Fecal Proteome Profile in Dogs Suffering from Different Hepatobiliary Disorders and Comparison with Controls.

In the present study, the fecal proteomes of clinically healthy dogs (HD = n. 10), of dogs showing clinical, ultrasonographic, and/or laboratory evidence of different hepatobiliary dysfunction (DHD = n. 10), and of dogs suffering from chronic hepatitis (CHD = n. 10) were investigated with an Ultimate 3000 nanoUPLC system, coupled to an Orbitrap Fusion Lumos Tribrid mass spectrometer. Fifty-two different proteins of canine origin were identified qualitatively in the three study groups, and quantitative differences were found in 55 proteins when comparing groups. Quantitatively, a total of 41 and 36 proteins were found differentially abundant in the DHD and CHD groups compared to the control HD, and 38 proteins resulted dysregulated in the CHD group as compared to the DHD group. Among the various proteins, differently abundant fecal fibronectin and haptoglobin were more present in the feces of healthy and DHD dogs than in chronic ones, leading us to hypothesize its possible diagnostic/monitoring role in canine chronic hepatitis. On the other hand, the trefoil factor 2 was increased in DHD dogs. Our results show that the analysis of the fecal proteome is a very promising field of study, and in the case of dogs suffering from different hepatobiliary disorders, it was able to highlight both qualitative and quantitative differences among the three groups included. Results need to be confirmed with western blotting and in further studies.

Exploring fluorescent light energy as management option for canine superficial bacterial folliculitis.

Superficial bacterial folliculitis (SBF) represents a common dermatological diagnosis in dogs that can be successfully managed with either topical and/or systemic treatments. In the present study we evaluated the efficacy of a fluorescent light energy (FLE) device as sole management for SBF. The same FLE device has been shown, as adjunct therapy to systemic antibiotic or alone, to effectively control clinical manifestation of interdigital furunculosis. Twenty dogs were randomized to receive FLE once (six dogs) or twice (six dogs) weekly in comparison with oral anti-biotic (eight dogs) until complete healing. FLE regimen was able to significantly reduce the time needed to clinical resolution for oral antibiotic, supporting owners' compliance and welfare of dogs.

Concomitant Campylobacteriosis in a Puppy and in Its Caregiver: A One Health Perspective Paradigm in Human-Pet Relationship.

We report a case of laboratory-confirmed Campylobacter (C). jejuni and C. upsaliensis symptomatic infection in a puppy, a French Bouledogue, female, 6 months of age, fed a raw, unbalanced, poultry-based diet (RPD), (48.1 CP, 33% EE, 0.3% Ca, 0.5% Phos, 0.5 Ca/P, on a dry-matter basis), and in its owner. Soon after adoption, the pet and the caregiver showed severe gastrointestinal signs and needed hospitalization. Fecal PCR assays, selective cultures, and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed, and multi-drug resistant C. jejuni and C. upsaliensis were isolated from the feces of both. The same bacteria were also identified by FISH in the dog colonic biopsies collected during endoscopy. The puppy was prescribed a complete commercial diet for growing dogs, (30.00% CP, 21.00% EE, 1.2% Ca; 1% Phos; as fed) and treated with ciprofloxacin. The dog and the man healed uneventfully and tested negative for further fecal PCR analyses. This report focuses on dog nutritional management and explores the potential routes of exposure, with emphasis on emerging outbreaks related to current pet food fads. Our data support the One Health approach, where veterinarians, physicians, and owners are challenged to build effective stewardship to prevent the spread of zoonoses.

Fecal Protein Profile in Eight Dogs Suffering from Acute Uncomplicated Diarrhea before and after Treatment.

