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Objectives: To investigate the clinical signs and causes of lower urinary tract disease (LUTD) in 77 cats., Methods: Cats diagnosed with LUTD over a two-year period were included in the study., Results: The study population comprised 67 male and 10 female cats. Uroliths occurred in 17 of the 77 cats (22 per cent), urethral plugs in eight cats (10 per cent) and urinary tract infection in six cats (8 per cent). In 44 cats (57 per cent), no specific cause for the disease was found and they were classified as having idiopathic LUTD. In two of the 77 cats (3 per cent) no definitive diagnosis was established. Pain was less common in cats with uroliths and haematuria was more often seen in cats with urinary tract infection. At presentation, urethral obstruction was diagnosed in 45 of the 77 cats (58 per cent)., Clinical Significance: The causes of LUTD found in cats in this study are similar to those that have been previously documented, and idiopathic LUTD is the most frequent diagnosis. However, the rate of urethral obstruction, particularly in cats with idiopathic LUTD, was higher than in other reports. The cause of this difference is unknown.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the Nova CRT 8 electrolyte analyser for determination of concentrations of ionized calcium (Ca(i)) and magnesium (Mg(i)) in cats, to determine the effects of sample handling and storage and to establish reference ranges. The precision and analytical accuracy of the Nova CRT 8 analyser were good. The concentrations of Ca(i) and Mg(i) were significantly lower in aerobically handled serum samples than in those handled anaerobically. The concentrations of Ca(i) and Mg(i) differed significantly among whole blood, plasma and serum. In anaerobically handled serum, the concentration of Ca(i) was stable for 8 h at 22 degrees C, for 5 days at 4 degrees C and for 1 week at -20 degrees C. The concentration of Mg(i) was stable for 4 h at 22 degrees C but for less than 24 h at 4 degrees C and for less than 1 week at -20 degrees C. In serum from 36 cats, the reference ranges were 1.20-1.35 mmol/L for Ca(i) and 0.47-0.59 mmol/L for Mg(i). The Nova CRT 8 electrolyte analyser is suitable for determination of Ca(i) and Mg(i) concentrations in cats. Anaerobically handled serum samples are recommended and, stored at room temperature, they yield accurate results when analysed within 4 h.

Home-monitoring of blood glucose concentrations has recently been introduced to owners. The objectives of this study were to investigate the feasibility of home-monitoring of blood glucose in diabetic cats by owners, the problems encountered and to compare glucose concentrations at home with those measured in the hospital. Twelve of 15 cat owners were able to generate glucose curves over the study period of 4 months. Most problems were related to restraining the cat, generating negative pressure with the lancing device and producing a blood drop. In the majority of cases, these problems could be resolved during the study. Blood glucose concentrations in the clinic tended to be lower than at home; some of the differences were significant. No association between tolerance of the procedure and blood glucose concentrations measured at home was found. We, therefore, assume that the lower glucose levels in the hospital were caused by lack of food intake. In 38% of cases, treatment based on hospital curves would have been different from that based on home curves. Home-monitoring appears to be a valuable tool in the management of cats with diabetes mellitus. One of its major advantages is that it enables frequent generation of blood glucose curves, which is of particular importance in cats that are difficult to regulate.

1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25-(OH)2-D3) and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D3) were measured among dogs with hypercalcaemia (total serum calcium > 3.01 mmol/L) due to various causes. All values were compared to those of healthy control dogs. Serum 1,25-(OH)]2-D3 was measured by a radioimmunoassay test and serum 25-OH-D3 was measured by a protein binding assay. 1,25-(OH)2-D3 ranged from 26 to 332 pmol/L (median 110.0) in dogs with lymphoma (n = 12); from 61 to 398 pmol/L (median 248.0) in dogs with primary hyperparathyreoidism (n = 5); from 28 to 310 pmol/L (median 88.5) in dogs with chronic renal failure (n = 10); and from 60 to 239 pmol/L (median 157.5) in control dogs (n = 24). There was no significant difference in 1,25-(OH)2-D3 among dogs with different causes of hypercalcaemia. 25-OH-D3 ranged from 64 to 291 nmol/L (median 101.5) in dogs with lymphoma; from 66 to 298 nmol/L (median 91.0) in dogs with primary hyperparathyreoidism; from 35 to 184 nmol/L (median 67.0) in dogs with chronic renal failure; and from 48 to 350 nmol/L (median 306.5) in control dogs. 25-OH-D3 was significantly lower in dogs with lymphoma, primary hyperparathyroidism and chronic renal failure than in control dogs. 1,25-(OH)2-D3 and 25-OH-D3 are not predictable in dogs with hypercalcaemia.

