Feline dermatoses at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (Iran): 154 cases (2009-2020).

BACKGROUND: Studies indicate that 6% to 20% of feline patients have at least one dermatopathy. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study aimed to provide comprehensive information about the types of skin diseases, diagnosis methods, treatments and follow-up data in a hospital population of domestic cats in Iran. ANIMALS/MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present survey of clinical observations was conducted on the medical records of 1825 individual cats brought to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (Iran) over a 12-year period (2009-2020). RESULTS: Feline dermatoses accounted for 154 (8.43%) of the 1,825 cats examined during the study period. The most prevalent dermatological manifestations in the studied population of 154 were erythema, macules, papules and/or pustules (36; 23.37%), alopecia (18; 11.68%) and erosive/ulcerative lesions (17; 11.03%). Specific dermatological diagnoses made were the following (in descending order, of 154): dermatophytosis (34; 22.07%), subcutaneous abscesses (16; 10.38%), atopic skin syndrome/environmental allergies (20; 10.38%), external parasites (15; 9.74%), otitis (10; 6.49%), flea infestation (6; 3.89%), food allergy (4; 2.59%) and primary pyoderma (2; 1.29%). Most lesions were observed in the head/face of cats (41 of 154; 26.62%) and their ears (39; 25.32%). Following treatment, 86 of 154 cats (69.35%) had complete remissions, 17 cats faced recurrent dermatoses and the owners of 21 cats were not satisfied. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The prevalence of dermatoses among this cohort of Iranian cats is similar to that in other parts of the world. However, a noticeable difference was detected in the most prevalent dermatoses. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the characteristics and outcomes of feline dermatological conditions in Iran.

Les dossiers médicaux de 1825 chats consultés à la Faculté de médecine vétérinaire de l'Université Ferdowsi de Mashhad, Iran, sur une période de 12 ans (2009-2020) ont été analysés rétrospectivement et les dermatoses représentaient 154 (8.43%) cas. La dermatophytose (34; 22.07%), les abcès sous-cutanés (16; 10.38%) et le syndrome cutané atopique (20; 10.38%) ont été le plus souvent diagnostiqués, de façon similaire à d'autres localisations géographiques; l'ordre des diagnostics les plus fréquents différait.

Os prontuários médicos de 1825 gatos que foram consultados na Faculty of Veterinary Medicine de Mashhad, Irã por um período superior a 12 anos (2009-2020) foram analisados e as dermatoses correspondiam a 154 (8.43%) dos casos. A dermatofitose (34; 22.07%), abscessos subcutâneos (16; 10.38%) e síndrome atópica cutânea (20, 10:10.38) foram as doenças mais comumente, corroborando com outros relatos de locais distintos; a ordem dos diagnósticos frequentes diferiu.

Se analizaron retrospectivamente los historiales médicos de 1825 gatos llevados a la Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria de la Universidad Ferdowsi de Mashhad, Irán, durante un período de 12 años (2009-2020), y las dermatosis representaron 154 (8.43%). Los diagnósticos más frecuentes fueron dermatofitosis (34; 22.07%), abscesos subcutáneos (16; 10.38%) y síndrome de piel atópica (20; 10.38%), en concordancia con la frecuencia de otros lugares; si bien el orden de incidencia de los diagnósticos frecuentes fue diferente.

Prevalence of canine distemper in dogs referred to Veterinary Hospital of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is responsible for high morbidity and mortality in dogs worldwide. Epidemiological study of canine distemper can help to control and treat the disease in any area. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of CDV in dogs referred to the Veterinary Hospital from September 23, 2018 to September 22, 2019. Dogs with at least two clinical signs of canine distemper underwent blood tests, rapid test kit from the eye and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and RT-PCR from whole blood and/or CSF samples. Out of 1212 referred dogs, 112 dogs were suspected to have canine distemper of which 90 underwent RT-PCR and rapid test kits. The disease prevalence was 4.04% (49/1212) and 7.44% (49/659) according to the total number of referring dogs and number of referring sick dogs, respectively. The distemper fatality rate was 69.57% (32/46). Seventy percent of distemper positive cases were under 12 months old and 52.08% were under 6 months old. Female dogs were more susceptible than males; however, the fatality rate of males was more than females. Of distemper positive dogs, 91.84% were unvaccinated. The highest prevalence (71.43%) of dogs diagnosed with CDV occurred during the cold seasons. It is concluded that canine distemper is endemic in the geographical area of Mashhad and its prevalence rate in dogs referred to the Veterinary Hospital of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad is 4.04% and its fatality rate is 69.57%. This indicates that a significant number of dogs may die if they develop distemper despite treatment.

