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Madan RD, Cenani A, Montgomery E, Azevedo T, Vernau KM, Brosnan RJ. Pregabalin produces similar effects as gabapentin for preanesthetic sedation in cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2024; 262:359-363. [PMID: 38134455 DOI: 10.2460/javma.23.09.0493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the effects of oral pregabalin versus gabapentin on sedation quality and anesthesia recovery times in cats in a typical perioperative setting. ANIMALS 50 healthy cats with > 1 kg body weight presenting for elective surgery. METHODS In this randomized, prospective clinical trial, cats presenting to the University of California-Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital were assigned to receive buprenorphine 0.02 mg/kg IM followed by 1 of 2 oral sedation treatments: pregabalin 4 mg/kg or gabapentin 10 mg/kg. Cats were then anesthetized using a standardized protocol. Physical examination parameters and behavioral scores were measured by 2 treatment-blinded veterinarians to compare sedation levels before and after drug administration. Inadequate sedation for handling or IV catheter placement was addressed by dexmedetomidine administration. After surgery was completed, anesthesia recovery times and quality were assessed by the same veterinarians. The effects of pregabalin versus gabapentin on body temperature, respiratory rate, and heart rate were analyzed using Student t tests; behavioral assessments were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests; and drug treatment effects on dexmedetomidine sedation rescue and frequency of delirium during anesthetic recovery were analyzed using Fisher exact tests. A P < .05 indicated statistical significance. RESULTS There was no significant difference in change of physiologic parameters or sedation scores before and after sedation between groups. The need for rescue sedation for IV catheter placement and the incidence of emergence delirium were infrequent and similar for both treatments. CLINICAL RELEVANCE At the doses studied, oral pregabalin and gabapentin produced indistinguishable effects as adjunctive perioperative sedation agents in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul D Madan
- 1Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Alessia Cenani
- 2Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Elizabeth Montgomery
- 1Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Tatiana Azevedo
- 1Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Karen M Vernau
- 2Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Robert J Brosnan
- 2Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA
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Chen D, López‐Pérez AM, Vernau KM, Maggs DJ, Kim S, Foley J. Prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) in shelter-housed cats in the Central Valley of California, USA. Vet Rec Open 2023; 10:e73. [PMID: 37868705 PMCID: PMC10589393 DOI: 10.1002/vro2.73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Non-human animals are natural hosts for the virus causing COVID-19 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2]) and a diversity of species appear susceptible to infection. Cats are of particular concern because of their close affiliation with humans and susceptibility to infection. Cats also harbour feline enteric coronavirus (FECV). Our objectives were to document the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and FECV in feline populations with high turnover and movement among households in the Central Valley of California, USA. Methods A cross-sectional study of 128 shelter and foster cats and kittens in the Central Valley of California was performed from July to December 2020. PCR was performed on rectal and oropharyngeal samples to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA and on rectal samples to detect FECV RNA. Results Among 163 rectal and oropharyngeal fluid samples gathered from sheltered and fostered cats and kittens in central California, SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acids were not detected from any cat or kitten. In contrast, FECV nucleic acids were detected in 18% of shelter-housed cats; 83% of these positive samples were collected from cats housed in adjacent cages. Conclusions These data may be helpful when considering the allocation of resources to minimise the harm of FECV and SARS-CoV-2 in household pets and shelter environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Chen
- Department of Medicine and EpidemiologySchool of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Andrés M. López‐Pérez
- Department of Medicine and EpidemiologySchool of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
- Red de Biología y Conservación de VertebradosInstituto de EcologíaXalapaMéxico
| | - Karen M. Vernau
- Department of Surgical and Radiological SciencesSchool of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - David J. Maggs
- Department of Surgical and Radiological SciencesSchool of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Soohyun Kim
- William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching HospitalSchool of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Janet Foley
- Department of Medicine and EpidemiologySchool of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
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Massie AM, Skorupski K, Vernau W, McLarty E, Brady RV, Vernau KM. Large T-cell extradural lymphoma with concurrent marked cerebrospinal fluid eosinophilia in a dog. J Vet Intern Med 2023; 37:2492-2497. [PMID: 37849352 PMCID: PMC10658537 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
A 3-year-old male pit bull terrier was presented for a 4-day history of progressive tetraparesis and cervical pain. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed an extradural mass within the left lateral vertebral canal extending from caudal C5 to mid-T2. Lumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) demonstrated marked (90%) eosinophilic inflammation. A C6-7 dorsal laminectomy and C7-T2 left hemilaminectomy were done, with gross disease remaining. Histopathology revealed a large T cell lymphoma with marked eosinophilic infiltration. The dog underwent CHOP-based chemotherapy with resolution of clinical signs, with a similar course of therapy performed at recurrence 37 months after initial presentation. The dog was euthanized 39 months after presentation for multiorgan failure secondary to neutropenic sepsis and aspiration pneumonia. This represents a positive long-term response to multimodal treatment of extradural T-cell lymphoma within the vertebral canal associated with a marked CSF eosinophilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M. Massie
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced MedicineUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary MedicinePhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Katherine Skorupski
- Department of Surgical and Radiological SciencesUniversity of California School of Veterinary MedicineDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - William Vernau
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and ImmunologyUniversity of California School of Veterinary MedicineDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Ehren McLarty
- Department of Surgical and Radiological SciencesUniversity of California School of Veterinary MedicineDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Rachel V. Brady
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate ProgramColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - Karen M. Vernau
- Department of Surgical and Radiological SciencesUniversity of California School of Veterinary MedicineDavisCaliforniaUSA
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Zwueste DM, Vernau KM, Vernau W, Pypendop BH, Knych HK, Rodrigues CA, Kol A, Questa M, Dickinson PJ. Oral cytarabine ocfosfate pharmacokinetics and assessment of leukocyte biomarkers in normal dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2023; 37:2429-2442. [PMID: 37670479 PMCID: PMC10658504 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C) is a nucleoside analog prodrug utilized for immunomodulatory effects mediated by its active metabolite Ara-CTP. Optimal dosing protocols for immunomodulation in dogs have not been defined. Cytarabine ocfosfate (CO) is a lipophilic prodrug of Ara-C that can be administered PO and provides prolonged serum concentrations of Ara-C. OBJECTIVES Provide pharmacokinetic data for orally administered CO and determine accumulation and functional consequences of Ara-CTP within peripheral blood leukocytes. ANIMALS Three healthy female hound dogs and 1 healthy male Beagle. METHODS Prospective study. Dogs received 200 mg/m2 of CO PO q24h for 7 doses. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) CO and Ara-C concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS). Complete blood counts, flow cytometry, and leukocyte activation assays were done up to 21 days. Incorporation of Ara-CTP within leukocyte DNA was determined by LC-MS/MS. RESULTS Maximum serum concentration (Cmax ) for Ara-C was 456.1-724.0 ng/mL (1.88-2.98 μM) and terminal half-life was 23.3 to 29.4 hours. Cerebrospinal fluid: serum Ara-C ratios ranged from 0.54 to 1.2. Peripheral blood lymphocyte concentrations remained within the reference range, but proliferation rates poststimulation were decreased at 6 days. Incorporation of Ara-CTP was not saturated and remained >25% of peak concentration at 13 days. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Oral CO may produce prolonged serum Ara-C half-lives at concentrations sufficient to induce functional changes in peripheral leukocytes and is associated with prolonged retention of DNA-incorporated Ara-CTP. Application of functional and active metabolite assessment is feasible and may provide more relevant data to determine optimal dosing regimens for Ara-C-based treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M. Zwueste
- William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Karen M. Vernau
- Department of Surgical and Radiological SciencesUniversity of California DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - William Vernau
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and ImmunologyUniversity of California DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Bruno H. Pypendop
- Department of Surgical and Radiological SciencesUniversity of California DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Heather K. Knych
- K.L. Maddy Equine Analytic Chemistry LaboratoryUC DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Carlos A. Rodrigues
- Department of Surgical and Radiological SciencesUniversity of California DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Amir Kol
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and ImmunologyUniversity of California DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Maria Questa
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and ImmunologyUniversity of California DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Peter J. Dickinson
- Department of Surgical and Radiological SciencesUniversity of California DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
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Toedebusch RG, Wei NW, Simafranca KT, Furth-Jacobus JA, Brust-Mascher I, Stewart SL, Dickinson PJ, Woolard KD, Li CF, Vernau KM, Meyers FJ, Toedebusch CM. Intra- and Intertumoral Microglia/Macrophage Infiltration and Their Associated Molecular Signature Is Highly Variable in Canine Oligodendroglioma: A Preliminary Evaluation. Vet Sci 2023; 10:403. [PMID: 37368789 PMCID: PMC10303632 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10060403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The goal of this study was to define the glioma-associated microglia/macrophage (GAM) response and associated molecular landscape in canine oligodendrogliomas. Here, we quantified the intratumoral GAM density of low- and high-grade oligodendrogliomas compared to that of a normal brain, as well as the intratumoral concentration of several known GAM-derived pro-tumorigenic molecules in high-grade oligodendrogliomas compared to that in a normal brain. Our analysis demonstrated marked intra- and intertumoral heterogeneity of GAM infiltration. Correspondingly, we observed significant variability in the intratumoral concentrations of several GAM-associated molecules, unlike what we previously observed in high-grade astrocytomas. However, high-grade oligodendroglioma tumor homogenates (n = 6) exhibited an increase in the pro-tumorigenic molecules hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), as we observed in high-grade astrocytomas. Moreover, neoplastic oligodendrocytes displayed robust expression of GAL-3, a chimeric galectin implicated in driving immunosuppression in human glioblastoma. While this work identifies shared putative therapeutic targets across canine glioma subtypes (HGFR, GAL-3), it highlights several key differences in the immune landscape. Therefore, a continued effort to develop a comprehensive understanding of the immune microenvironment within each subtype is necessary to inform therapeutic strategies going forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan G. Toedebusch
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (R.G.T.); (N.-W.W.); (K.T.S.); (J.A.F.-J.); (P.J.D.); (C.-F.L.); (K.M.V.)
