First case of autochthonous Angiostrongylus vasorum infection in a Norwegian dog.

A fifteen-month-old Pembroke Welsh corgi with respiratory distress, exercise intolerance, and moderate regenerative anemia was referred to The Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Small Animal Hospital.Hematology revealed moderate regenerative anemia without evidence of hemolysis. Thoracic radiographs showed a generalized mixed interstitial to alveolar lung pattern and enlarged pulmonary arteries. Changes suggestive of moderate pulmonary hypertension were noted on echocardiography. Baermann fecal diagnostic flotation identified large numbers of Angiostrongylus vasorum larvae, and the AngioDetect serological antigen test was positive. The dog was treated with a two-week course with fenbendazole (51 mg/kg q24h po) and topical imidacloprid/moxidectin (250 mg/62.5 mg) and a one-week course with sildenafil (0.45 mg/kg q12h po). Complete clinical, clinicopathological and echocardiographic resolution was observed after only four weeks. Rapid improvement of echocardiographic abnormalities in cases with suspected pulmonary hypertension is not usually reported in cases with angiostrongylosis.Infection with A. vasorum should be considered in dogs with respiratory signs and bleeding tendencies, even in countries with no endemic history or reported cases.

Circulating nucleosomes as a potential cancer biomarker in dogs with splenic nodular lesions.

Splenic nodular lesions in dogs can be either benign or malignant. They might be discovered incidentally or, in case of rupture, they may lead to hemoabdomen. Nevertheless, splenectomy followed by histopathology is essential for diagnosis and to prevent rupture. Yet, this invasive procedure might be postponed for dogs with benign splenic nodular lesions. Conversely, owners may opt for euthanasia over surgery for malignancies with poor prognosis like hemangiosarcoma. Thus, anticipating diagnosis with non-invasive biomarkers is crucial for proper patient management. In this prospective study, plasma samples were collected from 66 dogs with histologically confirmed splenic nodular lesions. A canine-specific ELISA kit was applied to assess nucleosome concentration, with histopathology of the spleen serving as the gold standard. Nucleosome concentration was found to be significantly higher in dogs with malignant splenic nodular lesions, particularly in those with hemangiosarcoma and other malignancies. The presence of hemoabdomen, more prevalent in dogs with splenic malignancy, also resulted in increased plasmatic nucleosome concentrations. Plasma nucleosomes could serve as a biomarker for detecting malignant splenic nodular lesions in dogs. More research is needed to understand how nucleosome concentration relate to disease stage and prognosis in dogs with hemangiosarcoma.

Smoke Inhalation in Veterinary Patients: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management.

Smoke contains a mixture of harmful gases, chemicals, and superheated particles. Inhalation of smoke causes generalized hypoxia and airway inflammation due to impaired oxygen transport and utilization, as well as thermal and chemical injury in the airways. Generally, treatment is supportive with oxygen therapy and airway management, including chest physiotherapy, bronchodilators, and nebulization. Immediate oxygen therapy is mandatory for all suspected smoke inhalation patients and should not be delayed pending diagnostic test results or due to "normal" oxygen saturation readings that can be falsely elevated in carbon monoxide intoxication. Smoke inhalation patients with mild clinical signs who respond well to initial stabilization generally have a favorable prognosis. However, patients with severe signs or progression despite initial stabilization may require more advanced or intensive care.

Nonfunctional Incomplete Infected Ureteral Duplication in a French Bulldog.

A 7 yr old female French bulldog exhibited recurrent purulent vulvar discharge following an episode of pyometra treated by ovariohysterectomy. The diagnosis of ureteral duplication was established through a combination of ultrasonography, computed tomography scanning, and cystoscopy/vaginoscopy. Despite initial medical intervention, the dog's clinical condition did not improve. Consequently, surgical treatment was pursued to remove the duplicated ureter while preserving the integrity of the urinary tract. Resection of the duplicated ureter was performed from the kidney to the bladder, and the blind ends left in place in the kidney and in the bladder wall were omentalized. Histopathological analysis confirmed the presence of the duplicated ureter. Postoperatively, the dog made a full recovery with no complications or urinary tract dysfunction. Long-term follow-up (11 mo) revealed complete resolution of all clinical signs. Ureteral duplication should be included in the differential diagnosis of vulvar purulent discharge in dogs. Removal of the abnormal ureter resulted in complete resolution of the clinical signs. This case underscores the importance of individualized treatment plans for ureteral duplications in dogs and the potential for successful surgical treatment in selected cases.

