Vertebral Heart Score in Healthy Labrador Dogs

Journal of Canine Development & Research 2016
JOURNAL OF CANINE DEVELOPMENT & RESEARCH
ADVISORY CUM
EDITOR EDITORIAL BOARD
Arora, P. K.
PROFESSOR (DR.) ANIL AHUJA (Faridabad)
DEPARTMENT OF CLINICAL VETERINARY MEDICINE
COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCE, RAJUVAS Ashok Kumar
BIKANER- 334 001 (RAJASTHAN) INDIA (Hisar)
Phone : 0151- 2544243 (O), 2543726 (R)
Mobile : 09414230453
E-mail : anil_ahuja@mail.com Gahlot, A. K.
Website : www.jcdrindia.com (Bikaner)
Gupta, S. K.
(Jammu)
EXECUTIVE EDITORS
Kachwaha, R. N.
PROF (Dr.) D.K. BIHANI (Bikaner)
Dept. of Cil. Vety. Medicine
Kapoor, P. K.
(Hisar)
PROF (Dr.) G.N. PUROHIT
Dept. of Gyne. & Obst. Pathak, K. M. L.
(Delhi)
ASSISTANT EDITORS Purohit, S.K.

(Jodhpur)
Dr. DEEPIKA DHURIA
Dept. of Cli. Vety. Medicine
Sharma, S.N.
(Bikaner)
Dr. SUNITA CHOUDHARY
Dept. of Cli. Vety. Medicine Tanwar, R.K.
(Bikaner)
COVER DESIGN
AASHISH AHUJA Varshney, J. P.
(Surat)
CANINE PUBLISHING HOUSE

PUSHAP BHAWAN, B-48, SADUL GANJ
BIKANER - 334 003 (RAJASTHAN)
INDIA
i
Publication of articles and other correspondence may be made to :
Professor (Dr.) Anil Ahuja

B.V.Sc. & A.H., M.V.Sc., Ph.D., FISACP
Editor, Journal of Canine Development & Research
Former Director Clinics cum Professor & Head,
Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine
College of Veterinary & Animal Science, RAJUVAS, Bikaner - 334 001 (Rajasthan) INDIA
Phone : 0151-2544243 (O)

0151-2543726 (R)
Mobile : 09414230453
E-mail : anil_ahuja@mail.com
Website : www.jcdrindia.com
Journal of Canine Development & Research

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION (one issue)
For Institutions
Rs. 1200.00 or US$ 110 or £ 65 or DM 130 or Euro 90
For Vets & Others

Rs. 500.00 or US$ 50 or £ 30 or DM 60 or Euro 50
Send a demand draft in favour of “Canine Publishing House” payable

at ICICI, JNV Colony, Bikaner through registered mail to Canine
Publishing House, B-48, Sadul Ganj, Bikaner - 334 003 (Rajasthan).
Laser type set at Pooja Computers & Printers, Bikaner Tel. No. 9928645198
i
ii
104
CONTENTS
S. No. Title and Autors’s Name Page No.
Editorial
Canine Research
1. Pigmentary Keratopathy in Brachycephalic Dogs - A Review 1-9

D. N. Kelawala, E. A. Parulekar and D. B. Patil
2. Scenario of Canine Distemper - A Review 11-16

Anil Ahuja , Sumnil Marwaha, D. K. Bihani and Deepika Dhuria
3. Studies on Vertebral Heart Size in Dogs Suffering

from Dilated Cardiomyopathy 17-21
K.H. Ingole, R.D. Velhankar, M.M. Gatne, C.N.Galdhar, R.V. Gaikwad,
D.U. Lokhande and S. D. Moregaonkar
4. Clino-Diagnostic Studies of Canine Ehrlichiosis 22-26

Jyoti Yadav, D.K. Bihani, Anil Ahuja, R.K. Tanwar, Sunita Choudhary,
Deepika Dhuria and V.K. Meenal
5. Studies on Electrocardiographic Alterations in Dogs

Suffering from Dilated Cardiomyopathy 27-33
K.H. Ingole, R.D. Velhankar, M.M. Gatne, C.N.Galdhar,
R.V. Gaikwad, D.U. Lokhande and S. D. Moregaonkar
6. M-mode Echocardiographic Measurements in Healthy Labrador Dogs 34-42

Hatzade R. I. and R.D. Velhankar
7. Green Pet Treats Validation for Stem Cell Proliferation 43-47

S.Priya and A. Mangala Gowri
8. Vertebral Heart Score in Healthy Labrador Dogs 48-52

.
Hatzade, R.I and Velhankar. R.D
9. Pericardial Effusion in A Dog -A Case Report 53-56

Sunita Choudhary and Dhanalaxmi S.
10 Medical Management of Hepatic Origin Ascites in A Bitch-A Case Report 57-59

Jyoti Yadav, D. K. Bihani, Anil Ahuja, V. K. Meena, V.S. Dewal,
T. C. Nayak and Rupal Dhadhich
11. Pneumothorax in Labrador Retriever Puppy - A Case Report 60-62

S.Sulficar, N. Madhavan Unny, Justin Davis.K and Shyma V.H
12. Demodicosis in A Dog - A Case Report 63-65
Deepika Dhuria, Sunita Choudhary, Savita, T.C. Nayak,
A. Ahuja, D.K. Bihani and A. Chahr
i105
ii
13. Dietary Management of Renal Insufficiency 67-69

in A Dog - A Case Report
Rupal Dadhich, Deepika Dhuria, Jyoti Yadav, Anil Ahuja and D.K. Bihani
14. Diabetes Mellitus in A Dog- A Case Report 70-71

T.C. Nayak, D. Dhuria, D. K. Bihani, A.P. Singh, Savita,
J.P. Kachhawa, Fakhruddin and A. Ahuja
15. Canine Distemper in A Dog- A Case Report 72-74

Savita, T.C. Nayak, D.K. Bihani, D. Dhuria, J.P. Kachhawa,
A. Ahuja, S. K. Vyas and Nazeer Mohammed
16. Surgical Management of Inguinal

Gravid Hysterocele in a Bitch 75-78
Sonu Jaiswal, Vishwas A., Alok Kumar, Naveen Kr. Singh and H. N. Singh
17. Therapeutic Management of Genital

Transmissible Venereal Tumor in Dogs 79-82
Yogesh Soni, Aashutosh Tripathi and Ravindar Singh
18. Histopathological Observation of Epulis in German Shepherd 83-85

Sonia Sharma, Hemant Dadhich, Narendra Mertiya, Ramesh Purohit and Mahendra Kumar
Canine Practice
19. Canine management Practices Adopted by the Dog Owners 87-90
B.Gujar and T.C.Goyal
20. Beagle Dog - A Breed Review 91-93

Durga Devi, Basant Bais and R.N. Kachwaha
Feline Research and Practice

21. Burmese Cat - A Breed Review 94-98
Naveen Kumar Singh, Piyusha Singh, Anil Ahuja, D.K.Bihani and Deepika Dhuria
Author Index, Subject Index and Guidelines for Contributors
DISCLAIMER
The views, claims, suggestions and/or commitments in the articles are the sole and total responsibility of
the author(s). JCDR’s editors need not necessarily agree/disagree to these and will not be responsible for any
liability/loss/injury/damage arising out of these.
106
iv
From the Desk of Editor ..........
Dear Readers,
In the present scenario of canine research and practice, I am pleased to present
the 12th volume of JCDR. It is observed that day by day superspecilization is
improving in teaching, research and canine practice to deal with various systemic
diseases of canines in India. Moreover, pharmaceutical companies have now started
providing V Diets and immunomodulator diets which have special effects in
therapeutic management of canine ailments.
Present issue of JCDR contain reviews on "Pigmentary Keratopathy" and "Scenario
of Canine Distemper". Canine research section includes canine ehrlichiosis - clinical
manifestations, diagnosis and treatment, green pet treats validation for stem cell
proliferation, M-mode echocardiographic measurements in Labrador dogs, studies
on vertebral heart size and electrocardiographic alteration in dogs suffering from
dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs. Dietary management of renal insufficiency in a dog
is useful guidelines for canine practitioner for management and therapy of chronic
renal failure. Therapeutic management of pericardial effusion in a dog,
pneumothorax in Labrador Retriever puppy, hepatic origin of ascites, demodicosis
in a dog and diabetes mellitus are important articles for canine vets.
Canine surgeons can refresh their knowledge going through articles, like - surgical
management of inguinal gravid hysterocele in a bitch. Canine gynaecologists can
view the article on therapeutic management of genital transmissible venereal tumor
in dogs. Canine pathologists can also know about important histopathological
findings of epulis in German Shepherd.
The canine practice section contain very informative topics for canine practitioners
canine management practices adopted by the dog owners and review on most
loveable dog breed Beagle.
Feline practice section represents a breed review of Burmese Cat.
As usual JCDR would welcome contributors to the journal.
ANIL AHUJA
V
Journal of Canine Development & Research 2016 Vol (12) 1-9

ISSN : 0973-3272 website : www.jcdrindia.com
REVIEW ARTICLE
PIGMENTARY KERATOPATHY IN BRACHYCEPHALIC DOGS - A REVIEW
1 2 3
D. N. Kelawala , E. A. Parulekar and D. B. Patil
Department of Veterinary Surgery & Radiology

College of Vety. Sci. & A.H., Anand Agricultural University, Anand -388 001, Gujarat, India
1 2 3
Assistant Professor M.V.Sc Scholar Director of Research and Dean, Post Graduate Studies, Kamdhenu
University, Gandhinagar - 382 010
Corresponding author - e mail: db1608@gmail.com Mobile : 7573035104
A R T I C LE H I S T O R Y A B S T R A C T
Received : 18.02.17 The article include introduction, pathophysiology, clinical signs,

Revised : 02.03.17 diagnosis,treatment of pigmentary keratopathy in brachycephalic
Accepted : 22.03.17 dogs.
Key words :
Cyclosporine
Limbal melanocytes melanin
Tacrolimus
I ndirect effect of selective breeding for

appearance through line breeding methods has
reduced the genetic diversity of pedigree breeds
domestic dog may be leading to an increased
frequency of eye disorders (Rooney and Sargan,
2009).
and increased the prevalence of certain disorders There is an average of 6.6% different eye disorders
in specific breeds (McGreevy and Nicholas, 1999) that can affect each breed; however, in
with a definite link between inbreeding and brachycephalic breeds there were many more, 18
increased disease risks in purebred dogs (Brooks or more disorders (Whitley et al., 1995). Also,
and Sargan, 2001; Rooney, 2009) increasing the the pug breed suffers most commonly from eye
risk of pigmentary keratitis,proptosis, entropion, ailments due to the complex nature of the eye and
trichiasis of nasal fold, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, surrounding anatomy (Belmonte, 2004).
ulcerative keratitis in these breeds (Oechtering et Brachycephalic breeds typically have a
al., 2007). It has been recently noticed that macropalpebral fissure which, coupled with a
numerous ocular diseases are breed related. prominent globe and lack of muzzle results in
Concern has arisen in recent years that artificial exposure of more sclera than is seen in other
selection for extreme facial morphologies in the breeds. Additionally, they may show
1
lagophthalmos while sleeping. This can lead to Pekingese, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso.
corneal dry spot formation and development of Pigmentary keratopathy in dogs most commonly
an exposure keratopathy. Breeds included are the results from pigment production in the corneal
brachycephalic breeds of Shih Tzu, Pekingese, epithelium and subepithelial stroma and is
Pug, Boston Terrier, Lhasa Apso, English Bulldog frequently associated with chronic keratitis and
etc. (Maggs, 2008). vascularization of cornea (Maggs, 2008).
Medial canthus syndrome that includes chronic Pigmentary keratopathy are categorized into focal
corneal and conjunctival irritation in dogs is often nonprogressive and diffuse progressive forms. The
caused by anatomic eyelid abnormalities in focal form is common in brachycephalic breeds
brachycephalic breeds. This may cause and is usually caused by long-term mechanical
pigmentary keratitis, epiphora, and occasionally irritation such as medial entropion, nasal fold
ulcers that are the result of inappropriate breeding irritation, or a stromal ulcer that has been slow to
of purebreds (Maggs, 2008). heal. These often take the shape of a wedge of
The cornea is at greater risk of further damage pigment on the medial cornea that points to the
because the ability to detect and perform the axial cornea. Often, by the time these areas are
appropriate responses to protect the eye, such as recognized by the owner, they are not in the
blinking and/or tear production, are impaired. progressive or developing phase. Diffuse
Long-term damage to the cornea causes pigmentary keratitis is often insidious and
ulcerations, scarring, pigmentation and blindness progresses to complete or near complete coverage
eventually (Renwick, 1996). of the cornea and blindness. The condition may
Pigmentary keratopathy is also referred as corneal be unilateral or bilateral. The underlying cause may
melanosis, it describes a relatively common be KCS, lagophthalmos, or immune-mediated
presentation comprising the progressive deposition keratitis. Some forms of pannus in the GSD are
of pigment on the corneal and associated characterized more by pigment than by granulation
conjunctival surface. It fact it is merely a sign of tissue. The underlying inflammation is variably
chronic corneal irritation and/or inflammation that masked by the pigment (Martin, 2010).
may arise from any number of causes in which Amongst the affections of cornea, pigmentary
pigment or melanin is deposited in the corneal keratopathy alone constituted 61.27% of the total
epithelium (Maggs, 2008). Corneal pigmentation corneal affections, followed by corneal ulcer
results from migration of melanocytic cells from (26.05%) (Parulekar, 2016).
the limbal and perilimbal tissues into the corneal Pathophysiology
epithelium or more deeply in the corneal stroma.
Melanocytic pigment becomes deposited in the Melanin is typically deposited in the corneal
basal epithelial cells of the cornea and the anterior epithelium and sometimes the anterior stroma and
stromal tissue (Bellhorn and Henkind, 1966). originates from proliferation and migration of normal
Migration of pigment into the superficial cornea limbal melanocytes during corneal inflammation.
occurs after irritation or chronic inflammation of It can usually be readily identified by its dark brown
the cornea from a variety of causes, including to black coloration and very distinct borders. The
distichiasis, ectopic cilia, nasal fold trichiasis, more heavily melanotic the limbus, the more likely
insufficient tear production (either qualitative or and the more dense the corneal melanosis. Perhaps
quantitative) (Westermeyer et al., 2009). for this reason, pugs seem especially predisposed
Commonly affected breeds include Pug, (Maggs, 2008).
2
Superficial corneal pigment results from the (Fromer and Klintworth, 1976). Pigmentation
migration of limbal melanocytes along blood results mainly from melanin granules within
vessels. Corneal neovascularization is thus a epithelial cells and intraepithelial melanocytes.
prerequisite for superficial stromal pigmentation Evidence is presented which suggests that melanin
(melanin). Alternatively, latent or amelanotic granule transfer may follow the fusion of the
melanocytes may be in the cornea and activated membranes of the melanocytes and epithelial cells
by neovascularization, or epithelial pigment may (McCracken and Klintworth, 1976).
arise from stem cell stimulation at the limbus. Clinical signs
Pigment that is in the epithelial layers will be
sloughed with the turnover of epithelium if the cause Clinically, this process is apparent as a smooth to
is corrected or controlled (Bellhorn and Henkind, irregular brown opacification, affecting a variable
1966). It is thus assumed that the medial trichiasis surface area. Superficial corneal pigmentation is
and macroblepharon with chronic epithelial irritation the predominant sign. Focal pigmentation in
and abnormal tear film distribution initiate or brachycephalics is usually a limbal based triangle
significantly contribute to the pigmentation (Maggs, of pigment in the medial cornea. Diffuse
2008), however more intense studies are pigmentation may have a vortex appearance with
warranted. the tip directed to the central cornea. The latter
The progression of pigment was found to be due pattern is explained by the pigment following the
to vascularization (Fig. 1) and/or fibrosis (Fig. 2) stem cell migration from the limbus, which occurs
of the cornea on slit lamp biomicroscopy. Corneal in a whorl or vortex pattern (Martin, 2010).
epithelial melanosis is preceded and accompanied Depending on the stage of development and cause
by corneal vascularization and fibrosis (Labelle et of the pigment, additional signs of pain, discharge,
al., 2013; Blocker, 2015). Migration of pigment and neovascularization may be present. Blindness
into the superficial cornea occurs after irritation or is common when the condition is bilateral and
chronic inflammation of the cornea from a variety diffuse. Concurrent signs of active inflammatory
of causes including distichiasis, ectopic cilia, nasal keratitis, such as corneal vascularization, stromal
fold trichiasis, insufficient tear production (either inflammatory cell infiltration, and granulation tissue
qualitative or quantitative) (Westermeyer et al., formation, usually accompany pigment cell
2009). The high number of cases of corneal migration, may additionally be present (Martin,
pigmentation without keratoconjunctivitis sicca 2010).
suggests that there may be additional yet Deep melanin pigmentation may occur from uveal
undetermined factors involved in the development sources such as iris hypoplasia (Fig. 3), PPMs
of corneal pigmentation in pugs (Krecny et al., (Fig. 4), anterior synechiae, or ruptured iris cysts.
2015). This close association suggests common Blood staining may occur from hemoglobin
mechanisms in the stimulation of the melanocytic breakdown products from some forms of hyphema
and vascular invasion of the cornea (Michaelson, (Fig. 5) or from intracorneal hemorrhage (Martin,
1952). 2010). The progression of pigmentation can be
With regard to corneal vascularization, the assessed by dividing the cornea in to four
phenomenon is part of the inflammatory response, quadrants. Based on severity of the condition,
and evidence has been presented to implicate a cases can be classified as; mild cases i.e. pigments
crucial role of leukocytes-particularly covering <25% of cornea (Fig. 6), moderate cases
polymorphonuclear leukocytes in its pathogenesis i.e. pigments covering 25-50% of cornea (Fig. 7),
3
severe cases i.e. pigments covering 50-75% of However, the true essence of ophthalmology is
cornea (Fig. 8) and cases of complete pigmentation diagnosis, which in turn, depends on good clinical
i.e. pigments covering 100% cornea (Fig. 9). observation and interpretation. Without an
Pigmentation grading, extent of pigmentation and accurate diagnosis, speculative treatment is rarely
mean pigment density should be calculated by successful (Mould, 1993). Proper diagnosis is the
dividing the cornea in to 24 sectors (Parulekar, first and foremost step for initiating a proper
2016). treatment plan. Misdiagnosis often leads to
irreparable damage to the eye and may even lead
Diagnosis
to permanent loss of vision. Brachycephalic breeds
It is not unusual for clinicians to use this term as a are unique in both their external appearance and
specific diagnosis. However, the condition should their internal anatomy. The anatomy around the
not be viewed as a separate entity. Corneal eye is very unique and deserves special attention.
melanosis (pigmentary keratitis) is not a diagnosis Though a magnitude of information is available
but a nonspecific sign of chronic corneal irritation. regarding the incidence and treatment of
It should stimulate a thorough diagnostic pigmentary keratopathy in brachycephalic breeds
investigation of potential underlying causes. At the of dogs, a systematic study on the occurrence,
very least, animals with corneal melanosis should diagnosis and management of ocular affections in
undergo the following evaluations: Schirmer tear brachycephalic breeds of dogs is lacking in India.
test (STT), Assessment of palpebral reflex,
Application of fluorescein stain, Examination for Treatment
presence of trichiasis, distichiasis, ectopic cilia, In these disorders, removal of the stimulus usually
Assessment for entropion or ectropion, Corneal prevents or slows progression of the melanosis but
cytologic examination if there are mass like or may not cause it to recede because this depends
plaque like lesions as seen with pannus (chronic on the very slow "turnover rate" of the corneal
superficial keratoconjunctivitis) (Maggs, 2008). stroma (which is comparable to that of a tendon
However, detection of corneal melanosis should or ligament). With severe or chronic irritation,
always stimulate thorough diagnostic investigation melanosis is accompanied by changes in the
(Maggs, 2008). corneal epithelium such as thickening, rete peg
Corneal melanosis formation, metaplasia, vascularization, and
keratinization. Species variation in the tendency
for development of corneal melanosis exist, with
Insuffcient Excessive
corneal corneal birds.
protection irritation
Treatment is directed at halting the progression of
Lagophthalmos Entropion pigmentation and correcting the initiating cause.
Macropalpebral Distichiasis
tissure CN V or VII Ectopic cilia Early and timely management helped restrict the
dysfunction Ectropion Trichiasis
KCS Foreign body spread of the pigment. Therapy is best initiated
Qualitative tear Eyelid tumor
deficiency Blepharitis before pigment progresses. Treatment comprises
‘Pannus’
(UV) addressing any underlying disorders including
corneal inflammation and/or tear film disorders,
Check Perform
Corneal and palpebral through eyelid typically using topical corticosteroids, cyclosporine,
reflesex Eyelid colosure exam with
when asleep STT/TFBUT/ magnification tacrolimus, and/or tear film replacements/stabilizers
GCD/Meibomian gland
ex am (Esson, 2015). However, patients are often
4
presented once the condition is established. b.i.d. after autoclaving. In severe cases i.e.
Diffuse pigmentary keratitis is very frustrating to pigments covering 50-75% of cornea, 2% was
monitor for the owner and the clinician, since the used b.i.d. In cases of complete pigmentation i.e.
progression is insidious and the increased pigments covering 100% cornea, initially a
pigmentation remains in most cases as a 'high water cyclosporine 1% formulated in corn oil was used
mark' for the inflammation (Martin, 2010). b.i.d. after autoclaving and later the dose was
Corneal melanosis itself is not normally treated gradually increased to 3% after confirmation of
unless it is rapidly progressive in susceptible breeds no side effects. Eye lubricants were prescribed in
(e.g., the Pug) or is interfering with vision. The all cases o.d. (Parulekar, 2016).
underlying cause should be removed when possible In majority cases of acute complete pigmentary
(e.g., immunomodulation in pannus, removal of keratopathy leading to complete blindness,
sources of frictional irritation, reconstructive cyclosporine 2% along with eye lubricants helped
blepharoplasty, tear replacement therapy, etc.). to regain vision within a week with increase in the
Treatment comprises addressing any underlying values of the STT, marked improvement of the
disorders including corneal inflammation and/or eyes and furthermore an attenuation of the melanin
tear film disorders, typically using topical pigment deposited on the cornea, especially in
corticosteroids, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, and/or cases with vascularization (Lightowler et al.,
tear film replacements/stabilizers (Esson, 2015). 1993). Topical corticosteroids and cyclosporine
Topical cyclosporine appears promising at are frequently used in treatment of pigmentary
decreasing the pigmentation, both in cases keratitis and these drugs appear to be most useful
associated with KCS and with other forms. In all when the cornea is vascularized (Maggs, 2008).
cases treated with a formulated cyclosporine 2% Though various signs of discomfort like pawing at
in oily base t.i.d., Lightowler et al. (1993) the eyes, epiphora, increased redness in the eyes
observed an increase in the values of the STT, and staggering gait is reported by few owners after
marked improvement of the eyes and furthermore eye drop administration which stopped on
an attenuation of the melanin pigment deposited discontinuing the cyclosporine eye drops. A
on the cornea. decreased concentration of CsA (1%) was tried
Based on severity of the condition, varying with no observed side effects (Kelawala et al.,
concentrations of cyclosporine eye drops are 2014).
prescribed for lifelong application. In mild cases Finally spread of pigmentary keratopathy can
i.e. pigments covering <25% of cornea, successfully be controlled by initiating treatment
cyclosporine 0.5% formulated in corn oil are used with cyclosporine and eye lubricants at a very early
b.i.d. after autoclaving. In moderate cases i.e. age and continuing it lifelong. In later stages,
pigments covering 25-50% of cornea, cyclosporine with eye lubricants helps in retaining
cyclosporine 1% formulated in corn oil was used visual acuity in acute cases.
Quick ready reference for field Veterinarians:
Sr. No. Degree of corneal pigmentation Treatment*
1. Mild pigmentation 0.5% cyclosporine + eye lubricant
2. Moderate pigmentation 1% cyclosporine + eye lubricant
3. Severe pigmentation 2% cyclosporine + eye lubricant
4. Complete pigmentation 3% cyclosporine + eye lubricant
*For lifelong instillation
5
Labelle, A., Dresser, C.B., Hamor, R.E., Allender, M.C. Mould, J. (1993). Conditions of the orbit and globe. In:
and Disney, J.L. (2013). Characteristics of, preva- Petersen-Jones, S. and Crispin, S. (eds.). Manual
lence of, and risk factors for corneal pigmenta- of small animal ophthalmology. 3rd edn. British
tion (pigmentary keratopathy) in Pugs. J Am Small Animal Veterinary Association,
Vet Med Assoc. 243(5): 667-674. Cheltenham. Pp.45.
Lightowler, C.H., Herrera, H.D. and Gomez, NV. (1993). Oechtering, T.H., Oechtering, G.U. and Nöller, C. (2007).
Lacrimomimetic effect of topical cyclosporine Structural characteristics of the nose in
A in canine keratoconjunctivitis. Braz J Vet Res brachycephalic dog breeds analysed by com-
An Ini Sci. 30: 233-241. puted tomography. Tieraerztl Prax. 35(3): 177-
Maggs, D.J. (2008). Cornea and sclera. In: Maggs, D.J., 187.
Miller, P.E., Ofri, R. and Slatter, D.H. (eds.). Parulekar, E.A. (2016). Studies on the Incidence, Diagno-
Slatter's Fundamentals of Veterinary Ophthal- sis and Management of different Ocular affec-
mology. 4th edn. Elsevier Health Sciences, tions in Brachycephalic Dogs. M.V.Sc. thesis
Edinburgh. Pp. 175-202. submitted to Anand Agricultural University,
Martin, C.L. (2010). Cornea and Sclera. In: Martin, C.L. Anand, Gujarat.
(ed.). Ophthalmic Disease in Veterinary Medi- Renwick, P. (1996). Diagnosis and treatment of corneal
cine. 1st edn. Manson Publishing Ltd, London. diseases in dogs. In Pract. 18(7): 315-328.
Pp. 241-297. Rooney, N.J. (2009). The welfare of pedigree dogs: Cause
McCracken, S.J. and Klintworth, G.K. (1976). Ultrastruc- for concern. J Vet Behav. 4(5): 180-186.
tural observations on experimentally produced Rooney, N.J. and Sargan, D.R. (2009). Pedigree dog breed-
melanin pigmentation of the corneal epithelium. ing in the UK: A major welfare concern. RSPCA.
Am J Pathol. 85: 167-182. 1-76.
McGreevy, P.D. and Nicholas, F.W. (1999). Some practi- Westermeyer, H.D., Ward, D.A. and Abrams, K. (2009).
cal solutions to welfare problems in dog breed- Breed predisposition to congenital alacrima in
ing. Anim Welf. 8(4): 329-341. dogs. Vet Ophthalmol. 12: 1-5.
Michaelson, I.C. (1952). Proliferation of limbal melano- Whitley, R., McLaughlin, S. and Gilger, B. (1995). Update
blasts into the cornea in response to a corneal on eye disorders among purebred dogs. Vet
lesion: An experimental study. Br J Ophthalmol. Med. 90: 574-592.
36: 657-665.
9
JOURNAL OF CANINE
DEVELOPMENT AND RESEARCH
SUBSCRIPTION FORM
The annual subscription (one issue) rates are as under:
For Institutions Rs. 1200.00 or US$ 110 or £ 65 or DM 130 or Euro 90

For Vets & Others Rs. 500.00 or US$ 50 or £ 30 or DM 60 or Euro 50
VOLUMES 1 TO 11 ARE ALSO AVAILABLE
Please enroll me as a subscriber and send me the issue of Journal

of Canine Development & Research. I am enclosing herewith
a Demand Draft No. ....................Dated .............Amount............
towards the annual subscription for the volume ...............................,
in favour of the CANINE PUBLISHING HOUSE, BIKNAER.
NAME ...................................................................................
PROFESSION ...................................................................................
ADDRESS ...................................................................................
...................................................................................
Filled subscription form should be mailed by Regd. Post to:

BIKANER- 334 003 (RAJ.)
10

REVIEW ARTICLE
SCENARIO OF CANINE DISTEMPER - A Review
1 2 3 4
Anil Ahuja , Sumnil Marwaha , D. K. Bihani and Deepika Dhuria
Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine

CVAS, RAJUVAS,Bikaner 334001, Rajasthan, India
1 2 3 4
Former Director Clinics cum Professor & Head M.V.Sc. Scholar Prof. and Head Asstt. Professor
Corresponding author e-mail : anil_ahuja@mail.com Mobile : 9414230453
Received : 15.02.17 Present review article include history , etiology, transmission,

