Prevalence of Hemoplasma spp. positivity in potential feline blood donors and study of the association with selected clinical variables.

BACKGROUND: Hemotropic mycoplasmas, hemoplasmas, are epi-erythrocytic parasitic bacteria that can be transmitted through blood transfusion. OBJECTIVES: To study the prevalence of hemoplasma infection of potential feline blood donors and investigate the association between Hemoplasma spp. quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) positivity in blood units and selected variables. ANIMALS: Seven thousand five hundred seventy-three blood units from 4121 privately-owned potential donor cats. METHODS: Retrospective observational cross-sectional study. The Banco Sangue Animal (BSA)-Animal Blood Bank medical database was reviewed for all feline donations performed in 2022 in Portugal, Spain, and Belgium. Baseline characteristics and results of blood-borne pathogens screening tests were extracted from the medical records. RESULTS: Two hundred twelve of 4034 Portuguese donor cats and 2 of 70 Spanish donor cats tested positive for Hemoplasma spp. qPCR in 2022 leading to an overall estimated prevalence of 5.2% (95% CI: 4.5%-5.9%) in potential blood donors. Using multivariable generalized estimation equation models, Hemoplasma spp. qPCR was more often positive among blood units issued from male cats (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.4-2.6, P < .0001), units positive for FeLV (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.4-5.6, P = .0023), and units collected in winter months (OR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.7-3.6, P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: This study underscores the importance of Hemoplasma spp. and other relevant blood-borne pathogens screening at every donation. Implementing stringent screening protocols is crucial to mitigate the risk of hemoplasma transmission via blood transfusions, thereby safeguarding the health and welfare of cats receiving transfusions.

Ultrasonographic and CT-scan findings of splenic active chylous effusion and postlymphangiography enhancement in a cat with chylothorax associated with splenic angiosarcoma.

A 12-year-old domestic shorthair cat was presented with relapsing noncardiogenic chylothorax. CT-lymphangiography of the thorax confirmed bilateral pleural effusion without evidence of an underlying intra-thoracic origin. Abdominal CT-lymphangiography revealed a 2.6 cm diameter splenic mass surrounded by chylous effusion actively collecting during ultrasonographic assessment. Following splenectomy, histopathological analysis revealed that the splenic mass exhibited characteristics indicative of splenic angiosarcoma. This case report highlights the utility of advanced thoracic and abdominal imaging, notably CT-lymphangiography, in the diagnostic evaluation of chylothorax in cats. The identification of a splenic mass encased in chylous effusion should prompt a proactive case management strategy.

Osteopontin and fibronectin in lung tissue, serum, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of dogs with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and control dogs.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) affects West Highland white terriers (WHWTs). Osteopontin (SPP1) and fibronectin (FN1) are associated with human IPF and are overexpressed by bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) macrophages in dogs with IPF. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of these proteins as biomarkers of IPF. ANIMALS: West Highland white terriers (WHWTs) with IPF, control WHWTs, and terriers. METHODS: Cross-sectional observational study. Immunohistochemistry was used to localize SPP1 and FN1 in lung tissue. Serum and BALF SPP1 and FN1 concentrations were measured using canine ELISA kits and compared between groups. RESULTS: Osteopontin stained ciliated epithelial cells, smooth muscular cells, and macrophages of all included dogs, and type-II pneumocytes and extracellular matrix of all 12 diseased WHWTs, 4/6 control WHWTs, and none of the 3 terriers. Osteopontin serum concentration was higher in diseased WHWTs (n = 22; 2.15 ng/mL [0.74-5.30]) compared with control WHWTs (n = 13; 0.63 ng/mL [0.41-1.63]; P = .005) and terriers (n = 15; 0.31 ng/mL [0.19-0.51]; P < .0001), and in control WHWTs compared with terriers (P = .005). Osteopontin BALF concentrations were higher in diseased (0.27 ng/mL [0.14-0.43]) and control WHWTs (0.25 ng/mL [0.14-0.40]), compared with terriers (0.02 ng/mL [0.01-0.08]; P < .0001 and P = .003, respectively). Fibronectin (FN1) serum concentrations were lower in diseased dogs (1.03 ng/mL [0.35-1.48]) and control WHWTs (0.61 ng/mL [0.24-0.65]) compared with terriers (2.72 ng/mL [0.15-5.21]; P < .0001 and P = .0001, respectively). There was no difference in FN1 immunostaining and FN1 BALF concentrations between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that SPP1 is involved in pathogenesis of IPF and could predispose that breed to the disease. Osteopontin serum concentration could serve as a diagnostic biomarker of IPF.

