Pradofloxacin for Treatment of Bartonella henselae in Experimentally Inoculated Cats.

Bartonella henselae is associated with numerous clinical syndromes in people. Cats are the definitive hosts for B. henselae, develop high levels of bacteremia, and are associated with human infections, particularly in the presence of Ctenocephalides felis. Several antibiotic protocols used for the treatment of B. henselae infection in cats have failed to clear bacteremia. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of a high-dose pradofloxacin protocol to eliminate B. henselae bacteremia. Bartonella henselae infection was initiated in 8 cats by intravenous inoculation of infected feline blood and then pradofloxacin was administered at 7.5 mg/kg, PO, twice daily for 28 days, starting 12 weeks after inoculation. Complete blood cell counts were performed prior to pradofloxacin administration and then every 2 weeks for 10 weeks. Bartonella PCR assay was performed prior to pradofloxacin administration and approximately every 2 weeks for 10 weeks and then weekly for 4 weeks. Methylprednisolone acetate (5 mg/kg) was administered by intramuscular injection to all cats on week 10. The cats remained normal and none developed a hematocrit, platelet count, lymphocyte count, or neutrophil count outside of the normal reference ranges. In the one month prior to pradofloxacin administration, all cats were PCR-positive for Bartonella DNA on at least two of four sample dates; after pradofloxacin administration, all cats were negative for B. henselae DNA in blood on all nine sample dates. The protocol appears to be safe and failure to amplify B. henselae DNA from the blood after the administration of pradofloxacin and one dose of methylprednisolone acetate suggests either an antibiotic effect or the organism was cleared spontaneously.

Total thyroxine and thyroid-stimulating hormone responses of healthy cats to different doses of thyrotropin-releasing hormone.

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation can be used as a test of thyroid function and pituitary thyrotropin (thyroid-stimulating hormone, TSH) reserve, but optimal stimulation testing protocols in cats are unreported. We randomly divided 6 healthy young adult cats into 3 groups of 2 and administered 3 different intravenous doses of TRH (0.01, 0.05, 0.1 mg/kg) at weekly intervals in our crossover study. Serum TSH and thyroxine (T4) concentrations were measured using chemiluminescent immunoassay before, and at 30 and 60 min after, TRH administration. All cats were monitored for 4 h post-TRH administration for side effects. All 3 TRH doses induced significant TSH (0.01 mg/kg, p = 0.001; 0.05 mg/kg, p = 0.002; 0.1 mg/kg, p = 0.006) and total T4 (0.01 mg/kg, p = 0.008; 0.05 mg/kg, p = 0.006; 0.1 mg/kg, p = 0.001) responses. Lower TRH doses (0.01 and 0.05 mg/kg) caused fewer side effects (1 of 6 cats) than did the highest dose (3 of 6 cats), and may be safer in cats than the previously reported higher dose (0.1 mg/kg) of TRH. Our results do not support the use of maropitant to prevent side effects of a TRH stimulation test in cats.

Efficacy of an elemental diet in achieving clinical remission in dogs with chronic enteropathy.

BACKGROUND: Diet may induce clinical remission in dogs with chronic enteropathy (CE). Elemental diets (EDs), providing protein as amino acids, modulate intestinal immunity and microbiome in rodents and humans. HYPOTHESIS: Evaluate the impact of an amino acid-based kibble (EL) on CE clinical activity and gastrointestinal (GI)-relevant variables. ANIMALS: Client-owned dogs (n = 23) with inadequately controlled CE. METHODS: Prospective, uncontrolled clinical trial. Diagnostic evaluation including upper and lower GI endoscopy was performed before study entry. Canine chronic enteropathy clinical activity index (CCECAI), serum biomarkers, and fecal microbiome were evaluated before and after 2 weeks of EL. Dogs with stable or improved CE remained in the study for another 6 weeks. Pre- and post-EL clinical and microbiological variables were compared statistically using a mixed model. RESULTS: After 2 weeks of EL, 15 of 22 dogs (68%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 47%-84%) consuming the diet were classified as responders with a median (range) decrease in CCECAI from 6 (3-12) to 2 (0-9; P < .001). Fourteen of 15 responders and 2/7 nonresponders at 2 weeks completed the trial; all 16 were experiencing adequate control at week 8 with a median CCECAI of 2 (0-3). In total, 16/23 dogs (70%; 95% CI, 49%-84%) were responders. Feeding EL caused shifts in fecal bacterial communities, which differed between responders and nonresponders. Serum biomarker concentrations were unchanged throughout the study apart from serum alkaline phosphatase activity. CONCLUSIONS: Exclusive feeding of EL improved clinical signs in 16 of 23 dogs with uncontrolled CE. Fecal microbiome shifts were associated with response to diet and may represent a mechanism for clinical improvement.

