Campylobacter species in cats and dogs in South Australia

BACKGROUND: Campylobacter enteritis was the most frequently notified infectious disease in Australia in 1996 and Campylobacter species have been associated with extra-intestinal infections such as purulent arthritis and Guillian-Barré syndrome. Dogs and cats are known to carry campylobacteria and contact with household pets have been implicated as possible sources of human infection. OBJECTIVE: To provide information on the species of campylobacter carried by cats and dogs in South Australia. METHODS: Faecal samples were collected from stray and owned cats and dogs and feral cats. Campylobacter-like organisms were isolated using selective media and filtration methods. They were then characterised by biochemical tests, antibiotic resistance and growth patterns under various conditions. Husbandry factors that could have influenced the carriage rates were examined both as single variables and in a multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Campylobacter upsaliensis and C jejuni were found in 11% and 4% of cats, respectively, whereas 34% dogs carried C upsaliensis, 7% C jejuni and 2% C coli. Intensive housing and open drains were found to be significant risk factors and increased the carriage rate by 2 and 2.6 times, respectively. CONCLUSION: Dogs and cats are a potential reservoir for human enteric infections with campylobacters.     

Anthelmintic efficacy of flubendazole paste against nematodes and cestodes in dogs and cats

Small dogs and cats, naturally infected with nematodes and cestodes, were used in a critical test under laboratory conditions to determine the palatability and efficacy of flubendazole as a past formulation. Subsequently, a control test in dogs was conducted under field conditions. A 4.4% past formulation was given at a dosage of 22 mg/kg of body weight once a day for 2 or 3 consecutive days. In a critical test in dogs, the efficacy against Toxocara canis was 97.4% after a 2-day administration and 100% after 3 days. Toxascaris leonina seemed to be the most susceptible worm species, since either 2 or 3 treatments were 100% active. The efficacy against Uncinaria stenocephala was 97.5% after 2 treatments; the same dose level for 3 days improved the efficacy to 100%. The efficacy was 100% for the removal of Trichuris vulpis after a daily dosage for 2 days and 96.7% after 3 days. One of 2 dogs infected with Taenia pisiformis was cleared of the infection after a 2-day treatment, and 3 of 4 dogs were cleared after a 3-day regimen. All cats were cleared of Toxocara cati after 2 or 3 days of treatment. One of 2 cats infected with Hydatigera taeniaeformis was cleared of the infection after a 2-day treatment; a 3-day treatment in 7 cats was 100% effective. The results in the laboratory test in dogs were confirmed under field conditions by a control test, based on the reduction of eggs per gram of feces count after treatment. The paste formulation was well accepted by all dogs and cats without any side effects.     

National study of the gastrointestinal parasites of dogs and cats in Australia

The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in Australian pet dogs and cats was largely unknown prior to this study. Current recommendations for the prophylactic treatment of parasites in Australia are based on studies conducted 20-30 years ago. A total of 1400 canine and 1063 feline faecal samples were collected from veterinary clinics and refuges from across Australia. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs and cats was 23.9% (CI 21.7-26.1) and 18.4% (CI 16.1-20.7), respectively. Overall Giardia was the most prevalent parasite in dogs (9.3% CI 7.8-10.8) followed by hookworm (6.7% CI 5.4-8.0). Isospora felis was the most prevalent parasite in cats (5.6% CI 4.2-7.0), followed by Toxocara cati (3.2% CI 2.1-4.3). In conclusion the prevalence of intestinal helminths in Australian pet dogs and cats is low. Consequently, consideration should be given to the future use of anthelmintics and continued emphasis on pet owner education as means of preventing infection.     

Evaluation of peripheral and central venous pressure in awake dogs and cats

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether peripheral venous pressure (PVP) was correlated with central venous pressure (CVP) when measured by use of different catheter sizes, catheterization sites, and body positions in awake dogs and cats. ANIMALS: 36 dogs and 10 cats. PROCEDURES: Dogs and cats with functional jugular and peripheral venous catheters were enrolled in the study. Peripheral venous catheters (18 to 24 gauge) were placed in a cephalic, lateral saphenous, or medial saphenous vein. Central venous catheters (5.5 to 8.5 F) were placed in the jugular vein and advanced into the cranial vena cava. Catheters were connected to pressure transducers and a blood pressure monitor capable of displaying 2 simultaneous pressure tracings. For each animal, the mean of 5 paired measurements of PVP and CVP was calculated. The relationship between PVP and CVP when measured by use of different catheter sizes, catheterization sites, and body positions was determined. RESULTS: Mean +/- SD PVP was 5.7 +/- 5.8 mm Hg higher than CVP in dogs and 6.0 +/- 6.9 mm Hg higher than CVP in cats. However, results of multiple regression analysis did not indicate a significant correlation between PVP and CVP, regardless of catheter size, catheter position, or body position. The relationship was weak in both dogs and cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The PVP was poorly correlated with CVP when different catheter sizes, catheterization sites, and patient positions were evaluated. Peripheral venous pressure should not be used to approximate CVP in awake dogs and cats.     

