Prevalence of Leishmania infection in 205 cats from a referral hospital population in Brazil (2021-2022).

Leishmaniases are a group of neglected diseases of significant public health concern, with Brazil being the primary focus of this disease in the Americas. The municipality of Sobral, in the state of Ceará, is a historical focus of visceral leishmaniasis in both humans and dogs, but data on Leishmania spp. infections in cats are limited. Between April 2021 and February 2022, 205 cats from a referral hospital population were sampled and tested for Leishmania spp. by real-time PCR. Eight cats (3.9%; 95% CI: 1.7-7.5%) tested positive. Among these, three (37.5%) displayed clinical signs compatible with feline leishmaniosis. Non-domiciled cats showed significantly higher positivity compared to domiciled ones (Fisher's exact test, P = 0.0124). Considering their potential role as reservoirs of L. infantum, it is crucial to conduct further studies to understand the Leishmania spp. circulating among cats in Sobral and to implement measures for reducing their exposure to phlebotomine sand fly vectors in this important focus of leishmaniases.

Antimicrobial resistance, enterotoxin and biofilm production genes in Staphylococcus spp. isolated from facilities and fomites in veterinary hospital in the Caatinga biome.

The Caatinga biome occurs only in Brazil and offers epidemiological conditions that should be assessed differently from other regions of Brazil and the world. Thus, the aim of this survey was to identify antimicrobial resistance, enterotoxin and biofilm production genes in Staphylococcus spp. isolated from facilities and fomites in a veterinary hospital in Caatinga biome. Samples were collected from surfaces of small animal clinical care tables (n =8), cages in the dog and cat hospitalisation sector and animals with infectious diseases (n = 21), small animal surgical centre (n =8), sterilisation sector (n =7) and stethoscopes (n = 32) by using sterile swabs. Bacterial isolation and identification, antimicrobial resistance phenotypic test and molecular detection of antimicrobial resistance, biofilm formation and enterotoxin genes were carried out. Ninety-five bacterial isolates were obtained, and 29 (30.5%) were identified as Staphylococcus spp. Overall, 13 isolates (44.8%) of six species of Staphylococcus spp. showed antimicrobial resistance profile, as well as S. haemolyticus expressed phenotypic profile of multidrug resistance. The antimicrobials with the highest resistance rates were penicillin and tetracycline. The most frequent resistance genes were blaZ and tetM, both detected in 10 (76.9%) isolates. The mecA, tetL and tetK genes had frequencies of 38.5% (5/13), 23.1% (3/13) and 15.4% (2/13), respectively. The biofilm production marker, icaD gene, was detected in one S. sciuri strain. SEE gene, which encodes enterotoxins, was detected in 15.4% (2/13) of the strains (S. pseudintermedius and S. intermedius). The occurrence of Staphylococcus spp. carrying resistance genes to diferent classes of antimicrobials, presenting MDR phenotypic pattern and carrying enterotoxins and biofim encoding genes recovered from veterinary hospital facilities and fomites in the Caatinga biome reinforce the need to implement prevention cares in veterinary practices to avoid One Health-concerning conditions.

SARS-CoV-2 Mu variant in dogs visiting veterinary clinics during the third pandemic peak in Eastern Colombia.

The global presence of SARS-CoV-2 in household pets is acknowledged, yet documentation remains scarce, leaving many regions unexplored. Thus, our study sought to fill this gap by investigating SARS-CoV-2 presence in dogs visiting veterinary clinics during the third pandemic peak in eastern Colombia. We collected and analyzed 43 oropharyngeal and rectal swabs using real-time PCR assays targeting the Envelope Gene of SARS-CoV-2. Out of these, two dogs tested positive, indicating an infection rate of 4.7%. Further examination through complete sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed the lineage B.1.621 for the SARS-CoV-2 genome. Consequently, our study unveils the first documented cases of Canis lupus familiaris infected with the Mu variant of SARS-CoV-2, the variant with the most death burden during the whole pandemic in Colombia. Remarkably, these cases presented mild and reversible respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, or no clinical manifestations at all. This sheds light on the virus's interaction with our four-legged companions, offering valuable insights into its transmission dynamics and potential effects on animal health.

Antimicrobial Sensitivity Profile in Psittacine Birds at an Avian Teaching Hospital: A Retrospective Study, 2015-2022.

