Association of a P2RX7 gene missense variant with brachycephalic dog breeds.

Missense variants are associated with various phenotypic traits and disorders in dogs. The canine P2RX7 gene, coding the ATP-gated P2X7 receptor ion channel, contains four known missense variants. The current study aimed to examine the presence of these variants in a random sample of pedigree and mixed-pedigree dogs. Exons 3, 8, 11 and 13 of the P2RX7 gene, encoding these four respective variants, in 65 dogs were assessed by Sanger sequencing and combined with existing sequencing data from another 69 dogs. The distribution of these variants was then evaluated in all 134 dogs combined and separately within individual breeds including 35 different pure breeds. The rs23314713 (p.Phe103Leu) and rs23315462 (p.Pro452Ser) variants were present in 47 and 40% of all dogs studied respectively, with the rs23314713 variant associated with brachycephalic breeds. Among pedigree dogs, the rs23314713 and rs23315462 variants were associated with brachycephalic and non-brachycephalic breeds respectively. The rs851148233 (p.Arg270Cys) and rs850760787 (p.Arg365Gln) variants were present only in dogs of Cocker Spaniel and Labrador Retriever pedigrees respectively. No other missense variants were found in exons 3, 8, 11 and 13 of the P2RX7 gene within the dogs. In conclusion, the rs23314713 and rs23315462 missense variants of the P2RX7 gene are present in a large proportion of dogs, with the rs23314713 variant associated with a number of brachycephalic breeds. However, the association of this variant with dogs of bulldog ancestry, not brachycephaly per se, cannot be excluded.

Successful use of topical mitomycin C for the treatment of a putative neoplastic vascular mass on the nictitating membrane of a dog.

A nine-year-old female desexed Great Dane presented with a painful, proliferative, soft red putative neoplastic vascular mass on the nictitating membrane. Three 7-day cycles of the topical cytotoxic drug mitomycin C 0.04%, applied four times daily to the lesion using a low-dose alternate-week pulse therapy, brought about rapid remission of the lesion. The lesion was still in remission at time of euthanasia some 13 months later.

Evaluation of the thyroid status of Basenji dogs in Australia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the thyroid status of Basenji dogs in Australia. METHODS: Jugular or cephalic venipuncture blood samples were taken from 113 Basenji, comprising 47 males, 5 castrates, 48 entire and 13 spayed bitches, and sent on ice in plain and EDTA tubes to a single laboratory to determine haematocrit and serum concentrations of total thyroid hormone (thyroxine, TT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and cholesterol. In a subgroup of 8 dogs with abnormal elevated TSH concentrations and subnormal TT4 concentrations, 5 were further examined by dynamic endocrine testing using recombinant human (rh) TSH (54 microg). RESULTS: Ages ranged from 1 to 14 years and weight range was 6.5 to 14.0 kg. TT4 concentrations (nmol/L) ranged from 2 to 27, with a median of 13 and a mean +/- SD of 13.0 +/- 5.7. Importantly, 85/113 (75%) of TT4 values were lower than the normal laboratory reference range (17-37). TSH concentrations (ng/mL) ranged from 0.05 to 5.37, with a median of 0.16 and a mean +/- SD of 0.3 +/- 0.6. CONCLUSIONS: Basenji have a similar reference range for serum TSH, but a considerably lower reference range for TT4 (2-27 nmol/L) than most breeds and crossbreds, resembling the sight hounds in this respect. Given the difficulty of accurately measuring TT4 concentrations that are so low, concomitant serial TSH determinations are essential to properly asses thyroid function. Taken alone, TT4 determinations are only of use when the value is within the reference range, in which case a diagnosis of hypothyroidism is likely excluded.

A vesicular (blistering) skin condition in a dog following putative contact exposure to Plumbago auriculata.

CASE REPORT: A 2-year-old male Airedale Terrier was presented with an acute and painful, predominantly ventral, vesicular skin eruption following putative dermal contact with Plumbago auriculata (Sky Flower, Leadwort). Prompt dermal decontamination and supportive therapy brought about a rapid recovery in the patient. CONCLUSION: Contact with botanical triggers is an important consideration for causes of acute vesicular skin conditions in dogs.

Cutaneous syndrome possibly caused by heartworm infestation in a dog.

A 9-year old German Shepherd bitch was presented with a recent onset of seborrhoea oleosa, hyperpigmentation, erythema, pruritus and alopecia along the neck, thorax, ventrum and the dorsal area of the carpus. The skin changes were believed to be caused by Dirofilaria immitis infection. A combination of topical and parenteral anti-heartworm therapy led to the resolution of the lesions.