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Objective: To determine the frequency of abnormal findings on digital rectal examination (DRE) performed during physical examinations at a tertiary referral veterinary hospital, to establish what abnormal findings are most common and whether they impact diagnostic and treatment plans, and to assess whether patient signalment or admitting service influences the frequency of abnormalities., Animals: Client-owned dogs (n = 440)., Methods: Veterinarians performed DREs on dogs as part of a physical examination. Patient signalment and DRE findings were recorded in a standardized survey. Findings were deemed normal or abnormal and described. Whether the findings changed the diagnostic or treatment plan was also recorded., Results: Abnormalities were detected on DRE in 160 of 440 (36%) dogs. Changes to the diagnostic plan occurred in 41 of 160 (26%) cases when an abnormality was found. Changes to the treatment plan occurred in 20 of 160 (12.5%) cases when an abnormality was found. Age (P = .2), sex (P = .9), and breed (P = 1) did not significantly influence the frequency of abnormal findings. Abnormal findings were significantly more common in dogs presenting to the emergency service than elective services (P = .005)., Clinical Relevance: Among dogs presenting to a tertiary veterinary hospital, abnormalities found on DRE are common and change the diagnostic plan in 1 out of 4 dogs and treatment plan in 1 out of 8 dogs. This study supports the continued practice of DREs in dogs, especially in emergency settings, regardless of signalment.

A restrospective study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of and complications among Jackson-Pratt (JP) drains placed as thoracostomy drains, traditional trocar type (TRO) thoracostomy drains, and guidewire (GW)-inserted thoracostomy drains that were placed in open fashion during thoracotomy. Medical records of 65 canine and feline patients who underwent thoracic surgery were evaluated. Dogs and cats who underwent thoracotomy and had a chest drain placed intraoperatively were included. Data retrieved from medical records included signalment, body weight, diagnosis, surgical approach, surgical procedure, type of thoracostomy drain, postoperative analgesia, duration of thoracostomy drain, and postoperative complications. The incidence of complications and number of medications used in pain protocols were compared among types of thoracostomy drains. JP (n = 31), TRO (n = 25), and GW (n = 9) thoracostomy drains were placed in 65 patients. Ten minor (15.3%) and four major (6.2%) complications occurred. Cases with JP thoracostomy drains were significantly less likely to have complications (2 minor, 1 major) than cases with TRO thoracostomy drains (8 minor, 3 major, P = .009). There were no differences in the number of major complications when comparing all three drains individually ( P = .350). JP drains and GW drains can be considered as an alternative to traditional TRO thoracostomy drains.

Background: There are conflicting reports of plasma lipoprotein lipid content in dogs with diabetes mellitus (DM)., Objectives: To determine lipoprotein lipid content of plasma of dogs with DM by spectrophotometry and ultracentrifugation; to compare lipoprotein lipid content in diabetic and healthy dogs; and to quantify apolipoprotein B-100 (ApoB) in dogs with DM., Animals: 22 dogs with DM and 9 healthy dogs., Methods: Cross-sectional study. Triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations were measured by spectrophotometry. Very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations were calculated after ultracentrifugation. Non-HDL-C cholesterol was calculated by subtracting HDL-C from TC. ApoB was quantified by ELISA. The Mann-Whitney test was used for comparison of median lipoprotein concentrations, and Spearman's correlation was used to assess associations between ApoB and lipoprotein fractions., Results: All values are reported in mg/dL. Median TG (122), TC (343.5), HDL-C, (200), VLDL-C, (27) LDL-C (68), non-HDL-C (114), and ApoB (320) were significantly higher in dogs with DM, compared to healthy dogs (57, 197, 168, 12, 16, 31, and 258, respectively, P-values 0.0079, <0.001, 0.029, 0.011, <0.001, <0.001, 0.025, respectively). A significant association was found between ApoB and LDL-C (Spearman's rho = 0.41, P = 0.022) and between ApoB and non-HDL-C (Spearman's rho = 0.40, P = 0.027)., Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Dyslipidemia of dogs with DM is characterized by pronounced increases in LDL-C and non-HDL-C concentrations, although all lipoprotein fractions are significantly increased. Knowledge of specific lipoprotein fraction alterations in dogs with DM can enhance treatment options for diabetic dyslipidemia in dogs., (Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.)

