Molecular investigation on the presence of canine parvovirus in Egypt

Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) causes a highly contagious gastroenteritis disease of dogs and wild canids. To investigate the CPV-2 prevalence in Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt, a total of 50 fecal swabs were collected from suspected diseased dogs during 2016–2017. Out of 50 collected samples, 35 samples (70 %) presented positive results for CPV-2 using immuno-chromatography (IC) as a rapid test. CPV-2DNA was detected in 42 samples (84 %) by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The frequencies of CPV-2 were significantly higher in German shepherd breed (46 %; 23/50) and in age groups less than 6 months (76%; 38/50). We evaluated the breed, age, sex, rapid test results and clinical signs as predictors for classification of animal status into infected and not infected. The best predictors for classification process were rapid test result and clinical signs. Both CPV-2b and CPV-2c subtypes were detected by CPV2-VP2 gene sequences analysis. Deduced amino acid sequences alignment showed substitutions at 3 sites (Arg453Pro, Ala574Glu and Gln457Leu). Further investigations are needed to reveal the genetic and antigenic relation between field and vaccinal strains of CPV-2 in Egypt.     

Molecular survey of Dirofilaria species in stray dogs,red foxes and golden jackals from Vojvodina,Serbia

Cardiopulmonary dirofilariosis in dogs and other carnivores is caused by Dirofilaria immitis, while Dirofilaria repens usually causes a subcutaneous infection. The importance of red foxes and golden jackals in the epidemiology of dirofilariosis remains unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to conduct a cross-sectional molecular survey of Dirofilaria species in stray dogs, red foxes and golden jackals from the endemic region of Vojvodina, Serbia, in order to determine and update data on their prevalence and provide insight into the epidemiological importance of wild canids.A total of 59 blood samples from stray dogs, 94 from red foxes and 32 from golden jackals were collected and screened by real-time PCR targeting a 115-bp fragment of the mitochondrial 12S gene of filarioids and by conventional PCR assay targeting a 484–524-bp fragment of 5.8S-ITS2-28S locus of filarioids.The cross-sectional molecular survey detected the filarioid mitochondrial 12S gene fragment in stray dogs (27.1 %), red foxes (8.5 %) and golden jackals (6.3 %) in the same endemic region of Vojvodina, Serbia. Only D. immitis was detected in stray dogs, while both D. immitis and D. repens were detected in populations of red foxes and golden jackals. These results outline a possible interaction of D. immitis infection between the dog population and the wild canid populations, while D. repens was found to circulate mostly in golden jackals and red foxes populations.     

Attitudes and perceptions of veterinary paraprofessionals in New Zealand to postoperative pain in dogs and cats

AIM: To survey the attitudes and perceptions of veterinary paraprofessionals in New Zealand to postoperative pain in dogs and cats.

METHODS: In December 2011, veterinary paraprofessionals (VP) from throughout New Zealand were invited to participate in an online survey. Eleven questions, which were divided into five sections, were used to determine demographic information, the respondents’ assessment of pain after commonly performed surgeries in dogs and cats, their opinions on provision of analgesia, who had responsibility for pain monitoring and the use of any formal pain scoring system in the practice.

RESULTS: Data from 165 respondents were able to be used, and 162 (98%) respondents to the survey were female. According to the respondents’ estimates, fracture repair in dogs and repair of diaphragmatic hernias in cats had the highest pain score following surgery. Neutering procedures involving dogs were scored higher than for cats (p<0.01). All respondents agreed that animals benefit from perioperative analgesia. The veterinary nurse was reported to be predominantly responsible for monitoring pain in animals postoperatively by 116/165 (70.3%) respondents. Of 165 respondents, 154 (93%) considered that their knowledge of pain and assessment of pain could be enhanced.

CONCLUSIONS: This survey reflects the attitudes and perceptions of a sample of VP in New Zealand to postoperative pain in dogs and cats. The results indicate that all respondents believe that surgery results in sufficient pain to warrant analgesic therapy. Routine neutering surgeries were considered to be more painful in dogs than in cats. The current survey also provides information to educators on potential areas of focus, given that 93% of respondents felt that their knowledge of pain and assessment of pain could be enhanced.     

2015 ACVIM Small Animal Consensus Statement on Seizure Management in Dogs

This report represents a scientific and working clinical consensus statement on seizure management in dogs based on current literature and clinical expertise. The goal was to establish guidelines for a predetermined, concise, and logical sequential approach to chronic seizure management starting with seizure identification and diagnosis (not included in this report), reviewing decision‐making, treatment strategies, focusing on issues related to chronic antiepileptic drug treatment response and monitoring, and guidelines to enhance patient response and quality of life. Ultimately, we hope to provide a foundation for ongoing and future clinical epilepsy research in veterinary medicine.     

