Association of anticardiolipin, antiphosphatidylserine, anti-ß2 glycoprotein I, and antiphosphatidylcholine autoantibodies with canine immune thrombocytopenia.

BACKGROUND: In humans, the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) is frequently found in immune thrombocytopenia. The present study investigated whether aPL and any aPL subtypes are associated with canine thrombocytopenia, in particular, immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (immune thrombocytopenia) that usually manifests with severe thrombocytopenia. RESULTS: Sera were collected from 64 outpatient dogs with thrombocytopenia (Group I, platelet count 0 - 80 × 10(3)/uL), and 38 of which having severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 30 × 10(3)/uL) were further divided into subgroups based on the presence of positive antiplatelet antibodies (aPLT) (subgroup IA, immune thrombocytopenia, n =20) or the absence of aPLT (subgroup IB, severe thrombocytopenia negative for aPLT, n =18). In addition, sera of 30 outpatient dogs without thrombocytopenia (Group II), and 80 healthy dogs (Group III) were analyzed for comparison. Indirect ELISAs were performed to compare serum levels of aPL subtypes, including anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL), antiphosphatidylserine antibodies (aPS), antiphosphatidylcholine (aPC), and anti-ß2 glycoprotein I antibodies (aß2GPI), and antiphosphatidylinositol antibodies (aPI), among different groups or subgroups of dogs. Among outpatient dogs, aCL, being highly prevalent in outpatient dogs with thrombocytopenia (63/64, 98 %), is an important risk factor for thrombocytopenia (with a high relative risk of 8.3), immune thrombocytopenia (relative risk 5.3), or severe thrombocytopenia negative for aPLT (relative risk ∞, odds ratio 19). In addition, aPS is a risk factor for immune thrombocytopenia or severe thrombocytopenia negative for aPLT (moderate relative risks around 2), whereas aPC and aß2GPI are risk factors for immune thrombocytopenia (relative risks around 2). CONCLUSIONS: Of all the aPL subtypes tested here, aCL is highly associated with canine thrombocytopenia, including immune thrombocytopenia, severe thrombocytopenia negative for aPLT, and less severe thrombocytopenia. Furthermore, aPS is moderately associated with both canine immune thrombocytopenia and severe thrombocytopenia negative for aPLT, whereas aß2GPI, and aPC are moderately relevant to canine immune thrombocytopenia. In contrast, aPI is not significantly associated with canine immune thrombocytopenia.

Pulse-wave analysis during routine blood pressure measurement shows potential to distinguish between sinus and nonsinus rhythm.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether pulse-wave analysis (PWA) performed by trained evaluators facilitates detection of nonsinus rhythm. ANIMALS: Same-day, high-definition oscillometry pulse-wave data and ECG results of 155 animals (144 dogs and 11 cats) were analyzed. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 18 participants from various backgrounds, all of whom received PWA training. The ability to distinguish between sinus and nonsinus rhythms was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The pulse-wave datasets were divided into 5 ECG categories. Agreement between ECG diagnoses and PWA-based arrhythmia detection was evaluated using Cohen κ values, and the correlation between the academic year of veterinary students and their κ values was assessed. RESULTS: All cardiology researchers demonstrated satisfactory accuracy in distinguishing pathological rhythms using PWA (area under the curve, 0.704 to 0.761), with the highest accuracy in detecting atrial fibrillation (area under the curve, 0.811 to 0.845). Fair agreement with ECG categorization was achieved by all 3 cardiology researchers, 2 of 5 general practitioners, and 3 of 10 veterinary undergraduates. The veterinary undergraduates' years of study were correlated with their diagnostic performance (Spearman ρ = 0.658; P = .019). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: PWA during routine noninvasive blood pressure measurement showed significant potential for the detection of pathological arrhythmias, notably atrial fibrillation. This approach yielded improved effectiveness when it was used by veterinarians with cardiology experience. Thus, introducing hands-on training courses, particularly those focused on cardiology and interactive workshops, may enable frontline veterinarians to promptly identify arrhythmias using PWA, facilitating timely ECG examinations or referrals.

Potential prognostic indicators in dogs with advanced heart failure secondary to myxomatous mitral valve disease.

