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HYPERADRENOCORTICISM, or Cushing9s syndrome, is one of the most common canine endocrinopathies seen in small animal practice. Although in many cases the clinical signs are fairly characteristic, the chronic course of the disease and some unusual clinical manifestations can make it hard to recognise. In addition, the diagnostic tests that are available can be difficult to interpret. This article summarises the current knowledge of the presentation and diagnosis of this disease. An article in the next issue will focus on the treatment options.

A continuous monitoring system (MGP DM2000X) was assessed for monitoring γ radiation emissions and determining appropriate isolation times for hyperthyroid cats treated with radioactive iodine (I(131)). Daily radiation emitted by 12 cats who had received a range of doses of I(131) (80-200 MBq) was measured and average background radiation readings deducted. The effective half-lives of the I(131) in the cats were found to have a median of 2.54 days (range 1.40-3.24 days). Cats treated with 200 MBq emitted 5 µGy/day more exposure than cats treated with lower doses throughout the study period (P=0.032). All cats were found to emit a total radiation dose exposure less than 100 µGy (range 0-43 µGy) during days 18-21 of isolation. The potential additional dose exposure to owners was calculated at various days that might be considered for the cats to be returned to their owners. Using this provisional data, maximum isolation periods at this institution could be safely reduced to 17 days as long as certain precautions are followed. This preliminary study demonstrated that this novel cage-side monitoring system can be used to calculate the effective half-life of I(131) and to measure γ radiation exposure from treated cats, which may assist other institutions in determining appropriate isolation times for individual cats.

Haematuria in a dog occurred secondarily to a unilateral ureteral fibroepithelial polyp. The diagnostic techniques, gross pathology and histopathological findings of this unusual benign tumour are reported. Complete resolution of clinical signs occurred following ureteronephrectomy.

HYPERADRENOCORTICISM, or Cushing’s syndrome, is one of the most common canine endocrinopathies seen in small animal practice. Although in many cases the clinical signs are fairly characteristic, the chronic course of the disease and some unusual clinical manifestations can make it hard to recognise. In addition, the diagnostic tests that are available can be difficult to interpret. This article summarises the current knowledge of the presentation and diagnosis of this disease. An article in the next issue will focus on the treatment options. Diagnosis of canine

Objectives: To assess the effect of canine hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) on parathyroid hormone (PTH), phosphate and calcium concentrations. Methods: PTH concentrations and routine biochemical parameters were measured in 68 dogs with HAC. Ionised calcium was measured in 28 of these dogs. The results obtained were compared with an age- and weight-matched group of 20 hospital patients that did not show signs of HAC. Results: There were significant differences between the PTH, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine and albumin concentrations between the two groups. Total and ionised calcium concentrations were not significantly different. Most of the dogs (92 per cent) with HAC had PTH concentrations that were greater than the reference range (10 to 60 pg/ml), and in 23 dogs they were greater than 180 pg/ml. There were significant positive correlations between the PTH and basal cortisol, post-adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) cortisol and alkaline phosphatase concentrations, and also the phosphate and post-ACTH cortisol concentrations. Clinical Significance: Adrenal secondary hyperparathyroidism is a cause of increased PTH concentrations and may be associated with abnormalities in calcium and phosphate metabolism in dogs with HAC. The findings of this study could explain why canine HAC may cause clinical signs such as calcinosis cutis that are associated with altered calcium metabolism.

Background: Increased concentrations of haptoglobin (Hp), a moderate acute phase protein, have been demonstrated in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism (HAC). Monitoring serum concentrations of Hp in hyperadrenocorticoid dogs before and after trilostane administration may provide valuable information on the response to therapy. Objective: The aim of this study was to measure Hp concentrations in dogs with spontaneously occurring HAC at the time of diagnosis and after treatment with trilostane. Methods: Serum Hp concentration was measured using an automatic biochemical assay based on Hp-hemoglobin binding and utilizing SB-7 reagent in 12 dogs with spontaneous HAC before and after treatment with trilostane (30 or 60 mg PO q 12–24 h). Post-treatment Hp concentrations were measured at the time the owner reported an improvement in clinical signs. Pretreatment and post-treatment Hp values were compared with reference values and with values from 4 healthy control dogs. Results: Two dogs with HAC had pretreatment Hp values within the reference interval; 10 dogs had moderate (n = 8) or marked (n = 2) increases in Hp concentration. After treatment with trilostane, Hp concentration remained within the reference interval (n = 2), decreased to within the reference interval (n = 3), or remained moderately increased (n = 7; 3–10 g/L). Overall, a significant decrease was observed in Hp concentration after trilostane treatment compared with pretreatment values (P < .005). Both untreated and treated dogs with HAC had significantly higher Hp concentrations (P < .001) when compared with control dogs. Conclusions: Clinical control of HAC did not closely relate to serum Hp concentration. Further studies are required to assess whether this is because of inadequate control of disease or because a build-up of cortisol precursors or secondary effects of HAC affect Hp concentration.

