Journal of Small Animal Practice最新文献

Myxomatous mitral valve disease, an acquired valvular degeneration, is the most common cardiac disorder in dogs, affecting approximately 10% of dogs in primary care veterinary practice. Dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease frequently require anaesthesia for routine procedures. The American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification system shows increasing mortality with higher grades, but its subjectivity limits risk stratification in dogs with preclinical myxomatous mitral valve disease. Because Stage B1 and B2 dogs can vary widely in disease severity, even within the same American Society of Anesthesiologists category, a single American Society of Anesthesiologists score may not accurately reflect their anaesthetic risk. While a comprehensive echocardiogram remains the gold standard for myxomatous mitral valve disease staging, referral to a veterinary cardiologist is often cost-prohibitive and might involve long waiting periods. This narrative review proposes a practical framework for pre-anaesthetic risk assessment and protocol selection in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease, integrating accessible diagnostic tools including physical examination, radiographic measurements (vertebral heart size and vertebral left atrial size), cardiac biomarkers (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) and point-of-care ultrasound. Recommended anaesthetic protocols are provided for different clinical scenarios ranging from cases with limited diagnostics through grey zone presentations to confirmed cardiomegaly, alongside structured approaches to managing intraoperative complications. This spectrum of care approach recognises that while specialist evaluation remains ideal, practical alternatives can guide safe anaesthetic management for this commonly encountered cardiac condition in companion dogs.

Objectives: To compare the postoperative complication rates and outcomes of client-owned dogs treated surgically for humeral intracondylar fissures and/or humeral condylar fractures either as unilateral or bilateral simultaneous procedures.

Materials and methods: Hospital records from a single referral centre in the United Kingdom were reviewed retrospectively. Dogs were categorised into the unilateral and bilateral groups and then further subdivided according to the surgical procedure performed. Clinical follow-up and a client evaluation scheme were used to identify complications and assess functional outcomes.

Results: Medical records of 75 skeletally mature dogs met the inclusion criteria. The overall complication rate was 36.0%. There was a 1.57-fold increase in the complication rate in bilateral humeral intracondylar fissure compared to unilateral humeral intracondylar fissure and a 2.22-fold increase in humeral intracondylar fissure/humeral condylar fracture compared to unilateral humeral condylar fracture. When minor complications were excluded, the complication rate for bilateral surgeries overall was double that of unilateral procedures. Major surgical complications predominated in the bilateral groups, while major medical complications predominated in the unilateral groups. Surgical site infection was 1.68-fold more prevalent in bilateral humeral intracondylar fissure compared to unilateral humeral intracondylar fissure and 4.45-fold more prevalent in bilateral humeral intracondylar fissure/humeral condylar fracture than in unilateral humeral condylar fracture. Unilateral humeral intracondylar fissure and humeral condylar fracture consistently outperformed the bilateral procedures in functional recovery. Across all bilateral groups, no postoperative complications were detected in the prophylactically treated limb.

Clinical significance: Single-stage bilateral surgery is associated with markedly increased complication rates, particularly in bicondylar fractures. Delaying intervention on the prophylactic limb until the onset of clinical signs might be considered due to higher complication rates in single-stage procedures.

Objectives: To evaluate surgical outcomes, urinary continence and survival in dogs with stage T < 4 prostatic tumours or preneoplastic lesions treated with nerve-sparing total prostatectomy.

Materials and methods: A retrospective review of 22 dogs that underwent nerve-sparing total prostatectomy between 2018 and 2024 was conducted. Inclusion criteria included histologically confirmed prostatic neoplasia or preneoplastic lesions, complete preoperative staging (contrast-enhanced CT and urethrocystoscopy), absence of nodal or distant metastases (N0, M0) and no invasion of adjacent structures (

Results: Fifteen dogs were staged as T2N0M0, five as T3N0M0 and two as T1N0M0. The average surgical time was 72.5 minutes. One minor intraoperative complication occurred, with no major postoperative complications observed. All dogs were incontinent immediately after catheter removal; however, improvement was seen in all cases during follow-up. Fifteen dogs (68.2%) regained full continence, while seven (31.8%) experienced persistent mild (grade 1) incontinence. No dogs developed severe permanent incontinence. Tumour progression was observed in six dogs (27.3%) at a median of 150 days post-surgery. The median follow-up and survival times were 570 and 900 days, respectively.

Clinical significance: In carefully selected dogs with early-stage (T < 4) prostatic disease, nerve-sparing total prostatectomy is associated with a low complication rate, favourable long-term continence and encouraging survival outcomes. This approach offers a viable treatment option for dogs with limited local disease.

Objectives: To identify risk factors associated with periodontal disease in pet dogs, based on detailed owner-reported demographic, health and behaviour survey data.