In a Bearded Collie with acute weakness, hematemesis, melena, painful abdomen and pale mucous membranes a hematocrit of 13% and panhypoproteinemia were found. This combination of findings was the manifestation of severe gastrointestinal bleeding. Despite intensive laboratory and imaging investigations no systemic or local cause could be identified. After repeated client interrogation it was found that the dog had been receiving a food supplement for equines. It was further detected that this supplement besides a shell extract also contained willow (Salicaceae) and meadowsweet (Filipendula, Spiraea ulmaria) which contain salicin.Thus, the administration of this supplement was considered a possible cause of gastrointestinal bleeding. Even though measurement of toxic metabolites in the blood was not obtained and a cause-and-effect relationship not definitively proven, on principle it must be taken into consideration that any natural and so-called harmless agent supposed to have a positive effect may be associated with adverse effects in a predisposed individual.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of trilostane on serum concentrations of aldosterone, cortisol, and potassium in dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH), compare the degree of reduction of aldosterone with that of cortisol, and compare aldosterone concentrations of healthy dogs with those of dogs with PDH., Animals: 17 dogs with PDH and 12 healthy dogs., Procedure: For dogs with PDH, the initial dose of trilostane was selected in accordance with body weight. A CBC count, serum biochemical analyses, and ACTH stimulation tests were performed in each dog. Dogs were evaluated 1, 3 to 4, 6 to 8, and 10 to 12 weeks after initiation of treatment. Healthy dogs were evaluated only once., Results: Serum aldosterone concentrations before ACTH stimulation did not change significantly after initiation of treatment with trilostane. At each evaluation after initiation of treatment, serum aldosterone concentrations after ACTH stimulation were significantly lower than corresponding concentrations before initiation of treatment. The overall effect of trilostane on serum aldosterone concentration was less pronounced than the effect on serum cortisol concentration. Median potassium concentrations increased slightly after initiation of treatment with trilostane. Dogs with PDH had significantly higher serum aldo sterone concentrations before and after ACTH stimulation than healthy dogs., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Treatment with trilostane resulted in a reduction in serum cortisol and aldosterone concentrations in dogs with PDH, although the decrease for serum aldosterone concentration was smaller than that for serum cortisol concentration. There was no correlation between serum concentrations of aldosterone and potassium during treatment.

Between January 1997 and December 2000 blood glucose concentrations were measured in 2278 sick cats at the time of their initial presentation at the hospital. In 827 cats (36%) hyperglycemia (blood glucose >8 mmol/l) was documented, 1388 cats (61%) had normal blood glucose levels, 63 cats (3%) were hypoglycemic. In 674 of 827 cats (81.5%) no further investigations were performed and the veterinarian judged the hyperglycemia to be stress related. In 153 of the 827 cats (18.5%) blood glucose measurements were repeated and/or serum fructosamine concentrations evaluated. In 106 cats (69%) stress hyperglycemia and in 47 (31%) diabetes mellitus was then diagnosed. Blood glucose concentrations in cats with stress hyperglycemia were between 8.1 and 60.4 mmol/l (Median 10.3), in cats with diabetes mellitus between 8.5 and 70.0 (Median 27.7). Blood glucose concentrations in cats with diabetes mellitus were significantly higher than in cats with stress hyperglycemia. Cats with stress hyperglycemia suffered from a variety of different diseases, the most frequently encountered were surgical problems, neoplasia, heart diseases, upper and lower urinary tract diseases. Blood glucose concentrations in cats with heart diseases and in cats with neoplasia was higher than in cats with other disorders, however, the difference was not significant. Cats with diabetes mellitus were significantly more frequent male castrated than cats with stress hyperglycemia. Cats with stress hyperglycemia were significantly older than cats with normoglycemia.

The differentiation of acute (ARF) from chronic (CRF) renal failure is important for therapeutic and prognostic reasons and should be established as soon as possible. In practice this differentiation is often based on history, physical examination and laboratory results. In this retrospective study the diagnostic accuracy of parameters to differentiate ARF from CRF was tested in 19 dogs with ARF and 49 dogs with CRF. The diagnostic accuracy of body condition was 65%, of the hematocrit 78%, of serum potassium levels 28%, of total CO2 48%, of urinary casts 77%, of glucosuria 90% and of the urine protein-to-urine creatinine ratio 43%. Of all the parameters evaluated only glucosuria revealed an acceptable discriminating quality with a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 89%. A limitation of this factor is, that glucosuria depends on the cause of ARF. The single parameters tested are not very useful and the diagnosis of ARF or CRF is based on a combination of parameters from history, physical examination, laboratory results and diagnostic imaging. If a diagnosis can't be established immediately, treatment for ARF is recommended. With an immediate, aggressive treatment the possibility of total recovery from ARF is increased.

