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ABSTRACT: A seven-year-old, entire male, American Staffordshire bull terrier was diagnosed with chronic solar dermatitis and basal cell carcinoma, based on physical examination, cutaneous cytology and histopathology. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the tumour cells did not express p53. To the authors' knowledge this is the first reported case of canine basal cell carcinoma developing as a complication of chronic solar dermatitis.
Journal of Small Animal Practice 02/2013; 54(2):108-11. · 1.00 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Twenty domestic shorthaired (DSH) and 20 Siamese (S) kittens were allocated into 4 breed-specific groups, of 10 kittens each,
that were fed exclusively cooked sardines (F groups) or commercial feline canned food based on oily fish (C groups) for a
4-month period. Clinical signs were scored every 15 d along with body weight recording and blood sampling for the measurement
of α-tocopherol and selenium (Se) concentrations and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity. Subcutaneous adipose tissue
samples were obtained per month to determine its fatty acid composition. Steatitis, reproduced in all 20 F-group kittens,
was accompanied by systemic signs in 5 DSH and 6 S animals. The severity of the disease reached its zenith at the second week
in the DSH-F-group kittens and the fourth and sixth week in the S-F-group kittens. α-Tocopherol plasma level was significantly
lower in F groups compared to their corresponding controls, whereas the opposite was true for Se and red blood cell GSH-Px
activity. In conclusion, the results of this study have shown that although the morbidity rate is not different between the
two breeds, the delay of Siamese cats to develop symptomatic steatitis is presumably attributed to an inherent resistance
as a result of the long-standing evolution of more efficient antioxidant mechanisms. Also, the changes in fatty acid composition
of the adipose tissue lipids are associated with the progression of the age, breed, and diet and probably with the inflammatory
changes of the adipose tissue.
Biological Trace Element Research 04/2012; 112(2):131-143. · 1.92 Impact Factor
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The Veterinary record. 10/2011; 169(18):470.
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ABSTRACT: Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME), caused by Ehrlichia canis, is an important tick-borne disease of global importance. Currently, limited information is available on the diagnostic and prognostic value of acute phase proteins (APPs) in dogs naturally infected with E. canis.
APPs may be useful indicators of the clinical phase of CME and predictive of the clinical outcome (death or survival).
Fifty-six dogs naturally infected with E. canis and 7 clinically healthy control dogs.
C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), and albumin concentrations determined on admission were retrospectively compared among 27 dogs with nonmyelosuppressive CME, 29 dogs with myelosuppressive CME and 7 healthy dogs. Diagnosis of CME was based on clinical and clinicopathological findings, seropositivity to E. canis, polymerase chain reaction amplification of E. canis-specific 16S rDNA, microscopic observation of Ehrlichia sp. morulae in blood monocytes or some combination of these.
Mean concentrations of CRP, SAA, and Hp were significantly higher in the myelosuppressed dogs compared with the other groups, but no significant differences were found in the concentration of albumin. Survival analysis of the affected animals indicated that APP concentrations were not associated with clinical outcome; the latter was strongly associated with pancytopenia (odds ratio for death 22.7) and neutropenia (odds ratio for death 7.7).
CRP, SAA, and Hp serum concentrations on admission are useful indicators of the clinical phase of CME, but are not useful predictors of clinical outcome.
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 05/2011; 25(4):811-7. · 1.99 Impact Factor
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Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 04/2010; 24(3):633-8. · 1.99 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Bone marrow (BM) pathology was assessed in 10 dogs with Ehrlichia canis-induced aplastic pancytopenia. BM core biopsy sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin and with haematoxylin/van Gieson and Gordon and Sweets' reticulin stain for the detection of collagen and reticulin fibres, respectively. Iron stores were assessed by Perls' Prussian blue staining. There was no significant deposition of collagen or reticulin in any sample, but in seven dogs the BM was depleted of haemosiderin. These findings suggest that myelofibrosis does not play a significant role in the development of BM failure in canine monocytic ehrlichiosis and that iron deficiency may exacerbate the anaemia in the myelosuppressive phase of the disease.
