An Evaluation of Hemostatic Dysregulation in Canine Multicentric Lymphoma.

Multiple hemostatic abnormalities are associated with paraneoplastic syndrome and some malignant tumors. Lymphoma is the most common hematopoietic neoplasm in dogs, sometimes associated with hemostatic changes. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the behavior of coagulation parameters in dogs with multicentric lymphoma compared with diseased dogs without lymphoma, to separately evaluate the effect of immunophenotype (B lymphoma versus T lymphoma) on the variables of interest as well as the effect of disease stage (stage II to IV versus stage V). Specifically, a cross-sectional study was performed with a matched comparison group considering 170 dogs with B or T lymphoma (group 1) and 170 dogs with no lymphoma or other neoplastic processes but other diseases (group 0). Eight coagulation parameters were evaluated: platelet count (Plt), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT), fibrinogen, fibrin/products of fibrinogen degradation (FDPs), fibrin D-dimers, and antithrombin (AT). Dogs with lymphoma showed prolonged PT and TT, decreased fibrinogen, increased FDP, and decreased Plt compared with group 0. The effect of disease stage was evaluated separately for dogs with stage II to IV lymphoma and dogs with stage V lymphoma; patients with stage II-IV lymphoma showed no significant differences, while in dogs with stage V lymphoma, a prolongation of PT and TT, a decrease in fibrinogen, an increase in FDPs and a decrease in Plt were found compared with the group 0. Finally, the comparison between B lymphoma and T lymphoma showed no significant differences in coagulation parameters between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that low fibrinogen and platelet levels were the most significant predictors of lymphoma in a cohort of canine patients. These hemostatic abnormalities in lymphoma appeared to be associated with the stage of the disease rather than the lymphoma immunophenotype. These findings pave the way for the possible scenario of lymphoma-associated fibrinolysis and the so far undescribed pattern of hyperfibrinolysis associated with the most severe stage of lymphoma.

Tactile stimulation of the perigenital region during manual bladder expression improved the urine stream in cats affected by upper motor neuron injury.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate whether the tactile stimulation of the perigenital region together with manual bladder expression (MBE) facilitated the urine stream in cats with acute or chronic upper motor neuron injury (UMNI). ANIMALS: 34 cats with UMNI having urinary retention. METHODS: All the cats had a complete neurologic examination, which determined the localization of the UMNI between T3 and L3. They were classified as chronic UMNI if the injury had occurred more than 3 days previously. The cats were divided equally into 2 groups: the M group (n = 17) managed with only MBE, and the MT group (17) managed with MBE and tactile stimulation. RESULTS: In both groups, all the cats affected by chronic UMNI resumed urination. The time required to obtain a urine stream in the chronic UMNI was 9.3 seconds in the M group and 3.1 seconds in the MT group (P < .05). In the cats affected by acute UMNI, a urine stream was achieved in 54% of the M group and 100% of the MT group (P < .05). The time to obtain a urine stream in the acute UMNI cats was 7.8 seconds in the M group and 3.75 seconds in the MT group (P < .05). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Adding tactile stimulation of the perigenital region to the MBE improved the urine stream in cats affected by UMNI.

Right auricle aneurysm in dogs can be detected with multidetector-row CT and presents with varying morphology.

Right auricle aneurysm (RAA) has been reported to be a rare congenital or acquired condition in dogs, however published CT characteristics are limited to a small number of cases. The aim of this 13-year, single-center, retrospective, cross-sectional study was to describe the prevalence and appearance of RAA in a larger group of dogs. Reports of 10,886 dogs that underwent thoracic CT examination for various reasons were reviewed. Computed tomographic data of dogs with presumed RAA (based on published imaging characteristics) were retrieved from the archive. Oblique multiplanar reformatted images were used to record RAA site, shape, and dimensions (neck, maximum height and width). Patients' sex, age, and body weight were evaluated for any association with the presence of RAA. Presumed RAA was detected in 23/10,886 dogs having thoracic CT in the selected period of time (prevalence 0.21%). Three RAA phenotypes were described: diffuse saccular dilation in 19 of 23 dogs, focal saccular dilation in three of 23 dogs, and fusiform in one of 23 dogs. The bodyweights of dogs with presumed RAA were significantly lower than those of the remaining 10836 dogs without RAA (median 8 kg [IQR 5; range 37.6] and median 16 kg [IQR 23; range 116.9] respectively; P < 0.003. Female sex was also significantly associated with RAA (P = 0.03). Findings indicated that RAA has a low prevalence in dogs, can be detected with CT, can be present in asymptomatic dogs, and can have varying appearances. In this sample of dogs, female sex and low body weight were significantly associated with RAA.