Objective: To evaluate owner compliance with longterm home monitoring of blood glucose concentrations in diabetic cats and assess the influence of home monitoring on the frequency of reevaluation of those cats at a veterinary hospital., Design: Retrospective study., Animals: 26 cats with diabetes mellitus., Procedure: Medical records of diabetic cats for which home monitoring was undertaken were reviewed, and owners were contacted by telephone. Signalment, laboratory test results, insulin treatment regimen, details of home monitoring, clinical signs during treatment, frequency of follow-up examinations, and survival times were evaluated., Results: Monitoring of cats commenced within 12 weeks (median, 3 weeks) after initial evaluation; 8 owners were unable to perform home monitoring, and 1 cat was euthanatized after 1 week. In 17 cats, duration of home monitoring was 4.8 to 46.0 months (median, 22.0 months); 6 cats died after 7.0 to 18.0 months (median, 13.0 months). In 11 cats, home monitoring was ongoing at completion of the study (12.0 to 46.0 months' duration). Fourteen owners completed blood glucose curves every 2 to 4 weeks. Cats managed with home monitoring received higher dosages of insulin, compared with cats that were not monitored. Four of 17 cats managed by home monitoring had transient resolution of diabetes mellitus for as long as 1 year. Home monitoring did not affect the frequency of reevaluation at the veterinary hospital., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Owner compliance with long-term home monitoring appeared to be satisfactory, and home monitoring did not affect the frequency of reevaluation of patients by veterinarians.

To determine whether measurement of canine thyrotropin (cTSH) would aid in the diagnosis of hypothyroidism, serum samples of 65 dogs with clinical signs suggestive of hypothyroidism were evaluated. Diagnosis was confirmed in 26 dogs and excluded in 39 dogs based on TSH-stimulation testing. Total thyroxine (T4) was significantly lower and cTSH significantly higher in hypothyroid dogs compared to euthyroid dogs. Canine TSH was above (> 0.6 ng/ml) in 15 (57.7%) and below the upper limit of the reference range in 11 (42.3%) of the hypothyroid dogs. All of the euthyroid dogs had a cTSH < 0.6 ng/ml. In all dogs with a cTSH above the upper limit of the reference range hypothyroidism could be confirmed. Therefore, our results show that measurement of cTSH has an excellent specificity (100%) and is a valuable tool in confirming canine hypothyroidism. However, due to the low sensitivity of cTSH assays (60%), it can not be recommended to exclude the disease.

Objective: To evaluate an electrolyte analyzer for measurement of ionized calcium (Ca(i)) and magnesium (Mg(i)) concentrations in blood, plasma, and serum; investigate the effect of various factors on measured values; and establish reference ranges for Ca(i) and Mg(i) in dogs., Animals: 30 healthy adult dogs of various breeds., Procedure: Precision in a measurement series, day-to-day precision, and linearity were used to evaluate the analyzer. The effects of exposure of serum samples to air, type of specimen (blood, plasma, or serum), and storage temperature on sample stability were assessed. Reference ranges were established with anaerobically handled serum., Results: The coefficient of variation for precision in a measurement series was < or = 1.5% for both electrolytes at various concentrations. The Ca(i) and Mg(i) concentrations were significantly lower in aerobically handled serum samples, compared with anaerobically handled samples. The Ca(i) and Mg(i) concentrations differed significantly among blood, plasma, and serum samples. In anaerobically handled serum, Ca(i) was stable for 24 hours at 22 degrees C, 48 hours at 4 degrees C, and 11 weeks at -20 degrees C; Mg(i) was stable for 8 hours at 22 degrees C, < 24 hours at 4 degrees C, and < 1 week at -20 degrees C. In anaerobically handled serum, reference ranges were 1.20 to 1.35 mmol/L for Ca(i) and 0.42 to 0.58 mmol/L for Mg(i)., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: The electrolyte analyzer was suitable for determination of Ca(i) and Mg(i) concentrations in dogs. Accurate results were obtained in anaerobically handled serum samples analyzed within 8 hours and kept at 22 degrees C.

Chronic natural hypoxia at 2300 m altitude induces mild pulmonary hypertension (PH) in healthy dogs. The influence of more severe hypoxia on the same group of dogs was evaluated by re-examining such dogs at 3500 m, after they had regularly exercised at this altitude level for half a year. Despite severe hypoxaemia at 3500 m (PaO2 52+/-5 mmHg), none of the dogs developed erythrocytosis, and their PCV at 3500 m (48% +/- 4%) did not differ from that at 2300 m (49% +/- 4%). There was a tendency towards an elevated systemic BP, with a significant increase in diastolic BP (105 +/- 13 mmHg at 3500 m versus 98 +/- 17 at 2300 m). Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) was detected in 7 dogs at 3500 m compared to 8 dogs at 2300 m. The mean TR Vmax was significantly higher at 3500 m, and all 7 dogs had systolic PH at 3500 m (33.6-54.8 mmHg), when PH was defined as TR Vmax > or = 2.8 m/s, i.e. a peak pressure gradient > 30 mmHg. Hence, in dogs, increasing altitude and the concomitant hypoxia result in a progressively more pronounced PH and an elevated systemic BP. Intermittent severe hypoxaemia of around 50 mmHg may not cause erythrocytosis in healthy dogs, even over a prolonged period.

