Seroprevalence of and Risk Factors for Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Cats from Greece.

Toxoplasmosis is one of the most important protozoan diseases with a global impact on the health of domestic cats and with zoonotic significance. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of seropositivity for Toxoplasma gondii in different populations of cats in Greece and to assess risk factors for seropositivity. A total of 457 cats were prospectively enrolled, and a commercially available indirect immunofluorescence antibody testing (IFAT) kit was used for the detection of anti-T. gondii immunoglobulin G (IgG) in serum. Overall, 95 (20.8%) of the 457 cats were seropositive for T. gondii. Based on multivariate analysis, factors associated with seropositivity included older age [Odds ratio (OR), 1.33; p < 0.001]; a history of cat-fight trauma (OR, 3.88; p = 0.004); and lack of vaccination against calicivirus, herpesvirus-1, panleukopenia, and rabies (OR, 10; p = 0.002). This study shows a high prevalence of seropositivity for T. gondii in cats in Greece. This implies that toxoplasmosis is still a major public health concern and that optimal strategies for the prevention of infection with T. gondii in cats should be established.

Investigation of comorbidities in dogs with leishmaniosis due to Leishmania infantum.

In endemic areas, dogs with leishmaniosis due to Leishmania infantum frequently have comorbidities, including mostly neoplastic, infectious, and parasitic diseases. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of comorbidities among dogs that are not infected by L. infantum, dogs that are infected but do not present leishmaniosis, and dogs with leishmaniosis, and to examine if certain comorbidities are independent risk factors for the infection by L. infantum and/or for the development of canine leishmaniosis (CanL). A total of 111 dogs, older than 1-year and non-vaccinated against CanL, were allocated into three groups: group A (n = 18) included dogs that were not infected by L. infantum, group B (n = 52) included dogs that were infected by L. infantum but did not present CanL, and group C (n = 41) included dogs with CanL. Signalment and historical data were obtained using a structured questionnaire. Laboratory examinations included complete blood count, serum biochemistry, urinalysis, fecal parasitology, modified Knott's test, microscopic examination of capillary blood, buffy coat, lymph node, bone marrow and conjunctival smears, qualitative serology for Dirofilaria immitis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum/A. platys, Borrelia burgdorferi and E. canis, IFAT for L. infantum, ELISA for Babesia spp. and Neospora caninum, and real-time PCR for L. infantum in bone marrow, skin biopsies and conjunctival swabs. A variety of comorbidities were found in all three groups. No independent risk factors for infection by L. infantum were found. On the contrary, among dogs infected by L. infantum, being a mongrel [odds ratio (OR): 11.2], not receiving prevention for dirofilariosis (OR: 26.5) and being seropositive to N. caninum (OR: 17.1) or to Babesia spp. (OR: 37.6), were independent risk factors for presenting CanL. Although no comorbidities influence the probability of canine infection by L. infantum, certain comorbidities may be precipitating factors for the transition from the subclinical infection by L. infantum to the overt CanL.

Monitoring Claw Length, Feet Infrared Temperature, Mobility and Backfat Tissue Changes in Replacement Gilts of Different Genetic Lines in Three Farrow-to-Finish Herds in Greece.

Feet infrared temperature is associated with feet health and may affect the reproductive performance of sows. In total, 137, 98 and 114 replacement gilts were selected at the age of weaning from 3 herds-A, B and C-with different genetic lines. Dorsal claw length was measured, and anisodactylia was measured in all four feet, at weaning age, and at those gilts that completed their first and second farrowing. At the first and second farrowing stage, the infrared temperature distribution, dew/claw length and backfat thickness were measured concurrently with claw lesion and mobility score evaluation. The maximum temperature significantly differed (p < 0.01) among herds, in the rear feet and in all four feet at the first and second farrowing respectively. Claw lengths statistically differed among herds at all stages (p < 0.05). Anisodactylia in rear feet was lower in herd A (p < 0.05) at weaning, and in herd C at the first and second farrowing (p < 0.05). In addition, the claw lesion score, mobility, backfat thickness and reproductive performance statistically differed among herds (p < 0.05). It is shown that even at an early stage of their reproductive life, claw length differences exist in replacement gilts of different genetic lines.

Seroprevalence of and risk factors for feline coronavirus infection in cats from Greece.

