Hemochromatosis is an uncommon condition in dogs. This report describes hemochromatosis of unknown origin in a dog breed not previously identified as predisposed to the condition. A 3-year-old spayed female German shephe...Hemochromatosis is an uncommon condition in dogs. This report describes hemochromatosis of unknown origin in a dog breed not previously identified as predisposed to the condition. A 3-year-old spayed female German shepherd crossbred dog was presented to a local Saskatchewan veterinary clinic with weight loss, muscle wasting, chronic vomiting, diarrhea, and ascites of ~5 to 6 mo duration. The dog was treated symptomatically and was prescribed medication for potential liver failure. Due to poor response to treatment, the owners elected humane euthanasia. The dog was submitted for necropsy at Prairie Diagnostic Services (Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan). Necropsy revealed hepatic cirrhosis indicated by severe portal bridging fibrosis and nodular regeneration with iron accumulation (hemosiderin) within the hepatocytes and Kupffer cells. Hemosiderin granules were also identified within the lymph nodes, pancreas, and kidneys. Toxicology testing revealed a highly elevated hepatic iron concentration that was subsequently interpreted as toxic (6479 ppm, wet weight basis). A diagnosis of hemochromatosis was made based on clinical history, gross necropsy findings, elevated hepatic iron concentration, and parenchymal hemosiderin deposition pattern in the liver. Given the lack of chronic exposure to iron, primary hemochromatosis was suspected. An underlying genetic cause was a possible etiology. Key clinical message: This case demonstrates the potential of hemochromatosis as a differential diagnosis for chronic liver disease. Due to currently limited noninvasive antemortem testing options and the potential for development of hepatic cirrhosis, early diagnosis and treatment of hemochromatosis is challenging.
A 15-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat was referred because of a chronic history of swelling over the right eye that had progressed to an open, exudative wound. The lesion had not responded to prolonged antim...A 15-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat was referred because of a chronic history of swelling over the right eye that had progressed to an open, exudative wound. The lesion had not responded to prolonged antimicrobial treatments that were chosen based on superficial culture results. Before this development, the cat had been diagnosed with International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) stage 2 chronic kidney disease with no other significant health issues. Computed tomography revealed fluid to soft-tissue attenuating material in the sinonasal cavities and concurrent bony lysis. Cytology and biopsy of the frontal sinus cavity were suggestive of nocardiosis, which culture confirmed as . Treatment using sulfonamide antibiotics was instituted and resulted in resolution of the clinical signs but did not provide a cure. The cat spontaneously died 1 y following the start of therapy due to causes unrelated to the infection, as confirmed by necropsy. Key clinical message: spp. sinonasal infections are rare in small-animal patients but should be considered in cases of rhinosinusitis not responsive to empirical therapy. This report details management of a case of sinonasal nocardiosis in a cat with comorbidities.
Lam J, Moreno D, Paulin M
… +3 more, Gu J, Carr A, Taylor S
Can Vet J
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41929721
Canine steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA) is an immune-mediated inflammatory disorder targeting the leptomeninges and associated vasculature with systemic inflammation and occasionally with mild systolic dysf...Canine steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA) is an immune-mediated inflammatory disorder targeting the leptomeninges and associated vasculature with systemic inflammation and occasionally with mild systolic dysfunction and cardiac arrhythmias. Hypercoagulability has not been previously documented in dogs with SRMA, despite increases in inflammatory markers. This case report describes a 6-month-old female Australian heeler dog with acute progressive pyrexia and cervical hyperesthesia. Notable findings included marked decreased cardiac contractility and hypercoagulability determined viscoelastic coagulation monitor and rotational thromboelastographic analysis. The SRMA was diagnosed based on clinical findings, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, magnetic resonance imaging, elimination of infectious causes of meningitis, and resolution of abnormalities after treatment with immunosuppressive medications. This is the first report describing severe systolic dysfunction and hypercoagulability in a dog with SRMA. The findings support routinely evaluating cardiac function and coagulation in dogs with SRMA and considering treatment with antithrombotic drugs when warranted. Key clinical message: It is important to consider cardiovascular and coagulation complications in dogs with SRMA. Dogs exhibiting atypical findings, such as arrythmia or unexplained clinical deterioration, may require further diagnostic workup. Early identification of these complications could necessitate the use of antithrombotic drugs and prompt monitoring of cardiac function to optimize patient outcomes.