Generation of blood glucose curves is essential to monitor glycemic control in dogs and cats with diabetes mellitus. Up till now blood collection and blood glucose measurements could only be performed in a hospital. However, glucose concentrations measured in a hospital environment can markedly differ from concentrations measured at home, due to reduced appetite, different activity level and stressful handling. At the Clinic of Small Animal Internal Medicine, University of Zurich, a new method to collect capillary blood from the ear and to measure blood glucose by means of a portable glucose meter has been developed. This method enables owners of diabetic dogs or cats to determine blood glucose concentrations and generate blood glucose curves at home. Three cases demonstrate, how much blood glucose concentrations at home may differ from those in the hospital and how home monitoring can help to establish diabetic control in dogs and cats.

Objective: To compare serum concentrations of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25-[OH]2D3) and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-[OH]D3) in healthy control dogs and dogs with naturally occurring acute renal failure (ARF) and chronic renal failure (CRF)., Animals: 24 control dogs, 10 dogs with ARF, and 40 dogs with CRF., Procedure: Serum concentrations of 1,25-(OH)2D3 were measured by use of a quantitative radioimmunoassay, and serum concentrations of 25-(OH)D3 were measured by use of a protein-binding assay., Results: Mean +/- SD serum concentration of 1,25-(OH)2D3 was 153 +/- 50 pmol/L in control dogs, 75 +/- 25 pmol/L in dogs with ARF, and 93 +/- 67 pmol/L in dogs with CRF. The concentration of 1,25-(OH)2D3 did not differ significantly between dogs with ARF and those with CRF and was in the reference range in most dogs; however, the concentration was significantly lower in dogs with ARF or CRF, compared with the concentration in control dogs. Mean +/- SD concentration of 25-(OH)D3 was 267 +/- 97 nmol/L in control dogs, 130 +/- 82 nmol/L in dogs with ARF, and 84 +/- 60 nmol/L in dogs with CRF. The concentration of 25-(OH)D3 was significantly lower in dogs with ARF or CRF, compared with the concentration in control dogs., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: The concentration of 1,25-(OH)2D3 was within the reference range in most dogs with renal failure. Increased serum concentrations of parathyroid hormone indicated a relative deficiency of 1,25-(OH)2D3. A decrease in the serum concentration of 25-(OH)D3 in dogs with CRF appeared to be attributable to reduced intake and increased urinary loss.

In 31 healthy cats urine samples were taken to determine the cortisol/creatinine ratio (UCC) during hospitalisation and at home. The UCC of the samples, which had been taken in the clinic, was significantly higher (0-19 x 10(-6), Median 3 x 10(-6)) than the one of the samples taken at home (0-4 x 10(-6), Median 1 x 10(-6)). The parameter was neither influenced by the cat's age, sex or the fact that the cat stayed inside or outside, nor by the degree of visible agitation. Assay validation achieved good results regarding precision and accuracy of the measuring of cortisol and creatinine in the urine. The study shows that stress--caused by the visit to the veterinarian--can provoke a significant increase of UCC. Therefore, the parameter should be determined only from urine samples taken at home. Furthermore, it is important to notice that cortisol metabolites are measured in varying degree with the different assays. Therefore, it is inevitable that each laboratory generates its own reference values.

The objective of this study was to investigate whether home monitoring of blood glucose of diabetic dogs by owners would be possible on a long-term basis. The owners of 12 diabetic dogs were each asked to generate four glucose curves by taking capillary blood samples from their dog's ear, at three- to four-week intervals. Within one week of each curve being produced by the owner, an additional curve was produced by a veterinarian in the hospital. Ten owners were able to generate blood glucose curves; three of them needed a second demonstration, and two telephoned for further guidance. The blood glucose concentrations obtained from the first two 'hospital' curves were significantly lower than those measured at home. Overall, in 42 per cent of cases, the treatment based on the hospital curves would have been different from that based on 'home' curves. The results of this study indicate that the majority of owners were able and willing to perform long-term monitoring of the blood glucose concentrations of their dogs.

Pulmonary hypertension is a well-recognised condition in dogs, and, among other mechanisms, is caused by hypoxia. In order to evaluate the effect of chronic hypobaric hypoxia on pulmonary arterial pressure in dogs, a colony of 19 clinically and biochemically healthy Greenland sled dogs living permanently at at least 2300 m above sea level (altitude dogs) and 10 clinically healthy Greenland sled dogs living at 700 to 900 m above sea level (control dogs) were examined. Investigations were made of the dogs' packed-cell volume, venous and arterial blood gases, electrocardiogram, blood pressure and echocardiograph, including the calculation of pulmonary arterial pressure by Doppler examination of tricuspid regurgitation. The altitude dogs had a marked arterial hypoxaemia with a mean (sd) oxygen partial pressure of 61.9 (7.4) mmHg and a significantly lower arterial oxygen saturation (90.7 [3.7] per cent) than the control dogs (96.7 [0.8] per cent). In eight of the altitude dogs, tricuspid regurgitation allowed calculation of the systolic pulmonary arterial pressure, which was 29.5 (10.4) mmHg. Eight of the control dogs had tricuspid insufficiency, and their derived systolic pulmonary arterial pressure was significantly lower (17.4 [3.9] mmHg).