Veterinary hospitals house patient populations with diverse infectious statuses, microbiota, and histories of prior antibiotic therapy. Choanal swabs are commonly used for assessing the upper respiratory tract of birds for bacterial disease, with the samples submitted for cytologic testing and/or culture and antimicrobial sensitivity testing. The aim of this retrospective study was to identify and quantify bacteria isolated from choanal swabs collected from psittacine patients at a veterinary teaching hospital in Mexico City, Mexico. Data regarding bacterial isolates from choanal swabs were obtained from the medical records of companion psittacines suspected of upper respiratory bacterial disease that presented between November 2015 and December 2022. A total of 47.8% (175 of 366) of the bacterial isolates were from specimens obtained from red-lored Amazons (Amazona autumnalis). Gram-negative bacteria predominated, with 27 different genera identified. Klebsiella, Staphylococcus, and Escherichia were the most frequently isolated genera. A total of 90.4% (331 of 366) of the isolates were resistant to at least 1 antibiotic tested in the sensitivity panel, and a single Klebsiella isolate was resistant to 13 different antibiotics. Gentamicin had a high percentage of efficacy (79.5%; 182 of 229) against the bacterial isolates, whereas isolates tested against sulfonamide-trimethoprim (46.7%, 98 of 210), streptomycin (43.8%; 88 of 201), and clindamycin (12.9%; 15 of 116) had susceptibilities <50%. This is the first study to report common bacterial isolates and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns from choanal swab samples collected from companion psittacines suspected of upper respiratory disease in Mexico. Clinicians can use the information presented in this study as a guide for therapeutic decision-making when managing upper respiratory bacterial infections in companion psittacine patients.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. investigation in hospitalized horses and contacting personnel in a teaching veterinary hospital.

Staphylococci are well-known opportunistic pathogens associated with suppurative diseases in humans and animals. Antimicrobial resistance is an emergent threat to humans and animals worldwide. This study investigated the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. (MRS) in hospitalized horses and contacting personnel (veterinarians and staff), and assessed possible interspecies transmission in a teaching veterinary hospital. Nasal swabs from horses (n = 131) and humans (n = 35) were collected. The microorganisms were identified by traditional biochemical tests and genotypic methods, i.e., PCR, internal transcript spacer PCR (ITS-PCR), and gene sequencing. Staphylococcal species were isolated in 18% (23/131) of the horses, of which 8% (11/131) were S. hyicus, 4 % (5/131) were S. aureus, 4% (5/131) were S. pseudintermedius, and 2% (2/131) were S. schleiferi subsp. coagulans. The mecA gene was detected in an S. pseudintermedius isolate. Staphylococcus spp. was isolated in 40% (14/35) of the human samples, all of which were S. aureus. In four samples of S. aureus, the clonal profile ST398 was identified; among them, a clonal similarity of 98.1% was observed between a horse and a contacting human. This finding supports the need for biosecurity measures to avoid the spread of multidrug-resistant staphylococci in humans and horses.

Investigation of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies and leptospiruria in cats attended to a veterinary teaching hospital in southern Brazil.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonosis that affects both humans and animals worldwide. Currently, it is known that cats may be susceptible to infection. This study aims to investigate the presence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies and leptospiruria in cats, using Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) and Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) techniques, respectively. A total of 76 cats, undergoing comprehensive anamnesis, general physical examination, and complementary exams were included in the investigation. Among the 76 cats tested, 9.2% (7/76) exhibited the presence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies, while Leptospira spp. DNA was detected in at 1.3% (1/76) of the evaluated urine samples. No significant associations were observed between the serological and molecular diagnostic results and the assessed variables, including clinical data and laboratory results of cats testing positive. This study provides insight into the occurrence of Leptospira spp. infection and leptospiruria in cats treated at a veterinary teaching hospital in southern Brazil.

Characterization of ESBL/AmpC-producing extraintestinal Escherichia coli (ExPEC) in dogs treated at a veterinary hospital in Brazil.

