ABSTRACT OF THE WEEK

Journal of veterinary internal medicine/ American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Volume 38 | Issue 4 (2024 Jul-Aug)

Clinical manifestations of chronic pancreatitis in English cocker spaniels.

J Vet Intern Med. 2024 Jul-Aug;38(4):2129 - 2137.

M Francisca Coddou¹, Barbara Blacklaws², Penny J Watson³

¹ Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.; ² Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.; ³ Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is common in English cocker spaniels (ECS). It is histologically similar to IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) in humans and is characterized by duct destruction, interlobular fibrosis, and dense periductular and perivenous lymphocytic aggregates. However, the clinical manifestations of CP in ECS have not been previously described.

OBJECTIVES:Characterize the clinical manifestations of CP in a group of ECS, including similarities and differences to IgG4-RD in humans.

ANIMALS:One-hundred four ECS with CP and 44 client owned control ECS without CP (both healthy and diseased controls).

METHODS:Affected dogs were divided into 2 groups according to the methods used to diagnose CP. Case records were searched for signalment, clinical, and clinicopathological findings, and evidence of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), proteinuria, other immune-mediated diseases, and anal sacculitis.

RESULTS:Involvement of other organs was common. Affected ECS presented with a high frequency of KCS (n = 49), proteinuria (n = 47), anal gland disease (n = 36), atopy (n = 21), and other immune-mediated diseases (n = 16). Those with parti-color hair coats, particularly blue roan, had a strong association with CP, suggesting a link between coat color and autoimmune conditions in this breed.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE:English cocker spaniels with CP show clinical similarities to humans with IgG4-RD and common involvement of other organs. Clinicians should evaluate affected Cocker Spaniels for proteinuria, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and other potential immune-mediated diseases.

Keywords

IgG4‐related disease; anal sacculitis; canine; immune‐mediated disease; keratoconjunctivitis sicca; pancreas; proteinuria;

Article Tools:

Medline

Email to me

Grants:

Kennel Club Charitable Trust
Norbert Ribbon Fund
The Cocker Spaniel Club
217-263 Pet Plan Charitable Trust

Archives Highlights:

Prevalence of discospondylitis and association with congenital vertebral body malformations in English and French bulldogs.
The prevalence of discospondylitis was 3.4 (1.6-6.7) times higher in French bulldogs and 4.3 (1.7-9.8) times higher in English bulldogs, compared with the overall hospital cohort. One or more vertebral malformations were present in 12 French bulldogs (92.3%), 6 English bulldogs (75.0%), and 1 "other" breed dog (1.1%). Discospondylitis was diagnosed adjacent to congenital vertebral body malformations in 12 (80%) intervertebral discs in French bulldogs and 5 (50%) intervertebral discs in English bulldogs.

Incidences of steroid-induced diabetes mellitus and congestive heart failure in cats given non-immunosuppressive doses of methylprednisolone acetate: 1042 cats.
The incidences of developing steroid-induced diabetes mellitus and steroid-induced congestive heart failure were 3.83% and 0.82%, respectively; and the risk was not increased even when repeated doses of methylprednisolone acetate were given.

Owner satisfaction and prognosis for return to work after pancarpal arthrodesis in working dogs in the United Kingdom: a retrospective study (2011-2020).
50% (5/10) owners stated their dog could perform normal duties; 4/10 (40%) could perform most duties with some allowances. 80% (8/10) owners rated the level of post-operative lameness as unaffected with a normal gait. 90% (9/10) owners were either very satisfied or satisfied with the outcome of the procedure, and 90% owners stated the financial investment was worthwhile.

Investigating the Reasons behind Companion Animal Relinquishment: A Systematic Content Analysis of Shelter Records for Cats and Dogs, 2018-2023.
The most frequent reasons cited were Behavior Issues (28%), Housing/Moving (18%), Unable to Care (16%), Too Many Pets (10%), Financial (6%), and Owner Allergies (5%). The most common behavioral reasons reported were Aggression (32% of behavioral surrenders), Social Conflict (28%), and Soiling (13%).

The Most Common Environmental Risk Factors for Equine Asthma-A Narrative Review.
The symptoms of equine asthma are typical of respiratory inflammations, and they include coughing, nasal discharge, and breathing difficulty even at rest in horses with severe asthma. BALF and tracheal wash analyses are the most popular methods of diagnosing equine asthma. Inadequate housing conditions undoubtedly increase the risk of asthma.