The prevalence of Giardia in dogs and cats in Perth, Western Australia

A survey of dogs and cats in the Perth metropolitan area revealed a high prevalence of Giardia. Overall, 21% of 333 dogs and 14% of 226 cats were infected. More dogs and cats from refuges and breeding establishments were infected than household pets, although among the latter a significant number of dogs (9%) and cats (8%) was infected. Giardia did not show any breed or sex predisposition but prevalence was higher in young animals. The species of Giardia present in dogs and cats was identified as G. duodenalis, which is the same as that affecting man. The potential significance of this animal reservoir of infection to man is discussed in the light of increasing evidence that Giardia is a zoonosis.     

Nitroscanate A new broad spectrum anthelmintic against nematodes and cestodes of dogs and cats.

SUMMARY: The efficiency of the broad spectrum anthelmintic nitroscanate against tapeworm and nematode infections of dogs was tested in artificially or naturally infected dogs. The safety of the compound was also evaluated in acute, subacute and chronic toxicity tests. At the recommended single dose rate of 50 mg/kg given to the dogs with food, nitroscanate was 98% efficient against Taenia hydatigena, T. ovis and T. pisiformis. The drug was highly efficient against Echinococcus granulosus only at the dose rate of 200 mg/kg given twice but total elimination of worms was not achieved. Natural infections of Dipylidium caninum, Ancylostoma spp and Uncinaria stenocephala were totally eliminated from all dogs at the dose rate of 25 mg/kg or higher. Nitroscanate was 97% efficient against adult Toxocara canis at a single dose of 50 mg/kg. When the dose was repeated 24 hours later total elimination of both mature worms and immature worms in puppies aged 2 weeks was achieved. The repeated dose of 100 mg/kg removed 98% of early immature worms from puppies aged 3 days. The drug was 100% efficient against adult Toxascaris leonina at a single dose of 50 mg/kg and 90.5% efficiency was achieved against early 4th stage larvae by two doses of 50 mg/kg. Nitroscanate was not efficient against Trichuris vulpis. The drug was efficient for the removal of Toxocara cati and Ancylostoma tubaeforme from cats. Nitroscanate caused no serious symptoms of toxicity at dose rates up to 10,000 mg/kg in single or repeated doses in young or older adult dogs. The drug was safely given to dogs during pregnancy, to young puppies and to cats. The regular use of nitroscanate as a broad spectrum anthelmintic for the prevention and control of parasitic infections of dogs is discussed.     

Disease prevalence among dogs and cats in the United States and Australia and proportions of dogs and cats that receive therapeutic diets or dietary supplements

OBJECTIVE: To estimate disease prevalence among dogs and cats in the United States and Australia and proportions of dogs and cats that receive therapeutic diets or dietary supplements. DESIGN: Telephone survey. Sample Population-Dog and cat owners located in 5 geographic areas. PROCEDURES: A telephone survey was administered to dog and cat owners. RESULTS: Of 18,194 telephone calls that were made, 1,104 (6%) were to individuals who owned at least 1 dog or cat and agreed to participate. Information was collected for 635 dogs and 469 cats. Only 14 (1%) respondents indicated that their pet was unhealthy, but 176 (16%) indicated that their pets had 1 or more diseases. The most common diseases were musculo-skeletal, dental, and gastrointestinal tract or hepatic disease. Many owners (n = 356) reported their pets were overweight or obese, but only 3 reported obesity as a health problem in their pets. Owners of 28 (2.5%) animals reported that they were feeding a therapeutic diet, with the most common being diets for animals with renal disease (n = 5), reduced-calorie diets (5), and reduced-fat diets (4). Owners of 107 of 1,076 (9.9%) animals reported administering dietary supplements to their pets. Multivitamins (n = 53 animals), chondroprotective agents (22), and fatty acids (13) were the most common dietary supplements used. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that most dogs and cats reported by their owners to have a health problem were not being fed a therapeutic diet. In addition, the rate of dietary supplement use was lower than that reported for people.     