Background: Prophylactic gastropexy has been promoted as a means of preventing gastric volvulus during gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) syndrome. Little is known about the impact of gastropexy on gastrointestinal transit time., Hypothesis: Laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy (LAG) will not alter gastrointestinal transit times when comparing gastric (GET), small and large bowel (SLBTT), and whole gut transit times (TTT) before and after surgery., Animals: 10 healthy client-owned large-breed dogs., Methods: Prospective clinical trial. Before surgery, all dogs underwent physical examination and diagnostic evaluation to ensure normal health status. Dogs were fed a prescription diet for 6 weeks before determination of gastrointestinal transit with a wireless motility capsule. LAG was then performed, and dogs were fed the diet for 6 additional weeks. Measurement of transit times was repeated 6 weeks after surgery., Results: Ten dogs of various breeds at-risk for GDV were enrolled. No complications were encountered associated with surgery or capsule administration. There were no significant differences in GET 429 [306-1,370] versus 541 [326-1,298] (P = 0.80), SLBTT 1,243 [841-3,070] versus 1,540 [756-2,623] (P = 0.72), or TTT 1,971 [1,205-3,469] versus 1,792 [1,234-3,343] minutes (median, range) (P = 0.65) before and after LAG., Conclusions and Clinical Importance: An effect of LAG on gastrointestinal transit time was not identified, and wireless motility capsule can be safely administered in dogs after LAG., (Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.)

Background: β-hydroxybutyrate (BOHB) concentrations have not been quantified in dogs with acute pancreatitis (AP)., Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate BOHB concentrations in dogs with AP., Animals: A total of 154 client-owned dogs without DM., Methods: Prospective clinical study. Dogs were enrolled into 1 of 3 groups: AP, sick without an AP diagnosis, or fasted. Dogs were diagnosed with AP (44) if they had vomiting or anorexia, and either ultrasonographic findings consistent with AP or increased pancreatic lipase. Sick dogs without AP (68) had vomiting or anorexia but a diagnosis of AP was either not suspected or was excluded based on ultrasonographic findings or a normal pancreatic lipase. Dogs without anorexia or vomiting that were fasted for over 10 hours for a procedure were also enrolled (42). BOHB was measured on whole blood with a portable ketone meter. The Kruskal-Wallis test was performed to compare BOHB in the 3 groups. Pair-wise comparisons were performed using the Mann-Whitney test and Bonferroni corrected P-values are reported., Results: Median BOHB concentration was significantly higher in dogs with AP (0.3 mmol/L, range 0-2.9 mmol/L) compared to sick dogs without AP (0.20 mmol/L, range 0-0.9 mmol/L, P = .007) and fasted dogs (0.1 mmol/L, range 0-0.4 mmol/L, P = .0001). Median BOHB concentration was significantly higher in sick dogs without AP compared to fasted dogs (P = .0002)., Conclusions and Clinical Importance: In dogs without DM, BOHB is significantly higher in dogs with AP compared to other dogs. The diagnostic utility of this finding remains to be investigated., (Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.)

Background: There are no clear treatment guidelines for dogs with clinically well-regulated hyperadrenocorticism in which serum cortisol concentrations before and after an ACTH stimulation test performed 3-6 hours after trilostane administration are < 2.0 μg/dL., Objective: To determine if serum cortisol concentrations measured before (Pre1) and after (Post1) ACTH stimulation at 3-6 hours after trilostane administration are significantly lower than cortisol concentrations measured before (Pre2) and after (Post2) ACTH stimulation 9-12 hours after trilostane administration, in a specific population of dogs with clinically well-regulated hyperadrenocorticism and Pre1 and Post1 <2 μg/dL., Animals: Thirteen client-owned dogs with clinically well-regulated hyperadrenocorticism and Pre1 and Post1 serum cortisol concentrations <2.0 μg/dL 3-6 hours after trilostane administration., Methods: Prospective study. Dogs had a second ACTH stimulation test performed 9-12 hours after trilostane administration, on the same day of the first ACTH stimulation test. Cortisol concentrations before and after ACTH stimulation were compared using a paired t-test., Results: Cortisol concentrations before (1.4 ± 0.3 μg/dL) and after the first stimulation (1.5 ± 0.3 μg/dL, mean ± SD) were significantly lower than cortisol concentration before the second stimulation (3.3 ± 1.6 μg/dL, P = .0012 each). Cortisol concentration before the first stimulation was also significantly lower than cortisol concentration after the second stimulation (5.3 ± 2.4 μg/dL, P = .0001)., Conclusions and Clinical Importance: In dogs with clinically well-regulated, trilostane-treated, hyperadrenocorticism, and cortisol concentrations <2 μg/dL before and after the first stimulation, a second ACTH stimulation test performed 9-12 hours after treatment can result in higher cortisol concentrations that could support continued trilostane treatment., (Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.)

