Prevalence and genetic characterization of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in cats from Italy

One hundred and eighty one cats living in central Italy were tested for the presence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium infection by IFAT test and specific PCRs. Overall eight (4.4%) samples were IFAT-positive for Giardia. All the IFAT-positive samples for Giardia scored positive for the PCRs, and three more samples IFAT-negative generated PCR products leading to a total 6.1% molecular positivity rate for Giardia. All the examined samples were negative for Cryptosporidium. Sequencing of samples molecularly positive to Giardia indicated that three cats harbored the zoonotic Giardia duodenalis Assemblage A, whereas all other positive animals were infected with the feline-specific G. duodenalis Assemblage F. Phylogenetic analysis carried out on the sequences obtained supported the clustering of the isolates within Assemblages A and F. The results here presented provide data on the occurrence of Giardia genotypes in cats living in close contact with humans highlighting the potential importance of this protozoan disease for the public health.     

Clinical features and heritability of hypoadrenocorticism in Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers: 25 cases (1994-2006)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical features and heritability of naturally occurring hypoadrenocorticism in Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers (NSDTRs). DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 25 NSDTRs with hypoadrenocorticism. PROCEDURES: Questionnaires completed by owners of NSDTRs with hypoadrenocorticism and medical records from veterinarians were reviewed for information regarding diagnosis, age at diagnosis, concurrent diseases, age at death, and cause of death. Pedigrees were analyzed for heritability and mode of inheritance of hypoadrenocorticism (including complex segregation analysis of pedigrees of 1,515 dogs). RESULTS: On the basis of results of ACTH stimulation testing, hypoadrenocorticism was diagnosed in 16 female and 9 male NSDTRs (including 6 full siblings). Median age at diagnosis was 2.6 years; the diagnosis was made prior to 2 years of age in 11 dogs. Seventeen dogs had hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, or both, and serum electrolyte concentrations were within reference ranges for 8 dogs at the time of diagnosis. Median survival time after diagnosis for 4 dogs that died or were euthanized as a result of medical causes was 1.6 years. Heritability was calculated at 0.98 with no sex effect, and complex segregation analysis fit a major gene model with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In NSDTRs, hypoadrenocorticism was diagnosed at an earlier age, compared with published reports of age at diagnosis among the general dog population. Among the study dogs, 32% had no serum electrolyte abnormalities at the time of diagnosis, and the disease appeared to have an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance in the breed.     

Echocardiography in the chinchilla

Heart disease has been described in the chinchilla and, with increasing popularity as a pet, the demand for diagnostic evaluation and treatment has increased. The goal of this study was to determine reference values for echocardiographic measurements in chinchillas and the effect of anesthesia on these measurements. Seventeen clinically healthy adult chinchillas were studied. All animals were anesthetized with isoflurane by mask. Standard echocardiographic views were used. A difference was seen in the echocardiographic measurements for left ventricular systolic dimension, fractional shortening, aortic (Ao) diameter, left atrial (LA) diameter, ratio of LA diameter to Ao diameter, and peak flow velocities and ejection times for Ao and pulmonary artery flows between awake and anesthetized chinchillas.     

Peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia: a retrospective study of 31 cats and eight dogs

The records of 31 cats and eight dogs undergoing surgical correction of peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia (PPDH) from 2000 through 2007 were reviewed. Weimaraners and long-haired cats of varying breeds, particularly Maine Coon cats, appear to be at higher risk of PPDH. Presenting complaints were most commonly related to the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts in both dogs and cats, although respiratory signs were more prevalent in cats, and gastrointestinal signs were more common in dogs. The most common herniated organs were liver, gallbladder, and small intestine. Mortality associated with surgical repair of PPDH in cats and dogs was low in the first 2 weeks postoperatively, and prognosis for return to normal function was excellent. Peri-and postoperative complications were typically minor and self-limiting.     

CHANGES IN ULTRASONOGRAPHIC APPEARANCE OF ADRENAL GLANDS IN DOGS WITH PITUITARY-DEPENDENT HYPERADRENOCORTICISM TREATED WITH TRILOSTANE

Trilostane, a 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitor, has been used successfully over the last few years for the treatment of canine pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism. In a prospective study of 19 dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism, the adrenal glands were measured before and at least 6 months after initiation of trilostane therapy. Right adrenal gland length and caudal pole thickness and left adrenal gland caudal pole thickness increased significantly (p < or = 0.05); there was no significant change in left adrenal gland length. Enlargement of adrenal glands during trilostane therapy may occur as a result of suppression of the negative feedback mechanism affecting cortisol production.     

Continuous positive airway pressure administered via face mask in tranquilized dogs

Objective – To evaluate the tolerance of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask in tranquilized dogs and compare PaO₂ in arterial blood in dogs receiving oxygen with a regular face mask or CPAP mask set to maintain a pressure of 2.5 or 5 cm H₂O. Design – Prospective, randomized clinical study. Setting – University teaching hospital. Animals – Sixteen client‐owned dogs without evidence of cardiopulmonary disease were studied. Interventions – Eight animals were randomly assigned to each of 2 treatment groups: group A received 2.5 cm H₂O CPAP and group B received 5 cm H₂O CPAP after first receiving oxygen (5 L/min) by a regular face mask. Animals were tranquilized with acepromazine 0.05 mg/kg, IV and morphine 0.2 mg/kg, IM. An arterial catheter was then placed to facilitate blood sampling for pHa, PaO₂, and PaCO₂ determinations before and after treatments. Direct mean arterial pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature were also recorded after each treatment. Measurements and Main Results – CPAP administration was well tolerated by all animals. The mean arterial pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, PaCO₂, and pHa, did not differ at any time point between groups. Differences were seen in oxygenation; in group A, PaO₂ significantly increased from a mean of 288.3±47.5 mm Hg with a standard mask to a mean of 390.3±65.5 mm Hg with the CPAP mask and in group B, PaO₂ increased similarly from 325.0±70.5 to 425.2±63.4 mm Hg (P<0.05); no differences were detected between the 2 CPAP treatments. Conclusions – In healthy tranquilized dogs noninvasive CPAP is well tolerated and increases PaO₂ above values obtained when using a regular face mask.