Rodrigo Gutierrez-Quintana

Aetiology and long-term outcome of juvenile epilepsy in 136 dogs

The aetiology and outcome of dogs with juvenile-onset seizures were investigated. One hundred and thirty-six dogs whose first seizure occurred before the age of one year were investigated. One hundred and two dogs were diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy (IE), 23 with symptomatic epilepsy (SE), nine with reactive seizures (RS) and two with probable symptomatic epilepsy (pSE). The outcome was known in 114 dogs; 37 per cent died or were euthanased as a consequence of seizures. The mean survival time of this population of dogs was 7.1 years. Factors that were significantly associated with survival outcome included the diagnosis of SE and the number of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) used before investigation. The use of one AED before investigation and a diagnosis of SE were associated with a negative outcome, whereas receiving no AED medications before referral was associated with a longer survival. For dogs with IE, survival time was shortened if the dog was a border collie or with a history of status epilepticus;receiving no AEDs before referral in the IE group was associated with a positive outcome. Seizure-free status was achieved in 22 per cent of dogs diagnosed with IE. While the survival times were longer than previously reported in canine epilepsy, similar remission rates to those reported in childhood epilepsy, where a 70 per cent remission rate is documented, were not seen in the canine juvenile population.

Prevalence of thoracic vertebral malformations in French bulldogs, Pugs and English bulldogs with and without associated neurological deficits

Congenital vertebral malformations are common incidental findings in small breed dogs. This retrospective observational study evaluated the type and prevalence of thoracic vertebral malformations in 171 neurologically normal and 10 neurologically abnormal screw-tailed brachycephalic dogs. Neurologically normal dogs underwent CT for reasons unrelated to spinal disease, while affected dogs underwent MRI. Imaging studies were reviewed and vertebral malformations including hemivertebrae, block vertebrae, transitional vertebrae, and spina bifida were documented. The group of clinically normal dogs consisted of 62 French bulldogs, 68 Pugs and 41 English bulldogs. The group of affected dogs consisted of one French bulldog and nine Pugs. Overall, 80.7% of neurologically normal animals were affected by at least one vertebral malformation. There was a significant influence of breed, with thoracic vertebral malformations occurring more often in neurologically normal French bulldogs (P <0.0001) and English bulldogs (P = 0.002). Compared to other breeds, hemivertebrae occurred more often in neurologically normal French bulldogs (93.5%; P < 0.0001 vs. Pugs; P = 0.004 vs. English bulldogs) and less often in neurologically normal Pugs (17.6%; P = 0.004 vs. English bulldogs). Neurologically normal Pugs were more often diagnosed with transitional vertebrae and spina bifida compared to other breeds (P <0.0001 for both malformations). Of Pugs included in the study, 4.7% were diagnosed with clinically relevant thoracic vertebral malformations. When compared to the general veterinary hospital population, this was significantly more than the other two breeds (P = 0.006). This study indicates that thoracic vertebral malformations occur commonly in neurologically normal screw-tailed brachycephalic dogs. While hemivertebrae are often interpreted as incidental diagnostic findings, they appear to be of greater clinical importance in Pugs compared to other screw-tailed brachycephalic breeds.

The Chihuahua dog: A new animal model for neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis CLN7 disease?

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a group of incurable lysosomal storage disorders characterized by neurodegeneration and accumulation of lipopigments mainly within the neurons. We studied two littermate Chihuahua dogs presenting with progressive signs of blindness, ataxia, pacing, and cognitive impairment from 1 year of age. Because of worsening of clinical signs, both dogs were euthanized at about 2 years of age. Postmortem examination revealed marked accumulation of autofluorescent intracellular inclusions within the brain, characteristic of NCL. Whole‐genome sequencing was performed on one of the affected dogs. After sequence alignment and variant calling against the canine reference genome, variants were identified in the coding region or splicing regions of four previously known NCL genes (CLN6, ARSG, CLN2 [=TPP1], and CLN7 [=MFSD8]). Subsequent segregation analysis within the family (two affected dogs, both parents, and three relatives) identified MFSD8:p.Phe282Leufs13*, which had previously been identified in one Chinese crested dog with no available ancestries, as the causal mutation. Because of the similarities of the clinical signs and histopathological changes with the human form of the disease, we propose that the Chihuahua dog could be a good animal model of CLN7 disease.

