Recognizing uterine torsion as a differential diagnosis in pregnant cats with severe anemia to provide appropriate and timely care in the absence of a definitive presurgical diagnosis.

A pregnant female domestic longhair cat ~8 mo of age was referred to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) for a diagnostic evaluation of severe anemia (PCV: 10.8%) after a 2-day period of lethargy. A CBC, serum biochemistry profile, FeLV/FIV testing, and abdominal radiographs were completed and did not determine a cause for the anemia. Abdominal ultrasonography identified 1 viable and 6 nonviable and fetuses, anechoic fluid in the uterus, and a mild volume of peritoneal effusion. A whole-blood transfusion and C-section with ovariohysterectomy were performed even though a definitive presurgical diagnosis for the anemia had not yet been established. Exploratory surgery revealed a left uterine horn torsion with a necrotic base, severe congestion, and 7 nonviable fetuses. Following surgery, the queen made a full clinical recovery. Key clinical message: Uterine torsion can be easily overlooked as a cause of severe anemia due to the relative infrequency of this condition in cats and the low sensitivity of ultrasonography to provide a definitive presurgical diagnosis. Client communication must emphasize the need for a prompt surgical intervention to establish the diagnosis and to save the cat, despite poor rates of neonatal survival. Once the animal is stabilized after surgery, further diagnostic tests and procedures are indicated if the cause of anemia has not yet been identified.

Reconnaître la torsion utérine comme un diagnostic différentiel chez les chattes gestantes souffrant d'anémie sévère afin de fournir des soins appropriés et opportuns en l'absence d'un diagnostic pré-chirurgical définitif. Une chatte domestique à poils longs, âgée d'environ 8 mois, a été référée au Western College of Veterinary Medicine (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) pour une évaluation diagnostique d'anémie sévère (hématocrite : 10,8 %) après une période de léthargie de 2 jours. Une formule sanguine complète, un profil biochimique sérique, des tests FeLV/FIV et des radiographies abdominales ont été réalisés et n'ont pas permis de déterminer la cause de l'anémie. L'échographie abdominale a identifié 1 foetus viable et 6 non viables, du liquide anéchoïque dans l'utérus et un léger volume d'épanchement péritonéal. Une transfusion de sang total et une césarienne avec ovariohystérectomie ont été réalisées même si le diagnostic pré-chirurgical définitif de l'anémie n'avait pas encore été établi. La chirurgie exploratoire a révélé une torsion de la corne utérine gauche avec une base nécrotique, une congestion sévère et 7 foetus non viables. Après l'opération, la chatte s'est complètement rétablie cliniquement.Message clinique clé:La torsion utérine peut facilement être négligée comme cause d'anémie sévère en raison de la rareté relative de cette affection chez le chat et de la faible sensibilité de l'échographie pour fournir un diagnostic pré-chirurgical définitif. La communication avec le client doit souligner la nécessité d'une intervention chirurgicale rapide pour établir le diagnostic et sauver le chat, malgré de faibles taux de survie néonatale. Une fois l'animal stabilisé après la chirurgie, d'autres tests et procédures de diagnostic sont indiqués si la cause de l'anémie n'a pas encore été identifiée.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Molecular survey of Piroplasmida, Hepatozoon spp. and Anaplasmataceae in anemic and thrombocytopenic dogs from Uruguay.

Canine tick-borne diseases, such as babesiosis, rangeliosis, hepatozoonosis, anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis, are of veterinarian relevance, causing mild or severe clinical cases that can lead to the death of the dog. The aim of this study was detecting tick-borne protozoan and rickettsial infections in dogs with anemia and/or thrombocytopenia in Uruguay. A total of 803 domestic dogs were evaluated, and 10% were found positive (detected by PCR) at least for one hemoparasite. Sequence analysis confirmed the presence of four hemoprotozoan species: Rangelia vitalii, Babesia vogeli, Hepatozoon canis and Hepatozoon americanum, and the rickettsial Anaplasma platys. The most detected hemoparasite was R. vitalii, followed by H. canis and A. platys. This is the first report of B. vogeli in Uruguay and the second report of H. americanum in dogs from South America. The results highlight the importance for veterinarians to include hemoparasitic diseases in their differential diagnosis of agents causing anemia and thrombocytopenia.