Social effects on crowding preferences of urban forest visitors

An image-based stated choice approach was used to investigate the conditions determining why visitors to an urban forest in Vienna feel crowded or not. Respondents (N=213) evaluated several sets of images depicting trail use scenarios with different levels of social crowding conditions and several types of social interferences. Forest users were segmented into three groups based on their global evaluations of use levels during weekends and work days, resulting in a crowding-averse, a crowding-tolerant, and a crowding-indifferent segment. Crowding-averse respondents reacted much more negatively to scenarios with high-use levels, heterogeneous trail use conditions, and violations of personal minimum spatial requirements caused by the presence of others. This user group felt overcrowded because social conditions experienced in the area interfered with their main visiting goals, especially to walk with their dog unleashed and to recreate. By contrast, crowding-tolerant respondents disliked very low-use and high-use situations, and preferred a certain amount of social stimulation in the form of some encounters, and more heterogeneous trail use conditions.     

Hemostatic changes in dogs with naturally occurring sepsis

Sepsis is a frequent source of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. The goal of this case control study was to measure hemostatic changes in dogs with naturally occurring sepsis. Blood was collected within 24 hours of admission from 20 dogs that fulfilled the criteria for sepsis. Sepsis was defined as histologic or microbiological confirmation of infection and 2 or more of the following criteria: hypo- or hyperthermia, tachycardia, tachypnea, or leukopenia, leukocytosis, or > 3% bands. Culture and sensitivities were performed on appropriate samples from all septic dogs. Twenty-eight control dogs were enrolled on the basis of normal results of physical examination, CBC, serum biochemistry, and coagulation profile. Plasma samples were analyzed for prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), fibrin(ogen) degradation products (FDP), D-dimer (DD) concentrations, antithrombin (AT) activity, and protein C (PC) activity. Data were compared between groups by chi-square or independent t-tests. PC (P < .001) and AT (P < .001) activities were significantly lower in dogs with sepsis compared to controls. Dogs with sepsis had significantly higher PT (P = .007), PTT (P = .005), D-dimer (P = .005), and FDP (P = .001) compared to controls. Platelet counts were not significantly different between groups. Ten of the 20 septic dogs (50%) died, but no association was identified between any of the measured variables and outcome. These findings are consistent with previous studies in animals with experimentally induced disease and in clinical studies of humans. On the basis of these results, further investigation of the role of AT and PC in canine sepsis is warranted.     

Influence of acetylsalicylic acid and ketoprofen on canine thyroid function tests

Many factors including drugs can influence thyroid function in humans, rats and dogs. Studies in humans report significant effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) on thyroid function tests, which can lead to misinterpretation of the results and inappropriate therapeutic decisions. As NSAIDs are used more and more frequently in dogs, it is important to know to what extent they can influence results. Eighteen spayed female beagle dogs were randomly assigned to three treatment sequences in a 3 x 3 crossover study design with treatments consisting of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) (25 mg/kg BW q 12 h), ketoprofen (Keto) (1 mg/kg BW q 24 h) or placebo administered for a 1-week period with a 3-week washout period between treatment periods. Blood samples for determination of total thyroxine (TT4), free thyroxine (FT4), total triiodothyronine (TT3), thyrotropin (TSH), reverse triiodothyronine (rT3), Keto and ASA concentrations were taken during each treatment period on days 0, 1, 3 and 7. During the washout period samples were taken weekly. A significant decrease in TT4 was observed as soon as 24 h after ASA administration, whereas the decrease in TT3 was less pronounced and differed significantly from the placebo only after 1 week of administration. No significant effects were found for free T4 and TSH with ASA administration. No significant effects on thyroid results were found following Keto administration. The results indicate that TT4 can be markedly decreased by ASA therapy and until the results of further studies are available, thyroid function test results should be interpreted cautiously in dogs on NSAIDs therapy.     

Benefits of prophylactic gastropexy for dogs at risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus

The lifetime probability of death from gastric dilation–volvulus (GDV) for five dog breeds was estimated based on published breed-specific longevity and GDV incidence. These breeds were Great Dane, Irish Setter, Rottweiler, Standard Poodle and Weimaraner. Lifetime risk (95% CI) of GDV in these breeds ranged from 3.9% (0–11.2%) for Rottweiler to 36.7% (25.2–44.6%) for Great Dane.

A decision-tree analysis for prophylactic gastropexy—using lifetime probability of death from GDV and expected cost savings for veterinary services as outcome measures—was undertaken to determine the preferred course of action in several dog breeds. Prophylactic gastropexy was the preferred choice of action for all breeds examined, with the reduction in mortality (versus no gastropexy) ranging from 2.2-fold (Rottweiler) to 29.6-fold (Great Dane). Assuming a prophylactic gastropexy costs US$ 400, the procedure was cost-effective when the lifetime risk of GDV was ≥34%. The maximum and minimum estimated breakeven costs for the gastopexy procedure ranged from US$ 20 (Rottweiler) to US$ 435 (Great Dane). The cost-effectiveness of prophylactic gastropexy was most sensitive to the cost of treating GDV (US$ 1500). Prophylactic gastropexy raises ethical issues that need to be considered by veterinarians and dog breeders.