Prevalence, association with systemic inflammatory response syndrome and outcome of stress hyperglycaemia in sick cats.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of stress hyperglycaemia in sick cats, and to investigate the association of stress hyperglycaemia with systemic inflammatory response syndrome and outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records (2004 to 2013) from sick cats admitted to the Medicine Unit of a Veterinary Teaching Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Cases were enrolled if a serum glucose measurement and a complete medical record were available. Cats that were healthy, hypoglycaemic, diabetic, sedated or had a previous administration of drugs (apart from vaccination and deworming) were excluded. RESULTS: The study included 647 cats; stress hyperglycaemia (serum glucose >8.3 mmol/L) was found in 194 (30%) cats, while 453 (70%) cats were normoglycaemic. The prevalence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome was significantly higher in cats with stress hyperglycaemia (25/174, 14.4%) compared to normoglycaemic cats (26/399, 6.5%). Significantly, more cats with stress hyperglycaemia were hospitalised [97/194 (50.0%)] compared to normoglycaemic cats [171/453 (37.7%)]. However, the median duration of hospitalisation was not significantly different [4 (1 to 26) days and 4 (1 to 24) days, respectively]. The prevalence of cats with negative outcome was not significantly different between the two groups (cats with stress hyperglycaemia: 37.1%, normoglycaemic cats: 33.9%). Nonetheless, when modelling of outcome prediction included breed, age, stress hyperglycaemia and disease category as factors, cats with stress hyperglycaemia had 2.8 times the odds to have a negative outcome (95% confidence interval: 1.3 to 6.4). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Based on the cut-off employed in this study, Stress hyperglycaemia, as defined by the cut-off is common in sick cats. Stress hyperglycaemia is associated with systemic inflammatory response syndrome development and seem to be a negative prognostic indicator.

A prospective epidemiological, clinical, and clinicopathologic study of feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus infection in 435 cats from Greece.

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are retroviruses causing significant morbidity and mortality in cats. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical and clinicopathologic aspects of FeLV and FIV infections in different populations of cats in Greece, including client-owned cats, stray cats and cats who live in catteries. A total of 435 cats were prospectively enrolled. Serological detection of FeLV antigen and FIV antibody was performed using a commercial in-house ELISA test kit. The results showed that 17 (3.9 %) and 40 (9.2 %) of the 435 cats were positive for FeLV antigen and FIV antibody, respectively, whereas 5 (1.1 %) had concurrent infection with FeLV and FIV. Factors that were associated with FeLV antigenemia, based on multivariate analysis, included vomiting, rhinitis, infection with FIV, neutropenia, decreased blood urea nitrogen and increased serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. Factors associated with FIV seropositivity included male gender, older age, outdoor access, weight loss, fever, gingivostomatitis, skin lesions and/or pruritus and hyperglobulinemia. Various clinical signs and laboratory abnormalities were found to be significantly associated with retroviral infections, suggesting that current guidelines to test all sick cats should be followed, taking into particular consideration the high-risk groups of cats found in this study.

Serum cobalamin concentrations in dogs with leishmaniosis before and during treatment.

Hypocobalaminemia in dogs is most commonly associated with gastrointestinal disorders leading to impaired absorption and utilization of cobalamin. The objectives of this study were to compare serum cobalamin concentrations between dogs with leishmaniosis and clinically healthy dogs, and to assess possible alterations of serum cobalamin concentrations in dogs with leishmaniosis at different timepoints during treatment. Fifty-five dogs with leishmaniosis and 129 clinically healthy dogs were prospectively enrolled. Diagnosis of leishmaniosis was based on clinical presentation, positive serology and microscopic detection of Leishmania amastigotes in lymph node aspiration smears. Twenty of the dogs with leishmaniosis were treated with a combination of meglumine antimonate and allopurinol for 28 days and serum cobalamin concentrations were measured in blood samples that were collected before initiation of treatment (timepoint 0) and on days 14 and 28. In order to estimate alterations of serum cobalamin concentrations during treatment, cobalamin concentrations were measured in blood samples from 20 out of 55 dogs with leishmaniosis at all timepoints. Serum cobalamin concentrations were significantly lower in dogs with leishmaniosis before treatment (median: 362 ng/L; IQR: 277-477 ng/L) compared to clinically healthy dogs (median: 470 ng/L; IQR: 367-632 ng/L; P = 0.0035). Serum cobalamin concentrations increased significantly in dogs with leishmaniosis on day 14 of treatment compared to timepoint 0 (P = 0.02). In the present study, serum cobalamin concentrations were significantly lower in dogs with leishmaniosis compared to clinically healthy dogs. In addition, there was an increase in serum cobalamin concentrations during treatment. The clinical significance of hypocobalaminemia in dogs with leishmaniosis remains to be determined.