Comparison of hematologic variables between dogs with congenital intrahepatic and extrahepatic portosystemic shunts.

BACKGROUND: Dogs with congenital intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (IHPSS) are predisposed to gastrointestinal inflammation, ulceration, and bleeding, unlike dogs with congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (EHPSS). Limited information is available about hematologic differences between dogs with IHPSS and dogs with EHPSS. OBJECTIVE: Compare hemogram variables between dogs with IHPSS and EHPSS. We hypothesized that hematologic variables would differ between the 2 populations, with a higher frequency and severity of anemia and microcytosis in dogs with IHPSS. ANIMALS: Twenty-six client-owned dogs with IHPSS and 35 client-owned dogs with EHPSS. METHODS: Retrospective cross-sectional study. Dogs were included if a CBC was performed before shunt attenuation. Contingency analysis was performed to determine if the frequency of clinical signs and of hematologic variables below the reference range differed between groups. Hematologic and selected biochemical variables were compared between groups using an analysis of covariance with age as a covariate. RESULTS: Gastrointestinal clinical signs (IHPSS, 81% vs EHPSS, 34%; P = .01), anemia (31% vs 6%; P = .01), microcytosis (77% vs 29%; P = .002), and hypochromia (77% vs 49%; P = .03) were more common in dogs with IHPSS than in dogs with EHPSS. Dogs with IHPSS had lower packed cell volume (34% vs 41%, P = .04), hemoglobin concentration (11.5 g/dL vs 13.7 g/dL, P = .03), mean corpuscular volume (57 fL vs 65 fL; P = .001), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (32 g/dL vs 33 g/dL; P = .04) than dogs with EHPSS. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Dogs with IHPSS had a higher frequency of anemia, microcytosis, and hypochromia and exhibited more gastrointestinal clinical signs.

Preliminary report of Mycoplasma Wenoynii and Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos infection in Korean native cattle.

BACKGROUND: Hemotropic mycoplasmas or hemoplasmas are bacteria that attach to the erythrocyte surface and cause bovine hemoplasmosis. Two species, Mycoplasma wenyonii and Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos, have been identified and shown to be distributed worldwide. However, there is currently no information available on hemoplasmas in cattle in the Republic of Korea. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of hemoplasmas in Korean native cattle and to evaluate the association between hemoplasma infection and anemia. METHODS: One farm was selected, at which blood samples were collected from 104 Korean native cattle [grazing cattle (n = 89) and housed cattle (n = 15)]. Hemoplasmas were detected via polymerase chain reaction analysis and complete blood counts were also performed. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of hemoplasmas was 34% (35/104); 20.2% (21/104) for M. wenyonii, 3.8% (4/104) for C. M. haemobos, and 9.6% (10/104) for co-infection. Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos was detected only in grazing cattle. Of red blood cell (RBC) parameters, C. M. haemobos-infected cattle had lower RBC and hematocrit, and higher mean cell volume than hemoplasma-negative cattle, although none of these differences were statistically significant. This is the first study to report the occurrence of M. wenyonii and C. M. haemobos. Mycoplasma wenyonii is more prevalent than C. M. haemobos in Korean native cattle. The results did not show an association between hemoplasma infection and anemia. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the infection rate of hemoplasmas shown in this study, further studies, such as on the pathogenicity and clinical significance of hemoplasmas are necessary.

Descriptive analysis and prognostic factors in cats with myeloma-related disorders: A multicenter retrospective study of 50 cases.