| | - Ning-Wei Wei
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (R.G.T.); (N.-W.W.); (K.T.S.); (J.A.F.-J.); (P.J.D.); (C.-F.L.); (K.M.V.)
| | - Kulani T. Simafranca
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (R.G.T.); (N.-W.W.); (K.T.S.); (J.A.F.-J.); (P.J.D.); (C.-F.L.); (K.M.V.)
| | - Jennie A. Furth-Jacobus
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (R.G.T.); (N.-W.W.); (K.T.S.); (J.A.F.-J.); (P.J.D.); (C.-F.L.); (K.M.V.)
| | - Ingrid Brust-Mascher
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Susan L. Stewart
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
- UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA;
| | - Peter J. Dickinson
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (R.G.T.); (N.-W.W.); (K.T.S.); (J.A.F.-J.); (P.J.D.); (C.-F.L.); (K.M.V.)
- UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA;
| | - Kevin D. Woolard
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Chai-Fei Li
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (R.G.T.); (N.-W.W.); (K.T.S.); (J.A.F.-J.); (P.J.D.); (C.-F.L.); (K.M.V.)
| | - Karen M. Vernau
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (R.G.T.); (N.-W.W.); (K.T.S.); (J.A.F.-J.); (P.J.D.); (C.-F.L.); (K.M.V.)
| | - Frederick J. Meyers
- UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA;
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Center for Precision Medicine, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Christine M. Toedebusch
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (R.G.T.); (N.-W.W.); (K.T.S.); (J.A.F.-J.); (P.J.D.); (C.-F.L.); (K.M.V.)
- UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA;
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Fingerhood S, Mendonça FS, Uzal FA, Marks SL, Vernau KM, Navarro MA, Choi EA. Tyzzer disease in 19 preweaned orphaned kittens. J Vet Diagn Invest 2023; 35:212-216. [PMID: 36772788 PMCID: PMC9999403 DOI: 10.1177/10406387231154554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridium piliforme, the agent of Tyzzer disease, has traditionally not been considered a major pathogen of cats. We queried the database of the Pathology Service of the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California-Davis, for kittens <6-mo-old autopsied between 2000-2021 that had colitis, hepatitis, and/or myocarditis; 37 cases met the search criteria. Sections of colon, liver, and heart from these 37 cats were stained with modified Steiner; 19 of 37 (51%) cases had intraepithelial, Steiner-positive rods compatible with C. piliforme in at least one organ, confirming Tyzzer disease. The affected age range was 7-42 d (median: 17.5 d). Eighteen were orphaned kittens. Colitis was the major lesion (18 of 19) followed by random hepatitis (11 of 19). Perianal dermatitis with intraepithelial stacked rods was seen in 2 of 19. Myocarditis was not evident in any of the cases. A PCR assay for C. piliforme on 10 selected cases using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) blocks was positive or suspected in colon (5 of 10), liver (5 of 10), and heart (1 of 10). The modified Steiner stain was more sensitive in the detection of bacteria than PCR on FFPE samples. Fifteen kittens had comorbidities. A weakened immune state caused by maternal, environmental, infectious, and/or nutritional causes is speculated to have contributed to disease onset. We found that Tyzzer disease is more common than previously believed in orphaned kittens and should be considered in kittens with colitis and/or hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Fingerhood
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA.,Current address: Veterinary Pathology Centre, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Fábio S Mendonça
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, San Bernadino Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Francisco A Uzal
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, San Bernadino Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA.,Departments of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Stanley L Marks
- Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Karen M Vernau
- Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Mauricio A Navarro
- Instituto de Patología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Eunju April Choi
- Departments of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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Shiraishi H, Vernau KM, Kim S, Good KL, Hollingsworth SR, Sebbag L, Montgomery E, Surmick JD, Freeman KS, Choi E, Casanova MI, Maggs DJ. Symblepharon in kittens: a retrospective study of 40 kittens and 54 eyes (2002-2022). J Feline Med Surg 2023; 25:1098612X221150160. [PMID: 36745097 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x221150160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the signalment, treatment, surgical technique and outcomes for feline symblepharon. METHODS A retrospective medical record review and standardized grading of clinical descriptions and photographs was undertaken. RESULTS Forty kittens (54 eyes) aged 3-46 weeks had symblepharon of five types in various combinations: eyelid deformation (24 kittens; 32 eyes); ankyloblepharon (four kittens; four eyes); conjunctiva-to-conjunctiva (11 kittens; 12 eyes); third eyelid-to-conjunctiva (24 kittens; 29 eyes); and corneoconjunctival adhesions (14 kittens; 16 eyes). At initial presentation, 23 (43%) eyes were affected by one type of symblepharon, 25 (46%) eyes by two types and six (11%) eyes by three types; 11 (20%) corneas were ulcerated. Twenty-four (44%) eyes of 18 (45%) kittens were managed medically. Surgery was performed under general anesthesia/sedation (30 occasions) or topical anesthesia (21 occasions) on 30 (56%) eyes of 22 kittens; 12 eyes (40%) underwent multiple surgeries. Four techniques were commonly employed: separation of conjunctival-to-conjunctival adhesions ± eyelid margins (14 eyes); resection of third eyelid adhesions ± temporary tacking of the third eyelid (modified Arlt's pterygium technique; 18 eyes); en bloc resection of the third eyelid (two eyes); and separation of corneoconjunctival adhesions (14 eyes). Median duration of follow-up was 55 days (range 1-1051). Median symblepharon grade in kittens treated surgically improved for all types except corneoconjunctival symblepharon. Median symblepharon grade in kittens receiving medical management remained the same or improved. Corneoconjunctival symblepharon opacity decreased for eyes treated surgically but increased for eyes treated medically. Three eyes were enucleated due to complications of corneoconjunctival symblepharon. At final presentation, symblepharon persisted in 46 (85%) eyes; however, menace response was evident in 13/16 eyes and dazzle reflex in 23/23 eyes. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Symblepharon is a heterogeneous group of conditions with diverse anatomic involvement, clinical appearance and impact, optimal treatment and prognosis for vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hikaru Shiraishi
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Karen M Vernau
- Surgical and Radiological Sciences, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Soohyun Kim
- William R Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Kathryn L Good
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Lionel Sebbag
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | | | - Jennifer D Surmick
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Eunju Choi
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - M Isabel Casanova
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - David J Maggs
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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Filliquist B, Kapatkin AS, Vernau KM, Nakatani JY, Chou PY, Ilkiw JE. Training Surgical Residents Utilizing an Animal Shelter Fracture Program. J Vet Med Educ 2022; 49:778-784. [PMID: 34779752 DOI: 10.3138/jvme-2021-0110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Working relationships between veterinary medical teaching hospitals, animal shelters, and rescue groups are one way to increase veterinary students' and residents' hands-on training. The goal of this study is to describe the use of a shelter fracture program to improve the surgical skills of surgical residents. In this program, the participating shelter and rescue organizations electronically submit cases. Following evaluation of radiographs and case approval by the orthopedic faculty, the case is scheduled for a physical evaluation. A resident takes primary surgical care together with a fourth-year student rotating through the orthopedic surgery service to ensure the proper pre-, peri-, and post-operative standard of care. All care is overseen by the orthopedic faculty. A veterinary student-run fracture foster program allows students to gain additional experience in the pre-, peri-, and post-operative care of shelter animals. The total number of shelter animals treated during a 9-year period was 373, with a mean annual case load of 41.1 cases (± 10.3). During the same time period, a total of 435 client-owned cases underwent surgical fracture treatment, with a mean annual case load of 48 cases (± 11.7). Surgical resident and student surveys show that this program contributes to their knowledge, skills, and confidence in treating fracture patients. A successful cooperative program provides advanced surgical fracture treatment of shelter animals, improving animals' quality of life as well as surgical residents' and veterinary students' skills training.