A commercially available in-practice test for feline coronavirus (FCoV) antibodies (FCoV Immunocomb, Biogal Galed Laboratories) was evaluated by comparison with the gold standard FCoV immunofluorescent antibody (IFA) test. One hundred and three serum or plasma samples were selected and tested: 70 were positive by both tests, 24 were negative by both tests. The in-practice test produced five false positive and four false negative results. The sensitivity of the in-practice test was 95% and the specificity was 83%. When the titres were compared it was found that the in-practice test results were significantly correlated with IFA titres but the degree of correlation was not likely to be clinically useful. The IFA titres of the four false negative samples were found to be low (less than 40) which suggests that even a cat with a false negative result is still unlikely to be excreting FCoV. A negative result with the in-practice assay is likely to be reliable for screening cats prior to entry into an FCoV-free cattery or stud. It would also be useful in the investigation of suspected FIP as most cats with this condition have high IFA titres of antibodies. A strong positive result would be useful in the diagnosis of FIP (in conjunction with other biochemical and cytological testing), but positive results would be of limited value in monitoring FCoV infection in healthy cats as the antibody titre could not be reliably compared with those obtained with IFA. All positive results obtained using the in-practice kit should be confirmed and titrated by IFA. The kit also appeared to work efficiently with ascites samples ( n=6) but too few samples were analysed to draw firm conclusions.

A one-year-old, neutered female Skye terrier presented with anorexia, vomiting, seizures and ascites. Portal venography demonstrated the presence of multiple acquired portosystemic shunts. Hepatic biopsy confirmed the presence of copper accumulation and fibrosis. Treatment included ursodeoxycholic acid therapy, colchicine and oral zinc. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case report detailing successful management of Skye terrier hepatopathy.

The presence of anti-insulin antibodies was determined by ELISA in serum samples from 30 diabetic dogs receiving bovine insulin therapy and 30 normoglycaemic dogs. Twenty of the diabetic dogs had significant reactivity to both bovine (heterologous) and porcine (homologous) insulin compared to control dogs. In contrast there was no significant difference between the two populations in reactivity to canine distemper virus (CDV) or canine thyroglobulin. The high degree of correlation between anti-bovine insulin and anti-porcine insulin antibodies suggested cross-reactivity which was confirmed by performing a competition ELISA, with antibody binding to bovine insulin inhibited by pre-incubating serum with porcine insulin. The insulin B-chain, rather than the A-chain was the most reactive component of the insulin molecule although in some cases, diabetics with antibody reactivity to whole insulin protein showed minimal reactivity to the individual subunits. The data suggest that treatment of diabetic dogs with bovine insulin can lead to anti-insulin antibody production. These antibodies cross-react with homologous insulin and recognise conformational as well as linear epitopes.

POLYURIA and polydipsia are two common presenting signs in dogs seen in practice. There are a number of causes and these can be divided into two groups: primary polyuria/secondary polydipsia and primary polydipsia/secondary polyuria. Some causes may produce clinical signs by more than one mechanism. Compensatory mechanisms that regulate water homeostasis mean that polyuria and polydipsia always occur together. Careful history taking and hospital monitoring are required to demonstrate polyuria or polydipsia. This article describes the approach to the investigation of canine polyuria and polydipsia, and discusses some of the procedures which may aid diagnosis.

IN this, the second of two articles, the underlying causes of feline anaemia are discussed. The first article, published in the September issue of In Practice (pp 411-415), described the presentation and outlined general principles in the investigation of feline anaemia. Readers are advised to refer to the previous article before consulting this article.