Acute diarrhea is a very frequent condition affecting dogs; nevertheless, little is known about what happens in the GI tract during such conditions. Proteomics allows the study of proteins present in a specific biologic substrate, and fecal proteomic investigations have been recently implemented to study GI diseases in dogs. In the present study, the fecal protein profiles of eight dogs suffering from acute uncomplicated diarrhea at the time of inclusion was investigated for the first time, and then the same patients were followed, replicating two further evaluations at two subsequent time points (after 2 and 14 days from the first presentation), with the aim of gaining possible new insights regarding the pathologic changes in the gastrointestinal environment during such conditions. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) was performed, followed by mass spectrometry. Nine spots, corresponding to four (groups of) proteins (i.e., albumin, alkaline phosphatase, chymotrypsin-C-like, and some immunoglobulins), showed significant differences at two or more of the three time points investigated, almost all behaving similarly and decreasing at T1 (2 days after the onset of the condition) and significantly increasing at T2 (14 days after the onset), mainly evidencing a reaction of the organism. Further studies including a greater number of patients and possibly different techniques are needed to confirm the present findings.

Fluorescent Light Energy in the Management of Multi Drug Resistant Canine Pyoderma: A Prospective Exploratory Study.

The increase in prevalence of staphylococcal antimicrobial resistance has been also associated with pyoderma in dogs, and prolonged antibiotic treatment, as often needed in severe cases of pyoderma, has been related to influencing possible development of multidrug resistance (MDR). Fluorescent light energy (FLE) has been indicated to improve pyoderma lesions as adjunct therapy to systemic antibiotics. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of FLE on clinical signs of MDR canine deep pyoderma (CDP) and interdigital furunculosis (CIF) when administered as solely management. Sixteen client-owned dogs affected by CIF (five dogs) and CDP (eleven dogs) were scored using a dedicated scoring system and received a single FLE applications twice weekly, until clinical resolution was achieved. Mean time to achieve complete resolution was 5.20 ± 3.56 weeks (median 3 weeks) for CIF cases and 4.18 ± 1.47 weeks (median 4 weeks) for CDP ones. FLE shows promise as an aid to managing clinical signs while reducing reliance on antibiotics for MDR CDP and CIF. In this study, FLE was responsible for the decrease in lesion scores and resolution of MDR pyoderma infection without any adjunct therapy, having a potential useful role to play in antibiotic stewardship programs, efficiently promoting complete clinical resolution of MDR lesions while optimizing the use of antibiotics.

Dog-human translational genomics: state of the art and genomic resources.

Innovative models for medical research are strongly required nowadays. Convincing evidence supports dog as the most suitable spontaneous model for several human genetic diseases. Decades of studies on dog genome allowed the identification of hundreds of mutations causing genetic disorders, many of which are proposed as counterparts responsible for human diseases. Traditionally, the murine model is the most extensively used in human translational research. However, this species shows large physiological differences from humans, and it is kept under a controlled artificial environment. Conversely, canine genetic disorders often show pathophysiological and clinical features highly resembling the human counterpart. In addition, dogs share the same environment with humans; therefore, they are naturally exposed to many risk factors. Thus, different branches of translational medicine aim to study spontaneously occurring diseases in dogs to provide a more reliable model for human disorders. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the knowledge and resources available today for all the researchers involved in the field of dog-human translational medicine. Some of the main successful examples from dog-human translational genomics are reported, such as the canine association studies which helped to identify the causal mutation in the human counterpart. We also illustrated the ongoing projects aiming to create public canine big datasets. Finally, specific online databases are discussed along with several information resources that can speed up clinical translational research.

Evaluation of the Fecal Proteome in Healthy and Diseased Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) Suffering from Gastrointestinal Disorders.

Fecal proteomics allows for the identification of proteins and peptides present in stools and is useful in finding possible new biomarkers for diagnosing and/or monitoring gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. In the present study, we investigated the fecal proteome in healthy and diseased cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus). Captive individuals of this species frequently show gastrointestinal disorders characterized by recurrent episodes of diarrhea, rare episodes of vomiting and weight loss, associated with Helicobacter spp. infection. Fecal proteomic evaluation has been performed by two-dimensional electrophoresis followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. In healthy cheetahs, the results showed the presence of the following proteins: collagen alpha-1 (II) chain, transthyretin, IgG Fc-binding protein, titin, dystonin, isopentenyl-diphosphate Delta-isomerase 1, sodium/potassium-transporting ATPase subunit alpha-1 and protein disulfide-isomerase A6. The presence of albumin isoforms was found only in diseased cheetahs. The present paper reports the study of the fecal proteome in the cheetah, evidences some differences between healthy and diseased patients and confirms, once again, the potential of fecal proteomics for the study of the GI environment, with promising developments regarding the identification of new diagnostic/monitoring markers.