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9
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Vasilatis DM, Vernau KM, Toyoda I, Vernau W. What is your diagnosis? Cerebrospinal fluid from a Boston Terrier. Vet Clin Pathol 2022; 52 Suppl 2:110-112. [PMID: 35534918 DOI: 10.1111/vcp.13135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Demitria M Vasilatis
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Karen M Vernau
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Izumi Toyoda
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - William Vernau
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA
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Fowler KM, Bolton TA, Rossmeisl JH, Arendse AU, Vernau KM, Li RHL, Parker RL. Clinical, Diagnostic, and Imaging Findings in Three Juvenile Dogs With Paraspinal Hyperesthesia or Myelopathy as a Consequence of Hemophilia A: A Case Report. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:871029. [PMID: 35498741 PMCID: PMC9051508 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.871029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Three juvenile dogs presented with an acute onset of paraspinal hyperesthesia and/or neurologic deficits. These dogs underwent anesthesia for MRI and additional diagnostics. The thoracolumbar MRI in Dog 1 revealed an accumulation of T2-weighted (T2W) hyperintense, T1-weighted (T1W) iso- to hyperintense, contrast enhancing extradural material. The differential diagnoses were meningitis with secondary hemorrhage or empyema or late subacute hemorrhage. The initial cervical MRI in Dog 2 revealed T1W meningeal contrast enhancement suspected to be secondary to meningitis. A repeat MRI following neurologic decline after CSF sampling revealed a large area of T2W and T1W hyperintensity between fascial planes of the cervical musculature as well as T2W iso- to hyperintense and T1W iso- to hypointense extradural material at the level of C1 consistent with hemorrhage. The cervical MRI in Dog 3 revealed T2W hyperintense and T1W iso- to hypointense extradural compressive material consistent with hemorrhage. Dogs 1 and 2 underwent CSF sampling and developed complications, including subcutaneous hematoma and vertebral canal hemorrhage. Dog 3 underwent surgical decompression, which revealed a compressive extradural hematoma. In each case, a hemophilia panel including factor VIII concentration confirmed the diagnosis of hemophilia A. Dog 1 had a resolution of clinical signs for ~5 months before being euthanized from gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Dog 2 was euthanized due to neurologic decompensation following CSF sampling. Dog 3 did well for 2 weeks after surgery but was then lost to follow-up. This case series provides information on clinical signs, MRI findings, and outcome in 3 juvenile dogs with hemophilia A that developed neurologic deficits or paraspinal hyperesthesia secondary to spontaneous or iatrogenic vertebral canal hemorrhage. Hemophilia A should be considered as a differential in any young dog presenting with an acute onset of hyperesthesia with or without neurologic deficits. This diagnosis should be prioritized in young male dogs that have other evidence of hemorrhage on physical exam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla M. Fowler
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Timothy A. Bolton
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - John H. Rossmeisl
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- Comprehensive Cancer Center and Brain Tumor Center of Excellence, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Avril U. Arendse
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Karen M. Vernau
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Ronald H. L. Li
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Rell L. Parker
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- *Correspondence: Rell L. Parker
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11
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Wanamaker MW, Vernau KM, Taylor SL, Cissell DD, Abdelhafez YG, Zwingenberger AL. Classification of neoplastic and inflammatory brain disease using MRI texture analysis in 119 dogs. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2021; 62:445-454. [PMID: 33634942 PMCID: PMC9970026 DOI: 10.1111/vru.12962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging is the primary method used to diagnose canine glial cell neoplasia and noninfectious inflammatory meningoencephalitis. Subjective differentiation of these diseases can be difficult due to overlapping imaging characteristics. This study utilizes texture analysis (TA) of intra-axial lesions both as a means to quantitatively differentiate these broad categories of disease and to help identify glial tumor grade/cell type and specific meningoencephalitis subtype in a group of 119 dogs with histologically confirmed diagnoses. Fifty-nine dogs with gliomas and 60 dogs with noninfectious inflammatory meningoencephalitis were retrospectively recruited and randomly split into training (n = 80) and test (n = 39) cohorts. Forty-five of 120 texture metrics differed significantly between cohorts after correcting for multiple testing (false discovery rate < 0.05). After training the random forest algorithm, the classification accuracy for the test set was 85% (sensitivity 89%, specificity 81%). TA was only partially able to differentiate the inflammatory subtypes (granulomatous meningoencephalitis [GME], necrotizing meningoencephalitis [NME], and necrotizing leukoencephalitis [NLE]) (out-of-bag error rate of 35.0%) and was unable to identify metrics that could correctly classify glioma grade or cell type (out-of-bag error rate of 59.6% and 47.5%, respectively). Multiple demographic differences, such as patient age, sex, weight, and breed were identified between disease cohorts and subtypes which may be useful in prioritizing differential diagnoses. TA of MR images with a random forest algorithm provided classification accuracy of inflammatory and neoplastic brain disease approaching the accuracy of previously reported subjective radiologist evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mason W. Wanamaker
- William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California, Davis 95616, CA
| | - Karen M. Vernau
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, University of California, Davis 95616, CA
| | | | - Derek D. Cissell
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, University of California, Davis 95616, CA
| | - Yasser G. Abdelhafez
- Department of Radiology University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento 95817, CA
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12
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Vernau KM, Struys E, Letko A, Woolard KD, Aguilar M, Brown EA, Cissell DD, Dickinson PJ, Shelton GD, Broome MR, Gibson KM, Pearl PL, König F, Van Winkle TJ, O’Brien D, Roos B, Matiasek K, Jagannathan V, Drögemüller C, Mansour TA, Brown CT, Bannasch DL. A Missense Variant in ALDH5A1 Associated with Canine Succinic Semialdehyde Dehydrogenase Deficiency (SSADHD) in the Saluki Dog. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11091033. [PMID: 32887425 PMCID: PMC7565783 DOI: 10.3390/genes11091033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Dogs provide highly valuable models of human disease due to the similarity in phenotype presentation and the ease of genetic analysis. Seven Saluki puppies were investigated for neurological abnormalities including seizures and altered behavior. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a diffuse, marked reduction in cerebral cortical thickness, and symmetrical T2 hyperintensity in specific brain regions. Cerebral cortical atrophy with vacuolation (status spongiosus) was noted on necropsy. Genome-wide association study of 7 affected and 28 normal Salukis revealed a genome-wide significantly associated region on CFA 35. Whole-genome sequencing of three confirmed cases from three different litters revealed a homozygous missense variant within the aldehyde dehydrogenase 5 family member A1 (ALDH5A1) gene (XM_014110599.2: c.866G>A; XP_013966074.2: p.(Gly288Asp). ALDH5A1 encodes a succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH) enzyme critical in the gamma-aminobutyric acid neurotransmitter (GABA) metabolic pathway. Metabolic screening of affected dogs showed markedly elevated gamma-hydroxybutyric acid in serum, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and brain, and elevated succinate semialdehyde in urine, CSF and brain. SSADH activity in the brain of affected dogs was low. Affected Saluki dogs had striking similarities to SSADH deficiency in humans although hydroxybutyric aciduria was absent in affected dogs. ALDH5A1-related SSADH deficiency in Salukis provides a unique translational large animal model for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen M. Vernau
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (D.D.C.); (P.J.D.)
- Correspondence: (K.M.V.); (D.L.B.)
| | - Eduard Struys
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (E.S.); (B.R.)
| | - Anna Letko
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland; (A.L.); (V.J.); (C.D.)
| | - Kevin D. Woolard
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Miriam Aguilar
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (M.A.); (E.A.B.); (T.A.M.); (C.T.B.)
| | - Emily A. Brown
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (M.A.); (E.A.B.); (T.A.M.); (C.T.B.)
| | - Derek D. Cissell
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (D.D.C.); (P.J.D.)
| | - Peter J. Dickinson
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (D.D.C.); (P.J.D.)
| | - G. Diane Shelton
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
| | | | - K. Michael Gibson
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99202, USA;
| | | | - Florian König
- Fachtierarzt fur Kleintiere, Am Berggewann 13, 65199 Wiesbaden, Germany;
| | - Thomas J. Van Winkle
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Dennis O’Brien
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA;
| | - B. Roos
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (E.S.); (B.R.)
| | - Kaspar Matiasek
- Clinical and Comparative Neuropathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet München, 80539 Munchen, Germany;
| | - Vidhya Jagannathan
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland; (A.L.); (V.J.); (C.D.)
| | - Cord Drögemüller
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland; (A.L.); (V.J.); (C.D.)
| | - Tamer A. Mansour
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (M.A.); (E.A.B.); (T.A.M.); (C.T.B.)
- Department of Clinical Pathology, School of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - C. Titus Brown
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (M.A.); (E.A.B.); (T.A.M.); (C.T.B.)
| | - Danika L. Bannasch
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (M.A.); (E.A.B.); (T.A.M.); (C.T.B.)
- Correspondence: (K.M.V.); (D.L.B.)
