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Background: Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) is used to evaluate vascularity of the gastrointestinal wall in neoplastic and inflammatory diseases. Objective: To assess the feasibility of CEUS for the evaluation of duodenal perfusion in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Animals: Forty-two dogs with IBD and 20 clinically healthy dogs. Methods: All CEUS studies of the duodenum were analyzed to obtain time-intensity curves and perfusion parameters. The procedure was repeated in 12 IBD dogs 2months after a standardized treatment. Results: On CEUS, the duodenal wall showed a typical perfusion pattern characterized by a radial and simultaneous enhancement of the wall in all dogs. On qualitative assessment, no differences were observed in contrast medium distribution between healthy and affected dogs, or between dogs with IBD before and after treatment. Peak intensity (PI) and area under the curve (AUC) significantly differed between healthy (PI=3.58 arbitrary units [au; 1.86-4.93 au] and AUC=47.63 au seconds [aus, 22.68-62.15]) and affected dogs (PI=5.10au [0.63-15.16 au] and AUC=63.62 aus [5.31-212.20 aus]; P=.03 and.03, respectively). No significant differences were found for the perfusion parameters before and after treatment. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: We showed that CEUS allows discrimination between IBD affected dogs and healthy dogs by evaluation of time-intensity curves, but did not provide useful information for monitoring therapeutic response. The qualitative assessment identified no significant differences between healthy and affected dogs, or between dogs before and after treatment.

Pulmonary capillariasis is a parasitic disease caused by the nematode Eucoleus aerophilus which affects wild and domestic carnivores. Currently, there are no anthelmintics approved for use in the treatment of dogs infected with E. aerophilus. The use of several anthelmintics has been reported in a few case reports and field efficacy studies in cats; much less is known on the treatment of dogs infected with E. aerophilus. The paper describes a case of a 4-month-old, mixed breed intact male referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) of the Department of Veterinary Medical Science of the University of Bologna for a routine vaccination and tested positive for E. aerophilus. The dog has not been responding to three different administered treatments, such as moxidectin, fenbendazole, and milbemycin oxime. Eighteen months after the first fecal examination, owner has brought in the dog for a routine visit; a coprological examination was requested and performed resulting negative for parasites. Veterinary practitioners, parasitologists, diagnostic laboratories, and dog owners need to be aware of the increased danger of possible treatment failure when attempting to control parasitic infections for which there are no approved anthelmintics with established efficacies available for use.

1,2-O-dilauryl-rac-glycero glutaric acid-(6′-methylresorufin) ester (DGGR) lipase activity has been proposed as a faster and less expensive test used in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis (AP) compared to canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI), which is considered the most sensitive and specific serum test available for dogs. Elevations in lipase activity have been observed in dogs with naturally occurring hypercortisolism (HC) and in those treated with exogenous steroids, which complicates the diagnosis of AP in dogs with HC. We compared lipase activity measured by DGGR and 1,2-diglyceride (1,2-DiG) assays in 22 dogs with HC, 22 with AP, and 22 healthy dogs. The dogs with HC had no clinical signs or ultrasonographic findings consistent with AP. DGGR lipase activity was elevated in 64% and 73% of the dogs with HC and AP, respectively, and in 18% of healthy dogs. 1,2-DiG lipase activity was high in 23% and 36% of the dogs with HC and AP, respectively, and in 5% of the healthy dogs. Both DGGR and 1,2-DiG lipase activities were significantly different between the healthy dogs and the other 2 groups, whereas no differences were detected between the dogs with HC and those with AP. Our results support a lack of specificity for both DGGR and 1,2-DiG lipase activity assays in aiding the diagnosis of AP in dogs with HC.

