Serological survey of canine dirofilariosis in Chongqing, Kunming, Nanchang, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Nanning in Southern China

The present study conducts a serological survey on the presence of canine dirofilariosis in domestic dogs using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. A total of 310 household dogs (166 females and 144 males) in Chongqing, Kunming, Nanchang, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Nanning in Southern China were examined. Of the 310 dogs, 42 (13.5%) were seropositive for dirofilariosis. No statistically significant difference was observed in terms of sex in the seroprevalence of dirofilariosis using the ELISA kit. The positive rates for dirofilariosis were 6.6% in the 0-1-year-old group, 13.8% in the 1-4-year-old group, and 21.6% in the less than 4-year-old group. The statistical analysis revealed that significant differences were observed in the 1-4-year-old group (P=0.037, OR=0.441, 95% CI=0.170-1.144) and less than 4-year-old group (P<0.001, OR=0.256, 95% CI=0.095-0.693). In the regional comparison, the shoreline city Shenzhen (18.8%) had a significantly higher prevalence than urban and mountain areas (P<0.05, OR=0.310, 95% CI=0.066-1.445). In conclusion, Dirofilaria immitis infection in domestic dogs was present in Chongqing, Kunming, Nanchang, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Nanning. Therefore, heartworm treatment and/or chemoprophylaxis for the captured domestic dogs are necessary in these areas. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first using serological methods to examine D. immitis infection in domestic dogs in Mainland China in the recent years.     

Seroepidemiologic survey of Dirofilaria immitis infection among domestic dogs in Taipei City and mountain aboriginal districts in Taiwan (1998-1999).

To estimate the seroprevalence of Dirofilaria immitis infection in domestic dogs in Taiwan, we utilized a commercial ELISA kit (Snap, IDEXX, USA) for detecting circulating antigens released by adult female worms. Serum specimens of 664 domestic dogs sampled from Taipei City in northern Taiwan and 14 mountain aboriginal districts in eastern Taiwan were screened for D. immitis antigens. Multivariate-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by multiple logistic regression analysis. A total of 89 subjects were antigen-positive, giving a seroprevalence of 13.4%, of which the seroprevalence in Taipei City and mountain aboriginal districts were 13.8 and 12.1%, respectively. The mean overall seropositive rates were 6.3% in 1-3-year-old age group, 14.1% in 3-6-year-old age group and 23.7% in the > or =6-year-old age group. The older the age, the higher the seroprevalence (OR=4.6, 95% CI=2.4-9.0 for the > or =6-year-old age group versus 1-3-year-old age group, P<0.001) for all the dogs in the present study. Moreover, seroprevalence was not different between female and male dogs in either Taipei City or mountain aboriginal districts (P>0.05). Also, no significant difference in seroprevalence among dogs between the two geographical areas was found (P>0.05). In the logistic regression analysis, the seroprevalence of D. immitis remained significantly increased with age after multivariate adjustment in the present study. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the status of D. immitis infection in domestic dogs in Taipei City and mountain aboriginal districts in Taiwan to date.     

Prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs from Dandong, China

The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs from Dandong, China. A total of 886 dogs were examined for D. immitis infection by microscopic examination and PCR, indicating that the prevalence was 16.6% (213/886) and 24.0% (147/886), respectively. The odds of infection were significantly higher in older dogs and dogs sheltered in outdoor, compared to the younger ones and ones sheltered in indoor. No significant difference of infection was observed in different genders, and between pure breed and cross-breed dogs in the same rearing conditions. These results indicated that the risk of exposure to D. immitis in dogs is high in Dandong, China, and prophylaxis against the parasite is advisable to decrease the incidence of canine dirofilariosis.     

