Background: The clinical manifestations of lower urinary tract diseases (LUTD) are common but non-specific to any particular disease among geriatric dogs. Diagnosis and confirmation of the specific lower urinary tract disease is a biggest challenge for a successful treatment plan.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Geriatric dogs that were presented with signs suggestive of lower urinary tract diseases were subjected for detailed clinical examination followed by complete urinalysis, culture and microscopic examination of the urine sample that was collected by ultrasound guided cystocentesis. Abdomen radiography and ultrasonography was also performed to confirm the specific LUT disease. Fine needle aspiration of prostate was also carried out in few selected cases.&nbsp; 
 
Result: A total of 52 geriatric dogs were diagnosed for various lower urinary tract diseases such as cystitis, cystic calculi, prostate infection, transitional cell carcinoma and both calculi with cystitis. Stranguria, dysuria, malodorous urine, blood-tinged urine, oliguria, urinary incontinence and anuria were few common signs recorded. Apart from RBCs, WBCs and other cellular debris, various types of crystals were also detected on microscopic evaluation of the urine sample. Struvite or triple phosphate crystals (coffin-lid shape) were of predominant, followed by calcium oxalate dihydrate (octahedron or envelope shape), calcium oxalate monohydrate (picket fence shape) and ammonium urate or biurate (irregular shape). Most commonly calculi were retrieved from bladder and in few male dogs from urethra. In addition to cystic calculi, transitional cell carcinoma was also recorded among few cases that were reported with hematuria. Enlarged prostate and abscess were common abnormalities of prostate among geriatric dogs.

Lower Urinary Tract Diseases (LUTD) in Geriatric Dogs

<div>Background: The available literature and work done so far on diagnosis and therapeutic management of lower urinary tract affections in canine practice is very meagre specially on urethro-cystoscopic examinations, medicinal dissolution of calculi and immunotherapy for neoplasia of UB in dogs.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The present study was carried in 55 dogs with lower urinary tract affections classify according to pathological conditions and therapeutic management. The diagnostic modalities like radiography, ultrasonography in all dogs, urethro-cystoscopy in seven dogs and their findings were studied. The response of therapeutics were also studied. 
 
Conclusion: The dogs having small size calculi treated according to urine pH with oral medicinal dissolution using Ammonium Chloride (Group 1A, n=9) and Di Sodium Hydrogen Citrate (Group 1B, n=10) for sixty days, Group 1C (n=25) dogs with cystitis (n=17) subjected for bacterial culture treated according to sensitive antibiotics, TCC of bladder (n=7) with immunotherapy using BCG vaccine and a dog with leiomyosarcoma with cystotomy. The dogs (Group 2, n=11) with large size calculi (n=10), a lodge catheter in UB and dogs (Group 3, n=6) did not responded medicinal dissolution from group 1A (n=2) and 1B (n=4) treated surgically. One to multiple, variable size recovered calculi (n=24) revealed highest brown colour grossly, calcium oxalate type, higher in Pomeranian breed and dogs fed with combination of vegetarian and commercial feed.</div>

<div>Clinico-diagnosis and Surgico-therapeutic Management of Lower Urinary Tract Disorders in Dogs</div>

<div>Background: The data pertaining to the lower urinary tract disorders in dogs in India is very merge. This retrospective analysis presents a retrospective analysis of incidence of affections of lower urinary tract in dogs.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The cases of different affections of lower urinary tract presented at the Veterinary Clinical Complex, Veterinary College, Anand Agricultural University, Anand during April-2012 to March-2017 were screened and detailed information regarding age, sex and breed were collected and analysed to calculate percentage of incidence of different affections of lower urinary tract viz., surgical affections and non-surgical affection. 
 
Conclusion: Total 24319 cases of lower urinary tract affections in dogs were registered. Among them 5854 (24.07 %) surgical cases comprising urolithiasis (81, 76.42 %), bladder neoplasia (25, 23.58 %) and 18465 (75.93 %) non-surgical affections with cystitis (176, 0.95 %) cases. The highest incidence of urolithiasis was 25.93 per cent in the year 2014-15 and in 7 to 9 years aged dogs (35.80 %). The sex wise per cent incidence was higher in male (72.84) than female (27.16). The urinary bladder calculi was the highest (72.84 %) followed by the urethra (16.05 %) and both the locations (11.11 %). The year wise highest per cent incidence of cystitis was recorded for the year 2015-16 (52.27). The age wise per cent incidence of cystitis was equally higher 28.98 in the age groups of 7 to 9 and 10 to 12 years, each. The year wise the highest per cent incidence of neoplasia of urinary bladder (TCC) in dogs was 52.00 for the year 2015-2016. The age wise percent incidence of neoplasia of urinary bladder was the highest in 7 to 9 years age groups (36.00). The sex wise per cent incidence for neoplasia in urinary bladder was higher in male (64.00) than female (36.00). The breed wise highest per cent incidence of urolithiasis was in Pomeranian (25.93), cystitis in Pug (28.41) and neoplasia of bladder (TCC) Labrador and Pug (20.00, each).</div>

