Anemia in canine chronic kidney disease is multifactorial and associated with decreased erythroid precursor cells, gastrointestinal bleeding, and systemic inflammation.

OBJECTIVE: Compare erythropoiesis-related factors between different stages of canine chronic kidney disease (CKD). ANIMALS: 8 healthy adult dogs (controls), and 24 dogs with CKD, equally divided into 3 groups based on International Renal Interest Society-CKD Guidelines (stage 2, 3, and 4) were recruited between December 2012 and December 2014. METHODS: The following were assessed in all dogs and then compared between groups: bone marrow cytology, CBC, reticulocyte count, urinalysis, serum biochemistry, blood pressure, occult gastrointestinal bleeding, and serum concentrations of parathyroid hormone (PTH), erythropoietin, interleukin-1ß, interleukin-3, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), and interferon-γ. RESULTS: Erythropoiesis inducing and suppressing factors and the results of the bone marrow cytology of dogs in stage 2 CKD did not differ from the control group. The presence of reticulocytosis in CKD stage 2 suggests that blood loss or erythrocyte destruction might be contributing to developing anemia. Anemia in dogs with progressive CKD was associated with increasing PTH and TNFα and with elevation of the ratio of myeloid to erythroid precursor cells caused by hypoplasia of the erythroid series. The latter was represented mainly by a decrease in the population of polychromatophilic rubricytes and metarubricytes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Increased PTH and TNFα seem to contribute to the reduced percentage of polychromatophilic rubricytes and erythroid population, thereby aggravating the anemia of dogs with advanced CKD. Gastrointestinal blood loss contributes to anemia in all canine CKD stages.

Pheochromocytoma in dogs and cats

Pheochromocytoma is a functional neoplasm that produces catecholamines, located in the medullary region of the adrenal glands. As it presents nonspeciÀ c signs, scarcity of diagnostic tools and is still associated with concomitant diseases, it may not be easily considered as a differential condition among veterinarians. This is an uncommon neoplasm that usually affects dogs, with medium to advanced age and without racial predilection, being very rare in cats. Clinical manifestations vary according to the effects of catecholamines and/or circulatory impairment due to the local invasion of the tumor into adjacent structures. In this way, systemic arterial hypertension and consequences in target organs such as the central nervous system and kidneys can be observed, in addition to ocular changes. The deÀ nitive diagnosis is given by the histopathological analysis of the excised adrenal gland. However, the increase in the serum concentration of catecholamine metabolites may contribute to the conÀ rmation of the disease. Adrenalectomy is the therapy of choice, but if this is not feasible, α and ß adrenergic blocking drugs should be used. The prognosis varies from reserved to favorable, based on surgical success and the presence of metastases.(AU)

Renal Abnormalities Caused by Canine Distemper Virus Infection in Terminal Patients.

The aim of this study was to analyze the glomerular and tubular alterations in dogs with terminal distemper through light microscopy, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy. Thirteen animals with a molecular diagnosis of distemper and neurological signs were selected. As a control group, 10 clinically healthy animals with no manifestations or signs of disease and with negative tests for Ehrlichia sp., Anaplasma sp., and Babesia sp. were included in this study. Renal tissue was evaluated by light microscopy, topochemistry for DNA/chromatin, and video image analysis to detect the nuclear phenotypes of the renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs), immunofluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy. Results showed that dogs with distemper exhibited anemia, hypergammaglobulinemia, and proteinuria. Creatinine in the distemper group was lower compared to the control group (p = 0.0026), but there was no significant difference in relation to urea (p = 0.9876). Although this alteration may be due to the smaller muscle mass observed in animals with distemper, it probably is not of clinical importance. Glomerular and tubular lesions were confirmed by light microscopy in 84.6% of these animals. Additional findings in the animals with distemper included deposition of different classes of immunoglobulins, particularly IgM in 92.3% of the cases, fibrinogen deposition in 69.2% of the cases as assessed by immunofluorescence, alterations in the nuclear phenotypes of the RTEC characterized by condensation of chromatin, loss of DNA and reduction in the nuclear shape, and the presence of subendothelial and mesangial electron-dense deposits. These findings confirm the existence of renal alterations related to terminal distemper.