ANAEMIA is a decrease in the number of erythrocytes, concentration of haemoglobin or haematocrit volume and, as such, should be regarded as a clinical sign rather than a disease. The haematocrit of normal adult cats is greater than 0-25 litre/litre. Although normal kittens have lower numbers of erythrocytes and haemoglobin concentrations compared to adult cats their haematocrit is still rarely less than 0-25 litre/litre. Anaemia is a common presentation in feline practice and is caused by many different underlying pathologica,l mechanisms. The aims of this article are to describe the clinical signs and discuss general principles in the investigation of feline anaemia. A second article, to be published in the next issue, will deal with the differential diagnoses of feline anaemia.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common prostatic abnormality of entire male dogs. It has been estimated to occur (either grossly or microscopically) in over 80% of entire males over the age of five years. There are no known breed predispositions. The condition is characterised by an increase in prostatic epithelial cell numbers (hyperplasia) and also epithelial cell size (hypertrophy) (Johnston et al. 2000). Although the exact cause of BPH has not been determined, it is known that the age of the dog and hormonal influences play a major role; especially testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and circulating oestrogen levels.

Under the Veterinary Medicines Regulations clients must be provided with information about all the drugs prescribed and dispensed.

The external surface glycoprotein (SU) of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) contains sites which define the viral subgroup and induce virus-neutralizing antibodies. The subgroup phenotypic determinants have been located to a small variable region, VR1, towards the amino terminus of SU. The sites which function as neutralizing epitopes in vivo are unknown. Recombinant SU proteins were produced by using baculoviruses that contained sequences encoding the SUs of FeLV subgroup A (FeLV-A), FeLV-C, and two chimeric FeLVs (FeLV-215 and FeLV-VC) in which the VR1 domain of FeLV-A had been replaced by the corresponding regions of FeLV-C isolates. The recombinant glycoproteins, designated Bgp70-A, -C, -215, and -VC, respectively, were similar to their wild-type counterparts in several immunoblots and inhibited infection of susceptible cell lines in a subgroup-specific manner. Thus, Bgp70-A interfered with infection by FeLV-A, whereas Bgp70-C, -VC, and -215 did not. Conversely, Bgp70-C, -VC, and -215 blocked infection with FeLV-C, while Bgp70-A had no effect. These results indicate that the site on SU which binds to the FeLV cell surface receptor was preserved in the recombinant glycoproteins. It was also found that the recombinant proteins were able to bind naturally occurring neutralizing antibodies. Bgp70-A, -VC, and -215 interfered with the action of anti-FeLV-A neutralizing antibodies, whereas Bgp70-C did not. Furthermore, Bgp70-C interfered with the action of anti-FeLV-C neutralizing antibodies, while the other proteins did not. These results indicate that the neutralizing epitope(s) of FeLV SU lies outside the subgroup-determining VR1 domain.

HYPOTHYROIDISM is usually caused by immune-mediated destruction or idiopathic atrophy of the thyroid gland. Diagnosis is initially based on historical and clinical findings consistent with the condition. If the history or clinical examination are inconsistent with the diagnosis, then other differential diagnoses should be thoroughly investigated before any investigations are conducted on the thyroid gland. Unfortunately, many dogs present with a history that is at least suggestive of hypothyroidism (for example, lethargy and poor coat condition), but clinical examination proves unrewarding. In these cases further tests are indicated. This article discusses the interpretation - and limitations - of specific tests of thyroid function and sets out a diagnostic protocol.

Malignant histiocytosis is a rare disease which is characterised by the neoplastic proliferation of tissue macrophages (histiocytes) leading to excessive phagocytosis of erythrocytes. The clinical signs and pathological findings in three Bernese mountain dogs are described. Two of the dogs had the same sire. The disease has been established as a familial problem in Bernese mountain dogs in other countries, although it has not been previously recorded in the United Kingdom.

It is recommended that trilostane therapy of canine hyperadrenocorticism is monitored using an ACTH stimulation test, however this has never been validated. Three cortisol concentrations (pre-trilostane, 3-hour posttrilostane and 1-hour post-ACTH stimulation) were compared to a clinical score obtained from an owner questionnaire. There were 110 sets of 3 cortisol measurements and questionnaires obtained from 67 trilostane treated dogs. Questionnaire results were used to classify each dog as well or unwell. Well dogs were then categorised as having excellent, moderate or poor hyperadrenocorticism control, using thresholds produced by 14 independent veterinarians. Correlation co-efficients were used to compare the three cortisol concentrations to the owner score and the Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare the three cortisol concentrations between categories of control. Cortisol cut-off values between significantly different categories were determined using ROC curves. Pre-trilostane and 3-hour post-trilostane cortisol were better correlated to the owner score and had cut-offs to differentiate between categories of control that had superior sensitivity and specificity results, than the post-ACTH cortisol. Iatrogenic hypoadrenocorticism was not detected in any unwell dog. This study shows that the pre-trilostane and 3-hour post-trilostane cortisol are potentially better monitoring methods than the ACTH stimulation test.

