Canine chronic inflammatory rhinitis

Comparison of culture-dependent and -independent bacterial detection results on nasal swabs in dogs with nasal discharge

OBJECTIVES

The role of bacterial communities in the pathophysiology of canine nasal disease is still unclear. How and when to treat dogs with suspected secondary bacterial rhinitis and on which test to rely before making a decision to treat with antimicrobials has not been established. The objective is to compare the results of bacterial identification using agar-plate cultures and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing in dogs with nasal discharge suspected to be of bacterial origin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-nine client-owned dogs presented for investigation of nasal disease were included in the study. Paired swabs were collected from the same affected nasal cavity. One swab was streaked on 4 agar media (Columbia Blood Agar, MacConkey, Chapman and Edward's). The other swab was stored in a sterile cryotube at -80°. Extracted DNA underwent a polymerase chain reaction targeting the V1-V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene.

RESULTS

At least one of the species detected by amplicon sequencing with a relative abundance of >10% was also identified by culture in 14 cases (48.3%), in association with marked predominance of one taxon (>80% relative abundance) in six of 14 cases. In 12 dogs (41.4%), the cultured isolates were rare or undetected components of the corresponding sequence libraries. A negative culture in the face of bacterial predominance (>50% relative abundance) of a potentially pathogenic bacteria detected by sequencing occurred in 17% (n=5) of cases; however, the use of other agar media may have decreased this percentage.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Standard culture does not reliably predict the bacterial profile detected by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing.

Diagnostic benefits of platelet-to-lymphocyte, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte, and albumin-to-globulin ratios in dogs with nasal cavity diseases

BACKGROUND

A multimodal approach for diagnostic tests under anesthesia is required to diagnose nasal cavity pathology (NP) reliably in dogs. Blood test results may provide clues to the suspected NP.

METHODS

This prospective blinded study assessed 72 dogs with chronic nasal discharge due to NPs, and 10 healthy dogs as the control group (CG). NPs were diagnosed using whole-body computed tomography (CT), upper airway endoscopy, examination of nasal mucosal swabs by bacterial and fungal culture, and histopathological examination of nasal mucosa biopsies. The exclusion criteria were the presence of any additional diseases or corticosteroid pre-treatment. In consideration of these exclusion criteria, 55 dogs entered the study. Dogs were classified into benign (benign tumors, idiopathic rhinitis (IR), and others) and malignant (carcinomas and sarcomas) NP groups. Blood count and blood chemistry tests were performed. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and albumin-to-globulin ratio (AGR) were calculated and compared.

RESULTS

25 dogs with malignant NP (13 and 12 with carcinomas and sarcomas, respectively) and 30 dogs with benign NP (seven with benign tumors,13 with IR, and 10 others) were included. In general, in dogs with NP there were only slight abnormalities in complete blood count. However, PLR was significantly higher in dogs with malignant NP (carcinoma and sarcoma) than in those with benign NP and in the CG. Compared with the CG, the NLR was significantly increased in all dogs with NP, and the AGR was mild but significantly lower, except in dogs with sarcomas and benign tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

In dogs with nasal disease alone, there are usually no marked abnormalities in blood count. However, while mildly increased NLR and decreased AGR can be observed in almost all NPs, an increased PLR may indicate a malignant NP and can be used as an additional screening tool in dogs with nasal discharge due to nasal cavity pathology.

Construction of diagnostic prediction model for canine nasal diseases using less invasive examinations without anesthesia

