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ABSTRACT: A six-year-old Rottweiler with chronic ascites and moderate panhypoproteinaemia that had been treated with large volume paracentesis over several months duration was diagnosed with a large bi-atrial mass and hepatic fibrosis. For palliative treatment, a peritoneo-vesical automated fluid shunt system with an integrated chargeable battery and an integrated computer to control pump function and to transmit data transcutaneously was implanted by coeliotomy. The pump was left in place for 10 weeks, eliminating the need for further paracentesis during this time. At the end of this period, no ascites was discernible and serum protein concentrations had returned to their respective reference intervals. As a complication, decubitus with skin perforation had developed above the pump. Besides palliative treatment of chronic refractory ascites, this pump may have application in other conditions characterised by chronic cavity effusion or in peritoneal dialysis.
Journal of Small Animal Practice 11/2011; 53(2):126-31. · 1.00 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Tracheal collapse is a progressive disease particularly of small breed dogs. In the terminal stage, when dyspnea becomes the dominating sign and is no longer manageable with medical treatment, a surgical procedure is necessary. With increasing frequency intraluminal tracheal stents are implanted minimal-invasively. In individual animals this is a lifesaving procedure, leading to immediate elimination of dyspnea. In most dogs cough for some time has to be anticipated as the stent acts as a foreign body, but severe complications like excessive formation of granulation tissue, stent migration or stent fracture are rare. Stents represent an attractive treatment modality for tracheal collapse in dogs with dyspnea.
SAT Schweizer Archiv für Tierheilkunde 11/2011; 153(11):505-8. · 0.60 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Atresia ani is the most common anorectal anomaly in small animals. In the present study, an anal stricture (atresia ani type I) in five 3 to 8 weeks old kittens and one 4 month old puppy was treated by balloon dilation. In 4 kittens and the puppy the stricture was eliminated permanently and without complications by a single intervention. Only the smallest kitten with the most severe stenosis developed a rectal fistula as a complication of repeated balloon dilation, which necessitated surgical correction. Balloon dilation proved to be an efficient therapeutic method for anal atresia type I, and can be recommended as the treatment of choice.
SAT Schweizer Archiv für Tierheilkunde 06/2011; 153(6):277-80. · 0.60 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: An association between gallbladder mucoceles and hypercortisolism (HC) was recently described in dogs. Because the formation of a mucocele from clear bile without the transitional formation of microprecipitates appears unlikely, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of iatrogenic HC on sludge formation and changes in the biochemical composition of bile. Bile samples from 6 dogs obtained by percutaneous ultrasound-guided cholecystocentesis before (day 0), during (days 28, 56, and 84), and after (days 28p, 56p, and 84p) oral administration of hydrocortisone (8 mg/kg every 12 h) were analysed for calcium, cholesterol and bilirubin concentrations and pH. In addition the gallbladder was examined ultrasonographically for sludge. Six dogs receiving a placebo served as controls. Although gallbladder sludge was observed in all treated dogs at day 56, it was also noted in 50% of control dogs, and no significant differences were seen between groups at any sampling time. Bilirubin and cholesterol concentrations decreased significantly and reversibly during treatment, and calcium concentration showed a similar trend. Bile pH was consistently slightly alkaline during iatrogenic HC, whereas it was slightly acidic in control animals. A 3-month period of iatrogenic HC does not lead to ultrasonographically detectable gallbladder sludge or to an increase in bile constituents that are commonly implicated in sludge formation in humans.
The Veterinary Journal 02/2011; 191(2):225-30. · 2.24 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Dogs experimentally inoculated with Angiostrongylus vasorum develop severe pulmonary parenchymal lesions and arterial thrombosis at the time of patency.
A. vasorum-induced thrombosis results in arterial hypoxemia, pulmonary hypertension (PH), and altered cardiac morphology and function.
Six healthy Beagles experimentally inoculated with A. vasorum.
