Hemangiopericytoma in a young dog: Evaluation of histopathological and immunohistochemical features

In the present study, we describe a subcutaneous mass between the left flank and hip in a 2-year-old male Great Dane dog. Histopathologically, cells appeared to be spindle shaped around a central capillary together with a fingerprint pattern. Immunohistochemical analysis presented that the neoplastic cells expressed vimentin, but did not stain for S-100 protein. On the basis of histopathology and immunohistochemical findings, the present tumor was diagnosed as canine hemangiopericytoma. Hemangiopericytoma could be considered in differential diagnosis list of any mass in the skin (even in young dogs) and must be identified histopathologically.

[Intraocular osteosarcoma in a dog]

The present case describes the diagnostic and therapeutic procedure of a dog with an intraocular osteosarcoma. According to the results of the diagnostic imaging studies, the tentative diagnosis of an intraocular neoplasm with perforation of the globe and orbital invasion of the tumour was made and an orbital exenteration was performed. The histopathological diagnosis of the extracted organ implied an intraocular, extraskeletal osteosarcoma. Seventy-seven days later the patient displayed an acute paraparesis. Clinical and diagnostic reevaluation using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed and the dog was euthanized at the owner's request. By means of MRI and necropsy, an additional axial osteosarcoma of the 6th lumbar vertebra and a malignant melanoma of the right tonsil were diagnosed.

An overall assessment of circumanal gland adenoma in a terrier mix breed dog

In September 2012, a 10-year-old, intact male, terrier mix breed dog was evaluated because of multiple, 0.5 to 1.2 cm in diameter, round, intradermal nodules around the anus. It had surgery to excise a firm, painful swelling in the left ventrolateral perianal region and the excision part was observed under light microscopy. The mass spreading in to sub acute was of left hind leg out from the ventro-lateral of anus, 1.2 cm×1 cm/ 0 cm×0.5 cm in size and 125 g in weight. A complete blood cell count, serum biochemistry panel, and urinalysis (cystocentesis sample) were evaluated. Significant laboratory data demonstrated microcytic anemia (hemoglobin of 6.4 mg/dL) and normal coagulation times. No remarkable abnormalities were found in the complete blood count and an ionized calcium of 1.91 mmol/L (reference range, 1.1-1.3 mmol/L) was confirmed hypercalcemia. On cytologic and histopathologic examinations, evaluation of the aspirate revealed a prominent population of round-to-polygonal nucleated cells arranged as cohesive groups with isolated individual cells. A mild degree of anisocytosis and anisokaryosis was observed. In addition, smaller reserve type cells, with darker cytoplasm and a higher nucleocytoplasmic ratio. The adenomas generally retain the lobular architecture, but some may contain focal areas of cellular pleomorphism. These changes may suggest malignant transformation and have led to discordant interpretations, the well-developed stroma surrounding the lobules and hepatoid cells was noted. Ulceration, hemorrhage, necrosis and secondary infection with inflammatory cell infiltrates are common. These cytology and histopathology features are consistent with hepatoid gland adenoma.

Reviewing population studies for forensic purposes: Dog mitochondrial DNA

The identification of dog hair through mtDNA analysis has become increasingly important in the last 15 years, as it can provide associative evidence connecting victims and suspects. The evidential value of an mtDNA match between dog hair and its potential donor is determined by the random match probability of the haplotype. This probability is based on the haplotype’s population frequency estimate. Consequently, implementing a population study representative of the population relevant to the forensic case is vital to the correct evaluation of the evidence. This paper reviews numerous published dog mtDNA studies and shows that many of these studies vary widely in sampling strategies and data quality. Therefore, several features influencing the representativeness of a population sample are discussed. Moreover, recommendations are provided on how to set up a dog mtDNA population study and how to decide whether or not to include published data. This review emphasizes the need for improved dog mtDNA population data for forensic purposes, including targeting the entire mitochondrial genome. In particular, the creation of a publicly available database of qualitative dog mtDNA population studies would improve the genetic analysis of dog traces in forensic casework.

Concordance of c-kit mutational status in matched primary and metastatic cutaneous canine mast cell tumors at baseline

Background

Mutation analysis of proto‐oncogene c‐kit (c‐kit) is advisable before starting treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors in dogs with mast cell tumor (MCT), including those with metastatic disease. Testing is usually performed on primary tumors, assuming that c‐kit mutation status does not change in metastasis.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To give an insight into the mutational processes and to make a recommendation on the use of c‐kit mutational analysis in the clinical setting.

Animals

Twenty‐one client‐owned dogs with metastatic MCT.

Methods

Dogs undergoing resection or biopsy for both primary and matched metastatic MCT were prospectively enrolled. Total RNA or DNA was extracted from primary MCT and corresponding metastases. Exons 8, 9, and 11 were amplified by PCR and sequenced. Genetic features between primary MCT and metastases were compared. Their correlation with clinicopathologic features was investigated.

Results

Concordance (mutated or wild‐type) of mutational status, evaluable in 21 primary and matched metastatic (20 nodal and 1 splenic) MCTs, was 100%. Three new c‐kit mutations were identified. No significant correlation was detected between c‐kit mutation and clinicopathologic features.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Proto‐oncogene c‐kit mutational status is conserved between any primary and its matched secondary tumor, suggesting that both can be used for c‐kit mutational testing. Targeted therapies might be also used to treat metastatic disease.

Effects of P-MAPA immunomodulator on Toll-like receptor 2, ROS, nitric oxide, MAPKp38 and IKK in PBMC and macrophages from dogs with visceral leishmaniasis

Leishmania (L.) chagasi is the etiologic agent of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) that can be transmitted to humans and dogs. VL in Brazil represents a serious public health problem; therefore, it is important to study new alternatives to treat infected dogs. In dogs, the therapeutic arsenal against canine VL is limited. The immunomodulator protein aggregate magnesium-ammonium phospholinoleate-palmitoleate anhydride (P-MAPA) improves immunocompetence when the immune system is impaired, but its dependence on Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and the mechanisms involved in immune response remain unclear. The in vitro action of P-MAPA on the expression of TLR2 and TLR4, reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and IKK phosphorylation was studied in mononuclear cells from peripheral blood and macrophages from healthy and Leishmania-infected dogs. The PBMC or macrophages were isolated and cultured with different concentrations of P-MAPA (20,100 and 200 μg/ml) in a humid environment at 37°C with 5% CO(2). Observation revealed that Leishmania-infected dogs showed a decrease in TLR2 in macrophages compared with healthy dogs and in induction with P-MAPA. ROS were increased in PBMCs from Leishmania spp.-infected dogs compared with healthy dogs and P-MAPA improved ROS production. NO production was increased in culture supernatant from macrophages stimulated by P-MAPA in both healthy and Leishmania spp. infected dogs. Treatment of macrophages from healthy dogs with immunomodulatory P-MAPA induced p38 MAPK and IKK phosphorylation, suggesting signal transduction by this pathway. These findings suggest that P-MAPA has potential as a therapeutic drug in the treatment of canine visceral leishmaniasis.

Factors associated with probable cluster of leptospirosis among kennel workers in Abuja, Nigeria

INTRODUCTION

Between February and October 2009 an increase in morbidity and mortality in dogs in a national kennel in Abuja, Nigeria, was observed with signs indicative of leptospirosis. Concurrent illness was observed in some kennel workers which had high titres of leptospira antibodies.

METHODS

An unmatched case-control study was conducted to identify associated factors. Fifteen cases and fifteen controls were recruited. A probable case was defined as any person working at the kennel with history of fever, chills, headache, myalgia with either conjunctivitis or sore throat between February and December 2009. Controls were healthy kennel workers within the same period. Inclusion criteria were any person meeting the definition (for both cases and controls). Kennel workers who were sick but did not fit into the case definition were excluded.

