Retrospective evaluation of canine palpebral masses treated with debulking and cryotherapy: 46 cases.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the recurrence frequency and the time to recurrence of canine palpebral masses treated with debulking and cryotherapy. METHODS: Medical records of dogs that underwent debulking and cryotherapy for palpebral masses from December 2010 to November 2015 at the University of Minnesota's Veterinary Medical Center were reviewed. A telephone survey with owners was used to determine recurrence and time to recurrence. RESULTS: Forty-six masses (31 dogs) were included in this retrospective study. Included palpebral masses were as follows: adenomas 17/46 (37%), epitheliomas 8/46 (17.4%), papillomas 6/46 (13%), inflammatory masses 6/46 (13%), mixed adenoma-papillomas 6/46 (13%), mixed epithelioma-papillomas 2/46 (4.4%), and a melanocytoma 1/46 (2.2%). Of the seven masses that were noted to recur (7/46, 15.2%), three were mixed adenoma-papillomas (three of six adenoma-papillomas, 50%), two were epitheliomas (two of eight epitheliomas, 25%), one was a papilloma (one of six papillomas, 16.7%), and one was a melanocytoma (one of one melanocytoma, 100%). Average recurrence time was 367.9 days [range: 30-904 days]. A significant association between tumor type and tumor recurrence was found (P = .009). Adenomas were significantly less likely to recur (P = .017), and mixed adenoma-papillomas were significantly more likely to recur (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Debulking and cryotherapy is an effective method of treatment for eyelid masses in dogs with a low study recurrence rate of 15.2% and average recurrence time of 367.9 days. Results also suggest that mixed adenoma-papilloma masses have a significantly higher recurrence rate than other eyelid masses, whereas adenomas had no recurrence in our study population.

Clinical findings and outcomes for dogs with uveodermatologic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate signalment, clinical signs, treatment, and factors affecting visual prognosis in dogs with uveodermatologic syndrome (UDS). DESIGN Retrospective case series and nested cohort study. ANIMALS 50 dogs (37 Akitas and 13 non-Akitas) with UDS evaluated at 4 ophthalmology practices. PROCEDURES Data were collected from the medical records regarding signalment, clinical signs, biopsy results, medications, adverse effects, vision and glaucoma status at initial and subsequent examinations, and duration of follow-up. Various factors were examined for associations with development of blindness or glaucoma following initial examination. RESULTS The most common ophthalmic signs included aqueous flare (n = 35 [70%]), iris abnormalities (29 [58%]), retinal detachment (23 [46%]), and choroidal depigmentation or chorioretinal infiltrates (10 [20%]). At initial examination, 36% (18/50) of dogs had glaucoma and 57% (26/46) were blind in both eyes. Twenty-five (50%) dogs had vision at their final visit, representing 78% of the 32 dogs that had vision at initial examination or regained vision during the follow-up period. In dogs that lost vision, median time to permanent blindness in both eyes was 13.5 months (range, 0.4 to 59 months) after initial examination. No significant associations with time to glaucoma or vision loss were identified for signalment variables, specific medications, or duration of clinical signs prior to initial examination. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE UDS commonly resulted in glaucoma, vision loss, or both in affected dogs. No evaluated factor was associated with visual prognosis; however, a subset of patients maintained vision through to the final recheck examination.

Oral administration of famciclovir for treatment of spontaneous ocular, respiratory, or dermatologic disease attributed to feline herpesvirus type 1: 59 cases (2006-2013).

OBJECTIVE To evaluate outcomes for cats treated with orally administered famciclovir 3 times/d for clinical signs attributed to naturally occurring feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) infection and to assess variables related to owner satisfaction with the treatment. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 59 client-owned cats. PROCEDURES Medical records were reviewed to identify cats treated for presumed FHV-1 infection from 2006 through 2013 with ≥ 1 follow-up visit. Signalment, duration of clinical signs, prior treatment, examination findings, diagnostic test results, concurrent treatments, and outcome data were recorded. Owners were asked to complete a survey regarding patient- and treatment-related variables. Data were compared between cats that received low (approx 40 mg/kg [18 mg/lb]) and high (approx 90 mg/kg [41 mg/lb]) doses of famciclovir, PO, 3 times/d. RESULTS Patient age ranged from 0.03 to 16 years. Conjunctivitis (51/59 [86%]), keratitis (51 [86%]), blepharitis (19 [32%]), nasal discharge or sneezing (10 [17%]), and dermatitis (4 [7%]) were common findings. Clinical improvement was subjectively graded as marked in 30 (51%) cats, mild in 20 (34%), and nonapparent in 9 (15%). Median time to improvement was significantly shorter, and degree of improvement was significantly greater in the highdose group than in the low-dose group. Adverse effects potentially attributable to famciclovir administration were reported for 10 cats. On the basis of survey responses, most (29/32 [91%]) owners were satisfied with their cat's treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Famciclovir at the prescribed dosages was associated with improved clinical signs in cats with presumed FHV-1 infection, and few adverse effects were attributed to the treatment. Further studies are needed to assess whether a famciclovir dosage of 90 versus 40 mg/kg, PO, 3 times/d would result in increased efficacy and shorter treatment time.