A randomized, blinded, controlled clinical trial comparing the efficacy of aminosidine (paromomycin)-allopurinol combination with the efficacy of meglumine antimoniate-allopurinol combination for the treatment of canine leishmaniosis due to Leishmania infantum.

The aim of this 6-month, randomized, blinded, controlled clinical trial was to compare the efficacy and safety of aminosidine-allopurinol combination with that of meglumine antimoniate-allopurinol combination for the treatment of leishmaniosis in dogs without stage III or IV chronic kidney disease. Forty client-owned dogs were randomly assigned to group A [n = 20; aminosidine (15 mg/kg, subcutaneously, once daily, for 28 days) and allopurinol (10 mg/kg, per os, twice daily, for 6 months)] or group B [(n = 20; meglumine antimoniate (100 mg/kg SC, once daily, for 28 days) and allopurinol (10 mg/kg, per os, twice daily, for 6 months)]. Clinical and clinicopathological evaluations, parasitic load measurement (lymph node and bone marrow microscopy, bone marrow real-time PCR), specific serology and leishmanin skin test (LST) were performed at baseline (time 1) and after 14 (time 2), 28 (time 3), 60 (time 4) and 180 (time 5) days. Both treatments were safe and resulted in significant clinical and clinicopathological improvement, reduction of parasitic load and of indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) titer and induction of positive LST. There was no significant difference between groups with regards to the primary outcome measures of the trial that included the proportion of dogs that presented severe treatment-related side effects, were cured and were parasitologically negative at time 5. However, some (proportion of dogs that presented no clinical signs, no hyperglobulinemia and negative serology at time 5) secondary outcome measures showed significant differences in favor of the meglumine antimoniate-allopurinol treatment arm. Treatment-related death occurred in one dog in each group, while injection site reactions appeared at a similar frequency in both groups. Due to the differences in some secondary outcome measures in association with the low power of this trial, it cannot be definitively concluded that the two treatments are equally effective. Therefore, the aminisodine-allopurinol combination cannot be proposed as a first-line treatment of CanL but rather as a second-line treatment that may be particularly useful to avoid repeated administration of meglumine antimoniate and in countries where the latter is not available or registered.

Evaluation of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity of aminosidine (paromomycin)-allopurinol combination in dogs with leishmaniosis due to Leishmania infantum: A randomized, blinded, controlled study.

Canine leishmaniosis due to Leishmania infantum is a widespread zoonotic disease. Although aminosidine can be an effective treatment, current therapeutic recommendations do not advocate its use, mainly due to concerns regarding the potential nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity of this drug. The aim of this randomized, blinded, controlled study was to evaluate the nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity of aminosidine-allopurinol combination and compare it with that of meglumine antimonate-allopurinol combination in non-azotemic dogs with leishmaniosis. Forty dogs with leishmaniosis were randomly assigned to be treated with either aminosidine at 15 mg/kg, subcutaneously, once daily for 28 days (group A) or with meglumine antimonate at 100 mg/kg, subcutaneously, once daily for 28 days (group B). In addition to either drug, dogs in both groups were administered allopurinol at 10 mg/kg per os twice daily for 2 months. Kidney function was evaluated through measurement of serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, inorganic phosphorus, and cystatin-c concentrations and complete urinalysis, including protein-to-creatinine ratio, at baseline and after 14, 28, and 60 days from the beginning of the treatment. At the same time points, vestibular and auditory functions were evaluated through neurological examination and brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) recordings of wave I, wave V, inter-wave I-V latencies, and minimum hearing thresholds. None of the dogs developed clinicopathological evidence of kidney disease during the study. Serum creatinine concentration increased >0.3 mg/dl over baseline in 2 dogs in group A and in 5 dogs in group B. Parameters of kidney function were not significantly different or were improved compared to baseline and the only difference between the two groups was the lower concentration of serum creatinine in group A. None of the dogs developed peripheral vestibular syndrome or hearing impairment. At the end of the study, parameters of auditory function were not significantly different or were improved compared to baseline and there were no differences between the two groups. The results of this study show that the nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity of aminosidine, when administered to non-azotemic dogs with leishmaniosis at 15 mg/kg subcutaneously once daily for 28 days along with allopurinol, is minimal and does not differ from that of meglumine antimonate.

