BackgroundIt has been hypothesised that domestication altered the sequence of dental, skeletal, and sexual maturity of dogs when compared to their wolf ancestor. To test this we investigated a comprehensive sample of domestic dogs.MethodsWe documented the timing of completed eruption of permanent dentition into occlusion (dental maturity) and the timing of growth plate closure at the proximal humerus (skeletal maturity) in ontogenetic series of wolves and 15 domestic dog breeds. Data for 137 domestic dog and 64 wolf individuals were collected based on radiographs and examination of macerated bones.ResultsOur analyses show that domestic dogs exhibit a similar sequence of dental and skeletal maturity as the ancestral wolf. Although the absolute change of the age at attainment of sexual maturity is great in domestic dogs as compared to the wolf, the sequence of dental, skeletal, and sexual maturity is not altered as extensively, contradicting one previous hypothesis. Moreover, our data suggest that the chondrodystrophic dachshund attains skeletal maturity earlier than the non-chondrodystrophic breeds examined here.ConclusionsDomestic dogs are more wolf-like in terms of the sequence of dental, skeletal, and sexual maturation than previously hypothesised. This implies that the domestication process and/or breed formation did not have a major impact on this sequence, although the absolute values of life history variables do have a greater range of variation than in the wild wolf.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40851-016-0055-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A 23-month-old tomcat was referred to our clinic because of male behavioral problems, cryptorchidism, and an undefined intra-abdominal organ resembling a uterus. Ultrasonography and computed tomography showed 2 fluid-filled tubular structures dorsolaterally to the bladder and connected to the pelvic urethra. The cat was castrated, and the tubular structures were surgically removed. Histology identified them as Müllerian duct remnants. The testes were hypoplastic, the epididymes and deferent ducts were normal. Cytogenetic analyses revealed the presence of a mosaic 37,X/38,XY karyotype which explains the clinical findings.

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Two calves were referred because of ptyalism and difficulty opening the mouth (Calf 1) and for elective umbilical hernia surgery under inhalation anaesthesia (Calf 2). Additional clinical signs were increased breath sounds and swelling in the region of the mandibular angle in Calf 1. Ultrasonography and endoscopy revealed oral inflammation and abscessation in the area of the base of the tongue in both calves. Infection of the hyoid apparatus was suspected based on ultrasonographic findings and confirmed by means of computed tomography. In Calf 1, there was no response to treatment with systemic antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and local lavage, and Calf 2 was not treated. Both calves were euthanized because of a poor prognosis and the diagnoses confirmed during postmortem examination. In Calf 1, the abscess was associated with complete destruction of the left epihyoid bone and partial destruction of the left stylohyoid and ceratohyoid bones. In Calf 2, the abscess was located at the distal end of the right stylohyoid bone near the epihyoid bone. Stomatitis or laryngeal and pharyngeal abscessation caused by sharp feed particles are common in cattle and infection of the hyoid apparatus should be included in the differential diagnosis.

Parallel to establishment of diagnostic surveillance protocols for detection of prostatic diseases, novel treatment strategies should be developed. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the feasibility and possible side effects of transrectal, MRI-targeted intraprostatic steam application in dogs as an established large animal translational model for prostatic diseases in humans. Twelve healthy experimental, intact, male beagle dogs without evidence of prostatic pathology were recruited. An initial MRI examination was performed, and MRI-targeted steam was applied intraprostatically immediately thereafter. Serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), clinical and ultrasonographic examinations were performed periodically following the procedure to assess treatment effect. Four weeks after treatment, all dogs underwent follow-up MRI examinations and three needle-core biopsies were obtained from each prostatic lobe. Descriptive statistics were performed. MRI-guided intraprostatic steam application was successfully performed in the study population. The first day after steam application, 7/12 dogs had minimal signs of discomfort (grade 1/24 evaluated with the short-form Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale) and no dogs showed any sign of discomfort by day 6. CRP elevations were detected in 9/12 dogs during the first week post steam application. Mild to moderate T2 hyperintense intraparenchymal lesions were identified during follow-up MRI in 11/12 dogs four weeks post procedure. Ten of these lesions enhanced mild to moderately after contrast administration. Coagulative necrosis or associated chronic inflammatory response was detected in 80.6% (58/72) of the samples obtained. MRI-targeted intraprostatic steam application is a feasible technique and displays minimal side effects in healthy dogs as translational model for human prostatic diseases. This opens the possibility of minimally invasive novel treatment strategies for intraprostatic lesions.

