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ZusammenfassungZwischen April 2018 und August 2019 wurden 6 Hunde mit labordiagnostischen Hinweisen auf ein Fanconi-Syndrom in der Tierklinik Hofheim vorgestellt. In allen Fällen ließ sich der Verdacht mittels Untersuchung der Aminosäuren im Harn bestätigen. Bei 5 der 6 Hunde bestand der hochgradige Verdacht auf eine alimentäre Genese, bei 3 Hunden konnte der Verlauf der Krankheit verfolgt werden. Durch unterstützende therapeutische Maßnahmen und Elimination der Leckerchen aus Trockenfleisch vom Speiseplan besserte sich die klinische Symptomatik bei den Hunden mit Verlaufskontrolle. Hierbei handelt es sich um die erste Fallserie von in Deutschland erkrankten Hunden. Die Häufigkeit des Auftretens des Fanconi-Syndroms in etwas mehr als einem Jahr in nur einer Tierklink lässt eine deutlich höhere Inzidenz vermuten, als derzeit angenommen wird.

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of radioiodine treatment (RIT) on the acute phase proteins (APPs) serum amyloid A (SAA), alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) and haptoglobin (Hp) in hyperthyroid cats. Methods Between June 2013 and November 2014, 33 hyperthyroid cats without clinical or laboratory signs of inflammatory or neoplastic disease and a body weight >2.5 kg were enrolled. Immediately before, and 12, 36, 72 h and 6 days after RIT, serum samples were obtained for determination of APP concentrations. Results Both SAA and AGP concentrations changed significantly after RIT. The concentration of AGP increased gradually after treatment with a maximum concentration at the end of the study period (median baseline 398 μg/ml; median 6 days post-RIT 562 μg/ml [ P = 0.001]). A relevant >two-fold increase in AGP was seen in 8/33 (24%) cats. SAA concentration increased significantly within 12 h (baseline 9.2 μg/ml; 12 h post-RIT 22.5 μg/ml [ P = 0.012]). In 7/33 (21%) cats, a clinically relevant >10-fold increase in SAA was observed. Hp concentration showed no significant change ( P = 0.12). Conclusions and relevance RIT induced a mild, mainly not clinically relevant acute phase reaction (APR). AGP and SAA were useful APPs to determine RIT-induced APR.

Zusammenfassung Gegenstand und Ziel Desoxycorticosteronpivalat (DOCP) ist seit 2016 mit Zycortal® das einzige in Deutschland zugelassene Medikament für die Therapie des primären Hypoadrenokortizismus (Morbus Addison) beim Hund. Der Hersteller empfiehlt als Anfangsdosis 2,2 mg/kg. Sowohl eigene Erfahrungen als auch vereinzelte bisherige Veröffentlichungen lassen vermuten, dass eine deutlich niedrigere Anfangsdosis ausreicht. Gründe für eine Dosisreduktion sind die Verringerung der beträchtlichen Kosten mit Steigerung der Besitzermotivation zur Therapie sowie die Vermeidung einer Überdosierung und damit einhergehender Nebenwirkungen. Ziel unserer retrospektiven Studie war zu zeigen, dass eine Anfangsdosis von 1,5 mg/kg DOCP ausreicht, um einen Hund mit primärem Hypoadrenokortizismus stabil einzustellen. Material und Methode Aufnahme in die Studie fanden Hunde mit primärem Hypoadrenokortizismus, die mit einer DOCP-Anfangsdosis von 1,5 mg/kg s. c. therapiert worden waren. Dokumentiert wurden die 1., 2. und letztbekannte DOCP-Dosis sowie die Elektrolytkonzentrationen zum Zeitpunkt der Diagnose, 10–14 Tage nach der ersten DOCP-Injektion, am Tag der 2. und der zuletzt dokumentierten Injektion von DOCP. Ein Hund galt als stabil eingestellt, wenn er ein ungestörtes Allgemeinbefinden hatte, Natrium- und Kaliumkonzentration im Referenzbereich lagen und der behandelnde Tierarzt keine Dosisanpassung empfahl. Ergebnisse Alle 13 in die Studie eingeschlossenen Hunde waren nach der 1. bzw. 2. Injektion stabil eingestellt. Ein Hund benötigte als letzte dokumentierte Dosis 1,6 mg/kg DOCP, alle anderen ≤ 1,5 mg/kg (Median: 1,3 mg/kg, Spanne: 0,4–1,6 mg/kg). Elf Hunde erhielten monatlich eine Injektion, 2 Hunde alle 60 Tage. Der Beobachtungszeitraum betrug mindestens 7 Monate (Median: 20 Monate, Spanne: 7–26 Monate). Schlussfolgerung und klinische Relevanz Wir konnten zeigen, dass eine Anfangsdosis von 1,5 mg/kg DOCP (Zycortal®) ausreicht, um einen Hund mit primärem Hypoadrenokortizismus stabil einzustellen, aber teilweise Dosisanpassungen vorgenommen werden müssen. Für eine korrekte Einstellung der DOCP-Dosis ist eine regelmäßige Elektrolytkontrolle jeweils 10 Tage nach DOCP-Injektion als auch nach 28–31 Tagen nötig.

