Image-guided interventional procedures in the dog and cat

Medical imaging is essential for the diagnostic workup of many soft tissue and bone lesions in dogs and cats, but imaging modalities do not always allow the clinician to differentiate inflammatory or infectious conditions from neoplastic disorders. This review describes interventional procedures in dogs and cats for collection of samples for cytological or histopathological examinations under imaging guidance. It describes the indications and procedures for imaging-guided sampling, including ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging and fluoroscopy. US and CT are currently the modalities of choice in interventional imaging.     

The role of veterinary epidemiology in the study of free-roaming dogs and cats

Free-roaming dogs or cats are domestic dogs and cats that are not confined to a yard or house. Free-roaming dogs and cats have long caused major public-health problems and animal-welfare concerns in many countries. Free-roaming dogs have been considered to be more of a problem than cats for several reasons, but the literature addressing dogs focuses primarily on their role in rabies spread and control. Free-roaming cats are becoming more of an issue in countries where free-roaming dog problems are coming under control. The change in perception of pets, beyond their value as a commodity, has also contributed to the increase in concern and attention focused on free-roaming dogs and cats. Epidemiologists have contributed much to these studies of these populations and have potential to contribute even more. The epidemiologic methods and approaches, the experience of epidemiologists in interdisciplinary teams and the importance of considering the separate sub-populations in study design and analysis all are critical in designing and evaluating interventions for free-roaming dogs and cats. In this paper, I will (1) describe a set of useful definitions regarding free-roaming dogs and cats, (2) summarize past and present topics of study in free-roaming dogs and cats, using selected examples, (3) describe the limitations of existing work and how epidemiologists might strengthen and improve this work, and (4) outline areas needing more attention by epidemiologists and why these are important.     

Cross-sectional survey of surgical techniques used to perform dog and cat spays in New Zealand veterinary practice

ABSTRACT

Aims: To describe the variation in surgical techniques used by veterinarians to perform routine dog and cat spays in first-opinion veterinary practice in New Zealand, and how these techniques differed with the number of years since the veterinarian graduated.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey of veterinarians registered to practice in New Zealand was conducted online between 1 April and 30 May 2018. Respondents were asked their year of graduation and about the procedures, they would use to perform a routine spay of a healthy, 5?kg, young adult, female domestic shorthair cat, and a healthy, 20?kg, young adult, female mixed-breed dog. The number of years since graduation was calculated by subtracting the reported year of graduation from 2018.

Results: Overall, 282 respondents provided details about dog spays, and 361 about cat spays, and the median number of years since graduation was 14 (min 0, max 50). Only 54/282 (19.1%) respondents performing dog spays and 43/361 (11.9%) performing cat spays wore a surgical cap, gown, mask, and gloves. For dog spays, 278 (98.6%) respondents used a ventral midline approach and 147 (52.1%) used manual exteriorisation of the uterus. Most used two clamps (168; 59.6%) and used two encircling ligatures (152; 53.9%) for removal of the uterus. For cat spays, 254 (70.4%) respondents used a ventral midline approach and 313 (86.7%) used a spay hook for exteriorising the uterus. Most used two clamps (250; 69.3%) with one encircling ligature (213; 59.0%) for removal of the uterus. Simple interrupted external or intradermal patterns were mostly used for skin closure for both dog and cat spays. For cat spays, the percentage of respondents using the ventral midline approach decreased with increasing years since graduation (p?<?0.001). For both dog and cat spays, the percentage of respondents using two encircling ligatures and transfixation ligation of the uterus, and using a simple continuous suture pattern for the closure of the abdomen, decreased with number of years since graduation (p?<?0.05).

Conclusions and clinical relevance: Veterinarians responding to this survey used a wide range of techniques to perform routine dog and cat spays, some of which were associated with the number of years since graduation. It may be beneficial to provide veterinarians with resources to reflect on their current approaches for performing routine spays. However further research is needed to determine whether any surgical techniques are superior to others.     

Comparison of steroid receptor expression in normal, dysplastic, and neoplastic canine and feline mammary tissues

Steroid receptor expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in neoplastic, hyperplastic/dysplastic, and normal mammary tissue samples removed from 68 queens and 47 bitches, using monoclonal antibodies against human oestrogen-alpha (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR). Mammary lesions were classified according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, and all animals with invasive carcinomas were clinically followed for 2 years. Stromal and/or lymphatic invasion and histological grading were also recorded. In both species, ER expression was significantly higher in healthy tissues, hyperplastic/dysplastic lesions, and benign tumours than in carcinomas. The loss of ER expression was more marked in feline than in canine carcinomas. In queens, PR expression increased in dysplastic lesions and "in situ" carcinomas and decreased in invasive carcinomas, even if parts of these tumours were still PR-positive. In bitches no significant variation in PR expression was observed between normal tissue, dysplasias, and benign neoplasms, but was significantly lower in carcinomas. In both species ER and PR expression in invasive carcinomas did not correlate either with histological parameters or overall survival time. This study demonstrates several differences in steroid hormone dependency between the two species. The percentage of PR-positive feline carcinomas suggests a possible role of progesterone in promoting early tumour cell growth in queens. The low percentage of ER-positive invasive carcinomas further demonstrated the aggressive phenotype and behaviour of feline mammary tumours.     

