Emergence of canine ocular Thelaziosis caused by Thelazia callipaeda in southern Switzerland

In Europe, Thelazia callipaeda has been reported in Italy and France in the eyes of dogs, cats and foxes and, recently, also in humans. In southern Switzerland (Ticino), the first case of T. callipaeda in a dog was detected in 2000 and because of an increasing number of dog thelaziosis, a survey in veterinary practices was carried out. A total of 106 Thelazia-positive dogs from a retrospective analysis and from ongoing cases between 2005 and 2007 as well as five positive cats were reported. For a cross-sectional study, 529 randomly selected dogs (from six veterinary practices), to which anaesthesia was given for other medical reasons, were additionally checked for the presence of adult specimens of Thelazia in 2006: 28 dogs were found positive indicating an overall prevalence of 5.3%. Thelazia-infection was furthermore diagnosed in 7 of 126 foxes (5.6%) shot in Ticino in winter 2005-2006. Affected foxes, dogs and cats originated from the same regions up to 863m of altitude. The cats and 57.9% (55/95) of the infected dogs had never crossed the Swiss border. Collected nematodes were morphologically identified as T. callipaeda, and this diagnosis was confirmed by the analysis of a part of the sequence of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (cox1), revealing haplotype 1, the only one so far found in Europe. Animals harboured 1-23 eye worms. The most common symptoms were conjunctivitis and epiphora, while keratitis was present only in a low number of animals. Young and small sized dogs were significantly less involved than large animals and over 3 years of age. The results indicate that thelaziosis is endemic in that area.     

Treatment of dog thelaziosis caused by Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) using a topical formulation of imidacloprid 10% and moxidectin 2.5%

Canine thelaziosis caused by Thelazia callipaeda infects dogs, cats, foxes, rabbits, and humans resulting in conjunctivitis, pain and excessive lacrimation. T. callipaeda live in the eyes under the nictitating membrane and females release first stage larvae which are ingested by flies which act as intermediate hosts. Control of canine thelaziosis is currently based on the removal of nematodes directly from the eyes of affected dogs or on the local instillation of antiparasitic drugs. With the aim of evaluating the efficacy against T. callipaeda of an association of imidacloprid 10% and moxidectin 2.5% by spot-on formulation administered via dermal application, three groups of naturally infected animals were selected: i.e. group A (21 dogs) received a single dose of imidacloprid 10% and moxidectin 2.5% by spot-on; group B (21 dogs) received a single dose of imidacloprid 10% by spot-on and group C (20 dogs) were left untreated. The efficacy of treatments was established by eye inspection and parasite viability and vitality after 1, 5 and 9 days after animal treatments (groups A and B) and after 9 days only in untreated animals (group C). Imidacloprid 10% and moxidectin 2.5% in spot-on formulation showed to be effective with regards the control of dog thelaziosis within 5 (90.47%) to 9 (95.23%) days after treatment. Only one dog from group A presented nematodes after treatment. The presence of parasites in the eyes of dogs from groups B (imidacloprid 10%) and C confirm that the anthelmintic efficacy against T. callipaeda in animal from group A (imidacloprid 10% and moxidectin 2.5%) was most likely attributable to moxidectin 2.5%. The spot-on formulation containing imidacloprid 10% and moxidectin 2.5% is very easy to apply and helps overcome problems linked to the mechanical removal of parasites or to the restraining of the animals for the local instillation of drugs in the eyes.     

First report of thelaziosis (Thelazia anolabiata) in an Andean Cock of the Rock (Rupicola peruviana) from Peru

Thelazia anolabiata is a spirurid nematode living in the orbits of birds which can cause lacrimation, keratitis, conjunctivitis, and corneal ulcers. This species is reported for the first time from an Andean Cock of the Rock, Rupicola peruviana (Passeriformes: Cotingidae), from a zoo in Lima, Peru. Clinical signs of keratoconjunctivitis were resolved with the treatment of ivermectin, ciprofloxacin, and an epithelium regenerator, and the host is presently in good health. The nematodes were identified using the primary characteristics used to differentiate the species of this genus as lengths of spicules and other morphologic characteristics.     

