Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography of the thyroid gland in healthy dogs, hypothyroid dogs and dogs with non-thyroidal illness.

Diagnosis of canine hypothyroidism remains challenging, as non-thyroidal illness (NTI)-syndrome and medical treatment can influence thyroid hormone concentrations. Conventional ultrasound may give additional hints, however high interobserver variability has been described. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) allows detection of changes in tissue perfusion. The purpose of the present study was to assess the possible diagnostic value of CEUS regarding diagnosis of hypothyroidism. CEUS of the thyroid gland was performed in 52 healthy dogs, 16 hypothyroid dogs, and 20 NTI patients. The following perfusion parameters were calculated: Thyroid/carotid artery (TG/CA) ratios for peak enhancement (PE) and area under the curve (AUC), time to peak (TTP) and wash-in and wash-out rates (WiR, WoR) of the thyroid gland. Impact of sedation on perfusion parameters was investigated in 8 calm healthy dogs which were examined before and after sedation using midazolam and butorphanol. Significantly higher median TG/CA ratios for PE were detected for the left and right thyroid lobe in dogs with hypothyroidism (0.97/0.96) compared to healthy dogs (0.85/0.85) and dogs with NTI (0.84/0.84). AUCs were also significantly increased in hypothyroid dogs when compared to other groups. Dogs with NTI showed significantly lower WiR and WoR compared to other groups. Values for TTP were not significantly different between groups. Sedation had only impact on results of TTP which was significantly prolonged in sedated dogs. In conclusion, CEUS of the thyroid gland can provide an additional tool for diagnosis of hypothyroidism in dogs and support its differentiation from NTI. Sedation has limited impact on CEUS results.

Suitability of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy for transcriptome sequencing of the canine prostate.

Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (US-FNA) biopsy is a widely used minimally invasive sampling procedure for cytological diagnosis. This study investigates the feasibility of using US-FNA samples for both cytological diagnosis and whole transcriptome RNA-sequencing analysis (RNA-Seq), with the ultimate aim of improving canine prostate cancer management. The feasibility of the US-FNA procedure was evaluated intra vitam on 43 dogs. Additionally, aspirates from 31 euthanised dogs were collected for standardising the procedure. Each aspirate was separated into two subsamples: for cytology and RNA extraction. Additional prostate tissue samples served as control for RNA quantity and quality evaluation, and differential expression analysis. The US-FNA sampling procedure was feasible in 95% of dogs. RNA isolation of US-FNA samples was successfully performed using phenol-chloroform extraction. The extracted RNA of 56% of a subset of US-FNA samples met the quality requirements for RNA-Seq. Expression analysis revealed that only 153 genes were exclusively differentially expressed between non-malignant US-FNAs and tissues. Moreover, only 36 differentially expressed genes were associated with the US-FNA sampling technique and unrelated to the diagnosis. Furthermore, the gene expression profiles clearly distinguished between non-malignant and malignant samples. This proves US-FNA to be useful for molecular profiling.

Atypical Cowpox Virus Infection in a Series of Cats.

Within 4 weeks, five cats with skin lesions affecting the hindlimbs and mainly consisting of oedema, hyperaemia and plaque-like alterations were presented to the same veterinary clinic. The cats were suffering from lameness, trauma, renal insufficiency or complicated tail amputation. Although the lesions seemed unusual for a poxvirus infection, microscopical examination of biopsy samples or specimens taken during necropsy examination revealed ballooning degeneration of keratinocytes with eosinophilic, cytoplasmic inclusion bodies indicative of an orthopoxvirus infection. Cowpox virus infection was verified using immunohistochemistry and virus isolation. Molecular analysis revealed identical haemagglutinin gene sequences in four cases and spatiotemporal circumstances in some cases pointed to hospital-acquired transmission. Unusual manifestations of feline cowpox may have an unexpected risk for human infection.

Invasive histiocytic sarcoma of the lumbar spine in a ferret (Mustela putorius furo).

This report describes the history, clinical examination and histopathology of a histiocytic sarcoma in a domestic ferret. Clinical signs were acute paraplegia and dysuria. Physical examination revealed a firm, smooth, touch-sensitive mass in and around the lumbar vertebral column. Neurologic examination was consistent with a lesion between spinal cord segments T3 and L3. Magnetic resonance images revealed bone lesions of L2 and L3 combined with compression of the spinal cord due to a homogenous, isointense mass that was diagnosed as a malignant round cell tumour and the ferret was euthanased. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of an infiltrative histiocytic sarcoma.

Systematic account of animal poisonings in Germany, 2012-2015.

