A Homozygous KCNJ10 Mutation in Jack Russell Terriers and Related Breeds with Spinocerebellar Ataxia with Myokymia,Seizures, or Both

Background

Juvenile‐onset spinocerebellar ataxia has been recognized in Jack Russell Terriers and related Russell group terriers (RGTs) for over 40 years. Ataxia occurs with varying combinations of myokymia, seizures, and other signs of neurologic disease. More than 1 form of the disease has been suspected.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The objective was to identify the mutation causing the spinocerebellar ataxia associated with myokymia, seizures, or both and distinguish the phenotype from other ataxias in the RGTs.

Animals

DNA samples from 16 RGTs with spinocerebellar ataxia beginning from 2 to 12 months of age, 640 control RGTs, and 383 dogs from 144 other breeds along with the medical records of affected dogs were studied.

Methods

This case‐control study compared the frequencies of a KCNJ10 allele in RGTs with spinocerebellar ataxia versus control RGTs. This allele was identified in a whole‐genome sequence of a single RGT with spinocerebellar ataxia and myokymia by comparison to whole‐genome sequences from 81 other canids that were normal or had other diseases.

Results

A missense mutation in the gene coding for the inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir4.1 (KCNJ10:c.627C>G) was significantly (P < .001) associated with the disease. Dogs homozygous for the mutant allele all had spinocerebellar ataxia with varying combinations of myokymia and seizures.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Identification of the KCNJ10 mutation in dogs with spinocerebellar ataxia with myokymia, seizures, or both clarifies the multiple forms of ataxia seen in these breeds and provides a DNA test to identify carriers.     

Case Report Cutaneous vasculitis in five Jack Russell Terriers

Abstract A new, possibly breed associated, vasculitis of Jack Russell Terriers is described. Lesions include alopecia and focal crusted ulcers of the distal extremities and bony prominences. Histopathological lesions include single cell necrosis of the epithelium, pigmentary incontinence, leucocytoclastic vasculitis and ischaemic degeneration of hair follicles. Dermal oedema and an infiltrate of lymphocytes and/or macrophages are often seen. Clinically and histopathologically the disease most closely resembles dermatomyositis of Collies and Shetland sheepdogs but the obvious breed discrepancy makes systemic lupus erythematosus the most likely differential diagnosis. Dapsone and anti-inflammatory doses of prednisone have proved to be satisfactory treatments. Résumé— Une nouvelle dermatose à prédisposition raciale, de type vascularite est décrite chez des jack russel terriers. Les lésions cliniques incluent une alopécie, des ulcèrations focales et croûteuses des extrémités distales et des points de pression. Les lésions histolopathologiques montrent des nécroses isolées des kératinocytes, une incontinence pigmentaire, une vascularite leucocytoclasique et une dégénérescence ischémique des follicules pileux. Un oedème dermique et une infiltration lymphocytaire et/ou macrophagique sont également observés. Sur les plans clinique et histopathologique, cette maladie ressemble plus aux dermatomyosites du Colley et du Shetland, mais la discordance raciale évidente fait du lupus érythémateux systémique le diagnostic différentiel le plus vraisemblable. La dapsone et la prednisone à dose antiinflammatoire sont des traitements satisfaisants. [Parker, W.M., Foster, R.A. Cutaneous vasculitis in five Jack Russell Terriers (Vascularite cutanée chez 5 jack russel terriers). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 109–115.] Resumen Se describe una vasculitis nueva, posiblemente asociada a la raza en el terrier Jack Russell. Las lesiones incluyen alopecia y ulceraciones costrosas en las extremidades distales y en prominencias óseas. Las lesiones histopatológicas incluyen necrosis celular individual del epitelio, incontinencia pigmentaria, vasculitis leucocitoclástica y degeneración isquémica de los foliculos pilosos. Con frecuencia se observa edema dérmico y una infiltración por linfocitos y/o macrófagos. Este cuadro se asemeja clinica e histopatológicamente a la dermatomiositis de los perros Collie y Shetland pero la distancia obvia entre estas razas hace que el diagnóstico diferencial más probable sca el de lupus eritematoso sistémico. Se consiguieron tratamientos satisfactorios con Dapsona y dosis antiinflamatorias de prednisona. [Parker, W.M., Foster, R.A. Cutaneous vasculitis in five Jack Russell Terriers (Vasculitis cutánea en cinco Terriers Jack Russell). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 109–115.] Zusammenfassung— Es wird eine neue, möglicherweise rasseabhängige Vaskulitis bei Jack Russell Terriern beschrieben. Die Veränderungen bestehen in Alopezie, fokalen verkrusteten Geschwüren der distalen Extremitäten und Knochevorsprünge. Histopathologische Veränderungen bestehen in Einezelzellnekrose des Epithels, Pigmentinkontinenz, leukozytoklastischer Vaskulitis und ischämischer Degeneration der Haarfollikel. Dermales ödem und Lymphozyten- und/oder Makrophageninfiltrate werden häufig beobachtet. Klinisch und histopathologisch ähnelt die Erkrankung sehr der Dermatomyositis von Collie und Sheltie, aber die offensichtliche Rassendiskrepanz läßt den systemischen Lupus erythematosus als wahrscheinlichste Differentialdiagnose erscheinen. Dapson und entzündungshemmende Dosen von Prednison zeigten sich als ausreichende Behandlung. [Parker, W. M., Foster, R. A. Cutaneous vasculitis in five Jack Russell Terriers (Kutane Vaskulitis bei fünf Jack Russell Terriern). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 109–115.]     

