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Golia MT, Frigerio R, Pucci S, Sironi F, Margotta C, Pasetto L, Testori C, Berrone E, Ingravalle F, Chiari M, Gori A, Duchi R, Perota A, Bergamaschi L, D'Angelo A, Cagnotti G, Galli C, Corona C, Bonetto V, Bendotti C, Cretich M, Colombo SF, Verderio C. Changes in glial cell activation and extracellular vesicles production precede the onset of disease symptoms in transgenic hSOD1 G93A pigs. Exp Neurol 2024; 374:114716. [PMID: 38331161 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
SOD1 gene is associated with progressive motor neuron degeneration in the familiar forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Although studies on mutant human SOD1 transgenic rodent models have provided important insights into disease pathogenesis, they have not led to the discovery of early biomarkers or effective therapies in human disease. The recent generation of a transgenic swine model expressing the human pathological hSOD1G93A gene, which recapitulates the course of human disease, represents an interesting tool for the identification of early disease mechanisms and diagnostic biomarkers. Here, we analyze the activation state of CNS cells in transgenic pigs during the disease course and investigate whether changes in neuronal and glial cell activation state can be reflected by the amount of extracellular vesicles they release in biological fluids. To assess the activation state of neural cells, we performed a biochemical characterization of neurons and glial cells in the spinal cords of hSOD1G93A pigs during the disease course. Quantification of EVs of CNS cell origin was performed in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma of transgenic pigs at different disease stages by Western blot and peptide microarray analyses. We report an early activation of oligodendrocytes in hSOD1G93A transgenic tissue followed by astrocyte and microglia activation, especially in animals with motor symptoms. At late asymptomatic stage, EV production from astrocytes and microglia is increased in the cerebrospinal fluid, but not in the plasma, of transgenic pigs reflecting donor cell activation in the spinal cord. Estimation of EV production by biochemical analyses is corroborated by direct quantification of neuron- and microglia-derived EVs in the cerebrospinal fluid by a Membrane Sensing Peptide enabled on-chip analysis that provides fast results and low sample consumption. Collectively, our data indicate that alteration in astrocytic EV production precedes the onset of disease symptoms in the hSODG93A swine model, mirroring donor cell activation in the spinal cord, and suggest that EV measurements from the cells first activated in the ALS pig model, i.e. OPCs, may further improve early disease detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Golia
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Neuroscience (IN-CNR), Via Raoul Follereau 3, 20854 Vedano al Lambro, Italy
| | - Roberto Frigerio
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Chemical Science and Technologies (SCITEC-CNR), Via Mario Bianco 9, 20131 Milan, Italy
| | - Susanna Pucci
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Neuroscience (IN-CNR), Via Raoul Follereau 3, 20854 Vedano al Lambro, Italy
| | - Francesca Sironi
- Research Center for ALS, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri, 2, 20156 Milano, Italy
| | - Cassandra Margotta
- Research Center for ALS, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri, 2, 20156 Milano, Italy
| | - Laura Pasetto
- Research Center for ALS, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri, 2, 20156 Milano, Italy
| | - Camilla Testori
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte Liguria e Valle d'Aosta (IZSPLV), Via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy
| | - Elena Berrone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte Liguria e Valle d'Aosta (IZSPLV), Via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy
| | - Francesco Ingravalle
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte Liguria e Valle d'Aosta (IZSPLV), Via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy
| | - Marcella Chiari
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Chemical Science and Technologies (SCITEC-CNR), Via Mario Bianco 9, 20131 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gori
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Chemical Science and Technologies (SCITEC-CNR), Via Mario Bianco 9, 20131 Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Duchi
- Avantea, Laboratory of Reproductive Technologies, Via Porcellasco 7/F, 26100 Cremona, Italy
| | - Andrea Perota
- Avantea, Laboratory of Reproductive Technologies, Via Porcellasco 7/F, 26100 Cremona, Italy
| | - Luca Bergamaschi
- Avantea, Laboratory of Reproductive Technologies, Via Porcellasco 7/F, 26100 Cremona, Italy
| | - Antonio D'Angelo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Torino, Italy
| | - Giulia Cagnotti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Torino, Italy
| | - Cesare Galli
- Avantea, Laboratory of Reproductive Technologies, Via Porcellasco 7/F, 26100 Cremona, Italy
| | - Cristiano Corona
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte Liguria e Valle d'Aosta (IZSPLV), Via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy
| | - Valentina Bonetto
- Research Center for ALS, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri, 2, 20156 Milano, Italy
| | - Caterina Bendotti
- Research Center for ALS, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri, 2, 20156 Milano, Italy
| | - Marina Cretich
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Chemical Science and Technologies (SCITEC-CNR), Via Mario Bianco 9, 20131 Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Francesca Colombo
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Neuroscience (IN-CNR), Via Raoul Follereau 3, 20854 Vedano al Lambro, Italy
| | - Claudia Verderio
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Neuroscience (IN-CNR), Via Raoul Follereau 3, 20854 Vedano al Lambro, Italy.