玉树地区流浪犬传染性肝炎血清学调查

采用血凝/血凝抑制试验对青海玉树地区的30份流浪犬血清样品进行了犬传染性肝炎病毒抗体检测,结果检出阳性犬2只,阳性率为6.67％.表明玉树地区流浪犬存在传染性肝炎病毒的感染,应引起相关部门的重视,加大该地区犬传染性肝炎防控力度,控制该病的发生和流行.     

2013年－2015年广西宠物犬流感流行病学调查

针对2013年－2015年广西11个地级市的宠物犬群进行犬流感调查,发现钦州犬流感感染的阳性率高达40％,除百色和玉林外,其余的阳性率在14．29％～34．29％之间,结果表明犬流感在广西呈普遍流行态势。此外,对不同品种、性别和生长阶段的宠物犬感染 CIVs 进行了调查分析。结果发现,任何品种和性别的宠物犬都可以感染犬流感病毒,其中青年阶段（6月龄～2岁）的犬最为易感。2015年的调查中,成年犬（2岁～7岁）成为潜在的易感群体。结果为更好地指导宠物医生采取有效的措施控制疾病发生,从而切断宠物犬作为中间传播者的作用,为防控人类大流感的暴发提供了间接帮助。     

ELISA法检测犬腹泻粪样中的犬冠状病毒

用ＦＥ细胞增殖犬冠状病毒（ＣＣＶ）参考株，分别免疫家兔和ＢＡＬＢ／ｃ小鼠制备ＣＣＶ多抗和单抗，建立了夹心ＥＬＩＳＡ及Ｄｏｔ－ＥＬＩＳＡ诊断方法。在检测的８４例犬腹泻粪样中，多抗、单抗夹心法显示ＣＣＶ阳性１６例，Ｄｏｔ－ＥＬＩＳＡ阳性１３例，后１３例包括在前１６例中。从８４例腹泻犬粪样中随机取３８例作ＣＣＶ、犬细小病毒（ＣＰＶ）双项检测，ＣＣＶ阳性１６例，ＣＰＶ阳性６例，ＣＣＶ、ＣＰＶ混合感染４例。结果显示，在南京地区流行的犬腹泻中，ＣＣＶ感染比例有超过ＣＰＶ的趋势。     

Tissue distribution of dexamethasone in canine ocular compartments following topical application of dexamethasone-21-isonicotinate and oxytetracycline HCl

Objective  To study the dexamethasone (DXM) concentration at different time points in various compartments of the canine eye following topical application of DXM-21-isonicotinate and oxytetracycline hydrochloride
Animals studied  Thirty dogs to be euthanized for reasons not related to this study were selected and their ocular health status evaluated. Selected animals were treated with DXM-oxytetracycline ointment and euthanized after 6, 11 or 16 h.
Procedure  The concentration of DXM was determined in the following compartments of the eye: third eyelid, cornea, aqueous humor, iris, lens, vitreous body and choroid/retina. The DXM concentration in the eye was measured by radioimmunoassay. The applied amount of DXM was 0.04 mg in 0.2 mL ointment. Dogs were treated once with Corti Biciron^® eye ointment (DXM-21-isonicotinate and oxytetracycline hydrochloride, S & K Pharma, Perl, Germany) and were euthanized 6, 11 and 16 h after treatment.
Results  At 6 h following topical application the mean DXM concentration was highest in the anterior structures of the eye (third eyelid: 18 ng/g, cornea: 36 ng/g). The concentration in the posterior structures was below detection level. A decreased DXM concentration in the anterior structures was measured 11 and 16 h after treatment.
Conclusion  It could be demonstrated that therapeutically relevant concentrations of DXM after a single topical administration are only achieved in anterior structures of the eye. A dosing interval of 6–11 h is recommended to achieve therapeutic drug concentration in those structures. The posterior structures of the eye are not reached by topical administration.     

