Nasal microbiota profiles in shelter dogs with dermatological conditions carrying methicillin-resistant and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus species.

Dermatological conditions may be complicated by Staphylococcus spp. infections influencing skin and nasal microbiota. We investigated the associations between the resident nasal microbiota of shelter dogs with and without dermatological conditions carrying methicillin-resistant and -sensitive Staphylococcus spp. Nasal sampling of 16 dogs with and 52 without dermatological conditions were performed upon shelter admission (baseline), and then bi-weekly until discharge (follow-up). All samples were cultured for Staphylococcus spp., while 52 samples underwent microbiota analysis. Two elastic net logistic regression (ENR) models (Model 1-baseline samples; Model 2-follow-up samples) were developed to identify predictive associations between dermatological conditions and the variables: signalment, antimicrobial treatment, and nasal microbial genera. Follow-up nasal samples of dogs with dermatological conditions had decreased microbiota diversity and abundance compared to dogs without dermatological conditions. Our ENR models identified predictive differences in signalment and nasal microbial genera between baseline and follow-up samples. Co-occurrence networks showed nasal microbial genera were more dissimilar when comparing dogs with and without dermatological conditions at follow-up. Overall, this study is the first to investigate Staphylococcus spp. carriage effects on nasal microbial genera in a canine animal shelter population, and ultimately reveals the importance of investigating decolonisation and probiotic therapies for restoring nasal microbiota.

The effects of oclacitinib treatment on antimicrobial usage in allergic dogs in primary practice: an Australia wide case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Canine allergic dermatitis is a common diagnosis in veterinary practices which can lead to secondary infections requiring treatment with antimicrobials. A previous study suggested that dogs treated with oclacitinib in an Australian referral hospital required fewer courses of antimicrobial therapy compared to dogs receiving other anti-pruritic treatments. This study aimed to quantify the effect of oclacitinib treatment on the use of antimicrobials and other therapies in general practice veterinary clinics across Australia. A retrospective case-controlled review of patient records was designed to investigate the number of courses of antimicrobials and other therapies in dogs that received oclacitinib (Apoquel®), compared with those who received an anti-pruritic treatment that was not oclacitinib. RESULTS: The target population included canine patients with a presumptive diagnosis of allergic dermatitis presenting between 2008 and 2018 to general practices contributing to the VetCompass Australia database. Patient records of interest were identified using search terms relating to allergic dermatitis, resulting in over 700,000 observations. Multivariable logistic regression models were developed to determine whether cases were prescribed fewer antimicrobial courses than controls, after adjusting for the presence of concurrent skin infections or infectious agents in ears. Our results indicate that fewer antimicrobial courses were prescribed in the cases compared to the controls. After adjusting for the concurrent skin infections, there was a significant reduction in the use of cefovecin [OR:0.62(0.39-0.98), P = 0.043], chlorhexidine [OR:0.57(0.42-0.77), P < 0.001], neomycin [OR:0.4(0.28-0.56), P < 0.001] and amoxycillin clavulanic acid (AMC) [OR: 0.55(0.39-0.78), P = 0.001] in cases compared to controls. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a potential sparing effect of oclacitinib on the prescription of antimicrobials for the treatment of allergic skin diseases in dogs. This information may assist in the planning of treatment for canine allergic dermatitis, with consideration for antimicrobial stewardship.

Cystoscopic-guided scissor transection of intramural ectopic ureters as a novel alternate minimally invasive treatment option to laser ablation in female dogs: 8 cases (2011-2020).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of cystoscopic-guided scissor transection of ectopic ureters (CST-EU) in female dogs. ANIMALS: 8 incontinent female dogs with intramural ectopic ureters. PROCEDURES: For this retrospective case series, data were collected from medical records of dogs that underwent CST-EU to relocate the ectopic ureteral orifice to an anatomically normal trigonal location between June 2011 and December 2020. Outcome after hospital discharge was determined using owner telephone questionnaires. RESULTS: Ectopic ureters were bilateral in 4 of the 8 dogs, and all dogs had other urogenital tract anomalies. Owner questionnaire follow-up was available for 7 dogs, and results indicated 6 dogs had improved urinary continence immediately following the procedure. At the last follow-up (44 to 3,384 days after CST-EU), 3 of the 7 dogs were completely continent with CST-EU alone, 3 others became continent or were markedly improved with the addition of medications for urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence, and 1 required ureteroneocystostomy, colposuspension, and an artificial urethral sphincter to become fully continent. Owners of 5 of the 7 dogs reported that they considered the outcome of CST-EU as good to excellent, and all owners reported that they would consider having CST-EU performed again should they have another incontinent dog. Complications were minor, and only 3 dogs showed transient lower urinary tract signs after CST-EU. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated CST-EU could provide a safe, effective, minimally invasive alternative in the absence of laser technology for the treatment of intramural ectopic ureters in female dogs.

Molecular Epidemiology of Clinical and Colonizing Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Isolates in Companion Animals.