Surgical management of suspected congenital luxation of the radial head in three dogs

Abstract

CASE HISTORIES: Three dogs, aged between 11 and 20 weeks, were presented with unilateral forelimb lameness, with an associated bony prominence on the lateral elbow.

CLINICAL FINDINGS AND DIAGNOSIS: Radiographs revealed a caudolateral luxation of the radial head in all cases, consistent with a diagnosis of suspected congenital luxation of the radial head. Surgical reduction and stabilisation involved open reduction of the radial head, and in two cases the use of a trans articular pin.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Congenital luxation of the radial head is an uncommon condition that has conflicting reports in the literature regarding its cause, heritability, breed predisposition, treatment and prognosis. The three cases here occurred in young dogs of English Bull Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier breeds. Surgical reduction and stabilisation provided successful outcomes, in all cases. Only six cases of congenital luxation of the radial head managed surgically have previously been reported in the literature.     

CNS hypomyelination in Rat Terrier dogs with congenital goiter and a mutation in the thyroid peroxidase gene

Arrested physical development and neurologic abnormalities were identified in 3 of 5 Rat Terrier puppies at 9 weeks of age. Bilaterally firm symmetrical masses were palpated in the region of the thyroid glands. Low serum total (T4) and free thyroxine (FT4, by equilibrium dialysis) and markedly elevated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations supported the diagnosis of hypothyroidism. At necropsy, the thyroid gland was grossly enlarged and histologically exhibited severe, diffuse hyperplasia of the follicular epithelium. Gross examination of the central nervous system revealed a myelin deficiency, most evident in the corpus callosum. Regional distribution of hypomyelination was confirmed histologically, affecting the corpus callosum and, to a lesser degree, the corona radiata, the longitudinal fibers of the pons, the pyramids, and the lateral funiculi of the spinal cord. Myelin reduction was paralleled by axon reduction, suggesting that hypomyelination was a consequence of reduced axonal formation. A homozygous nonsense mutation in the thyroid peroxidase gene was identified in the affected puppies. The dam and a clinically normal litter mate were heterozygous for this mutation, confirming simple autosomal recessive inheritance of the disease trait. The same mutation, causing congenital hypothyroidism with a goiter was previously described in the Toy Fox Terrier breed. Given the ongoing practice of introducing the Toy Fox Terrier genetic background into some Rat Terrier breeding programs to obtain a smaller stature and the apparent relative incidence of the disorder in the 2 breeds, it is likely that this mutation crossed into the Rat Terrier breed from Toy Fox Terriers fairly recently.     