A systematic retrospective study on animal poisonings in Germany (wildlife excluded) between January 2012 and December 2015 was conducted. Data were collected on animal exposure calls to German poison centres, poisoning cases presenting to the University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover Small Animal and Equine Clinics, cases involving off-label use of veterinary medicinal products reported to the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety and toxicological submissions to the Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich. Descriptive statistics were used to characterise animal type, exposure reason, type and substance, year/month of exposure, case severity and outcome. An evaluation of the data and data sources was also carried out. Variation in poisoning patterns was seen. However, dogs and cats were the most frequently reported species and medicinal products, pesticides and plants were consistently implicated as top causes of poisoning. Advantages and disadvantages were associated with each data source; bias was found to be an important consideration when evaluating poisoning data. This study provided useful information on animal poisonings in Germany and highlights the need for standardised approaches for the collection, evaluation and integration of poisoning data from multiple sources.

Influence of a low dosage of clopidogrel on platelet function in cats as measured by the platelet function analyser PFA-100 and the multiplate analyser.

The antiplatelet drug clopidogrel is widely used for prophylaxis of arterial thromboses in cats in a standard dosage of 18.75mg per cat once daily. The aim of the study was to verify if a reduced daily dose of 10mg clopidogrel per cat has a similar antiplatelet effect as the standard dosage. Platelet function was measured with the platelet function analyser PFA-100® and a novel impedance aggregometer. Suitability of the platelet function analyser was tested in citrated blood samples of 59 healthy cats and reference ranges were established. In addition, agonist concentrations for impedance aggregometry were optimised. In the main experiment two groups of 6 healthy cats received clopidogrel either in a dosage of 10 or 18.75mg per cat over a period of seven days. Analyses were performed on days 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7. In comparison to baseline both clopidogrel dosages showed an inhibitory effect on results of the platelet function analyser and velocity of ADP-induced platelet aggregation. Values at all times were different from baseline, with the exception of day 1 in cats receiving 10mg clopidogrel where the closure time of the platelet function analysis and part of ADP-induced aggregation did not show a significant difference. Significant differences were not found between the two doses. In conclusion, our study indicates that 10mg clopidogrel per day may be as effective as 18.75mg although the latter may be advantageous as an initial loading dosage to achieve effective levels more rapidly.

Congenital Ichthyosis in 14 Great Dane Puppies With a New Presentation.

The present study describes a generalized congenital skin condition in 14 Great Dane puppies. Macroscopically, all dogs showed generalized gray to yellow scaling and skin wrinkles on the head and all 4 extremities. Skin sections were histologically examined using hematoxylin and eosin, Heidenhain's Azan, and Sudan red III staining methods and by conducting the alcian blue/periodic acid Schiff (AB/PAS) reaction technique on sections. Furthermore, incubation with hyaluronidase was performed. Skin samples were ultrastructurally analyzed using transmission electron microscopy. All affected Great Dane puppies had epidermal and follicular orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis, enlarged keratohyaline granules, vacuolated keratinocytes, and accumulations of an eosinophilic and alcianophilic, lipid-rich material within dilated hair follicular lumina and the cytoplasm of sebocytes. The macroscopic, histopathologic, and ultrastructural skin changes in all 14 Great Dane puppies indicate a new variant of a primary disorder of cornification with congenital, non-epidermolytic, lamellar ichthyosiform appearance.

Splenic and hepatic ultrasound and cytology in canine lymphoma: effects of findings on stage migration and assessment of prognosis.

Stage migration is described in humans and dogs as a sequel of using more sensitive diagnostic methods. One hundred eighty-six dogs with multicentric lymphoma were enrolled with results of conventional staging as well as ultrasonographic and cytological examination of liver and spleen being available. The addition of splenic respective hepatic ultrasound and cytology findings resulted in slightly lower number of dogs classified as having liver and spleen involvement. In dogs with multicentric lymphoma, addition of cytology led to a significant shift of individuals from stage IV to stage III. Findings of hepatic and splenic ultrasound and cytology exerted no significant influence on complete remission and survival durations in dogs with combination chemotherapy. Staging methodology in canine lymphoma should be redefined, considering that the prognostic significance of splenic and hepatic ultrasound and cytology warrants further investigation.

Improved Measurement of the π→eν Branching Ratio.

A new measurement of the branching ratio R_{e/µ}=Γ(π^{+}→e^{+}ν+π^{+}→e^{+}νγ)/Γ(π^{+}→µ^{+}ν+π^{+}→µ^{+}νγ) resulted in R_{e/µ}^{exp}=[1.2344±0.0023(stat)±0.0019(syst)]×10^{-4}. This is in agreement with the standard model prediction and improves the test of electron-muon universality to the level of 0.1%.

