Local outbreak of spontaneous pneumothorax secondary to paragonimosis in southwestern Ontario dogs.

Three dogs were diagnosed with spontaneous pneumothorax and referred to the Ontario Veterinary College Health Sciences Centre for management. The 3 dogs were diagnosed with secondary spontaneous pneumothorax due to paragonimosis. The diagnosis was made by visualization of adult trematodes during surgical exploration with histopathological confirmation in 1 dog, and detection of trematode eggs via fecal sedimentation in the other 2 dogs. Two of the dogs developed unusual additional lesions, including hemoabdomen, muscle abscess, and abdominal adhesions. These were suspected to be secondary to aberrant fluke larval migration. All 3 dogs lived within a relatively small geographical area of Ontario and were hospitalized between December 2021 and March 2022. Each dog survived to discharge with surgical or medical management of the pneumothorax and treatment with a prolonged course of fenbendazole. Key clinical message: Paragonimosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis for canine spontaneous pneumothorax in areas where Paragonimus kellicotti is, or may be, endemic, or in dogs that have travelled to endemic areas - particularly if the patient has a history of cough or potential exposure to freshwater crayfish. Routine anthelmintic treatment does not prevent infection and standard fecal floatation methods may not detect the eggs. Therefore, diagnostic testing should include a fecal sedimentation test and thoracic radiographs to screen for P. kellicotti.

Éclosion locale de pneumothorax spontané secondaire à la paragonimose chez des chiens du sud-ouest de l'Ontario. Trois chiens ont reçu un diagnostic de pneumothorax spontané et ont été référés au Ontario Veterinary College Health Sciences Centre pour prise en charge. Les 3 chiens ont été diagnostiqués avec un pneumothorax spontané secondaire dû à la paragonimose. Le diagnostic a été posé par la visualisation des trématodes adultes lors de l'exploration chirurgicale avec confirmation histopathologique chez 1 chien, et la détection des oeufs de trématodes par sédimentation fécale chez les 2 autres chiens. Deux des chiens ont développé des lésions supplémentaires inhabituelles, notamment un hémoabdomen, un abcès musculaire et des adhérences abdominales. Ces lésions étaient soupçonnées d'être secondaires à une migration larvaire aberrante de la douve. Les 3 chiens vivaient dans une zone géographique relativement restreinte de l'Ontario et ont été hospitalisés entre décembre 2021 et mars 2022. Chaque chien a survécu jusqu'à sa sortie avec une prise en charge chirurgicale ou médicale du pneumothorax et un traitement avec un traitement prolongé au fenbendazole.Message clinique clé :La paragonimose doit être considérée comme un diagnostic différentiel du pneumothorax spontané canin dans les zones où Paragonimus kellicotti est, ou peut être, endémique, ou chez les chiens qui ont voyagé dans des zones endémiques ­ en particulier si le patient a des antécédents de toux ou une exposition potentielle aux écrevisses d'eau douce. Le traitement vermifuge de routine n'empêche pas l'infection et les méthodes de flottaison fécale standard peuvent ne pas détecter les oeufs. Par conséquent, les tests de diagnostic doivent inclure un test de sédimentation fécale et des radiographies thoraciques pour dépister P. kellicotti.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Echinococcus multilocularis Infection, Southern Ontario, Canada.

Alveolar echinococcosis, the disease caused by infection with the intermediate stage of the Echinococcus multilocularis tapeworm, is typically fatal in humans and dogs when left untreated. Since 2012, alveolar echinococcosis has been diagnosed in 5 dogs, 3 lemurs, and 1 chipmunk in southern Ontario, Canada, a region previously considered free of these tapeworms. Because of human and animal health concerns, we estimated prevalence of infection in wild canids across southern Ontario. During 2015-2017, we collected fecal samples from 460 wild canids (416 coyotes, 44 foxes) during postmortem examination and analyzed them by using a semiautomated magnetic capture probe DNA extraction and real-time PCR method for E. multilocularis DNA. Surprisingly, 23% (95% CI 20%-27%) of samples tested positive. By using a spatial scan test, we identified an infection cluster (relative risk 2.26; p = 0.002) in the western-central region of the province. The cluster encompasses areas of dense human population, suggesting zoonotic transmission.

ECHINOCOCCUS EQUINUS HYDATID CYST IN THE LIVER OF A PRZEWALSKI'S HORSE ( EQUUS PRZEWALSKII) IN A CANADIAN ZOO.