Diagnosis and successful medical management of a renal corticomedullary abscess in a dog.

A 10-year-old spayed female mixed-breed dog was brought to the Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center because of a suspected mass located to the right kidney. The mass was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound following a recurrent lower urinary tract infection. Abdominal computed tomography revealed 2 isoattenuating, peripherally hypoattenuating, and centrally non-contrast-enhancing nodules in the right kidney; the larger one measured 1.9 cm. Initial attempts at fine-needle aspiration were unsuccessful. The dog was returned and the mass was aspirated using ultrasound guidance under heavy sedation. Cytology confirmed the presence of septic inflammation, consistent with a renal corticomedullary abscess. The dog was administered oral enrofloxacin (15 mg/kg, q24h) after diagnosis. Ultrasound guidance was used 2 wk later, under general anesthesia, to achieve percutaneous drainage of ~0.25 mL of fluid and instillation of 5.7 mg (0.25 mL) of enrofloxacin into the abscess capsule. Two weeks after percutaneous drainage, ultrasound examination showed complete resolution of the renal corticomedullary abscess. Urine culture confirmed resolution of the urinary tract infection. To the authors' knowledge, kidney-sparing medical management has never been successfully reported in a dog with a renal corticomedullary abscess. Key clinical message: Renal corticomedullary abscesses occur infrequently in dogs. Medical management is feasible and can result in complete resolution of clinical signs and imaging abnormalities.

Diagnostic et prise en charge médicale réussie d'un abcès corticomédullaire rénal chez un chienUne chienne croisée de 10 ans, stérilisée, a été amenée au centre médical vétérinaire de l'Ohio State University en raison d'une masse suspectée située au niveau du rein droit. La masse a été diagnostiquée par échographie abdominale à la suite d'une infection récurrente du tractus urinaire inférieur. La tomodensitométrie abdominale a révélé 2 nodules isoatténuants, hypoatténuants en périphérie et centralement sans contraste dans le rein droit; le plus grand mesurait 1,9 cm. Les premières tentatives d'aspiration à l'aiguille fine ont échoué. Le chien est revenu et la masse a été aspirée sous guidage échographique sous sédation lourde. La cytologie a confirmé la présence d'une inflammation septique, compatible avec un abcès corticomédullaire rénal. Le chien a reçu de l'enrofloxacine par voie orale (15 mg/kg, toutes les 24 heures) après le diagnostic. Le guidage échographique a été utilisé 2 semaines plus tard, sous anesthésie générale, pour obtenir un drainage percutané d'environ 0,25 mL de liquide et l'instillation de 5,7 mg (0,25 mL) d'enrofloxacine dans la capsule de l'abcès. Deux semaines après le drainage percutané, l'échographie a montré une résolution complète de l'abcès corticomédullaire rénal. La culture urinaire a confirmé la résolution de l'infection des voies urinaires. À la connaissance des auteurs, une prise en charge médicale préservant les reins n'a jamais été rapportée avec succès chez un chien présentant un abcès corticomédullaire rénal.Message clinique clé:Les abcès corticomédullaires rénaux surviennent rarement chez le chien. La prise en charge médicale est réalisable et peut aboutir à une résolution complète des signes cliniques et des anomalies d'imagerie.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Cough-induced severe bradycardia and syncope in a dog.

