Prevalence of Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. in dogs from different living conditions in Uberlândia, Brazil

Infection rates with Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. were compared among dogs living under different conditions. Stool samples (n = 433) collected from dogs of different ages, gender, living conditions and origin were analyzed using three techniques, i.e., centrifugal flotation in zinc sulfate solution, centrifugal flotation in sucrose solution, and methylene blue gram safranin staining. Eighty-nine of the samples were from stay dogs living in shelters run by animal protection societies, 199 were from kennels and 122 from households. A total of 119 (29.0%) had G. duodenalis cysts and six (1.4%) were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts. Dogs from kennels were most frequently affected by G. duodenalis (49.7%) while those from shelters showed a higher prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. (2.2%). A significant difference (p < or = 0.05) was observed between immature dogs and adults only with respect to Giardia infection. There was no significant difference between the gender with regard to the presence of either protozoan.     

Molecular evaluation of the incidence of Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys and Babesia spp. in dogs from Ribeirão Preto, Brazil

Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis caused by Ehrlichia canis is endemic in many regions of Brazil. Since thrombocytopenia is a common finding in infected dogs, many clinicians tend to use it as an indication for antibiotic treatment. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nested PCR were used to study the presence of E. canis, Anaplasma platys and Babesia spp. in thrombocytopenic and non-thrombocytopenic dogs from Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Despite the high prevalence of E. canis infection among thrombocytopenic dogs, 46.7% of the thrombocytopenic dogs studied were either infected with Babesia spp. or A. platys or not infected with any of the three pathogens. There was a high incidence (25.4%) of E. canis infection in non-thrombocytopenic dogs. Although infection with E. canis should be considered in thrombocytopenic dogs, the final diagnosis needs to be confirmed by complementary tests such as blood smears and PCR to avoid the unnecessary use of antibiotics.     

Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in dogs from the state of Paraíba, Northeast region of Brazil

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies and to investigate the risk factors related to antibodies against T. gondii and N. caninum in dogs of the city of Campina Grande, state of Paraiba, Northeast region of Brazil. For this purpose, 286 blood samples were collected from dogs during the rabies vaccination campaign, in September 2003, and on this occasion questionnaires addressing epidemiological aspects of the infections were given to each dog owner. The sera were analyzed for anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum antibodies by indirect fluorescent antibody tests. Of the total of 286 dogs, 129 were positive for T. gondii (titer16) with a prevalence value of 45.1% (95% CI=39.24-51.07%). For N. caninum, 24 dogs were positive (titer50), with a prevalence value of 8.4% (95% CI=5.45-12.23%). Antibodies to T. gondii and N. caninum were found simultaneously in 14 dogs (4.9%; 95% CI=2.7-8.08%). For T. gondii infection, the risk factors associated with seroprevalence was the age of the animals, with dogs older than one year presenting higher values of odds ratio, and co-habitation of cats in the household. For N. caninum infection, dogs that have street contact had higher odds of seropositivity than dogs that remained exclusively in a domestic environment.     

An investigation of Leishmania spp. in Didelphis spp. from urban and peri-urban areas in Bauru (São Paulo, Brazil)

Blood and bone marrow samples were taken from 112 Didelphis spp., collected between March 2005 and February 2006, from urban and peri-urban areas of Bauru, São Paulo State, Brazil, to evaluate the hypothesis that these animals might constitute a reservoir of Leishmania spp. Anti-Leishmania ssp. antibodies were screened in the serum samples using an enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA) and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR was performed on fragments of DNA samples from Leishmania spp. using primers 13A and 13B, and showed a positive outcome in 91.6% of the 112 samples tested. Of the 107 samples analyzed by ELISA, 71% were positive. Evidence of epidemiological risk factors such as a circulating parasite and freely moving vectors suggests that Didelphis spp. may participate in the transmission cycle of Leishmania spp. in Bauru.     