Between April 2018 and August 2019, 6 dogs with laboratory diagnostic evidence of Fanconi syndrome were presented to the Tierklinik Hofheim. The presumptive diagnosis was confirmed via urine amino acid analysis in all dogs. In 5 of the 6 dogs an alimentary origin was suspected, in 3 dogs the course of the disease could be followed. Supportive therapeutic measures and elimination of jerky treats from the dogs' diet improved the clinical symptoms in all dogs with known follow-up. This is the first case series of dogs with alimentary acquired Fanconi syndrome in Germany. The frequency of occurrence of the disease in that short period of time in only one small animal clinic suggests a significantly higher incidence than currently assumed.Zwischen April 2018 und August 2019 wurden 6 Hunde mit labordiagnostischen Hinweisen auf ein Fanconi-Syndrom in der Tierklinik Hofheim vorgestellt. In allen Fällen ließ sich der Verdacht mittels Untersuchung der Aminosäuren im Harn bestätigen. Bei 5 der 6 Hunde bestand der hochgradige Verdacht auf eine alimentäre Genese, bei 3 Hunden konnte der Verlauf der Krankheit verfolgt werden. Durch unterstützende therapeutische Maßnahmen und Elimination der Leckerchen aus Trockenfleisch vom Speiseplan besserte sich die klinische Symptomatik bei den Hunden mit Verlaufskontrolle. Hierbei handelt es sich um die erste Fallserie von in Deutschland erkrankten Hunden. Die Häufigkeit des Auftretens des Fanconi-Syndroms in etwas mehr als einem Jahr in nur einer Tierklink lässt eine deutlich höhere Inzidenz vermuten, als derzeit angenommen wird.

Since 2016 the only approved drug for the treatment of primary hypoadrenocorticism (Addisons disease) in dogs in Germany is desoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP), namely ZycortalDogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism were included if the initial starting dose was 1.5 mg/kg DOCP subcutaneously. The first, second and the last known dose of DOCP were documented. Electrolyte concentrations at the time of diagnosis as well as 10-14 days after the first injection, on the day of the second injection as well as at the last known injection were recorded. A dog was considered medically well-regulated when clinically healthy, sodium and potassium concentrations within the reference ranges, and when the responsible veterinarian did not recommended a dose alteration.All 13 included dogs were clinically healthy after the first or second injection. One dog received 1.6 mg/kg DOCP as last documented dose, all other dogs received ≤ 1.5 mg/kg (median: 1.3, range: 0.4-1.6) DOCP. Eleven dogs were injected once monthly, 2 dogs received injections every 60 days. The dogs were followed at least 7 months (median: 20 months, range: 7-26 months).We were able to show that a starting dose of 1.5 mg/kg DOCP (ZycortalDesoxycorticosteronpivalat (DOCP) ist seit 2016 mit ZycortalAufnahme in die Studie fanden Hunde mit primärem Hypoadrenokortizismus, die mit einer DOCP-Anfangsdosis von 1,5 mg/kg s. c. therapiert worden waren. Dokumentiert wurden die 1., 2. und letztbekannte DOCP-Dosis sowie die Elektrolytkonzentrationen zum Zeitpunkt der Diagnose, 10–14 Tage nach der ersten DOCP-Injektion, am Tag der 2. und der zuletzt dokumentierten Injektion von DOCP. Ein Hund galt als stabil eingestellt, wenn er ein ungestörtes Allgemeinbefinden hatte, Natrium- und Kaliumkonzentration im Referenzbereich lagen und der behandelnde Tierarzt keine Dosisanpassung empfahl.Alle 13 in die Studie eingeschlossenen Hunde waren nach der 1. bzw. 2. Injektion stabil eingestellt. Ein Hund benötigte als letzte dokumentierte Dosis 1,6 mg/kg DOCP, alle anderen ≤ 1,5 mg/kg (Median: 1,3 mg/kg, Spanne: 0,4–1,6 mg/kg). Elf Hunde erhielten monatlich eine Injektion, 2 Hunde alle 60 Tage. Der Beobachtungszeitraum betrug mindestens 7 Monate (Median: 20 Monate, Spanne: 7–26 Monate).Wir konnten zeigen, dass eine Anfangsdosis von 1,5 mg/kg DOCP (Zycortal

OBJECTIVE To evaluate outcomes for dogs with mycotic rhinitis-rhinosinusitis (MRR) treated by meticulous debridement and topical application of 1% clotrimazole cream and investigate potential prognostic factors that could help predict whether 1 or multiple treatments would be needed for clinical resolution of the condition. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 64 dogs. PROCEDURES Medical records were reviewed to identify dogs treated for MRR by meticulous debridement and topical application of 1% clotrimazole cream. Signalment, clinical signs, previous treatments, CT findings, presence of unilateral or bilateral disease, predisposing factors, number and type of treatments, and complications were recorded. Outcome information was obtained from records or by telephone interview with owners. Association of selected factors with the number of treatments needed for clinical resolution was evaluated. RESULTS Clotrimazole was instilled via the trephination site (n = 42) or under endoscopic guidance (22). Thirteen dogs underwent a 5-minute flush with 1% clotrimazole solution prior to cream application, and 34 received adjunctive oral itraconazole treatment. The MRR was deemed resolved in 58 dogs, and clinical signs persisted in 1 dog. Five dogs died (2 of causes unrelated to MRR) ≤ 1 month after treatment. The first treatment was successful in 42 of 62 (68%) dogs; overall success rate was 58 of 62 (94%). No prognostic factors for the number of treatments needed to provide clinical resolution were identified. Seven dogs with reinfection were successfully retreated. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Topical treatment by meticulous debridement and 1% clotrimazole cream application had results similar to or better than those described in other studies of dogs with MRR. Trephination or adjunctive itraconazole treatment did not influence the number of treatments needed for a successful outcome.