During the years of 1996-2001, hypothyroidism was diagnosed at the clinic for small animal internal medicine, University of Zurich, in 32 dogs. Most of the dogs were large breeds. The most frequent clinical characteristics observed were exercise intolerance, obesity, dermatological, neurological and gastrointestinal signs. Predominant laboratory abnormalities were a low red blood cell count, increased concentration of cholesterol, triglycerides and fructosamin. 29 dogs had a T4 below the reference range (< 1.5 micrograms/dl), one dog had a T4 at the lower limit thereof (1.6 micrograms/dl). One dog had a T4 within the reference range (3.4 micrograms/dl), another had a very high T4 of 206.8 micrograms/dl; the results of the latter 2 dogs were interpreted as incorrectly increased T4 values due to in vitro interference with T4-autoantibodies. Diagnosis was confirmed in all of the dogs based on TSH-stimulation testing. Endogenous TSH (cTSH) measured parallelly, was elevated in only 60% of the dogs. In about 67% of the dogs, hypothyroidism was associated with thyroglobulin-autoantibodies. Canine hypothyroidism is a rather rare endocrine disorder in Switzerland. The TSH-stimulation test remains the gold standard in confirming the disease; a definitive diagnosis can be challenging for practitioners because bovine TSH, used for the TSH-stimulation test is not licensed for use in dogs. Since assessment of cTSH using current assays shows normal values in a high percentage of hypothyroid dogs, the diagnostic value is only limited. In most of the hypothyroid dogs T4 is decreased, with the presence of autoantibodies to T4, it can be normal or increased.

Of the different catheterisation methods described for closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), coil embolisation is most commonly used in dogs. However, for a PDA larger than 4 to 5 mm in diameter, coil implantation is difficult. For these cases, the Amplatzer duct occluder (ADO) offers an alternative method. This report describes the successful implantation of an ADO in two dogs with large PDAs of approximately 6 mm diameter. The self-expandible device attached to an implantation wire was advanced through a long sheath antegrade to the femoral vein through the right heart and pulmonary artery to the duct and delivered into the PDA. Thereafter the device was released by unscrewing it from the delivery cable. The large PDA in both dogs was totally occluded by these means without any residual shunt. Thus, the ADO is a controlled release implant that also allows occlusion of a large PDA. Its high costs limit its general use in veterinary medicine at the present time.

Serum fructosamine concentrations were measured in 11 untreated hypothyroid dogs with normal serum glucose and serum protein concentrations. The fructosamine level ranged between 276 and 441 micromol/L (median 376 micromol/L; reference range 207-340 micromol/L). Nine of the 11 dogs had fructosamine levels above the reference range. The fructosamine levels decreased significantly during treatment with levothyroxine. It is suggested that serum fructosamine concentrations may be high in hypothyroid dogs because of decelerated protein turnover, independent of the blood glucose concentration.

Recently a new method for capillary blood sampling from the ears of dogs and cats was described, which allows the measurement of glucose concentration by means of portable glucose meters. The authors of this report evaluated the suitability of this method for use by pet owners and the potential technical problems. The owners of seven healthy dogs and seven healthy cats were asked to perform two glucose curves (measuring blood glucose concentration every 2 hours for a total of 12 hours). All dog owners and three cat owners were able to perform a reliable blood glucose curve. The most frequently encountered problems were inadequate formation of a blood drop due to excessive digital pressure on the pinna, repeatedly depressing the plunger of the lancet device instead of allowing the negative pressure to slowly build up, and failure to fill the test strip up to the mark. The authors conclude that these steps of the procedure need to be stressed during technique demonstration and that home monitoring of blood glucose concentrations may serve as a new tool in the management of diabetic dogs and cats.

Objective: To determine the efficacy of trilostane, a 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitor, in dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH)., Animals: 11 dogs with PDH., Procedure: The initial dose of trilostane was 30 mg, PO, q 24 h for dogs that weighed < 5 kg and 60 mg, PO, q 24 h for dogs that weighed > or = 5 kg. A CBC count, serum biochemical analyses, urinalysis, ACTH stimulation test, and ultrasonographic evaluation of the adrenal glands were performed in each dog 1, 3 to 4, 6 to 7, 12 to 16, and 24 to 28 weeks after initiation of treatment., Results: All dogs responded well to treatment. All had reductions in polyuria-polydipsia and panting and an increase in activity. Polyphagia decreased in 9 of 10 dogs, and 9 of 11 dogs had improvement of coat quality and skin condition. Concentration of cortisol after ACTH stimulation significantly decreased by 1 week after initiation of treatment. After treatment for 6 months, clinical signs resolved in 9 dogs. In the other 2 dogs, marked clinical improvement was reported for 1 dog, and moderate improvement was reported in the other dog. Ultrasonographically, there was a considerable change in the parenchyma and an increase in size of the adrenal glands. Adverse effects consisted of 1 dog with transient lethargy and 1 dog with anorexia., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Trilostane is an efficacious and safe medication for treatment of dogs with PDH. Additional studies in a larger group of dogs and characterization of progressive changes in adrenal glands are needed.