Free-roaming dogs and cats in central Italy: public perceptions of the problem

A cross-sectional telephone survey of randomly selected households examined the extent and types of problems associated with free-roaming dogs and cats in the Teramo province of Italy. The households were sampled randomly within each municipality; municipalities were combined into coastal, central hills and mountain regions for analysis. The survey was conducted in May and June of 2004 with a response rate of 74% (397/536). Ninety percent of respondents (N=356) believed that free-roaming dogs and cats were a problem. They were most commonly concerned about personal safety, followed by animal welfare, public health and environmental sanitation. Sixty-nine percent of respondents (274) actually saw free-roaming dogs or cats where they live. While dogs were most commonly seen, cats were seen in greater numbers. Overall, 10% (39/297) and 5% (21/397) of respondents cared for free-roaming cats and dogs, respectively. Two-thirds of the respondents (251/397) believed that animals were abandoned because the owners lost interest. About 2/3 of respondents (251/397) reported that the community government should have the responsibility for dealing with free-roaming dogs and cats. The respondents supported the idea of building more shelters and controlling the birth rate as control measures rather than euthanizing dogs and cats. The results suggest that free-roaming dogs and cats are a very common sight in this part of Italy with substantial concerns by the residents. However, concerns about the animals' welfare were clearly raised, supporting the laws that make it illegal to euthanize a healthy dog or cat in Italy. Using the information from this study, research on the underlying causes of abandonment of dogs and cats or failing to sterilize them should be undertaken to begin to address this problem. Further, national and regional funding must be provided to support existing laws which should help protect and eventually decrease the numbers of free-roaming and homeless dogs and cats.     

Prevalence of fleas on dogs and cats in an area of central London

An account is given of the prevalence of fleas obtained at post-mortem examination from dogs and cats in the Camden Town area of central London during the period 1972–1976. From a total of 193 dogs, fleas were collected from 20 2%. The following species were represented: Ctenocephalides felis felis, Ctenocephalides canis and Orchopeas howardi. Of a total of 316 cats, 56% harboured fleas, all of which were found to be Ctenocephalides felis felis. The advantages of using cadavers rather than live cats and dogs for studies of this kind are noted and comparisons are made with the findings of other authors. The public health importance of the cat and dog flea in relation to human dermatitis is discussed.     

Gastrointestinal nematodes in dogs from Debre Zeit, Ethiopia

The study was conducted during the period between January 2005 and June 2006 to determine the frequency of gastrointestinal (GI) nematode infections of dogs in and around Debre Zeit, using qualitative and quantitative coprological (N = 100) and postmortem examinations (N = 20). By coproscopy 51% dogs were positive for different types of nematodal eggs, out of which 23.5% were with mixed infections. On necropsy 95% animals were found positive for adult parasites, of which 31.6% were showing more than one species of adult nematodes. The coproscopical examination revealed 32% infection with Ancylostoma caninum followed by Toxocara canis (21%), Spirocerca lupi (7%) and Trichuris vulpis (3%), while postmortem examination showed 70, 45, 23.5 and 5% infection, respectively. The study further indicated significant difference (P < 0.05) in overall frequency of GI nematode infections among different age groups but no difference (P > 0.05) between sexes.     

Straelensiosis in two cats and ten dogs from Israel

Straelensiosis is uncommonly described outside Europe. This report describes straelensiosis in two cats and in ten dogs diagnosed with the disease outside Europe. Both cats displayed erythematous macules or nodules on the abdominal skin. One cat was extremely pruritic, while in the other the lesions were incidental findings when the cat was presented for neutering. The mites were noted in skin scrapings in both cats and histopathologically in one cat. All dogs showed a general distribution of papules, and intense pruritus was noted in six dogs. The diagnosis in all dogs was based on histopathology. Treatment of the animals in this study varied, and among the various administrated treatments, amitraz showed promising results.     

Flea species from dogs and cats in north-central Florida

Fleas were identified after removal from 100 dogs and 60 cats following routine presentation at a Veterinary Hospital in Gainesville, FL. Ctenocephalides felis comprised 92.4% and 99.8% of the fleas taken from dogs and cats respectively. Pulex irritans accounted for 7.5% of the fleas found on dogs and for 0.2% of those found on cats. Echidnophagia gallinacia was found on one dog. Of the 100 dogs, 80 were infested with C. felis alone, one with P. irritans alone, and 18 carried a mixed infestation of the two. One animal was infested with all three species. Ctenocephalides canis was not identified amongst the total of 1887 fleas examined.     

Proteinuria in dogs and cats

Proteinuria is defined as the presence of protein in the urine. Normally, circulating serum proteins are blocked by the glomerulus due to size and/or charge. Any small proteins that pass through a healthy glomerulus are reabsorbed by the renal tubules or broken down by renal tubular epithelial cells. Persistent proteinuria, in the absence of lower urinary tract disease or reproductive tract disease, is usually an indication of renal damage or dysfunction. Less commonly persistent proteinuria can be caused by increased circulating levels of low molecular weight proteins. This article reviews mechanisms of proteinuria in dogs and cats and discusses the importance of screening for and ultimately treating proteinuria.