A 21-month-old entire female labrador retriever was presented for polyuria, pollakiuria, haematuria and intermittent urinary incontinence. Clinical signs were absent during antibiotic treatment but reoccurred shortly after completion of a treatment course. Investigations detected bilaterally dilated ureters, right renal hypoplasia, left extramural ectopic ureter and right intramural ectopic ureter forming an ureterocoele. Blood tests revealed moderate renal azotaemia. 99mTc-DMSA (technetium-99m-dimercaptosuccinic acid) scintigraphy was used to quantify individual kidney function to carefully consider nephrectomy. The right kidney contributed to less than 2 per cent of the total kidney function. Individual kidney function assessed by 99mTc-DMSA scintigraphy was compared with CT-based renal parenchyma volume as an equivalent to kidney function. In this case both diagnostic imaging techniques resulted in similar individual kidney function percentages. A right-sided nephroureterectomy and a left-sided neoureterocystostomy were performed. Surgical treatment successfully resolved the clinical signs. After surgery the dog’s chronic kidney disease remained stable at International Renal Interest Society chronic kidney disease stage 3.

ZusammenfassungZwei Hunde mit erhöhter Thyroxinkonzentration, von denen einer deutliche klinische Symptome einer Hyperthyreose aufwies, wurden zur diagnostischen Abklärung überwiesen. Mittels gezielter anamnestischer Aufarbeitung, klinischer Untersuchung, weiterführender Labordiagnostik und Szintigraphie konnte eine alimentäre Thyreotoxikose diagnostiziert werden. Ursächlich war in einem Fall die Fütterung von mit Schilddrüsengewebe kontaminiertem rohem Futter (BARF), im anderen Fall ein konventionelles Hundefutter. Nach Futterumstellung verschwanden bei dem betroffenen Hund die klinischen Symptome. Eine Kontrolluntersuchung ergab bei beiden Hunden eine Thyroxinkonzentration im Referenzbereich.

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the measurement of acute phase proteins (APPs) as a diagnostic tool to differentiate between feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and other diseases in cats with body cavity effusions. Methods Cats with pleural, abdominal or pericardial effusion were prospectively enrolled. Cats were classified as having or not having FIP based on immunohistochemistry (if available) or a sophisticated statistical method using machine learning methodology with concepts from game theory. Cats without FIP were further subdivided into three subgroups: cardiac disease, neoplasia and other diseases. Serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp) and α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) were measured in serum and effusion, using assays previously validated in cats. Results Serum and effusion samples were available for the measurement of APPs from 88 and 67 cats, respectively. Concentrations of the APPs in serum and effusion were significantly different in cats with and without FIP ( P Conclusions and relevance AGP, particularly if measured in effusion, was found to be useful in differentiating between FIP and other diseases, while SAA and Hp were not. The concentration of all three APPs in some diseases (eg, septic processes, disseminated neoplasia) was as high as in cats with FIP; therefore, none of these can be recommended as a single diagnostic test for FIP.

A two year old male Labrador Retriever was treated with delmadinone acetate because of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Four days after the injection the dog showed gastrointestinal signs and a progressive lethargy. In the hospital for small animals of the Justus-Liebig-University of Gießen an ACTH stimulation test was done and a secondary hypoadrenocorticism was diagnosed. The dog was treated with prednisolone in physiological dose for 14 weeks after the injection. The clinical symptoms stopped immediately. A new ACTH stimulation test some weeks later showed a completely normal adrenal function.Ein zwei Jahre alter, unkastrierter Labrador Retriever Rüde wurde beim Haustierarzt wegen einer benignen Prostatahyperplasie mit Delmadinonacetat behandelt. Vier Tage nach der Injektion entwickelte der Rüde gastrointestinale Symptome und eine progressive Lethargie. In der Klinik für Kleintiere der Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen wurde mittels ACTH-Stimulationstest ein sekundärer Hypoadrenokortizismus diagnostiziert. Der Rüde wurde bis zur 14. Woche nach der Injektion von Delmadinonacetat auf eine physiologische Dosis von Prednisolon gesetzt. Der klinische Zustand des Hundes besserte sich sofort nach Beginn der Therapie. Ein erneuter ACTH-Stimulationstest einige Wochen später zeigte eine komplette Rekonvaleszenz der Nebennierenfunktion.

This study reports on a retrospective evaluation of epidemiological data from calcium oxalate stones in dogs differentiated into calcium oxalate monohydrate (Whewellite, Wh) and calcium oxalate dihydrate (Weddellite, Wd). Of the 22 456 uroliths submitted from 1979 to 2015, 6690 (29.8%) were composed of > 70% calcium oxalate. During the observation period, the proportion of calcium oxalate stones rose from 4% (1979) to 46% (2015). Of all the calcium oxalate stones, 31.0% were Wh and 49.4% Wd, while 19.6% were a mixture of Wh and Wd. The dogs with Wh stones were significantly older than the dogs with Wd stones. Several breeds have increased odds ratios (OR) for either Wh (5 highest OR: Norwich terrier, keeshond, Norfolk terrier, fox terrier, sheltie) or Wd (Pomeranian, borzoi, Japanese spitz, Finnish lapphund, bichon frise). Analytical differentiation of the calcium oxalate stones into Wh and Wd is important for understanding the cause and possible treatment and prevention of the uroliths.

