Vertebral heart size and vertebral left atrial size reference ranges in healthy Miniature Schnauzers.

OBJECTIVE: The inclusion of vertebral heart score (VHS) and, more recently, the inclusion of the vertebral left atrial size (VLAS) in radiographic evaluation have become important screening tools for identifying dogs with occult cardiac disease. Several recent papers have shown there are interbreed variations in the VHS reference range. Our hypothesis is that the Miniature Schnauzer would also have a higher reference range for its VHS. ANIMALS: The electronic medical records of IDEXX Telemedicine Consultants were searched for Miniature Schnauzers undergoing thoracic radiographs between March 1, 2022, and February 28, 2023. METHODS: Dogs were included if they had 3 view thoracic radiographs performed and no evidence of cardiopulmonary disease was detected. Dogs with incomplete radiographic studies or cardiac or extracardiac disease were excluded. The VHS and VLAS measurements were performed by 2 board-certified cardiologists independent of one another. RESULTS: A total of 1,000 radiographs were obtained of which 272 were included for the study. The overall range for the VHS in this cohort was 9.68 to 12.07 with a median of 10.9. For VLAS measurements, a range of 1.71 to 2.4 was documented with a median of 2.0. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The VHS for Miniature Schnauzers without cardiac disease was confirmed to be higher than the canine reference range.

Sequence Analysis of Six Candidate Genes in Miniature Schnauzers with Primary Hypertriglyceridemia.

Miniature Schnauzers are predisposed to primary hypertriglyceridemia (HTG). In this study, we performed whole genome sequencing (WGS) of eight Miniature Schnauzers with primary HTG and screened for risk variants in six HTG candidate genes: LPL, APOC2, APOA5, GPIHBP1, LMF1, and APOE. Variants were filtered to identify those present in ≥2 Miniature Schnauzers with primary HTG and uncommon (<10% allele frequency) in a WGS variant database including 613 dogs from 61 other breeds. Three variants passed filtering: an APOE TATA box deletion, an LMF1 intronic SNP, and a GPIHBP1 missense variant. The APOE and GPIHBP1 variants were genotyped in a cohort of 108 Miniature Schnauzers, including 68 with primary HTG and 40 controls. A multivariable regression model, including age and sex, did not identify an effect of APOE (estimate = 0.18, std. error = 0.14; p = 0.20) or GPIHBP1 genotypes (estimate = -0.26, std. error = 0.42; p = 0.54) on triglyceride concentration. In conclusion, we did not identify a monogenic cause for primary HTG in Miniature Schnauzers in the six genes evaluated. However, if HTG in Miniature Schnauzers is a complex disease resulting from the cumulative effects of multiple variants and environment, the identified variants cannot be ruled out as contributing factors.

Spontaneous remission and relapse of diabetes mellitus in a male dog.

An 8-year-old male neutered Miniature Schnauzer was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus based on fasting hyperglycemia and glucosuria after a 2-week history of polydipsia and periuria, in line with the Agreeing Language in Veterinary Endocrinology consensus definition. Treatment of insulin and dietary management was initiated. The insulin dose was gradually reduced and eventually discontinued over the next year based on spot blood glucose concentrations that revealed euglycemia or hypoglycemia. After discontinuation, the dog remained free of clinical signs for 1 year until it was again presented for polyuria/polydipsia with fasting hyperglycemia and glucosuria. Insulin therapy was resumed and continued for the remainder of the dog's life. Although diabetic remission often occurs in cats and humans, the presumed etiopathogenesis of pancreatic beta cell loss makes remission rare in dogs, except for cases occurring with diestrus or pregnancy. This case demonstrates that diabetic remission is possible in dogs, even in cases without an identifiable reversible trigger.

Case report: Central-pituitary hypothyroidism concurrent with hyperadrenocorticism without pituitary macroadenoma in a Miniature Schnauzer dog.

