OBJECTIVE: Medial shoulder instability (MSI) is a frequent cause of thoracic limb lameness in dogs, yet its diagnosis remains challenging, with arthroscopic examination considered the gold standard. The objective of this...OBJECTIVE: Medial shoulder instability (MSI) is a frequent cause of thoracic limb lameness in dogs, yet its diagnosis remains challenging, with arthroscopic examination considered the gold standard. The objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic sensitivity of preoperative shoulder abduction angle measurements and MRI findings for detecting MSI in dogs with arthroscopically confirmed diagnoses. ANIMALS AND PROCEDURE: Medical records from AniCura Jeløy Dyresykehus (Moss, Norway) (2017 to 2024) were retrospectively reviewed for dogs with unilateral MSI diagnosed arthroscopy. Inclusion criteria included signalment and clinical history and clinical, orthopedic, and neurological examinations, followed by bilateral shoulder abduction angle measurements using the contralateral "healthy" limb as reference. Preoperative imaging included neutral lateral shoulder radiography and MRI examinations. Shoulder abduction angles and MRI findings were compared with arthroscopic diagnoses to assess sensitivity. RESULTS: Seventeen dogs (9 males, 8 females) with a median age of 72.0 mo and a median weight of 25.0 kg were included. Median lameness grade was 2 (mild to moderate). Median shoulder abduction angles were 42° in affected shoulder and 28° in contralateral shoulder, with a median difference of 14°, ranging from 11 to 26°. The shoulder abduction angle test (threshold > 40°) showed 100% sensitivity (95% CI: 80.5 to 100%) for MSI detection, whereas the sensitivity of MRI examination (medial compartment pathology) was 23.5% (95% CI: 6.8 to 49.9%). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Bilateral shoulder abduction angle measurement is a practical, noninvasive, and apparently effective diagnostic tool for MSI that outperformed MRI with regard to diagnostic sensitivity in the study sample. Given the cost of MRI and need for anesthesia, shoulder abduction angle measurement may be preferable in clinical settings. Moreover, in cases of unilateral shoulder lameness, a difference > 10° in the abduction angles between the affected and contralateral "healthy" shoulders might be a simple, accessible indicator of MSI.
Feitosa M, Honorato R, Mouta A
… +8 more, Dias A, Dias H, Corrêa A, Gomes C, Junior J, Moraes O, Reis L, Paredes A
Can Vet J
· 2026 May · PMID 42095163
Intranasal inflammatory polyps are commonly reported in cats but are rarely described in dogs. A pug dog was presented with chronic upper airway obstruction consistent with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOA...Intranasal inflammatory polyps are commonly reported in cats but are rarely described in dogs. A pug dog was presented with chronic upper airway obstruction consistent with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Computed tomographic examination of the skull revealed intranasal soft-tissue masses causing marked airflow obstruction. Surgical correction of BOAS was completed, including removal of the intranasal obstructive tissue. Histopathologic examination confirmed inflammatory polyps. Clinical signs improved markedly following surgery. This case highlights intranasal inflammatory polyps as an uncommon and potentially underrecognized comorbidity in dogs with BOAS and emphasizes the importance of considering this diagnosis in brachycephalic dogs with persistent or atypical respiratory signs. Key clinical message: Intranasal inflammatory polyps may represent an uncommon and underrecognized comorbidity in dogs with BOAS. Recognition of concurrent intranasal pathology is important, as surgical management may result in significant clinical improvement.
A 3-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat was evaluated for hematuria. Ultrasonography and CT scanning identified moderate right-side hydronephrosis associated with right proximal and distal ureteral strictures,...A 3-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat was evaluated for hematuria. Ultrasonography and CT scanning identified moderate right-side hydronephrosis associated with right proximal and distal ureteral strictures, as well as partial stenosis of the left distal ureter. Medical management, including fluid therapy, ureteral muscle relaxants, and corticosteroids, was initiated but failed to improve progressive renal pelvic dilation as assessed on serial ultrasound scans. This case highlights the limited efficacy of conservative therapy and contributes to the growing body of evidence on the management of feline ureteral strictures.
A 4-year-old neutered male cat was presented with a perineal mass extending over the penis. The mass was surgically excised perineal urethrostomy. Histopathology confirmed a high-grade B-cell lymphoma confined to the pe...A 4-year-old neutered male cat was presented with a perineal mass extending over the penis. The mass was surgically excised perineal urethrostomy. Histopathology confirmed a high-grade B-cell lymphoma confined to the penis and extending microscopically to the prepuce. The cat remained disease free for 6 mo before dying of an unknown cause. To the authors' knowledge, this case may represent the first reported instance of a feline lymphoma clinically confined to the penis. Key clinical message: Penile lymphoma, though rare in cats, should be considered in the differential diagnosis for perineal or penile masses. Surgical excision can achieve local control, but prognosis and the role of adjuvant therapy remain uncertain.