Retrospective Analysis of Lower Urinary Tract Disorders in Dogs: Study of Five Years

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the preliminary management efficacy of feline lower urinary disease (FLUTD) mainly urethral obstruction, feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC), urolithiasis and urinary tract infection (UTI). 
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Methods: The study was conducted on 56 cats admitted with clinical signs of FLUTD. Physical examination, hematologic, biochemical, urinalysis, diagnostic imaging, stone analysis surgical, dietary treatment outcomes were described. 
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Result: Decompressive cystocentesis, urethral catheterization and placement of an indwelling catheter combined with medical therapy and dietary management have apparent beneficial effects on increasing survival discharge rate (89.5%) and decreasing the recurrence of clinical signs (16.0%) in cats with FLUTD. FIC treatment were included reduce stress, non-steroid anti-inflammatory, oral glucosamine and dietary changes. Amoxicillin/clavulanic and ciprofloxacin drugs were the most appropriate for UTI. 
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Preliminary Management of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Diseases in Egypt Cat Population&nbsp;

<div style="text-align: justify;">The aim of the study was to identify urinary biomarker for early detection of renal dysfunction in dogs. Paired blood and urine samples were analysed from dogs classified on the basis of International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) staging system. Serum biochemistry revealed a highly significant increase in blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels in dogs with kidney disease. Urinalysis also revealed a highly significant increase in the level of urinary protein and urinary protein creatinine (UPC) ratio in dogs with kidney disease. A highly significant decrease in urinary creatinine and specific gravity level was also present in all groups of dogs with kidney disease. The SDS-PAGE of urinary proteins obtained from dogs with renal failure revealed the presence of low molecular weight (LMW) proteins of 14.7 KDa. This protein was identified as cystatin C protein by Immunoblotting using anti-cystatin C antibody and it has been suggested as biomarker for the diagnosis of renal disease.&nbsp;</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Urinary cystatin C as biomarker for identification of kidney disease in dogs</div>

<div>Respiratory affections are common in dogs. Very young and older dogs are at greater risk as compared to the adult ones. Constant exposure of the respiratory tract to the infectious agents, reaching the upper and lower respiratory tract aerogenously or hematogenously, makes the respiratory system vulnerable to injury. Clinical signs mainly seen in upper respiratory tract diseases involves nasal discharge (serous, mucopurulent or hemorrhagic), sneezing, facial deformity, stertor, lethargy, inappetence and rarely, central nervous system signs whereas additional signs present in lower tract diseases range from dyspnoea, costal or abdominal respiration, cough, nasal discharge and congestion, edema, consolidation of lungs and weight loss. Advanced tests involved in diagnosis of respiratory problems in veterinary practicpe are rhinoscopy, bronchoscopy, transthoracic fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) transtracheal wash and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytology and culture. This review discusses the causes of upper and lower respiratory tract disorders of canines and various diagnostic tests involved in their diagnosis.</div>

Respiratory Diseases and Their Diagnosis in Dogs: A Review

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of oral diseases in dogs examined at the Small Animal Veterinary Hospital during 2013 - 2014. The dogs underwent a special control for diseases of oral cavity. Site specifications and severity of dental diseases were assessed using modified indexing systems. A total number of 776 dogs, presented at a private Tirana/Albania urban veterinary hospital for different reasons, during this period were analyzed. Analysis by oral disease type revealed 692 dogs or 89.1% dent-gingival disorders. Of these animals, 441 (56.8%) of 776 dogs had periodontal disease; 468 (60.3%) had dental calculus; 241 (31.0%) had teeth loss and 50 (6.4%) had abnormal attrition. Two cases of dogs suffering from tumours, one case with dental caries, two cases with the enamel hypoplasia and one case with gingival hyperplasia, were also observed. Data from this study showed that periodontitis and dental calculus are among the most common diseases prevalent in dogs. There were also observed changes in the deposit of calculus between the upper and lower jaw; with the most calculus deposits observed in the upper jaw. No differences were observed between the right side and the left side of the jaw. Dental calculus index was almost the same between the right side and left side. Frequency of periodontal changes and the degree of inflammation increased with an increase in the age of the dog. Dental calculus was observed at an earlier age in small breeds of dogs. Dental calculus index was lower in large dog breeds compared to the small dog breeds and increased with age. Results of the study showed a high prevalence of oral diseases in dogs and confirmed that periodontal disease is the most common oral disease in dogs.&nbsp;

Prevalence of oral diseases in dogs in Tirana urban area

<div>Background: Aging is a biological process, which affects many body systems and increases susceptibility to disease that is associated with a reduction in immune response, a decline in cognitive function and a diminished functional reserve of the cardiovascular, pulmonary and renal systems. Diseases of heart or cardiovascular system represents a major component of geriatric medicine among which, myxomatous mitral valve disease is more common among geriatric dogs. The present study is keeping on record about the diagnosis of myxomatous mitral valve disease in geriatric dogs in and around Hyderabad, Telangana state. 
 
