The importance of postoperative analgesia after major thoracic surgery interventions, protocols, applications, and the following evaluation of the patient's quality of life.

OBJECTIVES: Major thoracic surgery procedures constitute a standard method of diagnosis and/or therapy against lung, mediastinal cancer and other non-malignant manifestations of the respiratory system. Such patients' recovery and rehabilitation depend directly from the applied postoperative analgesia, with purpose to determine an optimum and long-term quality of life. BACKGROUND: Our database consists of 300 individuals, submitted to major thoracic surgery procedure during a 2 - year period of time (between December 2016 and December 2018) at the "Thoracic Surgery Department" of "Theageneio" Cancer Hospital, Thessaloniki. METHODS: Every operative method is accompanied with three different types of postoperative analgesia, depending on the demands of the surgical approach: Each patient's postoperative management and evaluation is performed via usage of three "Quality of Life" (QoL) Questionnaires and the "VAS-Visual Analog Scale" for pain, leading to the determination of the "QoL Index". RESULTS: Each patient answers the Questionnaires in 4 specific time intervals. The differentiation in their answers is the key point to extract important information about their postoperative health evolution. A detailed questionnaire evaluation follows, both individually and in groups, according to the subgroup of each patient's pain treatment, a combined study which is applied in this form for the first time. CONCLUSIONS: The measure of a "QoL" index is widely taken into account as one of the most accurate indicators of a patient's health evolution. The results supply us with significant information which is added to the initial management strategy, mainly regarding pain symptomatology and eventual complications and discomforts, while they indicate us towards a thorough realization of each patient's "follow up" individually and the achievement of an optimal Quality of Life level.

Evaluation of dogs with macroscopic haematuria: a retrospective study of 162 cases (2003-2010).

AIMS: To retrospectively describe clinical features of dogs that were presented to a small animal clinic between 2003-10 with macroscopic haematuria, and investigate whether signalment of the dog and severity and duration of the haematuria at admission were associated with specific aetiologies. METHODS: Medical records were evaluated of 162 dogs with macroscopic haematuria admitted to a University-based small animal clinic in Thessaloniki, Greece, from January 2003 to December 2010. The inclusion criteria were discolouration of the urine sediment combined with abnormal numbers of erythrocytes, when examined microscopically. Data collected from the medical records included signalment, severity, frequency and duration of haematuria, and diagnosis. RESULTS: Between January 2007 and December 2010, 8,893 dogs were admitted to the clinic; of these 99 (1.1%) were admitted with haematuria. Of the 162 dogs with records of haematuria, 80 (49.4%) were aged between 5.1-10 years, presented with acute (96/162; 59.3%), constant (99/162; 61.1%) and mild/moderate (150/162; 92.6%) haematuria. Of 147 dogs with a recorded diagnosis, the commonest diagnoses were urinary tract infection (UTI, 42/147; 28.6%), urolithiasis (38/147; 25.9%), prostatic disease (25/147; 17.0%) and urinary tumours (13/147; 8.8%). The prevalence of UTI was higher in female (22/56; 39%) than male (20/91; 22%) dogs, and in medium sized (22/52; 42%) than small (6/40; 15%) dogs. Urolithiasis was most prevalent in small (21/40; 52.5%) dogs, and all dogs with urolithiasis presented with mild/moderate haematuria. The prevalence of prostatic disease was highest in large (11/46; 24%) and giant (3/9; 33%) sized dogs and in dogs aged >10 years (8/30; 27%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In this retrospective study from one small animal clinic, UTI, urolithiasis, prostatic disease and urinary tumours predominated among the causes of canine haematuria. The consideration of sex, age, and size of the dog and characteristics of haematuria were found to be useful parameters when forming the list of differential diagnoses.

Serial measurement of cardiac troponin I in hospitalised dogs with canine parvoviral enteritis: Association with outcome and canine pancreas-specific lipase concentration.

