Cerebral glucose utilization measured with high resolution positron emission tomography in epileptic Finnish Spitz dogs and healthy dogs.

In human epileptic patients, changes in cerebral glucose utilization can be detected 2-deoxy-2-[(18) F] fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET). The purpose of this prospective study was to determine whether epileptic dogs might show similar findings. Eleven Finnish Spitz dogs with focal idiopathic epilepsy and six healthy dogs were included.

FDG-PET in healthy and epileptic Lagotto Romagnolo dogs and changes in brain glucose uptake with age.

Regional cerebral metabolism and blood flow can be measured noninvasively with positron emission tomography (PET). 2-[(18) F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) widely serves as a PET tracer in human patients with epilepsy to identify the seizure focus. The goal of this prospective study was to determine whether juvenile or adult dogs with focal-onset epilepsy exhibit abnormal cerebral glucose uptake interictally and whether glucose uptake changes with age.

Phenotype, inheritance characteristics, and risk factors for idiopathic epilepsy in Finnish Spitz dogs.

Objective: To determine the phenotype, inheritance characteristics, and risk factors for idiopathic epilepsy (IE) in Finnish Spitz dogs (FSDs).

Design: Prospective epidemiological study.

Animals: 2,141 FSDs.

Thermographic imaging of the superficial temperature in racing greyhounds before and after the race.

A total of 47 racing greyhounds were enrolled in this study on two race days (in July and September, resp.) at a racetrack. Twelve of the dogs participated in the study on both days.

A comparison of thermographic imaging, physical examination and modified questionnaire as an instrument to assess painful conditions in cats.

Pain recognition in cats is difficult and requires a multidisciplinary approach for diagnosis. A total of 103 client-owned cats were enrolled in this prospective, blinded clinical trial. Cats were invited to the clinic, or presented for annual rechecks/vaccinations, or gastrointestinal, dental or locomotor problems.

Thermographic imaging of superficial temperature in dogs sedated with medetomidine and butorphanol with and without MK-467 (L-659'066).

Objective: To record, with a thermal camera, peripheral temperature changes during different sedation protocols and to relate the results to changes in the rectal temperature.

Study Design: Randomized crossover part-blinded experimental study.

Animals: Eight healthy purpose-bred neutered Beagles (two females and six males) weight 14.

A novel GUSB mutation in Brazilian terriers with severe skeletal abnormalities defines the disease as mucopolysaccharidosis VII.

Hundreds of different human skeletal disorders have been characterized at molecular level and a growing number of resembling dysplasias with orthologous genetic defects are being reported in dogs. This study describes a novel genetic defect in the Brazilian Terrier breed causing a congenital skeletal dysplasia. Affected puppies presented severe skeletal deformities observable within the first month of life.

Comparison of three thermal cameras with canine hip area thermographic images.

The objective of this study was to compare the method of thermography by using three different resolution thermal cameras and basic software for thermographic images, separating the two persons taking the thermographic images (thermographers) from the three persons interpreting the thermographic images (interpreters). This was accomplished by studying the repeatability between thermographers and interpreters. Forty-nine client-owned dogs of 26 breeds were enrolled in the study.

Alternative classification and screening protocol for transitional lumbosacral vertebra in German shepherd dogs.

Background: Lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LTV) is a common congenital and hereditary anomaly in many dog breeds. It predisposes to premature degeneration of the lumbosacral junction, and is a frequent cause of cauda equina syndrome, especially in German shepherd dogs. Ventrodorsal hip radiographs are most often used in diagnosis of LTV in screening programs.

Evaluation of radiographic interpretation competence of veterinary students in Finland.

In the evaluation of the clinical competence of veterinary students, many different definitions and methods are approved. Due to the increasing discussion of the quality of outcomes produced by newly graduated veterinarians, methods for the evaluation of clinical competencies should also be evaluated. In this study, this was done by comparing two qualitative evaluation schemes: the well-known structure of observed learning outcome (SOLO) taxonomy and a modification of this taxonomy.

Radiographic and computed tomography findings in Belgian shepherd dogs with mild elbow dysplasia.

We compared computed tomography (CT) and radiographic findings of Belgian shepherds with grade 1 or borderline elbow dysplasia to determine whether the radiopaque area dorsal to the anconeal process and seen in mediolateral 45 degrees flexed radiographs is formed by osteophytes, or whether it is an anatomic variation. Eighteen dogs with screening results 0/1, 1/0, or one or both elbows graded as borderline were studied. The radiographs were evaluated according to International Elbow Working Group guidelines and compared with CT images.

Electroencephalography findings in healthy and Finnish Spitz dogs with epilepsy: visual and background quantitative analysis.

Background: Qualitative and quantitative electroencephalography (EEG) parameters of healthy and Finnish Spitz dogs with epilepsy have not been determined.

Objective: To determine if EEG can provide specific characteristics to distinguish between healthy dogs and dogs with epilepsy.

Animals: Sixteen healthy and 15 Finnish Spitz dogs with epilepsy.

Dose planning with comparison to in vivo dosimetry for epithermal neutron irradiation of the dog brain.

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is an experimental type of radiotherapy, presently being used to treat glioblastoma and melanoma. To improve patient safety and to determine the radiobiological characteristics of the epithermal neutron beam of Finnish BNCT facility (FiR 1) dose-response studies were carried on the brain of dogs before starting the clinical trials. A dose planning procedure was developed and uncertainties of the epithermal neutron-induced doses were estimated.

Late radiation effects in the dog brain: correlation of MRI and histological changes.

Purpose: To determine the correlation between sequential changes in the brain of dogs after irradiation, as detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with the eventual appearance of histological lesions. Histology was performed 77-115 weeks after irradiation.

Materials And Methods: Groups of five beagle dogs were irradiated to the brain with single doses of 10, 12, 14 or 16 Gy of 6 MV photons, at the 100% iso-dose.