Multiple endocrine disorders are uncommon in veterinary medicine, and the disease combination is usually related to hypercortisolism or autoimmunity. Central-pituitary hypothyroidism, also refer to secondary hypothyroidism, can be caused by hypercortisolemic conditions and is well-recognized in human medicine. However, central hypothyroidism, including pituitary hypothyroidism, concurrent with hyperadrenocorticism, is rarely reported in veterinary medicine. A 7-year-old, intact female Miniature Schnauzer presented with generalized alopecia, scale, and pruritus and was diagnosed with superficial pyoderma and Malassezia dermatitis. Hormonal tests were performed, and the results indicated multiple endocrinopathies with a combination of non-adrenal dependent hyperadrenocorticism and central-pituitary hypothyroidism. Magnetic resonance imaging (7 T) and high-resolution research tomography positron emission tomography were performed to differentiate neuroendocrine tumors; however, no lesion was found in the hypothalamic to pituitary region. Hyperadrenocorticism was managed first to control endocrinopathy. After controlling hypercortisolism, a weak elevation of free thyroxine (T4) was revealed, whereas total T4 and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were still undetectable, and hypothyroidism management was added. About 9 months after the management, both endocrine diseases were well controlled, and clinical signs improved; however, serum TSH was unmeasured consistently. This case study describes a case of multiple endocrinopathies in a Miniature Schnauzer dog diagnosed with central-pituitary hypothyroidism concurrent with non-adrenal dependent hyperadrenocorticism without pituitary macroadenoma.

Serum α1-Proteinase Inhibitor, Calprotectin, and S100A12 Concentrations in the Characterization of Pancreatitis in Dogs.

Miniature Schnauzers are predisposed to develop pancreatitis, with familial hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) described as a potential risk factor. Diagnosing pancreatitis in dogs is based on the integration of serum canine-specific pancreatic lipase (cPLI) concentration, clinical presentation, and diagnostic imaging findings. However, markers of systemic inflammation and antiprotease activity have not been extensively investigated in the characterization and prognostication of pancreatitis in dogs. Serum concentrations of alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (α1PI; as a marker of systemic antiprotease response) and calprotectin and S100A12 (as markers of systemic inflammation) were measured in serum samples from 35 Miniature Schnauzers diagnosed with pancreatitis (serum cPLI concentration >400 µg/L, clinical signs, abdominal imaging findings). These markers were evaluated for possible associations with patient characteristics, clinical presentation, risk factors for pancreatitis, and outcome. The study showed that biomarkers of systemic inflammation and antiprotease activity are commonly increased in Miniature Schnauzers with pancreatitis. Whereas serum calprotectin and S100A12 concentrations were found to have limited utility in differentiating pancreatitis presentations, serum α1PI concentrations and potentially also the serum calprotectin-to-S100A12 ratio might be non-invasive surrogate markers of disease severity in dogs with pancreatitis.

Dog hair volatiles attract Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (Acari: Ixodidae) females.

Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) (Latreille) feeds on domestic dogs worldwide. This tick species uses dog volatiles during host-seeking behavior. In this study, we identified volatile compounds from dog hairs involved in the host location of R. sanguineus s.l. The R. sanguineus s.l. females, but not males, were attracted to hair samples and Super Q extracts from Schnauzer dogs in Y-tube olfactometer bioassays. A total of 54 compounds from dog hair extracts were identified by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, including hydrocarbons, aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, and carboxylic acids. Screening the identified compounds by the single sensillum recording technique showed that isovaleric acid, hexanal, heptanal, and sucaltone (6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one) significantly stimulated the olfactory receptor neurons of the basiconic, chaeticum, and trichodeum sensilla of female ticks. When synthetic compounds were evaluated alone, or in binary, tertiary, or quaternary mixtures, female ticks were only attracted to isovaleric acid and 1 tertiary mixture (hexanal, heptanal, and isovaleric acid). We conclude that isovaleric acid functions as an attractant for R. sanguineus s.l. These findings contribute to the understanding of the chemical ecology of ticks during host location.

KITLG Copy Number Germline Variations in Schnauzer Breeds and Their Relevance in Digital Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Black Giant Schnauzers.