Feline coronavirus (FCoV) is a highly contagious and ubiquitous virus of domestic cats and wild felids. Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal, systemic disease caused by FCoV infection when spontaneous mutations of the viral genome take place. The aims of this study were primarily to determine the prevalence of seropositivity for FCoV in different populations of cats in Greece and assess risk factors for seropositivity. A total of 453 cats were prospectively enrolled in the study. A commercially available IFAT kit was used for the detection of FCoV IgG antibodies in serum. Overall, 55 (12.1 %) of the 453 cats were seropositive for FCoV. Based on multivariable analysis, factors associated with FCoV-seropositivity included cats adopted as strays and contact with other cats. This is the first extensive study on the epidemiology of FCoV in cats from Greece and one of the largest worldwide. Feline coronavirus infection is relatively common in Greece. Therefore, it is necessary to establish optimal strategies for the prevention of FCoV infection, considering the high-risk groups of cats identified in this study.

Untargeted Metabolomics Pilot Study Using UHPLC-qTOF MS Profile in Sows' Urine Reveals Metabolites of Bladder Inflammation.

Urinary tract infections (UTI) of sows (characterized by ascending infections of the urinary bladder (cyst), ureters, and renal pelvis), are major health issues with a significant economic impact to the swine industry. The current detection of UTI incidents lacks sensitivity; thus, UTIs remain largely under-diagnosed. The value of metabolomics in unraveling the mechanisms of sow UTI has not yet been established. This study aims to investigate the urine metabolome of sows for UTI biomarkers. Urine samples were collected from 58 culled sows from a farrow-to-finish herd in Greece. Urine metabolomic profiles in 31 healthy controls and in 27 inflammatory ones were evaluated. UHPLC-qTOF MS/MS was applied for the analysis with a combination of multivariate and univariate statistical analysis. Eighteen potential markers were found. The changes in several urine metabolites classes (nucleosides, indoles, isoflavones, and dipeptides), as well as amino-acids allowed for an adequate discrimination between the study groups. Identified metabolites were involved in purine metabolism; phenylalanine; tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis; and phenylalanine metabolism. Through ROC analysis it was shown that the 18 identified metabolite biomarkers exhibited good predictive accuracy. In summary, our study provided new information on the potential targets for predicting early and accurate diagnosis of UTI. Further, this information also sheds light on how it could be applied in live animals.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Bartonella spp. and Haemoplasma Infections in Cats from Greece.

Bartonellosis and haemoplasmosis are vector-borne diseases with global impact on the health of domestic cats and of zoonotic importance. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological aspects of various populations of cats infected with Bartonella spp. or haemoplasma species. The populations evaluated included client-owned cats, stray cats and cats that live in breeding catteries in Greece. A total of 452 cats were prospectively enrolled into the study. A commercially available indirect immunofluorescence antibody testkit was used for the detection of Bartonella henselae IgG antibodies in serum. PCRs for the detection of Bartonella spp. and haemoplasma species DNA in the blood were also performed in a subgroup of 242 of the 452 cats. Risk factors for B. henselae seropositivity and infection with the haemoplasma species were determined using multivariable analysis. Overall, 160 (35.4%) of the 452 cats were seropositive for B. henselae. Seven (2.9%) and 46 (19%) of the 242 cats were PCR-positive for Bartonella spp. and haemoplasma species, respectively. The factors associated with B. henselae seropositivity, based on multivariate analysis, included older age, outdoor access, living region and flea infestation. Non-administration of ectoparasiticides was associated with haemoplasma species infection. This study shows a high prevalence of seropositivity for B. henselae and a relatively high prevalence of infection with haemoplasma species. Therefore, it is necessary to establish optimal strategies for the prevention of Bartonella spp. and haemoplasma species infections, considering the high-risk groups of cats identified in this study.

Repeatability and reproducibility of microscopic examination of adhesive tape strip cytology slides for the quantification of Malassezia spp. in canine skin.

BACKGROUND: The optimal microscopic magnification and number of optical fields of adhesive tape strip cytological slides that should be examined when searching for Malassezia yeasts on canine skin are unknown. OBJECTIVES: To determine the optimal magnification and the minimum number of optical fields that should be examined to maximise intraobserver repeatability and interobserver reproducibility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven experienced examiners counted, twice, the number of yeasts in 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 optical fields of 40 slides at ×400 and ×1000 magnification. RESULTS: The number of yeasts per unit surface area was significantly higher at ×1000 compared to ×400 magnification. Repeatability and reproducibility for counting the yeasts was very poor. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Adhesive tape strip cytological slides should be examined microscopically for Malassezia spp. at ×1000 magnification. The repeatability of this examination for counting the yeasts is poor.