Renal Magnesium Handling: A Comparison Between Dogs With Chronic Kidney Disease and Healthy Elderly Dogs.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and aging are known to possibly cause a progressive reduction in glomerular filtration rate, which may be associated with an increase in fractional excretion of electrolytes due to an adaptive response of the remaining functioning nephrons. However, the behavior of magnesium excretion has not been studied in CKD and healthy elderly dogs. The objective was to evaluate the fractional excretion of magnesium (FEMg) in dogs with (CKD) compared to healthy elderly dogs. Sixteen healthy elderly dogs and 43 dogs with CKD were divided into 3 groups (CKD 2 [n = 14], CKD 3 [n = 17], CKD 4 [n = 12]), in accordance with the current International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) criteria that were used in this study. Blood samples were obtained by jugular venipuncture and urine samples were obtained by cystocentesis. The FEMg was evaluated at a single time point in both urine and blood samples. FEMg was significantly higher in dogs with CKD compared to healthy elderly dogs, especially in advanced stages. This preliminary study demonstrates that FEMg may be altered in dogs with CKD. Further research is warranted to elucidate magnesium's potential role in cardiovascular and arterial calcification in dogs with CKD as observed in humans with CKD.

Juvenile panhypopituitarism in a dog - what are the therapeutic challenges?

Background: Juvenile panhypopituitarism is an endocrinopathy that affects young dogs and must be differentiated from other causes of height disorders, as one could have a deficiency of one or more adenohypophysis hormones, besides growth hormone. Diagnosis consists of excluding endocrine and non-endocrine causes. Treatment requires administration of heterologous porcine growth hormone or progestins, as well as supplementing other hormones that are deficient in the circulation. The prognosis for these patients tends to be unfavorable and they have a shorter life expectancy. The present case aimed to report the therapeutic challenges in a dog diagnosed with juvenile panhypopituitarism. Case: This study presents the case of a 6-month-old crossbred Labrador/Brazilian Fila dog, not neutered, 6.7 kg of body weight (body condition score 5/9), with a growth disorder and persistence of the puppy coat, when compared to other members of the same litter. During inspection, it was possible to observe an undersized dog and soft puppy coat, besides no bone irregularities or joint tenderness was noted. The other physical examination parameters were within the normal range for the species. No changes in complete blood count and only increases in urea, cholesterol and alkaline phosphatase activity were observed. Thyroid and abdominal ultrasound (US) examination did not reveal any remarkable changes. After serum dosage of insulin-like growth factor, thyroxine, thyrostimulating hormone, and cortisol, the patient was diagnosed with juvenile panhypopituitarism and underwent therapy with medroxyprogesterone and thyroid hormone supplementation. Monitoring was instituted at intervals of 3, 6, and 12 weeks, and currently every 3 or 4 months and the IGF-1 values normalized after 6 months with. After 8 months of therapy, the patient had good body growth and bone mineralization compared to the time of diagnosis. However, skeletal development was completed only 12 months after hormone replacement, accompanied by the presence of vertebral osteophytes and coxofemoral osteoarticular alterations. Considering chronic use of progestins, ovariosalpingohysterectomy (OSH) was recommended, but for personal reasons, the owners chose to do not submit her to surgery. After 18 months of treatment, the dog starts to exhibit prostration, selective appetite, and increased abdominal volume. After imaging exam, she was forwarded for OSH, due to consistent findings of pyometra. Subsequently, even the supervision of possible comorbidities involved in the chronic use of progestins was maintained at half-yearly intervals, the bitch returned to the service with skin thickening, increased limb volume, and macroglossia after 60 months of therapy. At this point IGF-1 values were higher when compared to the previous measurements and the application of medroxyprogesterone was suspended. Its supplementation was reintroduced only after 8 months when IGF-1 was significantly reduced. To date, the patient is close to 6 years of age and with a good quality of life. Discussion: The greatest therapeutic challenge for these patients involves dealing with the adverse effects of progestins, mainly related to reproductive disorders and alopecia at the application site, as well as maintaining adequate hormone replacement in order to avoid hypersomatotropism. Although longevity is lower in these individuals, the patient in this report has achieved 6 years of age and has had an excellent quality of life so far.