Fibrinolysis in Dogs with Intracavitary Effusion: A Review.

Physiologic fibrinolysis is a localized process in which stable fibrin strands are broken down by plasmin in response to thrombosis. Plasmin activation can also take place separately from the coagulation process, resulting in pathologic fibrinolysis. When plasmin activation exceeds the neutralizing capacity of plasmin inhibitors, severe bleeding can potentially take place. Although the processes which regulate coagulation and fibrinolysis in the blood are well known, it is less clear as to what extent the same processes take place in the body cavities and whether they influence systemic hemostasis. The results of the studies herein cited demonstrate that coagulation followed by fibrinogenolytic/fibrinolytic activity takes place in all kinds of canine ascitic and pleural fluids. Moreover, systemic clotting abnormalities suggesting primary fibrinolysis/primary hyperfibrinolysis (i.e., elevated plasma fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products [FDPs] and normal D-dimer concentrations with fibrinogen concentrations ≤ 100 mg/dL or above this cut-off, respectively) occur in dogs with intracavitary effusion. Enhanced fibrinolytic activity in dogs with intracavitary effusion can also be detected using rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM), although the degree of agreement between ROTEM and FDPs, D-dimer and fibrinogen concentrations is poor. Finally, contrary to the thrombotic events commonly documented in some humans and cats with cardiac diseases, bleeding tendencies due to primary fibrinolysis/primary hyperfibrinolysis have been documented in dogs with cardiogenic ascites.

Prolonged twice-daily administration of oclacitinib for the control of canine atopic dermatitis: a retrospective study of 53 client-owned atopic dogs.

BACKGROUND: Oclacitinib administered at the licensed dose twice daily for two weeks and then once daily as required is recommended for the treatment of atopic dogs. In some cases, the once-daily regimen is insufficient to control the clinical signs. OBJECTIVES: To provide preliminary safety and efficacy data on the prolonged twice-daily administration of oclacitinib in atopic dogs. ANIMALS: Fifty-three client-owned atopic dogs. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The medical records of dogs with atopic dermatitis treated with oclacitinib twice daily for more than two weeks were reviewed retrospectively. Animal details, treatment dose and duration, concurrent diseases, adjunctive medications and possible adverse events were recorded. Treatment efficacy was assessed retrospectively and, when available, the selected blood parameters before and during the treatment were compared. Statistical analyses of the collected data were performed. RESULTS: The median treatment duration was 113 days. Excellent-to-good efficacy was observed in 38 dogs (72%), including 24 of 33 dogs that failed to respond to the once-daily regimen. Eight dogs showed a poor response despite the addition of systemic glucocorticoids. Pyoderma, gastrointestinal signs and otitis externa were the most frequent adverse events recorded whilst on treatment. Blood tests performed in 35 dogs showed slightly decreased leucocyte, neutrophil, eosinophil and monocyte counts that remained within the reference ranges in most cases. Three dogs developed hypercholesterolemia. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Prolonged twice-daily administration of oclacitinib generally was well-tolerated and was effective in most of the treated dogs. Regular clinical evaluation and blood tests are advisable for this treatment regimen.

The Use of Ascophyllum nodosum and Bacillus subtilis C-3102 in the Management of Canine Chronic Inflammatory Enteropathy: A Pilot Study.