Financial expectations of first-year veterinary students.

OBJECTIVE: To assess student awareness of the financial costs of pursuing a veterinary education, to determine student expectations for financial returns of a veterinary career, and to identify associations between student debt and factors such as future career plans or personality type. DESIGN: Survey. SAMPLE: First-year veterinary students at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. PROCEDURES: In 2013, prior to the first day of class, all incoming first-year students received an email invitation to complete an online survey. The survey contained questions about demographics, current financial situation, current debt, expected debt at graduation, expected annual income following graduation, intent to pursue specialty training, and Myers-Briggs personality type. RESULTS: 72 of 102 (71%) students completed the survey; 65 respondents answered all relevant questions and provided usable data. Student responses for expected debt at graduation were comparable to national averages for veterinary college graduates; responses for expected annual income following graduation were lower than averages for University of Minnesota veterinary college graduates and national averages. However, students predicted even lower annual income if they did not attend veterinary college. Expected debt and expected annual income were not correlated with factors such as personality type or future career plans. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that first-year veterinary students were aware of the financial costs of their veterinary education and had realistic expectations for future salaries. For typical veterinary students, attending veterinary college appeared to be financially worthwhile, given lower expected earnings otherwise.

Long-term outcome of sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate long-term outcomes and owner-perceived quality of life associated with sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS) in dogs. DESIGN: Survey study. ANIMALS: 100 dogs with SARDS examined at 5 academic veterinary institutions from 2005 to 2010. PROCEDURES: The diagnosis was based on documented acute vision loss, normal results of ophthalmic examinations, and evaluation of extinguished bright-flash electroretinograms. Primary owners of affected dogs completed a questionnaire addressing outcome measures including vision, systemic signs, and perceived quality of life for their dogs. RESULTS: Age at diagnosis was significantly correlated with positive outcome measures; dogs in which SARDS was diagnosed at a younger age were more likely to have alleged partial vision and higher owner-perceived quality of life. Polyphagia was the only associated systemic sign found to increase in severity over time. Medical treatment was attempted in 22% of dogs; visual improvement was not detected in any. Thirty-seven percent of respondents reported an improved relationship with their dog after diagnosis, and 95% indicated they would discourage euthanasia of dogs with SARDS. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Blindness and concurrent systemic signs associated with SARDS appeared to persist indefinitely, but only polyphagia increased in severity over time. Most owners believed their pets had good quality of life and would discourage euthanasia of dogs with SARDS.

A retrospective study of the clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical manifestations of 5 dogs originally diagnosed histologically as necrotizing scleritis.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical manifestations of canine necrotizing scleritis. METHODS: A retrospective examination of the clinical records and samples of ocular tissues from five dogs with a histological diagnosis 'necrotizing scleritis' was completed. Archived, formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples and two control globes were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Gram, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and Masson trichrome stains, and they were immunohistochemically labeled for CD3, CD18, and CD20. RESULTS: Of the five cases reviewed, only two could be confirmed as idiopathic necrotizing scleritis. The other three cases were retrospectively diagnosed as unilateral focal, non-necrotizing scleritis, one as episcleritis and the third was scleritis secondary to a proptosed globe based on our retrospective clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical evaluations. In these two cases, idiopathic necrotizing scleritis manifested as a bilateral, progressive, inflammatory disease of the sclera and cornea that induces significant uveitis. Light microscopic examination confirmed collagen degeneration and granulomatous inflammation. There was no evidence for an infectious etiology based on Gram's and PAS stainings. Immunohistochemical labeling revealed a predominance of B cells in idiopathic, bilateral necrotizing scleritis. Tinctorial staining abnormalities with Masson's trichrome stain were present in scleral collagen of the two cases with idiopathic necrotizing scleritis as well as a case of secondary traumatic scleritis. CONCLUSIONS: Based on a limited number of cases, idiopathic canine necrotizing scleritis shares similar histopathological features with non-necrotizing scleritis and episcleritis; however, necrotizing scleritis is B-cell-dominated and bilateral, and significant collagen alterations manifest with Masson's trichrome stain.

Cataracts in 44 dogs (77 eyes): A comparison of outcomes for no treatment, topical medical management, or phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation.

Outcomes for 77 cataractous eyes were compared after each eye underwent no treatment, topical medical treatment only, or phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. Median follow-up time for all dogs was 2.3 y. Failure occurred in all untreated eyes and the rate of failure was 65 and 255 times higher than in medically and surgically treated eyes, respectively. The failure rate was 4 times higher in dogs receiving only medical treatment compared with dogs that received surgery. Across all groups, the success rate for mature and hypermature cataracts was lower than for immature cataracts. Regardless of cataract stage, the chance of success was higher for eyes undergoing phacoemulsification than for eyes that received medical management only. Results of this study support prompt referral for phacoemulsification when cataracts are diagnosed in dogs or, if referral is not possible, topical anti-inflammatory therapy.