Estimated frequency of the canine hyperuricosuria mutation in different dog breeds

Background: Hyperuricosuria is a condition that predisposes dogs to urate urolithiasis. A mutation that causes canine hyperuricosuria was previously identified in 3 unrelated dog breeds. The occurrence of the mutation in additional breeds was not determined. Hypothesis/Objectives: Identify additional breeds that have the hyperuricosuria mutation and estimate the mutant allele frequency in those breeds. Animals: Three thousand five hundred and thirty dogs from 127 different breeds were screened for the hyperuricosuria mutation. Methods: DNA samples were genotyped by pyrosequencing and allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction methods. Results: Mutant allele frequencies that range from 0.001 to 0.15 were identified in the American Staffordshire Terrier, Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd Dog, Giant Schnauzer, Parson (Jack) Russell Terrier, Labrador Retriever, Large Munsterlander, Pomeranian, South African Boerboel, and Weimaraner breeds. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The hyperuricosuria mutation has been identified in several unrelated dog breeds. The mutant allele frequencies vary among breeds and can be used to determine an appropriate breeding plan for each breed. A DNA test is available and may be used by breeders to decrease the mutant allele frequency in breeds that carry the mutation. In addition, veterinarians may use the test as a diagnostic tool to identify the cause of urate urolithiasis.     

Cataracts in Labrador Retriever and Jack Russell Terrier From the United Kingdom: A Two-Year Retrospective Study

Cataracts are among the most common ocular diseases, and are a leading cause of vision loss in humans and dogs. Jack Russell Terriers (JRT) and Labrador Retrievers (LR) are among the most popular canine breeds in the United Kingdom, and also among the most affected by cataracts.This study aimed to analyze the clinical features and the surgical outcome of cataracts in JRT and LR in an ophthalmologic reference Veterinary Hospital in the United Kingdom. For that purpose, medical records from JRT and LR diagnosed with cataracts between January 2015 and December 2016 were retrospectively evaluated. Data related to identification, clinical history, preoperative features, and surgical outcomes were analyzed.Forty-four dogs (81 eyes), including 26 JRT and 18 LR, were enrolled in the study. Mean ages were 10.2 ± 3.2 years in JRT and 8.5 ± 3.7 years in LR. Twenty-eight (63.6%) were females and 16 (36.4%) were males. Most dogs (84.1%) presented with bilateral cataracts. Nuclear and cortical cataracts were the most prevalent type in both breeds (JRT: n?=?30, 61.2%; LR: n?=?16, 50.0%), although subcapsular cataracts were also frequent in LR (n?=?10, 31.3%). Significant differences in cataract location within the lens were detected between the two breeds (P?=?.002).Senile in JRT (n?=?7) and genetic in LR (n?=?7) were the most common etiologies. Concomitant ocular lesions were more frequent in dogs presented with cataracts in advanced stages, and included lens (n?=?18; JRT: n?=?15; LR: n?=?3) and retinal alterations (n?=?8; JRT: n?=?2; LR: n?=?6), and glaucoma (n?=?6; JRT: n?=?5; LR: n?=?1). Thirty-three animals (75.0%, 51 eyes) were submitted to phacoemulsification with intraocular lens placement. Of these, 28 eyes (54.9%; JRT: n?=?21; LR: n?=?7) were visual, 19 eyes (37.3%; JRT: n?=?11; LR: n?=?8) presented impaired vision and four eyes (7.8%; JRT: n?=?0; LR: n?=?4) were blind at last clinical record. Postoperative complications were detected in 11 eyes (21.6%), and were more frequent in dogs presented with cataracts in advanced stages.These results and the multifactorial nature of cataracts call for further studies to identify and characterize the variables in a broader assessment, including other breeds and influencing factors.     