Advanced imaging techniques under general anesthesia are frequently employed to achieve a definitive diagnosis of canine nasal diseases. However, these examinations may not be performed immediately in all cases. This study aimed to construct prediction models for canine nasal diseases using less-invasive examinations such as clinical signs and radiography. Dogs diagnosed with nasal disease between 2010 and 2020 were retrospectively investigated to construct a prediction model (Group M; GM), and dogs diagnosed between 2020 and 2021 were prospectively investigated to validate the efficacy (Group V; GV). Prediction models were created using two methods: manual (Model 1) and LASSO logistic regression analysis (Model 2). In total, 103 and 86 dogs were included in GM and GV, respectively. In Model 1, the sensitivity and specificity of neoplasia (NP) and sino-nasal aspergillosis (SNA) were 0.88 and 0.81 in GM and 0.92 and 0.78 in GV, respectively. Those of non-infectious rhinitis (NIR) and rhinitis secondary to dental disease (DD) were 0.78 and 0.88 in GM and 0.64 and 0.80 in GV, respectively. In Model 2, the sensitivity and specificity of NP and SNA were 0.93 and 1 in GM and 0.93 and 0.75 in GV, respectively. Those of NIR and DD were 0.96 and 0.89 in GM and 0.80 and 0.79 in GV, respectively. This study suggest that it is possible to create a prediction model using less-invasive examinations. Utilizing these predictive models may lead to appropriate general anesthesia examinations and treatment referrals.

The respiratory microbiota and its impact on health and disease in dogs and cats: A One Health perspective

Healthy lungs were long thought of as sterile, with presence of bacteria identified by culture representing contamination. Recent advances in metagenomics have refuted this belief by detecting rich, diverse, and complex microbial communities in the healthy lower airways of many species, albeit at low concentrations. Although research has only begun to investigate causality and potential mechanisms, alterations in these microbial communities (known as dysbiosis) have been described in association with inflammatory, infectious, and neoplastic respiratory diseases in humans. Similar studies in dogs and cats are scarce. The microbial communities in the respiratory tract are linked to distant microbial communities such as in the gut (ie, the gut-lung axis), allowing interplay of microbes and microbial products in health and disease. This review summarizes considerations for studying local microbial communities, key features of the respiratory microbiota and its role in the gut-lung axis, current understanding of the healthy respiratory microbiota, and examples of dysbiosis in selected respiratory diseases of dogs and cats.

Assessment of the nasal microbiota in dogs with fungal rhinitis before and after cure and in dogs with chronic idiopathic rhinitis

BACKGROUND

Pathogenesis of canine fungal rhinitis is still not fully understood. Treatment remains challenging, after cure turbinate destruction may be associated with persistent clinical signs and recurrence of fungal rhinitis can occur. Alterations of the nasal microbiota have been demonstrated in dogs with chronic idiopathic rhinitis and nasal neoplasia, although whether they play a role in the pathogenesis or are a consequence of the disease is still unknown. The objectives of the present study were (1) to describe nasal microbiota alterations associated with fungal rhinitis in dogs, compared with chronic idiopathic rhinitis and controls, (2) to characterize the nasal microbiota modifications associated with successful treatment of fungal rhinitis. Forty dogs diagnosed with fungal rhinitis, 14 dogs with chronic idiopathic rhinitis and 29 healthy control dogs were included. Nine of the fungal rhinitis dogs were resampled after successful treatment with enilconazole infusion.

RESULTS

Only disease status contributed significantly to the variability of the microbiota. The relative abundance of the genus Moraxella was decreased in the fungal rhinitis (5.4 ± 18%) and chronic idiopathic rhinitis (4.6 ± 8.7%) groups compared to controls (51.8 ± 39.7%). Fungal rhinitis and chronic idiopathic rhinitis groups also showed an increased richness and α-diversity at species level compared with controls. Increase in unique families were associated with fungal rhinitis (Staphyloccaceae, Porphyromonadaceae, Enterobacteriaceae and Neisseriaceae) and chronic idiopathic rhinitis (Pasteurellaceae and Lactobacillaceae). In dogs with fungal rhinitis at cure, only 1 dog recovered a high relative abundance of Moraxellaceae.

CONCLUSIONS

Results confirm major alterations of the nasal microbiota in dogs affected with fungal rhinitis and chronic idiopathic rhinitis, consisting mainly in a decrease of Moraxella. Besides, a specific dysbiotic profile further differentiated fungal rhinitis from chronic idiopathic rhinitis. In dogs with fungal rhinitis, whether the NM returns to its pre-infection state or progresses toward chronic idiopathic rhinitis or fungal rhinitis recurrence warrants further investigation.