Utility of Computed Tomographic Angiography for Pulmonary Hypertension Assessment in a Cohort of West Highland White Terriers With or Without Canine Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.

West Highland white terriers (WHWTs) affected with canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (CIPF) are at risk of developing precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH). In humans, thoracic computed tomography angiography (CTA) is commonly used to diagnose and monitor patients with lower airway diseases. In such patients, CTA helps to identify comorbidities, such as PH, that could negatively impact prognosis. Diameter of the pulmonary trunk (PT), pulmonary trunk-to-aorta ratio (PT/Ao), and right ventricle-to-left ventricle ratio (RV/LV) are CTA parameters commonly used to assess the presence of PH. Pulmonary vein-to-right pulmonary artery ratio (PV/PA) is a new echocardiographic parameter that can be used in dogs to diagnose PH. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the use of various CTA parameters to diagnose PH. An additional aim was to evaluate the correlation of RV/LV measurements between different CTA planes. CTA and echocardiography were prospectively performed on a total of 47 WHWTs; 22 affected with CIPF and 25 presumed healthy control dogs. Dogs were considered to have PH if pulmonary vein-to-right pulmonary artery ratio (PV/PA) measured on 2D-mode echocardiography was less than to 0.7. WHWTs affected with CIPF had higher PT/Ao compared with control patients. In WHWTs affected with CIPF, PT size was larger in dogs with PH (15.4 mm) compared with dogs without PH (13 mm, p = 0.003). A cutoff value of 13.8 mm predicted PH in WHWTs affected with CIPF with a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 87% (AUC = 0.93). High correlations were observed between the different CTA planes of RV/LV. Results suggest that diameter of the PT measured by CTA can be used to diagnose PH in WHWTs with CIPF.

The prevalence of pulmonary hypertension assessed using the pulmonary vein-to-right pulmonary artery ratio and its association with survival in West Highland white terriers with canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a known co-morbidity in West Highland white terriers (WHWTs) affected with canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (CIPF). The pulmonary vein-to-right pulmonary artery ratio (PV/PA) has recently been described for the detection of pre-capillary PH in dogs. The objective of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of PH at diagnostic, in WHWTs affected with CIPF, by using PV/PA, in comparison with a group of healthy breed-matched controls (CTRLs). Additional study objective was to explore whether the presence of PH at initial diagnosis of CIPF impacted survival time in dogs treated with sildenafil. RESULTS: Twenty-five client-owned WHWTs presented with CIPF and 19 CTRLs were included in the study. PV/PA in either two-dimensional mode (2D) or time-motion mode or both were measured from cineloops in each dog. Dogs were classified according to PV/PA value into non/mild PH (PV/PA measured in 2D ≥ 0.7) or moderate/severe PH (PV/PA < 0.7). Survival data of WHWTs affected with CIPF were extracted from medical record to assess association between presence of PH at diagnosis and outcome. 60 % overall prevalence for moderate/severe PH was estimated in this cohort of WHWTs presented with CIPF vs. 5 % in CTRLS (P = 0.0002). The presence of moderate/severe PH at initial presentation was not associated with survival. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the present study confirm a high prevalence of PH at diagnosis in WHWTs affected with CIPF and highlight the utility of PV/PA as a non-invasive surrogate for assessment of PH in this population.

Clinical response to 2 protocols of aerosolized gentamicin in 46 dogs with Bordetella bronchiseptica infection (2012-2018).

BACKGROUND: Bordetella bronchiseptica (Bb) infection commonly causes respiratory disease in dogs. Gentamicin delivered by aerosol maximizes local drug delivery without systemic absorption but clinical response to protocols remains undetermined. OBJECTIVES: To compare the clinical response to 2 protocols of aerosolized delivery of gentamicin in bordetellosis. ANIMALS: Forty-six dogs with Bb infection confirmed by culture or quantitative polymerase chain reaction on bronchoalveolar lavage. METHODS: Retrospective study. Administration of aerosolized gentamicin for ≥10 minutes q12h for ≥3 weeks using 4 mg/kg diluted with saline (group 1) or undiluted 5% solution (group 2). Clinical response firstly assessed after 3-4 weeks and treatment pursued by 3-weeks increments if cure not reached. Cure defined as absence of cough persisting at least a week after treatment interruption. RESULTS: Demographic data were similar between both groups. Clinical cure at 3-4 weeks was more frequently observed with the use of undiluted solution (19/33 vs 3/13 dogs, P = .03) in association with a shorter median duration of treatment (4 vs 6 weeks, P = .01). Dogs from group 2 having less than 1000 cells/µL in lavage were also more likely to be cured at 3-4 weeks than dogs with more than 1000 cells/µL [9/9 vs 10/19, P = .006] and median duration of treatment in that subgroup of animals was reduced (3 vs 5 weeks, P = .02). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Aerosolized delivery of gentamicin seems effective for inducing clinical cure in Bb infection. Clinical response appears better using undiluted 5% solution, particularly in the subgroup of dogs having less than 1000 cells/µL in lavage.