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Cagnotti G, Ferrini S, Di Muro G, Avilii E, Favole A, D’Angelo A. Duration of constant rate infusion with diazepam or propofol for canine cluster seizures and status epilepticus. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1247100. [PMID: 37675074 PMCID: PMC10478093 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1247100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Constant rate infusion (CRI) of benzodiazepines or propofol (PPF) is a therapeutic option for cluster seizures (CS) and status epilepticus (SE) in canine patients non-responding to first-line benzodiazepines or non-anesthetics. However, specific indications for optimal duration of CRI are lacking. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of duration of anesthetic CRI on outcome and length of hospital stay in dogs with refractory seizure activity of different etiology. Study design Open-label non-randomized clinical trial. Materials and methods Seventy-three client-owned dogs were enrolled. Two groups [experimental (EXP) vs. control (CTRL)] were compared. The EXP group received diazepam (DZP) or PPF CRI for 12 h (±1 h) and the CTRL group received DZP or PPF CRI for 24 h (±1 h) in addition to a standardized emergency treatment protocol identical for both study groups. The historical control group was made up of a population of dogs already reported in a previously published paper by the same authors. Favorable outcome was defined as seizure cessation after CRI, no seizure recurrence, and clinical recovery. Poor outcome was defined as seizure recurrence, death in hospital or no return to acceptable clinical baseline. Univariate statistical analysis was performed. Results The study sample was 73 dogs: 45 (62%) received DZP CRI and 28 (38%) received PPF CRI. The EXP group was 39 dogs (25 DZP CRI and 14 PPF CRI) and the CTRL group 34 dogs (20 DZP CRI and 14 PPF CRI). We found no statistically significant difference in outcomes between the groups. The median length of stay was 56 h (IQR, 40-78) for the ALL EXP group and 58.5 h (IQR, 48-74.5) for the ALL CTRL group (p = 0.8). Conclusion Even though a shorter DZP or PPF CRI duration was not associated with a worse outcome, the study failed to identify a clear superiority of shorter CRI duration on outcome or length of hospital stay in dogs with refractory seizure activity of different etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Cagnotti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Sara Ferrini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giorgia Di Muro
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Eleonora Avilii
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandra Favole
- Istituto Zooprofilattico del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - Antonio D’Angelo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Favole A, Testori C, Bergagna S, Gennero MS, Ingravalle F, Costa B, Barresi S, Curti P, Barberis F, Ganio S, Orusa R, Vallino Costassa E, Berrone E, Vernè M, Scaglia M, Palmitessa C, Gallo M, Tessarolo C, Pederiva S, Ferrari A, Lorenzi V, Fusi F, Brunelli L, Pastorelli R, Cagnotti G, Casalone C, Caramelli M, Corona C. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Kynurenine Pathway, and Lipid-Profiling Alterations as Potential Animal Welfare Indicators in Dairy Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13071167. [PMID: 37048423 PMCID: PMC10093196 DOI: 10.3390/ani13071167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Complete animal welfare evaluation in intensive farming is challenging. With this study, we investigate new biomarkers for animal physical and mental health by comparing plasma expression of biochemical indicators in dairy cows reared in three different systems: (A) semi-intensive free-stall, (B) non-intensive tie-stall, and (C) intensive free-stall. Additionally, protein levels of mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF) and its precursor form (proBDNF) and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1) specific activity were evaluated in brain samples collected from 12 cattle culled between 73 and 138 months of age. Alterations in plasma lipid composition and in the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism were observed in the tie-stall-reared animals. The total plasma BDNF concentration was higher in tie-stall group compared to the two free-housing groups. Brain analysis of the tie-stall animals revealed a different mBDNF/proBDNF ratio, with a higher level of proBDNF (p < 0.001). Our data are similar to previous studies on animal models of depression, which reported that inhibition of the conversion of proBDNF in its mature form and/or elevated peripheral kynurenine pathway activation may underlie cerebral biochemical changes and induce depressive-like state behavior in animals.
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Ferrini S, Rollo C, Bellino C, Borriello G, Cagnotti G, Corona C, Di Muro G, Giacobini M, Iulini B, D'Angelo A. A novel machine learning-based web application for field identification of infectious and inflammatory disorders of the central nervous system in cattle. J Vet Intern Med 2023; 37:766-773. [PMID: 36896810 PMCID: PMC10061175 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Central nervous system (CNS) infections in cattle are a major cause of economic loss and mortality. Machine learning (ML) techniques are gaining widespread application in solving predictive tasks in both human and veterinary medicine. OBJECTIVES Our primary aim was to develop and compare ML models that could predict the likelihood of a CNS disorder of infectious or inflammatory origin in neurologically-impaired cattle. Our secondary aim was to create a user-friendly web application based on the ML model for the diagnosis of infection and inflammation of the CNS. ANIMALS Ninety-eight cattle with CNS infection and 86 with CNS disorders of other origin. METHODS Retrospective observational study. Six different ML methods (logistic regression [LR]; support vector machine [SVM]; random forest [RF]; multilayer perceptron [MLP]; K-nearest neighbors [KNN]; gradient boosting [GB]) were compared for their ability to predict whether an infectious or inflammatory disease was present based on demographics, neurological examination findings, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. RESULTS All 6 methods had high prediction accuracy (≥80%). The accuracy of the LR model was significantly higher (0.843 ± 0.005; receiver operating characteristic [ROC] curve 0.907 ± 0.005 ) than the other models and was selected for implementation in a web application. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Our findings support the use of ML algorithms as promising tools for veterinarians to improve diagnosis. The open-access web application may aid clinicians in achieving correct diagnosis of infectious and inflammatory neurological disorders in livestock, with the added benefit of promoting appropriate use of antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ferrini
- Department of Veterinary SciencesUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
| | - Cesare Rollo
- Department of Medical SciencesUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
| | - Claudio Bellino
- Department of Veterinary SciencesUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
| | | | - Giulia Cagnotti
- Department of Veterinary SciencesUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
| | - Cristiano Corona
- Istituto Zooprofilattico del Piemonte Liguria e Valle d'AostaTurinItaly
| | - Giorgia Di Muro
- Department of Veterinary SciencesUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
| | - Mario Giacobini
- Department of Veterinary SciencesUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
| | - Barbara Iulini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico del Piemonte Liguria e Valle d'AostaTurinItaly
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Borriello G, Valentini F, Rampinelli M, Ferrini S, Cagnotti G, D’angelo A, Bellino C. Ocular Ultrasonography in Healthy Calves with Different Transducers. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040742. [PMID: 36830528 PMCID: PMC9952285 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Ocular ultrasonography is seldom performed in cattle. Here, we compared three ultrasound probes (linear, convex, transrectal gynecological) for the measurement of eight eye biometry parameters on vertical and horizontal scans. The sample population was 20 healthy calves (n = 10 Holstein, n = 10 Piedmontese breed). Intragroup (same probe for vertical vs. horizontal scanning) and intergroup (different probes measuring the same biometric parameter) comparisons were performed using Student's t-test and the Mann-Whitney U test. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Intragroup comparison revealed few significant differences. Ultrasound examination with the convex transducer detected more differences than either of the two other probes on vertical (linear six out of eight; transrectal gynecological four out of eight) and horizontal (linear six out of eight; transrectal gynecological six out of eight) scans. Similar results were obtained for both breeds. More non-valuable parameters on the horizontal (77 out of 320, 24%) and the vertical (85 out of 320, 26%) (p ≤ 0.001) scans were obtained with the convex transducer. Both linear transducers were found comparable for ocular ultrasonography in field conditions. However, given its widespread application in the field, the transrectal gynecological transducer may offer veterinarians the added advantage of familiarity and ease-of-use without any additional costs.
