Efficacy and safety of radioiodine therapy for 10 hyperthyroid cats: a retrospective case series study in South Korea

Hyperthyroidism, characterized by elevated thyroid hormone levels and thyroid gland hyperplasia or adenoma, is a prevalent endocrinopathy in older cats. Treatment options include antithyroid drugs, surgical thyroidectomy, and radioiodine therapy (RAIT), which is non-invasive treatment option that can achieve complete remission. However, efficacy and safety of RAIT in hyperthyroid cats have not been investigated in South Korea. This study includes 10 hyperthyroid cats with RAIT. Initial assessments comprised history, physical examination, blood analysis, and serum total T4 (tT4) concentration. Thyroid scintigraphy revealed hyperactivity and enlargement of thyroid gland at 24 hours before the RAIT. Radioiodine (RAI) was injected subcutaneously with 2 to 6 mCi, determined by the fixed dose or the scoring system based on severity of clinical signs, tT4 concentration, and thyroid size individually. After RAIT, the concentration of serum tT4 and liver enzymes were significantly decreased at discharge. However, no significant differences were noted in blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, symmetric dimethylarginine, hematocrits, and white blood cell counts pre- and post-treatment. Although 4 cats received RAI twice, clinical signs disappeared and tT4 levels decreased following the RAIT. All 10 cats achieved complete remission after 6 months without critical adverse effect. The safety and the effectiveness of RAIT was confirmed based on protocols reported other countries. Therefore, RAIT could be considered the treatment option and prevent adverse effects from medication or surgery. This preliminary study presents the first evaluation of RAIT for hyperthyroid cats using locally produced RAI in South Korea and provide valuable insight for clinicians and further studies.

Primary copper-associated chronic hepatitis without copper metabolism domain containing 1 mutation in a Dalmatian: a case report

A 12-year-old intact male Dalmatian dog presented hyporexia and vomiting for 1 week. Blood analysis revealed increased liver enzyme activity. Histopathological examination of the liver confirmed chronic hepatitis with fibrosis and necrosis. Copper staining revealed marked copper accumulation (2,770 ppm; normal range, 200 to 400 ppm), prominent in the centrilobular region, and compatible with copper-associated chronic hepatitis. However, copper metabolism domain containing 1 (COMMD1) mutation predisposing to copper accumulation in the liver tissue was not identified. The dog received medications but died 1 month after first visit. This is the first case of primary copper-associated hepatitis without COMMD1 mutation in a Dalmatian dog in South Korea.

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis in a Border Collie: a case report

A 2-year-old spayed female Border Collie presented with visual deficits and behavioral changes. Neurological examination revealed bilateral menace response deficit with a normal pupil light reflex. Cerebral cortical thinning, cerebral sulci and cerebellar fissure widening, ventriculomegaly, and cerebral atrophy were observed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Histopathology revealed fluorescent lipopigment accumulation in the cerebrum, and the dog was diagnosed with neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. This is the first case report describing the changes in clinical signs, MRI findings, and histopathologic changes in neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis in Korea.

Clinical application of insect-based diet in canine allergic dermatitis

The objective of this study was to evaluate the beneficial effects of the short-term application of insect-based diet in canine allergic dermatitis. Total 19 atopic dogs with concurrent cutaneous adverse food reactions were enrolled and classified into 3 groups. The treatment group (n = 7) was fed insect-based diet, the positive control group (n = 6) was fed salmon-based diet, and the negative control group (n = 6) was fed commercial or homemade diet for 12 weeks. The degree of skin lesions was evaluated based on canine atopic dermatitis extent and severity index (CADESI-4). Additionally, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and pruritus visual analog scale were evaluated. All indices were evaluated every 4 weeks after the initial administration of hypoallergenic diets. In the treatment group, significant decrease in the CADESI-4 score was observed at 8 weeks compared to the baseline score (p = 0.031). There were significant differences in the CADESI-4 score between the groups at 8 weeks (p = 0.008), 12 weeks (p = 0.012), and TEWL at 12 weeks (p = 0.022). This preliminary result demonstrates the potential hypoallergenicity of an insect-based diet through features that diminish cutaneous lesions and skin barrier dysfunction.

Cutaneous angiomatosis in a dog: a case report

A 1-year-old, castrated male mixed-breed dog presented with diffuse, purple lesions arranged in an irregular patchy pattern, with a slight elevation on the right hindlimb extending from the tarsus joint to the upper region of the thigh. Dermatological examinations and fungal and bacterial cultures revealed no infectious agents. The therapeutic response to antibiotics and antifungal agents was negative. A histopathology examination of the lesion revealed vascular proliferation with vasodilation and numerous varying-sized vessels. Mast-cell-dominated perivascular cuffing was also noted. The dog was diagnosed with cutaneous angiomatosis due to diffuse lesions and the histopathology findings of hemangioma.