Serum cardiac troponin I concentration in dogs with ehrlichiosis

Background: Ehrlichiosis is a multisystemic disease with the potential to cause cardiomyocyte injury in naturally infected dogs.
Hypothesis: Myocardial injury occurs in dogs infected with Ehrlichia canis .
Animals: One-hundred and ninety-four dogs from Brazil with clinical and laboratory abnormalities indicative of ehrlichiosis. Sixteen healthy dogs served as controls.
Methods: Electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, noninvasive blood pressure measurement, and serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentrations were evaluated. Serologic assays and PCR determined the exposure and infection status for E. canis, Anaplasma spp., Babesia canis vogeli, Bartonella spp., Borrelia burgdorferi, Dirofilaria immitis, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Ehrlichia ewingii, Leishmania chagasi , and spotted-fever group Rickettsia . Dogs were assigned to groups according to PCR status: E. canis infected, infected with other vector-borne organisms, sick dogs lacking PCR evidence for infection, and healthy controls.
Results: E. canis -infected dogs had higher serum cTnI concentrations than controls (median: 0.04 ng/dL; range 0.04–9.12 ng/dL; control median: 0.04 ng/dL; range: 0.04–0.10 ng/dL; P = .012), and acute E. canis infection was associated with myocardial injury (odds ratio [OR]: 2.67, confidence interval [CI] 95%: 1.12–6.40, P = .027). Severity of anemia was correlated with increased risk of cardiomyocyte damage ( r = 0.84, P < .001). Dogs with clinical signs of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) were at higher risk for myocardial injury than were other sick dogs (OR: 2.55, CI 95%: 1.31–4.95, P = .005).
Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Acute infection with E. canis is a risk factor for myocardial injury in naturally infected Brazilian dogs. Severity of anemia and SIRS might contribute to the pathophysiology of myocardial damage.     

Survey on giardiosis in shelter dog populations

Faecal samples from 183 dogs living in three different shelters in the Rome metropolitan area were randomly collected and examined for the prevalence of giardiosis. Giardia infections were detected by a commercially available ELISA test (ProspecT Giardia Microplate Assay). Overall prevalence was 55.2%. Prevalence rates in single shelters were 74.3, 35.5, and 20.9%, respectively. Using multivariate analysis, no association was found between Giardia-positivity and shelter or sex, breed, or diarrhoea. Giardia-positive dogs were more likely to be younger than 5-year-old (odds ratio [OR] = 2.87; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.07-7.77; p = 0.038), living together (OR = 2.58; 95% CI: 1.12-5.93; p = 0.026), and fed commercial wet food, both alone and combined with dry food (OR = 5.67; 95% CI: 1.59-20.24; p = 0.008). Correlation between Giardia infection and type of food has not been previously reported in dogs. Possible use of the ELISA test for detection of Giardia infection in dogs and zoonotic implications are discussed.     

Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in dogs from the state of Paraíba, Northeast region of Brazil

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies and to investigate the risk factors related to antibodies against T. gondii and N. caninum in dogs of the city of Campina Grande, state of Paraiba, Northeast region of Brazil. For this purpose, 286 blood samples were collected from dogs during the rabies vaccination campaign, in September 2003, and on this occasion questionnaires addressing epidemiological aspects of the infections were given to each dog owner. The sera were analyzed for anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum antibodies by indirect fluorescent antibody tests. Of the total of 286 dogs, 129 were positive for T. gondii (titer16) with a prevalence value of 45.1% (95% CI=39.24-51.07%). For N. caninum, 24 dogs were positive (titer50), with a prevalence value of 8.4% (95% CI=5.45-12.23%). Antibodies to T. gondii and N. caninum were found simultaneously in 14 dogs (4.9%; 95% CI=2.7-8.08%). For T. gondii infection, the risk factors associated with seroprevalence was the age of the animals, with dogs older than one year presenting higher values of odds ratio, and co-habitation of cats in the household. For N. caninum infection, dogs that have street contact had higher odds of seropositivity than dogs that remained exclusively in a domestic environment.     

Ehrlichia canis in dogs in Yucatan, Mexico: seroprevalence, prevalence of infection and associated factors

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of infection, seroprevalence, and factors associated with antibody response to Ehrlichia canis in dogs of Yucatan, Mexico. The study was carried out in four veterinary clinics located in Merida, the capital city of Yucatan, Mexico. Blood samples were obtained from a total of 120 dogs, and each animal was physically examined to determine age and sex, as well as to record any clinical signs of platelet-related bleeding. Blood samples were analyzed for antibodies to E. canis using an ELISA test, and thrombocyte counts were calculated. Blood smears were prepared to detect typical morulae in leukocytes. The prevalence of infection, seroprevalence and associated factors were calculated. A primary screening was performed using 2 x K contingency tables of exposure variables. All variables with P< or =0.20 were analyzed by a logistic-binomial regression. Fifty-three (44.1%) of the 120 dogs were found to be seropositive to E. canis. In six dogs (5.0%) typical morulae of E. canis were observed in monocytes. These six cases were positive for antibodies and were thrombocytopenic. The following factors associated with seropositive animals were: platelet-related bleeding (Yes: OR=10.26, CI=2.50-42.16, P=0.001), thrombocytopenia (Yes: OR=18.91, CI=4.47-80.03, P=0.000) and age (2-4 years: OR=6.77, CI=1.76-25.97, P=0.005; >4 years: OR=4.24, CI=1.04-17.21, P=0.043).     

