Evaluation of different substance combinations in a multiple-session mesotherapy protocol for the management of osteoarthritis in dogs: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the effect of different substance combinations administered through mesotherapy in dogs with hip osteoarthritis. ANIMALS: 104 dogs. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 4 groups (dogs treated with a combination of lidocaine, piroxicam, and thiocolchicoside [MG]; dogs treated with lidocaine, piroxicam, and Traumeel [TG]; dogs treated with lidocaine, piroxicam, and glucosamine [GG]; and dogs treated with the same combination as in MG combined with a photobiomodulation session [MPG]) were set. For all groups, the same treatment frequency was followed. Response to treatment was measured with the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (divided into pain interference score and pain severity score), Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD), and Canine Orthopedic Index (divided into function, gait, stiffness, and quality of life) before treatment and 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after treatment. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to investigate the influence of treatment, age, sex, body weight, breed, and Orthopedic Foundation for Animals score. RESULTS: Dogs had a mean age of 7.6 ± 3.1 years and body weight of 28.6 ± 5.5 kg. Hip osteoarthritis was classified as mild (4), moderate (70), or severe (30). Greater improvements were observed in MG and MPG. Kaplan-Meier estimators showed MG and MPG had longer periods with clinically significant results. Treatment was the covariable that contributed more frequently to the outcomes observed. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The combination used in MG, particularly combined with photobiomodulation, produced longer-lasting clinically significant results.

Current evidence for non-pharmaceutical, non-surgical treatments of canine osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a progressive degenerative disease process that affects a significant proportion of the canine population, impacting these animals' quality of life. Currently, there is no cure and treatment consists of managing the clinical signs of pain and reduced mobility. There are many treatments for canine osteoarthritis and in this review we discuss the evidence base behind non-pharmaceutical, non-surgical treatments of this disease. These treatments include weight management, nutraceuticals, acupuncture, physiotherapies such as therapeutic exercise, hydrotherapy as well as other therapeutic modalities including photobiomodulation therapy, electromagnetic field therapy and others.

A Review of Pet Food Recalls from 2003 Through 2022.

This is a review of U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recalls of products that are for dogs and cats which took place from 2003 through 2022. It includes recalls for pet foods (food, treats, and chews), ingredients, supplements (vitamins and minerals), and drugs. There were 3,691 recalls during this period: 51% were Class I, 35% were Class II, and 14% were Class III. Food items and ingredients accounted for the majority or 68%, drugs for 27%, and supplements (vitamins and minerals) accounted for 5% of these recalls. Recalls that could be associated with dogs only accounted for 42%, with cats only 18%, and with multiple species 40%. The primary reasons for the recalls were biological contamination at 35%, chemical contamination at 32%, and cGMP violations at 8%. Almost 25% of the total recalls in the past 20 years were due to a melamine incident in 2007/2008 (73% of those were Class I). Salmonella recalls for the 20 years accounted for 23% of the total recalls (94 % of those were Class I). Although the recalls for vitamins and minerals accounted for only 5.6% percent of the total, 70% of those were Class I and 30% Class II. Pet food is a complex part of the processed food industry, and the processing of pet food is subject to at least 40 different federal regulations. To avoid recalls and be successful, pet food manufacturers need a robust food safety culture to meet all of these requirements to produce a safe product. In contrast, the melamine contamination (an adulteration event) in 2007/2008 which resulted in animal deaths and recalls is a prime example of the need for an effective and robust supplier approval program in order to avoid fraudulent suppliers in the future.

Mechanical osteoarthritis of the hip in a one medicine concept: a narrative review.