Retrospective study of 1050 dogs with respiratory symptoms in Japan (2005-2020)

BACKGROUND

Few studies have investigated the incidence of respiratory diseases based on anatomical sites or the relationship between breed and these diseases.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of canine respiratory diseases among dogs in Japan, with relationship to the breed.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of dogs with respiratory symptoms and calculated the odds ratio (OR) to evaluate the relationship between breed and disease.

RESULTS

A total of 1050 dogs with respiratory symptoms were included in this study. Miniature dachshunds were the most common breed affected by respiratory diseases. Among tracheobronchial diseases, there was a significant association between some small breeds and tracheobronchial collapse, miniature dachshunds (OR: 4.44, 8.43, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.17-6.22, 4.33-16.0) and chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis. Among nasal diseases, miniature dachshunds (OR: 27.2, 95% CI: 16.8-44.8) and golden retrievers (OR: 21.0, 95% CI: 6.43-69.3) were the most affected by non-infectious rhinitis and nasal aspergillosis, respectively. Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome was the most common disease among pharyngeal and laryngeal diseases, with a relationship with breed being found in some brachycephalic breeds, and Pomeranians (OR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.42-5.17).

CONCLUSIONS

Respiratory diseases in dogs are strongly correlated with popular breeds in Japan. Miniature dachshunds, in particular, are associated with many respiratory diseases, which may differ from international reports. Thus, this result may help in the early detection, prevention, treatment, and elucidation of the pathophysiology of canine respiratory diseases.

Bacterial Contamination of Inhalation Chambers Used for Cats and Dogs with Chronic Airway Diseases

Inhalation chambers (ICs) are regularly used in veterinary medicine for the inhalative treatment of chronic respiratory diseases in dogs and cats. Since therapy is usually required lifelong and daily, devices are frequently in use. The aim of this study was to identify bacterial contamination of ICs used for cats and dogs in relation to the applied cleaning measures. Swabs from ICs of 66 cats and 19 dogs with chronic airway diseases were obtained using a standardized protocol and subsequently cultured. A questionnaire was completed by the pet owners regarding the history of their pet's illness and applied device cleaning measures. Overall, 64% (54/86) of the ICs were found to be contaminated; the mask was significantly (p < 0.001) more often contaminated than other device parts. Most cultured bacteria were environmental contaminants; however, some harbored pathogenic potential. Cleaning frequency and method did not significantly influence the presence of contamination. Bacterial contamination of ICs, used for cats and dogs, is common but is not significantly influenced by the type or frequency of cleaning. To avoid potential infection by opportunistic bacteria, the instruction of pet owners regarding the maintenance of the ICs is recommended.

An Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for the Detection of Antibodies to Linguatula serrata in Experimentally Infected Dogs

Background:

Linguatula serrata is a causative agent of visceral and nasopharyngeal linguatulosis in humans and animals. The aim of the present study was to investigate the immune response of dogs experimentally infected by L. serrata with ELISA.

Methods:

Five puppies were infected by inserting the L. serrata nymphs in their nasal cavities (infected group) in the Department of Parasitology of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, during 2018–2019. Three animals were kept as the non-infected control group. Blood samples were collected from the animals for seven months at approximately monthly intervals for serum preparation. Nasal samples were taken weekly from the fourth month. ELISA was designed and performed on 64 sera (24 negatives, and 40 positives) using somatic (S), and excretory-secretory (ES) antigens.

Results:

Overall, 100% of the animals were infected with the parasite. Based on the results of ELISA, the ES antigen (sensitivity 95% and specificity 92%) was more preferred than the S antigen (sensitivity 95% and specificity 85%). Female parasites had significant effects on the immune response. There was a significant correlation between the clinical symptoms and the presence of female parasites (P<0.05).