Materials and methods: A total of 12,753 pet owners completed a one-time questionnaire that included questions concerning their pet's demographics and health.

Results: Overall periodontal disease prevalence was 50.5% (95% CI 0.50 to 0.51). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified age, breed characteristics, oral diagnoses, symptoms and oral care habits as key risk factors for periodontal disease. Age was strongly associated with periodontal disease, with dogs aged ≥8 years at highest risk (OR = 1.37 to 2.43) and those under 4 years at lowest risk (OR = 0.30 to 0.64). Several breeds were at significantly increased risk, including American cocker spaniels (OR = 2.52, 95% CI 1.63 to 4.00, P < .001) and Papillons (OR = 2.36, 95% CI 1.56 to 3.65), while English Bulldogs exhibited the lowest odds of periodontal disease (OR = 0.12, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.20). Symptoms such as halitosis (OR = 2.03, 95% CI 1.75 to 2.34) and resistance to head touch (OR = 1.66, 95% CI 1.28 to 2.15) were associated with significantly increased periodontal disease odds.

Clinical significance: These findings highlight important risk factors associated with periodontal disease that may contribute to earlier identification and prevention.

Objectives: To assess the theoretical and morphometric effects of a novel oblique tibial tuberosity osteotomy technique designed to enable simultaneous advancement and lateralisation of the tibial tuberosity using a tibial tuberosity advancement cage for the surgical treatment of concurrent cranial cruciate ligament disease and medial patellar luxation in dogs.

Study design: Computational modelling and ex vivo cadaveric study.

Animals: Fourteen pelvic limbs from mixed-breed dog cadavers (15.8 to 25.3 kg).

Materials and methods: Theoretical calculations were performed to quantify tibial tuberosity displacement based on osteotomy angle and cage size using trigonometric principles. A 3D computer simulation was used to evaluate four osteotomy angles (0°, 25°, 30° and 35°). Oblique osteotomies targeting 30° were performed freehand on 14 cadaveric tibiae. Pre- and postoperative CT scans were used to measure the actual osteotomy angles achieved. Shapiro-Wilk and paired t-tests were used to assess data normality and statistical significance, respectively.

Results: The mean osteotomy angle achieved was 32.27° (SD ±3.4°), significantly different from the target angle of 30°. Lateralisation and advancement percentages for the tibial tuberosity were as follows: 0°: 0% lateralisation, 100% advancement; 25°: 42.3%, 90.7%; 30°: 50.0%, 86.7%; 35°: 57.3% and 82.0%, respectively. For all cage sizes (3, 6, 9 and 12 mm), lateral translation consistently exceeded the target value, whereas cranial translation was consistently lower than the target, showing statistically significant differences.

Conclusion: Simultaneous tibial tuberosity advancement and lateralisation could be achieved using an oblique osteotomy and standard tibial tuberosity advancement cage. However, freehand osteotomies demonstrate limited accuracy, suggesting that cutting guides may improve consistency.

Clinical significance: This technique offers a novel approach to treat dogs with concurrent cranial cruciate ligament disease and medial patellar luxation, potentially simplifying surgical management through a single, oblique osteotomy.

Objectives: Ureteral ectopia is a common cause of urinary incontinence in juvenile dogs that is commonly treated with cystoscopic-guided laser ablation due to reduced post-operative pain and hospitalisation time compared with open surgical techniques. However, due to the surgical training and substantial costs relating to laser equipment, this may not always be feasible. This aim of this study was to describe a novel, modified surgical technique for cystoscopic-guided scissor transection of intramural ureteral ectopia detailing the complications and outcomes in dogs.

Materials and methods: Single-centre retrospective study. Medical records were searched for female dogs treated for ureteral ectopia by cystoscopic-guided scissor transection between 2010 and 2022. Outcome was based on owner questionnaire and dogs were assigned a continence score pre- and post-operatively based on a 5-point scoring system. Descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to analyse the data.

Results: Twenty-five dogs met the inclusion criteria. Median surgical time was 42.5 minutes (20 to 120 minutes) and there were no intraoperative complications. Of the 25 dogs, three (12%) had major complications and two (8%) had minor complications. Of the 18 dogs available for follow-up, 66% of dogs were continent with surgery alone and all dogs' continence scores improved following surgery. Median continence score pre-operatively was 1/5 and post-operatively was 5/5. Surgery had a significant improvement in continence scores when comparing pre- and post-operative values.

Clinical significance: Cystoscopic-guided scissor transection of intramural ectopic ureters significantly improved continence scores with low complication rates. This method is a successful alternative to the laser alternative.

Objectives: Mycobacterium abscessus is a rapidly growing non-tuberculous mycobacterium known for intrinsic antimicrobial resistance. While well characterised in humans, reports in dogs remain limited. To describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, treatment strategies and outcomes of Mycobacterium abscessus infections in six dogs.