Copy number variations (CNVs) of the KITLG gene seem to be involved in the oncogenesis of digital squamous cell carcinoma (dSCC). The aims of this study were (1) to investigate KITLG CNV in giant (GS), standard (SS), and miniature (MS) schnauzers and (2) to compare KITLG CNV between black GS with and without dSCC. Blood samples from black GS (22 with and 17 without dSCC), black SS (18 with and 4 without dSSC; 5 unknown), and 50 MS (unknown dSSC status and coat colour) were analysed by digital droplet PCR. The results are that (1) most dogs had a copy number (CN) value > 4 (range 2.5-7.6) with no significant differences between GS, SS, and MS, and (2) the CN value in black GS with dSCC was significantly higher than in those without dSCC (p = 0.02). CN values > 5.8 indicate a significantly increased risk for dSCC, while CN values < 4.7 suggest a reduced risk for dSCC (grey area: 4.7-5.8). Diagnostic testing for KITLG CNV may sensitise owners to the individual risk of their black GS for dSCC. Further studies should investigate the relevance of KITLG CNV in SS and the protective effects in MS, who rarely suffer from dSCC.

Ancylostoma ceylanicum Infection in a Miniature Schnauzer Dog Breed.

PURPOSE: Canine hookworm disease is a global zoonotic parasitic disease caused by a variety of nematodes in families Ancylostomatidae, including Ancylostoma spp., Necator spp., and Uncinaria spp., in the small intestine (mainly the duodenum) of dogs. The disease is widely distributed in China. The purpose of this study is to systematically diagnose and treat canine hookworm disease through the case of miniaturization Schnauzer dog feed infected with A. ceylanicum, so as to provide experimental basis for subsequent prevention and control of canine hookworm disease. METHODS: In the current study, we isolated hookworm eggs from a diseased miniature schnauzer, then the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 gene sequence from genomic DNA extracted from hookworms. Phylogenetic analysis based on ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 gene sequence sequences was inferred using MEGA-X. After phylogenetic analysis, etiologic and symptomatic therapies were used to treat the canine hookworm disease. RESULTS: The sequencing results showed that the length of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 gene sequence was approximately 960 bp, and ITS1 and ITS2 were extracted to analyze similarity with other hookworms to build a phylogenetic tree. After phylogenetic analysis, the results showed that the diseased miniature schnauzer was infected by A. ceylanicum. Using etiologic and symptomatic therapies, the sick dog with an A. ceylanicum infection was also treated for 5 days. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first report of diagnosis and treatment for canine hookworm disease in Guangzhou city. In addition, with the improvement of economic level, the scale of pet dog breeding is also increasing. The diagnostic methods and treatment schemes adopted in this report will help to standardize the prevention and control of canine hookworm disease.

Clinical Features and Outcome of 79 Dogs With Digital Squamous Cell Carcinoma Undergoing Treatment: A SIONCOV Observational Study.

In dogs, digit squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is uncommon. Clinical signs are frequently underestimated, leading to a diagnostic delay. The purpose of this retrospective study was to report our experience regarding the clinical presentation, diagnostic work-up, treatment and outcome of 79 client-owned dogs with SCC of the digit. The greatest majority (84.8%) of dogs was dark-coated. Schnauzers represented approximately one third of the study population, and had a poorer outcome compared with other breeds. The majority of SCCs occurred in the front limbs (61%), and bone lysis was frequently observed (92.4%). Approximately 9% of dogs had involvement of multiple digits, and this was associated with a shorter time to progression (TTP; P = 0.047). Similarly, a duration of clinical signs >90 days was associated with a shorter TTP (P = 0.02). Regional lymph node metastases were documented in 17.7% of dogs at admission and were significantly associated with tumor-related death (P < 0.001). At presentation, none of the dogs had evidence of distant metastasis. Digit amputation achieved adequate local tumor control in the majority of cases. Adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy were carried out in 21.5% of cases, with uncertain benefit. Due to the relatively non-aggressive clinical behavior of digit SCC, chemotherapy should only be offered in the case of metastatic disease. Approximately one fourth of dogs developed de novo SCCs during the follow-up. Careful examination of the digits should be encouraged in breeds considered at high risk and in dogs with a previous history of digital SCC.