Survey of Toxocara eggs on Dog Hair as a Potential Transmission Route in Human Toxocariasis in Northeastern Iran.

BACKGROUND: Toxocara canis is a gastrointestinal nematode of dogs and other canids with high zoonotic potential. Human infection occurs following ingestion of infective eggs that have been passed in the dogs' feces. Contact with contaminated soils, is one of the most important risk factors for human infection by T. canis eggs. However, in recent studies transmission of infective eggs, through human contact with contaminated dogs' hair have been proposed. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of Toxocara eggs on the hair and feces of dogs which attended to Veterinary Clinic of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. METHODS: A total 100 dogs which attended to the clinic were used in the present study. The hair samples were collected from the head, back and perineal region of dogs' body. Besides collecting hairs, fecal samples were also collected and analyzed for the presence of T. canis eggs. RESULTS: T. canis eggs were found in 11% of the hair samples and 10% of the feces samples. Additionally, it has been observed that the risk factors impact such as breed, season of sampling, sex, hair length, indoor-outdoor access and age, were not significant on the T. canis eggs presence in the faecal and hair samples. CONCLUSION: Human exposure to the hair of dogs, may be significant risk factor for infection and regular anthelmintic treatment, hygiene of animals and public education of the importance of dogs are recommended to prevent human toxocariasis.

Evaluating the correlation between adrenal gland dimensions and aortic diameter in healthy dogs.

In the present study, the relationship of normal adrenal dimensions with weight, aortic diameter, age and sex was evaluated. Moreover, a formula for estimating the normal dimensions of adrenal gland was provided. Thirty-two intact adult dogs that were considered healthy based on history, physical examination, routine blood works and specific adrenal tests as well as absence of any abnormal ultrasonographic findings were included. Adrenal glands and abdominal aorta were imaged in the sagittal plane by ultrasound. Length, maximal height of the cranial and caudal poles, area and circumference of the left and right adrenal glands and also the internal diameter of the abdominal aorta were measured. Analysis showed that there is a positive correlation between the adrenal gland dimensions and weight and aortic diameter. The ratio of adrenal gland dimensions and the aortic diameter was calculated, but this ratio showed a great amount of variability in tandem with a significant correlation to the weight; Meaning that the ratio of the adrenal gland dimensions to the aortic diameter was not a reliable index for evaluating the size of the normal adrenal gland in animals with different weights. Therefore, we used the weight along with adrenal measurements in a linear regression model, and then, we were able to estimate the adrenal gland dimensions in different weights. Knowing the relationship of normal adrenal dimensions with the indices such as weight, age, sex and diameter of abdominal aorta can help the clinicians to diagnose the adrenal gland diseases.

Effect of Supplementation With Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Magnesium, and Zinc on Canine Behavioral Disorders: Results of a Pilot Study.

Recent discoveries have shown that the chances of a dog developing a behavioral disorder may depend upon a number of factors including nutrition. The current pilot study was designed to provide an assessment of the efficacy of a dietary supplement containing omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and zinc on some common behavioral disorders in a population of Iranian domestic dogs. In total, 48 dogs including 6 dogs without any behavior disorder (control group) and 42 dogs with at least 1 common behavioral disorder, namely excessive activity, inappropriate elimination, fearfulness, destructiveness, and aggression toward unfamiliar people and dogs (test group), were given daily oral dose of gelatin capsules of fish oil supplements containing 330 mg eicosapentaenoic acid and 480 mg docosahexaenoic acid. Moreover, all dogs received 12-15 mg/kg of magnesium citrate and 5 mg/kg of zinc sulfate. Data were obtained using a questionnaire that dog owners were invited to fill out 2 times before (Days 0 and 42) and 2 times after the supplement treatment period (Days 84 and 126). The questionnaire asked owners whether their dog had exhibited any of the 6 common behavioral disorders on a 5-point Likert-like scale ranging from 0 (never or very rarely) to 4 (very often). The results showed no significant changes for any of the evaluated behavior disorders scale in the control group. In dogs with behavior disorders, results showed a significant reduction in the median score for the severity of fearfulness (P = .0083), destructiveness (P = .002), and inappropriate elimination (P < .001). In addition, there were no significant differences in the median score for the severity of excessive activity (P = .162), aggression toward dogs (P = .281), and aggression toward unfamiliar people (P = .09) during the course of the study. Results of the study reported here support the hypothesis that a combination of omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and zinc may improve some of the behavioral disorders.