Reference intervals for thromboelastometry with the ROTEM delta in cats.

This study aimed to assess precision of viscoelastic measurements of feline blood using the ROTEM delta analyser and to establish reference intervals. Intra-assay-variability was evaluated by analysing samples of two cats in quadruplicate. Reference intervals were established based on 55 clinically healthy European shorthair cats including different sexes and age groups. Analyses were performed without activation and after activation with different reagents (kaolin, in-tem, ex-tem). For the majority of parameters, coefficient of variation was <10%. The activating reagent containing tissue factor (ex-tem) produced the shortest clotting times (reference interval: 44.0-98.7 s) and highest maximum lyses. Reference values of many parameters revealed a wide inter-individual variation. Only sporadically, differences between the individual age groups were found. In conclusion, analysis of feline blood using the ROTEM analyser showed acceptable reproducibility. The established reference intervals may be a useful orientation for measurements of feline blood using the ROTEM delta analyser.

Suspected primary glioblastoma multiforme in the canine spinal cord.

An eight-year-old mixed-breed dog was presented with progressive paraparesis. Neurological examination revealed a painful diffuse lesion between spinal cord segments T3 and L3. Magnetic resonance images displayed multi-focal contrast enhancing spinal cord and meningeal lesions. Cytology of these lesions revealed a malignant tumour prompting euthanasia of the dog. Histopathology confirmed the cytological diagnosis and a final diagnosis of a glioblastoma multiforme was made based on immunohistochemistry.

Canine non-hematopoietic gastric neoplasia. Epidemiologic and diagnostic characteristics in 38 dogs with post-surgical outcome of five cases.

OBJECTIVE: Aim of this study was to investigate epidemiologic and diagnostic characteristics of canine non-hematopoietic gastric neoplasia and to evaluate the surgical outcome of selected cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patient data of dogs with histologically confirmed non-hematopoietic gastric tumors were reviewed and dogs with surgical intervention were followed up. RESULTS: 38 dogs were included into the evaluation. Histopathologic diagnoses comprised carcinoma/adenocarcinoma (n=33), gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) (n=4), and leiomyoma (n=1). Patients' median age was 10 years, median weight was 20 kg and the male:female ratio was 1.4:1. The breeds represented by most individuals were Chow Chow, Collie, Hovawart and mixed-breed. Most frequent presenting complaint was vomiting. Only a low proportion of dogs were presented with anemia, thrombocytopenia or hypoproteinemia. In 58% of cases, ultrasonographic examination led to findings that were considered compatible with gastric neoplasia. Gastric wall thickening and loss of layering were the most common sonographic findings. Most frequent endoscopic findings were mucosal thickening and reddening; ulcerations were infrequent. Computed tomography findings were compatible with gastric neoplasia in two cases in which CT was performed. Intra-operative cytology results showed accordance with histologic diagnoses in 88% of cases. Five dogs with different underlying pathology and variable disease extension underwent surgical tumor resection. In one patient, recurrence was diagnosed after 104 days. Survival times of these dogs ranged between 7 and 2326 days. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ultrasonography and, in selected cases, computed tomography aided in the diagnosis of gastric neoplasia. Intra-operative cytology possessed diagnostic value. In cases in which surgical resection was attempted, survival times varied markedly likely due to variable disease extension and underlying pathology (e.g. adenocarcinoma versus leiomyoma).

[Renal lymphoma in a cat: diagnostics, therapy and survival time. A case report]. / Das renale Lymphom bei der Katze: Diagnostik, Therapieverlauf und Überlebenszeit. Ein Fallbericht.

The clinical case report describes diagnostics, therapy, response and outcome in a 7-year-old castrated male European Shorthair cat with renal lymphoma. By use of a combination chemotherapy, partial remission was achieved 8 days after induction, with a complete remission after 72 days. During chemotherapy the cat had a good quality of life. Adverse effects were limited to two episodes of vomiting and one short period of slight depression. At 629 days after the end of the chemotherapy, following 1449 days in remission, a relapse of the renal lymphoma was diagnosed. During the second chemotherapy, extension of the lymphoma to the CNS became apparent and the cat was euthanized after an overall survival time of 1509 days (4 years). The case shows that treating renal lymphoma in cats by adequate combination chemotherapy can achieve long survival times with a good quality of life.