A 10-year-old spayed female shih tzu dog was brought to the hospital because of recurring syncope that occurred simultaneously with a cough. Physical examination did not reveal an abnormal heart rhythm or abnormal heart sounds. Electrocardiography revealed sinus arrest of 4.7 s with intermittent escape beats during coughing. Additional examinations, including thoracic radiography, clinical pathology, and echocardiography, revealed no abnormalities of concern. Forty-eight-hour Holter monitoring captured 1 syncopal episode following severe coughing, during which the longest sinus arrest lasted 16 s with intermittent escape beats. This observation confirmed our strong suspicion that coughing was the cause of varying degrees of sinus arrest in this dog. Theophylline, codeine, and short-term prednisolone were prescribed to treat the dog's cough. The daily episodes of syncope ceased and coughing decreased. Subsequent 48-hour Holter monitoring revealed no abnormal pauses, and the owner did not report syncope. Theophylline and codeine were continued for 5 mo, during which time no syncope occurred. To our knowledge, this case provides the first clear evidence of a correlation between cough-induced sinus arrest and syncope in a veterinary patient, as confirmed by Holter monitoring and electrocardiography. Key clinical message: Cough-induced severe bradycardia and syncope were identified in a shih tzu dog. After the antitussive medication was adjusted, the signs resolved.

Bradycardie sévère et syncope provoquées par la toux chez un chienUne chienne shih tzu stérilisée âgée de 10 ans a été amenée à l'hôpital en raison d'une syncope récurrente survenue simultanément avec une toux. L'examen physique n'a révélé aucun rythme cardiaque anormal ni bruits cardiaques anormaux. L'électrocardiographie a révélé un arrêt sinusal de 4,7 s avec des battements d'échappements intermittents lors de la toux. Des examens complémentaires, notamment une radiographie thoracique, des analyses en pathologie clinique et une échocardiographie, n'ont révélé aucune anomalie préoccupante. Une surveillance Holter de 48 heures a capturé 1 épisode syncopal à la suite d'une toux sévère, au cours duquel l'arrêt sinusal le plus long a duré 16 s avec des battements d'échappements intermittents. Cette observation a confirmé nos fortes suspicions selon lesquelles la toux était la cause de divers degrés d'arrêt sinusal chez ce chien. De la théophylline, de la codéine et de la prednisolone de courte durée ont été prescrites pour traiter la toux du chien. Les épisodes quotidiens de syncope ont cessé et la toux a diminué. Une surveillance Holter ultérieure de 48 heures n'a révélé aucune pause anormale et le propriétaire n'a pas signalé de syncope. La théophylline et la codéine ont été poursuivies pendant 5 mois, période pendant laquelle aucune syncope ne s'est produite. À notre connaissance, ce cas constitue la première preuve claire d'une corrélation entre l'arrêt sinusal induit par la toux et la syncope chez un patient vétérinaire, comme le confirme la surveillance Holter et l'électrocardiographie.Message clinique clé :Une bradycardie et une syncope sévères induites par la toux ont été identifiées chez un chien shih tzu. Après ajustement du traitement antitussif, les signes ont disparu.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Characterization of faecal microbiota and serum inflammatory markers in dogs diagnosed with chronic enteropathy or small-cell lymphoma: a pilot study.

Dogs diagnosed with chronic enteropathy (CE) or small-cell lymphoma (SCL) exhibit marked differences in faecal microbiota and organic acid profiles compared with healthy dogs, as well as immune abnormalities in intestinal mucosal tissue. However, few studies have analysed trace organic acids, such as succinic acid, which have been suggested to be associated with IBD in humans. Therefore, in this study, we compared the faecal microbiota and organic acid profiles as well as serum inflammatory markers between dogs with disease (n = 11; 6 with CE and 5 with SCL) and healthy controls (n = 16). We also performed machine learning and correlation analysis to obtain more detailed insights into the characteristics of affected dogs. These results revealed that dogs with CE and SCL had lower levels of Erysipelotrichaceae (e.g. Turicibacter and Allobaculum), exhibited abnormalities in the succinic acid metabolism (i.e. succinic acid accumulation and decreased levels of Phascolarctobacterium as succinic acid-utilising bacteria) and increased levels of pathobiont bacteria such as Escherichia-Shigella. Additionally, the presence of Dubosiella was significantly negatively correlated with Canine Inflammatory Bowel Disease Activity Index scores. These findings are expected to aid the development of microbiome-based medications and/or supplements, although further verification is needed.