The clinical aspects and lineages involved in Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) infections in dogs remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the antimicrobial resistance and molecular structures of ExPECs isolated from infected dogs in Brazil. Samples were obtained from dogs (n = 42) with suspected extraintestinal bacterial infections. Phylogroup B2 was predominant (65.1%). No association was observed between the site of infection, phylogroups, or virulence factors. Almost half of the isolates (44.2%) were MDR, and 20.9% were extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-positive. E. coli isolates that were resistant to fluoroquinolones (27.9%) were more likely to be MDR. The CTX-M-15 enzyme was predominant among the ESBL-producing strains, and seven sequence types were identified, including the high-risk clones ST44 and ST131. Single SNPs analysis confirmed the presence of two clonal transmissions. The present study showed a high frequency of ExPECs from phylogroup B2 infecting various sites and a high frequency of ESBL-producing strains that included STs frequently associated with human infection. This study also confirmed the nosocomial transmission of ESBL-producing E. coli, highlighting the need for further studies on the prevention and diagnosis of nosocomial infections in veterinary settings.

Risk factors for toxocariasis during incarceration: the One Health intervention approach.

Despite potential exposure to soil-transmitted helminths, especially when stray dogs and cats are present, toxocariasis in inmate populations remains to be established. Accordingly, the present study assessed the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of toxocariasis at the Women's State Penitentiary of Parana, Brazil. A total of 234/370 (63.2%; 95% CI 58.2-68.0) women inmates and 28/87 (32.2%; 95% CI 23.3-42.6) correctional officers were seropositive for anti-Toxocara spp. IgG by ELISA, with inmates 2.62-fold more likely positive (p = 0.00000026). The univariate model has identified that non-white (OR = 1.58, p = 0.047) and older than 39 years (OR = 1.28, p = 0.032) inmates were associated with mild but significant odds for seropositivity. Elementary or higher educational level was considered a protective factor for seropositivity. The presence of Toxocara spp. eggs was observed in 10/15 (66.7%) collected soil samples by centrifuge-flotation in Zinc Sulfate, and molecular analysis by PCR identified only Toxocara cati in these eggs. An intervention program was established with regular trap-neuter-release, with gradual removal for adoption (donation campaigns), treatment, and euthanasia when necessary (particularly due to advanced sporotrichosis). In addition, an educational awareness agenda was proposed, aiming to reduce soil contamination and accidental intake by the incarcerated population. A total of 40 feral cats were trapped, 20 males and 20 females, mostly adults. After trapping, 36 cats were neutered, treated, and microchipped in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) at the Federal University of Paraná. Five trapped feral cats were euthanized, four diagnosed with advanced sporotrichosis, and one already neutered cat (not herein) with complications due to feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Female inmates presented higher seroprevalence for Toxocara spp. antibodies when compared to correctional officers, significantly associated with age, self-declared ethnicity (non-white), and lack of formal education. Despite the non-natural scenario of a state penitentiary, the One Health approach of Toxocara spp. has highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of the study and its relevance in understanding the complex interactions between human, animal, and environmental factors, particularly impacting female inmates. Further studies should establish the rate of inmate infection over time while deprived of liberty.

Partial Amputation of a Nonreducing Prolapsed Phallus in an Ostrich (Struthio camelus).

A 19-year-old male ostrich (Struthio camelus) was referred to a veterinary teaching hospital (São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil) due to a 6-month history of recurrent prolapse of the phallus. On physical examination, 2 ulcerative wounds were present on the phallus, as well as caseous plaques and myiasis. Conservative treatment resulted in improvement but prolapse of the phallus remained. Thus, a decision was made to perform a partial phallectomy. The surgery was successful and no postoperative complications occurred. When the ostrich was reexamined 6 months postsurgery, the ostrich was alert, in good health, and the surgical site completely healed. The owner verbally reported no recurrence of the phallus prolapse 1 year after surgery.

Differences in perceptions and satisfaction exist among veterinarians employed at corporate versus privately owned veterinary clinics.

OBJECTIVE: To compare and contrast the views of benefits and general work conditions of participants working in corporate hospitals compared to those working in privately owned hospitals. SAMPLE: Veterinary members of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN) working as associate veterinarians in corporate- or privately owned hospitals. METHODS: An electronic survey distributed via the VIN data collection portal. RESULTS: A total of 896 responses from associate veterinarians working full time were received, of which 286 (31.9%) reported working in private practice and 610 (68.1%) in corporate practice. Fifty-five percent of participants indicated a preference for working in private practice compared to 12% preferring corporate practice. Veterinarians working in corporate practice were more likely to report receiving insurance (health, dental, life, and short-term disability), mental wellness programs (eg, counseling), wellness mobile apps, VIN membership, and continuing education paid by their employer than those working in privately owned practices. However, participants in private practice reported higher satisfaction with feeling known as an individual by upper management, hospital culture, the ability to fire difficult or abusive clients, and mentorship. Those working in corporate practices reported feeling more pressure than those in private practice to generate revenue and see more clients per shift. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: There are positives and negatives of corporate-owned hospitals when compared to privately owned practices. Corporate hospitals may be well positioned to make large organizational-level changes that can improve work culture and, as a result, the well-being and retention of small animal practitioners.

