Canine hypoadrenocorticism: Insights into the Addisonian crisis.

Objective: Primary objectives of this study were to determine presenting complaints, physical examination, clinicopathologic findings, and hospitalization time of dogs with spontaneous hypoadrenocorticism presenting with critical disease; and to compare those end points to dogs with a more stable presentation. Secondary objectives were to evaluate the shock index and to identify precipitating stressors. Animals: Eighty-four dogs at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine between 1998 and 2018 were included. Procedure: Data were retrieved from the medical records. Results: Collapse and depression were more common among critically ill dogs. Hyperlactatemia was rare despite a diagnosis of hypovolemic shock, and a shock index was ineffective in this patient subset. Isosthenuria, total hypocalcemia, and more severe acidosis were more common (P < 0.05) in critical dogs. Owner separation was the most common precipitating stressor. Conclusion and clinical relevance: We concluded that the critical Addisonian dog has unique characteristics that may aid in early disease identification.

Hypoadrénocorticisme canin : aper ç u de la crise Addisonienne. Objectif: Les principaux objectifs de cette étude étaient de déterminer les motifs de présentation, l'examen physique, les résultats clinico-pathologiques et la durée d'hospitalisation des chiens atteints d'hypoadrénocorticisme spontané présentant une maladie critique; et de comparer ces paramètres aux chiens avec une présentation plus stable. Les objectifs secondaires étaient d'évaluer l'indice de choc et d'identifier les facteurs de stress déclencheurs. Animaux: Quatre-vingt-quatre chiens du Western College of Veterinary Medicine entre 1998 et 2018 ont été inclus. Procédure: Les données ont été extraites des dossiers médicaux. Résultats: L'effondrement et la dépression étaient plus fréquents chez les chiens gravement malades. L'hyperlactatémie était rare malgré un diagnostic de choc hypovolémique, et un indice de choc était inefficace dans ce sous-groupe de patients. L'isosthénurie, l'hypocalcémie totale et l'acidose plus grave étaient plus fréquentes (P < 0,05) chez les chiens critiques. La séparation du propriétaire était le facteur de stress déclencheur le plus courant. Conclusion et pertinence clinique: Nous avons conclu que le chien addisonien critique a des caractéristiques uniques qui peuvent aider à l'identification précoce de la maladie.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Canine adenovirus type 1 causing neurological signs in a 5-week-old puppy.

BACKGROUND: Infectious canine hepatitis is a rarely encountered disease, that is caused by Canine Adenovirus-1. Clinical signs can vary dramatically, and neurological signs are rarely seen. Neurological manifestation of this disease is rarely reported in the veterinary literature. CASE PRESENTATION: A 5-week-old, male entire Husky cross puppy presented for a one-day history of abnormal neurological behaviour (circling, ataxia, vocalization and obtund mentation). The puppy was euthanized shortly after presentation due to rapid deterioration. Histopathology raised concerns for Canine Adenovirus 1 (CAdV-1) based on vasculitis in the brain and intranuclear inclusion bodies in endothelial cell and hepatocytes; immunohistochemistry on brain tissue confirmed CAdV-1 infection. CONCLUSIONS: This report discusses possible routes of infection and manifestations of adenovirus infections causing neurologic signs. It also provides a timely reminder that CAdV-1 should be considered a differential in unvaccinated dogs that present with neurological signs. Further studies are required to better understand the neurotrophic tendencies of this virus.

Noncardiogenic pulmonary edema associated with ozone exposure in three kittens.

CASE DESCRIPTION Three 21-week-old sexually intact female sibling domestic shorthair cats were brought to an emergency clinic because of signs of sudden respiratory distress that were noted by the owner after the cats had been confined for approximately 10 hours in a room with an operating ozone-generating air purifier. No other potential toxicant exposures were reported. CLINICAL FINDINGS On initial examination, the 3 cats were severely dyspneic and tachypneic. Pulmonary crackles were audible on thoracic auscultation. Thoracic radiography revealed a marked peribronchial, unstructured interstitial pulmonary pattern that coalesced to a patchy alveolar pattern, consistent with noncardiogenic pulmonary edema. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME A diuretic (furosemide, 2 mg/kg [0.9 mg/lb], IV) and bronchodilator (terbutaline sulfate, 0.01 mg/kg [0.005 mg/lb], IM) were administered, and supplemental oxygen was provided by placing the cats in an oxygen cage at 80% oxygen saturation. By 24 hours after placement in the oxygen cage, all cats had unremarkable respiratory rates and thoracic auscultation findings. Complete resolution of the respiratory signs and radiographic pulmonary lesions was achieved within 48 to 72 hours after initial evaluation. At a recheck examination performed 3 months after initial evaluation, the cats remained free of respiratory signs, and no radiographic pulmonary lesions were detected. CLINICAL RELEVANCE To the authors' knowledge, this was the first reported case of pulmonary toxicosis believed to have been caused by ozone exposure in cats. Associated respiratory signs were successfully and rapidly reversed following oxygen supplementation and medical treatment.