OBJECTIVE To prospectively evaluate the clinical and prognostic importance of duodenal endoscopic and histologic findings, including duodenal mucosal counts of forkhead box P3-positive regulatory T cells (Foxp3+ Tregs), in dogs with immunosuppressant-responsive enteropathy (IRE). ANIMALS 57 client-owned dogs with IRE. PROCEDURES The canine chronic enteropathy clinical activity index (CCECAI) was used to assess each dog when IRE was diagnosed (T0) and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months later. Dogs were grouped on the basis of clinical response (responder group vs nonresponder group) and 12-month long-term outcome (responded to treatment and did not relapse [good outcome group] vs did not respond to treatment or had relapsed [bad outcome group]). At T0, dogs underwent gastrointestinal endoscopy and endoscopic biopsy, with results for variables of duodenal endoscopic and histologic evaluations scored and compared across groups. RESULTS At T0, the overall median CCECAI score was 7; CCECAI score was not associated with clinical response or relapse. Dogs had significantly greater odds of being in the bad outcome group (vs the good outcome group) if they had a histologic score of 3 (OR, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.09 to 11.3). No differences in the counts of Foxp3+ Tregs were detected between groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In dogs with IRE, results indicated that evaluation of Foxp3+ Tregs did not have prognostic value, whereas a duodenal histologic score of 3 could be a negative prognostic factor for response and relapse, and higher severity scores for intraepithelial lymphocytes and lamina propria lymphocytes and plasma cells in duodenal biopsy samples may be negatively associated with response.

Simple Summary Antimicrobial resistance is a threat that poses a great risk to public health. It has been predicted that, by 2050, there will have been 10 million deaths worldwide due to drug-resistant infections. There is a crucial need in Veterinary Medicine to reduce the use of antimicrobials to slow down the process and incidence of antimicrobial resistance as a One Health concern. The aim of this study was to evaluate the appearance of bacteremia following endoscopic procedures in dogs brought to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) of the Department of Veterinary Medical Science of the University of Bologna. The results obtained from hemocultures before and after the endoscopic procedures demonstrated a low incidence of bacteremia after endoscopy. This could be seen as an attempt to reduce the use of antimicrobials to avoid the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Abstract Endoscopic procedures are widely used in veterinary medicine, and their role in producing transient bacteremia is debatable. The growing issue of antibiotic resistance requires the correct use of antibiotics, avoiding their administration when not strictly necessary. Studies highlighting post-endoscopy bacteremia in veterinary medicine are extremely rare and often involve very few animals. This study describes the results from 74 owned dogs, brought to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the Department of Veterinary Medical Science of the University of Bologna, for the purpose of undergoing an endoscopic procedure. Two blood samples were taken from each dog, one before and one after the procedure, in order to assess the incidence of bacteremia linked to endoscopic procedures. Eight dogs were tested positive at the second blood culture with an Incidence Risk (IR) of 10.8%. No statistical differences were found by comparing positive and negative blood cultures with respect to sex, age, weight and anesthesia duration. In addition, no difference was found between airway and digestive tract procedures. The present findings showed that the probability of developing bacteremia after an endoscopic procedure was quite low, and additional studies confirming this are certainly recommended as well as the evaluation of categories of patients potentially considered at risk.

Background: Homocysteine (HCY) was evaluated in healthy and chronic enteropathic dogs, however no studies on dogs with immunosuppressant-responsive enteropathy are available. Objectives: The aim was to evaluate serum HCY concentrations and its prognostic role in dogs with immunosuppressant-responsive enteropathy compared to healthy dogs. Methods: Serum HCY concentration was statistically compared between 24 healthy dogs and 29 dogs with immunosuppressant-responsive enteropathy. Correlation analyses between serum total protein, albumin (ALB), C-reactive protein (CRP), folate and cobalamin, and serum HCY concentration were performed in immunosuppressant-responsive enteropathic dogs. Results: The associations between serum HCY concentration and clinical, histological, endoscopic scores and follow-up were evaluated. Mean serum HCY concentration was higher in immunosuppressant-responsive enteropathic dogs compared to control dogs (30.22 ± 8.67 μmol/L vs. 5.26 ± 2.78 μmol/L; p < 0.0001). No association between serum HCY concentration and total protein, ALB, CRP, folate concentration as well as, clinical score, histological and endoscopic scores was found. A negative correlation between serum HCY concentration and cobalamin was noted (p = 0.0025, r = −0.54). No significant difference in HCY was found between responsive and non-responsive dogs or between survivors and non-survivors. Conclusions: Although, serum HCY concentration was higher in immunosuppressant-responsive enteropathy, its prognostic value remains unclear. However, further prospective, large-scale studies are warranted to better investigate the possible prognostic role of HCY in immunosuppressant-responsive enteropathic dogs.