RESULTS

Bivariate analysis showed that wounds or cuts on either hands or legs of kennel workers during the period of the outbreak and contact with sewage at the kennel together (p = 0.001) was associated with leptospirosis among kennel workers.

CONCLUSION

The findings revealed the importance of environmental hygiene in the prevention and control of leptospirosis. Sanitation and hygiene improvements were recommended.

Inhibitory effect of interferon gamma on frequency of Ehrlichia canis-infected cells in vitro

Ehrlichia canis is an obligate intracellular bacterium that infects the macrophage-monocyte cells of dogs, causing canine monocytic ehrlichiosis. Interferon-γ (IFN-γ), along with other cytokines, mediates the immune response to such intracellular bacterial invasions. To determine the role of IFN-γ in the immunity of dogs to E. canis infection, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and white blood cells (WBC) were collected from E. canis-infected dogs and added to a culture of E. canis in DH82 cells. The number of E. canis inclusion-positive cells was significantly reduced in cultures containing PBMC and WBC from E. canis-infected dogs compared to uninfected dogs. However, this resistance was inhibited by the addition of an anti-dog IFN-γ antibody. Resistance was also observed when PBMC were added to the Cell Culture Inserts, which prohibited contact of PBMC to DH82 cells, while allowed the diffusion of soluble cell products. The results of this study indicate that resistance was not dependent on cell to cell contact, but was associated with soluble cell products, such as IFN-γ. The addition of recombinant canine IFN-γ to the E. canis culture also reduced the number of infected cells. A commercial recombinant canine IFN-γ, which is sold in Japan, was also effective at reducing E. canis-infected cell number. These results indicate that IFN-γ has an inhibitory effect on the frequency of E. canis-infected cells in vitro and that contact between effector and target cells is not necessary for the resistance.

A pilot trial evaluating the efficacy of a 10% imidacloprid/2.5% moxidectin spot-on formulation in the treatment of natural nasal capillariosis in dogs

The efficacy and safety of a spot-on formulation containing 10% imidacloprid and 2.5% moxidectin (Advocate(®), Bayer Animal Health GmbH, Leverkusen, Germany) were evaluated in a pilot trial for the treatment of canine nasal capillariosis caused by Capillaria boehmi (syn. Eucoleus boehmi). Sixteen dogs copromicroscopically positive for C. boehmi eggs were confirmed, either by rhinoscopy or species-specific PCR-coupled sequencing assays, as being affected by nasal capillariosis. The animals were randomly allocated to two different study groups, i.e. one (Group T) treated with Advocate(®) and one (Group C) left untreated, in a ratio of 1:1. The animals underwent clinical examination and quantitative copromicroscopy for C. boehmi eggs on Days -6 and -2 (baseline) and Day 28 ± 2 (post-baseline). Animals in Group T received Advocate(®) on Day 0. On Day 28 ± 2 the efficacy of the treatment (Group T) or the persistence of the infection (Group C) was confirmed by rhinoscopy or, alternatively, by molecular procedures. Seven of the eight dogs in Group T were negative on Day 28 ± 2 (reduction of baseline faecal egg counts by 99.14%), while for one dog a second treatment on Day 28 ± 2 was necessary to clear the infection, as demonstrated on Day 56 ± 2 (reduction of baseline faecal egg counts by 100% in Group T). Seven animals in Group C received a rescue dose of Advocate(®) on Day 28 ± 2 and scored microscopically and molecularly negative for the parasite on Day 56 ± 2, thus increasing the reduction of post-baseline egg counts to 99.57% after a single administration. These promising results show that Advocate(®) spot-on is an effective formulation for the treatment of canine nasal capillariosis under field conditions.

The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib inhibits the growth of canine malignant melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo

Canine malignant melanomas are highly aggressive and fatal neoplasms. In the present report, 21 drugs that target specific signalling pathways were screened for their growth inhibitory activity on three canine malignant melanoma cell lines. The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib inhibited the growth of these cell lines. The growth inhibitory properties of bortezomib were then examined using nine canine malignant melanoma cell lines. Bortezomib demonstrated potent growth inhibitory activity in all cell lines with calculated IC50 values of 3.5-5.6 nM. Because suppression of the NF-κB pathway by preventing proteasomic degradation of I κB is an important mechanism of the anti-tumour activity of bortezomib, the activation status of and the effect of bortezomib on the NF-κB pathway were examined using a canine malignant melanoma cell line, CMM-1. The NF-κB pathway was constitutively activated in CMM-1 cells and bortezomib efficiently suppressed this activated pathway. Using a CMM-1 xenograft mouse model, bortezomib also significantly inhibited tumour growth via suppression of tumour cell proliferation. Collectively, these findings suggest that bortezomib has growth inhibitory activity against canine malignant melanomas potentially through suppression of the constitutively activated NF-κB pathway. Targeted therapy using bortezomib could therefore be beneficial in the management of canine malignant melanomas.

Single-dose oral toxicity of fermented scutellariae radix extract in rats and dogs

The aim of this study was to investigate the acute oral toxicity of fermented Scutellariae Radix (JKTMHGu- 100) in rats and dogs. JKTM-HGu-100 was orally administered at a dose of 2,000 mg/kg in Sprague-Dawley rats. An escalating single-dose oral toxicity test in beagle dogs was performed at doses of 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg with 4-day intervals. Clinical signs, changes in body weight, mortality, and necropsy findings were examined for 2 weeks following oral administration. No toxicological changes related to the test substance nor mortality was observed after administration of a single oral dose of JKTM-HGu-100 in rats or dogs. Therefore, the approximate lethal dose (LD) for oral administration of JKTMHGu-100 in rats was considered to be over 2,000 mg/kg, and the maximum tolerance doses (MTDs) in rats and dogs were also estimated to be over 2,000 mg/kg. These results indicate that JKTM-HGu-100 shows no toxicity in rodents or non-rodents at doses of 2,000 mg/kg or less.

Ixodes ricinus and Borrelia prevalence at the Arctic Circle in Norway

The distribution limit of Ixodes ricinus ticks in northwestern Europe (Brønnøy, Norway, 1° south of the Arctic Circle), has been known since the 1930s. To reconfirm this finding and extend studies in the areas adjacent to the Arctic Circle (66°33' N), ticks were collected from dogs and cats in 8 districts in northern Norway from 64°56' N to 68°48' N. We detected 549 I. ricinus, 244 (44%) of them in Brønnøy district, and 305 (range 6-87 ticks) in 7 districts in the northern part of the study area. The prevalence of Borrelia in these ticks was determined by real-time PCR. In the Brønnøy district (65°28' N, 12°12' E), 29% of the I. ricinus were Borrelia spp.-positive, and the species B. afzelii was nearly twice as prevalent as B. garinii and/or B. valaisiana. In the study area north of Brønnøy district, only 12 (4%) of the collected ticks contained Borrelia spp. In conclusion, tick occurrence and Borrelia prevalence are high in the Brønnøy district. In contrast, I. ricinus occurrence and Borrelia prevalence are low further north across the Arctic Circle in Norway.

Extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate and lipopolysaccharide induce interleukin-1β release in canine blood

Binding of extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to the damage-associated molecular pattern receptor P2X7 or the pathogen-associated molecular pattern receptor Toll-like receptor (TLR)4, respectively, can induce the release of the pleiotropic cytokine interleukin (IL)-1β in humans and mice. However, the release of IL-1β in dogs remains poorly defined. Using a canine IL-1β enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, this study investigated whether ATP or LPS could induce IL-1β release in a canine blood-based assay. Short-term incubations (30 min) with ATP induced IL-1β release in LPS-primed canine blood, and this process could be near-completely impaired by the P2X7 antagonist, A438079. In contrast, ATP failed to induce IL-1β release from blood not primed with LPS. ATP-induced IL-1β release was observed with LPS-primed blood from eight different pedigrees or cross breeds. Long-term incubations (24h) with LPS induced IL-1β release in canine blood in a concentration-dependent manner. This process was not altered by co-incubation with A438079. LPS-induced IL-1β release was observed with blood from 10 different pedigrees or cross breeds. These results demonstrate that both extracellular ATP and LPS can induce IL-1β release in dogs, and that ATP- but not LPS-induced IL-1β release in blood is dependent on P2X7 activation. These findings support the role of both P2X7 and TLR4 in IL-1β release in dogs.

Assessment of the combination of spinosad and milbemycin oxime in preventing the development of canine Angiostrongylus vasorum infections

Angiostrongylus vasorum is an increasingly reported parasite in Europe that develops in dogs after ingestion of infective third stage larvae (L3) that reside in gastropod molluscs which are needed to complete the parasite's life-cycle. Infection can produce a diversity of clinical signs, determined by involvement of the respiratory, neurological, and/or coagulation system, with a likely fatal outcome in the absence of treatment. Few drugs have been shown to reliably prevent infection, and data on treatment of infections is limited. A controlled, randomized, partially blinded laboratory study was therefore executed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combination tablet of spinosad/milbemycin oxime in dogs inoculated with approximately 250 A. vasorum L3. Sixteen healthy nematode free adult dogs were randomly allocated to two study groups of 8 dogs each. Thirty days post inoculation (dpi) all dogs in the fed state were treated: dogs in group B were treated with spinosad and milbemycin oxime at the dose rates of 45-60 mg/kg and 0.75-1.0mg/kg bodyweight, respectively, approximately the lower half portion of the expected full unit dose range; dogs in group A were treated with placebo tablets. All dogs were euthanized and necropsied 56-58 dpi. The heart and lungs were examined to determine the presence of A. vasorum. All placebo group dogs were infected at necropsy with counts ranging from 22 to 98 adult worms and a geometric mean worm count of 55.2. In contrast, the geometric mean worm count in the spinosad/milbemycin oxime group was 0.7 with worm numbers ranging from 0 to 8. The results of this study demonstrate that a single treatment with the tablet combination of spinosad and milbemycin oxime administered 30 dpi provided 98.8% preventive efficacy against development of adult A. vasorum infections. Monthly treatments with spinosad and milbemycin oxime have the potential to prevent the establishment of infections with A. vasorum in dogs.

Usefulness of a rapid immuno-migration test for the detection of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis in Africa

A rapid immuno-migration test for the serological detection of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, Witness® Ehrlichia (WE) (Zoetis, France), was evaluated in 528 serum samples from dogs living in endemic areas of West and East Africa: Senegal (N=208), Ivory Coast (N=7), Sudan (N=27), and Djibouti (N=286). Of these dogs, 200 were French military working dogs (MWD) temporarily residing in Africa. The WE test results were compared with those obtained by indirect immunofluorescence (IFA). The sensitivity of WE was 97% [94.2, 98.7] with a specificity of 100% [98.6, 100]. In MWD, the seroprevalence (IFA) was 7%; in native dogs, it reached 77.1%. This significant difference can be explained by prophylactic measures from which MWD benefit. The WE test represents a simple, fast and reliable test for the detection of anti-Ehrlichia canis antibodies. Its implementation for the diagnosis of clinical cases has been validated in the field, and its use allows easy detection of asymptomatic dogs that may be carriers of E. canis.

Necrotizing meningoencephalitis in atypical dog breeds: a case series and literature review

Background

Canine necrotizing meningoencephalitis (NME) is a fatal, noninfectious inflammatory disease of unknown etiology. NME has been reported only in a small number of dog breeds, which has led to the presumption that it is a breed‐restricted disorder.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Our objective was to describe histopathologically confirmed NME in dog breeds in which the condition has not been reported previously and to provide preliminary evidence that NME affects a wider spectrum of dog breeds than previously reported.

Animals

Four dogs with NME.

Methods

Archives from 3 institutions and from 1 author's (BS) collection were reviewed to identify histopathologically confirmed cases of NME in breeds in which the disease has not been reported previously. Age, sex, breed, survival from onset of clinical signs, and histopathologic findings were evaluated.

Results

Necrotizing meningoencephalitis was identified in 4 small dog breeds (Papillon, Shih Tzu, Coton de Tulear, and Brussels Griffon). Median age at clinical evaluation was 2.5 years. Histopathologic abnormalities included 2 or more of the following: lymphoplasmacytic or histiocytic meningoencephalitis or encephalitis, moderate‐to‐severe cerebrocortical necrosis, variable involvement of other anatomic locations within the brain (cerebellum, brainstem), and absence of detectable infectious agents.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Until now, NME has only been described in 5 small dog breeds. We document an additional 4 small breeds previously not shown to develop NME. Our cases further illustrate that NME is not a breed‐restricted disorder and should be considered in the differential diagnosis for dogs with signalment and clinical signs consistent with inflammatory brain disease.

Signalment, clinical presentation, and diagnostic findings in 122 dogs with spinal arachnoid diverticula

Background

Most information about spinal arachnoid diverticula (SADs) in dogs has been retrieved from relatively small case series. The aim of this study was to describe this disease in a larger number of dogs.

Objectives

Description of the signalment, clinical presentation, and imaging findings of a large number of dogs with SADs.

Animals

One hundred and twenty‐two dogs with SADs.

Methods

Retrospective case series study. All medical records were searched for a diagnosis of SAD. The diagnosis was made based on myelography, computed tomography myelography (CT‐m), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results

In the 122 dogs, 125 SADs were identified. Sixty‐five were located in the cervical region and 60 in the thoracolumbar region. A higher body weight was significantly associated with a cervical localization of the SAD (P < .001). Ninety‐five dogs were male and 27 dogs were female. Male dogs were significantly overrepresented (P < .0001). The most commonly affected breed was the Pug dog. Previous or concurrent spinal disorders, in the near proximity of the diagnosed SAD, were seen in 26 dogs. Eight of 13 French Bulldogs and 7 of 21 Pug dogs with SADs had a previous or concurrent spinal disease, whereas other spinal disorders occurred in only 1 of 17 Rottweilers with SADs.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Pug dogs and French Bulldogs might have a predisposition for SAD development. In a large percentage of these dogs, a concurrent spinal disorder, which might predispose to SAD formation, was diagnosed. The high prevalence in male dogs warrants further investigation.

Pathogenesis of mitral valve disease in mucopolysaccharidosis VII dogs

Mucopolysaccharidosis VII (MPS VII) is due to the deficient activity of β-glucuronidase (GUSB) and results in the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in lysosomes and multisystemic disease with cardiovascular manifestations. The goal here was to determine the pathogenesis of mitral valve (MV) disease in MPS VII dogs. Untreated MPS VII dogs had a marked reduction in the histochemical signal for structurally-intact collagen in the MV at 6 months of age, when mitral regurgitation had developed. Electron microscopy demonstrated that collagen fibrils were of normal diameter, but failed to align into large parallel arrays. mRNA analysis demonstrated a modest reduction in the expression of genes that encode collagen or collagen-associated proteins such as the proteoglycan decorin which helps collagen fibrils assemble, and a marked increase for genes that encode proteases such as cathepsins. Indeed, enzyme activity for cathepsin B (CtsB) was 19-fold normal. MPS VII dogs that received neonatal intravenous injection of a gamma retroviral vector had an improved signal for structurally-intact collagen, and reduced CtsB activity relative to that seen in untreated MPS VII dogs. We conclude that MR in untreated MPS VII dogs was likely due to abnormalities in MV collagen structure. This could be due to upregulation of enzymes that degrade collagen or collagen-associated proteins, to the accumulation of GAGs that compete with proteoglycans such as decorin for binding to collagen, or to other causes. Further delineation of the etiology of abnormal collagen structure may lead to treatments that improve biomechanical properties of the MV and other tissues.

