Canine Flashcards
What is the general course of distemper infection in a young, unvaccinated dog?
Respiratory and ocular signs first, GI second, CNS third (usually 1-3wks later but can be months)
What is a classic initial symptom in ferrets with canine distemper infection?
Papular chin dermatitis–dermatitis is pathognomonic when other symptoms are present
What measures can be taken to prevent canine distemper in dogs and ferrets?
Dogs: modified-live canine distemper vaccine
Ferrets & Weimaraners: recombinant canary-pox vector vaccine
What are 3 possible complications that can occur if a modified-live distemper vaccine is used in a Weimaraner under 1yr old?
1) Hypertrophic osteodystrophy
2) Juvenile cellulitis
3) Corticosteroid-responsive neutrophilic meningitis/arteritis
What is the etiology of canine distemper virus?
Morbillivirus of the family Paramyxoviridae (closely related to measles and rinderpest); Highly contagious via aerosol (mostly), transplacental routes, or direct contact
What is the viral shedding time period in canine distemper?
Viral shedding begins by the 7th day and may persist up to 90 days
Why perform fecal flotation and abdominal radiographs on a suspected parvo dog?
To rule out concurrent helminthiasis (common) and to avoid missing a foreign body or intussusception
Describe the acute treatment of suspected parvovirus in the first 12 hours after admission
Admit, isolate, place IV catheter, IV antibiotics and fluids;
First 2 hrs: fluid bolus to correct BP; afterwards correct fluid defecit over 10hrs, give Metoclopramide CRI, analgesia, amikacin (if BP improved); after 4-5hrs start to feed
When does fecal viral shedding occur in dogs affected with parvo?
4-5 days after exposure, before clinical signs occur
Name 3 physical exam findings that are highly suggestive of a ruptured cranial cruciate ligament
1) Palpable joint effusion
2) Cranial drawer sign
3) Cranial tibial thrust
Name 3 radiographic findings with a torn cranial cruciate ligament
Fat pad compression, joint effusion, DJD
Describe 5 surgical techniques for repair of a torn cranial cruciate ligament
1) Intracapsular fascia lata or patellar tendon autogenous graft
2) Extracapsular suture stabilization
3) Fibular head transposition
4) Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO)
5) Tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA)
Name 4 breeds predisposed to DCM
Doberman Pinscher, Great dane, Boxer, Portuguese water dog
List the findings on an echocardiogram diagnostic of DCM
Sinus tachycardia, P-mitrale, wide, tall or low voltage QRS, APCs or VPCs, atrial fib
List 4 radiographic findings suggestive of DCM
Cardiomegaly, LA and LV enlargement, pulmonary edema, pleural effusion
List the different etiologies of DCM
1) Idiopathic/familial/genetic
2) Taurine deficiency–reversible, cats
3) Carnitine deficiency
4) Infectious–Trypanosoma cruz, parvo (rare)
5) Toxic–Adriamycin
6) Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy
7) Volume overload
8) Endocrinopathy–hypothyroidism (uncommon)
Describe the treatment of DCM
1) Diuretics–reduce edema, effusion, lasix
2) Dilators–ACE inhibitors (enalapril), 2% nitroglycerin,
3) Low Na diet–rest, O2, taurine, L-carnitine
4) Positive inotropes–dobutamine, digoxin, pimobendan
5) Antiarrhythmics–beta blockers (atenolol), Ca channel blockers (diltiazem)
What are the presentations of DCM with the worst prognosis?
Cats w/o Taurine deficiency, Dobies w/ atrial fib or ventricular arrhythmia, Portuguese water dogs (young, usually die quickly)
What is the acute treatment for seizures?
Benzodiazapines (diazepam, midazolam, lorazolam), propofol, inhalent anesthetic
What is the maintenance treatment for seizures?
KBr, phenobarbital, levetiracetam (keppra), zonisamide
What are the tests of choice for diagnosing epilepsy?
1) Bloodwork to rule out toxic/metabolic cause
2) Bile acids to rule out hepatic encephalopathy
3) MRI or CT of brain to rule out structural disease
4) Cerebrospinal fluid analysis to rule out encephalitis
5) Monitor anticonvulsant levels