Type C botulism in young dogs

A Four-Monoclonal Antibody Combination Potently Neutralizes Multiple Botulinum Neurotoxin Serotypes C and D

Human botulism can be caused by botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) serotypes A to G. Here, we present an antibody-based antitoxin composed of four human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against BoNT/C, BoNT/D, and their mosaic toxins. This work built on our success in generating protective mAbs to BoNT /A, B and E serotypes. We generated mAbs from human immune single-chain Fv (scFv) yeast-display libraries and isolated scFvs with high affinity for BoNT/C, BoNT/CD, BoNT/DC and BoNT/D serotypes. We identified four mAbs that bound non-overlapping epitopes on multiple serotypes and mosaic BoNTs. Three of the mAbs underwent molecular evolution to increase affinity. A four-mAb combination provided high-affinity binding and BoNT neutralization of both serotypes and their mosaic toxins. The mAbs have potential utility as therapeutics and as diagnostics capable of recognizing and neutralizing BoNT/C and BoNT/D serotypes and their mosaic toxins. A derivative of the four-antibody combination (NTM-1634) completed a Phase 1 clinical trial (Snow et al., Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 2019) with no drug-related serious adverse events.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Lower Motor Neuron Disease in Australian Dogs and Cats

Diseases presenting with lower motor neuron (LMN) signs are frequently seen in small animal veterinary practice in Australia. In addition to the most common causes of LMN disease seen world-wide, such as idiopathic polyradiculoneuritis and myasthenia gravis, there are several conditions presenting with LMN signs that are peculiar to the continent of Australia. These include snake envenomation by tiger (Notechis spp.), brown (Pseudonaja spp.), and black snakes (Pseudechis spp.), tick paralysis associated with Ixodes holocyclus and Ixodes coronatus, and tetrodotoxins from marine animals such as puffer fish (Tetraodontidae spp.) and blue-ring octopus (Hapalochlaena spp.). The wide range of differential diagnoses along with the number of etiological-specific treatments (e.g., antivenin, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors) and highly variable prognoses underscores the importance of a complete physical exam and comprehensive history to aid in rapid and accurate diagnosis of LMN disease in Australian dogs and cats. The purpose of this review is to discuss diagnosis and treatment of LMN diseases seen in dogs and cats in Australia.

[Raw-meat-based diets (RMBD) as a feeding principle for dogs]

BARF (Bone And Raw Food) is an increasing trend for feeding dogs in Germany. This article provides an overview of the history and principles of this type of feeding. Risks of feeding raw-meat diets include infections of dogs with parasites, bacteria and viruses. Some of these pathogenic organisms also have zoonotic potential. Additionally, raw-meat diets often show nutritional imbalances. Over-supplementation and deficiencies of nutrients are frequently found, especially regarding calcium, the trace elements copper, zinc and iodine, vitamins A and D and the calcium   :   phosphorus ratio. This malnutrition can cause clinical symptoms. Therefore, checking and optimising the diet by a specialized veterinarian is strongly recommended.

Intra-articular botulinum toxin A for the treatment of osteoarthritic joint pain in dogs: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of intra-articular (IA) botulinum toxin A (IA BoNT A) for the treatment of osteoarthritic joint pain in dogs. The study was a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blinded clinical trial with parallel group design and 12-week follow-up. Thirty-six dogs with chronic lameness due to stifle, hip or elbow osteoarthritis were randomized to receive an IA injection of 30IU of BoNT A or placebo. The main outcome variables were vertical impulse (VI) and peak vertical force (PVF) measured with a force platform, and Helsinki chronic pain index (HCPI). Subjective pain score and the need for rescue analgesics were secondary variables. The response to treatment was assessed as the change from baseline to each examination week. The variables were analyzed by ANOVA with repeated measurements and results were considered statistically significant if P ⩽ 0.05. The improvement from baseline to 12 weeks after baseline was statistically significant in VI, PVF and HCPI in the treatment group (P=0.001, P=0.054 and P=0.053, respectively). Additionally, there were statistically significant improvements in VI in the treatment group at 2, 4 and 8 weeks after baseline (P=0.037, P=0.016 and P=0.016, respectively). The difference between groups in improvement in VI was statistically significant at 12weeks after baseline (P=0.005). There was no significant change in the subjective pain score or in the requirement for rescue analgesics in either group. No major adverse events thought to be related to trial protocol were detected. These results suggest that IA BoNT A has some efficacy in reducing osteoarthritic pain in dogs.

The use of botulinum toxin A for treatment of possible essential blepharospasm in a dog

A 3-year-old Great Dane with bilateral possible essential blepharospasm resulting in ocular complications is described. Conservative treatment was not successful and the disease was treated with local injections of botulinum toxin A into the orbicularis oculi muscle. Blepharospasm disappeared completely 5 to 6 days after injection and did not reappear until 3 to 4 months later, at which time the injection was repeated. After several treatments over a period of more than 3 years no side effects have occured. Botulinum toxin A appeared to be effective in the treatment of essential blepharospasm in this dog.

Natural Clostridium botulinum type C toxicosis in a group of cats

Clinical signs of botulism were observed in a group of eight cats, four of which died, after being fed pelican carrion. Clostridium botulinum type C was isolated from one cat. The microorganism and its toxin were found in the pelican. This is apparently the first report of natural botulism in cats.

Tick paralysis in North America and Australia

The pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of tick paralysis in North America and Australia are reviewed. Clinical and electrodiagnostic findings in tick paralysis are contrasted with those that occur in other diffuse lower motor neuron disorders, and the disease in North America is compared with the more severe form of the disease that occurs along the east coast of Australia. A detailed account of the treatment of animals afflicted with tick paralysis is presented.

Botulism in a dog — First confirmed case in New Zealand

During an outbreak of suspected botulism in waterfowl on Hamilton Lake an eight year old entire male dog was admitted to a Hamilton veterinary clinic. The dog was unable to stand upon admission and showed a partial lower motor neuron dysfunction characteristic of botulism. Treatment consisted of antibiotics and intensive supportive therapy. Complications resulted in the dog being destroyed ten days after commencement of treatment. Analysis of a serum sample taken antemortem, confirmed the presence of Clostridium botulinum type C toxin.