BACKGROUND: Myeloma-related disorders (MRDs) are rare and poorly documented neoplasms of cats. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To describe clinical, clinicopathologic, and imaging findings, response to treatment, and survival time and to identify factors associated with shorter outcomes in cats with MRD. ANIMALS: Fifty cats with a diagnosis of MRD. METHODS: Cats with paraproteinemia confirmed by serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) and either intramedullary plasmacytosis >10%, marked cytonuclear atypia with intramedullary plasmacytosis that ranged between 5% and 10%, or cytologically or histologically confirmed visceral infiltration were retrospectively included from several veterinary referral centers. RESULTS: Bone marrow plasmacytosis and splenic or hepatic involvement were present in 17/27 cats (63%), 36/42 cats (86%), and 27/38 cats (71%), respectively. Anemia was reported in 33/49 cats (67%) and thrombocytopenia in 16/47 cats (34%). Some of the treatments that the cats received included melphalan and prednisolone (n = 19), cyclophosphamide and prednisolone (n = 10), chlorambucil and prednisolone (n = 4), prednisolone (n = 4), or other (n = 4). The overall response rates to melphalan, cyclophosphamide, and chlorambucil in combination with prednisolone were 87%, 90%, and 100%, respectively. Adverse events to melphalan or cyclophosphamide occurred in 65% and 23% of cats, respectively. Median survival time was 122 days (range, 0-1403) and was not significantly associated with chemotherapy protocol. Anemia (hazard ratio [HR], 3.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0-9.8) and thrombocytopenia (HR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.2-6.0) were risk factors for shorter survival. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Our study confirmed the guarded prognosis of MRD in cats and identified risk factors for shorter survival times.

Hypothermia, anemia, hyperglycemia, and severe hypoglycemia are significant prognostic indicators of death in client-owned ferrets (Mustela putorius furo).

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether rectal temperature, Hct, or blood glucose at presentation were associated with all-cause mortality in ferrets (Mustela putorius furo). ANIMALS: 321 client-owned ferrets. METHODS: A medical record database was searched for ferrets from January 2012 through September 2022. Records from 1,189 individual examinations were evaluated. Inclusion criteria were rectal temperature, Hct, and/or blood glucose measured at presentation and data on survival status 7 days postpresentation. Data were included from 321 ferrets from 571 examinations. Rectal temperature in 244 ferrets from 346 examinations, Hct in 181 ferrets from 277 examinations, and blood glucose in 260 ferrets from 420 examinations were available. RESULTS: The odds of death for hypothermic ferrets (< 37.8 °C) were 3.72 times (OR, 3.72; 95% CI, 2.30 to 6.01) the odds of death for normothermic ferrets (37.8 to 40 °C). For every 0.56 °C below normal rectal temperature, the odds of death increased 1.49 times (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.21 to 1.90). The odds of death for anemic ferrets (Hct < 33%) were 4.74 times (OR, 4.74; 95% CI, 1.70 to 13.21) the odds of death for ferrets with a normal Hct (33% to 57%). The odds of death for hyperglycemic ferrets (> 152 mg/dL) were 2.61 times (OR, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.29 to 5.30) the odds of death for normoglycemic ferrets (74 to 152 mg/dL). The odds of death for severely hypoglycemic ferrets (< 40 mg/dL) were 9.45 times (OR, 9.45; 95% CI, 3.18 to 28.12) the odds of death for normoglycemic ferrets. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Hypothermia, anemia, hyperglycemia, and severe hypoglycemia were significant prognostic indicators of death in ferrets. Further investigation into the causes and management of these derangements is warranted.

Synovial extramedullary hematopoiesis in a dog.

OBJECTIVE: Synovial extramedullary hematopoiesis is a rarely reported condition in humans and, to date, has never been reported in canines. This case report describes the clinical presentation, diagnostic work-up, treatment, and outcome of a canine case confirmed to have hematopoietic tissue within multiple joints. ANIMAL: A client-owned canine. CLINICAL PRESENTATION, PROGRESSION, AND PROCEDURES: The clinical presentation was most consistent with immune-mediated polyarthritis, and arthrocentesis was performed in multiple joints for cytological evaluation and culture. Cytology revealed evidence of extramedullary hematopoiesis, and shortly thereafter the dog was diagnosed with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Pregabalin, prednisolone, clopidogrel, and cyclosporine were started, and after several recheck appointments and dose adjustments, the dog's clinical signs resolved for all conditions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Unusual sites of extramedullary hematopoietic tissue may result in a clinical presentation for which more traditional etiologies and differentials are not applicable.