Clinical and hematological signs associated with dogs naturally infected by Hepatozoon sp. and with other hematozoa: a retrospective study in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil

An evaluation was made of the clinical and hematological aspects of 115 dogs infected naturally by Hepatozoon sp. and treated at the Hospital School of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Uberlandia, MG, Brazil. Of the 115 dogs for whom peripheral blood films were evaluated, 89 (77.39%) presented parasitemia by Hepatozoon sp. solely, while 26 (22.61%) had combination of Hepatozoon sp., Babesia sp. and Ehrlichia sp. Young male dogs less than a year old, of undefined breed (UB), were the most commonly affected. Thirty-nine (33.92%) of the dogs were asymptomatic while 76 (66.08%) presented varied clinical symptoms, the most frequent being anorexia, pulmonary alterations, hyperthermia, pale mucosae, apathy and/or prostration, and diarrhea. The majority of hematological alterations were normochromic-normocytic anemia, leukocytosis, neutrophilia, and nuclear deviation of neutrophils to the left (NDNL). The findings of this study confirm that Hepatozoon sp. causes clinical and hematological alterations of varied intensity, which, albeit not specific to canine hepatozoonosis, reinforce the notion that the discovery of the agent in dogs, even with low parasitemia, should be taken into consideration.     

Survey of bacterial microorganisms in the conjunctival sac of clinically normal dogs and dogs with ulcerative keratitis in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil

OBJECTIVE: The ocular microflora in dogs has not been established in north-east Brazil. Thus, the main aim of this research was to determine the bacterial microorganisms in the conjunctival sac of clinically normal dogs and dogs with ulcerative keratitis in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. ANIMALS STUDIED: This study included 60 healthy dogs, 15 dogs with unilateral corneal ulcer, and three dogs with bilateral corneal ulcers. Procedure Samples were taken by a calibrated platinum loop (1 microL) placed directly onto the conjunctival sac and on sterile blood agar. The clinical specimens were incubated at 37 degrees C in an atmosphere of 5% CO2 for 48 h. RESULTS: Of the 120 samples from healthy dogs, only 47 (39%) had positive culture for bacteria, while all of the specimens from eyes with corneal ulcer were positive for bacterial growth. The group of dogs with corneal ulcer had a higher (P < 0.05) number of colony-forming units (CFU) per plate than the group of healthy animals. Of the 59 isolates from healthy eyes, only nine (15.3%) had more than 50 CFU per plate, while in the group of dogs with corneal ulcer, 23 (62.2%) of the 37 isolates presented more than 50 CFU per plate. In both groups Gram-positive bacteria (86.5%) predominated over Gram-negative (13.5%). Staphylococcus spp. was the most frequently isolated genus and S. intermedius predominated in both groups. CONCLUSION: The results of our study are directly applicable to initiate rational, preventive and therapeutic measures with greater accuracy in dogs with corneal ulcer.     

Molecular identification of Cryptosporidium spp. from fecal samples of felines, canines and bovines in the state of São Paulo, Brazil

The objective of this study was to obtain information of epidemiological nature through genotypic characterization of Cryptosporidium isolates from dogs, cats and bovines from the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The extraction of DNA from oocysts was carried out and polymerase chain reaction was accomplished using specific primers to 18S rRNA gene. The amplicons were directed sequenced. Seven cat samples, nine dog samples and nine bovine samples were analysed. From the seven cat samples the genotypic analyses revealed Cryptosporidium felis in all. These were the first genotypic characterization of Cryptosporidium from domestic felines in Brazil. In nine sequenced samples from dogs, genotypic identities compatible with Cryptosporidium canis were revealed in all samples. The genotypic analyses in bovines revealed Cryptosporidium parvum in eight samples and Cryptosporidium bovis in another sample, the last one being a non-zoonotic species, not related to clinical symptoms and described for the first time in Brazil.     

