[Outcome of selective mating in the Entlebucher Mountain Dog for reduction of ureteral ectopia]. / Ergebnis der selektiven Verpaarung beim Entlebucher Sennenhund zur Reduktion der ureteralen Ektopie.

INTRODUCTION: The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is predisposed to ureteral ectopia and associated diseases of the urinary tract as well as the kidneys, which can have severe to lethal consequences. Due to the clustered occurrence of clinical signs in 11 % of Entlebucher Mountain dogs in the absence of a genetic test for ureteral ectopia, screening was introduced in 2008 to allow phenotype-based breeding selection. The ureteral orifices of the dogs are visualized by ultrasound and existing urinary retention or urinary incontinence is documented. The diagnostic findings were evaluated centrally with assignment to one of five phenotypes depending on the localization of the ureteral orifices and the renal and ureteral shape. Breeding approval and mating restrictions are the responsibility of the respective breeding associations and predominantly Entlebucher Mountain Dogs with extravesical ectopic ureters and/or clinical signs were excluded from breeding. The effect of phenotype-based selective mating on the incidence of ureteral ectopia and its clinical signs, as well as possible factors influencing the expression of the phenotype, were determined in the birth cohorts after the introduction of screening. Analysis of the data set of 1456 phenotyped Entlebucher Mountain Dogs showed, that at 11 % versus 5 %, males were more frequently assigned to the extravesical phenotype than females. The effect of phenotype-based breeding selection was examined in a subpopulation consisting of phenotyped parents and their offspring (n = 876). The prevalence of the extravesical phenotype decreased from 24 % in the 2005 to 2007 birth cohorts to 1,4 % in the 2015 to 2017 birth cohorts. Since 2015 almost no Entlebucher Mountain Dogs with incontinence, hydroureter or hydronephrosis have been recorded. It was feared that the additional selection measures to control ureteral ectopia in the small Entlebucher Mountain Dog population would intensify the inbreeding increase. However, this has so far remained absent. Therefore, as long as no genetic test is available, it is recommended to continue phenotype-based breeding selection with exclusion of dogs with extravesical ureteral ectopia and/or hydroureter/hydronephrosis/urinary incontinence, while keeping an eye on the development of the inbreeding coefficient.

INTRODUCTION: Le Bouvier de l'Entlebuch est prédisposé à l'ectopie urétérale et aux maladies associées des voies urinaires ainsi que des reins, ce qui peut entraîner des conséquences fatales. En raison de l'apparition de signes cliniques chez 11 % des chiens et en l'absence d'un test génétique pour l'ectopie urétérale, un dépistage a été introduit en 2008 pour permettre une sélection d'élevage basée sur le phénotype. Les orifices urétraux des chiens ont été visualisés par échographie et la rétention ou l'incontinence urinaire existante documentée. Les résultats du diagnostic ont été évalués de manière centralisée avec attribution à l'un des cinq phénotypes en fonction de la localisation des orifices urétéraux ainsi que de la forme des reins et des uretères. L'approbation pour la reproduction et les restrictions d'accouplement relèvent de la responsabilité des associations d'élevage respectives et les bouviers de l'Entlebuch présentant des uretères ectopiques extravésicaux et/ou des signes cliniques ont majoritairement été exclus de la reproduction. L'effet de cet accouplement sélectif basé sur le phénotype sur l'incidence de l'ectopie urétérale et de ses signes cliniques ainsi que les facteurs possibles influençant l'expression du phénotype ont été déterminés dans les cohortes de naissance après l'introduction du dépistage. L'analyse de l'ensemble des données de 1456 Bouviers de l'Entlebuch phénotypés a montré que, à 11 % contre 5 %, les mâles étaient plus fréquemment affectés au phénotype extravésical que les femelles. L'effet de la sélection d'élevage basée sur le phénotype a été examiné dans une sous-population composée de parents phénotypés et de leur progéniture (n = 876). La prévalence du phénotype extravésical est passée de 24 % dans les cohortes de naissance de 2005 à 2007 à 1,4 % dans les cohortes de naissance de 2015 à 2017. Depuis 2015, presque aucun bouvier d'Entlebuch présentant une incontinence, un hydrouretère ou une hydronéphrose n'a été enregistré. Une possible augmentation de la consanguinité due aux mesures de sélection supplémentaires visant à contrôler l'ectopie urétérale ne s'est pas produite. Par conséquent, tant qu'aucun test génétique n'est disponible, il est recommandé de poursuivre la sélection d'élevage basée sur le phénotype avec exclusion des chiens présentant une ectopie urétérale extravésicale et/ou une hydrouretère/hydronéphrose/incontinence urinaire, tout en surveillant l'évolution du coefficient de consanguinité.

