Current prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs, cats and humans from the island of Gran Canaria, Spain

The island of Gran Canaria is a hyperendemic area for canine dirofilariasis. The aim of the present study was to provide data on Dirofilaria immitis in dogs, cats, and humans on this island in 2010. The data confirms the prevalence in the overall canine population (19%), with a considerably higher prevalence (43%) in the autochthonous breed of Canarian Warren hound. The prevalence in the feline population (33%) is higher than that of the canine population, and the existence of specific D. immitis antibodies in the inhabitants of the island of Gran Canaria (12%) is confirmed. In both cats and humans, the prevalence, according to the different climate areas on the island, is related to the prevalence of D. immitis in dogs in the same area, which shows the key epidemiological role played by the canine host with regard to the transmission to other hosts of D. immitis.     

Pseudotuberculosis in Dromedary Camels in the Canary Islands

Tropical Animal Health and Production -     

Congenital duplication of the caudal region (monocephalus dipygus) in a kid goat

A case of congenital duplication (monocephalus dipygus) in a goat is described. Two pelvis and four pelvic limbs were observed in the kid. Conjoined or fused symmetric twins were diagnosed. Associated abnormalities were cleft palate and anal atresia. Most of the classically recognized teratogens were ruled out by history and serology. However, progenitors were related in the second degree. Thus, genetic factors could be suspected in this case. To the authors' best knowledge, this is the first report of monocephalus dipygus in a goat.     

Syncope associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a dromedary camel

A case of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) is described for the first time. The patient, a castrated 9-year-old animal, presented with a 6-month history of several episodes of syncope after moderate exercise and later at rest. The syncope had a sudden onset and a duration of 30 to 45 seconds. After clinical, electrocardiographical and echocardiographical examination, a tentative diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was made. At necropsy, the heart had a globose shape and was firm on palpation. The left ventricular free wall and the interventricular septum were thickened in cross-section and the left ventricular lumen was small. The clinical diagnosis was confirmed by histologic examination of heart tissue that demonstrated hypertrophy of myocardial fibres with vesicular nuclei and the presence of diffuse interstitial fibrosis.     

Effect of short-term treatment with bumetanide, quinapril and low-sodium diet on dogs with moderate congestive heart failure

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of bumetanide, quinapril and a low-sodium diet on clinical response tolerance and side-effects on dogs with moderate congestive heart failure. DESIGN: A prospective clinical study, using 32 client-owned dogs with naturally occurring disease. PROCEDURE: Thirty-two dogs diagnosed with congestive heart failure (International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council stage II) due to mitral valve disease were included. During 4 weeks, patients received 0.5 mg/kg quinapril (Ectren, Menarini), 0.1 mg/kg bumetanide (Fordiuran, Boehringer Ingelheim) and a low sodium diet (CNM-CV, Purina) was fed. All dogs were examined weekly and results were treated statistically. RESULTS: The treatment was safe, effective and well-tolerated and no major side-effects were observed. There were no significant changes in measured haematological and biochemical variables, including serum electrolyte concentrations and urinary fractional excretion of electrolytes. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the combined treatment with bumetanide, quinapril and low-sodium diet for controlling moderate CHF due to mitral insufficiency in dogs is simple, easy-to-administer and effective in controlling clinical signs and prompting improvement even after short-term treatment.     

Radiological findings in three cases of paraxial radial hemimelia in goats

Hemimelia is a congenital abnormality characterized by the absence of a portion of the normal structures in a limb. Hemimelia is classified as transversal and paraxial and is related to genetical and environmental factors. This article shows the radiological findings observed in three different cases of paraxial hemimelia occurred in goats (radial agenesia, absence of the portion of the distal epiphysis of the radius and anomalous radius with ulnar hypoplasia). Possible causes related to these abnormalities are discussed.     

Microbiological aspects of osteomyelitis in veterinary medicine: drawing parallels to the infection in human medicine

Osteomyelitis is a challenging infectious disease affecting humans and animals. It is difficult to diagnose because, in many cases, symptoms are non-specific and, for example in implant-related cases, can appear long time after surgery. In addition to this, it is also difficult to treat due to the need to find the appropriate antibiotic regime and delivery system to reach the site of infection and to avoid development of bacterial resistance. The central purpose of this review is to compare the microbiological aspects of osteomyelitis in human and veterinary medicine, with the aim of improving the microbiological diagnosis and treatment of this infection in animals. Furthermore, the study of osteomyelitis in animals may help to improve the development of animal models for testing new treatments in humans. Host factors and underlying conditions have been studied mainly in humans, although aspects as immunodeficiency have been described in some veterinary cases. Even when Staphylococcus aureus is still considered the most prevalent causing microorganism, this prevalence should be reviewed using molecular diagnostic techniques, and this could affect treatment options. New approaches to treatment include local delivery of antibiotics using different biomaterials, antimicrobial photodynamic therapy, and new antimicrobial compounds. We would like to remark the need of large, high-quality clinical trials and of the development of guides for the diagnosis and treatment of osteomyelitis in different animal species.     

Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs: cardiopulmonary biomarker levels

Cardiopulmonary biomarkers are biological parameters that can be objectively measured and quantified as indicators of pathogenic processes (heartworm disease) or as indicators of response to therapeutic intervention. To determine levels of cardiopulmonary biomarkers in canine dirofilariasis, measurements of cardiac troponin T, cardiac troponin I, myoglobin, and D-dimer concentrations were performed for dogs with and without evidence of adult heartworm infection. The results showed that levels of cardiac troponin T were undetectable in all dogs studied while levels of cardiac troponin I were higher in dogs infected with Dirofilaria immitis. In healthy dogs, levels of myoglobin and D-dimer were below detection limits of the instrument and were significantly higher in heartworm-infected dogs, notably in microfilaremic dogs. The results suggest the possibility of using troponin I and myoglobin as markers for cardiac damage and the D-dimer as a supportive tool for a diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolism in dogs with cardiopulmonary dirofilariasis.     

Preliminary evidence of the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Chlamydia abortus infection in goats on the Canary Islands,Spain

Tropical Animal Health and Production - The aims of this cross-sectional study were to estimate the prevalence of IgG antibodies against Chlamydia abortus, the cause of enzootic abortion, in goats...