BACKGROUND: Advanced heart failure (AHF) secondary to myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) in dogs has unclear predictive variables and survival time. METHODS: This retrospective study included 38 dogs with AHF and 38 with stable congestive heart failure (CHF), both due to MMVD. Predictive variables for AHF were analysed, and survival times were calculated using logistic regression and the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Left atrium to aortic root ratio, normalised left ventricular dimension at the end-diastole and end-systole, isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) and early transmitral inflow velocity to IVRT ratio were associated with AHF progression. The median survival times were significantly longer in the stable group than in the AHF group. After AHF diagnosis, the median survival times for all-cause and cardiogenic mortality were 194 and 354 days, respectively. LIMITATIONS: This was a single-centre retrospective observational study. The study population was small, with breed bias (overrepresentation of Maltese dogs). Additionally, the treatment plans depended on clinical experience. CONCLUSIONS: AHF in dogs with CHF secondary to MMVD is linked to left heart chamber enlargement and increased left ventricular dimensions, significantly reducing survival time to around six months post-diagnosis. Early recognition and appropriate management may improve outcomes, highlighting the importance of advanced treatment strategies.

Epidemiology of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome in Dogs and Cats in Taiwan.

Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS), caused by the SFTS Virus (SFTSV), is a global health threat. SFTSV in Taiwan has only been reported in ruminants and wild animals. Thus, we aimed to investigate the infection statuses of dogs and cats, the animals with closer human interactions. Overall, the SFTSV RNA prevalence was 23% (170/735), with dogs showing a 25.9% (111/429) prevalence and cats at 19.3% (59/306) prevalence. Noticeably, the prevalence in stray animals (39.8% 77/193) was significantly higher than in domesticated ones (17.2%, 93/542). Among the four categories analyzed, the highest SFTSV prevalence was found in the stray dogs at 53.9% (120/193), significantly higher than the 24.2% prevalence noted in stray cats. In contrast, domesticated animals exhibited similar prevalence rates, with 17.1% for dogs and 17.2% for cats. It is noteworthy that in the domesticated animal groups, a significantly elevated prevalence (45%, 9/20) was observed among cats exhibiting thrombocytopenia compared to those platelet counts in the reference range (4.8%, 1/21). The high infection rate in stray animals, especially stray dogs, indicated that exposure to various outdoor environments influences the prevalence of infections. Given the higher human interaction with dogs and cats, there is a need for proactive measures to reduce the risk associated with the infection of SFTSV in both animals and humans.

Protective effects of taurine against alloxan-induced diabetic cataracts and refraction changes in New Zealand White rabbits.

The present study examined the protective effects of taurine on alloxan-induced diabetic cataracts and lens damage in male New Zealand White rabbits. The animals were randomly divided into three treatment groups: (1) normal control (vehicle administration); (2) diabetes (100 mg/kg alloxan administration); and (3) diabetes + taurine (1% [w/v] taurine dissolved in drinking water and alloxan administration). The results showed that alloxan-induced diabetes caused significant (p < 0.05) hyperglycemia, hyperopic refraction shifts, cataract formation and lens damage compared with the normal control group. In contrast, the administration of taurine for 24 weeks significantly ameliorated the alloxan-induced elevated levels of blood glucose, level of hyperopic refraction error shifts in the eyes and progression of diabetic cataract formation in the lens in rabbits. Moreover, histopathology showed that the taurine supplement reduced the incidence of lens lesions induced by hyperglycemia. Overall, the studies demonstrate that taurine exhibits potent protective effects against alloxan-induced diabetic cataracts and refraction changes in rabbits.

Purification and characterization of hemagglutinating proteins from Poker-chip Venus (Meretrix lusoria) and Corbicula clam (Corbicula fluminea).

Hemagglutinating proteins (HAPs) were purified from Poker-chip Venus (Meretrix lusoria) and Corbicula clam (Corbicula fluminea) using gel-filtration chromatography on a Sephacryl S-300 column. The molecular weights of the HAPs obtained from Poker-chip Venus and Corbicula clam were 358 kDa and 380 kDa, respectively. Purified HAP from Poker-chip Venus yielded two subunits with molecular weights of 26 kDa and 29 kDa. However, only one HAP subunit was purified from Corbicula clam, and its molecular weight was 32 kDa. The two Poker-chip Venus HAPs possessed hemagglutinating ability (HAA) for erythrocytes of some vertebrate animal species, especially tilapia. Moreover, HAA of the HAP purified from Poker-chip Venus was higher than that of the HAP of Corbicula clam. Furthermore, Poker-chip Venus HAPs possessed better HAA at a pH higher than 7.0. When the temperature was at 4°C-10°C or the salinity was less than 0.5‰, the two Poker-chip Venus HAPs possessed better HAA compared with that of Corbicula clam.