In this study, we aimed to investigate the molecular epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) clinical and colonizing isolates of dogs and cats to profile contributing factors associated with their isolation. Nasal and rectal samples were collected from dogs and cats between 2015 and 2017 to identify colonizing isolates. Clinical isolates collected between 2003 and 2016 were retrieved from a Queensland university veterinary diagnostic laboratory. All isolates were identified using standard microbiological and molecular methods and were characterized by whole genome sequencing. Phylogenetic relationships and differences in epidemiological factors were investigated. Seventy-two MRSP isolates out of 1,460 colonizing samples and nine MRSP clinical isolates were identified. No MRSA was isolated. ST496 and ST749 were the most commonly isolated sequence types with different SCCmec types. ST496 clones spread both along the coast and more inland where ST749 was more centered in Brisbane. The resistance and virulence factors differed significantly between the two sequence types. ST496 colonizing and clinical isolates were similarly multidrug resistant. The virulence genes of ST749 colonizing and clinical isolates were similar as both contained the gene nanB for sialidase. There were no differences in the individual and clinical factors between predominant sequence types. High levels of antimicrobial resistance occurred in the majority of isolates, which is of potential concern to human and veterinary health. The phylogenetic clustering of isolates from this study and others previously identified in countries, particularly New Zealand, with which Australia has high volume of pet movements could suggest the importation of clones, which needs further investigation.

The Association Between the Use of Oclacitinib and Antibacterial Therapy in Dogs With Allergic Dermatitis: A Retrospective Case-Control Study.

Background: Canine allergic dermatitis, including atopic dermatitis, often requires antibacterial therapy for concurrent infections. Oclacitinib is indicated for treatment of pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis and the clinical manifestations of atopic dermatitis in dogs aged ≥12 months. Hypothesis/Objectives: We aimed to determine if there was a quantitative difference in antibacterial use by dogs with allergic dermatitis receiving oclacitinib vs. other anti-pruritic therapies and before vs. after oclacitinib. Animals: In this retrospective case-control study, cases (n = 58) included dogs suffering from allergic dermatitis aged ≥12 months receiving oclacitinib and controls (n = 205) were counterpart dogs treated with other anti-pruritic therapies. Methods: Clinical histories of dogs with allergic dermatitis were collected from a small animal university hospital. Multivariable logistic regression models were developed adjusting for underlying skin or ear conditions to determine whether cases were prescribed fewer antibacterials than controls. Results: The odds of systemic antibacterial usage were lower in cases vs. controls [odds ratio (OR): 0.29 (95% confidence interval 0.12-0.71); P = 0.007]. The odds of amoxycillin clavulanic acid usage (12.5-25 mg/kg orally every 12 h) was lower in cases vs. controls [OR: 0.08 (0.01-0.71); P = 0.024]. Topical antibacterial drug use was reduced overall; however, only the odds of neomycin use was lower in cases vs. controls [OR: 0.3 (0.1-0.89); P = 0.029]. Cases had higher odds of experiencing improvements in allergic dermatitis categories vs. controls [OR: 7.89 (3.26-19.13); P < 0.001]. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Our results suggest that use of oclacitinib to treat allergic dermatitis in dogs is associated with less antibacterial use than other anti-pruritic therapies.

Epidemiology of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus species carriage in companion animals in the Greater Brisbane Area, Australia.

To detect methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) swab samples were collected from dogs, cats and horses from South East Queensland (SE QLD). MRSP carriage in dogs was 8.7% and no MRSP was isolated from cats and horses; no MRSA was isolated. Risk factors for carriage included previous hospitalisation, previous bacterial infection, consultation type, average precipitation, and human population density. The probability of MRSP carriage was highest in Brisbane city, Sunshine Coast and Gympie. This suggests that MRSP carriage in dog populations from SE QLD is geographically clustered and associated with clinical and environmental factors.

Environmental Recovery of Nosocomial Bacteria in a Companion Animal Shelter Before and After Infection Control Procedures.

While the effects of cleaning and disinfection practices on the reduction of environmental nosocomial bacteria are well-established in human and large animal veterinary hospitals, how animal movements within animal health care facilities influence environmental bacterial recovery is poorly understood. During three consecutive weeks, 155 electrostatic wipes were collected from the environment pre- and post-cleaning only or following disinfection from seven target locations within an animal shelter. All samples were cultured, and isolates were identified using a matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. Social network analysis of animal movements during the sampling period was performed to estimate the level of connectivity of the seven target locations. The relationship between bacterial levels and connectivity estimates of the target locations were investigated using a negative binomial regression model with a random effect of sampling areas. Overall, our results indicate a significant reduction in the total bacterial contamination with disinfection when compared to cleaning only [Coefficient (Coef.) = -1.72, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = -3.09, -0.34, P = 0.015]. Higher total bacterial contamination was significantly more likely in sampled areas with less animal movement connectivity (Coef. = -0.32, 95% CI = -0.49, -0.15, P ≤ 0.001). Pseudomonas aeruginosa and ampicillin resistant Enterobacteriaceae (Escherichia coli, Enterobacter spp. and Klebsiella spp.) were present in the animal holdings and in the shelters' veterinary clinic environment at all sampling times. Our findings demonstrate that cleaning followed by disinfection practices are effective at reducing environmental bacterial levels. Areas with less animal connectivity are more likely to have a higher bacterial contamination. These areas could represent environmental reservoirs for bacterial infection and should be targeted with effective cleaning and disinfection protocols.