Non-pharmacological treatment options for refractory epilepsy: an overview of human treatment modalities and their potential utility in dogs

Refractory epilepsy is a common disorder both in humans and dogs and treatment protocols are difficult to optimise. In humans, different non-pharmacological treatment modalities currently available include surgery, the ketogenic diet and neurostimulation. Surgery leads to freedom from seizures in 50-75% of patients, but requires strict patient selection. The ketogenic diet is indicated in severe childhood epilepsies, but efficacy is limited and long-term compliance can be problematic. In the past decade, various types of neurostimulation have emerged as promising treatment modalities for humans with refractory epilepsy. Currently, none of these treatment options are used in routine daily clinical practice to treat dogs with the condition. Since many dogs with poorly controlled seizures do not survive, the search for alternative treatment options for canine refractory epilepsy should be prioritised. This review provides an overview of non-pharmacological treatment options for human refractory epilepsy. The current knowledge and limitations of these treatments in canine refractory epilepsy is also discussed.

Ultrasound monitoring of shortwave diathermic treatment of gastrocnemius strain in a dog

Rupture of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle occurs when the muscle is overstretched by dorsiflexion of the ankle with the knee in full extension. Muscle ultrasound (US) is a convenient diagnostic imaging technique for visualizing normal and pathological muscle tissue as it is a non-invasive real-time examination. Muscle US can also be used in the follow-up of patients with neuromuscular disorders. The aim of this paper is to describe US monitoring of the rehabilitation process in a dog undergoing diathermy treatment (TECAR) due to rupture of the proximal medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle and to show the changes in US appearance of the muscle before, during and after rehabilitation.

Effect of cryopreservation and single layer centrifugation on canine sperm DNA fragmentation assessed by the sperm chromatin dispersion test

The aims of this study were: 1) to assess the effect of freezing and thawing on dog sperm DNA fragmentation index (sDFI) using the sperm chromatin dispersion test (SCDt); and 2) to determine whether or not the sperm selection by single layer centrifugation (SLC) using Androcoll-C improves sperm DNA longevity in SLC-selected frozen-thawed dog semen samples. Semen samples were collected from 4 dogs using digital manipulation. After collection, ejaculates were pooled and cryopreserved following a standard protocol. Sperm motility and morphology were assessed before freezing and after thawing as a control for the cryopreservation method used. In experiment 1, sDFI was analyzed immediately before freezing and after thawing (baseline values), showing no significant differences between fresh and frozen-thawed semen samples. In experiment 2, frozen-thawed semen samples were processed or not by SLC using Androcoll-C and longevity of DNA were assessed in terms of sDFI after 24h of in vitro incubation at physiological temperature (38°C). The results showed low values of sDFI in SLC-selected semen in comparison to unselected samples. In conclusion, no effect of cryopreservation was observed on baseline values of dog sperm DNA fragmentation. Additionally, SLC-selection using Androcoll-C improved longevity of frozen-thawed sperm DNA assessed by the SCDt.

Genotypes and antibiotic resistance of canine Campylobacter jejuni isolates

Campylobacter jejuni is the most important cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in humans. It is a commensal in many wild and domestic animals, including dogs. Whereas genotypes of human and chicken C. jejuni isolates have been described in some detail, only little information on canine C. jejuni genotypes is available. To gain more information on genotypes of canine C. jejuni and their zoonotic potential, isolates from routine diagnostics of diarrheic dogs as well as isolates of a prevalence study in non-diarrheic dogs were analyzed. Prevalence of thermophilic Campylobacter among non-diarrheic dogs was 6.3% for C. jejuni, 5.9% for Campylobacter upsaliensis and 0.7% for Campylobacter coli. The C. jejuni isolates were genotyped by multi locus sequence typing (MLST) and flaB typing. Resistance to macrolides and quinolones was genetically determined in parallel. Within the 134 genotyped C. jejuni isolates 57 different sequence types (ST) were found. Five STs were previously unrecognized. The most common STs were ST-48 (11.2%), ST-45 (10.5%) and ST-21 (6.0%). Whereas no macrolide resistance was found, 28 isolates (20.9%) were resistant to quinolones. ST-45 was significantly more prevalent in diarrheic than in non-diarrheic dogs. Within the common time frame of isolation 94% of the canine isolates had a ST that was also found in human clinical isolates. In conclusion, prevalence of C. jejuni in Swiss dogs is low but there is a large genetic overlap between dog and human isolates. Given the close contact between human and dogs, the latter should not be ignored as a potential source of human campylobacteriosis.

Follow-up of 100 dogs with acute diarrhoea in a primary care practice

This study aimed to examine the aetiology of acute diarrhoea and the relapse rate in 100 client-owned dogs presented to a first-opinion clinic. History, physical examination, faecal testing and owner questionnaire data were collected at initial presentation (T0) and at either the time of relapse or at a recheck performed within 3 months. All dogs received treatment according to their clinical signs. Of 96 dogs that completed the study, 37 (38.5%) relapsed during the study period, 21 (21.9%) relapsed within 3 months, and 16 others (16.6%) at 3 months to 1 year after initial examination. Dogs that had undergone a change in housing location within 1 month prior to presentation and dogs <1 year old were significantly more likely to have positive parasitological analyses (P=0.02 and P=0.001, respectively). Pica was a risk factor for relapse (P=0.0002).

Effect of Arctium lappa (burdock) extract on canine dermal fibroblasts

Although the biological activities of Arctium lappa (burdock) have been already investigated in human and other species, data evaluating the molecular mechanisms have not been reported in the dog. In this study we analyzed for the first time the effect of a root extract of burdock on molecular responses in canine dermal fibroblasts with H2O2 stimulation (H group), with burdock treatment (B group) and with H2O2 stimulation and burdock treatment (BH group), using RNAseq technology. Differentially expressed genes (P<0.05) of H, B and BH groups in comparison to the untreated sample (negative control, C group) were identified with MeV software and were functional annotated and monitored for signaling pathways and candidate biomarkers using the Ingenuity Pathways Analysis (IPA). The expression profile of canine dermal fibroblasts treated with burdock extract with or without H2O2 stimulation, showed an up-regulation of mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (SOD2), disheveled 3 (DVL3) and chondroitin sulfate N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 2 (CSGALNACT2). The data suggested that burdock has implications in cell adhesion and gene expression with the modulation of Wnt/β catenin signaling and Chondroitin Sulphate Biosynthesis that are particularly important for the wound healing process.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone immunization for the treatment of urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence in ovariectomized bitches

We have investigated GnRH immunization for the treatment of urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence in ovariectomized bitches. It has been reported that decreasing LH secretion through the use of GnRH agonists temporarily restores continence in some bitches. Therefore, decreasing the circulating LH concentrations by immunizing against GnRH might temporarily maintain continence in incontinent dogs. Sixteen incontinent dogs given phenylpropanolamine (PPA) to control incontinence were recruited for this study. Eleven dogs were immunized against GnRH (novel treatment group) at week 0, and nine dogs were vaccinated again 4 weeks later. Five dogs (standard treatment group) were vaccinated with a placebo twice at 4-week intervals. PPA was discontinued in the novel treatment group 2 weeks after revaccination, and standard-treatment dogs were given PPA for the duration of the study. Blood samples were collected before each treatment and at 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, and 24 weeks and owners recorded episodes of incontinence throughout the study. Ten of the eleven dogs in the novel treatment group experienced side effects as a result of vaccination; two of these dogs experienced more severe side effects after the first vaccination and were withdrawn from the study as a result. Of the nine dogs that completed the vaccination series, four dogs remained continent after PPA was discontinued. For these four dogs, there was no difference in incontinent episodes when they were given PPA versus treatment with the vaccine. All nine novel-treatment dogs developed a GnRH antibody titer and experienced a significant decrease in circulating LH concentrations. In conclusion, GnRH immunization was effective in maintaining continence in four of the nine incontinent ovariectomized dogs, and in these dogs, treatment with the vaccine was comparable with treatment with PPA.

