Original Article ㅣ 2024-12-31 0 247 165

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Abstract : Heartworm disease (HWD) is a common mosquito-borne disease in dogs primarily caused by Dirofilaria immitis. Adult heartworms typically reside in the pulmonary arteries (PA), causing endothelial damage. Echocardiogrphy enables the confirmation of HW, the presence of HW in the PA or right heart, as well as the evaluation the right ventricular (RV) structure and function. A total of 36 dogs visiting Jeonbuk National University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital were retrospectively analyzed and divided 3 groups; Group 1 (HW-free, n = 12), Group 2 (HW residing in PA, n = 15), and Group 3 (intracardiac HW, n = 9), based on HW screening tests and echocardiographic examinations. The patients were assessed using RV systolic function indices including fractional area change normalized for body weight (FACn), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion normalized for body weight (TAPSEn), and systolic myocardial velocity of the lateral tricuspid annulus (RV S’). Analysis of the echocardiographic values, confirmed that FACn and TAPSEn were significantly lower in Group 3 compared to the other groups. The values of RV S’ did not differ significantly between groups. In conclusion, it was confirmed that FACn and TAPSEn are significantly decreased in dogs with intracardiac HW, suggesting that the presence of intracardiac HW alters RV systolic function. Despite several limitations and the relatively small scale, further investigation of these RV systolic function indices, particularly FAC and TAPSE, is warranted in dogs with intracardiac heartworms.

Original Article ㅣ 2024-12-31 0 195 141

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Abstract : The multimodal analgesic strategy involving local anesthesia at the incision site is effective for postoperative pain relief in dogs undergoing celiotomy. Numerous studies have been conducted on drug delivery systems, such as ez:AP^® (TGel Bio, Co., Ltd., Republic of Korea), a temperature-responsive hydrogel (TRH). TRH exhibits unique properties, including transitioning from a liquid state at 2-8°C to a gel state at above 30°C. This study aimed to investigate whether combining TRH with bupivacaine, a commonly used local anesthetic, could prolong the analgesic effect in dogs undergoing celiotomy compared with administering bupivacaine alone. Eleven dogs that underwent celiotomy were included in this study. Bupivacaine alone or combined with TRH was used for local infiltration anesthesia. Subsequent pain assessment was conducted at 2-h intervals during the next 24 h using the short form of the Glasgow composite measure pain scale. The results showed that the sensory recovery commenced 16-22 h after a single administration of TRH combined with bupivacaine for infiltration anesthesia, with the analgesic effect lasting for more than 24 h. In the case of bupivacaine alone, both sensory recovery and the duration of the analgesic effect commenced and lasted for about 6-8 h. This study revealed that the use of bupivacaine combined with TRH for local infiltration anesthesia during celiotomy can extend the duration of local analgesic effects, thus providing substantial benefits in postoperative pain management.

Original Article ㅣ 2024-12-31 0 230 120

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Abstract : This study aimed to assess the therapeutic effects of green-lipped mussel oil complex (GLMOC) on canine osteoarthritis (OA) and effects of dose and OA severity on treatment efficacy. Fifteen dogs were recruited and grouped into two based on OA severity. They received the recommended GLMOC dose for the first 4 weeks and half for the following 2 weeks, which was followed by a 2-week withdrawal. The outcomes included the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) score, orthopaedic assessment score (OAS), and peak vertical force (PVF). The CBPI score, OAS, and PVF significantly improved at week 4. The treatment success rate was 40%. The improvements persisted during the reduction and withdrawal phases but their significance reduced. The PVF (week 4), CBPI score (weeks 4 and 6), and OAS (weeks 4, 6, and 8) significantly improved for the dogs with mild/moderate OA. The OAS significantly improved for severe OA only at week 4. GLMOC treatment provided significant pain relief and functional improvement for OA over 4 weeks without adverse effects. Optimal outcomes are expected in patients with mild or moderate OA treated with consistent medications.