A study of visceral leishmaniasis in owned dogs with dermal lesions in Mashhad area, Khorasan Razavi province.

Dog is the main reservoir host of visceral leishmaniasis in Iran. The present study was carried out to investigate visceral leishmaniasis in owned dogs with dermal lesions in Mashhad, Khorasan Razavi province. Thirty- nine owned dogs with dermal lesions were selected. During study, four of dogs were euthanized. The dermal smears, blood and tissue samples were collected and examined using parasitological, serological and molecular methods. A total of 39 examined dogs, leishman bodies were microscopically detected in 33.30% (13/39) of dermal smears. The sera samples were tested by indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Antibody against Leishmania infantum was detected in 26.00% (10/39) dogs. According to semi-nested PCR, DNA of Leishmania infantum was detected in 2.50% (1/39) of blood samples and in 75.00 % (3/4) of different tissues of euthanized dogs. BLAST analysis of the sequenced samples indicated a 99.00% similarity with kDNA of Leishmania infantum. Based on the results, it is concluded that visceral leishmaniasis due to L. infantum is distributed among household dogs of this area and it needs more surveillance to control the disease by public health and veterinary authorities.

Seroepidemiological Study of Toxocariasis in the Owners of Domestic Cats and Dogs in Mashhad, Northeastern Iran.

BACKGROUND: Toxocariasis is the clinical terms applied to infection of human with Ascarid nematodes in the order Ascaridida, named Toxocara canis and T. cati. Because in recent years in Iran many people desire to keep pets (cats and dogs), and lacking of seroepidemiological study of toxocariasis in Mashhad, we decided to determine the seroprevalence of toxocariasis among people who own cats and dogs in comparison with control group. METHODS: A serological study for detection antibodies to Toxocara in two groups (93 cat and dog owners and 93 healthy people as control group) was conducted from Feb 2013 to Dec 2013. An ELISA method was employed using determination of IgG antibodies against Toxocara. The serum samples were evaluated for anti-Toxocara antibody, using ELISA technique at Parasitology and Immunology Lab of Imam Reza Hospital of Mashhad. Using a questionnaire, epidemiological factors associated with infection were examined. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test. RESULTS: The seroprevalence of Toxocara antibodies in the pet owners and control group was respectively 20.43% and 1.07%. 47.3% of pet owners were female. CONCLUSION: Presented data showed the significant difference between seroprevalence of toxocariasis among pet owners and control group. Education of society and in particular pet owners consisting of preventing contamination of the environment with Toxocara eggs is advised.

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Ehrlichia canis Infection among Companion Dogs of Mashhad, North East of Iran, 2009-2010.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were to determine the seroprevalence of canine ehrlichiosis and risk factors of this disease in companion dogs' population of Mashhad, North East of Iran. Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (CME) is a zoonotic disease transmitted by ticks, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, and caused by an obligate intracellular bacterium, Ehrlichia canis. METHODS: During September 2009 until November 2010, 250 companion dogs from Mashhad, North-East of Iran, were examined for serum antibody detection against E. canis by means of immunofluorescence assay test (IFAT) and factors associated with a positive antibody response. RESULTS: There was a very low prevalence of anti-E. canis antibodies (0.8%, 2/250) among studied dogs. The antibody titers for two seropositive dogs were 1:80 and 1:160, respectively. One (0.4%) of seropositive dogs was infested with, R. sanguineus. In blood smears from one of infested dogs (0.4%), typical morulae of E. canis was observed in lymphocytes. The results confirm that the lowest occurrence of reactive dogs indoors probably related to low tick infestion. CONCLUSION: This is the first report that describes serological evidences of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis in North-East of Iran. Results suggested that E. canis infection in owned pet dogs from North of Khorasan was not endemic from 2009 to 2010. Additional molecular studies are necessary to confirm E. canis infection and to identify the local strains of the organism.