Thoracic radiographs and arterial blood gas analyses were performed 8 and 13 weeks postinoculation (wpi) and 9 weeks posttherapy (wpt). Echocardiography was done before and 2, 5, 8, 13 wpi and 9 wpt. Invasive pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) measurements were obtained 8 wpi. Two untreated dogs were necropsied 13 wpi and 4 treated dogs 9 wpt.
All dogs had patent infections at 7 wpi and clinical respiratory signs at 8 wpi. Moderate hypoxemia (median PaO2 of 73 and 74 mmHg) present at 8 and 13 wpi had resolved by 9 wpt. Echocardiographically, no evidence of PH and no abnormalities in cardiac size and function were discernible at any time point. PAP invasively measured at 8 wpi was not different from that of control dogs. Severe radiographic pulmonary parenchymal and suspected thrombotic lesions at 13 wpi were corroborated by necropsy. Most histopathologic changes had resolved at 9 wpt, but focal inflammatory, thrombotic, and fibrotic changes still were present in all dogs.
In experimentally infected Beagles, pulmonary and vascular changes induced by A. vasorum are reflected by marked radiographic changes and arterial hypoxemia. These did not result in PH and echocardiographic changes in cardiac size and function.
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 06/2010; 24(4):855-62. · 1.99 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: In people, hypercortisolism (HC) has been associated with acalculous cholecystitis and biliary dyskinesia, which may potentiate ascending biliary infections. In dogs, an association between HC and gallbladder disease recently has been documented, although the role of bacteria remains controversial. Furthermore, there is no information on the gallbladder bile microbial flora in healthy dogs.
To investigate the microbial flora in gallbladder bile in healthy dogs, the relationship between iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism and bactibilia and possible changes in biliary microbial flora after cortisol withdrawal in dogs.
Six control dogs and 6 dogs treated with hydrocortisone.
Gallbladder bile obtained by percutaneous ultrasound-guided cholecystocentesis was cultured aerobically and anaerobically and examined cytologically before (d0), during (d28, d56, d84), and after (d28p, d56p, d84p) administration of hydrocortisone (8 mg/kg PO q12h).
In the control group, 2/42 bile cultures yielded bacterial growth (Enterococcus sp.; Escherichia coli on d0) and 1/42 bile smears had cytological evidence of bacteria (d28). In the HC group, 2/42 bile cultures yielded bacterial growth (Enterococcus sp. on d28; Bacillus sp. on d28p) and 3/42 bile smears had cytological evidence of bacteria (d84, d84, d28p). All dogs remained healthy throughout the study period (168d).
Based on the results of conventional bacterial culture techniques, gallbladder bile of healthy dogs periodically may harbor bacteria, which do not appear to be clinically relevant. A 3-month period of iatrogenic HC was not associated with bactibilia. A higher prevalence of bactibilia may be detected with micromolecular techniques.
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 11/2009; 24(1):224-8. · 1.99 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: A three-year-old, male, entire, Yorkshire terrier was presented with peracute onset of abdominal pain and vomitus. Clinicopathological abnormalities included severely increased serum lipase activity, immeasurably high serum trypsin-like immunoreactivity and mild hypocalcaemia. Canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI) was intended to be measured, however, the sample got lost. Ultrasonography revealed a hypoechoic pancreas with small amounts of peripancreatic fluid and hyperechogenic mesentery. Acute pancreatitis (AP) was diagnosed and the dog recovered with appropriate therapy within 48 hours. Clomipramine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) for alleviating signs of separation anxiety had been given for seven weeks. Two similar, albeit less severe, episodes associated with previous courses of clomipramine had occurred eight months earlier that responded to discontinuing clomipramine and supportive care. As SSRIs are associated with AP in human beings and no other trigger could be identified, we conclude that clomipramine should be considered as a potential cause when investigating causes for AP in susceptible breeds or other dogs presenting with compatible clinical signs.