Conclusion:

The results showed a practical method for dogs’ experimental infection. ELISA method is suitable for the detection of infection at different stages of development, especially before the maturation stage of the parasite. In this regard, the ES antigen of the parasite was more immunogenic. Therefore, ELISA can be used as a serological method in the early detection and epidemiological studies of infection with L. serrata in dogs.

Upper digestive tract abnormalities in dogs with chronic idiopathic lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis

BACKGROUND

Chronic idiopathic lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis (CILPR) is a common inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology affecting the nasal cavity of dogs. The diagnosis is made by exclusion of other causes of nasal disease and specific therapeutic protocols are lacking. In human medicine, a relationship between CILPR and gastrointestinal clinical signs has been postulated, and remission of respiratory signs after clinical trials with medications for gastrointestinal disorders has been observed.

OBJECTIVES

To describe history, clinical presentation, endoscopic and histopathologic concurrent respiratory and digestive tract abnormalities, and to evaluate improvement of respiratory signs after treatment for gastrointestinal signs.

ANIMALS

Twenty-five dogs with CILPR.

METHODS

Prospective study. For inclusion, following information had to be available: respiratory and digestive clinical signs, airway and digestive tract endoscopic abnormalities, histologic evaluation of respiratory and gastrointestinal tract biopsy specimens, and clinical response to different treatment strategies.

RESULTS

Twenty-two dogs had endoscopic gastrointestinal lesions, whereas 13 dogs had concurrent gastrointestinal signs. Most esophageal and duodenal endoscopic abnormalities were classified as moderate or severe. Respiratory and gastrointestinal tract histologic evaluation identified mostly chronic inflammation. Remission or marked improvement of respiratory signs was observed in the majority of dogs treated only for gastrointestinal signs up to 12 months after endoscopy. No significant associations between treatments and follow-up information were found.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Nasal and upper digestive tract abnormalities coexist in some dogs with CILPR. Lack of standardized therapeutic protocols suggests caution when interpreting improvement in nasal clinical signs. Additional studies are needed to explore the possibility of a cause-effect relationship between the 2 processes.

Canine Nasal Disease: An Update

Nasal disease in dogs is common and is often accompanied by chronic nasal discharge with or without other clinical signs. A thorough history and physical examination often guide the most appropriate choice of diagnostic testing to provide the best chance of attaining a diagnosis as to cause, and therefore, the most appropriate treatment. The purpose of this article is to guide the practitioner through a logical approach to the evaluation of dogs that are presented with signs of nasal disease.

Dog-assisted therapy in the dental clinic. Part B. Hazards and assessment of potential risks to the health and safety of the dental therapy dog

Background

A dental therapy dog may help anxious patients in the dental clinic overcome their fear and facilitate the completion of necessary dental care. Dental clinic activities are associated with hazards that may pose potential risks to the health and safety of the dental therapy dog.

Objectives

To describe potential hazards associated with risks to health and safety to therapy dogs in dental clinics and to present suggestions for risk minimisation by adopting best practices in dental clinic settings.

Materials and method

Literature searches in Medline, http://Clinicaltrials.gov, and Google Scholar for qualitative and quantitative assessments of occupational hazards and risks in dental clinics, in combination with a review of the reference list of the included studies. Identified hazards and risks were analysed relative to their relevance for the health and welfare of a therapy dog present in a dental clinic setting.

Results

Workplace hazards in the dental clinic that apply to both humans and therapy dogs are allergies, sharps injury, eye injury, stress, rhinitis, hearing impairment, and other hazards. Additional concerns associated with risks for the dental therapy dog are situations involving erratic patient behaviour and threats if the patient is an undisclosed disease carrier. Risks to the health and safety of the dental therapy dog in the clinics are present but are low if the dental clinical staff and dog handlers comply with best practices.

Conclusions

Best practice includes awareness amongst the clinic staff and the dog handler of all potential hazards in the dental clinic and on how to reduce these hazards as well as adverse events that may scare the dental therapy dog. The dental therapy dog team must be specially trained to work in a dental clinic. Each treatment session has to be exclusively tailored to that specific appointment and the individual patient.