Cross-sectional survey on Toxoplasma gondii infection in cattle, sheep and pigs in Serbia: seroprevalence and risk factors

Toxoplasmosis is a globally distributed zoonosis with a clinical impact in the unborn fetus and in the immunosuppressed individual. In Serbia, studies of risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection in humans have shown that the relatively high prevalence is associated mainly with consumption of undercooked meat and/or meat products. However, data on T. gondii infection in domestic animals mostly used for human consumption are scarce. We thus conducted a cross-sectional survey on the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in a representative sample of cattle, sheep and pigs from different regions of Serbia between June 2002 and June 2003, and analyzed the main risk factors associated with the infection. Sera from 611 cattle (yearlings and adults of both sexes), 511 ewes, and 605 pigs (market-weight and sows), were examined for T. gondii antibodies by the modified agglutination test. The seroprevalences determined were 76.3% in cattle, 84.5% in sheep and 28.9% in pigs. The antibody levels ranged from 1:25 to 1:400 in cattle, and up to 1:25,600 in sheep and to 1:12,800 in pigs. Among the seropositive, the proportion of high antibody levels (> or =1:1600), suggestive of acute infection, was 10% in sheep, and 4% in pigs. Possible association of the infection with biologically plausible risk factors including gender, age, herd size/farm type, type of housing, feeding practices and region, was analyzed by univariate analysis, and variables significant at P< or =0.1 were included in multivariate logistic regression models. The results showed that risk factors for cattle were small herd size (odds ratio, OR=2.19, 95% confidence interval, CI=1.28-3.75, P=0.004) and farm location in Western Serbia (OR=2.04, 95% CI=1.10-3.79, P=0.024), while housing in stables with access to outside pens was protective (OR=0.37, 95% CI=0.21-0.67, P=0.001). In sheep, an increased risk of infection was found in ewes from state-owned flocks (OR=4.18, 95% CI=2.18-8.00, P<0.001) vs. private flocks, and, interestingly, also in those from Western Serbia (OR=4.66, 95% CI=1.18-18.32, P=0.028). In pigs, the risk of infection was highly increased in adult animals (OR=3.87, 95% CI=2.6-5.76, P<0.001), as well as in those from finishing type farms (OR=3.96, 95% CI=1.97-7.94, P<0.001). In addition to providing data on the current T. gondii seroprevalence in meat animals in Serbia, the results of this study show the main risk factors associated with infection, thereby pointing to the type of preventive measures to reduce T. gondii infection.     

Risk factors and characteristics of canine transmissible venereal tumours in Grenada, West Indies

We studied risk factors and characteristics of canine transmissible venereal tumours (TVTs) in Grenada. We abstracted data for 38 TVT cases and 114 TVT-free dogs submitted to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory between 2003 and 2006. Occurrence profiles, odds ratios (ORs), and logistic regression models for TVT were determined using a significance level of α = 0.05. TVT was found in 20 (52.6%) female and 18 (47.4%) male dogs. Of the TVT cases, 32 (84.2%) were between 1 and 7 years old, 20 (52.6%) were mixed breeds of dogs, 14 (36.8%) were Grenadian pothounds, while 4 (10.6%) were pure-bred dogs. Characteristic TVT lesions were genital growths [OR = 96.7; 95% CI (27,461), P < 0.001], genital bleeding [OR = 12.7; 95% CI (4.6, 39.2), P < 0.001] and secondary inflammation of TVT lesion [OR = 4.3; 95% CI (2, 10), P < 0.001]. Extragenital TVT lesions were observed in 23% (9/38) of dogs. An increased risk for TVT was associated with age as adult (1–7 years) dogs [OR = 12; 95% CI (1.6, 94), P < 0.001] and status as a Grenadian pothound [OR = 8.6; 95% CI (3, 25), P < 0.001]. Clinicians should educate dog owners about increased risk of TVT for Grenadian pothounds and consider TVT as a possibility for some extragenital tumours.     