Journal of comparative pathology 11/2009; 142(4):328-31. · 1.73 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: On November 2006, a total of 1,144 questionnaires related to various aspects of canine leishmaniosis (CanL) were mailed to Greek companion animal practitioners. The overall return rate was 17.6% (201/1,144) and did not differ among the nine geographical areas of the country where their practices were located. The global minimum, average and maximum frequency of CanL diagnosis, on a year-round basis, were 0.98%, 3.30% and 7.46%, respectively; these figures were lower in Crete, followed by Aegian islands and then by Macedonia, compared to Peloponnese, Central Greece (including Evoia) and Thessaly. Most of the veterinarians (70.4%) were practicing in endemic areas of the disease with the number of new cases and cases under treatment reported to remain stable over the past years. The most common clinical manifestations of CanL reported were the progressive loss of body weight, peripheral lymphadenomegaly, anemia and exoliative dermatitis with or without alopecia; concurrent diseases, especially ehrlichiosis and dirofilariosis, were also commonly witnessed. The abnormal results of non-specific laboratory examinations, such as haematology, serum biochemistry and urinalysis raised the suspicion of CanL that was subsequently confirmed mainly with serology (in-office rapid screening tests, indirect immunofluorescence, ELISA) and less often with lymph node smear microscopy and PCR. Allopurinol and pentavalent antimonials, usually in combination, and less frequently metronidazole, ketoconazole, amphotericin B, fluoroquinolones or aminosidine were employed as antileishmanial medication in the cases undergone treatment. Pentavalent antimonials were associated with a higher frequency of side effects, followed by amphotericin B, whereas allopurinol was better tolerated. Side effects necessitating the discontinuation of treatment were accounted in approximately 14% of the treated dogs. The discontinuation of treatment was mainly based on serology, although additional criteria, such as the clinical improvement or cure, and the normalization of routine laboratory results, were also taken into account. The majority of practitioners repeated the treatment in the advent of a clinical relapse of their cases. Euthanasia was initially suggested by a few veterinarians, but eventually it was necessary in approximately 10% of the treated dogs. The widespread use of insecticides and/or insect repellents, with or without taking additional preventative measures, such as keeping the dog indoors during the night and applying a fine mesh on the screens, was also recorded. Finally, almost all the practitioners made dog owners aware of the public health issues associated with CanL; however, in most of the cases such information did not deter the owners from accepting treatment of their dogs.
Journal of the Hellenic Veterinary Medical Society. 09/2009; 60(4):503-526.
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The Veterinary record 05/2009; 164(14):431-2. · 1.25 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This study reports the occurrence of "Bartonella rochalimae" in Europe and the presence of Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii genotypes II and III in dogs in southern Italy and provides DNA sequencing evidence of a potentially new Bartonella sp. infecting dogs in Greece and Italy.
Journal of clinical microbiology 04/2009; 47(5):1565-7. · 4.16 Impact Factor
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T A Petanides, A F Koutinas,
M E Mylonakis,
M J Day,
M N Saridomichelakis,
L S Leontides,
R Mischke,
P Diniz,
E B Breitschwerdt,
M Kritsepi,
V A Garipidou,
C K Koutinas,
S Lekkas
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ABSTRACT: Canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is a common cause of epistaxis in dogs residing in endemic areas. The pathogenesis of CanL-associated epistaxis has not been fully explored because of the limited number of cases reported so far.
Epistaxis in CanL could be attributed to more than 1 pathomechanism such as hemostatic dysfunction, biochemical abnormalities, chronic rhinitis, and coinfections occurring in various combinations.
Fifty-one dogs with natural CanL.
The allocation of 51 dogs in this cross-sectional study was based on the presence (n = 24) or absence (n = 27) of epistaxis. The potential associations among epistaxis and concurrent infections (Ehrlichia canis, Bartonella spp., and Aspergillus spp.), biochemical and hemostatic abnormalities, and nasal histopathology were investigated.
Hypergammaglobulinemia (P= .044), increased serum viscosity (P= .038), decreased platelet aggregation response to collagen (P= .042), and nasal mucosa ulceration (P= .039) were more common in the dogs with epistaxis than in those without epistaxis. The other significant differences between the 2 groups involved total serum protein (P= .029) and gamma-globulin (P= .013) concentrations, which were higher, and the percentage platelet aggregation to collagen, which was lower (P= .012) in the epistaxis dogs.
CanL-associated epistaxis appears to be the result of multiple and variable pathogenetic factors such as thrombocytopathy, hyperglobulinemia-induced serum hyperviscosity, and nasal mucosa ulceration.