Canine cystitis - biofilm formation by bacterial isolates

Background: Biofilms have been reported as important virulent markers associated with drug resistance in urinary tractinfections (UTIs) in humans and dogs. However, in veterinary medicine, researches involving biofilm formation, treatments and preventions have been limited; yet, it is still possible to find few studies demonstrating biofilm-forming bacteriaassociated with different comorbidities such as otitis, wound infections, UTIs, and endometritis. These studies generallyselect dogs with chronic and recurrent infections, which could be an important factor in antibiotic resistance. We aimed toevaluate biofilms in sporadic cystitis regarding prevalence and drug resistance.Materials, Methods & Results: Urine samples were collected by cystocentesis from 36 client-owned dogs under clinicaland laboratory suspicion of non-recurrent urinary bladder infection (cystitis). Urine was aseptically plated onto bloodagar, MacConkey, and CLED, followed by incubation for 24 to 48 h. Definitive identification of a potential pathogen wasmade by subculture collected from an isolated colony to obtain a pure culture. The gram staining method and specificbiochemical tests (phenol red fermentation, lysine, phenylalanine, citrate, sulfide-indole-motility, and urease) were usedto distinguish and classify the bacteria. After identification, the bacteria were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility by astandard disk diffusion method, using the following antimicrobials: amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, ampicillin, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, cefazolin, cephalothin, erythromycin, gentamicin, norfloxacin, and sulfamethoxazoletrimethoprim. The biofilm-forming ability was determined based on a culture...

Glomerulotubular pathology in dogs with subclinical ehrlichiosis.

Subclinical stage of ehrlichiosis is characterized by absence of clinical or laboratory alterations; however, it could lead to silent glomerular/tubular changes and contribute significantly to renal failure in humans and animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate glomerular and tubular alterations in dogs with subclinical ehrlichiosis. We evaluated renal biopsies of 14 bitches with subclinical ehrlichiosis and 11 control dogs. Samples were obtained from the left kidney, and the tissue obtained was divided for light microscopy, immunofluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy. Abnormalities were identified by light microscopy in 92.9% of dogs with ehrlichiosis, but not in any of the dogs of the control group. Mesangial cell proliferation and synechiae (46.1%) were the most common findings, but focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and ischemic glomeruli (38.4%), focal glomerular mesangial matrix expansion (30.7%), mild to moderate interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (23%), and glomerular basement membrane spikes (23%) were also frequent in dogs with ehrlichiosis. All animals with ehrlichiosis exhibited positive immunofluorescence staining for immunoglobulins. Transmission electron microscopy from dogs with ehrlichiosis revealed slight changes such as sparse surface projections and basement membrane double contour. The subclinical phase of ehrlichiosis poses a higher risk of development of kidney damage due to the deposition of immune complexes.

Learning curve for the laparoscopy-guided kidney biopsy procedure in small corpses of dogs and pigs.

The use of renal biopsy through laparoscopy is increasingly present both in human and veterinary medicine. However, both techniques require skill and training to make the operator capable to do it. The learning curve allows the quantitative and qualitative assessment of the number of attempts and minimum time for the surgical procedure. The objective included establish the learning curve for laparoscopy-guided kidney biopsy procedures in dog and pig corpses. Six dogs and six pigs corpses weighing less than 10 kg were used for this study. All corpses underwent kidney biopsy performed through laparoscopy. Twenty-four operators, two per animal, performed 20 renal biopsies each (10 for each kidney), with 480 collection-procedures in total. Duration and difficulty of the procedure and the biopsy sample quality were evaluated and statistical analysis was performed using a mixed regression model with a random effect of individuals and multivariate analysis of data. There were 91.5% of the samples that were adequate for evaluation. There was no significant difference in the number of glomeruli or cortex percentage considering the attempts in either species, demonstrating the operator's ability since first collection. Swine samples showed higher amounts of renal cortex than canine samples. The procedure duration was shorter as more attempts were performed in dogs and pigs. From the fourth repetition, the professional reached a plateau for the variable related to 'collection', and from the second, the professional presented uniform duration for 'sample storage'. Operators of the swine model acquired more agility than the dog ones. The variable 'difficulty' decreased as more repetitions were performed, reaching a plateau in the sixth attempt. Seven renal biopsies laparoscopy-guided are required for an operator to be considered 'capable' to perform the procedure in the referred species included. The learning curve for image-guided kidney biopsy procedures improves the implementation of this technique and benefits patients that undergo this procedure.