Dwarfism in Tibetan Terrier dogs with an LHX3 mutation

Canine pituitary dwarfism in German Shepherd and related dog breeds has been reported to be associated with a 7-bp deletion mutation in intron 5 of the LHX3 gene. This mutation is transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait that results in dwarf dogs with significantly smaller stature and abnormal haircoat, and potentially early death. Phenotypically, affected adult dogs are proportionally dwarfs. These dwarfs also have a soft, woolly puppy coat that fails to transition into the typical adult hair coat, and marked hair loss occurs in some dogs. We report a similar manifestation of dwarfism in Tibetan Terriers with the same LHX3 mutation. Dwarf Tibetan Terrier puppies were born physically normal but failed to gain weight or to grow at the same rate as their normal littermates. The 7-bp deletion mutation of the LHX3 gene was identified in both alleles of 3 Tibetan Terrier dwarfs from 3 litters, which were biologically related. All parents of these dogs are carriers, confirming transmission of dwarfism in an autosomal recessive manner. Recognition and detection of this mutation will help in guiding future breeding plans to eventually eliminate this trait from Tibetan Terriers.     

Inheritance of cataracts and primary lens luxation in Jack Russell Terriers

OBJECTIVE: To characterize heritability and mode of inheritance of cataracts and primary lens luxation in Jack Russell Terriers. ANIMALS: 872 Jack Russell Terriers from which buccal epithelial cells were collected and phenotypes for cataracts and lens luxation were determined and an additional 1,898 Jack Russell Terriers without phenotypic information used to complete pedigree relationships and that were included in the analyses. PROCEDURES: Narrow-sense heritabilities and genetic correlation for cataracts and lens luxation were modeled by use of threshold analysis, whereas complex segregation analysis was used to characterize mode of inheritance. For the analyses, dogs < 6 years old, unless confirmed as having cataracts or lens luxation, were classified as an unknown phenotype. The possible involvement of an HSF4 mutation in cataracts was determined by DNA sequencing. RESULTS: Cataracts and primary lens luxation were highly heritable and genetically correlated, and neither was controlled by a single gene. Cataracts were not associated with an HSF4 mutation. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Analysis of the data indicated that concerted selection against both cataracts and primary lens luxation when choosing breeding animals can be used to improve ocular health in Jack Russell Terriers.     

ADAMTS17 mutation associated with primary lens luxation is widespread among breeds

Primary lens luxation (PLL) is a well-recognized, painful and potentially blinding inherited ocular condition in dogs. We screened PLL-affected dogs of 30 different breeds, to identify those which carried a previously described c.1473+1 G>A mutation in ADAMTS17 that is associated with PLL in Miniature Bull terriers, Lancashire Heelers, and Jack Russell terriers. This ADAMTS17 mutation was identified in PLL-affected dogs from 14 additional breeds. PLL-affected dogs from some breeds (most notably the Shar pei and the Brittany spaniel) did not carry the G1473+1A ADAMTS17 mutation, indicating they must suffer from a genetically distinct form of the condition. We also estimated the frequency of this ADAMTS17 mutation in some of the breeds. Our findings indicate the mutation segregates in a large number of different breeds of dog, many of which are terriers or breeds with terrier co-ancestry, but some of which have more diverse origins. Our results also indicate that the mutation is present at high frequency within most of the breeds in which it segregates. In the miniature bull terrier breed estimates of mutation frequency ranged from 0.27 to 0.39, corresponding to 7.3-15.2% PLL-affected dogs in this breed. We also identified an increased risk of PLL associated with heterozygosity at ADAMTS17, suggesting that carriers carry a low risk of developing PLL.     

Mitochondriopathy with regional encephalic mineralization in a Jack Russell Terrier

A 10-month-old female Parson Jack Russell Terrier was euthanatized because of therapy-resistant ataxia, hypermetria, and deafness that had first been observed at 10 weeks of age. Severe, bilateral, symmetrical neuronal degeneration and mineralization of the brain were found in the cochlear and cerebellar nuclei, dorsal areas of the medulla oblongata, the vestibulocochlear nerve, plexus choroideus, and within the granule cell layer of the ventral cerebellar hemispheres. The mineralized deposits were located free in the parenchyma, around intact or degenerate neurons, in myocytes of small- and medium-sized arteries, and around capillaries. Hepatocytes and cardiac myocytes showed oncocytotic change with increased numbers of enlarged or misshapen mitochondria filled with densely packed cristae and electron-dense inclusions. Skeletal myocytes had only minor increases in the number of mitochondria. The microscopic and ultrastructural lesions were consistent with mitochondrial encephalopathy with similarities to mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactic acidosis and strokelike episodes in humans.     

