Gingival hyperplasia associated with the administration of amlodipine to dogs with degenerative valvular disease (2004-2008).

BACKGROUND: Calcium channel blocking drugs, usually nifedipine and less often amlodipine, have been reported to cause gingival hyperplasia (GH) in humans. HYPOTHESIS: Amlodipine, a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocking drug, can cause GH when administered chronically to older small dogs with degenerative valvular disease. ANIMALS STUDIED: From January 2004 to May 2008, 82 client-owned dogs with degenerative valvular disease and left atrial dilatation were treated with amlodipine in combination with spironolactone and enalapril and followed for >6 months. METHODS: Retrospective study. A chronological observation of GH in 2 dogs treated with amlodipine in 2004 and 2006 prompted the study. Patient histories and medical records of each dog treated with amlodipine for degenerative valvular disease from January 2004 to May 2008 were reviewed. RESULTS: GH was observed by clients and the authors in 7 of 82 (8.5%) dogs. Histologic confirmation of the diagnosis was made in 2 dogs. The minimum duration of treatment before diagnosis of GH was 5 months. GH began to resolve within 2 weeks of discontinuing amlodipine and resolution was complete within 6 months. Amlodipine administration was reinstituted in 1 dog in which GH had resolved, and GH reoccurred within 4 months. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Long-term administration of amlodipine to dogs with degenerative valvular disease may cause GH in a small percentage of patients. GH resolves quickly after withdrawal of amlodipine treatment.

Radiographic and ultrasonographic findings of liver lobe torsion in a dog.

A twelve-year-old neutered male beagle presented for a cranial abdominal mass. The results of physical examination, laboratory tests, radiography, and ultrasonography are presented. A torsion of the quadrate lobe of the liver was diagnosed at surgery and confirmed by histopathology. A brief discussion of liver lobe torsion is presented.

Ancillary diagnostic techniques for the lame patient.

The cause of lameness is usually identified through evaluation of signalment, history, and physical examination. Radiographic evaluation provides a definitive diagnosis in many cases; however, laboratory evaluation may prove useful in the characterization of certain conditions or in the prognostication of the condition. In some instances where the definitive diagnosis remains elusive, arthroscopic examination is a minimally invasive diagnostic tool that may be more affordable and available than computed tomography. This article reviews laboratory evaluation of the lame patient and arthroscopic evaluation of joint abnormalities.

Tracheal collapse in a young boxer.

A four-month-old, female boxer developed severe inspiratory dyspnea three days after elective ear crop surgery. Radiographs confirmed the diagnosis of collapse of the distal cervical trachea. The puppy was treated with oxygen, aminophylline, and ampicillin, but required emergency tracheostomy to stent the collapsed region. Clinical signs resolved following application of five polypropylene total-ring prostheses, and the puppy continued to do well despite significant growth to maturity.

Endoscopic examination of the choanae in dogs and cats: 118 cases (1988-1998).

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether endoscopic examination of the choanae resulted in diagnosis of various diseases in dogs and cats with signs of respiratory tract disease. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 91 dogs and 27 cats that had endoscopic examination of the choanae. PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed for endoscopy findings and results of examination of biopsy or cytologic specimens. RESULTS: 34 animals had neoplasia in the choanal region; in 26 animals, diagnosis was confirmed by evaluation of specimens obtained by endoscopy. Five dogs with neoplasia had an erroneous diagnosis of rhinitis made on the basis of evaluation of specimens obtained by endoscopy. Six dogs and 2 cats had foreign objects in the choanae; 7 foreign objects were removed endoscopically, whereas 1 required nasal flushing. Results of endoscopy and biopsy of the choanae provided diagnosis of cryptococcosis and aspergillosis, but did not aid in the diagnosis of pythiosis or nasal mites. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Endoscopic examination of the choanae may assist in rapid diagnosis of nasal neoplasms, foreign objects, and certain infectious organisms.