Reactive Seizures Due to Hyperlipidemia in a Maltese Dog

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathali Adrielli Agassi De Sales ◽  
Julia Perinotto Picelli ◽  
Endrigo Gabellini Leonel Alves ◽  
Luana Castela de Tacia Dos Anjos ◽  
Eustáquio Resende Bittar ◽  
...  

Background: Primary hyperlipidemia is a condition that affects some specific breeds. It has been previously described in Miniature Shnauzer, Beagles, Shetland Shepdog and West Highland White Terrier. There are no reports of primary hyperlipidemia in Maltese dogs. It is a hereditary disorder of lipoprotein metabolism. The etiology is unknown and may be related to a genetic problem in lipoprotein lipase or to the absence of apaprotein CII. Clinical signs include spontaneous arterosclerosis, retinal lipemia, cutaneous xanthomas, abdominal pain, lethargy, vomiting and / or diarrhea. Neurological manifestations such as seizures and behavioral changes may also occur. The aim of this report is to describe a case of reactive seizures due to hyperlipidemia in a dog.Case: A 5-year-old male Maltese dog was admitted with a history of seizures. Hypertension and abdominal distension with large amounts of intestinal gases were found in general physical examination. Neurological examination revealed impaired nasal septum sensory perception, which was slightly bilaterally reduced, and pain on cervical palpation and in the brachial plexus region. Based on history and clinical examination, it was possible to locate the lesion in the thalamocortical region and to suspect idiopathic epilepsy, reactive seizures, and symptomatic epilepsy due to meningoencephalitis of unknown origin. The diagnosis of primary hyperlipidemia was made by exclusion with the aid of laboratory tests and ultrasound. After the establishment of a fat restriction diet, bezafibrate, phenobarbital, and omega-3 supplementation, the animal improved significantly with the reduction of epileptic seizures.Discussion: The initial clinical suspicion was hyperadrenocorticism as the primary cause of hyperlipidemia. This suspicion was based on the presence of polyphagia, polydipsia, polyuria and abdominal distension, together with laboratory results of thrombocytosis, increased ALT and AF, and hyposenuria; but ultrasound images and ACTH stimulation test ruled out this differential diagnosis. Hypothyroidism was also ruled out since LDL values were normal and the animal was extremely active. Regarding nephrotic syndrome, it was also excluded for some alterations would be present, such as severe proteinuria, cholesterol reduction and hypoalbuminemia. As for diabetes mellitus, it was discarded because of the dog’s young age and due to the absence of suggestive clinical signs. The suspicion of primary hyperlipidemia was based on increased levels of triglycerides, and the presumptive diagnosis was of reactive seizures due to hyperlipidemia. It is essential, when treating hyperlipidemia, to readjust to a low-calorie diet with fat concentration below 8% and protein level above 18%. Generally, these restricted diets are for life. Omega-3 supplementation can be performed to help maintain low levels of triglycerides. Drug therapy is usually carried out with bezafibrate, which is used in human medicine as treatment for hypertriglyceridemia, and has showed good results in the control of hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia in dogs with primary and secondary hyperlipidemia. Six months after the beginning of the treatment, the animal no longer presented abdominal distension and pain, cholesterol values and its fractions were controlled, as well as triglycerides. Seizures were also under control. Therefore, hyperlipidemia is an important differential diagnosis in cases of patients presenting seizures, especially when dealing with young animals showing signs of metabolic diseases.

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Heide Nunes Paz ◽  
Daniel De Medeiros Assis ◽  
Clédson Calixto de Oliveira ◽  
Rodrigo Barbosa Palmeira ◽  
Bruno Henrique Rodrigues do Nascimento ◽  
...  