Objectives: To compare clinical signs, clinicopathological abnormalities, imaging findings and outcome of dogs with linear and non-linear foreign bodies in the gastrointestinal tract., Methods: Retrospective review of case records of dogs with a confirmed diagnosis of gastrointestinal foreign body. Signalment, history, clinical signs, clinicopathological data, diagnostic imaging studies, surgical and endoscopic procedures, hospital stay, costs and outcome were compared between groups., Results: A total of 176 dogs had linear and 323 had non-linear foreign bodies. Dogs with a linear foreign body were more likely to have a history of vomiting, anorexia, lethargy and pain on abdominal palpation. They were also more likely to have the foreign body anchored in the stomach and continuing into the small intestine, experience intestinal necrosis, perforation and peritonitis, and require intestinal resection and anastamosis. The duration of hospitalisation was longer for dogs with linear foreign body (3 versus 2 days), and the cost of treatment was 10% higher. However, in both groups, 96% of dogs survived to hospital discharge., Clinical Significance: Dogs with a linear foreign body had more severe clinical signs and gastrointestinal pathology, and an increased duration of hospitalisation and cost of care. However, overall survival rates were not different in dogs with linear and non-linear foreign bodies., (© 2014 British Small Animal Veterinary Association.)

Objective: To identify the severity of neurological deficits, presence of signs of cervical pain, and the site of intervertebral disc space extrusion in 21 dogs diagnosed via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a hydrated nucleus pulposus extrusion (HNPE) and compare those findings to dogs with other compressive cervical myelopathies., Methods: Medical records and MRI findings were reviewed in dogs that were presented to two veterinary hospitals between 2006 and 2012 and subsequently diagnosed by MRI to have a HNPE (n = 21) or other compressive cervical myelopathies originating from the intervertebral disc (n = 174). Information obtained included signalment, severity of neurological deficits, presence of signs of neck pain, and site of HNPE. The severity of clinical neurological spinal cord dysfunction was determined for each dog in both groups using the Frankel scoring system (0-4). The MRI were reviewed for confirmation of diagnosis and site of HNPE. An ANOVA was used to compare age between groups and a Mann-Whitney test for pairwise comparisons of the Frankel score between groups. Values of p <0.05 were considered statistically significant., Results: Significantly more severe Frankel scores and less severe signs of cervical pain detected on palpation were observed in dogs with a HNPE as compared to dogs with other compressive myelopathies. The sites of HNPE were C3-C4 (8/21), C4-C5 (12/21), and C5-C6 (1/21)., Clinical Significance: Dogs affected with HNPE have more severe clinical neurological deficits and less severe signs of cervical pain as compared to dogs with other compressive cervical myelopathies.

Canine hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is a highly malignant tumor for which standard chemotherapy has done little to substantially improve survival. Cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) plays a role in the formation, growth, and metastasis of tumors and inhibitors have demonstrated therapeutic benefit with certain canine cancers. In this prospective study, 21 dogs received adjuvant therapy combining the selective Cox-2 inhibitor deracoxib with doxorubicin, following splenectomy for HSA. The combination was well-tolerated with only low-grade gastrointestinal and hematologic toxicities noted. An overall median survival of 150 days (range; 21 to 1506 days) was noted. Although there was no significant difference in survival based upon stage of disease, dogs with stage III HSA (n = 11) had a median survival of 149 days, which appears to be longer than previously reported. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the potential benefit of Cox-2 inhibitors in the treatment of canine HSA.