Screening and controlling canine inherited ocular diseases in Finland: epidemiological, economical and health promotional aspect

Official eye examination records of 18 146 dogs in 17 breeds were analyzed in order to evaluate the Finnish Kennel Club's eye examination scheme. The most common inherited ocular diseases were the Collie eye anomaly (CEA) in the Rough Collie and the persistent hyperplastic tunica vasculosa lentis (PHTVL) in the Doberman. In both diseases the prevalence has also increased during the study period 1988–1997. The most likely reason for the increase is the change in examination routines that now makes it easier to find milder disease forms that were previously classified as normal. The prevalences of other inherited diseases are so low that no conclusions about the trends can be made. Also, the data have some defects that can cause biased estimations of prevalences. The costs of screening programs are very high and no direct economical benefits can be shown. Methods of improving the screening and effectiveness of the program are also presented.     

Guttural pouch empyema caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis in a pregnant mare

During medical management of mild colic in a 12‐year‐old Quarter Horse, mid‐gestation mare, unilateral purulent nasal discharge from the right nostril was noted. Endoscopic examination revealed guttural pouch empyema. Culture was positive for Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis and negative for Streptococcus equi ssp. equi. A synergistic haemolysis inhibition titre of 1024 was consistent with C. pseudotuberculosis infection. Treatment included serial lavages and local infusion of antibiotics into the guttural pouches along with a 6‐week course of oral trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole and rifampicin. Overall, no additional sites of infection were identified and the mare responded well to treatment, delivering a healthy, full‐term foal. This case emphasises that C. pseudotuberculosis, although uncommon, should be considered as a differential for guttural pouch empyema.     

Carprofen inhibition of flare in the dog measured by laser flare photometry

The purpose of this study was to determine whether oral carprofen (Rimadyl®) treatment in dogs could prevent or decrease the breakdown of the blood–aqueous barrier. The topical pilocarpine irritative model was used to induce breakdown and cause flare. Pilocarpine was instilled in both eyes of seven dogs at time zero and again 5 h later. At 7 h, laser flare photometry was used to measure the flare concentration in each eye using the Kowa FC-1000 laser flare cell meter. All treatments were then discontinued. Two days later, carprofen was administered to the same dogs for a total of three doses. After the last dose of carprofen, pilocarpine treatments and flare measurements were repeated. Carprofen pretreatment resulted in a 68% inhibition of flare, which was highly significant ( P < 0.01). The pilocarpine group had a mean of 16.1 photon counts per millisecond (PC ms⁻¹) ± 2.2 SE, and the carprofen group had a mean of 7.0 PC/ms ± 1.2 SE. These results compare favorably with previous studies measuring increased protein or fluorescein concentrations in the aqueous humor after blood–aqueous barrier breakdown in the dog. These results suggest that carprofen may be effectively used as a systemically administered ocular anti-inflammatory drug. Carprofen has the added benefit of fewer reported side effects.     

金钱豹与美洲虎对颗粒犬粮消化率的测定

分别将市售某品牌颗粒型大型犬粮(下简称颗粒犬粮)添加到2只金钱豹和2只美洲虎的纯肉日粮中,并测定其营养成分的表观消化率.结果,2种食肉动物对颗粒犬粮中粗蛋白、粗脂肪、干物质、灰分和能量的表观消化率分别为67%±3.3%、91%±1.2%、62%±2.6%、16%±2.6%和97%±3.8%.     