Revised : 19.02.17 prevalence, pathogenesis, clinical signs ,diagnosis ,treatment and
Accepted : 28.02.17 prevention of canine distemper.
Key words :
Chewing gum fits
Intracellular inclusion
Transplacental infection
C anine distemper is one of the most described

viral diseases of wild and domestic canidae
(dog, fox, wolf, jackal, and coyote) and is
History
Clinical distemper has been known for centuries
(Krick, 1992). Canine distemper was first
associated with high morbidity and mortality
reported in Spain in 1791 and the virus (canine
(Dungworth, 1993; Murphy et al., 1999). Its
distemper virus) was first isolated in 1905 (Appel
fatality rate is second only to that of rabies.
and Gillespie, 1972).
(Swango, 1995). The disease is characterized with
generalized infection with respiratory, nervous and Etiology
gastrointestinal signs (Scagliarini et al., 2003). Canine distemper virus is classified in the genus
Eight of the 11 families of carnivores including the Morbillivirus within the Paramyxoviridae family.
Ailuridae, Ailuropodidae, Canidae, Hyaenidae, Canine distemper virus has a non-segmented,
Mustelidae, Procyonidae, Viverridae and Felidae negative sense (3'- 5'), single-stranded RNA
have been reported to be susceptible to canine genome and has a lipoprotein-enveloped virus
distemper (Montali et al.,1987). particle that is 150 to 300 nm in diameter. The
11
CDV genome is of approximately 15,690 Impaired immune function, associated with

nucleotides in length (Murphy et al., 1999). depletion of lymphoid organs, consists of a viremia-
associated loss of lymphocytes, especially of
Transmission
CD4+ T cells, due to lymphoid cell apoptosis in
Canine distemper virus is commonly transmitted the early phase ( Beineke et al., 2009).
by aerosol or droplet exposure originating from Within 24 hr of entering the respiratory tracts, virus
respiratory exudates; however, urine and other spreads in macrophages via local lymphatics to
secretions also contain infectious virus. Canine tonsils and bronchial lymph nodes. Replication of
distemper is highly contagious, and viral shedding the virus occurs in the tonsils and bronchial lymph
may follow infection for 60-90 days (Greene and nodes 2-4 days post infection; concurrently, low
Appel, 1998). Transplacental infection can occur numbers of CDV-infected mononuclear cells are
in domestic dogs (Krakowka, 1977). Although found in other lymphoid organs (Liu and
usually short-lived in the environment, the virus can Coffin,1957).
survive at lower temperatures (e.g., 48 hr at Within 4-6 days, virus proliferates widely in
0 0
25 C and 14 days at 5 C) (Shen et al., 1980). lymphoid organs (e.g., spleen, mesenteric lymph
Prevalence nodes, Kupffer's cells in the liver, and the lamina
propria of the stomach and small intestine) and
Canine distemper has worldwide distribution spreads, probably through blood, to epithelial and
(Poston et al., 1992). The prevalence rate of CDE CNS tissues within 8-9 days of infection. The
was found to be 0.87 per cent in Madras city (Alex pathogenesis within 9-14 days depends on the
et al., 1994), 19.23% in Bikaner, Rajasthan (Lal humoral and cell mediated host immune
et al., 2010), 11% in Pakistan (Tariq et al., 2013). response.(Deem et al., 2000) . Depending on the
The prevalence rate of spontaneous distemper in immune status , animals may either become quickly
cosmopolitan dogs is greatest between 3 and 6 moribund or may recover after developing a mild
months of age, correlating with the loss of maternal- or even subclinical illness. An intermediate group
derived antibodies (MDAs) in puppies after of animals recovers slowly or partially, and tends
weaning. Brachiocephalic dogs have been reported to develop a chronic or even relapsing disease.
to have a lower prevalence of disease, mortality, (Axthelm et al., 1998). In these latter dogs,
and sequelae compared with dolichocephalic delayed CNS signs and hyperkeratosis of the foot
breeds (Green, 2012) .The condition found to be pads (''hard pad disease'') may result when virus
most common in non-descript dogs followed by persists in uveal, neural, and integumental tissues.
Spitz and Doberman. Males were more affected (Sharon et al., 2000).Regardless of the route of
by this disease than females (60:40). The maximum inoculation, the virus primarily targeted the
incidence seen during winter months and least olfactory bulb, brainstem, hippocampus and
during summer months (Alex et al., 1994). cerebellum, whereas only occasional foci were
Pathogenesis detected in the cortex. The infection led to
widespread neuronal loss, which correlated with
Natural CD pathogenesis in domestic dogs has
the clinical signs observed (Rudd, 2010).
been well characterized and may be similar in
nondomestic species. (Beineke et al., 2015). Main Clinical signs
manifestations include respiratory and In dogs, CDV infection may result in subclinical
gastrointestinal signs, immunosuppression, infection or clinical disease. It is estimated that 25
demyelinating leukoencephalomyelitis (DL) and
12
to 75% of the infections occur as subclinical encephalitis. In old dog encephalitis clinical signs
infections. The clinical disease has been observed include history of progressive behavioral
characterized by systemic signs (dermatological, changes, motor incoordination, compulsive
respiratory, and gastrointestinal) with frequent walking, and circling (Haedley, 2009).
nervous dysfunction (Amude et al., 2010). Diagnosis
Affected dog may be lethargic, anorexic,
dehydrated, febrile, and frequently have respiratory Laboratory diagnosis
signs initially. Respiratory signs include serous or
mucopurulent oculonasal discharge initially Initial leukopenia and lymphopenia gradually shift
(Ettinger, 2010). Severe fatal failure from toward leukocytosis with neutrophilia as bacterial
pneumonia, without other signs, has been reported complications occur. In live animals intracellular
in neonatal or co pathogen-infected pups. inclusion bodies can be seen in conjunctival
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca can develop after epithelial cells and blood cells. At postmortem,
systemic or subclinical infections in dogs characteristic histopathologic lesions may include
(Greens, 2010). the presence of intracytoplasmic and intranuclear
Anosmia occur as a sequelae in dogs that had viral inclusions in epithelial cells of the skin,
recovered from canine distemper (Myers et al., gastrointestinal tract, lung, renal pelvis, urinary
1988).Viral destruction of gastrointestinal tract can bladder, central nervous system (CNS), and eye,
result in inappetance, vomiting, diarrhea, depending on the stage and severity of infection
electrolyte imbalance, and dehydration (Alleman et al., 1992).
(Skyes, 2014) . Virus isolation
Clinical findings associated with neurological
CDV can be isolated in cells like MDCK (canine
symptoms, either singly or in various combinations,
epithelial kidney cells), MV1 LU (mink lung), Vero
are ataxia, paresis or paralysis abnormal behaviour
(African green monkey kidney cells) and B95a
and muscular spasms (Toplu, 2008). In nervous
(cells from marmosets HmLu and BHK (hamster
form signs are hyperesthesia, cervical rigidity,
cell lines) (Swati et al., 2016).
seizures, cerebellar and vestibular signs, and
paraparesis or tetraparesis with sensory ataxia. Serological tests
Myoclonus, the involuntary twitching of muscles Serum CDV titers can be measured by ELISA,
in a forceful simultaneous contraction (often leading indirect fluorescent antibody assays (IFA) or by
to 'chewing gum'' fits), is also highly suggestive of hemagglutination inhibition (HI) or virus
CD. Additional signs of CDV in the domestic dog neutralization (VN) tests ( Litster,2012).
include digital hyperkeratosis (hard pads) and
optic neuritis, chorioretinitis, and uveitis. In young Immunohistochemistry
dogs, juvenile cellulitis and metaphyseal bone CDV can be detected antemortem using
lesions and irregularities to the surface of teeth due immunohistochemical techniques in biopsy of nasal
to enamel hypoplasia may be evident. (Deem et and footpad epithelium and haired skin in dogs
al., 2000). (Deborah et al., 1999)
Other neurological syndromes are multifocal
PCR
distemper encephalomyelitis in mature animals, old
dog encephalitis (ODE), chronic relapsing Reverse-transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction
encephalomyelitis, and post-vaccinal distemper (RT-PCR) can demonstrate canine distemper virus
13
from buffy coat cells of acutely infected dogs and Ribavarin (Elia, 2007), 5-ethynyl-1-beta-d
from serum, whole blood cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) ribofuranosylimidazole-4-carboxamide (EICAR)
or urine of dogs with systemic or neurological (Dal Pozzo, 2009) and proanthocyanidin A2
canine distemper (Frisk et al.,1999) Reverse (PA2) (Gallina, 2011).
transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)
Prevention
was used to detect viral nucleoprotein RNA in
plasma, conjunctival and nasal swabs For early Control of canine distemper can realistically only
detection of CDV, conjunctival swab is the most be achieved by the use of vaccination. Modified
reliable sample (P < 0.05), as compared to nasal live CD vaccines have proved very effective
swab and plasma.( Shabbir et al.,2011). (Chappuis, 1995). Canine distemper vaccine is
consider as core vaccine. Primary vaccination
Immunocytology
should be done at age of 6 to 8weeks,with repeat
Immunofuorescence is usually performed on vaccination at every 3-4 week until 16 week of
cytologic smears prepared from conjunctival, age .Revaccination (booster) at either 6 months
tonsillar, genital, and respiratory epithelium. They or 1 year of age, then not more often than every 3
are stained directly or indirectly with fluorescein- years (Day et al.,2016).
conjugated CDV antibody and examined by
References
fluorescent microscopy (Greens, 2012).
A.M. Amude, A. F. Alfieri, A. A. Alfieri (2010). Clinical
Treatment courses and neurological signs of canine dis-
Sulfanilamide and prontosil have been used temper virus infection in dogs . In Communi-
cating Current Research and Educational Top-
successfully in the treatment of distemper in dogs. ics and Trends in Applied Microbiology, Ed-
Both drugs are equally effective (Marcus, 1938). ited by A. Mendez-Vilas. Badajoz: Formatex. 1
Parentral administration of fluid is necessary in dogs :723-728.
with severe diarrhea or vomiting Animals with Alex P.C.and Dhanapalan P. (1994). Distemper encepha-
secondary bacterial bronchopneumonia or other litis in dogs: incidence, symptomology and
electroencephalographic findings. J. Vet. Anim.
infections require antibiotic therapy, seizures control Sci. 25: 127.
require diazepam, phenobarbital, or potassium Alleman, A. R., Christopher, M. M., Steiner, D. A., &
bromide (Crawford, 2010) Homer, B. L. (1992). Identification of intracyto-
Dexamethasone @ 0.5mg/kg bwt iv should be plasmic inclusion bodies in mononuclear cells
given for a day only to prevent and control from the cerebrospinal fluid of a dog with ca-
nine distemper. Veterinary Pathology Online,
neurological complications. Ascorbic acid @ 29(1) : 84-85.
500mg (bwt above 5kg) and 250mg (bwt upto Appel, M. and Gillespie, J. (1972). Canine distemper vi-
5kg) iv, have immunomodulator and antioxidant rus. Virology Monographs. New York,Springer
properties (Lal et al., 2010) - Verlag. 11 : 3 - 96.
Antidiarrheals (e.g., loperamide 0.1-0.2mg/kg bwt Axthelm, M.K. , Krakowka, S. (1998). Experimental old
dog encephalitis (ODE) in a gnotobiotic dog.
po up to q 8h), antiemetics (e.g., dolasetron 0.3- Veterinary Pathology , 35:527-534.
0.6mg/kg bwt iv or sc q 12-24h; or Beineke, A., Baumgärtner, W., & Wohlsein, P. (2015).
metoclopramide 0.2-0.4umg/kg bwt sc q 8h), and Cross-species transmission of canine distem-
GI protectants (e.g., omeprazole 0.7mg/kg po q per virus-an update. One Health, 1 : 49-59.
24h) as needed for GI signs (Cote, 2014) Beineke, A., Puff, C., Seehusen, F., & Baumgärtner, W.
(2009). Pathogenesis and immunopathology of
Few antiviral drugs are being tested for CD like systemic and nervous canine distemper. Veteri-
14
nary immunology and immunopathology, nosis of infection. J Vet Diagn Invest., 11(5):396-
127(1): 1-18. 399.
Chappuis, G. (1995). Control of canine distemper. Veteri- Headley SA, Amude AM, Alfieri AF, et al. (2009). Mo-
nary microbiology, 44(2) : 351-358. lecular detection of canine distemper virus and
Cote, E. (2014). Distemper canine In: Clinical veterinary the immunohistochemical characterization of
advisor: dogs and cats.3rd ed. Elsevier Health the neurologic lesions in naturally occurring
Sciences.Pp.287. old dog encephalitis. J Vet Diagn Invest., 21:588-
Crawford P.C., Rance K. Sellon (2010). Canine Viral Dis- 597
eases In: Ettinger SJ, Feldman EC, Textbook of Jane E. Skyes (2014) Canine Distempe virus infection. In
Veterinary Internal Medicine. 7th ed. Saunders, : Jane E. Skyes (ed) Canine and Feline Infec-
Elsevier.Pp.960-962 tious Diseases 1st ed Saunders, Elsevier.
Day MJ, Horzinek MC, Schultz RD, et al. (2016).WSAVA Pp.154.
guidelines for the vaccination of dogs and cats. Kirk, H. (1922). Canine Distemper: Its Complications,
J Small Anim Pract.,57:E1-E45. Sequelae and Treatment. Baillere, Tindall and
Deem, S. L., Spelman, L. H., Yates, R. A., & Montali, R. J. Cox,London, England.
(2000). Canine distemper in terrestrial carnivores: Krakowka, S., E. A. Hoover, A. Koestner, and K. Ketring.
a review. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, (1977). Experimental and naturally occurring
31(4) : 441-451. transplacental transmission of canine distem-
Dungworth, D. (1993). The respiratory system. In paper virus. Am. J. Vet. Res., 38: 919-922.
thology of domestic animals, 4th edn. Jubb KVF, Lal M., Ahuja A., Kataria A.K., Bihani D.K. (2010). A study
Kennedy PC and Palmer N,. Academic Press, on prevalence, clinical observations and thera-
San Diego, CA. Pp.617 - 624. peutic management of canine distemper in dogs.
Elia, G., Belloli, C., Cirone, F., Lucente, M. S., Caruso, M., J Canine Dev & Res.,6: 11-19.
Martella, V., ... & Ormas, P. (2008). In vitro effi- Litster, A. L., Pressler, B., Volpe, A., & Dubovi, E. (2012).
cacy of ribavirin against canine distemper vi- Accuracy of a point-of-care ELISA test kit for
rus. Antiviral research, 77(2):108-113. predicting the presence of protective canine
Ettinger S.J., Feldman E.J.. (2000). Textbook of veteri- parvovirus and canine distemper virus antibody
nary internal medicine : diseases of the dog and concentrations in dogs. The Veterinary Jour-
cat. W.B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia. nal, 193(2): 363-366.
Frisk, A.L., Konig, M., Moritz, A. and Baumgartner, W. Liu , C. and Coffin, D. L. (1957). Studies on canine dis-
(1999). Detection of canine distemper virus temper infection by means of fluorescein-la-
nucleoprotein RNA by reverse transcriptase - beled antibody: I. The pathogenesis, pathol-
PCR using serum, whole blood and cerebrospi- ogy, and diagnosis of the disease in experimen-
nal fluid from dog with distemper. J. Clin. tally infected ferrets. Virology, 3(1): 115-131.
Microb., 37: 3634- 3642. Marcus, P. M. and Necheles, H. (1938). Treatment of
Green C.E. and Marc Vandevele (2012). Canine Distem- Spontaneous Canine Distemper with Sulfanil-
per. In:Greene, C.E.(ed.). Infectious Diseases of amide. Experimental Biology and Medicine,
Dogs and Cats, 4th ed. Saunders, Elsevier. Pp.26. 38(3): 385-387.
Green C.E. and Marc Vandevele (2012). Canine Distem- Montali, R. J., C. R. Bartz, J. A. Teare, J. T. Allen, M. J. G.
per. In:Greene, C.E.(ed.). Infectious Diseases of Appel, and M. Bush. (1983). Clinical trials with
Dogs and Cats, 4th ed. Saunders, Elsevier. Pp.3. canine distemper vaccines in exotic carnivores.
Greene, C. E. and Appel, M.J. (1998a). Canine Distemper. J.Am. Vet. Med. Asso., 183: 1163-1164.
In:Greene, C.E.(ed.). Infectious Diseases of Murphy, F., Gibbs, J., Horzinek, J. and Studdert, J. (1999).
Dogs and Cats, 2nded. Saunders, Elsevier. Pp. Veterinary Virology, Academic Press, San Di-
9-22. ego, CA. 3rd edn.Pp. 411 - 428.
Haines, D. M., Martin, K. M., Chelack, B. J., Sargent, R. Myers, L., Hanrahan, L., Swango, L. and Nusbaum, K.
A., Outerbridge, C. A., & Clark, E. G. (1999).Im- (1988). Anosmia associated with canine distem-
munohistochemical detection of canine distemper. Am. J. Vet. Res., 49(8): 1295 - 1297.
per virus in haired skin, nasal mucosa, and foot- Poston, R.P.; England, J.J. Canine distemper (1992). In:
pad epithelium: A method for antemortem diag- Castro, A.C.; Heuschele, W.P. Veterinary diag-
15
nostic virology - a practitioner's guide. Mis- genic virus at 5 0C and 25 0C. Vet. Med. Small
souri : Mosby, Pp. 135-8. Anim. Clin., 75: 69-70
Rudd P,; Bastien-Hamel L,; Von Messling V. ( 2010). J. Swango, L. J. (1995). Canine viral diseases. In:Etinger, S.
Gen. Virol., 91(4):980-989 J., and E. C. Feldman (eds.). Textbook of
Scagliarini, A., Battilani, M., Ciulli, S., Prosperi, S., Veterinary Internal Medicine: Diseases of the
Moranti, L. (2003): Molecular analysis of the Dog and Cat. W. B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia,
NP gene of Italian CDV isolates. Vet Res Pennsylvania. Pp. 398-409.
Commun., 27:355-357. Swati, Dipak Deka and Ramneek. (2016). Detection of
Shabbir, M. Z., Rabbani, M., Ahmad, A., Ahmed, A., Local Isolates of Canine Distemper Virus by
Muhammad, K., and Anwar, I. (2011). Compara- Reverse-Transcription Polymerase Chain
tive evaluation of clinical samples from natu- Reaction.Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci., 5(5):
rally infected dogs for early detection of canine 757-766.
distemper virus. Turkish J.Vet. and Ani. Sci., Tariq A,; Shahzad A. ; Tahira S. (2013).Clinical aspects of
34(6): 547-552. canine distemper in 1.5 year old Labrador Re-
Sharon L. Deem, Lucy H. Spelman, Rebecca A. Yates, triever bitch. Res. J. Vet. Pract., 1 (2):20 -22.
and Richard J. Montali, (2000) Canine distem- Toplu, N., & Yazicioglu, O. (2008). Pathological findings
per in terrestrial carnivores: a review J.Zoo and and immunohisto-chemical diagnosis of canine
Wildlife Med., 31(4): 441-451. distemper in naturally infected dogs. Revue
Shen, D. T., and J. R. Gorham. (1980). Survival of patho- Méd. Vét., 159(7): 391-397.
16

RESEARCH ARTICLE
STUDIES ON VERTEBRAL HEART SIZE IN DOGS SUFFERING FROM
DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
K.H. Ingole , *R.D. Velhankar , M.M. Gatne , C.N.Galdhar , R.V. Gaikwad , D.U. Lokhande and S. D. Moregaonkar
Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, Ethics & Jurisprudence

Bombay Veterinary College, Parel, Mumbai-400012, Maharashtra, India
1 2 3 4 5
Hospital Registrar, TVCC Associate Professor Professor of Pharmacology Assistant Professor Professor
6 7
Professor of Surgery Professor of Pathology
*Corresponding author - e mail:rajendravelhankar@gmail.com Mob no: 9819030607
Received : 12.02.17 This study is to appraise in (VHS) in healthy dogs and those
Revised : 23.02.17 suffering from dilated Cardiomyopathy dogs. Thoracic
Accepted : 18.03.17 radiographs of all dogs which included in study were divided into
two groups; the dogs without any clinical, radiographic,
Key words electrocardiographic and echocardiographic abnormality were
Dilated cardiomyopathy included in Healthy Control group and those with clinical history
Radiographic changes of lethargy, fatigue, exercise intolerance and radiographic,
Vertebral heart size
electrocardiographic and echocardiographic evidence of
cardiomegaly were included in DCM group. Mean VHS value
in control group was 9.7±0.09 (Mean ±SE) and in DCM group it
was 12.12±0.17 (Mean ± SE). DCM group dogs were showed
generalized cardiomegaly. In conclusion, in the present study
dogs with DCM group had a highly significant elevated Vertebral
Heart Score as compare to control group.
R adiography is an useful tool to appraise cardiac

diseases manifested by change in size, shape,
contour, density and/or position of the silhouette
diseases and provide valuable in diagnosis in
DCM. The vertebral heart size (VHS) was
established to create a more objective way of
and great vessels, as well as by extra cardiac signs diagnosing cardiomegaly via thoracic radiography
(Woolley et al., 2007). (Nakayama et al., 2001).
The vertebral heart scale system was developed Buchanan and Bucheler (1995) described a
for evaluating cardiac size among dogs of different method for measuring the canine cardiac silhouette
breeds and thoracic conformations. Thoracic and involves measuring its long and short axes in a
radiographs are very helpful in the diagnosis of heart left lateral radiograph and comparing the sum of
17
these measurements to the mid-thoracic vertebral median age of 8 years. The average body weight
bodies, to produce a unit less index called the was 30.2 ± 2.18 Kg with its range between 14 to
vertebral heart score (VHS). Authors reported 45 kg..
normal values for VHS as 9.7 ± 0.5 vertebrae in DCM Group comprised of 30 adult dogs
dogs (Litster and Buchanan, 2000). (irrespective of breed, age and sex) - fulfilling the
The objective of this study is to appraise in VHS inclusion criterion referred above. Out of 30 dogs
in healthy dogs and those suffering from DCM included, 26 were males and four bitches and
dogs. belonged to ten different breeds with their breed
wise distribution as under: Labrador (14), Non
Material and method
descript (3), Cocker Spaniel (3), German
Present study was conducted on the dogs selected Shepherd (2) , Great Dane (2), Doberman
(without any prejudice) from those presented at Pinscher (2) , Neopolitan Mastiff (1) , Golden
Outpatient Department, TVCC Parel, Bombay Retriever (1), Saint Bernard (1) and Boxer (1).
Veterinary College and the inpatient ward of Bai Their ages ranged between 2.5 years to 13 years,
Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital - affiliated to the with a median age of 8 years. Their body weights
college. A complete and detailed clinical history of ranged from 17 Kg to 66 Kg with an average body
each dog was recorded on the separate history weight at 35.83±2.23 Kg.
sheet. All pet owners were carefully interrogated Calculating vertebral heart size (VHS) : A left
about the exercise tolerance of their pets. These lateral thoracic radiograph was recorded for all
dogs were then subjected to a thorough clinical the dogs in both the groups and the VHS was
examination. determined as per method described by Buchanan
The dogs without any clinical, radiographic, and Bucheler (1995).
electrocardiographic and echocardiographic
Statistical analysis
abnormality were included in Control group
whereas those with clinical history of lethargy, Statistical analysis were performed with a
fatigue, exercise intolerance and radiographic, computerized built in statistical software package
electrocardiographic and echocardiographic with Microsoft Excel . For all measurements, the
evidence of cardiomegaly were included in DCM mean and the standard deviation (SD) and
group
Control group comprised of 15 healthy adult dogs
(irrespective of breed, age and sex) - fulfilling the
inclusion criterion referred above. A written consent
from the pet owners was obtained for voluntary
participation of their pets for this health check up
and to be a part of this study. Out of 15 dogs
included in the study, 11 were males and four
bitches and belonged to 6 different breeds with
their breed wise distribution as under : Labrador
(6) , Non descript (1), Cocker Spaniel (1),
Doberman Pinscher (1), Pomeranian (2), Golden
Retriever (2),Dalmatian (1) and Boxer (1) . Their Calculating vertebral heart size
ages ranged between 4 years to 12 years with a
18
standard error (SE) were calculated. For VHS are summarized in table 1.
controlled and DCM group, a student t-test was
Discussion
used to determine differences between mean
averages of the VHS on lateral views. Thoracic radiography continues to play an
important role in the assessment of patients with
Results
heart disease or heart failure. Lateral radiographic
All DCM group dogs were presented with the view of the thorax was evaluated for size, shape
history of exercise intolerance (93%) and dyspnea and location of the heart in the thorax (Burk and
(33%), tachypnea (67%) and ascites (60%). Ackerman,1996). Lateral Thoracic radiograph
Thoracic radiography revealed gross or generalized was very useful in the present study and provided
cardiomegaly in all cases of DCM group. No vital information about both the groups of the dogs,
significant difference (NS) was observed in respect with regard to size and shape of their cardiac
of age and body weight between control and silhouette, status of pulmonary parenchyma,
DCM group. The mean body weight in DCM position of trachea, bronchi and major blood
group was higher by 14.54% as compared with vessels.
control group. This variation could be attributed Vollmar et al. (2000) observed cardiomegaly
to presence of large breeds of dogs in DCM (moderate to severe) along with pulmonary edema,
group. Respiratory rate was significantly higher pleural effusion and ascites. Pulmonary edema was
(p<0.05) by 25.48% in case of DCM as compare the most common finding on thoracic radiographs
to control group. of dogs with symptomatic DCM, whereas signs
Mean VHS value in control group was 9.7±0.09 of right-sided heart failure i.e., pleural effusion,
(Mean ±SE) and in DCM group it was pericardial effusion and ascites were reported to
12.12±0.17 (Mean ± SE). DCM group dogs were be common in giant breeds with DCM, Present
showed generalized cardiomegaly, biventricular study reported almost similar observations and in
and biatrial enlargement, and deviation of tracheal agreement with the author.
elevation over the dorsal part of the thorax, and Buchanan and Bucheler (1995) developed a
main bronchus compression on the lateral view, method for measuring canine heart size in
widening and convexity of the cranioventral heart radiographs, vertebral scale system, and reported
border on lateral view. Mean ± SE values for age, the sum of the long and short axes of the heart
body weight, respiration, long axis, short axis and expressed as vertebral heart size as 9.7±0.5
Table -1 Mean ±SE of age, body weight, respiratory rate and VHS in Control and DCM groups using
student "t" Test.
Sr No Parameters Unit Control Group DCM Group Calculated Critical %
Mean ±SE Mean± SE "t" value /Table value Change
(Range) (Range) at 5%"t"
1 Median Age Years 8 8
0.144NS
(4.0-12.0) (2.5-13.0)
2 Body weight Kg 30.2 ± 2.18 35.83±2.23 18.54
1.603NS
(14.0- 45.0) (17-66) 2.016
3 Respiratory Per min 28.53±0.43 35.8±1.53 25.48
3.283*
rate (26-32) (22-50)
4 Long Axis No. of 5.2±0.06 6.62±0.09 27.31
9.540*
vertebrae (5.0-5.5) (5.5-7.5)
5 Short Axis No. of 4.5±0.06 5.51±0.10 22.44
6.425*
vertebrae (4.0-5.0) (4.5-6.7)
6 No. of 9.7±0.09 12.12±0.17 24.95
VHS 9.355*
vertebrae (9.5-10.5) (10.5-14)
(NS : Non significant ; * Significant)
19
vertebrae. This observation is also in complete abnormalities with DCM. This study recorded
agreement with the recommended range by Lamb similar observations and underlined importance of
et al. (2000) and Gulanber et al. (2005) who radiography in diagnosis of Heart and thoracic
recommended normal VHS to be 9.7± 0.5 (mean± diseases.
SE) vertebrae. The VHS score reported in the The long axis and short axis measurements of the
present study is very close agreement with the hearts of the dogs in DCM group, were significantly
values of VHS reported by these authors and this higher (p < 0.05) by 27.31% and 22.44%,
clearly indicated that control group did not have respectively than those of dogs in healthy group
any radiographically detectable evidence of (Table 1). Vertebral heart scores reflect the overall
cardiomegaly. On the other hand, DCM group dimensions of the cardiac silhouette and
with clinical signs of respiratory distress, coughing, incorporate all chambers of the heart, including the
exercise intolerance with radiographically myocardium and pericardium. Observations in the
detectable evidence of cardiomegaly VHS present study - regarding increase in the size of
(12.12±0.17) had significantly higher (p< 0.05) the heart due to chamber enlargements resulted in
VHS valuesthan the control group (9.7±0.09). increased VHS - are in agreement with Hansson
Values of VHS observed in DCM group were et al. (2005), Lamb and Boswood (2002) ,
much higher than the normal recommended range Guglielmini et al. (2009) and Lord et al. (2010),
and significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the values they reported that cardiac diseases associated with
by 24.95% in the control group. These an increase in chamber dilatation are the main
observations on VHS in control and DCM group reported causes of a high VHS. Guglielmini et al.
are in close agreement with Padalkar (2012) and (2009) indicated that VHS may be an additional
Velhankar (2013) , who reported significantly tool for differentiating the origin of cough in dogs
higher VHS values in DCM affected dogs. with mitral valvular disease. Clinical findings in the
An increased VHS [12.12+0.17 (Mean± SE) ] present study are in agreement with this
was observed in all the dogs (100%) of DCM observation and reported cough in 57 % of cases
group and this increase in mean VHS was 24.95 and diagnosed MVD in four cases.
% as compared to Healthy Group of dogs In the present study dogs with DCM had a highly
[9.70+0.09 (Mean± SE) ] - along with clinical significant elevated Vertebral Heart Score. This
signs of congestion of lungs, pulmonary edema and might be due to dilatation of atrial and ventricular
elevation of trachea. These findings in the present enlargement in DCM. In radiographic findings of
study are in close consonance with Martin et al. the present study the heart appeared like foot-ball
(2009) who reported radiographic evidence of with rounded margins. These findings are similar
cardiomegaly and increased VHS in 80 % of dogs to the observations of Buchanan and Bucheler
with DCM while congestive signs (pulmonary (1995) and Lister and Buchanan (2000).
edema or pleural effusion) were evident in 74 % Lamb et al. (2001) recorded the vertebral heart
cases of DCM affected dogs. This possible scores for normal and healthy Labrador Retrievers
variation could be due to difference in sample size, as 10.8 vertebrae. They concluded that the
breeds of dogs included in either studies, severity accuracy of VHS measurements for the diagnosis
of disease or duration of study. Meurs et al. of cardiac disease varied with the breed. Body
(2001) observed pulmonary edema, generalized confirmation and breed could influence the VHS
cardiac enlargement, left atrial enlargement and values as per recommendation by Marin et al.
pleural effusion as the common radiographic (2007). Present study is also in agreement with
20
this statement and it was evident from the varying for the vertebral heart scale as an aid to the
range of VHS in dogs of different breeds and sizes. radiographic diagnosis of cardiac disease in
dogs. Vet. Rec., 148(23):707-11.
Therefore, there is a need for establishing breed
Litster, A., and Buchanan, J.W. (2000). Vertebral scale
specific norms of VHS, based on their body system to measure heart size in radiographs of
weight. Hansson et al. (2005) concluded that VHS cats. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc., 216: 210 -214.
method for heart size was independent of observer Lord P, Hansson K, Kvart C, et al. (2010). Rate of change
experience but dependent on individual observer's of heart size before congestive heart failure in
dogs with mitral regurgitation. J Small Anim
selection of reference points and transformation
Pract.,51:210-218
of long and short axis dimensions into VHS units. Marin L. M., J. Brown, C. McBrien, R. Baumwart, V. Samii
In conclusion, the present study confirmed that and C. G. Couto (2007). Vertebral heart size in
there is a significant alteration or increase in VHS retired racing Grey hounds. Vete. Radiol.and
measurements in dogs suffering from DCM and Ultrasound, 48 (4) : 332 - 334.
Martin, M.W.S, M.J.Stafford and B.Celona. (2009). Ca-
estimated a significant increase by 24.95 % and
nine dilated cardiomyopathy: a retrospective
strongly recommends a need for establishing breed study of signalment, presentation and clinical
specific ranges for VHS due to wide variation in findings in 369 cases. J. Small Anim. Pract., 50:23-
size and chest pattern in the dogs. 29.
Meurs, K.M., M.W.Miller and N.A.Wright(2001). Clini-
References cal features of dilated cardiomyopathy in Great
Buchanan, J.W., and Bucheler, J. (1995). Vertebral scale Danes and results of a pedigree analysis: 17
system to measure canine heart size in radio- cases (1990-2000). J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc.,
graphs. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc., 206: 194-199. 218:729-732
Burk, R.L., and Ackerman, N. (1996). Small Animal Radi- Nakayama H, Nakayama T, and Hamlin RL. (2001).Corre-
ology and Ultrasonography. WB lation of cardiac enlargement as assessed by
Saunders Company, Philadelphia,. vertebral heart size and echocardiographic and
Guglielmini C, Diana A, Pietra M, et al.(2009).Use of ver- electrocardiographic findings in dogs with
tebral heart score in coughing dogs with chronic evolving cardiomegaly due to rapid ventricular
degenerative mitral valve disease. J Vet Med pacing. JVIM.,15(3):217-221.
Sci., 71:9-13. Padalkar, M. A. (2012). Doppler studies on transvalvular
Gulanber E. G., R. Gonencu, U. Kaya, O. Aksoy, and H. S. blood flow dynamics in dilated cardiomyopa-
Biricik(2005). Vertebral Scale System to Mea- thy of dogs M.V.Sc. thesis submitted to
sure Heart Size in Thoracic Radiographs of M.A.F.S.U Nagpur.
Turkish Shepherd (Kangal) Dogs. Turk J. Vet. Tilley, L. P. (1992) Essentials of canine and feline Electro-
Anim. Sci., 29 : 723 - 726. Xi,. cardiography (Interpretation and treatment).
Hansson K, Häggström J, Kvart C, et al. (2005). Edition, Lea and Febiger (Philadelphia and Lon-
Interobserver variability of vertebral heart size don). Pp : 146 and 147. xxiii
measurements in dogs with normal and enlarged Velhankar,R.D.(2013). Two dimensional
hearts. Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 46:122-130. echocardiographic studies on Dilated Cardi-
Lamb C. R., M. Tyler, A. Boswood, B. J. Skelly and M. omyopathy in dog. Ph.D. thesis submitted to
Cain(2000). Assessment of the value of the M.A.F.S.U Nagpur ,.
vertebral heart scale in the radiographic diag- Vollmar, A. (2000). The prevalence of cardiomyopathy in
nosis of cardiac disease in dogs. Vet. Rec. 146: the Irish wolfhound: a clinical study of 500 dogs.
687 - 690. doi : 10.1136/vr.146.24.687. J. Am. Anim. Hosp. Assoc., 36:125-131.
Lamb CR, and Boswood A. (2002) Role of survey radiog- Woolley R, Smith P, Munro E, Smith S, Swift S, Devine C,
raphy in diagnosing canine cardiac disease. Corcoran B and French A(2007). Effect of treat-
Compend Contin Educ Pract Vet., 24:316-326. ment type on vertebral heart size in dogs with
Lamb, C.R., H.Wikeley, A.Boswood and myxomatous mitral valve disease. Int. J. Appl.
D.U.Pfeiffer(2001). Use of breed specific ranges Res. Vet. Med., 5 (1): 43-48.
21