Human and veterinary medicine have historically presented many medical areas of potential synergy and convergence. Mechanical osteoarthritis (MOA) is characterized by a gradual complex imbalance between cartilage production, loss, and derangement. Any joint instability that results in an abnormal overload of the joint surface can trigger MOA. As MOA has a prevailing mechanical aetiology, treatment effectiveness can only be accomplished if altered joint mechanics and mechanosensitive pathways are normalized and restored. Otherwise, the inflammatory cascade of osteoarthritis will be initiated, and the changes may become irreversible. The management of the disease using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, physical therapy, diet changes, or nutraceuticals is conservative and less effective. MOA is a determinant factor for the development of hip dysplasia in both humans and dogs. Hip dysplasia is a hereditary disease with a high incidence and, therefore, of great clinical importance due to the associated discomfort and significant functional limitations. Furthermore, on account of analogous human and canine hip dysplasia disease and under the One Medicine concept, unifying veterinary and human research could improve the well-being and health of both species, increasing the acknowledgement of shared diseases. Great success has been accomplished in humans regarding preventive conservative management of hip dysplasia and following One Medicine concept, similar measures would benefit dogs. Moreover, animal models have long been used to better understand the different diseases' mechanisms. Current research in animal models was addressed and the role of rabbit models in pathophysiologic studies and of the dog as a spontaneous animal model were highlighted, denoting the inexistence of rabbit functional models to investigate therapeutic approaches in hip MOA.

Randomized single-blinded prospective comparison between ozone therapy and electroacupuncture for canine thoracolumbar disk disease.

Ozone therapy has been used to control pain in animals. Moreover, electroacupuncture (EA) has been effective in neurological recovery and pain control in dogs with thoracolumbar discopathy. EA was compared with Ozone applied at acupuncture points in dogs with signs of thoracolumbar disk disease. Chondrodystrophic mongrel dogs, with lesion scores between 1 and 4, were randomly divided into groups: EA (n = 13) - electroacupuncture at BL20, BL23, ST36, KID3 and BL60 and dry needle in lumbar Bai Hui, and OZO (n = 15) - paravertebral application of 3 mL ozone (20 µg / mL) at BL20, BL23, lumbar Bai Hui, ST36, and KID3/BL60, both groups with weekly applications. No significant differences were observed between groups in weekly blind pain assessments using a dynamic interactive visual analog scale, and neurological assessments using a numerical-functional scale. Both groups showed a progressive improvement in pain control and neurological condition, which was observed when comparing the group's EA and OZO in dogs with all lesion scores. The time of return to locomotion (days) of dogs scored 3 and 4, between groups EA (10.6 ± 5.4) and OZO (14.5 ± 15.7), had no significant differences. Ozone therapy was effective to control pain and motor rehabilitation and sensory functions of dogs with thoracolumbar discopathy signs, just as electroacupuncture. Ozone application was a quick and easy-to-handle treatment. Paravertebral and subcutaneous routes did not require anesthesia or other advanced imaging technology, besides being safe and effective.

[The importance of a veterinary anaesthetist and pain treatment according to dog and cat owners]. / Bedeutung einer Veterinäranästhesistin oder eines Veterinäranästhesisten und einer optimalen Schmerztherapie aus Sicht von Hunde- und Katzenbesitzerinnen und -besitzer.

INTRODUCTION: In Switzerland, compared to the United Kingdom or the United States of America, fewer veterinary anaesthetists are employed in private practice, which raises the question about the reason. The present survey aimed at investigating the awareness of pet owners concerning the specialization of veterinary anaesthesia and the value they attribute to such a specialist. Also, estimation of pain in dogs and cats and the importance of its treatment from the point of view of the pet owners was analysed. Furthermore, the necessity of veterinary anaesthetists in private practice and the influencing factors were investigated. The survey was created on LimeSurvey, an online tool for questionnaires and sent to dog and cat owners of the small animal clinic of the University Hospital of Zurich. 317 fully completed questionnaires were evaluated. In general, pet owners appreciated the specialization of veterinary anaesthesiology. Great importance was attributed to the supervision of anaesthesia and analgesic therapy by a specialist. A preliminary talk with an anaesthetist would be appreciated. Owners would be willing to cover additional costs for a specialized anaesthetist, if recommended by the private veterinarian, and to bring their animal to the University Hospital, in case of an increased anaesthetic risk.