Neoplasia of the stomach in uncommon in the dog, accounting for

Cancers of the exocrine pancreas are extremely rare in dogs and cats, accounting for

ZusammenfassungEin 8-jähriger Australian-Shepherd-Rüde wurde mit Blutung aus der Lefze und Hämoabdomen vorgestellt. Hämatologisch fielen eine mittelgradige Thrombopenie und Anämie auf. Mittels Sonographie des Abdomens und Laparotomie wurde keine Blutungsursache gefunden. Nach einer Plasmatransfusion stabilisierte sich der Zustand des Hundes zunächst. Im weiteren Verlauf wurden ein hochgradiger Von-Willebrand- Faktor-Mangel und ein Faktor-VIII-Mangel diagnostiziert. Nach Auftreten erneuter Blutungen wurde mittels parasitologischer Kot - untersuchung und PCR aus EDTA-Blut eine Angiostrongylus-vasorum-Infektion nachgewiesen. Im Anschluss an eine erfolgreiche Therapie mit Fenbendazol lagen Von-Willebrand-Faktor und Faktor-VIII im Referenzbereich. Es handelt sich um den zweiten Fallbericht eines Hundes mit Angiostrongylose-assoziertem Von-Willebrand-Faktor-Mangel und um den ersten Fallbericht mit gleichzeitigem Nachweis eines Faktor- VIII-Mangels.

Zusammenfassung Ziel der retrospektiven Studie war, Häufigkeit, prognostische Faktoren und Unterschiede verschiedener Ätiologien einer Neutropenie beim Hund zu untersuchen. Material und Methoden: In die Studie wurden 391 Hunde mit einer Neutrophilenzahl < 2,78 × 109/l (Januar 2008 bis Dezember 2012) eingeschlossen und entsprechend der Ätiologie der Neutropenie sieben Diagnosegruppen zugeordnet: Nichtbakterielle Infektionserkrankung, Gewebeverbrauch, Medikamentenassoziiert, Knochenmarkerkrankung, Immunvermittelt, Physiologisch, Verschiedene. Verglichene Parameter waren Neutrophilenzahl, Vorliegen von Granulozyten mit Toxizitätsanzeichen oder Linksverschiebung, Vorstellungsgründe, Körperinnentemperatur zum Zeitpunkt der Neutropenie, Hospitalisierung und Überleben. Ergebnisse: Gewebeverbrauch (90/391, 23%) und nichtbakterielle Infektionserkrankungen (70/391, 18%) stellten die häufigsten Ursachen einer Neutropenie dar, gefolgt von medikamentenassoziierter Neutropenie (43/391, 11%) und Knochenmarkerkrankungen (32/391, 8%). Immunvermittelte und physiologische Neutropenien traten selten auf (je 16/391, 4%). Fast ein Drittel der Hunde fiel in die Diagnosegruppe Verschiedene (124/391, 32%). Die Neutrophilenzahl in den Gruppen Physiologisch und Verschiedene war höher (p < 0,01) als in den übrigen Gruppen. Hunde mit nichtbakterieller Infektionserkrankung oder immunvermittelter Neutropenie hatten niedrigere Neutrophilenzahlen als Hunde mit einem Gewebeverbrauch (p < 0,001) und wurden am häufigsten wegen gastrointestinaler Symptome (52/70, 74%) oder Fieber (11/16, 69%) vorgestellt. In der Gruppe Gewebeverbrauch waren Toxizitätsanzeichen und Linksverschiebung am häufigsten (60/90 und 25/90, 67% und 28%) und die Mortalität am höchsten (32/90, 36%). Schlussfolgerung: Vorliegen von Toxizitätsanzeichen und Linksverschiebung können auf einen Gewebeverbrauch und eine schlechtere Prognose hinweisen. Mit zunehmendem Schweregrad der Neutropenie wird eine immunvermittelte Ursache wahrscheinlicher. Klinische Relevanz: Eine Neutropenie sollte im Kontext mit Anamnese, klinischer Untersuchung und Granulozytenmorphologie beurteilt werden.