The objective of this report was to document clinical remission of suspected familial proteinuria in a Bracco Italiano dog. A 4-year-old intact female Bracco Italiano with a familial history of amyloidosis was presented...The objective of this report was to document clinical remission of suspected familial proteinuria in a Bracco Italiano dog. A 4-year-old intact female Bracco Italiano with a familial history of amyloidosis was presented because of unilateral chemosis, polyuria, and polydipsia. Hypoalbuminemia and severe proteinuria were detected initial diagnostics. Although no renal histopathologic assessment was done, there was a strong clinical suspicion for renal amyloidosis. The dog was treated with telmisartan and colchicine (in addition to other therapies) for proteinuria and achieved clinical remission > 5 y post-diagnosis. Key clinical message: Telmisartan is an appropriate 1st-line therapy for proteinuric dogs. Favorable long-term outcomes are possible for dogs with severe proteinuria. Prospective studies are warranted to evaluate effects of telmisartan on AA amyloidogenesis.
OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) fecal carriage in equine, canine, and feline patients at the Atlantic Veterinary College (Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island), a Canad...OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) fecal carriage in equine, canine, and feline patients at the Atlantic Veterinary College (Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island), a Canadian teaching and referral hospital. ANIMALS AND PROCEDURE: Fifty-seven fresh, naturally voided fecal samples from 32 canine, 21 equine, and 4 feline Atlantic Veterinary College patients were collected and processed in June and July 2025. Samples were processed using selective culture, followed by MALDI-TOF MS and phenotypic assays for screening and detection of CRE and Enterobacterales species with reduced susceptibility to carbapenems. Relevant patient data were obtained to assess for associations with CRE and carbapenem susceptibility status. RESULTS: One canine isolate was classified as CRE (sample-level prevalence: 1.8%), but carbapenemases were not detected. Twelve (21%) samples grew Enterobacterales on MacConkey plates supplemented with meropenem, indicating reduced susceptibility to carbapenems. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The low prevalence of CRE within this Canadian sample is reassuring; however, the presence of CRE and high proportion with reduced susceptibility to meropenem underscore the importance of readying measures for early detection and control of CRE in veterinary patients and ensuring strong compliance with clinic infection-control practices. Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales outbreaks at Canadian veterinary hospitals, as documented elsewhere, remain a concern.
Lajoie N, Masseau I, Hélie P
… +2 more, Béland K, Langlois I
Can Vet J
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41929735
A 15-month-old intact female rat was presented with worsening lethargy and dysorexia present for 1 wk and bruxism present for 3 d. The diet was fruits, vegetables, and granola. On presentation, the rat was mildly dehydra...A 15-month-old intact female rat was presented with worsening lethargy and dysorexia present for 1 wk and bruxism present for 3 d. The diet was fruits, vegetables, and granola. On presentation, the rat was mildly dehydrated and had marked incisor malocclusion with enamel hypoplasia. On oral examination, the left mandibular molars were not visible and the gum line was prominent. Black punctate enamel discoloration was observed multifocally on molars, but no mucosal lesions were observed. The incisors were trimmed and the rat was discharged with analgesics, supportive care, and dietary recommendations. The rat's condition continued to deteriorate and, 1 wk later, a left mandibular mass appeared that the owner perceived as painful. Computed tomography of the head showed lysis of the body of the left mandible, absence of left mandibular molar teeth, and abnormal soft-tissue attenuation in the left tympanic bulla. On the last visit (Day 31), purulent discharge was visible in the left external ear canal and along the left mandibular gingiva. Fine-needle aspiration and cytology of the mandibular mass suggested a keratinizing epithelial tumor of benign appearance. Euthanasia was elected, based on the poor prognosis. Histopathological examination revealed a well-differentiated oral squamous cell carcinoma of the left mandibular region with ipsilateral subacute purulent otitis media. Key clinical message: Squamous cell carcinoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of an infected, non-ulcerated oral mass in a rat.
