[Furry animal allergen components diagnosis: identification of main components and clinical management strategies].

Furry animal allergens, particularly cat and dog hair and dander, are common allergens in indoor environments, affecting the health of people world widely. Key sensitizing components such as Fel d 1 from cats and Can f 1 from dogs have been extensively studied and identified by the scientific community. Component resolved diagnosis (CRD) technology in modern diagnostic methods provides an accurate way to identify and distinguish these components, which is extremely important for the prevention of furry animal allergies and the formulation of personalized treatment strategies. To enhance the understanding of furry animal component diagnosis and promote the alignment of the Chinese discipline of allergology with international standards, this article interprets and explains the content of the "Molecular Allergology User's Guide 2.0" recently released by the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. It focuses on the epidemiological characteristics of furry animal components, the diversity of allergen protein families, and their clinical diagnosis and management.

hsp70 PCR-RFLP as an alternative tool to identify Sauroleishmania species.

Sauroleishmania spp. comprises one of the four Leishmania subgenera, which has been historically considered a non-pathogenic protozoan of reptiles. However, some strains appear to be transiently infective to mammals, and recent findings have detected these parasites in dogs and humans in areas where leishmaniasis is endemic. Herein, the digestion pattern of PCR-RFLP of the 234 bp-hsp70 fragment was evaluated as a simpler and cheaper tool to distinguish the Sauroleishmania species from the other Leishmania subgenera. As a result, the digestion of the 234 bp-hsp70 fragments with HaeIII produced a banding pattern specific to the four Sauroleishmania strains assessed. This technique could contribute to the identification of Leishmania parasites isolated from sandflies, reptiles, or even mammals in fieldworks as an alternative to the use of laborious and expensive methodologies.

Retrospective evaluation of radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction for hypertrophic turbinates in dogs with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to retrospectively assess the effect of Radiofrequency Volumetric Tissue Reduction (RFVTR) on hypertrophic turbinates and clinical outcome in brachycephalic dogs when included in multi-level surgery (MLS). STUDY DESIGN: Clinical retrospective multicenter study. ANIMALS: 132 client-owned brachycephalic dogs. METHODS: 132 brachycephalic dogs with high-grade Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Ayndrome (BOAS) and hypertrophic turbinates were treated with RFVTR as part of MLS of the upper airways. Intranasal obstruction was evaluated by computer tomography (CT) and antero-/retrograde rhinoscopy before and 6 months after RFVTR. The clinical records, the CT images and the rhinoscopy videos were reviewed and clinical evolution was evaluated using a standardized questionnaire. The data was scored semi-quantitatively. RESULTS: In this study, 132 patients were included for a follow-up period of 120 weeks. RFVTR resulted in minor complications, including serous nasal discharge within the first postoperative week in all dogs, and intermittent nasal congestion between 3-8 weeks after treatment in 24.3% of the patients. Rhinoscopy and CT follow-ups were available for 33 patients. Six months after treatment intranasal airspace was increased (p = 0.002) and the presence and overall amount of mucosal contact points was reduced (p = 0.039). CONCLUSION: MLS with RFVTR led to a significant reduction in turbinate volume at the 6-month follow-up examination and significant clinical improvement over a long-term period of 120 weeks. This suggests the viability of RFVTR as a turbinate-preserving treatment for intranasal obstruction in dogs with BOAS. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: RFVTR is a minimally invasive turbinoplasty technique for intranasal obstruction in dogs with BOAS and can be included in MLS without increasing complication rates.

Immune-mediated pyogranulomatous panniculitis with hypercalcemia in a dog.

An 11-year-old neutered male large crossbreed dog was presented for investigation because of a 10-day history of progressive lethargy, hyporexia, and pyrexia. Physical and dermatological examinations were unremarkable. Blood biochemical analysis identified a marked total and ionized hypercalcemia and increased C-reactive protein concentration. Bicavitary computed tomography screening for causes of the dog's clinical and biochemical abnormalities identified a diffuse panniculitis. Histopathological examination of full-thickness skin biopsies was consistent with pyogranulomatous inflammation. Extensive histochemical staining revealed no infectious etiology. Complete clinical and biochemical remissions were observed after starting immunosuppressive, followed by tapering, doses of prednisolone, supporting an immune-mediated etiology. Key clinical message: Sterile, immune-mediated pyogranulomatous inflammation should remain a differential diagnosis for hypercalcemia in dogs. Significant dermatological disease may occur without visible abnormalities.