The aim of this study was to serially evaluate serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentrations in dogs with parvoviral enteritis (CPVE), and investigate the association with outcome and serum pancreas-specific lipase (Spec cPL) concentrations. Dogs with CPVE that were hospitalised for at least 5 days were included. cTnI and Spec cPL concentrations were measured on days 1, 3 and 5 of hospitalisation. Twenty-nine dogs (20 survivors, 9 non-survivors) were included. Spec cPL was indicative of pancreatitis (>400 µg/L) on at least one day in 10/29 (34.5%) dogs. Serum median (range) cTnI concentration was higher (P = 0.021) in non-survivors on day 5 [0.032 (0.001-0.395) ng/mL] compared to day 1 [0.012 (0.003-0.196) ng/mL]. Non-survivors had higher (P = 0.014) cTnI concentrations on day 5 [0.032 (0.001-0.395) ng/mL] compared to survivors [0.001 (0.001-0.042) ng/mL], but not at admission or on day 3 (P > 0.05). Serum cTnI concentrations were not significantly different (P = 0.465) between the three Spec cPL groups [group 1 (Spec cPL ≤ 200 µg/L): 0.007 (0.001-0.527) ng/mL; group 2 (Spec cPL: 201-399 µg/L): 0.0045 (0.001-0.196) ng/mL; group 3 (Spec cPL ≥ 400 µg/L): 0.011 (0.001-0.278) ng/mL]. cTnI and Spec cPL concentrations were not significantly correlated (rho = -0.043, P = 0.703). Serial measurement of cTnI had prognostic value in the examined cohort. However, cTnI was not correlated with spec cPL.

Conservative management of canine tracheal collapse with stanozolol: a double blinded, placebo control clinical trial.

The objective of this study is to determine the efficacy of stanozolol in the treatment of tracheal collapse (TC) in dogs, which is the analogous disease to tracheomalacia (TM) in humans. Twenty-two dogs with endoscopically confirmed and graded TC were enrolled into five groups. Groups S1 (n=5), S2 (n=5) and S3 (n=4) with grade 1, 2 and 3 TC, respectively, received stanozolol orally for 75 days, while groups P1 (n=4) and P2 (n=4) with grade 1 and 2 TC, respectively, received placebo. The clinical score was evaluated every 15 days, whereas TC grade was reassessed at the end of the experiment. Clinical improvement was detected from the 30th day in S2 and S3 group dogs and from the 45th day in S1 group dogs and continued until the end of the experiment. Also, statistically significant differences were seen between S2 and P2 dogs from the 30th day, and between S1 and P1 dogs from the 60th day, and continued until the end of the study. Amelioration of the TC grade was seen in 13 of 14 (92.9%) dogs, which received stanozolol. Of the 14 dogs, 57.1% were cured and 35.8% demonstrated a less severe TC grade, while only one dog (7.1%) did not improve at all. Stanozolol seems to be an effective drug in the management of canine TC and it may have potential for use in humans with TM.

Mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix. A diagnostic dilemma?

Mucocele of the appendix due to mucinous cystadenoma is a rare clinical finding. Approximately half of the patients are asymptomatic. It's defined as the dilatation of the appendiceal lumen due to abnormal accumulation of mucus in to it. The pseudomyxoma peritonei, as a result of rupture of the appendix, is the most dangerous complication. We present two case reports of patients that were presented in our Department with different clinical findings. The first patient was presented with symptoms of acute appendicitis, while the second patient showed with atypical symptoms such as abdominal pain, a palpable mass in the right iliac fossa and a diagnosed mucocele of the appendix with the use of computerized tomography. In both patients was performed an appendicectomy and the final histopathology diagnosis confirmed the presence of the mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix which caused the creation of the mucocele. In conclusion mucocele is a rare tumor which must be considered in the differential diagnosis of a mass in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen.

Serial measurement of thyroid hormones in hospitalised dogs with canine parvoviral enteritis: Incidence of non-thyroidal illness syndrome and its association with outcome and systemic inflammatory response syndrome.