Background Dietary interventions are thought to modify gut microbial communities in healthy individuals. In dogs with chronic enteropathies, resolution of dysbiosis, along with remission of clinical signs, is expected with treatment. Hypothesis/objective To evaluate changes in the fecal microbiota in dogs with food-responsive chronic enteropathy (FRE) and in healthy control (HC) dogs before and after an elimination dietary trial with an animal protein-free diet (APFD). Animals Dogs with FRE (n = 10) and HC (n = 14). Methods Dogs were fed the APFD for 60 days. Fecal microbiota was analyzed by Illumina 16S rRNA sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results A significantly lower bacterial alpha-diversity was observed in dogs with FRE compared with HC dogs at baseline, and compared with FRE dogs after the trial. Distinct microbial communities were observed in dogs with FRE at baseline compared with HC dogs at baseline and compared with dogs with FRE after the trial. Microbial communities still were different in FRE dogs after the trial compared with HC dogs at baseline. In HC dogs, the fecal microbiota did not show a significant modification after administration of the APFD. Conclusion and clinical importance Our results suggest that, in FRE dogs, treatment with the APFD led to a partial recovery of the fecal microbiota by significantly increasing microbiota richness, which was significantly closer to a healthy microbiota after the treatment. In contrast, no changes were detected in the fecal microbiota of HC dogs fed the same APFD.

Background Brachycephalic dogs have abnormal breathing patterns similar to those in humans with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is associated with dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance. Despite the fact that anatomic and functional alterations are well described in brachycephalic dogs, little is known about the consequences of upper airway obstruction on systemic inflammatory response and metabolic profile. Objectives To describe history, clinical presentation, and anatomic abnormalities; to evaluate systemic inflammatory response and metabolic profile; and to identify possible associations among clinical signs, anatomic abnormalities, inflammatory response, and metabolic profile in brachycephalic dogs with airway obstruction. Animals Thirty purebred brachycephalic dogs with brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome (BAOS). Methods Prospective study. The following information was recorded and studied: respiratory and digestive signs, airway and digestive endoscopic anomalies, presence or absence of tracheal hypoplasia, histologic evaluation of gastrointestinal tract biopsy specimens, serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), fructosamine, insulin, glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, and plasma concentrations of lipoprotein classes. Results A high proportion of dogs (76.7%) had gastrointestinal signs. Esophageal deviation, atony of the cardia of the stomach, and distal esophagitis were the most common endoscopic anomalies detected. Twenty-six (86.6%) dogs had different degrees of laryngeal collapse. Gastrointestinal histologic evaluation identified mostly chronic inflammation. Glucose, fructosamine, triglycerides, cholesterol, CRP, pre-beta, beta lipoproteins, and chylomicrons were increased to a variable extent. Significant associations among clinical signs, anatomic abnormalities, CRP, and metabolic profile were not found. Conclusion and clinical importance Despite the presence of inflammation and some mild metabolic derangements, the clinicopathological variables evaluated did not offer valuable information in dogs with BAOS.

A 6-year-old, large-breed, female dog was evaluated for gastric dilatation (GD). The dog was affected by GD volvulus, which had been surgically treated with gastric derotation and right incisional gastropexy. Recurrence of GD appeared 36 hours after surgery. The dilatation was immediately treated with an orogastric probe but still recurred 4 times. Therefore, a left-side gastropexy by percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) was performed to prevent intermittent GD. After PEG tube placement, the patient recovered rapidly without side effects. Several techniques of gastropexy have been described as a prophylactic method for gastric dilatation volvulus, but to the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of left-sided PEG gastropexy performed in a case of canine GD recurrence after an incisional right gastropexy.

Background A novel flash glucose monitoring system (FGMS) (FreeStyle Libre, Abbott, UK) was recently developed for humans. It continuously measures the interstitial glucose (IG) concentrations for 14 days. Objectives To assess the clinical and analytical accuracy of the FGMS in diabetic dogs. Animals Ten client-owned diabetic dogs on insulin treatment. Methods Prospective and observational study. The FGMS was placed on the neck for up to 14 days. During the 1st–2nd, 6–7th, and 13–14th days from application, the IG measurements were compared with the plasma (EDTA) glucose (PG) concentrations analyzed by a reference hexokinase based method. Results The application and the use of the FGMS were apparently painless, easy, and well tolerated by all dogs. Mild erythema at the site of the application was found in 5/10 dogs at the end of the wearing period. A good correlation between IG and PG concentrations (rho = 0.94; P < .001) was found. The FGMS was 93, 99, and 99% accurate at low, normal, and high blood glucose concentrations. Mean ± standard deviation difference from the reference method was 2.3 ± 46.8 mg/dL. Conclusion and clinical importance The FGMS is easy to use and is accurate for IG glucose measurement in diabetic dogs.

Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in dogs, but prognostic factors are still largely unknown. The aim of this retrospective, single-centre, case series study was to determine overall survival time and identify the prognostic value of several clinical and clinicopathological variables in dogs with newly diagnosed DM. Methods Cases of DM were identified within the electronic medical records of one referral centre. Sixty-eight dogs with DM were included. Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyse variables associated with survival. Results The median survival time was 964 days (range 22–3140). In multivariable model analysis, length of survival was significantly shorter for dogs with higher haematocrit value (hazard ratio (HR) 1.06, 95 per cent confidence interval (CI) 1.00 to 1.13) and higher serum phosphate concentrations (HR 1.83, 95 per cent CI 1.13 to 2.97). Serum phosphate concentrations were above the reference interval in 24 of 65 (37 per cent) dogs. Conclusion Diabetic dogs have a good life expectancy. Hyperphosphataemia is a relatively common finding in dogs with newly diagnosed DM and represents a negative prognostic factor. The presence of pancreatitis might not be associated with an unfavourable outcome.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is composed of cannabinoid receptors, their endogenous ligands, and the enzymes involved in endocannabinoid turnover. Modulating the activity of the ECS may influence a variety of physiological and pathophysiological processes. A growing body of evidence indicates that activation of cannabinoid receptors by endogenous, plant-derived, or synthetic cannabinoids may exert beneficial effects on gastrointestinal inflammation and visceral pain. The present ex vivo study aimed to investigate immunohistochemically the distribution of cannabinoid receptors CB1, CB2, G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55), and peroxisome proliferation activation receptor alpha (PPARα) in the canine gastrointestinal tract. CB1 receptor immunoreactivity was observed in the lamina propria and epithelial cells. CB2 receptor immunoreactivity was expressed by lamina propria mast cells and immunocytes, blood vessels, and smooth muscle cells. Faint CB2 receptor immunoreactivity was also observed in neurons and glial cells of the submucosal plexus. GPR55 receptor immunoreactivity was expressed by lamina propria macrophages and smooth muscle cells. PPARα receptor immunoreactivity was expressed by blood vessels, smooth muscle cells, and glial cells of the myenteric plexus. Cannabinoid receptors showed a wide distribution in the gastrointestinal tract of the dog. Since cannabinoid receptors have a protective role in inflammatory bowel disease, the present research provides an anatomical basis supporting the therapeutic use of cannabinoid receptor agonists in relieving motility disorders and visceral hypersensitivity in canine acute or chronic enteropathies.

Background Spinal walking (SW) is described as the acquisition of an involuntary motor function in paraplegic dogs and cats without pain perception affected by a thoracolumbar lesion. Whereas spinal locomotion is well described in cats that underwent training trials after experimental spinal cord resection, less consistent information is available for dogs. Hypothesis Paraplegic dogs affected by a thoracolumbar complete spinal cord lesion undergoing intensive physical rehabilitation could acquire an autonomous SW gait under field conditions. Animals Eighty-one acute paraplegic thoracolumbar dogs without pelvic limb pain perception. Methods Retrospective study of medical records of dogs selected for intensive rehabilitation treatment in paraplegic dogs with absence of pain perception on admission and during the whole treatment. Binary regression and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze potential associations with the development of SW. Results Autonomous SW was achieved in 48 dogs (59%). Median time to achieve SW was of 75.5 days (range: 16–350 days). On univariate analysis, SW gait was associated with younger age (P = .002) and early start of physiotherapy (P = .024). Multivariate logistic regression showed that younger age (≤60 months) and lightweight (≤7.8 kg) were positively associated with development of SW (P = .012 and P < .001, respectively). BCS, full-time hospitalization, and type and site of the lesion were not significantly associated with development of SW. Conclusions Dogs with irreversible thoracolumbar lesion undergoing intensive physiotherapic treatment can acquire SW. Younger age and lightweight are positively associated with the development of SW gait.