Design, fabrication, and evaluation of 3-D-printed cystotomy spoons as a retrieval method in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: Current cystotomy methods often implement the use of off-label devices, resulting in urocystolith extraction difficulty and potentially leading to postoperative complications and discomfort for the patient. The objective of this study was to create 3 novel 3-D printed cystotomy spoons that offer a dedicated solution for removing urocystoliths from a patient's urinary bladder. ANIMALS: Clinical use of the 3 novel 3-D printed cystotomy spoons were ultimately evaluated in 4 dogs and 1 cat that presented for urocystotlith removal at 3 different veterinary hospitals in northwest Arkansas. METHODS: The novel cystotomy spoons were designed using SolidWorks, 3-D printed with a Dental Surgical Guide resin, and underwent prototype testing that included chlorhexidine soaking, autoclave sterilization, 3-point bend testing, and Finite Element Analysis. The efficiency of the spoons was then evaluated through a limited proof-of-concept study utilizing a postoperative questionnaire for the participating clinicians. RESULTS: Practitioner feedback indicated positive experiences using 1 or more of the novel 3-D printed cystotomy spoons while performing a cystotomy surgery. However, successful use of the spoons was ultimately limited to dogs in the 23 to 34 kg weight range. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Novel 3-D printed cystotomy spoons have the potential to mediate urocystolith extraction difficulty and reduce postoperative complications. Additionally, this research demonstrates how veterinarians might develop custom 3-D models and prints to meet patient-specific needs. As such, further development could impact the standard of healthcare and the veterinary industry by promoting the use of additive manufacturing in veterinary medicine.

Occurrence of antimicrobial-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a Brazilian veterinary hospital environment.

Antimicrobial resistance is a threat to public health. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus represents a priority for the implementation of preventive measures. The objective was to isolate S. aureus in humans, animals, and animal health care environment, and to characterize the genotypic and phenotypic profile of antimicrobial resistance in these isolates. We isolated S. aureus from staff, animals, and environment of a veterinary hospital, and identified their antimicrobial resistance profiles. Samples were collected from 20 humans, 13 animals, 14 surfaces, 8 mobile phones, and 7 veterinarians' stethoscopes by using sterile swabs. S. aureus was isolated by culturing on mannitol salt agar and preliminary identification was done by Gram staining and catalase test. Subsequently, a polymerase chain reaction was performed for species confirmation and investigating their antimicrobial-resistant genotypic profiles. Phenotypic profiles of resistant isolates were determined using the disk-diffusion technique. Ten S. aureus isolates were recovered from 5/20 humans (25%), it was also recovered from 2/13 animals (15.38%), including 1 dog and 1 cat, and from 1/14 of surfaces (7.14%). The oxacillin-susceptible mecA-positive Staphylococcus aureus phenotype was identified in a feline. Most of the isolates carried at least two resistance genes of different antimicrobial classes, with 90% (9/10) presenting the gene blaZ, with 10% (1/10) presenting the gene mecA, 20% (2/10) presenting tet38, 10% (1/10) presenting tetM, 90% (9/10) presenting norA, 50% (5/10) presenting norC, 10% (1/10) presenting ermA, and 60% (6/10) presenting ermB. In antibiograms, resistance to penicillin was identified in all the isolates, resistance to erythromycin was identified in 80% (8/10), and all the isolate's resistance to erythromycin presented erythromycin-induced resistance to clindamycin. Antimicrobial resistance in the veterinary hospital requires attention due to the risk of interspecies transmission, gene transfer between bacteria that colonize companion animals and humans and, can make antimicrobial therapy difficult.

First reported case of leishmaniasis in a cat in Trinidad and Tobago.

