Andrew Kent

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of urolithiasis in dogs with primary portal vein hypoplasia and to compare clinicopathological changes and clinical signs between dogs with and without uroliths. Materials and Methods: The clinical records of 15 UK referral hospitals were searched for dogs diagnosed with primary portal vein hypoplasia between 2010 and 2023. Dogs lacking a histopathological diagnosis and those without comprehensive diagnostic imaging to exclude congenital extrahepatic or intrahepatic portosystemic shunts were excluded. Medical records were reviewed for clinical signs, biochemical parameters, urinalysis findings and the presence or absence of urolithiasis. Results: Fourteen dogs with a definitive diagnosis of primary portal vein hypoplasia were documented, of which four (28.5%) had urolithiasis. All dogs with urolithiasis had crystalluria. One of the four dogs (25%) had bilirubin crystals, while the three other dogs (75%) with urolithiasis had ammonium biurate crystalluria, and two (50%) exhibited lower urinary tract signs. The median age was 15 months (range 3 to 38) and 39 months (range 6 to 104) in dogs with or without urolithiasis, respectively. The median duration of clinical signs was 71 days (range 14 to 150) in dogs with urolithiasis and 135 days (range 3 to 365) in those without. Acquired extrahepatic portosystemic shunts were documented in 2/4 (50%) dogs with urolithiasis and 1/10 (10%) of dogs without. Clinical Significance: Dogs with primary portal vein hypoplasia were at risk of developing uroliths, including both lower and upper urinary tract stones, and often exhibited associated clinical signs. These findings highlight the importance of performing urinalysis and diagnostic imaging in the evaluation of dogs with this condition.

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical benefit of faecal microbiota transplantation administered via a single retention enema, as an adjunctive treatment in the management of dogs with chronic enteropathy. Materials and Methods: Blinded, randomised controlled trial. Dogs with chronic enteropathy (>3 weeks of small or mixed intestinal diarrhoea) were randomly allocated to either the faecal microbiota transplantation or standard treatment group (ratio 1:1) via blinded selection. Dogs in the standard treatment group had a diet change only, while dogs in the faecal microbiota transplantation group had a diet change and faecal microbiota transplantation. faecal microbiota transplantation was performed using fresh faecal material from donor dogs, screened for selected enteropathogens and administered via retention rectal enema. Outcomes measured included the Canine Inflammatory Bowel Disease Activity Index, faecal score and the owner's reported improvement. Group comparisons were made using Fisher's exact tests (owner‐reported outcomes) and Kruskal–Wallis tests adjusted for ties (Canine Inflammatory Bowel Disease Activity Index and faecal score). Results: Forty‐two dogs with chronic enteropathy (median Canine Inflammatory Bowel Disease Activity Index score 6 [range 4 to 11]) were included in the study. Twenty‐five dogs were randomly assigned to receive faecal microbiota transplantation, while 17 dogs were allocated to standard treatment. A progressive improvement in stool consistency (reduced faecal score) was recorded over time for most dogs in both groups. By Day 90, the rates of owner‐defined clinical improvement were 76% (CI 54% to 90%) in the faecal microbiota transplantation group and 73% (CI 40% to 92%) in the standard treatment group. No significant differences were evident between the two groups based on the proportion of owners that reported clinical improvement, Canine Inflammatory Bowel Disease Activity Index score or faecal score. Clinical Significance: This study did not demonstrate a clear clinical benefit for adjunctive faecal microbiota transplantation via single retention enema in dogs with chronic enteropathy compared to diet change alone, although the small sample size means that a type II error cannot be excluded. The similar outcome for both groups supports high rates of food responsiveness among this cohort of chronic enteropathy dogs.

A 6‐year‐9‐month‐old, female, entire golden retriever was referred with an 11‐day history of generalised weakness with no response to analgesia. The clinical examination revealed appendicular joint pain with effusion and mucopurulent vaginal discharge. Investigations included blood analysis, which documented non‐specific inflammatory changes. Computed tomography revealed multiple joint effusions and a distended fluid fluid‐filled uterus compatible with pyometra. Arthrocentesis of multiple joints confirmed the presence of abundant non‐degenerate neutrophils with negative culture, characteristic of immune‐mediated polyarthritis. The dog underwent an ovariohysterectomy and recovered in the hospital for 48 hours. Treatment included antibiotics and analgesia, but no immunosuppressive medication was prescribed. The dog showed a rapid and complete resolution of the clinical signs, and no relapses were reported in the following 6 months. Although multiple triggers have been described in the veterinary literature, this is the first reported case of presumed pyometra associated with reactive immune‐mediated polyarthritis in a dog.

