Clinical presentation, diagnostic investigations, treatment protocols and outcomes of dogs diagnosed with tick-borne diseases living in the United Kingdom: 76 cases (2005-2019).

OBJECTIVES: To report the presence of tick-borne diseases in dogs living in the United Kingdom. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dogs with a final diagnosis of tick-borne diseases made between January 2005 and August 2019 at seven referral institutions in the United Kingdom were included in the study. RESULTS: Seventy-six dogs were included: 25 were diagnosed with ehrlichiosis, 23 with babesiosis, eight with Lyme borreliosis and six with anaplasmosis. Fourteen dogs had co-infections with two or three pathogens. Except for those dogs with anaplasmosis and Lyme borreliosis, most dogs with tick-borne diseases had a history of travel to or from endemic countries. However, three dogs with ehrlichiosis, and one dog each infected with Babesia canis and Babesia vulpes did not have any history of travel. A variety of non-specific clinical signs and laboratory abnormalities were reported. Targeted treatment was successful at achieving clinical remission in 64 (84%) dogs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Even in non-endemic areas, veterinary surgeons should consider tick-borne diseases in dogs with compatible clinical presentation and laboratory findings and especially where there is a history of travel. As autochthonous transmission of tick-borne-pathogens does occur, an absence of travel should not rule out tick-borne diseases. Specific diagnostic testing is required to confirm infection, and this enables prompt targeted treatment and often a positive outcome.

Chronic diarrhea secondary to canine leishmaniosis: Case series.

Chronic diarrhea is a clinical sign associated with canine leishmaniosis, varying from 3 % to 30 % of prevalence. However, its occurrence in dogs has been mostly associated with chronic kidney or liver disease. Leishmania organisms can cause inflammation of the digestive tract with chronic diarrhea as the only clinical manifestation, although it has been poorly documented in dogs. The aim of this retrospective observational study was to describe dogs with chronic diarrhea as the main clinical sign associated with leishmaniosis. All cases had a complete blood count, biochemistry, urinalyses, and diagnostic tests for leishmaniosis. Exclusion criteria included renal or hepatic disease and/or previous diagnosis of gastrointestinal disease. Twenty-three dogs were included. Small bowel diarrhea was present in 7/23 (30.4 %), large bowel diarrhea in 9/23 (39.2 %) and mixed diarrhea in 7/23 (30.4 %). Gastrointestinal biopsies were performed in 8/23 dogs and Leishmania amastigotes were found in all of them. In the others, leishmaniosis was diagnosed by serology in 10/15 dogs (66.7 %), serology plus blood PCR in 3/15 (20.0 %), lymph node cytology in 1/15 (6.7 %), and blood PCR in 1/15 (6.7 %). All dogs treated had a complete resolution of diarrhea with specific treatment for leishmaniosis alone, based on meglumine antimoniate (75-100 mg/kg SID SC for 1 month) plus allopurinol (10 mg/kg BID PO ≥ 6 months). This study suggests that leishmaniosis should be also included in the differential diagnosis of dogs from endemic areas presenting with the primary problem of large-bowel, small-bowel, or mixed-bowel chronic diarrhea.

Prevalence and Characterization of Urinary Tract Infection in Owned Dogs and Cats From Spain.

Bacterial urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common clinical concern in dogs. However, incidence of feline UTI is much lower than in dogs although an increasing prevalence has been registered. The main objective of the present study was to describe and characterize the prevalence of urinary tract pathogens in urine samples of dogs and cats with urinary clinical signs throughout different Spanish provinces. Secondary aims were to determine if there were differences in urine sample characterizations based on species (i.e., dog and cat) or season. Dogs were found to have a higher rate of positive urinary cultures than cats (39.3% and 24.7% of the cultures submitted, respectively). The bacterial genera most commonly isolated in dogs were Escherichia spp. (45.3%), Proteus spp. (13.2%), Staphylococcus spp. (11%), and Enterococcus spp. (8.6%). Whereas in the feline population, Escherichia spp. (42.7%), Enterococcus spp. (22.2%), and Staphyloccoccus spp. (15.2%) were the most frequently isolated bacteria. The highest rates of positive urine cultures were registered in Melilla (70%), Zamora (66.7%), Teruel (64.3%), and Guadalajara (60%). Moreover, the proportion of positive urine cultures was not homogeneously distributed across provinces. Finally, some seasonality was found among most isolated bacterias. Enterococcus spp. was significantly more prevalent in summer, whereas Escherichia spp. and Proteus spp. were more commonly isolated in spring and Pseudomonas spp. in autumn.