A 3-year-old, female, domestic shorthair cat, was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at the School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM), Trinidad and Tobago for a swollen nose, and multiple, variably sized small masses on both ears. The initial diagnostic tests included a CBC, serum biochemistry profile, cytological evaluation of masses on the ear and nose, and FeLV/FIV testing. The CBC and biochemistry results were unremarkable except for a hyperproteinaemia and hyperglobulinemia. Cytology of the nose and ear lesions revealed mixed inflammation and high numbers of intracellular and extracellular organisms consistent with Leishmania amastigotes. The cat was FeLV/FIV negative. Histopathology and Leishmania IFA and PCR analysis were subsequently performed, confirming the Leishmania diagnosis. The PCR, DNA sequencing and phylogenetic tree analyses identified L. amazonensis. This is the first reported case of L. amazonensis infection in a domestic animal in Trinidad with molecular characterization indicating it exists in the region and is likely being transmitted by sandflies.

Emergências reprodutivas de cadelas e gatas em um hospital veterinário universitário / Reproductives emergencies in female dogs and female cats treated in a teaching veterinary hospital

Emergências obstétricas são comuns na rotina clínica de cães e gatos. Dentre as emergências obstétricas uma das mais importantes é a distocia. De modo geral, a distocia ocorre quando há falha no momento do parto ou na expulsão do feto, sendo que a causa mais comum de distocia nas duas espécies é a inércia uterina primária. Outra emergência obstétrica de ocorrência frequente em cadelas e gatas é a piometra. Esta doença é uma infecção que ocorre no útero, causada por alterações hormonais na fase do diestro dos animais. As duas enfermidades (distocia e piometra) podem ter o envolvimento de anticoncepcionais, tanto nas cadelas como nas gatas. Em relação ao tratamento, na maioria das vezes, as distocias em cadelas e gatas são abordadas por meio da realização de cesarianas. Em piometra, a terapêutica mais efetiva é a realização de ovariohisterectomia. Neste estudo, 43 cadelas e 20 gatas com emergências obstétricas foram monitoradas durante 90 dias. Entre as cadelas, 29 (67,44%; 29/43) apresentaram piometra e 13 (30,23%; 13/43) distocia. Além disso, uma cadela apresentou prolapso vaginal. Entre as gatas, 13 apresentaram distocia (65%; 13/20) e sete (35%; 7/20) piometra. Algumas dessas emergências obstétricas foram relacionadas ao uso de anticoncepcional. Assim, os clínicos veterinários devem desencorajar esta prática e incentivar a castração das fêmeas.

Obstetric emergencies are common in the clinical routine of dogs and cats. One of the most important obstetric emergencies is dystocia. In general, dystocia occurs when there is a failure at the parturition time or expulsion of the fetus, and the most common cause of dystocia in both species is primary uterine inertia. Another frequently occurring obstetric emergency in bitches and cats is piometra. This disease is an infection that occurs in the uterus caused by hormonal changes in the diestrus phase of animals. In both diseases (dystocia and pyometra), contraceptives can be involved in female dogs and cats. Regarding the treatment, most of the time, dystocias in bitches and cats are addressed through cesarean sections. In pyometra, the most effective therapy is to perform ovariohysterectomy. In the present study, 43 female dogs and 20 female cats with emergency obstetric were monitored during 90 days. Among bitches, 29 (67.44%; 29/43) had pyometra, and 13 (30.23%; 13/43) showed dystocia. In addition, one female dog presented vaginal prolapse. Among the cats, 13 had dystocia (65%; 13/20) and seven (35%; 7/20) pyometra. Some of these obstetric emergencies were related to contraceptive use. Thus, veterinary clinicians must discourage this practice and encourage the neutering of females.

Host traits, ownership behaviour and risk factors of SARS-CoV-2 infection in domestic pets in Mexico.

