Successful management of pulmonary edema secondary to accidental electrocution in a young dog.

BACKGROUND: Human records describe pulmonary edema as a life-threatening complication of electric shock. Successful management requires prompt recognition and intensive care. However, in companion animals, electrocutions are rarely reported, even though domestic environments are full of electrical devices and there is always the possibility of accidental injury. Therefore, it is important for veterinarians to know more about this condition in order to achieve successful patient outcomes. CASE PRESENTATION: A 3-month-old male Labrador Retriever was presented with a history of transient loss of consciousness after chewing on a household electrical cord. On admission, the puppy showed an orthopneic position with moderate respiratory distress. Supplemental oxygen via nasal catheter was provided, but the patient showed marked worsening of respiratory status. Point-of-care ultrasound exams suggested neurogenic pulmonary edema due to electrical shock close to the central nervous system and increased B-lines without evidence of cardiac abnormalities. Mechanical ventilation of the patient was initiated using volume-controlled mode with a tidal volume of 9 to 15 ml/kg until reaching an end-tidal carbon dioxide ≤ 40 mm Hg, followed by a stepwise lung-recruitment maneuver in pressure-controlled mode with increases of the peak inspiratory pressure (15 to 20 cm H2O) and positive end-expiratory pressure (3 to 10 cm H2O) for 30 min, and return to volume-controlled mode with a tidal volume of 15 ml/kg until reaching a peripheral oxygen saturation ≥ 96%. Weaning from the ventilator was achieved in six hours, and the patient was discharged two days after admission without neurological or respiratory deficits. CONCLUSIONS: We present a rather unusual case of a neurogenic pulmonary edema subsequent to accidental electrocution in a dog. Timely diagnosis by ultrasound and mechanical ventilation settings are described. Our case highlights that pulmonary edema should be considered a potentially life-threatening complication of electrical shock in small animal emergency and critical care medicine.

Surgical management of urethral obstruction secondary to perineal liposarcoma in a dog: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Swelling of the perineal region in male dogs is most commonly caused by a perineal hernia. Clinical signs associated with perineal hernia are constipation, tenesmus or stranguria. This case report documents a rare cause of perineal swelling created by the growth of a malignant tumour leading to urethral obstruction and subsequent stranguria. CASE PRESENTATION: An 11-year-old neutered male German Shepherd was presented for swelling in the perineal region and stranguria for three days. Complete blood count and serum biochemistry were unremarkable. Ultrasound revealed a heterogeneous mass in the perineal region. Retrograde urethrography showed a severe narrowing of the urethra caudal to the pelvis. A fine-needle aspirate of the mass was highly suspicious for liposarcoma. Staging was performed by computed tomography (CT) of the thorax and abdomen. Total penile amputation in combination with pubic-ischial pelvic osteotomy, transposition of the remaining urethra through the inguinal canal, V-Y-plasty cranial to the prepuce and preputial urethrostomy were performed to remove the tumour. Histopathology confirmed a well-differentiated liposarcoma with complete histological margins. Six months after the surgery the dog was doing well and there were no signs indicating local tumour recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Wide surgical excision is generally recommended for soft tissue sarcomas, however this is sometimes not feasible for large tumours. In the case reported here, tumour resection was achieved by a combination of several surgical techniques with a good clinical outcome.

The mobility of the brachycephalic canine nostril in relation to the degree of nostril stenosis.