Panniculite pyogranulomateuse à médiation immunitaire avec hypercalcémie chez un chienUn grand chien croisé mâle castré de 11 ans a été présenté pour examen en raison d'antécédents de léthargie progressive, d'hyporexie et de pyrexie depuis 10 jours. Les examens physiques et dermatologiques étaient sans particularité. L'analyse biochimique du sang présentait une hypercalcémie totale et ionisée marquée et une concentration accrue de protéine C-réactive. Le dépistage par tomodensitométrie bicavitaire des causes des anomalies cliniques et biochimiques du chien a identifié une panniculite diffuse. L'examen histopathologique des biopsies cutanées de pleine épaisseur était compatible avec une inflammation pyogranulomateuse. Un examen par coloration histochimique extensive n'a révélé aucune étiologie infectieuse. Les rémissions cliniques et biochimiques complètes ont été observées après le début du traitement immunosuppresseur, suivies d'une diminution progressive des doses de prednisolone, confirmant une étiologie à médiation immunitaire.Message clinique clé:L'inflammation pyogranulomateuse stérile à médiation immunitaire doit rester un diagnostic différentiel de l'hypercalcémie chez le chien. Une maladie dermatologique importante peut survenir sans anomalies visibles.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Short-duration peripherally inserted central catheters do not alter viscoelastic parameters in healthy dogs.

Objective: To determine if short-duration peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) cause a hypercoagulable state in healthy dogs, based on point-of-care viscoelastic coagulation monitor (VCM). Animals: Ten beagle dogs were randomly and equally allocated into control and PICC groups. Procedure: Control dogs had VCM analysis on whole blood following direct venipuncture before sedation (T0) and 2 h after sedation (T2). In the experimental group, a PICC was placed (medial saphenous or femoral vein) under sedation and removed after 4 h, with measurements before placement (T0) and 2 and 6 h after placement (T2 and T6, respectively). Parametric data were analyzed using 1-way ANOVA with Holm-Sídák test for multiple comparisons and paired or unpaired Student's t-test. Nonparametric data were analyzed using Friedman test with Dunn multiple comparison test for Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test, and Mann-Whitney U test for PICC group, control group, and to compare PICC versus control groups, respectively. Results: Clot formation time was longer at T2 versus T6 (P = 0.0342, but not clinically relevant) in the PICC group, with no significant differences between the PICC and control groups. Conclusion and clinical relevance: Short-term placement of a PICC line did not alter viscoelastic endpoints in healthy beagles.

L'utilisation de courte durée d'un cathéter central inséré par voie périphérique n'affecte pas les paramètres viscoélastiques chez les chiens sains. Objectif: Déterminer si les cathéters centraux insérés par voie périphérique (CCIP) pour une courte durée provoque un état d'hypercoagulabilité chez des chiens en bonne santé sur la base des mesures du Viscoelastic Coagulation Monitor (VCM) au point de soins. Animaux: Dix chiens sains de race beagle ont été choisis et répartis de façon égale et aléatoire dans un groupe témoin et un groupe de CCIP. Procédure: Les chiens témoins ont eu une prise de sang et analyse par VCM avant sédation (T0) et 2 heures après la sédation (T2). Dans le groupe expérimental, un CCIP a été mis en place (veines saphènes ou fémorales médiales) sous sédation et retiré après 4 heures. Les mesures viscoélastiques sur le sang frais ont été effectuées avant la pose du CCIP (T0), 2 heures après la pose (T2) et 2 heures après le retrait/6 heures après la pose du cathéter (T6). L'analyse statistique des données paramétriques a été faite par le test ANOVA à un facteur avec un test de comparaisons multiples de Holm-Sídák pour le groupe CCIP, un test t de Student apparié pour le groupe témoin, et un test t de Student non apparié pour comparer les groupes CCIP et témoin. Les données non paramétriques ont été analysées à l'aide du test de Friedman avec un test de comparaison multiple de Dunn pour le groupe CCIP, du test de rang signé de Wilcoxon pour le groupe témoin et du test de Mann-Whitney U pour comparer les groupes CCIP et témoin. Résultats: Pour le groupe CCIP, le temps de formation du caillot à T2 était plus long mais non cliniquement pertinent. comparativement à T6 (P = 0,0342) et il n'y avait aucune différence significative entre les groupes CCIP et témoin. Conclusion et pertinence clinique: La pose d'un CCIP pour une courte durée n'a pas modifié les variables viscoélastiques chez les chiens beagle en bonne santé.(Traduit par les auteurs).