Background: Soft tissue injuries are common in sport horses, especially those involving tendons, with few current reports in the literature on the diagnosis of extensor injuries, especially with regard to ultrasound characteristics, being essential for the diagnosis of these injuries. The objective of the study is to characterize the clinical signs and the alterations of images, especially ultrasound, in the diagnosis of these lesions of the dorsal radiocarpal region, through case reports of horses seen at the Medical Clinic of Large Animals of the Federal University of Campina Grande (MCLA/UFCG), Patos-PB, Brazil.Cases: The study includes five “vaquejada” competitions horses, of which two were active and the others were away from the sport before the onset of the problem, with injuries to the extensor tendons in the radiocarpal region. Two of the animals had involvement of the common digital extensor muscle tendon (CDEMT), with acute and chronic tenosynovitis, and three with involvement of the extensor carpi radialis muscle tendon (ECRMT), presenting acute tendonitis, septic tenosynovitis and rupture, all of traumatic etiology, except for one whose cause has not been determined. On physical examination, the affected tendon was noticeable in three cases, and two had other injuries associated with the tendons. Bone alteration in the radiographic examination was observed in two cases, however, one of them related to another disease in the radiocarpal palmar region. Ultrasound images, performed in all cases, showed different characteristics and degrees of the involvement of the tendon and its sheath.Discussion: The scarcity of current reports of extensor tendon injuries in horses can be attributed to the fact that they do not suffer as much overload or effect from biomechanics compared to flexor tendons, in addition to being an area of little soft tissue covering these tendons. Although the involvement of the extensor tendons is more frequent in the pelvic limbs, due to lacerations, the occurrence of lesions in the dorsal radiocarpal region may be related to excess flexion, being easily susceptible to trauma to solid objects. The specific clinical examination, associated with a well-explored anamnesis, can allow us to locate the lesion and achieve a presumptive diagnosis. In three cases, tendon injuries were noticeable on inspection and palpation, important points to guide the diagnosis. However, in two cases with associated injuries this perception became difficult. Regardless of the clinical diagnosis, imaging diagnosis in lesions of the locomotor system was essential, as it allowed us to assess bone involvement, accurately determine the location of the lesion, its extent and prognosis, which would not be possible only in the clinic. Through ultrasonography it was possible to classify the lesions into acute (hypoechoic areas) and chronic (hyperechoic areas or with heterogeneous pattern of variable echogenicity), in addition to the thickness and characteristic of the liquid in the tendon sheath, which are also important aspects for lesion classification. Thus, we conclude that the dorsal region at the carpal level is susceptible to trauma and can easily compromise the extensor tendons. And for the diagnosis and adequate conduct, it is necessary to determine ultrasound image regarding the different types of lesions, which is provided in the present study.


Coronaviruses ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 01 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Silvia De Feo ◽  
Viviana Frantellizzi ◽  
Giuseppe De Vincentis

Background: We present the case of a 55-year-old woman, admitted to the Infectious Disease Department of Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, in mid-March 2020, with suspicion of COVID-19 infection. Objective: The rRT-PCR was negative and the following CT scan, performed to exclude false-negative results and help diagnosis, was inconclusive. Methods: It was decided to submit the patient to 99mTc-HMPAO-labelled leukocyte scan. Results: This exam led to the diagnosis of infective endocarditis. Conclusion: In the present pandemic scenario, 99mTc-HMPAO-labelled leukocyte scan represents a reliable imaging technique for differential diagnosis with COVID-19 in patients with confusing clinical signs, possible false-negative rRT-PCR results and inconclusive CT scan.


2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastian Ganz ◽  
Axel Wehrend

Abstract Background Clinical signs of heat in bitches that have been previously spayed are often associated with the presence of ovarian remnant syndrome. The inclusion of exogenous estrogens as a differential diagnosis in this regard is often ignored and may lead to misinterpretation of the case. Case presentation Herein, we report a case of exogenous estrogen exposure over several months to a 6.5-year-old spayed crossbred bitch, weighing 8.4 kg. The bitch presented in the clinic because of suspected ovarian remnant syndrome. Castration was performed within the first 6 months after birth. Important endocrine parameters measured at the first appointment were Anti-Müllerian hormone (< 0.01 ng/mL), progesterone (0.36 ng/mL), estradiol-17ß (20.7 pg/mL), and luteinizing hormone (< 0.1 ng/mL). After an extensive conversation with the owner, it was revealed that she was using an estrogen spray because of severe menopausal symptoms. After the owner stopped using this spray, the symptoms of the bitch disappeared. Conclusion Therefore, the uptake of estrogens should be a differential diagnosis for symptoms of the ovarian remnant syndrome. A detailed anamnesis is crucial to identify the source of estrogen in the environment of the affected bitch.


