Comparison of topical administration of clotrimazole through surgically placed versus nonsurgically placed catheters for treatment of nasal aspergillosis in dogs: 60 cases (1990-1996).

OBJECTIVE: To examine the clinical response to topical administration of clotrimazole in dogs with nasal aspergillosis, to compare effect of surgically placed versus nonsurgically placed catheters used for administration on outcome, and to examine whether subjective scoring of computed tomographic images can predict outcome. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 60 dogs with nasal aspergillosis. PROCEDURE: Information including signalment, history, diagnostics, treatment method, and outcome was retrieved from medical records of dogs with nasal aspergillosis treated between 1990 and 1996 at the University of California School of Veterinary Medicine or cooperating referral practices. Final outcome was determined by telephone conversations with owners and referring veterinarians. Images obtained before treatment were subjectively assessed to develop an algorithm for predicting outcome. RESULTS: Clotrimazole solution (1%) was infused during a 1-hour period via catheters surgically placed in the frontal sinus and nose (27 dogs) and via nonsurgically placed catheters in the nose (18). An additional 15 dogs received 2 to 4 infusions by either route. Topical administration of clotrimazole resulted in resolution of clinical disease in 65% of dogs after 1 treatment and 87% of dogs after one or more treatments. The scoring system correctly classified dogs with unfavorable and favorable responses 71 to 78% and 79 to 93% of the time, respectively. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Topical administration of clotrimazole, using either technique, was an effective treatment for nasal aspergillosis in dogs. Use of non-invasive intranasal infusion of clotrimazole eliminated the need for surgical trephination of frontal sinuses in many dogs and was associated with fewer complications.

Computed tomographic assessment of noninvasive intranasal infusions in dogs with fungal rhinitis.

The distribution of infusate administered to 12 dogs with fungal rhinitis, using a noninvasive, intranasal technique, was evaluated by computed tomography (CT). In every dog, contrast medium was identified on the postinfusion CT images, within the frontal sinuses, and throughout all areas of the nasal cavity. Adverse effects were transient and mild. The results of this study indicate that intranasal infusion may be a viable alternative to trephination of the frontal sinuses to administer antifungal medications in dogs with fungal rhinitis.

Hematological and biochemical changes and results of aerobic bacteriological culturing in dogs undergoing splenectomy.

Changes in complete blood count (CBC), bone marrow, reticulocyte count, coagulation profile, biochemical analysis, and serum iron, transferrin, and immunoglobulin M (IgM) concentrations were measured three and 10 days after splenectomy in 12 dogs. Spleens were cultured aerobically for bacteria and submitted for histopathological evaluation in 23 dogs undergoing splenectomy. There were no consistent changes in red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), or platelet counts; bone-marrow samples; or biochemical profiles. Serum iron, transferrin, and IgM concentrations remained normal. Eight (35%) bacterial cultures yielded growth. Five of the 23 dogs had pyrexic episodes two-to-five days after surgery. In contrast to previous reports done on healthy dogs, this study shows that dogs with splenic disease have no characteristic changes in hematological or biochemical parameters after splenectomy. Rather, the changes tended to reflect the primary disease process. Splenic vascular compromise or a decrease in processing of bacteria may have resulted in the bacterial growth. There was no direct correlation to pyrexic postoperative episodes.

Distribution of topical agents in the frontal sinuses and nasal cavity of dogs: comparison between current protocols for treatment of nasal aspergillosis and a new noninvasive technique.

To document and compare patterns of distribution of topically applied antifungal medication, heads from 42 canine cadavers were assigned to seven treatment groups which included two current surgical treatment protocols for nasal aspergillosis, and a new, noninvasive method. Catheters (8 Fr) were placed through trephine holes into the frontal sinuses and nasal cavity. Dilute dye was injected through the catheters and the heads were sectioned sagittally. The administration of 5 mL of dye into the lateral frontal sinus and nasal cavity (group IA, 10 mL total) was compared with 25 mL injected through catheters placed bilaterally in the lateral frontal sinus and nasal cavity (group II, 100 mL total). Both were compared with the administration of 50 mL of dye through a catheter placed in the dorsal nasal meatus via each nostril (group III). The heads in group III had significantly (P < .05) better dye distribution to all cavities than group IA and better distribution to the rostral frontal sinus than group II. Groups IV to VI were designed to show the pattern of distribution of dye to the contralateral nasal cavity and frontal sinuses. In all groups, dye injected into the lateral frontal sinus did not cross into the ipsilateral rostral frontal sinus or vice versa unless the transverse septum dividing the compartments had been penetrated during trephination.

Surgical management of syndactyly in a dog.

This report describes the treatment of simple syndactyly in a Golden Retriever. The left forepaw lacked cutaneous separation between the digits and had confluent metacarpal and digital pads. After vigorous exercise, the dog had intermittent non-weight-bearing lameness involving the affected forepaw. The lameness may have resulted from stretching of the thin skin on the dorsum of the paw as the digits attempted to spread during weight bearing. Surgical separation of digits 3 and 4 was performed by creating an interdigital web space with dorsal and palmar skin flaps and by covering the exposed axial surfaces with full-thickness skin grafts. At 11 weeks after surgery, the lameness had improved and the dog's level of activity had increased.