Retrospective review of cataract surgery outcomes in Miniature Schnauzers.

OBJECTIVE: Miniature Schnauzers commonly develop both inherited and diabetic cataracts. Miniature Schnauzers also often present with concurrent metabolic disease at the time of cataract surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate cataract surgery outcomes in Miniature Schnauzers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Eye Care for Animals electronic medical record database (2012-2018) was searched for "phacoemulsification" and "Miniature Schnauzer." A minimum follow-up time of 1 year was required for inclusion in the study. Clinical history, pre- and postoperative bloodwork, postoperative treatments, and visual outcomes were reviewed in all cases. RESULTS: Cataract surgery was performed on 67 patients and 124 eyes. 93.5% (116/124) of operated eyes were visual 1 year following cataract surgery. At the time of surgery, 79.1% were diabetic, 64.2% had hypercholesterolemia, 55.2% had hypertriglyceridemia, 16.4% had hyperadrenocorticism, and 9% had a history of pancreatitis. Dorzolamide was used postoperatively in 61.2% of patients, and its use was significantly associated with postoperative cholesterol levels above reference range. Lipemic aqueous occurred in 13.4% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Miniature Schnauzers presenting for cataract surgery are frequently affected by metabolic diseases and dyslipidemia; however, cataract surgery outcomes were not significantly affected during the study period. Dietary management, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, and oral fibrates may reduce the incidence of lipemic aqueous in Miniature Schnauzers.

Prevalence of the AMHR2 mutation in Miniature Schnauzers and genetic investigation of a Belgian Malinois with persistent Müllerian duct syndrome.

Persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS) is a sex-limited disorder in which males develop portions of the female reproductive tract. Important consequences of PMDS are cryptorchidism and its sequelae of infertility and increased risk of testicular cancer. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and its receptor (AMHR2) induce the regression of the Müllerian ducts in male embryos. In Miniature Schnauzer dogs, the genetic basis has been identified as an autosomal recessive nonsense mutation in AMHR2, but the allele frequency of the mutation is unknown. Thus, the primary objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of the AMHR2 mutation in North American Miniature Schnauzers, in order to ascertain the value of genetic testing in this breed. An additional objective was to determine whether mutations in AMH or AMHR2 were responsible for PMDS in a Belgian Malinois; this would aid development of a genetic test for the Belgian Malinois breed. Genomic DNA from 216 Miniature Schnauzers (including one known PMDS case) was genotyped for the AMHR2 mutation, and DNA from a single PMDS-affected Belgian Malinois was sequenced for all coding exons of AMH and AMHR2. The Miniature Schnauzer cohort had an AMHR2 mutation allele frequency of 0.16 and a carrier genotypic frequency of 0.27. The genetic basis for PMDS in the Belgian Malinois was not determined, as no coding or splicing mutations were identified in either AMH or AMHR2. These findings support a benefit to AMHR2 mutation testing Miniature Schnauzers used for breeding or with cryptorchidism.

Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis in Related Miniature Schnauzer Dogs.

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) recently has been recognized as a common cause of proteinuria in dogs in general, and in Miniature Schnauzer dogs in particular. This study describes the morphologic features present in the kidneys of 8 related proteinuric Miniature Schnauzer dogs. The FSGS, characterized by solidification of portions of the capillary tuft, affected 32% to 49% of examined glomeruli in these dogs. Synechiae, often accompanied by hyalinosis, were present in 13% to 54% of glomeruli and were more prevalent in older dogs. Seven of 8 dogs had arteriolar hyalinosis. Ultrastructurally, all dogs had evidence of a podocytopathy in the absence of electron-dense deposits, glomerular basement membrane splitting, or fibrils. All dogs had multifocal to extensive podocyte foot process effacement. Other podocyte changes included microvillous transformation, the presence of vacuoles or protein resorption droplets, cytoplasmic electron-dense aggregates, and occasional binucleation. Variable amounts of intraglomerular lipid were present in all dogs. All dogs were proteinuric, with measured values for the urine protein-to-creatinine ratio ranging from 1.2 to 6.5. Azotemia was mild to absent and dogs were euthanatized at 5.1 to 14 years of age, in all cases due to nonrenal diseases. The underlying cause of FSGS in these Miniature Schnauzer dogs has yet to be determined, but contributors likely include genetic podocytopathy, lipid abnormalities, and glomerular hypertension.