Lymphoplasmacytic hemorrhagic cystitis in dog: case report / Cistite hemorrágica linfoplasmocitária em cão: relato de caso

Hematuria is a relatively common manifestation in dogs and cats when secondary with urinary tract disorders, such as bacterial cystitis and urolithiasis, your treatment is limited to treatment of the primary cause. However, when the hematuria is persistent or capable of causing significant haematological disorders, other causes less common should to be investigated. A 12-year-old, male pit bull dog, was admitted presenting intense hematuria for the last 10 days. Laboratory tests showed intense normocytic and normochromic anemia, hypoalbuminemia and albuminuria associated with intense hematuria. The ultrasound images reveled presence of structures compatible with blood clots and increased wall thickness and irregularity of urinary bladder. The bladder wash cytology suggested chronic cystitis. Due to results of de laboratory tests and bladder US images, started treatment which antibiotic therapy associated with blood transfusions were maintained until histopathology results. During the biopsy surgery it was observed The bladder wall was thicker and richly vascularized, with normal elasticity and absence of masses or polyps on the inner and outer wall. Histopathological examination revealed thickening of the muscular layer, hemorrhage and diffuse hyperemia between muscle fibers and lamina propria, intact and ruptured capillaries filled with red blood cells, and a discrete multifoc

A hematúria é uma manifestação relativamente comum em cães e gatos quando secundária a distúrbios do trato urinário, tais como cistite bacteriana e urolitíase, sendo seu tratamento limitado à eliminação da causa primária. Entretanto, quando a hematúria é persistente ou capaz de causar distúrbios hematológicos significativos, outras causas menos comuns devem ser investigadas. Um cão, pit bull, macho de 12 anos de idade deu entrada no Hospital Veterinário da xxx com queixa principal de acentuado sangramento urinário há 10 dias. Os exames laboratoriais mostraram anemia normocítica e normo-crômica e hipoalbuminemia, associadas à proteinúria e hematúria intensa. As imagens ultrassonográficas revelaram à presença de estruturas compatíveis com coágulos sanguíneos e aumento da espessura e irregularidade da parede da bexiga, e a citologia do lavado vesical sugeriu cistite crônica. Com os resultados dos exames laboratoriais e de imagem, iniciaram-se os tratamentos com antibioticoterapia associados às transfusões sanguíneas, e o animal foi encaminhado para a biopsia de bexiga. Durante o procedimento cirúrgico, observou-se que a parede vesical apresentava-se espessa e ricamente vascularizada, com elasticidade normal e ausência de massas ou pólipos nas faces interna e externa. O exame histopatológico revelou tratar-se de cistite hemor-rágica linfoplasmocitária, uma doença rara e muito agressiva, a qual apresenta descrições semelhantes em seres humanos, mas ainda não descrita em cães.(AU)

Lymphoplasmacytic hemorrhagic cystitis in dog: case report / Cistite hemorrágica linfoplasmocitária em cão: relato de caso

Hematuria is a relatively common manifestation in dogs and cats when secondary with urinary tract disorders, such as bacterial cystitis and urolithiasis, your treatment is limited to treatment of the primary cause. However, when the hematuria is persistent or capable of causing significant haematological disorders, other causes less common should to be investigated. A 12-year-old, male pit bull dog, was admitted presenting intense hematuria for the last 10 days. Laboratory tests showed intense normocytic and normochromic anemia, hypoalbuminemia and albuminuria associated with intense hematuria. The ultrasound images reveled presence of structures compatible with blood clots and increased wall thickness and irregularity of urinary bladder. The bladder wash cytology suggested chronic cystitis. Due to results of de laboratory tests and bladder US images, started treatment which antibiotic therapy associated with blood transfusions were maintained until histopathology results. During the biopsy surgery it was observed The bladder wall was thicker and richly vascularized, with normal elasticity and absence of masses or polyps on the inner and outer wall. Histopathological examination revealed thickening of the muscular layer, hemorrhage and diffuse hyperemia between muscle fibers and lamina propria, intact and ruptured capillaries filled with red blood cells, and a discrete multifoc