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Cagnotti G, Ferrini S, Muro GD, Borriello G, Corona C, Manassero L, Avilii E, Bellino C, D'Angelo A. Constant rate infusion of diazepam or propofol for the management of canine cluster seizures or status epilepticus. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1005948. [PMID: 36467660 PMCID: PMC9713018 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1005948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cluster seizures (CS) and status epilepticus (SE) in dogs are severe neurological emergencies that require immediate treatment. Practical guidelines call for constant rate infusion (CRI) of benzodiazepines or propofol (PPF) in patients with seizures not responding to first-line treatment, but to date only few studies have investigated the use of CRI in dogs with epilepsy. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective clinical study. METHODS Dogs that received CRI of diazepam (DZP) or PPF for antiepileptic treatment during hospitalization at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Turin for CS or SE between September 2016 and December 2019 were eligible for inclusion. Favorable outcome was defined as cessation of clinically visible seizure activity within few minutes from the initiation of the CRI, no seizure recurrence within 24 h after discontinuation of CRI through to hospital discharge, and clinical recovery. Poor outcome was defined as recurrence of seizure activity despite treatment or death in hospital because of recurrent seizures, catastrophic consequences of prolonged seizures or no return to an acceptable neurological and clinical baseline, despite apparent control of seizure activity. Comparisons between the number of patients with favorable outcome and those with poor outcome in relation to type of CRI, seizure etiology, reason for presentation (CS or SE), sex, previous AED therapy and dose of PPF CRI were carried out. RESULTS A total of 37 dogs, with 50 instances of hospitalization and CRI administered for CS or SE were included in the study. CRI of diazepam (DZP) or PPF was administered in 29/50 (58%) and in 21/50 (42%) instances of hospitalization, respectively. Idiopathic epilepsy was diagnosed in 21/37 (57%), (13/21 tier I and 8/21 tier II); structural epilepsy was diagnosed in 6/37 (16%) of which 4/6 confirmed and 2/6 suspected. A metabolic or toxic cause of seizure activity was recorded in 7/37 (19%). A total of 38/50 (76%) hospitalizations were noted for CS and 12/50 (24%) for SE. In 30/50 (60%) instances of hospitalization, the patient responded well to CRI with cessation of seizure activity, no recurrence in the 24 h after discontinuation of CRI through to hospital discharge, whereas a poor outcome was recorded for 20/50 (40%) cases (DZP CRI in 12/50 and PPF CRI in 8/50). Comparison between the number of patients with favorable outcome and those with poor outcome in relation to type of CRI, seizure etiology, reason for presentation (CS or SE), sex and previous AED therapy was carried out but no statistically significant differences were found. CONCLUSIONS The present study is the first to document administration of CRI of DZP or PPF in a large sample of dogs with epilepsy. The medications appeared to be tolerated without major side effects and helped control seizure activity in most patients regardless of seizure etiology. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effects of CRI duration on outcome and complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Cagnotti
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Sara Ferrini
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Giorgia Di Muro
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Cristiano Corona
- Istituto Zooprofilattico del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Torino, Italy
| | - Luca Manassero
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Eleonora Avilii
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Claudio Bellino
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Antonio D'Angelo
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
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Ferrini S, Grego E, Ala U, Cagnotti G, Valentini F, Di Muro G, Iulini B, Stella MC, Bellino C, D'Angelo A. Feasibility of 16S rRNA sequencing for cerebrospinal fluid microbiome analysis in cattle with neurological disorders: a pilot study. Vet Res Commun 2022; 47:373-383. [PMID: 35759164 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-022-09949-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial infection of the central nervous system (CNS) in cattle requires prompt and adequate antimicrobial treatment. The current gold standard for antemortem etiological diagnosis is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture, which often yields false negative results. CSF has long been considered a sterile district in healthy patients, but this notion has been recently challenged. For this pilot study, we used 16S rRNA gene sequencing to investigate the microbial composition of CSF of cattle presenting with CNS disorders and to compare it between subjects with CNS infections and with CNS disorders of other nature. The study sample was 10 animals: 4 presenting with CNS infectious-inflammatory diseases and 6 with other CNS disorders, based on definitive diagnosis. Since the initial round of a standard 16S rRNA PCR did not yield sufficient genetic material for sequencing in any of the samples, the protocol was modified to increase its sensitivity. Bacterial genetic material was identified in 6 animals and 2 groups were formed: an infectious inflammatory (n = 3) and a noninfectious inflammatory group (n = 3). The most frequently expressed bacterial families were Pseudomonadaceae (44.61%), Moraxellaceae (19.54%), Mycobacteriaceae (11.80%); the genera were Pseudomonas (45.42%), Acinetobacter (19.91%), Mycobacterium (12.01%). There were no detectable differences in the CSF microbial composition of the samples from the two groups. Sequencing of bacterial DNA present in the CSF was possible only after increasing PCR sensitivity. The results of 16S rRNA sequencing showed the presence of a microbial community in the CSF in cattle with neurological disorders. Further studies, in which CSF samples from healthy animals and samples from the environment are included as controls, are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ferrini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Clinical section, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Elena Grego
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Clinical section, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Ugo Ala
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Clinical section, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Giulia Cagnotti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Clinical section, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, TO, Italy.