SARS-CoV-2 can infect pets under natural conditions, which raises questions about the risk factors related to the susceptibility of these animals to infection. The status of pet infection by SARS-CoV-2 in Mexico is not well-understood. We aimed to estimate the frequency of positive household cats and dogs to viral RNA and antibodies for SARS-CoV-2 during the second wave of human infections in Mexico, and to recognize the major risk factors related to host and pet ownership behaviour. We evaluated two study groups, cats and dogs from COVID-19-infected/-suspected households (n = 44) and those admitted for veterinary care for any reason at several veterinary hospitals in Puebla City, Mexico (n = 91). Using RT-PCR, we identified the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in swabs of four dogs (18.18%) and zero cats in COVID-19-infected/-suspected households; within this group, 31.82% of dogs and 27.27% of cats were tested IgG ELISA-positive; and neutralizing antibodies were detected in one dog (4.55%) and two cats (9.09%). In the random group (pets evaluated at private clinics and veterinary teaching hospital), 25.00% of dogs and 43.59% of cats were ELISA-positive and only one cat showed neutralizing antibodies (2.56%). Older than 4-year-old, other pets at home, and daily cleaning of pet dish, were each associated with an increase in SARS-CoV-2 infection (p < 0.05). Allowing face lick, sharing bed/food with pets and owner tested positive or suspected COVID-19 were not significant risk factors, but more than 4 h the owner spent away from home during the lockdown for COVID-19 (OR = 0.37, p = 0.01), and outdoor pet food tray (OR = 0.32, p = 0.01) significantly decreased the risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pets, suggesting that time the owner spends with their pet is an important risk factor.

Colonic T-cell-rich, large B-cell lymphoma associated with equid herpesvirus 5 infection and secondary trans-colonic fistula in a horse.

A 17-y-old Rocky Mountain gelding was presented to the Virginia-Maryland Veterinary Teaching Hospital because of a 4-wk history of anorexia, weight loss, lethargy, and fever of unknown origin. Abdominal ultrasound revealed lymphadenomegaly of the abdominal and colonic lymph nodes, thickening of the wall of the large colon, and a mass associated with the large colon. The horse was euthanized given a poor prognosis. On autopsy, an ~20-cm diameter mass was found within the mesocolon between the right ventral and right dorsal colon. The mass had invaded through the colonic walls and formed a fistula between the 2 involved lumina. On histologic evaluation, the mass consisted of small numbers of large neoplastic lymphocytes, numerous small lymphocytes, and many foamy macrophages. A diagnosis of T-cell-rich, large B-cell lymphoma was made based on immunohistochemical staining for CD79a, CD3, and Iba1; concurrent infection with equid herpesvirus 5 was confirmed with in-situ hybridization (ISH). To our knowledge, neither a trans-colonic fistula resulting from alimentary lymphoma in a horse nor detection of intralesional equid herpesvirus 5 in equine alimentary lymphoma by ISH has been reported previously.

Streptococcus canis prostatitis and endocarditis with thromboembolism in a dog with sertoli cell tumour in a cryptic testis and prostatic squamous metaplasia.

We describe an unusual case of prostatitis caused by Streptococcus canis evolving to endocarditis and splenic, renal, and cerebral thromboembolism in a dog, associated with a Sertoli cell tumour in a cryptic testis and diffuse prostatic squamous metaplasia. A nine-year-old, intact male, mixed-breed dog was presented to a veterinary teaching hospital with abdominal pain and prostration. Physical examination and abdominal ultrasonography revealed an atrophic right testicle located in the subcutaneous tissue. The left testicle was in the abdominal cavity with increased dimensions and irregular contours. Complete blood count analysis showed marked neutrophilic leukocytosis and thrombocytopenia. After clinical worsening, euthanasia was performed, and the dog was submitted to post-mortem examination. The main gross findings included testicular malposition with one cryptic and one ectopic testis, enlarged prostate with purulent content, distension of the urinary bladder with cloudy urine, vegetative valvular endocarditis in the mitral valve, and spleen and renal infarcts. Histological examination showed a Sertoli cell tumour in the abdominal testis, diffuse prostatic squamous metaplasia with marked keratinization associated with bacterial prostatitis, fibrinonecrotic cystitis, bacterial endocarditis with marked myxomatous degeneration in the mitral valve, and splenic, renal, and cerebral thromboembolism. Microbiological analysis identified Streptococcus canis in the prostate and mitral valve. Sertoli cell tumour of cryptic testis increases oestrogen production and leads to squamous metaplasia of the prostate, which should be considered as predisposing factors for ascending S. canis infection from the urogenital tract to the prostate. Then, haematogenous spread of S. canis from the prostate to mitral valve cause endocarditis and subsequent thromboembolism and infarcts, all decisive to poor prognosis in this case.

Waste not want not: piloting a clinical waste audit at a United States university veterinary teaching hospital.