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13
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Gunther-Harrington CT, Sharpe AN, Vernau KM, Ueda Y, Montgomery EA, Surmick JD, Fernandez N, Ontiveros E, Walker AL, Stern JA. Reference intervals for radiographic, echocardiographic and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide values in healthy kittens. J Feline Med Surg 2020; 23:293-301. [PMID: 32812464 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x20946461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Assessment of heart size in kittens is important, and there is a need for reference intervals (RIs) to prevent misinterpretation of cardiomegaly in this patient population. The purpose of this study was to generate RIs for echocardiographic and radiographic quantification of cardiac size in healthy kittens. METHODS In total, 88 kittens aged 6-16 weeks were enrolled in this study. Physical examination, and radiographic and echocardiographic evaluations were performed without sedation. Thoracic radiographs and echocardiographic images were measured to establish RIs for vertebral heart score (VHS), cardiac thoracic ratio (CTR) and multiple echocardiographic variables. N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was measured. Statistical correlations between echocardiographic parameters and age, body weight and sex were all evaluated and RIs were generated. RESULTS Low-grade heart murmurs were appreciated in 26/88 kittens (29.5%). Kittens had a median VHS of 9.5 vertebrae (95% RI 8.0-10.9) and a median CTR of 67.2% (95% RI 54.4-79.8%). Measured NT-proBNP levels were comparable to healthy adult cats with a median of 31 pmol/l (upper reference limit 75 pmol/l). Multiple moderate-to-strong correlations between body weight and age with various echocardiographic parameters were observed and allometric scaling was performed for body weight. RIs for echocardiographic parameters were generated based on patient weight using allometric scaling formulas. Tricuspid valve regurgitation was a common finding and was present in 37.5% (n = 33) of the kittens. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This study establishes RIs for thoracic radiograph assessment, echocardiography and cardiac biomarkers in kittens, which fills a critical gap in the veterinary literature. The VHS reported in this study is higher than previously reported for adult cats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashley N Sharpe
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Karen M Vernau
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Yu Ueda
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Montgomery
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer D Surmick
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Nicole Fernandez
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Eric Ontiveros
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Ashley L Walker
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Joshua A Stern
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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14
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Jahns H, Vernau KM, Nolan CM, O'Neill EJ, Shiel RE, Shelton GD. Polyneuropathy in Young Siberian Huskies Caused by Degenerative and Inflammatory Diseases. Vet Pathol 2020; 57:666-674. [PMID: 32578500 DOI: 10.1177/0300985820934112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Polyneuropathy is defined as the simultaneous dysfunction of several peripheral nerves. In dogs, a number of breeds are predisposed to a variety of immune-mediated and/or degenerative inherited forms of polyneuropathy, with laryngeal paralysis and/or megaesophagus as important clinical features of many of these conditions. This case series describes degenerative and inflammatory polyneuropathies in 7 young Siberian huskies that were categorized based on clinicopathological characteristics as follows: (1) slowly progressive laryngeal paralysis and megaesophagus caused by primary axonal degeneration with large fiber loss (n = 2); (2) slowly progressive polyneuropathy without megaesophagus or laryngeal paralysis caused by primary axonal degeneration with large fiber loss (n = 2); (3) acute inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy causing sensory, motor and autonomic nerve deficits (n = 2); and (4) ganglioradiculitis (sensory neuronopathy; n = 1). Based on the predominantly young age at onset, slow progression, relatedness of affected dogs, and clinical and pathological similarities with inherited neuropathies reported in other dog breeds, a hereditary basis for the degenerative polyneuropathies in Siberian huskies is suspected. However, 5 different mutations in 3 genes known to cause polyneuropathy in other dog breeds (NDRG1, ARHGEF10, or RAB3GAP1) were not detected in the affected Siberian huskies suggesting that more genetic variants remain to be identified. This study highlights the varied underlying lesions of polyneuropathies in young Siberian huskies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanne Jahns
- 8797University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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15
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Dickinson PJ, Bannasch M, Thomasy SM, Murthy VD, Vernau KM, Liepnieks M, Montgomery E, Knickelbein KE, Murphy B, Pedersen NC. Antiviral treatment using the adenosine nucleoside analogue GS-441524 in cats with clinically diagnosed neurological feline infectious peritonitis. J Vet Intern Med 2020; 34:1587-1593. [PMID: 32441826 PMCID: PMC7379040 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is caused by a mutant biotype of the feline enteric coronavirus. The resulting FIP virus (FIPV) commonly causes central nervous system (CNS) and ocular pathology in cases of noneffusive disease. Over 95% of cats with FIP will succumb to disease in days to months after diagnosis despite a variety of historically used treatments. Recently developed antiviral drugs have shown promise in treatment of nonneurological FIP, but data from neurological FIP cases are limited. Four cases of naturally occurring FIP with CNS involvement were treated with the antiviral nucleoside analogue GS-441524 (5-10 mg/kg) for at least 12 weeks. Cats were monitored serially with physical, neurologic, and ophthalmic examinations. One cat had serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis (including feline coronavirus [FCoV]) titers and FCoV reverse transcriptase [RT]-PCR) and serial ocular imaging using Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) and in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM). All cats had a positive response to treatment. Three cats are alive off treatment (528, 516, and 354 days after treatment initiation) with normal physical and neurologic examinations. One cat was euthanized 216 days after treatment initiation following relapses after primary and secondary treatment. In 1 case, resolution of disease was defined based on normalization of MRI and CSF findings and resolution of cranial and caudal segment disease with ocular imaging. Treatment with GS-441524 shows clinical efficacy and may result in clearance and long-term resolution of neurological FIP. Dosages required for CNS disease may be higher than those used for nonneurological FIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Dickinson
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California, USA
| | - Michael Bannasch
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California, USA
| | - Sara M Thomasy
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Vishal D Murthy
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California, USA
| | - Karen M Vernau
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California, USA
| | - Molly Liepnieks
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California, USA
| | - Elizabeth Montgomery
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California, USA
| | - Kelly E Knickelbein
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California, USA
| | - Brian Murphy
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California, USA
| | - Niels C Pedersen
- Center for Companion Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California, USA
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16
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Toyoda I, Vernau W, Sturges BK, Vernau KM, Rossmeisl J, Zimmerman K, Crowe CM, Woolard K, Giuffrida M, Higgins RJ, Dickinson PJ. Clinicopathological characteristics of histiocytic sarcoma affecting the central nervous system in dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2020; 34:828-837. [PMID: 31919895 PMCID: PMC7096655 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Histiocytic sarcoma affecting the central nervous system (CNS HS) in dogs may present as primary or disseminated disease, often characterized by inflammation. Prognosis is poor, and imaging differentiation from other CNS tumors can be problematic. OBJECTIVE To characterize the clinicopathological inflammatory features, breed predisposition, and survival in dogs with CNS HS. ANIMALS One hundred two dogs with HS, 62 dogs with meningioma. METHODS Retrospective case series. Records were reviewed for results of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, CBC, treatment, and outcome data. RESULTS Predisposition for CNS HS was seen in Bernese Mountain Dogs, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Corgis, and Shetland Sheepdogs (P ≤ .001). Corgis and Shetland Sheepdogs had predominantly primary tumors; Rottweilers had exclusively disseminated tumors. Marked CSF inflammation was characteristic of primary rather than disseminated HS, and neoplastic cells were detected in CSF of 52% of affected dogs. Increased neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios were seen in all groups relative to controls (P <.008) but not among tumor subtypes. Definitive versus palliative treatment resulted in improved survival times (P < .001), but overall prognosis was poor. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Clinicopathological differences between primary and disseminated HS suggest that tumor biological behavior and origin may be different. Corgis and Shetland Sheepdogs are predisposed to primary CNS HS, characterized by inflammatory CSF. High total nucleated cell count and the presence of neoplastic cells support the use of CSF analysis as a valuable diagnostic test. Prognosis for CNS HS is poor, but further evaluation of inflammatory mechanisms may provide novel therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izumi Toyoda
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California
| | - William Vernau
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of California Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California
| | - Beverly K Sturges
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, University of California Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California
| | - Karen M Vernau
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, University of California Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California
| | - John Rossmeisl
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Kurt Zimmerman
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Chelsea M Crowe
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California
| | - Kevin Woolard
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of California Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California
| | - Michelle Giuffrida
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, University of California Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California
| | - Robert J Higgins
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of California Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California
| | - Peter J Dickinson
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, University of California Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California
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17
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Tsai KL, Vernau KM, Winger K, Zwueste DM, Sturges BK, Knipe M, Williams DC, Anderson KJ, Evans JM, Guo LT, Clark LA, Shelton GD. Congenital myasthenic syndrome in Golden Retrievers is associated with a novel COLQ mutation. J Vet Intern Med 2019; 34:258-265. [PMID: 31769119 PMCID: PMC6979411 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMSs) are a group of inherited disorders of neuromuscular transmission that may be presynaptic, synaptic, or postsynaptic. Causative mutations have been identified in 4 breeds including the Labrador Retriever, Jack Russell Terrier, Heideterrier, and Danish Pointing Dog. Hypothesis/Objective Clinical and genetic characterization of a neuromuscular disorder in Golden Retriever (GR) puppies. Animals Four GR puppies from California were evaluated for generalized muscle weakness beginning at weaning. Biological specimens were collected from the affected puppies, and familial information was obtained. Blood or buccal swabs were obtained from 63 unaffected GRs. Methods Complete physical, neurological, electrodiagnostic, and histological evaluations and biochemical quantification of muscle acetylcholine receptors were performed. Polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify the 17 exons of COLQ, and sequences were obtained by Sanger sequencing. Variant frequency was assessed in unrelated GRs and a public database. Results Clinical, neurological, and electrodiagnostic evaluations confirmed a disorder of neuromuscular transmission in a GR family. Sequencing of all exons and splice sites of a primary candidate gene, COLQ, identified a point mutation that predicts an amino acid substitution (G294R). The primary COLQ transcript was absent from affected muscle samples. All affected puppies were homozygous for the mutation, which was not detected outside this GR family or in other breeds. Conclusions and Clinical Importance We confirmed the diagnosis of a CMS in GR puppies and identified a novel COLQ mutation. The COLQ gene encodes the collagenous tail of acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for termination of skeletal muscle contraction by clearing acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. Clinicians and breeders should be aware of this CMS in GR puppies with an early onset of weakness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate L Tsai
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina
| | - Karen M Vernau
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California
| | - Kathryn Winger
- William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California Davis, Davis
| | - Danielle M Zwueste
- William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California Davis, Davis
| | - Beverly K Sturges
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California
| | - Marguerite Knipe
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California
| | - D Colette Williams
- William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California Davis, Davis
| | - Kendall J Anderson
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina
| | - Jacquelyn M Evans
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina.,Cancer Genetics and Comparative Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ling T Guo
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Leigh Anne Clark
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina
| | - G Diane Shelton
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
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18
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Hawley MM, Johnson LR, Traversa D, Bucy D, Vernau KM, Vernau W. Respiratory distress associated with lungworm infection in a kitten. JFMS Open Rep 2016; 2:2055116916675801. [PMID: 28491442 PMCID: PMC5362839 DOI: 10.1177/2055116916675801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
CASE SUMMARY A 5-month-old feral kitten developed worsening respiratory signs, including tachypnea, coughing and wheezing after standard anthelmintic treatment with fenbendazole at a local shelter. The kitten was referred to the University of California, Davis, William R Pritchard Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital for further evaluation. Thoracic radiographs revealed a severe diffuse bronchointerstitial pattern with bronchial cuffing, ill-defined nodules and lymphadenomegaly. Differentials included infectious etiologies such as toxoplasmosis, feline infectious peritonitis and cryptococcosis. Parasitic infection was considered less likely, owing to previous anthelmintic treatment. Bronchoalveolar lavage revealed marked neutrophilic and eosinophilic inflammation, and parasitic larvae were observed in a swab of trachea mucus. PCR confirmed the larvae as Aelurostrongylus abstrusus. The kitten recovered with two more rounds of anthelmintic treatment. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION Parasitic pneumonia should be considered as a cause of respiratory distress in kittens and cats. Lungworm infections have been more commonly reported in free-roaming young and adult cats, but cannot be excluded as a differential diagnosis in cats from varied environments and in kittens. Kittens appear to be especially sensitive to lungworm infections, manifested by the development of more severe clinical signs; thus lungworm infection should always be considered when presented with a kitten in respiratory distress. In the absence of cytologic confirmation of infection via bronchoalveolar lavage or oropharyngeal swab, PCR provides a valuable means for identification of lungworms, such as A abstrusus and Troglostrongylus brevior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M Hawley
- William R Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Lynelle R Johnson
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Donato Traversa
- University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Dan Bucy
- William R Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Karen M Vernau
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - William Vernau
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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19
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Vernau KM, Marks SL, Kuhn MA, Culp WT, Owens TJ, Shelton GD, Siddiqui T, Pollard R, Belafsky PC. Total laryngectomy for management of chronic aspiration pneumonia in a myopathic dog. Can Vet J 2016; 57:761-766. [PMID: 27429466 PMCID: PMC4904815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
A 5-month-old female pit bull terrier dog evaluated for ataxia, progressive regurgitation, and recurrent aspiration pneumonia had markedly elevated creatine kinase activity, non-inflammatory generalized myopathy, and severe esophageal dysmotility. A narrow-field total laryngectomy was performed. The dog is doing well 30 months after surgery, and no longer has episodes of aspiration pneumonia, despite intermittent regurgitation. This case represents the first application of total laryngectomy for the prevention of chronic recurrent aspiration pneumonia in the dog.