| | - Flaminia Valentini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Clinical section, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Giorgia Di Muro
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Clinical section, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Barbara Iulini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico del Piemonte Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Stella
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Clinical section, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Claudio Bellino
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Clinical section, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Antonio D'Angelo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Clinical section, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
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Dappiano E, Cagnotti G, Corona C, Riondato F, Iulini B, Pintore D, D'angelo A. Acute myelomonocytic leukemia with multifocal manifestation and spinal cord infiltration in a dog. SCHWEIZ ARCH TIERH 2022; 164:350-356. [PMID: 35383032 DOI: 10.17236/sat00353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Few cases of myelomonocytic leukemia associated with neurological signs have been described in dogs; none have been related to intraparenchymal spinal cord infiltration by neoplastic cells. This short communication describes a case of acute myelomonocytic leukemia subtype M4 in a dog with spinal cord infiltration. A 3-year-old male Golden Retriever was presented with a history of hyperthermia, lymphadenomegaly, leukocytosis with circulating blast cells, anemia and thrombocytopenia, and acute onset paraplegia. Immunophenotyping of peripheral blood by flow cytometry was consistent with acute myelomonocytic leukemia subtype M4. The dog was euthanized because of clinical deterioration and unfavourable prognosis. Postmortem examination revealed multi-organ neoplastic infiltration, including the spinal cord. To our knowledge, this is the first case of acute myelomonocytic leukemia subtype M4 in a dog with spinal cord infiltration. Our findings hold importance for including myelomonocytic leukemia in the differential diagnosis of patients with neurological signs due to spinal cord localisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Dappiano
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - G Cagnotti
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - C Corona
- Istituto Zooprofilattico del Piemonte Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - F Riondato
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - B Iulini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico del Piemonte Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - D Pintore
- Istituto Zooprofilattico del Piemonte Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - A D'angelo
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
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Favole A, Mazza M, D'Angelo A, Lombardi G, Palmitessa C, Dell'Atti L, Cagnotti G, Berrone E, Gallo M, Avanzato T, Messana E, Masoero L, Acutis PL, Meloni D, Cardone F, Caramelli M, Casalone C, Corona C. RT-QuIC detection of pathological prion protein in subclinical goats following experimental oral transmission of L-type BSE. BMC Res Notes 2021; 14:442. [PMID: 34876215 PMCID: PMC8650279 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-021-05859-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The spread of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) agent to small ruminants is still a major issue in the surveillance of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). L-type bovine spongiform encephalopathy (L-BSE) is an atypical form of BSE with an unknown zoonotic potential that is transmissible to cattle and small ruminants. Our current knowledge of bovine atypical prion strains in sheep and goat relies only on experimental transmission studies by intracranial inoculation. To assess oral susceptibility of goats to L-BSE, we orally inoculated five goats with cattle L-BSE brain homogenates and investigated pathogenic prion protein (PrPsc) distribution by an ultrasensitive in vitro conversion assay known as Real-Time Quaking Induced Conversion (RT-QuIC). Results Despite a prolonged observation period of 80 months, all these animals and the uninfected controls did not develop clinical signs referable to TSEs and tested negative by standard diagnostics. Otherwise, RT-QuIC analysis showed seeding activity in five out of five examined brain samples. PrPsc accumulation was also detected in spinal cord and lymphoreticular system. These results indicate that caprine species are susceptible to L-BSE by oral transmission and that ultrasensitive prion tests deserve consideration to improve the potential of current surveillance systems against otherwise undetectable forms of animal prion infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Favole
- S.C. Neuroscienze, Lab. di Neurobiologia Sperimentale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154, Turin, Italy.
| | - Maria Mazza
- S.C. Neuroscienze, Lab. di Neurobiologia Sperimentale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Guerino Lombardi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia-Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - Claudia Palmitessa
- S.C. Neuroscienze, Lab. di Neurobiologia Sperimentale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154, Turin, Italy
| | - Luana Dell'Atti
- S.C. Neuroscienze, Lab. di Neurobiologia Sperimentale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Elena Berrone
- S.C. Neuroscienze, Lab. di Neurobiologia Sperimentale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154, Turin, Italy
| | - Marina Gallo
- S.C. Neuroscienze, Lab. di Neurobiologia Sperimentale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154, Turin, Italy
| | - Tiziana Avanzato
- S.C. Neuroscienze, Lab. di Neurobiologia Sperimentale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154, Turin, Italy
| | - Erika Messana
- S.C. Neuroscienze, Lab. di Neurobiologia Sperimentale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154, Turin, Italy
| | - Loretta Masoero
- S.C. Neuroscienze, Lab. di Neurobiologia Sperimentale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154, Turin, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi Acutis
- S.C. Neuroscienze, Lab. di Neurobiologia Sperimentale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154, Turin, Italy
| | - Daniela Meloni
- S.C. Neuroscienze, Lab. di Neurobiologia Sperimentale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Maria Caramelli
- S.C. Neuroscienze, Lab. di Neurobiologia Sperimentale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154, Turin, Italy
| | - Cristina Casalone
- S.C. Neuroscienze, Lab. di Neurobiologia Sperimentale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154, Turin, Italy
| | - Cristiano Corona
- S.C. Neuroscienze, Lab. di Neurobiologia Sperimentale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154, Turin, Italy.