Crenosoma (C.) vulpis infection was diagnosed in 10 dogs aged between 0.5 and 12 years (median 4 years) during a 4-year period. The predominant clinical sign in all dogs was coughing which lasted from 1 day to > 4 months. Hematological abnormalities included eosinophilia in 5/9 dogs, basophilia in 3/9 dogs, and mild monocytosis in 6/9 dogs. Thoracic radiographs (n = 9) were normal in 1 dog, showed a mild bronchial or interstitial pattern in 4 dogs, and moderate to marked changes (bronchial-interstitial to alveolar) in 4 dogs. Endoscopic findings (n = 9) varied from mild erythematous bronchitis (n = 3) to marked bronchitis with accumulation of large amounts of mucus (n = 2), irregular nodular mucosal surface (n = 2), accumulation of pus (n = 1), and bronchial hemorrhage (n = 1). Adult worms were observed in 2 dogs. Bronchial lavage cytology revealed inflammation with predominance of eosinophils in 7/10 dogs, eosinophils and neutrophils in 2/10 dogs, and neutrophils in 1/10 dogs. C. vulpis larvae were identified in the BAL of 5/10 dogs. Fecal examinations with the Baermann technique was the most sensitive method and positive in all 10 dogs. C. vulpis infection has to be considered in the differential diagnosis in dogs of all ages presenting with acute or chronic cough.

Balloon dilation was used for the treatment of a recurrent nasopharyngeal stenosis in a cat with chronic stertorous breathing. The procedure was performed on three occasions at intervals of three and four months using a 15 mm valvuloplasty balloon dilation catheter. After the first dilation, clinical signs reappeared within two weeks due to re-stenosis. After the second dilation, all signs of nasopharyngeal disease disappeared, and did not recur. Endoscopic re-evaluation after four months revealed a markedly enlarged nasopharyngeal opening with some degree of stenosis, and a third balloon dilation was performed. Five months later, the cat remained without clinical signs, although some recurrence of the stenosis was visible endoscopically. Complications occurred after the first dilation, and included mild conchal necrosis and transient mucopurulent discharge. Balloon dilation is a minimally invasive technique and can be a successful procedure for treating nasopharyngeal stenosis in cats.

Two 9-month-old West Highland White Terrier siblings were referred to our clinic with pruritus, alopecia and lichenification. Cytological examination of Scotch tape strippings revealed Malassezia organisms and cocci. Skin biopsy specimens showed epidermal dysplasia. Treatment included bathing with a 2% miconazole/chlorhexidine-containing shampoo, orally administered ketoconazole (5 mg kg-1, every 12 h) and cloxacillin (25 mg kg-1 every 8 h). Six weeks later, the dermal infection had resolved and there was hair regrowth. However, the dogs were still moderately pruritic. Intradermal allergy testing was positive for house dust mites, storage mites and Malassezia. Immunotherapy was initiated, and treatment with ketoconazole and cloxacillin was stopped. Skin biopsies, which were performed in both dogs 4 months after the first presentation, revealed mild superficial perivascular dermatitis. The remaining mild facial pruritus was easily controlled with topical treatment. These two cases indicate that epidermal dysplasia might be an inflammatory or hypersensitivity reaction to the Malassezia infection or a result of excessive self-trauma, rather than a congenital keratinization disorder.

The influence of various pathological conditions on fructosamine levels in normoglycaemic dogs and cats was investigated. The most frequent and most pronounced deviations were found in animals with hypoproteinaemia, in which fructosamine was significantly lower than in the controls. In 66 per cent of the dogs and 67 per cent of the cats with hypoproteinaemia the levels were below the reference range. In the dogs the concentration of fructosamine was correlated with the level of albumin, but in the cats it was correlated with the level of total protein. Dogs with hyperlipidaemia and azotaemia also had significantly lower levels of fructosamine; 38 per cent of those with hyperlipidaemia and 47 per cent of those with azotaemia had fructosamine levels outside the reference range. No significant changes in fructosamine were detected in dogs or cats with hyperproteinaemia or hyperbilirubinaemia, or in cats with hyperlipidaemia or azotaemia.

Basal serum thyroxine (T4) concentration and the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation test were used to assess thyroid function in 36 critically ill cats examined between July 1996 and October 1998. Of the 36 cats. hyperthyroidism (as underlying or complicating disease) was suspected in 22 based on clinical signs, palpable thyroid nodules, and abnormal thyroid gland histology (study group). Hyperthyroidism was not suspected in the remaining 14 cats, which served as the control group. Based on serum T4 concentrations, suppression of thyroid function was documented in 14 (64%) cats of the study group and in 10 (71%) cats of the control group. The TRH stimulation test revealed an increase in serum T4 of less than 50% of the baseline concentration in 18 (82%) cats of the study group, and in 6 (43%) cats of the control group. In conclusion, based on the results of serum T4 determinations and the TRH stimulation tests, it was not possible to differentiate between cats with clinical and histologic evidence of thyroid dysfunction (hyperthyroidism) and cats with severe nonthyroidal illnesses.