Previous studies have shown that the most reliable external conformational risk factor of whether a brachycephalic dog will develop Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) is the status of nostril stenosis, assessed as a static observation using the brachycephalic nostril grading scheme. The nostrils however are a dynamic structure, opening further when the dog is exercising, sniffing or panting. The hypothesis of this study was that brachycephalic dogs with open or mildly stenotic nostrils are more likely to have nostril mobility whilst dogs with moderately or severely stenotic nostrils are more likely to have immobile nostrils. A retrospective study of dogs presented for BOAS assessment at two UK referral centres between 2012 and 2020 was performed. Data extracted included nares stenosis status and nares mobility. A mesocephalic pilot control group was recruited from a third referral centre. Statistical analysis was performed with χ2, Cochran-Armitage, spearman's rho and linear-by-linear tests as appropriate. Of the 974 brachycephalic dogs included in the study: 124 had open nostrils (68.5% mobile); 212 mildly stenotic nostrils (58.5% mobile); 379 moderately stenotic nostrils (35% mobile) and 259 severely stenotic nostrils (19.3% mobile). The nostril stenotic status was significantly associated with nostril wing mobility (χ2 =135.55; P<0.0001). When considering open and mildly stenotic (considered acceptable) nostrils versus moderate and severely stenotic nostrils, mobility was 62% versus 25.5% (χ2= 135.88; P = <0.0001). All 27 mesocephalic dogs had nostril mobility. Brachycephalic dogs with moderate and severely stenotic nares have reduced nasal mobility compared to brachycephalic dogs with mildly stenotic and open nares. Data is further evidence that dogs with moderately and severely stenotic nares should not be bred.

Suspected renal interstitial cell tumor causing polycythemia in two dogs.

Here we report a case series of two dogs diagnosed as renal interstitial cell tumor (RICT) accompanied by elevated serum erythropoietin level and marked polycythemia. RICT is a rare tumor in dogs, originating from renal interstitial cells. While several renal tumors such as renal lymphoma, adenocarcinoma, carcinoma, sarcoma, fibrosarcoma and nephroblastoma may cause polycythemia, polycythemia caused by RICT has never been reported in dogs. The tumors in both dogs were solitary and lied within cortex or cortico-medullary junction. Histopathology revealed spindle-shaped cells suggesting mesenchymal origin, with no mitotic figures suggesting that the tumors in both dogs were benign. Following surgical removal of the affected kidney, serum erythropoietin level and polycythemia normalized in both dogs.

Evaluation of risk factors for sleep-disordered breathing in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Brachycephalic dogs display sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). The risk factors for SDB remain unknown. OBJECTIVES: To identify risk factors for SDB. We hypothesized that brachycephaly, increasing severity of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), excess weight, and aging predispose to SDB. ANIMALS: Sixty-three privately owned pet dogs were prospectively recruited: 28 brachycephalic and 35 normocephalic (mesaticephalic or dolicocephalic) dogs. METHODS: Prospective observational cross-sectional study with convenience sampling. Recording with the neckband was done over 1 night at each dog's home. The primary outcome measure was the obstructive respiratory event index (OREI). Body condition score (BCS) was assessed, and BOAS severity was graded for brachycephalic dogs. RESULTS: Brachycephaly was a significant risk factor for high OREI value (ratio of the geometric means 5.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.2-9.9; P < .001) but aging was not (1.1, 95% CI 1.0-1.2; P = .2). Excess weight, defined as a BCS of over 5/9, (3.5, 95% CI 1.8-6.7; P < .001) was a significant risk factor. In brachycephalic dogs, BOAS-positive class (moderate or severe BOAS signs) was a significant risk factor (2.5, 95% CI 1.1-5.6; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Brachycephaly decreases welfare in a multitude of ways, including disrupting sleep. Brachycephaly, increasing severity of BOAS and excess weight are risk factors for obstructive SDB.

Factors related to longevity and mortality of dogs in Italy.