Pro-inflammatory cytokines in aqueous humor from dogs with anterior uveitis and post-operative ocular hypertension following phacoemulsification, primary glaucoma, and normal healthy eyes.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in aqueous humor (AH) from dogs with anterior uveitis and post-operative ocular hypertension (POH) following phacoemulsification, in AH from dogs with primary glaucoma, and in normal healthy eyes with no signs of anterior uveitis or other ocular diseases. METHODS: An exploratory study including 21 samples of AH collected from 15 dogs; post-phacoemulsification with anterior uveitis and POH ('POH group', n = 10 samples), primary glaucoma ('glaucoma group', n = 6 samples), and normal ('normal group', n = 5 samples). Target mass spectrometry via multiple reaction monitoring (MRM-MS) with the Canine Cytokine SpikeMix™ as internal standard was used to measure the pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. RESULTS: The MRM-MS method measured 15 pro-inflammatory cytokines. Tumor-necrosis-factor-alpha (TNFα) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) levels in AH were different between all three groups (glaucoma>POH>normal) (p = .05, p = .02, respectively). Additionally, IL-6 was higher in the 'POH group' compared to the 'glaucoma group' (p = .04) and IL-4 was higher in the 'POH group' compared to the 'normal group' (p = .04). Intraocular pressure (IOP) was positively associated with increased AH levels of IL-18 (Spearman correlation = .64, p = .03). CONCLUSIONS: MRM-MS using the Canine Cytokine SpikeMix™ as an internal standard was established as a method to detect pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in canine AH. The study demonstrated increased levels of IL-4, IL-6, IL-18, and TNFα in AH from canines with POH following phacoemulsification. Primary glaucomatous eyes had the highest levels of IL-18 and TNFα which may indicate that inflammation plays a role in the pathogenesis of primary glaucoma in dogs.

Effect of repeated administration of a parenteral feline herpesvirus-1, calicivirus, and panleukopenia virus vaccine on select clinicopathologic, immunological, renal histologic, and immunohistochemical parameters in healthy adult cats.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether hyperinoculation of cats with a feline herpesvirus-1, calicivirus, and panleukopenia virus (FVRCP) vaccine could be used as a model to study interstitial nephritis and to assess humoral and cell-mediated immune responses toward vaccinal α-enolase. ANIMALS: 6 healthy young adult purpose-bred research cats. PROCEDURES: Baseline renal cortical biopsies, whole blood, serum, and urine were collected prior to administration of a commercial FVRCP parenteral vaccine. Vaccine hyperinoculation was defined as a total of 8 vaccinations given at 2-week intervals over a 14-week period. Blood samples were collected immediately prior to each vaccination, and a second renal biopsy was performed 2 weeks after hyperinoculation (week 16). Renal histopathology, renal α-enolase immunohistochemistry, and assays to detect humoral and cell-mediated immune reactions against Crandell-Rees feline kidney (CRFK) cell lysates and α-enolase were performed. An α-enolase immunoreactivity score for renal tubules and glomeruli based on signal intensity was determined by a blinded pathologist. RESULTS: Hyperinoculation with the vaccine was not associated with clinicopathologic evidence of renal dysfunction, and interstitial nephritis was not recognized by light microscopy in the time studied. The mean serum absorbance values for antibodies against CRFK antigen and α-enolase were significantly (P < 0.001) higher at weeks 4, 8, and 16 versus week 0. Renal tubular and glomerular α-enolase immunoreactivity scores were higher at week 16 compared to baseline. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Findings suggested that systemic immunological reactions occurred and renal tissues were affected by vaccine hyperinoculation; however, short-term FVRCP vaccine hyperinoculation cannot be used to study interstitial nephritis in cats.