Clinical trial of oral administration of Bifidobacterium longum in dogs with atopic dermatitis

This study assessed the effects of probiotics in canine atopic dermatitis (AD). We enrolled 11 client-owned dogs with AD and randomly allocated them to two groups. The probiotics group (n = 7) was prescribed with Bifidobacterium longum while the control group (n = 4) received a placebo powder once a day for 12 weeks. In both groups, the degree of skin lesions was evaluated based on the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI)-4. We also measured the transepidermal water loss (TEWL). We assessed pruritus severity using the pruritus visual analog scale (PVAS). Alteration of consumed drug doses was converted into medication scores. All the evaluation indices were surveyed every 4 weeks. In the probiotics group, there was a significant decrease in the CADESI-4 score at 4, 8, and 12 weeks compared to that of the baseline score (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in TEWL, PVAS, and medication score at each time point and between groups. Although these results showed that Bifidobacterium longum did not reduce pruritus, TEWL, and the dosage of drugs for canine AD, it was effective in improving skin lesions, therefore, probiotics could be considered in canine AD with severe skin symptoms.

Risk factors predicting development of complications in 72 dogs with esophageal foreign bodies

The aim of this study was to determine predictive risk factors implicated in complications in dogs with esophageal foreign bodies. Medical records of 72 dogs diagnosed with esophageal foreign bodies by endoscopy were reviewed retrospectively. Factors analyzed included age; breed; gender; body weight, location, dimension, and type of foreign body; and duration of impaction. To identify risk factors associated with complications after foreign body ingestion, categorical variables were analyzed using the chi-square or Fisher's exact tests and multivariate analysis, as appropriate. Complications secondary to esophageal foreign body ingestion included megaesophagus, esophagitis, perforation, laceration, diverticulum, and pleuritis. Univariate analysis revealed that the location and duration of impaction after foreign body ingestion were associated with an increased risk of esophageal laceration and perforation. Multivariate analysis showed that age, duration of impaction, and foreign body dimension were significant independent risk factors associated with the development of complications in dogs with esophageal foreign bodies. In conclusion, these results showed that longer duration of impaction and larger foreign body dimensions may increase the risks of esophageal laceration, perforation, and plueritis in dogs.

Serum concentrations of α2-macroglobulin, α1-antitrypsin, and C-reactive protein in dogs with suspected acute pancreatitis

In canine acute pancreatitis (AP), inappropriate release and activation of zymogen proteases within the pancreas results in the consumption of serum antiproteases. The aim of this study was to examine whether the serum concentrations of α₂-macroglobulin (A2MG), α₁-antitrypsin (A1AT), and C-reactive protein (CRP) differ between dogs with AP and healthy dogs. Twenty healthy dogs and 20 dogs with AP were included in this study. Concentrations of A2MG, A1AT, and CRP were measured in the sera of healthy dogs and dogs diagnosed with AP. Serum A2MG and A1AT concentrations were significantly lower in dogs with AP than in healthy dogs, whereas the serum CRP concentration was significantly higher. In addition, the concentrations of A2MG and A1AT were significantly higher in AP survivors than in AP non-survivors, while the CRP concentration was significantly lower. However, in both AP survivors and non-survivors, the CRP concentrations showed a negative correlation with A2MG concentrations but not with A1AT. These findings indicate that serum antiproteases and CRP concentrations might be associated with the mortality rate of AP in dogs.

Risk factors predicting development of complications in 72 dogs with esophageal foreign bodies / 대한수의학회지

The aim of this study was to determine predictive risk factors implicated in complications in dogs with esophageal foreign bodies. Medical records of 72 dogs diagnosed with esophageal foreign bodies by endoscopy were reviewed retrospectively. Factors analyzed included age; breed; gender; body weight, location, dimension, and type of foreign body; and duration of impaction. To identify risk factors associated with complications after foreign body ingestion, categorical variables were analyzed using the chi-square or Fisher's exact tests and multivariate analysis, as appropriate. Complications secondary to esophageal foreign body ingestion included megaesophagus, esophagitis, perforation, laceration, diverticulum, and pleuritis. Univariate analysis revealed that the location and duration of impaction after foreign body ingestion were associated with an increased risk of esophageal laceration and perforation. Multivariate analysis showed that age, duration of impaction, and foreign body dimension were significant independent risk factors associated with the development of complications in dogs with esophageal foreign bodies. In conclusion, these results showed that longer duration of impaction and larger foreign body dimensions may increase the risks of esophageal laceration, perforation, and plueritis in dogs.