MicroRNA Therapy for Dry Eye Disease.

Purpose: We tested the role of microRNA-328 in dry eye disease (DED). Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) has been used to induce DED in animal models. We first demonstrated that both BAC and hyperosmotic stress induced overexpression of miR-328 in corneal cells and then tested whether anti-miR-328 could be a new therapy. Methods: BAC was instilled to both eyes of 41 rabbits and 19 mice from day 0 to 21 to induce DED. Animals of each species were divided to receive topical instillation of saline or anti-miR-328 eye drops between day 8 and 21. The DED signs were assessed by corneal fluorescein staining, histological examination, apoptosis of corneal cells, and inflammatory cytokines in rabbit eyes. For mice, only corneal fluorescein staining was assessed for the therapeutic effects. The corneal fluorescein staining scores ranged from 0 of no staining to 4 of coalescent. Results: For the rabbits, the staining score was significantly reduced (P = 0.038) after the 14-day anti-miR-328 treatment (n = 42 eyes), but the score was not improved by saline treatment (n = 40 eyes). Furthermore, rabbit eyes treated with anti-miR-328 had thicker corneal epithelium (P = 9.4 × 10-5), fewer apoptotic cells in corneal epithelium (P = 0.002), and stroma (P = 0.029) compared with the saline-treated eyes. Anti-miR-328 was more effective than saline to reduce the block of orifices of Meibomian glands, although such an effect was only marginally significant (P = 0.059). Similarly, anti-miR-328 was more effective than saline in reducing corneal staining in mouse eyes (P = 0.005). Conclusion: Overexpression of miR-328 may contribute to DED. Anti-miR-328 protects corneal cells and promotes re-epithelialization for DED treatment.

Symptomatic partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection in a kitten.

A 3-month-old intact female American Shorthair cat, with syncope and tachypnea, underwent cardiac examination which identified no heart murmur or gallop. Thoracic radiography disclosed mild generalized enlargement of the cardiac silhouette and a bronchial and interstitial pattern throughout the lungs. Echocardiography identified tubular structures near the left atrium. After agitated saline contrast imaging, persistent left cranial vena cava with unroofed coronary sinus was suspected. Computed tomography angiography showed the right cranial, right caudal and left caudal pulmonary veins draining into the coronary sinus and flowing into the right atrium. The left cranial pulmonary vein drained normally into the left atrium. Partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC) was diagnosed. The kitten was treated with diuretics but died of heart failure 2 months later. Permission for necropsy was not granted. This case represents symptomatic PAPVC in a kitten. Most pulmonary veins were connected abnormally with the coronary sinus. The prognosis was grave because of refractory heart failure.

The effects of different anesthetic agents on short electroretinography protocol in dogs.

The purpose of this article was to investigate the effects of sedatives and general anesthetics, such as tiletamine-zolazepam, medetomidine, and isoflurane on the short ERG protocol. Six healthy mongrel dogs were assessed by a convenient short ERG protocol with the owners' consent. The amplitudes of a-wave and b-wave, as well as the implicit time of ERG under different anesthesia statuses, were recorded and analyzed. The amplitudes of ERG waves were not significantly different between tiletamine-zolazepam and medetomidine groups, except in b-wave after 5 min dark adaptation (140 +/- 42 microV in tiletamine-zolazepam and 101 +/- 32 microV in medetomidine, p<0.01). The amplitude of ERG recorded in isoflurane (5 +/- 3 microV of a-wave and 12 +/- 6 microV of b-wave under light adaptation; 41 +/- 19 microV of b-wave after 1 min dark adaptation; 28 +/- 15 microV of a-wave and 58 +/- 32 microV of b-wave after 5 min dark adaptation) were significantly different from tiletamine-zolazepam (8 +/- 2 microV of a-wave and 24 +/- 9 microV of b-wave under light adaptation; 117 +/- 44 microV of b-wave after 1 min dark adaptation; 59 +/- 18 microV of a-wave and 140 +/- 42 microV of b-wave after 5 min dark adaptation), except in a-wave after 1 min dark adaptation (39 +/- 13 microV in tiletamine-zolazepam and 34 +/- 17 microV in isoflurane). Comment-General anesthesia had significantly lower amplitudes in the dark-adapted group compared with the sedation group. Therefore, tiletamine-zolazepam is a desirable choice for the short ERG protocol in dogs.

Prognostic value of right pulmonary artery distensibility in dogs with pulmonary hypertension.

