Factors associated with gastrointestinal parasite infection in dogs in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Factors associated with parasitism by helminths and protozoans in 500 dogs presented to three veterinary clinics in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro from November 2003 to September 2004 were evaluated. Dogs were submitted to physical examination and owners were interviewed about the animal's management. One fecal sample from each dog was examined by centrifugal flotation and sedimentation methods followed by the safranin–methylene blue staining technique. Positive results for gastrointestinal parasites were detected in 46.4% of the examined samples. Infection with protozoans (29.6%) was more frequent than with helminths (23.2%). Cryptosporidium sp. (26.2%) and Ancylostoma sp. (15.2%) were the most frequent parasites. Logistic regression analysis showed that age (p < 0.001), access to soil (p < 0.001), hygiene of the environment (p = 0.001), illness (p = 0.007), owner's level of education (p < 0.006) and veterinary clinic (p = 0.043) were associated with gastrointestinal parasite infections in dogs. Treatment and control are especially important for puppies. Adult dogs should be submitted to fecal examination before treatment, placing special emphasis on those that present one or more factors associated with infection.     

The current epidemiological revolution in veterinary medicine. Part I

The nature of the current epidemiological revolution in veterinary medicine is considered in terms of the previous evolution of tactics for livestock disease management, and future prospects for epidemiological surveillance as the ‘core’ activity for public and private practice of preventive veterinary medicine.     

Description of outcomes of experimental infection with feline haemoplasmas: Copy numbers, haematology, Coombs’ testing and blood glucose concentrations

The aim of this study was to compare blood copy, haematological and glucose values between cats experimentally infected with either Mycoplasma haemofelis (Group HF: 10 cats), ‘Candidatus M. haemominutum’ (Group HM: 3 cats) or ‘Candidatus M. turicensis’ (Group TU: 3 cats). Blood samples were collected regularly up to 85 days post-infection (DPI) for haemoplasma real-time quantitative PCR, haematology, Coombs’ testing and blood glucose measurement. Statistical analysis was performed using a general linear model (ANOVA) appropriate for a repeated measures experiment with significance set as P < 0.05. Cats in Group TU had significantly lower blood copy numbers than cats in Group HF (P < 0.001) and HM (P < 0.001). All Group HF cats developed anaemia (often severe), macrocytosis and evidence of erythrocyte-bound antibodies whereas Groups HM and TU cats did not. Group HF had significantly lower PCVs, haemoglobin concentrations and red blood cell counts, and significantly higher mean cell volumes, than Groups HM and TU. In Group HF, erythrocyte-bound antibodies reactive at 4 °C (both IgM and IgG) appeared between 8 and 22 DPI and persisted for two to four weeks, whereas those reactive at 37 °C (primarily IgG) appeared between 22 and 29 DPI and persisted for one to five weeks. In most cats antibodies appeared after the fall in haemoglobin started. Although Group TU had significantly lower glucose concentrations than Groups HF (P = 0.006) and HM (P = 0.027), mean blood glucose concentrations remained within the reference range in all groups. This study demonstrates that M. haemofelis infection, in contrast to ‘Candidatus M. haemominutum’ and ‘Candidatus M. turicensis’ infection, can result in a severe macrocytic anaemia and the development of cold and warm reactive erythrocyte-bound antibodies.     

Anti-histone antibodies in dogs with leishmaniasis and glomerulonephritis

The association between serum anti-histone antibodies and glomerulonephritis was studied in 43 dogs with leishmaniasis (Leishmania infantum). Dogs with increased serum creatinine levels and urine protein-creatinine ratio >1 were considered to have glomerulonephritis. Moderately elevated anti-histone antibodies were found in 38.89% (7/18) of infected dogs without glomerulonephritis, whereas 88% of dogs with glomerulonephritis (22/25) showed moderate or strongly elevated anti-histone antibodies. Prevalence of positive anti-histone antibodies reactions and mean serum concentration was significantly higher (P < 0.001; P < 0.0001) in infected dogs with glomerulonephritis. Correlation between anti-histone antibodies and urine protein-creatinine ratio was significant when groups were analysed together (P < 0.046). Positive predictive value for glomerulonephritis of positive anti-histone antibodies was 88%. In conclusion, high anti-histone antibodies are significantly associated with glomerulonephritis. Although other factors must be involved, dogs with moderate or strong positive anti-histone antibodies reactions may have a higher probability to develop glomerular lesions in canine leishmaniasis.     