The purpose of this retrospective study is to describe the radiographic morphology of the lesser trochanter as well as possible enthesiopathies of the iliopsoas muscle in Rottweilers, German Shepherd Dogs and Bavarian Mountain Hounds. The normal shape of the lesser trochanter appeared radiological triangular in German Shepherd Dogs and blunt or bump like in Rottweilers and Bavarian Mountain Hounds. Changes indicating an enthesiopathy presented as periosteal blurrings, variation in shape or in isolated bone opacity proximomedial to the lesser trochanter and were categorized into four groups. Three aspects were of special interest: general frequency of radiographic signs of enthesiopathy and potential correlation to sex or to hip dysplasia. In total 736 radiographic studies from Rottweilers (n=311), German Shepherd Dogs (n=133) and Bavarian Mountain Hounds (n=292) have been evaluated. Changes of the lesser trochanter are present in 105 (14.2%) of the radiographic studies. In Rottweilers and Bavarian Mountain Hounds enthesiopathy is significantly correlated to hip dysplasia as dogs classified as "C", "D" and "E" were merged as one group. Regarding gender disposition no correlation was found. Computed tomography (CT) was additionally available in nine dogs and confirmed radiographic findings. The results of this study could be of major interest in the selection process of service, working and sports dogs as enthesiopathies of the iliopsoas muscle occurring in adolescent dogs might act as a life-long weak points, but additional data is needed to evaluate clinical relevance AbstractThe purpose of this retrospective study is to describe the radiographic morphology of the lesser trochanter as well as possible enthesiopathies of the iliopsoas muscle in Rottweilers, German Shepherd Dogs and Bavarian Mountain Hounds. The normal shape of the lesser trochanter appeared radiological triangular in German Shepherd Dogs and blunt or bump like in Rottweilers and Bavarian Mountain Hounds. Changes indicating an enthesiopathy presented as periosteal blurrings, variation in shape or in isolated bone opacity proximomedial to the lesser trochanter and were categorized into four groups. Three aspects were of special interest: general frequency of radiographic signs of enthesiopathy and potential correlation to sex or to hip dysplasia. In total 736 radiographic studies from Rottweilers (n=311), German Shepherd Dogs (n=133) and Bavarian Mountain Hounds (n=292) have been evaluated. Changes of the lesser trochanter are present in 105 (14.2%) of the radiographic studies. In Rottweilers and Bavarian Mountain Hounds enthesiopathy is significantly correlated to hip dysplasia as dogs classified as "C", "D" and "E" were merged as one group. Regarding gender disposition no correlation was found. Computed tomography (CT) was additionally available in nine dogs and confirmed radiographic findings. The results of this study could be of major interest in the selection process of service, working and sports dogs as enthesiopathies of the il...

OBJECTIVE To describe diffusion and perfusion characteristics of the prostate gland of healthy sexually intact adult dogs as determined by use of diffusion-weighted and perfusion-weighted MRI. ANIMALS 12 healthy sexually intact adult Beagles. PROCEDURES Ultrasonography of the prostate gland was performed. Subsequently, each dog was anesthetized, and morphological, diffusion-weighted, and perfusion-weighted MRI of the caudal aspect of the abdomen was performed. The apparent diffusion coefficient was calculated for the prostate gland parenchyma in diffusion-weighted MRI images in the central ventral and peripheral dorsal areas. Perfusion variables were examined in multiple regions of interest (ROIs) in the ventral and dorsal areas of the prostate gland and in the gluteal musculature. Signal intensity was determined, and a time-intensity curve was generated for each ROI. RESULTS Results of ultrasonographic examination of the prostate gland revealed no abnormalities for any dog. Median apparent diffusion coefficient of the prostate gland was 1.51 × 10−3 mm2/s (range, 1.04 × 10−3 mm2/s to 1.86 × 10−3 mm2/s). Perfusion-weighted MRI variables for the ROIs differed between the prostate gland parenchyma and gluteal musculature. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results provided baseline information about diffusion and perfusion characteristics of the prostate gland in healthy sexually intact adult dogs. Additional studies with dogs of various ages and breeds, with and without abnormalities of the prostate gland, will be necessary to validate these findings and investigate clinical applications.

Background: Tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) is commonly used to manage cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) disease. The use of a spherical osteotomy blade (S-TPLO) enables correction of some tibial deformities with three rotational degrees of freedom. Methods: As a proof of concept, this retrospective study included 45 dogs with CrCL disease that were treated with an S-TPLO. The tibial plateau angle (TPA) was measured preoperatively, immediately after surgery (pTPA 0 ) and on postoperative days 42 (pTPA 42 ) and 56 (pTPA 56 ). Lameness and osteotomy healing were assessed until 56 days postoperatively.Results: Thirty-one dogs had complete CrCL ruptures, and 14 dogs had partial ruptures. Thirty-one dogs had medial meniscal damage. The mean TPA, pTPA 0 , pTPA 42 and pTPA 56 were 26.0 • , 7.8 • , 8.5 • and 8.9 • , respectively. The TPA from post-op to follow-up did not vary significantly (p > 1.365). Minor complications occurred in five dogs. The mean lameness score improved significantly from 3.2 preoperatively to 0.9 on day 56 (p < 0.0001). The mean healing score improved significantly from 1.6 on day 42 to 2.2 on day 56 (p < 0.001). Conclusion: S-TPLO was successful in treating CrCL disease in stifle joints without tibial deformities, with results comparable to previously reported TPLO outcomes.