The evaluation of three treatment protocols using oral prednisone and oral meloxicam for therapy of canine idiopathic lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis: a pilot study

Background

Idiopathic lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis (LPR) is a common inflammatory disorder of the nasal cavity in dogs due to unknown etiology. It is characterised by non-specific clinical signs, including nasal discharge, epistaxis and breathing problems. Diagnosis is usually based on the histopathologic identification of infiltrating plasmocytes and lymphocytes in the nasal mucosa and the exclusion of other underlying diseases. Treatment strategies include glucocorticoids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics and antifungal medications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of various therapeutic protocols for managing canine lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis based on the results of clinical, endoscopic and histological examinations, and to determine the relapse rate for LPR in dogs.

Twenty dogs of different breeds and both sexes, aged 1 to 14 years, were divided into four groups, each consisting of five dogs, including three experimental groups diagnosed with LPR and a control group.

The dogs from the first experimental group were administered prednisone orally at 1 mg/kg/day in the first 4 weeks and 0,5 mg/kg/day in the following 2 weeks. The second group of dogs was administered meloxicam orally at 0,1 mg/kg/day in the first 3 weeks, followed by prednisone at 1 mg/kg/day in the following 2 weeks and 0,5 mg/kg/day in the last week of the treatment. The dogs from the third experimental group were administered meloxicam orally at 0,1 mg/kg/day for 6 weeks. The control group of dogs was administered empty gelatin capsules (placebo) orally for 6 weeks. Clinical signs, endoscopic and histopathologic lesions were scored before and after treatment. Groups were compared using Chi- squared statistics in a 2 × 2 table for pre- versus post-treatment scores.

Results

Clinical signs persisted in the group treated with meloxicam and were mostly resolved in prednisone-treated dogs. However, endoscopic and histological changes were still observed in these two groups after treatment. The severity of all diagnostic features was reduced in the group treated with meloxicam for 3 weeks followed by prednisone for 3 weeks. The significant differences (p < 0.05) were noted between experimental and control groups. The dogs showed a statistically significant reduction in characteristics of the LPR before and after treatment, as measured by clinical signs (Group 1vs.4 p = 0.00, group 2 vs 4 p = 0.00, group 3 vs 4 p = 0,01), by endoscopy (1 vs 4 p = 0,01, 2 vs 4 p = 0,00, 3 vs 4 p = 0,03), and by histopathology (groups 1 vs 4 p = 0,00, 2 vs 4 p = 0,00, 3 vs 4 p = 0,03). The significant differences were noted between experimental groups, as measured by endoscopy (group 2vs 3 p = 0,04), and by relapse rate (groups 1 and 2 p = 0,03, groups 2 and 3 p = 0,01).

Conclusions

The three treatment protocols administered to dogs improved clinical, endoscopic and histological status. However, oral administration of meloxicam for 3 weeks, followed by prednisone for 3 weeks, appeared to be the most successful treatment. These patients remained asymptomatic for 6 months.

Renal dialysis and long-term treatment of a dog with kidney disease associated with canine leishmaniosis

Background

Renal disease is considered the main cause of natural mortality in dogs with canine leishmaniosis. The pathological mechanisms associated with kidney injury in canine leishmaniosis include immune complex glomerulonephritis, tubulointerstitial nephritis and occasionally renal amyloidosis. Proteinuria is a frequent finding in canine leishmaniosis and its quantification by the urine protein-creatinine ratio (UPC) is an important parameter in the staging of canine lesihmaniosis as presented by the LeishVet group.