Besides its translational value, an improved understanding of dog longevity and mortality is necessary to guide health management decisions, breed selection, and improve dog welfare. In order to analyse the lifespan of dogs in Italy, identify the most common causes of death, and evaluate possible risk factors, anonymised medical records were collected from 9 veterinary teaching hospitals and 2 public health institutions. Data regarding breed, sex, neuter status, age, diagnosis, and mechanism of death were retrieved. Cause of death (COD) was classified by pathophysiologic process (PP) and organ system (OS). Of the 4957 dogs that died between 2004 and 2020 included in the study, 2920 (59.0%) were purebred, 2293 (46.2%) were female, 3005 (60.6%) were intact, 2883 (58.2%) were euthanised. Overall median longevity was 10.0 years. Median longevity was significantly longer for crossbreds, females, neutered dogs, and small-sized breeds. The breeds with the highest median age at death were the Yorkshire terrier, English cocker spaniel, West Highland white terrier, Italian volpino, and Shih Tzu, whilst the American bulldog, English bulldog, American pit bull terrier, Bernese mountain dog and the Maremma and the Abruzzes sheepdog had the lowest median age at death. The most frequent COD by PP was neoplasia (34.0%), which occurred more frequently in large breeds, namely German shepherd, Labrador retriever and Boxer. Degenerative diseases mostly affected small-sized dogs like Miniature pinscher and Dachshund. Regarding the OS involved, diseases of the renal/urinary system were most frequently responsible for COD (15.0%), prevalently degenerative and inflammatory/infectious. Substantial variation in median longevity according to causes of death by PP and OS was observed. These data are relevant for breeders, veterinary practitioners, and owners, to assist breed selection, facilitate early diagnosis, guide choice when purchasing a purebred dog and making health management decisions, and ultimately improve dog welfare.

Small intestinal obstruction secondary to kinetic sand ingestion in a dog.

Objective: To describe a case of small intestinal obstruction secondary to kinetic sand ingestion in a dog. Animal: An 11-year-old neutered male shih tzu dog with a 2-day history of anorexia. Procedure: Abdominal radiographs revealed a small intestinal bowel loop dilated with radiopaque material, consistent with sand ingestion. The dog's only sand exposure was to kinetic sand. After 8 h of medical management, radiographs were consistent with a small intestinal obstruction. Results: The dog underwent exploratory laparotomy, which revealed distal jejunal and ileal distention with palpable soft foreign material that could not be milked into the colon. The sand was removed through a single enterotomy. The dog was discharged 4 d after surgery. Conclusion and clinical relevance: The hydrophobic properties of kinetic sand may make it more likely than regular sand to cause intestinal obstruction that requires surgery. With the increasing popularity and availability of kinetic sand for domestic use, clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for kinetic sand impaction and secondary intestinal obstruction.

Obstruction du petit intestin à la suite de l'ingestion de sable à modeler (Kinetic Sand) chez un chien. Objectif: Description d'un cas d'obstruction du petit intestin secondaire à l'ingestion de sable à modeler chez un chien. Animal: Chien shih tsu mâle castré âgé de 11 ans avec une historique d'anorexie depuis 2 jours. Procédure: Des radiographies abdominales ont révélé une anse du petit intestin dilatée avec du matériel radio-opaque, compatible avec une ingestion de sable. Une exposition à du sable à modeler était la seule exposition connue pour ce chien. Après 8 h de gestion médicale, les radiographies étaient compatibles avec une obstruction du petit intestin. Résultats: Une laparotomie exploratoire a révélé une distension du jéjunum distal et de l'iléon avec du matériel étranger mou palpable qui ne pouvait être transité dans le côlon. Le sable a été retiré à la suite d'une entérotomie simple. Le chien a obtenu sont congé médical 4 j après la chirurgie. Conclusion et signification clinique: Les propriétés hydrophobes du sable à modeler le rendent plus propice que le sable régulier à causer une obstruction intestinale et de nécessiter une chirurgie. Avec la popularité et disponibilité grandissante du sable à modeler pour usage domestique, les cliniciens devraient avoir un degré élevé de suspicion pour l'impaction par le sable à modeler et l'obstruction intestinale secondaire.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Surgical treatment and outcome of haematomyelia with a traumatic cause in a dog and a cat.

Two surgically treated haematomyelia cases were documented. One dog and one cat were presented for acute progressive paraplegia following a fall from height incident. Neurological examinations suggested a L4-S3 myelopathy in both cases. Radiography and magnetic resonance imaging in both cases revealed no fracture or subluxation of the spine, but well-defined intramedullary mass lesions in lower lumbar regions compatible with haemorrhage and haematoma formation. Exploratory surgeries were performed over the lesions. Dark-red friable masses were removed via myelotomy. Histopathological examinations revealed organizing haematomas at the acute to subacute stage. Postoperatively, both cases improved and regained ambulation. The dog walked normally but remained urinary and faecal incontinent 9 months after the surgery. The cat was continent and ambulatory with a paraparetic gait 5 months after the surgery. In both cases, the outcomes and the patients' quality of life were considered satisfactory by the owners.