A litter of five 14-week-old papillon puppies was referred for investigation of pelvic limb ataxia. Clinical examination revealed signs of ataxia, hypermetria and depressed postural reflexes affecting all four limbs. The severity of these signs varied between members of the litter. The condition became progressively worse and by 19 weeks of age all but the least severely affected pup (the single male of the litter) had deteriorated to the point that euthanasia was indicated on humane grounds. Pathological examination revealed widespread changes in both white and grey matter of the neuraxis caudal to the fore-brain, particularly involving the dorsolateral white matter of the spinal cord, which were characterised by axonal swellings typical of neuroaxonal dystrophy.

The objective of this retrospective study was to examine factors that may have affected the stabilisation times of 50 dogs with spontaneous hypoadrenocorticism that were being treated with fludrocortisone acetate, with particular emphasis on dosing frequency and the concurrent use of prednisolone. Stabilisation was defined as an absence of clinical signs with a sodium:potassium ratio >27:1 and both electrolyte concentrations within a laboratory reference range. It was found that the median time till stabilisation was three months. The frequency of fludrocortisone treatment (once, twice or changed from once to twice a day) had no effect on the stabilisation time. The two groups of dogs that were started and stabilised on once a day or twice a day dosing had a median stabilisation time of two months. However, dogs that failed to stabilise on once a day dosing of fludrocortisone and were then changed onto twice a day dosing then stabilised a median of one month later. Concurrent use of prednisolone resulted in significantly faster stabilisation times. It was concluded that dogs with hypoadrenocorticism should be continued on prednisolone therapy until they are stabilised. If a dog is failing to stabilise on once a day fludrocortisone acetate, a change to twice a day administration could be considered.

Objective—To investigate the association of 6 clinical features with outcome of dogs with generalized megaesophagus. Design—Retrospective cohort study. Animals—71 client-owned dogs with radiographic evidence of generalized esophageal dilation. Procedures—Medical records were reviewed for data on signalment, age at onset of clinical signs, body weight, evidence of undernutrition, and the administration of drugs to treat or prevent esophagitis. Radiographs were reviewed for evidence of aspiration pneumonia (AP) and to calculate the relative esophageal diameter. Details of outcome were collected from the medical records and by contacting owners and referring veterinarians. The association of 6 factors with death before discharge and overall survival time was assessed. Results—Overall median survival time was 90 days. Nineteen (26.7%) patients died before discharge from the hospital. Radiographic evidence of AP was both positively associated with death before discharge and negatively associated with overall survival time. An age at onset of clinical signs of >13 months was negatively associated with overall survival time. No evidence of an association of the degree of esophageal dilation or the use of drugs to prevent or treat esophagitis with death before discharge or overall survival time was found. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Radiographic evidence of AP and the age at onset of clinical signs were the only variables found to be significantly associated with survival time in this study, and this should be considered when advising on prognosis in dogs with megaesophagus.

Background: Acute phase proteins (APPS) include haptoglobin (Hp), C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA). Increased Hp concentrations may be induced by endogenous or exogenous glucocorticoids in dogs.\ud \ud Objectives: To assess whether control of hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) affects the concentrations of Hp, CRP, SAA, alkaline phosphatase (ALKP) and cholesterol, to determine whether these analytes can be used to assess control of HAC following trilostane treatment, and whether a combination of these tests offers a valid method of assessing disease control.\ud \ud Methods: Hp, CRP, SAA, ALKP and cholesterol were assessed in 11 dogs with spontaneous HAC before and after treatment with trilostane. Adequate control of HAC was defined as post-ACTH cortisol less than 150 nmol/l.\ud \ud Results: Significant reductions in Hp, ALKP, cholesterol and SAA (P0·7) of disease control when compared to adrenocorticotropin or corticotropin (ACTH) stimulation test. SAA and CRP were unhelpful (Se & SpClinical Relevance: Relying on these analytes does not provide additional information over ACTH stimulation test results when assessing control of HAC treated with trilostane.