Intestinal duplication in a miniature Schnauzer dog.

A 9-week-old miniature Schnauzer dog was brought to a veterinary clinic because of an acute onset of vomiting. A 2 to 3-centimeter, round, firm structure in the mid-abdomen was palpated with a repeatable pain response. An exploratory laparotomy revealed a grossly cystic-appearing mass on the distal ileum. Resection and anastomosis were conducted. The histopathology report concluded the structure was an intestinal duplication, a rare congenital abnormality, with the structure sharing an outer muscular layer with the normal intestine. The resection was considered completely excised. The puppy recovered well and was clinically normal on follow-up examinations. The findings from this case suggest congenital abnormalities should always be included on a differential diagnosis list for all young animals, regardless of the presenting complaint.

Duplication intestinale chez un Schnauzer miniatureUn Schnauzer miniature âgé de 9 semaines a été présenté à une clinique vétérinaire pour cause d'apparition de vomissements aigus. Une structure ferme et ronde, de 2 à 3 cm de diamètre au milieu de l'abdomen était palpée avec une réponse à la douleur répétée. Une laparotomie exploratoire a révélé la présence d'une masse d'apparence kystique sur l'iléon distal. Une résection et une anastomose ont été effectuées. Le rapport d'histopathologie concluait que la structure était une duplication intestinale, une anomalie congénitale rare, et que la structure partageait une couche musculaire externe avec l'intestin normal. La résection a été considérée comme complètement excisée. Le chiot a bien récupéré et était cliniquement normal lors des examens de suivi. Les trouvailles dans le cas présent suggèrent que les anomalies congénitales devraient toujours être incluses dans la liste des diagnostics différentiels pour les jeunes animaux, indépendamment de la raison pour la consultation.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Internet-based survey on diagnosis and treatment recommendations for medial shoulder syndrome and instability in dogs.

Objective: The aim of this study was to document perceived frequency of medial shoulder syndrome and instability (MSS/MSI) among dogs, and preferred diagnostic and treatment options related to the condition, among American or European Colleges of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS/ECVS) diplomates, American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (ACVSMR) diplomates, and dual diplomates of ACVS/ECVS and ACVSMR (double-Boarded diplomates). Procedure: An invitation to complete an online survey was sent to diplomates via email listservs. Results: The known response rate for the survey was 15.8% (160 of 1014 email addresses). There was a difference (P = 0.006) among groups in number of cases of MSS/MSI seen, with ACVS/ECVS diplomates and double-Boarded diplomates seeing 0 to 5 cases per year (80.7 and 72.7%, respectively) and ACVSMR diplomates (32% of total respondents) seeing 11 to 26+ cases annually. The majority of all respondents (56.4%) felt the likely cause of MSS/MSI to be chronic/repetitive strain. Diagnostically, most respondents (78%) relied on shoulder abduction angles; however, most felt it was a questionable or somewhat accurate diagnostic test. The ACVSMR diplomates (88%) relied on musculoskeletal ultrasound as their preferred diagnostic modality, compared to only 35% of ACVS/ECVS diplomates and 45% of double-Boarded diplomates. Preferred treatment was rehabilitation with surgery for unresponsive cases, as reported by 86.9% of all respondents. Preferred surgical treatment was prosthetic ligament reconstruction (62.7%). Conclusion: Despite the low known response rate of this survey, there were significant differences among specialties regarding frequency of MSS/MSI cases seen per year and preferred diagnostic modalities. However, there were no differences among specialties regarding the suspected underlying causes of MSS/MSI and initial treatment strategies.

