2023 AAHA Selected Endocrinopathies of Dogs and Cats Guidelines.

Canine and feline endocrinopathies reflect an endocrine gland disease or dysfunction with resulting hormonal abnormali ties that can variably affect the patient's wellbeing, quality of life, and life expectancy. These guidelines provide consensus recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of four canine and feline endocrinopathies commonly encountered in clini cal practice: canine hypothyroidism, canine hypercortisolism (Cushing's syndrome), canine hypoadrenocorticism (Addi son's disease), and feline hyperthyroidism. To aid the general practitioner in navigating these common diseases, a stepwise diagnosis and treatment algorithm and relevant background information is provided for managing each of these diseases. The guidelines also describe, in lesser detail, the diagnosis and treatment of three relatively less common endo crinopathies of cats: feline hyperaldosteronism, feline hypothyroidism, and feline hyperadrenocorticism. Additionally, the guidelines present tips on effective veterinary team utilization and client communication when discussing endocrine cases.

Ultrasonographic appearance of histoplasmosis identified in the spleen in 15 cats.

Histoplasmosis is the second most common fungal infection reported in the cat. The disseminated form involving lung, liver, lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow is a frequent manifestation of the disease. Limited information is available in the literature regarding the ultrasonographic appearance of the spleen in cats with disseminated or splenic histoplasmosis. A retrospective review of splenic ultrasound images from 15 cats confirmed to have histoplasmosis by splenic aspirates was performed. Size, echotexture, echogenicity, margin appearance, presence of nodules, and the overall shape of the spleen were reported in each case. Splenomegaly was documented in all cases (15/15) and a hypoechoic appearance of the spleen was documented in 14/15 of cases. The spleen was diffusely and uniformly affected in 14/15 (six homogenous and eight with a subtle mottled appearance) and had discrete nodules in 1/15 cats. Histoplasmosis should be included in the differential list for an enlarged and hypoechoic spleen in cats with consistent clinical findings. Additionally, ultrasound guided splenic aspirate may be a useful method to obtain a cytology sample for diagnosis.

Acquired bilateral laryngeal paralysis associated with systemic lupus erythematosus in a dog.

A 4 yr old spayed female Labrador retriever was referred for acute respiratory distress and was found to have bilateral laryngeal paralysis. Physical examination and biochemical testing were consistent with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and did not reveal a likely alternative cause for the laryngeal paralysis. Following immunosuppressive and supportive treatment, the dog regained normal laryngeal function. At a scheduled follow-up examination 6 wk later, normal laryngeal function was confirmed via sedated laryngeal examination. Laryngeal paralysis associated with SLE has been reported in humans, but this is the first known report of acquired laryngeal paralysis associated with SLE in the dog.

Imaging diagnosis-heterobilharzia americana infection in a dog.

An approximately three-year-old mixed breed female dog was evaluated for peritoneal effusion, anorexia, intermittent vomiting, and diarrhea. Radiographically, there was mineralization of the wall of small intestinal segments. Sonographic findings were consistent with multisystemic mineralization of liver, small intestinal wall, and pancreas. Multifocal granulomas containing schistosome eggs (Heterobilharzia americana) were identified histologically. The mineralization pattern described herein is an uncommon presentation of severe diffuse heterobilharziasis in a dog.