A 23-yr-old captive-born Przewalski's horse mare ( Equus przewalskii) was euthanized at a Canadian zoo because of severe colic resulting from rupture of a jejunal pseudodiverticulum. An incidental finding of an encysted larval cestode within a hepatic granuloma was diagnosed on histopathology. Gel-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on liver tissue was positive for Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato, and deoxyribonucleic acid sequencing of the PCR product was 100% homologous with Echinococcus equinus. This appears to be the first molecular confirmation of E. equinus in North America, and the first report of cystic echinococcosis in a Przewalski's horse.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to pet contact by immunocompromised children with cancer and immunocompetent children with diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To compare knowledge, attitudes, and risks related to pet contact in households with and without immunocompromised children. STUDY DESIGN: A questionnaire was distributed to parents of children diagnosed with cancer (immunocompromised; n=80) or diabetes (immunocompetent; n=251) receiving care at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario. Information was collected on knowledge of pets as sources of disease, concerns regarding pet-derived pathogens, and pet ownership practices. Data were analyzed with multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed by 65% (214 of 331) of the individuals to whom it was given. Pet ownership was common; 45% of respondents had a household pet when their child was diagnosed, and many (households with a child with diabetes, 49%; households with a child with cancer, 20%) acquired a new pet after diagnosis. Most households that obtained a new pet had acquired a pet considered high risk for infectious disease based on species/age (diabetes, 73%; cancer, 77%). Parents of children with cancer were more likely than parents of children with diabetes to recall being asked by a physician/staff member if they owned a pet (OR, 5.9) or to recall receiving zoonotic disease information (OR, 5.3), yet these interactions were reported uncommonly (diabetes, ≤13%; cancer, ≤48%). Greater knowledge of pet-associated pathogens was associated with recalled receipt of previous education on this topic (OR, 3.9). Pet exposure outside the home was reported frequently for children in non-pet-owning households (diabetes, 48%; cancer, 25%). CONCLUSION: Improved zoonotic disease education is needed for pet-owning and non-pet-owning households with immunocompromised children, with ongoing provision of information while the children are at increased risk of disease. Additional efforts from pediatric and veterinary healthcare professionals are required.

Hepatic alveolar hydatid disease (Echinococcus multilocularis) in a boxer dog from southern Ontario.

A 2-year-old boxer dog from southern Ontario was evaluated because of acute onset lethargy. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a hemorrhagic, destructive, liver mass. Histology, immunohistochemistry, and polymerase chain reaction confirmed Echinococcus multilocularis as the cause of the hepatic mass. This constitutes the first description of endemic E. multilocularis in Ontario.

Hydatidose alvéolaire hépatique(Echinococcus multilocularis)chez un chien Boxer du Sud de l'Ontario. Un chien Boxer âgé de 2 ans du Sud de l'Ontario a été évalué en raison d'un début soudain d'une léthargie. Une laparatomie exploratoire a révélé une masse hépatique hémorragique et destructrice. L'histologie, l'immunohistochimie et l'amplification en chaîne par la polymérase ont confirmé Echinococcus multilocularis comme la cause de la masse hépatique. Il s'agit de la première description d'E. multilocularis endémique en Ontario.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Pilot project to investigate over-wintering of free-living gastrointestinal nematode larvae of sheep in Ontario, Canada.

This study investigated the overwintering survival and infectivity of free-living gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) stages on pasture. The presence of GIN larvae was assessed on 3 sheep farms in Ontario with a reported history of clinical haemonchosis, by collecting monthly pasture samples over the winter months of 2009/2010. The infectivity of GIN larvae on spring pastures was evaluated using 16 tracer lambs. Air and soil temperature and moisture were recorded hourly. Free-living stages of Trichostrongylus spp. and Nematodirus spp. were isolated from herbage samples. Gastrointestinal nematodes were recovered from all tracer lambs on all farms; Teladorsagia sp. was the predominant species. Very low levels of Haemonchus contortus were recovered from 1 animal on 1 farm. The results suggest that Haemonchus larvae do not survive well on pasture, while Teladorsagia sp., Trichostrongylus spp. and Nematodirus spp. are able to overwinter on pasture in Ontario and are still infective for sheep in the spring.

