Flavonoids in mitigating the adverse effects of canine endotoxemia.

In dogs, chronic enteropathies, and impaired gut integrity, as well as microbiome imbalances, are a major problem. These conditions may represent a continuous low endotoxin load, which may result in the development of diseases that are attributable to chronic inflammation. Flavonoids are polyphenolic plant compounds with numerous beneficial properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. For our experiments, we isolated primary white blood cells (peripheral blood mononuclear cells and polymorphonuclear leukocytes) from healthy dogs and induced inflammation and oxidative stress with Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In parallel, we treated the cell cultures with various flavonoids luteolin, quercetin and grape seed extract oligomeric proanthocyanidins (GSOP) alone and also in combination with LPS treatments. Then, changes in viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels were measured in response to treatment with quercetin, luteolin and GSOP at 25 and 50 µg/mL concentrations. We found that ROS levels were significantly lower in groups which were treated by flavonoid and LPS at the same time compared to LPS-treated groups, whereas TNF-α levels were significantly reduced only by luteolin and quercetin treatment. In contrast, treatment with lower concentrations of GSOP caused an increase in TNF-α levels, while higher concentrations caused a significant decrease. These results suggest that the use of quercetin, luteolin and GSOP may be helpful in the management of chronic intestinal diseases in dogs with reduced intestinal barrier integrity or altered microbiome composition, or in the mitigation of chronic inflammatory processes maintained by endotoxemia. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed before clinical use.

Molecular-phylogenetic investigation of trichomonads in dogs and cats reveals a novel Tritrichomonas species.

BACKGROUND: Trichomonosis is a common infection in small animals, mostly manifesting in gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea. Although oral trichomonads are also known, the species found colonizing the large intestine are more frequently detected protozoa. METHODS: In the present study, four wildcats, 94 domestic cats, and 25 dogs, originating from 18 different locations in Hungary, were investigated for the presence of oral and large intestinal trichomonads based on the 18S rRNA gene and ITS2. RESULTS: All oral swabs were negative by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). However, Tritrichomonas foetus was detected in a high proportion among tested domestic cats (13.8%) and dogs (16%), and Pentatrichomonas hominis only in two domestic cats. In addition, a novel Tritrichomonas genotype was identified in one cat, probably representing a new species that was shown to be phylogenetically most closely related to Tritrichomonas casperi described recently from mice. All positive dogs and half of the positive cats showed symptoms, and among cats, the most frequent breed was the Ragdoll. CONCLUSIONS: With molecular methods, this study evaluated the prevalence of oral and intestinal trichomonads in clinical samples of dogs and cats from Hungary, providing the first evidence of T. foetus in dogs of this region. In contrast to literature data, P. hominis was more prevalent in cats than in dogs. Finally, a hitherto unknown large intestinal Tritrichomonas species (closely related to T. casperi) was shown to be present in a cat, raising two possibilities. First, this novel genotype might have been a rodent-associated pseudoparasite in the relevant cat. Otherwise, the cat was actually infected, thus suggesting the role of a predator-prey link in the evolution of this trichomonad.

Occurrence of Pasteurellaceae and Neisseriaceae bacteria in the pharyngeal and respiratory tract of dogs and cats - Short communication.

The occurrence of members of the Pasteurellaceae and Neisseriaceae families was studied in dogs and cats. A total of 110 nasal and pharyngeal swab samples from 47 dogs and 8 cats were collected. Most of the strains were identified by 16S rDNA sequencing, except Frederiksenia canicola and Pasteurella multocida where species-specific polymerase chain reactions were applied. The most frequently isolated species was F. canicola, which occurred only in dogs, mainly in the pharyngeal cavity. The second commonest bacterium, P. multocida was found in both types of samples and in both hosts. Other species from the family Pasteurellaceae, such as Haemophilus haemoglobinophilus, Pasteurella canis and P. dagmatis, were detected only in dogs. All isolated species belonging to the family Neisseriaceae, mainly representing Neisseria weaveri, were found only in the pharyngeal cavity. Neisseria weaveri and N. zoodegmatis could be detected in both hosts. Neisseria dumasiana and N. canis were isolated from dogs, while N. shayeganii only from a cat. For phylogenetic analysis, rpoB gene sequencing was performed, where the strains were on monophyletic branches and clearly separated from each other. In this study, recently described species such as F. canicola, N. shayeganii and N. dumasiana were detected that had never been isolated in Hungary before.