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Cagnotti G, Ferrini S, Ala U, Bellino C, Corona C, Dappiano E, Di Muro G, Iulini B, Pepe I, Roncone S, D'Angelo A. Analysis of Early Assessable Risk Factors for Poor Outcome in Dogs With Cluster Seizures and Status Epilepticus. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:575551. [PMID: 33195572 PMCID: PMC7581674 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.575551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Status epileptics (SE) and cluster seizures (CS) are serious neurological emergencies associated with poor outcome in epileptic patients. Data on risk factors associated with outcome in epileptic patients affected by CS and SE have not been studied extensively to date. In the present retrospective study potential risk factors predictive of negative outcome in a population of dogs affected by CS and SE were analyzed. Ninety-three dogs were included in the study: 21/93 patients (23%) presented with SE and 72/93 (77%) with CS. Based on multivariate statistical analysis, factors statistically associated with a poor outcome were the occurrence of the first epileptic seizure outside the defined idiopathic interval (6 months-6 years), a condition of hyperthermia at presentation and the absence of previous antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in case of previous history of seizures. The results of the present study implement data on risk factors associated with poor outcome in dogs affected by CS or SE and can aid in the creation of an ad hoc scoring system, similar to systems currently applied in human medicine upon hospital admission to benchmark performances and establish protocols for triage and therapeutic management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Cagnotti
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Sara Ferrini
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Ugo Ala
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Claudio Bellino
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Cristiano Corona
- Istituto Zooprofilattico del Piemonte Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - Elena Dappiano
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Giorgia Di Muro
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Barbara Iulini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico del Piemonte Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - Ida Pepe
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Silvia Roncone
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Antonio D'Angelo
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
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11
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Gianella P, Roncone S, Ala U, Bottero E, Cagnasso F, Cagnotti G, Bellino C. Upper digestive tract abnormalities in dogs with chronic idiopathic lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis. J Vet Intern Med 2020; 34:1845-1852. [PMID: 32618401 PMCID: PMC7517503 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic idiopathic lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis (CILPR) is a common inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology affecting the nasal cavity of dogs. The diagnosis is made by exclusion of other causes of nasal disease and specific therapeutic protocols are lacking. In human medicine, a relationship between CILPR and gastrointestinal clinical signs has been postulated, and remission of respiratory signs after clinical trials with medications for gastrointestinal disorders has been observed. OBJECTIVES To describe history, clinical presentation, endoscopic and histopathologic concurrent respiratory and digestive tract abnormalities, and to evaluate improvement of respiratory signs after treatment for gastrointestinal signs. ANIMALS Twenty-five dogs with CILPR. METHODS Prospective study. For inclusion, following information had to be available: respiratory and digestive clinical signs, airway and digestive tract endoscopic abnormalities, histologic evaluation of respiratory and gastrointestinal tract biopsy specimens, and clinical response to different treatment strategies. RESULTS Twenty-two dogs had endoscopic gastrointestinal lesions, whereas 13 dogs had concurrent gastrointestinal signs. Most esophageal and duodenal endoscopic abnormalities were classified as moderate or severe. Respiratory and gastrointestinal tract histologic evaluation identified mostly chronic inflammation. Remission or marked improvement of respiratory signs was observed in the majority of dogs treated only for gastrointestinal signs up to 12 months after endoscopy. No significant associations between treatments and follow-up information were found. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Nasal and upper digestive tract abnormalities coexist in some dogs with CILPR. Lack of standardized therapeutic protocols suggests caution when interpreting improvement in nasal clinical signs. Additional studies are needed to explore the possibility of a cause-effect relationship between the 2 processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Gianella
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Silvia Roncone
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Ugo Ala
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | | | - Federica Cagnasso
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Giulia Cagnotti
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Claudio Bellino
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
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Cagnotti G, Cantile C, Chessa S, Sacchi P, D'Angelo A, Bellino C. Spinal Muscular Atrophy in Blonde D'Aquitaine Calves Is Not Associated With FVT1 Gene Mutation. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:348. [PMID: 32714947 PMCID: PMC7344245 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a motor neuron disease (MND) in humans and diverse animal species: canid, felid, and bovid. To date, bovine SMA has been reported in Brown Swiss, Holstein, Friesian, and Red Danish breed; it has been associated with a genetic mutation of the FVT1 gene, also known as 3-ketodihydrosphingosine reductase (KDSR). The aim of the present case series was to describe clinical presentation, pathological findings, and genetic analysis of five Blond d'Aquitaine calves diagnosed with SMA and to determine whether the mutation was associated with the disease. Five Blonde d'Aquitaine calves (three females and two males) from the same cow-calf operation farm were presented between June 2018 and February 2019 because unable to stand or walk unassisted since birth. Neurological examination aroused suspicion of a diffuse lesion affecting the peripheral nervous system in all calves. Findings from electromyographic investigations and muscle and nerve biopsies were consistent with a non-regenerative, chronic, active axonal neuropathy and marked neurogenic muscular atrophy and assumed to be associated with a neurodegenerative process. Histopathological examination of tissue samples from two animals revealed neuronal loss and several degenerated, shrunken, and hypereosinophilic neurons at the level of the ventral horn of the cervico-thoracic and the lumbo-sacral intumescence, diffuse loss of myelinated axons at the level of the ventral funiculi of all segments of the spinal cord, and moderate diffuse astrocytic reaction. These findings confirmed the diagnosis of SMA. No mutation of the FVT1 gene was found on genetic analysis. Further study into the causative gene mutation of SMA in Blonde D'Aquitaine calves is under way. Identification of a novel genetic mutation could improve our understanding of the disease in human medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Cagnotti