The aim was to assess the effects of Ascophyllum nodosum (AN) with/without Bacillus subtilis C-3102 as alternative treatments for Chronic Inflammatory Enteropathy (CIE) of dogs. Fourteen CIE patients, which had received the same control (CTR) diet, were enrolled to serially receive three diets: (1) hydrolysed protein (HP) diet; (2) 4.0% AN supplemented HP (HPA) food, (3) HPA diet fortified with 125 billion B. subtilis C-3102 spores/10 kg body weight (HPAB diet). Clinical outcome was assessed by Canine Inflammatory Bowel Disease Activity Index (CIBDAI), whereas gut microbiota compositional variations were investigated via 16S rRNA gene analysis, and faecal fermentation end-products by liquid chromatography. Higher abundances of the Ruminococcaceae and Rikenellaceae families were shown in HPA relative to CTR treatment, with Bacillus genus being differentially abundant on HPAB diet. Concentrations of acetate were higher (p < 0.05) in dogs fed HPA compared to CTR diet, and amounts of isovalerate and isobutyrate were greater (p < 0.05) in HPA compared to HP food. A tendency for higher amounts of faecal butyrate was found for the HPAB treatment (p = 0.06). Comprehensively, while displaying potentially positive effects on faecal fermentations, the tested substances failed to improve CIBDAI scores and microbial richness in CIE dogs.

Babesia gibsoni infection in Italy: a cross sectional study of 607 blood samples belonging to dogs that needed a molecular analysis investigation (2016-2019).

Babesia gibsoni (B. gibsoni) infection was sporadically described in Europe. In Italy, in particular, it was detected by PCR analysis only in one dog with unclear source of infection, while it has never been found in molecular studies involving more subjects. The aim of this retrospective, cross-sectional study was to determine the presence and the proportion of B. gibsoni infected dogs in a convenient Italian canine population. Babesia spp PCR analysis reports of canine blood samples collected from January 2016 to December 2019 were selected from the San Marco veterinary laboratory database and evaluated. Piroplasms PCR analysis was performed on 18S rRNA gene and positive samples were sequenced. Available data about signalment, living area and season of diagnosis were evaluated and statistically analyzed. The studied canine population had a median age of 62 months (interquartile range, IQR: 72.5) and was composed of male/female purebred and mixed breed dogs. Through sequencing, B. canis (26/40, 65%), B. vogeli (7/40, 17.5%), B. gibsoni (6/40, 15%) and B. vulpes (1/40, 2.5%) infections were reported. The proportion of B. gibsoni infected dogs in the described population was of 0.99%. The infection resulted more likely in male (6/6, 100%), purebred (5/6, 83.3%) dogs with median age of 40.5 months (IQR:32.3). In one case, the clinical signs and parasitemia appeared after a dogfight with a cohabitant infected dog. No other plausible sources of infection were detected. Likely, this could be considered the first autochthonous B. gibsoni infection case documented in Italy. Our results underline the need of considering B. gibsoni not only an exotic, random and rare cause of disease for dogs in Italy, but a possible emerging pathogen to take into account during diagnostic and epidemiological investigations, in symptomatic as well as in asymptomatic patients.

Genetic Insights into Feline Parvovirus: Evaluation of Viral Evolutionary Patterns and Association between Phylogeny and Clinical Variables.

Feline panleukopenia is a severe disease of cats caused by feline parvovirus (FPV), and marginally canine parvovirus (CPV). Despite being less rapid than CPV, FPV evolution deserves attention, especially since outbreaks of particular severity are currently reported. This apparently different virulence needs monitoring from genetic and clinical points of view. This manuscript explored FPV molecular epidemiology at both Italian and international levels and the possible association between viral phylogeny and disease severity. Sequences from clinical cases of feline panleukopenia in Italy were obtained from 2011 to 2019, and the etiological agent was characterized, distinguishing FPV from CPV. Phylogenetic and phylodynamic analyses were conducted on Italian and international sequences. Moreover, the association between the viral sequence and clinical variables was evaluated on a group of highly characterized patients. After its origin in the 1920s, FPV showed a constant population size until a more recent expansion since 2000. Few long-distance introduction events characterized FPV spreading, however, most of its evolution occurred locally. Although without a strong statistical association, several clinical variables appeared influenced by viral phylogeny, suggesting a differential virulence potentially characterizing FPV strains. These results stress the importance of the continuous study of viral evolution and its repercussions on the disease clinical aspects.

Percutaneous Cava Stenting in a Dog with Symptomatic Azygos Continuation of the Caudal Vena Cava.

This report describes the successful placement of a nitinol stent within the azygos continuation of the caudal vena cava in a 2-year-old, neutered female, English Bulldog with clinical and imaging signs related to venous return chronic obstruction, renal venous thrombi, and chronic renal insufficiency. This noninvasive, interventional radiology procedure was safe and clinically effective for the patient. The clinical signs were rapidly eliminated, and three years later, the patient is still in good clinical condition, with normal renal function. Venous stenting appears to be a useful, new, minimally invasive treatment option for symptomatic cavo-azygos vascular connection.