Computer-Assisted Radiographic Calculation of Spinal Curvature in Brachycephalic “Screw-Tailed” Dog Breeds with Congenital Thoracic Vertebral Malformations: Reliability and Clinical Evaluation

The objectives of this study were: To investigate computer-assisted digital radiographic measurement of Cobb angles in dogs with congenital thoracic vertebral malformations, to determine its intra- and inter-observer reliability and its association with the presence of neurological deficits. Medical records were reviewed (2009–2013) to identify brachycephalic screw-tailed dog breeds with radiographic studies of the thoracic vertebral column and with at least one vertebral malformation present. Twenty-eight dogs were included in the study. The end vertebrae were defined as the cranial end plate of the vertebra cranial to the malformed vertebra and the caudal end plate of the vertebra caudal to the malformed vertebra. Three observers performed the measurements twice. Intraclass correlation coefficients were used to calculate the intra- and inter-observer reliabilities. The intraclass correlation coefficient was excellent for all intra- and inter-observer measurements using this method. There was a significant difference in the kyphotic Cobb angle between dogs with and without associated neurological deficits. The majority of dogs with neurological deficits had a kyphotic Cobb angle higher than 35°. No significant difference in the scoliotic Cobb angle was observed. We concluded that the computer assisted digital radiographic measurement of the Cobb angle for kyphosis and scoliosis is a valid, reproducible and reliable method to quantify the degree of spinal curvature in brachycephalic screw-tailed dog breeds with congenital thoracic vertebral malformations.

Feline intracranial meningioma with skull erosion and tumour extension into an area of skull hyperostosis

Skull hyperostosis is a frequently recognised feature of meningioma in feline and human patients, occurring at a frequency of around 4.5% of human cases. Evidence of osteolysis with extension of meningioma into, and in some cases through, the region of skull hyperostosis is much less commonly described in human patients. Here we present a 12-year-old cat with marked skull hyperostosis secondary to an intracranial meningioma, with magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography evidence of tumour extension into the skull, centrally within the region of hyperostosis. Only a thin layer of bone was remaining between the mass and the extracranial region. Surgical resection of the region of skull demonstrating tumour invasion and the underlying mass resulted in good resolution of clinical signs and no post-surgical recurrence of meningioma within the 5 months follow-up period. Histopathological examination confirmed the mass to be fibroblastic meningioma.

A review of canine atlantoaxial joint subluxation

Atlantoaxial subluxation was first reported in dogs nearly fifty years ago. Since that time a better understanding of the aetiologies predisposing to joint laxity and instability has been achieved. Surgeons however are still trying to address the problems associated with stabilizing this joint which by nature is often required in small juvenile dogs. This review describes the various techniques used, discussing the associated benefits and complications thereby allowing the clinician to make an informed decision on the best treatment for the individual patient.

The effect of kyphoscoliosis on intervertebral disc degeneration in dogs

In people, abnormalities in vertebral column conformation, such as kyphoscoliosis, induce degenerative changes in adjacent intervertebral disc (IVD) structure and composition. It was hypothesised that canine IVDs adjacent to a vertebral malformation undergo early degeneration. In a blinded retrospective study, thoracic IVD degeneration was evaluated in 14 dogs on magnetic resonance images using Pfirrmanns grade. IVDs adjacent to a vertebral malformation had higher grades of degeneration than non-adjacent IVDs (P < 0.0001). There was an age-dependency, with dogs between 1 and 4 years showing higher grade of degeneration in adjacent than non-adjacent IVDs (P < 0.0001). Conversely, in older dogs, all IVDs - including the non-adjacents - showed degenerative signs, possibly due to normal aging. These results suggest that congenital vertebral malformation results in early degeneration of adjacent IVDs.