Development and evaluation of a quantitative PCR assay for detection of Hepatozoon sp

With the aim to improve current molecular diagnostic techniques of Hepatozoon sp. in carnivore mammals, we developed a quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay with SYBR Green I^®. The method, consisting of amplification of a 235 bp fragment of the 18S rRNA gene, is able to detect at least 0.1 fg of parasite DNA. Reproducible quantitative results were obtained over a range of 0.1 ng–0.1 fg of Hepatozoon sp. DNA. To assess the performance of the qPCR assay, DNA samples from dogs (140) and cats (50) were tested with either standard PCR or qPCR. Positive samples were always confirmed by partial sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene. Quantitative PCR was 15.8% more sensitive than standard PCR to detect H. canis in dogs. In cats, no infections were detected by standard PCR, compared to two positives by qPCR (which were infected by H. canis as shown by sequencing).     

Retrospective evaluation of partial parenteral nutrition in dogs and cats

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the use of partial parenteral nutrition (PPN) in dogs and cats. The medical records of all dogs and cats receiving PPN between 1994 and 1999 were reviewed to determine signalment, reasons for use of PPN, duration of PPN administration, duration of hospitalization, complications, and mortality. Complications were classified as metabolic, mechanical, or septic. One hundred twenty-seven animals (80 dogs and 47 cats) were included in the study, accounting for 443 patient days of PPN. The most common underlying diseases were pancreatitis (n = 41), gastrointestinal disease (n = 33), and hepatic disease (n = 23). Median time of hospitalization before initiation of PPN was 2.8 days (range, 0.2-10.7 days). Median duration of PPN administration was 3.0 days (range, 0.3-8.8 days). Median duration of hospitalization was 7 days (range, 2-20 days). In the 127 animals receiving PPN, 72 complications occurred. These included metabolic (n = 43), mechanical (n = 25), and septic (n = 4) complications. The most common metabolic complication was hyperglycemia (n = 19), followed by lipemia (n = 17) and hyperbilirubinemia (n = 6). Most complications were mild and did not require discontinuation of PPN. Ninety-three (73.2%) of the 127 patients were discharged. All 4 animals with septic complications were discharged from the hospital. The presence, type, and number of complications did not impact the duration of hospitalization or outcome. However, animals that received supplemental enteral nutrition survived more often than those receiving PPN exclusively. Although PPN seems to be a relatively safe method of providing nutritional support, future studies are warranted to determine its efficacy.     

Identification and characterization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from Austrian companion animals and horses

The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial resistance, resistance gene patterns and genetic relatedness of a collection of Austrian methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates from companion animals and horses.A total of 89 non-repetitive MRSA isolates collected during routine veterinary microbiological examinations from April 2004 to the end of 2012, and one isolate from 2013 were used for this study. The presence of mecA and other resistance genes was confirmed by PCR. Isolates were genotyped by spa typing, two multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analyses (MLVA) analyses, SCCmec typing and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). PCR targeting Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) and detection of staphylococcal enterotoxins (SE), toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST) was performed using PCR assays. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed.Five sequence types (STs—ST398, ST254, ST22, ST5 and ST1), SCCmec types II, IVa, V, and non-type-abele, 8 spa-types (t003, t011, t036, t127, t386, t1348, and t4450), and two isolates could not be assigned, 21 MLVA-14Orsay types Multiplex-PCR MLVA (mMLVA) displayed 17 different MLVA types.The present study is the most comprehensive dealing with MRSA from Austrian companion animals and horses. The results confirm that MRSA ST398 is present in a wide range of animal species and is predominant especially in horses. In other companion animals it is unclear whether the infections with the different MRSA isolates investigated in the present study truly represents a rare phenomenon or may be an emerging problem in companion animals.     

Completeness of the dog registry and estimation of the dog population size in a densely populated area of Rome

In most European countries, registration and identification of dogs is compulsory. In Italy, the national dog registry is composed of regional dog registries. Although dog registries have been established for many years, the issue related to completeness of data has not been addressed so far. The objective of this study was twofold: first to assess the completeness of data of the dog registry through telephone interview of a sample of dog owners drawn from the dog registry, then to estimate the total owned dog population in 4 boroughs of Rome. For the second objective, a capture–recapture method was applied using data from the dog registry and data from a face-to-face questionnaire submitted to people waiting in the sitting room of 5 points of access for booking and payment of primary and specialist care. Different scenarios are proposed to verify the assumptions of the estimation procedure and potential biases are discussed. The completeness of data of the dog registry was 88.9% (95% CI: 85.8–91.9%) and the owned-dog population was estimated at 26,244 dogs (95% CI: 24,110–28,383). The dog registry is an important source of information especially when it is properly updated and completeness of data is known.     