Original Article ㅣ 2024-12-31 0 253 164

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Abstract : Canine mammary gland tumors (MGTs) pose a significant challenge due to their malignancy and the burden they place on the affected animals. Recent studies on human breast cancer have explored the potential of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen (CA) 15-3, and cancer antigen (CA) 27-29, which originate from the mammary gland or somewhere else, as an area of interest for early tumor detection. The use of ELISA measurements of CEA, CA 15-3, and CA 27-29 has shown promising diagnostic performance in detecting canine MGTs. Elevated levels of CEA were observed in both MGT and ovarian cancer patients, while increased levels of CA 15-3 and CA 27-29 were found only in MGT patients. This indicates that the combined use of these biomarkers through ELISA testing can effectively differentiate MGT from other tumors and may be useful in monitoring metastasis and recurrence of canine MGT. In terms of sensitivity and specificity, only CA 27-29 exhibited significant diagnostic performance in detecting and distinguishing MGT from other cancers. This underscores the need for further research to evaluate the diagnostic performance of CEA and CA 15-3 using a larger sample size. Considering the potential overlap of biomarkers associated with specific tumors in different organs, the combined application of tumor markers is crucial to enhance the sensitivity and specificity of cancer diagnosis. Therefore, this study underscores the potential use of combined biomarkers in veterinary medicine, aligning with the recent progress in the exploration of blood biomarkers in human oncology.

Original Article ㅣ 2024-12-31 0 200 153

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Abstract : This study examines the therapeutic effects of bee venom on dairy cows with clinical mastitis, a common and economically significant disease in the dairy industry. While mastitis is traditionally managed with antibiotics, the increasing problem of antibiotic resistance calls for the exploration of alternative treatments. Known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties, bee venom was evaluated as a potential alternative. Fifty-one Holstein Friesian cows from five dairy farms, all diagnosed with clinical mastitis, participated in the study. Administered intramammarily for seven consecutive days, the diluted bee venom from New Techniques Laboratory Ltd. was monitored for its effects on clinical symptoms, somatic cell counts, and bacterial cultures at baseline and on days 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14 post-treatment. The results indicate that bee venom is particularly effective against gram-positive bacteria, with notable recovery observed in Staphylococcus saprophyticus infections within 5 days. However, its efficacy against gram-negative bacteria, especially E. coli, was less pronounced, showing improvement in 50% of E. coli cases by day 14. No therapeutic response was noted in cases involving Klebsiella pneumoniae. These findings support the potential of bee venom as an alternative treatment for mastitis, particularly against gram-positive infections but highlight the necessity for further research to improve its effectiveness against gram-negative bacteria and to explore its role in managing antibiotic-resistant strains.

Case Report ㅣ 2024-12-31 0 253 233

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Abstract : A dog presented with continuous bilateral purulent nasal discharge and sneezing. Prior diagnostic evaluations included radiography, computed tomography (CT) scans, rhinoscopy, and histopathology, which indicated chronic inflammation with minor hemorrhage. Initial treatment with glucocorticoids alleviated symptoms, but signs recurred and worsened upon tapering the medication. A follow-up CT scan revealed bilateral partial choanal atresia, with no evidence of a foreign body. However, retrograde rhinoscopy subsequently detected and confirmed the presence of a grass foreign body. After removal, the dog's clinical signs were resolved completely within three months without further complications or treatment.

Case Report ㅣ 2024-12-31 0 203 156

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Abstract : A 7-month-old neutered male Poodle underwent ventral stabilization for atlantoaxial instability caused by neck pain. One year later, the patient developed severe cough and vomiting. Radiography revealed implant failure affecting the upper esophagus and airway, necessitating explantation. After the explantation, the patient presented with acute dyspnea, dysphagia, and dysphonia. Neurological examination revealed right eye miosis, and the ear pinna on the same side was hyperemic. Computed tomography imaging showed retropharyngeal space deformity, and gross examination of the larynx revealed unilateral laryngeal paralysis. Supportive management was initiated using tracheostomy and gastrostomy tubes. The clinical signs showed improvement by postoperative day (POD) 6, and full recovery was observed by POD 37. In this study, a canine case of vagosympathetic trunk and recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis with retropharyngeal deformity after atlantoaxial implant explantation is reported, and the clinical course and management of these complications is also presented.