The aim of this study was to serially evaluate the serum concentrations of total thyroxine (tT4), free thyroxine (fT4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in dogs with canine parvoviral enteritis (CPVE) during a 5-day hospitalisation period and assess the association of these hormone concentrations with the outcome and the development of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Dogs with confirmed CPVE that were hospitalised for at least 5 days were included. The thyroid hormones concentrations were measured on days 1, 3 and 5 of hospitalisation. Twenty-eight dogs were included. All (28/28, 100%), 19/28 (69.7%) and 23/28 (82.1%) dogs had a low serum tT4, fT4 and TSH concentration, respectively, on at least 1 day during the hospitalisation period. Overall, 11/28 (39.3%) dogs were diagnosed with SIRS on at least 1 day. In survivors, serum tT4 concentration was significantly higher on day 5 (median, range: 11.8 nmol/L, <6.4-32.2 nmol/L) compared to those on days 1 (<6.4 nmol/L, <6.4-20.1 nmol/L; P = 0.010) or 3 (7.6 nmol/L, <6.4-25.2 nmol/L; P = 0.019). Survivors had a significantly higher tT4 concentration (median, range: 11.8 nmol/L, <6.4-32.2 nmol/L) on day 5 compared to non-survivors (<6.4 nmol/L, <6.4-7.2 nmol/L; P = 0.002). Regardless of the day of hospitalisation, dogs with SIRS had significantly lower tT4 (<6.4 nmol/L, <6.4-16.3 nmol/L) compared to dogs without SIRS (8.6 nmol/L, <6.4-32.2 nmol/L; P = 0.006). A significant difference was also found in fT4 between dogs with SIRS (<3.9 pmol/L, <3.9-16.2 pmol/L) and dogs without SIRS (15.1 pmol/L, <3.9-59.2; pmol/L; P < 0.001). Non-thyroidal illness syndrome was frequently observed in dogs with CPVE, and a negative association between tT4 and fT4 concentrations and SIRS was noted. Serial measurements of tT4 concentrations appeared to have prognostic value.

Tidal breathing flow-volume loop analysis for the diagnosis and staging of tracheal collapse in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Tracheoscopy is generally used for the diagnosis of tracheal collapse (TC) in dogs; yet, it is costly, requires anesthesia, and can irritate the airway. The tidal breathing flow-volume loop (TBFVL) is a safe, quick, and noninvasive pulmonary function test currently used in humans. HYPOTHESIS: TBFVL will differentiate dogs with TC from healthy controls and contribute to disease grading. ANIMALS: Twenty-eight dogs with naturally occurring TC and 10 healthy controls. METHODS: Cross-sectional, prospective clinical study: The 38 dogs were assigned to one of 4 groups based on tracheoscopy results: group A (n=10, healthy controls), group B (n=10, grade I TC), group C (n=10, grade II TC), and group D (n=8, grade III TC). The TBFVL measurement was performed on all dogs and loops were assessed for their shape. Forty-four TBFVL parameters were calculated. RESULTS: Two types of TBFVL shapes were identified: Type I, representative of the 10 healthy controls, and Type II, representative of the 28 dogs with TC. Statistical analysis showed the dogs could be differentiated into healthy or affected by TC by 3 indices, TE/TI (expiratory time divided by inspiratory time), TI/TTOT (inspiratory time divided by total respiratory time), and EF75/IF75 (expiratory flow at end tidal volume plus 75% end tidal volume divided by inspiratory flow at end tidal volume plus 75% end tidal volume). The TC could also be graded as mild-moderate (grades I and II) or severe (grade III), showing a diagnostic value of 97.4%. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: TBFVL is accurate, quick, noninvasive, and safe and can contribute to the diagnosis of TC in dogs.

Colonic impaction in dogs: a retrospective study of 58 cases (1996 to 2014).

OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical findings, management and outcome of colonic impaction in dogs and report the effectiveness of medical treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Case records of 58 dogs with colonic impaction were reviewed. Telephone contact with the owners was used to obtain long-term outcome. RESULTS: Twenty-nine dogs (50%) were mixed-breed, and 45 (78%) were entire males. Median age at presentation was 7 years, and median bodyweight was 22 kg. The degree of radiographic colonic distension did not appear to be related to long-term outcome. Fifty-five dogs (95%) received medical treatment including enemas alone, hyperosmotic and/or bulk-forming and/or lubricant laxatives, enemas combined with laxatives or enemas and/or laxatives combined with manual evacuation of faecal material under anaesthesia. Median survival time of the 58 dogs was 2 years. Overall, 36 of 41 dogs with available long-term follow-up had a favourable outcome. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Medical treatment of colonic impaction in dogs with a single agent or a combination of agents has a high success rate. Marked colonic dilation is not necessarily indicative of megacolon in dogs.

Galactorrhea, mastodynia and gynecomastia as the first manifestation of lung adenocarcinoma. A case report.