Postoperative treatment outcome in canine mammary tumors. Multivariate analysis of the prognostic value of pre- and postoperatively available information.

OBJECTIVE: Mammary tumors belong to the most common canine neoplasias. Few data are available on postoperative outcome and independent prognostic value of variables including pre-operatively available parameters such as cytology. The aim of this study was to characterize outcome following surgery and identify independent prognostic factors in canine mammary tumors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective study in which dogs with mammary tumors underwent surgical tumor removal followed by histopathologic examination of the neoplasias. Kaplan-Meier log rank analysis and multivariate regression analyses were used to evaluate survival, recurrence-free interval (RFI) and metastasis free interval (MFI) as well as independent influence of variables on outcome. RESULTS: 134 dogs with mammary tumors were included. In 126 dogs without distant metastasis, overall survival duration was 1113 d; median RFI and MFI were not reached. Histologic grade showed independent influence on duration of RFI (p=0.040), MFI (p=0.007), and survival (p=0.029). Median survival in benign (n=98), grade 1 (n=10) and grade 2 (n=16) malignant tumors was 1319 d, 670 d, 406 d, respectively. Cytology exerted independent influence on the likelihood for recurrence (p=0.013), duration of RFI (p=0.026) and survival (p=0.030). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Histologic grade was of independent prognostic significance for postoperative outcome in this population of dogs with mammary tumors. As a pre-operatively available parameter, cytology may also possess prognostic value in canine mammary neoplasias.

[Clinical usability and practicability of Alfaxalone for short-term anaesthesia in the cat after premedication with Buprenorphine]. / Klinische Anwendbarkeit und Praktikabilität von Alfaxalon zur Kurzanästhesie bei der Katze nach Prämedikation mit Buprenorphin.

UNLABELLED: Objective of this clinical study was to assess the anaesthetic quality (induction and recovery) and utility of short term alfaxalone anaesthesia in healthy and diseased cats. Cardiopulmonary effects and the influence on haematological and biochemical blood parameters were evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty feline patients (ASA1-4) were anaesthetized with alfaxalone for various short surgical or diagnostic procedures. Heart rate, breathing rate, end-tidal CO2 partial pressure, arterial oxygen saturation, mean arterial blood pressure and the body temperature were measured and recorded every 10 minutes. Before, after and 6 hours after anaesthesia venous blood samples were taken and haematologic and blood chemistry parameters were determined. Recovery time and quality were assessed by a numerical rating scale. RESULTS: Anaesthetic induction was rapid and smooth in all cats. Spontaneous respiration was maintained in all cats. Cardiopulmonary parameters mostly remained within a clinically tolerable range. Noticeable was a high heart rate (mean >190 bpm) at the beginning of anaesthesia lasting up to 10 minutes. Statistically significant changes (p<0.05) occurred in some haematologic parameters (RBC, haemoglobin, haematocrit and MCV decreased), electrolytes and venous acid-base-status (bicarbonate, chloride and base excess increased, sodium and potassium decreased) and blood chemistry parameters (alanine aminotransferase, glutamate dehydrogenase and creatinine decreased). None of these changes appeared to have clinical relevance. Recovery was smooth in the majority of cats. Mild signs of hyperexcitability (muscle tremor, short term opisthotonus and hyperacusis) occurred in individual animals. The duration of recovery varied between 21 and 93 minutes. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Alfaxalone by repeated intravenous injection is suitable for short-term diagnostic and surgical procedures in cats. Because of its minor cardiovascular effects and slight respiratory depression, it is also well tolerated by patients with increased anaesthetic risk (ASA 3 and 4).

[Haemophilia A and B in dogs]. / Hämophilie A und B beim Hund.

Based on own clinical experiences and the literature, this review article elaborates on aspects of aetiology, pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis and therapy of haemophilia A and B in dogs. When compared to humans, dogs reveal more severe haemorrhagic symptoms at a defined residual factor activity (e.g. subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intraarticular haemorrhages after inappropriate trauma resulting in lameness and paralysis, excessive haemorrhage during second dentition, venal puncture, and surgery). Fortunately, genetic tests are now commercially available in Germany for selected breeds (haemophilia B in Rhodesian Ridgebacks; haemophilia A in Havaneses), which complement the conventional individual factor activity measurements and facilitate the detection of female carrier dogs. Treatment of bleeding crises is still mainly based on substitution therapy with fresh or fresh frozen plasma in addition to local haemostatic measures. In contrast, expectations regarding the timely clinical availability of gene therapy (particularly in humans) have not yet been fulfilled.