A hematúria é uma manifestação relativamente comum em cães e gatos quando secundária a distúrbios do trato urinário, tais como cistite bacteriana e urolitíase, sendo seu tratamento limitado à eliminação da causa primária. Entretanto, quando a hematúria é persistente ou capaz de causar distúrbios hematológicos significativos, outras causas menos comuns devem ser investigadas. Um cão, pit bull, macho de 12 anos de idade deu entrada no Hospital Veterinário da xxx com queixa principal de acentuado sangramento urinário há 10 dias. Os exames laboratoriais mostraram anemia normocítica e normo-crômica e hipoalbuminemia, associadas à proteinúria e hematúria intensa. As imagens ultrassonográficas revelaram à presença de estruturas compatíveis com coágulos sanguíneos e aumento da espessura e irregularidade da parede da bexiga, e a citologia do lavado vesical sugeriu cistite crônica. Com os resultados dos exames laboratoriais e de imagem, iniciaram-se os tratamentos com antibioticoterapia associados às transfusões sanguíneas, e o animal foi encaminhado para a biopsia de bexiga. Durante o procedimento cirúrgico, observou-se que a parede vesical apresentava-se espessa e ricamente vascularizada, com elasticidade normal e ausência de massas ou pólipos nas faces interna e externa. O exame histopatológico revelou tratar-se de cistite hemor-rágica linfoplasmocitária, uma doença rara e muito agressiva, a qual apresenta descrições semelhantes em seres humanos, mas ainda não descrita em cães.

Metastatic papillary mesothelioma in a dog: a case report

A six-year-old female Dachshund presented intense abdominal distension caused by hemorrhagic effusion. Cytological examination of the fluid was performed and suggested a carcinoma. The animal was submitted to exploratory laparotomy and histological examination of the substantially altered spleen revealed epithelioid mesothelioma. Owing to a poor prognosis, poor response to chemotherapy, and development of thoracic effusions that required daily drainages, the owners decided for euthanasia. At necropsy, besides a 600 mL of sera‐hemorrhagic abdominal fluid, no abnormal gross finding was identified in the abdominal cavity. The thoracic cavity was also filled with approximately 200 mL of effusion with same features as those detected in the abdominal fluid. A few firm white-to-gray nodules, with sizes ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 cm, were found in the lungs and diaphragm. Samples of the nodules were stained for routine histopathology and submitted to immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays using the antibodies vimentin, PAN Cytokeratin, calretinin, and TTF-1. Histopathology and IHC findings confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic papillary mesothelioma.(AU)

Metastatic papillary mesothelioma in a dog: a case report

A six-year-old female Dachshund presented intense abdominal distension caused by hemorrhagic effusion. Cytological examination of the fluid was performed and suggested a carcinoma. The animal was submitted to exploratory laparotomy and histological examination of the substantially altered spleen revealed epithelioid mesothelioma. Owing to a poor prognosis, poor response to chemotherapy, and development of thoracic effusions that required daily drainages, the owners decided for euthanasia. At necropsy, besides a 600 mL of sera‐hemorrhagic abdominal fluid, no abnormal gross finding was identified in the abdominal cavity. The thoracic cavity was also filled with approximately 200 mL of effusion with same features as those detected in the abdominal fluid. A few firm white-to-gray nodules, with sizes ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 cm, were found in the lungs and diaphragm. Samples of the nodules were stained for routine histopathology and submitted to immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays using the antibodies vimentin, PAN Cytokeratin, calretinin, and TTF-1. Histopathology and IHC findings confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic papillary mesothelioma.

