Efficacy of Praziquantel in the Treatment of Platynosomum fastosum in Cats with Natural Infections.

Treatments for Platynosomum fastosum-the liver fluke of cats-have been developed based on fecal egg counts. Post mortem fluke counts are required to understand true efficacy. In this study, two praziquantel treatment regimens were evaluated using post mortem fluke counts: a high-dose treatment (HT) of 20 mg/kg body weight (BW) administered intramuscularly (IM) once a day for three consecutive days and a low-dose treatment (LT) of 5 mg/kg BW administered once (IM) and repeated 14 days later. A continual enrolment study design was used with 16 naturally infected cats randomly allocated in blocks of four to the HT (eight cats) or LT (eight cats) group. Treatment success, defined as absence of live flukes post mortem, was determined 10 days after the last treatment. Pre- and post-treatment fecal egg counts (centrifugation with Sheather's sugar flotation solution) and bile egg counts (obtained via percutaneous ultrasound guided cholecystocentesis) were evaluated as supportive efficacy data. Twelve cats completed the study with two cats withdrawn from each group. Neither treatment was 100% effective. In the HT group, three of six cats had live flukes, albeit low numbers, at post mortem, while all six LT group cats had live flukes. While fecal and bile egg counts were reduced in both group, they were not reflective of the true infection status of the cats post mortem.

Development of a Dermatology Diagnostic Techniques Teaching Session: A Nine-Step Approach.

Creating effective learning experiences for veterinary clinical skills and procedures can be a challenging task. Drawing from both medical and veterinary education literature and personal experiences as practicing veterinarians and educators, the authors share nine key steps that describe the development process of a pre-clinical veterinary clinical skills teaching session. Relevant research and pedagogical principles supporting the effectiveness of the proposed nine-step process were identified and discussed. The aims of this article were to describe the development of a dermatology techniques teaching session and to provide the reader with a structured approach that can be used as a template to design or audit other clinical skills teaching sessions.

Diagnosis of pancreatic disease in feline platynosomosis.

Objectives Platynosomum species are cat-specific parasitic trematodes that parasitize the biliary ducts and gall bladder. Due to the common connection to the major duodenal papilla of the pancreas and common bile ducts in addition to the periductal proximity of the pancreas, it is possible that platynosomosis could cause pancreatitis. The objective of this study was to determine whether platynosomosis, a commonly diagnosed parasitic disease in cats on St Kitts, has any association with pancreatic disease. Methods To investigate this possibility, the pancreas of free-roaming cats with naturally acquired platynosomosis were evaluated via ultrasound, serum concentrations of feline pancreatic lipase (fPL), cobalamin, folate and feline trypsin-like immunoreactivity (fTLI) and histopathology. Twenty free-roaming, young adult, feral cats, positive for feline immunodeficiency virus, and diagnosed with Platynosomum species infection via fecal analysis were recruited. The liver, biliary system and pancreas were evaluated via ultrasonography during a short duration anesthesia. Serum concentrations of fPL, fTLI, folate and cobalamin were measured. Sections of the right limb, left limb and body of the pancreas were evaluated histopathologically using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain. Results None of the cats had sufficient criteria to fulfill the ultrasonographic diagnosis of pancreatitis. One cat had an elevated fPL concentration in the range consistent with pancreatitis. Four cats had cobalamin deficiencies and 11 had abnormal folate concentration. The fTLI concentration was equivocal for the diagnosis of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in one cat. With a single exception, histopathology changes, when present (n = 12), were mild, non-specific and predominantly characterized by lymphocytic infiltrates and fibrosis. The exception was a cat that presented a chronic interstitial and eosinophilic pancreatitis of slightly increased severity, likely the result of platynosomosis. Conclusions and relevance The results of this study suggest that platynosomosis rarely induces pancreatic damage in cats. With only one exception, chronic pancreatitis diagnosed in cats with fluke-induced cholangitis and cholangiohepatitis was subtle and interpreted as an incidental background lesion unrelated to platynosomosis.

Heterogeneous distribution of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs in St. Kitts, West Indies, 2014-2015.