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- *Correspondence: Giulia Cagnotti
| | - Carlo Cantile
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefania Chessa
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Sacchi
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Antonio D'Angelo
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Claudio Bellino
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Odore R, Rendini D, Badino P, Gardini G, Cagnotti G, Meucci V, Intorre L, Bellino C, D’Angelo A. Behavioral Therapy and Fluoxetine Treatment in Aggressive Dogs: A Case Study. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10050832. [PMID: 32403396 PMCID: PMC7278467 DOI: 10.3390/ani10050832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine aggression is a major concern, affecting millions of people worldwide, and treatment can be challenging even for skilled veterinarians. Empiric use of fluoxetine is sometimes attempted, although few data regarding long-term effects in aggressive dogs are available. The aim of the study was to investigate clinical effectiveness of fluoxetine (1.5 mg/kg/die PO) combined with a behavior modification program for treatment of canine dominance-related aggression. Circulating levels of fluoxetine, norfluoxetine, and serotonin (5-HT) were also measured. Eight dogs with a diagnosis of dominance aggression (owner-directed) were enrolled. Before treatment (T0), and after one (T1), two (T2), four (T3), and six (T4) months of fluoxetine administration, clinical outcomes were graded using a five-point frequency scale (0-4), and blood samples were collected to measure fluoxetine/norfluoxetine (high-performance liquid chromatography) and 5-HT (ELISA) levels. Following treatment, a decrease in behavioral test scores was observed at T1-T4. Increasing concentrations of circulating fluoxetine and norfluoxetine were measured throughout the follow-up. Correlation between norfluoxetine levels and clinical scores was observed at T4. Starting from T1, a significant decrease in 5-HT levels was observed. Our data suggest that fluoxetine (1.5 mg/kg/day) when associated with behavior treatment is effective in controlling canine aggression over a six-month period, and that, in dogs norfluoxetine levels seem reliable in predicting clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosangela Odore
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco (TO), Italy; (R.O.); (D.R.); (G.G.); (G.C.); (C.B.); (A.D.)
| | - Diego Rendini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco (TO), Italy; (R.O.); (D.R.); (G.G.); (G.C.); (C.B.); (A.D.)
| | - Paola Badino
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco (TO), Italy; (R.O.); (D.R.); (G.G.); (G.C.); (C.B.); (A.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-011-6709017
| | - Giulia Gardini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco (TO), Italy; (R.O.); (D.R.); (G.G.); (G.C.); (C.B.); (A.D.)
| | - Giulia Cagnotti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco (TO), Italy; (R.O.); (D.R.); (G.G.); (G.C.); (C.B.); (A.D.)
| | - Valentina Meucci
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (V.M.); (L.I.)
| | - Luigi Intorre
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (V.M.); (L.I.)
| | - Claudio Bellino
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco (TO), Italy; (R.O.); (D.R.); (G.G.); (G.C.); (C.B.); (A.D.)
| | - Antonio D’Angelo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco (TO), Italy; (R.O.); (D.R.); (G.G.); (G.C.); (C.B.); (A.D.)
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14
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Cagnotti G, Odore R, Bertone I, Corona C, Dappiano E, Gardini G, Iulini B, Bellino C, D'Angelo A. Open-label clinical trial of rectally administered levetiracetam as supplemental treatment in dogs with cluster seizures. J Vet Intern Med 2019; 33:1714-1718. [PMID: 31218767 PMCID: PMC6639497 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Treatment options for at‐home management of cluster seizures (CS) and status epilepticus (SE) are limited. The pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam (LEV) after rectal administration in both healthy and epileptic dogs has been investigated recently. Hypothesis/Objectives To investigate the clinical efficacy of rectally administered LEV in preventing additional seizures in dogs presented for CS and SE. We hypothesized that rectal administration of LEV in addition to a standard treatment protocol would provide better control of seizure activity as compared with the standard treatment protocol alone. Animals Fifty‐seven client‐owned dogs with CS or SE. Methods Prospective open‐label clinical trial. Patients included in the study were assigned to receive either a standard treatment protocol comprising IV/rectal diazepam and IV phenobarbital q8h (control group) or a standard treatment protocol in association with a single dose of 40 mg/kg LEV rectally (rectal LEV group). Dogs that experienced no additional seizures were defined as responders, whereas those that showed additional seizure activity were classified as nonresponders. Results Twenty‐one dogs were assigned to the rectal LEV group, and 36 to control group. Given the small number of cases of SE, statistical analysis was performed only on patients with CS. The response rate was 94% in the rectal LEV group and 48% in the control group (P < .001). Conclusions and Clinical Importance Rectally administered LEV combined with a standard treatment protocol provided good control of seizure activity in patients with CS. The validity of these results should be confirmed in a double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Cagnotti
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Rosangela Odore
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Iride Bertone
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Cristiano Corona
- Istituto Zooprofilattico del Piemonte Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - Elena Dappiano
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giulia Gardini
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Barbara Iulini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico del Piemonte Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - Claudio Bellino
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Antonio D'Angelo
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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15
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Cagnotti G, Sammartano F, Bertone I, Capucchio MT, Nicola I, Sacchi P, Bellino C, D'Angelo A. Imaging and genetic investigations of neural tube defect in a calf: case report and review of the literature. J Vet Diagn Invest 2019; 31:228-234. [PMID: 30852979 DOI: 10.1177/1040638718823037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A 15-d-old female crossbreed calf was referred because of paraplegia since birth. Clinical examination revealed a skin defect covered by hair on the dorsal midline in the thoracic area of the spine. Thoracolumbar spinal cord neuroanatomic localization was determined based on neurologic examination. Computed tomography of the thoracolumbar spine revealed incomplete fusion of the vertebral arches from T6 to T10 and duplication of the vertebral arch of T7. At the level of T6-T7, duplication of the spinal cord with 2 segments completely separated by a septum of hyperattenuating, probably cartilaginous, tissue was noted. Histologically, the spinal segments had different degrees of duplication. Three central canals were detected in one region. Genetic investigation for the presence of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphism, which has been investigated in both human and veterinary medicine as a possible cause of neural tube defects and abortion, was carried out and was negative in both the calf and her dam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Cagnotti