Relationship between aggressive and avoidance behaviour by dogs and their experience in the first six months of life

The early experiences of dogs showing signs of avoidance behaviour or aggression were compared with those of dogs from the same clinical population that did not show such behaviour. The occurrence of each behavioural sign was tested for its association with the dog's maternal environment, the environment it experienced between three and six months of age, and the age at which it had been acquired. Non-domestic maternal environments, and a lack of experience of urban environments between three and six months of age, were both significantly associated with aggression towards unfamiliar people and avoidance behaviour. Aggression during a veterinary examination was more likely in dogs from non-domestic maternal environments. There was no significant association with either environment for aggression towards familiar people, or towards dogs.     

Distribution of IS900 restriction fragment length polymorphism types among animal Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis isolates from Argentina and Europe

Sixty-one Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis isolates from cattle and deer from the Buenos Aires province, an important livestock region in Argentina, were typed by restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) analysis based on IS900. Four different RFLP patterns (designated ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’ and ‘E’) were identified in BstEII digests of genomic DNA. The most frequently observed type, pattern ‘A’, was found in 46 isolates (75%). The second, pattern ‘E’, included 8 isolates (13%), while the third, pattern ‘B’, included 6 isolates (10%). Pattern ‘C’ was found for only one isolate. All of the deer isolates were classified as pattern ‘A’, while cattle isolates represented all four RFLP patterns. Twenty-one isolates representing the four different BstEII-RFLP patterns were digested with PstI. Twenty isolates showed identical PstI-RFLP pattern. BstEII-RFLP patterns from Argentine cattle and deer were compared with patterns found in cattle, goat, deer, rabbit, and human isolates from Europe. The most common pattern in Argentina, pattern ‘A’, was identical to a less frequently occurring pattern R9 (C17) from Europe. The other Argentine patterns ‘B’, ‘C’ and ‘E’, were not found in the Europe. These results indicate that the distribution of M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis genotypes in the Buenos Aires province of Argentina is different from that found in Europe.     

Intake, performance and carcass characteristics of beef cattle offered diets based on whole-crop wheat or forage maize relative to grass silage or ad libitum concentrates

Seventy beef steers, mean initial live-weight 424 (S.D. 33.0) kg, were blocked by live-weight and breed and allocated to one of 5 dietary treatments in a randomised complete block design. Treatments, including supplementation with 3 kg concentrates/head/day, were grass silage (GS), maize silage (MS), fermented whole-crop wheat (FWCW), urea-treated, processed whole-crop wheat (UPWCW), and ad libitum concentrates supplemented with 5 kg grass silage/head/day (ALC). The grain in urea-treated, processed whole-crop wheat (WCW) was cracked and the crop ensiled with a urea plus urease-based additive. The mean dry matter (DM) of the grass silage, maize silage, fermented WCW and urea-treated, processed WCW was 174, 315, 404 and 716 g/kg, respectively. Total DM intake and carcass growth were lowest for GS (P < 0.001). Relative to ALC, feed conversion efficiency (FCE) (P < 0.05), live-weight gain (P < 0.05), carcass-weight gain (P < 0.01) and kill-out rate (P < 0.05) were lower for GS, FWCW and UPWCW. The MS had a better FCE than the UPWCW (P < 0.001) or the FWCW (P < 0.05). Plasma urea concentration was lowest for MS and highest for UPWCW (P < 0.001). Animals offered the GS treatment had the most yellow fat (higher (P < 0.05) ‘b’ value) and those offered UPWCW had the whitest fat (lower (P < 0.01) ‘b’ value). It is concluded that MS, FWCW and UPWCW supported superior levels of growth by cattle compared to GS (in vitro DM digestibility 674 g/kg). There was no animal productivity advantage with UPWCW compared to FWCW.     

Prevalence and intensity of Otodectes cynotis in kittens from Thessaloniki area, Greece

From May 2007 to May 2008 we have examined by otoscopy a total number of 214 cats, aged between 0 and 6 months, brought in for their first veterinary examination to a private veterinary clinic. All cats were of urban origin. In all positive cats we performed a washing of the ear using warm paraffin oil in order to determine intensity of infection. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test. A total number of 30 cats were found to be infected with Otodectes cynotis (prevalence 14.02%). Prevalence of infection was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in cats aged between 3 and 6 months (17.58%) than in cats aged below 3 months (11.38). Intensity of infection ranged between 7 and 85 (mean intensity 35.60) mites per infected cat. The same age group of cats between 3 and 6 months had significantly (p < 0.05) higher mean intensity (47.19) compared to cats aged under 3 months (22.36). No statistical significance was found between males and females for neither prevalence nor intensity. Differences and similarities with other studies are discussed.     