Leptospira seroprevalence in owned dogs from Spain.

Leptospira is a widespread zoonosis that has been linked to transmission between dogs and humans. The main purposes were to determine the seroprevalence of anti-Leptospira serum antibody and to identify the most common serovars in dogs in Spain. This is a cross-sectional study with 1,310 records of canine Leptospira testing data from Spain since 2015 to 2017. Inclusion criteria were individual cases with MAT test results for 8 serovars (Bratislava, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Australis, Pomona, Grippotyphosa, Autumnalis, Canicola and Saxkoebing) and to have the zip code data. Three hundred and thirty-eight samples (25.8%; 95%CI 23.6-28.4) were seropositive (≥1:100). According to geographic areas, North had the highest seroprevalence (38.0%; 95%CI 28.9-47.1) followed by South (29.4%; 95%CI 20.1-38.8), Center (28.6%; 95%CI 24.3-33.0), Mediterranean (22.3%; 95%CI 19.1-25.6) and Northwest (22.2%; 95%CI 7.9-36.4). Seropositivity (MAT ≥1:100) was most common to serovars Icterohaemorrhagiae (19.4%; 95%CI 17.2-21.5) and Bratislava (8.5%; 95%CI 7.0-10.0), followed by Grippotyphosa (7.2%; 95%CI 5.8-8.6), Australis (6.4%; 95%CI 5.0-7.7), Autumnalis (5.0%; 95%CI 3.8-6.2), Pomona (4.5%; 95%CI 3.3-5.6), Canicola (3.4%; 95%CI 2.4-4.4) and Saxkoebing (0.8%; 95%CI 0.3-1.3). An association was found between positivity (MAT ≥1:100) and males (P = 0.003) and dogs that were 6 years old or older were at higher risk of exposure (P = 0.001; OR 4.61; 95%CI 1.86-11.43). This study has shown that dogs in Spain are commonly exposed to Leptospira infection and points out the necessity to control the prevalence of this severe widespread zoonosis in dogs and humans.

Endosymbionts carried by ticks feeding on dogs in Spain.

Studies on tick microbial communities historically focused on tick-borne pathogens. However, there is an increasing interest in capturing relationships among non-pathogenic endosymbionts and exploring their relevance for tick biology. The present study included a total of 1600 adult ticks collected from domestic dogs in 4 different biogeographical regions of Spain. Each pool formed by 1 to 10 halves of individuals representing one specific ticks species was examined by PCR for the presence of Coxiellaceae, Rickettsia spp., Rickettsiales, Wolbachia spp., and other bacterial DNA. Of the pools analyzed, 92% tested positive for endosymbiont-derived DNA. Coxiella spp. endosymbionts were the most prevalent microorganisms, being always present in Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) pools. Rickettsia spp. DNA was detected in 60% of Dermacentor reticulatus pools and 40% of R. sanguineus s.l. pools, with a higher diversity of Rickettsia species in R. sanguineus s.l. pools. Our study reveals a negative relationship of Rickettsia massiliae with the presence of tick-borne pathogens in the same pool of ticks. An additional endosymbiont, 'Candidatus Rickettsiella isopodorum', was only detected in D. reticulatus pools. Data from this study indicate that dogs in Spain are exposed to several endosymbionts. Due to the importance of tick-borne pathogens, characterizing the role of endosymbionts for tick physiology and prevalence, may lead to novel control strategies.

Prevalence of Proteinuria in Owned Dogs from Italy: A Multicentric Study.

Even though proteinuria is related to different causes, when it is persistent and associated with inactive urinary sediment, it is primarily due to kidney disease. Early detection of proteinuria allows us to identify several pathological conditions. The aim of the study was screening a canine population not known as being proteinuric, by the urinary dipstick. The study was carried out in seven Italian veterinary clinics during a period of six weeks. Dogs were enrolled with no restriction of sex or age. Females in estrus, dogs with signs of genitourinary diseases, or those previously diagnosed with proteinuric nephropathy were excluded. Dogs were considered "nonproteinuric" (NP) in case of negative dipstick test or "suspected proteinuric" (SP), if positive at the dipstick. When possible, proteinuria was confirmed by UPC ratio. A total of 1156 dogs were evaluated: 414 were from northern Italy and 742 from southern Italy. Based on dipstick test, 655 (56.6%) dogs were NP, while 501 (43.3%) were SP. Among the NP dogs 225 out of 414 (54.3%) were in northern Italy and 430 of 742 (57.9%) in southern Italy. One hundred eighty-nine of 414 (45.7%) SP dogs were identified in northern Italy and 312 of 742 (42.1%) in southern Italy. No statistical difference was found between the North and the South of Italy. UPC was available in 412 out of 501 SP samples: proteinuria was confirmed in 263 (63.86%) samples. Results from our study showed a high percentage of suspected proteinuric dogs, apparently not affected by renal diseases, together with the absence of statistically significant differences based on geographical area.