Projet pilote pour faire enquête sur l'hivernage des larves de nématodes gastro-intestinaux libres chez les moutons en Ontario, au Canada. Cette étude a examiné la survie à l'hivernage et le pouvoir infectieux des stades des nématodes gastro-intestinaux (NGI) libres dans les pâturages. La présence de larves de NGI a été évaluée en recueillant des échantillons mensuels dans le pâturage pendant les mois de l'hiver 2009­2010 dans 3 fermes ovines en Ontario avec des antécédents documentés d'hémonchose clinique, tandis que le pouvoir infectieux des larves de NGI sur les pâturages du printemps a été évaluée en utilisant 16 agneaux sentinelles. La température et l'humidité de l'air et du sol ont été notées toutes les heures. Les stades libres de Trichostrongylus spp. et de Nematodirus spp. ont été isolés d'échantillons d'herbage. Les NGI ont été récupérés de tous les agneaux sentinelles dans toutes les fermes et Teladorsagia sp. était l'espèce prédominante. De très faibles taux d'Haemonchus contortus ont été récupérés chez 1 animal dans 1 ferme. Les résultats suggèrent que les larves d'Haemonchus ne survivent pas bien dans le pâturage, tandis que Teladorsagia sp., Trichostrongylus spp. et Nematodirus spp. peuvent survivre l'hiver dans le pâturage de l'Ontario et être toujours infectieux pour les moutons au printemps.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Additional diagnoses of Echinococcus multilocularis in eastern chipmunks (Tamias striatus) from southern Ontario - results from ongoing surveillance for E. multilocularis in intermediate hosts in Ontario, Canada.

Echinococcus multilocularis, a cestode with zoonotic potential, is now known to have a high prevalence in wild canid definitive hosts of southern Ontario. The distribution of E. multilocularis across this region in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and coyotes (Canis latrans) is widespread yet heterogenous. In contrast, confirmed diagnoses of E. multilocularis in wild free-ranging intermediate hosts within Ontario are currently limited to a single eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus). These findings prompted ongoing surveillance efforts in intermediate host species, primarily rodents. Our report describes the results of passive surveillance through wildlife carcass submissions to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) and targeted active sampling of small mammal species from 2018 to 2023; a second and third eastern chipmunk were found to be infected with E. multilocularis. However, these were the only occurrences from surveillance efforts which collectively totaled 510 rodents and other small mammals. Continued surveillance for E. multilocularis in intermediate hosts is of high importance in light of the recent emergence of this parasite in Ontario.

Pet husbandry and infection control practices related to zoonotic disease risks in Ontario, Canada.

BACKGROUND: Many human infections are transmitted through contact with animals (zoonoses), including household pets. Despite this concern, there is limited knowledge of the public's pet husbandry and infection control practices. The objective of this study was to characterize zoonotic disease related-husbandry and infection preventive practices in pet-owning households in Ontario, Canada. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to individuals at two multi-physician clinics in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada during 2010. One adult from each household was invited to participate in the study. RESULTS: Four hundred one pet-owners completed the questionnaire. Households reported ownership of dogs (68%), cats (48%), fish (13%), exotic mammals (7%), such as hamsters, and reptiles and birds (each 6%). Across all species, individuals at higher risk of infections (i.e. < 5 yrs, ≥ 65 yrs, immunocompromised) were often (46-57%) present in households. Children < 16 yrs of age had close pet contact, as households reported dogs (13%) and cats (30%) usually slept in a child's bed and dogs often licked a child's face (24%). Household husbandry practices that increase zoonotic disease risk were frequently identified; some fed high-risk foods (i.e. raw eggs, raw meat, or raw animal product treats) to their dogs (28%) or cats (3%); 14% of reptile-owning households allowed the pet to roam through the kitchen or washed it in the kitchen sink. Reported hand washing by children was high for all species (> 76% washed hands sometimes or greater after touching the pet, its feces, or housing), although fewer reported children always washed their hands (3-57%; by species). With a few exceptions, practices were not associated with the presence of higher risk members in the household or recall of having previously received zoonotic disease education. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest there is a need for education on zoonotic disease prevention practices for pet-owning households with individuals at higher risk of infection and those with high-risk species (e.g., reptiles). Further research is needed to determine the role of education in altering higher risk pet practices.

Identifying hepatic genes regulating the ovine response to gastrointestinal nematodes using RNA-Sequencing.

Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections are considered the most important disease of grazing sheep and due to increasing anthelmintic resistance, chemical control alone is inadequate. Resistance to Gastrointestinal nematode infection is a heritable trait, and through natural selection many sheep breeds have higher resistance. Studying the transcriptome from GIN-exposed and GIN-unexposed sheep using RNA-Sequencing technology can provide measurements of transcript levels associated with the host response to Gastrointestinal nematode infection, and these transcripts may harbor genetic markers that can be used in selective breeding programs to enhance disease resistance. The objective of this study was to compare liver transcriptomes of sheep naturally exposed to Gastrointestinal nematode s, with either high or low parasite burdens, to GIN-unexposed control sheep in order to identify key regulator genes and biological processes associated with Gastrointestinal nematode infection. Differential gene expression analysis revealed no significant differentially expressed genes (DEG) between sheep with a high or low parasite burden (p-value ≤0.01; False Discovery Rate (FDR) ≤ 0.05; and Fold-Change (FC) of > ±2). However, when compared to the control group, low parasite burden sheep showed 146 differentially expressed genes (64 upregulated and 82 downregulated in the low parasite burden group relative to the control), and high parasite burden sheep showed 159 differentially expressed genes (57 upregulated and 102 downregulated in the low parasite burden group relative to the control) (p-value ≤0.01; FDR ≤0.05; and FC of > ±2). Among these two lists of significant differentially expressed genes, 86 differentially expressed genes (34 upregulated, 52 downregulated in the parasited group relative to the control) were found in common between the two parasite burden groups compared to the control (GIN-unexposed sheep). Functional analysis of these significant 86 differentially expressed genes found upregulated genes involved in immune response and downregulated genes involved in lipid metabolism. Results of this study offer insight into the liver transcriptome during natural Gastrointestinal nematode exposure that helps provide a better understanding of the key regulator genes involved in Gastrointestinal nematode infection in sheep.

Novel molecular diagnostic (PCR) diagnosis and outcome of intestinal Echinococcus multilocularis in a dog from western Canada.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the novel PCR diagnosis and outcome of intestinal Echinococcus multilocularis in a dog. ANIMAL: A 13-month-old female intact dog with naturally occurring intestinal E multilocularis. CLINICAL PRESENTATION, PROGRESSION, AND PROCEDURES: The 13-month-old dog initially presented with a reduced appetite and weight loss and then developed hematochezia. The clinical history included a lack of endoparasite preventive care (fecal testing, deworming), exposure to coyotes, fox, sheep, and rodents and the dog had intermittently been fed a raw food diet. Physical examination revealed a thin dog, with a 2/9 body condition score, that was otherwise clinically unremarkable. A fecal sample was submitted for screening for gastrointestinal parasites as part of an infectious disease assessment. The fecal PCR test reported detection of E multilocularis. This result was sequenced as the European haplotype E3/E4. Centrifugal flotation (same sample) did not detect taeniid eggs. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: The dog was treated with metronidazole, maropitant, and milbemycin oxime/praziquantel. Clinical improvement was noted within 48 hours. No DNA of E multilocularis was detected in a fecal sample collected approximately 10 days after treatment. The dog's owner was advised to provide monthly deworming (praziquantel) for all dogs on the property and to contact their human health-care provider due to potential zoonotic exposure risk. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Increasing detection of E multilocularis is occurring in dogs in Canada and the US. Alveolar echinococcosis can cause severe disease in dogs and humans. Fecal PCR detection and surveillance may alert practitioners to canine intestinal cases and allow dogs to serve as sentinels for human exposure risk.

Factors associated with Giardia infection in dogs in southern Ontario, Canada.