Journal of Small Animal Practice 03/2009; 50(2):95-8. · 1.00 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Background: Boxers are predisposed to subaortic and pulmonic stenosis (SAS, PS). Screening of puppies may be useful in estimating the risk of their developing a defect that potentially compromises life expectancy or exercise tolerance.Hypothesis: Presence of SAS or PS in adult Boxers can be predicted by auscultation and Doppler echocardiography at 9–10 weeks of age.Animals: Eighty-five Boxer puppies examined at 9–10 weeks of age and at 12 months of age.Methods: Prospective, longitudinal observational study. Auscultation by stethoscope and continuous wave-Doppler echocardiography for peak velocities (Vmax) in the aorta (Ao) and pulmonary artery (PA).Results: Intensity of heart murmurs in puppies correlated with VmaxAo and VmaxPA in adults. VmaxAo and VmaxPA in puppies correlated with VmaxAo and VmaxPA in adults, respectively. From puppy to adult, VmaxAo increased and VmaxPA remained unchanged. The negative predictive value for absent or only a soft (≤II/VI) murmur in puppies being associated with VmaxAo and PA ≤ 2.4 m/s as an adult was 90% and ≤3.5 m/s 100%. The negative predictive value of a Vmax≤ 2.4 m/s as a puppy still being ≤2.4 m/s as an adult was 94% for Ao and 96% for PA, and of a Vmax≤ 3.5 m/s, 99% for Ao and 100% for PA.Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Even though VmaxAo increases during growth in Boxer puppies, indicating relative narrowing of the aorta, puppies with VmaxAo ≤ 2.4 m/s do not usually progress to clinically have relevant SAS at 12 months of age.
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 12/2008; 23(1):81 - 86. · 1.99 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Background: Hypertension and proteinuria are commonly recognized in dogs with spontaneous hypercortisolism. There is, however, little information regarding the effect of exogenous glucocorticoids on blood pressure (BP) and proteinuria and whether these changes are reversible.Hypothesis: Hydrocortisone administration increases systemic BP and urinary protein excretion, and these effects are reversible after hydrocortisone withdrawal.Animals: Six control dogs and 6 dogs treated with hydrocortisone.Methods: BP, urine protein : creatinine ratio (UPC), microalbuminuria (MALB), urine albumin : creatinine ratio (UAC), and urine gel electrophoresis were evaluated before, during, and after administration of hydrocortisone (8 mg/kg PO q12h for 12 weeks) or placebo.Results: BP and UPC increased substantially during hydrocortisone administration from 123 mmHg (range 114–136 mmHg) and 0.17 (0.15–0.28) to a maximum of 143 mmHg (128–148 mmHg) and 0.38 (0.18–1.78), respectively, on day 28. MALB developed in 4 dogs and UAC significantly increased in all dogs during hydrocortisone administration with the maximum on day 84. Both increases in BP and proteinuria were reversible and completely resolved within 1 month after stopping hydrocortisone administration. SDS-AGE revealed the proteinuria to be primarily albuminuria with a pronounced increase during hydrocortisone treatment. Furthermore, a protein of 25–30 kDa was found in male dogs, identified by mass spectrometry to be arginine esterase, the major secretory prostatic protein.Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Long-term hydrocortisone treatment results in significant but only mild increases in systemic BP and urinary protein excretion, which are both reversible within 1 month after discontinuation of hydrocortisone.
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 02/2008; 22(2):273 - 281. · 1.99 Impact Factor
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The Veterinary record 02/2008; 162(1):24-6. · 1.25 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To evaluate the effect of an adaptation period on systemic blood pressure readings, systolic blood pressure was measured in 12 young adult untrained beagles over several weeks by means of a Doppler flow detector and oscillometric devices. The pressure decreased gradually and significantly, and levelled out after 14 days. The median (range) of values obtained by Doppler were 166 (149 to 200) mmHg initially, 145 (119 to 176) mmHg on day 9, 138 (118 to 165) mmHg on day 10, 127 (111 to 139) mmHg on day 35, 124 (115 to 143) mmHg on day 94 and 127 (114 to 142) mmHg on day 161. All the later measurements were significantly lower than the initial measurement. Male dogs had higher blood pressures than females on each occasion. The blood pressure readings obtained with one of the oscillometric devices and the Doppler device were comparable and correlated significantly.