In human beings, diabetes mellitus (DM) and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) are recognized as proinflammatory states and dysregulation of cytokines has been linked to some potentially fatal complications. Cytokine profiles of dogs with DM or DKA have not been reported. The objectives of this study were to compare cytokine and hormone concentrations in dogs with DKA before and after resolution of ketoacidosis, to compare these concentrations before treatment of DKA to those measured in dogs with uncomplicated DM and healthy dogs, and to compare concentrations in dogs with uncomplicated DM to those measured in healthy dogs. 27 dogs were included in this prospective clinical study. 18 dogs had naturally-occurring disease (9 DKA and 9 DM) and 9 dogs were healthy. Serum GMCSF, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-7, CXCL8, IL-10, IL-15, IL-18, IFNγ, IP-10, TNFα, Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1), Keratinocyte Chemoattractant (KC), glucagon, leptin, adiponectin, and resistin were assayed using Milliplex MAP Canine kits.(2)(,)(3) IL-18, resistin, and GMCSF concentrations were significantly higher in dogs with DKA before treatment compared to after resolution of ketoacidosis. CXCL8, MCP-1, KC, and resistin were significantly higher in DKA dogs compared to healthy controls, and KC was also significantly higher in DKA compared to DM dogs. Additionally, CXCL8 and MCP-1 were significantly higher in dogs with DM compared to healthy controls. Significant differences were not detected in concentrations of the other measured analytes, including glucagon. It is concluded that IL-18, resistin, GMCSF, and KC may be involved in the pathogenesis of canine DKA, and their importance in this pathogenesis may be as great as that of glucagon. Dysregulation of CXCL8 and MCP-1 may be involved in the pathogenesis of DM in dogs., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Abnormal sodium to potassium (Na:K) ratios can raise suspicion for hypoadrenocorticism (HA). Although dogs with HA usually have normal leukograms, their white blood cell counts may be useful in screening for HA., Objectives: To examine the utility of combining the Na:K ratio with white blood cell counts to screen for HA in hospitalized dogs requiring fluid treatment administered i.v.., Animals: Fifty-three dogs with confirmed HA and 110 sick dogs confirmed not to have HA., Methods: Retrospective, case-control study. Dogs were included if they were hospitalized and administered fluids i.v., had a complete blood count and measurement of serum Na and K concentrations. HA was diagnosed using an ACTH stimulation test, or ruled out by measurement of basal serum cortisol concentration., Results: The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the lymphocyte count was not significantly different from the ROC curve of the Na:K ratio (P = .55). The ROC curve for the model combining the Na:K ratio and lymphocyte count was superior for identifying dogs with HA compared to the Na:K ratio (P = .02) or lymphocyte count (P = .005) alone. At the 100% sensitivity cutoff, lymphocyte count was more specific for detection of HA than Na:K (P < .001)., Conclusions and Clinical Importance: A combination of the Na:K ratio and lymphocyte count provides a better screening test for HA compared to the Na:K ratio or lymphocyte count alone. At 100% sensitivity, the lymphocyte count is a more specific test for HA than the Na:K., (Copyright © 2011 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.)

Hypovolemia and hypoperfusion are common life-threatening problems in animals presented to the emergency veterinarian. Assessment of physical findings and rapid recognition and treatment of abnormal tissue perfusion are crucial in optimizing outcome. The clinician should be familiar with the disease being treated and the types of fluids that are available. Development of a fluid therapy plan to correct life-threatening abnormalities and patient monitoring during treatment play an important role in patient outcome.

Objectives: To determine the ability to obtain diagnostic cytology samples from appendicular bone lesions using ultrasound-guided needle aspirations. Secondary objectives were to compare cytological evaluations with histopathological results and to determine the utility of staining malignant mesenchymal cells for the presence of alkaline phosphatase., Methods: Aspirations from 36 aggressive appendicular bone lesions with histological diagnoses were included in the study. Ultrasound was used to guide the needle to the medullary cavity or the adjacent soft tissue mass. The smears stained with Wright-Giemsa and nitroblue tetrazolium chloride/5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indoyl phosphate toluidine salt (NBT/BCIP) were examined., Results: A diagnostic sample was obtained in 32 of the 36 cases. Of the 32 diagnostic samples, cytology indicated sarcoma, with a sensitivity of 97 per cent (confidence interval: 83 to 100 per cent) and a specificity of 100 per cent (confidence interval: 16 to 100 per cent). When a diagnosis of sarcoma was made on cytology, alkaline phosphatase staining indicated osteosarcoma, with a sensitivity of 100 per cent (confidence interval: 87 to 100 per cent)., Clinical Significance: The results of this study indicate that ultrasound-guided needle aspiration of aggressive bone lesions is a viable technique for identifying malignant mesenchymal cells and for diagnosing sarcomas. It is cost-effective and minimally invasive. Furthermore, identifying alkaline-phosphatase-negative malignant mesenchymal cells from a bone aspiration may rule out osteosarcoma, whereas alkaline-phosphatase-positive malignant mesenchymal cells are suggestive of osteosarcoma.