Assessment of MMP-9 and clinical characteristics in dogs with tracheal collapse based on cough severity and fluoroscopic findings: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Tracheal collapse (TC), a common disease in dogs, is characterized by cough; however, little is known about the serum biomarkers that can objectively evaluate the severity of cough in canine TC. Furthermore, studies elucidating the relationship of fluoroscopic characteristics with the severity of cough are lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the relationship between cough severity and clinical characteristics, fluoroscopic images, and new serum biomarkers in canine TC. RESULTS: Fifty-one client-owned dogs diagnosed with TC based on fluoroscopic and clinical signs were enrolled in this study and divided into three groups according to the severity of cough (grade of cough: 0, 1, and 2). Signalments, comorbidities, and fluoroscopic characteristics were compared among the groups retrospectively. The serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), interleukin-6 (IL-6), surfactant protein-A (SP-A), and syndecan-1 (SDC-1) levels were measured in all groups. No significant differences in age, breed, sex, or clinical history were observed among the groups. Concomitant pharyngeal collapse increased significantly with the severity of cough (p = .031). Based on the fluoroscopic characteristics, the TC grade of the carinal region increased significantly and consistently with the grade of cough (p = .03). The serum MMP-9 level was significantly higher in the grade 2 group than that in the grade 0 group (p = .014). The serum IL-6 level was significantly lower in the grade 1 group than that in the grade 0 group (p = .020). The serum SP-A and SDC-1 levels did not differ significantly among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The severity of cough with the progression of TC can be predicted with the fluoroscopic TC grade at the carinal region. MMP-9 may be used as an objective serum biomarker that represents cough severity to understand the pathogenesis.

Retrospective Evaluation of Melphalan, Vincristine, and Cytarabine Chemotherapy for the Treatment of Relapsed Canine Lymphoma.

Dogs diagnosed with multicentric lymphoma often relapse following induction therapy within the first year of treatment. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the tolerability of a novel drug combination using melphalan, vincristine, and cytarabine (MOC) for the treatment of relapsed lymphoma. On day 1, dogs were treated with vincristine (0.5-0.6 mg/m2 IV) and cytarabine (300 mg/m2 IV over 4-6 hr or subcutaneously over 2 days). On day 7, dogs were treated with melphalan (20 mg/m2per os). This 2 wk protocol was repeated for at least three cycles or until treatment failure. Twenty-six dogs were treated with MOC and met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-three dogs had toxicity data, and all experienced adverse events with the majority graded as mild. The overall response rate was 38%, which included 19% of dogs who achieved a complete response. The median progression-free survival was 29 days (range 1-280 days). The overall clinical benefit was 65% for a median of 37 days (range 33-280 days). MOC is a safe treatment option for relapsed lymphoma in dogs.

Unexpected diagnosis of canine lymphoma when performing an ultrasound-guided cystocentesis on a 3-year-old Rottweiler dog.

A 3-year-old spayed female Rottweiler dog was brought to a veterinary clinic because of weakness, lethargy, and hair coat changes. Hematology and clinical chemistry assessments revealed anemia, hypoalbuminemia, hyperglobulinemia, and hypothyroid. After persistent pyuria, an ultrasound-guided cystocentesis was completed, which revealed a large abdominal mass. A presumptive diagnosis of canine lymphoma with renal spread was made. Due to a poor prognosis, the dog was euthanized.