Discussing overweight in dogs during a regular consultation in general practice in the Netherlands

In previous studies, it has been demonstrated that, similar to general practitioners, veterinarians find it difficult to discuss overweight in dogs. This study aimed to provide insight in the barriers and motivators for veterinarians to discuss overweight in dogs and to compare the results with findings from human medicine. Sub-hypotheses were postulated based on existing literature to investigate if lack of time, fear of offending clients, or lack of skills were potential barriers, and if feeling responsible and feeling compassion were potential motivators for veterinarians to discuss overweight in dogs. To this end, an online survey (n = 59) was conducted. Furthermore, 15 small animal clinicians working in general practice were interviewed by semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Results from the online survey indicated that veterinarians find it sometimes difficult to discuss overweight in dogs. Veterinarians who responded to the online survey did not experience strong barriers but did make use of motivators (e.g. feeling responsible and feeling compassion) when discussing overweight in dogs. Interestingly, results from the semi-structured face-to-face interviews showed that the responding veterinarians did experience strong barriers, as well as motivators, when discussing overweight in dogs with their clients. The most prominent barrier was customer dissatisfaction, whereas lack of time and lack of skills were also experienced. The most prominent motivator was feeling responsible for animal health and preventive veterinary medicine. These findings were strikingly similar to previous research on discussing childhood overweight by general practitioners. To improve treatment and prevention of overweight in dogs, veterinarians need more communication skills and should be more aware of the motivators that drive their self-motivation. Improving awareness on overweight and its comorbidities should be a One Health issue.     

Echinococcosis in pigs and intestinal infection with Echinococcus spp. in dogs in southwestern Lithuania

Cystic echinococcosis is a major emerging zoonosis in many Eastern European and Asian countries. Post slaughter examinations of 684 pig livers in Lithuania revealed significantly higher numbers of Echinococcus granulosus infections in animals from family farms (13.2%; 95% CI 10.7–16.2) as compared with those from industrial farms (4.1%; 95% CI 0.8–11.5). The prevalence was also significantly higher in pigs older than 1 year than in younger ones. In addition, in 0.5% of the pigs from the family farms, infertile and calcified E. multilocularis lesions were identified by PCR. Faecal samples from rural dogs (n = 240) originating from 177 family farms in 12 villages were investigated for taeniid eggs with two methods. Significantly more dogs excreting taeniid eggs were diagnosed with the flotation/sieving method (n = 34) as compared to the modified McMaster method (n = 12). Multiplex PCR performed with DNA from taeniid eggs isolated from faeces of 34 dogs revealed 26 infections with Taenia spp., 9 with E. granulosus and 2 with E. multilocularis (4 cases with concurrent Taenia spp. and E. granulosus or E. multilocularis infections). Genotyping of E. granulosus cyst tissues from 7 pigs, 1 head of cattle and from E. granulosus eggs from 8 dog faeces revealed the genotype G6/7 (‘pig/camel strain’) in all cases. The high infection pressure with Echinococcus spp. in family farms necessitates initiating control programs.     

Improvement in insulin resistance and reduction in plasma inflammatory adipokines after weight loss in obese dogs

Obesity is now a major disease of dogs, predisposing to numerous disorders including diabetes mellitus. Adipocytes are active endocrine cells, and human obesity is characterized by derangements in inflammatory adipokine production. However, it is unclear as to whether similar changes occur in dogs. The purpose of the current study was to assess insulin sensitivity and inflammatory adipokine profiles in dogs with naturally occurring obesity and to investigate the effect of subsequent weight loss. Twenty-six overweight dogs were studied, representing a range of breeds and both sexes. All dogs underwent a weight loss program involving diet and exercise. Body fat mass was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry; plasma concentrations of insulin, glucose, and a panel of inflammatory adipokines (including acute-phase proteins, cytokines, and chemokines) were also analyzed. Body fat mass before weight loss was positively correlated with both plasma insulin concentrations (Kendall τ = 0.30, P = 0.044) and insulin:glucose ratio (Kendall τ = 0.36, P = 0.022), and both decreased after weight loss (P = 0.0037 and 0.0063, respectively). Weight loss also led to notable decreases in plasma tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), haptoglobin, and C-reactive protein concentrations (P < 0.05 for all), suggesting improvement of a subclinical inflammatory state associated with obesity. This study has demonstrated that in obese dogs, insulin resistance correlates with degree of adiposity, and weight loss improves insulin sensitivity. Concurrent decreases in TNF-α and adipose tissue mass suggest that in dogs, as in humans, this adipokine may be implicated in the insulin resistance of obesity.     