[Computed tomography diagnosis of a retrobulbar abscess in a white tiger]. / Computertomographische Diagnostik eines retrobulbären Abszesses bei einem weißen Königstiger.

SUBJECT: Etiologic diagnosis of a retrobulbar process is essential for the initiation of a causative therapy. Penetrating foreign bodies and tooth root abscesses, but also neoplastic processes have to be considered as a differential diagnosis for a retrobulbar swelling. The objective of this case report of a tiger with a retrobulbar process was to demonstrate the diagnostic value of computed tomography for making a causative diagnosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: General examination of the tiger as well as subsequent computed tomography and surgical extraction of a fractured fourth premolar tooth of the left upper jaw was carried out under general anaesthesia. Collected alveolar tissue samples underwent cytological, histopathological and microbiological analyses. RESULTS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Computed tomography was able to allocate the origin of the retrobulbar abscess to the left 4th premolar tooth of the upper jaw. The cytological, histopathological and microbiological examination of the recovered alveolar material confirmed the diagnosis of purulent-necrotic abscess-forming inflammation as a result of a mixed bacterial infection. The present case report demonstrates the diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography for the diagnosis of a retrobulbar process of unknown origin.

Testicular steroids, prolactin, relaxin and prostate gland markers in peripheral blood and seminal plasma of normal dogs and dogs with prostatic hyperplasia.

Concentrations of 17ß-oestradiol (E(2) ), testosterone (T), 5α-dihydrotestosterone, prolactin (PRL) and relaxin (RLN) were determined in peripheral blood serum or plasma and prostatic secretion of 77 physically healthy intact male dogs (19 Rhodesian Ridgebacks/RR, 58 dogs of other breeds, 1-9 years of age). Furthermore, the concentrations of acid phosphatase in prostatic secretion and canine prostate-specific esterase (CPSE) were measured in blood plasma. All dogs were submitted to a complete breeding soundness examination, including B-mode sonography. Prostatic volume was larger, and blood plasma levels of CPSE were higher in ageing dogs and in dogs with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) compared with young dogs and dogs with normal prostate. Furthermore, a higher E(2) /T ratio was found in dogs with BPH. Despite missing significant differences in PRL concentrations, the slight increases in PRL concentrations in the prostatic secretion observed both with increasing age and in dogs with BPH and the observed correlations between concentrations of PRL and testicular steroids may possibly indicate a role of PRL in the pathogenesis of canine BPH. Serum RLN concentrations were at similar level in all dogs. Regarding breed differences, an appreciably larger prostatic volume and higher concentration of CPSE were verified in RR than in other pure-bred dogs, confirming our suspicion of a premature enlargement of the prostate gland, which may result from a genetic disposition for BPH in this breed.

[Clinical and laboratory-diagnosed parameters in 21 dogs with primary immune-mediated thrombocytopenia]. / Klinische und labordiagnostische Parameter bei 21 hunden mit Primärer immunvermittelter Thrombozytopenie.

OBJECTIVE: Characterization of clinical and clinicopathological parameters as well as the treatment and course of the disease in dogs with suspected primary immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (pIMT), and identification of characteristics in comparison to secondary IMT (sIMT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Medical records of thrombocytopenic dogs with a positive platelet-bound-antibody (PBA)-test performed between 2003 and 2008 were evaluated retrospectively. Dogs were suspected of having pIMT by exclusion of other diseases potentially associated with sIMT, and sIMT was diagnosed when an associated disease could be detected. Dogs with an incomplete follow-up were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Thirteen of 21 dogs (62%) suspected of having pIMT were male. Median age of the affected dogs was 6.6 years (1.6-13.5 years [MINIMUM-maximum]). Spontaneous bleeding was observed in 18 dogs (86%) mainly in the form of surface bleeding. Nineteen dogs (91%) with pIMT had platelet counts below 20,000/µl. All dogs with pIMT, for which platelet volume analysis was available, displayed a mean platelet volume (MPV) within or below the reference range. Fourteen of 15 dogs in which bone marrow analysis was performed had an increased megakaryopoiesis. Comparison of two different treatment regimes (prednisolone versus prednisolone and azathioprine) did not result in a significantly different platelet count recovery time. There was no significant difference regarding age and sex distribution between dogs with pIMT and sIMT. Platelet count and MPV were significantly lower in dogs with pIMT than in dogs with sIMT. Increased megakaryopoiesis was more frequently detected in dogs with pIMT compared to dogs with sIMT. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dogs with a positive PBA-test and additionally a severe thrombocytopenia, low MPV and activated megakaryopoiesis are likely to have pIMT.