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 07/2008; 22(4):866-72. · 1.99 Impact Factor
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T.A. Petanides, A.F. Koutinas,
M.E. Mylonakis,
M.J. Day,
M.N. Saridomichelakis,
L.S. Leontides,
R. Mischke,
P. Diniz,
E.B. Breitschwerdt,
M. Kritsepi,
V.A. Garipidou,
C.K. Koutinas,
S. Lekkas
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ABSTRACT: Background: Canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is a common cause of epistaxis in dogs residing in endemic areas. The pathogenesis of CanL-associated epistaxis has not been fully explored because of the limited number of cases reported so far.Hypothesis: Epistaxis in CanL could be attributed to more than 1 pathomechanism such as hemostatic dysfunction, biochemical abnormalities, chronic rhinitis, and coinfections occurring in various combinations.Animals: Fifty-one dogs with natural CanL.Methods: The allocation of 51 dogs in this cross-sectional study was based on the presence (n = 24) or absence (n = 27) of epistaxis. The potential associations among epistaxis and concurrent infections (Ehrlichia canis, Bartonella spp., and Aspergillus spp.), biochemical and hemostatic abnormalities, and nasal histopathology were investigated.Results: Hypergammaglobulinemia (P= .044), increased serum viscosity (P= .038), decreased platelet aggregation response to collagen (P= .042), and nasal mucosa ulceration (P= .039) were more common in the dogs with epistaxis than in those without epistaxis. The other significant differences between the 2 groups involved total serum protein (P= .029) and γ-globulin (P= .013) concentrations, which were higher, and the percentage platelet aggregation to collagen, which was lower (P= .012) in the epistaxis dogs.Clinical Importance: CanL-associated epistaxis appears to be the result of multiple and variable pathogenetic factors such as thrombocytopathy, hyperglobulinemia-induced serum hyperviscosity, and nasal mucosa ulceration.
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 06/2008; 22(4):866 - 872. · 1.99 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To determine the prevalence and identify possible clinicopathologic indicators of the diseases associated with canine epistaxis.
The medical records of 61 dogs with epistaxis were reviewed.
Systemic diseases, diagnosed in fifty-six dogs, included canine leishmaniasis in twenty-three dogs, canine monocytic ehrlichiosis in twenty-two, concurrent canine leishmaniasis and canine monocytic ehrlichiosis in six, rodenticide toxicity in two and primary immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, suspected oestrogen toxicity and systemic arterial hypertension in one dog each. Intranasal diseases were documented in the remaining five dogs, including transmissible venereal tumour in three dogs, and nasal adenocarcinoma and nasal aspergillosis in one dog each. Mucosal pallor and a generalised bleeding tendency were significantly more common among dogs with canine monocytic ehrlichiosis compared with those with canine leishmaniasis, whereas the opposite was true for peripheral lymphadenomegaly. Also, dogs with canine monocytic ehrlichiosis presented with pancytopenia more frequently compared with those with canine leishmaniasis; in the latter dogs, the median values of haematocrit, leucocyte and platelet counts and serum total protein concentrations were higher.
Canine leishmaniasis and canine monocytic ehrlichiosis are the leading causes of canine epistaxis in Greece. Mucosal pallor, bleeding tendency and pancytopenia are more likely to be indicative of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, as opposed to peripheral lymphadenomegaly and hyperproteinaemia in canine leishmaniasis.
Journal of Small Animal Practice 05/2008; 49(4):191-6. · 1.00 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: A 5-year-old, spayed female German Shepherd dog was admitted to hospital with marked generalised lymphadenomegaly and splenomegaly. A stage Va B-cell multicentric lymphoma was diagnosed on clinical, cytological (lymph node, bone marrow), histological-immunohistochemical (lymph node excision) and imaging grounds. Since no satisfactory remission was achieved using a multi-drug chemotherapy protocol that included cyclophosphamide, vincristine, cytosine arabinoside, prednisolone, and subsequently supplemented by L-asparaginase, it was replaced by another protocol combining vincristine, L-asparaginase, prednisolone, cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin. Soon after the third weekly session of the second protocol, the clinical status of the animal deteriorated suddenly and severely, with a bleeding tendency, jaundice, hyperuricaemia, hyperphosphataemia, azotaemia, hyperbilirubinaemia and, presumptive disseminated intravascular coagulation. There was also complete regression of lymphadenomegaly. This report emphasises the clinicopathological features and the diagnostic peculiarities of the acute tumour lysis syndrome, which occurs uncommonly in dogs.
Australian Veterinary Journal 06/2007; 85(5):206-8. · 0.94 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Increased serum activity of total alkaline phosphatase (TALP) has been found in dogs with mammary neoplasms, especially malignant mixed tumors. We hypothesized that the bone isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase (BALP), a specific indicator of osteoblastic activity and bone formation, may contribute to increased TALP in dogs with mammary neoplasms with osseous transformation.
The purpose of this study was to compare serum TALP, BALP, and other ALP isoenzyme activities in dogs with mammary malignant neoplasms with and without osseous transformation.