INTRODUCTION: En Suisse, les vétérinaires anesthésistes sont moins nombreux à exercer en cabinet privé qu'au Royaume-Uni ou aux États-Unis. La question se pose dès lors de savoir pourquoi il en est ainsi. Une enquête a analysé les connaissances des propriétaires d'animaux de compagnie sur la spécialisation de l'anesthésiologie vétérinaire et l'importance qu'ils accordent à un spécialiste en la matière. L'importance de la thérapie analgésique chez les chiens ou les chats a également été évaluée. En outre, le besoin en vétérinaires anesthésistes en pratique privée et les facteurs qui l'influencent ont été examinés. L'enquête a utilisé l'outil de questionnaire Lime-Survey et a été envoyée aux propriétaires de chiens et de chats de la Clinique des petits animaux de l'Université de Zürich. 317 questionnaires complétés ont été évalués. Les propriétaires d'animaux apprécient la spécialisation en l'anesthésiologie vétérinaire. Le vétérinaire anesthésiste est considéré comme très important dans les mesures anes-thésiques et la thérapie analgésique. Une consultation anesthésique préalable est souhaitée. Les propriétaires seraient disposés à prendre en charge les coûts supplémentaires de ce service ou, sur recommandation du vétérinaire privé, à amener leur animal à la Clinique pour petits animaux de l'Université de Zürich en cas de risque anesthésique accru.

Effect of acupuncture on the energy metabolism of dogs with intervertebral disk disease and cervical disk herniation: A pilot study.

Thirteen dogs with intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) and 3 dogs with cervical disk herniation (CVDH) were examined to determine the effects of acupuncture on energy metabolism. Acupuncture points GV14, GV20-1, BL18, BL23, BL26, GB30, and ST36 were selected for IVDD, while GV14, GV20-1, GB20, and BL23 were selected for CVDH. All dogs except no.13 did not receive medication during acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture effects were evaluated based on the IVDD/CVDH evaluation scales in Oji 2015 and Tanaka and Nakayama 2015. Blood samples were taken before and 30 min after acupuncture treatment. Pyruvate and lactate concentrations, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH) activity, the MDH/LDH ratio (M/L ratio), and LDH isozyme electrophoretic patterns served as energy metabolism markers. In IVDD/CVDH dogs that showed improvements, plasma pyruvate concentrations significantly decreased, the M/L ratio increased, and the plasma LDH isozyme pattern changed from predominantly LDH5 to predominantly LDH1. These data suggest that local redox potential is improved and energy metabolism is increased in dogs with IVDD/CVDH after acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture treatments may activate the citric acid cycle and increase ATP production, followed by improvement of the disease. Future studies with a large sample size are needed to clarify this hypothesis.

Medicinal Leech Therapy in Veterinary Medicine: A Retrospective Study.

The objective of this study was to report the clinical indications, outcomes, and complications associated with medicinal leech therapy (MLT) in dogs and cats. Medical records (2012-2016) of client-owned dogs (n = 9) and cats (n = 3) treated with MLT at one institution were retrospectively reviewed. Retrieved data included the signalment, indications, physical examination findings, laboratory results, methods of leeching, outcomes, and complications associated with MLT. Following MLT sessions, nine patients (75%) visibly showed clear improvement of the affected tissue. One patient (8%) was euthanized before complete healing owing to pulmonary parenchymal disease. Improvement or appearance of tissue following MLT was not recorded in two patients (17%). Results suggest that MLT may be a safe and effective treatment modality for venous congestion and necrosis in compromised skin flaps and wounds with success in resolving 75% of the lesions in this study. This study is suggestive of the value of MLT when more conventional treatment methods fail in dogs and cats. A data collection form was created for veterinarians to use with the goal of obtaining standardized, objective MLT data for future studies.