1986 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
pp. 204-211
Author(s):  
Mary L. Williams

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition of infancy of unknown etiology. The disorder is usually mild and responsive to therapy. In severe or atypical cases, a variety of other entities should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, psoriasiform-id reaction, fungal infections, and irritant contact dermatitis can be differentiated on clinical grounds. Less common but more serious disorders, such as histiocytosis X, immunodeficiency disorders, and nutritional and metabolic diseases, may be considered in the child whose disease does not spontaneously resolve or respond satisfactorily to local therapy. Laboratory studies including skin biopsy may be helfpul in these cases. Seborrheic dermatitis is uncommon in children after infancy and before puberty. In this age group, scalp scaling is likely to be due to other causes, such as tinea capitis, atopic dermatitis, or psoriasis.


Author(s):  
N. Saini ◽  
S.K. Uppal ◽  
A. Anand

Background: Radiography is widely used for diagnosis of congestive heart failure as it enables non-invasive assessment of cardiac size, shape and pulmonary vasculature. So, the present study was conducted to record the radiographic changes in dogs with congestive heart failure.Methods: Fifty-one dogs with cardiac insufficiency brought to Teaching Veterinary Hospital of GADVASU, showing one of the clinical signs of chronic cough, dyspnea, exercise intolerance, abdominal distension, syncope and cyanosis were selected and were subjected to Lateral and Ventro-dorsal chest radiography. Result: Dilated cardiomyopathy was present in 24 dogs. Radiographically, pulmonary edema, cardiomegaly, vessel congestion were more common in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Valvular diseases were present in 16 dogs and radiographically left atrial (LA) dilatation was present in dogs with valvular diseases. Pericardial effusions were present in 11 dogs showing enlarged globoid heart radiographically.


Author(s):  
Rhoda Leask ◽  
Kenneth P. Pettey ◽  
Gareth F. Bath

Heartwater is a serious limiting factor for sheep and goat production in the major endemic area of sub-Saharan Africa and therefore most knowledge, research and control methods originate from this region. Whilst the usual or common clinical presentations can be used to make a presumptive diagnosis of heartwater with a good measure of confidence, this is not always the case, and animals suffering from heartwater may be misdiagnosed because their cases do not conform to the expected syndrome, signs and lesions. One aberrant form found occasionally in the Channel Island breeds of cattle and some goats is an afebrile heartwaterlike syndrome. The most constant and characteristic features of this heartwater-like syndrome comprise normal temperature, clinical signs associated with generalised oedema, and nervous signs, especially hypersensitivity. The presumption that the disease under investigation is the afebrile heartwater-like syndrome entails a tentative diagnosis based on history and clinical signs and the response to presumed appropriate treatment (metadiagnosis). The afebrile heartwater-like syndrome presents similarly to peracute heartwater but without the febrile reaction. Peracute cases of heartwater have a high mortality rate, enabling confirmation of the disease on post-mortem examination. Recognition of the afebrile heartwater-like syndrome is important to prevent deaths and identify the need for appropriate control measures.


2021 ◽  
Vol 41 ◽  
Author(s):  
João Ricardo C. Brito Junior ◽  
Karoline L. Soares ◽  
Yanca G.S. Soares ◽  
Flaviane N.L. Oliveira ◽  
Renato V. Alves ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT: This study describes the epidemiological, clinical, and pathological aspects of spontaneous and experimental poisoning by nitroxinil at 34% concentration in goats. The outbreak occurred on a farm in the municipality of Prata, Paraíba state. Nitroxinil was administered to a herd of 120 goats, of which 18 presented with anorexia, vocalization, abdominal distension, weakness, staggering, and falls. Necropsy of three goats revealed that the main lesion was acute liver injury. Histologically the liver showed centrilobular necrosis associated with hemorrhage and hepatocyte degeneration. In the kidneys, tubular nephrosis with granular cylinder formations was observed. The lungs showed multifocal to coalescent areas of moderate interalveolar edema and vascular congestion. Experimental poisoning was carried out in two goats, with the same medication and doses administered on the farm. The experimental goats showed clinical signs and macroscopic and histological changes similar to the spontaneously poisoned goats. The diagnosis of nitroxinil poisoning was made based on epidemiological, clinical, and pathological data, and confirmed by experimental poisoning. The administration of nitroxinil in high doses, associated with high ambient temperature and physical exercises, can cause poisoning with high lethality in goats.