Heat stroke in dogs: A retrospective study of 54 cases (1999-2004) and analysis of risk factors for death

The medical records of 54 dogs presented to the Hebrew University Veterinary Teaching Hospital and diagnosed with heat stroke were retrospectively reviewed. Data abstracted included history, clinical and clinicopathological signs at admission, treatment, disease progression, and outcome. Exertional and environmental heat stroke were present in 63% (34 of 54) and 37% (20 of 54) of the dogs, respectively, and 78% (42 of 54) were examined between June and August. The mean temperature and heat discomfort index in the particular days of heat stroke were significantly increased (P < .001, P < .001, respectively) compared with their corresponding average daily values. In 27 dogs the body temperature was > or = 41 degrees C (105.8 degrees F). Belgian Malinois (15%, odds ratio [OR] = 24, 95% confidence interval [CI95%] 8.2-64.5), Golden and Labrador Retrievers (21%, OR = 2.08, CI95% 0.95-4.2), and brachycephalic breeds (25%, OR = 1.7, CI95%], 0.81-3.21) were overrepresented, whereas small breeds (<8 kg) were underrepresented (2%, OR = 0.08, CI95%, 0.002-0.48). Thrombocytopenia (45 of 54 dogs) and prolongation of the prothrombin (PT) and activated thromboplastin (aPTT) times (27 of 47 dogs) were recorded during hospitalization. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (P = .013) and acute renal failure (P = .008), diagnosed in 28 of 54 and 18 of 54 of the cases, respectively, were risk factors for death. The overall mortality rate was 50%. Hypoglycemia (<47 mg/dL, P = .003), prolonged PT (>18 seconds, P = .05), and aPTT (>30 sec, P < .001) at admission were associated with death. Serum creatinine >1.5 mg/dL (P = .003) after 24 hours, delayed admission (>90 minutes, P = .032), seizures (P = .02), and obesity (P = .04) were also risk factors for death. Heat stroke in dogs results in serious complications and high fatality rate despite appropriate treatment.     

Association between diabetes mellitus,hypothyroidism or hyperadrenocorticism,and atherosclerosis in dogs

The objective of this study was to determine whether dogs with atherosclerosis are more likely to have concurrent diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, or hyperadrenocorticism than dogs that do not have atherosclerosis. A retrospective mortality prevalence case-control study was performed. The study group included 30 dogs with histopathological evidence of atherosclerosis. The control group included 142 dogs with results of a complete postmortem examination, a final postmortem examination diagnosis of neoplasia, and no histopathological evidence of atherosclerosis. Control dogs were frequency matched for age and year in which the postmortem examination was performed. Proportionate changes in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, and hyperadrenocorticism were calculated by exact prevalence odds ratios (POR), 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), and P values. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the combined effects of prevalence determinants while controlling for age and year of postmortem examination. Dogs with atherosclerosis were over 53 times more likely to have concurrent diabetes mellitus than dogs without atherosclerosis (POR = 53.6; 95% CI, 4.6-627.5; P = .002) and over 51 times more likely to have concurrent hypothyroidism than dogs without atherosclerosis (POR = 51.1; 95% CI, 14.5-180.1; P < .001). Dogs with atherosclerosis were not found to be more likely to have concurrent hyperadrenocorticism than dogs that did not have atherosclerosis (POR = 1.8; 95% CI, 0.2-17.6; P = .59). Diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism, but not hyperadrenocorticism, are more prevalent in dogs with atherosclerosis compared to dogs without atherosclerosis on postmortem examination.     

Prevalence and epidemiological aspects of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs from Kayseri Province, Turkey

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis infection and to investigate the risk factors related to heartworm disease in dogs from Kayseri, Turkey. Blood samples were collected from 280 dogs from May 2005 to March 2006 and were examined by membrane filtration-acid phosphatase histochemical staining and antigen Elisa techniques to detect circulating microfilariae and antigens of D. immitis, respectively. Of the total of 280 dogs, 27 were positive for D. immitis with a prevalence value of 9.6%. In addition 29.6% of positive dogs determined to have occult D. immitis infections. D. immitis was the only canine filarial parasite present in the study area. The mean number of microfilariae in infected dogs was 4730+/-5479 per ml of blood. The highest heartworm prevalence were observed in 7-10 age group (28.6%) followed by 4-6 (17.1%) and 0.5-3 (4.8%) age groups. The differences between 0.5-3 and other age groups were found significant, whereas no statistically significant difference was observed between 4-6 and 7-10 age groups. The infection was more prevalent in males, larger breeds and the dogs not on prophylaxis. No statistically significant difference was observed between stray and owned dogs. Our results suggest that heartworm treatment and prophylaxis should be considered in Kayseri Province.     

