Electroencephalographic signatures of dogs with presumptive diagnosis of canine cognitive dysfunction.

Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is a highly prevalent neurodegenerative disease considered the canine analog of early Alzheimer's disease (AD). Unfortunately, CCD cannot be cured. However, early therapeutic interventions can slow the progression of cognitive decline and improve quality of life of the patients; therefore, early diagnosis is ideal. In humans, electroencephalogram (EEG) findings specific to AD have been described, and some of them have successfully detect early stages of the disease. In this study we characterized the EEG correlates of CCD, and we compared them with the EEGs of healthy aging dogs and dogs at risk of developing CCD. EEG recordings were performed in 25 senior dogs during wakefulness. Dogs were categorized in normal, at risk of CCD or with CCD according to their score in the Rofina questionnaire. We demonstrated that, quantitative EEG can detect differences between normal dogs and dogs with CCD. Dogs with CCD experience a reduction in beta and gamma interhemispheric coherence, and higher Joint Lempel Ziv complexity. Dogs at risk of developing CCD, had higher alpha power and interhemispheric coherence, making these features potential markers of early stages of the disease. These results demonstrate that quantitative EEG analysis could aid the diagnosis of CCD, and reinforce the CCD as a translational model of early AD.

Central nervous system lesions caused by canine distemper virus in 4 vaccinated dogs.

We examined the cerebellum and cerebrum of 4 vaccinated dogs, 3-60-mo-old, that displayed clinical signs of canine distemper virus (CDV) infection, and died 7-40 d after developing neurologic signs. The main histologic lesions were demyelination, gliosis, meningitis, perivascular lymphocytic cuffing, and inclusion bodies. These lesions were similar in all 4 cases regardless of the time since vaccination, except that meningoencephalitis and gliosis were subacute in 3 dogs and chronic in 1 dog. However, these differences did not appear to be related to their vaccination status. Immunohistologically, a CDV-positive immunoreaction was seen mainly in astrocytes, neurons and their axons, lymphocytes around and in the blood vessels of the pia mater and choroid plexus, ependymal cells of each ventricle, and the cells of the choroid plexus. The histologic and immunohistologic changes were similar in the cerebellum and cerebrum. The genetic characterization of the virus strains in 2 of these naturally occurring canine distemper cases confirmed that they were South American wild-type strains (Kiki and Uy251) belonging to the EU1/SA1 lineage. These strains are not included in the commercial CDV vaccines available in Uruguay.

Sleep Disorders in dogs: A Pathophysiological and Clinical Review.

Sleep is a fundamental process in mammals, including domestic dogs. Disturbances in sleep affect physiological functions like cognitive and physical performance, immune response, pain sensation and increase the risk of diseases. In dogs, sleep can be affected by several conditions, with narcolepsy, REM sleep behavior disorder and sleep breathing disorders being the most frequent causes. Furthermore, sleep disturbances can be a symptom of other primary diseases where they can contribute to the worsening of clinical signs. This review describes reciprocally interacting sleep and wakefulness promoting systems and how their dysfunction can explain the pathophysiological mechanisms of sleep disorders. Additionally, this work discusses the clinical characteristics, diagnostic tools and available treatments for these disorders while highlighting areas in where further studies are needed so as to improve their treatment and prevention.

Effect of the probiotic Lactobacillus murinus LbP2 on clinical parameters of dogs with distemper-associated diarrhea.

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of the probiotic Lactobacillus murinus native strain (LbP2) on general clinical parameters of dogs with distemper-associated diarrhea. Two groups of dogs over 60 d of age with distemper and diarrhea were used in the study, which was done at the Animal Hospital of the Veterinary Faculty of the University of Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay. The dogs were treated orally each day for 5 d with the probiotic or with a placebo (vehicle without bacteria). Clinical parameters were assessed and scored according to a system specially designed for this study. Blood parameters were also measured. Administration of the probiotic significantly improved the clinical score of the patients, whereas administration of the placebo did not. Stool output, fecal consistency, mental status, and appetite all improved in the probiotic-treated dogs. These results support previous findings of beneficial effects with the probiotic L. murinus LbP2 in dogs. Thus, combined with other therapeutic measures, probiotic treatment appears to be promising for the management of canine distemper-associated diarrhea.

L'objectif de la présente étude était d'évaluer l'effet d'une souche indigène du probiotique Lactobacillus murinus (LbP2) sur des paramètres cliniques généraux de chiens avec une diarrhée associée au distemper. Deux groupes de chiens âgés de plus de 60 jours avec du distemper et de la diarrhée ont fait partie de l'étude réalisée à l'hôpital de la Faculté vétérinaire de l'Université de l'Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay. Les chiens ont été traités quotidiennement par voie orale pendant 5 j avec le probiotique ou avec un placebo (véhicule sans les bactéries). Des paramètres cliniques ont été mesurés et notés selon un système conçu spécifiquement pour l'étude. Des paramètres sanguins ont également été mesurés. L'administration du probiotique améliorait significativement le pointage clinique des patients, alors que l'administration du placebo n'avait aucun effet. La production de selles, la consistance fécale, l'état mental, et l'appétit se sont tous améliorés chez les chiens traités avec le probiotique. Ces résultats confirment des résultats antérieurs d'effets bénéfiques du probiotique L. murinus LbP2 chez les chiens. Ainsi, combiner à d'autres mesures thérapeutiques, le traitement probiotique semble prometteur pour la gestion de diarrhée canine associée au distemper.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Effect of native Lactobacillus murinus LbP2 administration on total fecal IgA in healthy dogs.