The impact of COVID-19 on access to canine integrative medical care in Michigan, USA, and Ontario and British Columbia, Canada.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of the COVID-19 associated restrictions on the ability of owners in Michigan (MI), USA versus Ontario (ON) and British Columbia (BC), Canada, to obtain care for their chronically painful dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. POPULATION: A total of 90 owners met the inclusion criteria for the study. METHODS: An anonymous electronic survey was distributed to owners at four veterinary integrative medicine (IM) clinics during July and August 2020. Two clinics in MI and one each in ON and BC were recruited. Owners were asked about availability of IM care preceding and during COVID-19 restrictions and their opinions of the impact of COVID-19 on their dog's health. The survey asked where owners sought care for their dogs, types of chronic conditions treated, therapeutic modalities used, and if owners had a medical background. Comparisons were made within and between groups. Thematic analysis, Fisher's exact test, chi-square analyses, McNemar's and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests for paired comparisons were performed (p < 0.05). RESULTS: During COVID-19 restrictions, access to IM care was better for dogs in ON and BC than in MI (p < 0.001). The negative effect of the pandemic restrictions to IM care on quality of life was perceived greater by owners in MI than those in ON and BC (p < 0.001). The owners' medical backgrounds had no effect on attempts to access care during this time (p = 0.76). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results suggest that a widespread disease in humans had an adverse impact on animal welfare. Providers of veterinary care should use this experience to establish protocols to ensure continuity of care for chronically painful animals in the event of a similar situation in the future.

C-reactive protein concentrations are higher in dogs with stage IV chronic kidney disease treated with intermittent hemodialysis.

In chronic kidney disease dogs, the inflammatory process increases C-reactive protein concentrations. This study aimed to determine C-reactive protein serum concentrations in stage IV chronic kidney disease dogs treated with intermittent hemodialysis. A prospective cohort study was conducted with 23 dogs allocated into three groups: control group (CG, n = 7), intermittent hemodialysis group (IHG, n = 8) and clinical treatment group (CTG, n = 8), both comprised of stage IV chronic kidney disease dogs. One blood sample from CG (initial evaluation) and two samples from IHG and CTG (first- and last-moment) were obtained to determine C-reactive protein concentration, total leukocytes, platelets, erythrocytes, total plasma protein, serum albumin, urea, creatinine, and phosphorus. C-reactive protein was higher in IHG compared to CG in the first- and last-moments (p <0.001) and compared to CTG in the first-moment (p = 0.0406). C-reactive protein presented moderate positive correlation with leukocytes (r = 0.5479; p = 0.01), and moderate negative correlation with albumin (r = - 0.5974; p = 0.006) and red blood cells (r = - 0.5878, p = 0.01). A high correlation coefficient was observed in the tests' evaluation (CI = 0.59-0.78; r = 0.70; P<0.0001). In conclusion, both assays used in this study to measure C-reactive protein have provided safe and reliable quantification of the results. Additionally, despite IHG dogs presented an active inflammatory profile, intermittent hemodialysis has proven to be beneficial, leading to a clinical improvement in life quality of patients, and thus being recommended for stage IV CKD dogs when performed by trained professionals.

Multiple session mesotherapy for management of coxofemoral osteoarthritis pain in 10 working dogs: A case series.

The aim of this study was to document the effects of mesotherapy in working dogs diagnosed with hip osteoarthritis (OA) and related pain. Ten police working dogs with hip OA and related pain were treated with a combination of lidocaine, piroxicam, and thiocolchicoside, injected in multiple intradermal points. Seven treatment sessions were conducted. The Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) and the Hudson Visual Analogue Scale (HVAS) were used in the assessment of response to treatment compared to evaluation before treatment (T0), after 15 d, 30 d, 60 d, 90 d, 120 d, 150 d, and 180 d after initial treatment. Results were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Significant differences were experienced in CBPI scores comparing moments with T0: at 15 d (P = 0.03 for Pain Interference Score - PIS) and P = 0.02 for Pain Severity Score - PSS), 30 d (P < 0.05 for PIS and P < 0.05 for PSS), 60 d (P = 0.04 for PIS and P = 0.01 for PSS) and 180 d (P = 0.04 for PSS). Individual treatment results were considered successful in 40% of animals at 15 d and 30 d, 66.7% at 60 d, 44% at 90 d, 37.5% at 120 d, and 25% at 150 d. The HVAS scores showed no significant differences. Mesotherapy may be an option for the treatment of canine musculoskeletal-related pain. Further studies are required.