Efficacy of feeding a diet containing a high concentration of mixed fiber sources for management of acute large bowel diarrhea in dogs in shelters.

BACKGROUND: Use of diets with increased concentrations of dietary fiber is thought to be beneficial in the management of dogs with large bowel diarrhea. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether feeding a diet with high concentrations of soluble and insoluble fiber to dogs with acute colitis would be superior to feeding a diet with typical fiber levels. ANIMALS: A total of 52 dogs with acute signs of large bowel diarrhea housed in an animal shelter were entered into the study; 11 dogs per diet completed the protocol. METHODS: In this randomized, prospective study, dogs with a fecal score of 4, 5, 6, or 7 and signs of acute colitis were fed a high fiber diet (4.54% soluble; 15.16% insoluble fiber) or a standard diet (0.6% soluble; 5.33% insoluble fiber) and fecal scores compared over the course of the study with significance defined as P < .05. RESULTS: All dogs fed the high fiber diet (11/11; 100%) had a fecal score <5 on the day of adoption or day 9, which was statistically different (P < .04) than dogs fed the standard diet (6/11 dogs; 55%; 95% CI: 23-83). The proportions of stools with a fecal score >4 were greater (P = .0001) in the dogs fed the standard diet (29/48 samples; 60%; 95% CI: 45-74) compared to the high fiber diet (8/50 samples; 16%; 95% CI: 7-29). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The results support feeding the high fiber diet described herein to dogs with acute large bowel diarrhea.

Associations between presence of Bartonella species deoxyribonucleic acid and complete blood cell count and serum biochemical changes in client-owned cats.

BACKGROUND: Infection with Bartonella species is common in cats but reported effects of bacteremia on laboratory variables differ. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate for associations between Bartonella bacteremia and CBC and serum biochemical changes in sick and healthy cats throughout the United States. ANIMALS: A total of 3964 client-owned cats. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study using submissions to a commercial laboratory between 2011 and 2017. Serum biochemistry and CBC abnormalities (categorized as above or below reference intervals), age, and location (high- or low-risk state for Ctenocephalides felis) in presumed healthy and sick cats were evaluated for associations with presence of Bartonella spp. DNA, detected by PCR. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Bartonella spp. DNA was amplified from 127 (3.2%) of 3964 cats; 126 (99.2%) of 127 were from high flea risk states and 121 (95.3%) of 127 were presumed sick. Fever of unknown origin was the most common PCR panel requested. In the multivariable analysis, neutrophilia, decreased ALP activity, clinical status (presumed sick), and young age (≤2 years) each were positively associated whereas neutropenia and hyperproteinemia both were negatively associated with Bartonella spp. bacteremia. Presence of Bartonella spp. DNA had no association with test results for other infectious disease agents. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: In both healthy and sick cats, active Bartonella infections had minimal association with clinically relevant laboratory abnormalities. However, based on these results, in areas considered high risk for C. felis, active infection with Bartonella spp. is a reasonable differential diagnosis for cats presented with unexplained fever and neutrophilia, particularly if the cat is young.

Increase in infected corneal ulcerations in dogs during the northern Colorado's 2020 wildfire season.