The objective of the present work was to determine the effect of Lactobacillus murinus strain LbP2 on canine fecal immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels. Seven dogs were orally treated with a 3-mL suspension of L. murinus LbP2 containing 5 × 10(9) colony-forming units on alternate days for 2 wk. Six dogs were treated with 3 mL of phosphate-buffered saline as placebo. Fecal samples were taken from the rectal ampulla on days 0 and 16, and the total canine fecal IgA concentration was determined with an immunoperoxidase assay kit. The IgA levels of individual dogs were compared with the nonparametric Wilcoxon test. Differences were considered significant when the P-value was less than 0.05. An increase in the total fecal IgA concentration was observed in the 7 dogs after treatment with L. murinus LbP2 (P = 0.01796). No differences were detected between the initial total fecal IgA values and those obtained at the end of placebo treatment. Thus, after oral administration L. murinus LbP2 showed potential immunomodulatory effects, an important property to assess in a microorganism being considered for use as a probiotic.

L'objectif de la présente étude était de déterminer l'effet de la souche Lactobacillus murinus LbP2 sur les niveaux d'immunoglobulines A (IgA) fécales chez le chien. Sept chiens ont reçu oralement 3 mL d'une suspension de L. murinus LbP2 contenant 5 × 109 unités formatrices de colonies à chaque 2 jours pendant 2 semaines. Six chiens ont reçu 3 mL de saline tamponnée comme placebo. Des échantillons de fèces ont été prélevés au niveau de l'ampoule rectale aux jours 0 et 16, et la concentration d'IgA canine totale déterminée au moyen d'une épreuve d'immunoperoxydase. Les niveaux d'IgA des chiens individuels ont été comparés avec le test non-paramétrique de Wilcoxon. Les différences étaient considérées significatives lorsque la valeur de P était inférieure à 0,05. Une augmentation dans la concentration d'IgA fécale totale a été observée dans les sept chiens après traitement avec L. murinus LbP2 (P = 0,01796). Aucune différence ne fut détectée entre les valeurs initiales des IgA fécales totales et celles à la fin du traitement avec le placebo. Ainsi, l'administration orale de L. murinus LbP2 montre des effets immunomodulateurs potentiels, une propriété intéressante à évaluer chez un microorganisme considéré pour usage comme probiotique.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Cortisol secretion after adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) and dexamethasone tests in healthy female and male dogs.

BACKGROUND: For the conclusive diagnosis of Cushing's Syndrome, a stimulating ACTH test or a low suppressive Dexamethasone test is used. Reports in other species than the dog indicate that plasma cortisol concentration after ACTH administration is affected by gender. We investigated the effect of gender on the cortisol response to ACTH and Dexamethasone tests in dogs. METHODS: Seven healthy adult Cocker Spaniels (4 females and 3 males) were assigned to a two by two factorial design: 4 dogs (2 females and 2 males) received IV Dexamethasone 0.01 mg/kg, while the other 3 dogs received an IV saline solution (control group). Two weeks later the treatments were reversed. After one month, ACTH was given IV (250 microg/animal) to 4 dogs (2 female and 2 males) while the rest was treated with saline solution (control group). Cortisol concentrations were determined by a direct solid-phase radioimmunoassay and cholesterol and triglycerides by commercial kits. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: No effect of treatment was observed in metabolite concentrations, but females presented higher cholesterol concentrations. ACTH-treated dogs showed an increase in cortisol levels in the first hour after sampling until 3 hours post injection. Cortisol concentrations in Dexamethasone-treated dogs decreased one hour post injection and remained low for 3 hours, thereafter cortisol concentrations increased. The increase in cortisol levels from one to two hours post ACTH injection was significantly higher in females than males. In Dexamethasone-treated males cortisol levels decreased one hour post injection up to 3 hours; in females the decrease was more pronounced and prolonged, up to 5 hours post injection. CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated that cortisol response to ACTH and Dexamethasone treatment in dogs differs according to sex.

Vaginal lactic acid bacteria in healthy and ill bitches and evaluation of in vitro probiotic activity of selected isolates.

The concentrations of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in 42 vaginal samples from healthy and ill bitches were determined. Eight isolates belonging to the genera Lactobacillus and Enterococcus were selected and identified and their in vitro antimicrobial activity against canine pathogens and their ability to adhere to canine vaginal epithelial cells were determined. There was no correlation between the concentrations of vaginal LAB and clinical status, body temperature, vaginal pH, or age. Although the animals were either well or suffering from various illnesses, LAB were found in almost every sample, and the selected isolates showed promising probiotic-related features. These findings are significant for the design of strategies for the modulation of vaginal microbiota by vaginal LAB isolates.

Vaginal lactic acid bacteria in the mare: evaluation of the probiotic potential of native Lactobacillus spp. and Enterococcus spp. strains.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are important members of the human vaginal microbiota and their presence is considered beneficial. However, little is known about native vaginal bacteria in other animal species such as the horse. The aim of this work was to quantify the vaginal lactic acid bacteria and lactobacilli of mares and to establish if selected equine vaginal lactic acid bacteria, particularly Lactobacillus and Enterococcus spp. strains, could exhibit potential as probiotics. The vaginal lactic acid bacteria and lactobacilli of 26 mares were quantified by plate counts. Five strains (three Lactobacillus spp. and two Enterococcus spp.) were characterised and adhesion to vaginal epithelial cells, antimicrobial activity and ability to form biofilms were evaluated. Lactic acid bacteria were recovered from the 26 samples and lactobacilli counts were detected in 18 out of 26 mares (69%). Probiotic properties tested in this study varied among the isolates and showed promising features for their use as equine probiotics.