Objective: To evaluate whether determination of parathyroid gland size by use of ultrasonography is helpful in differentiating acute renal failure (ARF) from chronic renal failure (CRF) in dogs., Design: Prospective study., Animals: 20 dogs with renal failure in which serum creatinine concentration was at least 5 times the upper reference limit. Seven dogs had ARF, and 13 dogs had CRF. Twenty-three healthy dogs were used as controls., Procedure: Dogs were positioned in dorsal recumbency for ultrasonographic examination of the ventral portion of the neck, A 10-MHz linear-array high-resolution transducer was used. The size of the parathyroid gland was determined by measuring the maximal length of the gland on the screen when it was imaged in longitudinal section. For comparison among groups, the longest linear dimension of any of the parathyroid glands of each dog was used., Results: Size of the parathyroid glands in the control dogs varied from 2.0 to 4.6 mm (median, 3.3 mm). In the dogs with ARF, gland size ranged from 2.4 to 4.0 mm (median, 2.7), which was not significantly different from controls. In dogs with CRF, the glands were more distinctly demarcated from the surrounding thyroid tissue, than those of controls and dogs with ARF. Sizes ranged from 3.9 to 8.1 mm (median, 5.7 mm), which was significantly larger, compared with controls and dogs with ARF., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: In dogs with severe azotemia, ultrasonographic examination of the parathyroid glands was helpful in differentiating ARF from CRF Size of the parathyroid glands appeared to be related to body weight.

Objective: To determine the effect of hyperthyroidism on serum fructosamine concentration in cats., Design: Cohort study., Animals: 22 cats with overt hyperthyroidism., Procedure: Hyperthyroidism was diagnosed on the basis of clinical signs, detection of a palpable thyroid gland, and high total serum thyroxine (T4) concentrations. Hyperthyroid cats with abnormal serum albumin, total protein, and glucose concentrations were excluded from the study. Samples for determination of serum fructosamine concentration were obtained prior to initiating treatment. Results were compared with fructosamine concentrations in healthy cats, cats in which diabetes had recently been diagnosed, and cats with hypoproteinemia. In 6 cats, follow-up measurements were obtained 2 and 6 weeks after initiating treatment with carbimazole., Results: Serum fructosamine concentrations ranged from 154 to 267 mumol/L (median, 198 mumol/L) and were significantly lower than values in healthy cats. Eleven (50%) of the hyperthyroid cats had serum fructosamine concentrations less than the reference range. Serum fructosamine concentrations in hyperthyroid, normoproteinemic cats did not differ from values in hypoproteinemic cats. During treatment, an increase in serum fructosamine concentration was detected., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: In hyperthyroid cats, concentration of serum fructosamine may be low because of accelerated protein turnover, independent of blood glucose concentration. Serum fructosamine concentrations should not be evaluated in cats with overt hyperthyroidism and diabetes mellitus. Additionally, concentration of serum fructosamine in hyperthyroid cats should not be used to differentiate between diabetes mellitus and transitory stress-related hyperglycemia.

Ten dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) received 2 mg/kg of L-Deprenyl once daily for 6 months. Monthly patient assessment consisted of evaluation of the owner's daily observation protocol, a standardized owner questionnaire, physical examination, CBC, biochemical profile, determination of the urine cortisol/creatinine ratio (UC/C), low-dose dexamethasone suppression (LDDS) test, corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) test, and adrenal ultrasonography. At the beginning and the end of the study, an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test and computed tomography also were performed. Two dogs developed neurologic signs and 2 dogs developed acute pancreatitis. An increase in activity, decrease in polyphagia, and decrease in panting were reported by 6, 4, and 2 owners, respectively. Seven owners believed that water intake decreased, but this was confirmed in only 3 dogs. Water intake increased in 2 dogs and remained unchanged in 5 dogs. The condition of the hair coat and skin improved in 2 dogs, worsened in 3, and remained unchanged in 5. Urine specific gravity, urine osmolality, ACTH test results, UC/C, and adrenal gland size did not change significantly throughout the study. In 4 of 8 dogs, LDDS was abnormal at the start of the study but normal at the end of the study, and in 2 dogs, the opposite occurred. Marked individual variation was noted in the CRH test, with a tendency for smaller increases in ACTH toward the end of the study. A marked increase in hypophyseal tumor size occured in 4 dogs. Treatment with L-Deprenyl resulted in improvement, deterioration, and stagnation of clinical signs in 2, 4, and 4 dogs, respectively. The results of this study indicate that L-Deprenyl cannot be recommended as the sole treatment for canine PDH.