Mésothérapie en plusieurs séances pour la prise en charge de la douleur arthrosique coxofémorale chez 10 chiens de travail : une série de cas. Le but de cette étude était de documenter les effets de la mésothérapie chez les chiens de travail diagnostiqués avec une arthrose de la hanche (OA) et des douleurs associées. Dix chiens de travail policiers souffrant d'OA et de douleurs associées ont été traités avec une combinaison de lidocaïne, de piroxicam et de thiocolchicoside, injectée en plusieurs points intradermiques. Sept séances de traitement ont été réalisées. Le Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) et l'échelle visuelle analogique de Hudson (HVAS) ont été utilisés dans l'évaluation de la réponse au traitement par rapport à l'évaluation avant traitement (T0), après 15 j, 30 j, 60 j, 90 j, 120 j, 150 j et 180 j après le traitement initial. Les résultats ont été comparés à l'aide du test des rangs signés de Wilcoxon. Des différences significatives ont été observées dans les scores CBPI comparant les moments avec T0 : à 15 jours (P = 0,03 pour Pain Interference Score ­ PIS) et P = 0,02 pour Pain Severity Score ­ PSS), 30 jours (P < 0,05 pour PIS et P < 0,05 pour PSS), 60 jours (P = 0,04 pour PIS et P = 0,01 pour PSS) et 180 jours (P = 0,04 pour PSS). Les résultats du traitement individuel ont été considérés comme réussis chez 40 % des animaux à 15 jours et 30 jours, 66,7 % à 60 jours, 44 % à 90 jours, 37,5 % à 120 jours et 25 % à 150 jours. Les scores HVAS n'ont montré aucune différence significative. La mésothérapie peut être une option pour le traitement des douleurs musculosquelettiques canines. Des études complémentaires sont nécessaires.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Clinical Guide to Obesity and Nonherbal Nutraceuticals in Canine Orthopedic Conditions.

The typical canine rehabilitation patient with orthopedic disease may differ in its nutritional needs, with the assumption that most patients will be on a complete and balanced commercial dog food that is not enriched with agents for ameliorating their condition. For a significant number of rehabilitation patients, obesity is a major issue where hypocaloric diet plans are often implemented and are covered extensively elsewhere (VCNA Small Animal Practice May 2021). The focus of this article will be implementation of physical activity or structured physical exercise protocols and how they might be used in combination with a typical hypocaloric diet plan, a diet low in calories. Considering the limited information regarding physical activity or structured exercise programs in dogs, a human comparative assessment of efficacy is fundamental as a baseline of information regarding typical interventions. In addition, many of these long-term rehabilitation cases typically exhibit osteoarthritis (OA) and as part of case management, there is a need to implement nutrient or nutraceutical intervention to either diminish the progression of OA or help with pain control measures, particularly for the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory intolerant patient. Nutraceutical intervention comes in many forms from botanicals to nutritional enhancement; botanicals will be covered elsewhere in this issue. This overview of nutraceuticals will cover nonbotanical interventions including fish oil, glucosamine/chondroitin, avocado/soybean unsaponifiables, undenatured collagen, green lipped mussel, and egg shell membrane supplementation.

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Canine Orthopedic Medicine.

The use of complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM) continues to become more widespread, especially for the management of chronic pain conditions such as canine osteoarthritis. Many patients have comorbidities that preclude traditional medical options, have not adequately responded to conventional therapies, or have owners interested in pursuing a complementary approach. Evidence-based CAVM can serve as a safe and effective adjunct to manage chronic pain conditions. There is growing evidence in the veterinary literature for the use of acupuncture and some herbal supplements in the multimodal management of canine osteoarthritis. The majority of evidence supporting chiropractic is limited to equine and human literature.

Diagnosis and Conservative Management of Primary Lymphedema Resulting From Multiple Aplastic Lymphocenters in a Dog.