Case Report ㅣ 2024-12-31 0 200 155

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Abstract : Small B-cell lymphoma typically has a more favorable prognosis compared to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Here, we present the first documented case of canine DSBCL characterized by extensive lymphocyte infiltration in the spleen, leading to splenic rupture and death. A 10-year-old neutered male Shih Tzu presented with lethargy, skin lesions, and generalized lymphadenopathy. On the day of admission, the dog experienced shock, accompanied by bradycardia and hypotension, and subsequently died. Necropsy confirmed splenic rupture, and cytology, histopathology, and immunophenotyping of the lymph nodes confirmed the diagnosis of diffuse small B cell lymphoma (DSBCL). Similar neoplastic cells were identified in the spleen and inguinal skin, establishing a diagnosis of stage V lymphoma with multi-organ infiltration. This case shows that while non-DLBCL B-cell lymphomas are often indolent, certain subtypes, such as DSBCL, may exhibit aggressive behavior, emphasizing the need to carefully evaluate the extent of infiltration in such cases.

Case Report ㅣ 2024-12-31 0 184 106

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Abstract : Two small-breed dogs were referred to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of Chonnam National University for the treatment of dentigerous cysts associated with the mandibular canines. In both cases, conscious oral examinations revealed progressive gingival swelling and dark blue discoloration around the unerupted left mandibular canines. Intraoral dental radiographs showed horizontally unerupted canines, fluid accumulation between the cyst-involved teeth and the alveolar bone, and significant alveolar bone loss. Surgical removal of the dentigerous cyst and the affected teeth can lead to complications, including mandibular fractures, particularly in small dogs due to the higher tooth root-to-mandible ratio. Guided bone regeneration (GBR) was employed in these cases to prevent these complications. The procedure involved placing bone xenografts into the extraction sockets of the left mandibular canine tooth, followed by covering the sockets with an absorbable collagen membrane. After surgery, the surgical site was successfully filled with bone graft material and newly formed bone with no complications. Thus, GBR proved to be an effective technique for preventing mandibular fractures and increasing stability in cases of severe alveolar bone loss in small-breed dogs.

Case Report ㅣ 2024-12-31 0 174 110

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Abstract : A 4-year-old Yorkshire Terrier was referred due to a two-month history of chronic non-weight-bearing lameness in the right forelimb. Triceps brachii tendon disruption was diagnosed based on orthopedic, radiographic, and ultrasonographic examinations. Surgical repair involved debridement of scar tissue and augmentation of a 1-cm tendon defect using an autogenous fascia lata graft. Post-surgical immobilization involved a six-week spica splint and a four-week custom elbow brace. At the one-year follow-up, the dog showed excellent functional recovery. This case suggests that autogenous fascia lata grafts may be a valuable surgical option for the treatment of chronic triceps tendon disruption with a defect in dogs.

Case Report ㅣ 2024-12-31 0 184 140

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Abstract : A six-month-old, intact female, 1.18 kg mixed-breed cat was referred because of severe pruritus and an erythematous lesion on both ear margins. The referring veterinarian prescribed systemic antibiotic treatments, including Cephalexin at a dosage of 20 mg/kg twice daily for five days, Doxycycline at 5 mg/kg twice daily for two weeks, and Metronidazole at 10 mg/kg twice daily for two weeks, along with oral prednisolone at 0.5 mg/kg twice daily for five days. However, no improvement was observed. Surgical excision of bilateral ear margins did not help with a resolution. The clinical examination revealed a papulocrustous lesion on the ear pinna and a left medial hind limb. The left popliteal lymph node was slightly enlarged. The cytological samples from the skin lesions on the ear margin and left medial hind limb confirmed a secondary bacterial infection. The cytology of the lymph node revealed neutrophilic lymphadenitis. A skin biopsy was performed on both the right ear margin and the left medial hind limb under sedation. The histopathological examination showed moderate perivascular diffuse infiltrate of well-differentiated, non-malignant featured mast cells with neutrophils and eosinophils in the dermis. A definitive diagnosis of urticaria pigmentosa was made based on the clinical signs and histopathological results. The cat was administrated cetirizine (1.7 mg/kg) once daily. Evident improvement was noted after two weeks of treatment. The same treatment was continued for seven days, resulting in complete remission. No relapse occurred after the medication was withdrawn.