Demonstration of synchrotron x-ray phase contrast imaging computed tomography of infiltrative transitional cell carcinoma of the prostatic urethra in a dog.

Prostatic urethral transitional cell carcinoma with prostatic invasion in a dog was imaged with abdominal radiography and abdominal ultrasonography antemortem. Synchrotron in-line x-ray phase contrast imaging computed tomography (XPCI-CT) was performed on the prostate ex vivo at the Canadian Light Source Synchrotron and compared to histology. XPCI-CT imaging provides greater soft tissue contrast than conventional absorption-based x-ray imaging modalities, permitting visualization of regions of inflammatory cell infiltration, differentiation of invasive versus noninvasive tumor regions, and areas of necrosis and mineralization. This represents the first report of XPCI-CT images of an invasive prostatic urothelial neoplasm in a dog.

Recurrent episodes of severe bleeding caused by congenital factor XIII deficiency in a dog.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 5-year-old castrated male Toy Poodle cross was evaluated because of lethargy, inappetence, and suspected abdominal hemorrhage. The dog had been evaluated on 4 other occasions for episodes of excessive bleeding associated with trauma or surgical procedures. CLINICAL FINDINGS: At previous evaluations, results of repeated measurements of prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, and buccal mucosal bleeding time were unremarkable; activated clotting time, plasma von Willebrand factor concentration, results of platelet function testing, and plasma factor VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, and XII concentrations were considered normal. At this evaluation, clinicopathologic analyses revealed mild regenerative anemia that progressed over a 4-day period to moderate regenerative anemia and acute inflammation with panhypoproteinemia. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a large mass (suspected to be a hematoma) near the urinary bladder. Rotational thromboelastometry revealed that clotting times were within reference limits, with abnormal clot formation times and clot firmness. The result of a factor XIII (FXIII) clot solubility assay confirmed FXIII deficiency. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: The dog's bleeding diathesis resolved with inpatient care and IV fluid therapy, although plasma transfusions had been required at previous evaluations. Seven months after discharge from the hospital, the dog continued to do well clinically, although it had several additional episodes of excessive bleeding. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of congenital FXIII deficiency in a dog. In addition to more common inherited coagulopathies, FXIII deficiency should be a differential diagnosis for dogs with episodes of excessive bleeding and apparently normal results of standard coagulation tests.

Hookworm dermatitis due to Uncinaria stenocephala in a dog from Saskatchewan.

Uncinaria stenocephala hookworm dermatitis (uncinariosis) was diagnosed on fecal examination and macerated skin biopsy in a 1.5-year-old greyhound dog from Saskatchewan. This is the first reported case in Canada. Treatment with moxidectin cleared gastrointestinal and dermal infections.

Dermatite de l'ankylostomiase causée parUncinaria stenocephalachez un chien de la Saskatchewan. La dermatite de l'ankylostomiase à Uncinaria stenocephala (uncinariose) a été diagnostiquée à l'examen fécal et lors d'une biopsie de la peau macérée chez un chien Greyhound âgé de 1 an et demi provenant de la Saskatchewan. Il s'agit du premier cas signalé au Canada. Le traitement à la moxidectine a guéri les infections gastro-intestinales et cutanées.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Effects of a standardized anesthetic protocol on hematologic variables in healthy cats.

This study evaluated the effects of an anesthetic protocol using intravenous ketamine and midazolam, and intramuscular buprenorphine on hematologic variables in cats. Twelve healthy adult cats had blood collected for a complete blood count before and after the induction of anesthesia. There were significant decreases in red blood cell counts, hemoglobin concentrations and hematocrits after the induction of anesthesia. On average, red blood cell counts and hematocrits decreased by 25%, and hemoglobin concentrations decreased by 24%. Based on hematocrit, 3/12 samples (25%) taken while the cats were anesthetized would have been interpreted as belonging to anemic patients while none of the cats would have been considered anemic before anesthesia. This study suggests that a complete blood count performed on blood taken under anesthesia with this anesthetic protocol should be interpreted cautiously in order to not make a false diagnosis of anemia.