Acute myeloid leukemia with neutrophilic differentiation in a 12-year-old African lion (Panthera leo).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical presentation, progression, and diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with neutrophilic differentiation in an African lion (Panthera leo). ANIMAL: A 12-year-old male African lion kept at a zoological institution in Colombia. CLINICAL PRESENTATION, PROGRESSION, AND PROCEDURES: The lion presented for anorexia, pale mucous membranes, and a hind limb lameness of acute onset. Feline leukemia virus testing was negative, and repeated blood samples revealed severe anemia, intermittent thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia, and neutrophilia. Coinfection with Anaplasma and Mycoplasma spp and chronic kidney disease were diagnosed based on clinicopathological findings. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: The lion received symptomatic treatment, doxycycline, and methylprednisolone or prednisolone. Euthanasia was elected due to clinical deterioration and unresponsive anemia, despite the resolution of Anaplasma and Mycoplasma spp infections. AML with neutrophilic differentiation was diagnosed based on bone marrow cytology, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: AML is a rare, aggressive hematopoietic disorder in domestic cats, although it has not yet been reported in nondomestic cats. This is the first description of the clinicopathological, histological, and immunohistochemical features of AML with neutrophilic differentiation in an FeLV-negative African lion that lacked circulating blasts.

Hemotropic Mycoplasmas (Hemoplasmas) in Free-Ranging Azara's Agoutis (Dasyprocta azarae) from an Urban Area of Southern Brazil.

Hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) are opportunistic bacteria that attach to the erythrocyte surface, causing infectious anemia in several mammalian species, including rodents. Studies surveying native Azara's agoutis (Dasyprocta azarae) in Brazil are lacking. Accordingly, the present study aimed to assess hemoplasmas infection in free-ranging agoutis from an urban environmental conservation area in Curitiba, southern Brazil. Overall, 11/35 (31.43%) agoutis were positive to hemoplasmas by quantitative PCR (cycle threshold≤34.4). Sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene indicated Mycoplasma haemomuris infection, closely related to M. haemomuris subsp. ratti, suggesting hemoplasma transmission from urban rats to agoutis. Because the main route of M. haemomuris transmission has been direct rodent-to-rodent infection, the relatively lower positivity that we detected may be the result of low intraspecies contact due to the smaller social units of agoutis, generally consisting of two to four individuals, and low interspecies contact due to only sporadic agouti-rat interactions in urban settings, compared with other rodent species interactions. Further studies should be conducted to determine whether the hemoplasma infection that we found can cause clinical onset and life-threatening anemia in agoutis.

Anaemia in South American camelids - an overview of clinical and laboratory diagnostics.

South American camelids (SACs) play an increasing role in veterinary care in Europe. Many alpacas or llamas presented to veterinarians suffer from anaemia, regularly with a packed cell volume (PCV) below 0.10 l/l, which is a life-threatening condition for the animals. This review article presents clinical and laboratory diagnostic tools for the diagnosis of anaemia in SACs. Clinical identification of anaemic animals can be performed by assessing the FAMACHA© score and the Body Condition Score (BCS), since anaemia in alpacas and llamas correlates with pale mucous membranes and a lowered BCS. Haematological examination of a blood sample can provide a more differentiated diagnosis of anaemia in SACs. A common finding is regenerative anaemia with an increased number of reticulocytes that is often caused by blood loss due to Haemonchus contortus. Changes in a blood smear from an alpaca or llama with regenerative anaemia may include normoblasts (nucleated red blood cells), anisocytosis, poikilocytosis, polychromasia, Howell-Jolly bodies or basophilic stippling. Furthermore, non-regenerative anaemia, often caused by trace element deficiency or cachexia, can also occur.