Cofactors associated with Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome: 151 dogs within a reference population.

OBJECTIVE: To determine factors associated with sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS) diagnosed within one referral population. ANIMALS STUDIED: 151 dogs diagnosed with SARDS. PROCEDURES: Breed, age, sex, and body weight were compared between dogs with electroretinogram-confirmed SARDS and dogs presented to the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (UCD-VMTH) from 1991 to 2014. RESULTS: SARDS was diagnosed in 151 dogs, representing 1.3% of dogs presented to the UCD-VMTH for ophthalmic disease. Although dogs of 36 breeds were affected, the Dachshund (n = 31, 21%), Schnauzer (16, 11%), Pug (11, 7%), and Brittany (5, 3%) were significantly overrepresented, and the Labrador Retriever (3, 2%) was significantly underrepresented vs. the reference population (P < 0.001). Median (range) age and body weight of affected vs. reference dogs were 8.9 (3-20) vs. 6.8 (0.1-26) years and 12.4 (2.8-52.7) vs. 22.3 (0.1-60) kg, respectively. Dogs 6-10 years of age and between 10-20 kg in body weight were significantly overrepresented in the SARDS population, while dogs <6 years of age were significantly underrepresented (P < 0.01). Spayed females (59% of affected dogs) were significantly overrepresented compared to the reference population, whereas intact females (1% of affected dogs) were significantly underrepresented. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent with previous studies, smaller, middle-aged, spayed female dogs may be at increased risk of developing SARDS. Unlike previous studies, this is the first study comparing a variety of SARDS-affected breeds to a reference population. Potentially increased risk of SARDS in several breeds, particularly Dachshunds, suggests a familial factor that warrants further investigation using genetic techniques.

Therapy of Canine Hyperlipidemia with Bezafibrate.

BACKGROUND: Bezafibrate (BZF) is effective in the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia in human patients, but there are no data on its use in dogs. OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety of BZF in hyperlipidemic dogs and its efficacy in decreasing serum triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol (CHO) concentrations. ANIMALS: Forty-six dogs, 26 females and 20 males, mean (±SD) age of 9 (±3) years, with TG ≥150 mg/dL (33 dogs also were hypercholesterolemic [>300 mg/dL]). METHODS: Prospective, uncontrolled clinical trial. Dogs were treated with bezafibrate once daily, using 200 mg tablets at a dosage of 4-10 mg/kg (depending on body weight). Serum TG and CHO concentrations and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and creatine kinase (CK) activity before and after 30 days of treatment were compared. RESULTS: Sixteen dogs (34.8%) had primary hyperlipidemia, and 30 dogs (65.2%) had secondary hyperlipidemia (including spontaneous hyperadrenocorticism [41.3%, n = 19/46], chronic treatment with glucocorticoids [10.8%, n = 5/46], and hypothyroidism [15.2%, n = 7/46]). After 30 days, serum TG concentration normalized (<150 mg/dL) in 42 dogs (91.3%) and CHO concentration normalized (<270 mg/dL) in 22 of 33 dogs (66.7%). There was no difference in baseline TG concentration between the primary and secondary hyperlipidemia subgroups, but the decrease in TG concentration after treatment was greater in the primary hyperlipidemia subgroup. No adverse effects were observed, but ALT activity decreased significantly after 30 days of treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Over 30 days, BZF was safe and effective in treatment of primary and secondary hyperlipidemia in dogs.

Surveyor assay to diagnose persistent Müllerian duct syndrome in Miniature Schnauzers.

Persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS) is a pseudohermaphroditism in males characterized by the presence of Müllerian duct derivatives. As PMDS dogs often lack clinical symptoms, a molecular diagnosis is essential to identify the syndrome in these animals. In this study, a new molecular method using DNA mismatch-specific Surveyor nuclease was developed. The Surveyor nuclease assay identified the AMHR2 mutation that produced PMDS in a Miniature Schnauzer as accurately as that obtained by using the conventional method based on restriction digestion. As an alternative to the current molecular diagnostic method, the new method may result in increased accuracy when detecting PMDS.

Surveyor assay to diagnose persistent Müllerian duct syndrome in Miniature Schnauzers

Persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS) is a pseudohermaphroditism in males characterized by the presence of Müllerian duct derivatives. As PMDS dogs often lack clinical symptoms, a molecular diagnosis is essential to identify the syndrome in these animals. In this study, a new molecular method using DNA mismatch-specific Surveyor nuclease was developed. The Surveyor nuclease assay identified the AMHR2 mutation that produced PMDS in a Miniature Schnauzer as accurately as that obtained by using the conventional method based on restriction digestion. As an alternative to the current molecular diagnostic method, the new method may result in increased accuracy when detecting PMDS.

Proteinuria and lipoprotein lipase activity in Miniature Schnauzer dogs with and without hypertriglyceridemia.

Spontaneous hyperlipidemia in rats causes glomerular disease. Idiopathic hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is prevalent in Miniature Schnauzers, but its relationship with proteinuria is unknown. Decreased activity of major lipid metabolism enzymes, lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and hepatic lipase (HL), may play a role in the cyclic relationship between hyperlipidemia and proteinuria. These enzymes have also not been previously investigated in Miniature Schnauzers. The aims of this study were to determine the relationship between HTG and proteinuria in Miniature Schnauzers and to measure LPL and HL activities in a subset of dogs. Fifty-seven Miniature Schnauzers were recruited (34 with and 23 without HTG). Fasting serum triglyceride concentrations and urine protein-to-creatinine ratios (UPC) were measured in all dogs, and LPL and HL activities were determined in 17 dogs (8 with and 9 without HTG). There was a strong positive correlation between triglyceride concentration and UPC (r = 0.77-0.83, P < 0.001). Proteinuria (UPC ≥ 0.5) was present in 60% of dogs with HTG and absent from all dogs without HTG (P < 0.001). Proteinuric dogs were not azotemic or hypoalbuminemic. Dogs with HTG had a 65% reduction in LPL activity relative to dogs without HTG (P < 0.001); HL activity did not differ. Proteinuria occurs with HTG in Miniature Schnauzers and could be due to lipid-induced glomerular injury. Reduced LPL activity may contribute to the severity of HTG, but further assay validation is required.

Litiasis recidivante en cachorro Schnauzer miniatura: reporte de un caso / Recurrent urolithiasis in a miniature Schnauzer puppy: case report

La formación de cálculos urinarios es un problema clínico importante en perros. Existen diferencias en la tendencia de presentar litiasis entre diversas razas. Se presenta un caso de litiasis recidivante en un cachorro, macho,Schnauzer miniatura, que a los dos meses de edad presentó hematuria y disuria por obstrucción de vías urinarias asociada a etiología litiásica. El cachorro expulsó urolitos en dos ocasiones, a los tres y siete meses de edad. El análisis morfológico de estos cálculos mostró que el primero estaba formado por Carbapatita (fosfato de calcio carbonatado cristalizado) correspondiente al tipo morfológico IVa1 y los cálculos del segundo episodio presentaban una combinación del tipo IVa1 + IIa, este último tipo morfológico formado por Weddellita (oxalato de calcio dihidratado). Los análisis de orina mostraron pH 6 a 7,5, con bacterias y cristales de fosfato triple en dos muestras y de oxalato de calcio en una muestra del total de seis analizadas. Se administró antibióticos para controlar infecciones urinarias en ambos episodios litiásicos. El manejo nutricional consistió en alimentación con balanceado especial para perros con litiasis desde los 2 hasta los 7 meses de edad. Luego del segundo episodio litiásico se evitaron los balanceados y se alimentó al cachorro con pollo hervido y verduras. Desde la instauración del nuevo régimen nutricional, hace ya más de un año, no se han observado cristales en las muestras de orina, ni se refieren síntomas urinarios en el cachorro hasta la fecha.