Gynecomastia with mastodynia and galactorrhea as a paraneoplastic syndrome due to lung cancer with complete response after surgical excision is rare. A 62-year-old Caucasian male presented with mastodynia, galactorrhea and right breast enlargement. Chest x-ray revealed a left upper lobe tumor. The patient had high levels of serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (b-HCG) and prolactine. Complete staging was negative for metastases. A typical left upper lobectomy with radical mediastinal lymph node dissection was performed. Pathology report was consistent with a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (T2N1M0). Immunohistochemically, multinucleate cells and occasional mononucleate tumor cells showed positivity for human chorionic gonadotropin. The patient received adjuvant chemotherapy with cisplatin - navelbine. One year later physical examination showed regression of both gynecomastia and mastodynia and there was no nipple discharge, while he is free from local or distant metastatic disease and the b-HCG level is normal (1,59 mIU/ml). This case represents a very rare, first manifestation of lung cancer. Galactorrhea, mastodynia and gynecomastia were the initial symptoms, which totally resolved following the successful surgical resection and adjuvant chemotherapy. In this case, prolactin and b-HCG are useful biomarkers during follow up for checking local or distal recurrence of the disease.

Chronic Gingivostomatitis with Esophagitis in Cats.

BACKGROUND: Chronic gingivostomatitis in cats (FCG) is a debilitating disease with potentially deleterious effects on overall health. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Little is known about the pathophysiology and overall impact of FCG. The aims of our study were to investigate whether gingivostomatitis occurs concurrently with esophagitis, if FCG treatment contributes to esophagitis and if esophagitis exacerbates signs of FCG. ANIMALS: Fifty-eight cats with clinical signs of FCG and 12 healthy control cats exhibiting no signs of oral disease, all client-owned. METHODS: Prospective study. Physical, oral and endoscopic examinations were performed on all cats. Measurements of salivary and esophageal lumen pH were obtained from both groups. Biopsies were acquired from sites of esophageal inflammation in cats with FCG and from normal-appearing esophageal mucosa in control cats. RESULTS: The majority of cats with clinical signs of FCG exhibited some degree of esophagitis especially in the proximal (44/58) and distal (53/58) parts (P < 0.001) with or without columnar metaplasia, compared to controls. All cats lacked signs related to gastrointestinal disease. Salivary and esophageal lumen pH were not statistically different compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Feline chronic gingivostomatitis seems to occur concurrently with esophagitis. Esophagitis also should be managed in cats with chronic gingivostomatitis because it may aggravate the existing condition.

Prevalence and Clinicopathological Features of Triaditis in a Prospective Case Series of Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Cats.

BACKGROUND: The term triaditis designates the concurrent presence of idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), cholangitis, and pancreatitis in cats. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: The histopathology of concurrent, but often subclinical, inflammatory processes in the small intestine, liver, and pancreas of cats is poorly described. We aimed to investigate the frequency of enteritis, cholangitis, pancreatitis, or some combination of these in symptomatic and asymptomatic cats, compare clinicopathological features, and correlate histopathological with laboratory findings. ANIMALS: Domestic cats (27 symptomatic, 20 asymptomatic, and 8 normal). METHODS: Prospective study. Physical examination, laboratory variables (CBC, serum biochemistry profile, serum thyroxine concentration, serum feline trypsin-like immunoreactivity [fTLI], feline lipase immunoreactivity [fPLI, as measured by Spec fPL(®) ], urinalysis, and fecal analysis), imaging, and histopathological examinations were conducted. Feline liver, pancreas, and small intestine were biopsied during laparotomy. RESULTS: Inflammatory lesions were detected in 47 cats (27 symptomatic, 20 asymptomatic). In total, 20 cats had histopathologic lesions of IBD (13/47, 27.7%), cholangitis (6/47, 12.8%), or pancreatitis (1/47, 2.1%) alone, or inflammation involving >1 organ (27/47, 57.4%). More specifically, 16/47 cats (34.0%) had concurrent lesions of IBD and cholangitis, 3/47 (6.4%) of IBD and pancreatitis, and 8/47 cats (17%) of triaditis. Triaditis was identified only in symptomatic cats (8/27, 29.6%). A mild, positive correlation was detected between the severity (score) of IBD lesions and the number of comorbidities (rho = +0.367, P = .022). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Histopathological evidence of IBD or IBD with comorbidities was detected in both symptomatic and asymptomatic cats. The possibility of triaditis should be considered in symptomatic cats with severe IBD.

Chronic hepatitis associated with canine leishmaniosis (Leishmania infantum): a clinicopathological study of 26 cases.