OBJECTIVE: In the fall of 2020, Colorado experienced the two largest wildfires in state history. The smoke blanketed the college town of Fort Collins, Colorado, the location of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Colorado State University (CSU-VTH). The objective for this cross-sectional observational study was to evaluate how these wildfires and the corresponding elevated air quality index (AQI)) was associated with infected corneal ulcerations in dogs when compared to the two previous years. ANIMALS: Seventeen dogs were included in this study. PROCEDURES: Medical records from dogs presented to the CSU-VTH ophthalmology service with infected corneal ulcerations in August, September, and October of 2020, 2019, and 2018 were evaluated. Only corneal ulcerations with growth on their microbial cultures were included in this study. RESULTS: The study revealed a significant increase in prevalence of infected corneal ulcerations in dogs presented to the CSU-VTH during the three wildfire months of 2020 that is, 3.5% (9/255) when compared with the two previous years, 2019: 1.0% (4/383, p = 0.04), and 2018: 0.9% (4/457) (p = .01). The AQI (mean ± standard error) was also significantly elevated for dogs that presented with infected corneal ulcerations in 2020 (70.2 ± 5.8) compared with 2019 (19.7 ± 8.7) and 2018 (45.6 ± 8.7) (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Elevation of AQI from wildfires seems to be correlated with an increased prevalence of infected corneal ulceration in dogs. As the duration and frequency of wildfires continues to rise globally, the effects of these wildfires on animal health should be investigated further.

Experimental infection of cats with Cryptosporidium felis.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to experimentally inoculate cats with Cryptosporidium felis oocysts and compare fecal detection by fluorescent antibody assay (FA) and quantitative PCR (qPCR), and document clinical signs associated with infection. METHODS: Cryptosporidium felis oocysts were concentrated from the feces of a naturally infected cat and orally inoculated into six cats that tested negative for C felis by an FA and fecal flotation (FF). Cats were observed daily for the presence of clinical signs consistent with infection. Fecal samples from all cats on days 0 and 9, and one sample per cat (days 18-21), were evaluated by all assays. On day 31, two cats negative for C felis by FF and FA were administered methylprednisolone acetate and all assays were repeated on days 34, 36 and 38. Samples from all cats were tested by FF and FA on days 41, 43, 45 and 48. RESULTS: A total of 41 samples were tested, 25 of which were compared by FA and qPCR. Cryptosporidium felis was detected in 2/25 (8%) and in 19/25 (76%) samples by FA and by qPCR, respectively; the other 16 samples were tested by FF and FA. None of the cats was positive for C felis by FF or FA in samples collected on days 0, 9 or 18-21. One, five and six samples tested positive by qPCR on days 0, 9 and 18-21, respectively. The cats administered methylprednisolone acetate tested positive for C felis by FA on day 36 and by qPCR on days 31, 34, 36 and 38. None of the cats showed clinical signs of disease. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Clinical signs were not recognized in any of the cats for the duration of the study. FA was insensitive compared with qPCR for detecting cats with subclinical C felis infection.

Evaluation for associations amongst Giardia duodenalis assemblages and diarrhea in dogs.

Giardia duodenalis is a species complex comprising at least eight assemblages. Most dogs harbor the host-adapted assemblages C and D and approximately 30 % harbor the zoonotic assemblages. Humans and dogs with giardiosis can exhibit a variety of clinical manifestations ranging from the absence of clinical signs to acute or chronic diarrhea. Human studies report conflicting results concerning associations between clinical signs and assemblage type. The objective of this study was to use results of molecular and phylogenetic analyses to evaluate associations between G. duodenalis assemblages and diarrhea in client-owned dogs from the United States. Fecal samples that were positive for Giardia cysts were classified as normal or diarrheal. Samples were analyzed by PCR assays of the beta-giardin (bg), glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), and triose phosphate isomerase (tpi) genes. Sequences of the three genes were analyzed by BLAST analysis and phylogenetic analysis was performed by Neighbor-Joining analysis. Two hundred and eighty-eight Giardia-positive fecal samples were evaluated by the three PCRs. One or more genes were amplified from 95 normal samples and 93 diarrheal samples, 27 samples were positive for one or more genes but could not be sequenced due to low quality DNA, and 73 samples tested negative. Ninety seven percent of the samples (182/188) in both the diarrheal and normal groups typed as dog-specific assemblages (D or C) by at least one gene. Phylogenetic analysis of the three genes placed the isolates from assemblages A, B, C and D separated from each other with strong bootstrap support. Diarrhea was not associated with the Giardia assemblage or other parasitic co-infection in this sample set. Other factors, such as the role of gut microbiota in giardiosis should be considered in future studies.