Iimori Y, Johnson PA, Thomovsky EJ
… +2 more, Brooks AC, Aghili A
Can Vet J
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41929733
OBJECTIVE: Hyperkalemia is a frequent, life-threatening emergency in dogs and cats. It disrupts neuromuscular function and cardiac conduction. Clinicians need a clear physiologic framework to recognize risk and act quick...OBJECTIVE: Hyperkalemia is a frequent, life-threatening emergency in dogs and cats. It disrupts neuromuscular function and cardiac conduction. Clinicians need a clear physiologic framework to recognize risk and act quickly. ANIMALS AND PROCEDURE: Part 1 of this 2-part review explains potassium homeostasis and the main causes of hyperkalemia in small animals. The article draws on peer-reviewed veterinary studies and core physiology, with direct patient-side relevance. RESULTS: Most body potassium is intracellular; small extracellular shifts alter membrane excitability and electrocardiogram patterns. Two systems control plasma potassium: transcellular control through insulin, β-adrenergic tone, and acid-base effects; and renal control through filtration, distal sodium delivery, tubular flow, and mineralocorticoid effect. Common clinical causes include decreased renal excretion (feline urethral obstruction, oligoanuric acute kidney injury, canine hypoadrenocorticism); transcellular shifts from intracellular to extracellular spaces (diabetic ketoacidosis, mineral metabolic acidosis, extensive tissue injury); increased intake or iatrogenic load when excretion is limited (potassium chloride in IV fluids, older stored blood, drugs that reduce aldosterone effect or distal sodium delivery); and pseudohyperkalemia due to sample factors (hemolysis, marked thrombocytosis or leukocytosis, anticoagulant contamination). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Evaluate hyperkalemia in the full clinical context. In dogs, common causes include hypoadrenocorticism, acute kidney injury, and urinary tract obstruction or rupture. In cats, urethral obstruction and advanced renal failure predominate, whereas iatrogenic potassium load and severe metabolic acidosis are additional concerns. A firm grasp of both pathophysiology and etiology improves differential diagnosis and early decisions. Part 2 of this review will build on this foundation and outline diagnosis and treatment.
A 13-year-old feline leukemia virus-negative cat was diagnosed with acute lymphoid B-cell aleukemic leukemia. The diagnosis was based on the combination of pancytopenia, large and atypical round cells present on liver an...A 13-year-old feline leukemia virus-negative cat was diagnosed with acute lymphoid B-cell aleukemic leukemia. The diagnosis was based on the combination of pancytopenia, large and atypical round cells present on liver and splenic cytology, bone marrow cytology and histopathology showing a majority nucleated population of atypical blast cells, immunohistochemistry, and a lack of malignant lymphoblasts observed in the peripheral blood. The cat was initially treated with L-asparaginase, vincristine, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and prednisolone, which led to a resolution of the cytopenias. After relapse on Day 242, lomustine was first administered, followed by a modified protocol of vincristine, mitoxantrone, cyclophosphamide, and prednisolone, due to progressive disease. A survival time exceeding 1 y following diagnosis was obtained. This case highlights both a rare, aleukemic form of acute lymphoid leukemia in a feline leukemia virus-negative cat and an atypically prolonged survival time. Key clinical message: Prolonged survival of cats with acute lymphoid aleukemic leukemia is possible with chemotherapy treatment.
Han JI, Kim YW, Lee ES
… +6 more, Jang YS, Choi M, Huh C, Hwang TS, Han HJ, Hyun JE
Can Vet J
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41929729
Canine lymphoma is the most common hematopoietic malignancy, but the primary mediastinal form is rare. Progression from this form to systemic multicentric lymphoma has not been clearly documented in veterinary medicine,...Canine lymphoma is the most common hematopoietic malignancy, but the primary mediastinal form is rare. Progression from this form to systemic multicentric lymphoma has not been clearly documented in veterinary medicine, and optimal treatment strategies remain uncertain. This report describes a case of primary mediastinal T-cell lymphoma in a young dog that progressed to multicentric disease and was managed with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. A 2-year-old castrated male Shetland sheepdog was referred for evaluation of a cranial mediastinal mass detected on thoracic radiographs. On physical examination, bradycardia was noted, with all peripheral lymph nodes within normal limits. Laboratory abnormalities included severe hypercalcemia, elevated symmetric dimethylarginine, and the presence of large lymphocytes on blood smear. Cytology, polymerase chain reaction for antigen receptor rearrangements, and flow cytometry confirmed CD4 T-cell mediastinal lymphoma. Initial treatment with the 25-week L-CHOP protocol achieved complete remission, but relapse occurred at Week 8, prompting radiation therapy to the mediastinal and submandibular masses. These lesions regressed but generalized peripheral lymphadenomegaly and a splenic honeycomb pattern developed, indicating progression to multicentric lymphoma. Based on drug sensitivity testing, lomustine was initiated as rescue chemotherapy, achieving a second complete remission. Nevertheless, relapse occurred 38 d after the initial lomustine administration, and the dog ultimately died. Key clinical message: This case highlights the fact that progression from primary mediastinal to multicentric lymphoma may be associated with a poor prognosis in dogs. Radiation therapy demonstrated potential efficacy and warrants further investigation as a treatment option for canine mediastinal lymphoma.