Background: Epitheliotropic lymphoma (ELSA) is an uncommon cutaneous canine malignancy of T lymphocytes. A consensus regarding the therapeutic standard of care is lacking, warranting evaluation of chemotherapeutic agents traditionally employed against canine nodal lymphoma in the treatment of ELSA., Hypothesis: The purpose of this retrospective, multi-institutional study was to evaluate the efficacy of 1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-l-nitrosourea (CCNU) in the treatment of ELSA., Animals: Forty-six dogs with adequate follow-up and treatment response information., Methods: All cases were diagnosed histopathologically. Immunohistochemisty (CD3, CD79a) was performed on 42/46 samples., Results: Presenting skin lesions included generalized scales (25/46), plaques or nodules (22/46), mucocutaneous lesions (14/ 46), and corneal involvement (1/46). Lymph node involvement and Sézary syndrome were documented in 7 and 2 dogs, respectively. The median number of CCNU treatments was 4 (range, 1-11), with a median starting dose of 60 mg/m(2) (range, 30-95). Of the 46 dogs, 15 achieved complete remission, 23 achieved partial remission, 5 had stable disease, and 3 had progressive disease, for an overall response rate of 83%. The median number of treatments to achieve a response was 1 (range, 1-6). The overall median duration of response was 94 days (range, 22-282). Sixteen dose reductions were required because of neutropenia (10/46), thrombocytopenia (1/46), anemia (1/46), increased liver enzyme activity (3/46), or unspecified reasons (1/46)., Conclusions and Clinical Implications: Given the high response rate and well tolerated protocol, prospective studies are warranted to investigate the utility of CCNU alone or in multi-agent protocols for the treatment of ELSA.

Aims: To examine the clinical signs, laboratory and radiographic findings, surgical technique, ureterolith composition, and post-operative outcomes in dogs managed surgically for ureterolithiasis to determine whether surgical removal of ureteroliths in dogs resulted in a positive clinical outcome., Methods: The medical record database of a university veterinary hospital in Pennsylvania, USA, was searched for dogs that underwent surgery to remove obstructive ureteral calculi between 1990 and 2003. Records were reviewed for signalment, clinical history and examination findings, radiographic and laboratory test results, surgical technique, and ureterolith analysis. Follow-up information was obtained from telephone interviews with owners or referring veterinarians, or by reviewing the medical record of subsequent hospital visits., Results: Sixteen dogs were included in this study; ten were neutered females, two intact females and four castrated males. Abdominal radiography revealed ureteral calculi in 14/16 dogs, renal calculi in 8/16, cystic calculi in 8/16, urethral calculi in 1/16, renomegaly in 6/16 and renal mineralisation in 5/16. Ureterolith type included struvite in six dogs, calcium oxalate in five, calcium phosphate in one, and a mix of struvite, calcium phosphate and calcium oxalate in another. Compared to dogs with non-struvite ureteroliths, those with struvite ureteroliths had a higher pre-operative white blood cell (WBC) count (25.6, SD 7 vs 17.6, SD 6 x 103 cells/mul; p=0.046), and were more likely to have a purulent discharge from the ureteral incision noted at the time of surgery (p=0.015). Following discharge, 14/16 dogs were re-evaluated. Median survival time was 904 days (range 2-1,876). Two dogs required additional surgery on the urinary tract. Four dogs died or were euthanised because of azotaemia and clinical signs related to the urinary system or non-specific signs of illness (vomiting, lethargy) at 8, 90, 333 and 904 days post-operatively., Conclusions: Surgical management of ureteroliths was successful and resulted in good long-term survival in the majority of dogs examined in this small study population. Similar proportions of calcium oxalate and struvite ureteroliths were identified., Clinical Relevance: The use of the ureteral surgery may increase as the frequency of diagnosis of ureteroliths in dogs increases.

Objective: To compare results of surgical versus nonsurgical treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax in dogs., Design: Retrospective study., Animals: 64 dogs with pneumothorax without any history of antecedent trauma., Procedure: Information on signalment, thoracic radiographic findings, treatment, histologic findings, and outcome was obtained from the medical records. Signalment of affected dogs was compared with signalment of a control population of 260 dogs examined by the emergency service for reasons other than pneumothorax during the study period., Results: Siberian Huskies were overrepresented in the case population, compared with the control population of dogs examined by the emergency service for other reasons. Twenty-eight dogs were treated without surgery (ie, thoracocentesis or tube thoracostomy with or without cage rest), and 36 were treated with surgery. Information regarding final outcome was available for 33 dogs treated with surgery (median follow-up time, 485 days) and 15 dogs treated without surgery (median follow-up time, 366 days). Dogs that underwent surgery had significantly lower recurrence (1/30) and mortality (4/33) rates, compared with dogs treated without surgery (6/12 and 8/15, respectively). A definitive diagnosis was obtained for 38 dogs, including 34 of 36 dogs undergoing surgery; 26 had bullous emphysema and 4 had neoplasia. Two dogs developed spontaneous pneumothorax secondary to migration of plant foreign bodies., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Results suggest that recurrence and mortality rates for dogs with spontaneous pneumothorax managed surgically were significantly lower than rates for dogs managed by nonsurgical means alone. Early surgical intervention is recommended for definitive diagnosis and treatment of dogs with spontaneous pneumothorax.