Chylothorax associated with subcutaneous cellulitis caused by chylous fluid leakage in a dog

Background: Chylothorax is the accumulation of lymphatic fluid associated with molecules coming from digestion process(chyle) in the thorax. In this case report, we describe a canine patient with chylothorax that presented with an unusualclinical presentation: subcutaneous swelling due to chylous fluid leakage through the thoracic inlet.Case: A 4-year-old spayed female canine, Giant Schnauzer, presented to the Ontario Veterinary College Health SciencesCentre for evaluation and treatment of bilateral subcutaneous masses and edema on the ventral thorax. The patient wasoriginally evaluated by the primary care veterinarian and aspiration and cytology of the masses resulted in a large volumeof fluid with low cellularity, lightly basophilic. Due to the appearance of the fluid, triglyceride levels were performed andwas 7.95 mmol/L while the peripheral level was 0.5 mmol/L (ref: 0.2-1.3 mmol/L). Based on the cytology and triglyceridelevels, chylous fluid was suspected to be the cause of the swelling and edema. Over the following 10 months, the swellingprogressed to bilateral tumors of approximately 15 cm in the lateral thorax and surrounding edematous tissues on the ventralthorax. The patient was referred for evaluation. On presentation the patient was normal aside from the described thoracicswellings and decreased lung sounds on auscultation. Thoracic ultrasound revealed bilateral pleural effusion. Thoracentesisresulted in approximately 1,200 mL of chylous fluid. Thoracic computed tomography (CT) and lymphangiography throughpopliteal injection revealed bilaterally in the soft tissues of the axillary regions, and extending along the right thoracic wall,a moderate amount of fluid dense material. The lymphangiogram revealed two sites of rupture of lymphatic vessels, inthe caudal thorax (right sided), and in the cranial mediastinum/right thoracic inlet. Based on the findings, a video-assistedthoracic duct ligation and cisterna chyli ablation were...

Chylothorax associated with subcutaneous cellulitis caused by chylous fluid leakage in a dog

Background: Chylothorax is the accumulation of lymphatic fluid associated with molecules coming from digestion process(chyle) in the thorax. In this case report, we describe a canine patient with chylothorax that presented with an unusualclinical presentation: subcutaneous swelling due to chylous fluid leakage through the thoracic inlet.Case: A 4-year-old spayed female canine, Giant Schnauzer, presented to the Ontario Veterinary College Health SciencesCentre for evaluation and treatment of bilateral subcutaneous masses and edema on the ventral thorax. The patient wasoriginally evaluated by the primary care veterinarian and aspiration and cytology of the masses resulted in a large volumeof fluid with low cellularity, lightly basophilic. Due to the appearance of the fluid, triglyceride levels were performed andwas 7.95 mmol/L while the peripheral level was 0.5 mmol/L (ref: 0.2-1.3 mmol/L). Based on the cytology and triglyceridelevels, chylous fluid was suspected to be the cause of the swelling and edema. Over the following 10 months, the swellingprogressed to bilateral tumors of approximately 15 cm in the lateral thorax and surrounding edematous tissues on the ventralthorax. The patient was referred for evaluation. On presentation the patient was normal aside from the described thoracicswellings and decreased lung sounds on auscultation. Thoracic ultrasound revealed bilateral pleural effusion. Thoracentesisresulted in approximately 1,200 mL of chylous fluid. Thoracic computed tomography (CT) and lymphangiography throughpopliteal injection revealed bilaterally in the soft tissues of the axillary regions, and extending along the right thoracic wall,a moderate amount of fluid dense material. The lymphangiogram revealed two sites of rupture of lymphatic vessels, inthe caudal thorax (right sided), and in the cranial mediastinum/right thoracic inlet. Based on the findings, a video-assistedthoracic duct ligation and cisterna chyli ablation were...(AU)

Evaluation of serum concentrations of cortisol and thyroxine in bitches with early-stage mammary carcinoma / Concentrações séricas de cortisol e tiroxina em cadelas com carcinoma mamário em estádio inicial

In view of the fact that cancer is considered a chronic disease that can interfere with hormonal homeostasis by means of cytokines, we hypothesized that, even at early stages, mammary carcinoma is able to alter the balance of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axes. To test this hypothesis, the serum concentrations of basal cortisol, thyroxine (T4), free thyroxine (fT4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were evaluated in 20 unspayed bitches that had a histopathological diagnosis of grade 1 mammary carcinoma at clinical stage I according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification (T1N0M0). The control animals comprised 10 unspayed bitches in perfect health conditions that were matched with those with mammary carcinoma by age. No significant differences regarding the concentrations of basal cortisol, TSH, t4, and fT4 were found between the bitches carrying early stage mammary carcinoma when compared to the control group. This suggests that, even if malignant, early-stage mammary carcinomas do not exhibit the ability to alter the concentrations of hormones produced by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal or hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axes.(AU)