Objective: To correlate serum fructosamine concentrations with established measures of glycemic control and to compare serum fructosamine and blood glycosylated hemoglobin (GHb) concentrations as a means for assessing glycemic control in diabetic cats., Design: Longitudinal cohort study., Animals: 26 healthy cats, 5 cats with stress-induced hyperglycemia, 15 untreated diabetic cats, and 36 treated diabetic cats., Procedure: Control of glycemia was classified and monitored and serum fructosamine and blood GHb concentrations were measured for 12 poorly controlled diabetic cats before and after improving glycemic control, 8 well-controlled treated diabetic cats before and after glycemic control deteriorated, and 5 cats with diabetes mellitus before and after onset of stress-induced hyperglycemia., Results: Mean serum fructosamine and blood GHb concentrations were significantly higher in untreated diabetic cats, compared with healthy cats, and in 24 poorly controlled diabetic cats, compared with 12 well-controlled diabetic cats. Mean serum fructosamine and blood GHb concentrations decreased significantly in 12 poorly controlled diabetic cats after improving glycemic control and increased significantly in 8 well-controlled diabetic cats after glycemic control deteriorated. A significant stress-induced increase in mean blood glucose concentration was evident 12 hours after insulin administration, but not in 5 docile diabetic cats that became fractious., Clinical Implications: Serum fructosamine and blood GHb concentrations are clinically useful tools for monitoring control of glycemia in cats with diabetes mellitus.

A new automated affinity chromatographic method for determining glycated haemoglobin (GHb) in dogs and cats was tested. The method appeared to be practical, quick and accurate. The reference range, calculated on the basis of 50 healthy dogs and 43 healthy cats, lay between 2.4 and 3.4 per cent in dogs and 2.0 and 2.9 per cent in cats. Concentrations were not influenced by age or gender. GHb levels obtained for 21 dogs and 18 cats with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus were significantly higher than those of the control animals, ranging from 4.5 to 8.6 per cent (median 6.1) in dogs and from 2.7 to 6.0 per cent (median 3.8 per cent) in cats. The GHb levels in 31 normoglycaemic dogs with anaemia ranged from 2.3 to 4.3 per cent (median 3.3 per cent), and those of 22 normoglycaemic cats with anaemia from 2.6 to 3.9 per cent (median 3.2 per cent); both sets of levels were significantly elevated compared to control group values. GHb concentrations in animals with polycythaemia, azotaemia or liver disease showed no significant deviations from the control group; in individual cases they were slightly elevated compared to the reference range. The automated measuring method employed can be used to determine GHb in dogs and cats. Anaemic animals should generally be excluded from the GHb determination.

Fructosamines are glycated serum proteins that, depending on their life span, reflect glycemic control over the previous 2 to 3 weeks. The nitroblue tetrazolium reduction method adapted to auto analysis appeared to be a practical means to assay fructosamine quickly, economically, and accurately. The upper limit of the reference range is 374 mumol/L in dogs (95% percentile) and 340 mumol/L in cats (95% percentile). Newly diagnosed diabetic dogs and cats that had not undergone previous insulin therapy had significantly higher fructosamine concentrations than nondiabetic animals. In diabetic dogs that were receiving insulin therapy, the fructosamine test reflected the glycemic state far more accurately than did individual blood glucose measurements. Animals with satisfactory metabolic control revealed fructosamine concentrations within the reference range, whereas fructosamine concentrations above 400 mumol/L indicated insufficient metabolic control. On the basis of fructosamine concentrations, cats with a transitory hyperglycemia and cats with diabetes mellitus were differentiated. The fructosamine test is a valuable parameter for the diagnosis and metabolic control of diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats.

This retrospective study identifies parameters that might separate dogs with hyperadrenocorticism caused by adrenocortical tumors from dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism. Further, an attempt was made to identify factors that could separate dogs with adrenocortical adenomas from dogs with carcinomas. The records of 41 dogs with hyperadrenocorticism caused by adrenocortical neoplasia were reviewed. The history, physical examination, urinalysis, hemogram (CBC), chemistry profile adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) stimulation and low dose dexamethasone test results were typical of the nonspecific diagnosis of hyperadrenocorticism. The preceding information on the 41 dogs with adrenocortical tumors was compared with that from 44 previously diagnosed pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticoid dogs. There was no parameter which aided in separating these two groups of dogs. Thirty dogs with adrenocortical tumors were tested with a high-dose dexamethasone test and none had suppressed plasma cortisol concentrations 8 hours after IV administration of 0.1 mg/kg of dexamethasone. In 29 of the 41 adrenal tumor dogs, plasma endogenous ACTH was not detectable on at least one measurement (less than 20 pg/ml). The remaining 12 dogs from this group had nondiagnostic concentrations (20-45 pg/ml). Thirteen of 22 dogs (59%) with adrenocortical carcinomas had adrenal masses identified on abdominal radiographs and seven of 13 dogs (54%) with adrenocortical adenomas had radiographically visible adrenal masses. Thirteen of 17 adrenocortical carcinomas (76%) and five of eight adenomas (62%) were identified with ultrasonography. Radiographs of the thorax and ultrasonography of the abdomen identified most of the dogs (8 of 11) with metastatic lesions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)