Evaluation of hair and nail cortisol concentrations and associations with behavioral, physical, and environmental indicators of chronic stress in cats.

BACKGROUND: Chronic stress is implicated in behavioral and health issues in cats, but methods for recognition, evaluation, and measurement of stress are lacking. Cortisol concentration is typically used as an indicator of stress. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate use of an enzyme immunoassay to quantitate hair and nail cortisol concentrations (HCC and NCC) in cats and evaluate associations between HCC and NCC and behavioral, physical, and environmental correlates of chronic stress in cats. ANIMALS: Forty-eight adult, owned or community cats. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Nail clippings and hair were collected from cats. Medical history and cat daily lifestyle questionnaires were completed by owners or caretakers. A commercial laboratory performed cortisol extraction and quantification using a validated enzyme immunoassay kit. Correlational and regression analyses were used to evaluate associations between HCC and NCC and behavioral, environmental, and medical factors. RESULTS: Hair and nail cortisol concentrations were significantly associated (rs  = 0.70; P < .001), but HCCs varied widely within and among cats. Cats with litterbox issues had significantly increased HCC (P = .02) and NCC (P = .001) as compared to cats without litterbox issues. Cats with groomed coats had lower HCCs (P = .02) as compared to cats without groomed coats, whereas cats with dander and mats had higher NCCs (P = .01) as compared to cats without dander and mats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The quantification of NCCs might improve identification and evaluation of chronic stress in cats. The variability of HCCs in individual cats warrants caution using this measurement in chronic stress studies.

Evaluation of the role of Babesia species and Cytauxzoon felis in feline anemia cases in Colorado, USA.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the blood of cats in Colorado, USA, with suspected infectious causes of anemia for the presence of Babesia species and Cytauxzoon felis DNA. Results of PCR testing for other common vector-borne diseases potentially associated with anemia are also reported. METHODS: Samples from 101 cats were tested using a PCR assay that coamplified the DNA of C felis and Babesia species mitochondrial DNA. PCR testing for DNA of hemoplasmas, Bartonella species, Ehrlichia species, Anaplasma species, Neorickettsia risticii and Wolbachia genera was also performed if not carried out previously. RESULTS: Twenty-two cats (21.8%) were positive for DNA of an infectious agent. DNA from hemoplasma species were amplified from 14 cats (13.9%). Bartonella species DNA was amplified from four cats (4%) and Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Wolbachia genera DNA were amplified from one cat each. Babesia species and C felis mitochondrial DNA were not amplified from any sample. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Based on the results of this study, it does not appear that Babesia species or C felis are clinically relevant in anemic cats in Colorado, USA. For C felis, this suggests that the vector Amblyomma americanum is still uncommon in this geographic area.

Experimental infection of cats with Cystoisospora felis.

BACKGROUND: Cystoisospora felis is a common parasite of cats and is diagnosed by fecal flotation, but false-negative results can be common. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To experimentally inoculate cats with C. felis oocysts, to compare fecal flotation and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results, and to describe any clinical signs consistent with infection. ANIMALS: Six cats. METHODS: Cystoisospora felis oocysts were identified morphologically from feces of a naturally infected kitten with diarrhea, sporulated oocysts (5000) were inoculated to 6 cats that were negative for fecal parasites by fecal flotation and by a fluorescent antibody assay (FA) for Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. Cats were observed daily for the presence of clinical signs consistent with infection. Fecal samples were evaluated by fecal flotation and FA up to 3 times per week post inoculation (PI) to Day 27. Thirty-six samples collected before inoculation and from Days 8, 10, 13, 15, and 20 PI were assayed using an internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) PCR that amplifies DNA of C. felis. RESULTS: All cats were negative for C. felis by both assays before inoculation. All cats shed C. felis oocysts by Day 10 PI, oocysts were not detected by fecal flotation after Day 15 PI. Cystoisospora felis DNA was amplified from 24/36 (66.6%) fecal samples from 6/6 (100%) of the cats. Oocysts were not detected by fecal flotation in 4 of the samples that were positive for C. felis DNA by PCR. Clinical signs were not recognized in any of the study cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Fecal flotation is a convenient assay for detection of C. felis but could occasionally give false-negative results when compared to this ITS1 PCR.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration and infectious respiratory disease complex in shelter dogs.