Serum concentrations of α2-macroglobulin, α1-antitrypsin, and C-reactive protein in dogs with suspected acute pancreatitis / 대한수의학회지

In canine acute pancreatitis (AP), inappropriate release and activation of zymogen proteases within the pancreas results in the consumption of serum antiproteases. The aim of this study was to examine whether the serum concentrations of α₂-macroglobulin (A2MG), α₁-antitrypsin (A1AT), and C-reactive protein (CRP) differ between dogs with AP and healthy dogs. Twenty healthy dogs and 20 dogs with AP were included in this study. Concentrations of A2MG, A1AT, and CRP were measured in the sera of healthy dogs and dogs diagnosed with AP. Serum A2MG and A1AT concentrations were significantly lower in dogs with AP than in healthy dogs, whereas the serum CRP concentration was significantly higher. In addition, the concentrations of A2MG and A1AT were significantly higher in AP survivors than in AP non-survivors, while the CRP concentration was significantly lower. However, in both AP survivors and non-survivors, the CRP concentrations showed a negative correlation with A2MG concentrations but not with A1AT. These findings indicate that serum antiproteases and CRP concentrations might be associated with the mortality rate of AP in dogs.

Acute kidney injury caused by administration of zaltoprofen in a cat

A 5-year-old, 2.7 kg, spayed female Scottish Fold cat presented with hematemesis after administration of oral zaltoprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, by the owner. Diagnostic imaging and blood analyses indicated development of acute kidney injury (AKI) resulting from zaltoprofen ingestion. To correct dehydration and anemic conditions, the cat received intravenous fluid therapy with whole blood transfusion and peroral N-acetylcysteine. Clinical signs resolved, but persistent azotemia was unresolved indicating that AKI could progress to chronic kidney disease. This case suggests that although zaltoprofen may have low adverse effects on humans, administration of zaltoprofen in cats can have serious adverse effects.

Candida glabrata infection of urinary bladder in a Chinchilla Persian cat

A 5-year-old castrated male Chinchilla Persian cat weighing 4.84 kg was referred for hematuria. The cat had a history of urethrostomy and bacterial cystitis. In urine culture, Candida glabrata was cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar. Based on these results, the cat was diagnosed with Candida cystitis. Subsequently, oral administration of fluconazole was initiated. Urine culture was negative at 31 days after administration. This case describes the diagnosis and treatment of Candida glabrata infection of urinary bladder in a cat with a history of urethrostomy.

Prognostic factors and efficacy of human intravenous immunoglobulin G in dogs with idiopathic immune-mediated hemolytic anemia: a retrospective study

This study was conducted to determine the effect of treatment with intravenous human immunoglobulin G (hIVIgG) on outcome in dogs with idiopathic immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), and to identify prognostic variables that determine outcome in affected dogs. Thirty-seven dogs that met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in a retrospective study. The dogs were categorized into two groups based on their having received hIVIgG. There was no significant difference in survival between the hIVIgG group and the non-hIVIgG group. Mortality during hospitalization and at 1 month, 1 year, or 2 years after discharge was not significantly different between the hIVIgG and the non-hIVIgG groups. Hemoglobinuria was significantly less prevalent in dogs that lived more than 1 year than in those who lived less than 1 year, and was less prevalent in dogs that lived more than 2 years than in those who lived less than 2 years. However, there was no difference in the presence of hemoglobinuria between dogs that lived less than 1 month and those that lived more than 1 month. Overall, there was no evidence of a beneficial effect of hIVIgG in dogs with idiopathic IMHA.

Comparison of rapid screening immunoassay and intradermal test for canine atopic dermatitis / 동물의과학연구지

The intradermal test (IDT) has been developed for confirming diagnosis of canine atopic dermatitis (CAD). Prior to performing IDT, rapid immunoassay (Allercept E-screen 2nd generation; ES2G) can detect allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in canine serum. The objective of this study was to evaluate agreement between IDT and immunoassay in diagnosis of CAD in domestic atopic dogs. Forty dogs were diagnosed with CAD in accordance with Favrot's criteria. Intradermal testing was performed using 39 selected allergens. ES2G detected IgE antibodies specific for three allergen groups, including indoor allergens, grasses and weeds, and trees. Among 19 dogs diagnosed by IDT, the highest positivity was observed in house dust mites, followed by molds, epidermis and inhalants, house dust, and weeds. A total of 28 atopic dogs were evaluated by rapid ES2G immunoassay. Indoor allergens showed the strongest positive reaction, followed by grasses/weeds and trees. IDT and ES2G were performed concurrently in 17 dogs. The results of ES2G showed slight agreement with those of IDT. Level of agreement was highest for indoor allergens, which showed a predictive positive value of 100% in ES2G. These results indicate that a rapid immunoassay may be valuable for predicting the results of IDT in atopic dogs sensitized to indoor allergens.