Hepatic tissue samples were obtained from 26 dogs humanely destroyed because of naturally occurring leishmaniosis (Leishmania infantum). None of the animals had palpable hepatomegaly or any other physical finding or historical evidence indicative of liver failure. However, serum biochemistry revealed hypoalbuminaemia (6/26), increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity (15/26), and increased concentrations of total bilirubin (2/26) and post-prandial bile acids (4/26). Three main histological patterns were identified. In pattern 1 (3/26), the liver microarchitecture remained unchanged apart from the presence of individual or clustered macrophages in the sinusoids. In pattern 2 (20/26), there was multifocal, mild to moderate, granulomatous to pyogranulomatous infiltration of the hepatic parenchyma, particularly in the portal areas. Pattern 3 (3/26), which was the most severe form, was characterized by marked portal lymphoplasmacytic infiltration with occasional broaching of the limiting plate and extension into the adjacent parenchyma. In this pattern there was also mild portal fibrosis, together with lymphoplasmacytic aggregates within the parenchyma and small clusters of lymphocytes and plasma cells within the sinusoids. All three patterns were associated with hepatocyte vacuolation (15/26 dogs), and haemosiderin accumulation within the hepatocyte cytoplasm. Congestion was present in the liver of five dogs. No correlation was found between histopathological pattern and breed, sex, age, clinical manifestations, serum biochemical profile or parasite load in the hepatic tissue; patterns 1-3 may, however, represent sequential stages of hepatic leishmania infection during the chronic course of the disease.

Effects of meloxicam on the haemostatic profile of dogs undergoing orthopaedic surgery.

The buccal mucosal bleeding time (BMBT), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and intraoperative bleeding score (IBS) of 38 dogs that underwent orthopaedic surgical procedures and received meloxicam orally and/or parenterally were measured. Fourteen of the dogs (group A) received a single subcutaneous dose of 0.2 mg/kg meloxicam at premedication, 18 dogs (group B) received 0.1 mg/kg meloxicam orally daily for five days followed by a single subcutaneous dose of 0.2 mg/kg meloxicam preoperatively, and six dogs (group C) received 0.5 ml of normal saline subcutaneously at premedication. No statistically significant differences among the groups were detected in relation to the mean (SD) values of BMBT, PT and IBS before and after the surgery, or in the values of APTT in group A. In group B there was a small but significant increase in APTT after the surgery, but all the measurements were within the normal range for dogs.

A comparison of 3 lasers and liquid nitrogen in the treatment of solar lentigines: a randomized, controlled, comparative trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if laser therapy is superior to liquid nitrogen for the treatment of solar lentigines and if so, to determine if one laser is superior to the other lasers that were tested. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled, comparative study with blinded observers. SETTING: University-based dermatology clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-seven patients with multiple solar lentigines on the backs of both hands. INTERVENTIONS: Liquid nitrogen cryotherapy, the Medlite II frequency-doubled Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (Continuum Biomedical, Livermore, Calif), the HGM K1 krypton laser (HGM Medical Laser Systems Inc, Salt Lake City, Utah), and the DioLite 532-nm diode-pumped vanadate laser (Iridex Corp, Mountain View, Calif). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Photographs of the hands were taken prior to and 6 and 12 weeks following treatment. Blinded observers and patients evaluated each treatment on its ability to lighten pigmented lesions without causing unwanted adverse effects. RESULTS: Many new laser systems claim an advantage for treating pigmented lesions by selectively destroying melanin. In this study, the frequency-doubled Q-switched Nd:YAG laser was most likely to provide significant lightening (P<.05), followed by the HGM K1 krypton laser, the 532-nm diode-pumped vanadate laser, and liquid nitrogen. The frequency-doubled Q-switched Nd:YAG laser also had the fewest adverse effects (P<.05), while the HGM K1 krypton laser had the most (P<.05). Of the 27 patients, 25 preferred laser therapy to cryotherapy, with the frequency-doubled Q-switched Nd:YAG laser being the most popular. CONCLUSIONS: Laser therapy is superior to liquid nitrogen for the treatment of solar lentigines. Of the laser systems tested in this study, the frequency-doubled Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is the most effective.

Resolution of recalcitrant molluscum contagiosum virus lesions in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients treated with cidofovir.