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Schrauwen I, Barber RM, Schatzberg SJ, Siniard AL, Corneveaux JJ, Porter BF, Vernau KM, Keesler RI, Matiasek K, Flegel T, Miller AD, Southard T, Mariani CL, Johnson GC, Huentelman MJ. Identification of novel genetic risk loci in Maltese dogs with necrotizing meningoencephalitis and evidence of a shared genetic risk across toy dog breeds. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112755. [PMID: 25393235 PMCID: PMC4231098 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Necrotizing meningoencephalitis (NME) affects toy and small breed dogs causing progressive, often fatal, inflammation and necrosis in the brain. Genetic risk loci for NME previously were identified in pug dogs, particularly associated with the dog leukocyte antigen (DLA) class II complex on chromosome 12, but have not been investigated in other susceptible breeds. We sought to evaluate Maltese and Chihuahua dogs, in addition to pug dogs, to identify novel or shared genetic risk factors for NME development. Genome-wide association testing of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Maltese dogs with NME identified 2 regions of genome-wide significance on chromosomes 4 (chr4:74522353T>A, p = 8.1×10−7) and 15 (chr15:53338796A>G, p = 1.5×10−7). Haplotype analysis and fine-mapping suggests that ILR7 and FBXW7, respectively, both important for regulation of immune system function, could be the underlying associated genes. Further evaluation of these regions and the previously identified DLA II locus across all three breeds, revealed an enrichment of nominal significant SNPs associated with chromosome 15 in pug dogs and DLA II in Maltese and Chihuahua dogs. Meta-analysis confirmed effect sizes the same direction in all three breeds for both the chromosome 15 and DLA II loci (p = 8.6×10–11 and p = 2.5×10−7, respectively). This suggests a shared genetic background exists between all breeds and confers susceptibility to NME, but effect sizes might be different among breeds. In conclusion, we identified the first genetic risk factors for NME development in the Maltese, chromosome 4 and chromosome 15, and provide evidence for a shared genetic risk between breeds associated with chromosome 15 and DLA II. Last, DLA II and IL7R both have been implicated in human inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system such as multiple sclerosis, suggesting that similar pharmacotherapeutic targets across species should be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Schrauwen
- Neurogenomics Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Renee M. Barber
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Scott J. Schatzberg
- The Animal Neurology and Imaging Center, Algodones, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Ashley L. Siniard
- Neurogenomics Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Jason J. Corneveaux
- Neurogenomics Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Brian F. Porter
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Karen M. Vernau
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Rebekah I. Keesler
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Kaspar Matiasek
- Section of Clinical & Comparative Neuropathology, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Flegel
- Department of Small Animal Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andrew D. Miller
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Teresa Southard
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Christopher L. Mariani
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Gayle C. Johnson
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Matthew J. Huentelman
- Neurogenomics Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Aleman M, Dickinson PJ, Williams DC, Sturges BK, LeCouteur RA, Vernau KM, Shelton GD. Electrophysiologic confirmation of heterogenous motor polyneuropathy in young cats. J Vet Intern Med 2014; 28:1789-98. [PMID: 25231268 PMCID: PMC4895637 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.12439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2014] [Revised: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 07/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Reports of motor polyneuropathies in young cats are scarce. Further, in‐depth electrophysiologic evaluation to confirm a motor polyneuropathy in young cats of various breeds other than 2 Bengal cats is lacking. Hypothesis/Objectives To confirm a motor polyneuropathy in young cats of various breeds. Animals Five young cats with heterogenous chronic or relapsing episodes of weakness. Methods Retrospective case series. Cats were presented for evaluation of generalized neuromuscular disease and underwent electrophysiologic examination including electromyography, nerve conduction, and repetitive nerve stimulation. Minimum database and muscle and nerve biopsy analyses were carried out. Descriptive statistics were performed. Results Disease onset was at 3 months to 1 year of age and in 5 breeds. The most common clinical sign (5 of 5 cats) was weakness. Additional neurologic deficits consisted of palmigrade and plantigrade posture (4/4), low carriage of the head and tail (4/4), and variable segmental reflex deficits (5/5). Motor nerve conduction studies were abnormal for the ulnar (4/4), peroneal (5/5), and tibial (2/2) nerves (increased latencies, reduced amplitudes, slow velocities). A marked decrement was observed on repetitive nerve stimulation of the peroneal nerve in 3 cats for which autoimmune myasthenia gravis was ruled out. All sensory nerve conduction studies were normal. Histologic evaluation of muscle and nerve biopsies supported heterogenous alterations consistent with motor polyneuropathy with distal nerve fiber loss. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Heterogenous motor polyneuropathies should be considered in young cats of any breed and sex that are presented with relapsing or progressive generalized neuromuscular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Aleman
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA
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Grosset C, Guzman DSM, Keating MK, Gaffney PM, Lowenstine L, Zwingenberger A, Young AC, Vernau KM, Sokoloff AM, Hawkins MG. Central vestibular disease in a blue and gold macaw (Ara ararauna) with cerebral infarction and hemorrhage. J Avian Med Surg 2014; 28:132-42. [PMID: 25115042 DOI: 10.1647/2012-069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
A 24-year-old female blue and gold macaw (Ara ararauna) was presented for an acute onset of left head tilt. On examination, the macaw was dehydrated and had a 120-degree left head tilt, decreased proprioception of the left pelvic limb, and intermittent vertical nystagmus. Results of hematologic testing and biochemical analysis revealed severe leukocytosis with lymphopenia and heterophilia and a high uric acid concentration. Radiographs showed bilateral intertarsal joint osteoarthritis and a healed ulnar fracture. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed focal T2 and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery hyperintense lesions in the right cerebral hemisphere and in the midbrain. The midbrain lesion showed susceptibility artifact on the T2* sequence, suggesting hemorrhage. In the T2* sequence, iron accumulation (as seen with hemorrhage) distorts the magnetic signal, resulting in the production of a susceptibility artifact, which can then be visualized as a region of hypointensity. The bird was hospitalized but died despite intensive care. Necropsy revealed multiple cerebral vascular lesions including an acute cerebral infarct, a ruptured midbrain aneurysm, and multifocal systemic atherosclerosis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a cerebral aneurysm in a bird. This report correlates the clinical presentation, imaging, and histopathologic findings in a macaw with central vestibular disease and demonstrates how advanced imaging techniques can identify hemorrhagic lesions through the T2* sequence.