A study of dendritic cell and MHC class II expression in dogs with immunomodulatory-responsive lymphocytic-plasmacytic pododermatitis

The term immunomodulatory-responsive lymphocytic-plasmacytic pododermatitis (ImR-LPP) has previously been proposed to denote a sub-population of dogs with idiopathic pododermatitis. The objective of this study was to investigate dendritic cell (DC) and MHC class II antigen expression in lesional skin of dogs with ImR-LPP (n = 47). Median epidermal CD1c⁺ cell counts were 37.8 and 12.5 mm⁻¹ in ImR-LPP dogs and healthy controls (n = 27), respectively (P < 0.01), while the corresponding dermal cell counts were 180.9 and 45.0 mm⁻², respectively (P < 0.01).Intra-epidermal clusters of DCs were observed in 18/47 dogs with ImR-LPP. Median epidermal MHC class II⁺ cell counts were 32.5 and 10.5 mm⁻¹ in ImR-LPP dogs and healthy controls, respectively (P < 0.01), while the corresponding dermal cell counts were 216.9 and 46.9 mm⁻², respectively (P < 0.01). Dermal MHC class II⁺ staining was primarily associated with DCs (47/47 dogs), mononuclear inflammatory cells (45/47), fibroblast-like cells (19/47) and vascular endothelium (14/47). The DC hyperplasia and increased MHC class II expression in lesional ImR-LPP skin are consistent with enhanced antigen presentation, and suggest that both parameters may contribute to the pathogenesis of ImR-LPP through the priming and activation of CD4⁺ T cells. Equally, it is possible that the enhanced DC numbers observed in this study may contribute to the immunoregulation of steady-state pathology in lesional ImR-LPP skin through additional expanded, although as yet unresolved, mechanisms.     

Hip dysplasia in Estrela mountain dogs: prevalence and genetic trends 1991-2005

Three hundred and thirteen Estrela mountain dogs were examined for hip dysplasia (HD) using the standard ventrodorsal hip extended view, and graded into five categories (A, B, C, D and E) using the Fédération Cynologique Internationale’s (FCI) scoring system. The Ortolani method was performed to evaluate hip joint laxity. Pedigree information was obtained from the Portuguese Kennel Club and the genetic trend was evaluated by calculating the mean breeding values (BVs) for the last 15 years, using the threshold model.HD was found in 66% of the dogs. There was low-moderate correlation between the results of the Ortolani test and FCI hip scores (r_s = 0.386; P < 0.001). Grades of hip dysplasia were equal in both males and females (P = 0.14) and in the animals’ right and left sides (P = 0.51). The mean BVs for HD were stable in dogs born between 1991 and 2003, and showed an improvement in 2004 and 2005. The data confirm the high prevalence and severity of HD in predisposed breeds that do not have breeding programmes in place. It also confirms an initial favourable change in BVs that is a likely consequence of the voluntary radiographic hip-screening programme.     

A relatively high proportion of dogs with small apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma (AGASACA) primary tumours present with locoregional lymph node metastasis

Apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma (AGASACA) is a highly relevant disease in dogs, with a high rate of lymph node (LN) metastasis during the course of disease. A recent study showed that risk for death and disease progression was significantly associated with primary tumour size less than 2 and 1.3 cm, respectively. The objective of this study was to report the proportion of dogs that have primary tumours less than 2 cm in diameter, that are diagnosed with LN metastasis at presentation. This was a single site retrospective study of dogs that underwent treatment for AGASACA. Dogs were included if physical examination primary tumour measurements were available, abdominal staging was performed, and confirmation of abnormal lymph nodes by cytology or histology was done. Over a 5-year period, 116 dogs were included for review with 53 (46%) having metastatic LN at presentation. The metastatic rate for dogs with primary tumours <2 cm was 20% (9 of 46 dogs) compared to 63% (44 of 70 dogs) in dogs with primary tumours ≥2 cm. The association between tumour size group (<2 vs. ≥2 cm) and the presence of metastasis at presentation was significant (P < .0001) with an OR of 7.0 (95% CI: 2.9–15.7). Primary tumour size was significantly associated with LN metastasis at presentation but the proportion of dogs that presented with LN metastasis in the <2 cm group was relatively high. This data suggests that dogs with small tumours may still have aggressive tumour biology.     