Serum adipokine concentrations in dogs with diabetes mellitus: a pilot study

This study was conducted to determine whether serum adipokine concentrations differed between healthy dogs and dogs with diabetes mellitus (DM). To accomplish this, 19 dogs with newly diagnosed DM were compared to 20 otherwise healthy dogs. The serum concentrations of visfatin, leptin, IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-alpha were significantly higher in diabetic dogs than in healthy dogs, whereas the serum adiponectin concentrations were lower in diabetic dogs. However, there were no significant differences in the IL-10 and resistin levels between groups. The serum leptin concentrations in diabetic dogs with and without concurrent disorders differed significantly. Treatment with insulin induced a significant decrease in IL-6 in diabetic dogs without concurrent disorders. These results show that the clinical diabetic state of dogs could modulate the circulating visfatin and adiponectin concentrations directly, while upregulation of leptin was probably a result of concurrent disorders rather than an effect of persistent hyperglycemia as a result of DM.

Effect of conjugated linoleic acid on compound 48/80-induced pruritus in mice / 동물의과학연구지

Pruritus is one of the most important symptoms of allergic inflammatory skin disease. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been reported to have preventive effects against allergic inflammation. The objective of this study was to determine whether or not oral administration of CLA suppresses pruritus induced by compound 48/80 (composed of N-methyl-p-methoxy phenethylamine with formaldehyde) in mice, and if so, whether or not this effect is associated with serum histamine and prostaglandin (PG) E2 levels. Liquid CLA mixture (36.25% 9c-11t CLA, 36.95% 10t-12c CLA, 1.12% 9c-11c, and 1.94% t9-t11 CLA) was emulsified in 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) sodium salt and orally administered to mice at doses of 200 mg/kg once per day for 3 days. Similarly, disodium chromoglycate (DSCG), an antipruritic substance, was administered orally at the same concentrations as the negative control. Compound 48/80, a pruritus-inducing reagent, was subcutaneously injected 30 minutes after final administration of CLA. Scratching behavior of mice was counted just after compound 48/80 injection. Serum histamine and PGE2 concentrations were evaluated individually. Mice administered with CLA showed reduced frequency of scratching behavior compared to those without CLA. Antipruritic activities in CLA-treated and DSCG-treated groups were 48.5% and 26.8%, respectively. CLA and DSCG also diminished serum concentrations of histamine and PGE2 compared to compound 48/80 alone, respectively. This result suggests that dietary CLA has an antipruritic effect by down-regulating serum histamine and PGE2 levels for relief of compound 48/80-induced scratching behavior in mice, which will be useful in allergic pruritus as a preventive medicine.

Brainstem auditory evoked potential findings in a French bulldog with bilaterally congenital sensorineural deafness / 대한수의학회지

A 3-month-old, intact male French bulldog was suspected of deafness. The dog was irresponsive to environmental noises generated out of sight, but normal responses were noted for visual stimuli. No abnormalities were observed on the neurological, otoscopic, radiographic, and blood examinations. To diagnose the apparent deafness, brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) was recorded in the presented dog together with a normal dog. While the BAEP from the control dog showed a normal wave consisting of 5 peaks, absence of all peaks was noted in the suspected deaf dog. Therefore the dog was definitively diagnosed as bilaterally congenital sensorineural deafness.

Juvenile cellulitis in a 7-month-old Shih-Tzu dog / 동물의과학연구지

A-7-month-old, intact male Shih-Tzu dog was referred with facial dermatitis and stifle pain with 7 days duration. Erythema, hemorrhage, and crusted nodular lesions of the face, swollen eyelids, and otitis externa were observed. A painful response was noted on palpation of the right stifle joint. Impression smears and skin biopsies revealed pyogranulomatous inflammation consistent with canine juvenile cellulitis (CJC). Skin lesions and pain were greatly improved following immunosuppressive corticosteroid therapy. This report firstly describes clinical and histopathological findings as well as treatment responses of CJC in a 7-month-old, domestic dog.

Evaluation of partial cranial cruciate ligament rupture with positive contrast computed tomographic arthrography in dogs

Computed tomographic arthrography (CTA) of four cadaveric canine stifles was performed before and after partial cranial cruciate ligament rupture in order to verify the usefulness of CTA examination for the diagnosis of partial cranial cruciate ligament rupture. To obtain the sequential true transverse image of a cranial cruciate ligament, the computed tomography gantry was angled such that the scanning plane was parallel to the fibula. True transverse images of cranial cruciate ligaments were identified on every sequential image, beginning just proximal to the origin of the cranial cruciate ligament distal to the tibial attachment, after the administration of iodinated contrast medium. A significant decrease in the area of the cranial cruciate ligament was identified on CTA imaging after partial surgical rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament. This finding implies that CTA can be used for assessing partial cranial cruciate ligament ruptures in dogs.