Preoperative management and postoperative complications in 9 dogs undergoing surgical treatment of thymic-associated myasthenia gravis.

Objective: Thymoma-associated paraneoplastic syndromes in dogs and cats include myasthenia gravis, hypercalcemia, exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme, T-cell lymphocytosis, myocarditis, anemia, and polymyositis. Paraneoplastic myasthenia gravis (MG) is the most commonly reported paraneoplastic syndrome in dogs with thymic epithelial tumors. The objective of this study was to examine cases of canine thymic-associated MG treated surgically, with the specific objective of providing an updated clinical picture of the preoperative management, postoperative complications, and outcomes of these cases. Animals: Nine dogs with paraneoplastic MG underwent surgical removal of a thymic epithelial tumor. Procedure: Medical records of dogs with MG that received surgical treatment of a thymic epithelial tumor between January 1, 2012 and October 1, 2022 were obtained from 4 veterinary teaching hospitals. Descriptions of perioperative MG management, complications, and outcomes were reported. Results: Six of the 9 dogs received medical therapy for MG, with either a cholinesterase inhibitor (4 dogs) or a cholinesterase inhibitor and immunosuppressive agent (2 dogs), before surgery. The median duration of medical therapy for MG before surgery was 7.5 d (range: 2 to 60 d). Three of 9 dogs experienced immediate postoperative complications and were euthanized. Six of 9 dogs (66.6%) survived to discharge and 3 of 6 dogs that survived to discharge were alive at the time of writing. At the time of writing, 3 of 6 dogs had complete resolution of clinical signs attributable to MG and 2 of 6 had partial resolution. The median time from surgery to resolution of clinical signs of MG in these dogs was 63 d (range: 2 to 515 d). Conclusion: Dogs with thymic epithelial tumors and paraneoplastic MG are at a high risk for perioperative complications. Clinical relevance: The findings of this study corroborate previous literature stating that paraneoplastic MG is a poor prognostic indicator for dogs with thymic epithelial tumors, while also highlighting the variation in approaches to clinical management of thymic-associated MG in veterinary medicine and the lack of established protocols guiding perioperative management.

Prise en charge préopératoire et complications postopératoires chez 9 chiens subissant un traitement chirurgical de la myasthénie grave associée au thymus. Objectif: Les syndromes paranéoplasiques associés au thymome chez le chien et le chat comprennent la myasthénie grave, l'hypercalcémie, la dermatite exfoliative, l'érythème polymorphe, la lymphocytose à cellules T, la myocardite, l'anémie et la polymyosite. La myasthénie paranéoplasique (MG) est le syndrome paranéoplasique le plus fréquemment rapporté chez les chiens atteints de tumeurs épithéliales thymiques. L'objectif de cette étude était d'examiner les cas de MG canine associée au thymus traités chirurgicalement, dans le but spécifique de fournir un tableau clinique actualisé de la prise en charge préopératoire, des complications postopératoires et des résultats de ces cas. Animaux: Neuf chiens atteints de MG paranéoplasique ont subi l'ablation chirurgicale d'une tumeur épithéliale thymique. Procédure: Les dossiers médicaux des chiens atteints de MG ayant reçu un traitement chirurgical d'une tumeur épithéliale thymique entre le 1er janvier 2012 et le 1er octobre 2022 ont été obtenues auprès de 4 hôpitaux universitaires vétérinaires. Des descriptions de la prise en charge péri-opératoire de la MG, des complications et des résultats ont été rapportées. Résultats: Six des 9 chiens ont reçu un traitement médical pour la MG, avec soit un inhibiteur de la cholinestérase (4 chiens), soit un inhibiteur de la cholinestérase et un agent immunosuppresseur (2 chiens), avant la chirurgie. La durée médiane du traitement médical de la MG avant la chirurgie était de 7,5 jours (plage : 2 à 60 jours). Trois des neuf chiens ont présenté des complications postopératoires immédiates et ont été euthanasiés. Six des 9 chiens (66,6 %) ont survécu jusqu'à leur sortie et 3 des 6 chiens qui ont survécu jusqu'à leur sortie étaient en vie au moment de la rédaction. Au moment de la rédaction de cet article, 3 chiens sur 6 présentaient une résolution complète des signes cliniques attribuables à la MG et 2 chiens sur 6 présentaient une résolution partielle. Le délai médian entre l'intervention chirurgicale et la résolution des signes cliniques de MG chez ces chiens était de 63 jours (plage : 2 à 515 jours). Conclusion: Les chiens atteints de tumeurs épithéliales thymiques et de MG paranéoplasique présentent un risque élevé de complications périopératoires. Pertinence clinique: Les résultats de cette étude corroborent la littérature antérieure indiquant que la MG paranéoplasique est un indicateur de mauvais pronostic pour les chiens atteints de tumeurs épithéliales thymiques, tout en soulignant également la variation des approches de prise en charge clinique de la MG associée au thymus en médecine vétérinaire et le manque de protocoles établis de gestion guidant les interventions périopératoires.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor in the urinary bladder in a dog.