Fluorescence Biomodulation for Canine Interdigital Furunculosis: Updates for Once-Weekly Schedule.

Interdigital furunculosis is a common multifactorial, inflammatory disease of the canine interdigital skin in which lesions commonly become secondarily infected. Fluorescence biomodulation (FBM) administered twice weekly has shown to effectively control clinical manifestation as adjunct therapy to systemic antibiotic. Since twice weekly regimen could be unaffordable for some pet owners, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of once weekly application of FBM in combination with systemic antibiotic on clinical manifestations of canine interdigital pyoderma, comparing the results to those present in literature. Twelve dogs diagnosed with interdigital pyoderma received antibiotic plus once weekly FBM application. Dogs were scored until complete healing based on global lesion score and neutrophil engulfing bacterial score. The results obtained demonstrated that once weekly application of FBM exerts the same beneficial effect on interdigital furunculosis healing as per twice weekly, indicating that once weekly regimen is well tolerated and is yielding similar results to twice weekly applications.

Case Report: Oral Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in a Dog Suffering From Relapsing Chronic Diarrhea-Clinical Outcome and Follow-Up.

The present case report describes the effects of orally administered fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) (frozen capsules) in a dog suffering from relapsing chronic diarrhea, needing a continuous low prednisolone dose to maintain the condition under acceptable control. Through FMT, we aimed at evaluating the possibility of improving the clinical score and/or reducing/suspending steroid administration. During a first period of strict monitoring (21 days), the canine inflammatory bowel disease activity index (CIBDAI) score passed from mild to clinically insignificant disease. Furthermore, two additional gastrointestinal signs that had been reported, bloating and episodes of painful defecation, rapidly improved (bloating) or even resolved (painful defecation). The patient was then followed for 18 months (to the authors' knowledge, the longest follow-up time ever reported in a dog), during which no serious relapses occurred and no increase in prednisolone dose was necessary. No adverse clinical effects were ever reported during monitoring. The present description provides a further experience increasing those already present in the veterinary literature, in which an agreement on how to use FMT has not yet been achieved although strongly needed and recommended.

Chronic Stress-Related Gastroenteric Pathology in Cheetah: Relation between Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors.

The rapid decline of cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) throughout their range and long-term studies of captive breeding has increased conservation action for this species including the study of chronic diseases. Gastritis is one of the captive diseases that leads to high mortality presented with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and weight loss. The disease presents different histological lesions in the gastrointestinal tract that are characterized by inconstant and different clinical appearance in captive and free-range cheetahs. The aim of this review is to summarize the causes of chronic gastritis in the cheetah. Factors including diet, living conditions, infections with gastric Helicobacter-like organisms (GHLOs), the lack of genetic polymorphism and the cheetah's specific-immunocompetence are analyzed. All studies on gastroenteric cheetah pathologies, conducted between 1991 (to the best of our knowledge, the first report on online databases) and 2021, are included in this review, highlighting the possible correlation between stress-related captive conditions and chronic gastric pathology.

Effect of a Probiotic Mixture in Captive Cheetahs (Acinonyx Jubatus) with Gastrointestinal Symptoms-A Pilot Study.

Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) are classified as "vulnerable" species due to the low numbers persisting in the wild. Gastrointestinal diseases are very common in this species when they are kept in captivity, in particular gastritis. Clinical signs are predominantly characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss and anorexia. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of a multi-strain probiotic in two groups of cheetahs: Group A (n = 4)-rescued cheetahs housed at the Cheetah Conservation Fund (Otjiwarongo, Namibia); Group B (n = 9)-captive cheetahs housed in Italian zoos. Animals showed gastrointestinal signs of different severity, and were positive for Helicobacter spp., detected by PCR in stool samples. Two sachets of probiotic formulation were administered to all cheetahs once a day for 21 consecutive days. Clinical conditions (appetite loss, vomiting, stool consistency and Body Condition Score) before (T0) and after 21 days of probiotic administration (T1) were then compared using a simplified Feline Chronic Enteropathy Activity Index (FCEAI) score. A slight but not significant improvement in the scores was observed in Group A, which had mild intestinal symptoms, while a significant decrease in vomiting and stool consistency (**p < 0.01) scores was observed in Group B, which had more pronounced symptoms. Results suggest that high concentrations of live probiotics can be of help in managing gastrointestinal signs in cheetahs.