Pharmacokinetics and tolerability of aminosidine after repeated administrations using an optimal dose regimen in healthy dogs and in dogs with leishmaniosis.

Optimisation of dose schedules of aminoglycosides is required in order to increase efficacy and prevent their toxicity. The objective of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetic profile and the safety of aminosidine in dogs with naturally occurring leishmaniosis and in healthy dogs after once daily administration. Six young-adult, male, healthy, Beagle dogs and 12 dogs with clinical signs of canine leishmaniosis without azotemia and proteinuria were included in the study. Diagnosis of the disease was confirmed by serology, parasitology and molecular techniques. Pharmacokinetics and evaluation of renal function after repeated (once daily for 21 consecutive days) subcutaneous administration of aminosidine, at the dose of 15 mg/kg b.w. in both the healthy and the diseased animals were compared. Concentrations of aminosidine were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography and pharmacokinetic analysis was performed by the non-compartmental method. No significant differences were observed between healthy and diseased dogs considering all pharmacokinetic parameters. In general, mean Cmax ranged between 46.41 and 54.32 µg/mL and between 38.69 and 40.73 µg/mL in healthy dogs and in dogs with canine leishmaniosis, respectively. No accumulation of the drug was observed in either group since total elimination of aminosidine and half-life lambda z were not modified throughout the administration period. Aminosidine was well tolerated in all dogs with no clinical and clinicopathological signs of nephrotoxicity. Once daily administration of high dose of aminoglycosides, resulted in effective serum concentrations and absence of nephrotoxicity.

Emergence and maintenance of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli of canine origin harbouring a blaCMY-2-IncI1/ST65 plasmid and topoisomerase mutations.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize the mechanisms implicated in fluoroquinolone (FQ) and expanded-spectrum cephalosporin (ESC) resistance in three clinical and seven faecal multidrug-resistant (MDR; resistant to at least three antimicrobial classes) Escherichia coli isolates from a dog with atopic dermatitis, also suffering from recurrent otitis, that had already been exposed to prolonged antimicrobial treatment and colonized for a long period. METHODS: MICs of FQs, ESCs and other antimicrobials were determined by the broth microdilution method. Phenotypic tests (efflux pump inhibition and combination disc tests) and isoelectric focusing were combined with genotypic analyses [PCRs, sequencing, conjugation, S1 nuclease PFGE, PCR-based replicon typing, plasmid multilocus sequence typing (pMLST) and PCR mapping] to characterize the molecular basis of FQ and ESC resistance. Isolates were further characterized by MLST and PFGE. RESULTS: Three otitis and five faecal isolates with enrofloxacin MICs of 32 to >128 mg/L displayed the GyrA:S83L+D87N/ParC:E62K/ParE:G545D pattern harbouring novel ParC and ParE substitutions, whereas the two remaining faecal isolates were susceptible or borderline resistant single-step mutants (GyrA:S83L pattern) and carried qnrS1. Efflux pump overexpression also contributed to FQ resistance and the MDR phenotype. The three otitis and five faecal isolates also exhibited cefoxitin/ceftazidime MICs of 32-64 mg/L and harboured blaCMY-2, adjusted to ISEcp1, on an IncI1/ST65 conjugative plasmid, previously described in Salmonella Heidelberg from poultry. Interestingly, all isolates shared an identical MLST type (ST212), with the otitis isolates showing indistinguishable patterns with the high-level resistant faecal E. coli isolates. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term maintenance of FQ- and ESC-resistant clones harbouring topoisomerase mutations and a blaCMY-2-IncI1/ST65 plasmid in canine commensal flora after prolonged antimicrobial use may contribute to the dissemination of multidrug resistance.

Basal cell carcinoma in a dog with chronic solar dermatitis.

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.

Treatment of canine leishmaniosis with aminosidine at an optimized dosage regimen: a pilot open clinical trial.