Genetic relatedness of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) isolated from a dog and the dog owner

In the present study four methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) strains isolated from a dog (n = 3) and the anterior nares of the dog owner (n = 1) were investigated by conventional and molecular methods. The species identity of the four S. pseudintermedius strains was confirmed by conventional methods, by PCR mediated amplification of S. intermedius/S. pseudintermedius specific segments of thermonuclease encoding gene nuc and by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of phosphoacetyltransferase encoding gene pta. Investigation of the four S. pseudintermedius for toxinogenic potential revealed that all four strains were positive for the exfoliative toxin encoding gene siet and the leukotoxin encoding genes lukS, lukF. The oxacillin and penicillin resistance of the four S. pseudintermedius strains could be determined by cultivation of the strains on oxacillin resistant screening agar base, ChromID MRSA Agar and Brilliance MRSA Agar and by multiplex PCR detecting the resistance genes mecA and blaZ. The genetic relatedness of the strains was studied by macrorestriction analysis of their chromosomal DNA using pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). According to PFGE all four S. pseudintermedius strains represent an identical bacterial clone indicating a cross transmission between the dog and the dog owner.     

Activities of enzymes in some types of peripheral leucocytes may reflect the differences in nutrient metabolism between dogs and cats

Plasma metabolites and immunoreactive insulin (IRI) concentrations and enzyme activities of some types of peripheral leucocytes were measured to clarify one aspect of the differences in nutrient metabolism between dogs and cats. There were no significant differences in plasma concentrations of glucose, triglyceride, free fatty acids and IRI between dogs and cats. Higher total cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol concentrations were observed in feline plasma, and H/T ratio (HDL/total cholesterol concentrations) was significantly lower than that in canine plasma. The cytosolic activities of fructokinase (FK), pyruvate kinase (PK), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were significantly higher and the activities of cytosolic malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and mitochondrial glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) were significantly lower in feline leucocytes than those in canine leucocytes. Higher activities of FK, PK and G6PD, which regulate the rate of biosynthesis of fatty acids, may reflect the different characteristics in nutrient metabolism in feline tissues from canine tissues.     

Epidemiology and Clinical Features of Dermatophytosis in Dogs and Cats at Louisiana State University: 1981–1990

Abstract— Dermatophytes were cultured from seventy of 1824 (3.8 per cent) canine samples and 61 of 408 (14.9 per cent) feline samples submitted over ten years. Microsporum canis was the most common species isolated (86/131). M. gypseum (31/70) and M. canis (30/70) were isolated most frequently from dogs whereas M. canis was isolated most frequently from cats (56/61). Both male and female dogs and cats were equally affected by dermatophytosis. There was a higher incidence in both dogs and cats less than one year of age. Mixed breed dogs (19/70), domestic shorthaired cats (39/61) and Persian cats (15/61) were most often affected. M. gypseum had a greater incidence of infection in summer and most often caused localized disease in dogs. In dogs, localized dermatophytosis was more common. Localized infections were most often caused by M. canis in all animals, with the head (23/75), feet (10/75) and tail (7/75) affected most frequently. Résumé— Dos dermatophytes ont été isolés à partir de 70/1824 (3,8 pourcent) prélèvements canins et 61/408 (14,9 pourcent) prélèvements félins collectés sur une période de dix ans. L'espèce la plus souvent isolée était Microsporum canis (86/131). Microspomm gypseum (31/70) et M. canis (30/70) étainet les plus fréquemment isolés chez les chiens, alors qu'il s'agissait de M. canis (56/61) chez les chats. Les mâles et les femelles, chiens ou chats, étaient également représentés. Il y avait une nette incidence des animaux de moins d'un an, tant chez les chiens que chez les chats. Les chiens croisés (19/70), les chats européens (39/61) et les chats Persans (15/61) étaient les plus souvent atteints. L'incidence de M. gypseumétait plus importante l'été et provoquait les plus souvent des lésions localisées les chiens. Les formes localisées étaient plus fréquentes chez les chiens et le plus souvent dues àM. canis dans les deux espèces, avec une atteinte préférentielle de la tête (23/75), des membres (10/75) et de la queue (7/75). Zausammenfassung— Aus siebzig von 1824 Proben von Hunden (3,8 Prozent) und 61 von 408 Proben von Katzen (14,9 Prozent) von einem Zeitraum über zehn Jahre wurden Dermatophyten angezüchtet. Microsporum canis war die am häufigsten isolierte Spezies (86/131). Microsporum gypseum (31/70) und M. canis (30/70) wurden am häufigsten bei Hunden isoliert, M. canis dagegen wurde am häufigsten bei Katzen isoliert (56/61). Männliche wie weibliche Hunde und Katzen waren gleichermaßen von Dermatomykosen betroffen. Sowohl bei Hunden also auch bei Katzen war die Inzidenz bei Tieren unter einem Jahr höher. Am häufigsten erkrankten Mischlingshunde (19/70), Kurzhaarhauskatzen (39/61) und Perserkatzen (15/61). Die Inzidenz der Infektion mit M. gypseum war im Sommer größer, bei Hunden verursachte es mehr lokalisierte Erkrankungen. Bei Hunden überhaupt waren lokalisierte Dermatomykosen häufiger anzutreffen. Lokalisierte Infektionen wurden bei alien Tieren am häufigsten durch M. canis verursacht, am meisten betroffen waren Kopf (23/75), Pfoten (10/75) und Schwanz (7/75). Resumen Se cultivaron dermatofitos de setenta de 1824 (3,8 por ciento) muestras caninas y 61 de 408 (14,9 cor ciento) muestras felinas, sometidas durante diez anos. Microsporum canis fue la mas común de las especies aisladas (86/131). Microsporum gypseum (31/70) y M. canis (30/70) se aislaron mas frecuentemente de perros, mientras que M. canis fue aislado con más frecuencia de gatos (56/61). Ambos, macho y hembra, perros y gatos fueron igualmente afectados por la dermatofítosis. Había una mayor incidencia en perros y gatos menores de un año de edad. Perros de cruce de razas (19/70), gatos domésticados de pelo corto (39/61) y gatos persas (15/61) fueron afectados con más frecuencia. M. gypseum tenía una mayor incidencia de infección en verano, y muy frecuentemente causaba enfermedades localizados en perros. En perros, fue más commún la dermatofitosis localizada. Infecciones localizadas eran más frecuentemente causadas por M. canis en todos los animates, con la cabeza (23/75), pies (10/75) y rabo (7/75) afectados con más frecuencia.     