The prevalence of medial coronoid process disease is high in lame large breed dogs and quantitative radiographic assessments contribute to the diagnosis

Medial coronoid process disease is a common leading cause of thoracic limb lameness in dogs. Computed tomography and arthroscopy are superior to radiography to diagnose medial coronoid process disease, however, radiography remains the most available diagnostic imaging modality in veterinary practice. Objectives of this retrospective observational study were to describe the prevalence of medial coronoid process disease in lame large breed dogs and apply a novel method for quantifying the radiographic changes associated with medial coronoid process and subtrochlear‐ulnar region in Labrador and Golden Retrievers with confirmed medial coronoid process disease. Purebred Labrador and Golden Retrievers (n = 143, 206 elbows) without and with confirmed medial coronoid process disease were included. The prevalence of medial coronoid process disease in lame large breed dogs was calculated. Mediolateral and craniocaudal radiographs of elbows were analyzed to assess the medial coronoid process length and morphology, and subtrochlear‐ulnar width. Mean grayscale value was calculated for radial and subtrochlear‐ulnar zones. The prevalence of medial coronoid process disease was 20.8%. Labrador and Golden Retrievers were the most affected purebred dogs (29.6%). Elbows with confirmed medial coronoid process disease had short (P < 0.0001) and deformed (～95%) medial coronoid process, with associated medial coronoid process osteophytosis (7.5%). Subtrochlear‐ulnar sclerosis was evidenced in ～96% of diseased elbows, with a significant increase (P < 0.0001) in subtrochlear‐ulnar width and standardized grayscale value. Radial grayscale value did not differ between groups. Periarticular osteophytosis was identified in 51.4% of elbows with medial coronoid process disease. Medial coronoid process length and morphology, and subtrochlear‐ulnar width and standardized grayscale value varied significantly in dogs with confirmed medial coronoid process disease compared to controls. Findings indicated that medial coronoid process disease has a high prevalence in lame large breed dogs and that quantitative radiographic assessments can contribute to the diagnosis.     

Evaluation the Clinitek status automated dipstick analysis device for semiquantitative testing of canine urine

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the Clinitek status™ analyser using Multistix10SG™/Microalbustix™ dipsticks (all: Siemens Dx) for canine urine (n = 101) compared to reference methods: visual reading (Combur9 dipstick, Roche), refractometry, microscopy, and quantitative protein/creatinine analysis (Pentra400, AxonLab). The automated analyses were done twice and visual tests were performed by two examiners.An excellent to good concordance was demonstrated between the first/second analysis with the Multistix10SG and the Combur9 dipstick, respectively with Cohen’s κ-values ranging from 0.776 to 1.000. Agreement between both dipsticks was good for glucose (κ = 0.753), blood (κ = 0.793), protein (κ = 0.788), and moderate for bilirubin (κ = 0.431) and ketones (κ = 0.540). In 6/101 specimens, false positive ketone reactions were obtained with the Multistix10SG™. Multistix10SG™ could not be used for determination of pyuria or specific gravity. Semiquantitative/quantitative protein results correlated well (ρ = 0.90) and creatinine measurements moderately (ρ = 0.76). Due to automated data transmission to the laboratory information system, the Clinitek status™ is of advantage in veterinary laboratories/clinics.     

Congenital heart disease in boxer dogs: results of 6 years of breed screening

This prospective study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence and severity of ocular lesions in dogs with anemia (packed cell volume  20%) and/or thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 150,000/μL). Dogs were divided into four groups: (1) anemic (n = 17); (2) thrombocytopenic (n = 36); (3) anemic and thrombocytopenic (n = 24); and (4) healthy controls (n = 26). The prevalence of ophthalmic lesions in these four groups was 12%, 42%, 42% and 0%, respectively. Anemia was not associated with the presence of ocular lesions (P = 0.41) or their severity. Thrombocytopenia was significantly associated with the presence of ocular lesions (P = 0.0016) and with their severity (P = 0.017). We conclude that thrombocytopenia, but not anemia, is associated with ocular lesions in dogs.     

Multicenter randomized prospective clinical evaluation of meloxicam administered via transmucosal oral spray in client‐owned dogs

The clinical safety and efficacy of a transmucosal oral spray (TMOS) formulation of meloxicam was evaluated for the control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs. A total of 280 client‐owned dogs were enrolled at fourteen veterinary clinics: there were 187 dogs in the meloxicam TMOS group and 93 in the placebo control group. Dogs received placebo or treatment spray once daily for twenty‐eight days. Improvement in signs of osteoarthritis was measured using client‐specific outcome measures (CSOM) made at days 14 and 28 and veterinary assessments of lameness and pain on palpation made at day 28. A significantly higher number of dogs in the meloxicam TMOS group were treatment successes at 28 days (72.6%) compared with the placebo group (46.9%), based on CSOM scores. Total CSOM scores were significantly lower in the meloxicam TMOS‐treated group compared with the placebo group at both 14 and 28 days. Differences between treatment groups were not observed in veterinary assessments. Gastrointestinal effects of meloxicam were observed in some animals. Meloxicam TMOS was found to be safe and effective in dogs for the control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.