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to retrospectively assess medical records of goats presented to the J.T. Vaughan Large Animal Teaching Hospital at Auburn University (Alabama, USA) for evaluation and treatment...OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to retrospectively assess medical records of goats presented to the J.T. Vaughan Large Animal Teaching Hospital at Auburn University (Alabama, USA) for evaluation and treatment of toxic or gangrenous mastitis, and to identify prognostic indicators for survival to hospital discharge. ANIMALS AND PROCEDURE: Medical records of 35 postpartum female goats treated for toxic or gangrenous mastitis from December 2012 to January 2025 were analyzed. The diagnosis was based on mastitic changes to the mammary gland and milk, accompanied by systemic compromise. Following comparisons between discharged and non-discharged goats, continuous and categorical variables were included in univariate and multivariate regression models to evaluate their associations with the outcome. RESULTS: Of the study animals, 74% (26/35) survived to hospital discharge and the remaining 26% (9/35) died or were euthanized. Odds of hospital discharge increased [odds ratio (OR): 2.98; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.44 to 7.97] for each 1°C increase in rectal temperature at admission ( = 0.002). However, odds of hospital discharge increased (OR: 11.21; 95% CI: 1.31 to 231.54) for each 1 g/dL increase in serum globulin concentration at admission ( = 0.02). For each additional day of hospitalization, goats treated for toxic mastitis were 2.35× more likely to be discharged from the hospital (OR: 2.35; 95% CI: 1.43 to 2.89; < 0.01). Intramammary antibiotic (IMA) therapy increased the likelihood of hospital discharge 5.86× (95% CI: 1.28 to 31.5) compared to no IMA therapy ( = 0.02). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Goats treated for toxic mastitis at the J.T. Vaughan Large Animal Teaching Hospital had a favorable prognosis for survival and discharge from the hospital. Hospitalization to ensure sufficient supportive care, as well as treatment with IMA, may improve survival in select cases.
Colby ST, Pang D, Chalhoub S
… +2 more, Larkin A, Boysen S
Can Vet J
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41847500
OBJECTIVE ANIMALS AND PROCEDURE: Handheld ultrasound devices (HUDs), a cost-effective alternative to cart-based ultrasound in humans, are not well studied in veterinary medicine. Twelve healthy dogs underwent point-of-ca...OBJECTIVE ANIMALS AND PROCEDURE: Handheld ultrasound devices (HUDs), a cost-effective alternative to cart-based ultrasound in humans, are not well studied in veterinary medicine. Twelve healthy dogs underwent point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) examinations [abdomen, pleural space and lung (PLUS), cardiovascular] using 3 HUDs. Twelve views were recorded (6 abdominal, 2 PLUS, and 4 cardiovascular) and retrospectively assessed by 2 expert reviewers (1 for thoracic and 1 for abdominal) who were blinded to the HUD used. Reviewers assessed overall image quality (Likert scale) and ability to answer clinically relevant POCUS binary choice questions. RESULTS: Image quality varied among HUDs for lung sliding ( = 0.001), curtain signs ( = 0.032), cardiac subxiphoid ( = 0.002), stomach ( < 0.001), short- and long-axis kidney views, gallbladder ( = 0.003), and caudal vena cava ( = 0.002). There were no differences among devices in answering key POCUS questions: subxiphoid heart ( = 0.332), stomach ( = 0.294), short-axis kidney ( = 0.308), caudal vena cava ( = 0.037 for group comparison; IQ VScan: = 0.214, IQ Clarius: = 0.03, VScan Clarius: = 0.584), 4-chamber heart ( = 0.092), 5-chamber heart, long-axis kidney, mushroom, gallbladder, PLUS, and left atrium to aortic ratio ( > 0.999). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results of the current study suggest that, although image quality varied among HUDs, all 3 HUDs answered key abdominal, PLUS, and cardiac POCUS questions.
Wang L, Blois S, Hawker W
… +5 more, Lazaro AS, Larose PC, Susta L, Co C, Cruz R
Can Vet J
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41847495
An 11-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat was incidentally diagnosed with hypercalcemia during routine wellness screening. Subsequent workup revealed elevated ionized calcium, increased parathyroid hormone conc...An 11-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat was incidentally diagnosed with hypercalcemia during routine wellness screening. Subsequent workup revealed elevated ionized calcium, increased parathyroid hormone concentrations, and undetectable parathyroid hormone-related peptide, consistent with a diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism. Cervical ultrasound revealed a left parathyroid nodule, and the cat underwent a left cranial parathyroidectomy without intraoperative or postoperative complications. Histopathology was consistent with parathyroid hyperplasia. At the time of writing (> 1100 d after diagnosis), the cat was clinically well, with normal total and ionized calcium, and had not required calcium supplementation. Key clinical message: Only a few cases of feline primary hyperparathyroidism are described in the literature. Most previously published case reports described cats evaluated for clinical signs attributable to hypercalcemia. In contrast, this case was identified during a routine wellness examination in an asymptomatic cat. This emphasizes the importance of preventive care and demonstrates that routine wellness screening can facilitate early detection of subclinical disease, enabling timely intervention and contributing to improved long-term outcomes.