Thyroid axis and adrenal activity in 28 day survivor and nonsurvivor dogs involved in recent road traffic accidents: A cohort study of 420 dogs.

The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to determine the impact of a recent trauma on thyroid axis and adrenal activity in dogs and to assess the usefulness of urinary cortisol-to-creatinine ratio (UCCR), basal serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), total thyroxine (tT4), and free thyroxine (fT4) concentrations in predicting outcome in dogs traumatized by a road traffic accident (RTA). An RTA exposed group of 210 dogs was evaluated within 24  hours of the trauma. Their data were compared with data from a matched group of dogs with other diagnoses. UCCR was positively correlated with the trauma severity and was higher in the exposed group than in the nonexposed group (median 101.500 vs. 21.02; p < 0.0001). tT4 values were statistically similar between the two groups, but were correlated with a trauma score, while TSH (median = 0.050 vs. 0.080 ng/mL; p < 0.0001) and fT4 (median = 15.850 vs. 17.950 pmol/L; p = 0.0037) were significantly lower for the exposed group. Nonsurvivors in comparison to survivors presented and higher median UCCR (181.800 vs. 93.850 respectively; p = 0.020), and a lower serum fT4 (12.700 vs. 16.500 pmol/L, respectively; p = 0.0046). A similar pattern had been observed for tT4. TSH levels were not predictive of survival. This study provides insights into the endocrine characteristics of dogs suffering from acute trauma. UCCR was higher while fT4 and TSH were both lower in RTA-injured dogs than in dogs affected by other conditions. Furthermore low fT4 and tT4, and a high UCCR could be useful prognostic factors in dogs affected by RTA trauma.

Splenic extramedullary hematopoiesis in dogs is frequently detected on multiphase multidetector-row CT as hypervascular nodules.

Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is the formation and development of blood cells outside the bone marrow, and in dogs it frequently occurs in the spleen. Although splenic EMH is a relatively common condition, data regarding its appearance in veterinary medicine are lacking. Our aim was to describe different multidetector computed tomographic (MDCT) features of splenic EMH in dogs. In this descriptive retrospective study, dogs with cytological diagnosis of splenic EMH and three-phase MDCT study of the abdomen were included. Multi-detector CT findings recorded were splenomegaly, appearance of the parenchyma, and mean attenuation of the spleen and lesions. Out of 89 dogs included, 55 (62%) presented multifocal nodular aspect, 14 (16%) mass, 12 (13%) diffuse heterogeneous parenchyma, and eight (9%) normal spleen. Most lesions were hyperattenuating to the parenchyma in the arterial (57/89, 64%) and portal (59/89, 66%) phases; whereas in the interstitial phase only 40 of 89 (45%) were hyperattenuating. The mean attenuations of the lesions were higher compared to the values of the adjacent spleen, and the difference of the mean attenuation between the hyperattenuating lesions and the parenchyma was significantly higher in arterial and portal phases than in interstitial phase (P < .0001). The most frequent MDCT aspect of splenic extramedullary hematopoiesis consists of multiple nodules hyperattenuating to the normal spleen, best visualized in the arterial and portal phases.

Trauma-Associated Pulmonary Laceration in Dogs-A Cross Sectional Study of 364 Dogs.

In this study, we describe the computed tomography (CT) features of pulmonary laceration in a study population, which included 364 client-owned dogs that underwent CT examination for thoracic trauma, and compared the characteristics and outcomes of dogs with and without CT evidence of pulmonary laceration. Lung laceration occurred in 46/364 dogs with thoracic trauma (prevalence 12.6%). Dogs with lung laceration were significantly younger than dogs in the control group (median 42 months (interquartile range (IQR) 52.3) and 62 months (IQR 86.1), respectively; p = 0.02). Dogs with lung laceration were significantly heavier than dogs without laceration (median 20.8 kg (IQR 23.3) and median 8.7 kg (IQR 12.4 kg), respectively p < 0.0001). When comparing groups of dogs with thoracic trauma with and without lung laceration, the frequency of high-energy motor vehicle accident trauma was more elevated in dogs with lung laceration than in the control group. No significant differences were observed between groups regarding tge frequency and length of hospitalization and 30-day mortality. Similar to the human classification scheme, four CT patterns are described in dogs in this study: Type 1, large pulmonary laceration located deeply in the pulmonary parenchyma or around an interlobar fissure; Type 2, laceration occurring in the paraspinal lung parenchyma, not associated with vertebral fracture; Type 3, subpleural lung laceration intimately associated with an adjacent rib or vertebral fracture; Type 4, subpleural lesions not associated with rib fractures. Complications were seen in 2/46 dogs and included lung abscess and collapse.