The Impact of Demographic,Social, and Environmental Factors on the Development of Steroid‐Responsive Meningitis‐Arteritis (SRMA) in the United Kingdom

Background

Steroid‐responsive meningitis‐arteritis (SRMA) is an inflammatory disease of dogs that is suspected to be immune‐mediated. The development of other immune‐mediated diseases has been linked to vaccinations, time of the year, geographic location, sex, neuter status, and breed.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To identify if the development of SRMA is associated with time of year, vaccination, geographic location, sex, neuter status, and breed.

Animals

Sixty SRMA cases and 180 controls, all ≤24 months of age and matched for year of presentation, from a referral hospital population in the United Kingdom.

Methods

Retrospective case‐control study with unconditional logistic regression analysis.

Results

Beagles (P = .001), Border Collies (P = .001), Boxers (P = .032), Jack Russell Terriers (P = .001), Weimaraners (P = .048), and Whippets (P < .001) had significantly greater odds of developing SRMA in this population of dogs. Vaccination, time of year, geographic category, sex, and neuter status did not increase the odds of developing SRMA.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Only breed increased the odds of developing SRMA. It would be prudent to investigate the genetics of the identified breeds to help elucidate the etiopathogenesis of SRMA.     

Endoscopically Visualized Lesions,Histologic Findings,and Bacterial Invasion in the Gastrointestinal Mucosa of Dogs with Acute Hemorrhagic Diarrhea Syndrome

Background

Etiology of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE) syndrome in dogs is unknown and histopathologic and microbial investigations have only been performed post mortem.

Objective

To identify characteristic intra vitam endoscopic and histologic mucosal lesions, as well as bacterial species, within the mucosa of dogs with HGE.

Animals

Ten dogs diagnosed with HGE were included. Eleven dogs with gastroduodenoscopy and different intestinal diseases were used as controls for microbial changes. Dogs pretreated with antibiotics or diagnosed with any disease known to cause bloody diarrhea were excluded from the study.

Methods

In this prospective study, gastrointestinal biopsies were collected from 10 dogs with HGE. Endoscopic and histologic changes were assessed according to WSAVA guidelines. Biopsies from the stomach, duodenum, ileum, and colon were investigated by histology and by immunohistochemistry for the presence of Clostridium spp. and parvovirus. The first duodenal biopsy taken with a sterile forceps was submitted for bacterial culture.

Results

Acute mucosal lesions were only found in the intestines, not in the stomach. Clostridium spp., identified as Clostridium perfringens in 6/9 cases, were detected on the small intestinal mucosa in all dogs with HGE, either by culture or immunohistopathology. In the control group, C. perfringens could only be cultured in one of 11 dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The results of this study demonstrate an apparent association between C. perfringens and the occurrence of acute hemorrhagic diarrhea. The term “HGE,” which implies the involvement of the stomach, should be renamed as “acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome.”     

Modified rib pivot lateral thoracotomy: a case series

Objective

To describe a modified rib pivot thoracotomy and its clinical application in client‐owned dogs and cats.

Study design

Case series of 24 dogs and 1 cat requiring a thoracotomy.

Methods

A lateral thoracic incision over the required thoracic segment was made. The latissimus dorsi muscle was reflected dorsally. The predetermined rib was identified and the periosteum overlying the rib was elevated circumferentially, avoiding the intercostal neurovascular structures. Holes were pre‐placed above and below the proposed osteotomy site. The rib was osteotomised and pivoted cranially. The pleura was incised and the required intrathoracic procedure was then performed. The thoracic cavity was closed by pre‐placement of a suture through the pre‐placed holes within the osteotomised rib. The pleura and intercostal musculature were closed, avoiding the intercostal neurovascular structures. The rib was re‐apposed and the lateral approach was closed. The cases included were reviewed for both the rib pivoted as per the procedure required and postoperative complications.