Tussive syncope in a pug with lung-lobe torsion.

The most common presenting clinical signs of lung-lobe torsion include dyspnea, tachypnea, lethargy, and anorexia. Tussive syncope secondary to lung-lobe torsion has not been documented. This article describes the presentation, diagnosis, management, and outcome of a pug with tussive syncope secondary to lung-lobe torsion.

Serum C-reactive protein concentrations in healthy Miniature Schnauzer dogs.

BACKGROUND: C-reactive protein (CRP) is a sensitive marker for inflammation in people and dogs. In people, an association between CRP concentration and atherosclerosis has been reported. Atherosclerosis is rare in dogs, but the Miniature Schnauzer breed may be at increased risk for developing this vascular disease. It is not known if CRP concentrations in Miniature Schnauzer dogs differ from those in other dog breeds. OBJECTIVES: Our objectives were to validate an automated human CRP assay for measuring CRP in dogs and compare CRP concentrations in healthy Miniature Schnauzer dogs with those in non-Miniature Schnauzer breeds. METHODS: Sera from 37 non-Miniature Schnauzer dogs with inflammatory disease were pooled and used to validate a human CRP immunoturbidimetric assay for measuring canine CRP. Blood was collected from 20 healthy Miniature Schnauzer dogs and 41 healthy dogs of other breeds. Median serum CRP concentration of healthy Miniature Schnauzer dogs was compared with that of healthy non-Miniature Schnauzer dogs. RESULTS: The human CRP assay measured CRP reliably with linearity between 0 and 20 mg/L. CRP concentration for healthy Miniature Schnauzer dogs (median 4.0 mg/L, minimum-maximum 0-18.2 mg/L) was significantly higher than for the healthy non-Miniature Schnauzer dogs (median 0.1 mg/L, minimum-maximum 0-10.7 mg/L); 17 of the 20 Miniature Schnauzer dogs had values that overlapped with those of the non-Miniature Schnauzer dogs. CONCLUSIONS: Median CRP concentration of Miniature Schnauzer dogs was slightly higher than that of other breeds of dogs. A relationship between higher CRP concentration in Miniature Schnauzer dogs and idiopathic hyperlipidemia, pancreatitis, and possible increased risk for atherosclerosis remains to be determined.

Progesterone intoxication inducing marked sedation in a cat.

A 3-year-old, male castrated domestic shorthair cat presented for sudden onset of severe lethargy and loss of balance a few hours after potentially ingesting capsules containing progesterone. Elevated serum progesterone was confirmed. Supportive care and time resulted in complete resolution of the clinical signs with no long-term complications or recurrence of clinical signs noticed after 1-month follow-up. This is the first description of progesterone intoxication inducing neurological signs in a cat.

C-reactive protein as a prognostic indicator in dogs with acute abdomen syndrome.

The objective of the present study was to measure serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in 32 dogs with acute abdomen syndrome at presentation and after 48-72 hr. Data were evaluated to determine if there was an association between CRP concentration and outcome, and if CRP concentration correlated with the white blood cell (WBC) count at both time points. An immunoturbidimetric assay for human CRP, previously validated for use in dogs, was used for serum CRP analysis. Increased serum CRP concentrations were found in 21 dogs at presentation. Fifteen of these dogs had declining serum CRP concentrations by 48-72 hr, but 3 of the 15 dogs were later euthanized. Serum CRP concentrations increased by 48-72 hr in 4 dogs. Of the 32 dogs, 4 were dead or were euthanized prior to the 48-72 hr time point. No significant difference between initial CRP concentration and outcome was found (P = 0.054). Initial and 48-72 hr CRP values taken together were significantly different between outcome groups (P < 0.001). Serum CRP concentrations that were elevated at both time points were associated with a poor prognosis. No correlation was found between CRP concentrations and WBC counts at presentation (P = 0.83); however, a significant correlation was noted at 48-72 hr (P = 0.03). Evaluation of sequential CRP concentrations in dogs with acute abdomen syndrome may be helpful in assessing clinical response to treatment and predicting outcome. Also, serum CRP may be better in detecting tissue injury and/or inflammation at presentation than WBC counts in select cases.