RESEARCH ARTICLE
CLINO-DIAGNOSTIC STUDIES OF CANINE EHRLICHIOSIS
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Jyoti Yadav , D.K. Bihani , Anil Ahuja , R.K. Tanwar , Sunita Choudhary , Deepika Dhuria and V.K. Meenal
Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ethics and Jurisprudence,

College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Bikaner-334001 Rajasthan, India
1 2 3&4
Veterinary Officer, Department of Animal Husbandry Professor & Head Professor
4 5
Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Veterinary Medicine Assistant Professor
Corresponding author e-mail: yadav.jyoti502@gmail.com Mobile : 8386841923
Received : 04.12.16 Out of 104 dogs 21 dogs affected with canine ehrlichiosis were
Revised : 03.02.17 diagnosed based on nested polymerase chain reaction with
Accepted : 18.02.17 characteristic clinical features of pyrexia, history of tick
infestation earlier/presence of ticks, anorexia, depression and
Key words : lethargy, pale mucous membrane, congested mucous membrane,
Canine ehrlichiosis melena, epistaxis, petechial and ecchymotic hemorrhages,
Clinical findings lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, oedema, lameness, uveitis, and
Morulae
corneal opacity. Microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained
peripheral thin blood smears and buffy coat smears revealed
1.92% (2/104) and 7.69% (8/104) positive for the intracytoplasmic
morulae or inclusion bodies of E. canis in monocytes and
lymphocytes. Positive cases of canine ehrlichiosis were treated
with doxycycline @ 5mg/kg but po bd for 28 days and showed
rapid improvement and recovery after 2 weeks.
C anine ehrlichiosis is an important

Immunosuppressive tick born disease in dog
(Dubie et al., 2014). It is caused by rickettsial
tropical canine pancytopenia.
The brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus)
is the main vector which harbours Ehrlichia
microorganism Ehrlichia canis, which is a small organism and transmits it to dogs (Melo et al.,
(0.5-1.5 µm), gram-negative, obligatory 2011). Ehrlichiosis is a multisystemic disorder
intracellular pleomorphic coccoid bacteria which may produce hemorrhage tendency,
belonging to family Ehrlichiaceae. It is also known lymphadenopahty, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly,
as canine rickettsiosis, canine hemorrhagic fever, along with cardiac/renal disorders and
canine typhus, tracker dog disease, and myelosupression (Aysul et al., 2012).
22
The diagnostic techniques available include intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies or morulae of E.

demonstration of blood or buffy coat smears to canis in leucocytes (circulating monocytes and
view intracytoplasmic E. canis inclusions of lymphocytes) under microscope.
corpuscles or morulae within monocytes (Borin For nPCR, blood sample was collected in EDTA
et al., 2009), and molecular techniques such as vial and was stored at -20 °C until DNA extraction.
nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) (Souza For conducting the PCR assays, genomic DNA
et al., 2010 and Choudhary et al., 2015). was isolated from whole blood using QIAamp®
Doxycycline, a semi-synthetic tetracycline, has DNA blood mini kit (QIAGEN, GmbH, Germany)
been the first-line drug in the treatment of CME, as per spin protocol.The PCR assays (primary as
given @10 mg/kg bwt PO q24h for 28 days well as nested) were designed to target a portion
(Breitschwerdt et al., 2001). To date, no of the 16S rRNA gene so as to amplify all Ehrlichia
commercial vaccine for canine ehrlichiosis exists spp. (primary) and E. canis (nested PCR) as
and tick control remains the main preventive described by Murphy et al. (1998). All the positive
measure against this disease. cases of canine ehrlichiosis were treated with
Materials and methods doxycycline @ 5mg/kg bwt po bds for 28 days.
Responses of treatment with doxycycline were
Animals noted down on the basis of clinical findings after
14 days of treatment.
A total number of 104 clinically suspected cases
of dogs of different breeds, ages and genders Results and discussion
presented to the canine outdoor of Teaching In the present study, nPCR technique was adopted
Veterinary Clinical Complex, CVAS, Bikaner confirmation and revealed 21 positive cases for
during the period of September 2015 to December E. canis out of 104 suspected. Most common
2015. clinical signs recorded in canine ehrlichiosis positive
Clinical observations dogs (based on nPCR) are presented in Fig. 1.
Clinical signs observed in positive dogs confirmed
Dogs were tentatively selected on the basis of the by blood smear, buffy coat smear examination and
clinical examination including history of ticks or nPCR to be infected with E. canis (Fig. 2 to 4).
presence of tick infestation, physical examination Similar clinical findings were observed by
(temp, respiration rate and pulse rate) and clinical Kachhawaha et al. (2013), Das and Konar
signs such as fever, anorexia, melena, epistaxis, (2013), Karlapudi and Devarakonda (2015), and
anaemia, petechial and ecchymotic hemorrhages, Choudhary et al. (2015) in different cases of
lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, and corneal canine ehrlichiosis.
opacity. Diagnosis was made by cytology and Epistaxis, pale mucous membrane and melena
confirmation was done by doing nested could be explained by thrombocytopenia that
polymerase chain reaction (nPCR). facilitates bleeding in the different body tissues. The
Whole blood samples were aseptically collected oedema and uveitis could be explained by the
in ethylene diamine tetra acetate (EDTA) coated replication of E. canis within mononuclear cells
tubes from the cephalic vein of dogs suspected that followed by hematogenous spread and
for Ehrlichia canis for cytology and nPCR. Blood vasculitis (Schaer, 2003). Lameness in E. canis
smear and Buffy coat smear were made and infected dogs is usually caused by arthritis (Ettinger
Geimsa stain (Coles, 1986) to demonstrate and Feldman, 2006). Infection of dogs with canine
23
ehrlichiosis results in illness of varying severity, 2-3 days, started taking food and water and
depending on the species of Ehrlichia species became active. Doxycycline treatment resulted in
involved, geographical location and the immune improvement and resolution of most clinical signs
response of the dog (Cardenas et al., 2007). in affected dogs after receiving 14 days of therapy.
The findings in the present study suggested that
Cytology
doxycycline effectively ameliorates the E. canis
The blood and buffy coat smear examination induced clinical abnormalities and regimen needs
revealed E.canis morulae or inclusion bodies in to be continued for four weeks for clearing up
cytoplasm of monocytes or lymphocytes (Fig.5), parasitemia.
the respective numbers and proportion being 2/ Doxycycline, a semi-synthetic tetracycline, had
104 (1.92%) and 8/104 (7.69%). These findings been the first-line drug in the treatment of CME.
are in agreement with Salem et al. (2014), While, in the acute CME doxycycline had been
Choudhary et al. (2015) and Guedes et al. (2015). shown to be very effective in eliminating the
Treatment infection (Gal et al., 2007), its effectiveness in the
subclinical and chronic E. canis infection is still
In present study, all the positive cases based on controversial (Eddlestone et al., 2007), although
nPCR of canine ehrlichiosis were treated with a more prolonged administration might be required
doxycycline @ 5 mg/kg bwt po bds for 4 weeks. for chronically infected dogs (Harrus et al., 1998).
All dogs were presented back after 2 weeks for Schaefer et al. (2008) and Gaunt et al. (2010)
follow up treatment and assessment. At the end of have reported that in experimental infections by
14 days of the treatment response to therapy was Ehrlichia canis, doxycycline was an efficacious
evaluated based on owner's findings that the dogs therapy when administered for a period of four
showed substantial improvement in condition after weeks.
Fig. 1: Major clinical manifestations in dogs positive with canine ehrlichiosis
24
Epistaxis
Tick
infestation
Fig.3: Epistaxis observed in a German Shepherd

Fig.2: Tick infestation on back region
Dog affected with canine ehrlichiosis
Morulae
Icteric gingival
mucosa
Fig. 4: Icteric gingival mucosa observed in dog

affected with canine ehrlichiosis Fig. 5: Intracytoplasmic morulae in lymphocyte
References ings of the ACVIM Forum, Denver, CO.

Aysul, N., Ural, K., Cetinkaya, H. et al. (2012). Doxycy- Cardenas, A.M., Doyle, C.K., Zhang, X., Nethery, K.,
cline-chloroquine combination for the treatment Corstvet, R.E., Walker, D.H. and McBride, J.W.
of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis. Acta Scientiae (2007). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
Veterinariae, 40(2): 1031. with conserved immunoreactive glycoproteins
Borin, S., Crivelenti, L.Z. and Ferreira, F.A. (2009). gp36 and gp19 has enhanced sensitivity and
Aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos e provides species-specific immunodiagnosis of
hematológicos de 251 cães portadores de Ehrlichia canis infection. Clin. Vaccine Immunol.,
mórula de Ehrlichia spp. naturalmente 14: 123-128.
infectados. Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Choudhary, S., Muralidhara, A., Yathiraj, S., Placid, E.D.
Veterinária e Zootecnia, 61: 566-571. and Sengupta, P.P. (2015). Clinical,hemato-bio-
Breitschwerdt, E., Abrams-Ogg, A., Hancock, S. et al. chemical alterations, diagnosis and manage-
(2001). Molecular evidence of Ehrlichia canis ment of canine ehrlichiosis. Intas polivet, 16(2):
infection in cats from North America. Proceed- 446-451.
25
Coles, E.H. (1986). Veterinary Clinical Pathology. 4th ed. Harrus, S., Waner, T., Keysary, A., Aroch, I., Voet, H. and
WB Saunders Company London, UK, Pp : 46- Bark, H. (1998). Investigation of splenic func-
47. tions in canine monocytic ehrlichiosis. Vet.
Das, M. and Konar, S. (2013). Clinical and hematological Immunol. Immunopathol., 62: 15-27.
study of canine Ehrlichiosis with other Kachhawaha, S., Srivastava, M., Sudhakar, Chadda, B.P.
hemoprotozoan parasites in Kolkata, West and Kachhawa, S. (2013). Prevalence of canine
Bengal, India. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed, 3: 913- ehrlichiosis in stray dogs in and around jodh-
5. pur. Veterinary Practitioner, 14(1): 179.
Dubie, T., Mohammed, Y., Terefe, G., Muktar, Y. and Karlapudi, S.K. and Devarakonda, S. (2015). canine mono-
Tesfaye, J. (2014). An insight review on canine cytic ehrlichiosis - the newer perspectives of
ehrlichiosis with emphasis on its epidemiology its diagnosis and treatment. International Jour-
and pathogenesity importance. Global Science nal of Science and Nature, 6(4): 697-700.
Research Journal, 2(4): 059-067. Melo, A.L., Martins, T.F., Horta, M.C., Moraes-Filho, J.,
Eddlestone, S.M., Diniz, P.P.V.P., Neer, T.M., Corstvet, R., Pacheco, R.C., Labruna, M.B. and Aguiar, D.M.
Cho, D., Hosgood, G., Hergarty, B. and (2011). Seroprevalence and risk factors to
Breitschwerdt, E.B. (2007). Doxycycline clear- Ehrlichia spp. and Rickettsia spp. in dogs from
ance of experimentally induced chronic Ehrlichia the Pantanal Region of Mato Grosso State, Bra-
canis infection in dogs. Journal of Veterinary zil. Ticks Tick Borne Dis., 2(4): 213-218.
Internal Medicine, 21: 1237-1242. Murphy, G.L., Ewing, S.A., Whitworth, L.C., Fox, J.C. and
Ettinger, S.J. and Feldman, E.C. (2006). The textbook of Kocan, A.A. (1998). A molecular and serologic
veterinary internal medicine, volume-I, 6th edi- survey of Ehrlichia canis, E. chaifeensis, and E.
tion, Elsevier, Pp: 633-634. ewingii in dogs and ticks from Oklahoma. Vet-
Gal, A., Loeb, E., Yisaschar- Mekuzas, Y. and Baneth, G. erinary Parasitology, 79: 325-339.
(2007). Detection of Ehrlichia canis in different Salem, N. Y., Rakha, G. H. and Baraka, T. A. (2014). Natu-
tissues obtained during necropsy from dogs rally occurring ehrlichiosis in Egyptian dogs.
surveyed for naturally occurring canine mono- Iranian Journal of Veterinary Research, 15(1):
cytic ehrlichiosis. Vet. J., 175: 212- 217. 54-57.
Gaunt, S.D., Beall, M.J., Stillman, B.A., Lorentzen, L., Diniz, Schaefer, J.J., Kahn, J., Needham, G.R., Rikihisa, Y., Ewing,
P.P.V.P., Chandrashekar, E.B. and Breitschwerdt, S.A. and Stich, R.W. (2008). Antibiotic clear-
E.B. (2010). Experimental infection and co-infec- ance of Ehrlichia canis from dogs infected by
tion of dogs with Anaplasma platys and Ehrlichia intravenous inoculation of carrier blood. Ann.
canis: hematologic, serologic and molecular N Y. Acad. Sci., 1149: 263-9.
findings. Parasites and Vectors, 3: 33-43. Schaer, M. (2003). Textbook of clinical medicine of the
Guedes, P.E.B., Oliveira, T.N.A., Carvalho, F.S., Carlos, dog and cat. 2nd edition, Manson publishing,
R.S.A., Albuquerque, G.R., Munhoz, A. D., The veterinary press, London, UK, Pp: 207.
Wenceslau, A.A. and Silva, F.L. (2015). Canine Souza, B.M.P.S., Leal, D.C., Barboza, D.C.P.M., Uzêda,
ehrlichiosis: prevalence and epidemiology in R.S., Alcântara, A.C., Ferreira, F., et al. (2010).
northeast Brazil. Braz. J. Vet. Parasitol. Prevalence of ehrlichial infection among dogs
Jaboticabal, 24(2): 115-121. and ticks in Northeastern Brazil. Rev Bras
Parasitol Vet., 19(2): 89-93.
26

RESEARCH ARTICLE
STUDIES ON ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC ALTERATION IN DOGS
SUFFERING FROM DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
K.H. Ingole , R.D. Velhankar , M.M. Gatne , C.N.Galdhar , R.V. Gaikwad , D.U. Lokhande and S. D. Moregaonkar
Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, Ethics & Jurisprudence

Bombay Veterinary College, Parel, Mumbai-400012, Maharashtra, India
1 2 3 4 5
Hospital Registrar, TVCC Associate Professor Professor of Pharmacology Assistant Professor Professor
6 7
Professor of Surgery Professor of Pathology
Corresponding author - e mail:rajendravelhankar@gmail.com Mob no: 9819030607
Received : 07.02.17 A study was conducted for the diagnostic value of ECG in dogs
Revised : 21.02.17 suffering from Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). ECG of all dogs
Accepted : 08.03.17 which included in study were divided into two groups; Healthy
Control group (n=15) and DCM group (n=30).
Key words : Electrocardiographic readings were recorded for all the dogs
Dilated cardiomyopathy included in the study on standard single channel ECG machine.All
Electrocardiogram leads were recorded at paper speed of 25 mm / second and
Rhythm disturbances
another long rhythm strip of lead II was recorded at paper speed
of 50mm/second containing 12-15 QRS complexes. This rhythm
strip was subjected to further analysis to calculate heart rate,
heart rhythm,measurements of P wave, PR interval, QRS
complex, R wave, ST segment, T wave and mean electrical
axis. Present study recorded significant increase in (p>0.05) in
heart rate, various rhythm disturbances like sinus arrhythmias,
atrial fibrillation, ventricular premature complexes and ventricular
tachycardia. Alterations in PQRST complexes included wide P
waves and QRS complexes suggestive of left atrial and left
ventricular enlargement in dogs suffering from DCM.
D ilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is primary

disease of the muscles of the heart,
characterized by a progressive decline in the
al., 1999). According to Fox et al. (1998), DCM
is more common in middle age to old dog with
male over dominance in ratio of 2:1 and recognized
contractility of the ventricles, dilation of all the in several medium-size and giant breed dogs.
cardiac chambers, leading to congestive heart Different clinical forms of canine DCM are
failure (CHF), arrhythmias, and death (Sisson et described in different breeds of dogs by Freeman
27
et al.(1996) and Tidholm and Jonsson (1996). auscultation (cardiac murmur and bronchial /
They documented a variety of dysrhythmias, vesicular sounds), and color of mucus membranes,
abnormalities of cardiac conduction and other systolic blood pressure and SpO2. A left lateral
electrocardiographic alterations as common thoracic radiograph and an Electrocardiogram was
findings in dogs with DCM. The nature and recorded for all these dogs as per the method
prevalence of different arrhythmias in different described by Buchanan and Bucheler (1995) and
breeds of dogs has been reported by Sisson et al. Tilley (1992), respectively. Echocardiographic
(1999).Though ECG is not a panacea, it generates examination - being a Gold standard test for
vital diagnostic and prognostic information and clue diagnosis of DCM, was accomplished for all these
to the clinician regarding heart rhythm, cardiac dogs included in the study as per the standard
enlargement particularly on electrolyte imbalance procedure laid down by Nyland and Mattoon
even before laboratory results are received (1995).
(Bolton, 1998).Number of electrocardiographic The dogs without any clinical, radiographic,
abnormalities have been reported in dogs with electrocardiographic and echocardiographic
DCM like wide and tall P waves, wide and tall abnormality were included in healthy control group
QRS complexes, rhythm disturbances like SVT, (here in after referred to as control group) whereas
APC, atrial fibrillation, VPC and VT - having a those with clinical history of lethargy, weakness /
very important both diagnostic and prognostic fatigue, exercise intolerance and radiographic,
value [Goodwin (1998); Padalkar electrocardiographic and echocardiographic
(2012);Velhankar (2013) ; Anil Kumar(2013)]. evidence of heart enlargement (cardiomegaly) were
Electrocardiography (ECG) is widely used as a included in DCM group.
diagnostic tool for cardiac diseases in both - human Control group comprised of 15 healthy adult dogs
and veterinary medicine. The aim of this study is (irrespective of breed, age and sex) - fulfilling the
to record and document the electrocardiographic inclusion criterion referred above. A written consent
abnormalities in rate and rhythm of heart and from the pet owners was obtained for voluntary
alterations or changes in PQRST complexes in the participation of their pets and their inclusion in this
rhythm strip of DCM affected dogs. health check up and to be a part of this study. Out
of 15 dogs included in the study, 11 were males
Material and method
and four bitches and belonged to 6 different breeds
Present study was conducted on the dogs selected with their breed wise distribution as under
(without any prejudice) from those presented at :Labrador (6) , Non descript (1), Cocker Spaniel
Outpatient Department, TVCC, Parel, Bombay (1), Doberman Pinscher (1), Pomeranian (2),
Veterinary College and the inpatient ward of Bai Golden Retriever (2) Dalmatian (1) and Boxer
Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital - affiliated to the (1) . Their ages ranged between 4 years to twelve
college. A complete and detailed clinical history years with a median age of 8 years. The average
of each dog was recorded on the separate history body weight was 30.2 ± 2.18 Kg with its range
sheet. All pet owners were carefully enquired between 14 to 45 kg.
about the exercise tolerance of their pets. These DCM Group comprised of 30 adult dogs
dogs were then subjected to a thorough clinical (irrespective of breed, age and sex) - fulfilling the
examination comprising of recording of rectal body inclusion criterion referred above. Out of 30 dogs
temperature, pulse (quality and frequency), included, 26 were males and four bitches and
respiration (type and number), thoracic belonged to ten different breeds with their breed
28
wise distribution as under: Labrador (14), Non of 25 mm / second and another long rhythm strip
descript (3), Cocker Spaniel (3), German of lead II was recorded at paper speed of 50mm/
Shepherd (2) , Great Dane (2), Doberman second containing 12-15 QRS complexes. This
Pinscher (2) , Neapolitan Mastiff (1) , Golden rhythm strip was subjected to further analysis
Retriever (1), Saint Bernard (1) and Boxer (1). following the guidelines laid down by Tilley (1992)
Their ages ranged between 2.5 years to 13 years, to calculate heart rate,heart rhythm,measurements
with a median age of 8 years and their body weights of P wave, PR interval, QRS complex, R wave,
ranged from 17 Kg to 66 Kg with an average body ST segment , T wave and mean electrical axis.
weight at 35.83±2.23 Kg.
Statistical analysis
Electrocardiographic readings were recorded for
Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft
all the dogs included in the study on standard single
channel ECG machine-model No. BPL 108 DIGI- Excel- a computerized built in statistical software
package with Microsoft Windows. For all
T using 60 No. alligator clips with their jaws bent
measurements, mean, standard deviation (SD) and
fixed to the terminals of electrodes to ensure and
standard error (SE) were calculated. A student t-
facilitate proper grip and were wetted with alcohol
to establish proper contact between skin and test was performed to compare the means of
electrode.All leads were recorded at paper speed control and DCM group to find out effect of DCM
on ECG parameters.
Table -1 :Range and Mean ±SE of , median age, body weight, heart rate and pulse rate in control and
DCM groups. Sr. Parameters Unit Control Group DCM Group Calculated % Table
No Mean ±SE Mean ±SE "t" value Change value
(Range) n=15 (Range) n=30 “t”
1 Median Age Years 8 8 0
0.144NS
(4.0-12.0) (2.5-13.0)
2 Body Weight Kg 30.2 ± 2.18 35.83±2.23 18.64
1.603NS
(14.0- 45.0) (17-66)
3 Heart rate bpm 115±4.72 142.77 ±6.14 (80- 2.909* 24.15
(80-160) 200) 2.016
4 Pulse rate per 115±4.72 131.20±5 2.001NS 14.09
min (80-160) (80-180)
(NS : Non significant ; * significant (P<0.05)
Table -2 :Range and Mean ±SE of electrocardiographic parameters in dogs of control and DCM groups.
Sr. Parameters Unit Control Group DCM Group Calculated % Table
No Mean ± SE Mean ± SE "t" value Change value
(Range) (Range) “t”
1 Heart rate bpm 111.4±6.41 143.50±6.09 3.294* 28.82 2.016
(75-150) (78-220)
2 P wave Width sec 0.036±00 0.05±00 5.44* 38.88 2.03
(0.02-0.04) (0.04-0.06)
P wave mV 0.17±0.02 0.21±0.02 1.268NS 23.52 2.03
Amplitude (0.10-0.30) (0.1-0.5)
NS
3 PR interval sec 0.11±00 0.11±0.01 1.221 0.00 2.03
(0.08-0.14) (0.06-0.16)
4 QRS complex sec 0.04±00 0.07±00 7.667** 75.00 2.016
(0.02-0.05) (0.05-0.08)
mV 1.08±0.08 1.27±0.09 1.285NS 17.59 2.016
(0.80-1.90) (0.5-2.4)
5 QT interval sec 0.18±0.01 0.17±0.01 0.719NS 5.55 2.016
(0.10-0.22) (0.12-0.24)
6 MEA degree 86.33±1.50o 81.97±1.70 o 1.658NS
5.81 2.016
( 75 o -90 o) (60 o - 90 o)
(NS : Non significant ; * significant (P<0.05)
29
Results and discussion could be due to difference in sample size, breeds

of dogs included and duration of study.
History and clinical examination in the dogs taken
Electrocardiographic measurements of the P-
in study helped or gave a clue to identify the cardiac
QRS-T waves, segments and intervals were
disease.
performed in all dogs of both the groups and shown
In control group none of the dog showed signs of
in table 2. Calculated heart rate from ECG in
exercise intolerance, tachypnea, dyspnea, ascites
control group ranged from 75 to 150 bpm with its
or cough and had normal appetite or had audible
Mean ±SE at 111.4 ±6.4 beats per minute while
murmur on auscultation or evidence of pulse deficit.
in DCM group it ranged from 78 to 220 bpm with
Pulse quality was strong and regular. Their heart
its Mean ±SE at 143.5 ±6.09. The heart rate in
and pulse rates were same and ranged from 80 to
dogs of DCM group was significantly higher
160 bpm with their corresponding Mean ±SE at
(p>0.05) by 28.82 % as compared with control
115±4.72bpm ,respectively (Table 1).
group. This increased heart rate is due to
On clinical examination, all dogs in DCM group
development of arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation,
were showing signs of exercise intolerance,
ventricular tachycardia or myocardial hypoxia
tachypnea and dyspnea, ascites, cough, loss of
induced tachycardia. Electrocardiographic
appetite, loss of body weight and these finding
changes as revealed from measurements of wave
correlate with Padalkar (2012) and Velhankar
forms indicated evidence of atrial or ventricular
(2013) who reported identical observations.
enlargement (cardiomegaly)(Figs.1 to 4).
Present study observed that 20(67%) dogs had
Electrocardiography is the preferred diagnostic
tachypnea, 10(33%)with dyspnea,ascites in
modality of choice for detecting arrhythmias and
18(60%) dogs, cough in 17(57%) cases and
present study recorded sinus arrhythmia in 22 dogs
anorexia in 23(76%) dogs. Loss of body weight
(73.33%), atrial fibrillation was diagnosed in 8 dogs
was observed in 10 (10%)while syncope was
(26.66%), ventricular premature complex was
observed in 4(13%)and jugular pulsation in
recorded in 2 dogs (6.66%) while one dog (3.33%)
3(10%) cases.13 (43%) dogs had audible cardiac
was diagnosed with ventricular tachycardia. ECG
murmur graded as per recommendation of Ettinger
was also helpful in detecting heart chambers
and Sutter (1970). The cardiac murmur ranged
enlargement. Identical observations were made
from grade I-IV with its Mean ±SE at2.85±0.15.
by Dukes-Mac Ewans et al. (2003), Padalkar
On auscultation the heart rate ranged from 80 to
(2012) and Velhankar (2013).
200 bpm with its Mean ±SE at 142.77±6.14
Atrial fibrillation was the most common life
bpm.Pulse rate ranged 80 to 180 per minute with
threatening arrhythmia (26.6 %) reported in present
its Mean ±SE at131.20±5 per minute. The pulse
study and included breeds like Doberman (1),
quality was weak and irregularand 36.67 % (11/
Labrador (3), Cockers Spaniel (1), Nepolitan
30) of dogs had pulse deficit.
Mastiff (1) Golden Retrivier (1) St Bernaro (1).This
In DCM group, male dogs suffered more than
observation is in consonance with Freeman et al.
bitches in a ratio of 6.5:1 (26:4). This male over
(1996); Calvert et al. (1997); Gavaghan and
dominance in DCM group is higher than that
Kittleson (1997) - they observed atrial fibrillation
reported by Fox et al. (1998) and Tilley and Smith
to be the most common rhythm disturbance in
Jr. (2000) - they reported the male to female ratio
Cocker Spaniels, Doberman Pinschers, Irish
of 2:1 in DCM affected dogs while Velhankar
Wolfhounds and Dalmatians. The observations on
(2013) reported the ratio of 4.5:1. This variation
heart rate, pulse and murmur recorded in this study
30
are in close agreement with those reported by Mean PR interval was identical in both the groups
Ettinger and Suter (1970), Fox et al. (1998), and within normal limit specified by Tilley (1992)
Ettinger and Feldman (2000), Bulmer (2000) and and Ettinger and Feldman (2005). This suggests
Tilley and Smith Jr. (2000) they reported irregular that there was no impulse conduction delay through
tachycardias with heart rates exceeding 180 bpm AV node in dogs of either group in other words in
and irregular quality pulse of varying strengths, none of these DCM dogs suffered from arrhythmia
rates, rhythm and even pulse deficit. They reported due to conduction disturbance.
systolic murmurs with II/VI to III/VI grades on I- Mean width and amplitude of QRS complexes in
VI scale and arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation control group and DCM measured 0.04±00,
whereas this study reported audible systolic 1.08±0.08,0.07±00 and 1.27±0.09(Mean ± SE)
murmur up to grade IV in 18dogs with DCM. seconds, respectively with their corresponding
Syncope was documented by (Martine et al., ranges between 0.02-0.05 seconds, 0.8 -1.90
2009) in DCM affected dogs. Present study is in mV,0.05-0.08 seconds and 0.5-2.4 mV. Mean
agreement with this observation and recorded width of the QRS complexes in DCM Group is
syncope in 4 (13%) DCM cases. significantly higher (p>0.05) by 75 % and
Following observations in respect of ECG wave amplitude was higher by 17.59 % (NS) than in
forms and compared the changes between control control group. According to Tilley (1992) and
and DCM group are recorded during study period. Ettinger and Feldman (2005), wide QRS
Mean Width of P waves in control group and DCM complexes more than 0.05 seconds are suggestive
measured 0.036±00 (Mean ± SE)and 0.05±00 of left ventricular enlargement. Present study has
(Mean ± SE)seconds ,respectively with their recorded similar observations suggesting that dogs
respective ranges between 0.02-0.04 seconds and in the DCM group had enlarged left ventricles.
0.04-0.06 seconds. Mean width of the P waves QT interval in either group did not differ
in DCM group is significantly higher (p>0.05) by significantly (NS) but the mean QT interval in DCM
38.88 % than in Control group - thereby indicating group was decreased by 0.01 seconds (5.55%)
that all the dogs in the DCM group had left atrial than control group. QT interval is inversely
enlargement. Similarly the amplitude of P waves in proportional to the heart rate. Since mean heart
both these groups measured 0.17±0.01 rate in DCM group was higher than control group,
(Mean±SE) and 0.21±0.02(Mean ± SE)mV, the QT interval was probably prolonged by
respectively with their respective ranges between 0.01seconds. No such data was available for
0.10-0.30 seconds and 0.10-0.50 mV. There was comparison in the referred literature.
no significant increase (NS) (23.52%) in the Mean electrical axis (MEA) is the mean direction
amplitude of the P waves in either group suggesting of the electrical forces or cardiac vector during
that all the dogs in DCM group had normal sized depolarization or repolarization of the heart and in
right atrium. The observed values of P wave in case of a healthy dog it is between 40o -100o
respect of its width and amplitude were in normal (Tilley,1992 and Ettinger and Feldman , 2005) and
range as reported by Tilley(1992). While DCM MEA below 40o is suggestive of left axis deviation
group dogs had wide P waves suggesting left atrial while more than 100o is considered as right axis
enlargement. This observation is in agreement with deviation of the heart. The Mean ± SEof MEA in
Dukes-MacEwans et al. (2003), Padalkar the control and DCM group was 86.33±1.50 and
(2012), Velhankar (2013) and Anil Kumar (2013) 81.97±1.70 with their corresponding ranges as
- they reported wide P waves in dogs with DCM. 750-900 and 600-900. There was no significant
31
a b
Fig.1- Showing atrial fibrillation- a and b.
Fig.2- Showing wide QRS complex.