Information concerning risk factors associated with Giardia infection in dogs in southern Ontario, Canada, is currently lacking. This study therefore aimed to identify risk factors for Giardia infection in dogs that visit off-leash dog parks in southern Ontario. From May-November 2018, fecal samples were collected from 466 dogs in 12 off-leash dog parks in the Niagara and Hamilton regions of Ontario. A survey that asked questions pertaining to travel history (i.e., area of residence, locations and regions visited in the previous 6 months), basic medical history (i.e., spay/neuter status, veterinary visits, use of deworming medication), consumption of a raw diet, and the physical (i.e., age, sex, breed) and behavioral characteristics (i.e., off-leash activities, hunting activities) of each dog sampled was administered to the respective owner. All fecal samples were examined with the Giardia plate ELISA (IDEXX Laboratories) for parasite antigen. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted on the survey data to investigate putative risk factors for Giardia infection. Overall, 11.8% (95% CI: 9.2-15.1%) of samples tested positive for Giardia antigen. Results from the multivariable logistic regression analyses identified an interaction between dog age and spay/neuter status that was significantly associated with Giardia infection. The odds of infection were greater in intact as compared to neutered adult dogs (OR: 3.6, 95% CI: 1.7-7.9, p = 0.001), and in neutered juvenile dogs as compared to neutered adults (OR: 5.2, 95% CI: 2.2-12.2, p < 0.001). The results provide veterinarians with evidence-based information for identifying dogs at greatest risk of Giardia infection in southern Ontario.

Comparison of antimicrobial resistance patterns of Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli recovered from pet dogs from volunteer households in Ontario (2005-06).

OBJECTIVES: To compare the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns of Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli in the faeces of pet dogs from volunteer households in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. METHODS: From October 2005 to May 2006, 138 dogs from 84 Ontario households were recruited to participate in a cross-sectional study. Five consecutive daily faecal samples were collected from each dog and cultured for Salmonella spp. and E. coli. A panel of 15 antimicrobials from seven antimicrobial classes was used for susceptibility testing. RESULTS: E. coli and Salmonella spp. were recovered from 96.4% and 23.2% of dogs, respectively. In total, 515 bacterial isolates from 136 dogs from 83 households were sent for antimicrobial susceptibility testing with 80.4% of isolates being pan-susceptible. The most common resistance pattern was to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, ampicillin, cefoxitin, ceftiofur and ceftriaxone, present in 13.3% of Salmonella isolates and 1.3% of E. coli isolates. Fifty-eight of the isolates were resistant to two or more drug classes, with 70.7% and 29.3% being E. coli and Salmonella, respectively. Based on multilevel logistic regression, the odds of resistance were greater in E. coli than Salmonella [odds ratio = 3.2; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.22-8.43]. Agreement in resistance between E. coli and Salmonella isolates from the same dog was low [prevalence-adjusted, bias-adjusted kappa (PABAK) = 0.38; 95% CI = 0.30-0.46]. CONCLUSIONS: Pet dogs are a potential household source of antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella spp. and E. coli. However, extrapolating the epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance in pathogens, like Salmonella, from E. coli should be done with caution.

Household knowledge, attitudes and practices related to pet contact and associated zoonoses in Ontario, Canada.

BACKGROUND: Many human infections are transmitted through contact with animals (zoonoses), including household pets. Although pet ownership is common in most countries and non-pet owners may have frequent contact with pets, there is limited knowledge of the public's pet contact practices and awareness of zoonotic disease risks from pets. The objective of this study was to characterize the general public's knowledge, attitudes and risks related to pet ownership and animal contact in southern Ontario, Canada. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to individuals at two multi-physician clinics in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada during 2010. A single adult from each household was invited to participate in the study. RESULTS: Seventy five percent (641/853) of individuals approached completed the questionnaire. Pet ownership and contact were common; 64% of participants had a pet in their household and 37% of non-pet owning households had a member with at least weekly animal contact outside the home. Pet ownership was high (55%) for households with individuals at higher risk for infections (i.e., < 5 yrs, ≥ 65 yrs, immunocompromised). Most respondents (64%) indicated that they had never received information regarding pet-associated disease risks. When given a list of 11 infectious pathogens, respondents were only able to correctly classify just over half on their potential to be transmitted from pets to people (mean 6.4); independently, pet owners and those who recalled receiving information in the past about this topic were able to make significantly more correct identifications. Pet (36%) and non-pet owning households (10%) reported dog or cat bites or scratches during the preceding year. Households with individuals at higher risk for an infection did not differ from the remaining households regarding their perceived disease risk of pets, zoonotic disease knowledge, recall of being asked by their medical provider if they owned any pets, or recall of having received information regarding pet-associated disease risks and preventive measures. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that there is a need for accessible zoonotic disease information for both pet and non-owning households, with additional efforts made by veterinary, human and public health personnel. Immediate educational efforts directed toward households with individuals at higher risk to infections are especially needed.

Prevalence of zoonotic anisakid nematodes in Inuit-harvested fish and mammals from the eastern Canadian Arctic.