Comparison and validation of different models and variable selection methods for predicting survival after canine parvovirus infection.

BACKGROUND: Canine parvovirus (CPV) represents one of the major infections in dogs. While supportive therapy significantly reduces mortality, other approaches have been reported to provide significant benefits. Unfortunately, the high cost of these treatments is typically a limiting factor. Consequently, a reliable prognostic tool allowing for an informed therapeutic approach would be of great interest. However, current methods are essentially based on 'a priori' selection of predictive variables, which could limit their predictive potential. METHODS: In the present study, the predictive performances in terms of CPV enteritis survival likelihood of an operator-validated logistic regression were compared with those of more flexible methods featured by automatic variable selection. Several anamnestic, clinical, haematological and biochemical parameters were collected from 134 dogs at admission in a veterinary practice. Animal status was monitored until dismissal or death (mortality=21.6%). RESULTS: The best automatic variable selection method (random forest) showed excellent discriminatory capabilities (AUC=0.997, sensitivity=0.941 and specificity=1) compared with the logistic regression model (AUC=0.831, sensitivity=0.882 and specificity=0.652), when evaluated on a fully independent test data set. The implemented approaches allowed to identify antithrombin, serum aspartate aminotransferase, serum lipase, monocyte and lymphocyte count as the clinical parameter combination with the highest predictive capability, thus limiting the panel of required tests. CONCLUSION: The model validated in the present study allows prompt prediction of disease severity at admission and provides objective and reliable criteria to support the clinician in selection of the therapeutic approach.

Discriminating transudates and exudates in dogs with pleural effusion: diagnostic utility of simplified Light's criteria compared with traditional veterinary classification.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the simplified Light's criteria (ie, pleural effusion lactate dehydrogenase concentration and serum total protein) can identify the pathophysiology of pleural effusion formation in dogs, and to assess whether these criteria were more accurate than the traditional veterinary classification based on pleural effusion total protein (TPp) and nucleated cell count (TNCCp). METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study including 100 dogs with pleural effusion. The aetiology of effusion was used to classify the pathophysiology of its formation. Parameters measured included the simplified Light's criteria, TPp and TNCCp. The diagnostic utility of the two methods in classifying pleural effusion formation was evaluated. RESULTS: Seven transudates due to decreased colloid osmotic pressure, 18 transudates due to increased hydrostatic pressure gradient and 75 exudates were included in the study. The simplified Light's criteria misclassified 2 of 75 exudates (98 per cent overall accuracy). The traditional veterinary classification scheme misclassified 31 of 75 exudates and 12 of 18 increased hydrostatic pressure gradient transudates (57 per cent overall accuracy). The frequency of agreement between the simplified Light's criteria and the traditional veterinary classification with the true nature of the pleural effusion was significantly different (P<0.001). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The simplified Light's criteria were highly accurate in discriminating exudates from transudates, while TPp and TNCCp had no diagnostic value in doing so.

Enhanced fibrinolysis detection in a natural occurring canine model with intracavitary effusions: Comparison and degree of agreement between thromboelastometry and FDPs, D-dimer and fibrinogen concentrations.