Results

A 4.5 year-old spayed female Belgian Malinois dog was presented to the Hebrew University Veterinary Teaching hospital with epistaxis and rhinitis and diagnosed also with proteinuria and acute kidney injury (AKI IRIS grade V) associated with canine leishmaniosis that developed to LeishVet stage III with chronic kidney disease (CKD) after stabilization. Clinicopathologic abnormalities included azotemia with a peak creatinine concentration of 7.76 mg/dl (reference interval, 0.3–1.2 ng/dl), hypoalbuminemia (1.76 g/dl, reference interval 3-4.4 g/dl), hyperglobulinemia (4.54 g/dl, reference interval 1.8–3.9 g/dl) and proteinuria (urine protein/creatinine ratio 15.6, normal < 0.2). Serology by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for Leishmania infantum was positive with high antibody levels. The dog was hospitalized and treated with intermittent hemodialysis, feeding through an esophageal feeding tube, medical treatment for protein losing nephropathy and antileishmanial treatment with allopurinol. Kidney function gradually improved and the dog’s creatinine levels and proteinuria decreased until complete normalization two years after the acute insult. However, rhinitis and sneezing persisted and although the anti-leishmanial antibodies decreased over time, the dog remains constantly seropositive.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first report of hemodialysis management of AKI associated with canine leishmaniosis. Hemodialysis was imperative in stabilizing the dog’s renal disease and controlling its azotemia. It demostrates that hemodialysis can be beneficial in the management of acute deterioration of kidney disease in canine leishmaniosis.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-2719-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Treatment of refractory sino-nasal aspergillosis with posaconazole and terbinafine in 10 dogs

OBJECTIVES

To determine the safety and efficacy of posaconazole and terbinafine for the treatment of naturally occurring sino-nasal aspergillosis in dogs refractory to conventional topical and systemic treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ten client-owned dogs with sino-nasal aspergillosis and not responsive to conventional treatments were prospectively enrolled to receive a dose of 5 mg/kg posaconazole orally every 12 hours for six months. All dogs were concurrently treated with doses of 30 mg/kg terbinafine orally every 12 hours and 5 mg/kg doxycycline orally every 12 hours for 6 to 18 months.

RESULTS

All 10 enrolled dogs completed the study. The treatment response was defined as complete clinical remission (n=7) or partial clinical remission (n=3). Two dogs relapsed after cessation of combination therapy. All dogs lived more than one year after starting combination therapy and eight dogs are alive at the time of writing. No clinically relevant adverse reactions or increases in hepatic enzyme activity occurred during the combination therapy.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The results of this study suggest that this combination therapy appears safe and well-tolerated for the treatment of refractory sino-nasal aspergillosis in dogs. Long-term survival is possible with prolonged treatment, but relapse is possible. Larger prospective studies are warranted to further evaluate these preliminary findings.

Bacterial microbiome of the nose of healthy dogs and dogs with nasal disease

The role of bacterial communities in canine nasal disease has not been studied so far using next generation sequencing methods. Sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA genes has revealed that the canine upper respiratory tract harbors a diverse microbial community; however, changes in the composition of nasal bacterial communities in dogs with nasal disease have not been described so far. Aim of the study was to characterize the nasal microbiome of healthy dogs and compare it to that of dogs with histologically confirmed nasal neoplasia and chronic rhinitis. Nasal swabs were collected from healthy dogs (n = 23), dogs with malignant nasal neoplasia (n = 16), and dogs with chronic rhinitis (n = 8). Bacterial DNA was extracted and sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene was performed. Data were analyzed using Quantitative Insights Into Microbial Ecology (QIIME). A total of 376 Operational Taxonomic Units out of 26 bacterial phyla were detected. In healthy dogs, Moraxella spp. was the most common species, followed by Phyllobacterium spp., Cardiobacteriaceae, and Staphylococcus spp. While Moraxella spp. were significantly decreased in diseased compared to healthy dogs (p = 0.005), Pasteurellaceae were significantly increased (p = 0.001). Analysis of similarities used on the unweighted UniFrac distance metric (p = 0.027) was significantly different when nasal microbial communities of healthy dogs were compared to those of dogs with nasal disease. The study showed that the canine nasal cavity is inhabited by a highly species-rich bacterial community, and suggests significant differences between the nasal microbiome of healthy dogs and dogs with nasal disease.