Use of molidustat, a hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor, in chronic kidney disease-associated anemia in cats.

BACKGROUND: Erythropoietic effects of molidustat, a hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase (HIF-PH) inhibitor, were previously demonstrated in healthy cats. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and erythropoietic effects of daily PO administration of molidustat in anemic cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD). ANIMALS: Twenty-one client-owned CKD cats (4-17 years old) with anemia. METHODS: Multicenter field study; randomized, masked, and placebo-controlled. Cats were treated PO once daily for 28 days with suspensions of control product (CP; n = 6) or 5 mg/kg of molidustat (n = 15). Hematocrit (HCT) was evaluated at weekly intervals. Individual cat treatment success was defined as a ≥4% point increase in HCT compared to baseline. RESULTS: Control group mean HCT remained low throughout the study (20.1%-23.4%). Mean HCT of molidustat-treated cats increased weekly, and a significant increase compared to baseline (23.6%) was first observed on Day 21 (27.3%; P < .001; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.69-5.67). Compared to CP group, mean HCT was significantly higher on Day 21 (27.3% vs 20.1%; P < .001; 95% CI, 2.91-10.75) but not significantly higher on Day 28 (27.8% vs 23.4%; P = .06; 95% CI, -0.23 to 9.88). The number of individual treatment successes on Day 28 was higher among remaining molidustat-treated cats (7/14) compared to remaining control cats (1/5), but there was no significant difference between groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Daily PO molidustat administration may stimulate a clinically relevant erythropoietic response in anemic cats with CKD. This HIF-PH inhibitor may be an alternative for managing anemia in cats compared to recombinant EPO treatment.

Molecular Detection of Hemoplasma in animals in Tamil Nadu, India and Hemoplasma genome analysis.

Hemoplasma are small pleomorphic wall-less Gram-positive bacteria that infect erythrocytes of various mammalian hosts. They generally cause asymptomatic or chronic anaemia but occasionally causes overt life-threatening hemolytic anaemia. In the present study, 316 cattle, 115 sheep, 61 goats and 6 buffalo blood samples were collected from various villages or organized farms located in nine districts of Tamil Nadu to detect the hemoplasma by PCR. Overall prevalence of 43.04%, 65.22%, and 44.26% hemoplasma DNA was observed in cattle, sheep and goats, respectively. In total, 21 hemoplasma positive samples were sequenced for 16S rRNA gene which revealed 8 Mycoplasma wenyonii, 11 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos' and one Mycoplasma ovis infection. Sheep blood samples from Chennai district were infected with 'Ca. M. haemobos' whereas sheep sample from Thiruvannamalai district was infected with M. wenyonii. At least 50% genes in the hemoplasma genomes were paralogous genes whose functions were not known. Only 'Ca. M. haemolamae' genome contained one primitive CRISPR system without any cas genes. Antimicrobial resistance genes (ARG) could not be identified in any of the hemoplasma genomes but homologous ARG were identified in all the genomes. Adhesion related gene EF-Tu was detected in all 14 hemoplasma genomes but enolase gene was detected only in 'Ca. M. haemohominis' SWG34-3 genome. This is the first report on the prevalence of hemoplasma infection in cattle, sheep and goat in India.

Hyperbetaglobulinemia, anaemia and thrombocytopenia in a domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo) associated to Leishmania infantum.