An occurrence of clinical eperythrozoonosis in a German Shepherd dog and its therapeutic management

Eperythrozoon spp.-a rickettsial (Mycoplasma) pathogen of the mammalian erythrocytic cell membrane, has been recognised to cause non specific, sporadic, febrile and haemolytic clinical disease in a variety of livestock, especially food animals. However, clinical eperythrozoonosis in companion animals seems not documented so far. An adult male German shepherd dog, aged 10.5 years and weighing 45 kg with clinical history of persistent mild fever in morning hours, depression and anorexia for the past 5 days and nasal bleeding for the past few months, was presented to clinicians for therapeutic management. Microscopic examination of Giemsa stained blood smear evidenced characteristic light pinkish to blue stained cocci and/or short rod shaped pathogens identified as Eperythrozoon canis, nesting in the depressions on the periphery of erythrocyte cell membrane as well as extra cellular free bodies in the plasma. Rhinoscopic detailed investigation failed to demonstrate any lesion in the nasal passage that could be attributed to the frequent nasal bleeding for the past few months. The dog was subsequently therapeutically managed with success using specific therapy and followed by supportive therapy. Finally, the predisposing factors of the disease, reasons for frequent nasal bleeding, clinical course of the disease in canines and its public health significance vis-à-vis future projections have been discussed.

Fatal esophageal fibrosarcoma associated to parasitism by spirurid nematode Spirocerca lupi in a dog: a case report

A 7-years-old intact female mixed breed dog was referred to the private veterinary clinic because of history of intense food regurgitation. The plain X-ray examination and the contrast-enhanced X-ray using barium sulfate revealed the presence of a radio-opaque mass in the final third of the esophagus. Stool samples were collected and the coproparasitological test was done, which showed thick-shelled eggs from Spirocerca lupi. As the canine died, the necropsy was performed, showing nodular lesions in the esophagus, compatible with the typical lesions of spirocercosis. The histopathological analysis showed the proliferation of spindle-shaped cells, process compatible with fibrosarcoma. This is the first official report of the presence of canine spirocercosis in Guapimirim city, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and can serve as a warning to veterinary practitioners, about this probably endemic region for S. lupi.

Use of the pentagastrin dog model to explore the food effects on formulations in early drug development

The ability to extrapolate dosage performance from in vitro to in vivo situations has an important role in early drug development. In parallel, the Beagle dog has come to represent a useful animal model for extrapolation to humans especially when drugs formulated for humans are to be tested. In this article, the pentagastrin-induced Beagle dog model was validated internally to show that in the colony the dogs were generally responsive to known doses of pentagastrin that produces effects similar to gastrin in the stomach, i.e., increasing gastric acid production and lowering gastric pH. The effect was observed with a short time course, maximum pH lowering was observed between 0.5 and 1h with return to baseline at 2-4h. The dog stomach pH is a better representative of the human fasted stomach with this pretreatment. The ultimate goal was to use these animals in a food effect studies to predict the behavior of formulations in humans. The results for 4 compounds were provided in the dog and a clear relationship between the effect of food in the dog and the effect of food in humans was observed. While the directionality (positive or negative) of the effect could be adequately predicted, the extent of the effect could not be predicted for all the tested formulations of the 4 compounds. The data will be used to generate a database of known compounds from which a correlation can be drawn to make future predictions using the pentagastrin dog model.

Antiviral and antiproliferative effects of canine interferon-λ1

Interferon (IFN)-λs, members of the type III IFN group, were recently identified in several vertebrates. Although IFN-λs have the potential to be utilized as antiviral and antitumor agents in veterinary medicine, the biological properties of IFN-λs have not yet been studied in companion animals. In this study, we analyzed the expression of canine IFN-λs and their receptors, produced a recombinant canine IFN-λ1 protein, and investigated its antiviral and antiproliferative activities using a canine kidney epithelial cell line, MDCK cells. MDCK cells were found to express type III IFN molecules, IFN-λ1 and IFN-λ3, and the receptors, IFNλR1 and IL10R2. IFN-λ1 was induced faster than IFN-λ3 by stimulation with poly (I:C). His-tagged IFN-λ1 protein expressed in Escherichia coli inhibited cytolytic plaque formation by influenza A virus infection, and induced the expression of interferon-stimulated genes, Mx1 and OAS1, in MDCK cells. In addition, recombinant IFN-λ1 inhibited the proliferation of MDCK cells slightly. These effects were observed in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicate that canine IFN-λ1 has antiviral effect, and suggest the potential applicability of canine IFN-λ1 as a therapeutic agent.

Diagnosis of spontaneous canine hyperadrenocorticism: 2012 ACVIM consensus statement (small animal)

This report offers a consensus opinion on the diagnosis of spontaneous canine hyperadrenocorticism. The possibility that a patient has hyperadrenocorticism is based on the history and physical examination. Endocrine tests should be performed only when clinical signs consistent with HAC are present. None of the biochemical screening or differentiating tests for hyperadrenocorticism are perfect. Imaging can also play a role. Awareness of hyperadrenocorticism has heightened over time. Thus, case presentation is more subtle. Due to the changes in manifestations as well as test technology the Panel believes that references ranges should be reestablished. The role of cortisol precursors and sex hormones in causing a syndrome of occult hyperadrenocorticism remains unclear.

Mammalian-derived respiratory allergens - implications for diagnosis and therapy of individuals allergic to furry animals

Furry animals cause respiratory allergies in a significant proportion of the population. A majority of all mammalian allergens are spread as airborne particles, and several have been detected in environments where furry animals are not normally kept. The repertoire of allergens from each source belongs to a restricted number of allergen families. Classification of allergen families is particularly important for the characterization of allergenicity and cross-reactivity of allergens. In fact, major mammalian allergens are taken from only three protein families, i.e. the secretoglobin, lipocalin and kallikrein families. In particular, the lipocalin superfamily harbours major allergens in all important mammalian allergen sources, and cross-reactivity between lipocalin allergens may explain cross-species sensitization between mammals. The identification of single allergen components is of importance to improve diagnosis and therapy of allergic patients using component-resolved diagnostics and allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) respectively. Major disadvantages with crude allergen extracts for these applications emphasize the benefits of careful characterization of individual allergens. Furthermore, detailed knowledge of the characteristics of an allergen is crucial to formulate attenuated allergy vaccines, e.g. hypoallergens. The diverse repertoires of individual allergens from different mammalian species influence the diagnostic potential and clinical efficacy of ASIT to furry animals. As such, detailed knowledge of individual allergens is essential for adequate clinical evaluation. This review compiles current knowledge of the allergen families of mammalian species, and discusses how this information may be used for improved diagnosis and therapy of individuals allergic to mammals.