The Veterinary record 10/2007; 161(12):418-21. · 1.25 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: 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.
Veterinary Research Communications 12/2005; 29(8):647-59. · 0.82 Impact Factor
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The Veterinary record 09/2005; 157(9):257-9. · 1.25 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: 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.
SAT Schweizer Archiv für Tierheilkunde 11/2004; 146(10):479-82. · 0.60 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To document the frequency of the different acquired cardiac diseases in the referring area of the University of Zurich, records of 474 dogs were retrospectively analysed. Most common were valvular diseases, predominantly atrioventricular valve endocardiosis (49.4%), myocardial diseases, predominantly dilated cardiomyopathy (21.1%), pericardial effusion (12.4%), mainly due to neoplasia or idiopathic pericarditis, and cardiac neoplasia without pericardial effusion (7.0%). Rare to very rare diagnoses were dirofilariosis (2.5%), endocarditis (1.1%, only 2 of these valvular), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (0.6%) and infectious pericarditis (0.4%). Arrhythmias were found in 145 dogs, mainly tachyarrhythmias, and most commonly associated with dilated cardiomyopathy. Relevant concomitant diseases were tracheobronchial collapse and hyperadrenocorticism in dogs with mitral endocardiosis. Knowing prevalence and causes of the various cardiac and the complicating non-cardiac diseases with clinical similarities is important for formulating diagnosis and differential diagnosis.
SAT Schweizer Archiv für Tierheilkunde 10/2004; 146(9):423-30. · 0.60 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: 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.
SAT Schweizer Archiv für Tierheilkunde 09/2004; 146(8):365-73. · 0.60 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Primary pulmonary hypertension was diagnosed in an eight-year-old labrador retriever on the basis of echocardiographic findings of severe right ventricular eccentric hypertrophy, abnormally high systolic and diastolic pulmonary arterial pressures calculated by applying the modified Bernoulli equation to the tricuspid and pulmonary insufficiency peak velocities, and the absence of any underlying disease known to cause secondary pulmonary hypertension. The clinical abnormalities developed gradually, from exercise intolerance starting early in life to terminal right-sided congestive heart failure. Consistent histopathological findings were severe intimal and medial thickening of small arteries and arterioles that led to vascular obliteration.
The Veterinary record 07/2004; 154(25):786-9. · 1.25 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: 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.
Veterinary Research Communications 01/2004; 27(8):661-70. · 0.82 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: In a time period of 6 years, 158 congenital cardiac defects were diagnosed in 146 dogs at the Clinic for Small Animal Medicine University of Zurich. In respect to all dogs with cardiac disease, these were 23.5% of the cases. Most common defects were subaortic stenosis (SAS, 31.5%), pulmonic stenosis (PS, 23.3%), ventricular septal defect (VSD, 14.4%), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA, 13.7%) and tricuspid dysplasia (TD, 7.5%). Complex defects were found in 8.2% of the dogs. Although single dogs per breed were affected by various defects, some breed-related tendencies could be observed. We found PS more numerously in boxers and Jack Russell Terriers whereas SAS, VSD and TD were also found in breeds reported to be predisposed. Congenital cardiac defects are an important clinical entity, and knowledge of prevalence is helpful when considering the differential diagnosis and for making a tentative diagnosis in an individual case.
SAT Schweizer Archiv für Tierheilkunde 12/2003; 145(11):527-33, 535-6. · 0.60 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: 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 (P
aO2 525 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 (10513 mmHg at 3500 m versus 9817 at 2300 m). Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) was detected in 7 dogs at 3500 m compared to 8 dogs at 2300 m. The mean TR V
max 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 V
max 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.
Veterinary Research Communications 11/2003; 27(8):661-670. · 0.82 Impact Factor