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Cooper JJ, Schatzberg SJ, Vernau KM, Summers BA, Porter BF, Siso S, Young BD, Levine JM. Necrotizing meningoencephalitis in atypical dog breeds: a case series and literature review. J Vet Intern Med 2013; 28:198-203. [PMID: 24428322 PMCID: PMC4895549 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.12233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2013] [Revised: 08/23/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Canine necrotizing meningoencephalitis (NME) is a fatal, noninfectious inflammatory disease of unknown etiology. NME has been reported only in a small number of dog breeds, which has led to the presumption that it is a breed‐restricted disorder. Hypothesis/Objectives Our objective was to describe histopathologically confirmed NME in dog breeds in which the condition has not been reported previously and to provide preliminary evidence that NME affects a wider spectrum of dog breeds than previously reported. Animals Four dogs with NME. Methods Archives from 3 institutions and from 1 author's (BS) collection were reviewed to identify histopathologically confirmed cases of NME in breeds in which the disease has not been reported previously. Age, sex, breed, survival from onset of clinical signs, and histopathologic findings were evaluated. Results Necrotizing meningoencephalitis was identified in 4 small dog breeds (Papillon, Shih Tzu, Coton de Tulear, and Brussels Griffon). Median age at clinical evaluation was 2.5 years. Histopathologic abnormalities included 2 or more of the following: lymphoplasmacytic or histiocytic meningoencephalitis or encephalitis, moderate‐to‐severe cerebrocortical necrosis, variable involvement of other anatomic locations within the brain (cerebellum, brainstem), and absence of detectable infectious agents. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Until now, NME has only been described in 5 small dog breeds. We document an additional 4 small breeds previously not shown to develop NME. Our cases further illustrate that NME is not a breed‐restricted disorder and should be considered in the differential diagnosis for dogs with signalment and clinical signs consistent with inflammatory brain disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Cooper
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
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Safra N, Bassuk AG, Ferguson PJ, Aguilar M, Coulson RL, Thomas N, Hitchens PL, Dickinson PJ, Vernau KM, Wolf ZT, Bannasch DL. Genome-wide association mapping in dogs enables identification of the homeobox gene, NKX2-8, as a genetic component of neural tube defects in humans. PLoS Genet 2013; 9:e1003646. [PMID: 23874236 PMCID: PMC3715436 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2013] [Accepted: 06/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural tube defects (NTDs) is a general term for central nervous system malformations secondary to a failure of closure or development of the neural tube. The resulting pathologies may involve the brain, spinal cord and/or vertebral column, in addition to associated structures such as soft tissue or skin. The condition is reported among the more common birth defects in humans, leading to significant infant morbidity and mortality. The etiology remains poorly understood but genetic, nutritional, environmental factors, or a combination of these, are known to play a role in the development of NTDs. The variable conditions associated with NTDs occur naturally in dogs, and have been previously reported in the Weimaraner breed. Taking advantage of the strong linkage-disequilibrium within dog breeds we performed genome-wide association analysis and mapped a genomic region for spinal dysraphism, a presumed NTD, using 4 affected and 96 unaffected Weimaraners. The associated region on canine chromosome 8 (pgenome =3.0 × 10(-5)), after 100,000 permutations, encodes 18 genes, including NKX2-8, a homeobox gene which is expressed in the developing neural tube. Sequencing NKX2-8 in affected Weimaraners revealed a G to AA frameshift mutation within exon 2 of the gene, resulting in a premature stop codon that is predicted to produce a truncated protein. The exons of NKX2-8 were sequenced in human patients with spina bifida and rare variants (rs61755040 and rs10135525) were found to be significantly over-represented (p=0.036). This is the first documentation of a potential role for NKX2-8 in the etiology of NTDs, made possible by investigating the molecular basis of naturally occurring mutations in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noa Safra
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA.
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Mariani CL, Boozer LB, Braxton AM, Platt SR, Vernau KM, McDonnell JJ, Guevar J. Evaluation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 in the cerebrospinal fluid of dogs with intracranial tumors. Am J Vet Res 2013; 74:122-9. [PMID: 23270356 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.74.1.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 in CSF from dogs with intracranial tumors. SAMPLE CSF from 55 dogs with intracranial tumors and 37 control dogs. PROCEDURES Latent and active MMP-2 and -9 were identified by use of gelatin zymography. The presence of MMPs in the CSF of dogs with intracranial tumors was compared with control dogs that were clinically normal and with dogs that had idiopathic or cryptogenic epilepsy or peripheral vestibular disease. Relationships between MMP-9 and CSF cell counts and protein were also investigated. RESULTS Latent MMP-2 was found in CSF samples from all dogs, although active MMP-2 was not detected in any sample. Latent MMP-9 was detected in a subset of dogs with histologically documented intracranial tumors, including meningiomas (2/10), gliomas (3/10), pituitary tumors (1/2), choroid plexus tumors (5/6), and lymphoma (4/4), but was not detected in any control samples. Dogs with tumors were significantly more likely than those without to have detectable MMP-9 in the CSF, and the presence of MMP-9 was associated with higher CSF nucleated cell counts and protein concentration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Latent MMP-9 was detected in most dogs with choroid plexus tumors or lymphoma but in a smaller percentage of dogs with meningiomas, gliomas, or pituitary tumors. Detection of MMP in CSF may prove useful as a marker of intracranial neoplasia or possibly to monitor response of tumors to therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher L Mariani
- Comparative Neuroimmunology and Neurooncology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA.
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Anwer CC, Vernau KM, Higgins RJ, Dickinson PJ, Sturges BK, LeCouteur RA, Bentley RT, Wisner ER. MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FEATURES OF INTRACRANIAL GRANULAR CELL TUMORS IN SIX DOGS. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2013; 54:271-7. [DOI: 10.1111/vru.12027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2012] [Accepted: 02/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Cona C. Anwer
- From the Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences
| | | | - Robert J. Higgins
- Department of Pathology; Microbiology, and Immunology; University of California - Davis; Davis; CA
| | | | | | | | | | - Erik R. Wisner
- From the Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences
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Vernau KM, Runstadler JA, Brown EA, Cameron JM, Huson HJ, Higgins RJ, Ackerley C, Sturges BK, Dickinson PJ, Puschner B, Giulivi C, Shelton GD, Robinson BH, DiMauro S, Bollen AW, Bannasch DL. Genome-wide association analysis identifies a mutation in the thiamine transporter 2 (SLC19A3) gene associated with Alaskan Husky encephalopathy. PLoS One 2013; 8:e57195. [PMID: 23469184 PMCID: PMC3587633 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0057195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2012] [Accepted: 01/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Alaskan Husky Encephalopathy (AHE) has been previously proposed as a mitochondrial encephalopathy based on neuropathological similarities with human Leigh Syndrome (LS). We studied 11 Alaskan Husky dogs with AHE, but found no abnormalities in respiratory chain enzyme activities in muscle and liver, or mutations in mitochondrial or nuclear genes that cause LS in people. A genome wide association study was performed using eight of the affected dogs and 20 related but unaffected control AHs using the Illumina canine HD array. SLC19A3 was identified as a positional candidate gene. This gene controls the uptake of thiamine in the CNS via expression of the thiamine transporter protein THTR2. Dogs have two copies of this gene located within the candidate interval (SLC19A3.2 – 43.36–43.38 Mb and SLC19A3.1 – 43.411–43.419 Mb) on chromosome 25. Expression analysis in a normal dog revealed that one of the paralogs, SLC19A3.1, was expressed in the brain and spinal cord while the other was not. Subsequent exon sequencing of SLC19A3.1 revealed a 4bp insertion and SNP in the second exon that is predicted to result in a functional protein truncation of 279 amino acids (c.624 insTTGC, c.625 C>A). All dogs with AHE were homozygous for this mutation, 15/41 healthy AH control dogs were heterozygous carriers while 26/41 normal healthy AH dogs were wild type. Furthermore, this mutation was not detected in another 187 dogs of different breeds. These results suggest that this mutation in SLC19A3.1, encoding a thiamine transporter protein, plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of AHE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen M Vernau
- University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America.
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Westworth DR, Vernau KM, LeCouteur RA, Gericota BM, Pasevento PA, Higgins RJ. Definitive follow up on an arterial anomaly causing cervical myelopathy. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2010; 51:356-7. [PMID: 20469562 DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2010.01694.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Zabolotzky SM, Vernau KM, Kass PH, Vernau W. Prevalence and significance of extracellular myelin-like material in canine cerebrospinal fluid. Vet Clin Pathol 2010; 39:90-5. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-165x.2009.00189.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Lucroy MD, Vernau KM, Samii VF, LeCouteur RA. Middle ear tumours with brainstem extension treated by ventral bulla osteotomy and craniectomy in two cats. Vet Comp Oncol 2009; 2:234-42. [PMID: 19379297 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5810.2004.00050.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Two geriatric domestic shorthaired cats (DSH) were treated surgically with a ventral bulla osteotomy and craniectomy for middle ear tumours that invaded the calvarium. Both cats had a history of vestibular disease. One cat had a normal neurological examination. Both cats underwent computed tomographic imaging of the head. After intravenous injection of an iodinated contrast material, one cat had a ring-enhancing intracranial lesion and the other had a uniform contrast-enhancing intracranial lesion, which either communicated with the bulla or was associated with bulla osseous lysis/production. One cat had a papillary adenoma and the other had an adenocarcinoma. Both cats had prolonged survivals (630 days; alive and lost to follow-up at 840 days), which is longer than reported in cats with middle ear neoplasia. Craniectomy, in addition to ventral bulla osteotomy, may be part of the treatment plan for middle ear tumours that invade the calvarium.