An 8-year-old castrated male Maltese dog was presented with a urinary bladder mass, urolithiasis, and hematuria. A solitary, pedunculated, intraluminal mass on the caudodorsal wall was identified with extensive irregular bladder wall thickening, and the mass was surgically removed. Postoperative histopathology demonstrated a submucosal lesion comprising spindle cells with marked inflammatory cell infiltration, without malignant changes. Immunohistochemical staining revealed vimentin and desmin positivity in the mass. An inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) was definitively diagnosed. No recurrence was observed during a 43-month follow-up period. Although IMTs are rare in dogs, they should be considered a differential diagnosis for mass-like urinary bladder lesions accompanying a chronic inflammatory disease process. Key clinical message: Canine IMT should be included in the differential diagnoses of bladder masses, especially when dogs exhibit chronic irritation and inflammation.

Tumeur myofibroblastique inflammatoire de la vessie chez un chienUn chien maltais mâle castré de 8 ans a été présenté avec une masse à la vessie, une lithiase urinaire et une hématurie. Une masse intraluminale pédonculée solitaire sur la paroi caudodorsale a été identifiée avec un épaississement important et irrégulier de la paroi vésicale, et la masse a été retirée chirurgicalement. L'histopathologie postopératoire a mis en évidence une lésion à la sous-muqueuse comprenant des cellules fusiformes avec une infiltration cellulaire inflammatoire marquée, sans modification maligne. La coloration immunohistochimique a révélé une positivité à la vimentine et à la desmine dans la masse. Une tumeur myofibroblastique inflammatoire (IMT) a été définitivement diagnostiquée. Aucune récidive n'a été observée au cours d'une période de suivi de 43 mois. Bien que les IMT soient rares chez le chien, ils doivent être considérés comme un diagnostic différentiel des lésions de la vessie de type masse accompagnant un processus de maladie inflammatoire chronique.Message clinique clé:L'IMT canine doit être incluse dans les diagnostics différentiels des masses vésicales, en particulier lorsque les chiens présentent une irritation et une inflammation chroniques.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Transmissible venereal tumor of the uterine stump following successful chemotherapy in a 5-year-old mixed-breed dog.

A 5-year-old spayed female mixed-breed dog was referred to the Atlantic Veterinary College (Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island) because of a 7-month history of intermittent pink, mucoid, vulvar discharge. The dog was imported from the Bahamas at 3.5 y of age and had a history of transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) of the vulva that was successfully treated with a course of vincristine chemotherapy. Complete remission was achieved with a disease-free interval of 6 mo before clinical signs recurred. Abdominal ultrasound and CT scan identified a large caudal abdominal mass thought to arise from the uterine stump. An exploratory laparotomy was performed and the mass grossly excised. Histopathology was consistent with a poorly differentiated round cell tumor, and immunohistochemical analysis confirmed TVT as the most likely diagnosis. No further treatment was carried out. Repeat abdominal ultrasound at 4 mo after surgery showed no evidence of mass recurrence. At 8 mo after surgery, the dog was reported to be doing well clinically. Key clinical message: Transmissible venereal tumor should be considered as a differential diagnosis for masses arising from the deep genital tissues of dogs in cases where there is a history of previous TVT. Transmissible venereal tumor should be considered even in dogs that have had complete resolution of a primary mass after chemotherapy.

