Canine adenovirus type 2 infection in four puppies with neurological signs

Four nine- to 11-week-old puppies developed respiratory and neurological signs due to an infection with canine adenovirus type 2 (cav-2); three of these were euthanased. They had moderate, diffuse pneumonia but there were no histological abnormalities in the central nervous system. Adenovirus-specific nucleic acid was detected by pcr in samples of lung and brain and the amplified product was 99.8 per cent homologous with the cav-2 reference strain Toronto a26/61. The positive pcr result was confirmed by in situ hybridisation in samples of lung, liver and spleen, but not in brain, and cav was isolated in cell culture from lung material; pcrs for canine distemper virus and canine herpesvirus-specific nucleic acids were negative, but large amounts of Bordetella bronchiseptica were isolated from lung material.     

Evaluation of collagenase activity, matrix metalloproteinase-8, and matrix metalloproteinase-13 in horses with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

OBJECTIVES: To determine collagenase activity and evaluate matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8 and MMP-13 in horses with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). ANIMALS: 12 horses with COPD and 12 healthy control horses. PROCEDURE: Collagenase activity was determined by use of an assay for degradation of type-I collagen. Western immunoblot analysis was used to identify interstitial collagenases MMP-8 and MMP-13 in tracheal epithelial lining fluid (TELF). Immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization were used to determine cellular expression of these 2 collagenases in cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). RESULTS: Collagenase activity was approximately 7 times higher in samples obtained from horses with COPD, compared with control horses. During stabling, horses with COPD had significantly higher collagenase activity than after being maintained on summer pasture, when activity was similar to that of control horses. Immunoreactivity of MMP-8 and MMP-13 was significantly increased in TELF of horses with COPD, compared with healthy horses. In TELF, a positive correlation was detected between immunoreactivity of MMP-8 and MMP-13 and the amount of degradation of type-I collagen. Macrophages and epithelial cells were the major cellular sources of MMP-8 and MMP-13. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Increased collagenase activity in TELF indicates active ongoing disease and, thus, may reflect lung tissue changes in horses with COPD. Measurements of collagenase activity and MMP immunoreactivity may provide additional diagnostic tools to identify the active phase of chronic lung disease.     

Canine adenovirus: its role in renal and ocular disease: a review

Hypersensitivity reactions to live attenuated and virulent field strains of canine adenovirus can produce renal and ocular disease. The renal lesion is a focal interstitial nephritis which is probably a Type IV hypersensitivity reaction; it has not so far been shown to be of any clinical significance. The ocular lesion, thought to be a Type III immune complex hypersensitivity reaction, is characterized by anterior uveitis and corneal oedema. It is usually transitory but occasionally results in permanent eye defects.     

Canine parvovirus in Australia: The role of socio-economic factors in disease clusters

To identify clusters of canine parvoviral related disease occurring in Australia during 2010 and investigate the role of socio-economic factors contributing to these clusters, reported cases of canine parvovirus were extracted from an on-line disease surveillance system. Reported residential postcode was used to locate cases, and clusters were identified using a scan statistic. Cases included in clusters were compared to those not included in such clusters with respect to human socioeconomic factors (postcode area relative socioeconomic disadvantage, economic resources, education and occupation) and dog factors (neuter status, breed, age, gender, vaccination status). During 2010, there were 1187 cases of canine parvovirus reported. Nineteen significant (P<0.05) disease clusters were identified, most commonly located in New South Wales. Eleven (58%) clusters occurred between April and July, and the average cluster length was 5.7days. All clusters occurred in postcodes with a significantly (P<0.05) greater level of relative socioeconomic disadvantage and a lower rank in education and occupation, and it was noted that clustered cases were less likely to have been neutered (P=0.004). No significant difference (P>0.05) was found between cases reported from cluster postcodes and those not within clusters for dog age, gender, breed or vaccination status (although the latter needs to be interpreted with caution, since vaccination was absent in most of the cases). Further research is required to investigate the apparent association between indicators of poor socioeconomic status and clusters of reported canine parvovirus diseases; however these initial findings may be useful for developing geographically- and temporally-targeted prevention and disease control programs.     

Activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in canine oronasal tumors

Activity of matrix metalloprotease-2 (MMP-2) and the expression of its related molecules were examined in spontaneous canine oronasal tumors. Tissue samples from melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma possessed higher MMP-2 activity, as shown in gelatin zymography, in comparison with acanthomatous epulis and nasal adenocarcinoma. Regional lymph node invasion and distant metastases were more frequently observed in the MMP-2 positive cases. There were no significant differences by RT-PCR examination in the expression of the genes encoding MMP-2, MT1-MMP and TIMP-2 among the tumor histological types. However, the MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratio showed a significantly higher level of the genes in the malignant oral melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratio was also positively correlated with MMP-2 activity in gelatin zymography. These results indicate that the MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratio may be of value in evaluating the prognosis in canine oronasal cavity tumors.     

Canine visceral leishmaniasis and its emergence in the United States.