Em vista do fato de neoplasias serem consideradas doenças crônicas que por meio de citocinas podem interferir na homeostase hormonal, hipotetizou-se que o carcinoma mamário, mesmo nos seus estádios iniciais, fosse capaz de alterar o equilíbrio dos eixos hipotalâmico-hipofisário-tireóideo e hipotalâmico-hipofisário-adrenal. Para tal, foram avaliadas as concentrações séricas de cortisol basal, tiroxina (T4), tiroxina livre (fT4) e tireotrofina (TSH) de 20 fêmeas caninas, inteiras, com diagnóstico histopatológico de carcinoma mamário grau 1 e estadiamento clínico I segundo a classificação da Organização Mundial da Saúde - OMS (T1N0M0). Os animais controle constituíram-se por 10 fêmeas caninas inteiras, em perfeitas condições de higidez, as quais foram pareadas, por idade, com aquelas portadoras de carcinoma mamário. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas nas concentrações de cortisol basal, TSH, T4 e fT4 das cadelas portadoras de carcinoma mamário em estádio inicial quando comparadas às controles sugerindo que, mesmo considerados malignos, ainda não apresentam a capacidade de alterar as concentrações dos hormônios produzidos pelos eixos hipotalâmico-hipofisário-adrenal e tireóideo.(AU)

Evaluation of serum concentrations of cortisol and thyroxine in bitches with early-stage mammary carcinoma / Concentrações séricas de cortisol e tiroxina em cadelas com carcinoma mamário em estádio inicial

In view of the fact that cancer is considered a chronic disease that can interfere with hormonal homeostasis by means of cytokines, we hypothesized that, even at early stages, mammary carcinoma is able to alter the balance of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axes. To test this hypothesis, the serum concentrations of basal cortisol, thyroxine (T4), free thyroxine (fT4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were evaluated in 20 unspayed bitches that had a histopathological diagnosis of grade 1 mammary carcinoma at clinical stage I according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification (T1N0M0). The control animals comprised 10 unspayed bitches in perfect health conditions that were matched with those with mammary carcinoma by age. No significant differences regarding the concentrations of basal cortisol, TSH, t4, and fT4 were found between the bitches carrying early stage mammary carcinoma when compared to the control group. This suggests that, even if malignant, early-stage mammary carcinomas do not exhibit the ability to alter the concentrations of hormones produced by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal or hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axes.(AU)

Em vista do fato de neoplasias serem consideradas doenças crônicas que por meio de citocinas podem interferir na homeostase hormonal, hipotetizou-se que o carcinoma mamário, mesmo nos seus estádios iniciais, fosse capaz de alterar o equilíbrio dos eixos hipotalâmico-hipofisário-tireóideo e hipotalâmico-hipofisário-adrenal. Para tal, foram avaliadas as concentrações séricas de cortisol basal, tiroxina (T4), tiroxina livre (fT4) e tireotrofina (TSH) de 20 fêmeas caninas, inteiras, com diagnóstico histopatológico de carcinoma mamário grau 1 e estadiamento clínico I segundo a classificação da Organização Mundial da Saúde - OMS (T1N0M0). Os animais controle constituíram-se por 10 fêmeas caninas inteiras, em perfeitas condições de higidez, as quais foram pareadas, por idade, com aquelas portadoras de carcinoma mamário. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas nas concentrações de cortisol basal, TSH, T4 e fT4 das cadelas portadoras de carcinoma mamário em estádio inicial quando comparadas às controles sugerindo que, mesmo considerados malignos, ainda não apresentam a capacidade de alterar as concentrações dos hormônios produzidos pelos eixos hipotalâmico-hipofisário-adrenal e tireóideo.(AU)

