The effects of cyclosporine versus standard care in dogs with naturally occurring glomerulonephritis.

Glomerulonephritis (GN) is a leading cause of chronic renal failure in dogs. However, little is known about the efficacy of available treatment options for GN in this species. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of cyclosporine (Cy) administration on the outcome of naturally occurring GN in dogs. Thirteen dogs from 4 institutions were included in the study. Randomization of dogs into placebo-versus Cy-treated groups was stratified according to initial morphological diagnosis and contributing institution. Seven and 6 dogs were assigned to be given placebo or Cy, respectively. The initial Cy dose of 10 mg/kg every 24 hours was adjusted to maintain 24-hour trough, whole blood Cy concentrations between 250 and 400 ng/mL. There were no statistically significant differences between placebo- and Cy-treated groups with respect to serum total protein, albumin, urea nitrogen and creatinine, and plasma protein concentrations; platelet count; urine protein-creatinine ratio; endogenous creatinine clearance; 24-hour urine protein concentrations; or 24-hour urine protein-endogenous creatinine clearance ratio. However, PCV was significantly lower in the Cy-treated group. Decreased appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, involuntary shaking, and thrombocytopenia were noted in both treatment groups; however, clinical signs in Cy-treated dogs subjectively were more severe. One Cy-treated dog developed gingival hyperplasia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Otoacoustic emission in a dog.

A 7-month-old female Poodle was evaluated for a sound continuously emanating from its left ear. The frequency and intensity of the tone was matched by use of a multifrequency audiometer. The frequency and intensity of the sound were 9,594 Hz and 45.5 decibels sound pressure level, respectively. On the bases of normal brain stem auditory-evoked responses and behavioral response to sound, the dog was believed to have normal hearing in both ears. Emission of sound from an ear, referred to as an otoacoustic emission, is a condition that has been reported in human beings and small animals. Successful treatment in human patients with drugs and masking sounds is difficult, and treatment has not been reported in animals. This condition in dogs is not considered life-threatening.

Juvenile renal disease in Doberman Pinscher dogs.

Renal failure was diagnosed in 22 young Doberman Pinscher dogs. The clinical findings were anorexia, weight loss, vomiting, lethargy, polydipsia, polyuria, and dehydration. Laboratory findings were azotemia, hyperphosphatemia, lymphopenia, nonregenerative anemia, hypercholesterolemia, and proteinuria. The kidneys were characterized pathologically by glomerular sclerosis, cystic glomerular atrophy, tubular dilatation, tubular atrophy, mononuclear interstitial inflammation, interstitial fibrosis, interstitial mineralization, and hyperplasia of the collecting duct epithelium.

The history and physical examination of the trauma patient.

The physical examination must be considered the most important method of gathering information about the injured animal. Without a complete physical examination, it is impossible to select the laboratory and radiographic tests that will be most valuable to the patient. In dealing with the injured animal, repeated physical examinations are the most reliable means of detecting deviations from normal and monitoring the patient's condition.