Leishmaniasis is an important zoonotic disease that accounts for approximately 57,000 deaths among people each year. Dogs are reservoirs for the disease, and dog ownership is a risk factor in endemic areas. This article discusses insect vectors for this disease, as well as diagnosis and treatment for dogs.     

Differential immunohistochemical expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 in cow uteri with adenomyosis during follicular phase

The present investigation was intended to show a different immunohistochemical profile of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and Tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase-2 in bovine uteri with adenomyosis during follicular phase. Uterine samples of 32 cows in reproductive age were taken from the medial third of one of the uterine horns and grouped according to the adenomyosis degree (superficial and deep). Tissue sections (4 μm) were incubated overnight at 4°C with monoclonal antibody for matrix metalloproteinase-2 and Tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase-2. Staining intensities were evaluated in the luminal epithelium, ectopic and dystopic endometrial tissue (stroma, capillaries and glands), endometrial-myometrial border, myometrium, myometrial vessels (middle tunic and endothelium). The matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression was higher for deep adenomyosis samples, showing a differential mean reactivity in superficial endometrium, myometrial vessels, myometrium adjacent to adenomyotic focus and endometrial-myometrial border (P < 0.05). Moreover, matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression was higher in deep adenomyosis samples than that of Tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase-2 in almost all uterine structures analyzed (except for the endometrial and myometrial vessels and endometrial-myometrial border). The opposite was observed in the follicular phase, for both normal specimens and with superficial adenomyosis, where Tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase-2 expression was higher than that of matrix metalloproteinase-2. In conclusion, a differential pattern of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and Tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase-2 was observed in cow uteri with adenomyosis.     

Canine leishmaniasis chemotherapy: dog's clinical condition and risk of Leishmania transmission

The aim of this study was to investigate whether treatment against canine leishmaniasis reduced the presence of Leishmania in the healthy skin of dogs, affecting the capacity of parasite transmission. A total of 37 dogs from an endemic region of leishmaniasis were studied. Thirteen symptomatic animals revealed parasites in the bone marrow and eight had also in the skin. Five of the 22 dogs that had been treated with meglumine antimoniate alone, meglumine antimoniate or trifluralin followed by allopurinol or just with allopurinol had the parasite in bone marrow but none showed Leishmania in the skin. One dog that was treated only with aminosidine was polisymptomatic and had parasites in bone marrow and skin. The different treatments used in this study did not completely eliminate the parasite allowing relapses to occur when the treatment is discontinued, but the use of meglumine antimoniate or allopurinol, alone or combined may improve dogs clinical condition and reduce or eliminate the parasite from the skin decreasing the probability of Leishmania transmission.     

Canine visceral leishmaniasis in urban and rural areas of Northeast Brazil

The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical and laboratory profiles of canine leishmaniasis in two distinct areas. Dogs from urban and rural areas were examined. The population studied in the metropolitan area included 54 dogs. Of these, 20 (37%) animals did not present with any signs suggestive of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Among these, only eight were confirmed negative by ELISA (rK39 and CE) and 12 dogs, clinically negative for leishmaniasis, were seropositive by ELISA (rK39 and CE). Thinness, conjunctivitis and onychogryphosis were the most frequent clinical signs in the urban areas, followed by crusty lesions, alopecia, ulcerated lesions, hyperkeratosis and exfoliation. In the metropolitan area human VL cases occurred mainly in 1991, 1992, 1999 and 2000. In the rural areas the ELISA rK39 test detected a seroprevalence of 11.3% and ELISA CE (Leishmania crude extract) of 20.6%. Thirty-nine dogs were examined 6 months after the first visit. Serological exams using rK39 antigen showed seroconversion of only one dog, whereas Leishmania CE showed seroconversion of 13 (33.4%) dogs. In this rural environment 83.3% of the positive dogs were asymptomatic. Lutzomyia intermedia and Lu. longipalpis were the most predominant sandfly vector species. Amastigotes were identified in spleen and liver fragments of symptomatic necropsied animals. PCR amplification of DNA isolated from promastigote culture indicated that the species was Leishmania chagasi. This finding suggests that delayed diagnosis and euthanasia of potentially infectious animals may occur with an increased transmission risk to sandflies and subsequently to humans.     

Canine visceral leishmaniasis and Rhipicephalus sanguineus: evaluation and comparison of classical techniques

Veterinary Research Communications - The aim of this study was evaluating the association and correlation between the diagnostics tests used for Leishmania spp. detection in dogs and ticks. We...     

Canine intervertebral disc disease: Changes in the cerebrospinal fluid

Data was obtained from 118 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from dogs with intervertebral disc disease. The effect of lesion location and the severity and duration of clinical signs was studied. Ninety-seven samples were obtained from the cerebellomedullary cistern and 21 from the lumbar cistern. Changes in CSF were identified in 84.7 per cent of the lumbar samples, compared with only 37.1 per cent of the cerebellomedullary samples. More pronounced pleocytosis and protein level increases were seen in dogs with acute and clinically severe lesions. The protein concentration was more commonly elevated than the total white blood cell count. These results indicate that marked protein and white blood cell count elevations can occur in association with intervertebral disc extrusion. Such findings, therefore, should not necessarily preclude myelographic examination in dogs presented for paralysis.     