Leishmaniosis in domestic ferrets is a vector-borne disease caused in Europe by the protozoan parasite Leishmania infantum. There is limited information on clinical signs and laboratory abnormalities in ferrets due to leishmaniosis. This clinical case report described a domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo) with severe hyperbetaglobulinemia, anaemia, thrombocytopenia, and abnormal renal parameters. A good clinical response following an anti-Leishmania infantum treatment protocol was achieved. However, the presence of pain at the site of injection was the main side effect due to meglumine antimoniate administration. Xanthine crystalluria was not observed in urine sediment with no other urine alterations detected by urine analysis during the follow-up. Initially, clinical signs noted in this ferret could not initially be attributed to leishmaniosis. However, no causes were found that could have caused the hyperglobulinemia in this patient. A reduction of the levels of anti-L. infantum serum antibodies and the concentrations of beta-globulin fraction was detected in this patient after anti-Leishmania treatment administered as well as the disappearance of thrombocytopenia. To extent of the knowledge of leishmaniosis in ferrets, this is the fourth case report of leishmaniosis documented in this species.

Pharmacodynamic effects of molidustat on erythropoiesis in healthy cats.

BACKGROUND: Inhibition of hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase (HIF-PH) stimulates erythropoiesis in rats, dogs, monkeys, and humans. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVE: Determine if molidustat, a novel HIF-PH inhibitor, stimulates erythropoiesis in healthy cats. ANIMALS: Seventeen healthy adult laboratory cats. METHODS: Randomized, placebo-controlled study. Cats were treated PO once daily with suspensions of 0 (Group 1; n = 6), 5 (Group 2; n = 6), or 10 (Group 3; n = 5) mg/kg of molidustat. Effects on red blood cell parameters, reticulocyte indices and plasma erythropoietin (EPO) concentrations were evaluated. Molidustat treatment was stopped when hematocrit (HCT) exceeded 60%. RESULTS: Compared to placebo, a significant increase in mean HCT was evident starting on Day 14 (Group 2:54.4% vs 40.3%, P < .001, 95% confidence interval [CI] for the difference [8.95-19.28]; Group 3:61.2% vs 40.3%, P < .001, 95% CI [15.48-26.43]) and remained significantly higher for the entire treatment period. In molidustat-treated groups, HCT exceeded 60% on Day 21 (Group 2) and Day 14 (Group 3). Mean HCT in molidustat-treated cats returned to within the reference range (29%-45%) after Day 56 and was numerically comparable to placebo from Day 70 onwards. Red blood cell count and hemoglobin concentrations followed a similar pattern as HCT. Mean EPO concentrations significantly increased after molidustat administration on all assessment days. Molidustat treatments were well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Marked erythropoietic effects were identified after daily administration of molidustat to healthy cats and additional studies are warranted to evaluate the effects in anemic cats.

Description of spatiotemporal patterns of infectious salmon anemia virus (ISAV) detections in marine Atlantic Salmon farms in Newfoundland and Labrador.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to describe spatiotemporal patterns of infectious salmon anemia virus (ISAV) detections in marine salmonid production sites in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada. METHODS: Infectious salmon anemia virus surveillance data between 2012 and 2020 from the province of Newfoundland and Labrador were used. Data comprised a total of 94 sampling events from 20 Atlantic Salmon Salmo salar production sites in which ISAV was detected. Using linear regression models, factors influencing time to detection (days from stocking to first ISAV detection) and time to depopulation (days from first detection to production site depopulation) were investigated. RESULT: Based on 28 unique cases, site-level annual incidence risk of ISAV detection ranged from 3% to 29%. The proportion of ISAV detection by PCR in fish samples ranged from 2% to 45% annually. Overall, ISAV variants from the European clade were more common than variants from the North American clade. The type of ISAV clade, detections of ISAV in nearest production sites based on seaway distances, and year of infectious salmon anemia cases were not associated with time to first ISAV detection. Time to depopulation for sites infected with the ISAV-HPRΔ variant was not associated with ISAV North American or European clades. CONCLUSION: Our results contribute to the further understanding of the changing dynamics of infectious salmon anemia detections in Newfoundland and Labrador since its first detection in 2012 and will likely assist in the design of improved disease surveillance and control programs in the province.

Experimental infection of non-immunosuppressed and immunosuppressed goats reveals differential pathogenesis of Babesia aktasi n. sp.