Zusammenfassung Ziel: Überblick über die epidemiologische Situation des multizentrischen Lymphoms (ML) des Hundes in Deutschland. Material und Methoden: 411 Hunde mit ML wurden retrospektiv hinsichtlich Rasse,Körpergewicht und des Anteils der Hunde mit Hyperkalzämie bzw. T- und B-Zell-Lymphom ausgewertet und statistisch mit zwei Vergleichspopulationen verglichen (Klinikpopulation Tierklinik Hofheim, n = 52142; krankenversicherte Hunde, n = 123423). Ergebnisse: 298 (72, 5%) der 411 Hunde gehörten 86 verschiedenen Rassen an, 113 (27, 5%) waren Mischlinge. Bei Gegenüberstellung mit beiden Vergleichspopulationen zeigte sich übereinstimmend eine Rasseprädisposition für American Pitbull Terrier (Quotenverhältnis [QV] 5, 2 bzw. 18, 5), American Staffordshire Terrier (QV 3, 3 bzw. 4, 6), Briard (QV 5, 6 bzw. 9, Bullmastiff (QV 7, 8 bzw. 5, 0), Irish Setter (QV 3, 1) und Rottweiler (QV 2, 8 bzw. 3, 6). Golden Retriever (n = 22, QV 1, 3 bzw. 0, 9) und Berner Sennenhunde (n = 22, QV 2, 4 bzw. 2, 0) waren in absoluten Zahlen häufig vertreten, doch ergab sich beim Vergleich mit den Vergleichspopulationen lediglich ein QV < 3. Das durchschnittliche Körpergewicht betrug 30, 2 ± 13, 7 kg, nur 75 (18%) Hunde wogen weniger als 15 kg. Bei den kleineren Hunden (< 15 kg KM) waren West Highland White Terrier (n = 12) gehäuft vertreten. Das mittlere Alter der Hunde lag bei 7, 9 ± 2, 7 Jahren. Hunde ≥ 15 kg waren signifikant (p < 0, 001) jünger (7, 6 ± 2, 4 Jahre) als Hunde < 15 kg (9, 3 ± 3, 2 Jahre). Hunde mit B-Zell-Lymphom hatten ein signifikant (p < 0, 001) höheres Alter (8, 5 ± 2, 6 Jahre) als Hunde mit T-Zell-Lymphom (6, 4 ± 1, 8 Jahre). Eine Geschlechtsprädisposition ließ sich nicht nachweisen (54% männlich, 46% weiblich). Eine paraneoplastische Hyperkalzämie als Zeichen eines T-Zell-Lymphoms lag bei 44 (11, 4%) Hunden vor. 20, 6% bzw. 79, 4% der Hunde wiesen einen T- bzw. B-Zell-Immunphänotyp auf. Klinische Relevanz: Bereits bekannte Rasseprädispositionen konnten bestätigt und bislang unbekannte Rassehäufungen identifiziert werden (Briard, Irish Setter). Bei kleineren Hunden (< 15 kg) tritt das ML in deutlich höherem Alter auf.

ZusammenfassungZwei 4 Wochen alte, weibliche Dobermann-Welpen wurden mit akutem Durchfall und Erbrechen vorgestellt. Zusätzlich zeigten sie Niesen und Nasenausfluss. Aufgrund der klinischen Präsentation und einer Neutropenie bestand der hochgradige Verdacht einer Parvovirose. Die Tiere blieben mehrere Tage hospitalisiert und wurden symptomatisch therapiert. Eine parasitologische Kotuntersuchung sowie eine virologische Untersuchung des Kots auf eine Parvovirusinfektion (Polymerasekettenreaktion [PCR] und Immunelektronenmikroskopie) verliefen negativ. Mithilfe einer weiteren, neuen PCR ließ sich das Bocavirus identifizieren, sodass eine Infektion mit diesem Erreger als mögliche Diagnose infrage kommt. Dieser Fallbericht beschreibt eine noch wenig bekannte virale Welpenerkrankung mit erfolgreichem Therapieverlauf.

Objective To assess the accuracy of obtaining body temperatures in dogs with a noncontact infrared thermometer (NCIT) on the cornea compared with a rectal digital thermometer (RDT). Design Prospective single center study. Setting University teaching hospital. Animals Three hundred dogs presented with low, normal, or high body temperatures. Interventions Three body temperature readings were measured by an RDT and by an NCIT on the cornea of the left eye by 2 investigators (experienced and inexperienced). Results obtained by the 2 methods were compared. Measurements and Main Results Median body temperature measured by the experienced investigator with the RDT and the NCIT were 38.3°C (range 35.5°C–41.1°C; 95% CI: 38.2–38.4°C) and 37.7°C (35.9°C–40.1°C; 95% CI: 37.7°C–37.9°C), respectively. Measurement of RDT as well as of NCIT correlated well between both investigators (rRDT = 0.94; rNCIT = 0.82; respectively, P 39.0°C) showed an area under the curve of 0.76. Mean discomfort score was significantly lower using NCIT compared to RDT measurement (P < 0.001). Conclusions There was poor agreement between body temperatures obtained by RDT and NCIT. The corneal NCIT measurement tends to underrecognize hypothermic and hyperthermic conditions. Although the use of the NCIT yields faster results and is significantly more comfortable for the dog than the RDT measurement, it cannot be recommended in dogs at this time.

The composition of the microbiome plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in humans and chronic enteropathies (CE) in dogs. The administration of probiotic micro-organisms is one way of modulating the microbiome, but experiments elucidating mechanisms of action of probiotics in the intestine of healthy and CE dogs are lacking. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of different Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands and Enterococcus faecium (EF) on ex vivo cultured duodenal samples and whole blood (WB) from dogs with food-responsive chronic enteropathy (FRE) when compared to healthy dogs. Biopsy stimulation was performed in 17 FRE and 11 healthy dogs; WB stimulation was performed in 16 FRE and 16 healthy dogs. Expression of TLR2, 4, 5 and 9, IL-17A, IL-22, IFNy, TNFα, IL-4, IL-10, TGFβ and PPARy was determined in biopsies by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In addition, production of TNFα, IL-10, IFNy and IL-17A protein in WB and biopsy supernatants was assessed by ELISA. Treatment with individual TLR ligands or EF induced a variety of changes in the expression of different TLRs and cytokines, but not necessarily a consistent change with a single stimulating agent. Even though cytokine protein could not be detected in supernatants from ex vivo stimulated biopsies, we found TNFα protein responses in blood to be opposite of the transcriptional responses seen in the biopsies. Stimulation of canine duodenal biopsies with TLR ligands can potentially induce anti-inflammatory gene expression, especially in healthy tissue, whereas the effects of EF were limited.