A 6-week-old 7.4-kg (16.3-lb) sexually intact male Great Dane with a history of severe peripheral edema within the head, neck, limbs, and tail since birth was referred for further evaluation. A whole-body computed tomography examination documented severe subcutaneous edema multifocally associated with numerous hypoplastic and aplastic lymphocenters, particularly the left axillary, iliosacral, inguinal, and popliteal lymphocenters bilaterally. A congenital anomaly of the lymphatic system resulting in lymphedema was strongly suspected. The dog was managed with a combination of low-fat diet, rutin, and furosemide initially. In addition, the owner used a combination of compression socks and therapeutic massage several times daily along with carprofen and gabapentin for pain and inflammation. The patient was hospitalized to receive supportive care several times over a 2-year period for treatment of fever associated with cellulitis resulting in secondary wounds and infections. To the author's knowledge, this report represents the first case of presumed congenital lymphedema diagnosed with computed tomography and successful long-term medical management without surgical intervention.

Observational Study of Small Animal Practitioners' Awareness, Clinical Practice and Experience With Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Dogs.

To assess small animal practitioner's awareness of the relatively novel procedure of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in dogs and their practices, indications, experience and assessment of outcome of this in canine patients. An anonymous online questionnaire was distributed to practitioners in the UK and around the world, assessing demographics of respondents, their selection criteria for donors, their operating procedures and indications when performing FMT in dogs, as well as the observed outcomes. Analysis of results was descriptive. Data based on 155 responses from 13 different countries, 40% from primary care practices and 60% from referral hospitals, were analyzed. The majority of respondents (71%) had never performed FMT. For the remaining, main indications were chronic enteropathy (64%) and parvovirus infection (21%), followed by other types of acute diarrhea (15%). The most common mode of administration was via enema (79%) or endoscopically (55%), using fresh (76%) or frozen (46%) preparations mixed with saline and/or water, while the amount administered was extremely variable. Median storage time of FMT was 90 days (range 1-180 days). 67% of participants routinely administer FMT more than once. Clinical response was mixed to good, with rare adverse events (n = 4). A total of 25 respondents (21.7%) wanted to start using FMT, while 45 (29%) wanted to continue or increase FMT administration for various gastrointestinal conditions. In conclusion, an administration of FMT to dogs is currently rare amongst small animal practitioners, but generally follow current recommendations. Urgent consensus regarding donor selection and FMT application procedures for dogs is required.

Nonsurgical reduction of prolapsed colocolic intussusception in 2 puppies.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the nonsurgical management of prolapsed colocolic intussusception in 2 puppies. CASE SUMMARY: Two 3-month-old male intact puppies (Pug and Labrador Retriever) developed intussusceptions that had prolapsed from the anus after they had suffered from tenesmus with soft feces or diarrhea. Reduction of the prolapsed tissue was performed and colocolic intussusception was diagnosed ultrasonographically in 1 dog. Rectal manipulation and saline enema were performed in both dogs, and reduction of the intussusception was confirmed endoscopically or ultrasonographically. Bupivacaine and prednisolone foam enemas were administered to reduce tenesmus. Abdominal ultrasonography the following day in 1 dog confirmed a normal appearing colon. No further tenesmus was noted in 1 dog; the other had a brief rectal prolapse after an episode of tenesmus that was manually reduced. Intussusception had not recurred 4 months and 1 year following manual reduction procedures. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: This is the first report of successful nonsurgical management of colocolic intussusception in a companion animal. Nonsurgical management is a first-line treatment of intussusception in children and could be considered in dogs with colocolic intussusception. Further investigation is required to define specific aspects, including rectal manipulation, saline enema, or anesthesia, that aid in resolution of this type of intussusception.

Hirudotherapy (medicinal leeches) for treatment of upper airway obstruction in a dog.