Angiostrongylosis-related restrictive pneumopathy assessed by arterial blood gas analysis in a dog.

Pulmonary angiostrongylosis was diagnosed by the Baermann method and larval identification from faecal and bronchoalveolar lavage samples in a five-month- old male mongrel dog with dyspnoea and cough. Arterial blood gas analysis indicated arterial hypoxaemia and restrictive pneumopathy. In addition to the palliative treatment, fenbendazole was administered (50 mg/kg/24 h per os) for 14 days. The respiratory signs subsided within a short time clinically, but serial arterial blood gas analysis demonstrated an ongoing ventilation disorder. Repeated haematology, thoracic radiography, bronchoscopy and blood gas analysis were performed to follow the course of the disease. The most severe eosinophilia was detected after the beginning of the anthelmintic therapy, and the arterial pO2 level was permanently low. Arterial blood gas analysis provided the most adequate information about the course of the pneumopathy and it greatly facilitated the patient's medical management.

Expression of claudins in the normal canine gastric mucosa.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression pattern of claudin-1, -2, -3, -4, -5, -7, -8, -10 and -18 in the intact fundic and pyloric gastric mucosa of dogs. Intense, linear, membranous claudin-18 positivity was detected in the surface gastric cells and in the epithelial cells of the gastric glands both in the fundic and pyloric stomach regions. The mucous neck cells in the apical part of the glands, furthermore the parietal cells and chief cells of the basal part of the gland were all positive for claudin-18, in the same way as the enteroendocrine cells. Cells of the basal part of the pyloric glands showed intense, linear, membranous claudin-2 positivity, but cells of the superficial portion of these glands and the surface gastric cells in this region were claudin-2 negative. Fibroblasts, endothelial cells, lymphocytes of the propria layer, smooth muscle cells and vegetative neurons were all negative for claudin-2. All gastric epithelial cells were negative for claudin-1, -3, -4, -5, -6, -7, -8 and -10. The endothelial cells of the propria layer had intense claudin-5 positivity. We assume that claudin-18 forms a paracellular barrier against gastric acid in the healthy canine stomach, in the same way as in mice.

Cholagogue-induced gallbladder emptying in the diagnosis of canine biliary obstruction.

The efficacy of ultrasound-guided cholagogue-induced gallbladder emptying for differentiating obstructive from non-obstructive hepatobiliary diseases was studied in icteric dogs. In 7 healthy Beagle dogs, Lipofundin 20% infusion (2 ml/kg orally) evoked a vigorous gallbladder contraction of 44.2% (range: 35.3-57.6%) and proved to be a useful, well-tolerable meal for routine use. In 24 icteric dogs, gallbladder contraction was evoked by different cholagogues: the maximum reduction in gallbladder volume (%) for the three non-obstructive icteric dogs was 43.9% (range, 39.0-46.5%). The average gallbladder contraction of the 21 dogs with biliary obstruction was less than 5%. In conclusion, the stimulation of gallbladder contraction with orally applied magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) or Lipofundin can be well demonstrated by ultrasound in dogs. The examination of cholagogue-induced gallbladder emptying is a valuable technique in icteric patients to indicate surgical intervention.

Effect of enteral feeding on gallbladder function in dogs.