Leishmaniosis due to Leishmania infantum (Syn: L. chagasi) is one of the most common diseases of dogs in Mediterranean countries and also has zoonotic potential. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an optimized dosage regimen of aminosidine for the treatment of canine leishmaniosis (CanL) in terms of clinical remission, restoration of clinicopathological abnormalities, evolution of antibody titer, lymph node and bone marrow parasitic density and of PCR-based parasitological cure. Twelve non-uremic dogs without proteinuria, presenting clinical signs of CanL were included in the study. The diagnosis was confirmed by serology, microscopy and PCR of lymph node and bone marrow samples. Aminosidine was administered subcutaneously at the dose of 15 mg/kg body weight, once daily, for 21 consecutive days. A partial remission of the clinical signs, amelioration of clinicopathological abnormalities such as anemia, lymphopenia, hyperproteinemia, hyperglobulinemia, and reduced albumin/globulin ratio and reduced lymph node and bone marrow parasitic density were witnessed, although parasitological cure was not achieved. Since data are not supportive enough for the use of aminosidine as an alternative treatment, a large-scale controlled clinical trial using this optimized dosage regimen of aminosidine is warranted to compare efficacy against currently used drugs.

A cross-sectional sero-epidemiological study of canine leishmaniasis in Greek mainland.

Canine leishmaniasis is endemic in Greece as in other countries of the Mediterranean basin. In this study, the regional prevalence of canine seropositivity to Leishmania spp. in Greek mainland was simultaneously assessed in 7 different regions. A total of 2620 serum samples were collected from clinically healthy dogs and were tested for anti-L. infantum antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A high degree of agreement (κ=0.96) was observed between these two tests. The seroprevalence rate in the whole study population was nearly 20%, being highest among dogs living in Attiki (30.12%) and lowest for those living in Florina (2.05%). There was no difference in terms of the gender of the dogs, their length of hair coat or their utility; on the contrary, seroprevalence rates were significantly higher among dogs in the age groups of 1-3 years (23.39%) and 3-9 years (23.35%) than in younger (2.26%) or older (6.03%) dogs. Epidemiological data on the seroprevalence of canine leishmaniasis provide indirect information on the prevalence of the infection and the disease and are necessary to implement and then to evaluate the effectiveness of control measures.

Factors associated with the occurrence of epistaxis in natural canine leishmaniasis (Leishmania infantum).

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 gamma-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.

A retrospective study of 61 cases of spontaneous canine epistaxis (1998 to 2001).

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and identify possible clinicopathologic indicators of the diseases associated with canine epistaxis. METHODS: The medical records of 61 dogs with epistaxis were reviewed. RESULTS: 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. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: 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.

Blood alpha-Tocopherol, selenium, and glutathione peroxidase changes and adipose tissue fatty acid changes in kittens with experimental steatitis (yellow fat disease): a comparative study between the domestic shorthaired and Siamese breed.

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.

Effects of allopurinol treatment on the progression of chronic nephritis in Canine leishmaniosis (Leishmania infantum).

Forty dogs with canine leishmaniosis (CL) participated in this study, which was designed to investigate the effect of allopurinol on the progression of the renal lesions associated with this disease. The animals were allocated into 5 groups. Group A dogs (n = 12) had neither proteinuria nor renal insufficiency, group B dogs (n= 10) had asymptomatic proteinuria, and group C dogs (n = 8) were proteinuric and azotemic. Two more groups, CA and CB, comprising 5 dogs each, served as controls for groups A and B, respectively. Group A, B, and C dogs received allopurinol PO (10 mg/kg q12h) for 6 months, whereas group CA and CB dogs were placebo-treated. Serum biochemistry profile, urinalysis, urine protein/creatinine ratio, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) measurements were carried out at the beginning of the study, the 3rd month, and the 6th month, whereas renal biopsies were carried out only at the beginning and the end of the trial. Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis was the most common cause of chronic renal failure. Mesangioproliferative and tubulointerstitial nephritis were detected even in group A and CA dogs. Allopurinol not only lowered proteinuria in group B dogs but also prevented the deterioration of GFR and improved the tubulointerstitial, but not the glomerular, lesions in both group A and group B dogs. Further, it resolved the azotemia in 5 of the 8 dogs admitted with 2nd stage chronic renal failure (group C). Consequently, treatment with allopurinol is advisable in CL cases with asymptomatic proteinuria or 1st-2nd stage chronic renal failure.

Cellular immunophenotyping of exfoliative dermatitis in canine leishmaniosis (Leishmania infantum).

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).

Chronic hepatitis associated with canine leishmaniosis (Leishmania infantum): a clinicopathological study of 26 cases.