Methods: A total of 1695 geriatric dogs presented to various clinics including university veterinary clinical complex of Hyderabad, Telangana state during 2015 to 2020 were considered for this study. After confirming that they were free from any other systemic disease, medium to large size breed dogs above 8 years with the history of exercise intolerance, dyspnoea and cough were selected. Diagnostic protocol included, auscultation, chest x-ray and 2d-echocardiography to confirm mitral valve degeneration.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Myxomatous mitral valve disease was diagnosed in 427/695 geriatric dogs (61.43%) and were showing hyperechoeic thick mitral valve leaflets with kinking and prolapse. Further, echocardiography also revealed dilated left atrium and ventricle, hyperkinesis of interventricular septum, mitral valve degeneration and rupture of chordae tendineae with valuvular regurgitation.</div>

<div style="text-align:justify">Diagnosis of Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease (MMVD) in Aged Dogs&nbsp;</div>

<div>Background- Evaluation of transtracheal wash (TTW) has been proved beneficial in the diagnosis and understanding the pathology of lower respiratory tract infection in species like equines and dogs. However, its diagnostic potential in buffaloes has not been explored much. This study elucidated the cytological and microbiological features of TTW in buffaloes. 
 
Methods- TTW was collected from 36 buffaloes (26 diseased and 10 healthy control) after adequately restraining and using baby feeding tube after giving a small stab incision at ventral neck region. After collection, TTW were subjected to cytological studies following staining with Leishman stain. TTW was also sent aseptically to laboratory for bacteriological culture. 
 
Results- The lower respiratory tract affections like aspiration pneumonia, suppurative pneumonia, fibrinopurulent pneumonia, chronic pneumonia and tuberculous pneumonia were diagnosed based on cytology of TTW in correlation with history and comprehensive clinical examination. The mean cell number (cells/HPF) in TTW of diseased buffaloes were significantly higher than control groups. In control groups, the predominant cells were alveolar macrophages followed by neutrophils, epithelial cells, lymphocytes and other cells which includes mast cells, fibroblasts and unidentified nucleated cells. Neutrophils were the predominant cells followed by macrophages in TTW of buffaloes diagnosed with suppurative, fibrinopurulent and aspiration pneumonia, whereas, alveolar macrophage were predominant in TTW of chronic pneumonia and tuberculous pneumonia affected animals. Four out of ten TTW samples from healthy animals were evidenced bacterial growth in which Staphylococcus spp. was the predominantly isolated bacteria. TTW samples from 20 out of 26 diseased buffaloes were found positive for bacterial culture from which a total of 30 bacterial isolates were obtained which include Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pasteurella multocida, Streptococcus spp., E. coli and Bacillus spp. Thus, TTW provides vital information about the ongoing pathogenesis in respiratory tract infection. It is suggested that, cytological and bacteriological culture of TTW samples should be carried out during the diagnosis and therapeutic intervention of respiratory tract infection in buffaloes.</div>

Laboratory Evaluation of Transtracheal Wash (TTW) in Buffaloes Affected with Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

In this study, the isolation, identification and antibiotic susceptibility of bacterial agents taken from urine and sediment samples of 10 cats and 10 dogs, which were diagnosed with urinary tract infection was aimed. Each urine and sediment samples were streaked onto blood agar which contains 5 % sheep blood, Eosin Methylene Blue agar and MacConkey agar for bacterial examination. In conclusion, Staphylococcus aureus from 4 dogs, Staphylococcus epidermidis from 2 dogs, Serratia liquefaciens from 1 dog, Plesiomonas shigelloides from 1 dog, Yersinia enterocolitica from 1 cat, were isolated and identified. In conclusion of antibiogram test, 78 % of the isolates were susceptible to Amoxicillin-Clavulanic acid, 67 % of the isolates were susceptible to Ceftriaxone and Cefoperazone, 55.5 % of the isolates were susceptible to Enrofloxacin, 22.5 % of the isolates were susceptible to Lincomycin and 22 % of the isolates were susceptible to Erythromycin. The isolates were resistant to Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprime and Oxacillin in the ratio of 78 % and 67 % respectively. Consequently, it is concluded that the isolates obtained from dogs highlight the resistancy to antibiotics, bacterial agents play a less role in feline urinary tract infections and the appropriate antibiotic application procedure will enhance the success of therapy.