Babesiosis is an acute and persistent tick-borne disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Babesia. These hemoparasites affect vertebrates globally, resulting in symptoms such as high fever, anemia, jaundice, and even death. Advancements in molecular parasitology revealed new Babesia species/genotypes affecting sheep and goats, including Babesia aktasi n. sp., which is highly prevalent in goats from Turkiye's Mediterranean region. The objective of this study was to investigate the pathogenesis of B. aktasi infection in immunosuppressed (n=7) and non-immunosuppressed (n=6) goats. These animals were experimentally infected with fresh B. aktasi infected blood, and their clinical signs, hematological and serum biochemical parameters were monitored throughout the infection. The presence of parasites in the blood of immunosuppressed goats was detected by microscopic examination between 4 and 6 days after infection, accompanied by fever and increasing parasitemia. Goats that succumbed acute disease exhibited severe clinical signs, such as anemia, hemoglobinuria, and loss of appetite. However, the goats that survived showed milder clinical signs. In the non-immunosuppressed group, piroplasm forms of B. aktasi were observed in the blood within 2-5 days after inoculation, but with low (0.01-0.2%) parasitemia. Although these goats showed loss of appetite, typical signs of babesiosis were absent except for increased body temperature. Hematological analysis revealed significant decreases in the levels of red blood cells, leukocytes and platelet values post-infection in immunosuppressed goats, while no significant hematological changes were observed in non-immunosuppressed goats. In addition, serum biochemical analysis showed elevated transaminase liver enzymes levels, decreased glucose, and lower total protein values in the immunosuppressed group post-infection. Babesia aktasi, caused mild disease with minor clinical symptoms in non-immunosuppressed goats. However, in immunosuppressed goats, it exhibited remarkable pathogenicity, leading to severe clinical infections and death. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the pathogenicity of the parasite and will serve as a foundation for future research aimed at developing effective prevention and control strategies against babesiosis in small ruminants. Further research is required to investigate the pathogenicity of B. aktasi in various goat breeds, other potential hosts, the vector ticks involved, and its presence in natural reservoirs.

A retrospective study of vector borne disease prevalence among anemic dogs in North Carolina.

BACKGROUND: Anemia is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in dogs. Further understanding of the prevalence of vector borne diseases (VBD) in anemic dogs is needed. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this retrospective study was to describe the rate of exposure to or infection with VBD among anemic dogs presented to a teaching hospital in North Carolina and to further characterize the anemia in dogs with VBD exposure. ANIMALS: A total of 597 anemic dogs that were concurrently tested for VBD were examined at a referral veterinary hospital between January 2012 and December 2018. METHODS: Retrospective descriptive study. Demographic, clinicopathologic, and VBD testing data were obtained from medical records. RESULTS: Of the 597 anemic dogs examined, 180 (30.15%; 95% CI: 26.49-34.01%) tested positive for one or more VBD. There was no difference in the severity of anemia or the proportion of dogs displaying a regenerative anemia between dogs testing positive and negative for VBD. CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of anemic dogs from this region test positive for exposure to or infection with VBD. Our study supported the use of PCR and serology run in parallel to maximize the chance of detecting exposure to or infection with VBD compared to either serology or PCR alone. At this time, it is unknown whether infection with VBD contributed to the development of anemia in these patients. However, given the prevalence of VBD exposure in anemic dogs, testing for VBD in anemic patients from this region of the United States is warranted.