Tumeur vénérienne transmissible du moignon utérin à la suite d'une chimiothérapie réussie chez un chien croisé de 5 ans.Une chienne de race mixte de 5 ans, stérilisée, a été référée au Atlantic Veterinary College (Charlottetown, Île-du-Prince-Édouard) en raison d'antécédents de pertes vulvaires roses, mucoïdes et intermittentes depuis 7 mois. Le chien a été importé des Bahamas à l'âge de 3,5 ans et avait des antécédents de tumeur vénérienne transmissible (TVT) de la vulve qui a été traitée avec succès par une chimiothérapie à la vincristine. Une rémission complète a été obtenue avec un intervalle sans maladie de 6 mois avant la réapparition des signes cliniques. L'échographie abdominale et la tomodensitométrie ont identifié une grosse masse abdominale caudale qui proviendrait du moignon utérin. Une laparotomie exploratoire a été réalisée et la masse excisée. L'histopathologie était compatible avec une tumeur à cellules rondes peu différenciée et l'analyse immunohistochimique a confirmé la TVT comme le diagnostic le plus probable. Aucun autre traitement n'a été effectué. Une échographie abdominale répétée 4 mois après la chirurgie n'a montré aucun signe de récidive massive. Huit mois après l'opération, la chienne se portait bien cliniquement.Message clinique clé:Les tumeurs vénériennes transmissibles doivent être considérées comme un diagnostic différentiel pour les masses provenant des tissus génitaux profonds des chiens dans les cas où il existe des antécédents de TVT. Une tumeur vénérienne transmissible doit être envisagée même chez les chiens dont la masse primaire a complètement disparu après chimiothérapie.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Thymic carcinosarcoma with melanocytic differentiation in a dog.

Carcinosarcomas are very rare tumors in dogs. Although carcinosarcomas with melanocytic differentiation arising from organs other than the thymus have been described in humans, this type of tumor has not been reported in dogs in any part of the body. We observed such a tumor in the cranial mediastinum of an 11-year-old spayed female dachshund. The dog was admitted to the clinic because of coughing, sporadic regurgitation, and dyspnea. Thoracic ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed a large mediastinal mass that was surgically removed via sternotomy. The tumor was of thymic origin and demonstrated 3 distinct components: an epithelial component positive for pancytokeratin (AE1/AE3) and high molecular weight cytokeratin (CK5/CK6) with some cystic spaces; a mesenchymal component positive for vimentin; and in association with the epithelial part, a minor melanocytic component positive for Melan A. Histologic metastasis of the epithelial and melanocytic components was present within a tracheobronchial lymph node. The dog died 105 d after surgery, after an episode of acute dyspnea. Key clinical message: To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of thymic carcinosarcoma with melanocytic differentiation.