Seroprevalence of leptospiral infection in feline population in urban and dairy cattle herds in Mashhad, Iran.

The importance of cats in the Leptospira epidemiology is due to the possibility of transferring leptospirosis to wild and domesticated animals. The purpose of this survey was to determine the prevalence of Leptospira infection in shorthair cats in different location of Mashhad, Iran. Totally, 147 blood samples were taken from 42 (28.57%), 52 (35.37%) and 53 (36.05%) households, stray and cats which lived in industrial dairy cattle herds of Mashhad, Iran, respectively. Sera were tested with seven live Leptospira antigens using microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Sera with 50.00% agglutination at the dilution of ≥ 1/100 were considered as positive samples. Agglutination at dilutions of < 1/100 considered as suspected to Leptospira infection. Overall, 19 (12.92%) out of 147 cats showed reaction in MAT. The seroprevalence at a titer ≥ 1:100 and < 1:100 were 10 (6.80%) and 9 (6.12%), respectively. Serum samples showed positive reaction against Leptospira intterogans hardjo (no = 10; 52.63%), pomona (no = 5; 26.31%) and icterohaemorrhagiae (no = 4; 21.05%). Eight cats (42.10%) belong to dairy cattle herds had the most infection only by L. I. hardjo with 1:200 titer. There were no significant differences among the weight' age and sex of infected cats. However, there were significant differences between the infected cats in dairy cattle herds and the cats in the urban area (p < 0.05). It is concluded that cats can be infected by Leptospira spp. especially in commercial dairy cattle herds. Cats can be considered as a sanitation hazards in the area for this zoonotic disease.

A survey on intestinal parasites of golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) in the northeast of Iran.

The aims of this study were to provide baseline knowledge about gastrointestinal parasites in golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) that inhabit the Mashhad area, and to analyze possible independent variable from October 2011-August 2012. To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in golden hamster, faecal samples were tested specifically for nematode eggs, protozoan oocysts and sporocysts utilizing a combined sedimentation-flotation technique. In addition, all fecal samples were examined to detect oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. using modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining. Of 100 golden hamsters, 52 % were females and 48 % males. Of all examined fecal samples of golden hamsters, 44 % (95 % CI: 34.3-53.7 %) were found to harbor at least one parasite species. The following parasites were detected (with their respective prevalence): undetermined Trichurata (42 %, 95 % CI: 29.5-48.5 %), Syphacia spp. (4.3 %, 95 % CI: 1-7.3 %). Cryptosporidium and protozoan oocysts were not found in these animals. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between age, sex, litter, breeding place, breeding style and anthelminthic treatment with individual helminth infection in faecal examination. This is the first record of the gastrointestinal parasites of golden hamster in Iran. Considering that hamster and other rodents are pets in many homes, the likelihood of cross-infections, particularly involving children and mainly due to unhygienic habits, should be determined.

Survey of dermatological conditions in a population of domestic dogs in Mashhad, northeast of Iran (2007-2011).

university small animal clinic, 1299 Iranian domestic dogs presented from September 2007 through March 2011 to the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad Veterinary Teaching Hospital, were examined. Dermatological disorders were noted in 17.00% (221/1299) of all the dogs examined. Pruritus was the most common presenting sign, accounting for 25.35% of the dermatological consultations. It was followed by erythema, maculo-papular-pustular eruptions (16.97%), erosive or ulcerative lesions (16.74%), scaling or crusting (13.02%), alopecia (8.84%) and visible ectoparasites (7.44%). The most common primary final diagnoses were superficial pyoderma, cutaneous manifestations of canine leishmaniasis, flea infestation and allergy, tick infestation, atopic dermatitis, scabies, unspecified dermatoses, otitis, furunculosis and food allergy. There were no apparent age or sex predilections for dermatological disease as a whole. Spitz (odds ratio = 3.38; p = 0.001), Terriers (odds ratio = 2.52; p < 0.001) and German Shepherds (odds ratio = 1.90; p = 0.001) appeared to be at increased risk for dermatological disease. In addition, Khorasani large cross breed dogs (odds ratio = 0.36; p = 0.003) and mixed breed dogs (odds ratio = 0.33; p < 0.001) showed decreased risk for dermatological conditions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first survey study on canine dermatological conditions carried out in Iran.