Fig.3- Showing ventricular tachycardia.
diagnostic modality in the diagnosis of cardiac

diseases and gives physician a clue regarding heart
chamber enlargement. It is an indispensable
Fig.4- Showing ventricular premature complex. modality - particularly for detecting rhythm
disturbances. This study successfully used ECG
difference (NS) between MEA of either groups, as a diagnostic modality for detection of rhythm
however, MEA of DCM group was less by disturbances and cardiac chamber enlargement in
5.81%. These observations are in agreement with the dogs suffering from DCM.
Velhankar (2013) - who reported MEA in DCM
affected dogs between 600-900. References
Myocardium is highly sensitive to its oxygen Anil Kumar(2013). Studies On Effect Of Dilated Cardi-
demand and reduction in its supply due to any omyopathy On M-Mode Echocardiographic
Parameters In Dog. M.V.Sc. Thesis Submitted
reason results in elevation or depression of ST
To M.A.F.S.U. Nagpur .
segment. Tilley (1992), Fox et al. (1998), Bolton Bolton, G. R. (1998). In "Hand Book of Canine Electro-
(1998) and Ettinger and Feldman (2005) reported cardiography". WB Saunders Company,
presence of ST slurring /coving in the rhythm strip Philadelphia,USA. Pp. 112, 113.
as suggestive of left ventricular enlargement and a Buchanan,J.W. and J. Bucheler(1995). Vertebral scale
system to measure canine heart size in
significant ST segment depression more than 0.2
radiographs.J.Am.VetMed.Assoc., 206 : 194-
mV (2 boxes) indicative of myocardial hypoxia. 199.
Current study has recorded somewhat similar Bulmer, B. J. (2000).Update on dilated cardiomyopathy
observations with 15 cases of ST slurring 11 cases of dogs. Department of Clinical Sciences, , Or-
of ST segment depression. ECG of none of the egon State University.
Calvert, C. A., C. W. Pickus, G. J. Jacobs, and J. Brown,
dog in DCM group showed ST segment elevation.
Signalmen, (1997). Survival, and prognostic fac-
ST segment depression is suggestive of myocardial tors in Doberman Pinchers with end-stage car-
hypoxia or left ventricular enlargement. All these diomyopathy. J. Vet. Int. Med., 11: 323-326.
dogs had left ventricular enlargement and possible Dukes-McEwan J, Borgarelli M, Tidholm A, Vollmar AC
myocardial hypoxia secondary to reduced cardiac and Haggstrom J. (2003).Proposed guidelines
for the diagnosis of canine idiopathic dilated
output owing to diminished myocardial
cardiomyopathy. J Vet Cardiol .,5(2):7-19.
contractility. ECG is not panacea but is an important
32
Ettinger, S. J. and E. C. Feldman(2005).Textbook of Vet- and clinical findings in 369 cases, J. Small Anim.
erinary Internal Medicine (Diseases of Dog and Pract 50, 23-29 DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-
Cat), 6th edn., W.B Saunders Publications, 5827.2008.00659.x
Philadelphia. Nyland, J. S. and T. G. Mattoon(1995), Small Animal Di-
Ettinger, S. J. and E. Feldman (2000). Diseases of Dog agnostic Ultrasound, 3rd Edition, Saunders,
and Cat, Text book of Veterinary Internal Medi- Philadelphia, copy right 2015, Chapter -8 Pp 217-
cine. W. B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia, 331.www.elsevier.com/permissions.
USA. Padalkar, M. A. (2012). Doppler studies on transvalvular
Pp: 954, 955 and 960. blood flow dynamics in dilated cardiomyopa-
Ettinger, S. J. and P. F. Suter (1970).Canine Cardiology, thy of dogs M.V.Sc. thesis submitted to
W. B. Saunders Company , USA. Pp: M.A.F.S.U, Nagpur.
14,29,65,382 - 385 and 392 - 394. Sisson, D., M. R. O'Grady, and C. A. Calvert(1999). Myo-
Fox P. R., D. Sisson and N. S. Moise (1998). Myocardial cardial diseases of dogs. In: Fox, P. R., D. Sisson,
diseases of dogs :InText Book of Canine and and N. S. MoõÈse, (eds), Canine and Feline
Feline , WB Saunders Company, Cardiology-, 2nd edn W.B. Saunders, Philadel-
Philadelphia,Chapter 18.Pp. 230,356-378, Chap- phia. Pp. 581-619.
ter 27. Pp. 582, 585-587, 589-593, 597-599,600- Tidholm, A and L. Jonsson (1996).Dilated cardiomyopa-
601,746,892-93. thy in Newfoundland: A study of 37 cases (1983-
Freeman, L. M., K. E. Michel, D. J. Brown, P. M. Kaplan, 1994). J. Am. Hosp. Assoc., 32 :465.
M. E. Stamoulis, S. L. Rosenthal, B. W. Keene, Tilley, L. P. and F. W. K. Smith (Jr) (2000).Hypertension -
and J. E. Rush(1996). Idiopathic dilated cardi- Systemic 5 minutes veterinary consult (Canine
omyopathy in Dalmatians: nine cases (1990-95). and Feline). 2nd Edn, Lippincott Williams and
J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc., 20: 1592-1596. Wilkins, 351 West Camden Street, Baltimore,
Gavaghan, B. J., and M. D. Kittleson(1997). Dilated car- Maryland USA, Pp. 828 - 829.
diomyopathy in an American Cocker Spaniel Tilley, L. P.(1992). Essentials of canine and feline electro-
with taurine de®ciency. Aust. Vet. J. 7, 862-868. cardiography, 3th edn. Lea &Febiger, Philadel-
Goodwin, J. K.(1998). Holter monitoring and cardiac event phia.
recording. Vet. Clin. N. Am./Small Anim. Pract. Velhankar, R. D. (2013)Two dimensional
28:1429-1447. echocardiographic studies on dilated cardiomy-
Martin M. W. S., M. J. Stafford Johnson and B. Celona opathy in dog. Ph.D. thesis submitted to
(2009). Canine dilated cardiomyopathy: a ret- M.A.F.S.U Nagpur.\
rospective study of signalment, presentation
33

RESEARCH ARTICLE
M-MODE ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC MEASUREMENTS IN HEALTHY
LABRADOR DOGS
1 2
*Hatzade R. I. and R.D. Velhankar
Department of Veterinary Medicine, Ethics and Jurisprudence and TVCC
Bombay Veterinary College, Parel, Mumbai-400 012, Maharashtra, India.
1
Livestock Development Officer, Gadchiroli, Maharashtra State Animal Husbandry Department
2
Associate Professor
Part of the thesis submitted to Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University, Nagpur, for the award of
M.V.Sc degree
*Corresponding author email: drravihatzade@rediffmail.com Mob no: 9422133070
Received : 10.09.16 M-mode echocardiographic parameters were determined in 17

Revised : 12.10.16 clinically normal and apparently healthy Labrador dogs - both
Accepted : 15.11.16 males (10) and females (7). These dogs did not show any
electrocardiographic or radiographic evidence of cardiomegaly
Key words : and were then subjected to M-Mode Echocardiographic
Diastole examination. Standard M-Mode measurements were recorded
Labrador
for both the sexes separately and included parameters like RVDd,
M mode echocardiography
LVDd, LVDs , IVDd, IVSs, PWd, PWs, LVM, EF %, FS%,
Systole
EPSS, Left Atrial (LA) diameter, Aortic diameter (Ao) and LA/
Ao ratio. Correlation of all these M Mode echocardiographic
parameters was established with the body weight, body surface
area and sex. No significant difference (p ? 0.05) was found
between males and females with respect to all these parameters.
However, an obvious and expected significant (p ? 0.05)
difference was observed in the systolic and diastolic values of
left ventricle, interventricular septum and posterior wall.
E chocardiography is a non-invasive ultrasound

based diagnostic tool in cardiology particularly
suitable when repeated, and frequent
as an important modality to evaluate vitality of the
heart.
M-mode echocardiography is an integral part of
measurements are needed for clinical (Bonagura, echocardiographic examinations and all modern
1994) or research purposes (Allen, 1982) and has ultrasound machines are equipped with this
been used in Veterinary Medicine in recent years capability. It permits repeatable, objective
34
measurements to be made at specific stages of the Materials and methods

cardiac cycle allowing evaluation of chamber size, A total of 17 clinically healthy Labrador dogs, 10
wall thickness, assessment of valve motion, males and 7 females, aged between 1.5 and 5
calculation of functional criterion including years, from the outpatient department of Bombay
shortening fraction.Two-dimensional mode, an Veterinary College, Parel, Mumbai were selected
echocardiography in real time, obtains the images by taking a complete clinical history and thorough
in a plane for cutting, piecing in two dimensions to physical examination. Their body weights were
study the anatomical structures of heart (Jaudon recorded on weighing scale and body surface area
et al., 1991). was calculated as per Withrow and McEwen
The M-mode displays, using a chart, signals of (1995). The dogs with any history or clinical signs
different echogenicity due to depth of the tissue of respiratory distress, lethargy, weakness,
and recording the movement of the heart through exercise intolerance, coughing, murmur and or
a timeline. It is obtained by placing the cursor line cyanosis were excluded from study and only
on the area to be studied in two- dimensional image apparently clinically healthy dogs were further
of the heart. The resultant chart shows, as a function subjected to record ECG as per Tilley (1992) and
of time, where in the structures that do not move their vertebral heart score was determined using
are shown as straight lines and those who have lateral thoracic radiograph as per the method
movement appear as wavy lines (Bonagura, 1994). described by Buchanan and Bucheler (1995). The
Left and right ventricle, left atrium, aorta and mitral dogs without any electrocardiographic or
valve has been studied by M-mode examination. radiographic evidence of cardiomegaly or dogs
(Allen, 1982; Kienle and Thomas, 1995). that suffered from arrhythmia were included in the
Echocardiographic indices showed a great study and were further subjected to M-Mode
variability within the breeds of dogs and are echocardiographic examination.
influenced by body weight, sex and age. Hence, it Five ml of blood from selected dogs was collected
becomes imperative to know the normal in sterile citrated and plain vials for following
echocardiographic values for each breed or race hemato-biochemical studies viz. Complete blood
(Boon et al. 1983; Crippa et al. 1992 and Snyder count (CBC) , Liver function tests (LFT) and
et al., 1995). Possibility of variation in these Kidney function tests (Blood Urea Nitrogen
measurements due to intra observer or inter (BUN) and Serum Creatinine) and Serum
_
observer errors can also not be ruled out ( Nyland Electrolytes (Na+, K+ and Cl ). Complete blood
and Mattoon ,1995). count was performed on Auto Analyzer (Diatron
Therefore, this study was undertaken with the aim Abacus). Liver function tests (LFT) and Kidney
to determine the M-mode echocardiographic function tests (Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and
indices in the clinically healthy Labrador breed of Serum Creatinine) were performed on Fully
dogs (both in males and females) and correlate Automated Analyzer ECHO. Serum Electrolytes
_
these parameters with body weight, body surface (Na+, K+ and Cl ) were estimated on Electrolyte
area and sex. The results may contribute to the analyzer ISE 5000. This was necessary to rule out
advancement of studies in veterinary medicine, any organic or systemic involvement or disorder
especially in small animal Cardiology and may and to reassure that dogs included in the study are
serve as reference values for the Labrador breed healthy and this also ruled out any aberrations in
(both male and female) to the Veterinary Clinicians the ejection fraction due to anaemia, dehydration
and field veterinarians. and infection.
35
Echocardiography was performed on these dogs to determine the effect of gender on M - mode
on My Lab 40 VET (Esaote Inc) echocardiographic parameters.
echocardiography machine using phased array Results and discussion
Cardiac Probe PA320 with frequency range
between 3.0 to 5.5 MHz. Machine has facility to The following structure were measured in males
record a simultaneous ECG trigger in order to and females (Table 1 and 2, respectively.) both
correlate the events in the cardiac cycle with ECG. during systole and diastole.
Machine is equipped with inbuilt Veterinary Right ventricular diameter in diastole (RVDd) in
software along with the electronic callipers to the males ranged from 0.71 cms - 1.50 cms with
facilitate the calculations with the finest accuracy. its mean 1.14±0.09 cms (mean±S.E.) while in the
The M-mode echocardiographic examination was female it ranged from 0.62 cms - 1.30 cms with
performed by placing these dogs in right lateral its average at 0.96 ± 0.08 cms (mean±S.E.).
recumbency on a table (with a central cut out hole Range and average of Left ventricular diameter in
at the level of the chest to facilitate the placement diastole (LVDd) in male was 2.32 cms- 4.42 cms
of the transducer). All the dogs in this study were and 3.55±0.22 cms (mean±S.E.) ,respectively
manually restrained and controlled on the table. while in females their values were 3.1 cms - 4.29
No sedation or tranquilization was required or used cms and mean 3.59±0.14 cms (mean±S.E.) ,
for any of these dogs. respectively. Range and mean±SE for Left
A thick layer of acoustic gel was used between ventricular diameter in systole (LVDs) in male dogs
the transducer and the location of the examination. measured 1.57 cms-3.19 cms and 2.48±0.16 cms
As the dogs of this breed have medium length fur, ,respectively whereas in females these values were
the examination could be performed without 2.22 cms-3.04 cms and 2.50±0.10 cms
shaving of the fur around cardiac region. Of course, (mean±S.E.) ,respectively.
the image quality was not compromised by this Interventricular septum in diastole (IVSd) in the
process. To obtain the images of two-dimensional male ranged from 0.89 cms - 1.51 cms with its
mode, right parasternal region between the 3rd to mean at 1.12±0.05 cms (mean±S.E.) while in
5th intercostal spaces (acoustic windows) was females their corresponding values were 0.99 cms
used and M-mode echocardiographic parameters -1.35 cms and 1.10 ± 0.05 cms (mean±S.E.). At
were recorded as per the standard method the same time, Interventricular septum in systole
recommended by Fox et al. (1988) and Nyland (IVSs) in the males and females ranged from
and Mattoon (1995). 1.16cms-2.05 cms and 1.18 cms-1.66 cms
All M-mode echocardiographic measurements respectively with their corresponding (mean±S.E.)
were performed on three consecutive cardiac as 1.49±0.08 cms and 1.41±0.06 cms
cycles and their averages were used for statistical (mean±S.E.).
analysis. The mean, standard deviation (SD) and Posterior wall in diastole (PWd) in case of the
standard error (SE) of all the measurements were males ranged from 0.96cms -1.60 cms with its
calculated as per the standard methods outlined average 1.21±0.06 cms (mean±S.E.) while for
by Snedecor and Cochran (2000) using Microsoft bitches this observed range was 1.01 cms-1.67
Office Excel 2007. Correlation coefficient was cms with its mean at 1.29±0.08 cms (mean±S.E.).
applied to assess the relation of each M-mode Range for Posterior wall in systole (PWs) in case
echocardiographic parameters with body weight of the males dogs was between 1.25 cms-2.05
and body surface area. Student "t" test was used cms with the mean 1.56±0.07 cms (mean±S.E.)
36
while in females the range and mean as 1.23 cms- (2000); Della Torre et al. (2000); Kayar et al.
2.04 cms and 1.61±0.09 cms (mean ±S.E.), (2006) and Diez-Prieto et al. (2010) who
respectively. observed a positive (+ve) correlation of these
The observed values of RVDd, LVDd, LVDs, parameters viz. RVDd, IVSd, IVSs, and PWd
IVSd, IVSs, PWd, and PWs in the present study, with body weight and body surface area. However,
are almost in the same range and in close agreement present study observed a negative (-ve) correlation
with those described by Boon et al. (1983) who between left ventricular diameter both in systole
described these values based on body weight and and diastole (LVDs and LVDd) and posterior wall
any variation, whatsoever, could be attributed to only in systole (PWs). The possible explanation
the difference in breed, sex, age and sample size for this disparity could be attributed to the variation
between the two studies. However, a relevant in the body weights of the breed of the dog under
identical data regarding these measurements in study (i.e. Labrador) and other breeds used by
Labrador breed (both in males and females) - were different authors and a comparatively smaller
not traceable in the referred literature. sample size in the present study and variation in
None of the above described parameters viz. age and gender.
RVDd, LVDd, LVDs, IVSd, IVSs, PWd and Ejection Fraction % (EF), Fractional Shortening
PWs both in males and females (Table 3) during % (FS), in males ranged from 54% - 63% and
systole and diastole differed significantly 28% - 32%, respectively with their corresponding
(p > 0.05). However, an obvious significant means at 58.90±0.97 % (mean±S.E.) and
difference (p < 0.05) and as expected, was 30.50±0.50 % (mean±S.E.), respectively. In case
observed in the systolic and diastolic values of left of the females the EF% and FS% ranged from
ventricle (LV), interventricular septum (IVS) and 56% - 62% and 29% - 33%, respectively and
posterior wall (PW) (Table 4). their means at 58.57±0.95 % (mean±S.E.) and
A correlation of body weight (BW) and body 30.29 ± 0.61 % (mean±S.E), respectively. Both
surface area (BSA) was calculated with following these values viz. EF% and FS%, had no significant
parameters i.e. RVDd, LVDd, LVDs, IVSd, IVSs, difference (p > 0.05) between males and females
PWd and PWs. In the females it was observed (Table 3). These observations particularly EF%
that all these parameters referred to at above had and FS% are in close agreement with those
a positive (+ve) correlation both during systole and reported by Boon et al. (1983); Fox et al. (1988)
diastole with body weight and body surface area and Tilley et al. (2008). EF% and FS% in females
(Table 2). These observations are in agreement had a positive correlation with body weight and
with Morrison et al. (1992); Bayon et al. (1994); body surface area. In case of the males both these
Lazaro et al. (2000); Della Torre et al. (2000); parameters viz. EF% and FS%, had a negative
Kayar et al. (2006) and Diez-Prieto et al. (2010) correlation with body weight and body surface
who reported a positive correlation of these area. These observations corroborate with the
parameters with body weight and body surface findings reported by Boon et al. (1983).
area. Range and mean for Left ventricular mass (LVM)
In males, it was observed that body weight and in case of the males was 76 gms - 220 gms and
body surface area had a positive correlation with 155.30±16.23 gms (mean±S.E.), respectively
RVDd, IVSd, IVSs and PWd (Table 1). This whereas in case of the females it (LVM) was 94
observations are in consonance with Morrison et gms - 209 gms and 162.57±15.34 gms (mean ±
al. (1992); Bayon et al. (1994); Lazaro et al. S.E.), respectively. These observations in this study
37
are in close agreement with Muzzi et al. (2006) - of 0.52±0.018 mm (mean±S.E.). Whereas in case
who reported the mean M Mode values for LVM of the females its range and mean was 0.39 cm-
in German Shepherd dogs at 144.9±46.7 gms 0.52 and 0.47±0.018 cm (mean±S.E.). These
However, this slight variation could be attributed observations are in agreement with those reported
to difference in breed, variation in body weight by Boon et al. (1983); Morrison et al. (1992)
and sex. LVM had no significant difference and Tilley et al. (2008) who reported almost the
(p > 0.05)between the sexes (Figure 3). LVM both same range of EPSS for the different breeds of
in males and females had positive correlation with dogs. No significant difference (p > 0.05) in values
the age, BW and BSA. However, no such direct of EPSS was observed between males and females
and parallel breed and gender specific data was (Table 3).
available in the literature referred. The EPSS correlated negatively with the body
E point to septal separation (EPSS) in the males weight and body surface area both in males and
ranged from 0.39 cm - 0.61 cm with an average females (Table 1 and 2). However, EPSS had
Figure 1: M-mode right parasternal long axis view. Figure 2: M-mode right parasternal short axis
RVW: Right ventricular wall, RV: Right Ventricle, view at the level of aorta
IVSD: Interventricular septum in diastole,
IVSS: Interventricular septum in systole,
LV: Left ventricle, PW: Posterior wall
LA : Ao Ratio
AOD: Aortic diameter, LA: Left atrium
Figure 3: Comparison of left ventricular mass between sexes
38
Table 1: Showing M Mode echocardiographic observations in male Labrador dogs. Journal of Canine Development & Research 2016
Table 2 : Showing M Mode echocardiographic observations in female Labrador dogs.
39
Corr . - Correlation , BWt - Body Weight, BSA - Body Surface Area
Table 3 : Comparison of M-mode echocardiographic parameters between male and female Labrador
dogs using student t test
Sr.No Parameters Males (n=10) Females (n=7) “t”

(Mean ± S.E.) (Mean ± S.E.) calculated
1 RVDd (cms) 1.14±0.09 0.96±0.08 1.41 NS
2 LVDd (cms) 3.55±0.22 3.59±0.14 0.14 NS
3 LVDs (cms) 2.48±0.16 2.50±0.10 0.09 NS
4 IVDd (cms) 1.12±0.05 1.10±0.05 0.31 NS
5 IVDs (cms) 1.49±0.08 1.41±0.06 0.71 NS
6 PWd (cms) 1.21±0.06 1.29±0.08 0.76 NS
7 PWs (cms) 1.56±0.07 1.61±0.09 0.35 NS
8 EF % 58.90±0.97 58.57±0.95 0.23 NS
9 FS% 30.50±0.50 30.29±0.61 0.27 NS
10 LVM (gms) 155.30±16.23 162.57± 15.34 0.31 NS
11 EPSS (cms) 0.52±0.02 0.45±0.02 1.99 NS
12 LA (cms) 1.40±0.08 1.24±0.07 1.39 NS
13 Ao (cms) 1.62±0.09 1.52±0.13 0.61 NS
14 LA / Ao 0.86±0.06 0.83±0.06 0.35 NS
*p < 0.05 Significant, NS: Non significant, d.f.: Degrees of freedom, ttable : t15 = 2.13
4: Showing comparison of M Mode parameters in diastole and systole

Sr. Parameters Male Female
No. Diastolic Systolic tCalculated t Diastolic Systolic tCalculated t table
table
1 LVD 3.55±0.22 2.48±0.16 3.95* t18 3.59±0.14 2.50±0.10 6.36* t12
2 IVS 1.12 ±0.05 1.49±0.08 3.97* = 1.10±0.05 1.41±0.06 4.24* =
3 PW 1.21±0.06 1.56±0.07 3.71* 1.29±0.08 1.61±0.09 2.62* 2.17
2.10
*P < 0.05 - Significant
40
positive correlation with the age in both the sexes. Ao and LA:Ao ratio and body weight/body
This observation is in agreement with Boon et al. surface area. Whereas in case of the males LA,
(1983) who recorded the negative correlation of Ao and LA:Ao ratio correlated positively with
EPSS with the body weight. body weight/body surface area. These
Left atrium (LA), aorta (Ao) and LA: Ao ratio in observations are in agreement with Kayar et al.
the males ranged from 0.93 cms - 1.69 cms, 1.23 (2006) who observed a significant association
cms - 2.02 cms and 0.64 - 1.15 respectively with between body weight and LA: Ao in 50 healthy
their means for LA 1.40±0.08 cms (mean±S.E.), German shepherd dogs. However, in this study a
Ao 1.62±0.09 cms (mean±S.E.) and LA:Ao ratio negative correlation of these parameters was
0.86±0.06 (mean±S.E.). In case of the females observed in females which could be attributed to
the values of LA, Ao and LA:Ao ratio were smaller sample size or a breed and sex variation.
ranged from 0.91 cms - 1.48 cms, 0.97 cms - In another study Voros et al. (2009) reported a
1.97 cms and 0.72 - 1.14 respectively with their inter breed variation with regard to correlation of
mean values for LA 1.24±0.07 cms (mean±S.E.), LA, Ao and LA:Ao ratio with body weight in three
Ao 1.52±0.13 cms (mean±S.E.) and LA:Ao ratio different breeds (Hungarian Vizslas, Mudis and
0.83 ± 0.06 (mean±S.E.) (Table 1 and 2). The Hungarian Greyhounds). They observed a positive
values of LA:Ao ratio for males and females were correlation of Ao and LA values with body weight
in the same range reported by Boon et al. (1983); in Hungarian Vizslas and Mudis. Whereas LA:Ao
Fox et al. (1988) and Tilley et al. (2008). There ratio was related to body weight only in Mudis.
was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in values Gender did not correlate with any of the
of LA, Ao and LA:Ao ratio both in males and echocardiographic parameters in any of these
females (Table 3). breeds. However, in the present study a negative
A correlation between these parameters and body correlation of these parameters was observed in
weight/body surface area was calculated (Table 1 females and could be attributable to age, breed,
and 2). In case of the females a negative correlation body weight or sex variation. But no parallel
was observed between these parameters i.e. LA, comparable breed wise data was available for
comparison in the referred literature.
References Crippa, L., E. Ferro and E. Mellon (1992)
Echocardiographic parameters and indices in
Allen D.G. (1982) Echocardiography as a research tool in
the normal Beagle dog. Laboratory Animals, 26
clinical and Veterinary Medicine. Canadian Vet-
(3):190-195.
erinary Journal, 23(11) :313-316,]
Della Torre P.K., A.C. Kirby, D.B. Church and R. Malik
Bayon, A., M.J.F., Palacio, A. Montes (1994)
(2000) Echocardiographic measurements in
Echocardiographic aspects normales yen perros
Greyhounds, Whippets and Italian Greyhounds
Beagle Mastin Español en crecimiento. Anales
- dogs with a similar conformation but different
of Veterinary of Murcia, 9(10): 3-15.
size. Austr. Vet. J. 78: 49-55.
Bonagura, J.D. (1994) Echocardiography. Journal of The
Diez-Prieto I., G.R. M Belen, R.G. M Angeles, C.R. Maria
American Veterinary Medical Association , 204
J, P.P. Marina and P.G. Carlos C (2010) M-Mode
(4):516-522.
Echocardiographic Changes in Growing
Boon, J., W.E Wingfield, and C.W.Miller (1983):
Beagles. Journal of the American Association
Echocardiographic indices in the normal dog.
for Laboratory Animal Science, 49 (1) : 31-35
Veterinary Radiology, 24 (5): 214-221.
Fox P. R., D. Sisson and N. S. Moise (1988) In Textbook
Buchanan, J. W. and J. Buchler (1995) vertebral scale
of Canine and Feline Cardiology. Myocardial
system to measure canine heart size in radio-
diseases of dogs. Chapter 27. Pp: 582, 585 - 587,
graph. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 1995, Jan 15:206
589 -592 and 597 - 599 WB Saunders Company,
(2); 194-9.
41
Philadelphia. Nyland, T. G. and J. S. Mattoon (1995) Small Animal Diag-

Jaudon, J.P., C. Perrot, and F. Viaud (1991) Bases physi- nostic Ultrasound, 2nd Edn. W.B. Saunders,
cal, technological and semiotic ultrasound Philadelphia, PA.Pp.354-423.
clinic. A Hora Veterinária, 11(64):10-16. Snedecor, G.W. and W.G. Cochran (2000) Statistical meth-
Kayar A., R. Gonul, M. Erman and A. Uysal (2006) M- ods. 8th edn. Affiliated East West Press.
Mode Echocardiographic Parameters and Indi- Snyder, P.S., T. Sato, and C.E. Atkins (1995) A compari-
ces in the Normal German Shepherd Dog. Vet- son of echocardiographic indices of the non-
erinary Radiology & Ultrasound, 47: 482-486. racing, healthy greyhound to reference values
doi: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2006.00166.x from other breeds. Veterinary Radiology and
Lazaro M.R.A., Araujo Baracat R.de, Lopes Muzzi L.A. Ultrasound, 36(5) : 387-392.
and Barros Pena J.L. (2000) M-mode Tilley, L. P. (1992) Essentials of Canine and Feline Elec-
Echocardiography in Normal Dogs Breed Ger- trocardiography (Interpretation and treatment).
man Shepherd (American Origin) Kennel Mili- 3rd Edition, Lea and Febiger (Philadelphia and
tary Police State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Cienc. London) Pp: 146 and 147.
Rural vol. 30 no. 5 Santa doi: 10.1590/S0103- Tilley L. P., F. W. K. Jr. Smith, M. A. Oyama and M. M.
84782000000500013 Sleeper (2008) Manual of Canine and Feline
Kienle, R.D. and W.P. Thomas (1995) Echocardiography. Cardiology. 4th Edition, ISBN: 978-1-4160-2398-
In: Nyland, TG, Mattoon, JS (Ed.). Veterinary 2 Saunders (Elsevier) Saint Louis, Missouri.
diagnostic ultrasound. Philadelphia: Saunders, USA. Pp: 139 - 149, 277, 296 and 297.
Pp 198-256. Voros K., H. Csaba, R. Jeno and N.C. Gabor (2009) M-
Morrison S.A., N.S. Moise, J. Scarlett, H. Mohammed mode and two dimensional echocardiographic
and A.E. Yeager (1992) Effect of breed and body reference values for three Hungarian dog
weight on echocardiographic values in four breeds: Hungarian vizsla, mudi and Hungarian,
breeds of dogs of differing somatotype. J. Vet. greyhound. Acta Veterinaria Hungarica
Intern. Med. 6; 220-224. 57(2):217-227.
Muzzi R. A. L., L. A. L. Muzzi, R. B. Araújo and M. Cherem Withrow, S. J. and E. G. MacEwen (1995) Small Animal
(2006) Echocardiographic indices in normal Clinical Oncology, 2nd Edn. WB Saunders Com-
German shepherd dogs. J. Vet. Sci., 7 (2) : 193- pany, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
198.
42

RESEARCH ARTICLE
GREEN PET TREATS VALIDATION FOR STEM CELL PROLIFERATION
1 2
S.Priya and A. Mangala Gowri
Department of Food Science and Technology