Enquête en ligne sur le diagnostic et les recommandations thérapeutiques pour le syndrome et l'instabilité médiale de l'épaule chez le chien. Objectif: Le but de cette étude était de documenter la fréquence perçue du syndrome et de l'instabilité médiale de l'épaule (MSS/MSI) chez les chiens, ainsi que les options de diagnostic et de traitement préférées liées à cette maladie, parmi les spécialistes des collèges américains ou européens de chirurgiens vétérinaires (ACVS/ECVS), les spécialistes de l'American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (ACVSMR) et les spécialistes doubles ACVS/ECVS et ACVSMR. Procédure: Une invitation à répondre à un sondage en ligne a été envoyée aux spécialistes via des listes de diffusion de courrier électronique. Résultats: Le taux de réponse connu pour l'enquête était de 15,8 % (160 sur 1 014 adresses courriel). Il y avait une différence (P = 0,006) entre les groupes dans le nombre de cas de MSS/MSI vus, les spécialistes de l'ACVS/ECVS et les spécialistes doubles voyant 0 à 5 cas par an (respectivement 80,7 et 72,7 %) et les spécialistes de l'ACVSMR (32 % du total des répondants) voient 11 à 26+ cas par an. La majorité de tous les répondants (56,4 %) ont estimé que la cause probable du MSS/MSI était une tension chronique/répétitive. Sur le plan diagnostique, la plupart des répondants (78 %) se sont appuyés sur les angles d'abduction de l'épaule; cependant, la plupart estimaient qu'il s'agissait d'un test diagnostique douteux ou quelque peu précis. Les spécialistes de l'ACVSMR (88 %) ont eu recours à l'échographie musculosquelettique comme modalité diagnostique privilégiée, contre seulement 35 % des spécialistes de l'ACVS/ECVS et 45 % des spécialistes doubles. Le traitement préféré était la réadaptation chirurgicale pour les cas qui ne répondaient pas, comme l'ont indiqué 86,9 % de tous les répondants. Le traitement chirurgical préféré était la reconstruction ligamentaire prothétique (62,7 %). Conclusion: Malgré le faible taux de réponse à cette enquête, il existe des différences significatives entre les spécialités concernant la fréquence des cas de MSS/MSI observés par an et les modalités de diagnostic préférées. Cependant, il n'y avait aucune différence entre les spécialités concernant les causes sous-jacentes suspectées de MSS/MSI et les stratégies de traitement initiales.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Acute respiratory distress syndrome associated with a pheochromocytoma in an adult dog.

A 16-year-old castrated male shih tzu dog was brought to the emergency service because of an acute (24 h) history of gagging, coughing, and lethargy. Physical examination revealed dyspnea concurrent with diffuse, bilateral, pulmonary crackles and wheezes. Oxygen saturation, measured with a pulse oximeter, was < 95%. Thoracic radiographs revealed a multifocal alveolar pattern superimposed over a diffuse interstitial pattern with normal heart size. The dog continued to be dyspneic despite oxygen therapy. In accordance with the radiographic findings, further supportive care was recommended. Due to the unknown prognosis and financial constraints, the owner elected humane euthanasia. Necropsy confirmed a pheochromocytoma and lung changes without evidence of congestive heart failure. Findings were consistent with diffuse alveolar damage. These findings correlated with the dog's clinical diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). No other disease processes associated with ARDS were identified. The purpose of this case report is to describe an unusual presentation of ARDS likely associated with a pheochromocytoma and confirmed by necropsy. Acute respiratory distress syndrome associated with a pheochromocytoma has been described in medical literature but has never been reported in veterinary medicine. Key clinical message: Pheochromocytomas should be added to the list of risk factors associated with ARDS in dogs. Dogs with a suspected diagnosis of pheochromocytoma whose owners elect against surgical removal should be closely monitored for an acute onset of respiratory distress, which could suggest the development of ARDS.