Granulocytic anaplasmosis in three dogs from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Three dogs from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan were diagnosed with acute granulocytic anaplasmosis. Fever, lethargy, inappetence, vomiting, diarrhea, and lameness were reported. Lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, and splenomegaly were identified in all dogs. Inclusions were identified within the cytoplasm of blood neutrophils, and infection with Anaplasma phagocytophilum was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction.

Large granular intestinal lymphosarcoma and leukemia in a dog.

A rare, large granular lymphocyte (LGL) tumor causing a protein-losing enteropathy and thrombocytopenia was diagnosed in an Irish wolfhound. The case had an aggressive clinical course, like most LGL tumors in humans. Immunophenotyping suggested that the LGL tumor in this dog was derived from a natural-killer cell.

Serial blood lactate concentrations in systemically ill dogs.

BACKGROUND: Lactate concentration often is quantified in systemically ill dogs and interpreted based on human data. To our knowledge, there are no published clinical studies evaluating serial lactate concentrations as a prognostic indicator in ill dogs. OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to perform a prospective study, using multivariate analysis, to determine whether serial lactate concentrations were associated with outcome in ill dogs requiring intravenous fluids. METHODS: Eighty sick dogs had lactate concentrations evaluated, using an analyzer that measures lactate in the plasma fraction of heparinized whole blood, at 0 hours and 6 hours after initiation of treatment. Severity of illness and outcome (survivor, nonsurvivor) were determined by reviewing the patient's record 2 weeks after admission. Lactate concentrations, age, body weight, gender, and severity of illness were evaluated using multivariate analysis to determine their effects on outcome. RESULTS: Dogs with lactate concentrations greater than the reference interval at 6 hours were 16 times (95% confidence interval = 2.32-112.71 times, P <.01) more likely not to survive compared to dogs with lactate concentrations within the reference interval. Lactate concentrations above the reference interval at 0 hours were not significantly related to outcome. However, hyperlactatemia that did not improve by > or = 50% within 6 hours was significantly associated with mortality (P = .024). CONCLUSION: Dogs with a lactate concentration higher than the reference interval at 6 hours were more likely not to survive. These results indicate an association between lactate concentration and outcome and emphasize the importance of serial lactate concentrations in evaluating prognosis.

Evaluation of the Accutrend for lactate measurement in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Lactate concentrations are increasingly quantified in dogs using point-of-care instruments, but often without canine-specific method evaluation and instrument-specific reference intervals. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to 1) determine the precision of the Accutrend (Roche Diagnostics) for lactate determination in dogs, 2) determine the accuracy of the Accutrend using the Rapidlab 865 (Bayer Diagnostics) as the reference method, and 3) establish and compare reference intervals for lactate concentration in clinically healthy dogs for both instruments. METHODS: Precision was evaluated using low and high control materials, and variable (1 drop) and fixed (25 microL) sample volumes. Accuracy was determined by comparing lactate concentrations obtained with the Accutrend with those from the Rapidlab 865 in 273 heparinized canine jugular venous blood samples from 100 clinically healthy dogs and 107 systemically ill dogs (173 samples). Lactate reference intervals were established for both analyzers using data from the 100 clinically healthy dogs. RESULTS: The precision of the Accutrend was good (coefficients of variation, < or = 5.3%) for 25-microL samples but not when a drop was used. Lactate concentrations obtained on the Accutrend correlated poorly with those from the Rapidlab 865 (r = 0.864, mean bias = 0.66 mmol/L, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.57-0.76 with 95% limits of agreement = -0.87 (lower limit, 95% CI = -1.03 to -0.71) and 2.20 (upper limit, 95% CI = 2.04 to 2.36). The reference interval for canine lactate concentration on the Accutrend was 1.2-3.1 mmol/L compared with 0.46-2.31 mmol/L on the Rapidlab. CONCLUSION: Although precision was good with fixed sample volumes, blood lactate concentrations obtained on the Accutrend were significantly different than those on the Rapidlab 865, with systematic and random errors resulting in a positive bias. Further evaluation of the Accutrend is required before its use in dogs can be recommended.

Insulinoma in a dog with pre-existing insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

A 10-year-old golden retriever with a 3-year history of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus was presented with recurring episodes of hypoglycemia and seizures. A presumptive diagnosis of an insulinoma was made based on hypoglycemia with concurrent endogenous hyperinsulinemia and unremarkable radiographic and ultrasonographic images of the chest and abdomen. A beta cell carcinoma of the pancreas with metastasis to the liver and a mesenteric lymph node was confirmed by surgery and histopathology.