BACKGROUND Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a protein that is used in human medicine as a real-time indicator of acute kidney injury (AKI). HYPOTHESIS Dogs with AKI have significantly higher plasma NGAL concentration and urine NGAL-to-creatinine ratio (UNCR) compared with healthy dogs and dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD). ANIMALS 18 healthy control dogs, 17 dogs with CKD, and 48 dogs with AKI. METHODS Over a period of 1 year, all dogs with renal azotemia were prospectively included. Urine and plasma samples were collected during the first 24 hours after presentation or after development of renal azotemia. Plasma and urine NGAL concentrations were measured with a commercially available canine NGAL Elisa Kit (Bioporto® Diagnostic) and UNCR was calculated. A single-injection plasma inulin clearance was performed in the healthy dogs. RESULTS Median (range) NGAL plasma concentration in healthy dogs, dogs with CKD, and AKI were 10.7 ng/mL (2.5-21.2), 22.0 ng/mL (7.7-62.3), and 48.3 ng/mL (5.7-469.0), respectively. UNCR was 2 × 10(-8) (0-46), 1,424 × 10(-8) (385-18,347), and 2,366 × 10(-8) (36-994,669), respectively. Dogs with renal azotemia had significantly higher NGAL concentrations and UNCR than did healthy dogs (P

Pha rmacological management of feline hyperthyroidism offers a practical treatment option for many hyperthyroid cats. Two drugs have been licensed for cats in the last decade: methimazole and its pro-drug carbimazole. On the basis o f current evidence and available tablet sizes, starting doses of 2·5 mg methimazole twice a day and 10 to 1 5 mg once a day for the sustained release formulation of carbimazole are recommended. These doses should then be titrated to effect in order to obtain circulating total thyroxine (TT4) concentrations in the lower half of the reference interval. Treated cases should be monitored for side-effects, especially during the first months of treatment. Some side-effects may require discontinuation of treatment. At eac h monitoring visit, clinical condition and quality of life should also be evaluated, with special attention to possible development of azotaemia, hypertension and iatrogenic hypothyroidism. When euthyroidism has been achieved, monitoring visits are recommended after 1 month, 3 months and biannually thereafter. Cats with pre-existing azotaemia have shorter survi val times. However, development of mild azotaemia during the initial course of treatment, unless associated with hypothyroidism, does not appear to decrease survival time. The long-term effects of chronic medic al management require further study.

Background The effects of trilostane on key hormones and electrolytes over 24 hours in dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) are unknown. Objectives To determine the plasma concentration of cortisol, endogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), aldosterone, sodium, potassium, and ionized calcium concentrations, and plasma renin activity over a 24-hour period after administration of trilostane to dogs with well-controlled PDH. Animals Nine dogs (mean age 9.3 ± 0.67 years, mean weight 31.9 ± 6.4 kg) with confirmed PDH. Methods Prospective study. Thirty days after the first administration of trilostane, blood samples were taken at −30, 0 (baseline), 15, 30, 60, and 90 minutes, and 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 hours after administration of trilostane and plasma concentration of cortisol, endogenous ACTH, aldosterone, sodium, potassium, ionized calcium, and renin activity were determined. Results Cortisol concentrations decreased significantly (P

A 4-year-old female neutered British Shorthair cat was presented as an emergency owing to progressive apathy, anorexia, adipsia, weight loss and weakness. Clinical findings showed severe weakness, collapse, weak pulse, bradycardia, hypovolaemia and hypothermia. Blood examinations revealed marked metabolic acidosis, hyponatraemia, hyperkalaemia, hyperphosphataemia, hypercalcaemia, hypochloraemia and azotaemia. The diagnosis of feline hypoadrenocorticism was based on low cortisol and aldosterone plasma levels before and after synthetic adrenocorticotropic hormone administration. Initial treatment consisted of intravenous fluid therapy. After stabilisation a combination of fludrocortisone and prednisolone was given orally. One year after diagnosis the cat is free of clinical signs and in good condition.

Background Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) is considered a biomarker for early detection of renal dysfunction in human patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). At present, no studies exist analyzing the relevance of SDMA in dogs with AKI. Hypothesis/objectives SDMA would correctly identify dogs with renal disease but would not be able to differentiate between AKI and CKD. Animals Eighteen healthy control dogs, 48 dogs with AKI, and 29 dogs with CKD. Methods Prospective study. Dogs with kidney disease were categorized as having AKI or CKD according to the history, clinical signs, laboratory findings, and results of diagnostic imaging. Plasma SDMA concentration was measured by IDEXX Laboratories. SDMA/creatinine ratio was calculated in dogs with AKI or CKD. Results Median SDMA concentrations were 8.5 μg/dL (6–12 μg/dL), 39.5 μg/dL (8–>100 μg/dL), and 35 μg/dL (12–>100 μg/dL), in healthy, AKI, and CKD, respectively. SDMA concentrations were significantly higher in dogs with AKI (P < .0001) or CKD (P < .0001) in comparison with healthy dogs. Median SDMA/creatinine ratio in dogs with AKI and CKD was 6.5 (1.7–20.9) and 10 (2.4–33.9) (P = .0004), respectively. Although there was overlap of the SDMA/creatinine ratio in dogs with AKI or CKD, it was significantly higher in dogs with CKD compared to dogs with AKI (P = .0004). Conclusions and Clinical Importance In this population, SDMA was suitable for identifying dogs affected by AKI or CKD, but could not differentiate between them.