The formation of urinary stones represents an important clinical issue in canines. There are differences in the trend to present urolithiasis among breeds. This is a case of recurrent lithiasis in a Miniature Schnauzermale puppy that presented hematuria and dysuria caused by a urinary tract obstruction associated to lithiasis. The puppy eliminated uroliths at the age of three and seven months old. The morphological analysis of this urinary calculus showed that the first consisted of carbapatite (crystallized carbonated apatite) classified as morphological type IVa1 and the second calculus presented a combination of type IVa1 + IIa. Morphological type IIa is formed by Weddellite (dihydrate calcium oxalate). Urine analysis of six samples showed a pH value from 6 to 7,5 with presence of bacteria and triple phosphate crystals in two samples and calcium oxalate crystals in one sample. Antibiotic therapy was applied to treat urinary infection in both lithiasic episodes. Dietary therapy consisted initially in feeding the puppy with balanced food special for dogs with lithiasis from two to seven months old. After the second lithiasic episode, the puppy was fed with boiled chicken and vegetables avoiding the balanced dog food. Since the implementation of the latter nutritional plan, more than a year ago, nor crystals have been detected in urine samples neither clinical signs of urolithiasis were observed in the puppy up to now.

Aurotriquia adquirida em um canino da raça schnauzer / Acquired aurotriquia in a schnauzer dog

Alterações adquiridas na coloração da pelagem de cães são raras. Schnauzers miniaturas podem apresentar desenvolvimento idiopático de coloração dourada do pelame, primariamente do tronco, chamada de aurotriquia. O presente trabalho relata a ocorrência de aurotriquia em um cão da raça schnauzer, de três anos de idade, sendo esse o primeiro relato de caso de aurotriquia em schnauzer no Brasil. Por se tratar de alteração de rara ocorrência, torna-se necessária maior atenção a características raciais e um melhor exame físico e anamnese, mesmo se tratando de alteração considerada meramente de fenótipo, pois existem as alterações de coloração bem piores, ligadas a doenças de prognóstico.

Coat color changes in adult dogs are rare. Miniature schnauzers can development golden hair coat color, primarily in the trunk, called aurotriquia. This paper reports the occurrence of aurotriquia in a schnauzer, three years old, being this the first case report of aurotriquia schnauzer in Brazil. Due to its rare occurrence there is a need for greater attention to racial characteristics and a better physical examination and medical history, Despite, being only a change in the phenotype, there are color changes related to worse disease prognosis.

The determination of dark adaptation time using electroretinography in conscious Miniature Schnauzer dogs

The optimal dark adaptation time of electroretinograms (ERG's) performed on conscious dogs were determined using a commercially available ERG unit with a contact lens electrode and a built-in light source (LED-electrode). The ERG recordings were performed on nine healthy Miniature Schnauzer dogs. The bilateral ERG's at seven different dark adaptation times at an intensity of 2.5 cd.s/m2 was performed. Signal averaging (4 flashes of light stimuli) was adopted to reduce electrophysiologic noise. As the dark adaptation time increased, a significant increase in the mean a-wave amplitudes was observed in comparison to base-line levels up to 10 min (p > 0.05). Thereafter, no significant differences in amplitude occured over the dark adaptation time. Moreover, at this time the mean amplitude was 60.30 +/- 18.47 microV. However, no significant changes were observed for the implicit times of the a-wave. The implicit times and amplitude of the b-wave increased significantly up to 20 min of dark adaptation (p > 0.05). Beyond this time, the mean b-wave amplitudes was 132.92 +/- 17.79 microV. The results of the present study demonstrate that, the optimal dark adaptation time when performing ERG's, should be at least 20 min in conscious Miniature Schnauzer dogs.