Carcinosarcome thymique avec différenciation mélanocytaire chez un chienLes carcinosarcomes sont des tumeurs très rares chez le chien. Bien que des carcinosarcomes avec différenciation mélanocytaire provenant d'organes autres que le thymus aient été décrits chez l'homme, ce type de tumeur n'a été rapporté chez le chien dans aucune partie du corps. Nous avons observé une telle tumeur dans le médiastin cránien d'une femelle teckel stérilisée de 11 ans. Le chien a été admis à la clinique en raison de toux, de régurgitations sporadiques et de dyspnée. L'échographie thoracique et la tomodensitométrie ont révélé une masse médiastinale importante qui a été retirée chirurgicalement par sternotomie. La tumeur était d'origine thymique et présentait 3 composantes distinctes : une composante épithéliale positive pour la pancytokératine (AE1/AE3) et la cytokératine de haut poids moléculaire (CK5/CK6) avec quelques espaces kystiques; un composant mésenchymateux positif à la vimentine; et en association avec la partie épithéliale, un composant mélanocytaire mineur positif pour Melan A. Des métastases histologiques des composants épithéliaux et mélanocytaires étaient présentes dans un ganglion lymphatique trachéobronchique. Le chien est décédé 105 jours après l'intervention chirurgicale, à la suite d'un épisode de dyspnée aiguë.Message clinique clé :À la connaissance des auteurs, il s'agit du premier cas de carcinosarcome thymique avec différenciation mélanocytaire.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Prostate tissue ablation and drug delivery by an image-guided injectable ionic liquid in ex vivo and in vivo models.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer are often associated with lower urinary tract symptoms, which can severely affect patient quality of life. To address this challenge, we developed and optimized an injectable compound, prostate ablation and drug delivery agent (PADA), for percutaneous prostate tissue ablation and concurrently delivered therapeutic agents. PADA is an ionic liquid composed of choline and geranic acid mixed with anticancer therapeutics and a contrast agent. The PADA formulation was optimized for mechanical properties compatible with hand injection, diffusion capability, cytotoxicity against prostate cells, and visibility of an x-ray contrast agent. PADA also exhibited antibacterial properties against highly resistant clinically isolated bacteria in vitro. Ultrasound-guided injection, dispersion of PADA in the tissue, and tissue ablation were tested ex vivo in healthy porcine, canine, and human prostates and in freshly resected human tumors. In vivo testing was conducted in a murine subcutaneous tumor model and in the canine prostate. In all models, PADA decreased the number of viable cells in the region of dispersion and supported the delivery of nivolumab throughout a portion of the tissue. In canine survival experiments, there were no adverse events and no impact on urination. The injection approach was easy to perform under ultrasound guidance and produced a localized effect with a favorable safety profile. These findings suggest that PADA is a promising therapeutic prostate ablation strategy to treat lower urinary tract symptoms.

Repair of facial dog bite wound utilizing cryopreserved umbilical cord allograft.

BACKGROUND: In the United States, craniofacial injuries are the most frequently observed traumas in the pediatric population. Human birth tissue products contain growth factors, cytokines, and signaling molecules that can be potentially harnessed for tissue regeneration and wound healing. PURPOSE: A cryopreserved ultra-thick amniotic membrane (AM) allograft wound dressing was used in a patient with significant facial soft tissue loss due to a dog bite injury. METHODS: This is a single case report of a pediatric patient. After obtaining IRB exemption, operative and postoperative clinic notes were reviewed. RESULTS: A 10-year-old female presented to the emergency department after suffering a dog bite to her left cheek and upper lip, resulting in tissue loss. A cryopreserved ultra-thick AM allograft was used to cover the area of tissue loss as part of surgical reconstruction. The patient was followed up at 1 week, 3 weeks, 4 months, and 1 year after the graft was placed, and rapid healing and full epithelialization were achieved in addition to scar contracture due to wound location. CONCLUSION: In the setting of acute trauma and tissue loss, human birth tissue was found to promote epithelialization and regenerative healing of facial tissues.

Emergence of Capnocytophaga canimorsus and Capnocytophaga cynodegmi in oral cavities of newborn puppies, a pilot study.