The recommendation to treat canine lymphoma with a discontinuous protocol is based on small case numbers and mostly historic controls. This study compares duration of first remission (DFR) and overall survival time (ST) with a discontinuous protocol to the same protocol with maintenance phase. 408 dogs were treated with a CHOP-LAsp (C=cyclophosphamide; H=hydroxydaunorubicin; O=Oncovin; P=prednisolone; LAsp=l-asparaginase)-based 28-week induction protocol. In 75 dogs (cohort 1), this was followed by a maintenance phase consisting of vincristine, chlorambucil and actinomycin-D with a total treatment duration of two years. In the subsequent 333 dogs, therapy was discontinued after induction (cohort 2). Median DFR and ST in cohort 1 were 216 and 375 days and 184 and 304 days in cohort 2. 6-Month, 1-year and 2-year survival rates in cohort 1 were 73 per cent, 50 per cent, 24 per cent and 67 per cent, 39 per cent, 21 per cent in cohort 2. There was no significant difference between the two protocols (P=0.291 for ST, P=0.071 for DFR). On multivariate analysis, corticosteroid pretreatment (P=0.005), thrombocytopenia at diagnosis (P=0.019), stage (P=0.009), substage b at relapse (P

A 15-month-old female intact Australian shepherd dog was presented with a history of acute, frequent vomiting and progressive lethargy. Only a painful abdomen was detected on physical examination. Laboratory results were suggestive of inflammation. Markedly thickened gastric mucosa with loss of gastric wall layering next to enlarged gastric lymph nodes and signs of peritonitis were detected on abdominal ultrasound. Explorative laparotomy revealed severe enlargement of the stomach wall thickness and gastric lymph nodes. High-grade T-cell lymphoma was diagnosed on histopathology and cytology. Despite the poor prognosis, a combination chemotherapy was initiated. During therapy, the dog had a good quality of life, apart from mild side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs. Neoplastic diseases such as alimentary lymphoma are rare in young dogs. With 252 days of survival, this is the youngest dog with long-term survival of a primarily alimentary T-cell lymphoma of the stomach, showing that appropriate chemotherapy can have a favourable outcome.

SummaryObjective: Leptin and ghrelin, two peptide hormones with antagonistic effects on satiety and energy balance, could be involved in the pathogenesis of weight loss and polyphagia in cats with hyperthyroidism. Leptin generally decreases appetite and increases energy expenditure, while ghrelin exerts the opposite effects. Materials and methods: Leptin and ghrelin were measured in 42 client owned hyperthyroid cats with a body condition score (BCS) 5/9 before (T0) and 4 weeks after radioactive iodine treatment (RAIT) (T1). Dependent on the serum total thyroxine concentration concentration at T1, cats were sub-classified as still hyperthyroid (ht-ht) (n = 4), euthyroid (ht-eu) (n = 10) or hypothyroid (ht-hypo) (n = 28). Results were compared to those of 22 healthy, euthyroid control cats with a comparable BCS ( 5/9) and age ( 8 years) to hyperthyroid cats. Results: At T0, there were no significant differences between hyperthyroid and control cats for leptin (p = 0.06) or ghrelin concentrations (p = 0.27). At T1, leptin significantly decreased in ht-hypo cats compared to T0 (p = 0.0008) despite a significantly increased body weight in this group (p = 0.0001). Serum ghrelin concentrations did not differ between hyperthyroid cats with a history of polyphagia compared to non-polyphagic cats (p = 0.42). After RAIT, ghrelin concentration significantly increased in all hyperthyroid cats (p < 0.0001), as well as in the subgroups ht-eu (p = 0.014) and ht-hypo (p < 0.0001) compared to their respective T0 baseline concentrations. Conclusion: Leptin and ghrelin fluctuations may be indicative of changes in metabolic functions in cats with thyroid dysfunction. Leptin fluctuations occurred independently of body weight in different states of thyroid dysfunction; increasing ghrelin concentrations after RAIT suggest a ghrelin-independent mechanism for polyphagia in hyperthyroid cats.

A two-year-old female French bulldog was presented for chronic large bowel diarrhoea. The dog had been suspected to have granulomatous colitis, but no improvement was noted with enrofloxacin treatment. Diagnosis was confirmed by histology and fluorescent in situ hybridisation. Isolated Escherichia coli strains showed multiple resistances to antimicrobials, including enrofloxacin. Treatment with potentiated amoxicillin and cefovecin resulted in complete resolution of clinical signs within two weeks and treatment was continued for a total of eight weeks. The dog had no signs of large bowel diarrhoea and gained 2 kg of bodyweight within 10 months. This is the first case report of a French bulldog with granulomatous colitis with a favourable long-term outcome despite colonisation with multiresistant adherent-invasive E coli . This case highlights the importance of antimicrobial sensitivity testing from colonic mucosal biopsy samples in canine granulomatous colitis. It should raise awareness of this disease in continental Europe.