Diagnostic inattendu de lymphome canin lors de la réalisation d'une cystocentèse échoguidée sur un chien Rottweiler de 3 ans. Une chienne Rottweiler stérilisée de 3 ans a été amenée dans une clinique vétérinaire en raison de faiblesse, de léthargie et de changements de pelage. Les évaluations hématologiques et chimiques cliniques ont révélé une anémie, une hypoalbuminémie, une hyperglobulinémie et une hypothyroïdie. Après une pyurie persistante, une cystocentèse échoguidée a été réalisée, révélant une masse abdominale volumineuse. Un diagnostic présomptif de lymphome canin à propagation rénale a été posé. En raison d'un mauvais pronostic, le chien a été euthanasié.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Placement of an artificial urethral sphincter for treatment of passive urinary incontinence after inadvertent prostatectomy and balloon dilation treatment for stricture formation in a 5-month-old dog.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the management of incontinence with several therapies, culminating with the apparently successful treatment utilizing artificial sphincter placement following an inadvertent prostatectomy. ANIMAL: 5-month-old 7.5-kg male neutered Miniature Schnauzer. CLINICAL PRESENTATION, PROGRESSION, AND PROCEDURES: The patient was referred for dysuria and persistent stranguria following an iatrogenic total prostatectomy and urethrectomy. An extra pelvic urethral anastomosis was performed, followed by hospitalization for 2 weeks with a urinary catheter. The patient was further investigated for persistent stranguria, and a contrast urethrogram revealed a urethral stricture at the anastomosis site, which was treated with fluoroscopic balloon dilation. The stranguria resolved, but an acute nocturnal grade 3 passive urinary incontinence occurred, which was nonresponsive to medical management of phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride and estriol. An artificial urethral sphincter was placed, leading to continence after 5 top-ups to a total volume of 0.9 mL. The patient remained continent for 5.5 weeks before abrupt incontinence recurred, which was resolved by another 0.1-mL top-up. No further signs of incontinence occurred in the 11 months following. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: The placement of an artificial urethral sphincter successfully managed urinary incontinence in this patient. Continence was achieved with no significant complications other than a transient loss of continence. Long-term follow-up 14 months after sphincter placement revealed that the patient had remained continent since the final sphincter top-up. The owner reported a significant improvement in the patient's quality of life following successful incontinence management. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This case highlighted the benefits of placing an artificial urethral sphincter in managing urinary incontinence after select cases of prostatectomy in dogs that are unresponsive to medical management.

Clinical features of early recurrence of type I thoracolumbar intervertebral disk herniation in Miniature Dachshunds.

Some reports have been published on clinical features in dogs with early recurrence of type I thoracolumbar intervertebral disk herniation (TL-IVDH), but there is little understanding of the changes involved. This retrospective study describes the clinical features, including radiographic image results at the time of recurrence, of dogs with type I TL-IVDH that had undergone hemilaminectomy but then suffered early recurrence. Our medical records were searched between June 2007 and December 2022. Nine dogs showed deterioration in neurological signs within 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. All nine were Miniature Dachshunds. Radiographic images at initial onset showed calcification at the affected intervertebral disk space in all 9 dogs. Disk herniations at the initial onset were located between T11-12 and L1-2. After the first surgery, neurological function improved in all dogs. Recurrence occurred at the same site as at initial onset in all dogs. No calcification was observed at the affected intervertebral disk space on images at the time of recurrence. The extruded disk materials were surgically removed, and neurological function improved after the second surgery. In conclusion, calcification at the affected disk space at the time of initial onset is indicative of residual nucleus materials not yet fully extruded, and is a risk factor for early recurrence of type I TL-IVDH.

Canine primary liver tumors treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy: A case series.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is an increasingly used alternative treatment option for nonresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in people. Comparatively, the publication of SBRT of dogs with HCC is limited. The objective of this retrospective, descriptive case series was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and toxicity data of SBRT in dogs with HCC and imaging-documented primary liver tumors using volumetric-modulated arc therapy delivery at two private institutions. Medical records of 14 dogs treated between 2018 and 2023 were reviewed. All dogs had macroscopic tumors, and 9 of 14 dogs had HCC diagnoses confirmed on cytology or histopathology. The median longest tumor diameter was 5.5 cm. The median percentage of planning target volume relative to liver volume was 27.1%. Most dogs were treated with three daily fractions of 7-7.5 Gy. All dogs completed their radiotherapy protocols. Three of nine HCC dogs experienced partial responses and clinical improvement. Five of nine HCC dogs had stable disease. Overall median survival time was 164 days for nine HCC dogs (range: 93-706 days). One late grade 5 liver and two late grade 3 kidney side effects were reported. One dog received repeated SBRT to the same HCC treatment field, and one dog had two courses of SBRT to bifocal HCC treatment fields, both with no more than grade 2 acute and chronic toxicities.

