No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

From May 15, 2005 to April 15, 2008, 1878 cases of neoplasms in dogs were reported to the web-based Danish Veterinary Cancer Registry. The proportions of malignant (38 per cent) and benign (45 per cent) tumours were similar. The most common malignant neoplasms were adenocarcinomas (21 per cent), mast cell tumours (19 per cent) and lymphomas (17 per cent). The benign neoplasms most commonly encountered were lipomas (24 per cent), adenomas (22 per cent) and histiocytomas (14 per cent). Skin (43 per cent) and the female reproductive system including mammary tissue (28 per cent) were the most common locations of neoplasia. There was a distinct breed predisposition for tumour development, with a high standard morbidity ratio (indicating a higher risk of cancer) for boxers and Bernese mountain dogs. A standard morbidity ratio below 1 was observed in German shepherd dogs and Danish/Swedish farm dogs, suggesting a lower risk of cancer in these breeds.

No abstract

Considerable effort has been devoted to improving the existing diagnostic tests for bovine tuberculosis (single intradermal comparative tuberculin test [SICTT] and γ-interferon assay [γ-IFN]) and to develop new tests. Previously, the diagnostic characteristics (sensitivity, specificity) have been estimated in populations with defined infection status. However, these approaches can be problematic as there may be few herds in Ireland where freedom from infection is guaranteed. We used latent class models to estimate the diagnostic characteristics of existing (SICTT and γ-IFN) and new (multiplex immunoassay [Enferplex-TB]) diagnostic tests under Irish field conditions where true disease status was unknown. The study population consisted of herds recruited in areas with no known TB problems (2197 animals) and herds experiencing a confirmed TB breakdown (2740 animals). A Bayesian model was developed, allowing for dependence between SICTT and γ-IFN, while assuming independence from the Enferplex-TB test. Different test interpretations were used for the analysis: SICTT (standard and severe interpretation), γ-IFN (a single interpretation), and a range of interpretations for the Enferplex-TB (level-1 [high sensitivity interpretation] to level-5 [high specificity interpretation]). The sensitivity and specificity (95% posterior credibility intervals; 95% PCI) of SICTT[standard] relative to Enferplex-TB[level-1] and γ-IFN were 52.9-60.8% and 99.2-99.8%, respectively. Equivalent estimates for γ-IFN relative to Enferplex-TB[level-1] and SICTT were 63.1-70.1% and 86.8-89.4%, respectively. Sensitivity of Enferplex-TB[level-1] (95% PCI: 64.8-71.9%) was superior to the SICTT[standard], and specificity of the Enferplex-TB[level-5] was superior to γ-IFN (95% PCI: 99.6-100.0%). These results provide robust measures of sensitivity and specificity under field conditions in Ireland and suggest that the Enferplex-TB test has the potential to improve on current diagnostics for TB infection in cattle. The extent of that potential will be assessed in further studies.

Background: Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is a neurodegenerative condition affecting geriatric dogs and sharing several characteristics with human Alzheimer's disease (AD). CCD manifests as alterations of behavioral patterns and daily routines. Clinical signs are associated with neurodegenerative changes (eg, cortical atrophy and amyloid-beta deposits).Objectives: To investigate clinical characteristics, survival, and risk factors with CCD. Vitamin E was investigated as a potential marker of CCD.Methods: Ninety-four dogs >8 years of age were investigated with a validated CCD questionnaire and allocated to CCD, borderline CCD (b-CCD) and non-CCD groups. The dogs were included in 2008-2009 and followed up in an observational study until follow-up in 2012.Results: Four key clinical signs dominated in dogs with CCD: sleeping during the day and restless at night, decreased interaction, disorientation at home, and anxiety. A number of borderline CCD cases developed into CCD over time indicating that a prodromal stage of CCD may exist. CCD did not influence survival negatively. Small breeds did not show better survival than large breeds (P = .055) and there was no difference between sexes (P = .99).Conclusions and Clinical Importance: A few key questions addressing sleep-wake cycle, interaction, and signs of confusion and anxiety can be used as a clinical marker of CCD. Special attention should be paid to anxiety in dogs with CCD because it may be especially stressful to both dog and owner. Dogs with CCD seem to have a good chance of living a full lifespan if supported by the veterinarian and the owner.