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Torino, Italy
| | - Federica Sammartano
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Torino, Italy
| | - Iride Bertone
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Isabella Nicola
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Torino, Italy
| | - Paola Sacchi
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Torino, Italy
| | - Claudio Bellino
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Torino, Italy
| | - Antonio D'Angelo
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Torino, Italy
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Cagnotti G, Odore R, Gardini G, Amedeo S, Bertone I, Guerriero G, Lentini L, Dappiano E, D'Angelo A. Pharmacokinetics of rectal levetiracetam as add-on treatment in dogs affected by cluster seizures or status epilepticus. BMC Vet Res 2018; 14:189. [PMID: 29914474 PMCID: PMC6006693 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-018-1522-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Levetiracetam can be used for seizure control alone or in combination with other antiepileptic medications. A previous study achieved the minimum targeted serum drug concentration after rectal administration of levetiracetam in healthy dogs. The purpose of the present study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of rectal LEV in dogs presented for cluster seizures or status epilepticus and potentially in treatment with other anti-epileptic drugs. Furthermore, preliminary information on response to this treatment as add-on to the standard treatment protocol is reported. Results Eight client-owned dogs were enrolled. Plasma levetiracetam concentrations (measured at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240, 360, 720, and 1440 min after drug administration) reached the minimum target concentration (5 μg/ml) at 30 min in all but one patient. At T1 (30 min) the mean concentration was 28.2 ± 15.5 μg/ml. Plasma concentrations remained above the targeted minimum concentration in all patients until 240 min and in 7/8 until 360 min. Six out of eight patients experienced no seizures in the 24-h period after hospitalization and were classified as “responders”. Conclusions Minimum plasma levetiracetam concentration can be reached after rectal administration of 40 mg/kg in dogs affected by cluster seizures and status epilepticus and concurrently receiving other antiepileptic drugs. These preliminary results may encourage the evaluation of rectal levetiracetam as an additional treatment option for cluster seizures and status epilepticus in a larger number of dogs. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12917-018-1522-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Cagnotti
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Via Largo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Turin, Italy.
| | - Rosangela Odore
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Via Largo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Turin, Italy
| | - Giulia Gardini
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Via Largo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Turin, Italy
| | - Stefano Amedeo
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Via Largo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Turin, Italy
| | - Iride Bertone
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Via Largo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Turin, Italy
| | - Giulia Guerriero
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Via Largo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Turin, Italy
| | - Laura Lentini
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Via Largo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Turin, Italy
| | - Elena Dappiano
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Via Largo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Turin, Italy
| | - Antonio D'Angelo
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Via Largo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Turin, Italy
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17
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Ashwini A, D'Angelo A, Yamato O, Giordano C, Cagnotti G, Harcourt-Brown T, Mhlanga-Mutangadura T, Guo J, Johnson GS, Katz ML. Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis associated with an MFSD8 mutation in Chihuahuas. Mol Genet Metab 2016; 118:326-32. [PMID: 27211611 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2016.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are hereditary neurodegenerative disorders characterized by progressive declines in neurological functions, seizures, and premature death. NCLs result from mutations in at least 13 different genes. Canine versions of the NCLs can serve as important models in developing effective therapeutic interventions for these diseases. NCLs have been described in a number of dog breeds, including Chihuahuas. Studies were undertaken to further characterize the pathology of Chihuahua NCL and to verify its molecular genetic basis. Four unrelated client owned Chihuahuas from Japan, Italy and England that exhibited progressive neurological signs consistent with a diagnosis of NCL underwent neurological examinations. Brain and in some cases also retinal and heart tissues were examined postmortem for the presence of lysosomal storage bodies characteristic of NCL. The affected dogs exhibited massive accumulation of autofluorescent lysosomal storage bodies in the brain, retina and heart accompanied by brain atrophy and retinal degeneration. The dogs were screened for known canine NCL mutations previously reported in a variety of dog breeds. All 4 dogs were homozygous for the MFSD8 single base pair deletion (MFSD8:c.843delT) previously associated with NCL in a Chinese Crested dog and in 2 affected littermate Chihuahuas from Scotland. The dogs were all homozygous for the normal alleles at the other genetic loci known to cause different forms of canine NCL. The MFSD8:c.843delT mutation was not present in 57 Chihuahuas that were either clinically normal or suffered from unrelated diseases or in 1761 unaffected dogs representing 186 other breeds. Based on these data it is almost certain that the MFSD8:c.843delT mutation is the cause of NCL in Chihuahuas. Because the disorder occurred in widely separated geographic locations or in unrelated dogs from the same country, it is likely that the mutant allele is widespread among Chihuahuas. Genetic testing for this mutation in other Chihuahuas is therefore likely to identify intact dogs with the mutant allele that could be used to establish a research colony that could be used to test potential therapeutic interventions for the corresponding human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Ashwini
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia MO, USA
| | - Antonio D'Angelo
- Department of Veterinary Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Turin, Italy
| | - Osamu Yamato
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Cristina Giordano
- Department of Veterinary Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Turin, Italy
| | - Giulia Cagnotti
- Department of Veterinary Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Turin, Italy
| | | | | | - Juyuan Guo
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia MO, USA
| | - Gary S Johnson
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia MO, USA
| | - Martin L Katz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA.