A pilot study investigating plasma pharmacokinetics and tolerance of oral capecitabine in carcinoma-bearing dogs.

BACKGROUND: Capecitabine is an oral prodrug of the active metabolite 5-fluorouracil, which has been used effectively in human colorectal, head and neck, and mammary carcinomas. Capecitabine has several properties that make it an attractive treatment option for dogs: (i) it is relatively inexpensive, (ii) it has a short half-life in humans, allowing for rapid plasma concentration changes to be achieved with dosage adjustments, (iii) it is effective for treating carcinomas in humans, for which there are no widely-effective oral chemotherapy options in dogs, and (iv) it is thought to preferentially target cancer cells due to different expression of thymidine phosphorylase, thereby decreasing the risk of off-target side effects. However, capecitabine has not been widely explored as a chemotherapy agent for dogs. The goal of this study was to determine the plasma disposition of capecitabine in dogs following a single oral dose and to document any adverse events associated with capecitabine administration over the course of 5 weeks. RESULTS: Capecitabine was well tolerated throughout the 5-week study period when administered to 5 dogs with naturally occurring carcinomas at 750 mg/m[Formula: see text] by mouth once daily for 14 consecutive days in a 3-week cycle. No dogs withdrew from the study due to adverse events or other causes. The median AUC[Formula: see text] was 890 h[Formula: see text]ng/ml (range 750-1100 h[Formula: see text]ng/ml); however, the maximum blood concentration and time to reach that concentration of capecitabine was highly variable after a single dose. CONCLUSIONS: Capecitabine appears well-tolerated as an oral chemotherapy agent for dogs with carcinomas, although individualized dosing may be necessary, and further studies are warranted.

Outcomes of 35 dogs with craniomaxillofacial osteosarcoma treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy.

Canine craniomaxillofacial osteosarcoma (OSA) is most commonly treated surgically; however, in cases where surgery is not feasible or non-invasive treatment is desired, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) may be elected for local tumour control. In this study, we evaluated 35 dogs treated with SBRT. Nine dogs (26%) had calvarial, seven (20%) had mandibular and 19 (54%) had maxillary OSA. Median time to first event (TFE) was 171 days, and overall median survival time (MST) was 232 days. Site-specific MSTs were 144 days for mandible, 236 days for calvarium and 232 days for maxilla (p = .49). Pulmonary metastatic disease was observed in 12/35 (34%) patients and was detected pre-SBRT in six dogs (17%) and post-SBRT in the remaining six dogs (17%). Eighteen adverse events post-SBRT were documented. Per veterinary radiation therapy oncology group criteria, five were acute (14%) and three were late (9%) grade 3 events. Neurological signs in two dogs were suspected to be early-delayed effects. Cause of death was local progression for 22/35 (63%) patients, metastasis for 9/35 (26%) patients and unknown for four. On univariate analysis, administration of chemotherapy was associated with a longer TFE (p = .0163), whereas volume of gross tumour volume was associated with a shorter TFE (p = .023). Administration of chemotherapy and five fractions versus single fraction of SBRT was associated with increased survival time (p = .0021 and .049). Based on these findings, a treatment protocol incorporating chemotherapy and five fractions of SBRT could be considered for dogs with craniomaxillofacial OSA electing SBRT with careful consideration of normal tissues in the field.

Association between cigarette smoke exposure and urinary bladder cancer in Scottish terriers in a cohort study.