Human anisakidosis is a recognized Arctic zoonosis that is directly related to the consumption of traditional Inuit foods, particularly raw fish. The epidemiology of infections with the zoonotic anisakid nematodes Anisakis simplex and Pseudoterranova decipiens was investigated from August 2007 to July 2009 in Inuit-harvested fish and marine mammals from Inuit regions of Nunavik, Nunavut, and Nunatsiavut, Canada. Fish were tested for anisakid larvae using the pepsin-HCl digestion method, and the stomachs or stomach contents of beluga whales, walruses, and three seal species were examined for anisakids. Anisakids were found in seven of eight fish species, as well as in ringed seals (18.2%; 31/170), bearded seals (75.0%; 12/16), and beluga whales (78.9%; 15/19), but not walruses (0%; 0/15). In fish, the odds of being infected with A. simplex and/or P. decipiens was 68.6 (95% confidence interval, 11.6-627.7) times higher in marine fish than in anadromous fish, after adjusting for length of fish. Negative binomial models were created for animal species with large enough sample sizes and parasite prevalence estimates to assess risk factors associated with anisakid abundance. In seals, the only risk factor significantly associated with increasing anisakid abundance was increasing length (p < 0.01), while in beluga whales, the only significant risk factor was year of capture (p = 0.03). In fish, length was the variable most commonly associated with increased anisakid larval abundance, with longer fish having significantly higher larval abundances than shorter fish of the same species. The presence of A. simplex and P. decipiens in bearded seals, ringed seals, and beluga whales from Inuit hunting grounds suggests that they likely act as definitive hosts for these parasites in these environments. With respect to zoonotic disease risk associated with Inuit country foods, among the species of fish examined, Atlantic tomcod, polar cod, and sculpins represented the greatest risk of foodborne disease from A. simplex and P. decipiens.

Clinical and MRI findings in three dogs with polycystic meningiomas.

One spayed female Labrador retriever and two castrated male golden retrievers were evaluated for chronic (i.e., ranging from 3 wk to 24 wk) neurologic signs localizable to the prosencephalon. Signs included seizures, circling, and behavior changes. MRI demonstrated extra-axial, contrast-enhancing, multiloculated, fluid-filled, cyst-like lesions with a mass effect, causing compression and displacement of brain parenchyma. Differential diagnoses included cystic neoplasm, abscess or other infectious cyst (e.g., alveolar hydatid cyst), or fluid-filled anomaly (e.g., arachnoid cyst). The cyst-like lesions were attached to the rostral falx cerebri in all cases. In addition, case 2 had a second polycystic mass at the caudal diencephalon. Surgical biopsy (case 3 with a single, rostral tumor via transfrontal craniectomy) and postmortem histology (in cases 1 and 2) confirmed polycystic meningiomas. Tumor types were transitional (cases 1 and 3) and fibrous (case 2), with positive immunohistochemical staining for vimentin. Case 3 was also positive for E-cadherin, s100, and CD34. In all cases, staining was predominantly negative for glial fibrillary acid protein and pancytokeratins, supporting a diagnosis of meningioma. This report describes the first cases of polycystic meningiomas in dogs. Polycystic meningiomas are a rare, but important, addition to the differential diagnoses for intracranial cyst-like lesions, significantly affecting planning for surgical resection and other therapeutic interventions.

Alveolar hydatid disease (Echinococcus multilocularis) in the liver of a Canadian dog in British Columbia, a newly endemic region.

An adult dog that lived in central British Columbia was examined because of a history of lethargy and vomiting. Histology, immunohistochemistry, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) examination of a hepatic mass confirmed the presence of an alveolar hydatid cyst, the first description of Echinococcus multilocularis in British Columbia. We provide recommendations for case management and remind practitioners in endemic areas of western Canada that dogs can serve as definitive and, rarely, intermediate hosts for E. multilocularis.

RésuméHydatidose alvéolaire(Echinococcus multilocularis)dans le foie d'un chien canadien en Colombie-Britannique, une région nouvellement endémique. Un chien adulte habitant dans le centre de la Colombie-Britannique a été examiné en raison d'une anamnèse d'abattement et de vomissements. L'histologie, l'immunohistochimie et l'amplification en chaîne par la polymérase d'une masse hépatique ont tous confirmé la présence d'un kyste hydatique, la première description d'Echinococcus multilocularis en Colombie-Britannique. Nous présentons des recommandations pour la gestion des cas et rappelons aux praticiens dans les régions endémiques de l'Ouest canadien que les chiens peuvent servir d'hôtes définitifs, et rarement, d'hôtes intermédiaires, pour E. multilocularis.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Vector-borne and other pathogens of potential relevance disseminated by relocated cats.