Intraventricular pneumocephalus associated with nasocephalic necrosis in a puppy: a case report

ABSTRACT Pneumocephalus is defined as the presence of air in any of the intracranial compartments. Its most frequent causes are trauma and cranial surgery. Clinical signs occur as a result of increased intracranial pressure and vary with the location and extent of the lesion. A case involving a seven-month-old female Saint Bernard, who suffered cranial trauma caused by a bite to the face at ten days of age and had presented with seizures and localized pain four months previously is reported. A computed tomography scan of the skull revealed a nasocephalic mass with low contrast enhancement, bone lysis, and hypodensity (-940 Hounsfield units) of the lateral and third ventricles, indicating intraventricular pneumocephalus. During surgery, a fragment of the mass was collected for histopathological examination, which demonstrated the presence of multifocal areas of necrosis. The computed tomography (CT) is a reliable method for the characterization of intracranial lesions and diagnosis of pneumocephalus, whose occurrence must be considered in pathological processes in which there is increased intracranial pressure and in patients undergoing certain surgical procedures and anesthetic specific, and CT is indicated as a monitoring tool for these patients.

Severity of Nasal Inflammatory Disease Questionnaire for Canine Idiopathic Rhinitis Control: Instrument Development and Initial Validity Evidence

BACKGROUND

Effective treatments are needed for idiopathic chronic rhinitis in dogs, but assessment of efficacy requires a practical, quantifiable method for assessing severity of disease.

OBJECTIVES

To develop and perform initial validity and reliability testing of an owner-completed questionnaire for assessing clinical signs and dog and owner quality of life (QOL) in canine chronic rhinitis.

ANIMALS

Twenty-two dogs with histopathologically confirmed chronic rhinitis and 72 healthy dogs.

METHODS

In this prospective study, an online questionnaire was created based on literature review and feedback from veterinarians, veterinary internists with respiratory expertise, and owners of dogs with rhinitis. Owners of affected dogs completed the questionnaire twice, 1 week apart, to test reliability. Healthy dogs were assessed once. Data were analyzed using the Rasch Rating Scale Model, and results were interpreted using Messick's framework for evaluating construct validity evidence.

RESULTS

Initial item generation resulted in 5 domains: nasal signs, paranasal signs, global rhinitis severity, and dog's and owner's QOL. A 25-item questionnaire was developed using 5-point Likert-type scales. No respondent found the questionnaire difficult to complete. Strong psychometric evidence was available to support the substantive, generalizability, content, and structural aspects of construct validity. Statistical differences were found between responses for affected and control dogs for all but 2 items. These items were eliminated, resulting in the 23-item Severity of Nasal Inflammatory Disease (SNIFLD) questionnaire.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

The SNIFLD questionnaire provides a mechanism for repeated assessments of disease severity in dogs with chronic rhinitis.

Suspect Odontogenic Infection Etiology for Canine Lymphoplasmacytic Rhinitis

The role of odontogenic infection as an etiology for lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis in dogs was evaluated. An association between odontogenic infection and inflammatory rhinitis was identified in 55% of cases evaluated. Odontogenic infection was unlikely or undetermined in 10% and 35% of the cases, respectively. Cases of lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis had roentgen signs associated with endodontic disease, periodontal disease, or retained tooth roots in 60%, 45%, and 25% of the cases, respectively. A collaborative team based approach assessing inflammatory nasal disease is recommended. Based on the history and signalment of the individual patient, diagnostic modalities should be chosen wisely. In some cases, oral examination and intraoral radiographs may be a more direct and cost effective approach for diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory rhinitis.

Increased proportions of CCR4(+) cells among peripheral blood CD4(+) cells and serum levels of allergen-specific IgE antibody in canine chronic rhinitis and bronchitis

Canine chronic rhinitis (CR) and bronchitis (CB) are suspected to be allergic diseases. The present study tested whether dogs diagnosed with CR or CB present an atopic predisposition based on the ratio of CC chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4)-positive cells among peripheral blood CD4-positive cells (CCR4/CD4) and the serum levels of allergen-specific IgE antibodies. We found that most dogs with CR and CB have a possibility of atopic predisposition, and macrolide therapy constitutes an alternative to corticosteroid therapy in controlling the clinical signs.