Canine angiostrongylosis: an emerging disease in Europe

Objective – The aim of this article is to review Angiostrongylus vasorum infection in dogs, including the life cycle, signalment, clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment. Apparent changes in the epidemiology of this unique parasite are considered, alongside information available regarding its recent geographic spread.
Etiology – A. vasorum is a metastrongyloid parasite capable of causing an array of clinical problems in dogs, including cardiorespiratory, coagulopathic, and neurologic signs. Currently, the parasite has a worldwide distribution; however, it usually arises in small pockets of enzootic foci. Recent reports suggest a changing distribution of this parasite, which has renewed interest in its epidemiology and in the risk of expansion to new areas including mainland North America.
Diagnosis – A definitive diagnosis of angiostrongylosis is usually made using the modified Baermann technique either using feces or tracheobronchial secretions; however, this review also discusses novel methods such as serologic and molecular techniques.
Therapy – Once a diagnosis of angiostrongylosis is made, prompt treatment should follow with anthelmintic drugs (such as moxidectin/imidacloprid, milbemycin oxime, or fenbendazole) and supportive care dependent upon the patient's clinical signs. Currently, there is no proven prophylactic regime.
Prognosis – The prognosis appears to be very dependent upon the severity of clinical signs at presentation. A. vasorum can be fatal and death may be sudden. However, if a prompt diagnosis is made and appropriate treatment is administered complete clinical resolution is possible.     

The cloning and expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 2 in normal canine lymph nodes and in canine lymphoma

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and its inhibitor, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP2), are known to be important in cancer. The purposes of this study were to determine the cDNA sequence of canine MMP-2 and to investigate the expression patterns of MMP-2 and TIMP2 in normal canine lymph nodes and spontaneously arising canine lymphomas. We cloned and sequenced a PCR product containing most (1901 base pairs) of the coding sequence of canine MMP-2 that translates into a 623 amino acid protein. The cDNA and deduced amino acid sequences are highly homologous to those of other mammalian species. Canine MMP-2 and TIMP2 mRNAs were detectable in the majority of normal lymph node and lymphomatous samples evaluated. No statistical difference was identified when comparing the expression of either gene with regard to normal versus neoplastic nodes, nodal versus extranodal lymphoma, lymphoma grade, or B versus T cell immunophenotype.     

Characterization of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 in cerebrospinal fluid of clinically normal dogs

OBJECTIVE: To characterize matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 in CSF of clinically normal dogs. SAMPLE POPULATION: Samples of CSF collected from 23 dogs. PROCEDURE: Dogs were anesthetized, CSF samples were collected, and dogs were then euthanatized. Each CSF sample was evaluated immediately for RBC count, WBC count, and protein and glucose concentrations, and cytologic examination also was performed. Samples were considered normal when protein concentration was < 25 mg/dL and CSF contained < 6WBCs/microL and < 25 RBCs/microL. Samples were stored at -70 degrees C. Sections of brain tissue were collected and processed for histologic examination. The MMPs were evaluated by use of gelatin zymography and a polyclonal antibody-based sandwich ELISA. RESULTS: Mean WBC count for CSF samples was < 1 WBC/microL (range, 0 to 3 WBCs/mL). Mean protein concentration was 12 mg/dL (range, 8 to 17 mg/dL). Mean RBC count was 3.65 RBCs/microL (range, 0 to 21 RBCs/microL). All CSF samples generated a clear band on zymography gels that corresponded to the human commercial standard of proenzyme MMP-2. Other major clear bands were not detected on zymography gels. Bands correlating to MMP-9 were not detected in any samples. The ELISA results revealed a mean +/- SD proenzyme MMP-2 concentration of 5.61 +/- 1.92 ng/mL (range, 3.36 to 10.83 ng/mL). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The proenzyme form of MMP-2 is detectable in CSF of clinically normal dogs, whereas MMP-9 is not detectable. Additional investigation of MMPs in CSF from dogs with various diseases of the nervous system is indicated.     

Canine multicentric lymphoma 1: Clinico-pathological presentation of the disease

The clinicopathological features of 90 cases of canine multicentric lymphoma are described. The majority of cases occurred in middle-aged dogs (five to eight years of age) with a mean age at presentation of 6–7 years. A marked sex predisposition was noted with male dogs out numbering females by 2:1. No significant breed predispositions were found. The most common presentation was a generalised lymphadenopathy but in approximately one-third of the cases this was accompanied by other signs including polyuria and polydipsia, facial oedema and upper respiratory tract obstruction. Approximately two-thirds of all the cases showed non-specific haematological abnormalities including thrombocytopenia, anaemia and white blood cell anomalies. All the cases were clinically staged according to the anatomical extent of the disease. The majority of the dogs were classified as stage 3 or above, denoting that the disease is invariably widespread or systemic upon initial presentation.