BACKGROUND: Hypovitaminosis D is a risk factor for the development of respiratory infections in humans and repletion can be protective. OBJECTIVES: Determine if serum 25-hydroxyvitamin (OH)D concentrations are lower in shelter dogs and if 25(OH)D concentrations are associated with clinical signs of canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC) or with time in the shelter. ANIMALS: One hundred forty-six shelter dogs (clinically ill n = 36, apparently healthy n = 110) and 23 nonshelter control dogs. METHODS: Prospective cohort study. Shelter dogs were grouped as clinically ill or apparently healthy based on the presence or absence, respectively, of clinical signs associated with CIRDC. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were measured with a competitive chemiluminesence immunoassay. Nucleic acids of agents associated with the CIRDC were amplified by polymerase chain reaction assays. RESULTS: The concentration of 25(OH)D was 7.3 ng/mL (4.5-9.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]) lower in dogs with signs of CIRDC than apparently healthy shelter dogs (t(142) = 2.0, P = .04). Dogs positive for DNA of canine herpesvirus (CHV)-1 had serum 25(OH)D concentrations 14.9 ng/mL (-3.7 to 29.6, 95% CI) lower than dogs that were negative (t(137) = 2.0, P = .04). Serum 25(OH)D concentrations in shelter dogs were not different from control dogs (t(45) = -1.4, P = .17). Serum 25(OH)D concentration was not associated with duration of time in the shelter (F(1, 140) = 1.7, P = .2, R2 = 0.01). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Vitamin D could have a role in acute respiratory tract infections in shelter dogs.

Ehrlichia canis in dogs experimentally infected, treated, and then immune suppressed during the acute or subclinical phases.

BACKGROUND: Concerns for recrudescence of Ehrlichia canis infection arise when immunosuppressive drugs are used to treat immune-mediated diseases in dogs previously infected with E. canis. OBJECTIVES: Determine whether administration of prednisolone and cyclosporine would reactivate E. canis infection in dogs previously treated with doxycycline during the acute or subclinical phases. ANIMALS: Seven beagles previously experimentally infected with E. canis and administered doxycycline for 4 weeks were included. Three of the 7 dogs were incidentally concurrently infected with Anaplasma platys and Babesia vogeli and were administered 2 doses of imidocarb 2 weeks apart before enrollment in the current study. METHODS: Experimental study. Each dog was administered prednisolone and cyclosporine for 6 weeks. Clinical signs, complete blood cell count (CBC), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for E. canis, A. platys, and B. vogeli DNA in blood, E. canis indirect fluorescent antibodies (IFA) titers, and flow cytometry for antiplatelet antibodies were monitored. RESULTS: All dogs completed the immunosuppressive protocol. No evidence for recrudescence of E. canis, A. platys, or B. vogeli were detected based on clinical signs or results of CBC, PCR, IFA, and flow cytometry for antiplatelet antibodies. E. canis IFA titers were negative in 5/7 dogs at the end of immunosuppressive protocol and were negative 6 months after the protocol in 5/5 dogs available for testing. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Dogs administered with a 4-week course of doxycycline with or without imidocarb failed to show evidence of activation of E. canis infection after administration of a commonly used immune suppressive protocol.

Evaluation of the effects of anthelmintic administration on the fecal microbiome of healthy dogs with and without subclinical Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium canis infections.