Contexte - Le grossissement microscopique optimal et le nombre de champs optiques des lames cytologiques de bandes adhésives à examiner lors de la recherche de levures Malassezia sur la peau de chien sont inconnus. Objectifs - Déterminer le grossissement optimal et le nombre minimal de champs à examiner pour maximiser la répétabilité intra-observateur et la reproductibilité inter-observateur. Matériels et méthodes - Sept examinateurs expérimentés ont compté, deux fois, le nombre de levures dans 10, 20, 30, 40 et 50 champs de 40 lames aux grossissements ×400 et ×1 000. Résultats - Le nombre de levures par unité de surface était significativement plus élevé au grossissement ×1 000 par rapport au grossissement ×400. La répétabilité et la reproductibilité du comptage des levures étaient très médiocres. Conclusions et pertinence clinique - Les lames cytologiques de bandes adhésives doivent être examinées au microscope pour Malassezia spp. à un grossissement ×1 000. La répétabilité de cet examen de comptage des levures est faible.

Introducción- se desconoce el aumento microscópico óptimo y el número de campos ópticos de los portaobjetos citológicos en tiras de cinta adhesiva que deben examinarse al buscar levaduras Malassezia en la piel canina. Objetivos- determinar el aumento óptimo y el número mínimo de campos ópticos que deben examinarse para maximizar la repetibilidad intraobservador y la reproducibilidad interobservador. Materiales y métodos- siete examinadores experimentados contaron dos veces el número de levaduras en campos ópticos de 10, 20, 30, 40 y 50 de 40 portaobjetos con aumentos de x ×400 y ×1000. Resultados- el número de levaduras por unidad de superficie fue significativamente mayor con un aumento de ×1000 en comparación con un aumento de ×400. La repetibilidad y reproducibilidad para contar las levaduras fue muy pobre. Conclusiones y relevancia clínica - Los portaobjetos citológicos en tiras de cinta adhesiva deben examinarse microscópicamente para detectar Malassezia spp. con un aumento de ×1.000. La repetibilidad de este examen para contar las levaduras es pobre.

Contexto - A ampliação microscópica ideal e o número de campos ópticos das lâminas citológicas de fita adesiva que devem ser examinados nas pesquisas de leveduras do gênero Malassezia em cães são desconhecidos. Objetivos - Determinar a magnificação ideal e o número mínimo de campos ópticos que devem ser examinados para maximizar a repetibilidade intraobservador e a reproducibilidade interobservador. Materiais e métodos - Sete examinadores experientes contaram duas vezes o número de leveduras em 10, 20, 30, 40 e 50 campos ópticos de 40 lâminas nas magnificações de x400 e x1000. Resultados - O número de leveduras por unidade de área de superfície foi significativamente maior em x1000 em comparação com a ampliação de x400. A repetibilidade e a reprodutibilidade para a contagem de leveduras foi muito pobre. Conclusões e relevância clínica - Lâminas de citologia por fica adesiva devem ser examinadas microscopicamente para Malassezia spp a uma magnificação de x1.000. A repetibilidade deste exame para contagem de leveduras foi pobre.

Infrared Thermography Evaluation of Feet Temperature and Its Association with Claw Lengths and Anisodactylia in Purebred Sows of Three Greek Herds.

The aim of the study was to investigate the associations of lower feet temperature with claw lengths measurements in purebred sows. In total 22, 19 and 45 multiparous sows in three herds A, B and C of PIC, DANBRED and TOPIGS genetic lines respectively participated in the study. Mean parity was 2.5, 2.3 and 3.0 for sows from herds A, B and C respectively. Measurements were made during the periparturient period. Infrared temperature distribution was measured in carpus/tarsus, upper-lower metacarpi/metatarsi and phalanges (IRT1, IRT2, IRT3 and IRT4 respectively). In addition, dorsal, diagonal, heel-sole and dew claw lengths of medial and lateral claw were measured and the difference in dorsal claw length between medial and lateral claw (anisodactylia) was calculated in all four feet. Differences between herds regarding IRT and claw length measurements were analyzed with one-way ANOVA with herds as a fixed factor. Correlations between IRT and claw length measurements in each foot including data from all herds were evaluated using the Pearson's correlation test. Maximum IRT1 to 4 in almost all rear feet, differed significantly between herds, being lower in sows of herd C than A and B (p < 0.05). Claw lengths of all feet were lower in herd C than those of A and B (p < 0.05). Anisodactylia, differed significantly only in rear feet between herds been higher in herd A than C and B (p < 0.05). In all sows, claw lengths and rear feet anisodactylia were positively correlated with maximum IRT1 to IRT4 (p < 0.05). According to the results, IRT temperature distribution of lower feet of purebred sows of different genetic lines were positive correlated with claw lengths measurements and anisodactylia. Collectively, measuring IRT temperature of lower feet of sows with mobile IRT device could be used as an additional tool towards monitoring feet and claw health.