Feline Blood Groups: A Systematic Review of Phylogenetic and Geographical Origin.

Domestic cats descended from the African wildcat several thousand years ago. Cats have spread to all parts of the world, probably along routes between civilizations or geographical boundaries, leading to the movement of species, from Asia to the African continent through the Mediterranean basin, and finally to the American continent, Australia, and New Zealand. Currently, 73 cat breeds are recognized by the International Cat Association. With the increasing interest in the selection of breeds, the determination of blood groups in cats has acquired importance over time. The AB blood group system is the most important blood system in cats, in which A, B, and AB or C blood groups are identified. This systematic review describes data from previously published reports about cat blood types and cat breeds. After applying specific criteria, 28 eligible studies were identified in which the prevalence percentages for each blood group in correlation with specific cat breeds were reported. The breeds were, in turn, divided into four groups according to their geographic and phylogenetic origins as follows: Asian cat breeds, American cat breeds, European cat breeds, and breeds from Oceania. Although numerous studies were carried out before 2021, gaps in the literature on the AB system and, in particular, the Mik group are highlighted.

Clinicopathological and Fecal Proteome Evaluations in 16 Dogs Presenting Chronic Diarrhea Associated with Lymphangiectasia.

Canine intestinal lymphangiectasia (IL) is a condition characterized by variably severe gastrointestinal signs, frequently associated with laboratory abnormalities; the research for markers allowing a better understanding of the severity degree and/or obtaining an early diagnosis and/or monitoring is continuously progressing. In the present study, we investigated possible new diagnostic/follow-up markers in IL dogs, namely, serum C-reactive protein, serum bacterial lipopolysaccharide, serum cleaved cytokeratin 18, serum citrulline, and zonulin (in both serum and feces). A fecal proteomic study looking for possible confirmation and/or new marker candidates was also performed. All markers in both substrates, with the exception of serum citrulline, significantly differed between diseased and control dogs. Fecal proteomics allowed the retrieval of three proteins in IL dogs (Fc fragment of IgG-binding protein; transthyretin; proproteinase E) that were not previously found in clinically healthy subjects. Although further studies are needed, C-reactive protein, bacterial lipopolysaccharide, cleaved cytokeratin 18, and zonulin (in both serum and feces) resulted as promising markers for canine IL; similarly, fecal proteomics represents a road worthy of being pursued in the search for candidate biomarkers.

Unilateral Urogenital Disontogeny in a Dog.

The purpose of this report was to describe an uncommon congenital anomaly in a dog. An 8-year-old, mixed-breed, male dog, was referred because of progressive difficulties on defecation. A complete diagnostic work-up (hematological analysis, radiology, ultrasound, and computed tomography), followed by surgery and histopathology, allowed us to diagnose the condition as unilateral urogenital disontogeny. The disorder was characterized by unilateral anomalies of the urinary tract (ectopic and dilated hydroureter, hydronephrosis, and renal dysplasia) associated with ipsilateral anomalies of the genital system (partial permanence of the duct of Wolff evolved into an epididymal-like structure and testicular agenesis). En bloc surgical excision of the complex of urogenital anomalies was performed with no complications during or after surgery. Surgery was considered to be effective in this dog since he no longer showed clinical signs of illness.

Faecal proteome in clinically healthy dogs and cats: Findings in pooled faeces from 10 cats and 10 dogs.

BACKGROUND: In the scientific literature, there are only a few manuscripts available on small animal faecal proteomics. METHODS: In the present pilot study, this evaluation was performed using pooled faecal samples from 10 clinically healthy dogs and, for the first time, in 10 clinically healthy cats by mean of two-dimensional electrophoresis followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Our results showed the presence of nine (albumin, alkaline phosphatase, chymotrypsin-C-like, cytosol aminopeptidase, elastase-3B/proteinase E, immunoglobulins and nuclear pore membrane glycoprotein 210) and 14 (albumin, caspase recruitment domain-containing protein, chymotrypsin-like, deleted in malignant brain tumours 1 protein-like, hypothetical protein LOC107375, immunoglobulin, kallikrein-1, superoxide dismutase, transthyretin precursor, interstitial collagenase-like) different proteins in canine and feline faeces, respectively. CONCLUSION: These preliminary findings document the presence of a range of proteins in the faeces of apparently healthy dogs and cats and may serve as a basis for larger, prospective studies to establish reference proteomic data against which diseased populations can be compared.