Biomedical waste is a well-recognized environmental problem, yet less is known about the waste generated in the delivery of veterinary care compared to human medicine. The objective of this project was to develop and pilot a waste audit protocol for veterinary medicine that could inform waste management at a US university veterinary teaching hospital and the broader veterinary community. We conducted a multi-day review of the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital's small animal surgery and anesthesia units to measure the types and amounts of waste generated during routine surgeries. Metrics included total weight, number of bags, and individual counts for specific items of concern and items with sustainable alternatives. We calculated frequencies and percentages of waste by waste audit material category and noted any erroneous materials sorted. Despite waste being a prioritized sustainability issue in veterinary medicine, this work highlighted opportunities for better education on managing and optimizing existing resources through behavior modification. This article explores ways the 5Rs (Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Research) could be better operationalized in veterinary hospitals.

Identification and characterization of pathogenic and multidrug-resistant bacteria in feral pigeons surrounding a veterinary hospital in Minas Gerais, Brazil / Identificação de bactérias patogênicas e multirresistentes a antimicrobianos em pombos urbanos no entorno de um Hospital Veterinário em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil

Pigeons are known for their capacity to harbor and spread several zoonotic agents. Studies have suggested that pigeons are also relevant disseminators of multidrug-resistant strains. In this study, pigeons surrounding a veterinary hospital were sampled and tested for the presence of pathogenic Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus spp., and Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile. E. coli isolates from 19 (40.4%) pigeons tested positive for the E. coli heat-stable enterotoxin 1 (EAST1)-encoding gene. The intimin-encoding gene (eae) of enteropathogenicE. coli (EPEC) was found in one isolate (2.1%). Salmonella spp. were found in nine (19.1%) pigeons, all from the first capture event (P < 000.1). S. Typhimurium and S. Heidelberg were isolated from six and three pigeons, respectively. Enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC-PCR) of the Salmonella spp. isolates suggested that eight of the nine strains had a high genetic similarity, supporting the hypothesis of an outbreak of salmonellosis in these pigeons. Twenty (42.5%) staphylococcal isolates were recovered from 18 (38.3%) pigeons. Eight different species were detected, with S. xylosus being the most frequent. Two (4.3%) C. difficile strains were isolated. Three isolates, one each of S. Typhimurium, S. aureus, and C. difficile, were classified as multidrug-resistant strains. The present research suggested that pigeons residing in urban areas can act as reservoirs and disseminators of pathogenic bacteria, including nosocomial pathogens, such as diarrheagenicE. coli and multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus spp., C. difficile, and Salmonella spp.

Pombos urbanos são conhecidos pela sua capacidade de carrear e disseminar diversos agentes zoonóticos. Estudos tem sugerido que pombos são também relevantes na disseminação de estirpes resistentes a múltiplas drogas. No presente estudo, pombos no ambiente de um hospital veterinário foram amostrados em três diferentes períodos e testados para a presença de Escherichia coli patogênica, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus spp. e Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile. Isolados de E. coli de 19 pombos (40.4%) foram positivos para o gene codificador da toxina EAST1. O gene codificador de intimina (eae) do patotipo E. coli enteropatogênica foi encontrada em um isolado (2.1%). Salmonella spp. foi encontrada em nove pombos (19.1%), sendo todos isolados do primeiro período de captura (P < 000.1). S. Typhimurium foi isolado de seis animais e S. Heidelberg de três. A tipagem molecular de isolados de Salmonella spp. por ERIC-PCR demonstrou que oito estirpes possuíam alta similaridade genética entre si, sugerindo a ocorrência de um surto de salmonelose nos animais carreadores. Vinte Staphylococcus (42.5%) foram isolados de 18 animais (38.3%). Oito diferentes espécies foram detectadas, sendo S. xylosus a mais frequente. Duas estirpes de C. difficile não-toxigênica (4.3%) foram isoladas. Uma estirpe de S. Typhimurium, uma de S. aureus e um isolado de C. difficile foram classificados como resistentes a múltiplas drogas antimicrobianas. O presente estudo sugere que pombos capturados no ambiente do hospital veterinário podem atuar como reservatórios e disseminadores de bactérias patogênicas e envolvidas em infecção hospitalar, incluindo E. coli diarreiogênica e Staphylococcus sp., C. difficile e Salmonella spp multirresistente.