Adeno-associated virus-vectored erythropoietin gene therapy for anemia in cats with chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: A treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD)-associated anemia in cats is needed. SB-001 is an adeno-associated virus-vectored (AAV)-based gene therapeutic agent that is administered intramuscularly, causing the expression of feline erythropoietin. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that SB-001 injection would lead to a sustained increase in PCV in cats with CKD-associated anemia. ANIMALS: Twenty-three cats with International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) Stage 2 to 4 CKD-associated anemia were enrolled at 4 veterinary clinics. METHODS: In a prospective clinical trial, cats were treated with 1 of 3 regimens of SB-001 (Lo 1.2 × 109 genome copies [GCs] on Day 0; Lo ± Hi [supplemental 2nd dose of 3.65 × 109 GC on Day 42]; Hi 3.65 × 109 GC IM on Day 0) and followed for 70 days. RESULTS: A response to SB-001 at any time between Day 28 and Day 70 was seen in 86% (95% confidence interval 65, 97%) of all cats. There was a significant (P < .003) increase in PCV from Day 0 to Day 28 (mean increase 6 ± 6 percentage points [pp]; n = 21), Day 42 (8 ± 9 pp; n = 21), Day 56 (10 ± 11 pp; n = 17), and Day 70 (13 ± 14 pp, n = 14). Twelve cats were hypertensive at baseline, 4 of which developed encephalopathy during the study. An additional 6 cats became hypertensive during the study. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Results of this study suggest that SB-001 therapy represents a suitable single injection treatment that can address nonregenerative anemia in cats with CKD. It was generally well tolerated; however, hypertension and encephalopathy developed in some cats as previously described in association with erythropoiesis-stimulating agent therapy.

Complete remission of two canine cases with precursor-targeted immune-mediated anemia after combination therapy with prednisolone, cyclosporine, and oclacitinib.

Background: Precursor-targeted immune-mediated anemia (PIMA) has been described in dogs presenting with nonregenerative anemia and evidence of ineffective erythropoiesis. Although it has been suggested that its occurrence may be related to the immune targeting of erythroid precursors, this pathogenesis has not been established. PIMA is mainly treated with glucocorticoids, and in cases where glucocorticoids alone are not effective, immunosuppressants are also used as combination therapy. However, not all cases of PIMA go into remission after these treatments. Case Description: Two dogs with severe nonregenerative anemia diagnosed as PIMA based on the results of clinical pathological examinations, including bone marrow examination, were treated with whole-blood transfusion and immunosuppressive doses of prednisolone, mycophenolate mofetil, and cyclosporine. However, these treatments failed to achieve remission of PIMA. Therefore, concomitant administration of oclacitinib, which is a Janus kinase-1 inhibitor that has been applied recently to the treatment of immune-mediated diseases, was performed; this combined regimen improved the anemia and achieved complete remission of PIMA. Conclusion: Oclacitinib may be an option for the treatment of PIMA in dogs failing to achieve remission with conventional immunosuppressive therapy.

Plasma urea:creatinine ratio as a biomarker of gastrointestinal bleeding in dogs with anaemia.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal bleeding is a cause of anaemia in dogs. A reliable, non-invasive biomarker to differentiate gastrointestinal bleeding from other causes of anaemia would be advantageous to direct clinical decisions in anaemic patients. Plasma urea:creatinine ratio is an accepted biomarker of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in human medicine. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate plasma urea:creatinine ratio as a biomarker of gastrointestinal bleeding in a population of dogs with anaemia. METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional study of dogs with anaemia presenting to referral centres for the investigation of anaemia. Cases were categorised as having overt gastrointestinal bleeding (melena on presentation), occult gastrointestinal bleeding (historical and diagnostic findings consistent with gastrointestinal bleeding without melena at presentation) or anaemia of other cause (confident diagnosis other than gastrointestinal bleeding reached, normal diagnostic imaging of gastrointestinal tract). Urea:creatinine ratio at presentation was calculated by dividing urea (mg/dL) by creatinine (mg/dL). RESULTS: Ninety-five dogs were included. Plasma urea:creatinine ratio was not significantly different between dogs with overt or occult gastrointestinal bleeding or those with anaemia of other cause (median urea:creatinine ratio 25.8, 20.7 and 22.5, respectively). No significant difference in urea:creatinine ratio was found between dogs with upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding (median urea:creatinine ratio 19.4 and 24.6, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma urea:creatinine ratio was not helpful in differentiating between dogs with anaemia resulting from gastrointestinal bleeding (overt or occult) and those with other causes of anaemia.