Updates on Laboratory Evaluation of Feline Cardiac Diseases.

Laboratory tests can be altered in cardiovascular diseases and the investigation of specific tests or biomarkers may provide additional information about myocardial damage. Traditional laboratory tests, such as cell blood count, serum biochemistry, and coagulation, can be useful in investigating patients, but are not specific. However, markers like Troponin and Natriuretic Peptides may possibly furnish further data on myocardium damage and can be used in both studying and monitoring cats with cardiac disease. Moreover, the evaluation of the thyroid profile is very important as hyperthyroid cats concomitant cardiovascular diseases are very common and they can also be a direct consequence of endocrinopathy. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide the widest possible overview of what is present in the literature about the feline clinical pathology of heart diseases through a rational division of the main alterations of traditional tests and biomarkers.

Therapeutic approaches to coronavirus infection according to "One Health" concept.

Coronaviridae constantly infect human and animals causing respiratory, gastroenteric or systemic diseases. Over time, these viruses have shown a marked ability to mutate, jumping over the human-animal barrier, thus becoming from enzootic to zoonotic. In the last years, numerous therapeutic protocols have been developed, mainly for severe acute respiratory syndromes in humans. The aim of this review is to summarize drugs or other approaches used in coronavirus infections focusing on different roles of these molecules or bacterial products on viral adhesion and replication or in modulating the host's immune system. Within the "One Health" concept, the study of viral pathogenic role and possible therapeutic approaches in both humans and animals is essential to protect public health.

Canine Blood Group Prevalence and Geographical Distribution around the World: An Updated Systematic Review.

In recent years, blood transfusions have been more commonly given to pets. The importance of determining blood groups in dogs and cats is, therefore, well-known for reducing the risk of adverse reactions in the recipient blood caused by a "non-compatible" donor. This systematic review summarizes data from previously published reports and follows the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines for systematic reviews. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we identified 41 eligible studies using different states and blood-typing methods to determine blood groups in dogs. The dog blood groups that were identified between 1999 and 2020 in 17 different countries were combined to yield the DEA (Dog Erythrocyte Antigen), Kai, and Dal groups. These studies were conducted in Europe, America, Africa, and Asia but not in all the countries of these continents. The methods used to determine blood types have also changed over the years. This systematic review highlights gaps in the literature and should advance future studies synthesizing data with methodological rigor.

The Effectiveness of Fluorescent Light Energy as Adjunct Therapy in Canine Deep Pyoderma: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

A single centre, single-blinded, prospective, randomized, controlled clinical study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of twice weekly fluorescent light energy therapy (Phovia™) as adjunct to systemic antibiotics in the management of deep pyoderma in dogs. Dogs with clinical lesions consistent with deep pyoderma, positive bacterial culture, and showing neutrophil engulfing bacteria at cytology were included in the study. Assessments were undertaken weekly for 8 weeks and every 2 weeks thereafter until 12 weeks after enrolment. At each visit, lesions were scored and cytology was conducted to determine a neutrophil engulfing bacteria score. All dogs (Groups A and B) were treated with systemic antibiotic twice daily, and Group B received additionally Phovia twice weekly. Median treatment duration was 11.7 weeks for Group A and 5.7 weeks for Group B. After 8 weeks of treatment, the percentage of dogs that achieved clinical resolution was 35.0% and 88.0% for Groups A and B, respectively. Lesion scores showed highly statistically significant difference in favour of Group B from week 3 to 8, and neutrophil engulfing bacteria scores showed statistical difference from week 2 onwards in favour of Group B. These results indicate that Phovia, when used as an adjunct to systemic antibiotics, can accelerate time to clinical resolution in cases of canine deep pyoderma.