Polymerase chain reaction detection of Bartonella spp. in dogs from Spain with blood culture-negative infectious endocarditis.

OBJECTIVES: The presence of Bartonella spp. was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in dogs from Spain with blood culture-negative endocarditis. The aim of this study is to add information about canine infectious endocarditis in Europe. ANIMALS: Thirty dogs with naturally occurring blood culture-negative endocarditis were examined from 2010 to 2017 at three veterinary referral hospitals, located in northwest, northeast, and southeast of Spain. METHODS: It is a retrospective study. Medical records were reviewed to extract relevant data. Frozen or paraffin-embedded cardiac valve tissue and/or ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid blood samples were evaluated by PCR for the presence of Bartonella DNA. Positive results were sequenced to confirm the species. RESULTS: Polymerase chain reaction was positive for eight out of 30 dogs included (26.6%). Bartonella rochalimae, Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii, and Bartonella koehlerae were detected in valve tissue or blood. CONCLUSIONS: Bartonella could be an important cause of blood culture-negative infectious endocarditis in dogs from Spain. The outcome for those dogs affected with Bartonella spp. was grave. Prompt empirical treatment with amoxicillin-clavulanate plus fluoroquinolones could be of value in cases of blood culture-negative endocarditis.

PCR evaluation of selected vector-borne pathogens in dogs with pericardial effusion.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate evidence for selected vector-borne pathogen infections in dogs with pericardial effusion living in a Mediterranean area in which several canine vector-borne diseases are endemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Archived EDTA blood (n=68) and pericardial fluid samples (n=58) from dogs with pericardial effusion (n=68) were included. Dogs without pericardial effusion examined for other reasons were included as controls (n=60). Pericardial effusion was classified as neoplastic in 40 dogs, idiopathic in 23 dogs and of unknown aetiology in 5 dogs. Real-time PCR was performed for Leishmania infantum, Ehrlichia/Anaplasma species, Hepatozoon canis, Babesia species, Rickettsia species and Bartonella species, and sequencing of PCR products from positive samples was used to confirm species specificity. RESULTS: Vector-borne pathogens were found in 18 dogs: 16 of 68 dogs with pericardial effusion (23·5%) and two of 60 control dogs (3·3%). Positive dogs demonstrated DNA of Leishmania infantum (n=7), Anaplasma platys (n=2, one dog coinfected with Leishmania infantum), Babesia canis (n=5), Babesia gibsoni (n=3) and Hepatozoon canis (n=2). Vector-borne pathogens were more commonly detected among dogs with pericardial effusion than controls (P=0·001). There was no relationship between aetiology of the pericardial effusion and evidence of vector-borne pathogens (P=0·932). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Vector-borne pathogens are often detected in dogs with pericardial effusion and require further investigation, especially in dogs with idiopathic pericardial effusion. PCR can provide additional information about the potential role of vector-borne pathogens in dogs with pericardial effusion living in endemic areas.

Successful medical management of pseudomembranous cystitis in three cats with lower urinary tract obstruction.

CASE REPORT: The present case series describes the clinical course and outcome of three cats diagnosed with pseudomembranous cystitis. This is an uncommon presentation of lower urinary tract obstruction but can be easily be identified by ultrasonography, revealing severe bladder wall thickening and thin hyperechoic luminal strips. The condition can be secondary to severe bacterial urinary tract infection. All cats were successfully treated with medical management only, mainly based on antimicrobials and individualised supportive therapy. CONCLUSION: Further evaluation of this condition is necessary in order to determine potential underlying aetiologies, pathophysiological mechanisms and the most appropriate standardised treatment.

The effect of renal diet in association with enalapril or benazepril on proteinuria in dogs with proteinuric chronic kidney disease.