Conservative treatment of partial gastrocnemius muscle avulsions in dogs using therapeutic ultrasound -- A force plate study.

OBJECTIVES: In this report two cases of partial gastrocnemius muscle avulsion treated with pulsed therapeutic ultrasound are described. METHODS: The outcome in these two dogs was evaluated using ultrasonographic imaging and the measurement of ground reaction forces with a force plate. RESULTS: Both dogs showed an amelioration of the clinical signs within one month after commencement of the ultrasound therapy. The follow-up time for these cases was one year and six months respectively. Both of the dogs were free of lameness and had returned to their normal amount of exercise. Palpation of the fabella associated with the muscle injury did not produce any signs of pain. Ultrasonographic imaging did not detect any signs of haemorrhage or oedema, although scarring of muscle fibres was present. The force-plate analyses revealed an improvement. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: These results suggest that therapeutic ultrasound could be a beneficial treatment modality for this kind of muscle injury.

The desmopressin stimulation test in dogs with Cushing's syndrome.

Desmopressin is a synthetic analogue of the hypothalamic peptide vasopressin and binds to specific pituitary vasopressin (V3) receptors. The V3-receptor is overexpressed in pituitary corticotrope tumors and the injection of desmopressin induces a marked ACTH and cortisol release in human patients with pituitary- (PDH), but not adrenal tumor (AT) dependent hyperadrenocorticism. In this prospective study, we investigated the effects of desmopressin on serum cortisol levels in 80 dogs suspected of Cushing's syndrome. The aim was to find a sensitive and specific test to exclude AT. According to standard tests the dogs were divided into 3 groups (group 1=other disease, n=27; group 2=PDH, n=46; group 3=AT, n=7). Desmopressin was injected as an i.v. bolus of 4microg and serial blood samples were collected before and after 30, 60 and 90min. Desmopressin significantly stimulated cortisol release in dogs with PDH (median 51%, range -24 to 563%; p<0.0001), whereas no increase was seen in dogs with AT (median -12%, range -44 to 5%; p=0.063) and in controls (median +7%, range -36 to 196%; p=0.131). Using a cut off value of 10% increase over baseline, it was possible to exclude AT in 75% of patients. The results of this study suggest that the desmopressin test could be a useful tool in differentiating pituitary from adrenal dependent Cushing's syndromes. Additional dogs with adrenocortical tumor must be tested in order to recommend its use in clinical practice.

Comparison of lipase activity in peritoneal fluid of dogs with different pathologies--a complementary diagnostic tool in acute pancreatitis?

A clinical diagnosis of acute pancreatitis is often difficult to obtain. Histopathology remains the gold standard, whereas clinical signs, diagnostic imaging and laboratory testing, even in combination, may be insufficient. In a prospective study, lipase activity in ascitic fluid of various aetiologies was determined in 44 dogs in order to investigate its performance in cases of acute pancreatitis. Data of simultaneously determined blood lipase activities were available in 27 dogs. Lipase activity was measured by a colorimetric assay. A complete peritoneal fluid analysis was performed. Dogs were divided into four groups, according to their final diagnosis: acute pancreatitis (A), abdominal trauma (B), abdominal neoplasia (C) and others (hepatic or cardiac diseases) (D). Dogs with acute pancreatitis had a significantly higher peritoneal lipase activity than those in other groups (P < or = 0.024), while no significant difference was found between the other groups (P > or = 0.734). Blood lipase activity as well as protein content and total cell count of the ascitic fluid did not show any significant difference between groups. Data show that determination of lipase activity in dogs that develop ascites may be useful in complementing the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis.

The elephant knee joint: morphological and biomechanical considerations.