Nutritional support in critically ill patients is a fundamental principle of patient care. Little is known about gallbladder motility during the interdigestive phase and in response to enteral feeding. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of enteral feeding on gallbladder function in dogs. The cholagogue meal (Lipofundin infusion) was applied in four anatomical positions (jejunum, duodenojejunal junction, descending duodenum, stomach) in five healthy Beagle dogs. Gallbladder volume (GBV) was monitored by ultrasonography. Lipofundin infusion given through the feeding tube caused a maximal gallbladder contraction of 9.2% (range 3.7-13.9%) in the jejunum, 16.5% (9.1-22.1%) at the duodenojejunal junction and 26.3% (22.8-29.5%) in the descending duodenum. When the cholagogue meal was given through the mouth, it caused a mean 33.8% (28.6-46.5%) maximum gallbladder contraction in the same animals. In conclusion, we can establish that the ultrasound-guided gallbladder emptying method proved to be a useful technique for monitoring the cholagogue effect of Lipofundin meal applied in different anatomical positions of the intestine. The deeper the position of application, the smaller and shorter gallbladder contraction was evoked.

Occurrence, clinical features and outcome of canine pancreatitis (80 cases).

Medical records of 80 dogs diagnosed with acute pancreatitis during a 4-year period were evaluated regarding history, breed predilection, clinical signs and additional examination findings. Cases were selected if compatible clinical symptoms, increased serum activity of amylase or lipase and morphologic evidence of pancreatitis by ultrasonography, laparotomy or necropsy were all present. Like in other studies, neutered dogs had an increased risk of developing acute pancreatitis. Although breed predilection was consistent with earlier reports, some notable differences were also observed. Apart from Dachshunds, Poodles, Cocker Spaniels and Fox Terriers, the sled dogs (Laikas, Alaskan Malamutes) also demonstrated a higher risk for pancreatitis according to our results. Concurrent diseases occurred in 56 dogs (70%), diabetes mellitus (n = 29, 36%) being the most common. Clinical signs of acute pancreatitis were similar to those observed in other studies. The study group represented a dog population with severe acute pancreatitis, having a relatively high mortality rate (40%) compared to data of the literature. Breed, age, gender, neutering and body condition had no significant association with the outcome. Hypothermia (p = 0.0413) and metabolic acidosis (p = 0.0063) correlated significantly with poor prognosis and may serve as valuable markers for severity assessment in canine acute pancreatitis.

Endoscopically guided nasojejunal tube placement in dogs for short-term postduodenal feeding.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a method for endoscopically guided nasojejunal tube placement allowing short-term postduodenal feeding and chyme withdrawal in dogs. DESIGN: Pilot study. SETTING: University teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Three healthy Beagle dogs with jejunal nipple valve fistulas. INTERVENTIONS: After the dogs were anesthetized, an 8 Fr, 250-cm polyvinyl chloride catheter was advanced through a gastroscope into the jejunum. Correct jejunal placement was established using endoscopic visualization and confirmed by fluoroscopy and radiography. The proximal end of the tube was pulled out through 1 nostril and sutured to the skin of the forehead. Thereafter, jejunal feeding was administered for 4 days. Follow-up examinations included daily confirmation of the tube's position using radiography, physical examination, and blood analyses. Withdrawal of jejunal chyme was performed after jejunal and oral feeding. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Fluoroscopic examination confirmed that endoscopic visualization alone allowed correct jejunal placement. During a 4-day postduodenal feeding period, repeated radiographic examination revealed stable positioning of the tubes within the jejunum with minor cranial displacement. The tubes were functional throughout the study without causing identifiable problems. Repeated physical examinations and blood analysis showed no abnormalities. We were able to administer the daily caloric requirements as a liquid diet. Jejunal chyme was successfully withdrawn via the tube. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopically guided nasojejunal tube placement was shown to be a minimally invasive, well-tolerated method for short-term jejunal feeding in healthy dogs. This technique is a viable option for dogs requiring jejunal feeding but not laparotomy. The feasibility of chyme sampling is another unique application of the procedure.

Haemangioma in the oesophagus of a red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans).

A haemangioma developing in the wall of the oesophagus and protruding into its cavity is reported for the first time from a Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans). As the tumour mechanically hampered swallowing, the animal was unable to eat and consequently developed a poor condition. Histopathology of the tumour revealed all characteristics of a haemangioma: the blood-filled blood-vessels having an irregular cross-section were lined with endothelial cells. Claudin-5 immunohistochemical antibodies were employed for characterising the tumour, and this examination confirmed our initial diagnosis of a haemangioma.