Objectives: A variety of treatment options for sinonasal aspergillosis have been described, encompassing non‐invasive and invasive approaches. To describe the clinical outcomes in dogs treated for sinonasal aspergillosis in the United Kingdom. Materials and Methods: A multi‐centre retrospective survey was performed involving 23 referral centres in the United Kingdom from January 2011 to December 2021. Cases were reviewed for first treatment success rates, the number of treatments required and overall clinical remission rates. Different treatment approaches were compared, including rhinoscopic debridement (RD), trephination (TR) and sinusotomy/rhinotomy (SR). Results: In a cohort of 436 dogs with sinonasal aspergillosis, the most common first treatment modalities were RD (38%) and TR (32%), with SR used in 7% and oral antifungal monotherapy in 3%. The remaining 20% used a mixture of treatments. First treatment remission rate was 55% with SR, 38% with RD, 29% with TR and 31% with the mixed treatment. Overall remission rate was 67% with SR, 81% with RD and 69% with TR and 59% where different treatments were combined. Oral antifungal monotherapy had no successful outcomes at any time point. Complete debridement significantly improved remission rates of first treatments (54% vs. 21%, P = 0.003). Adverse effects were reported in 24% of cases, most commonly in SR and TR groups. Clinical Significance: Rhinoscopic debridement and trephination remain the predominant treatment options for SNA in UK referral practices, with similar overall clinical remission rates. The degree of debridement significantly influences treatment outcomes, with rhinoscopic debridement in combination with topical antifungals showing the highest success rates.

Background: Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) in dogs often carries a guarded prognosis, and it is unclear if survival differs among breeds. Hypothesis/Objectives: Survival of pugs with PLE is shorter than that of other breeds of dogs with PLE. Animals: Forty-seven pugs and 148 dogs of other breeds were diagnosed with PLE at seven United Kingdom (UK) referral hospitals. Methods: Retrospective, multicenter observational study. Case records were reviewed to identify dogs diagnosed with PLE. Cox's proportional hazards regression was used to determine variables associated with survival. Results: Median (interquartile range) survival in pugs with PLE and dogs of other breeds was 104 (22–719) days and 759 (61–1632) days, respectively (p = 0.002). The hazard of death was higher in pugs (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.961; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.108–3.741; p = 0.002) than in other dogs. Neutrophil counts in peripheral blood were associated with an increased hazard of death (HR change per 1 × 109/L: 1.045; 95% CI: 1.014–1.077; p = 0.004), whereas cobalamin concentration (HR: 0.995; 95% CI: 0.991–0.999) and cobalamin supplementation (HR: 0.517; 95% CI: 0.271–0.988) were positively associated with decreased hazard of death. A time-dependent effect on survival was identified for serum globulin concentrations, whereby globulin concentration was positively associated with hazard of death in dogs surviving 61–959 days (HR: 1.126; 95% CI: 1.040–1.219) and > 959 days (1.253; 95% CI: 1.048–1.497), but not 0–60 days (HR: 0.949; 95% CI: 0.891–1.011 days). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Results of our observational study suggest a worse prognosis for pugs with PLE compared to a selection of dogs of other breeds seen at UK referral centers.

Objectives: To assess the incidence and clinical findings associated with the presence of ammonium urate urolithiasis in dogs with congenital portosystemic shunts.Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of dogs diagnosed with extrahepatic portosystemic shunts or intrahepatic portosystemic shunts in 15 referral hospitals between 2010 and 2023. Data including signalment, clinical signs, physical examination findings and clinicopathologic test results at the time of the diagnosis were collected, and the presence of ammonium urate urolithiasis was recorded.Results: A total of 363 dogs were included. The overall incidence of ammonium urate urolithiasis was 19.3%. Dogs with extrahepatic portosystemic shunts were more likely to have urolithiasis compared to those with intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (32.2% vs. 8.0%). Dogs with urolithiasis were older (median 40 vs. 8 months) and more likely to be neutered males (51.4% vs. 9.8%). Ammonia was significantly lower in dogs with urolithiasis. Dogs with urolithiasis were more likely to have haematuria on dipstick analysis and sediment examination.Clinical Significance: Dogs with extrahepatic portosystemic shunts were more likely to have urolithiasis when compared to dogs with intrahepatic portosystemic shunts. Dogs with higher ammonia levels were less likely to have ammonium urate urolithiasis, and older dogs, neutered males, or those with evidence of haematuria had an increased incidence of urolithiasis.

Objectives: To describe the diagnostic tests used and their comparative performance in dogs diagnosed with sinonasal aspergillosis in the United Kingdom. A secondary objective was to describe the signalment, clinical findings and common clinicopathologic abnormalities in sinonasal aspergillosis.Materials and Methods: A multi‐centre retrospective survey was performed involving 23 referral centres in the United Kingdom to identify dogs diagnosed with sinonasal aspergillosis from January 2011 to December 2021. Dogs were included if fungal plaques were seen during rhinoscopy or if ancillary testing (via histopathology, culture, cytology, serology or PCR) was positive and other differential diagnoses were excluded.Results: A total of 662 cases were entered into the database across the 23 referral centres. Four hundred and seventy‐five cases met the study inclusion criteria. Of these, 419 dogs had fungal plaques and compatible clinical signs. Fungal plaques were not seen in 56 dogs with turbinate destruction that had compatible clinical signs and a positive ancillary test result. Ancillary diagnostics were performed in 312 of 419 (74%) dogs with observed fungal plaques permitting calculation of sensitivity of cytology as 67%, fungal culture 59%, histopathology 47% and PCR 71%.Clinical Significance: The sensitivities of ancillary diagnostics in this study were lower than previously reported challenging the clinical utility of such tests in sinonasal aspergillosis. Treatment and management decisions should be based on a combination of diagnostics including imaging findings, visual inspection, and ancillary testing, rather than ancillary tests alone.