Hepatic tissue samples were obtained from 26 dogs humanely destroyed because of naturally occurring leishmaniosis (Leishmania infantum). None of the animals had palpable hepatomegaly or any other physical finding or historical evidence indicative of liver failure. However, serum biochemistry revealed hypoalbuminaemia (6/26), increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity (15/26), and increased concentrations of total bilirubin (2/26) and post-prandial bile acids (4/26). Three main histological patterns were identified. In pattern 1 (3/26), the liver microarchitecture remained unchanged apart from the presence of individual or clustered macrophages in the sinusoids. In pattern 2 (20/26), there was multifocal, mild to moderate, granulomatous to pyogranulomatous infiltration of the hepatic parenchyma, particularly in the portal areas. Pattern 3 (3/26), which was the most severe form, was characterized by marked portal lymphoplasmacytic infiltration with occasional broaching of the limiting plate and extension into the adjacent parenchyma. In this pattern there was also mild portal fibrosis, together with lymphoplasmacytic aggregates within the parenchyma and small clusters of lymphocytes and plasma cells within the sinusoids. All three patterns were associated with hepatocyte vacuolation (15/26 dogs), and haemosiderin accumulation within the hepatocyte cytoplasm. Congestion was present in the liver of five dogs. No correlation was found between histopathological pattern and breed, sex, age, clinical manifestations, serum biochemical profile or parasite load in the hepatic tissue; patterns 1-3 may, however, represent sequential stages of hepatic leishmania infection during the chronic course of the disease.

Short-term exogenous glucocorticosteroidal effect on iron and copper status in canine leishmaniasis (Leishmania infantum).

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.

Extensive caudal vena cava thrombosis secondary to unilateral renal tubular cell carcinoma in a dog.

A nine-year-old German shorthaired pointer cross was admitted because of partial anorexia, exercise intolerance and haematuria. On clinical examination, subcutaneous oedema, purpura and ascites were detected along with a palpable mass in the right craniodorsal abdomen. Laboratory findings included regenerative anaemia, leucocytosis, thrombocytopenia, azotaemia, increased blood serum alkaline phosphatase and proteinuria. Radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations revealed a large neoplasm involving the right kidney. Computed tomography further showed that the neoplastic tissue had spread into the lymph nodes, the wall of the caudal vena cava, the liver and lungs. The right renal vein, caudal vena cava and iliac veins appeared enlarged and secondarily thrombosed. A diagnosis was made of renal tubular cell carcinoma with secondary venous thrombosis. Gross postmortem examination confirmed the imaging findings, while light and electron microscopic examination revealed that the neoplasm was a solid carcinoma originating from the proximal convoluted renal tubules.

Histopathology and immunohistochemistry of canine distemper virus-induced footpad hyperkeratosis (hard Pad disease) in dogs with natural canine distemper.

Hard pad disease represents an uncommon manifestation of canine distemper virus (CDV) infection with a still uncertain pathogenesis. To study the pathogenesis of this uncommon, virally induced cutaneous lesion, the footpads of 19 dogs with naturally occurring distemper were investigated for histologic changes and distribution pattern of CDV antigen. All dogs displayed clinical signs of distemper, which had lasted from 10 to 75 days. Overt digital hyperkeratosis was observed in 12 animals (group A), whereas the footpads of the remaining seven dogs appeared normal macroscopically (group B). Orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis (12/12; 100%), irregular acanthosis (11/12; 92%), thickened rete ridges (10/12; 83%), and mild mononuclear perivascular (10/ 12; 83%) and periadnexal (7/12; 58%) dermatitis were the most common findings in dogs with hard pad disease. Surprisingly, orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis (5/7; 71%), irregular acanthosis (5/7; 71%), and thickened rete ridges (4/7; 57%) were also seen in the dogs without clinical evidence of digital hyperkeratosis. CDV-specific inclusion bodies and ballooning degeneration were not observed in the footpad epidermis of the 19 dogs. Immunohis-tochemistry revealed that CDV antigen was most frequently found in the stratum spinosum and granulosum and in the epithelial cells of the eccrine sweat glands and only rarely in the basal layer. Fibroblasts, pericytes, endothelial cells, and hair follicles were also positive in some animals. Despite the obvious difference regarding the macroscopic picture, the microscopic changes were less prominent between the animal groups. The selective infection of keratinocytes in the stratum spinosum might be the key event for the development of hard pad disease in the dog.