CONGENITAL diaphragmatic hernias have been well documented in shar-pei dogs (Callan and others 1993). The presenting signs are usually regurgitation, vomiting and hypersalivation. Ascites has not been reported in congenital or acquired diaphragmatic hernias. This short communication describes a congenital hiatal hernia in a shar-pei dog that presented with ascites caused by a mechanical obstruction of the caudal vena cava (Budd–Chiari-like syndrome [BCLS]) (Van der Linde-Sipman and Stokhof 1974). A six-month-old male shar-pei dog was referred with a two-week history of regurgitation, abdominal enlargement and lethargy. There was no history of trauma. Physical examination revealed marked fluid distension of the abdomen, pitting oedema of the pelvic limbs (Fig 1), enlarged prescapular lymph nodes and a slight pyrexia (39·0°C). The initial diagnostic evaluation included serum biochemistry, haematology, urinalysis and analysis of abdominal fluid following paracentesis. Serum biochemistry demonstrated panhypoproteinaemia (albumin 20 g/l, reference range 29 to 36 g/l, globulin 19 g/l, reference range 28 to 42 g/l) and hypocalcaemia that was probably due to the hypoalbuminaemia. Mild hyperglycaemia and leucocytosis (monocytosis and neutrophilia), which were attributed to stress, were also identified. The urinalysis was unremarkable. The abdominal fluid was found to have a protein content of 28 g/l and a cell count of 0·375 x 109/l consisting of non-degenerate neutrophils, occasional eosinophils and a few macrophages. The enlarged lymph nodes were attributed to vascular congestion and were not investigated. A radiograph of the thorax demonstrated a large, soft tissue opacity containing some gas shadows in the caudo dorsal right thorax. An area of alveolar infiltrate partially obscured the cardiac silhouette. Loss of abdominal serosal detail secondary to a peritoneal effusion was evident (Fig 2). Abdominal ultrasonography confirmed the presence of moderately echogenic free fluid within the abdomen. The diaphragm appeared indistinct at the mid-ventral level. One liver lobe was identiVeterinary Record (2006) 159, 322-323

The effects of trilostane, a 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitor on basal cortisol concentrations and the results of ACTH stimulation tests in dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism were investigated. In eight of nine dogs trilostane suppressed the concentration of cortisol below the lower limit of the reference range (

Dogs exhibit a range of immune-mediated conditions including a lymphocytic thyroiditis which has many similarities to Hashimoto's thyroiditis in man. We have recently reported an association in Doberman Pinschers between canine hypothyroidism and a rare DLA class II haplotype that contains the DLA-DQA1*00101 allele. We now report a further series of 173 hypothyroid dogs in a range of breeds where a significant association with DLA-DQA1*00101 is shown.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of treating canine hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) on parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium and phosphate concentrations in dogs. METHODS: Serum calcium, phosphate and PTH concentrations were analysed in 22 dogs with HAC before treatment with trilostane and at a median of 210 days after commencing treatment. Pretreatment data were compared with data from an age- and weight-matched group of hospitalised patients, and post-treatment data were compared with pretreatment data. RESULTS: PTH and phosphate concentrations were significantly higher in dogs with HAC compared with control dogs. PTH concentrations reduced significantly with treatment, such that there was no longer a difference between the HAC and control groups. Phosphate concentrations also reduced significantly with treatment but there was still a significant difference between those in dogs with HAC and control dogs. Despite no significant difference between calcium concentrations in the pretreatment HAC and control groups, calcium concentrations increased significantly with treatment. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: These results show that adrenal secondary hyperparathyroidism resolves with treatment and suggest that increased calcium and phosphate levels have a role in its pathogenesis.

Background: Sodium:potassium (Na:K) ratios are often reported in feline biochemical panels, although the importance of this measurement has not been investigated. Objectives: The aims of this study were to document the range of feline disease states associated with a decreased Na:K ratio, to determine the prevalence of this biochemical abnormality in a referral hospital population, and to identify any particular disease that was more likely to have a decreased Na:K ratio. Methods: A group of 49 cats with decreased Na:K ratios was compared with a group of 50 cats with normal Na:K ratios that were randomly selected from the same hospital population. Results: Twelve of the 49 cats (24.5%) had gastrointestinal disease, 10 (20.4%) had urinary disease, 8 (16.3%) had endocrine disease, 8 (16.3%) had cardiorespiratory disease, and 5 (10.0%) had diseases affecting other body systems. Six (12.2%) had artifactually decreased Na:K ratios. No cat was identified with hypoadrenocorticism. Statistical analysis revealed that, although none of these disease states was significantly over- or under-represented in the affected group, a significantly higher proportion of cats with decreased Na:K ratio had body cavity effusions (P= .025). Serum potassium concentrations were significantly higher in the affected group (P < .0001), but there was no significant difference in mean sodium concentration between the 2 groups. Conclusions: Decreased Na:K ratios frequently occur in cats with diseases other than hypoadrenocorticism, including cats with effusions. These findings should be considered when evaluating cats with this biochemical abnormality.