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Bertone I, Bellino C, Alborali GL, Cagnasso A, Cagnotti G, Dappiano E, Lizzi M, Miciletta M, Ramacciotti A, Gianella P, D'Angelo A. Clinical-pathological findings of otitis media and media-interna in calves and (clinical) evaluation of a standardized therapeutic protocol. BMC Vet Res 2015; 11:297. [PMID: 26634824 PMCID: PMC4669636 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-015-0606-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aims of this field trial were to describe the clinical-pathologic findings in calves with otitis media (OM) and media-interna (OMI), to evaluate, through the development of a scoring system, the effectiveness of a standardized therapeutic protocol, and to identify the causative pathogens and their possible correlation with concurrent respiratory disease. All animals underwent physical and neurological examinations at three experimental time points: at diagnosis/beginning of treatment (T0), 1 week (T1) and 2 weeks (T2) after therapy was started, respectively. Follow-up telephone interviews with animal owners were conducted 1 month later. The therapeutic protocol consisted of tulathromycin (Draxxin®; Zoetis), oxytetracycline hydrochloride (Terramicina 100®; Zoetis), and carprofen (Rimadyl®; Zoetis). Results Twenty-two calves were enrolled. Physical and otoscopic examination at T0 revealed monolateral and bilateral otorrhea in 16 and 6 calves, respectively, with peripheral vestibular system involvement in calves presenting with neurological signs (n = 17; 77 %). A significant improvement of clinical and neurological scores was observed in 20 (90 %) calves, a full recovery in only 1 (5 %). One calf worsened between T0 and T1 and it was removed from the study. None of the other animals showed a worsening of clinical conditions and/or required further treatments at one month follow up. Mycoplasma bovis was isolated in 89 % of the affected ears either alone or together with P. multocida (n = 5), Streptococcus spp. (n = 1), Staphylococcus spp. (n = 1), and Pseudomonas spp. (n = 1). M. bovis either alone or together with these bacteria was also isolated from the upper and/or lower respiratory tract in 19 (86 %) calves. Conclusions This is the first prospective study to evaluate the effectiveness of a standardized therapeutic protocol for the treatment of OM/OMI in calves. The therapy led to clinical improvement in the majority of the calves. Persistence of mild clinical-neurological signs did not compromise productive performance. The numerical scoring system for clinical and neurological signs permitted objective evaluation of response to therapy. M. bovis was the pathogen most often isolated. This finding should be considered in the treatment of OM/OMI in calves. Moreover, respiratory tract infection should not be underrated, since it is one of the major risk factors for the development of OM/OMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Bertone
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy.
| | - C Bellino
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy.
| | - G L Alborali
- Diagnostic Section of Brescia, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia-Romagna, Brescia, Italy.
| | - A Cagnasso
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy.
| | - G Cagnotti
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy.
| | - E Dappiano
- Private Practitioner Turin, Turin, Italy.
| | - M Lizzi
- Private Practitioner Udine, Udine, Italy.
| | | | | | - P Gianella
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy.
| | - A D'Angelo
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy.
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D'Angelo A, Bellino C, Bertone I, Cagnotti G, Iulini B, Miniscalco B, Casalone C, Gianella P, Cagnasso A. Seizure disorders in 43 cattle. J Vet Intern Med 2015; 29:967-71. [PMID: 25857732 PMCID: PMC4895412 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.12592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Revised: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Large animals have a relatively high seizure threshold, and in most cases seizures are acquired. No published case series have described this syndrome in cattle. Objectives To describe clinical findings and outcomes in cattle referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Turin (Italy) because of seizures. Animals Client‐owned cattle with documented evidence of seizures. Methods Medical records of cattle with episodes of seizures reported between January 2002 and February 2014 were reviewed. Evidence of seizures was identified based on the evaluation of seizure episodes by the referring veterinarian or 1 of the authors. Animals were recruited if physical and neurologic examinations were performed and if diagnostic laboratory test results were available. Results Forty‐three of 49 cases fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 8 months. Thirty‐one animals were male and 12 were female. Piedmontese breed accounted for 39/43 (91%) animals. Seizures were etiologically classified as reactive in 30 patients (70%) and secondary or structural in 13 (30%). Thirty‐six animals survived, 2 died naturally, and 5 were euthanized for reasons of animal welfare. The definitive cause of reactive seizures was diagnosed as hypomagnesemia (n = 2), hypocalcemia (n = 12), and hypomagnesemia‐hypocalcemia (n = 16). The cause of structural seizures was diagnosed as cerebrocortical necrosis (n = 8), inflammatory diseases (n = 4), and lead (Pb) intoxication (n = 1). Conclusion and Clinical Importance The study results indicate that seizures largely are reported in beef cattle and that the cause can be identified and successfully treated in most cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D'Angelo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - C Bellino
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - I Bertone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - G Cagnotti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - B Iulini
- National Reference Centre for Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs) - Neuropathology Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - B Miniscalco
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - C Casalone
- National Reference Centre for Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs) - Neuropathology Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - P Gianella
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - A Cagnasso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
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