Claw Characteristics of Culled Sows from Three Farrow-to-Finish Greek Farms. Part 2: Mechanical Indices of Hoof Horn and Their Associations with Length Measurements and Lesion Scores.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the mechanical indices of hoof horn and their association with length measurements and lesion score. The feet of 185 culled sows from three Greek farms (A: 57 sows; B: 64 sows; C: 64 sows) were used. A slice from the dorsal wall of each claw was used to assess by a three-point bending test the Young's modulus, yield stress and aximum stress values. The available data from a companion study (part 1) on the length measurements and lesion scores of the claws were used to reveal possible relationships. The Young's modulus values were significantly higher (p < 0.001 or p < 0.01 depending on location of claw) in the sows of farm C compared to those in sows of farms A and B and in sows of farm B compared to those in the sows of farm A. Yield and maximum stress values were significantly higher (p < 0.05 or p < 0.001 depending on the location of the claw) in the sows of farm C compared to those in the sows of farm A and in the sows of farm B compared to those in the sows of farm A. An increase in heel-sole length decreased all mechanical indices. Young's modulus and yield stress were associated with wall lesion severity while maximum stress with wall and heel lesion severity. Overall, we conclude that mechanical efficiency deteriorates as length and lesion score increases.

Claw Characteristics of Culled Sows from Three Farrow-to-Finish Greek Farms. Part 1: Claw Length Measurements, Lesion Scores and Their Association.

The aim of the study was to investigate variations in lengths and lesions in claws of culled sows and to evaluate their association. All four feet of 185 sows from three Greek farrow-to-finish farms (Farm A: 57 sows; Farm B: 64 sows; Farm C: 64 sows) were examined for lesions and their lengths were measured. All claw lengths were lower in sows of farm C compared to those from sows of B and A. Claw lengths in sows of farm B were lower compared to those from A for all lateral toes of front feet and for all medial and four out of three lateral toes of rear feet. Sum of length measurements of the main toes of the front feet (SLF) associated with lesions on sole, white line and heel of front feet, while sum of length measurements of the main toes of the rear feet (SLR) associated with all lesions of the rear feet. The lengths of the main toes were correlated with the length of dew claws on front and rear feet. Overall, sows' claw lesion severity and claw lengths may differ between farms and frequency of lesions is higher in longer claws.

Report on the First African Swine Fever Case in Greece.

African swine fever (ASF) poses a major threat to swine health and welfare worldwide. After several European countries have reported cases of ASF, Greece confirmed officially the first positive case on 5 February 2020. The owner of a backyard farm in Nikoklia, a village in Serres regional unit, Central Macedonia, reported a loss of appetite, weakness, dyspnea, and the sudden death of 6 domestic pigs. Necropsy was performed in one gilt and findings were compatible with acute to subacute septicemic disease. Predominantly, hyperemic enlargement of spleen and lymph node enlargement and/or hemorrhage were observed. Description of vague clinical signs by the farmer suggested a limited resemblance to ASF-acute infection. However, the disease could not be ruled out once septicemic condition including splenomegaly, was diagnosed macroscopically at necropsy. In addition, considering the farm's location near to ASF protection zones, a further diagnostic investigation followed. Confirmation of the disease was obtained using a series of diagnostic tests on several tissue samples. Further clinical, molecular, and epidemiologic evaluation of the farm was performed. According to the contingency plan, authorities euthanized all 31 pigs on the farm, whilst blood testing revealed ASF virus infection. Further emergency measures were implemented to contain the spread of the disease.

Urinary tract infections in culled sows from Greek herds: prevalence and associations between findings of histopathology, bacteriology and urinalysis.