In the Caribbean region, Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm) has been detected on almost all of the islands. While it is assumed to be endemic throughout the region, there is a lack of baseline data from the Leeward Islands (north-east of the Caribbean region). The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and the spatial distribution of heartworm disease in dogs on St. Kitts, a small 174km2 island which is part of the Leeward Islands. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2014 with 100 dogs tested using a commercial antigen test. Dogs were from all regions of the island except the southeastern region, which differs socio-economically from the rest of the island. Heartworm was not detected in these 100 dogs. To complete the survey, in 2015, fifteen dogs from the southeast region were tested, eight of which were positive for heartworm. Prevalence was estimated at 7.0% (95% confidence interval: 4.6-11.6). Data from two other sources were added to complete the report: data from dogs enrolled in a free spay and neuter program and tested against heartworm (164 dogs with 3 positive for heartworm), and the data from positive dogs diagnosed at the Ross University Veterinary Clinic in 2014 and 2015 (3 dogs). Most of the heartworm positive dogs (10/14) lived in a delimited area in the southeast of the island. These results indicate an overall low prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis in St. Kitts, lower than that observed in the other Caribbean islands. Heterogeneity in the spatial distribution of the parasite was observed, with the majority of cases residing in the southeast of the island. Previous spatial models focused on the spread of the parasite over large geographical areas and long distances, but not within a restricted area. Our results indicate the presence of local factors which may have limited spread of the disease over short distances. Further studies are needed to understand this markedly heterogeneous distribution.

Features of stimulus-specific seizures in dogs with reflex epilepsy: 43 cases (2000-2014).

OBJECTIVE To describe the occurrence and management of reflex epilepsy (ie, seizure activity triggered by exposure to specific locations or situations) in dogs. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 43 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURES Discussions by veterinarians participating in the Veterinary Information Network online community for the years 2000 through 2014 were reviewed to identify dogs with a diagnosis of reflex epilepsy and seizure activity in response to stimuli. History, signalment (including age at onset), the specific stimulus or stimuli that provoked seizures, treatments, and any concurrent neurologic diagnoses were recorded. RESULTS A variety of breeds were affected. Median age at onset was 5 years (range, 3 months to 11 years). Reflex seizures were reported as being repeatedly triggered by visits to a veterinary clinic (35/43 dogs), grooming facility (24/43 dogs), or boarding facility (13/43 dogs) and, less commonly, by other situations (eg, pet store or car ride). Over half of the dogs (24/43) had multiple triggers. Eight (19%) dogs had seizures at other times that were not induced by location or a specific situation. A variety of sedatives and maintenance antiepileptic drugs administered to affected dogs failed to prevent the stimulus-specific seizure activity. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results of the present study suggested that seizures provoked by specific situations or locations occur in dogs with reflex epilepsy and that common triggers were visits to veterinary and grooming facilities. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the characteristics of reflex epilepsy in dogs and to determine the most effective means to manage these patients.

Lynxacarus radovskyi mites in feral cats: a study of diagnostic methods, preferential body locations, co-infestations and prevalence.

BACKGROUND: Lynxacarus radovskyi (fur mites) are ectoparasites found on the hair shafts of cats living in tropical environments. Diagnosis is via microscopic examination of hairs. Various anatomical areas have been reported to harbour these mites. OBJECTIVES: To assess adhesive tape impressions and trichograms for detecting L. radovskyi and co-infestations; to determine host body predilection sites and affected gender; to determine prevalence of L. radovskyi in a feral cat population. ANIMALS: 121 feral cats in a trap, neuter and release programme. METHODS: After cats were premedicated for surgical sterilization, hairs from seven to nine body sites were removed from each cat using adhesive tape impression and trichogram techniques. Samples were examined at 10-100× magnification using compound or stereo microscopes. RESULTS: The prevalence of L. radovskyi was 71% (86 of 121) within the feral cat population. Tape impressions identified 75 cats; trichograms identified 56 cats. There were fewer false negative results with tape impressions. Caudal body sites were more likely to be positive, with the perianal area being the most commonly affected. Males and females were infested equally. Tape impressions identified more Cheyletiella blakei infestations and both methods identified some Felicola felis infestations. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Tape impressions were easier to perform and identified more L. radovskyi positive cats and more co-infestations. Hairs from the perianal area and other caudal body sites are most likely to harbour L. radovskyi. Within this feral cat population, L. radovskyi was a common infestation.

Clinical and Breed Characteristics of Idiopathic Head Tremor Syndrome in 291 Dogs: A Retrospective Study.