Assessment of the lung microbiota in dogs: influence of the type of breed, living conditions and canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Literature about the lung microbiota (LM) in dogs is sparse. Influence of breed and living conditions on the LM in healthy dogs is currently unknown, as well as the influence of chronic respiratory diseases such as canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (CIPF) in West highland white terriers (WHWTs). Aims of this study were (1) to assess the characteristics of the healthy LM according to breed and living conditions, and (2) to study LM changes associated with CIPF in WHWTs. Forty-five healthy dogs divided into 5 groups: domestic terriers (n = 10), domestic shepherds (n = 11), domestic brachycephalic dogs (n = 9), domestic WHWTs (n = 6) (H-WHWTs) and experimental beagles (n = 9) and 11 diseased WHWTs affected with CIPF (D-WHWTs) were included in the study to achieve those objectives. RESULTS: In healthy domestic dogs, except in H-WHWTs, the presence of few discriminant genera in each type of breed was the only LM modification. LM of experimental dogs displayed a change in b-diversity and an increased richness compared with domestic dogs. Moreover, Prevotella_7 and Dubosiella genera were more abundant and 19 genera were discriminant in experimental dogs. LM of both H-WHWTs and D-WHWTs revealed increased abundance of 6 genera (Brochothrix, Curvibacter, Pseudarcicella, Flavobacteriaceae genus, Rhodoluna and Limnohabitans) compared with other healthy domestic dogs. Brochothrix and Pseudarcicella were also discriminant in D-WHWTs compared with H-WHWTs and other healthy domestic dogs. CONCLUSIONS: In domestic conditions, except for H-WHWT, the breed appears to have minor influence on the LM. LM modifications were found in experimental compared with domestic living conditions. LM modifications in H-WHWTs and D-WHWTs compared with other healthy domestic dogs were similar and seemed to be linked to the breed. Whether this breed difference might be related with the high susceptibility of WHWTs for CIPF requires further studies.

Haemostatic, fibrinolytic and inflammatory profiles in West Highland white terriers with canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and controls.

BACKGROUND: Canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (CIPF) is a progressive interstitial lung disease mainly affecting old West Highland white terriers (WHWTs). The aetiology of CIPF is currently unknown and pathogenesis poorly understood. A genetic basis is strongly suspected based on the breed predisposition. CIPF shares clinical and pathological features with human IPF. In human IPF, coagulation disorders favouring a local and systemic pro-thrombotic state have been demonstrated in association with disease severity and outcome. The aim of this study was to compare the systemic haemostatic, fibrinolytic and inflammatory profiles of WHWTs affected with CIPF with breed-matched controls (CTRLs). Additionally, data collected in both groups were interpreted with regard to the reference intervals (when available) to assess possible pro-thrombotic features of the WHWT breed that may be related to CIPF predisposition. A total of 14 WHWTs affected with CIPF and 20 CTRLs were included. RESULTS: WHWTs affected with CIPF had prolonged activated partial thromboplastine time in comparison with CTRLs (12.2 ± 0.9 s vs. 11.5 ± 0.7 s, P = 0.028), whereas results obtained in both groups were all within reference ranges. There was no significant difference between groups for the other factors assessed including plasmatic concentrations of fibrinogen, D-dimers concentration, antithrombin III activity, protein S and protein C activities, anti-factor Xa activity, activated protein C ratio, serum C-reactive protein concentration, and rotational thromboelastometry indices. Platelet count and plasmatic fibrinogen concentration were found to be above the upper limit of the reference range in almost half of the WHWTs included, independently of the disease status. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study provide no clear evidence of an altered systemic haemostatic, fibrinolytic or inflammatory state in WHWTs affected with CIPF compared with CTRLs. The higher platelet counts and fibrinogen concentrations found in the WHWT breed may serve as predisposing factors for CIPF or simply reflect biological variation in this breed.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in West Highland white terriers: An update.

Canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (CIPF) affects middle-aged to older dogs of a single breed, mainly the West Highland white terrier (WHWT), which is suggestive of a genetic predisposition. CIPF causes exercise intolerance, restrictive dyspnoea and coughing. Coarse crackles are heard on thoracic auscultation. Abnormal blood gas parameters and a shortened '6-min-walking test' distance are common; secondarily induced pulmonary hypertension and/or airway collapse are frequent. These features of CIPF mimic those of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in humans and therefore identify CIPF as a possible spontaneously arising model for study of human IPF. However, computed tomographic and histopathological findings of CIPF are not identical to those of human IPF. As in human IPF, the aetiology of CIPF is not yet fully elucidated. There are no curative treatments and the prognosis is poor. This paper reviews advances in understanding of the clinical description and natural history of CIPF, the investigation of biomarkers and the exploration of possible aetiologies and mechanistic hypotheses.