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infections (UTI) of sows characterized by cystitis, which may progress to ureteritis and pyelonephritis, can affect their productivity, longevity and welfare. In this study, we determined the prevalence of UTI by histopathology and bacteriology. Furthermore, we investigated possible associations between histologically confirmed cystitis and the results of urinalysis and urine cultures in culled sows from three farrow-to-finish herds in Greece. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred eighty-five routinely culled sows were included in the study. Their urinary bladder was collected from abattoirs and subjected to histopathology. Furthermore, urinalysis and urine cultures were performed on urine samples aseptically collected from the bladders. RESULTS: Histologically confirmed cystitis was evident in 85/185 (45.94%) culled sows. Among those, 44 (51.76%) suffered from acute and 41 (48.24%) from chronic inflammation. The majority of positive urine cultures were due to colonization of the urinary tract with E.coli, which accounted for 55.81% of the total cases, followed by Staphylococcus spp. which accounted for 18.60% of detected infections. Evidence of cystitis was associated with bacteriuria and sows with bacteriuria were 2.30 (P = 0.03, 95% CI: 1.10-4.83) times more likely to have histologically confirmed cystitis compared to sows with negative urine cultures. Bacteriuria was associated with proteinuria (P < 0.01, OR = 9.72, 2.63-35.88), increased urine pH (P < 0.01, 3.40, 1.10-10.56) and presence of sediment (P < 0.01, 6.00, 1.50-23.76) in urine. Sows with proteinuria had 9.72 (P < 0.01, 2.63-35.88) times higher odds of bacteriuria than those without. Histologically defined cystitis was associated with proteinuria (P < 0.01, 2.03-13.20) and decreased urine pH (P < 0.01, 0.13-0.72). Sows with proteinuria were 5.18 (P < 0.01, 2.03-13.2) times more likely to have histological lesions consistent with cystitis, than those without. For one unit increase in pH, it was 3.20 (P = 0.006, 1.39-7.69) times less likely for a sow to have chronic or acute cystitis compared to absence of cystitis. CONCLUSION: In the studied population, UTI affected almost one out of two culled sows. Bacteriuria, which was more common among sows with UTI than those without, was mainly ascribed to members of the intestinal and environmental bacteria. Proteinuria and the existence of urine sediment which were associated with UTI, could be used as proxy traits for UTI in live sows.

Evaluation of clinicopathological abnormalities in sick cats naturally infected by Leishmania infantum.

Feline infection by Leishmania infantum (syn. L. chagasi) has been described in areas where canine leishmaniosis is endemic. A wide variety of clinicopathological abnormalities have been reported in cats presenting clinical signs of leishmaniosis but there is a paucity of information regarding cats infected by L. infantum that do not suffer from leishmaniosis but from other diseases. The aim of this study was to compare: a) the frequency of clinicopathological abnormalities and b) the values of hematology, serum biochemistry and urinalysis parameters, between non-infected sick cats and sick cats that were infected by L. infantum. A total of 50 cats with cutaneous, ocular and/or systemic clinical signs that lived in an endemic area and had been tested for infection by L. infantum using PCR from four different tissues, were included. Based on the results of PCR, 20/50 cats were found to be infected and 30/50 non-infected. The only difference between the two groups of cats was that the concentration of inorganic phosphorus (P = 0.043) was higher in infected cats. This finding may suggest an association between infection by L. infantum and feline kidney disease.

Evaluation of serum symmetric dimethylarginine as a biomarker of kidney disease in canine leishmaniosis due to Leishmania infantum.

Canine leishmaniosis (CanL)-associated chronic kidney disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Mediterranean countries. Novel renal biomarkers, such as serum symmetric dimethylarginine (sSDMA), may be useful surrogates for the detection of renal functional impairment. The objectives of this study were to investigate sSDMA concentrations in dogs with CanL, with and without azotemia, and to establish any potential association with the prevalence and severity of proteinuria, with the prevalence of decreased urine specific gravity and with the LeishVet clinical stages of CanL. Serum samples from 68 dogs with CanL (50 nonazotemic and 18 azotemic) and 17 healthy dogs were retrospectively examined. Increased sSDMA was documented in 26 % of dogs with CanL without azotemia and in 83.3 % of dogs with azotemia. Serum SDMA was significantly higher in azotemic compared to nonazotemic dogs and was associated with the presence and severity of proteinuria, the decreased urine specific gravity and the advanced clinical stages of CanL. The results of the present study indicate that sSDMA may be a useful adjunct to serum creatinine and urine protein/creatinine ratio for the detection of CanL-associated nephropathy, but it is of limited value for distinguishing among the LeishVet clinical stages of CanL.

