of 20 (40%) adenomas were round and 8/20 (40%) compressed surrounding brain. Eleven out of 11 dogs (100%) with invasive adenomas had contrast-enhancing masses. Seven out of 11 (64%) masses were homogeneous. Mean invasive adenoma height was 1.8 +/- 0.7 cm, which was significantly greater than adenomas (P = .03). Mass shape varied from round to oval to irregular. Six out of 11 (55%) masses compressed surrounding brain. Clinical and imaging features were variable for 2 dogs with adenocarcinomas. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Invasive adenoma should be suspected if a dog with a pituitary tumor is <7.7 years of age and has a mass > 1.9 cm in vertical height. Adenocarcinomas are uncommon and metastatic lesions were not seen with imaging.

Evaluation of six portable blood glucose meters for measuring blood glucose concentration in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate accuracy of 6 portable blood glucose meters (PBGMs) by comparing results of these meters with results obtained with a reference chemistry analyzer. DESIGN: Evaluation study. ANIMALS: 49 dogs (158 blood samples). Procedures-Venous blood samples were tested with the 6 PBGMs, and results were compared with results of a commercially available analyzer that used a reference method based on the hexokinase reaction. RESULTS: Plasma glucose concentrations obtained with the reference analyzer ranged from 41 to 639 mg/dL. There were significant correlations between blood glucose concentrations obtained with the 6 PBGMs and plasma glucose concentrations obtained with the reference analyzer (r > or = 0.96). However, for all 6 PBGMs, results differed from results for the reference analyzer, with the difference increasing as plasma glucose concentration increased. Significant differences in bias were found among meters. For 142 samples classified as hypoglycemic, euglycemic, or hyperglycemic on the basis of results of the reference analyzer, the percentage of samples that were misclassified on the basis of results of the PBGMs ranged from 2.1% to 38.7%. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results of the present study suggested that there were substantial differences in the accuracy of currently available PBGMs when used to determine blood glucose concentration in dogs.

Evaluation of twice-daily, low-dose trilostane treatment administered orally in dogs with naturally occurring hyperadrenocorticism.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of twice-daily oral administration of a low-dose of trilostane treatment and assess the duration of effects after once-daily trilostane administration in dogs with naturally occurring hyperadrenocorticism (NOH). DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 28 dogs with NOH. PROCEDURES: 22 dogs received 0.5 to 2.5 mg of trilostane/kg (0.23 to 1.14 mg/lb) orally every 12 hours initially. At intervals, dogs were reevaluated; owner assessment of treatment response was recorded. To assess drug effect duration, 16 of the 22 dogs and 6 additional dogs underwent 2 ACTH stimulation tests 3 to 4 hours and 8 to 9 hours after once-daily trilostane administration. RESULTS: After 1 to 2 weeks, mean trilostane dosage was 1.4 mg/kg (0.64 mg/lb) every 12 hours (n = 22 dogs; good response [resolution of signs], 8; poor response, 14). Four to 8 weeks later, mean dosage was 1.8 mg/kg (0.82 mg/lb) every 12 or 8 hours (n = 21 and 1 dogs, respectively; good response, 15; poor response, 5; 2 dogs were ill). Eight to 16 weeks after the second reevaluation, remaining dogs had good responses (mean dosages, 1.9 mg/kg [0.86 mg/lb], q 12 h [n = 13 dogs] and 1.3 mg/kg [0.59 mg/lb], q 8 h [3]). At 3 to 4 hours and 8 to 9 hours after once-daily dosing, mean post-ACTH stimulation serum cortisol concentrations were 2.60 and 8.09 Pg/dL, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In dogs with NOH, administration of trilostane at low doses every 12 hours was effective, although 2 dogs became ill during treatment. Drug effects diminished within 8 to 9 hours. Because of potential adverse effects, lower doses should be evaluated.

Serum insulin-like growth factor-I concentration in cats with diabetes mellitus and acromegaly.

BACKGROUND: Serum insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) has been used in place of serum growth hormone quantification for identifying acromegaly in diabetic cats. The utility of IGF-I as a screening test for acromegaly has not been critically evaluated. This retrospective study was performed to evaluate the usefulness of serum IGF-I concentration for identifying acromegaly. HYPOTHESIS: Serum IGF-I is a useful screening test for acromegaly in diabetic cats. ANIMALS: A review was made of the medical records of 74 diabetic cats that had serum IGF-I quantified. The diabetes was classified as well controlled (15 cats), poorly controlled because of problems with the insulin treatment regimen, concurrent disease, or both (40), or poorly controlled with clinical findings consistent with acromegaly (19). METHODS: A review of medical records was made. RESULTS: Serum IGF-I concentration was significantly (P < .0001) increased in acromegalic diabetic cats, compared with well-controlled and poorly controlled diabetic cats. Sensitivity and specificity for serum IGF-I concentration were 84% (95%/ confidence interval [CI] = 60.4-96.6%) and 92% (95% CI = 81.3-97.2%), respectively. There was no significant correlation between serum IGF-I concentration and duration of insulin treatment (r = 0.23, P = .089), insulin dosage (r = 0.14, P = .30), age (r = 0.16, P = .12), and pituitary volume (r = 0.40, P = .11), but a modest correlation was found between serum IGF-I concentration and body weight (r = 0.48, P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Results support the use of serum IGF-I concentration as a screening test for acromegaly in diabetic cats that have clinical findings supportive of the disease.

Survival, neurologic response, and prognostic factors in dogs with pituitary masses treated with radiation therapy and untreated dogs.

BACKGROUND: Pituitary masses in dogs are not uncommon tumors that can cause endocrine and neurologic signs and, if left untreated, can decrease life expectancy. HYPOTHESIS: Dogs with pituitary masses that received radiation therapy (RT) have more favorable neurologic outcomes and longer survival times compared with untreated dogs. ANIMALS: Nineteen dogs with a pituitary mass identified on CT or MR imaging were irradiated with 48 Gy given in 3 Gy daily-dose fractions. Twenty-seven untreated control dogs had pituitary masses. METHODS: Medical records of dogs with pituitary masses were retrospectively reviewed for clinical signs, mass size, and outcome. RESULTS: Median survival time was not reached in the treated group. Mean survival time in the treated group was 1,405 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 1,053-1,757 days) with 1-, 2-, and 3-year estimated survival of 93, 87, and 55%, respectively. Median survival in the nonirradiated group was 359 days (95% CI, 48-916 days), with a mean of 551 days (95% CI, 271-829 days). The 1-, 2-, and 3-year estimated survival was 45, 32, and 25%, respectively. Dogs that received RT for their pituitary tumors had significantly longer survival times than untreated dogs (P = .0039). Treated dogs with smaller tumors (based on maximal pituitary-to-brain height ratio or area of tumor to area of brain) lived longer than those with larger tumors (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: When compared with untreated dogs, RT increased survival and controlled neurologic signs in dogs with pituitary masses.