Elephant limbs display unique morphological features which are related mainly to supporting the enormous body weight of the animal. In elephants, the knee joint plays important roles in weight bearing and locomotion, but anatomical data are sparse and lacking in functional analyses. In addition, the knee joint is affected frequently by arthrosis. Here we examined structures of the knee joint by means of standard anatomical techniques in eight African (Loxodonta africana) and three Asian elephants (Elephas maximus). Furthermore, we performed radiography in five African and two Asian elephants and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in one African elephant. Macerated bones of 11 individuals (four African, seven Asian elephants) were measured with a pair of callipers to give standardized measurements of the articular parts. In one Asian and three African elephants, kinematic and functional analyses were carried out using a digitizer and according to the helical axis concept. Some peculiarities of healthy and arthrotic knee joints of elephants were compared with human knees. In contrast to those of other quadruped mammals, the knee joint of elephants displays an extended resting position. The femorotibial joint of elephants shows a high grade of congruency and the menisci are extremely narrow and thin. The four-bar mechanism of the cruciate ligaments exists also in the elephant. The main motion of the knee joint is extension-flexion with a range of motion of 142 degrees . In elephants, arthrotic alterations of the knee joint can lead to injury or loss of the cranial (anterior) cruciate ligament.

Benign intrapericardial lipoma in a dog.

SUMMARY: Canine lipomas generally develop in subcutaneous tissue. Intrapericardial lipomas are extremely rare benign tumours and can develop on the pericardial surface of the heart or inside the cardiac chambers. As the thoracic cavity is an unusual site for lipomas in dogs, we describe, clinically and pathologically, a case of intrapericardial lipoma in an 18-months old German Shepherd.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of gallbladder wall thickness in cats.

Ultrasonography of the gallbladder and biliary tract was performed on 42 cats: 22 clinically healthy cats (group A) and 20 cats with hepatobiliary disease and post mortem confirmation of gallbladder abnormalities (group B). The gallbladder wall was visible in 9 of 22 cats in group A and all 20 cats in group B. Additional gallbladder findings in group B included shape anomalies, biliary tract obstruction, wall thickening, polyps, neoplasia, and biliary sludge. Ultrasonographic evaluation of abdominal organs identified pancreatic disease as the predominant pathological cause of extrahepatic biliary obstruction. Hepatic parenchymal involvement was noted with inflammation and thickening of the gallbladder wall. Histologically, gallbladder walls were characterized by mucous gland hyperplasia, inflammation, infiltration, edema, epithelial detachment, and/or neoplasia. Ultrasonographic and histologic gallbladder wall measurements of 20 cats in group B agreed within 0.4 mm and all cats with a gallbladder wall thickness > or =1.0 mm had histopathologic abnormalities of the wall. Serum biochemical analysis revealed elevations of one or more parameters in all cats of group B, but was non-specific for a gallbladder lesion. The results of this study indicate that a visible, echogenic gallbladder wall can be considered a normal variant and is not always associated with hepatobiliary disease. Ultrasonography is accurate in measuring gallbladder wall thickness. Wall thickness greater than 1 mm is accurate in predicting gallbladder disease in cats, while a thickness less than 1 mm cannot rule out mild or chronic inflammation.

Radiographic diagnosis of lameness in African elephants (Loxodonta africana).

Lameness in captive elephants is most commonly caused by pododermatitis or degenerative joint disease. Hard surfaces such as concrete, which produce a damp and cold environment, wet and muddy conditions, as well as restricted movement are the major causes of these problems. Radiography was performed in two African elephants at the Schoenbrunn Zoo in Vienna to determine the cause and extent of lameness. Various radiographic techniques are described for use in trained elephants. Low time settings were used to avoid loss of detail through movement and to minimize exposure while observing radiation safety. A 37-year-old elephant had front limb lameness due to an interdigital abscess. In radiographs of the foot an inhomogenous soft-tissue swelling without involvement of the phalanges was seen. Ultrasonography was helpful in visualizing the fluid-filled abscess. In additional joint radiographs severe degenerative joint disease was identified. A 13-year-old elephant had lameness of the hind limb. Radiographs of the hind limb from the foot to the stifle were made. Open physes and early signs of degenerative joint disease were identified on the radiographs.