Acute phase protein and antioxidant responses in dogs with experimental acute monocytic ehrlichiosis treated with rifampicin.

There is currently lack of information on the changes of acute phase proteins (APP) and antioxidant markers and their clinical relevance as treatment response indicators in canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME). The objective of this study was to investigate the patterns of C-reactive protein (CRP), haptoglobin (Hp), ferritin and paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) during treatment of dogs with acute CME with rifampicin. Blood serum samples from ten Beagle dogs with experimental acute CME were retrospectively examined. Five dogs (Group A) were treated with rifampicin (10mg/Kg/24h), per os, for 3 weeks and 5 dogs (Group B) received no treatment (infected controls). Two Beagle dogs served as uninfected controls. Blood serum samples were serially examined prior to Ehrlichia canis inoculation and on post-inoculation days 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42. Significant changes of CRP, Hp, ferritin and PON-1 values were found in the majority of infected dogs. However, their concentrations did not differ between the two groups during the treatment observation period. The results of this study indicate that although several APP and PON-1 tend to significantly change in the majority of dogs with acute CME, they were of limited clinical relevance as treatment response indicators in this experimental setting.

Bayesian estimation of sensitivity and specificity of a commercial serum/milk ELISA against the Mycobacterium avium subsp. Paratuberculosis (MAP) antibody response for each lactation stage in Greek dairy sheep.

A total of 854 paired milk and blood samples were collected from ewes of a Greek flock and used to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of a commercial ELISA for detection of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) specific antibodies in each stage of lactation. We implemented Bayesian mixture models to derive the distributions of the test response for the healthy and the infected ewes. In the colostrum period, early, mid and late lactation stage the median values of the area under the curves (AUC) were 0.61 (95% credible interval: 0.50; 0.84), 0.61 (0.51;0.84), 0.65 (0.51;0.91), 0.65(0.51;0.89) for the serum ELISA and and 0.60 (0.50; 0.84), 0.61 (0.50; 0.84), 0.67(0.51; 0.91), 0.66(0.50; 0.90) for the milk ELISA, respectively. Both serum and milk ELISA had low to average overall discriminatory ability as measured by the area under the curves and comparable sensitivities and specificities at the recommended cutoffs.

Effect of diet supplementation with chelated zinc, copper and manganese on hoof lesions of loose housed sows.

BACKGROUND: Hoof lesions are very common among sows and have been associated with lameness, early removal and compromised welfare and productivity. Although housing conditions and management can have an external effect on hoof health status, the role of trace mineral intake is vital in developing hoof structure and integrity. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a diet supplemented with organic complexes of trace minerals (Zn, Cu, Mn), partly substituting their inorganic form, on hoof lesions of sows in three Greek swine herds. RESULTS: A total of 518 sows were initially examined for hoof lesions and their respective severity was scored. For each hoof, the length of toes and dew claws were evaluated and five anatomical hoof sites, the heel, the sole, the white line, the wall and the coronary band, were examined for lesions. Subsequently, the same sows were re-scored after one or two gestations on diets supplemented with organic trace minerals, partly substituting their inorganic salt form (organic form of Zn 45 ppm, Cu 14 ppm and Mn 25 ppm of the total 125 ppm of Zn, 15 ppm of Cu and 40 ppm of Mn, respectively). The odds of the higher versus the lower lesion scores were significantly lower after than before the inclusion of the organic minerals in sows' diet, for each of the considered foot sites with the exception of the coronary band, with a distinct effect according to foot location. Specifically, on rear feet the improvement of hoof lesions was either smaller (for heel, sole and wall) than on front feet or not significant (for white line, toe and dew claw length). Additionally, for each foot site and herd examined, after the inclusion of the organic minerals, there were more sows with either the same or lower lesion score, with the exception of the toe and the dew claw length in one of the herds. CONCLUSIONS: Within the specific conditions in the three studied herds, our findings highlight the role of chelated trace minerals in sows' hoof health, suggesting an applicable and rewarding intervention to prevent hoof lesions.

Partial substitution, with their chelated complexes, of the inorganic zinc, copper and manganese in sow diets reduced the laminitic lesions in the claws and improved the morphometric characteristics of the hoof horn of sows from three Greek herds.