Twenty-one female dogs with malignant mammary neoplasms were compared with 21 clinically healthy, age-matched female control dogs. Physical, clinicopathologic (including preprandial and postprandial serum bile acids, ACTH stimulation, and low-dose dexamethasone suppression tests), radiographic, and ultrasonographic examinations were performed on all dogs with tumors to assess coexisting conditions. On the basis of histologic examination of excised tumors, dogs were further classified as having epithelial (n = 11) or mesenchymal/mixed (epithelial-mesenchymal) (n = 10) neoplasms, the latter of which had histologic and radiologic evidence of bone formation. Serum TALP, BALP, liver alkaline phosphatase (LALP), and corticosteroid-induced alkaline phosphatase (CALP) activities were measured using biochemical methods.
Dogs with malignant mammary tumors had significantly higher (P < .05) median serum TALP (170 U/L), BALP (59 U/L), LALP (49 U/L), and CALP (24 U/L) activities, compared with control dogs (81, 32, 37, and 5 U/L, respectively). Significantly higher activities of BALP and LALP were found in dogs with epithelial neoplasms; whereas, only CALP activity was higher in dogs with mesenchymal/mixed neoplasms. There was no significant difference in TALP or isoenzyme activitities between epithelial and mesenchymal/mixed groups.
BALP activity is increased in some dogs with malignant mammary tumors but does not account for the increase in TALP in dogs with neoplasms that have osseous transformation.
Veterinary Clinical Pathology 09/2006; 35(3):287-90. · 1.56 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Twenty domestic shorthaired (DSH) and 20 Siamese (S) kittens were allocated into 4 breed-specific groups, of 10 kittens each, that were fed exclusively cooked sardines (F groups) or commercial feline canned food based on oily fish (C groups) for a 4-month period. Clinical signs were scored every 15 d along with body weight recording and blood sampling for the measurement of alpha-tocopherol and selenium (Se) concentrations and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity. Subcutaneous adipose tissue samples were obtained per month to determine its fatty acid composition. Steatitis, reproduced in all 20 F-group kittens, was accompanied by systemic signs in 5 DSH and 6 S animals. The severity of the disease reached its zenith at the second week in the DSH-F-group kittens and the fourth and sixth week in the S-F-group kittens. alpha-Tocopherol plasma level was significantly lower in F groups compared to their corresponding controls, whereas the opposite was true for Se and red blood cell GSH-Px activity. In conclusion, the results of this study have shown that although the morbidity rate is not different between the two breeds, the delay of Siamese cats to develop symptomatic steatitis is presumably attributed to an inherent resistance as a result of the long-standing evolution of more efficient antioxidant mechanisms. Also, the changes in fatty acid composition of the adipose tissue lipids are associated with the progression of the age, breed, and diet and probably with the inflammatory changes of the adipose tissue.
Biological Trace Element Research 09/2006; 112(2):131-43. · 1.92 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Background: Increased serum activity of total alkaline phosphatase (TALP) has been found in dogs with mammary neoplasms, especially malignant mixed tumors. We hypothesized that the bone isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase (BALP), a specific indicator of osteoblastic activity and bone formation, may contribute to increased TALP in dogs with mammary neoplasms with osseous transformation. Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare serum TALP, BALP, and other ALP isoenzyme activities in dogs with mammary malignant neoplasms with and without osseous transformation. Methods: Twenty-one female dogs with malignant mammary neoplasms were compared with 21 clinically healthy, age-matched female control dogs. Physical, clinicopathologic (including preprandial and postprandial serum bile acids, ACTH stimulation, and low-dose dexamethasone suppression tests), radiographic, and ultrasonographic examinations were performed on all dogs with tumors to assess coexisting conditions. On the basis of histologic examination of excised tumors, dogs were further classified as having epithelial (n=11) or mesenchymal/mixed (epithelial-mesenchymal) (n=10) neoplasms, the latter of which had histologic and radiologic evidence of bone formation. Serum TALP, BALP, liver alkaline phosphatase (LALP), and corticosteroid-induced alkaline phosphatase (CALP) activities were measured using biochemical methods. Results: Dogs with malignant mammary tumors had significantly higher (P < .05) median serum TALP (170 U/L), BALP (59 U/L), LALP (49 U/L), and CALP (24 U/L) activities, compared with control dogs (81, 32, 37, and 5 U/L, respectively). Significantly higher activities of BALP and LALP were found in dogs with epithelial neoplasms; whereas, only CALP activity was higher in dogs with mesenchymal/mixed neoplasms. There was no significant difference in TALP or isoenzyme activitities between epithelial and mesenchymal/mixed groups. Conclusion: BALP activity is increased in some dogs with malignant mammary tumors but does not account for the increase in TALP in dogs with neoplasms that have osseous transformation.