In the gastrointestinal tract, the tachykinin Substance P (SP) is involved in motility, fluid and electrolyte secretion, and blood flow and regulation of immunoinflammatory response. SP exerts its biological activity on target cells by interacting mainly with the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R). The present study aims to quantify the percentage of SP-immunoreactive (SP-IR) enteric neurons and the density of SP-IR nerve fibers in the ileum of control dogs (CTRL-dogs; n = 7) vs dogs with spontaneous ileal inflammation (INF-dogs; n = 8). In addition, the percentage of enteric neurons bearing NK1R, and nitrergic neurons (nNOS-IR) expressing NK1R immunoreactivity were evaluated in both groups. The percentages of SP-IR neurons were similar in CTRL- and INF-dogs, in either the myenteric (MP) (15 ± 8% vs. 16 ± 7%, respectively) and submucosal plexus (SMP) (26 ± 7% vs. 24 ± 14%, respectively). In INF-dogs, the density of SP-IR mucosal nerve fibers showed a trend to decrease (P = 0.07). Myenteric neurons of CTRL- and INF-dogs expressed similar percentages of NK1R-immunoreactivity (39 ± 5% vs. 38 ± 20%, respectively). Submucosal NK1R-IR neurons were occasionally observed in a CTRL-dog. MP nitrergic neurons bearing NK1R showed a trend to decrease in INF-dogs vs. CTRL- dogs (41 ± 22% vs. 65 ± 10%, respectively; P = 0.11). In INF-dogs, muscle cells and immune cells overexpressed NK1R immunoreactivity. These findings should be taken as a warning for possible intestinal motility disorders, which might occur during administration of NK1R-antagonist drugs. Conversely, the strong expression of NK1R immunoreactivity observed in muscle and mucosal immune cells of inflamed tissues may provide a rationale for the use of NK1R antagonist drugs in the treatment of intestinal inflammation.

Background Canine dermatomyositis is a hereditary disease described in collies and Shetland sheep dogs and their cross-breeds. A similar disease, called dermatomyositis-like disease, has been described occasionally in other breeds but never in the Rottweiler. Hypothesis/Objectives We report on the clinicopathological findings associated with dermatomyositis-like disease in a Rottweiler. Animal A 7-month-old female Rottweiler was referred for dermatological abnormalities, regurgitation and weakness. Cutaneous abnormalities included alopecia, crusting and scaling on the inner surface of the pinnae, the tip of the tail, periorbital and perilabial skin. The dog also presented onychogryphosis and onychalgia. Methods Complete blood count, serum biochemistry panel, thoracic radiographs, electromyography, nerve-conduction studies and skin and muscle biopsies were performed. Results Megaoesophagus, pneumonia, ischaemic dermatopathy and generalized myositis were documented. The final diagnosis was dermatomyositis-like disease. Conclusions and clinical importance This is the first report of dermatomyositis-like disease in a Rottweiler.

In human medicine, diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is usually based on measurement of capillary 3-β-hydroxybutyrate (3-HB) with a hand held ketone sensor. This study was conducted to determine if measurement of capillary 3-HB could be useful for the diagnosis and monitoring of canine DKA. Fifteen dogs with diabetic ketosis and 10 with DKA were evaluated. Paired measurements of 3-HB of capillary and venous blood samples were analysed by the electrochemical sensor and reference method. Use of capillary 3-HB measurement during DKA management was then evaluated through simultaneous measurements of capillary 3-HB, urinary AcAc and venous blood gas analysis. Good agreement between capillary and venous 3-HB measurement was detected by the electrochemical sensor and reference method. Monitoring treatment of DKA revealed a significant correlation between capillary 3-HB and acidosis markers, while no significant correlation was observed between AcAc and acidosis markers. A cut-off value of capillary blood 3-HB >3.8 mmol/L for diagnosis of DKA resulted in 70% and 92% sensitivity and specificity. The electrochemical sensor accurately measures 3-HB concentration in both capillary and venous blood samples, is accurate in diagnosing canine DKA, and appears to reflect the patient's metabolic status during DKA treatment.