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Affiliation(s)
- M D Lucroy
- Center for Companion Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in dogs with Hansen type I intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH) is classically described as normal or mildly inflammatory with a predominance of large mononuclear cells or neutrophils in severe acute herniations. However, we have observed a moderate to marked pleocytosis with a predominance of lymphocytes in some dogs with IVDH. HYPOTHESIS Moderate to marked CSF pleocytosis occurs more commonly in dogs with type I IVDH than is reported in the literature. Lymphocytic predominance is more common than nonlymphocytic pleocytosis in dogs with chronic IVDH. ANIMALS Four hundred twenty-three client-owned dogs with type I IVDH. METHODS Retrospective study. Lumbar CSF of dogs with surgically confirmed type I IVDH was evaluated cytologically. Information obtained from medical records included signalment, prior clinical history, time from onset of signs to presentation, neurologic status, and intraoperative findings. Dogs with prior history and/or intraoperative evidence consistent with chronic IVDH before an acute herniation were termed acute-on-chronic (AOC). RESULTS Pleocytosis (> 5 cells/uL) was present in 51% of dogs, including 23% with cervical IVDH and 61% with thoracolumbar IVDH. Moderate or marked inflammation (> or = 20 cells/uL) was identified in the CSF of 51% of dogs with thoracolumbar IVDH and pleocytosis. A predominance of lymphocytes was significantly more common in dogs examined > 7 days from onset of signs (P= .032) and in dogs with AOC IVDH (P= .0013). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Moderate to marked CSF pleocytosis in dogs with type I IVDH is more common than previously reported. Lymphocytic pleocytosis is most common in dogs with chronic progression or AOC IVDH. Lymphocytic inflammation in the CSF of some dogs might suggest an immune-mediated response to chronically herniated disc material.
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Affiliation(s)
- R C Windsor
- William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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32
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Kenny
- William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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33
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Estrella JS, Nelson RN, Sturges BK, Vernau KM, Williams DC, LeCouteur RA, Shelton GD, Mizisin AP. Endoneurial microvascular pathology in feline diabetic neuropathy. Microvasc Res 2007; 75:403-10. [PMID: 18207200 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2007.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2007] [Revised: 11/16/2007] [Accepted: 12/07/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Endoneurial capillaries in nerve biopsies from 12 adult diabetic cats with varying degrees of neurological dysfunction were examined for evidence of microvascular pathology and compared to nerves obtained at necropsy from 7 adult non-diabetic cats without clinical evidence of neurological dysfunction. As reported previously [Mizisin, A.P., Nelson, R.W., Sturges, B.K., Vernau, K.M., LeCouteur, R.A., Williams, D.C., Burgers, M.L., Shelton, G.D., 2007. Comparable myelinated nerve pathology in feline and human diabetes mellitus. Acta Neuropathol. 113, 431-442.], the diabetic cats had elevated glycosylated hemoglobin and serum fructosamine levels, decreased motor nerve conduction velocity and compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude, and markedly decreased myelinated nerve fiber densities. Compared to non-diabetic cats, there was a non-significant 26% increase in capillary density and a significant (P<0.009) 45% increase in capillary size in diabetic cats. Capillary luminal size was also significantly (P<0.001) increased, while an index of vasoconstriction was significantly decreased (P<0.001) in diabetic cats compared to non-diabetic controls. No differences in endothelial cell size, endothelial cell number or pericyte size were detected between non-diabetic and diabetic cats. In diabetic cats, basement membrane thickening, seen as a reduplication of the basal lamina, was significantly (P<0.0002) increased by 73% compared to non-diabetic controls. Regression analysis of either myelinated nerve fiber density or CMAP amplitude against basement membrane size demonstrated a negative correlation with significant slopes (P<0.03 and P<0.04, respectively). These data demonstrate that myelinated nerve fiber injury in feline diabetic neuropathy is associated with microvascular pathology and that some of these changes parallel those documented in experimental rodent and human diabetic neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeannelyn S Estrella
- Department of Pathology 0612, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0612, USA
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Vernau KM, Osofsky A, LeCouteur RA. The neurological examination and lesion localization in the companion rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2007; 10:731-58, v. [PMID: 17765846 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2007.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Completion of a thorough neurological examination of a rabbit is essential for clinicians to determine the location of a neurological problem. Determination of the location of a lesion (whether solitary or multifocal/diffuse) enables a clinician to list the most likely causes of the problem. This article presents the neurological examination of the rabbit, followed by a practical guide to lesion localization in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen M Vernau
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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35
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Abstract
This article reviews clinically relevant neuroanatomy of the central nervous system of the domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) that will help guide veterinarians in localizing neurological disease in this species. Although the vertebral column, spinal cord and brain of rabbits are similar to those of other mammals, features unique to the rabbit are emphasized where they exist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Osofsky
- Carrollton West Pet Hospital, Carrollton, TX 75007, USA
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Mizisin AP, Nelson RW, Sturges BK, Vernau KM, Lecouteur RA, Williams DC, Burgers ML, Shelton GD. Comparable myelinated nerve pathology in feline and human diabetes mellitus. Acta Neuropathol 2007; 113:431-42. [PMID: 17237938 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-006-0163-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2006] [Revised: 10/20/2006] [Accepted: 10/22/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The occurrence of diabetic neuropathy in cats provides an opportunity to study the development and treatment of neurological complications not present in diabetic rodent models, where few pathological alterations are evident. The present study further defines pathological alterations in nerve biopsies from 12 cats with spontaneously occurring diabetes mellitus. Peroneal nerve biopsies displayed concurrent injury to both Schwann cells and axons of myelinated fibers that was remarkably similar to that present in human diabetic neuropathy. In addition to demyelination, remyelination (constituting 20-84% of the total myelinated fiber population) was indicated by fibers with inappropriately thin myelin sheaths. Unlike our previous investigations, striking axonal injury was apparent, and consisted of dystrophic accumulations of membranous debris or neurofilaments, as well as degenerative fiber loss resulting in a 50% decrease in myelinated fiber density. In spite of extensive fiber loss, regenerative clusters were apparent, suggesting that axonal regeneration was not completely frustrated. These data highlight the potential utility of feline diabetic neuropathy as a model that faithfully replicates the nerve injury in human diabetes mellitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Mizisin
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093-0612, USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie A Kube
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California, Davis 95616, USA
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Sturges BK, Dickinson PJ, Kortz GD, Berry WL, Vernau KM, Wisner ER, LeCouteur RA. Clinical signs, magnetic resonance imaging features, and outcome after surgical and medical treatment of otogenic intracranial infection in 11 cats and 4 dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2006; 20:648-56. [PMID: 16734103 DOI: 10.1892/0891-6640(2006)20[648:csmrif]2.0.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Brainstem dysfunction resulting from central extension of infection is a life-threatening complication of otitis media/interna (OMI) that has been described infrequently in dogs and cats. We review the clinical signs of disease, diagnostic findings, and results of surgical and medical treatments of brainstem disease attributable to otogenic intracranial infection in cats and dogs. Eleven cats and 4 dogs were examined because of acute, subacute, or chronic clinical signs of brain disease including central vestibular signs, altered mentation, abnormal posture/gait, cranial nerve deficits, and seizures. Results of a minimal database (CBC, serum biochemical panel, urinalysis, thoracic radiographs, and abdominal ultrasonographic images or radiographs) were within reference intervals in all animals. Magnetic resonance (MR) images of the head were acquired for all animals, and cisternal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from 9 of 11 cats and 3 of 4 dogs was examined. Surgical exploration and ventral bulla osteotomy were done for 12 of 15 animals, followed by 1-3 months of antibiotic therapy; the remaining animals were euthanized before treatment. In all animals, MR imaging was effective in characterizing the location and extent of the pathologic changes intracranially as well as within middle/inner ear structures. Results of CSF analysis were characteristic of bacterial infection in most of the animals with acute or subacute disease. Since long-term outcome in all treated animals was very good to excellent, it was concluded that dogs and cats with intracranial disease secondary to extension of otitis media/interna have a good-to-excellent prognosis when the condition was diagnosed and was treated by surgical exploration and appropriate antibiotic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beverly K Sturges
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616-8747, USA.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize the clinical signs, diagnostic and surgical findings, and outcome in dogs with spinal epidural empyema (SEE). STUDY DESIGN Retrospective study. ANIMALS Seven dogs. METHODS Dogs with SEE between 1992 and 2001 were identified from a computerized medical record system. Inclusion criteria were: neurologic examination, vertebral column radiographs, myelography, antimicrobial culture and susceptibility of material collected surgically from the vertebral canal, a definitive diagnosis of SEE confirmed by surgery, and microscopic examination of tissue from the vertebral canal. RESULTS Common signs were lethargy, fever, anorexia, apparent spinal pain, and paraparesis/plegia. Common laboratory abnormalities were peripheral neutrophilia, and neutrophilic pleocytosis in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Three dogs had concurrent discospondylitis and 1 of these had vertebral luxation. On myelography, extradural spinal cord compression was focal (2 dogs), multifocal (3), or diffuse (2). Bacteria were isolated not from CSF but from blood, surgical site, pleural fluid, or urine in 6 dogs. Dogs were administered antibiotics and had surgical decompression by hemilaminectomy. Five dogs improved neurologically and had a good long-term outcome. Two dogs were euthanatized, 1 because of worsening of neurologic signs and pneumonia, and the other because of herniation of a cervical intervertebral disc 1 month postoperatively, unrelated to the SEE. CONCLUSION Dogs with SEE may have a good outcome when treated by surgical decompression and antibiotic administration. CLINICAL RELEVANCE SEE should be included in a list of possible causes for dogs with fever, apparent spinal pain, and myelopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Lavely