Seroprevalence of Antibodies Against the Excreted Antigen Superoxide Dismutase by Trypanosoma Cruzi in Dogs From the Yucatan Peninsula (Mexico)

Numerous studies have shown the role of dogs as a reservoir for the American trypanosomiasis, as the bridge connecting sylvatic and peridomestic cycles. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of American trypanosomiasis in the dog population (630 sera) from seven localities in the Yucatan Peninsula (city of Mérida and the towns of Molas, Playa del Carmen, Akumal, Xcalacoop, Xcalac and Xahuachol). These data are key for developing control measures for the disease. The sera were analysed to detect antibodies against Trypanosoma cruzi, using Fe‐SOD excreted as the antigenic fraction by ELISA and Western blot as confirmation. The total prevalence found in the Yucatan Peninsula was some 14.76%, with 10.74% in the state of Yucatan (city of Mérida, towns of Molas and Xcalacoop) and 21.34% in the state of Quintana Roo (towns of Playa del Carmen, Akumal, Xcalac and Xahuachol). However, a more thorough epidemiological study of the dog population, both wild and urban, in the Yucatan Peninsula will be required to design a control strategy for these diseases, paying particular attention to the population affected and even broadening the study to other Mexican states as well as neighbouring countries. These results again confirm that iron‐superoxide dismutase excreted by T. cruzi constitutes a good source of antigen for serodiagnosis in epidemiological studies.     

Upper airway obstruction caused by a nasopharyngeal polyp and brachycephalic airway syndrome in a Chinese Shar-Pei puppy

Objective: To describe the case management for a dog diagnosed with a nasopharyngeal polyp.
Case summary: A 9-week-old Shar-Pei puppy presented for progressive dyspnea and collapse. Clinical signs were consistent with an upper airway obstruction (UAO) and a temporary tracheostomy was performed. The puppy was at first diagnosed with and treated for brachycephalic airway syndrome but continued to exhibit signs of an UAO after soft palate resection. Nasopharyngoscopy revealed a nasopharyngeal polyp causing the UAO, which was surgically removed. The puppy has been free of clinical signs for 1 year after removal of the polyp.
New or unique information provided: This is the first report of a nasopharyngeal polyp causing a life-threatening UAO in a puppy. It emphasizes the importance of examining the nasopharyngeal space in neonates presenting with UAO.     

Actinomyces bowdenii ulcerative keratitis in a dog

A 5‐year‐old spayed female diabetic mixed‐breed dog underwent phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation to correct bilateral hypermature cataracts. Two months postsurgery, the patient presented with ulcerative keratitis and multifocal stromal abscessation OD, which was controlled, but never resolved, with topical fluoroquinolone therapy. The patient re‐presented 2 months later with a new, raised, white gritty corneal opacity associated with hyperemia, chemosis, and blepharospasm OD. Cytology of the right cornea revealed filamentous bacteria, suggestive of Actinomyces spp. Actinomyces bowdenii was subsequently isolated in pure culture and identified via 16s rDNA sequencing. Actinomyces bowdenii has never before been described as a cause of ocular infection. An immunosuppressed corneal environment likely contributed to this opportunistic Actinomycosis. The infection was not controlled with fluoroquinolone therapy, and the isolate, in vitro, was resistant to three fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, and levofloxacin), which also has not been previously reported for this species of Actinomyces. A superficial keratectomy with conjunctival graft was employed to successfully manage the infection.     

Nasolacrimal obstruction caused by root abscess of the upper canine in a cat

A 10‐year‐old, castrated male domestic short hair cat was presented to the Small Animal Clinic at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine with a presenting complaint of chronic, ocular discharge from the left eye. Ocular examination confirmed epiphora and mucopurulent discharge but there were no apparent reasons for the ocular discharge, and nasolacrimal obstruction was suspected. The cat had swelling of the left side of the face, severe periodontal disease and a fractured upper left canine tooth with pulpal exposure. Dacryocystorhinography revealed narrowing of the nasolacrimal duct above the root of the fractured upper left canine and dental radiographs showed a severe periapical lucency at the apex of the upper left canine tooth. The fractured canine tooth was removed. Subsequently, the ocular discharge and facial swelling resolved. After 2 years, the epiphora has never reoccurred. This is a noteworthy case because a suspected root abscess resulted in extralumenal compression of the nasolacrimal duct, which shows the importance of a thorough oral examination when nasolacrimal obstruction is evident.