OBJECTIVE: To describe upper airway obstruction (UAO) in a dog treated with medicinal leeches (hirudotherapy) as an ancillary therapy to hasten recovery. CASE SUMMARY: A 10-month-old neutered female Mastiff presented for acute respiratory distress. On admission, the dog was tachycardic, cyanotic, and orthopneic; stridor was audible. A 10-cm soft tissue swelling in the right ventral cervical region and bruising around the rostral mandible were noted. At the time of endotracheal intubation, the trachea was deviated to the right as a consequence of severe soft tissue swelling that was contiguous with the sublingual hematoma and cervical region, causing loss of visualization of the arytenoids. A computed tomography with contrast scan of the head, neck, and thorax was performed, showing severe soft tissue swelling of the tongue, obliteration of the common pharyngeal/laryngeal regions from suspected hemorrhage, and rightward displacement of pharynx, larynx, and proximal trachea. Marked diffuse bronchial/bronchiolar thickening associated with bronchiolectasis and diffuse opacification of the pulmonary parenchyma with regions of consolidation were noted. The dog was minimally hypercoagulable on thromboelastography. The imaging results together with results of bronchoalveolar lavage cytology supported a comorbidity of eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy. Intubation was maintained with infusions of propofol and fentanyl, with minimal changes in oropharyngeal swelling within the first 18 hours of treatment. Medicinal leeches were then applied to the sublingual and cervical regions. There was continued slow bleeding from the sites of leech detachment, and the dog was able to be extubated at 44 hours, followed by hospital discharge. NEW/UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: Leeches are utilized in human medicine for treatment of UAO. Although UAO from hemorrhage has been described in dogs, this is the first report of medicinal leeches (Hirudo verbana) as complementary treatment for sublingual hematoma that contributed to UAO.

The successful treatment of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and severe hypernatremia, secondary to joint supplement toxicity in a dog.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of the successful management of hypernatremia and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome secondary to joint supplement toxicity in a dog. CASE SUMMARY: A 6-year-old neutered male Dachshund was presented for severe hypernatremia and neurological abnormalities after ingestion of a large quantity of joint supplements. The patient developed evidence of multiple organ dysfunction in the form of increased hepatocellular enzymes, prolongation of prothrombin and partial thromboplastin times, azotemia, and thrombocytopenia. Treatment was successful at correcting the hypernatremia and restoring neurological function, and organ dysfunction was successfully managed. Following multiple days of hospitalization and aggressive supportive care, the patient survived to discharge. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: This case report describes the successful management and survival of multiple organ dysfunction associated with joint supplement toxicity. It also serves to highlight the potential for joint supplement overdose in veterinary patients, which is currently believed to be underrecognized.

Translational oncotargets for immunotherapy: From pet dogs to humans.

Preclinical studies in rodent models have been a pivotal role in human clinical research, but many of them fail in the translational process. Spontaneous tumors in pet dogs have the potential to bridge the gap between preclinical models and human clinical trials. Their natural occurrence in an immunocompetent system overcome the limitations of preclinical rodent models. Due to its reasonable cellular, molecular, and genetic homology to humans, the pet dog represents a valuable model to accelerate the translation of preclinical studies to clinical trials in humans, actually with benefits for both species. Moreover, their unique genetic features of breeding and breed-related mutations have contributed to assess and optimize therapeutics in individuals with different genetic backgrounds. This review aims to outline four main immunotherapy approaches - cancer vaccines, adaptive T-cell transfer, antibodies, and cytokines -, under research in veterinary medicine and how they can serve the clinical application crosstalk with humans.

Acupuncture Combined with Chinese Medicine Iontophoresis Treatment for Chronic Progressive Cervical Intervertebral Disk Disease in a Dog.

CASE REPORT: A 12-year-old castrated male dog with nonambulatory tetraplegia was diagnosed with spinal stenosis at C3-C4 through X-ray examination and with ventral extradural spinal compression at C3-C4 through myelography and computed tomography. The diagnosis of traditional Chinese veterinary medicine was local Qi and blood stagnation, spleen Qideficiency, blood deficiency, and kidney Yang deficiency. We initiated treatment using a combination of acupuncture and Chinese medicine iontophoresis with laser therapy. After 12 treatment days, there was a significant improvement in the dog's ambulation function, which was indicated by proper walking and flexible head-turning. CONCLUSION: This indicates that combining acupuncture and Chinese medicine iontophoresis could be a potential treatment for chronic progressive cervical intervertebral disk disease in dogs.