2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Blanca Paola Boria-Gamboa ◽  
José Alfredo Villagómez-Cortés ◽  
David Itzcoatl Martínez-Herrera

Background: Lyme disease is a relatively new and zoonotic canine pathology mostly unknown by people involved in the management and care of dogs.  Objective: to assess the knowledge about Lyme disease by veterinarians and veterinary students in Veracruz, Mexico. Methodology: three questionnaires were designed and applied to 290 individuals (40 small animal veterinarians, 50 in other professional practice and 200 veterinary students). Results and discussion: in general, the three groups were unaware about the disease, although there is a high interest in learning about this problem. Graduates from seven universities included in this study stated that Lyme disease was not part of the veterinary curriculum in their schools. Five clinical cases suggestive of Lyme disease occurring in dogs in the area were detected at the time of this research. Conclusion: although the presence of the agent causing Lyme disease has not been demonstrated in the studied area due to the lack of laboratory support and the apparent absence of the vector, it cannot be ruled out; furthermore, it is important that veterinary practitioners and student alike be aware of the potential presence of Lyme disease, paying particular attention to differential diagnosis when resembling clinical signs are observed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Clara Sarzedas Ribeiro ◽  
Rodolfo José Cavalcanti Souto ◽  
Tayrlla Polessa Rodrigues Silva ◽  
José Augusto Bastos Afonso ◽  
Carla Lopes Mendonça ◽  
...  

Background: Intussusception, characterized by invagination of an intestinal segment into the lumen of the adjacent segment, is one of the main causes of intestinal obstruction in cattle, and occurs more frequently in calves. The diagnosis of the disease is based on the history, clinical examination, and complementary exams, which are a challenge in this species, especially in calves, in which transrectal palpation is limited. As it is a non-invasive, effective, and low-cost test, ultrasonography could be an important tool in the diagnosis of intestinal obstructions, in which time is essential for the prognosis. Therefore, the objective was to report a case of intussusception in a calf diagnosed by ultrasound.Case: A 4-month-old calf, weaned at 3 months and raised intensively, was treated at the Clínica de Bovinos de Garanhuns, campus of the Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (CBG/UFRPE), with a history of apathy, anorexia, and dyschezia for 3 days. On physical examination, fever, moderate dehydration, tachycardia, tachypnea with polypnea, bilaterally bulging abdomen, sound of fluid on ballottement, ruminal and intestinal hypomotility, and melena were observed. The hematological findings revealed leukocytosis due to neutrophilia (degenerate neutrophils), hypoproteinemia, and hyperfibrinogenemia. The analysis of the ruminal fluid showed compromised microbiota and increased chloride content. The transabdominal ultrasonography demonstrated, in the right ventral region, hypermotile and full small bowel loops and an increase in the volume of the peritoneal fluid. In addition, there was a segment of the small intestine which, in cross-section, showed multiple concentric rings (“onion rings”, “target pattern”, or “bull’s eye”) and adherence to adjacent loops, compatible with intestinal obstruction due to intussusception. Due to the seriousness of the clinical condition and the ultrasound findings, the animal was euthanized and the necropsy revealed focal fibrinous peritonitis and intestinal obstruction due to intussusception in ileum intestinal segments.Discussion: Intussusception has previously been reported in calves, however this is the first report of ultrasound diagnosis of the disease in Brazil. Although the etiology is rarely confirmed, the age group and recent changes in diet (weaning) were predisposing factors. The history, clinical signs, and laboratory tests were similar to those described in cattle with intussusception, however they may be present in other gastrointestinal illnesses. Other authors have also reported that the nonspecificity of the signs and the impossibility of performing transrectal palpation made it difficult to diagnose intestinal obstruction in calves without the use of other diagnostic tools. As it is a non-invasive and accurate technique, ultrasound has been used in ruminants for diagnostic purposes, including intestinal obstructions. In the present case, the main findings are described as the presence of a lesion with the appearance of multiple concentric rings, hypermotile, dilated, and full intestinal loops. The pathological findings were compatible with the ultrasound images and similar to those described by other authors, confirming the diagnosis. The use of ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool in cattle should be expanded, aiming at the early determination of diagnosis and prognosis, to reduce producer costs and animal discomfort. In cases of intussusception, late diagnosis makes treatment unfeasible.


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