Syndrome de détresse respiratoire aiguë associé à un phéochromocytome chez un chien adulteUn chien shih tzu mâle castré de 16 ans a été amené aux services d'urgence en raison d'antécédents aigus (24 heures) de haut-le-coeur, de toux et de léthargie. L'examen physique a révélé une dyspnée concomitante à des crépitements et des respirations sifflantes diffuses, bilatérales et pulmonaires. La saturation en oxygène, mesurée avec un oxymètre de pouls, était < 95 %. Les radiographies thoraciques ont révélé un motif alvéolaire multifocal superposé à un motif interstitiel diffus avec une taille cardiaque normale. Le chien est resté dyspnéique malgré l'oxygénothérapie. Conformément aux résultats radiographiques, des soins de soutien supplémentaires ont été recommandés. En raison du pronostic inconnu et des contraintes financières, le propriétaire a opté pour l'euthanasie sans cruauté. La nécropsie a confirmé un phéochromocytome et des modifications pulmonaires sans signe d'insuffisance cardiaque congestive. Les résultats concordaient avec des lésions alvéolaires diffuses. Ces résultats étaient en corrélation avec le diagnostic clinique du syndrome de détresse respiratoire aiguë (ARDS) du chien. Aucun autre processus pathologique associé à l'ARDS n'a été identifié. Le but de ce rapport de cas est de décrire une présentation inhabituelle de l'ARDS probablement associée à un phéochromocytome et confirmée par la nécropsie. Le syndrome de détresse respiratoire aiguë associé à un phéochromocytome a été décrit dans la littérature médicale mais n'a jamais été rapporté en médecine vétérinaire.Message clinique clé:Les phéochromocytomes doivent être ajoutés à la liste des facteurs de risque associés à l'ARDS chez le chien. Les chiens avec un diagnostic suspecté de phéochromocytome dont les propriétaires choisissent de ne pas procéder à l'ablation chirurgicale doivent être étroitement surveillés pour détecter l'apparition aiguë d'une détresse respiratoire, ce qui pourrait suggérer le développement d'un ARDS.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

[First detection of the SLC2A9:p.C188F gene defect in a German Hunting Terrier with ammonium urate urolithiasis]. / Erstmaliger Nachweis des SLC2A9:p.C188F Gendefekts bei einem Deutschen Jagdterrier mit Ammoniumurat-Urolithiasis.

A 1,5-year-old intact male German Hunting Terrier was initially presented 2018 with hematuria. An abdominal ultrasound revealed multiple hyperechogenic structures in the urinary bladder. A urinalysis indicated severe crystalluria (ammonium urate or xanthine). Following cystotomy and urinary calculus analysis, ammonium urate urolithiasis was diagnosed in 2019. The patient was tested homozygous at the SLC2A9:p.C188F variant, which results in severe hyperuricemia and hyperuricosuria. This case report presents the first incidence of the SLC2A9:p.C188F gene variant being detected in a German Hunting Terrier. Veterinary practitioners are encouraged to consider the possibility of this gene defect presenting in breeds beyond the Dalmatian.

Nested PCR effective to detect low viral loads of SARS-CoV-2 in animal samples.

SARS-CoV-2 emerged from an animal source and was then transmitted to humans, causing the COVID-19 pandemic. Since a wide range of animals are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, the zoonotic potential of SARS-CoV-2 increases with every new animal infected. The molecular gold standard assay for SARS-CoV-2 detection is real-time RT-PCR, where the Ct obtained is proportional to the amount of nucleic acid and can be a semi-quantitative measure of the viral load. However, since the use of real-time RT-PCR assays in animal samples is low due to the high costs, the use of validated nested PCR assays will help to monitor large-scale animal samplings, by reducing the costs of detection. In the present study, 140 samples from dogs and cats (15 SARS-CoV-2-positive samples with Ct values from 27 to 33, and 125 negative samples), previously analyzed by real-time RT-PCR, were analyzed by nested PCR. To increase the number of positive samples to determine the sensitivity of the assay, 40 human samples obtained during COVID-19 diagnosis in 2020 were included. The specificity of the primers was analyzed against samples positive to canine coronavirus (CCV) and feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV). To calculate the limit of detection (LoD) of the nested PCR, the viral load was estimated extrapolating the Ct value obtained by real-time RT-PCR. The Ct values obtained were considered as semi-quantitative and were able to distinguish between high, moderate and low viral loads. The Kappa value or "agreement" between assays and reliability of the nested PCR were also determined. Eleven of the animal samples analyzed by nested PCR targeting the N gene were detected as positive, while 129 were detected as negative to the virus, with Ct values ranging between17 and 31.5. All the samples from humans analyzed by nested PCR were positive. These results indicate that the assay has a sensitivity of near 95 % and a specificity of 100 %. No unspecific reactions analyzed by nested PCR were observed with the samples positive to CCV and FIPV. The samples detected as positive to SARS-CoV-2 by nested PCR were those that presented a Ct between17 and 31.5. The LoD of the nested PCR was estimated close to 50 copies/µL of viral load, corresponding with a Ct of 31.5. The Kappa value between assays was excellent (k = 0.829). The results obtained demonstrate that nested PCR is useful to detect SARS-CoV-2 low viral loads at a lower cost than with real-time RT-PCR.