Dogs with intracavitary effusion have coagulative abnormalities indicative of primary fibrinolysis/hyperfibrinolysis. The aim of this case control study was to investigate by rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) and standard coagulation tests (fibrin-fibrinogen degradation products, D-dimer and fibrinogen) fibrinolysis in dogs with intracavitary effusions. Thirty-two dogs with intracavitary effusion and 32 control sick dogs without effusion were studied. Frequency of fibrinolysis grade of severity (i.e., hypofibrinolysis/basal fibrinolysis vs increased fibrinolysis vs hyperfibrinolysis) by ROTEM and standard coagulation tests were compared between groups. Pattern of fibrinolysis by ROTEM (i.e., late vs intermediate vs fulminant) and type of fibrinolysis by standard coagulation tests (i.e., hypofibrinolysis/basal fibrinolysis vs primary fibrinolysis vs secondary fibrinolysis vs primary hyperfibrinolysis vs secondary hyperfibrinolysis) were also compared between groups. Dogs with intracavitary effusion had a lesser degree of hypofibrinolysis and basal fibrinolysis and a higher degree of increased fibrinolysis and hyperfibrinolysis compared to controls, both by ROTEM and by standard coagulation tests (P = 0.042 and P = 0.017, respectively). Nevertheless, there was a poor agreement between the two classification schemes (34.4%, K = 0.06, 95% CI = -0.14 ‒ +0.26). Dogs with intracavitary effusion showed, by ROTEM, a lesser degree of hypofibrinolysis and basal fibrinolysis and a higher degree of late, intermediate, and fulminant fibrinolysis compared to controls (P = 0.044). Finally, dogs with intracavitary effusion had, by standard coagulation tests, a higher frequency of primary fibrinolysis and primary hyperfibrinolysis and a lower frequency of secondary fibrinolysis compared to controls. Dogs with intracavitary effusion showed an increased frequency and a different and more severe pattern of fibrinolysis compared to controls.

Canine parvovirus (CPV) phylogeny is associated with disease severity.

After its first identification in 1978, canine parvovirus (CPV) has been recognized all around the world as a major threat for canine population health. This ssDNA virus is characterized by a high substitution rate and several genetic and phenotypic variants emerged over time. Overall, the definition of 3 main antigenic variants was established based on specific amino acid markers located in a precise capsid position. However, the detection of several minor variants and incongruence observed between the antigenic classification and phylogeny have posed doubts on the reliability of this scheme. At the same time, CPV heterogeneity has favored the hypothesis of a differential virulence among variants, although no robust and consistent demonstration has been provided yet. The present study rejects the antigenic variant concept and attempts to evaluate the association between CPV strain phylogeny, reconstructed using the whole information contained in the VP2 coding gene, and several clinical and hemato-biochemical parameters, assessed from 34 CPV infected dogs at admission. By using different statistical approaches, the results of the present study show an association between viral phylogeny and host parameters ascribable to immune system, coagulation profile, acute phase response and, more generally, to the overall picture of the animal response. Particularly, a strong and significant phylogenetic signal was proven for neutrophil count and WBC. Therefore, despite the limited sample size, a relation between viral phylogeny and disease severity has been observed for the first time, suggesting that CPV virulence is an inherited trait. The likely existence of clades with different virulence highlights once more the relevance of intensive epidemiological monitoring and research on CPV evolution to better understand the virulence determinants, their epidemiology and develop adequate countermeasures.

Bleeding diathesis in canine multiple myeloma and prognostic implications: A cohort study in 156 dogs.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a tumor of plasma cells representing approximately 1% of all canine tumors. Clinical evident bleeding is often referred to as the main finding. The aim of the study was to evaluate the occurrence of clinical bleedings in dogs with MM and its prognostic implications compared to a population of dogs not affected by MM. Two groups of dogs (# 78 each) individually matched for breed, age and gender were considered. Group-1 (exposed) was affected by MM and group-2 (unexposed) was affected by other diseases. They were compared for bleeding and mortality at 90 days after diagnosis (relative risk, RR; attributable risk, AR). Among group-1, bleeding patients (B) were compared with non-bleeding patients (NB) in terms of mortality at 90 days (RR, AR). Incident cases of MM were 78/57,694 (0.13%). Signs of bleeding up to 30 days before the referral presentation were found in 33 (42.3%) group-1 dogs in comparison to 6 (7.7%) group-2 dogs (RR, 5.50, CI 95% 2.55-12.3, p = 0.0001; AR, 0.34, CI 95% 0.22-0.47, p = 0.0001). Epistaxis was the most frequent sign of bleeding recorded. Nineteen dogs from group-1 (24.3%) and eight from group-2 (10.2%) were non-survivors (RR = 2.37, CI 95% 1.14-5.06, p = 0.01; AR = 0.14, CI 95% 0.02-0.26, p = 0.01). Among the group-1, the B dogs, 4/33 (12.1%) were non-survivors, while 15/45 NB dogs (33.3%) were non-survivors (RR = 2.75, CI 95% 1.08-7.44, p = 0.03; AR = 0.21, CI 95% 0.20-0.38, p = 0.03). Epistaxis at diagnosis was frequent in MM dogs, and signs of bleeding were associated with a more favorable 90-day prognosis.