Geels OR, Childress MO, Lindley SES
… +2 more, Bergman NS, Smith AA
Can Vet J
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41847494
OBJECTIVE: Pretreatment inflammatory indices are established negative prognostic factors for survival in human osteosarcoma (OSA). However, studies investigating these values in canine malignancies, specifically canine a...OBJECTIVE: Pretreatment inflammatory indices are established negative prognostic factors for survival in human osteosarcoma (OSA). However, studies investigating these values in canine malignancies, specifically canine appendicular OSA, are limited. The prognostic significance of pretreatment inflammatory indices in canine appendicular OSA was investigated in this retrospective study. ANIMALS AND PROCEDURE: Medical records for dogs with appendicular OSA treated with amputation and adjuvant carboplatin were retrospectively reviewed. The following pretreatment values were evaluated for prognostic significance for progression-free survival (PFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS): serum alkaline phosphatase, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio, and albumin-to-globulin ratio. Effects of proximal humeral location, presence of metastasis at diagnosis, and use of rescue chemotherapy on prognosis were also analyzed. RESULTS: Elevated albumin-to-globulin ratio was prognostic for PFS and DSS on univariate analysis but did not retain significance on multivariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, metastasis at diagnosis, elevated serum alkaline phosphatase, and administration of rescue chemotherapy were significantly associated with shorter PFS; whereas metastasis at diagnosis was significantly associated with DSS. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Despite pretreatment inflammatory indices being independently associated with prognosis in human OSA, these values were not associated with either PFS or DSS in this study. Prospective investigation with a larger, standardized cohort is needed to further evaluate the prognostic role of pretreatment inflammatory indices in canine OSA.
A 14-year-old spayed female papillon dog was presented with hematuria and a right renal mass. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a tumor thrombus extending about 1.5 cm cranially from the right renal vein int...A 14-year-old spayed female papillon dog was presented with hematuria and a right renal mass. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a tumor thrombus extending about 1.5 cm cranially from the right renal vein into the caudal vena cava (CVC), consistent with renal cell carcinoma and caval thrombus, with no signs of distant metastasis. The dog underwent open right-sided nephrectomy and CVC thrombectomy, using 2 tourniquets, with a total occlusion time of 12 min 13 s. Transient hypotension during surgery was successfully managed, and there were no major intra- or postoperative complications. Histopathology confirmed a highly malignant renal cell carcinoma with vascular invasion. Adjuvant toceranib therapy was initiated to address potential microscopic residual disease. Pulmonary metastasis was detected on Day 553 after surgery, and the dog remained alive on Day 722. This case demonstrates that renal cell carcinoma with caval thrombus in dogs can be surgically managed without severe complications. Moreover, adjuvant toceranib therapy can be used safely. Together, these findings offer valuable insights into the feasibility and safety of surgical strategies for CVC-invasive renal tumors in dogs. Key clinical message: Renal cell carcinoma with caval thrombus in dogs can be safely managed with surgery, highlighting the feasibility of aggressive surgical intervention for this rare condition.
Depoix M, Haraschak J, Billhymer A
… +1 more, Kennedy C
Can Vet J
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41847488
A 3-year-old castrated male German shepherd dog was presented with a 48-hour history of lethargy and anorexia. On presentation, the dog was laterally recumbent, hyperthermic, tachycardic, severely dehydrated, and exhibit...A 3-year-old castrated male German shepherd dog was presented with a 48-hour history of lethargy and anorexia. On presentation, the dog was laterally recumbent, hyperthermic, tachycardic, severely dehydrated, and exhibiting abdominal pain. Abdominal radiographs raised suspicion for splenic torsion. An exploratory laparotomy revealed a suspected splenic vein thrombosis, prompting a splenectomy and an incisional gastropexy. Computed tomography revealed multifocal osseous pneumatosis, rib abscesses, costochondral luxation, renal infarcts, suspected intramuscular thrombosis, aspiration pneumonia, and lymphadenopathy. Despite negative blood culture and peri-costal abscess cultures, was isolated from bone marrow obtained costochondral rib aspiration. During hospitalization, persistent non-regenerative anemia and thrombocytopenia were observed; the dog was also nonambulatory tetraparetic, worse on the right, indicating a predominantly right-sided myelopathy. After some improvement, the dog was discharged from the hospital; however, his condition progressively worsened despite treatment, leading to humane euthanasia 1 mo later. Necropsy revealed disseminated round cell tumor consistent with lymphoma. Key clinical message: Visceral organ gas accumulation or intraosseous gas in the absence of previous trauma or surgery should prompt suspicion for an anaerobic infection. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of rib pneumatosis secondary to disseminated in a dog.