The right pulmonary artery distensibility (RPAD) index has been used in dogs with pulmonary hypertension (PH) caused by heartworm infection, myxomatous mitral valve disease, or patent ductus arteriosus. We hypothesized that this index correlates with the tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient (TRPG) assessed by echocardiography and could predict survival in dogs with PH secondary to various causes. To assess this hypothesis, the medical records of 200 client-owned dogs at a referral institution were retrospectively reviewed. The RPAD index and the ratios of acceleration time to peak pulmonary artery flow (AT) and to the ejection time of pulmonary artery flow (ET) were recorded for each dog. The owners were contacted for follow-up assessments. The findings indicated that the RPAD index was correlated with the TRPG (R² = 0. 362, p < 0.001). The survival time was significantly shorter in dogs with an RPAD index ≤ 21% that were followed up for 3 months and in dogs with an RPAD index ≤ 24% that were followed up for 1 year. Thus, the RPAD index was correlated with the TRPG and could predict the clinical outcome in dogs with PH caused by various diseases. This index could be used to evaluate the severity of PH in dogs without tricuspid regurgitation.

Investigation of the Protective Effects of Taurine against Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Retinal Changes via Electroretinogram and Retinal Histology with New Zealand White Rabbits.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective role of orally administered taurine against diabetic retinal changes via electroretinogram (ERG) and retinal histology on rabbits. Rabbits were randomly assigned into groups: Group I (vehicle administration only); Group II (diabetes: induced by 100 mg/kg alloxan injection); Group III (diabetes and fed with 200 mg/kg taurine); and Group IV (diabetes and fed with 400 mg/kg taurine). The body weight and blood glucose levels of the rabbits were monitored weekly. The ERG was measured on weeks 5 and 15. Retinal histology was analyzed in the end of the experiment. Results revealed that a taurine supplement significantly ameliorates the alloxan-induced hyperglycemia and protects the retina from electrophysiological changes. Group II showed a significant (P < 0.05) change in the mean scotopic b-wave amplitude when compared to that of Group I, whereas the diabetic rabbits treated with taurine (Group III and IV) were analogous to Group I. Histologically, the amount of Bipolar and Müller cells showed no difference (P > 0.05) between all groups and when compared with those of Group I. Our study provides solid evidences that taurine possesses an antidiabetic activity, reduced loss of body weight, and less electrophysiological changes of the diabetic retina.

Nanohybrids of silver particles on clay platelets delaminate Pseudomonas biofilms.

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of novel nanohybrids, composed of silver nanoparticles and nanoscale silicate platelets, to clear Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. MATERIALS & METHODS: The nanohybrids were manufactured from an in situ reduction of silver salts in the silicate platelet dispersion, and then applied to biofilms in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: In reference to the biocidal effects of gentamycin, the nanohybrids mitigated the spreading of the biofilms, and initiated robust cell death and exfoliation from the superficial layers of the biofilms in vitro. In vivo, the nanohybrids exhibited significant therapeutic effects by eliminating established biofilms from infected corneas and promoting the recovery of corneal integrity. CONCLUSION: All of the evaluations indicate the high potency of the newly developed silver nanoparticle/nanoscale silicate platelet nanohybrids for eliminating biofilms.

Effect of topical administration of 0.8% nalbuphine on the cornea in dogs after phacoemulsification.

It is suggested that topical application of opioids may provide localized analgesia without delay in corneal wound healing. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of topical application of 0.8% nalbuphine on post-operative ocular pain in dogs. Twelve eyes from 11 dogs undergoing phacoemulsification cataract surgery were divided into a nalbuphine group (n=6) and saline group (n=6). Postoperatively, the nalbuphine group received 0.1 ml of topical 0.8% alkalinized nalbuphine (pH 5.6) every 8 hr, and the saline group received 0.1 ml of topical saline (pH 5.9) as a placebo. All dogs received systemic postoperative pain managements with oral tramadol (4 mg/kg) and prednisolone (0.5 mg/kg) every 8 hr. All dogs received pre- and post-ophthalmic examinations. Pain was scored in the dogs using a pain scoring system modified from the University of Melbourne pain scale at 15, 30 and 60 min following the topical treatment on days 1 and 2 (24 and 48 hr after surgery). Eye blink frequency and corneal touch threshold (CTT) were recorded at the same time. There was no statistical difference in the pain score between groups. Significant decreases in CTT, blepharospasm and eye blink frequency were observed after the topical nalbuphine treatment. This indicated that topical application of 0.8% nalbuphine solution can produce a rapid reduction of corneal discomfort in dogs.

Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis infection in Bester sturgeon, a cultured hybrid of Huso huso × Acipenser ruthenus, in Taiwan.

Approximately 5300 hybrid sturgeons with an average body weight of 600-800 g were farmed in 3 round tankers measuring 3m in diameter each containing 28,000 L of aerated groundwater. According to the owner's description, the diseased fish had anorexia, pale body color, and reddish spots on the abdomen. The morbidity and lethality rates in this outbreak were about 70% (3706/5300) and 100% (3706/3706), respectively. The clinical examination revealed enteritis, enlarged abdomen, and rapid respiration rate. The gross findings revealed a volume of about 4 mL of ascites. The histopathological examination showed multiple massive, hemorrhagic or coagulative necrotic foci in the liver and spleen. Furthermore, there was diffuse infiltration of glycogen in hepatic cells, and a few polymorphonuclear and mononuclear leucocytes were observed surrounding the spleen. Some bacterial clumps were noted around the necrotic foci. We also observed that there was moderate to severe, acute, multifocal, coagulative necrosis in the renal parenchyma, with some necrotic foci present beneath the margin of the kidney. Additionally, multifocal, coagulative necrosis was found in the pancreas. Results of microbiologic examinations, including biochemical characteristics, PCR amplification of 16S rRNA gene, sequencing and comparison, and phylogenetic analysis, revealed the pathogen of this infection was Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, and based on the results of an antimicrobial agent sensitivity test the bacterium was only sensitive to ampicillin and florfenicol. Additionally, results of in vivo experimental infections in hybrid tilapia showed that 1×10(8) and 1×10(9) CFU/mL of our isolate caused death in all fish and LD(50) values ranged from 10(2) to 10(5) CFU/mL. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis infection in hybrid sturgeon.

Relationship between age, plasma renin activity, and renal resistive index in dogs.

The renal resistive index (RI) value of 0.73 has been proposed as the upper limit in normal adult dogs. In humans, changes in RI with age are associated with plasma renin activity. There are relatively few equivalent reference data for dogs. We obtained reference RI data from 22 clinically healthy dogs <4 months of age and 33 healthy dogs between 4 months and 7 years of age. An association between the RI and plasma renin activity was investigated. The mean RI in the older dogs was 0.65 +/- 0.05 vs. 0.75 +/- 0.05 in dogs <4 months of age. The mean plasma renin activity in the older dogs was 1.18 +/- 1.03 vs. 4.23 +/- 3.09 ng/ml/h in dogs <4 months of age. There was a weak linear relationship between the RI and plasma renin activity (r2 = 0.280, P < 0.01) in dogs <4 months of age. Also in these younger dogs, RI was negatively correlated with age (r2 = 0.682, P < 0.01). The RI was higher in dogs <4 months of age than in older dogs. Therefore, the mean renal RI is slightly higher in young dogs than reported for an older population and interpretation of the RI must include an assessment of patient age.

Phylogenetic analysis of canine parvovirus VP2 gene in Taiwan.

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a non-enveloped virus with a single-stranded DNA genome and causes infectious enteritis in dog. In this study, 36 isolates of CPV infection were obtained in Taichung, Taiwan from 2003 to 2004. Using primers that can distinguish subtypes of CPV, we amplified part of viral VP2 gene by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the PCR product was sequenced; results demonstrated that two isolates could be classified as type 2a of CPV and the others were type 2b. The complete coding region of VP2 gene of type 2b was also sequenced, and phylogenetic analysis of these DNA sequences revealed that our Taichung isolate was close to the V-120, FPV-314, 97-008, Taiwan 9, LCPV-T1, and T4 isolates; however, because of the degeneracy of codons, the amino acid sequences of Taichung isolate was similar to that of the 97-008 isolate from Japan. It is known that two important amino acid residues (Asn-426 in type 2a and Asp-426 in type 2b; Ile-555 in type 2a and Val-555 in type 2b) are the determinants for the discrimination of type 2a or type 2b. After scrutinizing the complete VP2 gene of our Taichung isolate, we found the VP2 protein of the Taichung isolate did possess this molecular feature of type 2b virus. Previous studies reported that type 2a virus was the major type in Taiwan; our finding showed that CPV type 2b was the predominant type in the middle part of Taiwan. Moreover, a unique Ala-489 in VP2 of our Taichung isolate was found, contrasting to a Val-489 in the VP2 of other strains.