Objectives: To characterise the fever episodes attributed to Shar Pei autoinflammatory disease and to identify common diagnostic and management strategies in the United Kingdom. A secondary objective was to determine risk factors associated with Shar Pei autoinflammatory disease fever episodes.Methods: A retrospective survey was performed to characterise episodes of Shar Pei autoinflammatory disease fever and to identify commonly used treatments in affected dogs. Clinical data were collected from owners and veterinarians. Frequencies of previously proposed risk factors (skin thickness and folding, muzzle conformation) and comorbid conditions were compared between dogs that had exhibited fever episodes consistent with Shar Pei autoinflammatory disease and those who had not.Results: At least one episode of fever attributed to Shar Pei autoinflammatory disease was reported in 52 of 106 (49%) Shar Pei. Nine other dogs had fever episodes consistent with Shar Pei autoinflammatory disease reported by their owners but not by veterinarians. Median rectal temperature at presentation for Shar Pei autoinflammatory disease fever was 40.1°C [104.2°F] (39.9 to 41.3°C [103.8 to 106.3°F]) and owners reported associated hyporexia (n=33, 63%) and vomiting (n=8, 15%) more frequently than veterinary records (n=22, 42% and n=0, 0%, respectively). The median number of veterinary appointments for Shar Pei autoinflammatory disease was two per dog (1 to 15) while owners reported a median of four episodes per dog per year. None of the assessed phenotypic variants or comorbidities were significantly associated with exhibiting Shar Pei autoinflammatory disease fever episodes.Clinical Significance: Episodes of Shar Pei autoinflammatory disease fever were reported approximately twice as frequently by owners compared to veterinary records, suggesting the burden of this condition may be underestimated by veterinarians. Specific risk factors for Shar Pei autoinflammatory disease fever were not identified.

Objectives: To provide a description of primary idiopathic immune‐mediated polyarthritis, including long‐term outcome and relapse rates, for dogs starting treatment with corticosteroids alone or corticosteroids with a second immunosuppressant.Materials and Methods: Medical records were reviewed between January 2012 and December 2017 to identify dogs diagnosed with primary immune‐mediated polyarthritis. Data including signalment, clinicopathological findings, type and duration of treatment, relapse and outcome were recorded.Results: Seventy‐three dogs were included. Fifty‐four dogs were started on corticosteroid monotherapy (an additional immunosuppressant was introduced later in 27/54 dogs) and 19 dogs were treated with multi‐modal immunosuppression from the outset. Ninety‐five percent (69/73) of dogs responded favourably to therapy although death was attributed to immune‐mediated polyarthritis in 19% (14/73) of dogs. Relapse of clinical signs was reported in 53% (39/73) dogs (31/39 while on treatment), with multiple relapses observed in 17 dogs. Complete cure (permanent withdrawal of immunosuppressive medication) was achieved in 46 dogs (63%). Overall, 81% of dogs had a well‐managed disease for an extended timeframe (≥1131 days). Fourteen of 19 (74%) dogs that started treatment with multi‐modal immunosuppression and 32 of 54 (59%) started on corticosteroids alone achieved a complete cure.Clinical Significance: This study provides extended follow‐up information for a large cohort of dogs with primary immune‐mediated polyarthritis. Immunosuppressive therapy was discontinued in the majority of dogs but disease‐associated mortality remains high.

Background: Biliary sludge (BS) frequently is identified on ultrasonographic examination and is described as incidental. It is hypothesized that biliary stasis and hypersecretion play a role in both BS and gallbladder mucocele (GBM) formation. Recent studies have documented similarities in composition of BS and GBM, and there are several examples of progression from BS to GBM in the veterinary literature. Objectives: To assess the relationship between the presence of BS and later development of GBM in dogs, over time periods >12 months. Animals: A total of 154 dogs with BS and ultrasonographic follow-up >12 months. Methods: Medical records were retrospectively collected from 9 UK-based referral centers for all available time points. A semiobjective scoring system was used to track volume of BS within the gall bladder (GB) over time. Results: Twenty dogs developed GBM during the study period. Shetland Sheepdogs (odds ratio [OR], 40.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.61-465.95; P = .003) and Border Terriers (OR, 11.66; 95% CI, 3.28-46.63; P < .001) were independent risk factors for the development of GBM. Non–gravity-dependent BS (NDBS) was noted to form before GBM development in 9/20 dogs, and breeds at-risk for GBM were more likely to have NDBS. Odds for the development of GBM increased with BS score. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Dogs with NDBS may be at risk for the development of GBM and a stratified BS scoring system could allow for semiobjective monitoring over time, particularly in at-risk breeds.