BACKGROUND: The gastrointestinal microbiome plays an important role in host health and there is increasing concern regarding the deleterious effects of pharmaceuticals on the fecal microbiome. The effect of anthelmintic therapy on the fecal microbiome in dogs has not yet been evaluated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of anthelmintic administration on the fecal microbiome of dogs with and without subclinical Giardia species and Cryptosporidium canis infections. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Part 1: 6 healthy adult research beagles with subclinical giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis were administered a commercially available preparation of febantel combined with pyrantel and praziquantel (FPP) orally daily for three days. Part 2: 19 healthy staff-owned dogs without giardiasis or cryptosporidiosis were divided into a treatment group (n = 9) that was administered fenbendazole orally daily for five days and an untreated control group (n = 10). For both parts of the study, feces were collected at multiple time points before and after anthelmintic (FPP or fenbendazole) administration. Fecal DNA was extracted for Illumina sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene and qPCR assays. Neither FPP nor fenbendazole treatment caused a significant change in alpha or beta diversity or the relative abundance of bacterial species. Upon univariate statistical analysis neither FPP or fenbendazole caused minimal changes in the fecal microbiota. CONCLUSION: FPP administration was associated with minimal alterations of the fecal microbiome of healthy research beagles with subclinical giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis. Fenbendazole administration was associated with minimal alterations of the fecal microbiome of healthy staff owned dogs.

Role of vector-borne pathogens in the development of fever in cats: 1. Flea-associated diseases.

PRACTICAL RELEVANCE: There has been increasing identification of vector-borne pathogens in cats presented to veterinary clinics around the world for evaluation of fever and the associated secondary effects, such as signs of depression and loss of appetite. AIM: The aim of this article is to summarize the clinically relevant information concerning fever in cats that is associated with pathogens known or suspected to be vectored by fleas, with an emphasis on presenting clinical abnormalities and optimal diagnostic, treatment and prevention strategies. Fever in cats that is associated with pathogens vectored by ticks or sandflies is discussed in Part 2 of this article series.

Role of vector-borne pathogens in the development of fever in cats: 2. Tick- and sandfly-associated diseases.

PRACTICAL RELEVANCE: There has been increasing identification of vector-borne pathogens in cats presented to veterinary clinics around the world for evaluation of fever and the associated secondary effects, such as signs of depression and loss of appetite. AIM: The aim of this article is to summarize the clinically relevant information concerning fever in cats that is associated with pathogens vectored by ticks or sandflies, with an emphasis on presenting clinical abnormalities and optimal diagnostic, treatment and prevention strategies. Fever in cats associated with pathogens known or suspected to be vectored by fleas was discussed within Part 1 of this two-part article series.

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Owned Domestic Cats in Australia.

Ongoing surveillance of Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence and exposure risks in owned cats is important to identify effective mechanisms to decrease the prevalence of this global zoonotic parasite. We aimed to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii and risk factors for seropositivity in owned domestic cats in Australia. Sera, signalment data, postcode, and completed owner-questionnaires surveying diet composition and lifestyle factors were collected for cats presenting to 18 veterinary clinics across Australia. T. gondii-specific IgG was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data were analyzed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression to evaluate risk factors associated with positive T. gondii IgG serology. Among 417 cats, T. gondii seroprevalence was 39%. More than two-thirds of cats tested (69%) had outdoor access and 59% were fed a diet containing raw meat. Univariable analyses identified, age (>1 year, p < 0.001), a diet containing any raw meat (p = 0.001), raw kangaroo (p = 0.008), raw chicken (p = 0.012), or raw beef (p = 0.017), and hunting (p = 0.049) as risk factors for T. gondii infection. Age (>1 year, odds ratio [OR]: 7.15) and feeding of raw meat (OR: 2.23) remained significant risk factors (p < 0.001) in multivariable analyses. T. gondii seroprevalence did not differ between cats domiciled in urban and semiurban or rural areas. Pet cats in Australia are commonly infected with T. gondii. Feeding raw meat to cats, a common practice in Australia, is associated with T. gondii infection, highlighting the need for education about the health implications for cats from feeding a diet containing raw meat.