College of Food and Dairy Technology, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University,
Chennai- 600 052, Tamilnadu, India
1 2
Research Scholar Professor, Centre for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine, Tamil Nadu Veterinary
and Animal Sciences University, Chennai
Corresponding author e-mail: gowrivalavan@hotmail.com Mob : 9444804033 , 9884077725
Received : 15.12.16 Herbal biscuits for dogs were prepared using Ocimum sanctum
Revised : 22.03.17 (organic tulsi powder) and given to the dogs. The cellular
Accepted : 29.03.17 proliferative activity on dog mesenchymal stem cells was
confirmed using XTT tetrazolium dye reduction assay. The ability
Key words : of herbal extract on cellular protective activities was carried out
Cellular proliferative activity using in vitro proliferation activity analysis on dog blood progenitor
Dog treats cells. which is proved to be a potent anti-stressors. The dogs
Ocimum sanctum
were evaluated on the basis of standard assay techniques namely,
Pet food
Traditional medicine single bowl test and two bowl tests which resulted that dog
accepted two pan or force choice preference test.
T he pet food industry is one of growing industry

globally with an average annual growth of
4% (www.petfoodindustry.com). Many new
Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) is one of the nature's
gift given by god. Ocimum belongs to the family
Lamiaceae, there are two varieties namely black
products are developed in the area of pet food (Krishna Tulsi) and green (Rama Tulsi). The leaves
market. Canine foods attracts for most of the of tulsi plants exhibits both insecticidal and
market share. The growth is validated on the antibacterial activities (Nanasombat and
product performance criteria by animals that Lohasupthawee, 2005). Ocimum sanctum
consume the foods. The performance criteria shows anticancerous, antifungal, antimicrobial,
include pet food sensory properties, such as hepatoprotective, antispasmodic, cardio
texture, aroma and flavour (Taylor J, 2014). The protective, antiemetic, antidiabitic, analgesic,
pet food industry has experimented on several adaptogenic, and diaphoretic properties (Prakash
animal models to evaluate pet foods. et al., 2005; Bhartiya et al., 2006; Singh et al.,
43
2010). It also helps to alleviate canine arthritis, was done from 0 to 72 hrs in herbal
acts as antiviral, antimicrobial, antioxidant insect supplementation. The data on trial done in triplicate
repelling properties in dogs. Being a calming was analysed statistically.
supplement it decreasing the stress hormone levels Herbal dog treat
in dogs with anxiety. Ocimum sanctum L. fixed
oil has been reported to inhibit the increase in Herbal dog treats (Fig.1) was prepared according
vascular capillary permeability and leukocyte to Priya and Gowri (2016) with slight modifications
migration. Ocimum sanctum seed oil (3ml/kg, and the palatability test were done as per the
intraperitonally) produced a significant increase in standardized methods using standard assay
anti-sheep red blood cells (SRBC) antibody titer techniques (Araujo et al., 2004). A total of six
and a decrease in percentage histamine release apparently healthy dogs with informed consent from
from peritoneal mast cells of sensitized rats, and a pet owners were used for the study (Table 1).
decrease in footpad thickness and percentage Fig.1: Herbal dog treats
leukocyte migration inhibition.
Material and methods
Materials
Wheat, minced chicken muscle, minced goat meat,
eggs, baking soda were purchased from the local
market of Chennai. Dog cutters were used to cut
the dough in varying shapes and sizes.
Medicinal herb
Dried powder of Ocimum sanctum was
purchased from ISO certified herbal supplier. Table 1: Details of dogs employed in the study
Ocimum leaf powder obtained as above was sifted
S.no Breed Age Sex
to less than 150um (BSS 100) and then stored in
1 Pomeranian 11 months Female
air-tight polythene packets for further use and
2 Lhasa Apso 3 years Female
analysis.
3 Labrador Retriever 5 years Female
4 Cocker Spaniel 12 months Male

Cell proliferation analysis
5 Indian Spitz 2 years Male
Herbal concentrations of tulsi (10 to100 µg/ml)
were used for cell proliferation analysis. The 6 Pug 1 year Male
protocols standardized earlier (Mangala and

Results and discussion
Priya, 2017) were used for the present study. Dog
blood progenitor cells were cultured and treated The dogs were given herbal treats with Ocimum
for 72 hours with herbal extracts were used. XTT sanctum which is proved to be potent anti-
assay was used to estimate cell proliferation. Cell stressors. The dogs were evaluated on the basis
proliferation assay of MSCs (2nd passage) was of standard assay techniques namely, single bowl
carried out following the XTT kit (Biobasics) using test and two bowl tests which showed that the
fresh medium without cells as control. The analysis dogs accepted two pan or force choice preference
44
test. Canine peripheral blood derived cells with which agrees with our results that pet food can be
herbal incorporation showed a mixed population evaluated using two bowl and single bowl test
of cells during initial culture days, subsequently reported earlier (Smith et al., 1984; McArthur
showed fibroblast like cells stretching out and et al., 1993).Use of herbal supplements in
forming colonies (Fig. 2). The herbal incorporation companion animals was recommended by Bauer
did not show any deleterious effect on viability of (2001) due to the presence of various biologically
the cultured cells. The herbal extract active molecules, herbs provide distinctive
supplementation showed a characteristic antioxidant and immuno stimulant properties.
proliferation difference during different culture days Silybum marianum extracts have shown to be
with varying concentrations (Fig. 3). Supporting protective antioxidants of hepatocytes in dogs
our findings, herbs were checked for the supplemented with silymarin, implicating its use as
cytotoxicity assessment in 4 canine cell types to a support to traditional liver disease therapy. These
20 different food components provided a baseline research findings provide support for the dog treat
that begin to illustrate how such an in vitro panel developed with the incorporation of adaptogenic
could be used for hazard assessment. The cellular herbs in pet food. Dilrukshi et al. (2009)
proliferation enhancing activity of tulsi extract on formulated a palatable dog food sensory evaluation
stem cells supports the reports on endogenous stem results, revealed better mean scores for sensory
cell stimulation using herbal supplements and attributes in formulated herbal feed group. Chew
recruitment of stem cells for tissue damages without et al. (2000) reported on the effects of antioxidants
manipulation of stem cells in vitro. following herbs in dogs and cats fed through cocktails provided a
were checked for the cytotoxicity assessment such healthy immune system for the animals. Studies
as denatonium benzoatev (DB), eucalyptol (EUC), conducted by Koppel (2014) on pet food
hexahydro isohumulone (HEX), tetrahydro palatability and pet food sensory properties such
isohumulone (TRA), green tea catechin extract as aroma, texture and flavor supports present
(GTE), epigallocatechin gallate (EPI), and sodium study.
copper chlorophillin (SCC). Cytotoxicity of these
herbs across four canine cell systems was studied.
These studies provide a baseline of acute
cytotoxicity of four canine cell types to 20 different
food components that begin to illustrate how such
an in vitro panel could be used for hazard
assessment (Koci et al., 2015; Zhang et al.,
2015). Sensory analysis of pet foods was
conducted through descriptive or hedonic analysis
in pets via acceptance or preference tests, and
through a number of instrumental analysis methods.
Sensory analysis of pet foods provides additional Fig. 2: Proliferation of Dog Mesenchymal stem
information on palatable and unpalatable foods cells at higher concentration of herbal extract (20x)
45
Fig. 3: Stem cell Proliferation in herbal supplementation
Acknowledgement lar foods in dogs. American Journal of Veteri-

nary Research 65: 1490-1496.
Authors acknowledge the Centre for stem cell Bauer, J.E.(2001). Evaluation of nutraceuticals, dietary
Research and Regenerative Medicine, Madras supplements, and functional food ingredients
Veterinary College (CSCR&RM) and the for companion animals. Journal American Vet-
Government of Tamil Nadu for funding support in erinary Medical Association.218: 1755-1760.
establishing facilities at CSCR&RM at which the Bhartiya, U.S., Raut, Y.S. and Joseph, L.J. (2006). Protec-
tive effect of Ocimum sanctum L. after high-
research work has been carried out. dose 131 iodine exposure in mice: an in vivo
study, Indian Journal of Experimental Biology.
44(8): 647-52.
References
Bradshaw, J.W.S. (2006). The evolutionary basis for the
Aldrich, G.C and K.Koppel (2015). Pet Food Palatability feeing behavior of domestic dogs (Canis
Evaluation: A Review of Standard Assay Tech- familiaris) and cats (Felis catus). J. Nutr.
niques and Interpretation of Results with a Pri- 136:1927-1931S.
mary Focus on Limitations.Animals. 5: 43-55. Chew, B.P., J.S. Park, H.W. Kim, T.S. Wong, C. Cerveny,
Araujo, J.A.,Studzinski, C.M., Larson, B.T. and Milgram, H.J. Park, C.R. Baskin,K.W.Hinchcliff,R.A.
N.W. (2004).Comparison of the cognitive palat- Swenson, G.A.Reinhart,J.A.Burr and M.G. Hayek
ability assessment protocol and the two-pan (2000). Effects of heavy exercise and the role of
test for use in assissing palatability of two simi- dietary antioxidants on immune response in the
46
Alaskan sled dog. Recent Advances in Canine Prakash, P. and Gupta, N.( 2005).Therapeutic uses of
and Feline Nutrition.3:531-539. Ocimum sanctum Linn (Tulsi) with a note
Dilrukshi, H.N.N., B.P.A. Jayaweera and G.A. oneugenol and its pharmacological actions: a
Prathapasinghe (2009).Formulation of dog food short review, Indian Journal of Physiology and
using locally available ingredients. Wayamba Pharmacology. 49(2):125-131.
Journal of Animal Science. 1-5.doi: 1251889590. Priya, S, A. Mangala Gowri (2016). Evaluation of the ac-
Koci, J., B. Jeffery, J.E. Riviere, N.A. Monteiro-Riviere ceptance of herbal adaptogen based functional
(2015). In vitro safety assessment of food in- food for dogs. World Journal of Pharmaceuti-
gredients in canine primary renal proximal tu- cal and Life Sciences. 2(5): 354-361.
bule cells. Toxicology In Vitro. 29: 289-298. Singh, V.,Amdekar, S. and Verma, O. (2010).Ocimum Sanc-
Koppel, K. (2014). Sensory Analysis of Pet Foods- Mini tum (Tulsi): Bio-pharmacological Activities,
Review Journal of the Science of Food and Web med Central. Pharmacology, 1(10):
Agriculture. 94(11): 1-6. WMC001046.
Mc Arthur, L.H., Kelly, W.F., Gietzen, D.W. and Rogers, Smith, J.C., Rashotte, M., Austin, T. and Griffin,
Q.R. (1993).The role of palatability in food in- R.W.(1984).Fine-grained measures of dogs eat-
take response of rats fed high-protein diets. ing behaviour in single-pan and two-pan
Appetite. 20: 181-196. test.Neuroscience and Biobehavioual Reviews.
Mangala Gowri, A and Priya, S. (2017). Synergistic role 8: 243-251.
of food bio-molecules in cellular proliferation Taylor, J. (2014). Good taste: Pet food palatability up-
and cytotoxic activity. Indian Journal of Medi- date. Pet food industry. 9:40-51.
cal Research and Pharmaceutical Re- Zhang, L. W., J. Koci, B. Jeffery. (2015).Safety assess-
search.4(1):1-5. ment of potential food ingredients in canine
Nanasombat, S. and Lohasupthawee, P. (2005). Antibac- primary hepatocytes. Food and Chemical Toxi-
terial activity of crude ethanolic extracts and cology. 78: 105-115.
essential oils of spices against Salmonellae and
other enterobacteria. KMITL Science and Tech-
nology Journal . 5(3): 527-538.
47

RESEARCH ARTICLE
VERTEBRAL HEART SCORE IN HEALTHY LABRADOR DOGS
1 2
*Hatzade, R.I and Velhankar. R.D
Chandrikaben Chimanlal Doshi Cardiovascular Unit for Animals

Department of Veterinary Medicine, Ethics and Jurisprudence and TVCC
Bombay Veterinary College, Parel, Mumbai-400 012, Maharashtra, India.
1
Livestock Development Officer, Gadchiroli, Maharashtra State Animal Husbandry Department, M.S.
2
Associate Professor
Part of the Thesis submitted to Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University, Nagpur, for the award of
M.V. Sc. degree
*Corresponding author - Email: drravihatzade@rediffmail.com Mob no: 9422133070
Received : 10.10.16 Vertebral heart score (VHS) was calculated in 17 healthy

Revised : 10.11.16 Labrador dogs (10 males and 7 females) - to serve as breed
Accepted : 02.12.16 reference range for clinicians and filed veterinarians- under Indian
conditions. There was no significant difference in the VHS values
Key words : between male and female dogs.
Labrador
Radiography
Vertebral Heart Score
R adiography is a useful tool to rule out cardiac

diseases manifested by change in size,
contour, density and/or position of the silhouette
an increased risk of developing chronic
degenerative valvular disease, patent ductus
arteriosus, and pulmonic stenosis while giant breeds
and great vessels, as well as by extra cardiac signs. are often prone to develop dilated cardiomyopathy.
Many times diagnosis of cardiac diseases such as Pericardial effusion, aortic stenosis, and
cardiac enlargements is made by the empirical endocarditis is also observed more frequently in
method based on experience gained from large breed dogs. Though incidence of congenital
evaluation of a great number of cardiac radiographs heart diseases in dogs and cats is low (0.2%-
since this is a preferable method in Veterinary 1.0%), it is responsible for considerable morbidity
Medicine. and mortality. (Hogan, 2002).Thoracic
Heart failure is most often seen in middle aged or radiographs are very helpful in the diagnosis of heart
older dogs and cats. (Lister and Buchanan,2000). disease and provide information available with any
The risk of developing a particular type of heart other diagnostic modality. Differences in
disease varies with breed. Small breed dogs have conformation of the thorax among dog breeds have
48
limited the use of measurement to ascertain cardiac examination consisting of recording of their body
enlargement. Methods based on planimetry and weights, rectal body temperature, pulse,
various cardiothoracic ratios were not suitable for auscultation of lungs, respiration (rate and depth)
general clinical use (Gulanber, 2005). A method and cardiac auscultation for rhythm, rate and
for measuring canine cardiac silhouette - "Vertebral murmur. Dogs fulfilling the inclusion criterion were
Heart Score (VHS)" is described by Buchanan sent for recording of ECG and left lateral and DV
and Bucheler (1995) and involves measuring its thoracic radiograph. Blood sample of each dog
long and short axes in a lateral radiograph and was collected in citrated and plain vials to determine
comparing the sum of these measurements to the their basic hemato-biochemical profiles like
mid-thoracic vertebral bodies, to produce a unit haematology, liver function tests and kidney
less index called the vertebral heart score (VHS). function tests to rule out any systemic or other
They reported normal VHS value for dog at abnormalities.
9.7±0.5 vertebrae and for cat it was 7.5±0.3 The dogs without any hemato-biochemical
vertebrae. abnormality or electrocardiographic evidence of
However, due large variation in body weight, body cardiomegaly or any gross cardiac enlargement
size and confirmation- shape of the chest in different visible on thoracic radiographs - were included in
breeds of the dogs varies,hence , a breed wise the study and adopting to this protocol, in all 17
standardization for VHS value was recommended healthy Labrador dogs (10 males and 7 bitches)
by Marin et al. (2007). In a study the range of were selected and included in the study. Their VHS
VHS for Saint Bernard dog is 10.70 ± 0.18 was determined as per Buchanan and Bucheler
vertebrae (Ahuja et al.,2013). The studies at (1995) as detailed below.
Royal Veterinary College also supported these Lateral thoracic radiograph, recorded from left
views and recommended to take differences recumbency during inspiratory phase were used
between breeds in order to properly interpret for calculating VHS. Anesthesia was not used for
VHS.The present study therefore, was aimed at any of the dog for restraining and
to establish a breed reference value for VHS in all the dogs were manually controlled and
Labrador dogs . positioned on the X ray table.
The long axis of the heart was measured from the
Materials and methods
ventral border of left main stem bronchus (carina)
The present study was carried out at Chandrikaben to the cardiac apex. This measurement reflects
Chimanlal Doshi Cardiovascular Unit for Animals the combined size of the left atrium and the left
at Department of Veterinary Medicine, Ethics and ventricle. The short axis was measured at the
Jurisprudence and TVCC, Bombay Veterinary widest point of the cardiac image on a line
College, Parel, Mumbai. perpendicular to the long axis at the level of the
Apparently healthy Labrador dogs of either sexes- caudal vena cava (Figures I and II). The
with their owners' voluntary participation, were measurements were made using a metric ruler and
included in this study. Inclusion criteria were - dogs recorded in millimetre for accuracy. The two
of either sexes with age between 1.5 -5 years, measurements (long L and short axis W) were then
bred and fed in India and without any history of compared to the vertebrae starting at the cranial
respiratory distress, coughing, exercise intolerance, edge of 4th thoracic vertebra (T4), and a result,
lethargy /weakness and or cyanosis. These dogs expressed in units of vertebral lengths, was
underwent thorough physical and clinical obtained for each axis. The sum of the
49
measurements on both axes constituted the VHS. Figure I I- Actual lateral thoracic radiograph used
The data was expressed as mean ±SD. The for calculating VHS
obtained data were statistically evaluated by
student t-test as per Snedecor and Cochran
Figure I -Schematic explanation for calculating
VHS (Adapted from Sepoy, 2000)
reported the mean VHS between 9.7±0.67

vertebrae (mean±S.E.). The observations reported
by these authors and observations recorded in this
(2000) and using Microsoft Excel (2007). study, both for males and females, corroborated
Figure I is a schematic diagram of a lateral thoracic strongly with each other and indicated that all the
view of a dog illustrating the vertebral heart size dogs included in study, both male and female, had
measurement method. The long axis (L) and short no radiographically detectable cardiac
axis (W) of heart dimensions are transposed onto enlargement. Similarly, this study also observed that
the Vertebral column and recorded as the number there was no significant difference in the VHS
of vertebrae beginning with the cranial edge of T4. measurements of male and female Labrador dogs
The values were then added to obtain the vertebral (Table III). However, a parallel comparable data
heart size (VHS). T is trachea. on VHS in Labrador breed for males and females-
under Indian conditions or in the published overseas
Results and discussion
referred literature - was not traceable.
In males, the vertebral heart size (VHS) values Thoracic Radiography - particularly VHS - is
ranged between 9 - 10.2 vertebrae with an average useful diagnostic tool for determining cardiac size
at 9.83±0.11 (mean±S.E.) vertebrae. In female in the absence of other higher diagnostic modalities.
group the vertebral heart size ranged between 9 - It is "easy to use" clinical tool for a clinician, in day
10.2 vertebrae with an average at 9.63±0.16 to day practice.
(mean±S.E.) vertebrae (Table I and II). These Present values of VHS reported in this study, it is
values are in total agreement with Buchanan and hoped, would serve as breed reference value of
Buchler (1995) who expressed the VHS level in Labrador breed (males and females) for field
healthy dogs, to be at 9.7±0.5 vertebrae veterinarians, clinicians and research workers.
(mean±S.E.) and Gulanber et al. (2005) who also
50
Table I - VHS calculation in Male Labrador dogs

Measurements on lateral thoracic radiograph to
Casecalculate VHS by method of Buchanan and Bucheler
No. (1995)
LA SA VHS= LA+SA
(Vertebrae) (Vertebrae) (Vertebrae)
1 5.75 4.25 10
2 5.0 4.7 9.7
3 5.3 4.6 9.9
4 6.0 4.0 10.2
5 5.4 4.6 10
6 5.0 4.9 10.2
7 5.25 4.35 9.6
8 5.1 4.9 10
9 5.0 4.0 9
10 5.5 4.7 10.2
Mean±SE 5.33±0.11 4.5±0.11 9.83± 0.11
Table II VHS calculation in female Labrador dogs
Measurements on lateral thoracic radiograph to

Case calculate VHS by method of Buchanan and Bucheler
No. (1995)
LA SA VHS= LA+SA
(Vertebrae) (Vertebrae) (Vertebrae)
1 5.0 4.5 9.5
2 5.0 4.0 9.0
3 5.25 4.75 10.0
4 5.25 4.5 9.75
5 5.85 4.35 10.2
6 5.75 4.0 9.75
7 5.20 4.0 9.2
Mean±SE 5.33 ± 4.30 ±0.11 9.63± 0.16
0.13
Table III Comparison of VHS between male and female Labrador dogs
Parameters Males Females tCalculated ttable

NS
Average VHS 9.83 ± 0.11 9.63 ±0.16 1.08 t15 = 2.13
(Mean±SE)
51
Acknowledgements Gulanber E. G., R. Gonencu, U. Kaya, O. Aksoy, and H. S.

Biricik (2005). Vertebral Scale System to Mea-
Authors are grateful to Mr. Bijesh Thakker sure Heart Size in Thoracic Radiographs of
(Thakker and Thakker, Advocates and Solicitors, Turkish Shepherd (Kangal) Dogs. Turk J. Vet.
Mumbai) for his gracious donation to set up Anim. Sci., 29 : 723 - 726.
Hogan, D.F. (2002).Diagnosis of Congenital Heart Dis-
"Chandrikaben Chimanlal Doshi Cardiovascular
ease. Proc 20th Annual Forum ACVIM, Dallas,
unit for animals" at the Department of Veterinary USA.Pp. 93-95.
Clinical Medicine, Ethics and Jurisprudence, Litster, A., J.W.,Buchanan (2000). Vertebral scale system
Bombay Veterinary College, Parel, Mumbai. to measure heart size in radiographs of cats. J.
Am. Vet. Med. Assoc., 216: 210-214.
References Marin L.M., J. Brown, C. McBrien, R. Baumwart, V. Samii
Ahuja Anil, Mamta Daga , Ankita Sharma , Jitender and C. G. Couto (2007) Vertebral heart size in
Bargujar , D.K.Bihani , Pradeep Abusuria , retired racing Grey hounds. Vete. Radiol.and
Mahender Tanwar and Anil Langer(2013). Ver- Ultrasound. 48 (4) : 332 - 334.
tebral Heart Score In Saint Bernard Breed Of Sepoy, C. B. (2000) Standardization of Scintigraphy pro-
Dogs.J Canine Dev. & Res.,9 : 53-55. tocol for the canine heart. M. V. Sc. Thesis sub-
Buchanan, J.W., J. Bucheler (1995). Vertebral scale sys- mitted to Konkan Krishi Vidyapith , Dapoli ,
tem to measure canine heart size in radiographs. Ratnagiri.
J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc., 206: 194-199.
52

CLINICAL ARTICLE
PERICARDIAL EFFUSION IN A DOG - A Case Report
1 2
*Sunita Choudhary and Dhanalaxmi S.
Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ethics and Jurisprudence

College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Bikaner- 334 001, Rajasthan, India.
1&2 2
Assistant Professor Department of VSR ,Veterinary College, Shimoga
*Corresponding author - e mail: drsunitacvet@gmail.com Mobile : 9610341777
Received : 02.02.17 A male Labrador dog aged 7yrs with history of ascites was
Revised : 07.03.17 reported in the clinics. On physical examination fluid thrill was
Accepted : 15.03.17 present in the abdomen and fluid collected had high protein level
of >3g/l. On ECG, QRS complex was less than 1mV and showed
Key words : low amplitude. Radiography showed globe like heart.
Ascites Echocardiography showed large amount of fluid around the heart.
Echocardiography Pericardiocentesis was performed and 25ml fluid was removed
Pericardiocenthesis
from pericardial sac. The dog showed eventful recovery by
Pericardial effusion
pericardiocentesis and therapy with digoxin, enalapril and
spironoloactone.
P ericardial effusion is the abnormal

accumulation of fluid in the pericardium, the
membranous, fibroserous sac enclosing the heart
commonly seen in medium to large breed dogs,
such as Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers,
and Saint Bernards. Male dogs of a median age
and the bases of the great vessels. Between the of 7 years are commonly affected. (Mellanby and
two layers of the serous pericardium (parietal layer Herrtage, 2005).
and visceral layer) is the pericardial cavity.
History, clinical findings and diagnosis
(Strickland, 2001) The pericardial cavity normally
contains a small amount of serosanguineous fluid A male Labrador dog aged 7 years was presented
(about 0.5 to 1.5 ml), which lubricates the to Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, with a
myocardium and prevents friction with the complaint of enlargement of abdomen from one
pericardium (Dunning, 2002). month (Fig.1). History revealed that dog had been
Idiopathic pericardial effusion is one of the cause treated in private clinic with furosemide and vetalgin
of hemorrhagic pericardial effusions, most with which not much improvement was seen. Dog
53
was having normal appetite. observed between the epicardium and pericardium
Clinical examination showed temperature 102.6° indicating fluid accumulation in pericardial sac and
F, heart rate 120bpm, and respiration rate 45 heart was swinging back and forth in the increased
breaths per minute, reduced palpable apex beat pericardial fluid (Fig. 3).
and muffled heart sounds. On physical examination There was no tumor mass found in
distension of abdomen was observed and fluid thrill echocardiography in the pericardial sac and hence
was present, aspiration of peritoneal fluid revealed it was treated as idiopathic pericardial effusion.
presence of transparent ascetic fluid with protein
level >3.0g/dl. Therapy
Blood examinations showed parameters within the Pericardiocentesis was performed to remove the
normal range: TEC- 5.44X106 cells/µl, TLC- fluid from pericardial sac. A number of techniques
Fig: 2. ECG of dog with pericardial effusion showing small QRS complex amplitude in 25mm/sec, 10mm/
mV. have been published for pericardiocentesis
11.40 X 103 cells/µl, Heamoglobin-13.6g/dl, (Dunning 2002 and Ware, 2000). This was
Platelet count-306 X 103 cells/µl, and PCV-36%. performed at fifth intercostal space on right side
Liver and kidney function tests were within normal just below the costochondral junction under local
range SGPT-33.07 IU/L and Creatinine 1.58mg/ anaesthesia on left lateral recumbency (Miller,
dl, respectively. Total protein was 01.13g/dl 2000). Animal was under ECG monitoring during
Fig: 3. Echocardiography showing large pericardial Fig: 4. Echocardiography showing reduced

fluid as anechoic space in pericardial sac. pericardial fluid in pericardial sac.
indicating hypoproteinemia. the whole procedure. An 18gauge needle and a
ECG was conducted to see cardiac function which syringe were used for performing the procedure
showed marked reduction of QRS complex under ultrasonic guidance. By pericardiocentesis
amplitude i.e 0.5mV in lead II at 10mm/V, 25mm/ 25ml of pericardial fluid was removed from the
sec (Fig: 2). pericardial sac which was red tinged in appearance.
Radiography revealed enlarged and globular Animal was kept on Tab. Digoxin at the dose of
shaped heart. 0.005mg/kg bwt bd po bid and Tab. Enalapril
On echocardiography, anechoic space was 0.1mg/kg bid and Tab. Lasilactone 1mg/kg to treat
54
congestive heart failure and ascites caused due to 1999). As found in the present case, reductions in
pericardial effusion. QRS voltage (R < 1 mV in Lead II) are commonly
After 5 days of treatment ascetic fluid was reduced recorded in dogs with pericardial effusion. This
and animal was active. Clinically abdomen size was abnormality is a result of the heart swinging back
reduced and no ascetic fluid was present in the and forth within the pericardium and is often
abdomen. (Fig.5) associated with large volumes of fluid in the
Fig: 1. Dog with abdominal enlargement showing Fig: 5. Dog with normal abdomen and clinically
ascites. recovered after therapy .
After one month again Echocardiography was pericardial sac. (Ware, 2000).On radiography the
done which revealed complete reduction of extra globe like cardiac silhouette was found which is
fluid in pericardial sac and there was no supportive of pericardial effusion unless the effusion
reoccurrence of fluid accumulation in the is acute and the pericardial sac has not had the
sac (Fig.4). time to stretch. (Campbell, 2006)
Discussion As per Miller (2005) an anechoic space between
the epicardium and pericardium is the classic
In the present case, ascites was developed due to echocardiographic finding in pericardial effusion.
pericardial effusion. Fluid accumulation results in Cardiac motion is commonly abnormal often with
increased pericardial pressure, which compresses dramatic side-to-side movement and diastolic
the heart. The consequences of right-sided heart compression. Most pericardial effusions are
compression include inadequate filling during hemorrhagic and have a "port wine" appearance
diastole, which causes jugular distention, and portal as found in the present case.
vein hypertension resulting from decreased venous There was no tumor mass found in the pericardial
return and in turn increases in central venous sac by echocardiography in the present case.
pressure which are followed by congestive heart Because echocardiography is such a sensitive and
failure with associated pleural effusion and ascites. specific method, it can detect even a small amount
(Campbell, 2006) of pericardial effusion (Miller, 2000). The
The body compensates for the drop in cardiac pericardial effusion itself is helpful during
output and systemic blood pressure by retaining echocardiography because it often acts as a
sodium and water, which leads to increased blood contrast medium to help visualize a cardiac mass
volume and central venous pressure (Sisson, if present (Smith, 1999). Hence it was considered
55
under idiopathic pericardial effusion. 223.