Elevation of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in non-azotemic dogs with urinary tract infection

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a promising biomarker in humans and dogs with kidney disease. This protein is expressed by many cells including renal tubular cells and neutrophils. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of urinary tract infection (UTI) on urinary NGAL (uNGAL) concentration in dogs. Urine culture and measurement of uNGAL level were performed in 80 non-azotemic dogs suspected of UTI and 19 healthy dogs. Dogs were divided in three groups: 19 healthy dogs, 25 dogs with positive culture and 55 dogs suspected of UTI but with negative culture. uNGAL and uNGAL/Creatinine was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in dogs with UTI (14.22 ng/mL;19.74 μg/g) compared to Healthy (0.24 ng/mL;0.11 μg/g) and Negative (1.13 ng/mL;1.28 μg/g) dogs. A uNGAL value <3.38 ng/mL had a negative predictive value for UTI of 87%. Presence of UTI has to be considered when uNGAL is used to detect kidney disease.

Validation of two canine STR multiplex-assays following the ISFG recommendations for non-human DNA analysis

To gain general acceptance forensic DNA testing in animals needs to improve standardization of analysis methods and data interpretation. Recently, the International Society of Forensic Genetics (ISFG) took particular care of this topic by publishing recommendations for forensic non-human DNA analysis following the successful example of human DNA analysis in order to provide a basis for harmonization of the still existing inter-laboratory variability. By following these recommendations we demonstrate the performance of two short tandem repeat (STR) multiplexes for forensic identity testing of canine biological material. Thirteen STRs and two sex-specific markers were selected and validated according to the ISFG guidelines. Population genetic parameters were calculated based on 295 dog samples collected in Austria (124) and Germany (171). A repeat-based nomenclature of the mainly tetrameric STRs and corresponding allelic ladders are presented. All 146 different alleles included in the ladders were sequenced for correct allele calling. Additionally, a canine cell line (DH82-D3167) was evaluated as standard reference material.

Acetylcholinesterase activity in the cerebrospinal fluid of dogs with seizures

Recent studies in animal models have focused on the role of cholinergic elements, mainly acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and the 'readthrough' acetylcholinesterase isoform (AChE-R), in seizures. A prospective double-masked study was conducted to assess the activity of AChE and AChE-R in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 26 dogs post-seizure, 28 dogs with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and 16 healthy dogs. AChE was also measured in the serum in the post-seizure and IVDD groups. The results showed no significant differences in CSF AChE among the three groups. AChE-R was not detected in any dog and AChE in the serum was similar between groups. This preliminary study provides new information on AChE and AChE-R in the CSF and sera of dogs following naturally-occurring seizures.

Leishmaniasis causes oxidative stress and alteration of oxidative metabolism and viability of neutrophils in dogs

The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that oxidative stress and alteration of oxidative metabolism and apoptosis of neutrophils in dogs vary with the stage of leishmaniasis and to determine the contribution of uremia to such alterations. Dogs with leishmaniasis were classified into two stages: moderate (Leish II, n=20) or very severe (i.e. with concurrent uremia; Leish IV, n=20) according to the LeishVet Consensus. The two leishmaniasis groups were compared with uremic dogs without leishmaniasis (Uremic, n=10) and to healthy dogs (Control, n=30). To determine oxidative stress, total antioxidant/oxidant capacity, lipid peroxidation, total glutathione and the plasma antioxidants albumin, uric acid and bilirubin were quantified. Superoxide production was determined using the hydroethidine probe and viability and apoptosis were measured using annexin V-PE by capillary flow cytometry. Oxidative stress was present in both uremia and leishmaniasis with reduced total antioxidant capacity and was associated with increased induced production of superoxide and apoptosis. The greatest amount of oxidants was observed in animals with moderate disease only. Neutrophils from uremic dogs with and without leishmaniasis had decreased viability and an increased apoptosis rate in addition to increased lipid peroxidation. In conclusion, oxidative stress occurs in both stages of leishmaniasis with differences in intensity and levels of plasma markers; however, uremia does contribute to the decreased spontaneous viability of neutrophils in dogs in the final stage of the disease.

Survey of babesiosis in symptomatic dogs from Romania: occurrence of Babesia gibsoni associated with breed

Blood samples from 49 symptomatic dogs from 5 western and north-western counties of Romania were screened using microscopic examination, polymerase-chain-reaction-restriction-fragment-length-polymorphism procedure (PCR-RFLP), and sequence analysis. Results of the microscopic evaluation of stained blood smears revealed 45 positive samples with the presence of large and small intraerythrocytic piroplasms in 35 and 10 samples, respectively. Babesia canis (35/49, 71.4%) and Babesia gibsoni (14/49, 28.6%) were identified and differentiated by PCR-RFLP targeting the 18S rRNA gene. Results of the sequence analysis of all B. gibsoni and 17 randomly selected B. canis PCR products confirmed the PCR-RFLP-diagnosed species. The distribution of B. gibsoni infection was positively associated (p<0.001) with fighting dog breeds including infection in 12 American Pit Bull Terriers and one American Staffordshire Terrier. This report is the first to present molecular evidence of the occurrence of B. gibsoni in Romania confirmed by sequencing.

Dog obesity--the need for identifying predisposing genetic markers

Incidence of overweight and obesity in dogs exceeds 30%, and several breeds are predisposed to this heritable phenotype. Rapid progress of canine genomics and advanced knowledge on the genetic background of human obesity bring a unique opportunity to perform such studies in dogs. Natural candidate genes for obesity are these encoding adipokines. Extended studies in humans indicated that polymorphisms of three of them, i.e. ADIPOQ, IL1 and TNF, are associated with predisposition to obesity. On the other hand, the use of genome-wide association studies revealed an association between human obesity and polymorphism of more than 50 other genes. Until now only few preliminary reports on polymorphism of canine FTO, MC4R, MC3R and PPARG genes have been published. Since the dog is a valuable model organism for human diseases one can foresee that such studies may also contribute to an in-depth understanding of human obesity pathogenesis.

Comparing high and low total body irradiation dose rates for minimum-intensity conditioning of dogs for dog leukocyte antigen-identical bone marrow grafts

We tested the hypothesis that total body irradiation (TBI) given at a high dose rate would be more immunosuppressive and lead to a higher incidence of stable hematopoietic cell engraftment after suboptimal levels of conditioning irradiation compared with TBI at a low dose rate. We assessed the engraftment success of dog leukocyte antigen-identical bone marrow transplantation in recipients of 100, 150, and 200 cGy TBI administered at a rate of 7 or 70 cGy/min. Dogs received donor marrow on the same day as TBI and were subsequently treated with postgraft immunosuppression consisting of mycophenolate mofetil (for 28 days) and cyclosporine (for 37 days). Donor chimerism was monitored until the end of study and was characterized by either graft rejection or stable engraftment. Increasing the radiation dose rate from the traditional 7 cGy/min to 70 cGy/min did not lead to increased engraftment success at any of the irradiation doses tested. The dose rate of 70 cGy/minute was no more hematotoxic than the rate of 7 cGy/minute. TBI delivered at a high dose rate was well tolerated but was not associated with a better rate of allogeneic hematopoietic cell engraftment compared with TBI delivered at a lower dose rate.

Effect of age and severity of cognitive dysfunction on two simple tasks in pet dogs

Dogs exhibit age-dependent losses in learning and memory as well as a progressive accumulation of neuropathology that parallels that observed in normal human aging and early Alzheimer's disease. These deficits have been extensively studied using a number of standard cognitive tasks in the laboratory; however, appropriate tools for their assessment in veterinary clinics are still lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of age and the severity of cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) on two simple tests conducted in a clinical setting. A food searching (FS) task and a problem-solving (PS) task were administered to young (1-4 years, n=9), middle-aged (5-8 years, n=10), cognitively unimpaired aged (≥9 years, n=31), and cognitively impaired aged (≥ 9 years, n=37) dogs. Cognitive status was classified using an owner-based questionnaire, and in the impaired group, dogs were categorized as having either mild or severe CDS. During the FS task, younger dogs (<9 years) were able to locate the food more quickly and with more success than the aged groups (≥9 years). Dogs with severe CDS exhibited poorer performance than those with mild CDS or their healthy counterparts. In the PS task, younger dogs performed better than the aged dogs in obtaining food, but there were no differences related to CDS severity. The FS task might help to better characterize cognitively affected dogs in the clinical setting than the PS task. These and similar tasks require further investigations in the field.