The efficacy of trilostane in the treatment of canine pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) was evaluated in 78 dogs with the condition which were treated for up to three years. The drug appeared to be well tolerated by almost all the dogs, and only two developed clinical signs and biochemical evidence of hypoadrenocorticism. Polyuria and polydipsia completely resolved in 70 per cent of the dogs that had these problems, and skin changes resolved in 62 per cent of the dogs that had skin abnormalities. There was a significant reduction (P

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This report describes a German shepherd dog that was presented with proportionate dwarfism and coat changes typical of hypopituitarism but that was also profoundly polydipsic and polyuric. Investigations established a diagnosis of concurrent central diabetes insipidus. Treatment with desmopressin was successful in managing the polyuria and polydipsia.

CENTRAL diabetes insipidus is an uncommon condition characterised by polyuria due to a deficiency in the secretion of antidiuretic hormone from the posterior pituitary gland. The causes of central diabetes insipidus in dogs include intracranial tumours, such as craniopharyngioma, meningioma

Canine thyroid-stimulating hormone (cTSH) was measured in a variety of clinical cases (n = 72). The cases were classified as euthyroid, sick euthyroid, hypothyroid or hypothyroid on nonthyroidal therapy on the basis of their history, clinical signs, laboratory results (including total thyroxine concentrations and, where indicated, thyroid-releasing hormone [TRH] stimulation tests) and response to appropriate therapy. Additional samples were taken during some of the TRH stimulation tests to measure the response of cTSH concentrations following TRH administration. A reference range (0 to 0.41 ng/ml) was calculated from the basal concentrations of cTSH in a group of 41 euthyroid dogs. Six of nine cases of confirmed hypothyroidism had basal cTSH concentrations above the reference range, whereas the remainder were within the normal range. One of these three remaining cases was a pituitary dwarf and did not show a rise in cTSH concentration following TRH stimulation. In contrast, only one of a group of six hypothyroid dogs that had been on non-thyroidal treatment within the previous four weeks had increased concentrations of basal cTSH. This study also found that five of a group of 16 dogs with sick euthyroid syndrome had increased cTSH concentrations. It was concluded that cTSH measurements are a useful additional diagnostic test in cases of suspected hypothyroidism in dogs but that dynamic testing is still required to confirm the diagnosis of hypothyroidism.

A dog whose major clinical signs suggested a coagulopathy, is described. The dog had a history of bleeding episodes and had a severe regenerative anaemia. By using specific factor assays, the coagulopathy was found to be due to a consumptive intravascular process that resembled chronic disseminated intravascular coagulation. Subsequent investigations identified Angiostrongylus vasorum as the cause.

When hyperthyroidism is treated with radioiodine, up to 75 per cent of the injected dose is excreted in the faeces and urine, which poses hazards to handlers. Three groups of hyperthyroid cats were treated with 120, 150 and 200 megabecquerel (MBq) of radioiodine, and samples of faeces and urine-soaked litter (USL) were collected over a 24-hour period, once a week, for four weeks. The amount of radioactivity in each homogenised sample was then measured using a sodium iodide detector. Radioactivity significantly decreased in both the faecal and USL samples over the first three weeks. Regardless of dose, there was no significant difference in faecal and USL samples between weeks 3 and 4. Faecal radioactivity was generally higher than the USL, but both were variable between cats at each time point. There were some significant differences in radioactivity between doses at various time points, but these were very small compared with the differences between time points. From the results, the maximum likely exposure to a worker or owner handling the waste was calculated. For cats treated with up to 200 MBq, radioactivity levels after two weeks were such that the waste could be designated as 'very low level waste' (a UK statutory definition) for disposal purposes.

IDIOPATHIC pulmonary fibrosis is a respiratory illness that results in exercise intolerance, coughing and breathing difficulties. ‘Crackles’ are often heard on auscultation. It is usually diagnosed in terrier dogs, especially the West Highland white terrier, but also exists in other breeds such

Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat Craig E. Greene Published by Elsevier, 2006, 3rd edition, hardback, 1424 pages, Price £73.99, ISBN-10: 1416036008, ISBN-13: 978-1416036005