Canine primary ureteral leiomyosarcoma treated with unilateral left ureteronephrectomy.

Background: Primary ureteral neoplasms are extremely rare in dogs, and ureteral involvement usually occurs owing to the invasion of renal and bladder tumors. Case Description: This case report describes a 12-year-old intact male mixed-breed dog referred to a private clinic with a six-month history of abdominal distention. A physical examination revealed mild abdominal pain. Hematological tests detected normocytic-normochromic anemia (hematocrit 33.6% [reference interval-RI: 37%-55%], red blood cells 4.93 M/µl [RI: 5.5-8.5 M/µl], and hemoglobin 12.4 g/dl [RI: 12-18.0 g/dl]). The results from the leukogram, thrombogram, renal, and hepatic panels were within the reference intervals for dogs. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a cavitary mass measuring approximately 12 cm in diameter as the largest tumor in the left abdominal region over the left hepatic lobe or mesenteric site. Chest radiography did not reveal any metastasis. Therefore, the patient underwent exploratory laparotomy, during which the left ureter was found to be affected by a 12-cm mass that adhered to the left kidney. A unilateral left ureteronephrectomy was performed, and histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) confirmed well-differentiated primary ureteral leiomyosarcoma. The patient survived for 130 days but died of lung metastasis. Conclusion: Ureteral leiomyosarcoma should be investigated and included in the list of differential diagnoses for primary ureteral neoplasms. Regardless of the therapeutic modality, the prognosis of ureteral leiomyosarcoma may be unfavorable, as shown in this report.

Standardization of quantitative PCR (qPCR) method to detect the level of parasitaemia in Babesia gibsoni infected dogs.

The present investigation aimed to quantitatively assess the level of parasitemia in dogs using qPCR.The dogs selected for this study were infected with the haemoprotozoan parasite Babesia gibsoni. In the study, dogs diagnosed with babesiosis were divided into two groups (n = 12) and subjected to distinct treatment strategies. The first group received clindamycin-metronidazole-doxycycline (CMD) therapy, while the second group was treated with a combination of buparvaquone-azithromycin (BPV-AZM). The level of parasitemia in the infected dogs was determined using an absolute quantification-based qPCR method. This assessment was conducted both prior to initiating the treatment and on the 10th day following the commencement of the treatment protocols. On the tenth day after the initiation of treatment, the CMD group exhibited a lower level of parasitemia in comparison to the BPV-AZM group. In the CMD treated groups, the mean parasitemia decreased from 4.9E + 06 to 3.4E + 06, indicating a reduction in parasitic load. Conversely, in the BPV-AZM treatment groups, the mean parasitemia increased from 1.62E + 06 to 2.87E + 06, suggesting an increase in parasitic load. On the 10th day, the CMD-treated group demonstrated a statistically significant decline in the level of parasitemia, with a P-value of ≤0.001. This indicates a strong and significant reduction in parasitic load following the CMD treatment. Therefore, the absolute quantification-based qPCR method could effectively assess the initial treatment response by measuring the level of parasitemia.

miR-182, miR-221 and miR-222 are potential urinary extracellular vesicle biomarkers for canine urothelial carcinoma.