Mellanby R.J and Herrtage, M. E. (2005) Long-term sur-
Pericardiocentesis was under taken immediatetly
vival of 23 dogs with pericardial effusions. Vet
as the choice of therapy to relieve the cardiac Rec; 156. Pp.568-571.
compression and inturn ascites which showed Miller, M.W. and Sisson, D.D. (2000). Pericardial disor-
immediate improvement as discussed by Miller ders, in Ettinger SJ, Feldman EC (eds): Textbook
(2000) that in patients with pericardial effusion of Veterinary Internal Medicine, ed V. Philadel-
phia, WB Saunders, Pp.923-936.
severe enough for cardiac tamponade to exist,
Miller, M.W. (2005). Pericardial disease -What we need
pericardiocentesis is the treatment of choice to know. The North American Veterinary Con-
because it provides immediate relief of cardiac ference - 2005 Proceedings. Published in IVIS
compression. with the permission of the NAVC. http://
The long-term prognosis for dogs with hemorrhagic www.ivis.org/. Pp.126-128.
Sisson, D. and Thomas, W. P. (1999). Pericardial disease
effusion is dependent on the underlying etiology.
and cardiac tumors, in Fox PR, Sisson D, Moise
With idiopathic hemorrhagic pericardial effusion, NS (eds): Textbook of Canine and Feline Cardi-
pericardiocentesis is curative in approximately 50% ology, ed 2. Philadelphia, WB Saunders, Pp.679-
of the cases (Miller, 2005).If the pericardiocentesis 702.
procedure is successful, vital signs will improve Smith, F.W.K. Jr., Rush, J.E. (1999). Diagnosis and treat-
ment of pericardial effusion, in Bonagura JD
dramatically (Smith,1999). Approximately 50%
(ed): Kirk's Current Veterinary Therapy XIII:
of dogs affected by idiopathic pericardial effusion Small Animal Practice. Philadelphia, WB
have a fair prognosis for recovery after one or two Saunders, Pp. 772-777.
pericardiocentesis procedures (Miller, 2000). Strickland, K.N. (2001). The cardiovascular system, in
Colville T, Bassert JM (eds): Clinical Anatomy
References & Physiology for Veterinary Technicians. St.
Campbell, A. (2006). Pericardial effusion in dogs. Veteri- Louis, Mosby, Pp. 164-166.
nary Technician. Pp 372-377. Ware, W. A. (2000). Pericardial disease, in Abbot JA
Dunning, D. (2002). Pericardial effusion, in Wingfield WE (ed): Small Animal Cardiology Secrets. Phila-
(ed): Veterinary Emergency Medicine Secrets, delphia, Hanley & Belfus, Pp.276-285.
ed II. Philadelphia, Hanley & Belfus, Pp.219-
56

CLINICAL ARTICLE
MEDICAL MANAGEMENT OF HEPATIC ORIGIN ASCITES IN A BITCH -
A Case Report
1 2 3 1 4 4 1
*Jyoti Yadav , D. K. Bihani , Anil Ahuja , V. K. Meena , V.S. Dewal , T. C. Nayak and Rupal Dhadhich

1 2 3 4
Veterinary Officer, Department of Animal Husbandry, Rajasthan, Professor and Head Professor PG Scholar
4
Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Veterinary Medicine
*Corresponding author e-mail: yadav.jyoti502@gmail.com Mobile : 8386841923
Received : 12.11.16 Hepatic origin ascites in a bitch was reported with the history of
Revised : 15.12.16 inappetance and symmetrical distended abdomen ,clinical
Accepted : 23.01.17 examination revealed high rectal temperature, tachycardia, pale
mucus membrane, dehydration, dyspnea and fluid thrill on
Key words : palpations of abdomen. Hemato-biochemical evaluation, showed
Ascites increased neutrophils , decrease in erythrocytes , hemoglobin
Bitch and increased alanine amino transferase and alkaline phosphatase
Hypoproteinemia
, decrease in total protein value and albumin. Radiography and
ultrasonography of abdomen revealed ground glass appearance
and floating viscera in the anechoic effusion,respectively. The
bitch was treated successfully with antibiotics, diuretics, amino
acid and liver tonics along with protein rich diet.
A scites referred as accumulation of serous fluid

in peritoneal cavity, has been attributed to
chronic hepatic failure, congestive heart failure,
to accumulation of serous or serosanguinous fluid
in peritoneal space. A more generalized description
includes distension of abdomen with other fluid,
nephritic syndrome, malnutrition, ankylostomiasis e.g. chyle, blood and inflammatory exudates.
and protein losing enteropathy of which ascites of Ascites may indicate a serious underlying condition
hepatic origin is more common in bitches (Pradhan that requires immediate and rationale treatment,
et al., 2008). Multiple organ disorders, which depends on proper diagnosis. The present
hypoprotenemia (Dabas et al., 2011; Turkar et paper illustrated the diagnosis and management of
al., 2009), and right side heart failure (Ettinger and hepatic associated ascites and its management in
Feldman, 2005) are the common causes a bitch.
associated with ascites in bitches. True ascites refer
57
Case history, clinical observations and hemato-biochemical findings and ultrasonographic

diagnosis the condition was diagnosed as ascites of hepatic
A 6 years old Labrador bitch was presented to origin.
the canine outdoor of Teaching Veterinary Clinical Treatment and results
Complex, CVAS, Bikaner, with the history of
The bitch was treated with Amoxycillin @ 20 mg/
inappetance and persistent symmetrical distended
kg bwt po bid for 5 days, Spironolactone @ 5
abdomen for over a period of time. Clinical
mg/kg bwt po along with Frusemide @ 2mg/kg
examination revealed rectal temperature (103°F),
bwt po bid, Powder Proteinex 4 tsf bid, Syp. Liv-
tachycardia (120 beats per minute), pale mucus
52 vet 2 tsf po bid. Clinical recovery was seen
membrane with increased capillary refill time (> 2
after 5 days, reduction in abdominal distension was
sec) and dyspnea. Rough, lusterless and body coat
noticed, followed by gradual regain in appetite
and abdominal distention (Fig.1) along with
while complete recovery was observed after 20
hollowness at the flank region. On taping the
days with restoration of normal hemato-
abdomen there was undulating movements (Thrills)
biochemical parameters and no sign of recurrence
of the fluid.
was noticed.
Whole blood sample was aseptically collected in
ethylene diamine tetra acetate coated tubes from
the cephalic vein of bitch for hematological
evaluation. Serum was separated for biochemical
analysis by chemistry analyser (IDEXX VetTest
TM Kit, manufactured by IDEXX laboratories,
Inc. USA) using standard diagnostic protocol.
Haematological studies revealed haemoglobin (Hb)
8.4 g/dL , total erythrocyte count (TEC)4.85 x106/
µL and total leukocyte count 15.9 x103/µL and
differential leukocyte count -Neutrophils 82%,
Lymphocytes 15%, Eosinophills 02%, and
Monocytes 01%. Biochemical analysis of serum Fig. 1: Ascites in a Labrador bitch
revealed - Glucose 70mg/dl , total protein 4.12
Discussion
g/dL, albumin 1.8 g/dL, alanine amino
transferase(ALT) 81.60 U/L, alkaline phosphatase The clinical signs found in present case were in
130 U/L ,urea 20 mg/dl and creatinine 0.5 mg/dl. accordance with Ettinger and Feldman (1995),
Peritoneal fluid was collected aseptically through Kumar et al. (2003), Gupta et al. (2004) and
paracentesis abdominis . The aspirated peritoneal Kumar et al. (2016). Haematological examination,
fluid was colorless, transparent, and odorless with revealed decrease in Hb concentration and TEC
a mean protein content of 1.2 g/dL. Abdominal and leucocytosis with increase in Neutrophills
radiograph revealed "ground glass" appearance, which was also reported by Cornelius et al.
which is considered as a classical appearance in (1975); Kumar et al. (2003), Gupta et al. (2004);
ascitic abdomen. Ultrasonography of abdomen Pradhan et al. (2008); Kumar et al.(2016) in the
revealed floating viscera in the anechoic fluid and cases of hepatic origin ascites. Normal serum urea
enlarged liver. Based upon clinical observations, and creatinine indicate normal renal function.
58
Increased ALT in the present study were in References

accordance with Rakesh and Shanti (1994); Gupta Aiello, S.E. (1998). The Merck's Veterinary Manual. 8th
et al. (2004); Saxena et al. (2016). The rise in Edn., Merck & Co., INC. White House Station,
liver specific and cytosol bound ALT can be N.J., USA. Pp. 407 - 409.
attributed to alteration in the membrane Cornelius, L.M., Thrall, D.E., Halliwell, W.H., Frank, G.M.,
Kern, A.J. and Wood, C.B. (1975). J. Am.Vet.
permeability following hepatocellular injury,
Med. Assoc., 167:220-28.
inflammation, necrosis and leakage into peripheral Dabas,V.S., Suthar, D.N., Chaudhari, C.F., Modi, L.C. and
blood. Lower albumin values in the present study Vihol, P.D. (2011). Ascites of splenic origin in a
might be due to reduced functional liver mongrel female bitch - a case report. Veterinary
parenchyma due to hepatocellular anoxia and World, 4: 376-377.
Ettinger, S.J. and Feldman E.C. (1995) In: Textbook of
injury to synthesize albumin in adequate quantities
Veterinary Internal Medicine.2nd Edn. W.B.
to sustain normal levels. According to Aiello (1998) Saunders Co., Philadelphia, Pp. 68.
albumin is synthesized only in liver, so it is a more Ettinger, S.J. and Feldman, E.C. (2005). Text book of Vet-
reliable indicator of liver dysfunction. erinary Internal Medicine; Disease of Bitch and
As spironolactone can cause increased potassium Cat.VI edn. WBSaunders, Philadelphia, Pp.137-
145.
retention and furosemide can cause increased
Gupta, V., Mathuria, J.K., Ahuja, A. and Bihani, D.K.
potassium excretion, combination of these drugs (2004). Ascites of Hepatic Origin- A Case Re-
provide optimal diuresis with minimal risk of port. Journal of Canine Development & Re-
potassium abnormalities (Saxena et al., 2016). search, 4: 50-52.
The detailed biochemical analysis of blood Kumar, A., Das, S. and Mohanty, D.N. (2016). Therapeu-
tic management of ascites in gsd female bitch-
confirmed that ascites was of hepatic origin. The
case report. International Journal of Science,
lower blood glucose indicative of hepatic Environment and Technology. 5(2): 654 - 657.
insufficiency. Excessive loss of albumin leads to Kumar, S., Ahuja, A., Bihani, D.K., and Gahlot, A.K. (2003).
albumin deficiency and a syndrome that result in Studies of Canine Ascites. Journal of Canine
line with albumin deficiency that occurs with liver Development & Research. 3: 9-17.
Pradhan, M. S., Dakshinkar, N.P.,Waghaye U.G., and
disease: ascites. So a high quality, low protein diet
Bodkhe, A.M. (2008). Successful treatment of
in numerous small feedings is desirable to diminish Ascites of hepatic origin in Bitch. Veterinary
bacterial conversion of excess protein to ammonia World, 1(1):23.
in the colon. Adequate energy should be included Rakesh and Shanti (1994). Ascites in a bitch. Ind. Vet.
to minimize catabolism of proteins. Eggs, milk, lean Med. J., 18: 56-57.
Saxena, A., Sarita Devi, Padhiyar, A. and Jadhav, K.M.
meat, glucose, and B complex vitamins are
(2016). Therapeutic management of ascites of
examples of high quality foods to be included in hepatic origin in a bitch: A Case Report. Indian
such a diet. The recovery of bitch after treatment Vet. J., 93 (07): 62 - 63.
with diuretics, liver tonics along with supportive Turkar, Sujata, Randhawa, C.S. and Uppal, S.K. (2009).
therapy was good and complete without any Ascites associated with ancylostomiasis in a
pup: A case report. Intas Polivet. 10 (2): 357-
recurrence and other complications (Kumar, et al.,
359.
2016).
59

CLINICAL ARTICLE
PNEUMOTHORAX IN LABRADOR RETRIEVER PUPPY - A Case Report
1 2 1 1
S.Sulficar ., *N. Madhavan Unny , Justin Davis.K and Shyma V.H
Dept of Veterinary Preventive Medicine

College of Vety. & Ani. Sci., Mannuthy, Thrissur 680 651, Kerala, India
1&2 1
Assistant Professor Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine
2
Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine
*Corresponding author email: madhavanunny@gmail.com Mobile no.9496170578
Received : 16.12.16 A 50 days old Labrador Retriever puppy was reported with
Revised : 12.01.17 anamnesis that the animal had fallen from a height of four feet
Accepted : 29.01.17 after that complaints of dyspnoea and heavily intermittent open
mouth breathing. Thoracic auscultation revealed dull lung sounds
Key words : dorsally, and muffled heart sounds. Thoracic radiography revealed
Dyspnea pneumothorax. The pup was treated with oxygen therapy,
Oxygen cefotaxim, dexamethasone, etofylline and theophylline with
Pneumothorax
uneventful recovery.
A pneumothorax is described as air

accumulation in the pleural space causing the
lung lobes to collapse. It is the most common
diagnosis of pneumothorax. King and Clark
(2010) recommended that supplemental oxygen
regardless of the cause of respiratory distress, is
complication of blunt trauma to the chest. Studies imperative for all patients with respiratory
by Pachtinger (2014) have shown that animals hit compromise.
by car with fractures had evidence of
History, clinical observations and diagnosis
pneumothorax 47.1% of the time. Furthermore,
36% of dogs and 63% of cats falling from a height A 50 days old Labrador Retriever puppy, weighing
(high-rise syndrome) had evidence of 2.5 kg, was referred to university veterinary
pneumothorax on examination. Pneumothorax can hospital, Kokkalai with the chief complaints of
be further classified as closed, open, and tension difficulty in respiration and intermittent open mouth
pneumothorax. Lisciandro et.al. (2008) reported breathing. No previous clinical sign related with
that in small animal veterinary patients, physical respiratory tract had been noted. On physical
examination has been unreliable, and thoracic examination, the animal was breathing heavily and
radiography is considered the mainstay for the it was struggling to breathe with an open mouth
60
breathing frequency of twenty-five per minute Discussion

(Fig.1). On auscultation dull lung sounds dorsally,
and muffled heart sounds were heard. There was When a dog suffers from pneumothorax, air from
history of falling from a height of approximately the lungs is trapped in the pleural space surrounding
four feet but no trauma and noticeable, superficial the lungs, which causes one or both lungs to
soft tissue damage could be observed. The animal collapse. Traumatic pneumothorax, the most
was stabilized with flow-by oxygen at a flow rate common type, is caused by an injury to the chest
of 100-200 mL/kg/min. After patient stabilization that ruptures part of a lung( Case, 2016). Since
and sufficient oxygenation, radiograph was taken the condition was very mild cyanotic appearances,
to determine if air is present in the pleural space. or blue colorations, on the gums and tongue was
Radiographic findings included mild lifting of the absent in this case but the most common clinical
cardiac silhouette off the sternum and radiolucency sign of sudden difficulty in breathing, which could
surrounding lung area, suggestive of pneumothorax be due to the fall from height; the only predisposing
(Fig. 2). factor elicited from history. Wouk (2009) reported
that a fall of some type is always a potential cause
Treatment for pneumothorax. Although we could not identify
The animal was stabilized with flow-by oxygen at precise pathway of pneumothorax in this case, it
a flow rate of 100-200 mL/kg/min. Cefotaxim 25 was probably caused by the fall. Yun et al. (2016)
mg /kg bwt. i/v , dexamethasone 2 mg i/v and suggested that the radiolucent space between heart
deriphylline (containing etofylline 84.7 mg and and sternum in lateral radiographs is diagnostic for
theophylline 25.3 mg/1 ml) 0.2 ml i/v. The course pneumothorax. Maritato et.al. (2009) suggested
of treatment was continued for three days and from that animals with pneumothorax may benefit from
second day onwards itself marked improvement supplemental oxygen, because atelectasis and
in respiratory distress was noticed. The dog went ventilation / perfusion mismatch can lead to
on to make an uneventful recovery. Exercise hypoxia. In animals with closed pneumothorax,
restriction was recommended in the immediate oxygen therapy can hasten the resolution of the
post treatment period. pneumothorax. In this case, supplementation of
oxygen greatly relieved the distress to animal which
was gasping for breath when presented.
Fig. 1. Pup with elevation of anterior part of body
and open mouth breathing
Fig. 2. The right lateral radiographs of the dog

suggestive of pneumothorax
61
References Maritato. C.K., Colón. A.J and Kergosien, H.D. (2009).

Pneumothorax, Comp Cont Educ Pract Vet.
Case J.B. (2016). Diseases of pleural space.Clinaical medi- 31:232-242.
cine of dog and cat ,Editors- Schaer M.,Gaschen Pachtinger.G. Respiratory Complications of Trauma.
F. 3rd ed. CRS publications, US .Pp. 139. Atlantic Coast Veterinary Conference, 13-16th
King. L and Clarke. D. (2010). Emergency care of the October, 2014, Atlantic City, NJ
patient with acute respiratory distress. Vet. Wouk. F. (2009) Thoracic trauma in dogs and cats. Pro-
Focus.20: 36-43. ceedings of the 34th World Small Animal Vet-
Lisciandro. G. R., Lagutchik. M. S., Mann. K. A and Voges. erinary Congress, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
A.K. (2008) Evaluation of a thoracic focused Yun.S., Lee. H and Lim, J. (2016). Congenital lobar em-
assessment with sonography for trauma physema concurrent with pneumothorax and
(TFAST) protocol to detect pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum in a dog. J. Vet. Med. Sci.
concurrent thoracic injury in 145 traumatized 78: 909-912.
dogs. J. Vet. Emerg. Crit. Care 18: 258-269.
62

CLINICAL ARTICLE
DEMODICOSIS IN A DOG - A Case Report
1 1 2 3 4 5 6
*Deepika Dhuria , Sunita Choudhary , Savita , T.C. Nayak , A. Ahuja , D.K. Bihani and A. Chahr

College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Bikaner - 334001, Rajasthan, India.
1 2 3 4 5
Assistant Professor Teaching Associate Ph.D. Scholar Professor (Reemployed) Professor & Head
6
Professor and Head, Dept. of Epidemiology & Preventive Medicine
*Corresponding author e-mail: deepikadhuria72@gmail.com Mob. No. 9413684447
Received : 01.02.17 A pug male dog of nine months old was presented with a history
Revised : 22.02.17 of inappetence, excessive itching, hair loss, redness and
Accepted : 17.03.17 erythematous scaly lesions on the skin of forehead. Deep skin
scrapping examination was revealed the presence of Demodex
Key words : canis mites. The dog was successfully treated with ivermectin,
Amitraz benzoyl peroxide shampoo and Amitraz.
Demodex canis
Dog
Ivermectin
Skin scraping
D emodicosis (demodectic mange, follicular

mange, red mange) is an inflammatory
parasitic disorder characterized by the presence
the disease, as the course and prognosis of the
two types of demodicosis are vastly different. The
localized form of the disease occurs most
of larger than normal numbers of demodectic mites commonly in young dogs, is characterized by focal
in the skin (Miller et al., 2013). Demodex mites erythema and alopecia on face and distal limbs
are considered as normal commensals on skin of and is self-resolving in dogs (Scott, 2001) and in
dogs and resides in hair follicles and sebaceous demodicosis more than four lesions are found on
glands of dog (Ramakant and Srivastava, 2013; body, usually entire body is involved (Satheesha,
Sunita et al., 2015). It is assumed that et al., 2016).
immunosuppression allows the mites to proliferate
Case history
in hair follicles, resulting in clinical signs (Mueller,
2012). Canine demodicosis is classified as A nine month old male pug having 5 kg bwt. was
localized or generalized according to the extent of presented at TVCC of college of veterinary and
63
animal sciences, Bikaner with the history of result by oral route than subcutaneous route and
inappetence, excessive itching, hair loss, redness is effective in treatment of demodicosis around
and erythematous scaly lesions on the skin of 85% (Mailte, 2005). Ivermectin is a macrolide that
forehead. (Fig. 1) is commonly used in treatment of canine
Diagnosis , therapy and result demodicosis but this drug is contraindicated in
Collies and English Sheep dogs (Arsenovic et al.,
Diagnosis was based on clinical signs, 2015). The success rate of amitraz therapy in
erythematous scaly lesions on forehead and for canine demodicosis varies from 0 to 92%
confirmatory diagnosis, deep skin scraping was (Kwochka, 1985). Benzyl peroxide-based
taken until the capillary bleeding was observed and shampoo are often recommended because of their
it was examined under microscope, revealed the keratolytic and supposed follicular flushing activity
presence of Demodex canis mite. (Fig. 2) (Scott, 2001 and Islam et al., 2013).
Animal was treated with ivermectin Tab. 2.5 mg
p.o. sid for 15 days, bath with benzoyl peroxide Fig.1: Erythematous scaly lesions on forehead of
shampoo followed by amitraz 12.5% spray @ pug due to demodicosis
4ml/L of water on weekly intervals for 3 occasions.
After 15 days of treatment dog was apparently
normal having normal appetite, no itching and
redness but alopecia was there, the treatment with
ivermectin continued for 45 days more and
complete recovery was observed within 60 days
of treatment.
Discussion
In the present case the diagnosis was confirmed
by presence of Demodex canis mite in the deep
skin scrapping and dog was well responded by
combined treatment with ivermectin and amitraz
along with bath with benzoyl peroxide shampoo. Fig.2: : Demodex canis mites under microscope
In canine demodicosis lesions can occur in (40X )
anywhere on the body, although face and feet are
most commonly affected sites. Most susceptible
breed for canine demodicosis is Labrador
Retriever breed of dog (Nayak et al., 1997 and
Lubhna et al., 2017). Skin scrapings are diagnostic
in majority of cases, although some breeds like
Scottish Terrier and Shar-pie may give false
negative results more commonly than other breeds
(Larry and Francis, 2011). Deep skin scrapings
test is more sensitive when compared to hair pluck
and acetate tape impression test in diagnosing
demodicosis (Boda, 2016). Ivermectin gives better
64
References Miller, W.H. Miller, C.E. Griffin, K.L. (2013). Small Animal
Dermatology. (7th Edn.), Elsevier, St. Louis. Pp.
Arsenovic, M., Pezo, L., Vasic, N., Ciric, R. and Stefanovic, 81-84.
M. (2015). The main factors influencing canine Mueller, R.S. (2012). An Update on the Therapy of Ca-
demodicosis treatment outcome and determi- nine Demodicosis, applied dermatology. Com-
nation of optimal therapy. Parasitology Re- pendium: continuing education for veterinar-
search. 114: 2415-2426. ians. 9: 25-38.
Boda Swathi (2016). Diagnostic and therapeutic aspects Nayak D.C., Tripathy S.B., Dey P.C., Ray S.K., Mohanty
of canine demodicosis. MVSc Thesis submit- D.N., Parida G.S., Biswal S. and Das M. (1997).
ted to P. V. Narsimharao University, Telangana. Prevalence of canine demodicosis in Orissa. Vet.
Islam, M. M., Khanam, S.S., Rashid, S.M.H. and Islam, Parasitol. 73(3): 347-352.
M. N. (2013). Prevalence and pathology of Ramakant and Mukesh Srivastava (2013). Therapeutic
demodectic mange in stray dogs in Bangladesh. management of demodicosis in dogs. J. Canine
J. Sci. Tech. 11: 118-121. Dev. Res., 9: 59-62.
Kwochka, K.W. (1985). The efficacy of amitraz for gener- Satheesha, S.P., Chandrashekhar, G., Nagaraj, L.,
alized demodicosis in dogs: a study of two con- Malatesh, D.S., Patel Suresh. R. and
centrations and frequencies of application. The Kottadamane, M.R. (2016). Therapeutic man-
Compendium on Continuing Education for the agement of generalized demodicosis in a Beagle
Practicing Veterinarian. 7: 8-17. puppy. International J. Sci. Env. Techn., 5: 3177
Larry, P. Tilley and Francis, W.K. Smith, Jr. (2011). - 3181.
Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Consult: Scott, D.W., Miller, W.H., Griffin, C.E. (2001). Muller and
Canine and Feline. 6th Edition. Pp. 96-104. Kirks small animal dermatology 6th edition.
Lubna Fatimai, Sreeniva Samurthy, G.S. and Udaya Philadelphia: WB Saunders,Pp. 543-666.
Kumar, M. (2017). Prevalence of canine Shrestha, D., Thapa, B., Rawal, G., Santosh, D. and Sharma,
demodicosis in Hyderabad of Telangana. Inter- B. (2015). Prevalence of demodectic mange in
national J. Agricult. Sci., 9 (17) :4145-4147. canines of kathmandu valley having skin dis-
Mailte Verde (2005). Canine Demodicosis: Treatment order and its associated risk factors. Interna-
Protocol. Proceeding of the NAVC North Ameri- tional J. Applied Sci. Biotechn., 3(3): 459-463.
can Veterinary Conference, Jan. 8-12, Orlando, Sunita Choudhary, Deepika Dhuria, A. Ahuja and D.K.
Florida. Bihani (2015). Demodicosis with concurrent in-
fection of Malassezia Pachydermatitis in a pug.
J. Canine Dev. Res., 11: 43-46.
65
JOURNAL OF CANINE
SUBSCRIPTION FORM


NAME ...................................................................................
PROFESSION ...................................................................................
ADDRESS ...................................................................................
...................................................................................

66

CLINICAL ARTICLE
DIETARY MANAGEMENT OF RENAL INSUFFICIENCY IN A DOG - A
Case Report
1 2 1 3 4
*Rupal Dadhich , Deepika Dhuria , Jyoti Yadav , Anil Ahuja and D.K. Bihani
Department of Animal Nutrition,
1 2 3 4
Veterinary Officer, Department of Animal Husbandry Assistant Professor Professor Professor & Head
*Corresponding author e-mail: email:omhringom@gmail.com Mobile: 9929670049
Received : 15.12.16 Renal insufficiency in an eight year old Labrador dog is reported
Revised : 28.12.16 with clinical diagnosis, haemato-biochemical and urinary
Accepted : 18.01.17 examination and its successful correction by adopting clinical
as well as dietary measures.
Key words :
Canine
Dietary management
Renal Insufficiency
R enal impairment is the most common age

related disease causing morbidity and
mortality in canines. The frequency of renal
History, clinical and haematobiochemical
examination
An eight year old male Labrador weighing 42 kg
insufficiency increases with age as in humans was referred from veterinary polyclinic, Bikaner
(Cowgill and Spangler, 1981). Polzin et al. (1991) with the complaint of inappetence, vomiting,
stated that excessive dietary intakes of protein, fat, diarrhea, pallor, oliguria, and dehydration. The dog
energy and phosphorus progresses the renal failure was subjected to clinical examination,
while the restriction of these diet constituents limits haematobiochemical and urine analysis .On clinical
the condition. According to Kumar et al. (2012), examination, the dog was found to be moderately
Ahmed (2011) and Mallela et al. (2006), German dehydrated , lethargic and laboured breathing was
Shepherd and Labrador breeds of canine are more seen. Temperature and pulse were within normal
susceptible to the renal insufficiency. Proper range. The haemato-biochemical examination
management in all aspects especially the diet can revealed increased BUN (95 mg/dl) and serum
reduce the morbidity and provides the quality to creatinine (6.9 mg/dl) (Table-1). Urinary analysis
remaining life span of canine. revealed increased specific gravity (1.048) (Table-
67
Table-1. Haematobiochemical parameters on the day of diagnosis and after 30 days of the treatment and
dietary modifications..
Parameter Value at the time of diagnosis Value after 30 days
Hb gm% 9.7 12.9
PCV % 34.8 36
BUN mg/dl 95 25
Creatinine mg/dl 6.9 2.1
Table-2.Urine analysis on the day of diagnosis and after 30 days of the treatment and dietary modifications.
Parameter Value at the time of Value after 30 days

diagnosis
Ph 7.2 :7.0
Specific gravity 1.048 1.030
Glucose Nil Nil
Nitrate Nil Nil
Ketone Nil Nil
Blood Nil Nil
2). On the basis of history, clinical signs, and urine specific gravity (1.030) were observed
haematobiochemical and urinary examination, the (Table-1 and Table-2) when the haematological
case was diagnosed of renal insufficiency . and urine analysis were reconducted after a span
Therapy of 30 days.
Urea is produced from ammonia in liver by amino
Initial therapy consisted with Ringers lactate acid catabolism and excreted by kidney (Osborne
solution 500 ml iv and 5% D.N.S 500 ml iv. and Polzin, 1994). When 70-75% of kidney
Symptomatic treatment was done by giving nephrons becomes non fuctional, elevated BUN
Ranatidine 0.5 mg/kg bwt iv od and level is observed (Osborne et al., 1972).
Metoclopramide 0.2 mg/kg bwt im bd .Further Creatinine is filtered through glomerulus and is
Cefotaxime 25 mg/kg bwt iv bds and Ascorbic neither reabsorbed nor secreted by the tubules
acid 500 mg iv were given for 7 days. Multivitamin (Delmar, 1995), the rise in its level significantly
supplement syrup (Vimeral, containing Vita A- indicates renal impairment. Thus, BUN and serum
12,000 IU, Vita D3- 6,000 IU, Vita E- 48 mg, creatinine are effective indicators of renal
Vita B12-20 mcg) 3 ml was given orally daily for dysfunction. The health condition was corrected
30 days. Commercial Renal diet (Vet Pro, to the considerable extent by adopting the drugs
Manufactured by Drools, ABIS Exports (I) Pvt. but in order to maintain the condition, effective diet
Ltd., Chhatisgarh, India) was given@ 500 gm/day monitoring played an important role in correction
for 30 days . of renal impairment. The nephron degeneration
Results and discussion occurs due to protein rich diet intake leading to
renal insufficiency (Polzin et al., 1991). Dietary
Regression of clinical symptoms observed in 7 days modifications were done in accordance to Polzin
therapy and Improvement in overall parameters., et al. (1989) to ameliorate the clinical signs and to
viz BUN (25 mg/dl), serum creatinine (2.1 mg/dl) limit the kidney failure thereby providing the
68
adequate nutrition. Renal insufficiency was due to Denise, A. E. (2006). Nutritional Management of Chronic
dehydration as well as poor quality protein diet Renal Disease in Dogs and Cats. Veterinary clin-
ics small animal practice, 36:1377-1384.
and was corrected by the above given diet for long Kumar, M., Hussain, K., Gupta, S.K., Bhardawaj, R.K.
time. The homemade food contains inferior quality and Himalini (2012). Prevalence of Urinary Tract
of protein and is also dry in nature which doesn't Disorders in Dogs. Journal of Canine Develop-
fill the water requirements of the individual leading ment and Resarch., 8:35-38.
to dehydration and condition of renal insufficiency Mallela, M.K., Bhutia, Y.D., Suryanarayana, C., Rajani, V.
and Reddy, M.C.S. (2006). Efficacy of Conser-
(Denise, 2006). Thus, it can be concluded that vative Therapy in Managing Chronic Renal
proper dietary management in renal insufficient, Failures in Dogs. Indian Journal of Veterinary
canine can regain the kidney functions just as Medicine., 26: 89-92.
happen in the present report. Osborne, C.A. and Polzin, D.J. (1994). Azotemia: Areview
of what's old and what's new. Cmpendium col-
References lection; Renal disease in small animal practice
Ahmed (2011). Incidence of Renal Disorders in Canines, VLS: USA. Pp. 186-197.
Evaluating Prognostic Markers in Gentamicin Osborne, C.A., Low, D.G., and Finco ,D.R.,(1972). Canine
Induced Nephrotoxic Dogs. Thesis submitted and Feline Urology. W.B. Saunders
to IVRI, Izzatnagar, U.P., India. Company,Philadelphia.Pp.3-10 and 39-84.
Cowgill, L.D. and Spangler, W.L. (1981). Renal Insuffi- Plozin., D.J., Osborne, C.A., Adams, L.D. and O'Brien,
ciency in Geriatric Dogs. Veterinary Clinics of T.D. (1989). Dietary Management of Canine and
North America., 11(4): 727-748. Feline Renal Failure. Veterinary Clinics of North
Delmar, R.F. (1995). Evaluation of renal fuction In: Ca- America Small Animal Practice, 19: 539-560.
nine and Feline Nephrology and Urology. Polzin, D.J., Osborne, C.A. and Adams, L.G. (1991). Ef-
Edscarl. A.O. and Delmar, R.F., Lea and Febiger, fects of Modified Protein Diets in Dogs and
Pp. 216-229. Cats with Chronic Renal Failure; Current Sta-
tus. Journal of Nutrition., 121: 140-144.
69

CLINICAL ARTICLE
DIABETES MELLITUS IN DOG - A Case Report
1 2 3 4 5 2 6 6
*T.C. Nayak , D. Dhuria , D. K. Bihani , A.P. Singh , Savita , J.P. Kachhawa , Fakhruddin and A. Ahuja