Capnocytophaga canimorsus and Capnocytophaga cynodegmi are commensal bacteria in the oral cavities of dogs. Both are zoonotic pathogens that could infect humans via dog bites. C. canimorsus may cause life-threatening infections in humans, whereas C. cynodegmi infections tend to be milder and more localized. Capsular serovars A-C of C. canimorsus seem to be virulence-associated. Some of the C. canimorsus serovars described to date can also be detected in other Capnocytophaga species, including C. cynodegmi. The objective of this pilot study was to investigate the emergence of C. canimorsus and C. cynodegmi after birth in oral cavities of puppies and to evaluate the impact of the dam's Capnocytophaga spp. carrier status on the emergence. Ten litters, altogether 59 puppies, were included in the study. The puppies and their dams were sampled at five time points over seven weeks after whelping. Oral swab samples taken were investigated for the presence of C. canimorsus and C. cynodegmi by species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the specificity of which was verified by sequencing a selection of the PCR products. Samples that were positive in Capnocytophaga PCR reactions were also capsular-typed by PCR to gain more knowledge about the Capnocytophaga spp. present in the samples. Altogether 10.2% and 11.9% of puppies, or 20.0% and 30.0% of litters tested PCR-positive for C. canimorsus and C. cynodegmi, respectively. Capnocytophaga PCR-positive puppy samples were always positive for only C. cynodegmi or C. canimorsus, not both. Most Capnocytophaga PCR-positive puppies became positive at the age of 5 to 7 weeks. Only a minority (5/16) of the C. cynodegmi PCR-positive dog samples were positive in capsular typing PCR, whereas all C. canimorsus PCR-positive dog samples were negative in capsular typing PCR. For all Capnocytophaga PCR-positive puppies, their dam was positive for the same Capnocytophaga species. These results suggest that puppies become colonized by C. cynodegmi or C. canimorsus from their dams at the time of deciduous teeth eruption.

SPARC overexpression in allogeneic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in dog dry eye model induced by benzalkonium chloride.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, companion and working dogs hold significant social and economic importance. Dry eye, also known as dry keratoconjunctivitis (KCS), a common disease in ophthalmology, can readily impact a dog's working capacity and lead to economic losses. Although there are several medications available for this disease, all of them only improve the symptoms on the surface of the eye, and they are irritating and not easy to use for long periods of time. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSC) are promising candidates for tissue regeneration and disease treatment. However, long-term in vitro passaging leads to stemness loss of ADMSC. Here, we aimed to use ADMSC overexpressing Secreted Protein Acidic and Rich in Cysteine (SPARC) to treat 0.25% benzalkonium chloride-treated dogs with dry eye to verify its efficacy. For in vitro validation, we induced corneal epithelial cell (HCECs) damage using 1 µg/mL benzalkonium chloride. METHODS: Fifteen male crossbred dogs were randomly divided into five groups: normal, dry eye self-healing control, cyclosporine-treated, ADMSC-CMV-treated and ADMSC-OESPARC-treated. HCECs were divided into four groups: normal control group, untreated model group, ADMSC-CMV supernatant culture group and ADMSC-OESRARC supernatant culture group. RESULTS: SPARC-modified ADMSC had the most significant effect on canine ocular surface inflammation, corneal injury, and tear recovery, and the addition of ADMSC-OESPARC cell supernatant also had a salvage effect on HCECs cellular damage, such as cell viability and cell proliferation ability. Moreover, analysis of the co-transcriptome sequencing data showed that SPARC could promote corneal epithelial cell repair by enhancing the in vitro viability, migration and proliferation and immunosuppression of ADMSC. CONCLUSION: The in vitro cell test and in vivo model totally suggest that the combination of SPARC and ADMSC has a promising future in novel dry eye therapy.

Later-age neutering causes lower risk of early-onset urinary incontinence than early neutering-a VetCompass target trial emulation study.

There is growing evidence supporting clinically important associations between age at neutering in bitches and subsequent urinary incontinence (UI), although much of this evidence to date is considered weak. Target trial emulation is an innovative approach in causal inference that has gained substantial attention in recent years, aiming to simulate a hypothetical randomised controlled trial by leveraging observational data. Using anonymised veterinary clinical data from the VetCompass Programme, this study applied the target trial emulation framework to determine whether later-age neutering (≥ 7 to ≤ 18 months) causes decreased odds of early-onset UI (diagnosed < 8.5 years) compared to early-age neutering (3 to < 7 months). The study included bitches in the VetCompass database born from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2012, and neutered between 3 and 18 months old. Bitches were retrospectively confirmed from the electronic health records as neutered early or later. The primary outcome was a diagnosis of early-onset UI. Informed from a directed acyclic graph, data on the following covariates were extracted: breed, insurance status, co-morbidities and veterinary group. Inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to adjust for confounding, with inverse probability of censoring weighting accounting for censored bitches. The emulated trial included 612 early-age neutered bitches and 888 later-age neutered bitches. A pooled logistic regression outcome model identified bitches neutered later at 0.80 times the odds (95% CI 0.54 to 0.97) of early-onset UI compared with bitches neutered early. The findings show that later-age neutering causes reduced odds of early-onset UI diagnosis compared with early-age neutering. Decision-making on the age of neutering should be carefully considered, with preference given to delaying neutering until after 7 months of age unless other major reasons justify earlier surgery. The study is one of the first to demonstrate successful application of the target trial framework to veterinary observational data.