Long-term outcome of permanent tracheostomies in dogs: 21 cases (2000–2012)

This retrospective study reports long-term outcome, survival, and complications in dogs which received a permanent tracheostomy due to upper airway obstruction. Data were collected from medical records (n = 21) in 2 institutions over a 12-year period. Patients were followed until death, complications, causes of death, and survival times are reported. Major complications were reported in 50% of patients with 20% of patients receiving revision surgery. The most common complications were aspiration pneumonia and need for revision surgery. Median survival time was 328 days with 25% of patients surviving 1321 days or longer. Some (26%) patients died acutely at home at various times after surgery. Permanent tracheostomy is a viable procedure for patients with end stage upper airway obstruction; however, a subpopulation of patients suffers acute death at various times after surgery, which is thought to be due to airway obstruction.     

Epidemiological aspects of filariosis in dogs on the coast of Paraná state, Brazil: with emphasis on Dirofilaria immitis

The present study determined the prevalence and geographical distribution of Dirofilaria immitis and other filariae, from dogs in littoral areas of Paraná state, in Brazil. This survey spanned eight months, between 1998 and 1999, and was also designed to compare the efficacy of different tests for diagnosis of heartworm infection in that area. Blood samples were collected from 256 native-owned dogs distributed along the Paraná coastal area. Five diagnostic procedures were used: direct smear examination, the Knott's modified test, filtration assay, and two heartworm antigen detection kits. A follow-up imaging exam was performed to support the heartworm diagnosis. The imaging diagnosis included radiographic and ultrasonographic exams of six dogs that had positive results for the heartworm antigen detection kits, but showed different microfilarial burdens. The presence and severity of radiographic and ultrasonographic signs were compared with the results obtained in microfilariae detection and antigen tests. Diagnostic parasitology results indicated that 31.25% of the dogs were microfilaremic. Three different microfilariae were recovered: D. immitis, Dipetalonema reconditum, and the third (mf3) was not identified. D. reconditum was the species with the highest prevalence: 22.6%. In general, D. immitis prevalence was 5.47% (28.57% occult infections), but it varied along the coast and the range was from 0 to 20%. No correlation could be established between the overall scores for microfilarial counts (small or large numbers) and the severity of radiographic results or the likelihood of detecting filariae in the pulmonary artery using echocardiography. The finding of a different type of microfilaria (mf) suggested the existence of a third species in Paraná state, whose prevalence was 4.68%. These results show that to obtain a reliable diagnosis of heartworm infection, antigen detection kits are indicated. Knott's test or filtration should be performed to confirm microfilaremia and not for diagnosis of heartworm infection. Imaging tests support parasitology exams and add more about severity of infection. The northern areas, specially Guaraque?aba and Ilha das Pe?as, presented the highest number of heartworm-infected dogs.     

Occurrence of Neospora caninum antibodies in sera from dogs of the city of São Paulo,Brazil

Neospora caninum is an important cause of abortion in dairy cattle worldwide. Dogs are important in the epidemiology of this parasite because they are the only hosts known to excrete N. caninum oocysts. In order to understand the prevalence of N. caninum in dogs, sera from 500 owned dogs and from over 600 feral street dogs from the city of S?o Paulo, Brazil were assayed for antibodies to N. caninum. Sera were examined by the Neospora agglutination test (NAT) using mouse-derived tachyzoites. Antibodies (> or =1:25) to N. caninum were found in nearly 10% (49/500) of owned dogs and in 25% (151/611) of stray dogs. NAT titers for owned dogs were 1:25 in 28 (5.6%) dogs, 1:50 in 20 (4%) dogs, and > or =1:500 in 1 (0.2%) dog. NAT titers for stray dogs were 1:25 in 79 (12.9%) dogs, 1:50 in 68 (11.1%) dogs, and > or =1:500 in 4 (0.6%) dogs. These data indicate that feral dogs may be important in the epidemiology of N. caninum infection.     