Objective: To determine whether hyperglycemia is associated with head trauma in dogs and cats and whether the degree of hyperglycemia corresponds to severity of neurologic injury or outcome., Design: Retrospective study., Animals: 52 dogs and 70 cats with head trauma and 122 age- and species-matched control dogs and cats., Procedure: Severity of head trauma was classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Blood glucose concentrations recorded within 1 hour after admission were compared between case and control animals and among groups when case animals were grouped on the basis of severity of head trauma or outcome., Results: Blood glucose concentration was significantly associated with severity of head trauma in dogs and cats and was significantly higher in dogs and cats with head trauma than in the control animals. However, blood glucose concentration was not associated with outcome., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Results suggest that dogs and cats with head trauma may have hyperglycemia and that degree of hyperglycemia was associated with severity of head trauma. However, degree of hyperglycemia was not associated with outcome for dogs and cats with head trauma. Because hyperglycemia can potentiate neurologic injury, iatrogenic hyperglycemia should be avoided in patients with head trauma.

Objective: To compare clinical characteristics and laboratory findings of dogs with eclampsia with those of dogs without eclampsia., Design: Retrospective study., Animals: 31 dogs with eclampsia (affected) and 31 with dystocia (controls)., Procedure: Information on signalment, type of diet, reproductive history, litter size, time from whelping to eclampsia, body weight, clinical signs, results of physical examination and hematologic and biochemical analyses, response to calcium supplementation, and recurrence was obtained from the medical records of all dogs with eclampsia evaluated between 1995 and 1998 and compared with information from medical records of 31 of 102 dogs with dystocia evaluated during the same period., Results: Dogs with eclampsia weighed less, had a smaller body weight-to-litter size ratio, higher rectal temperature and heart and respiratory rates, and lower plasma total solids concentration than control dogs. Ionized calcium concentration was < or = 0.8 mmol/L for all but 1 of the affected dogs; median concentration for the affected dogs was significantly less than that for control dogs. Six (19%) dogs did not manifest typical clinical signs associated with eclampsia. Twelve (39%) dogs with eclampsia had previous litters; none had a history of eclampsia. Affected dogs were discharged from the hospital within hours after admission, but 3 dogs returned 1 to 3 weeks later because of recurrence of eclampsia., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Eclampsia develops primarily in small-breed dogs with large litters. Plasma ionized calcium concentrations > 0.8 mmol/L in dogs with clinical signs typical of hypocalcemia may indicate that other causes of clinical signs should be considered. In addition, some dogs with eclampsia may have low ionized calcium concentrations and not manifest typical clinical signs.

Objective: To evaluate clinical findings, prognostic variables, and clinical course of dogs exposed to smoke., Design: Retrospective study., Animals: 27 dogs exposed to smoke in residential fires., Procedure: Medical records were reviewed for 1988-1997. Time of year, signalment, interval from fire to arrival at veterinary hospital, duration of smoke exposure, clinical signs at the fire scene, physical examination findings, changes in respiratory tract signs, radiographic findings, hematologic and arterial blood gas analyses, initial treatment, clinical course, and outcome were recorded., Results: 27 dogs (16 uncomplicated and 11 complicated cases) were identified. In the complicated group, 4 dogs died, 4 were euthanatized, and 3 had a complicated clinical course. Stupor or coma (8 of 17 dogs), coughing or gagging (6), and respiratory difficulty (6) were commonly observed at the fire scene. Substantial improvement was evident within 5 to 30 minutes after dogs were given supplemental oxygen at the fire scene. More severely affected dogs had a higher median PCV (58%) than less severely affected dogs (50%). Most common thoracic radiographic findings were an alveolar (10 dogs) or an interstitial (3) pattern., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Dogs exposed to smoke can develop respiratory or neurologic complications. Monitoring progression of respiratory problems on the day after the fire may provide clinicians with clues about the severity of each dog's condition.

A 3-year-old mixed-breed dog was evaluated for lethargy, weakness, anorexia, and vomiting. The dog was dehydrated, hyponatremic, hypochloremic, and hypoglycemic. Results of an ACTH stimulation test indicated hypoadrenocorticism. Treatment to restore cardiovascular stability and serum electrolyte balance caused serum sodium concentration to increase by 32 mEq/L within 48 hours, and the dog developed severe neurologic signs that persisted for approximately 3 weeks. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed cerebrocortical lesions on day 6 and more severe lesions, including diffuse atrophy of the cerebral hemispheres, at 23 weeks after initial evaluation; however, the dog recovered complete neurologic function. Serum sodium concentration should be monitored during treatment for hypoadrenal crisis to avoid rapid increases that can cause CNS damage.