Current diagnostic methods for canine urothelial carcinoma (UC) are technically challenging or can lack specificity, hence there is a need for novel biomarkers of UC. To this end, we analysed the microRNA (miRNA) cargo of extracellular vesicles (EVs) from urine samples of dogs with UC to identify candidate miRNA biomarkers. Urine was fractionated using ultrafiltration combined with size-exclusion chromatography and small RNA sequencing analysis was performed on both the EV enriched and (EV free) protein fractions. A greater number of candidate miRNA biomarkers were detected in the EV fraction than the protein fraction, and further validation using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) was performed on the EV enriched fraction of a second cohort of dogs with UC which indicated that miR-182, miR-221 and miR-222 were significantly overrepresented in dogs with UC when compared with healthy dogs and dogs with urinary tract infections. Pathway analysis confirmed that these three miRNAs are involved in cancer. In addition, their potential downstream gene targets were predicted and PIK3R1, a well-known oncogene is likely to be a shared target between miRNA-182 and miRNA-221/222. In summary, this study highlights the potential of urinary EV-associated miRNAs as a source of biomarkers for the diagnosis of canine UC.

Leptospirosis transmitted from a pet dog.

Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonosis in tropical regions and it is not frequently recognised in developed countries. We report a case of leptospirosis transmitted from a pet dog. A middle-aged woman was referred to our emergency department with a 7-day history of fever and diarrhoea. She presented with hypotension, tachycardia, grasping pain in the entire muscle and petechiae. A detailed medical interview revealed that her pet dog had been to the veterinarian 1 month earlier with similar symptoms. We treated her with intravenous antibiotics. The patient's diagnosis of leptospirosis was confirmed by serological testing and the detection of DNA in her urine. We contacted the veterinarian and shared the information. We found that the dog had suffered from leptospirosis based on serological testing. We emphasise the possibility of leptospirosis being transmitted from pet dogs. Persistent suspicion of leptospirosis will contribute to its diagnosis and improved public health.

Neural network analysis of pharyngeal sounds can detect obstructive upper respiratory disease in brachycephalic dogs.

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is a highly prevalent respiratory disease affecting popular short-faced dog breeds such as Pugs and French bulldogs. BOAS causes significant morbidity, leading to poor exercise tolerance, sleep disorders and a shortened lifespan. Despite its severity, the disease is commonly missed by owners or disregarded by veterinary practitioners. A key clinical sign of BOAS is stertor, a low-frequency snoring sound. In recent years, a functional grading scheme has been introduced to semi-objectively grade BOAS based on the presence of stertor and other abnormal signs. However, correctly grading stertor requires significant experience and adding an objective component would aid accuracy and repeatability. This study proposes a recurrent neural network model to automatically detect and grade stertor in laryngeal electronic stethoscope recordings. The model is developed using a novel dataset of 665 labelled recordings taken from 341 dogs with diverse BOAS clinical signs. Evaluated via nested cross validation, the neural network predicts the presence of clinically significant BOAS with an area under the receiving operating characteristic of 0.85, an operating sensitivity of 71% and a specificity of 86%. The algorithm could enable widespread screening for BOAS to be conducted by both owners and veterinarians, improving treatment and breeding decisions.

Development and Application of Colloidal Gold Test Strips for the Rapid Detection of Canine Brucellosis.

Brucellosis is a global problem, with the causative agent being the genus Brucella. B. canis can cause undulant fever in dogs, which is a zoonotic disease that can spread not only among dogs but also to humans. This poses a public health threat to society. In this study, a rapid and straightforward immune colloidal gold test strip was developed for the diagnosis of canine brucellosis through the detection of anti-LPS antibodies in serum samples. Rabbit anti-canine IgG conjugated with colloidal gold was employed as the colloidal gold-labeled antibody. The extracted high-purity R-LPS was employed as the capture antigen in the test line (T-line), while goat anti-rabbit IgG was utilized as the capture antibody in the control line (C-line). The colloidal gold strip exhibited high specificity in the detection of brucellosis, with no cross-reaction observed with the common clinical canine diseases caused by Canine coronavirus (CCV), Canine distemper virus (CDV), and Canine parvovirus (CPV). In comparison to the commercial iELISA kit, the sensitivity and specificity of the colloidal gold test strip were found to be 95.23% and 98.76%, respectively. The diagnostic coincidence rate was 98.47%. The findings of this study indicate that colloidal gold test strips may be employed as a straightforward, expeditious, sensitive, and specific diagnostic instrument for the identification of canine brucellosis, particularly in resource-limited regions.