Results

The study group comprised 8 Staffordshire Bull Terriers, 2 Poodles, 2 German Shepherd Dogs, 1 each of Basset Hound, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Golden Retriever, Australian Shepherd, Vizsla, Bull Mastiff, Schnauzer, Jack Russell Terrier, Bulldog, Deerhound, Labrador Retriever and Australian Terrier, and 1 cat. A modified rib pivot thoracotomy was performed for lung lobectomy (n = 11), oesophagectomy (7), subtotal pericardectomy (5), patent ductus arteriosus ligation (1) and thoracic duct ligation (1). Follow‐up ranged from 2 to 40 weeks postoperatively. Postoperative complications included seroma formation in two dogs.

Conclusion

A modified rib pivot thoracotomy should be considered as an alternative lateral thoracic approach with good exposure, minimal complications and low morbidity.     

Clinical Findings and Prevalence of the Mutation Associated with Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia in Old English Sheepdogs

Background

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is generally a recessively inherited disorder characterized by dysfunction of motile cilia. A mutation in a new causative gene (CCDC39) has been identified in the Old English Sheepdog (OES).

Objectives

To describe the clinical findings and the molecular changes of affected dogs and estimate the worldwide prevalence of the mutation in a large cohort of OES.

Animals

578 OES, including 28 affected and 550 clinically healthy dogs.

Methods

This retrospective study reviewed the data of OES diagnosed with PCD and OES tested for the mutation. Clinical data including results of physical examination and further investigations were obtained on 11/28 dogs. CCDC39 expression was assessed by qRT‐PCR and Western blot analysis in affected dogs and healthy dogs. DNA was extracted on 561/578 dogs and a genetic test by Taqman technology was developed to genotype the CCDC39 mutation in these dogs.

Results

Clinical findings were recurrent nasal discharge and cough, pyrexia, leucocytosis, and bronchopneumonia. Ultrastructural defects were characterized by central microtubular abnormalities and decreased number of inner dynein arms (IDAs). Molecular analysis revealed a reduced expression of CCDC39 RNA and an absence of CCDC39 protein in affected dogs compared to healthy dogs. The mutation was more frequent in nonrandomly selected European OES population with a higher proportion of carriers (19%) compared to non‐European dogs (7%).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

CCDC39 mutation is dispersed in a worldwide population and is responsible for PCD in this breed. Genetic testing might enable control of this disease.     

Assessment of computed tomography derived cricoid cartilage and tracheal dimensions to evaluate degree of cricoid narrowing in brachycephalic dogs

The aims of this observational, analytical, retrospective study were to (i) obtain computed tomographic (CT) cricoid dimensions (height, width, and transverse‐sectional area), (ii) compare the cricoid dimensions between brachycephalic and mesaticephalic breeds, and (iii) compare cricoid cartilage dimensions between dogs without and affected with brachycephalic airway syndrome. The study is important to help to further evaluate and understand the anatomical components of brachycephalic airway syndrome. Measurements were performed in 147 brachycephalic and 59 mesaticephalic dogs. The cricoid cartilage was found to be significantly more oval in Pugs and French Bulldogs compared to mesaticephalic breeds. The cricoid cartilage transverse‐sectional area was smallest for the Pug and, after adjusting for weight, significantly smaller for Pugs (P < 0.001), Boston Terriers (P = 0.001), and French Bulldogs (P < 0.001) compared to Jack Russell Terriers. The tracheal transverse‐sectional area at C4 of English Bulldogs was significantly smaller than for Jack Russell Terriers (P = 0.005) and Labradors (P < 0.001). The cricoid cartilage transverse‐sectional area:weight ratio was significantly lower in brachycephalic breeds compared to mesaticephalic breeds (P < 0.001). The cricoid cartilage:trachea at C4 transverse‐sectional area for brachycephalic dogs was significantly larger than for mesaticephalic dogs (<0.001), demonstrating that the trachea was the narrowest part of the airway. No significant differences were found for cricoid dimensions between dogs affected with and without brachycephalic airway syndrome. However, large individual variation was found among the brachycephalic breeds and further studies investigating the relationship between cricoid cartilage size, laryngeal collapse, concurrent tracheal hypoplasia, and/or severity of brachycephalic airway syndrome are warranted.     