PRIMARY bacterial rhinitis is rare in dogs; it is usually secondary to nasal trauma, inhalation of an irritant, neoplasia, or viral, fungal or parasitic infections. Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus ( S zooepidemicus ), a common cause of respiratory infections in horses, has been

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of the vertebral heart score (VHS) in coughing dogs with chronic degenerative mitral valve disease (MVD). Survey thoracic radiographs of 90 dogs with a history of cough and clinical and echocardiographic evidence of MVD were evaluated by 2 independent observers. The observers were asked to first determine the origin of the cough as cardiac, non-cardiac or mixed and then to measure the VHS. Agreement regarding diagnosis of the origin of cough was obtained (kappa=0.64) in 69 dogs. Of these 69 dogs, 28 (41%), 32 (46%) and 9 (13%) had a cough of cardiac, non-cardiac and mixed origin, respectively. The dogs with a cough of non-cardiac origin had a significantly lower VHS (mean +/- SD, 11 +/- 0.9) compared with those of dogs with a cough of cardiac or mixed origin (12.8 +/- 1 and 12.9 +/- 0.9, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that a VHS < or = 11.4 is fairly accurate for exclusion of a cough of cardiac origin in dogs with MVD. The results indicate that the VHS may be an additional tool for differentiating the origin of cough in dogs with MVD.

Objective—To assess the usefulness of high-frequency diagnostic ultrasonography for evaluation of changes of skin thickness in relation to hydration status and fluid distribution at various cutaneous sites in dogs. Animals—10 clinically normal adult dogs (6 males and 4 females) of various breeds. Procedures—Ultrasonographic examination of the skin was performed before and after hydration via IV administration of an isotonic crystalloid solution (30 mL/kg/h for 30 minutes). A 13-MHz linear-array transducer was used to obtain series of ultrasonographic images at 4 different cutaneous sites (the frontal, sacral, flank, and metatarsal regions). Weight and various clinicopathologic variables (PCV; serum osmolality; and serum total protein, albumin, and sodium concentrations) were determined before and after the infusion. These variables and ultrasonographic measurements of skin thickness before and after hydration were compared. Results—Among the 10 dogs, mean preinfusion skin thickness ranged from 2,211 μm (metatarsal region) to 3,249 μm (sacral region). Compared with preinfusion values, weight was significantly increased, whereas PCV; serum osmolality; and serum total protein, albumin, and sodium concentrations were significantly decreased after infusion. After infusion, dermal echogenicity decreased and skin thickness increased significantly by 21%, 14%, 15%, and 13% in the frontal, sacral, flank, and metatarsal regions, respectively. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Cutaneous site and hydration were correlated with cutaneous characteristics and skin thickness determined by use of high-frequency ultrasonography in dogs. Thus, diagnostic ultrasonography may be a useful tool for the noninvasive evaluation of skin hydration in healthy dogs and in dogs with skin edema.

Objective—To assess the applicability of high-frequency diagnostic ultrasonography for evaluation and accurate measurement of the skin thickness of clinically normal dogs. Animals—26 healthy dogs (12 sexually intact males, 13 sexually intact females, and 1 spayed female) of various breeds and ages. Procedure—Ultrasonographic examination of the skin and histomorphometric analysis of skin biopsy specimens obtained from the same site were performed. A 13-MHz linear-array transducer was used to obtain a series of ultrasonographic images of the skin in the flank region; images were analyzed and measured by use of imaging software. Cutaneous biopsy specimens were placed in fixative and then stained with H&E and Masson trichrome stains. Histomorphometric analysis was performed by use of an image analyzer. Thickness of the epidermis and dermis of each specimen was evaluated by use of a semiautomatic procedure of quantification. Data obtained from ultrasonographic and histologic measurements were compared by use of the Pearson correlation test. Results—The ultrasonographic pattern of canine skin was consistently characterized by 3 distinct, defined echogenic layers corresponding to the epidermal entry echo, epidermis and dermis, and subcutaneous tissues. A positive correlation was found between ultrasonographic and histologic measurements of skin thickness. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Comparison between ultrasonographic and histologic appearance of the skin revealed that layering of canine skin (ie, epidermis and dermis) and the subcutaneous tissues may be recognized and measured by use of high-frequency ultrasonography. Thus, diagnostic ultrasonography may be a useful tool for the noninvasive evaluation of cutaneous disorders in dogs. (Am J Vet Res 2004;65:1625–1630)

M. Pietra1*, F. Gentilini1, S. Pinna2, F. Fracassi1, A. Venturini2 and M. Cipone1 Department of Veterinary Clinical Science (1Section of Internal Medicine; 2Section of Surgery), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia (BO), Italy *Correspondence: Dipartimento Clinico Veterinario, Universita degli Studi di Bologna, V ia T olara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano dell’Emilia (BO), Italy E-mail: mpietra@vet.unibo.it