Objective. To establish signalment and phenomenology of canine idiopathic head tremor syndrome (IHTS), an episodic head movement disorder of undetermined pathogenesis. Design. Retrospective case series. Animals. 291 dogs with IHTS diagnosed between 1999 and 2013. Procedures. Clinical information was obtained from an online community of veterinary information aggregation and exchange (Veterinary Information Network, 777 W Covell Boulevard, Davis, CA 95616) and conducted with their approval. Information on breed, sex, age of onset, tremor description, mentation during the event, effect of distractions and drugs, diagnostics, presence of other problems, and outcome was analyzed. Results. IHTS was found in 24 pure breeds. Bulldogs, Labrador Retrievers, Boxers, and Doberman Pinschers comprised 69%; mixed breeds comprised 17%. Average onset age was 29 months (range: 3 months to 12 years). First episode occurred before 48 months of age in 88%. Vertical (35%), horizontal (50%), and rotational (15%) movements were documented. Possible trigger events were found in 21%. Mentation was normal in 93%. Distractions abated the tremor in 87%. Most dogs did not respond to antiepileptic drugs. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance. This retrospective study documents IHTS in many breeds including Labrador Retrievers, Boxers, and mixed breeds.

The prevalence of Trichuris spp. infection in indoor and outdoor cats on St. Kitts.

INTRODUCTION: The present study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of Trichuris spp. and other intestinal parasitic infections in owned cats on St. Kitts. METHODOLOGY: The feces of 41 non-feral cats (23 indoor only; 18 indoor/outdoor) were examined for the presence of Trichuris spp. eggs. RESULTS: Nine (22%) of the cats were positive for Trichuris spp. Prevalence of trichuriasis in indoor cats was 26.0% as compared to 16.7% in outdoor cats. Other parasites identified included Ancylostoma spp. (10%; 4 cats), Toxocara cati (2%; 1 cat), Platynosomum spp. (22%; 9 cats), Mammomonogamus spp. (2%; 1 cat) and coccidia (7%; 3 cats). CONCLUSION: On St. Kitts, indoor cats are as likely to have parasite infections as outdoor cats. Given the zoonotic potential of some of the identified parasites, periodical anthelmintic treatment should be provided to both indoor and outdoor cats.

Praziquantel treatment for Platynosomum species infection of a domestic cat on St Kitts, West Indies.

CASE SUMMARY: A 1-year-old, female spayed, domestic shorthair, indoor cat on the island of St Kitts was diagnosed with platynosomiasis, infection with a feline-specific liver fluke, and treated with praziquantel at the marketed dose for tapeworms (5 mg/kg; actual calculated dose 5.75 mg/kg). Serial fecal analyses showed that egg counts decreased to zero within 10 days of treatment but re-emerged at day 17 and persisted at low levels until a second treatment was administered on day 78. After the second treatment, all fecal samples (n = 15) from day 85 to day 350 post-initial treatment were negative for Platynosomum ova. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: Treatment of platynosomiasis is poorly documented; no drugs are labeled for use against Platynosomum and the efficacy of suggested treatments is unknown. Using 5.75 mg/kg once, a dose that is significantly lower than published recommended doses for platynosomiasis, egg counts initially disappeared but re-emerged and persisted at low levels until a second treatment was administered. We hypothesize that immature forms may not have been killed and subsequently matured to produce eggs, or that the one-time dose may not have been completely effective at eliminating all adult flukes. However, administering praziquantel at 5.75 mg/kg twice, several weeks apart, appeared to be effective in treating this cat with platynosomiasis, as evidenced by monitoring of fecal egg counts over the course of 350 days.

Fenbendazole treatment for Mammomonogamus species infection of a domestic cat on St Kitts, West Indies.

A 7-month-old, female, domestic shorthair, indoor/outdoor cat on the island of St Kitts was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine as part of a student training spay-neuter program. Observation of diarrhea prompted a double centrifugation fecal analysis. Ova of Mammomonogamus species, in addition to Ancylostoma species, Trichuris species and Platynosomum species, were found. Mammomonogamus ierei is a parasitic nematode found on many Caribbean islands for which treatment is not well documented. Five days of fenbendazole (50 mg/kg bodyweight) was administered, and fecal analyses gave negative results for Mammomonogamus species eggs 1 week after the last fenbendazole treatment.

Dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy in a Labrador retriever.

Sex-linked muscular dystrophy associated with dystrophin deficiency has been reported in several breeds of dogs and is best characterized in the golden retriever. In this case report, a young, male Labrador retriever with dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy is presented. Clinical signs included generalized weakness, lingual hypertrophy, and dysphagia. Electromyographic abnormalities including complex repetitive discharges were present. Serum creatine kinase concentration was dramatically elevated. Histopathological changes within a muscle biopsy specimen confirmed a dystrophic myopathy, and dystrophin deficiency was demonstrated by immunohistochemical staining. While X-linked muscular dystrophy has not previously been reported in the Labrador retriever, a hereditary myopathy with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance has been characterized. A correct diagnosis and classification of these two disorders are critical for breeders and owners since both the mode of inheritance and the prognosis differ.