Looking for prognosticators in ovine anaplasmosis: discriminant analysis of clinical and haematological parameters in lambs belonging to differently susceptible breeds experimentally infected with Anaplasma ovis

Background

A study was carried out to evaluate the response of different native sheep breeds to experimental infection with Anaplasma ovis, the most prevalent sheep tick-borne pathogen in Apulia (Southern Italy). Thirty-four lambs belonging to a Northern European breed (Suffolk) and two Southern Italian breeds (Comisana and Altamurana) were infected. Eleven clinical as well as haematological parameters were monitored at different temporal resolutions on the same subjects before and after the infection, resulting in a data set of 435 observations. The present work, aiming to further the research, presents the results of a multivariate analysis carried out to identify which parameters out of the eleven considered are the most reliable parameters to be considered as markers of the disease phenotype as well as prognosticators of practical clinical importance.

Results

Data were analysed by discriminant analysis. Out of the eleven considered variables (red blood cells, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin content, haemoglobin concentration, white blood cells, neutrophils, leukocytes, platelets, rectal temperature), only seven were included in the step-wise model since significantly increasing the Mahlanobis distance between the two closest groups. Both discriminant functions resulted to be highly significant (P < 0.0001) and the percentage of variation accounted for by the first discriminant function was 63.6% of the variance in the grouping variable.

Conclusions

Taken together, the observed results stress the marked differentiation among the three breeds in terms of physio-pathological phenotypes indicating packed cell volume and red blood cell count as the most informative parameters in the routine clinical practice for A. ovis infection in sheep.     

Metabolizable energy intake of client‐owned adult dogs

A post hoc analysis of the metabolizable energy (ME) intake of privately owned pet dogs from the authors' nutrition consultation practice (Years 2007–2011) was carried out to identify if current ME recommendations are suitable for pet dogs. Data on 586 adult dogs were available (median age 5.5, median deviation from ideal weight 0.0), 55 of them were healthy; the others had various diseases. For ration calculation, a standardized questionnaire and the software diet‐check Munich^? was used. ME was predicted according to NRC (2006). Data were evaluated for the factors disease, breed, size, age, gender and type of feeding. The mean ME intake of all adult dogs amounted to 0.410 ± 0.121 MJ/kg metabolic body weight (BW^0.75) (n = 586). There was no effect of size and disease. Overweight dogs ate 0.360 ± 0.121 MJ/kg BW^0.75, and underweight dogs ate 0.494 ± 0.159 MJ/kg BW^0.75. Older dogs (>7 years, n = 149, 0.389 ± 0.105 MJ/kg BW^0.75) had a lower ME intake than younger ones (n = 313, 0.419 ± 0.121 MJ/kg BW^0.75), and intact males had a higher ME intake than the others (p < 0.001). Some breeds were above average: Jack Russell Terrier, Dalmatian, small Munsterlander and Magyar Viszla, Bearded Collies, Sight Hounds, German Boxers, English foxhounds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Flat‐Coated Retrievers with a mean ME intake of 0.473 ± 0.121 MJ/kg BW^0.75. The following breeds were below average: Dachshunds, Bichons, West highland White Terrier, Collies except Bearded Collies, Airedale Terriers, American Staffordshire terriers and Golden Retrievers with a mean ME intake of 0.343 ± 0.096 MJ/kg BW^0.75. The mean maintenance energy requirements of pet dogs are similar to that of kennel dogs which do not exercise very much. These results suggest that opportunity and stimulus to exercise provided for pet dogs are lower than for kennel dogs. Lower activity in pet dogs may reduce part of potential effects of breed, medical history and age groups.