BACKGROUND: Hoof lesions in sows have been associated with lameness and poor hoof horn quality. The mechanical strength and quality of hoof horn is determined by the density and diameter of horn tubules, which were recently associated with the severity of lesions on the hoof wall of sows. Histologic changes that have previously been described in cases of bovine laminitis, have also been observed in the dermis and epidermis of the sows' claws. Trace elements, particularly zinc, copper and manganese, occupy important roles as enzyme catalysts in the process of keratin synthesis which determines the quality and the integrity of the hoof epidermis. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of diet supplementation with chelated zinc, copper and manganese, partially substituting their inorganic form, on sow claw health and hoof horn quality assessed by macroscopic, histologic and morphometric examination. RESULTS: Clinically, the total claw lesion score was significantly lower in claws of sows which received the "organic" diet compared to those of sows on the "inorganic" diet. Histologically, lamellar hyperplasia was the most frequently recorded change in the epidermis of the sows' claws regardless of the diet's mineral source. The claws of the sows which received the organic diet were more likely to have none or less histologic changes than at least one or more, respectively, compared to those of the sows on the "inorganic" diet. Morphometrically, the density and vertical and horizontal diameters of the horn tubules was significantly higher and smaller, respectively, in the hoof horn of sows which received the "organic" compared to those which received the "inorganic" source diet. CONCLUSIONS: Partial substitution of the inorganic zinc, copper and manganese in sows' diet with their chelated complexes, provided a comparative advantage against a conventional, inorganic mineral source diet, at least under the conditions examined in the current study, in terms of macroscopic, histologic and morphometric criteria, characterizing the health and horn quality status of sows' hooves.

Synovial fluid cytology in experimental acute canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia canis).

Evidence-based information of a cause-and-effect relationship between Ehrlichia canis infection and polyarthritis in naturally- or experimentally-infected dogs is currently lacking. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate whether synovial fluid cytological evidence of arthritis could be documented in dogs with acute monocytic ehrlichiosis. Direct synovial fluid cytology smears from eight Beagle dogs experimentally infected with E. canis were examined prior to, and on 21, 35 and 63 days post-inoculation. The cytological variables assessed included cellularity, percentages of mononuclear cells and neutrophils, macrophage reactivity and evidence of E. canis morulae. The median cellularity and percentages of mononuclear cells and neutrophils prior to inoculation did not differ when compared to post-inoculation cytological evaluation. Increased cellularity, E. canis morulae or cytological evidence of arthritis or macrophage reactivity were not observed throughout the course of the study. In the present study, no cytological evidence of arthritis was found in dogs with experimental acute canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, suggesting that E. canis infection should be considered a rather uncommon cause of arthritis in dogs.

Evaluation of indirect immunofluorescence antibody test and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the diagnosis of infection by Leishmania infantum in clinically normal and sick cats.

Cats that live in areas where canine and human leishmaniosis due to Leishmania infantum is endemic may become infected and may develop anti-Leishmania antibodies. In this study 50 clinically normal and 50 cats with cutaneous and/or systemic signs that lived in an endemic area and had been previously examined for infection by L. infantum using PCR in four different tissues were serologically tested for the presence of anti-Leishmania IgG (IFAT and ELISA) and IgM (IFAT). The aim was to compare the results of IFAT, ELISA and PCR and to investigate the possible associations between seropositivity to Leishmania spp and signalment, living conditions, season of sampling, health status of the cats, and seropositivity to other infectious agents. Low concentrations of anti-Leishmania IgG were detected by IFAT in 10% of the cats and by ELISA in 1%, whereas anti-Leishmania IgM were detected by IFAT in 1%. There was disagreement between the results of IFAT and ELISA for anti-Leishmania IgG (P = 0.039) and between all serological tests and PCR (P < 0.001). The diagnostic sensitivity of all serological tests, using PCR as the gold standard, was very low, but ELISA and IFAT for anti-Leishmania IgM had 100% specificity. The diagnostic sensitivity of all serological tests could not be improved by changing the cut-off values. Seropositivity for Leishmania spp was not associated with signalment, living conditions, season of sampling and health status of the cats or with seropositivity to feline leukemia virus, feline immunodeficiency virus, feline coronavirus, Toxoplasma gondii and Bartonella henselae. In conclusion, because of their low sensitivity and very high specificity two of the evaluated serological tests (ELISA for anti-Leishmania IgG and IFAT for anti-Leishmania IgM) may be useless as population screening tests but valuable for diagnosing feline infection by L. infantum.