College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bikaner- 334001, Rajasthan, India.
1 2 3 4 5
Ph.D Scholar Assistant Professor Professor & Head Professor Teaching Associate
6
Professor (Reemployed)
*Corresponding author e-mail: tsubhashnayak@gmail.com Mob: 9461319494
Received : 21.02.17 A 1.5 years old, male Spitz dog presented with the history of
Revised : 02.03.17 increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss, and bilateral
Accepted : 20.03.17 corneal opacity, clinical examination revealed tachycardia and
bilateral cataracts. Haemato-biochemical evaluation revealed
Key words : increased fasting blood sugar, increased serum glutamic
Diabetes mellitus oxaloacetic transaminase and serum alkaline phosphatase. The
Glycosuria
case was managed by insulin therapy and diet.
Spitz
C anine diabetes mellitus is a complex

endocrinopathy that develops as a result of
the interplay between environmental and genetic
opacification within 12 months of diagnosis (McNeil
et al., 2004). Subcutaneous injection of insulin
detemir (long-acting human insulin) every 12 hours
factors, characterised by hyperglycaemia, may be a viable treatment for diabetes mellitus in
glycosuria and weight loss, resulting from an dogs (Fall et al., 2007). The present paper
absolute or relative deficiency in the pancreatic illustrated the diagnosis and management of
hormone insulin (Catchpole et al., 2013). Diabetes diabetes mellitus in a dog.
mellitus is generally diagnosed in dogs between 5
Case history, clinical observations and
and 12 years old (Guptill et al., 2003; Davison
diagnosis
et al., 2005; Fall et al., 2007), although rare cases
of familial DM in juvenile dogs have been reported A 1.5 years old, male, Spitz was presented to
(Kramer, 1981; Davison et al., 2005). The four canine outdoor of Teaching Veterinary Clinical
main symptoms of diabetes mellitus are increased Complex, CVAS, Bikaner, with history of increased
thirst, increased urination, weight loss, and thirst, increased urination, weight loss, bilateral
increased appetite. Cataract is a well-recognised corneal opacity and skin lesions. Clinical
0
complication of diabetes mellitus in the dog, with examination revealed rectal temperature (102 F),
70% of cases developing sight-threatening lens tachycardia (155 beats per minute) and bilateral
70
cataract. routine changes. Early diagnosis and interventive

Whole blood sample was aseptically collected in treatment can mean reduced incidence of
ethylene diamine tetra acetate coated tubes from complications such as cataracts. Although a certain
the cephalic vein of dog for haematological form of diabetes type found in dogs less than a
evaluation. Serum was separated for biochemical year of age-is inherited ,proper diet and regular
analyser (IDEXX VetTest TM Kit, manufactured exercise can be very effective in helping to prevent
by IDEXX laboratories, Inc. USA) using standard onset of diabetes in older dogs(Kramer et al.,
diagnostic protocol. Urine was also collected for 1980).
urine analysis by reagent strips for urinalysis. References
Haematological studies revealed haemoglobin (Hb)
11.8 g/dL, total erythrocyte count (TEC) 8.95 x Catchpole, B., Adams, J. P., Holder, A. L., Short, A. D.,
Ollier, W. E., & Kennedy, L. J. (2013). Genetics
106 /µL and total leukocyte count 5.90 x 103 /µL of canine diabetes mellitus: Are the diabetes
and differential leukocyte count- Neutrophils 75%, susceptibility genes identified in humans in-
Lymphocytes 18%, Eosinophills 02% and volved in breed susceptibility to diabetes mel-
Monocytes 05%. Biochemical analysis of serum litus in dogs. The Vet. J., 195(2): 139-147.
revealed- Glucose 504 mg/dL, Blood urea 22.1 Davison, L. J., Herrtage, M. E. & Catchpole, B. (2005).
Study of 253 dogs in the United Kingdom with
mg/dL, SGOT 47.6 U/L, Serum glutamic pyruvic diabetes mellitus. Vet. Rec., 156: 467-471.
transaminase (SGPT) 20.4 U/L and serum Alkaline Fall, T., Hamlin, H. H., Hedhammar, A., Kampe, O. &
phosphatise 305.7 IU/L. Urine analysis showed Egenvall, A. (2007). Diabetes mellitus in a popu-
+4 sugar in reagent strips for urinalysis. Based upon lation of 180,000 insured dogs: incidence, sur-
clinical observations, haemato-biochemical vival, and breed distribution. J. Vet. Int. Med.,
21: 1209-1216.
findings and urine examination the condition was Fracassi, F., Corradini, S., Hafner, M., Boretti, F. S., Sieber-
diagnosed diabetes mellitus. Ruckstuhl, N. S., & Reusch, C. E. (2015). Detemir
insulin for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in
Therapy, result and discussion
dogs. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc., 247(1): 73-78.
The dog was treated with short acting human insulin Guptill, L., Glickman, L. & Glickman, N. (2003). Time trends
(Human actrapid) @0.5 IU/kg bwt sc bid within and risk factors for diabetes mellitus in dogs:
analysis of veterinary medical data base records
1/2 hour after diet for 15 days and homeopathic (1970-1999). Vet. J., 165: 240-247.
medicine Cineraria maritime eye drops 3 drops Kramer, J. W. (1981). Animal model of human disease:
tid and advised owner for commercially available Inherited early-onset, insulin-requiring diabe-
dog food for diabetic dogs or reduce the amount tes mellitus in keeshond dogs. The Am. J. Patho.,
of daily carbohydrate and increase protein content 105: 194-196.
Kramer, J. W., Nottingham, S., Robinette, J., Lenz, G.,
in diet. After 15 days of treatment dog showed Sylvester, S., & Dessouky, M. I. (1980). Inher-
good improvement as blood sugar level was much ited, early onset, insulin-requiring diabetes
lower 315mg/dL, and after 30 days of treatment mellitus of Keeshond dogs. Diabetes, 29(7):
blood sugar recorded 215 mg/dL. 558-565.
In diabetes mellitus goal is to regulate the dogs's McNeil, J.J., Robman L, Tikellis, G., Sinclair, M.I., McCarty,
C.A. (2004). Vitamin E supplementation and cata-
blood glucose using insulin and diet and daily ract: randomized controlled trial. Ophthalmol-
ogy, 111: 75-84.
71

CLINICAL ARTICLE
CANINE DISTEMPER IN A DOG - A Case Report
1 2 3 4 4 5 4 4
*Savita , T.C. Nayak , D.K. Bihani , D. Dhuria , J.P. Kachhawa , A. Ahuja , S. K. Vyas and Nazeer Mohammed

College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bikaner- 334001, Rajasthan, India.
1 2 3 4 5
Teaching Associate Ph.D Scholar Professor and Head Assistant Professor Professor (Reemployed)
*Corresponding author e-mail: drnandalsavita@gmail.com Mob: 07891814557
Received : 03.02.17 A male Labrador presented with the history of fever, anorexia,
Revised : 18.02.17 watery discharge from nose and eye, vomiting, diarrhoea and
Accepted : 27.02.17 nervous signs, clinical examination revealed tachycardia, high
rectal temperature, sunken eye ball due to dehydration and
Key words : muscular spasm of limb muscles. Haematological evaluation
Ag test kit showed increase in total leukocyte count, decrease haemoglobin
Canine distemper and decreased platelets count. The case was diagnosed by history,
Labrador
clinical signs and Positive Rapigen Canine Distemper Ag test
and treated successfully with ceftriaxone and tazobactum,
metaclopromide, ranitidine, 5% DNS, Ringer's lactate,
levofloxacin and ornidazole and phenobarbital.
C anine distemper is a highly contagious and

immunosuppressive disease caused by
canine distemper virus (CDV), a morbillivirus of
macrophages in the respiratory tract. The virus
spreads first to local lymph nodes and within seven
days all lymphatic tissues. During this period,
family Paramyxoviridae (Manohar et al., 2010). usually between three and six days post infection,
The susceptible host spectrum is broad including the first temperature elevation occurs along with
all families of the order Carnivora; the Canidae the appearance of interferon in circulation (Appel,
(dogs, foxes, dingos), Felidae (cats), Mustelidae 1987). Dogs between three to six months of age
(ferrets, minks, badgers, weasels) and Proconidae have a greater susceptibility to spontaneous CDV
(raccoons) (Wohlsein et al., 2007; Beineke et al., infection, which is correlated with loss of maternal
2009; Leisewitz et al. 2012). CDV infects antibodies (Sykes, 2013). However, in susceptible
susceptible animals primarily by inhalation or via population the disease affects dogs of all ages
infective aerosol droplets (Beineke et al., 2009). (Belsare and Gompper, 2015). CD is manifested
After inhalation airborne virus leads to infection of by biphasic fever curve and acute rhinitis, later by
72
bronchitis, catarrhal pneumonia, severe Therapy , result and discussion

gastroenteritis and nervous signs (Lan et al., 2006). The dog was treated with Ceftriaxone and
Haematological studies of CD infected dogs Tazobactum @ 25 mg/kg bwt iv bid, 5% DNS
showed significant decrease in haemoglobin, and Ringer's lactate @ 25 ml/kg bwt iv bid,
packed cell volume, total erythrocyte count and metaclopromide @ 0.4 mg/kg bwt im bid, ranitidine
total leukocyte count (Sain, 2010). For the @ 0.5 mg/kg bwt iv od, ascorbic acid 500 mg iv
prevention or for checking the nervous signs in a od, levofloxacin 125mg and ornidazole 75 mg was
canine distemper affected dog drug also given @1TSF/20kg bwt orally for 5 days.
dexamethasone @ 1 mg/kg is very useful (Greene To control nervous signs Phenobarbital 60 mg 1
and Appel, 1998 and Manohar et al., 2010). tab bid orally for 5 days. After 5 days of treatment
Presently diagnosis and therapeutic management dog was well responded to treatment.
of a Labrador dog is reported. In Canine distemper secondary bacterial infection
Case history, clinical observations and occurs that leads to bronchopneumonia more
diagnosis frequent in immune suppressed dogs, to combat
secondary bacterial infection antibiotics were used
A 6 months old male dog having 12 Kg bwt
commonly (Martella et al., 2008) and for the
Labrador was presented to canine outdoor of
reestablishment of effective circulating blood
Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, CVAS,
volume and electrolyte balance fluid therapy was
Bikaner, with history of fever, anorexia, watery
given to correct dehydration in canine distemper
discharge from nose and eye, vomiting, diarrhoea
affected dogs (Amude et al., 2007). Ascorbic acid
and nervous signs. Clinical examination revealed
0 is a immunomodulator and having antiviral and
rectal temperature (103 F), tachycardia (120 beats
antioxidant property, used commonly in treatment
per minute), sunken eye ball due to dehydration
of feline distemper and canine distemper for
and muscular spasm of limb and jaw muscles.
boosting the immunity (Belfield, 1967),
Whole blood sample was aseptically collected in
Phenobarbitone is a anticonvulsant drug that
ethylene diamine tetra acetate coated tubes from
control seizures and other nervous signs in canine
the cephalic vein of dog for haematological
distemper affected dogs (Hernandez et al., 1967).
evaluation. Haematological studies revealed
haemoglobin (Hb) 8.6 g/dL, total erythrocyte References
count (TEC) 6.8 x 106 /µL and total leukocyte Amude, A. M., Carvalho, G. D. A., Alfieri, A. A. and Alfieri,
count (TLC) 19.90 x 103 /µL and differential A. F. (2007). Virus isolation and molecular char-
leukocyte count- Neutrophils 77%, Lymphocytes acterization of canine distemper virus by RT-
17%, Eosinophills 01% and Monocytes 05%. PCR from a mature dog with multifocal
encephalomyelit. Brazilian Journal of Microbi-
Conjunctival mucous membrane swab was ology, 38(2): 354-356.
collected for demonstration of CD antigen by Appel, M.J.G. (1987). Canine Distemper virus. In: Virus
Rapigen Canine Distemper Ag Test Kits infectious of vertebrates. Edt: Horzinek, M.C.M.
manufactured by Rapigen INC-3F 693-11, Elsevier Science Publishers B.V., Amsterdam, 1:
Geunjeong, Gunpo Gyeongi, 435-862, Korea. 133-159.
Beineke, A., Puff, C., Seehusen, F., & Baumgartner, W.
Based upon clinical observations, haematological (2009). Pathogenesis and immunopathology of
findings and positive Rapigen Canine Distemper systemic and nervous canine distemper. Vet.
Ag test condition was diagnosed canine distemper. Immunol. immunopathol., 127(1): 1-18.
Belfield, W. O. (1967). Vitamin C in treatment of canine
73
and feline distemper complex. Veterinary Medi- cinated dogs. Vet. Microbial., 115(1): 32-42.
cine, Small Animal Clinician. 62(4): 345-348. Leisewitz, A.L. Wallace, T., Domi A.and Wright, K.J. (2012).
Belsare, A. V., & Gompper, M. E. (2015). A model-based Canine distemper in dogs. J. S.Afr. Vet. Ass.,
approach for investigation and mitigation of 72(3) pp. 127-136.
disease spillover risks to wildlife: Dogs, foxes Manohar L., Anil Ahuja, A.K. Kataria and D.K. Bihani
and canine distemper in central India. Ecologi- (2010). A study on prevalence, clinical obser-
cal Modelling, 296: 102-112. vations and therapeutic management of canine
Greene, G. and Appel, M. (1998). Canine distemper virus. distemper in dogs. J. Canine Dev. Res. 6: 11-19.
In: Infectious Diseases of Dog and Cat. 2nd Martella, V., Elia, G., & Buonavoglia, C. (2008). Canine
edn. Greene GE Saunders, Philadelphia, PA. Pp. distemper virus. Veterinary Clinics of North
1-8. America: Small Animal Practice, 38(4): 787-797.
Hernandez, P. H., Mazel, P., & Gillette, J. R. (1967). Stud- Sain, M.L. (2010). Clinical studies on Canine Distemper
ies on the mechanism of action of mammalian in dogs. M.V.Sc. thesis, Swami Keshwanand
hepatic azoreductase-II: The effects of phe- Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner.
nobarbital and 3-methylcholanthrene on carbon Sykes, J. E. (2013). Canine distemper virus infection. Ca-
monoxide sensitive and insensitive nine and feline infectious diseases. Saunders,
azoreductase activities. Biochemical Pharmacol- St Louis.Pp. 152-165.
ogy, 16(10): 1877-1888. Wohlsein, P., Puff, C., Kreutzer, M. and Siebert U. (2007).
Lan, N. T., Yamaguchi, R., Inomata, A., Furuya, Y., Uchida, Distemper in a dolphin. Emerging Infectious
K., Sugano, S., & Tateyama, S. (2006). Compara- Disease. 13: 1959-1961.
tive analyses of canine distemper viral isolates
from clinical cases of canine distemper in vac-
74

CLINICAL ARTICLE
SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF INGUINAL GRAVID HYSTEROCELE IN A
BITCH
1 2 2 3 4
Sonu Jaiswal , Vishwas A. , Alok Kumar , *Naveen Kr. Singh and H. N. Singh
Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex

C. V. Sc. & A. H., NDUAT, Kumarganj-224 229, Faizabad, U. P., India
1 2 3
Associate Professor & Head P. G. Scholar Assistant Professor
4
Professor & Head, Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology
*Corresponding author e-mail: vetnaveen@gmail.com Mobile : 9670644583
Received : 10.03.2017 A 4 years old nondescript bitch with non-inflammatory swelling

Revised : 19.03.2017 in the inguinal region which increased in size gradually over a
Accepted : 24.03.2017 period of 6 month was diagnosed as inguinal hysterocele with
two fetuses outside the abdominal cavity visualized on
Key words : radiography. Surgery was performed over the hernial sac and
Bitch two mummified fetuses were removed,uterus was repositioned
Gravid hysterocele through the inguinal ring. Inguinal herniorrhaphy was performed
Inguinal hernia and an uneventful recovery was reported within 8 days.
I nguinal hernia results from a defect in the inguinal

ring through which abdominal contents protrude.
It can be either congenital or acquired. Acquired
et al. (2005) and Sontas et al. (2012,2013) had
reported inguinal hysterocele. The hernial contents
in inguinal hernias usually include omentum, uterus,
inguinal hernias are infrequently documented in small intestine, colon, bladder and spleen. There
female dogs and are most often diagnosed in intact is an increasing awareness that inguinal hernias in
middle aged bitches (Serin et al., 2009). Hernia animals may entrap a gravid uterine horn (Sobiraj,
graviditatis (hysterocele) is a specific form of 1994). In the present case, unusually a gravid
inguinal hernia (De Bois, 1978). It is common in uterine horn with two dead fetuses forms the
bitches as the inguinal canal in bitch is shorter and content of the inguinal hernia in a bitch.
wider than that of males. Bitches are the only
Case history, clinical symptoms and diagnosis
animals that have processus vaginalis. There is a
cord which goes posterior below the processus A nondescript bitch aged about 4 years, weighing
vaginalis and connects with the ligamentum teres 15 Kg was presented to the TVCC, with a history
uteri (Dean et al., 1990 ; Formston, 1990). Vivek of a non-painful and a non-reducible soft swelling
75
at the inguinal region from last 6 months and said body was incised and mummified fetus from each
to be increasing in size. There was also a history horn was removed. The incision over the uterine
of mating 4 months ago but it did not delivered body was closed using chromic cat gut no. 0 using
any pup. On clinical examination the animal had Cushing and Lambert suture pattern. Both the non-
broad stepping gait of hind limb. The swelling was carcerated uterine horns were replaced in the pelvic
soft in nature but two hard pear shaped masses cavity after enlarging the inguinal ring. The inguinal
can easily be felt in it. It was non-reducible. All the defect was sutured using mersilk no. 1 in horizontal
physiological parameters were well within the mattress pattern to avoid recurrence. Care was
normal physiological range. There was no taken not to involve genitofemoral nerve, caudal
distension of mammary glands. superficial epigastric vessels and external pudendal
The condition was differentially diagnosed from artery and vein. Then subcutaneous sutures were
mammary tumors, cysts, lipomas, enlarged lymph applied using chromic catgut no. 0 and finally skin
nodes abscesses and haematomas. Due to the was repaired using mersilk no. 1 in cross mattress
history of not delivering the pups pattern.
after mating and further enlargement of inguinal Caprofen (Intas Pvt.Ltd.) @ 2 mg/ kg bwt im
swelling with hard palpable masses, it was was administered postoperatively to avoid
suspected as a case of hysterocele. To confirm it, postoperative pain ,ceftriaxone 250 mg im bid was
a lateral radiograph of abdomen was obtained. given for 8 days and regular antiseptic dressing
The radiograph revealed two well-developed was done up to 8th day and sutures were removed
fetuses inside the swelling. Based on the findings on 8th day on complete healing of surgical wound.
of history, clinical examination and radiography, it Results and discussion
was diagnosed as an inguinal hysterocele. To
manage it inguinal herniorrhaphy under general An uneventful recovery was reported. The surgical
anaesthesia was decided. wound healing occurred within 8 days.
The potential factors involved in the development
Surgical procedure of inguinal hernias might be anatomical, hormonal
After the aseptic preparation of the site, Atropine or metabolic in nature (Martin et al., 2012). The
sulphate @ 0.04 mg/kg bwt sc, Xylazine @ 0.5 usual contents of inguinal hernia include omentum,
mg/kg bwt im and Dexmetomidine @ 10 µg/kg fat, ovary, uterus, small intestine, colon, bladder
bwt im were administered as a preanaesthetic and or spleen with omentum being the commonest
after 10 minutes general anaesthesia was induced (Bellinger, 1996). However in the present case a
using Ketamine hydrochloride @ 5 mg/ kg bwt iv. nulliparous bitch was diagnosed to have inguinal
Maintenance of anaesthesia was done by Ketamine gravid hysterocele. Kalita et al. (2012) and Martin
till effect. The animal was placed in dorsal et al. (2012) had reported bilateral inguinal hernia
recumbency and the caudal abdominal and inguinal with hysterocele and omentocele in Dachshund
regions were prepared for surgery. bitch and Devi Prasad et al. (2016) had reported
An incision of about 4 inches length was made unilateral inguinal hernia with hysterocele in a
over the swelling and the fascia was separated and pomeranian bitch.
the gravid uterine horn was exposed after removing In the present case also, diagnosis of inguinal
the adhesions. It was seen that both uterine horns, hysterocele was easily arrived at by observing the
both broad ligaments and the uterine body were position of fetal vertebral columns in radiographs.
herniated through the left inguinal ring. The uterine Munro and Stead (1993), Kalita et al.(2012) and
76
Devi Prasad et al.(2016) had diagnosed inguinal In the present case the inguinal hernia might occur
hernia through ultrasonography. For treating a case before conception of the bitch but the fetuses could
of inguinal hernia, a midline approach in bitches is not be delivered due to entrapment in the hernial
common, since it facilitates examination of both sac and got mummified. A small inguinal outgrowth
inguinal rings (Waters et al., 1993). But in the was present since last six months and the history
present case, as the gravid uterine horn was not of mating was of 4 months ago. The elongated
reducible, hysterotomy was thought to be and curved fetuses are also an indication of their
beneficial in order to reduce the size of the uterus development in a herniated uterus which assumed
before it could be repositioned. Serin et al. (2009) the shape of the lumen.
treated a case of incarcerated inguinal hysterocele The success in the present case was partly because
in a pregnant bitch through a mid-ventral approach. of the relative young age of the animal and also
due to the fact that uterus was not incarcerated.
Figure-6: Mummified fetuses removed after

Figure-1: Soft swelling in inguinal region of a hysterotomy
bitch - inguinal hysterocele
Fig-4: Removal of fetus from uterine body

Fig-2: Fetal skeleton observed in lateral
radiograph
Fig-5: Enlarged inguinal ring after replacement of

Figure-3: Herniated gravid uterus exposed after
uterus
dissecting the hernial sac
77
Acknowledgement with distinct hysterocele and omentocele in a

Dachshund bitch. J. Ind. Vet. Assoc., 10(1): 45-
We are thankful to Dean, C.V.Sc. & A.H., 47.
Kumarganj for providing necessary facilities. Munro, E. and Stead, C. (1993). Diagnosis of uterine en-
trapment in an inguinal hernia. J. Small Anim.
References Pract., 34: 139-141.
Serin, G., Yagingul, R., Tarimcilar, T and Sarierler, M. (2009).
Bellinger, C.R. (1996). Inguinal and scrotal herniation of An incarcerated inguinal hysterocele in a preg-
the left uterine horn and omentum in a beagle nant bitch: a case report. Vet. Med. Czech., 8:
dog. J. Vet. Emerg. Crit. Care., 17: 86-92. 382-386.
De Bois, C.H.W. (1978). Hernia graviditatis. In: Richter Sobiraj, A. (1994). Birth difficulties in sheep and goats,
J., Gotze R., Rosenberger G., Tillmann H. (eds.): evaluation of patient outcome from seven lamb-
Tiergeburtshilfe. Paul Parey Verlag, Berlin. 209- ing periods in obstetrical clinic. DTW. Dtsch-
213. TierarztWochenschr, 101: 471-476.
Dean, P.W., Bojrab, M.J. and Costantinescu, G.M. (1990). Sontas, B.H., Toydemir, F.T.S., Erdogan, O., Sennazl, G.
Inguinal hernia repair in the dog. In: Bojrab and Ekici, H. (2012). Inguinal herniation of both
M.J. (ed.): Current Techniques in Small Animal uterine horns and the uterine body in a Terrier
Surgery. Lea-Febiger, Philadelphia. Pp.439-442. bitch: A case report. Proceedings of the 7th In-
Devi Prasad V., Mahesh R, Kamalakar G., Devarathnam ternational Symposium on Canine and Feline,
J. and Suresh Kumar R.V. (2016). Surgical Man- in a joint meeting with 15th Congress of the
agement of Inguinal Gravid Hysterocele in a European Veterinary Society for Small Animal
Bitch. Indian Vet. J., 93 (05): 58 - 60 Reproduction Whistler, Canada.
Formston, C. (1990). Inguinal hernia in dogs. Journal of Sontas, B.H., Toydemir, F.T., Erdogan, O., Sennazli, G.
Small Anim.Pract., 31: 212. and Ekici, H. (2013). Inguinal herniation with
Gogny, A., Bruyas, J. F. and Fieni, F. (2010). Pyometra in hydrometra/mucometra in a poodle bitch. Can.
an inguinal hernia in a bitch. Reprod. Domest. J. Vet. Res., 54 (9): 840-844.
Anim., 45 (6): 461- 464. Vivek, M., Kumar, D., Sheshman, R.P. Pandey and Singh,
Kalita, D., Chowdhury, M. and Sailo, L. (2012). Inguinal B. (2005). Inguinal hysterocele in a bitch. In-
hysterocele and epiplocele in a bitch. Intas dian J.Vet. Surg., 26: 59.
Polivet, 13(1): 113. Waters, D. J., Roy, R. G. and Stone, E. A. (1993). A retro-
Martin, K. D., Philip, S. B., Sarangom, S. B. and spective study of inguinal hernia in 35 dogs.
Kankonkar, A. (2012). Bilateral inguinal hernia Vet. Surg., 22: 44-49.
78

CLINICAL ARTICLE
THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT OF GENITAL TRANSMISSIBLE VENE-
REAL TUMOR IN DOGS
1 1 1
*Yogesh Soni , Aashutosh Tripathi and Ravindar Singh
Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex
College of Veterinary and Animal Science,Bikaner-334 001, Rajasthan, India

1
Teaching Associate
*Corresponding author e-mail: dr.ysoni89@gmail.com Mobile : 9782463949
Received : 10.01.17 Genital transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) in a 10 years old,

Revised : 21.01.17 female and 8 years old, male dog were reported with a history
Accepted : 02.02.17 of anorexia and bleeding from genitalia. Clinical examinations
revealed the cauliflower-like mass at the base of penis in male
Key words : and at the dorsal surface of vagina in female. The dogs were
Canine successfully treated with vincristine.
TVT
Vincristine
T ransmissible venereal tumor (TVT) is a round

cell tumor of probable histiocytic origin that
affects dogs and other canids (Albanese et al.,
Jayakrusna et al.,2013). The tumor diagnosis is
based on a physical examination and a cytological
or histological analysis. Several treatments,
2002; Foster, 2007) with no breed or sex including surgery, radiotherapy, immunotherapy
predilection (Chikweto et al., 2013; Das et al., and chemotherapy, have been applied for TVT
2000). It is transmitted by inoculation of intact (Das et al., 2000). However, chemotherapy is
neoplastic cells into damaged mucosae or skin considered the most effective and practical method
mainly through coitus and occasionally by social for TVT treatment, and vincristine sulfate is the
behavior such as sniffing and licking (Gurel et al., drug of choice that is commonly employed (Das
2002 ;Purohit et al.,2004). The tumor is mainly et al., 2000; Nak et al., 2005; Singh et al., 1996).
located on the external genitalia and is generally The TVT treatment consists of vincristine @ 0.025
considered benign (Rogers et al., 1998;Purohit mg/kg for four occassion at weekly interval
,2008). However, it has been occasionally reported (Boscos and Ververidis, 2004). The present report
in extragenital locations and internal genital organs describes history, clinical signs and treatment of
(Gurel et al., 2002; Bastan et al., 2008; genital TVT in dog.
79
History, clinical sign, observations, treatment 2013), although others noted that more females
and results were affected than the males (Santiago-Flores et
A 10-year-old, female and 8 year old male al., 2012). No sex predilection was detected in
Germen Shepherd dogs were referred to the other reports (Das et al., 2000; Islam et al., 2014).
veterinary clinical complex, CVAS, Bikaner with Higher incidence of TVT has been found in
a history of anorexia, and bleeding from genitalia crossbred/nondescript breed by Srivastava et al.
for several weeks. Clinical examinations revealed, (2013). Vestibule and vagina of the female dogs,
cauliflower-like mass at the base of penis in male and penis of the male dogs have been documented
and at the dorsal surface of vagina in female (Figure as the most affected sites of TVT (Chikweto et
1 and 2). Treatment was instituted with vincristine al., 2013). Secondary involvement at other sites
sulfate @ 0.025 mg/kg bwt iv in 50 ml normal of the body has also been reported. (Rezaei et
saline and Intavita-H (Intas Pvt.Ltd., Vitamin al., 2016). Chemotherapy, particularly vincristine
A,D,E,H) @ 0.5 ml/10 kg b.wt. iv at weekly sulfate, has been shown to be the most effective
interval for 4 occassions. Both the cases were treatment and is thus frequently used. Vincristine,
recovered well after 4 weeks treatment. a plant alkaloid, is a chemotherapeutic agent that
is widely used to treat various neoplastic disorders,
Discussion such as lymphomas, leukemias and sarcomas in
Transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) is a common dogs and cats (Dobson et al., 2008; Hahn, 1990),
canine reproductive disease throughout the world exerts cytotoxic activity by disrupting cellular
(Strakova et al., 2014; Sathiamoorthy et al., microtubule formation thus inhibit the replication
2011). It occurs between mainly in 1 and 7 years of the cancer cells (Coppoc, 2009). The capacity
old dogs (Kabuusu et al., 2010; Santiago-Flores of immunologic response of host has a main role
et al., 2012) with the lowest incidence above 10 in expansion of such tumors (Cohen, 1973) with
years old (Srivastava et al., 2013). In the present an increase in severity seen in immunologically
case the age of both dogs was below 10 year. compromised animals. Vitamin A, D, E, H was
Some researchers reported higher prevalence in also supplemented in present case to improve
males (Kabuusu et al., 2010; Srivastava et al., immune status of animal (Mritunjay et al., 2014).
Figure -1 and 2. Cauliflower-like mass at the base of penis in male and at the dorsal surface of vagina in
female .
80
Reference Gurel, A. Kuscu, E.G., Gulanber and Arun, S.S (2002).

