Relationship between FGF 23, SDMA, Urea, Creatinine and Phosphate in Relation to Feline Chronic Kidney Disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common diagnosis in older cats, and its prevalence increases with age. Conventional indirect biomarkers of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) have their limitations, and are not efficient in detecting early decreases in glomerular filtration rate. Recently, symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) concentrations have been proposed as a novel biomarker of GFR for the early detection of CKD. This study discusses the relationship between SDMA, FGF 23 and previously used indicators of kidney function, mainly creatinine, urea and phosphate. Ninety-nine cats were included in this study. Based on their SDMA values, 48 cats had CKD and the remaining 51 cats were used as a healthy control group. Serum of these cats was assayed for creatinine, urea and phosphate concentrations as well as FGF 23 values, and correlations between them were evaluated. Cats with CKD had higher FGF 23 concentrations than healthy cats, and no correlation was found between FGF 23 and SDMA, nor between FGF 23 and phosphate. On the other hand, phosphate strongly correlated with SDMA, urea and creatinine, making it a possible independent factor of CKD progression.

Comparative Study of Classical and Alternative Therapy in Dogs with Allergies.

Allergy is a malfunction of the immune system that causes an inappropriate reaction to normally harmless substances known as allergens, such as food components, pollen, parasites, mites, medication, etc. It is very important to make a correct diagnosis, to identify and to eliminate the offending allergen from the body, and provide control and long-term management to achieve a comfortable life for the animal. In the case of highly intensive pruritus, drugs such as glucocorticoids, antihistamines, and Janus kinase inhibitors are generally administered. Unfortunately, common drugs are not always able to resolve the problem. This comparative clinical-outcomes study focused on the application of alternatives, where a combination of acupuncture with phytotherapy and nutrition was applied. These traditional methods do not affect the body only symptomatologically; instead, they treat the patient as a whole. In this clinical study, the therapeutic effects and partial or complete stabilization of the allergic condition of fourteen dogs divided into two groups were observed, compared, and evaluated.

Any Future for Faecal Microbiota Transplantation as a Novel Strategy for Gut Microbiota Modulation in Human and Veterinary Medicine?

Alterations in the composition of the intestinal microbiome, also known as dysbiosis, are the result of many factors such as diet, antibiotics, stress, diseases, etc. There are currently several ways to modulate intestinal microbiome such as dietary modulation, the use of antimicrobials, prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, and synbiotics. Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) represents one new method of gut microbiota modulation in humans with the aim of reconstructing the intestinal microbiome of the recipient. In human medicine, this form of bacteriotherapy is successfully used in cases of recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). FMT has been known in large animal medicine for several years. In small animal medicine, the use of FMT is not part of normal practice.

Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Malarone®, Azithromycin and Artesunate Combination for Treatment of Babesia gibsoni in Naturally Infected Dogs.

Babesia gibsoni is a tick-borne protozoal blood parasite that may cause hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, lethargy, and/or splenomegaly in dogs. Many drugs have been used in management of canine babesiosis such as monotherapy or combined treatment, including diminazene aceturate, imidocarb dipropionate, atovaquone, and antibiotics. This report examines the effectiveness and safety of Malarone®, azithromycin (AZM) and artesunate (ART) combination for the treatment of babesiosis in dogs naturally infected with Babesia gibsoni. Twelve American Pit Bull Terriers were included in the experiment. Examined dogs underwent clinical and laboratory analysis including hematology and biochemistry profile and serum protein electrophoresis. After diagnosis, the dogs received combined therapy with Malarone® (13.5 mg/kg PO q24 h), azithromycin (10 mg/kg PO q24 h) and artesunate (12.5 mg/kg PO q24 h) for 10 days. The combined treatment improved hematology and biochemical parameters to the reference range gradually during the first 14 days already, resulting in the stable values until day 56 after treatment. No clinically apparent adverse effects were reported during treatment and monitoring. No relapses of parasitemia were detected in control days 180, 360, 540 and 720 in all dogs. Results of the study indicate that the combined treatment leads to successful elimination of parasitemia in chronically infected dogs with B. gibsoni.