Molecular evidence of vector-borne pathogens in dogs and cats and their ectoparasites in Algiers,Algeria

In Algeria, only limited information is currently available on the prevalence of emergent canine and feline vector-borne diseases. The aim of the present work was to detect by qPCR vector-associated bacteria in stray dogs and cats and their ectoparasites from Algiers.18/117 (15.38%) dogs and 2/107 (1.87%) cats were positive for at least one vector-borne agent. Coxiella burnetii and Bartonella henselae were identified in 1/117 (0.85%) dog individually. Ehrlichia canis DNA was detected in 17/117 (14.52%) dogs. 1/107 (0.93%) cat was positive to C. burnetii and another 1/107 (0.93%) to B. henselae.DNA of Rickettsia massiliae, Rickettsia conorii and E. canis was detected in Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Cat fleas were infected with Rickettsia felis, B. henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae. B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii was identified in Xenopsylla cheopis collected from dogs.The findings of this study indicate that dogs and cats from Algeria are exposed to multiple tick and flea-borne pathogens.     

Prevalence and characterization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius from symptomatic companion animals in Northern Italy: Clonal diversity and novel sequence types

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, the genotypic diversity, the antimicrobial resistance traits of canine and feline clinical methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) isolates in a diagnostic laboratory in Italy during 2015-2016.All isolates were characterized by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), staphylococcal cassette chromosome (SCC)-mec typing and staphylococcal protein A (spa)-typing. The resistance profiles were assessed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing and confirmed genotypically by the detection of mecA gene and by microarray analyses.The prevalence of MRSP isolates was high (31.6%). All the strains were multidrug resistant and the most frequent clone was ST71-SCCmec type II-III. These results confirm a high prevalence of MRSP amongst clinical samples from pets in Italy. These isolates show multidrug resistance features that are of concern both in veterinary and human medicine for clinical and epidemiological reasons.     

伴侣动物用非细胞毒类抗肿瘤药临床试验设计及评价要点

肿瘤已经成为影响伴侣动物生存和生活质量的主要疾病之一,伴侣动物临床罹患多种复杂、高异质性肿瘤,然而目前临床却面临无药可用的尴尬局面。相较于人肿瘤治疗目的,伴侣动物肿瘤治疗更关注患肿瘤动物生活质量的改善。非细胞毒类抗肿瘤药的靶向作用在肿瘤治疗过程中可以极大减少药物对伴侣动物自身的伤害,因而,被越来越多的研发者所关注。结合伴侣动物用非细胞毒类抗肿瘤药临床试验文献及技术指南要求对伴侣动物用非细胞毒类抗肿瘤药研发中的临床试验设计、疗效评价及其要点进行分析,旨在为伴侣动物非细胞毒类肿瘤药研发者提供参考。