Immunohistochemical expression of Bax and Bak in canine non-neoplastic tissues

Apoptosis is critical for embryonic development, maintenance of tissue homeostasis and protection against malignant transformation. The Bcl-2 family of proteins plays a key role in intrinsic apoptosis by controlling the integrity of the outer mitochondrial membrane, and the multidomain pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members Bax and Bak are essential components of this pathway. The aim of this study was to provide data on the expression of these proteins in normal canine tissues. Two antibodies against Bax recognising different conformations of the protein and one antibody against Bak were validated by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting using canine recombinant proteins and keratinocytes treated with ultraviolet light. The antibodies were used immunohistochemically to label a wide panel of histologically normal tissues assembled on tissue microarrays. In addition, a subset of the tissues was evaluated by Western blot analysis. Immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses revealed that both Bax and Bak are widely expressed in non-neoplastic tissues from adult dogs. Immunohistochemistry showed almost exclusively cytoplasmic labelling and prominent labelling of epithelial cells. In lymph nodes, immunohistochemical labelling was diffuse for both proteins and showed enhanced intensities in the mantle zones for Bax and the germinal centres for Bak. Strong reactivity for the active conformation of Bax was detected only in enterocytes and Leydig cells and in scattered lymphocytes. These data indicate widespread expression of Bax and Bak in normal canine tissues. Knowledge of the expression of Bax and Bak in normal tissues is a prerequisite in assessing the role of these proteins in canine neoplastic disease.

A new tetravalent canine leptospirosis vaccine provides at least 12 months immunity against infection

A key success factor in the vaccination of dogs against leptospirosis is long term protection against establishment of the renal carrier state, in order to protect other dogs, as well as humans, against this re-emerging zoonotic disease. In this paper, we describe the ability of a new European tetravalent vaccine containing antigen from Leptospira interrogans (sensu lato) serogroups Icterohaemorrhagiae, Canicola, Grippotyphosa and Australis to control infection and renal excretion in dogs at 12 months after vaccination. In order to demonstrate the efficacy of all four vaccine components, four separate challenge studies were performed. For each study two groups of dogs were used (a group receiving the leptospirosis vaccine and a control group). Twelve months after the second vaccination all dogs in the vaccine and control groups were challenged, both intraperitoneally and conjunctivally, using a pathogenic challenge strain from one of four serogroups. Parameters recorded post-challenge were: clinical signs of disease, change in body temperature, total leucocyte count, thrombocyte count, presence of challenge organisms in blood, urine and kidney tissue, and evidence of interstitial nephritis at necropsy four weeks after challenge. The vaccine was able to either prevent or significantly reduce infection following challenge with the strains of all four serogroups. The vaccine was also able to prevent or significantly reduce renal infection following Canicola and Icterohaemorrhagiae challenge, and there was a trend of reduction of renal infection with Australis (serovar Bratislava). In the case of the Grippotyphosa study, challenge led to no detectable renal infection in any dog of the control group. In conclusion, in this study significant protective immunity was achieved in dogs 12 months after a basic vaccination schedule of two doses against strains of serogroups Canicola, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Grippotyphosa and Australis.

Study of ehrlichiosis in kennel dogs under treatment and prevention during seven months in Dakar (Senegal)

In Dakar kennels where morbidity and mortality attributed to diseases transmitted by ticks were high, we conducted a field study to assess the prevalence of Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys and Babesia spp. infections in two kennels (n = 34 dogs) and to study the impact of tick protection. The first day of the study, the E. canis PCR were positive in 18 dogs (53%). A. platys was found in one dog and all dogs were negative for Babesia spp. After one month of doxycycline treatment, the number of PCR positive dogs decreased significantly to 2 (5.9%). During seven months, all dogs were treated monthly topically with a novel combination (Certifect(®), Merial) delivering at least 6.7 mg fipronil/kg body weight, 8.0mg amitraz/kg and 6 mg (S)-methoprene/kg. The number of PCR positive dogs remained stable all over the seven months, with 4 dogs being positive at Day 90 and 2 at Day 210. The combination of treatment and monthly prevention had a significant effect in the two kennels. All dogs remained healthy, which was not the case in previous years.

Urinary biomarkers for acute kidney injury in dogs

Routinely, kidney dysfunction and decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) are diagnosed by the evaluation of changes in the serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentrations. However, neither of these tests is sensitive or specific enough for the early diagnosis of impaired kidney function because they are both affected by other renal and nonrenal factors. Furthermore, kidney injury can be present in the absence of kidney dysfunction. Renal reserve enables normal GFR even when nephrons are damaged. Renal biomarkers, especially those present in urine, may be useful for the study of both acute and chronic nephropathies. The aim of this review is to describe the current status of urinary biomarkers as diagnostic tools for kidney injury in dogs with particular focus on acute kidney injury (AKI). The International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) canine AKI grading system and the implementation of urinary biomarkers in this system also are discussed. The discovery of novel urinary biomarkers has emerged from hypotheses about the pathophysiology of kidney injury, but few proteomic urine screening approaches have been described in dogs. Lack of standardization of biomarker assays further complicates the comparison of novel canine urinary biomarker validation results among studies. Future research should focus on novel biomarkers of renal origin and evaluate promising biomarkers in different clinical conditions. Validation of selected urinary biomarkers in the diagnosis of canine kidney diseases must include dogs with both renal and nonrenal diseases to evaluate their sensitivity, specificity as well as their negative and positive predictive values.

Canine intracranial gliomas: relationship between magnetic resonance imaging criteria and tumor type and grade

Limited information is available to assist in the ante-mortem prediction of tumor type and grade for dogs with primary brain tumors. The objective of the current study was to identify magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) criteria related to the histopathological type and grade of gliomas in dogs. A convenience sample utilizing client-owned dogs (n=31) with gliomas was used. Medical records of dogs with intracranial lesions admitted to two veterinary referral hospitals were reviewed and cases with a complete brain MRI and definitive histopathological diagnosis were retrieved for analysis. Each MRI was independently interpreted by five investigators who were provided with standardized grading instructions and remained blinded to the histopathological diagnosis. Mild to no contrast enhancement, an absence of cystic structures (single or multiple), and a tumor location other than the thalamo-capsular region were independently associated with grade II tumors compared to higher grade tumors. In comparison to oligodendrogliomas, astrocytomas were independently associated with the presence of moderate to extensive peri-tumoral edema, a lack of ventricular distortion, and an isointense or hyper-intense T1W-signal. When clinical and MRI features indicate that a glioma is most likely, certain MRI criteria can be used to inform the level of suspicion for low tumor grade, particularly poor contrast enhancement. Information obtained from the MRI of such dogs can also assist in predicting an astrocytoma or an oligodendroglioma, but no single imaging characteristic allows for a particular tumor type to be ruled out.