Suspected side effects of doxycycline use in dogs - a retrospective study of 386 cases

This study investigated doxycycline-related side effects in a large population of dogs. Data from 386 dogs that had received doxycycline for the treatment of various infectious diseases were analysed retrospectively. Potential side effects that developed during treatment were documented, and correlations with signalment, dose, duration of treatment, frequency of application, doxycycline preparation and use of additional drugs were investigated. Vomiting was reported in 18.3 per cent of dogs, 7.0 per cent developed diarrhoea and 2.5 per cent developed anorexia. While being treated with doxycycline, 39.4 per cent of dogs showed an increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity and 36.4 per cent showed an increase in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. There was a dose-related risk of an increase in ALP activity (P=0.011, odds ratio [OR]=1.27, 95 per cent confidence interval [CI] 1.06 to 1.53), and older dogs treated with doxycycline were more likely to develop an increase in ALT activity (P=0.038, OR=1.23, 95 per cent CI 1.01 to 1.50) and vomiting (P=0.017, OR=1.11, 95 per cent CI 1.02 to 1.21).     

Microscopic, serologic and molecular surveys on Dirofilaria immitis in stray dogs, Turkey

The prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis infection was evaluated in stray dogs of Erzurum, Turkey. A total of 123 whole-blood and 93 sera samples were collected from stray dogs older than 6 months were lived in animal shelter. The PCR and direct microscopic examinations were used for the detection of microfilaria and indirect-ELISA was performed for the detection of anti-D. immitis antibodies. The prevalence of D. immitis in the canine population was 8.1% by PCR, 2.1% by ELISA. In addition, microfilaria burdens of Dirofilaria sp. was 4.8% by direct blood smear examination. There was a statistical difference (P=0.05) in the prevalence between males (10.5%) and females (2.3%) by direct blood smear examination. Similarly there was a statistical difference (P<0.05) in the prevalence between males (15.8%) and females (4.7%) by PCR. Dogs belonging to the 0.5-1 years old group showed the highest prevalence than 2-4 ages group with three tests. Among the 93 samples screened by the ELISA, two samples were positive for the D. immitis antibodies. Both positive dogs with ELISA were females.     

Canine breeds at high risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease in the south-eastern UK

Genetics are an important factor in the development of human inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); however, there is very little information available regarding the role of genetics in canine IBD. The purpose of this study was to gather information about which canine breeds in the south-eastern UK are at a high risk for developing IBD. Determination of such breeds may help further genetic research in this complex disease. The computer medical records at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Royal Veterinary College dating from August 1, 2003 to December 31, 2009 were retrospectively searched for cases diagnosed with IBD. Five hundred and forty-six dogs with IBD were identified, representing 86 different breeds. The comparison group consisted of all dogs from these same 86 breeds without IBD admitted to the hospital during the same period that amounted to 27,463 dogs. The breeds at significantly higher risk of developing IBD compared with mixed-breed dogs consisted of weimaraner (odds ratio [OR]=3.6797, 95 per cent confidence interval [CI]=2.0167 to 6.7141, P<0.0001), rottweiler (OR=2.9697, 95 per cent CI=1.7569 to 5.0196, P<0.0001), German shepherd dog (GSD) (OR=2.4101, 95 per cent CI=1.5826 to 3.36705, P<0.0001), border collie (OR=1.9936, 95 per cent CI=1.1655 to 3.4101, P=0.0118) and boxer (OR=1.6961, 95 per cent CI=1.0441 to 2.755, P=0.0328). This study demonstrates for the first time canine breeds in the south-eastern UK that are highly susceptible to developing IBD. Identification of such breeds may allow for a more focused investigation of genetic mutations associated with canine IBD.     

Prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis infection in living raccoon dogs assessed by hematological examination

The prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis in free-ranging raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides viverrinus) was examined in the southeast region of Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, using a rapid immunomigration (RIM) test kit. Between April 2007 and March 2010, we examined 108 raccoon dogs rescued and housed by the Kanazawa Zoological Garden. D. immitis infection was found in 8 (7.4%) raccoon dogs. This is the first report to reveal the prevalence of D. immitis infection in living raccoon dogs. The prevalence of the infection was lower than previously reported values obtained on postmortem examination. One reason might be that the present study included young raccoon dogs infected with immature worms. Significant high-risk areas of D. immitis infection in the raccoon dogs were not observed.     

Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs from underserved, Native American reservations in the United States

Blood samples from 1,822 dogs residing on Native American reservations in 10 states were collected between February 2004 and August 2007. Samples were examined using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) antigen capture test. All ELISA-positive samples were subsequently examined for microfilaremia. All dogs were asymptomatic for Dirofilaria immitis infection, resided outside (except for winter in the Northern latitudes), not on prophylaxis for D. immitis, and had not traveled off of the reservation. Reservations were characterized by degrees of north latitude, true prevalence of D. immitis, and a reproductive index calculated by multiplying the number of months of the year in which infective stage larvae (L(3)) could develop in 30 days or less for each reservation by the 30 yr mean annual rainfall in centimeters recorded for that community. The prevalence of heartworm was directly related to the reproductive index on each reservation.     

Epidemiologic, clinical, pathologic, and prognostic characteristics of splenic hemangiosarcoma and splenic hematoma in dogs: 217 cases (1985)

Data on age, sex, and breed were obtained from surgical pathologic records of 92 dogs with splenic hemangiosarcoma (SHS) and for 125 dogs with splenic hematoma (SHA) diagnosed in 1985 at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Further information on body weight, clinical and surgical findings, and survival time was obtained for 59 dogs (64.1%) with SHS and 91 dogs (72.8%) with SHA. Splenic hemangiosarcoma was markedly more common in dogs 8 to 13 years old, and SHA was appreciably more common in dogs greater than or equal to 8 years old, compared with dogs 1 to 7 years old. Compared with sexually intact females, only spayed females were at significantly (odds ratio [or], 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2 to 4.1) increased risk for developing SHS; sex predisposition was not found for dogs with SHA. The German Shepherd Dog was the only breed with increased risk for development of either SHS (OR, 4.7; 95% CI, 2.7 to 7.8) or SHA (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.7 to 4.9), compared with all other purebred dogs. Association of tumor type for 7 commonly reported clinical signs with observance of hemoperitoneum at surgery was determined; anorexia (P = 0.01), collapse (P = 0.01), and hemoperitoneum (P less than 0.001) were significantly more common in dogs with SHS. The median survival time for dogs with SHS was 19 days, compared with 338 days for dogs with SHA (P less than 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Association between canine malignant lymphoma, living in industrial areas, and use of chemicals by dog owners

A case-control study was carried out to determine whether residential exposure to environmental pollutants increased risk for canine lymphoma in pet dogs. One hundred one cases with cytologically or histologically confirmed lymphoma diagnosed at a veterinary teaching hospital between the middle of 1996 and the middle of 1998 were examined. Controls were obtained by choosing twice the number of dogs without neoplastic disease, with overlapping distributions of province of residence, age, sex, and breed. Information regarding animal management, residence type, professional or hobby use of chemicals by owners, and treatment with herbicides or other pesticides in the area frequently visited by the dogs was obtained with a multiple-choice questionnaire by telephone interview. Two variables were positively and independently associated with the disease, namely residency in industrial areas (odds ratio [OR]; = 8.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3-30.9) and use of chemicals by owners, specifically paints or solvents (OR = 4.6; 95% CI, 1.7-12.6). A significantly lower value of the mean age of disease onset was found in the group of dogs at risk in comparison with the group of all other dogs (6.1 +/- 0.4 years, n = 36 versus 7.5 +/- 0.4 years, n = 65, respectively; P = .008). Variables describing animal care and pesticide use were either not associated with the disease or were uninformative. We suggest that canine lymphoma may be considered a sentinel of potentially hazardous situations for humans, because of the relatively short latency between exposure and disease onset.     

Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with neosporosis in sheep and dogs from farms

This study aimed to establish the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with neosporosis in sheep and dogs from rural properties. 1497 blood samples were collected from sheep and 42 from dogs that cohabited with sheep from 16 farms located in the central region of S?o Paulo State, Brazil. For the detection of N. caninum antibodies it was performed the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT ≥ 25). For the epidemiological study it was applied a questionnaire for the owners or responsible from the sheep and dogs regarding informations related to neosporosis. The seroprevalence obtained out of the 1497 sheep sera tested was 8.0% (CI95%=6.7-9.2%) and out of the 42 dogs 4.8% (CI95%=0-7.2%). Variables statistically related to seropositivity for N. caninum in sheep were: dams well as water supply (P=0.0004; OR=2.15), presence of other domestic canids (P=0.0013; OR=2.38) and presence of reproductive problems (P=0.0031; OR=1.75).