Canine urothelial carcinoma (UC) initially responds favorably to treatment, but is ultimately lethal in most cases. Research to identify modifiable risk factors to prevent the cancer is essential. The high breed-associated risk for UC, e.g. 20-fold higher in Scottish terriers, can facilitate this research. The objective was to identify environmental and host factors associated with UC in a cohort of Scottish terriers. Information was obtained through dog owner questionnaires for 120 Scottish terriers ≥ 6 years old participating in a bladder cancer screening study, with comparisons made between dogs that did or did not develop UC during the 3 years of screening. Univariable models were constructed, and variables with P < 0.20 were included when building the multivariable model, and then removed using a backward stepwise procedure. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Urine cotinine concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to further investigate potential cigarette smoke exposure. Biopsy-confirmed UC which was found in 32 of 120 dogs, was significantly associated with the dogs living in a household with cigarette smokers (odds ratio [OR], 6.34; 95 % confidence intervals [CI], 1.16-34.69; P = 0.033), living within a mile of a marsh or wetland (OR, 21.23; 95 % CI, 3.64-123.69; P = 0.001), and history of previous bladder infections (OR, 3.87; 95 % CI, 1.0-14.98; P = 0.050). UC was diagnosed in 18 of 51 dogs (35.3 %) with quantifiable cotinine concentrations, and six of 40 dogs (15.0 %) without quantifiable cotinine concentrations in their urine (P = 0.0165). In conclusion, the main modifiable risk factor for UC in this cohort of dogs was exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke.

Influence of antiseptic lavage during tibial plateau leveling osteotomies on surgical site infection in 1422 dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of preclosure antiseptic versus saline lavage on surgical site infections (SSI) in dogs following tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO). STUDY DESIGN: A multicenter retrospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Dogs treated with TPLO (n = 1422) between December 2019 and October 2021. METHODS: The medical records of dogs treated with TPLO were reviewed for preclosure antiseptic lavage or saline irrigation. Additional collected data included signalment, unilateral or bilateral TPLO, postoperative administration of antimicrobial medications, antibiotic agent, surgeon, and development of SSI within 90 postoperative days. Eleven factors were analyzed for association with SSI using univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Data were collected from the records of 519 dogs treated with antiseptic lavage and 903 dogs treated with saline lavage during TPLO. Surgical site infections were diagnosed more frequently in dogs that received preclosure antiseptic lavage (77/519, 14.84%) than those with saline irrigation (80/903, 8.86%) (p = .001). Single session bilateral TPLO increased the odds of SSI by 2.5x (p = .004). The odds of SSI increased by 11% (p = .001) for every 5 kg increase in bodyweight. Postoperative administration of antimicrobials decreased the risk of SSI (p = .008). CONCLUSION: The preclosure antiseptic lavage tested here did not decrease the incidence of SSI after TPLO. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The results of this study do not provide evidence to support preclosure antiseptic lavage during TPLOs.

Suspected primary bone marrow T-cell lymphoid neoplasia causing paraneoplastic hypercalcemia in 11 dogs (2014-2021).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical findings and outcome in hypercalcemic dogs that were diagnosed with T-cell lymphoid neoplasia by bone marrow evaluation. ANIMALS: 11 client-owned dogs, identified retrospectively through 2 diagnostic laboratories between 2014 and 2021. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: Cases presented with hypercalcemia and lacked overt evidence of lymphoid neoplasia in the blood or nonmedullary tissues. T-cell lymphoid neoplasia was diagnosed once the bone marrow was investigated, using a variable combination of cytology, histology, and flow cytometry. RESULTS: The median age at presentation was 5.7 years (range, 4.0 to 8.6 years). All cases were large-breed dogs, and 4 of 11 cases were Golden Retrievers. Dogs presented most commonly for polyuria and polydipsia (72%). Eight cases had neutropenia, and 10 of 11 dogs had reported thrombocytopenia. In all cases, flow cytometry identified an expansion of neoplastic small- to intermediate-sized T cells in the bone marrow that expressed low-class-II major histocompatibility complex. Neoplastic T cells in 10 of 11 cases expressed CD4. Treatments ranged from prednisone alone to multiagent chemotherapy. The median overall survival time was 260 days (range, 25 to 792 days). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: T-cell lymphoid neoplasia diagnosed via bone marrow evaluation that may represent a unique bone marrow T-cell neoplastic entity should be considered in hypercalcemic dogs with isolated cytopenias that lack peripheral lymphocytosis, lymphadenopathy, and organomegaly. Clinical outcome in these cases was variable, which may be related to nonstandardized treatments, but a subset of patients had prolonged survival.