Large populations of unowned cats constitute an animal welfare, ecological, societal and public health issue worldwide. Their relocation and homing are currently carried out in many parts of the world with the intention of relieving suffering and social problems, while contributing to ethical and humane population control in these cat populations. An understanding of an individual cat's lifestyle and disease status by veterinary team professionals and those working with cat charities can help to prevent severe cat stress and the spread of feline pathogens, especially vector-borne pathogens, which can be overlooked in cats. In this article, we discuss the issue of relocation and homing of unowned cats from a global perspective. We also review zoonotic and non-zoonotic infectious agents of cats and give a list of practical recommendations for veterinary team professionals dealing with homing cats. Finally, we present a consensus statement consolidated at the 15th Symposium of the Companion Vector-Borne Diseases (CVBD) World Forum in 2020, ultimately to help veterinary team professionals understand the problem and the role they have in helping to prevent and manage vector-borne and other pathogens in relocated cats.

An observational study on the prevalence and impact of Isospora suis in suckling piglets in southwestern Ontario, and risk factors for shedding oocysts.

An observational study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Isospora suis oocysts in fecal samples from suckling piglets in Ontario, and to evaluate the relationship between the presence of I. suis oocysts and diarrhea. Fifty farms and 709 litters of piglets were included in the study. Oocysts were detected on 70% of farms, with 187 litters infected. A litter of pigs that was positive for oocysts was significantly more likely to exhibit diarrhea than a litter that was negative [odds ratio (OR) = 4.0; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.8 to 5.8; P < 0.001]. Management and housing factors were examined with respect to risk factors for the presence of I. suis. Farms that did not use a detergent when cleaning farrowing crates were 10-times more likely to be positive for I. suis than those that used a detergent (P = 0.007). It was concluded that coccidiosis is a common problem on Ontario swine farms.

Evaluation of the zoonotic potential of Giardia duodenalis in fecal samples from dogs and cats in Ontario.

This study determined the distribution and zoonotic potential of Giardia duodenalis assemblage types among canine and feline fecal samples from Ontario. The effectiveness of Giardia assemblage typing methods by sequencing the genes of small subunit ribosomal RNA (ssu-rRNA), ß-giardin (bg), glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), and triose phosphate isomerase (tpi) was evaluated simultaneously. From 2008 to 2010, 118 canine and 15 feline Giardia positive fecal samples were tested. The ssu-rRNA sequencing method typed 64% (75/118) and 87% (13/15) of the Giardia-positive canine and feline samples, respectively. Among the typeable samples, 68% (51/75) of canine samples contained G. duodenalis assemblage D and 31% (23/75) contained G. duodenalis assemblage C (both non-zoonotic assemblage types). Only 1% (1/75) of the typeable canine samples contained a potentially zoonotic assemblage B. In contrast, 100% (13/13) of the typeable feline samples contained potentially zoonotic assemblages A (n = 12) or B (n = 1).

MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY IN ONTARIO RODENTS AND LAGOMORPHS: A 30-YEAR RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW.

Passive surveillance is an important component of wildlife health surveillance that allows for the identification of emerging pathogens as well as population-level threats. We investigated the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in rodents and lagomorphs submitted to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) in Ontario and the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) over a 30-yr period. A total of 836 cases representing 13 species of rodents and three species of lagomorph were submitted to the CWHC and the OVC wildlife pathology service. Infectious or inflammatory diagnoses were most common in our data set, followed by trauma and unknown diagnoses. The most frequently identified primary diagnosis was encephalitis with histological lesions consistent with neural larva migrans including the presence of inflammation and malacia of brain tissue and, in some cases, characteristic nematode larvae. Other infectious diagnoses were squirrel fibroma virus and Toxoplasma gondii infections. Knowledge of common pathogens observed in various species of rodents and lagomorphs can aid in triage and treatment decisions at veterinary clinics and wildlife rehabilitation centers, and guide sample collection and test requisition at post-mortem examination.