Transoesophageal echocardiography in the dog

Transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) allows imaging of the heart through the oesophagus using a special transducer mounted on a modified endoscope. The proximity to the heart and minimal intervening structures enables the acquisition of high-resolution images that are consistently superior to routine transthoracic echocardiography and optimal imaging of the heart base anatomy and related structures. TEE provides high-quality real-time imaging free of ionizing radiation, making it an ideal instrument not only for diagnostic purposes, but also for monitoring surgical or minimally invasive cardiac procedures, non-cardiac procedures and critical cases in the intensive care unit. In human medicine, TEE is routinely used in these settings. In veterinary medicine, TEE is increasingly used in referral centres, especially for perioperative assessment and guidance of catheter-based cardiovascular procedures, such as patent ductus arteriosus, balloon valvuloplasty, and atrial and ventricular septal defect occlusion with vascular devices. TEE can also aid in heartworm retrieval procedures. The purpose of this paper is to review the current uses of TEE in veterinary medicine, focusing on technique, indications and complications.

Detection and differentiation of field and vaccine strains of canine distemper virus using reverse transcription followed by nested real time PCR (RT-nqPCR) and RFLP analysis

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is the cause of a severe and highly contagious disease in dogs. Practical diagnosis of canine distemper based on clinical signs and laboratory tests are required to confirm CDV infection. The present study aimed to develop a molecular assay to detect and differentiate field and vaccine CDV strains. Reverse transcription followed by nested real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-nqPCR) was developed, which exhibited analytical specificity (all the samples from healthy dogs and other canine infectious agents were not incorrectly detected) and sensitivity (all replicates of a vaccine strain were positive up to the 3125-fold dilution - 10(0.7) TCID50). RT-nqPCR was validated for CDV detection on different clinical samples (blood, urine, rectal and conjunctival swabs) of 103 animals suspected to have distemper. A total of 53 animals were found to be positive based on RT-nqPCR in at least one clinical sample. Blood resulted in more positive samples (50 out of 53, 94.3%), followed by urine (44/53, 83.0%), rectal (38/53, 71%) and conjunctival (27/53, 50.9%) swabs. A commercial immunochromatography (IC) assay had detected CDV in only 30 conjunctival samples of these positive dogs. Nucleoprotein (NC) gene sequencing of 25 samples demonstrated that 23 of them were closer to other Brazilian field strains and the remaining two to vaccine strains. A single nucleotide sequences difference, which creates an Msp I restriction enzyme digestion, was used to differentiate between field and vaccine CDV strains by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. The complete assay was more sensitive than was IC for the detection of CDV. Blood was the more frequently positive specimen and the addition of a restriction enzyme step allowed the differentiation of vaccine and Brazilian field strains.

Diagnosis, classification and grading of canine mammary tumours as a model to study human breast cancer: an Clinico-Cytohistopathological study with environmental factors influencing public health and medicine

BACKGROUND

The human "Elston and Ellis grading method" was utilized in dogs with mammary tumor to examine its relation to prognosis in this species, based on a 2-year follow-up period. Although cytopathology is widely used for early diagnosis of human neoplasms, it is not commonly performed in veterinary medicine. Our objectives in this study were to identify cytopathology criteria of malignancy for canine mammary tumors and the frequency of different types of mammary lesions and their relationship with histologic grade was investigated. Another aim of this study was to differentiate the simple and adenocarcinoma tumors from the complex or mixed tumor described by Elston and Ellis grading method.

METHODS

The study was performed in 15 pure or mixed-breed female dogs submitted to surgical resections of mammary tumours. The mammary tumours were excised by simple mastectomy or regional mastectomy, with or without the superficial inguinal lymph nodes. Female dogs were mainly terriers (9 dogs) or mixed (3 dogs), the 3 other animals were a German shepherd, Dachshund and Pekingese. Before surgical excision of the tumour, FNAC was performed using a 0.6 mm diameter needle attached to a 10 ml syringe held in a standard metal syringe holder. The cytological sample was smeared onto a glass slide and either air-dried for May-Grünwald-stain, or ethanol-fixed for Papanicolaou stain and masses were surgically removed, the tumours were grossly examined and tissue samples were fixed in 10%-buffered-formalin and embedded in paraffin. Sections 4 μm thick were obtained from each sample and H&E stained.

RESULTS

We obtained a correct cytohistological correlation in 14/15 cases (93.3%) when all cytopathological examinations were considered. Of the 15 cases examined, 2(13.3%) had well-differentiated (grade I), 6(40%) had moderately differentiated (grade II) and 7(46.7%) had poorly differentiated (grade III) tumours. Classification of all canine mammary gland lesions revealed 13(86.7%) malignant and 2(13.3%) benign tumors. The histological examination showed that the most common tumor types of mammary glands in bitches were: complex carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, malignant mixed tumour, benign mixed tumour, simple carcinoma- (5/15; 33.3%), (3/15; 20%), (3/15; 20%) and (2/15;13.3%), respectively. Simple carcinoma and cystic hyperplasia were less common - (1/15; 6.7%), and (1/15; 6.7%), respectively. Moreover, the most often tumors occur in inguinal mammary (60%) and abdominal (27%) glands.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that, because of the similarity of the cytohistopathological findings in the human and canine mammary gland tumours, it is possible to use the same cytopathological criteria applied in human pathology for the diagnosis of canine mammary gland tumours. Furthemoer, routine use of this human grading method would help the clinician to make a more accurate prognosis in the interests of post-surgical management in dogs with mammary carcinomas. Furthermore, this research will allow a more discriminating classification of mammary tumors and probably has a bearing on cytohistopathology, epidemiology, pathogenesis and prognosis. The most often tumors occur in inguinal mammary (60%) and abdominal (27%) glands. This interesting regional difference may be due to a) the duration of the growth before the diagnosis; b) the age of the dogs; and c) high prevelance of unspayed animals. Moreover, the most common type of tumor was complex carcinoma - 33.3% (5 cases).

Development and evaluation of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for rapid detection of Leishmania infantum in canine leishmaniasis based on cysteine protease B genes

We developed a Leishmania infantum specific LAMP assay that was carried out using a set of, six primers targeting the cysteine protease B multi copy gene of L. infantum. Our result shows that we, successfully detect the L. infantum DNA and that amplification is specific as no cross reaction was seen, with L. major, L. tropica, L. turanica, L. aethiopica, L. tarentolae, L. gerbilii, Trypanosoma cruzi or, human genomic DNA. When compared to conventional cpb based PCR, the sensitivity of LAMP assay, was higher with a detection limit of 50 fg/μl of genomic L. infantum parasite DNA. Accurate and rapid, diagnosis of canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is an important issue that allows early treatment and, prevents transmission. Our developed LAMP assay was used to evaluate occurrences of Leishmania infantum in seventy five (75) dogs from the field. Blood samples were used to perform LAMP assay, classical PCR, IFAT and microscopy that was used as gold standard. The IFAT in addition to, microscopy, are the basic techniques used for CanL diagnosis at the School of Veterinary Medicine, where we obtained our samples. Compared to molecular methods, the serology (IFAT) test shows the, best sensitivity (88.57%) with, however, a much lower specificity (52.5%) due to a relatively high, number of false-positive results (22 animals). The PCR assay shows a low sensitivity (37.14%) and, specificity around (82.5%). Our LAMP assay shows a suitable sensitivity (54%) and a good specificity, (80%), with however, positive (70%) and negative (66%) predictive values. Furthermore, the best, positive likelihood ratio (LR+) was obtained by LAMP assay (2.7). This technique presents the highest, kappa value (with a fair agreement of 0.34). Moreover, the relative stability of the reagents indicates, that LAMP may be a good alternative to a conventional PCR, especially under field conditions. Finally in, a brief cost evaluation, the LAMP assay compares favorably with other molecular diagnostic tests. This, is the first study that evaluates the L. infantum specific LAMP alongside other diagnostics tools for, CanL. Our results indicate a suitable sensitivity and specificity for the developed LAMP assay that could, has usefulness application on dogs and human L. infantum diagnosis.