The Lung Microbiome in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Promising Approach for Targeted Therapies.

This review focuses on the role of the lung microbiome in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Although historically considered sterile, bacterial communities have now been well documented in lungs both in healthy and pathological conditions. Studies in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) suggest that increased bacterial burden and/or abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria may drive disease progression, acute exacerbations, and mortality. More recent work has highlighted the interaction between the lung microbiome and the innate immune system in IPF, strengthening the argument for the role of both host and environment interaction in disease pathogenesis. Existing published data suggesting that the lung microbiome may represent a therapeutic target, via antibiotic administration, immunization against pathogenic organisms, or treatment directed at gastroesophageal reflux. Taken altogether, published literature suggests that the lung microbiome might serve in the future as a prognostic biomarker, a therapeutic target, and/or provide an explanation for disease pathogenesis in IPF.

COMPARISON BETWEEN SEDATION AND GENERAL ANESTHESIA FOR HIGH RESOLUTION COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERIZATION OF CANINE IDIOPATHIC PULMONARY FIBROSIS IN WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIERS.

Canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive interstitial lung disease mainly affecting West Highland white terriers. Thoracic high-resolution computed tomographic (T-HRCT) findings for Canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis acquired under general anesthesia have been described previously. However, the use of general anesthesia may be contraindicated for some affected dogs. Sedation may allow improved speed and safety, but it is unknown whether sedation would yield similar results in identification and grading of Canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis lesions. The aim of this prospective, observational, method-comparison, case-control study was to compare findings from T-HRCT images acquired under sedation versus general anesthesia for West Highland white terriers affected with Canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (n = 11) and age-matched controls (n = 9), using the glossary of terms of the Fleischner Society and a scoring system. Ground-glass opacity was identified in all affected West Highland white terriers for both sedation and general anesthesia acquisitions, although the Ground-glass opacity extent varied significantly between the two acquisitions (P < 0.001). Ground-glass opacity was the sole lesion observed in control dogs (n = 6), but was less extensive compared with affected West Highland white terriers. Identification and grading of a mosaic attenuation pattern differed significantly between acquisitions (P < 0.001). Identification of lesions such as consolidations, nodules, parenchymal and subpleural bands, bronchial wall thickening, and bronchiectasis did not differ between acquisitions. The present study demonstrated that T-HRCT obtained under sedation may provide different information than T-HRCT obtained under general anesthesia for identification and grading of some Canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis lesions, but not all of them. These differences should be taken into consideration when general anesthesia is contraindicated and sedation is necessary for evaluating West Highland white terriers with Canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Assessment of CCL2 and CXCL8 chemokines in serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissue samples from dogs affected with canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (CIPF) is a progressive disease of the lung parenchyma that is more prevalent in dogs of the West Highland white terrier (WHWT) breed. Since the chemokines (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) and (C-X-C motif) ligand 8 (CXCL8) have been implicated in pulmonary fibrosis in humans, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether these same chemokines are involved in the pathogenesis of CIPF. CCL2 and CXCL8 concentrations were measured by ELISA in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from healthy dogs and WHWTs affected with CIPF. Expression of the genes encoding CCL2 and CXCL8 and their respective receptors, namely (C-C motif) receptor 2 (CCR2) and (C-X-C motif) receptor 2 (CXCR2), was compared in unaffected lung tissue and biopsies from dogs affected with CIPF by quantitative PCR and localisation of CCL2 and CXCL8 proteins were determined by immunohistochemistry. Significantly greater CCL2 and CXCL8 concentrations were found in the BALF from WHWTs affected with CIPF, compared with healthy dogs. Significantly greater serum concentrations of CCL2, but not CXCL8, were found in CIPF-affected dogs compared with healthy WHWTs. No differences in relative gene expression for CCL2, CXCL8, CCR2 or CXCR2 were observed when comparing lung biopsies from control dogs and those affected with CIPF. In affected lung tissues, immunolabelling for CCL2 and CXCL8 was observed in bronchial airway epithelial cells in dogs affected with CIPF. The study findings suggest that both CCL2 and CXCL8 are involved in the pathogenesis of CIPF. Further studies are required to determine whether these chemokines might have a clinical use as biomarkers of fibrosis or as targets for therapeutic intervention.