Species-specific histological characterizations of renal tubules and collecting ducts in the kidneys of cats and dogs.

The histomorphological features of normal kidneys in cats and dogs have been revealed despite the high susceptibility of cats to tubulointerstitial damage. Herein, the histological characteristics of the two species were compared. Cytoplasmic lipid droplets (LDs) were abundant in the proximal convoluted tubules (PCTs) of cats aged 23-27 months but scarce in dogs aged 24-27 months. LDs were rarely observed in the distal tubules (DTs) and collecting ducts (CDs) of either species, as visualized by the expression of Tamm-Horsfall protein 1, calbindin-D28K, and aquaporin 2. The occupational area ratio of proximal tubules (PTs) in the renal cortex was higher, but that of DTs or CDs was significantly lower in adult cats than in dogs. Single PT epithelial cells were larger, but PCT, DT, and CD lumens were significantly narrower in adult cats than in dogs. Unlike adults, young cats at 6 months exhibited significantly abundant cytoplasmic LDs in proximal straight tubules, indicating lipid metabolism-related development. Histochemistry of the 21 lectins also revealed variations in glycosylation across different renal tubules and CDs in both species. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 was expressed only in PTs, excluding the proximal straight tubules with few LDs in adult cats or the PCTs of young cats and adult dogs. These findings are crucial for understanding species-specific characteristics of renal histomorphology and pathogenesis.

Integrating hydrogels manipulate ECM deposition after spinal cord injury for specific neural reconnections via neuronal relays.

A bioinspired hydrogel composed of hyaluronic acid-graft-dopamine (HADA) and a designer peptide HGF-(RADA)4-DGDRGDS (HRR) was presented to enhance tissue integration following spinal cord injury (SCI). The HADA/HRR hydrogel manipulated the infiltration of PDGFRß+ cells in a parallel pattern, transforming dense scars into an aligned fibrous substrate that guided axonal regrowth. Further incorporation of NT3 and curcumin promoted axonal regrowth and survival of interneurons at lesion borders, which served as relays for establishing heterogeneous axon connections in a target-specific manner. Notable improvements in motor, sensory, and bladder functions resulted in rats with complete spinal cord transection. The HADA/HRR + NT3/Cur hydrogel promoted V2a neuron accumulation in ventral spinal cord, facilitating the recovery of locomotor function. Meanwhile, the establishment of heterogeneous neural connections across the hemisected lesion of canines was documented in a target-specific manner via neuronal relays, significantly improving motor functions. Therefore, biomaterials can inspire beneficial biological activities for SCI repair.

The biological characteristics and infection dynamics of a novel H3N2 canine influenza virus genotype in beagles.

BACKGROUND: The canine influenza virus (CIV) outbreak has garnered considerable attention as it poses a significant threat to dog health. During the H3N2 CIV evolution in beagles, the virus formed a new clade after 2019 and gradually became more adaptable to other mammals. Therefore, successfully elucidating the biological characteristics and constructing a canine influenza infection model is required for CIV characterization. METHODS: We performed genetic analyses to examine the biological characteristics and infection dynamics of CIV. RESULTS: The genotype of our H3N2 CIV strain (from 2019 in Shanghai) belonged to the 5.1 clade, which is now prevalent in China. Using MDCK cells, we investigated viral cytopathic effects. Virus size and morphology were observed using transmission electron microscopy. Beagles were also infected with 104, 105, and 106 50% egg-infectious doses (EID50). When compared with the other groups, the 106 EID50 group showed the most obvious clinical symptoms, the highest virus titers, and typical lung pathological changes. Our results suggested that the other two treatments caused mild clinical manifestations and pathological changes. Subsequently, CIV distribution in the 106 EID50 group was detected by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and immunofluorescence (IF) staining, which indicated that CIV primarily infected the lungs. CONCLUSIONS: The framework established in this study will guide further CIV prevention strategies.