Objective: To determine relationships between plasma lactate concentration and gastric necrosis and between plasma lactate concentration and outcome for dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus., Design: Retrospective study., Animals: 102 dogs., Procedure: Information on signalment, history, plasma lactate concentration, medical and surgical treatment, cost of hospitalization, and outcome was retrieved from medical records., Results: 69 of 70 (99%) dogs with plasma lactate concentration < 6.0 mmol/L survived, compared with 18 of 31 (58%) dogs with plasma lactate concentration > 6.0 mmol/L (1 dog euthanatized for economic reasons was not included). Gastric necrosis was identified in 38 (37%) dogs. Median plasma lactate concentration in dogs with gastric necrosis (6.6 mmol/L) was significantly higher than concentration in dogs without gastric necrosis (3.3 mmol/L). Specificity and sensitivity of using plasma lactate concentration (with a cutoff of 6.0 mmol/L) to predict which dogs had gastric necrosis were 88 and 61%, respectively. Sixty-two of 63 (98%) dogs without gastric necrosis survived, compared with 25 of 38 (66%) dogs with gastric necrosis., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Preoperative plasma lactate concentration was a good predictor of gastric necrosis and outcome for dogs with GDV. Preoperative measurement of plasma lactate concentration may assist in determining prognosis of dogs with GDV.

Objective: To determine the incidence of acute and subacute myocardial infarction on postmortem examination, identify associated diseases, and evaluate clinical or diagnostic indicators of myocardial infarction in dogs and cats., Design: Retrospective study., Animals: 32 dogs and 5 cats., Procedure: Records from the necropsy service from December 1985 through August 1994 were searched for dogs and cats in which acute or subacute myocardial infarction was diagnosed on postmortem examination. Clinical records were reviewed for signalment, initial owner complaint, medical history, results of physical examination, electrocardiography, radiography, echocardiography, CBC, serum chemistry analysis, urinalysis, and coagulation profile as well as clinical course, outcome, necropsy findings, and results of histologic evaluation., Results: Initial owner complaints and physical examination findings were consistent with associated diseases. Electrocardiographic abnormalities in dogs included ventricular tachycardia (16%), atrial fibrillation (9%), and premature ventricular contractions (6.5%). Premature ventricular contractions were noticed in 2 cats. Echocardiography revealed dilated, poorly contractile hearts (n = 3) and thickened mitral valves (2) in dogs, and ventricular hypertrophy (3) in cats. Ninety-seven percent of dogs had infarction of the left ventricle as well as other other portions of the heart. Infarctions in cats were found in all parts of the myocardium including the right ventricle (n = 3), left ventricle (3), and interventricular septum (1)., Clinical Implications: Myocardial infarction is rare in dogs and cats. It is associated with a number of common diseases and may contribute to morbidity and mortality in those dogs and cats that are critically ill.

Objective: To characterize the frequency, medical history, clinical signs, methods of treatment, and outcome of insulin-induced hypoglycemia and to identify predisposing factors., Design: Retrospective study., Animals: 8 dogs and 20 cats with diabetes mellitus that developed hypoglycemia because of insulin overdose., Procedure: Medical records of dogs and cats receiving insulin for treatment of diabetes mellitus were reviewed. Medical records of dogs and cats that had an episode of hypoglycemia were reviewed in detail., Results: Overdosing of insulin was more common in cats than in dogs. Median weight of diabetic cats that became hypoglycemic was significantly greater than that of the hospital population of diabetic cats at diagnosis. Eighty percent of cats that became hypoglycemic were receiving insulin doses > 6 U/injection, administered once or twice daily. Dose and type of insulin did not correlate with duration or severity of hypoglycemia. In 7 of 8 dogs and 10 of 20 cats, management factors or concurrent medical problems were considered to be predisposing causes for insulin overdose. Two dogs and 2 cats did not have clinical signs of hypoglycemia, despite documented low concentrations of glucose in their blood., Clinical Implications: Diabetic cats, especially if obese, are at greater risk of insulin overdose than are diabetic dogs. The reason for overdose may not be evident. Diabetic dogs and cats may become hypoglycemic without developing autonomic warning signs of hypoglycemia, or these signs may not be recognized (hypoglycemia unawareness).