Treating proteinuria in dogs reduces the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD); renal diets and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitors are cornerstones of treatment. Whether different ACE-inhibitors have distinct kidney protective effects is unknown; it is therefore hypothesized that renal diets and enalapril or benazepril have different beneficial effects in proteinuric CKD dogs. Forty-four dogs with proteinuric CKD (IRIS stages 1-4) were enrolled in the study and were fed renal diet for 30 days. Thereafter, they were randomly assigned to one of 2 groups. Dogs in group A (n=22) received enalapril (0.5 mg/kg, q12h) and in group B (n=22) benazepril (0.5 mg/kg, q24h); in both groups, dogs were fed the same renal diet. After randomization, dogs were monitored for 120 days. Body weight and body condition score (BCS), serum concentrations of creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), albumin and total proteins, and urine protein-to-creatinine (UPC) ratio were compared at different time-points. After 30 days of renal diet, creatinine, BUN and UPC ratio decreased significantly (p<0.0001). Compared to randomization, body weight, BCS, albumin, total proteins, creatinine and BUN did not vary during follow-up in the 44 dogs and differences between group A and B were not observed. However, the UPC ratio of group A at day 60, 90 and 150 was significantly lower than in group B and compared to randomization (p<0.05). In group B it did not vary overtime. It is concluded that the renal diet is beneficial to decrease creatinine, BUN and UPC ratio in proteinuric CKD dogs. Enalapril further ameliorates proteinuria if administered along with renal diet.

Clinical leishmaniasis in dogs living in the UK.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence of leishmaniasis in dogs in the UK and to describe clinical presentation, clinicopathological abnormalities, therapeutic protocols and outcome in this non-endemic country. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of dogs diagnosed with leishmaniasis at seven referral centres in the UK were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The prevalence was between 0·007 and 0·04% with a higher number of cases in southern England. All dogs had a history of travel to or from an endemic country. Lethargy, dermatological disease, decreased appetite and lameness were the most common reasons for presentation. Allopurinol was used alone for treatment in the majority of cases. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Although rare, leishmaniasis should be considered in dogs in the UK if they have compatible clinical signs and history of travel to or from endemic areas.

Adverse urinary effects of allopurinol in dogs with leishmaniasis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to describe the adverse effects of allopurinol on the urinary system during treatment of canine leishmaniasis. METHODS: Retrospective case series of 42 dogs that developed xanthinuria while receiving allopurinol treatment for leishmaniasis. RESULTS: Of 320 dogs diagnosed with leishmaniasis, 42 (13%) developed adverse urinary effects. Thirteen (of 42) dogs (31%) developed xanthinuria, renal mineralisation and urolithiasis; 11 (26·2%) showed xanthinuria with renal mineralisation; 9 (21·4%) had xanthinuria with urolithiasis and 9 (21·4%) developed xanthinuria alone. Urinary clinical signs developed in 19 dogs (45·2%). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study demonstrates that urolithiasis and renal mineralisation can occur in dogs receiving allopurinol therapy. Dogs receiving therapy should be monitored for the development of urinary adverse effects from the beginning of treatment.

Iron status and C-reactive protein in canine leishmaniasis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the iron status, its relationship with C-reactive protein and the prognostic value of both in canine leishmaniasis. METHOD: Eighty-six dogs with leishmaniasis and two control groups (healthy dogs and dogs with diseases other than leishmaniasis) were selected. Iron status indicators and C-reactive protein were compared between the three groups. Correlations between C-reactive protein and iron, ferritin and total iron-binding capacity were evaluated in dogs with leishmaniasis. Iron, total iron-binding capacity and ferritin were compared between dogs stratified according to similar C-reactive protein concentrations. The mortality rate at 30 days post-diagnosis was compared between groups. Iron status indicators and C-reactive protein were compared between survivors and non-survivors. RESULTS: Dogs with leishmaniasis had lower iron and total iron-binding capacity and higher ferritin and C-reactive protein. There was a significant but low correlation of C-reactive protein with iron, ferritin and total iron-binding capacity. Dogs with leishmaniasis had decreased iron and total iron-binding capacity and increased ferritin compared to other ill patients with similar C-reactive protein concentrations. Mortality was not significantly different between groups but non-survivor dogs with leishmaniasis had higher C-reactive protein and lower total iron-binding capacity. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Inflammation contributes to the iron status alterations found in canine leishmaniasis but other mechanisms are likely involved. Low total iron-binding capacity and increased C-reactive protein are risk factors for outcome in canine leishmaniasis.