Detection of Hepatozoon sp. in a Persian leopard (Panthera pardus ciscaucasica).

A free-ranging, adult, male Persian leopard (Panthera pardus ciscaucasica) was found at Geloul-Sarani protected zone, province of North-Khorasan, Iran and transported to the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad Veterinary Teaching Hospital. The leopard had normal temperature and respiratory and cardiac frequency, but was significantly dehydrated and had elevated capillary perfusion. The animal also was cachectic, with pale mucus membranes, third-eyelid protrusion, and bilaterally enlarged submandibular lymph nodes. The leopard was stabilized by intensive fluid and electrolyte therapy and hospitalized. In 2 days, the leopard had improved clinically but had severe ataxia and head pressing. Blood smears revealed gamonts of Hepatozoon sp. within some neutrophils. Hematologic and plasma chemistry abnormalities included moderate anemia, leukocytosis, hypocholestrolemia, and hypophosphatemia. In radiographic evaluations, no sign of periosteal reactions or new bone formation was seen on the skull, spine, long bones, pelvis, or vertebrae. The leopard was treated successfully with Tazocin and clindamycin for 1 mo. This is the first detection of a Hepatozoon sp. in wild Felidae in Iran. Because most Iranian wild felids and canids are endangered, knowing whether Hepatozoon infection represents a threat for these animals is important.

The efficacy and safety of long-term Helicobacter species quadruple therapy in asymptomatic cats with naturally acquired infection.

Owing to rising drug-resistant Helicobacter species infections in people and animals, currently therapies are losing their efficacy; therefore, regimens efficacious in the presence of drug resistance are needed. This study assessed the efficacy and safety of a 14-day quadruple Helicobacter species therapy in cats with naturally acquired infection. Thirteen asymptomatic adult stray cats with Helicobacter species infection (identified by analysis of gastric biopsies using polymerase chain reaction and Helicobacter-specific primers) received omeprazole 0.7mg/kg q 8h plus amoxicillin 20mg/kg q 12h, metronidazole 20mg/kg q 12h and clarithromycin 7.5mg/kg q 12h, for 14 days. Second molecular analysis of gastric biopsies revealed persistence of Helicobacter species DNA in four cats that were negative on quantitative urease testing, cytology and histopathology. Our results suggest that antibiotic regimens that are effective against Helicobacter pylori in people cannot eradicate Helicobacter species in cats with naturally acquired infection, although transient suppression may occur.

The first report of Hepatozoon canis infection of a dog in Iran.

An 11-year-old male dog was presented with a 1-week history of inappetence, weight loss and hind limb paralysis. Physical examination revealed weakness, depression, incoordination of the posterior limbs, peripheral lymphadenopathy and pale mucous membranes. Laboratory analysis of blood samples revealed anaemia, thrombocytopenia and low serum albumin concentration. The diagnosis was confirmed microscopically, by demonstrating the presence of Hepatozoon canis gametocytes within neutrophils in Giemsa-stained peripheral blood smears and bone marrow smear. Also, schizonts of H. canis were seen in tissue sections of muscles, lymph nodes, spleen and liver. To the best of authors' knowledge, this is the first description of H. canis infection in a dog in Iran.

Eosinophilic leukaemia in a cat.

A 14-year-old female domestic shorthair cat was presented to Tehran University Veterinary Teaching Hospital for a persistent fever, anorexia, intermittent vomiting, weight loss and weakness. The main clinical signs were pale mucous membranes, dehydration and splenomegaly. The complete blood count and serum biochemistry tests revealed non-regenerative anaemia, thrombocytopenia and increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test for feline leukaemia virus was negative. Blood film and bone marrow examination revealed a large number of immature eosinophils with variable sizes and numbers of faintly azurophilic granules. Cytochemical staining of blood film demonstrated 70% positive cells for ALP activity. Four percent CD34 positive cells were detected by flow cytometry. As eosinophilic leukaemia is difficult to identify by light microscopy, well-defined diagnostic criteria and the use of flow cytometry and cytochemical staining can improve the ability to correctly diagnose this type of leukaemia in cats.