Transmissible venereal tumors detected in the
Albanese, F., Poli, A., Millanta, F. and F. Abramo (2002).
extragenital organs of dogs. Israel Journal of
Primary Cutaneous Extragenital Canine Trans-
Veterinary Medicine. 57 (2): 1-8.
missible Venereal Tumour with Leishmania-
Hahn, K. A (1990). Vincristine sulfate as single-agent
Laden Neoplastic Cells: A Further Suggestion
chemotherapy in a dog and a cat with malig-
of Histiocytic Origin. Veterinary Dermatology.
nant neoplasms. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 197:
13(5): 243-246.
504-506. [Medline]
Bastan, A., Duygu, B. and Mehmet, C (2008). Uterine
Islam, M.S., Das, S., Alim, M.A., Mohi Uddin, M. and
and Ovarian Metastasis of Transmissible Ve-
Kabir, M.H.B. and Tariqul-Islam, M (2014). Pro-
nereal Tumor in a Bitch. Turkish Journal of Vet-
gressive type of canine transmissible venereal
erinary and Animal Sciences. 32(1): 65-66.
tumor (CTVT) in a male stray dog: a case re-
Boscos, C. M. and Ververidis, H. N (2004). Canine TVT-
port. Res J Vet Pract. 2(4): 70-2.
clinical findings, diagnosis and treatment. In
Jayakrushna Das, Sidhartha Sankar Behera, Manas
proceedings of the 29th World Small Animal
Ranjan Senapati, Monalisa Behera, Snehasis
Veterinary Association, Oct.6-9. Rhodes,
Pradhan, Manas Ranjan Praharaj and Prasanta
Greece. [Online]. Available from: http://
Kumar Nanda (2013). Canine Transmissible Ve-
www.vin.com/proceedings/Proceedings.plx?
nereal Tumor of a Dog and its Surgical Man-
CID=WSAVA2004&Category=&PID=87
agement J. Canine Dev. Res. 10: 97-101
52&O=Generic.
Cohen, D (1973). The biological behavior of TVT in im-
Kabuusu, R.M., Stroup, D.F and Fernandez, C (2010).
munosuppressed dogs. Eur. J. Cancer. 3:163-
Risk factors and characteristics of canine trans-
64.
missible venereal tumours in Grenada, West
Chikweto, A., Kumthekar, S., Larkin, H., Deallie, C., Tiwari,
Indies. Vet Comp Oncol. 8(1): 50-5.
K.P. and Sharma R.N. (2013). Genital and ex-
Mritunjay K., Monsang, S.W. and Purkayastha, R.D
tragenital canine transmissible venereal tumor
(2014). Therapeutic management of transmis-
in dogs in Grenada, West Indies. Open J Vet
sible venereal tumor and cheyletiellosis in a dog.
Med. 3: 111-4.
Intas Polivet. 15 (I): 25-26.
Coppoc, G. L (2009). Chemotherapy of neoplastic dis-
Nak, D., Nak, Y., Cangul, I. T. and Tuna, B (2005). A Clini-
eases. In: Veterinary Pharmacology and Thera-
copathological study on the effect of vincris-
peutics. 9th ed. Willey-Blackwell,Ames. Pp.
tine on transmissible venereal tumour in dogs.
1205-1231.
J. Vet. Med. A Physiol. Pathol. Clin. Med. 52:
Das, U. and Das, A.K (2000). Review of canine transmis-
366-370. [Medline] [CrossRef].
sible venereal sarcoma. Vet Res Commun. 24:
Purohit G.N., Sharma A, Gaur M. and Rani S. (2004).
545-56.
Vagenal tumors in bitches .J. Canine Dev. Res.
Dobson, J. M., Hohenhaus, A. E. and Peaston, A. E (2008).
4:22-24
Cancer chemotherapy. In: Small Animal Clinical
Purohit G.N. (2008). Canine transmissible tumor: A re-
Pharmacology 2nd ed. Saunders Elsevier,
view .The Intesnet J Vet Med. 6:1-19.
Edinburgh. Pp. 330-366.
Rezaei, M., Azizi, S., Shahheidaripour, S. and Rostami, S
Foster, R. A ( 2007). "Female and Male Reproductive
(2016). Primary oral and nasal transmissible ve-
Systems," In: M. D. McGavin and J. F. James
nereal tumor in a mix-breed dog. Asian Pac J
Zachary, Eds., Pathologic Basis of Veterinary
Trop Biomed. 6(5): 443-445.
Disease, 4th Edition, Mosby, St. Louis. Pp. 1306
Rogers, K. S., Walker M. A. and Dillon H. B (1998). Trans-
-1346.
81
missible venereal tumor: a retrospective study regimens on transmissible venereal tumours in

of 29 cases. Journal of the American Animal dogs. Vet. Res. Commun. 20: 71-81. [Medline]
Hospital Association. 34: 463-470. [CrossRef].
Santiago-Flores, M.L., Jaro, M.C., Recuenco, F.C., Reyes, Srivastava, A.K., Singh, B., Srivastava, A.K., Sharama,
M.F. and Amparo, M.R.G. Clinical profile of ca- A.K. and Sinha N (2013). Canine transmissible
nine transmissible venereal tumor cases. Philipp venereal tumours (CTVT): a study on occur-
J Vet Anim Sci. 38(1): 63-72. rence and distribution pattern. Indian J Canine
Sathiamoorthy, T. and Raja, S. (2011). Prevalence of re- Pract. 5(1): 65-71.
productive disorders in the stray dogs of Strakova, A. and Murchison, E.P. (2014). The changing
Chennai city. J Indian Vet Assoc. 9(2): 62. global distribution and prevalence of canine
Singh, J., Rana, J. S., Sood, N., Pangawkar, G. R. and Gupta, transmissible venereal tumour. BMC Vet Res.
P.P (1996). Clinico-pathological studies on the 10: 168.
effect of different anti-neoplastic chemotherapy
82

CLINICAL ARTICLE
HISTOPATHOLOGICAL OBSERVATION OF EPULIS IN
GERMAN SHEPHERD
1 2 1 3 1
*Sonia Sharma , Hemant Dadhich , Narendra Mertiya , Ramesh Purohit and Mahendra Kumar
Department of Veterinary Pathology,CVAS, Bikaner, 334 001, Rajasthan, India

1 2 3
VAS ,Govt. Veterinary Hospital, Jodhpur Professer and Head MD Pathology, FICP, Jodhpur
*Corresponding author e-mail:soniacvas@gmail.com Mobile : 9460890812
Received : 22.11.16 A 8 year old German Shepherd dog with a complaint of localized
Revised : 20.01.17 painless pinkish firm growth between the teeth on the gingiva
Accepted : 28.01.17 with halitosis and difficult eating. Mass was excised under
anesthesia.Grossly, mass was hard in consistency and covered
Key words : with partially ulcerated mucosa. Microscopically, the tissue
Collagenous matrix section was composed of stroma proliferation of fibrous
Epulis connective tissue with collagenous matrix. Overlaying squamous
Histopathology
epithelium was ulcerated and hyperplasia and hypertrophy of
Hyperplasia
the epithelium was observed. Mass was diagnosed as Epulis.
E pulis is most common tumor of the oral cavity

in dog witch was mostly found along the gum
line (Vagad,2010). Epulis occur in three types
between incisor and canine teeths on gum line from
last one month. Clinical examination revaled that
the mass was causing difficulty in eating and a bed
fibromatous epulis, ossifying epulis and breath from dog's mouth. A complete blood
acanthomatous epulis. Focal fibrous hyperplasia examination was carried out which revealed high
(fibrous epulis) occurs most commonly in dogs TLC level.
(Verstraete et al., 1992 and Gardner, 1996). Thus, early identification, appropriate diagnosis
Epulis which commonly known as gum boil causes and definitive treatment are required for successful
clinical signs as halitosis, drooling, difficulty in eating management of epulis as long term survival is
and swallowing. Tumours in dogs are more frequent expected to be irritatent cause of malignant
than in human population, approximately two times secoundry tumor (Margaret,2004). In cancer
higher incidence was reported (Hahn et al., 1994). therapy research the canine model represents a
History and clinical findings powerful tool, as an important link between murine
models and human clinical studies (Park et al.,
A eight year old German Shepherd dog weighing 2016) Definitive treatment requires confirmed
about 28 kg had a complaint of growing mass in diagnosis, which can be promptly achieved by
83
morphological and microscopic examinations.

Materials and methods
Tissue samples of canine neoplasms was collected
by biopsy under genral anesthesia of xylazine and
kitamine and then fixed immediately in 10% neutral
buffered formalin. Representative sample from the
neoplastic growths were processed by routine
paraffin embedding using acetone and benzene
technique (Lillie, 1965). Sections of 4-5 micron
thick were cut using microtome, which underwent Fig.2. Microphotograph showing stroma with
staining with routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) collagenous matrix with overlaying ulcerated
method as suggested by Srivastava and Srivastava hyperplastic and hypertrophied squamous
(2010). epithelium. H&E, 40X.
Discussion
Epulis is a non cancerous growth that is benign
and thus non envasive they occurs between the
teeth and cover them. Its some-times not possible
to tell that tumor is an epulis or another malignant
tumor in oral cavity. Gross appearance of tumor
was as similar as described by Gardner (1995).
Microscopic findings were in accordance with
reported observations of Sharma (2013).Thus, it
was concluded that if epulis is small than prognosis
Fig.1. Photograph showing pink firm growth of is good when its removed surgically as its benign
tumor epulis. no anaplastic cells were found. The
histopathological evaluation by paraffin embedding
Results with acetone and benzene technique and H&E
staining method favored rapid diagnosis which is
Macroscopically, tumor growths was 1.7 cm,
of prognostic value to canine practitioner.
seen as pink in color, nodular in size, symmetrical
in shape and epithelial surface revealed rough, Acknowledgement
inflamed and ulcerative (Fig. 1). The cut surface The authors are thankful for Dr. Ramesh
having contracted stroma with white fibrous bands Purohit MD, Path, Histolab Jodhpur for providing
of connective tissue. Microscopically, proliferating necessary facilities to carry out present work.
tumor cells appear in large groups which were
seprated from one another by strands of stroma References
with collagenous matrix. Overlaying squamous Gardner D.G. (1995). Canine acanthomatous epulis: The
epithelium was ulcerated and hyperplasia and only common spontaneous ameloblastoma in
hypertrophy of the epithelium was observed (Fig. animals. J. Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral
Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontology.
2).
79(5): 612-15
84
Gardner D.G. (1996). Epulides in the dog: a review. J. Oral Sharma H. (2013). Occurrence and pathology of various
Pathology & Medicine., 25(1):32-37 conditions of upper gastro-intestinal tract in
Hahn, K.A., Bravo, L., Adams W.H. and Frazier, D.L. canine. M.V.Sc. Thesis, Department of Veteri-
(1994). Naturally occurring tumors in dogs as nary Pathology, CVAS, RAJUVAS, Bikaner.
comparative models for cancer therapy re- Srivastava, A. and Srivastava, A.K. (2010). Histopatho-
search. In Vivo., 8:133-143. logical study of mammary tumors in canine. J.
Lillie, R.D. (1965): Histopathological technique and prac- Canine Dev. Res., 6: 59-65.
tical histochemistry. McGraw Hill Book Co. New Takeshita, K., Sunagawa, M., Nakajima, A., Ochi, K., Habu,
York and London. H. and Hoshi, K. (1985). Histopathological stud-
Margaret C., McEntee, Rodney L., Alain Théon, Hollis ies of experimental esophageal and oral cancer
N. and Donald E(2004). Malignant in beagles. Nihon Geka Gakkai Zasshi., 86: 139-
Tumor Formation in Dogs Previously Irradiated 147.
for Acanthomatous Epulis. J. Vet. Radiology Vegad, J.L. (2010): A textbook of veterinary general pa-
and Ultrasound., 45(4):357-61 thology, 2nd Edn. Ibdc publishers, khushnuma
Park J.S., Withers S.S., Modiano J.F., Kent M.S.,Chen complex, Lucknow, India.
M., Luna J.I., Culp W.T.N., Sparger E.E., Verstraete F.J., Ligthelm A.J. and Weber A. (1992).The
Rebhun R.B., Monjazeb A.M.,8 Murphy W.J. histological nature of epulides in dogs. J Comp
and Canter R.J.(2016). J Immunother Cancer., 4: Pathol., 106(2): 169-82.
97.
85
JOURNAL OF CANINE
SUBSCRIPTION FORM


NAME ...................................................................................
PROFESSION ...................................................................................
ADDRESS ...................................................................................
...................................................................................

86

CANINE PRACTICE
CANINE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ADOPTED BY THE DOG OWNERS
1 2
*B.Gujar and T.C.Goyal
Department of Extension Education,CVAS, Bikaner-334001, Rajasthan, India

1
Veterinary Officer, Veterinary Polyclinic, Barmer
2
Assistant Professor,Department of Extension Education,CVAS, Navania, Udaipur
*Coresponding author e-mail : bharti030185@gmail.com Mobile : 9269770496
Received : 15.01.17 A total of 60 dog owners were selected by using simple random
Revised : 22.02.17 sampling method. Data were collected through the personal
Accepted : 28.02.17 interview. The findings of the study show that majority(95%) of
dog owners adopt the exercise in dog while minimum (26.6%)
Key words : adoption had registration of dog from all managemental
Adoption practices.The results revealed that majority(97.22%) of pet
Dog Owners
owners go first to doctor when their dog become ill among health
Health care practices and feeding
care practices. Majority (98.33%) of pet owners protect their
practices
dog from adverse climatic condition in housing practices and
from feeding practices results showed that majority(65%) of
owners provide feed supplement to their pet.
P ets have always been a craze in US and UK.

But there is increased interest for pets among
Indian population. This increased interest has also
The relationship between people and dogs is one
of the oldest human-animal liaisons in history ( Byrd,
2012). From the time being dogs are associated
supported the welfare of pet population with mankind, they sometime act as guard as well
(Gujar,2016) .According to a research conducted as companion animal. The purpose of keeping
by Research and Consultancy Enterprise (RACE) dogs varies within and across individual
of Institute of Management Technology (IMT), communities and can include companionship,
Ghaziabad there are about 2.2 million dogs in the transportation, security, food acquisition and
Indian household with the population increasing
religious beliefs (Hart La, 1995).Man in turn
by 26% every year (Anonymous,2010). The dog
has been a very good companion of man (Hedge provides protection, companionship and
et al.,2009) . During the last decade, the interest accommodation and a regular source of food for
of human population has increased towards dogs. These mutual benefits have built a trusting
keeping of companion animals like dog (Kumar relationship throughout history between dogs and
et al., 2004). people and ultimately have made life easier for
87
both.Dog are friends of people, they guard our Health care practices
families and our houses.A dog can be a wonderful The data presented in table 1 regarding health care
addition to any home, but whether you're an practices of dog revealed that majority (97.22%)
experienced pet parent or a first-time adopter, it's of pet owners go first to doctor when their dog
important to keep your canine companion's health become ill followed by vaccination of dog(95%)
and happiness a top priority.Keeping in view, the and deworming in dog(88.33%).In another study
present study was undertaken to assess the Lue et al.(2008) revealed that most of pet owners
adoption level of dog owners about the various took their dogs to veterinarians > 2 times as often
scientific canine practices. , averaging 2.3 times/y. Dog owners were to seek
Material and methods vaccinations (73% ), regular physical examinations
(67% ),and preventive dental care (22% ). When
This study was conducted in veterinary clinic of
owners were asked the main purpose for their
CVAS,Bikaner.
most recent veterinary visit, vaccination was the
A number of 60 respondents (dog owners) were
leading reason given for dogs (42%) . Routine
selected by using simple random sampling method.
examinations were a distant second reason and
A semi structured interview schedule was prepared
accounted for 21% of visits. Selvakkumar,R.
after discussion and consultation with experts. Data
(2016) observed in their study that 58.87 % of
were collected through the personal interview. The
the owners were vaccinated their dogs against
data were compiled, tabulated, and analysed by
Rabies and only about 25.81% were vaccinated
using statistical tools (Frequency, Percentage and
against all the diseases. Surprisingly 15.32 % of
Mean score).
the dog owners do not vaccinate their dogs. The
Results and discussion research findings on Preference for breed and
Adoption Of Pet Owners Followed By Different feeding practices for dog rearing in Nagpur city
Practices. of Maharashtra revealed that vaccination of dogs
was found to be routine practice as reported by
General managemental practices Sawaimul et al. (2009) also. Similar findings were
The data presented in table 1 showed that majority reported by Hedge et al. (2009) in Akola city of
(95%) of dog owners adopt the exercise in dog Vidarbha region in Maharashtra state.
from all managemental practices, followed by Housing practices
adopt maintainence of dog vaccination
card(91.66%),bathing of dog (88.33%) & basic The data presented in table 1 revealed that majority
behavioral practices(88.33%),no. of bathing time of pet owners (98.33%) protect their dog from
in a day of dog (81.11%),grooming in dog adverse climatic condition, followed by provide
(80%),use of bathing material (62.77%), trimming better housing facility (76.66%) to their
of nails in dog (55%), cleaning of ear (51.66%), dog.Selvak (2016) revealed in their study that
Preventive dental care (36.66%),and registration majority of the dog owners (72.58 %) maintained
of dog (26.6%). Suluku et al. (2012) revealed in their dogs on the mud floor. The research findings
their study that 38.9% of respondent did register on preference for breed and feeding practices for
their dogs, of which 22.1% with veterinary clinic, dog rearing in Nagpur city of Maharashtra revealed
9.7% with Ministry of Health and Sanitation and that most of the dog breeders housed the dog
9.0% with private clinics. inside their home without any separate housing
provisions as also reported by Sawaimul et
88
al.(2009). The similar findings were observed from Maharashtra revealed that most of the dog
the dog k eepers in Central Kerala (Kumar et al., breeders fed their dog with the mix (Veg and Non
2004). In contrary, Hedge et al. (2009) reported veg) 2 to 3 times a day (Sawaimul et al., 2009)
that majority of the dog owners kept their dogs in and the findings were similar to the present
a separate house in Akola city of Vidarbha region study.Similarly, Hedge et al. (2009) reported that
in Maharashtra state. Suluku et al. (2012) majority of them (89%) offered mix feed (Veg and
observed in their study that the majority of people Non-veg) 3 to 4 times in a day in Akola city of
(66%) provide shelter for their dogs. However, Vidarbha region in Maharashtra state. Selvak
one third of dog owners do not provide shelter (2016) reported in their study that most of the dog
(34 %). breeders (91.13%)did not prepare any special
Feeding practices food for their dogs/pets.Only a few(8.87%)of the
commercial dog breeders provided little amount
The data presented in table 1 showed that majority of commercially available branded dog
of owners (65%) provide feed supplement to their feed.Suluku et al. (2012) revealed in their study
pet. Lue, et al., 2008 revealed in their study that that Seventy-four per cent of the respondents fed
approximately half of dog owners (55%) fed their their dogs with kitchen left overs or household
pets specialty or premium foods. The research refuse, and allow them to feed on garbage.
findings on preference for breed and feeding In the present scenario attitude of people toward
practices for dog rearing in Nagpur city of
Table 1: Adoption level of managemental practices among pet owners
S.N. Item Mean Score Percent Rank

General Managemental practices
1. Registration of Dog 0.26 26.6% X
2. Maintenance of dog vaccination card 0.91 91.66% II
3. Attending of dog show 0.25 25% XI
4. Grooming in dog 0.8 80% V
5. Exercise in dog 0.95 95% I
6. Trimming of nails in dog 0.55 55% VII
7. Bathing of dog 0.88 88.33% III
8. Bathing time in dog 0.81 81.11% IV
9. Bathing material in dog 0.62 62.77% VI
10. Basic behavioral practices of dog 0.83 83.33% III
11. Provide playing object to dog 0.8 80% V
12. Preventive dental care 0.36 36.66% IX
13. Cleaning of ear in dog 0.51 51.66% VIII
Health care practices
14. Deworming in Dog 0.88 88.33% III
15. Vaccination in Dog 0.95 95% II
16. Vaccination against diseases (DHPPi & 0.81 81.66% IV
Rabies)
17. Go first when dog become ill 0.97 97.22% I
Housing practices
18. Housing of dog 0.76 76.66% II
19. Protection of dog from hot/cold/rain 0.98 98.33% I
Feeding practices
20. Diet provide to dog 0.65 65%
21. Provide feed supplement to dog 0.65 65%
89
pets (canine & feline) is changing. People who (2): 203-207.

belong to urban society are taking keen interest in Hart,L.(1995) a review of the relationship, In the Domes-
pet rearing. The study showed that majority of tic Dog: Its Evolution, Behaviour and Interac-
tions with people. Edited by
dog owners were well known about the scientific :SerpellJ.CambridgeLA:Dogs as human Com-
canine practices. On the whole, it was apparent panions: University Press,Pp.161-178.
that the dog owners had high level of adoption Hedge, M.R., Prajakta Kuralkar, Saleha Nuzhat and Raja,
about the scientific dog practices.These results A.A. (2009). Dog rearing practices in Akola city
suggest that there is a need for accessible general of Vidarbha region. Indian J. Anim. Res.,43(3):
226-227.
canine management practices for pet owning Kumar, P.V., Xavier Francis and Leena Anil, (2004). Socio-
households, with additional efforts made by economic profile,selection,training and con-
veterinary and public health personnel and to move straints of dog keeping in central Kerala. In-
one step forward towards fostering a better dian J.Ani.Prod.Manage,20(1-4): 52-56.
understanding of human-canine relationships. Lue, T.W., Pantenburg, D.P. and Crawford, P.M. (2008).
Impact of the owner-pet and client-veterinarian
References bond on the care that pets receive. Journal of
the American Veterinary Medical Association,
Anonymous (2010). The Booming Pet Industry in India 232(4):531-54.
· TVP Editorial . The views paper.Pp.2. Sawaimul, A.D.,Sahare, M.G., Ali,S.Z., Patil, L.V.,
Byrd,B. (2012) Human-Canine Relationships: Dog Be- Taksande, P.E. and Ghule,S.S. (2009).
havior and Owner Perceptions .A Senior thesis Socioeconomistatus of dog owners in Nagpur
submitted in partial fulfillment of the require- city of Maharashtra. Veterinary World, 2(6): 229
ments for graduation in the Honors Program Suluku, R., Abu-Bakarr, I., Johnny, J. and Jonsyn-Ellis, F.
.Liberty University Spring. Pp.2-39. (2012). Post-war demographic and ecological
Gourty, M.C. (2002). Making life easier,(http:// survey of dog populations and their human re-
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog) lationships in Sierra Leone. Science Journal of
Gujar,B.(2016), Socio-economic profile and knowledge Agricultural Research & Management ,
of dog owners about various canine 282(2):7-14.
practices.Indian Journal of Social Research, 57
90
Author’s Index
A. Chahar 63 Narendra Mertiya 83
A. Mangala Gowri 43 Naveen Kr. Singh 75,94
A. P. Singh 70 Nazeer Mohammed 72
A. Vishwas 75 Piyusha Singh 94
Aashutosh Tripathy 79 R. D. Velhankar 17,27,34,48
Alok Kumar 75 R. K. Tanwar 22
Anil Ahuja 11,22,57,63,67,72,94 R. N. Kachwaha 91
B. Gujar 87 R. V. Gaikwad 17,27
Basant Bais 91 Ramesh Purohit 83
C. N. Galdhar 17,27 Ravinder Singh 79
D. B. Patil 1 Rupal Dhadhich 57,67
D. N. Kelawala 1 S. D. Moregaokar 17,27
D. U. Lokhande 17,27 S. Dhanalaxmi 53
D.K.Bihani 11,22,57,63,67,72,94 S. K. Vyas 72
Deepika dhuria 11,22,63,67,72,94 S. Priya 43
Durga Devi 91 S. Sulficar 60
E. A. Parulekar 1 Savita 63,72
Fakhruddin 70 Sonia Sharma 83
H. N. Singh 75 Sonu Jaiswal 75
Hatzade R.I. 34,48 Sumnil Marwaha 11
Hemant Dadhich 83 Sunita Choudhary 22,53
J. P. Kachhawa 72 T. C. Goyal 87
Jyoti Yadav 22,57,67 T. C. Nayak 57,63,72
K. H. Ingole 17,27 V. H. Shym 60
K. Justin Davis 60 V. K. Meena 22,57
M. M. Gatne 17,27 V. S. Dewal 57
Mahendra Kumar 83 Yogesh Soni 79
N. Madhavan Unny 60
99
Subject - Index
Anosmia-13 Herbal Dog Treat-44

Anticonvulsant-73 Hyperkeratosis-12
Atrial Fibrillation-32 Hyphema-7
Beagling-93 Hysterotomy-77
Brachycephalic Breeds-1 Insulin Therapy-71
Brown Dog Tick-22 Iris Hypoplacia-6
Canine Distemper-11 , 72 Keratopathy-1
Canine Management Practices-87 Kupffers Cells-12
Cataract-70 Mean Electrical Axis-31
Cell Proliferation-44 Medicinal Herb-44
Corneal Melanosis-2 Mesenchymal Stem Cell-45
Corneal Vascularization-3 Morulae-23
Cyclosporine-5 Myoclonus-13
Demodex canis-64 Oxygen Therapy-61
Diabetes Mellitus-70 Pericardiocentesis-54
Dilated Cardiomyopathy-17,27 Pneumothorax-60
Dog-Cat-94 Red Mange-63
E.canis-22 Renal Insufficiency-67
Echocardiography-34 Renal Diet-68
Epithelial Hyperplacia-83 Transmissible Venereal Tumor-79
Epulis-83 Transplacental Infection-12
Eye Lubricant-5 Ventricular Tachycardia-32
Gravid Hysterocele-75
100
GUIDELINES FOR CONTRIBUTORS
T he Journal of Canine Development &

Research (JCDR) is published every year
by the Canine Publishing House, Bikaner. JCDR
1. Title: Papers should be headed with full title,
the initials and surname(s) of the author(s) and
address of the institution where the work was
covers review/ research articles, general articles, carried out. A shortened version of the title should
clinical case reports, thesis abstract and tit bits also be supplied for running headlines. the serial
regarding canines & felines. titles are not acceptable, so each paper should have
an individual title.
Submission of Manuscript: The manuscripts are
accepted on the basis of scientific importance and 2. Abstract: This shoud not exceed 250 words
suitability for publication on the understanding that and should outline briefly the purpose of the study,
they have not been published, submitted or accepted important findings and conclusions.
for publication wholly or partly, in any language
3. Key words: Provide three to six key words.
else where. The copyright of papers, accepted for
publication, will belong to the Canine Publishing 4. Introduction: This part should state briefly the
House, Bikaner. It is necessary that all nature and purpose of the work together with the
authors of the article should be annual important findings of previous workers.
subscriber of the JCDR(@Rs.500/-) 5. Materials and Methods: The author(s) should
Further, the processing charges @ Rs. 500/ describe materials, methods, apparatus,
- per article shall be charged,however the experimental procedure and statistical methods in
minimum charges will be Rs1500/-. detail to allow other workers to reproduce the
results. Sub-heading may be used in this part.
The manuscripts should be mailed through
registered post to DR. ANIL AHUJA, Editor, 6. Results: The clinical/experimental data should
JCDR, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, be presented clearly and concisely.
College of Veterinary and Animal Science,
Bikaner-334 001 (Rajasthan) INDIA or Canine 7. Discussion: This should focus the interpretation
Publishing House, Pushap Bhawan, B-48, Sadul of clinical/experimental findings. References in this
Ganj, Bikaner-334 003 (Rajasthan) INDIA. part should be cited as follows ....... as observed
by Kalra et al. (1994) or in parentheses ........ were
The manuscripts should be type written, on one side found (Kohli et al., 1994, Pathak and Arora, 1995).
of the paper ( A 4 size) with 4 cm margins and
double spacing throughout, except in the abstracts, 8. Acknowledgement(s): This should be short.
footnotes and references which should be in single Grants and technical help provided should be
spacing. It should be sent in duplicate. Each page acknowledged.
of the manuscript should be numbered on the top 9. References: All publications cited in the text
right hand side corner, including the title page, should be presented in the form of a list of
references, tables, etc. All the pages should contain references arranged alphabetically according to
running title of the paper and surname of author(s) authors’ surnames. Don’t give serial numbers. Use
at the top. A copy of the manuscript will be the usual system for arranging the reference. The
required in MS Word Office, Windows. Manuscript volume number and page number of the journals
may be sent through E-Mail : anil_ahuja@mail.com and those of the text citations should be essentially
The manuscripts should be organised in the mentioned.
following order in general:
101
Roman numerals. Each table should have a brief their charges shall be communacated in the
and self-explanatory title. Duplication of data in the acceptance letter of the article..
table and text should be avoided.
12.Clinical Articles
11. Figures: Only good quality, unfolded and
Clinical case reports of interesting and rare nature
unmounted glossy prints of half-tone illustrations
are published under this heading. The article sent
and clear line drawings in India ink are acceptable.
for publication under this head, should not contain
The number of figure, the author’s name, top and
more than three typed pages including references
bottom of the figure should be indicated lightly on
and illustrations and should be marked ‘Clinical
the back side specially in the case of photographs
Article’ at the right upper corner of the first page
by soft pencil. Figures should be numbered
of manuscript. An abstract of the case is necessary.
sequentially by Arabic numbers. Each illustration
The manuscript should contain history and important
should have a caption. The captions to all figures
clinical observations of the case, tentative diagnosis
should be typed on a separate sheet of manuscript.
and its confirmation, line of treatment used and fate
All the figures should be referred to in the text and
of the case. At least, it should have a biref
their approximate place be indicated on the margin.
discussion on the line of treatment and conclusion.
A statement of the magnification of illustrations
All these can be given in separate paragraphs
should be given wherever applicable. The author(s)
sequentially and sub-heading are not required.
are required to bear the cost of reproducton of the
illustrations. Coloured illustrations are also The acknowledgement, if necessary may be given
accepted. The processing charge of each black but it should be as short as possible. The references
& white photograph shall be Rs. 100/-. should be given as per the format for the research
Coloured photographs may be published and articles.
102

Vertebral Heart Score in Healthy Labrador Dogs

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

You might also like

Vertebral Heart Score in Healthy Labrador Dogs

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Vertebral Heart Score in Healthy Labrador Dogs

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Journal of Canine Development & Research 2016

JOURNAL OF CANINE DEVELOPMENT & RESEARCH

ASSISTANT EDITORS Purohit, S.K.

CANINE PUBLISHING HOUSE

Publication of articles and other correspondence may be made to :

Professor (Dr.) Anil Ahuja

Phone : 0151-2544243 (O)

Journal of Canine Development & Research

For Vets & Others

Send a demand draft in favour of “Canine Publishing House” payable

1. Pigmentary Keratopathy in Brachycephalic Dogs - A Review 1-9

2. Scenario of Canine Distemper - A Review 11-16

3. Studies on Vertebral Heart Size in Dogs Suffering

4. Clino-Diagnostic Studies of Canine Ehrlichiosis 22-26

5. Studies on Electrocardiographic Alterations in Dogs

6. M-mode Echocardiographic Measurements in Healthy Labrador Dogs 34-42

7. Green Pet Treats Validation for Stem Cell Proliferation 43-47

8. Vertebral Heart Score in Healthy Labrador Dogs 48-52

9. Pericardial Effusion in A Dog -A Case Report 53-56

10 Medical Management of Hepatic Origin Ascites in A Bitch-A Case Report 57-59

11. Pneumothorax in Labrador Retriever Puppy - A Case Report 60-62

13. Dietary Management of Renal Insufficiency 67-69

14. Diabetes Mellitus in A Dog- A Case Report 70-71

15. Canine Distemper in A Dog- A Case Report 72-74

16. Surgical Management of Inguinal

17. Therapeutic Management of Genital

18. Histopathological Observation of Epulis in German Shepherd 83-85

20. Beagle Dog - A Breed Review 91-93

Feline Research and Practice

Author Index, Subject Index and Guidelines for Contributors

From the Desk of Editor ..........

Journal of Canine Development & Research

Department of Veterinary Surgery & Radiology

Corresponding author - e mail: db1608@gmail.com Mobile : 7573035104

Received : 18.02.17 The article include introduction, pathophysiology, clinical signs,

I ndirect effect of selective breeding for

*For lifelong instillation

For Institutions Rs. 1200.00 or US$ 110 or £ 65 or DM 130 or Euro 90

VOLUMES 1 TO 11 ARE ALSO AVAILABLE

Please enroll me as a subscriber and send me the issue of Journal

Filled subscription form should be mailed by Regd. Post to:

CANINE PUBLISHING HOUSE

Journal of Canine Development & Research

Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine

Corresponding author e-mail : anil_ahuja@mail.com Mobile : 9414230453

Received : 15.02.17 Present review article include history , etiology, transmission,

C anine distemper is one of the most described

CDV genome is of approximately 15,690 Impaired immune function, associated with

Journal of Canine Development & Research

Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, Ethics & Jurisprudence

*Corresponding author - e mail:rajendravelhankar@gmail.com Mob no: 9819030607

R adiography is an useful tool to appraise cardiac

Journal of Canine Development & Research

Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ethics and Jurisprudence,

Corresponding author e-mail: yadav.jyoti502@gmail.com Mobile : 8386841923

C anine ehrlichiosis is an important

The diagnostic techniques available include intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies or morulae of E.

Fig. 1: Major clinical manifestations in dogs positive with canine ehrlichiosis