Feminization and severe pancytopenia caused by testicular neoplasia in a cryptorchid dog

In this case report, a paraneoplastic syndrome caused by testicular neoplasia in a ten-year-old cryptorchid dog is described. Feminization and pancytopenia were observed, resulting from the testicular neoplastic production of estrogens. A diagnosis of testicular tumor and associated bone marrow suppression was made by ultrasonography and blood examination, with estrogen blood levels being severely elevated. Urinalysis revealed a urinary tract infection. Castration was performed together with a blood transfusion, and antibiotic treatment was started. After an initial improvement, the dog died suddenly after approximately three weeks. In this report, the importance is highlighted of identifying clinical signs associated with feminization in intact male dogs at an early stage, to avoid severe, potentially irreversible, hematological consequences due to bone marrow suppression. Elective orchidectomy of both testes is highly recommended in cryptorchid dogs as neoplastic transformation of the undescended testis may occur, with potentially fatal outcome

Combined atypical primary hypoadrenocorticism and primary hypothyroidism in a dog

A dog with combined atypical primary hypoadrenocorticism and primary hypothyroidism is described. The dog presented with waxing and waning, vague complaints since more than a year and had been treated with several drugs without complete resolution of signs. Based on the abnormalities on physical examination, blood examination and abdominal ultrasonography, atypical primary hypoadrenocorticism and primary hypothyroidism were diagnosed. Glucocorticoid supplementation was started and gradually tapered to maintenance rate because of polydipsia. Ten days later, levothyroxine supplementation was started at a very low dose and was gradually increased based on serum total thyroxine concentrations. The dog rapidly improved and recovered completely. Follow-up over a one-year period did not reveal new abnormalities. The presence of combined primary hypoadrenocorticism and primary hypothyroidism has been infrequently described in dogs and may resemble the Schmidt's syndrome in humans

Klinische aanpak van hypercalcemie bij de kat

An elevated total calcium concentration is an abnormality on feline blood examinations, and is frequently overlooked. The most important causes of feline hypercalcemia are neoplasia, chronic kidney disease and idiopathic hypercalcemia. In hypercalcemic cats, several diagnostic tests have to be performed in order to find the underlying cause: a thorough physical examination, retroviral testing for feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus, complete blood count and serum chemistry profile, the measurement of ionized calcium, urinalysis, thoracic (and abdominal) radiography, abdominal and cervical ultrasonography and the measurement of parathyroid hormone and parathyroid hormone-related protein. A logical and specific work-up is required to obtain a definitive diagnosis. Treatment is mainly focussed on the underlying disease

Acute pancreatitis in dogs and cats: medical imaging, biopsy, treatment and prognosis

Diagnosing acute pancreatitis in dogs and cats is difficult. Abdominal ultrasonography provides specific information about the size, shape and homogeneity of the pancreas, but is very dependent on the experience of the operator and the quality of the echography machine. Abdominal radiography is less useful, while computed tomography is less practicable in veterinary patients because of the anesthesia risks, the need for experienced operators, and the high cost. Furthermore, computed tomography has low diagnostic value in cats. Biopsy of pancreatic tissue remains the gold standard. Treatment consists of fluid therapy and nutritional support, combined with pain medication, anti-emetics and antibiotics. The prognosis in dogs and cats is variable and largely depends on the clinical condition of the patient at admission. It is usually guarded, especially in cats

Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction in a Bernese Mountain Dog

Chronic Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction (CIPO) is a rare syndrome characterized by chronic intestinal dilation and dysmotility in the absence of mechanical obstruction. A definite diagnosis of CIPO can only be made after histological examination of intestinal tissues. The present case describes a CIPO in a 2.5-year-old Bernese Mountain dog with a history of recurrent gastro-intestinal complaints suggestive for pseudo-obstruction. Histological lesions of small intestinal samples consisted of severe loss of smooth muscle cells of the tunica muscularis and diffuse infiltration of mononuclear cells. In addition, a hypertrophy of the lamina muscularis mucosa of the small intestinal tract was present. On the basis of these findings and the results of immunohistochemistry, a myopathic form of CIPO was diagnosed

Comparison of plasma exo-iohexol, endo-iohexol and creatinine clearances in cats with low, normal and high glomerular filtration rates

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Contrast-enhanced ultrasound examination for the assessment of renal perfusion in cats with chronic kidney disease

Background: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound examination (CEUS) is a functional imaging technique allowing noninvasive assessment of tissue perfusion. Studies in humans show that the technique holds great potential to be used in the diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, data in veterinary medicine are currently lacking. Objectives: To evaluate renal perfusion using CEUS in cats with CKD. Animals: Fourteen client-owned cats with CKD and 43 healthy control cats. Methods: Prospective case-controlled clinical trial using CEUS to evaluate renal perfusion in cats with CKD compared to healthy control cats. Time-intensity curves were created, and perfusion parameters were calculated using off-line software. A linear mixed model was used to examine differences between perfusion parameters of cats with CKD and healthy cats. Results: In cats with CKD, longer time to peak and shorter mean transit times were observed for the renal cortex. In contrast, a shorter time to peak and rise time were seen for the renal medulla. The findings for the renal cortex indicate decreased blood velocity and shorter total duration of enhancement, likely caused by increased vascular resistance in CKD. Increased blood velocity in the renal medulla has not been described before and may be because of a different response to regulatory factors in cortex and medulla. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound examination was capable of detecting perfusion changes in cats with CKD. Further research is warranted to assess the diagnostic capabilities of CEUS in early stage of the disease process

Feline arterial thromboembolism : prognostic factors and treatment

Feline arterial thromboembolism (ATE) is a complete or partial obstruction of a peripheral artery caused by a thrombus that was formed at a distant site. The most common underlying cause in cats is cardiomyopathy. Given the clinical presentation, often without preceding signs, an ATE event is considered one of the most distressing emergency conditions in feline practice. Often, these cats are euthanized at the time of diagnosis. However, recent scientific research has shown that a subpopulation of these patients may have long-term survival. In case of adequate treatment and follow-up, some cats survive over a year with a satisfying quality of life. Key points of ATE are the identification of specific prognostic factors in the individual patient in order to guide owner communication, the decision to treat or not to treat, individually adjusted patient management and regular monitoring, which are discussed in this article