Occult gastrointestinal bleeding is a common finding in dogs with chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: The risk of occult gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) is known to be increased among human dialysis patients suffering from end-stage renal disease. However, there are no studies to date that investigate the incidence of OGIB in either dogs or people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), irrespective of dialysis. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to determine whether the incidence of OGIB is greater in dogs with CKD as compared to a control population, and if this pathology is associated with changes in serum variables related to iron metabolism. METHODS: Fecal occult bleeding was evaluated in 10 healthy dogs and 30 CKD dogs. Test results were compared to indicators of blood loss and/or iron metabolism. RESULTS: Dogs with CKD had a significantly higher incidence of OGIB than the control group (P < .0001). While 80% of dogs with stage 2 CKD did not exhibit anemia, 90% tested positive for OGIB. Similarly, subjects with stage 4 CKD had more significant blood loss than either stage 2 (P = .0071) or stage 3 CKD (P = .0385). Serum hemoglobin, transferrin, and iron concentrations in the CKD group were statistically lower than in the control group (P < .0001) and correlated with fecal occult bleeding (r = -.61; r = -.40; r = -.44, respectively), as well as serum creatinine concentrations (P < .0001, r = .64). CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study suggests that OGIB is a common clinical finding among dogs with CKD, even in the early stages of the disease process. Therefore, fecal occult blood tests may be useful as an indication for gastroprotective agents in the treatment plan.

Prevalence of Glomerulopathies in Canine Mammary Carcinoma.

The incidence and prevalence of paraneoplastic glomerulopathy, especially associated with carcinoma, are a matter of debate and the causal link between cancer and glomerular diseases remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate renal biopsies of selected bitches with spontaneous mammary gland carcinoma. We hypothesized that dogs with mammary carcinomas would show histologic evidence of glomerular pathology. A prospective study was performed in dogs with naturally occurring mammary carcinoma that were undergoing tumor resection and ovariohysterectomy. We evaluated renal biopsies of 32 bitches with spontaneous mammary gland carcinoma and 11 control dogs without mammary gland neoplasia. Samples were obtained from the left kidney and the biopsy material was divided for light microscopy (LM), immunofluorescence (IF) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Light microscopy abnormalities were identified in 78.1% of dogs with mammary carcinoma (n = 25) and in none of the dogs in the control group. Focal glomerular mesangial matrix expansion was the most common alteration (n = 15, 60.0%), but mesangial cell proliferation (n = 9, 36.0%) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (n = 9, 36.0%), synechiae (n = 7, 28.0%), and globally sclerotic glomeruli (n = 6, 24.0%) were also frequent in dogs with malignancy. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed strong IgM staining was demonstrated in 64.3% (n = 18) of carcinoma dogs. Transmission electron microscopy from dogs with carcinoma revealed slight changes, the most frequent of which was faint sub-endothelial and mesangial deposits of electron-dense material (78%). Mesangial cell interpositioning and segmental effacement of podocyte foot processes were identified in some specimens (45%). Changes in the glomerulus and proteinuria are common in dogs with naturally occurring mammary carcinoma and this condition appears to provide an excellent large animal model for cancer-associated glomerulopathy in humans.

Iron metabolism and oxidative profile of dogs naturally infected by Ehrlichia canis: Acute and subclinical disease.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the oxidant profile and iron metabolism in serum of dogs infected by Ehrlichia canis. Banked sera samples of dogs were divided into two groups: negative control (n = 17) and infected by E. canis on acute (n = 24), and subclinical (n = 18) phases of the disease. The eritrogram, leucogram, and platelet counts were evaluate as well as iron, ferritin, and transferrin levels, latent iron binding capacity (LIBC), and transferrin saturation index (TSI) concentration. In addition, the advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) in sera were also analyzed. Blood samples were examined for the presence of E. canis by PCR techniques. History and clinical signals were recorded for each dog. During the acute phase of the disease, infected animals showed thrombocytopenia and anemia when compared to healthy animals (P < 0.05) as a consequence of lower iron levels. Ferritin and transferrin levels were higher in both phases (acute and subclinical) of the disease. The AOPP and FRAP levels increased in infected animals on the acute phase; however, the opposite occurred in the subclinical phase. We concluded that dogs naturally infected by E. canis showed changes in the iron metabolism and developed an oxidant status in consequence of disease pathophysiology.