Materials and methods: Canine medical records between 2017 and 2025 were retrospectively reviewed. Dogs were included based on confirmed Mycobacterium abscessus infection by mycobacterial culture and/or polymerase chain reaction. Data collected included signalment, clinical signs, diagnostics, treatment protocols, outcomes and follow-up.

Results: Six dogs of various breeds and ages were included in the study. Two dogs presented with chronic respiratory signs (2/6) (coughing and hacking), whereas the other four had cutaneous/subcutaneous nodules with draining tracts, frequently located on the right side of the trunk. All cases occurred during the winter months. Diagnosis was confirmed by culture and polymerase chain reaction in all cases; one isolate was additionally identified via MALDI-TOF. Cutaneous histopathology (performed in two dogs) showed pyogranulomatous dermatitis and panniculitis. Clarithromycin was the primary treatment in all dogs. Polytherapy with the use of additional antimicrobials varied. Clinical outcomes/follow-up were available for five dogs, with one dog fully recovered, one relapsed after discontinuation of therapy and two were euthanased. Two dogs had a concurrent staphylococcal infection.

Clinical significance: Mycobacterium abscessus infections in dogs can mimic other chronic infections and present significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Disease patterns (respiratory or cutaneous) closely resemble human cases. Culture and polymerase chain reaction are essential for diagnosis, and clarithromycin remains a key therapeutic option despite variable susceptibility.

Objectives: To characterise multidrug antimicrobial resistance and pathogenicity profiles of bacteria isolated from different anatomical sites in bitches with pyometra, emphasising their clinical relevance for diagnosis and therapeutic decision-making in small animal practice.

Materials and methods: Bacteria were obtained from the faeces, urine, uterus and vagina of 23 dogs diagnosed with pyometra undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Antimicrobial resistance profiles were analysed for all identified isolates, together with phylogenetic classification of Escherichia coli and detection of virulence factor-encoding genes.

Results: Bacterial isolates obtained from faecal, urinary, uterine and vaginal samples showed predominantly positive growth for Escherichia coli, followed by Staphylococcus spp., Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus spp. Among these isolates recovered from each anatomical site, multidrug-resistant bacteria - defined as resistance to three or more classes of antimicrobials - were identified across all bacterial genera, with frequencies of 37.7% among faecal isolates, 16.7% among urinary isolates, 44.5% among uterine isolates and 100% among vaginal isolates, except for Enterobacter spp. Among dogs positive for Escherichia coli (11/23), phylogroups A/C (30.9%) were the most prevalent, followed by D/E (16.9%), B2 (15.5%), B1 (12.7%), A (12.7%), C (8.5%) and U (2.8%). In 90% (10/11) of cases, Escherichia coli isolates recovered from faecal, vaginal and/or uterine samples belonged to the same clonal family, suggesting faecal contamination. Overall, 77.4% of Escherichia coli isolates of uterine origin were classified as resistant or multidrug-resistant, and 83.9% harboured one or more virulence factor-encoding genes (hlyA, uspA, papC and predominantly fimH). Phylogroup B2 was the only group in which all assessed virulence factors were simultaneously detected.

Clinical significance: The presence of multidrug-resistant bacteria across all genera isolated in cases of canine pyometra underscores the clinical importance of antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Furthermore, the recovery of genetically related Escherichia coli isolates from intestinal and reproductive tract samples supports the intestinal microbiota as a relevant source of infection in affected bitches.

Objectives: To compare the prevalence and severity of polyuria and polydipsia in dogs receiving once-daily or divided-daily oral prednisolone regimens.

Materials and methods: In a randomised, crossover trial, 12 client-owned dogs with diseases requiring oral prednisolone were treated with a daily dose ≥1.5 mg/kg, administered once-daily or divided-daily. The initial dosing regimen was administered for 14 days and then switched to the alternative regimen for an additional 14 days. Daily water intake, urine specific gravity and urine osmolality were measured before treatment and on days 7, 14, 21 and 28.

Results: The median daily dose of prednisolone administered to dogs was 1.7 mg/kg (range: 1.5 to 2.1 mg/kg). Nine and six dogs experienced polydipsia and diluted urine (likely polyuria), respectively, without difference between once-daily and divided-daily regimens. Dogs treated with a once-daily regimen exhibited significantly lower water intake on day 14 compared to those treated with divided-daily prednisolone. Median urine specific gravity and urine osmolality did not differ between once-daily and divided-daily prednisolone administration. An almost linear positive correlation was established between urine specific gravity and osmolality.

Clinical significance: Once-daily rather than divided-daily dosing is a reasonable option in dogs treated with oral prednisolone to reduce excessive water intake in the clinical setting. Urine specific gravity and osmolality can be used interchangeably for the assessment of urine concentration.