Treatment of congenital distal ureteral orifice stenosis by endoscopic laser ablation in dogs: 16 cases (2010-2014).

OBJECTIVE To determine characteristics of and outcomes for dogs with congenital distal ureteral orifice stenosis (CDUOS) treated by cystoscopic-guided laser ablation (CLA). DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 16 client-owned dogs with CDUOS treated by CLA at 2 veterinary hospitals between 2010 and 2014. PROCEDURES Medical records were reviewed and data collected regarding clinical findings, imaging results, surgery characteristics, treatment, and outcome. Follow-up information was collected from dog owners and referring veterinarians via standardized interview. RESULTS Dogs included 10 males and 6 females; median age was 11.5 months (range, 4 to 112 months). Labrador Retriever (n = 6; 3 males) was the most common breed. Intramural ectopic ureteral openings were identified at the site of stenosis in 15 dogs (18/20 stenotic ureteral openings). Treatment with CLA to enlarge and relocate the stenotic opening was successful in all dogs. Median duration of anesthesia and hospitalization was 105 minutes and 24 hours, respectively. No complications were noted. Fourteen dogs remained alive (2 lost to follow-up) during a median follow-up period of 14.5 months. Owners of 11 of 13 dogs reported improvement in their dog's quality of life after CLA. The treated ureteral orifice remained patent in the 2 dogs that were reimaged. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE CDUOS should be considered as a differential diagnosis for dogs with idiopathic distal ureteral obstruction, particularly young male Labrador Retrievers, and was most often associated with an intramural ectopic ureter in this study. Treatment with CLA was safe and effective for opening the ureteral orifice.

Disseminated Chrysosporium infection in a German shepherd dog.

Disseminated Chrysosporium spp. infection was diagnosed in a German shepherd dog based on a positive fungal culture and cytological findings of intralesional fungi associated with granulomatous splenitis and neutrophilic lymphadenitis. The clinical presentation that could mimic a multicentric lymphoma, including markedly enlarged lymph nodes and a very abnormal splenic appearance on ultrasound makes this case even more atypical. The patient showed rapid clinical improvement on oral posaconazole and remains clinically stable ten months after diagnosis.

Cyclic estrous-like behavior in a spayed cat associated with excessive sex-hormone production by an adrenocortical carcinoma.

A 15-year-old, spayed female domestic shorthair cat was evaluated for 1-year duration of cyclic intermittent estrous behavior. Diagnostic testing performed before referral, including baseline progesterone concentration, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone stimulation test and surgical exploratory laparotomy, had remained inconclusive for a remnant ovary. Evaluation of sex hormones before and after adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) administration revealed increased basal concentrations of androstenedione, estradiol, progesterone, and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone and normal ACTH-stimulated hormone concentrations. Enlargement of the right adrenal gland was identified by abdominal ultrasound. The cat underwent an adrenalectomy and histopathology of the excised adrenal gland was consistent with an adrenocortical carcinoma. Clinical signs resolved immediately following surgery, and most hormone concentrations declined to within or below the reference interval (RI) by 2 months after surgery.

Diffuse cylindrical bronchiectasis due to eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy in a dog.

A miniature pinscher-cross was evaluated for chronic coughing. Computed tomography and bronchoscopy revealed severe, diffuse, cylindrical bronchiectasis secondary to eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy. Computed tomography is the gold standard for diagnosis of bronchiectasis in humans, and should be further investigated in dogs as a means of characterizing severity and pattern of disease.

A retrospective study of canine persistent nasal disease: 80 cases (1998-2003).

Persistent canine nasal disease is a common complaint in small animal practice; however, an etiologic diagnosis can be difficult to establish. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the percentage of cases for which the etiology was determined in our hospital population. Medical records from 80 dogs met the criteria of inclusion in the study. Nonspecific rhinitis was identified in 23.7% of cases. Other diagnoses were neoplasia (15.0%), fungal infection (nasal aspergillosis) (8.7%), cleft palate (8.7%), periodontal disease (4.0%), parasites (1.3%), foreign body (1.3%), and primary bacterial disease (1.3%). A definitive diagnosis could not be established in 36.3% of cases. Dogs with neoplastic and mycotic diseases often presented with severe radiographic and rhinoscopic lesions. Despite a systematic approach, numerous cases went undiagnosed. The use of advanced imaging should increase our ability to obtain an etiologic diagnosis in canine nasal disease.