Results indicated that treatment with dexamethasone before surgery is associated with more adverse effects, compared with treatment with glucocorticoids other than dexamethasone or no treatment with glucocorticoids, in dogs with thoracolumbar intervertebral disk herniation. In this study population, no difference in outcome was found among groups. These findings suggest that the value of dexamethasone administration before surgery in dogs with thoracolumbar disk herniation should be reconsidered.

Meningiomas are the most common intracranial tumors in dogs. A variety of inflammatory cells have been shown to invade these tumors in people, but little is known about interactions between the immune system and naturally occurring brain tumors in dogs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of a variety of immune cell subsets within canine intracranial meningiomas. Twenty-three formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor samples were evaluated using immunohistochemistry with antibodies specific for CD3, CD79a, CD18, CD11d (aD), CD45RA, forkhead box P3, and Toll-like receptors 4 and 9. Immune cell infiltration was evident in all samples, with a predominance of CD3 þ T cells. Large numbers of CD18 þ microglia and macrophages were noted surrounding and infiltrating the tumors, and a subset of these cells within the tumor appeared to be CD11d

Adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) have been identified as a powerful stem cell source for cellular transplantation therapy. The dog is increasingly used as a model of human neurological disease; however, few studies have reported induction of canine ADSCs to neural lineages. We characterized canine ADSCs and investigated whether they could be induced to differentiate into neural lineages. Subcutaneous adipose tissue collected from the dorsal epaxial region of adult dogs aged from 1 to 6 years was cultured to produce ADSCs that were then induced to neural lineages. RT-PCR, flow cytometry, and immunocytochemistry were performed to characterize these cell populations. Morphologically fibroblast-like ADSCs were isolated and had similar characteristics to mesenchymal stem cells. Under neurogenic conditions containing basic fibroblast growth factor and epidermal growth factor, ADSCs formed spherical cellular aggregates that resembled neurospheres. RT-PCR confirmed expression of Sox2 and CD90 by these aggregates. Expression of neural stem/progenitor markers (Nestin, Sox2, Vimentin) and neural lineage markers (A2B5, GFAP, Tuj1) was shown on immunocytochemistry. After differentiation, 60% of the cells were Tuj1 positive. In conclusion, we isolated and generated neural progenitor cells from canine ADSCs. ADSCs have potential for future autologous cell transplantation therapy for neurological disorders.

Idiopathic epilepsy is the most common chronic neurologic condition in dogs. Approximately 20-30% of those dogs are refractory to standard medical therapy and commonly experience side effects from antiepileptic drugs. Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) has been frequently used in human medicine as an adjunct seizure therapy with low incidence of adverse events. Canine studies are limited to invasive surgical implants with no non-invasive evaluations currently published. We investigated the feasibility and efficacy of nVNS (gammaCore VET) as an adjunct treatment for refractory epilepsy in dogs. In total, 14 client-owned dogs completed the trial of either 8-or 16-week treatment periods during which they received 90-120 s stimulation three times per day in the region of the left cervical vagus nerve. Owners recorded seizure type (focal or generalized) and frequency as well as any adverse effects. Out of 14 dogs, nine achieved a reduction in seizure frequency and four were considered responders with a 50% or greater reduction in seizures from baseline to the final treatment period. However, there was no statistically significant difference in overall seizure frequency (p = 0.53) or percent change in seizure frequency between groups (p = 0.75). Adverse effects occurred in 25% of dogs originally enrolled, with reports of a hoarse bark and limb trembling, lethargy, behavioral changes, and an increase in seizure frequency. Non-invasive VNS was found to be safe and easy to administer with mild adverse events. It is considered a feasible treatment option as an adjunct therapy in refractory seizures and should be further investigated.

All ER formulations of levetiracetam had similar pharmacokinetic properties in healthy dogs, with some exceptions. Studies will be needed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the various formulations; however, findings suggested that twice-daily administration of ER formulations may be efficacious in the treatment of seizures in dogs.