Survey of giardiosis in household and shelter dogs from metropolitan areas of Curitiba, Paraná state, Southern Brazil

Giardia duodenalis is a protozoan parasite that causes a broad range of clinical symptoms varying from none--in asymptomatic carriers--to mild recurring diarrhea consisting of soft, light-colored stools to acute severe diarrhea. In different parts of the world this parasite has raised increased interest due to its possible zoonotic transmission. Among domestic animals, dogs can play an important role in environmental contamination. As there is little information on the frequency of giardiosis in dogs from the Metropolitan Area of Curitiba-State of Paraná, Southern Brazil, the aim of the present work was to evaluate the prevalence of G. duodenalis in two dog populations (household and shelter). To attain the proposed aim, we collected fecal samples from 200 dogs and utilized three diagnostic techniques: Faust's technique (Faust et al. 1939), Benbrook's technique (1963) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Faust's technique presented the best results, as it was able to detect a larger number of Giardia cases. Taking Faust's technique as the standard, Benbrook's technique presented 66% sensitivity and PCR demonstrated 69% sensitivity. The shelter dog population showed a 24% occurrence of G. duodenalis while the household population showed a 9% occurrence. Other epidemiological aspects like age, sex, environmental conditions and methodological aspects are discussed in the present article.     

Scrotal tumors in dogs: A retrospective study of 676 cases (1986–2010)

The objective of this study was to determine common tumor types that occur on the canine scrotum in relation to other cutaneous locations and to identify potential risk factors for specific scrotal tumor development. A retrospective study was conducted and the database of pathology reports from the Surgical Pathology Service of the Department of Pathology and Toxicology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania from 1986 to 2010 was searched for canine neoplastic scrotal and non-scrotal cutaneous lesions. Neoplastic lesions were evaluated based on diagnosis, breed, age, and number and location of tumors (scrotal versus non-scrotal cutaneous). Mast cell tumor, melanocytoma, malignant melanoma, vascular hamartoma, hemangiosarcoma, hemangioma, and cutaneous histiocytoma were the most common tumor types identified on the canine scrotum. Breed predispositions and mean age at diagnosis were identified for each tumor type and should be considered when planning surgical excision of a canine scrotal tumor.     

Serologic survey for Leptospira spp. in captive neotropical felids in Foz do Igua?u, Paraná, Brazil

Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonosis of worldwide distribution and is endemic in tropical countries, where rodents and other wild mammals are abundant and may act as reservoirs. Leptospirosis has become a concern in captive wild animals, due mostly to their exposure to contaminated urine or environment. Although domestic cats (Felis catus) have been reported refractory to leptospirosis, serology and disease in captive wild felids is still unclear. In this study 57 adult, clinically healthy felids, including 1 Geoffroy's cat (Leopardus geoffroyi), 3 jaguarundis (Puma yagouaroundi), 17 margays (Leopardus wiedii), 22 little spotted cats (Leopardus tigrinus), and 14 ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) kept in captivity at the Sanctuary at the Itaipu Binacional hydroelectric power plant (Bela Vista Biological Sanctuary), Foz do Iguacu City, Paraná State, Brazil, were serologically surveyed for the presence of antibodies against 28 serovars of Leptospira spp. by microagglutination test (MAT). Two animals (3.5%) were seropositive: one male ocelot to the serovar Cynopteri (titer 100) and one female margay to Autumnalis (100) and Butembo (200). The captive-born, 5-yr-old ocelot had been solitary housed in an individual cage. The approximately 21-yr-old wild-caught margay was also kept individually. None of the tested animals showed signs ofleptospirosis. During a study conducted 4 yr previously in the same facility, this particular margay also tested positive for the same two serovars, among others. The present study indicates that the felids tested for Leptospira spp. by MAT were exposed to serovars, but did not demonstrate clinical signs of disease. Comparison with a previous study suggests that serovar titers may vary over time and that leptospirosis dynamics remains unclear in wild felids.