The cutaneous trunci reflex for localising and grading thoracolumbar spinal cord injuries in dogs

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the accuracy of the cutaneous trunci reflex to localise thoracolumbar spinal cord injuries and to assess the correlation between focal loss (cut-off) of the reflex and clinical severity of thoracolumbar spinal cord injury. METHODS Prospective study of 41 dogs with thoracolumbar spinal cord injuries investigated by magnetic resonance imaging. Linear regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between the vertebral level of the cutaneous trunci reflex cut-off and the maximal and cranial lesion extent. The association between cutaneous trunci reflex cut-off and spinal cord injury severity was tested using a Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS Cutaneous trunci reflex cut-off was evident in 33 (80%) of dogs. The cut-off level was 0 to 4 vertebrae caudal to the maximal spinal cord lesion in all dogs. In 16 (48.5%) dogs the cut-off was either 2 or 3 vertebrae caudal to the lesion. The presence of a cut-off significantly correlated with increasing severity (P=0.0001). Loss of the reflex occurred at less severe grades than loss of ambulation and in dogs with ambulatory paresis it was significantly (P=0.0084) associated with increasing severity. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The cutaneous trunci reflex allows localisation of thoracolumbar spinal cord lesions within four vertebrae and facilitates clinical segregation of dogs with ambulatory paresis into mild and severe categories.

Steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis with spontaneous echocardiographic contrast and elevated cardiac troponin I in a dog

STEROID-responsive meningitis arteritis (SRMA) is a common disorder in canine medicine that normally affects young animals, with a breed predisposition reported for beagles, boxers and Weimaraners among others (Bathen-Noethen and others 2008, Lowrie and others 2009a, Tipold and others 2010). The aetiology of the disease is presumed to be immune-mediated, and this is supported by clinicopathological evidence and the response to immunosuppressive treatment (Lowrie and others 2009a, b, Tipold and Schatzberg 2010). The systemic consequences of SRMA are not always recognised, and this short communication is novel in describing the occurrence of spontaneous echocardiographic contrast (SEC) with SRMA and the normalisation of a previously elevated serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI) after treatment of SRMA. An 18-month-old female entire Whippet was presented with a five-day history of reluctance to exercise, anorexia, lethargy and fever. On examination, the dog was quiet but alert and responsive with a rectal temperature of 39.9°C. The findings of the physical and orthopaedic examinations were otherwise unremarkable. The finding of a neurological examination was also unremarkable apart from resentment of neck flexion to the left. Haematology showed an inflammatory picture with mild mature neutrophilia and monocytosis (Table 1). Biochemistry revealed a mild hypoalbuminemia and hypocalcaemia. Acute phase protein assessment showed marked elevation in haptoglobin and C-reactive protein (CRP) (Table 1). cTnI was increased, which is consistent with myocardial damage (Table 1). Urinalysis showed a normal protein:creatinine ratio (0.4; reference range, <0.5). View this table: Table 1 Haematology, biochemistry, acute-phase protein and cardiac troponin I results Cervical radiographs and abdominal ultrasonography showed no abnormalities; thoracic radiographs showed generalised cardiomegaly (vertebral heart score; 12.75) without evidence of specific chamber enlargement, consistent with a pericardial effusion. Echocardiography showed no left ventricular enlargement (left ventricular internal diameter in diastole, 39 mm; reference range (mean±2sd) for an 11 kg Whippet, 29.4 to …

Comparison of medical and surgical treatment for acute cervical compressive hydrated nucleus pulposus extrusion in dogs

Although successful outcomes have been reported after medical and surgical treatment for dogs with cervical hydrated nucleus pulposus extrusion (HNPE), it is unknown which treatment option is preferred. Thirty-four dogs treated medically (n=18) or surgically (n=16) for cervical HNPE were retrospectively identified. Signalment, clinical presentation and imaging findings were compared between medically and surgically treated dogs. Medical management consisted of restricted exercise in combination with physiotherapy. Surgical treatment consisted of a ventral slot procedure. Short-term follow-up information was retrieved from re-examination visits. Long-term outcome was obtained via telephone interviews. More dogs in the surgical group demonstrated cervical hyperaesthesia on initial clinical presentation (P=0.045), otherwise there was no significant difference in signalment, clinical presentation or imaging findings between both groups. Two dogs in the medically managed group underwent surgical decompression due to an unsatisfactory response to medical management. All cases for which long-term information was available (n=30) were neurologically normal at the time of data collection. There were no significant differences for any of the short-term or long-term outcome variables between both treatment groups. This study demonstrated successful outcomes after medical or surgical treatment and suggests that both treatment modalities can be considered for dogs with cervical HNPE.