OBJECTIVE To compare total protein (TP) concentrations in canine pleural and abdominal fluid specimens as measured by refractometry and biuret assay. DESIGN Diagnostic test evaluation. SAMPLE Data regarding 92 pleural and 148 abdominal fluid specimens from dogs with various diseases. PROCEDURES TP concentrations in fluid specimens as measured by refractometry and biuret assay were recorded. Strength of association between sets of measurements was assessed by Spearman rank correlations and Bland-Altman plots. Optimal concentration cutoff for diagnostic discrimination between exudate and nonexudate was identified by construction of receiver operating characteristic curves. RESULTS Median TP concentration in pleural fluid specimens was 2.7 g/dL (range, 0.3 to 4.8 g/dL) for refractometry and 2.9 g/dL (range, 0.7 to 5.8 g/dL) for biuret assay. Median TP concentration in abdominal fluid specimens was 3.5 g/dL (range, 0.1 to 6.0 g/dL) for refractometry and 3.5 g/dL (range, 0.6 to 5.7 g/dL) for biuret assay. Correlation was significant between refractometric and biuret results for pleural (ρ = 0.921) and abdominal (ρ = 0.908) fluid. Bland-Altman plots revealed bias of −0.18 g/dL for pleural fluid and −0.03 g/dL for abdominal fluid for refractometry versus biuret assay. With a TP concentration of ≥ 3 g/dL used to distinguish exudate from nonexudate, sensitivity of refractometry was 77% for pleural fluid and 80% for abdominal fluid. Specificity was 100% and 94%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Refractometry yielded acceptable results for measurement of TP concentration in canine pleural and abdominal fluid specimens, providing a more rapid and convenient method than biuret assay. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2016;248:789–794)

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate frequency, prognostic factors, and differences for various etiologies of neutropenia in dogs.A total of 391 dogs with neutrophil counts 2.78 x 10Increased demand due to marked inflammation (90/391, 23%) and nonbacterial infectious disease (70/391, 18%) were the most common causes for neutropenia, followed by drug-associated neutropenia (43/391, 11%) and bone-marrow disease (32/391, 8%). Immune-mediated and physiologic neutropenia (both 16/391, 4%) were uncommon. Almost one third (124/391, 32%) of dogs were assigned to the miscellaneous group. Absolute neutrophil counts were significantly higher (p 0.01) in dogs of the physiologic and miscellaneous groups than in the other groups. Dogs with immune-mediated neutropenia or nonbacterial infectious disease displayed significantly lower absolute neutrophil counts than dogs with neutropenia due to an increased demand (p 0.001) and were most commonly referred with a history of fever (11/16, 69%) or gastrointestinal signs (52/70, 74%), respectively. Neutrophil toxicity and left shift were most commonly associated with an increased demand due to marked inflammation (60/90 and 25/90, 67% and 28%, respectively) and the mortality rate was highest in this group (32/90, 36%).Neutrophil toxicity and left shift are associated with an increased demand due to marked inflammation and may indicate a poor prognosis. The lower the absolute neutrophil count, the greater the probability of an immune-mediated neutropenia.Neutropenia should be assessed in context with case history, clinical examination, and neutrophil morphology.

Zusammenfassung Gegenstand und Ziel: Auswertung der Analysenergebnisse der Harnsteine von Katzen und Vergleich anamnestischer Daten mit den Ergebnissen der Harnsteinanalyse. Material und Methode: Im Zeitraum 1981–2008 wurden 5173 Harnsteinproben von Katzen aus Deutschland und einigen benachbarten Ländern untersucht. Die auf dem Antragsformular vorhandenen Angaben zu Rasse, Alter, Geschlecht und Körpergewicht des betroffenen Tieres und die Lokalisation des Harnsteins waren nicht in jedem Fall vollständig und wurden soweit vorhanden mit dem Harnsteintyp verglichen. Alle Harnsteinproben unterlagen einer Analyse mittels Infrarotspektroskopie. Harnsteine mit mindestens 70% einer Mineralzusammensetzung wurden als dieses Mineral klassifiziert. Ergebnisse: Die von Urolithiasis betroffenen Katzen gehörten 25 Rassen an, am häufigsten der Rasse Europäisch Kurzhaar (64,3%), gefolgt von Perser (15,2%), Britisch Kurzhaar (3,9%), Kartäuser (1,7%), Maine Coon (1,5%) und Siamese (1,1%). Die meisten Tiere (81,8%) waren kastriert. Kater fanden sich im Patientengut signifikant häufiger als Kätzinnen. Das mittlere Alter (7 Jahre) war bei beiden Geschlechtern nahezu identisch, variierte jedoch je nach Harnsteintyp. Katzen mit Struvitsteinen waren signifikant jünger als Katzen mit Kalziumoxalatsteinen (6,6 vs. 7,6 Jahre). Die Konkremente befanden sich meist in der Harnblase und/oder Urethra (93%). Im gesamten Zeitraum machten Struvit(51,2%) und Kalziumoxalatsteine (38,7%) die häufigsten Harnsteinarten aus. Der prozentuale Anteil der Kalziumoxalatsteine nahm jedoch im Untersuchungszeitraum signifikant zu und lag im letzten Jahr über dem der Struvitsteine (48,6% vs. 43,4%). Als weitere Harnsteinarten wurden unter anderem Ammoniumurat (1,7%), Karbonatapatit (1,7%), Cystin (0,5%) und Xanthin (0,3%) analysiert. Schlussfolgerung und klinische Relevanz: Struvit und Kalziumoxalat sind die Hauptsteinarten und kommen heutzutage bei Katzen nahezu gleich häufig vor. Es waren jedoch auch fast alle anderen bei Hunden und Menschen bekannten Steinarten nachweisbar. Epidemiologische Daten der Urolithiasis sollten als Basis für eine spezifische Therapie und Rezidivprophylaxe bekannt sein.