Veterinary Clinical Pathology 08/2006; 35(3):287 - 290. · 1.56 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Prednisolone was administered as an anti-inflammatory for 7 consecutive days in 11 dogs with leishmaniasis (CL group) and 5 clinically normal dogs (control group). After a 15-day wash-out phase, the same medication was given as an immunosuppressive for another 7-day period. In both animal groups and experimental periods an overall significant increase of serum iron and transferrin saturation was noted. Serum copper showed a significant increase during the anti-inflammatory period in the control group and a significant decrease during the immunosuppressive period in the CL group. No differences or changes of any kind regarding bone marrow hemosiderin were found between the 2 groups either before or after the end of both experimental periods. The only change noticed in the hematocrit values was a significant decrease in the control group after the end of the anti-inflammatory period. Based on these findings the use of prednisolone cannot be recommended and, if contemplated, should be carefully monitored, especially at an immunosuppressive dosage, because it may promote parasite replication through the induction of increased serum iron levels and hypocupremia.
Canadian journal of veterinary research = Revue canadienne de recherche vétérinaire 11/2005; 69(4):287-92. · 0.94 Impact Factor
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The Veterinary record 06/2005; 156(19):615-6. · 1.25 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Lymphocyte subsets, major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-II expressing cells and number of amastigotes in the epidermis and dermis were investigated immunohistochemically in 48 dogs with patent leishmaniosis, with or without exfoliative dermatitis (ED) to study the immunopathogenesis of this common cutaneous form of the disease. Skin biopsies were obtained and compared for ED sites (group A, n = 26), normal-appearing skin from the same animals (group B, n = 24), and leishmanial dogs not exhibiting ED (group C, n = 22), and normal controls (group D, n = 22). The CD3+, CD45RA+, CD4+, CD8+ (CD8a+), CD21+, and MHC-II+ cells and leishmania amastigotes were identified immunohistochemically and counted with the aid of an image analysis system. Pyogranulomatous to granulomatous dermatitis, expressed in various histopathological patterns, was noticed in all groups A and B and in half of group C dogs. In the epidermis, the low number of T-cells and their subsets did not differ significantly between groups A and B, but CD8+ outnumbered CD4+ lymphocytes in both groups. MHC-II+ expression on epidermal keratinocytes was intense in the skin with and without lesions from dogs with ED but not in group C dogs. CD3+, CD8+ and MHC-II+ cells were fewer in group C compared to group A and B dogs. In the dermis, CD3+ cells in group A animals were mainly represented by the CD8+. CD45RA+ and CD21+ cells were also seen in high numbers. MHC-II expression, potentially in lymphocytes, fibroblasts, dendritic cells, and macrophages was intense. The numbers of all cellular subpopulations in the dermis were significantly different between the groups, being highest in group A and lowest in group D. In sebaceous adenitis sites, CD4+ outnumbered CD8+ cells in contrast to the neighbouring dermis and the epidermis. The number of CD21+ and CD45RA+ cells was much lower in the inflamed sebaceous glands compared to the dermis. Finally, the number of amastigotes in the normal-appearing skin was significantly higher in the ED dogs (group B) than in those not exhibiting this cutaneous form of the disease (group C).
Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology 05/2005; 104(3-4):227-37. · 2.08 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: In this retrospective study of 22 cats with lower airway disease of either intermittent (23%) or persistent nature (77%), the Siamese breed (55%) was significantly over-represented. Females (68%) were slightly but not significantly over-represented. No significant association was found between the clinical stage of disease and the physical findings, thoracic radiographic changes or the response to treatment. Cough, the most common presenting complaint, was the only symptom detected in the cats with intermittent disease, yet the two most severely affected animals did not show it. Thoracic auscultation did not reveal any abnormality in 41% of the cats. Haematology revealed eosinophilia in 46% of the cats. A bronchial pattern was the most common radiographic abnormality (73%), followed by alveolar (32%) and interstitial patterns (23%). Interestingly, thoracic radiographs were normal in 23% of the cats. The combination of short-term corticosteroids and bronchodilators resulted in complete and long-term remission of symptoms in nine cats, while the other 11 required ongoing medication because of relatively frequent relapses. One of the remaining two cats died during an asthmatic crisis, while the other was lost to follow up.
Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 09/2004; 6(4):227-33. · 1.38 Impact Factor