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Westworth DR, Vernau KM, Cullen SP, Long CD, Van Halbach V, LeCouteur RA. VASCULAR ANOMALY CAUSING SUBCLAVIAN STEAL AND CERVICAL MYELOPATHY IN A DOG: DIAGNOSIS AND ENDOVASCULAR MANAGEMENT. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2006; 47:265-9. [PMID: 16700177 DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2006.00138.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A 3-year-old dog with cervical myelopathy resulting from a vascular anomaly is described. Marked intradural-extramedullary spinal cord compression was observed, in association with multilevel ectatic anastomotic radicular arterial branches connecting the left and right vertebral arteries. A nonpatent proximal segment of the right subclavian artery had resulted in compensatory enlargement of the left vertebral artery. Flow within the right vertebral artery was retrograde and fed into the patent distal segment of the right subclavian artery. Multiple imaging techniques including myelography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and selective digital angiography were used to document this anomaly. To reduce spinal cord compression the largest collateral vessel was embolized without complication. Good clinical response was observed within 6 weeks and improved clinical neurologic function was maintained at the time of a 12-month re-evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diccon R Westworth
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616-8747, USA
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Sturges BK, Dickinson PJ, Kortz GD, Berry WL, Vernau KM, Wisner ER, LeCouteur RA. Clinical Signs, Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features, and Outcome After Surgical and Medical Treatment of Otogenic Intracranial Infection in 11 Cats and 4 Dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2006. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2006.tb02910.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is considered highly labile, but not all samples are analyzed immediately. Changes in the composition of CSF could potentially affect diagnostic test results and thus influence decisions about patient management. There has been little scientific inquiry into how variables such as time, initial composition, and storage conditions affect results of standard laboratory analysis of CSF. OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of time, protein concentration, and presence or absence of exogenous stabilizing agents on standard CSF analysis results. METHODS Thirty abnormal CSF samples from 26 dogs were evaluated. Samples were divided into aliquots comprising different treatment groups and stored at 4 degrees C. Total nucleated cell count (TNCC), differential cell count (DCC), and cell morphology were evaluated for all groups; protein concentration was measured for selected groups. Unaltered aliquots were analyzed immediately (T0Hr) and at 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hours (T2Hr-T48Hr); aliquots with added fetal calf serum (FCS) or hydroxyethyl starch (hetastarch) were analyzed at T48Hr. RESULTS Significant time-dependent changes were observed in DCC in unaltered samples. Mononuclear cells deteriorated more rapidly than did neutrophils. Based on microscopic examination and subjective scoring of cell morphology, cells were consistently more degenerate by T24Hr compared with T0Hr. Samples with protein concentrations > or =50 mg/dL were less susceptible to cell deterioration than those with lower protein concentrations. Adding either FCS or hetastarch improved sample stability. CONCLUSIONS Delayed analysis of canine CSF by 4-8 hours is unlikely to alter diagnostic interpretation, especially for samples with protein concentrations > or =50 mg/dL. The likelihood of misinterpretation is higher for samples with low cellularity or low protein concentration. We provide specific recommendations for adding FCS or hetastarch to samples that will not be analyzed within 1 hour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael M Fry
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
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Kube SA, Vernau KM, LeCouteur RA, Mizisin AP, Shelton GD. Congenital myopathy with abundant nemaline rods in a cat. Neuromuscul Disord 2006; 16:188-91. [PMID: 16487709 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2005.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2005] [Revised: 12/15/2005] [Accepted: 12/20/2005] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Nemaline myopathy is associated with rod-shaped structures in muscle fibers. At least seven distinct clinical forms have been described in humans and mutations have been identified in five different thin-filament genes. Only a few cases of spontaneously occurring nemaline myopathy have been reported in animals and include an adult-onset form in a family of cats and an early-onset form in a dog. Here, we describe a 2-year-old male, neutered, domestic shorthaired cat that was referred to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California-Davis, for evaluation of chronic, progressive weakness, and fine tremors. Neurologic deficits were restricted to the neuromuscular system. Electromyography showed mild to moderate diffuse spontaneous activity. Although rod bodies were prominent on light and electron microscopic evaluation of biopsies from several muscles, sarcoplasmic accumulations of dystrophin, desmin, and spectrin also were identified by immunohistochemistry. These findings may represent the occurrence of rod bodies in conjunction with a protein-aggregate myopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie A Kube
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Abstract
A 15-month-old neutered male cat was presented for progressive paraparesis of 3 months' duration and suspected cardiomegaly. Neuroanatomical localization was a T3-L3 myelopathy. On abdominal ultrasound, an anomalous vessel with turbulent blood flow was identified arising from the caudal vena cava. Myelography showed a bilateral ventrolateral extradural spinal cord compression from T12 to L4. Nonselective angiography and contrast-enhanced computed tomography clearly indicated a vascular complex and vena caval aneurysm with an engorged internal vertebral venous plexus. Surgical occlusion of the anomalous vessels was unsuccessful.
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Rylander H, Lipsitz D, Berry WL, Stages BK, Vernau KM, Dickinson PJ, Añor SA, Higgins RJ, LeCouteur RA. Retrospective Analysis of Spinal Arachnoid Cysts in 14 Dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2002. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2002.tb02409.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Rylander H, Lipsitz D, Berry WL, Sturges BK, Vernau KM, Dickinson PJ, Añor SA, Higgins RJ, LeCouteur RA. Retrospective analysis of spinal arachnoid cysts in 14 dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2002; 16:690-6. [PMID: 12465766 DOI: 10.1892/0891-6640(2002)016<0690:raosac>2.3.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord dysfunction secondary to spinal arachnoid cysts (SACs) has been reported previously in dogs. This retrospective study reviews the clinical signs, radiographic findings, and outcome after surgical resection of SACs in 14 dogs. Plain vertebral column radiographs and myelography were done in all dogs. Computed tomography (CT) was done in 7 dogs and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in 3 dogs. Affected dogs were between 1 and 12 years of age, and 8 of 14 were Rottweilers. Abnormalities detected on neurological examination depended on the location of the SAC. Five dogs had bilobed or multiple SACs. SACs were located in the cervical vertebral column in 11 dogs and in the thoracic vertebral column in 4 dogs. All dogs had dorsally or dorsolaterally located SACs. Two dogs also had additional ventrally located SACs. Spinal cord compression secondary to intervertebral disc extrusion or protrusion was demonstrated at the site of the SACs in 2 dogs. Surgical resection of the SACs was completed in all dogs. Eleven dogs were available for follow-up. Five weeks postoperatively, 7 dogs improved in neurological function, with some residual ataxia and paresis in 6 of these dogs. Neurological function had deteriorated in 4 dogs. It was concluded from this study that Rottweilers have a higher incidence of SACs than other breeds of dog. Furthermore, bilobed or multiple SACs can occur commonly, and myelography effectively localized SACs in dogs. Surgical resection of SACs resulted in improvement in neurological function in the majority of treated dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Rylander
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616-8747, USA.
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Vernau KM, LeCouteur RA, Sturges BK, Samii V, Higgins RJ, Koblik PD, Vernau W. Intracranial intra-arachnoid cyst with intracystic hemorrhage in two dogs. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2002; 43:449-54. [PMID: 12375779 DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2002.tb01032.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical signs, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features, treatment, and outcome of two adult dogs with neurologic dysfunction resulting from hemorrhage into a quadrigeminal intracranial intra-arachnoid cyst are described. In dog 1, the cyst was hyperintense to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) on T1-weighted MRI and hypointense to CSF on T2-weighted images. In dog 2, the cyst was isointense to CSF on T1- and T2-weighted images. Both dogs were treated with craniotomy and cyst fenestration. A large blood clot was removed from the lumen of the cyst in each dog. Dog 1 is clinically normal 3.5 years post-surgery and has a persistent cyst. Dog 2 had a good initial response to therapy but was euthanized 2.5 years post-operatively due to generalized seizures. The late onset of clinical signs in these dogs most likely resulted from hemorrhage into the cyst. Surgical fenestration and hematoma removal appear to provide a satisfactory treatment for adult dogs with an intracranial intra-arachnoid cyst and intracystic hemorrhage. Persistence of the cyst may occur in some dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen M Vernau
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, 95616, USA
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Abstract
A retrospective study of 15 dogs and three cats was done to characterize the appearance of meningeal enhancement on magnetic resonance (MR) images of the brain, and to correlate this appearance with its underlying cause. Two patterns of meningeal enhancement (pial and dural) were identified. Enhancement of the pia mater was evident in four dogs and one cat, while enhancement of the dura mater was seen in 11 dogs and 2 cats. A variety of causes of meningeal enhancement were identified, including bacterial and cryptococcal meningitis, plasmacytic meningitis with associated subdural fluid accumulation, granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis, inflammation secondary to otitis interna, feline infectious peritonitis, and neoplasia. The present study confirms that pial or dural meningeal enhancement may be present on MR images of the brain of dogs or cats in association with a variety of central nervous system diseases. A larger prospective study is required to further establish the incidence of specific patterns of meningeal enhancement seen in association with specific diseases.
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Abstract
Although pure granular cell tumors have been reported in various sites in the dog, only one tumor has been reported in the central nervous system. Two dogs presented with neurologic signs had brain lesions detected by magnetic resonance imaging in the area of the olfactory bulbs and frontal cortex. In both dogs, a clinical diagnosis of a granular cell tumor was made from tissues obtained from stereotactic biopsies guided by computed tomography. Surgical removal of the tumors was followed by histopathologic, ultrastructural, and immunocytochemical characterization. Although not conclusive, these studies indicated that the granular cells were not of leucocyte origin but may have been derived from the meninges. One dog died 12 months after surgery, and the other was alive 4 months later.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Higgins
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Microbiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616, USA.
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