BACKGROUND: Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) causes cutaneous skin growths that mainly affect children, sexually active adults, and immunocompromised individuals. Lesions of MCV in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus can be large and numerous, and response to available treatments is often unsatisfactory. OBSERVATIONS: We describe 3 men infected with human immunodeficiency virus who presented with extensive MCV lesions that were not responsive to various treatments. Patient 1 demonstrated dramatic clearing of his MCV lesions when intravenous cidofovir therapy was started for his treatment-resistant bilateral CMV retinitis and because of cidofovir's possible activity against MCV. In case 2, cidofovir was compounded as a 3% cream in a combination vehicle (Dermovan) for extensive facial involvement, and complete resolution of MCV was seen after 1 month of therapy. In case 3, intravenous cidofovir therapy was started both for CMV retinitis and in an attempt to clear 90% facial MCV involvement; after 1 month of treatment, all clinical evidence of MCV had resolved. All 3 patients remain clear of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Cidofovir, a nucleotide analog of deoxycytidine monophosphate, appears to have contributed to clearing of advanced MCV lesions in these 3 patients, thus providing suggestive evidence of clinical activity against MCV. Controlled trials of cidofovir therapy for MCV in persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus are warranted.

Evaluation of cytology in the diagnosis of acute canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia canis): a comparison between five methods.

The purpose of this study was the comparison of the diagnostic sensitivity between buffy coat (BC), peripheral blood (PB), lymph node (LN), bone marrow (BM) and short-term culture (P-D) cytology that has been based on the detection of Ehrlichia canis morulae, in the acute phase of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME). Their cellular localization, total numbers and microscopic differentials were also investigated. The highest sensitivities were achieved after evaluating 1000 oil immersion fields (OIFs) in BC (66%) and an equal number in LN (60.9%) smears, separately or together (74%). The morulae were more often detected into lymphocytes than monocytes. The highest total number of morulae (n=143) were found in P-D smears. Finally, to avoid false positive diagnoses, platelets, lymphocytic azurophilic granules, lymphoglandular bodies and phagocytosed nuclear material should not be confused with the morulae.

Flea species from dogs and cats in northern Greece: environmental and clinical implications.

Fleas were identified after being collected from 129 dogs and 38 cats of random breed, sex and age. All these animals, infested with fleas and admitted to the Clinic of Medicine of the Veterinary Faculty in Thessaloniki for routine procedures, were from different habitats and originated from various parts of northern Greece. Ctenocephalides canis was the most common species found on the dogs (71.3%). Conversely, its prevalence in the 14 cats was substantially lower (5.3%). Ctenocephalides felis was found on 97.4% of the cats and 40.3% of the dogs surveyed. Of the other flea species, with much lower prevalence, Pulex irritans (0.8%) and Xenopsylla cheopis (0.8%) were observed only on the dogs. Seventeen dogs (13.2%) and one cat (2.6%) had mixed infestations. Flea-associated dermatoses were observed in 26 dogs (20.2%) and four cats (10.5%). Flea-allergic dermatitis, with its typical manifestations, was seen in ten of the dogs (38.5%) with skin lesions. Three out of four flea-allergic cats presented miliary dermatitis and one symmetrical hypotrichosis.

Aspergillus species cystitis in a cat.

A Persian male cat with a history of lower urinary tract disease was presented because of polydipsia, polyuria, constipation and nasal discharge. Ten weeks before admission, the cat had been treated for lower urinary tract disease by catheterisation and flushing of the bladder. The animal was thin, dehydrated, anaemic and azotaemic. Urine culture revealed Aspergillus species cystitis. Antibodies against Aspergillus nidulans were identified in serum. Fluconazole was administered orally (7.5 mg/kg, q 12 h) for 10 consecutive weeks. The azotaemia was resolved, the kidney concentrating ability was recovered and the cat has remained healthy without similar problems.

Liver biochemical and histopathological findings in dogs with experimentally induced exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

Routine liver biochemical parameters were evaluated in 8 dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) induced by surgical ligation of the pancreatic duct and the pancreatic branch of the pancreaticoduodenal artery and confirmed with the trypsin-like immunoreactivity test. Eight additional dogs were used as healthy controls. Data collection began at the 4th week postoperatively and continued weekly to the 21st week. In the dogs with EPI, the serum activity of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase were consistently elevated. The serum total and conjugated bilirubin concentrations remained within normal limits throughout the experimental period. Histopathological study revealed hepatic lipidosis in the dogs with EPI. Therefore, since this condition seems to be an additional consequence of EPI in dogs, laboratory evaluation of dogs with EPI must include assessment of liver function, to determine if additional or different therapeutic measures are indicated.

Congenital anorectal abnormalities in six dogs.

Congenital anorectal abnormalities were diagnosed in three male and three female dogs. One dog had anal stenosis, three had a persistent anal membrane, and the other two had an imperforate anus associated with a rectovaginal fistula. Five of the dogs were treated surgically, and four of them which were followed up for periods ranging from one to five years continued to pass faeces normally.