Computed tomography attenuation value for the characterization of pleural effusions in dogs: A cross-sectional study in 58 dogs.

CT attenuation value can help to differentiate exudate from transudate in people. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the utility of CT in characterizing pleural effusions based on attenuation values in a population of dogs having CT and diagnostic thoracentesis within 48 h of each other. The CT attenuation values were determined using four circular, same size, regions of interest (ROIs) placed on the same CT slice with the greatest quantity of fluid. Values of each ROI were recorded and the mean of the four ROIs mean values (mean of the means) was calculated and considered as the CT attenuation value of that patient. The final population included 23 proper inflammatory exudates, 15 chylous effusions, 12 hemorrhagic effusions and 8 transudates. The median of 'mean of the means' values were: exudate 19.22 HU (8.23 to 37.66 HU); chylous effusion 10.26 HU (-0.90 to 15.37); hemorrhagic effusion 31.65 HU (18.10 to 54.97), and transudate 11.20 HU, (-2.52 to 16.59). CT accurately differentiated hemorrhagic from chylous effusion (AUC 1.0, P < 0.0001) and hemorrhagic effusion from transudate (AUC 1.0, P < 0.0001); CT-values allowed good accuracy in distinguishing exudates from transudates [AUC 0.87 (95%, CI: 0.74-1.0; P < 0.0001)]. HU attenuation values did not accurately differentiate between transudates and chylous effusion. A cutoff value of 34.68 HU (sensitivity of 96% and specificity of 95%) discriminated between exudates and hemorrhagic effusions. CT-value <12.15 HU had a sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 78% for identify transudate or chylous effusion.

Stability of biomarkers of oxidative stress in canine serum.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of storage time and temperature on the measured concentrations of a profile of biomarkers of oxidative stress in canine serum: Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) measured by two different methods, using acidic medium (TEACA), and horseradish peroxidase (TEACH), cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), total thiol, Paraoxonase 1 (PON1), total oxidant status (TOS), ferrous oxidation xylenol orange (FOX), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and thiobarbituric reactive species (TBARS). Six serum pools from healthy dogs were divided in various aliquots and stored at 4 °C and 25 °C for a period of 6, 24 and 72 h, and at -20 °C and - 80 °C for a period of 7, 14, 30, 60, 180, and 360 days. In addition, the effect of repeated freeze-thaw cycle was evaluated. For the short-term storage of biomarkers of oxidative stress in canine serum, 4 °C is preferred to room temperature. In case of long-term storage, the optimal stability was achieved when samples were stored at -80 °C. Most of the biomarkers were affected after two freeze-thaw cycles. In addition, as individual oxidative biomarkers can show differences in stability, it is important to consider the stability of each different analyte when it is measured in stored samples and avoid the use of samples stored in conditions in which the analyte is not stable.

Molecular insight into Italian canine parvovirus heterogeneity and comparison with the worldwide scenario.

Canine parvovirus is one of the most frequent pathogens of young dogs, causing severe clinical manifestations. Its phenotypic variability led to an antigenic-based classification into different variants, which have been reported worldwide. To update the Italian distribution of CPV, a molecular survey was performed on 100 geographically-annotated samples collected from 2008 to 2015 by full VP2 sequencing. All three antigenic variants (CPV-2a, 2b, 2c) were detected during the studied period, being CPV-2a the most prevalent (60%). Locally, CPV appeared widely distributed, without any regional or temporal clustering, demonstrating an outstanding and uncontrolled within-country viral spreading. The Italian sequences were also contextualized in the International scenario. The analysis of CPV worldwide molecular epidemiology highlighted the remarkable genetic heterogeneity of the circulating strains and their broad distribution. In fact, a frequent viral exchange among Countries, was proven both over short and long distances, involving haplotypes persisting through time. The reported information on viral dissemination patterns appears crucial for understanding the introduction routes of new variants or strains, which could complicate the epidemiological scenario, affect the disease patterns, show possible differential virulence and clinical relevance of emerging strains especially, and impair the vaccine efficacy.