A prospective, nonrandomized study was performed to evaluate the role of endotoxin and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in dogs with parvoviral enteritis. Seventeen dogs with naturally occurring parvoviral enteritis were enrolled in the study. Plasma samples were obtained for quantification of endotoxin and TNF on presentation and at 3 and 6 hours after therapy with either fluids prior to antibiotics, or fluids concurrently with antibiotics. All dogs received standard supportive therapy. Fourteen of 17 dogs had endotoxin in their plasma during the study period; 7 of 17 dogs had measurable TNF. No endotoxin or TNF was detectable in plasma from normal puppies. An increase in TNF activity was predictive of mortality (P = .041). There was a trend for increasing endotoxin activity to predict mortality (P = .0769). Animals that received antibiotics with fluids were significantly older than those that received fluids prior to antibiotics, and there was a trend for animals that received antibiotics with fluids to have a decrease in endotoxin activity after treatment (P = .054). Endotoxin and activation of the cytokine cascade are integral to the pathophysiology of parvoviral enteritis. Measures to limit endotoxemia and the systemic inflammatory response may improve survival.

Objective: To determine the typical history of and physical and clinicopathologic findings in dogs with heat-induced illness, and to correlate these findings with outcome., Design: Retrospective study., Animals: 42 dogs with heat-induced illness., Procedure: Dogs were included in the study if other medical problems had not been previously diagnosed and if clinical signs of illness developed after exposure to a warm environment. Information obtained from each record included time of year heat-induced illness developed, signalment, history, clinical signs, physical examination findings, results of clinicopathologic tests, treatment, clinical course, outcome, and necropsy results., Results: Overall, 27 dogs survived and 15 died or were euthanatized. Time of year was recorded for 40 dogs. Thirty-one of the 40 were examined before July. Hypothermia and coma at the time of initial examination were associated with a poor outcome. Serum cholesterol, albumin, and total protein concentrations were significantly lower, serum total bilirubin and creatinine concentrations were significantly higher, and ventricular arrhythmias were detected significantly more frequently in dogs that did not survive than in dogs that did.

Two hundred ninety-five case records were included in an analysis of dogs treated by a standardized protocol for gastric dilatation/volvulus syndrome between 1986 and 1992. A breed predisposition was demonstrated for Great Danes, German Shepherd Dogs, large mixed-breed dogs, and Standard Poodles. One hundred and ninety-three dogs had gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) confirmed at surgery, 66 had simple gastric dilatation (GD), and 36 others had gastric dilatation but volvulus could not be proved or disproved (GD +/- V). Among dogs with GDV, the fatality rate was 15% (29/193). Twenty-six (13.5%) dogs with GDV underwent partial gastrectomy, and 8 (31%) died or were subsequently euthanatized. In comparing the group of dogs with GDV that survived to those that died, there were no statistical differences in the age of dog, time between onset of clinical signs and admission, time from admission to surgery, or duration of anesthesia. Cardiac arrhythmias were detected in 40% (78/193) of the dogs with GDV. There also was no statistical correlation between development of a cardiac arrhythmia and outcome in dogs with GDV. The causes of death in dogs with GDV were multiple and varied; presumed gastric necrosis was a common reason for intraoperative euthanasia (11 dogs). Among dogs with GD or GD +/- V, the fatality rate was 0.9% (1/102).

Medical records of 23 dogs and 3 cats treated for noncardiogenic pulmonary edema (NPE) resulting from airway obstruction (n = 8), cranial trauma (7), electric shock (7), or seizures (4) between 1987 and 1993 were reviewed. There were 18 purebred dogs, 5 mixed-breed dogs, 2 domestic shorthair cats, and 1 Siamese. Sixteen animals were male, and 10 were female. All but 7 were less than 1 year old. Time between the inciting incident and onset of respiratory tract signs ranged from minutes to several hours. Respiratory distress was the primary clinical sign for all animals with NPE resulting from airway obstruction, cranial trauma, or seizures, and for 2 of the 7 animals with NPE resulting from electric shock. The only consistent clinicopathologic abnormality was hyperglycemia, which was detected in 12 animals. Arterial blood gas partial pressures were measured in 11 animals; 10 were hypoxemic. On thoracic radiographs, the predominant pattern of pulmonary infiltration was alveolar. Symmetry of involvement, which was assessed by examining dorsoventral or ventrodorsal radiographic projections, could be determined for 23 animals. In 18, involvement was asymmetric, and in 13 of those 18, the right side was predominantly involved. On lateral radiographic projections, the caudodorsal quadrant of the lung field was involved primarily or as part of a diffuse distribution in all but 1 animal. Generally, animals with NPE resulting from airway obstruction had the greatest degree of radiographic involvement, followed in decreasing order, by animals with NPE resulting from cranial trauma, animals with NPE resulting from seizures, and animals with NPE resulting from electric shock. Overall, 9 animals died.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)