Complete mitochondrial genomes of ancient canids suggest a European origin of domestic dogs.

The geographic and temporal origins of the domestic dog remain controversial, as genetic data suggest a domestication process in East Asia beginning 15,000 years ago, whereas the oldest doglike fossils are found in Europe and Siberia and date to >30,000 years ago. We analyzed the mitochondrial genomes of 18 prehistoric canids from Eurasia and the New World, along with a comprehensive panel of modern dogs and wolves. The mitochondrial genomes of all modern dogs are phylogenetically most closely related to either ancient or modern canids of Europe. Molecular dating suggests an onset of domestication there 18,800 to 32,100 years ago. These findings imply that domestic dogs are the culmination of a process that initiated with European hunter-gatherers and the canids with whom they interacted.

Wolbachia, filariae and Leishmania coinfection in dogs from a Mediterranean area.

OBJECTIVES: In an endemic area for leishmaniosis and filariasis, coinfection can occur and the immunomodulation triggered by Wolbachia infection might influence the clinical signs and progression of both diseases. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of Wolbachia in dogs infected with Dirofilaria immitis and other filarial nematodes, to evaluate the prevalence of coinfection of Leishmania infantum, filariae and Wolbachia and their association with clinical presentation. METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction assays were performed to detect filarial species, Wolbachia species and Leishmania in 118 samples of dogs from southeastern Spain with leishmaniosis and/or filariasis. RESULTS: Ninety-eight dogs were infected with Leishmania and 49 had filarial infection (29 were coinfected with both). Wolbachia DNA was detected in 30·6% of filariae-positive dogs (15/49). Dogs coinfected with Leishmania and filaria had more severe clinical signs. Wolbachia infection was significantly (P=0·026) more frequent in dogs that were not infected with Leishmania. There was no correlation between outcome and coinfection with these pathogens. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study highlights the increased sensitivity of polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis of filariasis, confirms the presence of Wolbachia in dogs from the Mediterranean basin, shows the increased severity of clinical signs when Leishmania-filarial coinfection is present and suggests a protective role of Wolbachia in leishmaniosis.

Lingual osteoma in a dog.

An 11-year-old male Belgian shepherd dog was evaluated for a one-week history of progressive lethargy, decreased appetite and excessive panting. On physical examination, a pedunculated mass protruding from the right side of the tongue base was observed. The mass was solid, irregular and multi-lobulated, and it measured approximately 4 × 2 cm. The mass was surgically excised. The histological examination was consistent with a lingual osteoma and the margins were free of neoplastic cells. The dog was euthanased eight months after the diagnosis because of an unrelated problem and no evidence of recurrence at the surgical site was appreciated at that time. To the author's knowledge, this is the first report of a lingual osteoma in a dog, and, therefore, it should be included in the differential diagnosis of masses on the tongue, especially pedunculated masses located at the base of the tongue.

Gammopathy in a Spanish dog infected with Bartonella henselae.

Generalised pyogranulomatous disease and hyperviscosity syndrome associated with a presumed monoclonal gammopathy was diagnosed in a three-year-old intact female Pomeranian. The Bartonella henselae antibody titer was 1:64 and Bartonella species DNA was amplified from the splenic tissue. Monoclonal gammopathies in dogs are typically associated with plasma cell and lymphoid dyscrasias and other inflammatory or infectious diseases such as ehrlichiosis and leishmaniosis. Based on this case report, infection with Bartonella species should also be added to the differential diagnoses for gammopathy in dogs. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of molecular evidence of Bartonella species infection in a sick dog in Spain.

Emesis in dogs: a review.

Emesis is a common presenting sign in small animal practice. It requires a rational approach to management that is based upon a sound understanding of pathophysiology combined with logical decision making. This review, which assesses the weight of available evidence, outlines the physiology of the vomiting reflex, causes of emesis, the consequences of emesis and the approach to clinical management of the vomiting dog. The applicability of diagnostic testing modalities and the merit of traditional approaches to management, such as dietary changes, are discussed. The role and usefulness of both traditional and novel anti-emetic drugs is examined, including in specific circumstances such as following cytotoxic drug treatment. The review also examines areas in which common clinical practice is not necessarily supported by objective evidence and, as such, highlights questions worthy of further clinical research.