Characteristics of canine nasal discharge related to intranasal diseases: a retrospective study of 105 cases

OBJECTIVES

To compare characteristics of nasal discharge caused by different intranasal aetiologies in dogs.

METHODS

Medical records of 105 dogs with nasal discharge due to intranasal disease were retrospectively reviewed with special focus on composition, severity, duration and localisation of discharge. On the basis of diagnostic findings, cases were classified into different disease groups and characteristics of discharge were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Cases were classified as having non-specific rhinitis (n=42), nasal neoplasia (n=23), foreign bodies (n=21), nasal mycosis (n=7) and miscellaneous disorders (n=13). Dogs with foreign bodies or nasal mycosis were significantly younger. Mucous components of discharge occurred more often in non-specific rhinitis and nasal neoplasia, although haemorrhagic components predominated in nasal neoplasia when discharge lasted ê14 days. Pure or mixed haemorrhagic discharge was significantly more common with nasal neoplasia, foreign bodies and nasal mycosis. Purulent components were associated with longer duration of discharge and predominantly seen in non-specific rhinitis and foreign bodies. Dogs with foreign bodies were presented earlier and sneezing was more frequent. Nasal stridor was significantly more often observed in dogs with nasal neoplasia.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Characteristics of nasal discharge and associated clinical signs might aid in planning the diagnostic approach, but a combination of diagnostic techniques is still required to confirm a diagnosis.

Canine nasal disease

Nasal disease often manifests as nasal discharge with or without other nasal signs. Attention to signalment, history, and physical examination findings often facilitates a differential diagnosis. Imaging techniques and tissue sampling for microscopic examination are usually necessary for diagnosis. Advanced imaging offers important advantages over traditional skull radiographs but is less widely available and more costly. Bacterial culture is seldom beneficial, and fungal culture is reserved for cases likely to have fungal rhinitis. Nasal biopsy is required to confirm a specific diagnosis and is always required for diagnosis of specific tumor type or for inflammatory rhinitis.

Size distribution of airborne fungi in vehicles under various driving conditions

Circulation or air conditioning (AC) system was proven to improve the air quality inside the vehicles; however, the quantified study was limited. In this study, fungal concentration under various driving mode inside the vehicle was proposed. The driving conditions were classified into 4 states: (1) window closed without AC and circulation, (2) window open without AC and circulation, (3) window closed with only circulation on, and (4) window closed with only AC on. Results show that at state 4, the mean respirable fraction was 83.3%, with a number median diameter of the fungi being 1.73 μm. More attention should be paid for these smaller fungi easily penetrating into the alveoli and probably lead to allergic alveolitis. Turning on AC for reducing the normalized concentration for each size range of fungi was suggested; however, the respirable fraction increased. Those who are prone to allergies or asthma are suggested to switch between AC and the circulation mode while driving a long time.

Clinical findings, rhinoscopy and histological evaluation of 54 dogs with chronic nasal disease

Nasal diseases are very common in dogs and rhinoscopy is often required for a definitive diagnosis. Rhinoscopy, while superficial in nature, can guide the clinician to the final diagnosis. In this study, rhinoscopy was performed on 54 dogs with symptoms of chronic nasopharyngeal disease. The endoscopic diagnosis of neoplasia or chronic nasal inflammation was validated with histological examination of pathological samples, in order to evaluate the degree of concordance between endoscopic findings and histological diagnosis. The agreement between endoscopy and histology was tested by application of Cohen's kappa coefficient. We conclude that correlation between endoscopic results and histological diagnosis, expressed by a Cohen's kappa coefficient of 0.73, is only possible with a constant cooperation between the clinician and the pathologist.