This report describes the clinical and pathological findings in a case of acute zinc poisoning in a young dog. The puppy suffered four days of progressively more severe vomiting and diarrhoea. Jaundice and pale mucous membranes, severe haematemesis and haemoglobinuria were other findings. Despite intensive therapy, the dog died a few hours after hospitalisation. Postmortem examination revealed a metallic foreign body in the stomach, catarrhal gastritis, hepatomegaly and enlarged, dark kidneys. Histology showed hepatic centrilobular vacuolar degeneration, haemoglobinuric nephrosis with early tubular necrosis, haemosiderosis and extramedullary haematopoiesis, as well as neuronal damage. The foreign body was mainly composed of zinc. Plasma zinc values were markedly raised (34.5 microg/ml; normal range 0.8 to 1.0 microg/ml). Pathophysiological mechanisms of zinc poisoning are discussed.

The clinical, electrocardiographic, radiographic, and two-dimensional, M-mode and Doppler echocardiographic findings of five cases of canine ostium secundum type atrial septal defect (ASD) are described. The atrial septal anomaly was associated with other congenital cardiac abnormalities in two dogs: ventricular septal defect in one case and tricuspid dysplasia in the other. ASD was found in addition to dilated cardiomyopathy and suspected atrial thrombosis in one geriatric dog, but was the only cardiac abnormality detected in the remaining two dogs. Colour Doppler imaging facilitated the diagnosis of ASD in all subjects. The long-term prognosis for dogs with isolated and small-sized ASD is usually good, but can be compromised by the presence of concurrent congenital or acquired cardiac diseases.

We studied 205 dogs with cardiac diseases associated with left atrial enlargement (LAE). On the basis of electrocardiogram results, they were divided into: Group A, 50 dogs with atrial fibrillation (AF) and Group B, 155 dogs without AF. Group B was further subdivided in Group BI (123 dogs with sinus rhythm) and Group BII (32 dogs with cardiac arrhythmias other than AF). Bodyweight (BW) and left atrial diameter (LA) of Group A dogs were significantly greater (P < 0.05) than dogs in all other groups. The left atrium/aorta (LA/Ao) ratio of Group A dogs was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of dogs of Group B and BI. Using the couple of variables BW and LA, the logistic regression models were able to predict "non-development of AF" (with 92.3% probability) vs. "development of AF" (with 74% probability), and "maintaining sinus rhythm" (with 95.1% probability) vs. "development of AF" (with 86% probability). © 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.

Objective—To evaluate the pharmacokinetics and clinical efficacy of budesonide in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Animals—11 dogs (mean ± SD age, 5.7 ± 3.9 years; various breeds and body weights) with moderate or severe IBD. Procedures—Each dog received a controlled-release formulation of budesonide (3 mg/m2, PO, q 24 h) for 30 days (first day of administration was day 1). The concentration of budesonide and its metabolite (16-α-hydroxyprednisolone) was measured via liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry in plasma and urine samples obtained on days 1 and 8 of treatment. On those days, plasma samples were obtained before the daily budesonide administration and 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 7 hours after drug administration, whereas urine samples were obtained after collection of the last blood sample. A clinical evaluation was performed on the dogs before onset of drug administration and on days 20 and 30 after start of drug administration. Results—The highest plasma concentration of budesonide and 16-α-hydroxyprednisolone on day 1 was detected at 1 hour and at 2 hours after drug administration, respectively. After standardization on the basis of specific gravity, the ratio between urinary concentrations of budesonide and 16-α-hydroxyprednisolone was 0.006 and 0.012 on days 1 and 8, respectively. The clinical response was adequate in 8 of 11 dogs. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Budesonide was rapidly absorbed and metabolized in dogs with IBD. The drug gradually accumulated, and there was an adequate therapeutic response and no adverse effects.

A 2-year-old, female German shepherd dog was referred with a 2-month history of dyspnea, ascites, and anorexia. On physical examination, an arrhythmia, tachypnea, and a continuous grade V/VI heart murmur were evidenced. Atrial fibrillation and tall R waves were noted on electrocardiography. Survey thoracic radiography revealed generalized cardiomegaly and enlarged pulmonary vessels. Echocardiography demonstrated severe dilatation of the left atrium and ventricle with reduced fractional shortening. Doppler echocardiography showed continuous and turbulent flow in the ascending aorta between the aorta and the pulmonary artery. Necropsy demonstrated an aorticopulmonary septal defect.