Evaluation of orally administered famciclovir in cats experimentally infected with feline herpesvirus type-1.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate orally administered famciclovir for treatment of cats with experimentally induced disease attributable to feline herpesvirus type-1 (FHV-1). ANIMALS: 16 nonvaccinated specific-pathogen-free cats. PROCEDURES: Cats were treated orally with famciclovir (90 mg/kg; n = 10) or a similar volume of lactose (400 mg; 6) 3 times/d for 21 days. Cats were inoculated with FHV-1 and administered the first treatment dose on day 0. Disease score; weight; results of urinalysis, serum biochemical analysis, and CBC; histologic conjunctivitis score; herpetic DNA shedding; goblet cell density; anti-FHV-1 antibody concentration; and plasma penciclovir concentration were measured. RESULTS: On days 4 to 18 following inoculation, disease scores were lower in famciclovir-treated cats than in lactose-treated cats. Lactose-treated cats decreased in weight during the first 7 days after inoculation, but famciclovir-treated cats increased in weight throughout the study. Percentage change in weight was greater in famciclovir-treated cats on days 7 and 14 than in lactose-treated cats. Serum globulin concentration was lower on days 3 through 9, conjunctivitis histologic score was lower on day 14, herpetic DNA was shed less frequently throughout the study, goblet cell density was greater on day 21, and circulating anti-FHV-1 antibody concentration at study end was lower in famciclovir-treated cats, compared with these measurements in lactose-treated cats. Approximate peak plasma penciclovir concentration was 2.0 µg/mL. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Famciclovir administration improved outcomes for systemic, ophthalmic, clinicopathologic, virologic, and histologic variables in cats experimentally infected with FHV-1. Adjunctive topical mucinomimetic and antimicrobial treatments may also be necessary.

Effects of feline herpesvirus type 1 on tear film break-up time, Schirmer tear test results, and conjunctival goblet cell density in experimentally infected cats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) on tear film breakup time (TFBUT) and Schirmer tear test (STT) values in cats with primary experimental infection and to determine the relationship between TFBUT and STT values and conjunctival goblet cell density (GCD). SAMPLE POPULATION: 9 specific-pathogen-free cats of approximately 6 months of age. PROCEDURES: 6 cats were inoculated with FHV-1; 3 control cats were sham inoculated. Clinical and histologic evidence of conjunctivitis and TFBUT, GCD, and STT values were assessed at multiple times until postinoculation day (PID) 29. RESULTS: In infected cats, mean clinical and histologic conjunctivitis scores peaked at PID 7 and remained above baseline at PID 29. In control cats, these 2 variables did not change from baseline throughout the study. Mean TFBUT declined rapidly in infected cats up to PID 15 and at PID 29 remained less than baseline, less than for control cats, and below reference range values. Mean STT value for infected cats at PID 29 was increased from baseline but was within the reference range and not different from the value for control cats. Mean GCD in infected cats declined precipitously by PID 7 and remained below reference range values at PID 29. Mean GCD in control cats remained unchanged for the duration of the study period. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: FHV-1 induced qualitative tear film abnormalities in experimentally infected cats, as measured by TFBUT and GCD. Assessment of TFBUT provided a reasonable clinical estimate of GCD.

Schirmer tear test values and tear film break-up times in cats with conjunctivitis.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To document tear film break-up time (TFBUT) in a group of cats with conjunctivitis; (2) to determine if TFBUTs from cats with conjunctivitis vary significantly from previously established normal values for TFBUT in young cats without ocular disease; (3) to determine if a correlation exists between Schirmer tear test (STT) values and TFBUTs in cats with conjunctivitis; (4) to determine if the TFBUTs in cats with conjunctivitis are influenced by the detection of DNA from feline herpes virus-type 1 (FHV-1), Chlamydophila felis, Mycoplasma spp., and feline calicivirus. ANIMALS STUDIED: Fourteen cats between the ages of 0.8 years to 12 years with active, untreated conjunctivitis and without active keratitis or other ocular or systemic abnormalities were included in this study. Procedures Complete ophthalmic examinations, including TFBUT, were performed on all cats. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening for FHV-1, Chlamydophila felis, Mycoplasma spp., and feline calicivirus was performed on conjunctival swabs from affected eyes and blood samples from all cats. RESULTS: Mean TFBUT for cats in this study was 8.9 (+/- 4.8) s in the right eye (OD) and 8.1 (+/- 4.6) s in the left eye (OS). No correlation existed between mean TFBUTs and mean STT values OD or OS. Conjunctival swabs from seven cats (n = 9 eyes) tested positive via PCR for one of the above infectious agents. Blood samples from nine cats tested positive for FHV-1. Mean TFBUTs for cats from which the DNA from FHV-1 was isolated from the blood were significantly lower than mean TFBUTs for cats from which no such DNA was isolated from the blood. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the mean TFBUT in cats with conjunctivitis was significantly lower than previously established values for clinically healthy cats. This supports the theory that qualitative tear film deficiency, and thus tear film instability, may play a role in the pathogenesis of feline conjunctivitis. Qualitative tear film deficiency may predispose to the development of conjunctivitis or may occur secondarily to this condition.