Serial changes in the concentrations of cortisol and thyroid hormones in Beagle dogs infected with Babesia rossi.

An experimental infection using Babesia (B.) rossi was performed in healthy male Beagle dogs to assess the changes in endocrine variables during disease. Two dogs were infected with a low dose (LD) of parasite inoculum (104 parasites) and three dogs were infected with a high dose (HD) (108 parasites). Basal serum cortisol, thyroxine (T4), and thyrotropin (TSH) concentrations were measured every second day. Samples were analyzed using a solid- phase, competitive chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (Immulyte® 2000, Siemens). Variables were compared between groups and timepoints using linear mixed models. In both groups, the median cortisol concentration increased, whilst the median T4 concentration decreased after infection, with a return towards baseline concentration post treatment. The highest cortisol and the lowest T4 concentrations were reached at 96 h and 108 h post infection, respectively, in the HD group and slightly later at 108 and 144 h post-infection, respectively, in the LD group. A higher cortisol concentration with a more rapid increase, and a lower T4 concentration with a more rapid decline, were associated with disease severity and a higher dose of parasite inoculum. The TSH concentration remained within the reference interval throughout the study period. This study illustrated the temporal changes in endocrine parameters during experimental B. rossi infection and demonstrated that cortisol and T4 tracked the severity of disease, albeit in opposite directions.

Kinetics of the inflammatory response during experimental Babesia rossi infection of beagle dogs.

Babesia rossi causes severe morbidity and mortality in dogs in sub-Saharan Africa, and the complications associated with this disease are likely caused by an unfocused, excessive inflammatory response. During this experimental B. rossi study we investigated inflammatory marker and cytokine kinetics during infection and after treatment. We aimed to determine whether infectious dose and treatment would influence the progression of the inflammatory response and clinical disease. Six healthy male beagle dogs formed the study population, one was used to raise the infectious inoculum, three were administered a high B. rossi infectious dose (HD group) and two a low infectious dose (LD group). Clinical examination, complete blood count (CBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were determined daily. Cytokines were quantified on stored plasma collected during the study, using a canine specific cytokine magnetic bead panel (Milliplex©). The experiment was terminated and treatment administered when predetermined experimental or humane endpoints were reached. Parasitemia occurred on day 1 and 3 in the HD and LD groups respectively. The rate of increase in parasitemia in the HD group was significantly faster than that seen in the LD group. Significant differences were found in heart rate, blood pressure, interferon gamma (INFγ), keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC), INFγ-induced protein 10 (IP10), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin 2 (IL-2), IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10 IL-15, IL-18, CRP, neutrophils and monocytes between groups at multiple time points during the course of the infection. Our findings suggest that the initiation of inflammation occurs before the onset of clinical disease in B. rossi infection and infectious dose influences the onset of the inflammatory response. Treatment enhances the inflammatory response in the immediate post-treatment period which may contribute to disease associated complications. Finally, we found that there is an imbalance in pro/anti-inflammatory cytokine concentrations during infection which may promote parasite replication.

Evaluation of acute kidney injury in dogs with complicated or uncomplicated Babesia rossi infection.

Dogs with babesiosis can present with multiple complications, including acute kidney injury (AKI). The objective of this study was to characterize AKI in dogs with babesiosis caused by Babesia rossi at presentation and after treatment. Thirty-five client-owned dogs with B. rossi infection and 10 control dogs were included in this prospective observational study. Blood and urine were collected in Babesia-infected dogs at presentation (T0, n = 35), after 24 h (T24h, n = 11), and after 1 month (T1m, n = 9). The following urinary kidney injury biomarkers were assessed: urinary protein to creatinine ratio (UPC), urinary glomerular injury biomarkers (immunoglobulin G (uIgG) and C-reactive protein (uCRP)), and urinary tubular injury biomarkers (retinol-binding protein (uRBP) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL)). Serum functional renal biomarkers were creatinine (sCr) and symmetric dimethylarginine (sSDMA). Post-mortem kidney biopsies were analyzed by light and transmission electron microscopy. At T0, all kidney injury biomarkers were significantly higher in Babesia-infected dogs compared to healthy controls (P < 0.001), while functional renal biomarkers were not significantly different (P > 0.05). At T24h, all urinary tubular injury biomarkers and UPC decreased significantly (P < 0.01), while glomerular injury biomarkers did not (P = 0.084). At T1m, all urinary kidney injury biomarkers decreased to values not significantly different from healthy controls (P > 0.5). Significant changes in functional renal biomarkers were not seen after treatment (P > 0.05). Dogs with complicated babesiosis had significantly higher glomerular injury biomarkers, UPC, and sSDMA compared to uncomplicated cases (P < 0.05), while all tubular injury biomarkers and sCr were not significantly different (P > 0.1). Dogs with babesiosis caused by B. rossi showed transient kidney injury, which was detected by all kidney injury biomarkers, but remained undetected by functional biomarkers. All infected dogs, irrespective of disease severity, suffered comparable kidney injury based on tubular injury biomarker concentrations, while loss of function was seen more often in dogs with complicated babesiosis based on sSDMA results.

Long-term follow-up of owned, free-roaming dogs in South Africa naturally exposed to Babesia rossi.

Babesia rossi is an important, tick-borne intraerythrocytic protozoan parasite; however, its natural history and epidemiology is poorly understood. Babesia rossi is the most virulent Babesia sp. in domestic dogs and is generally considered to cause severe babesiosis, which is fatal if left untreated. However, subclinical infections and mild disease from B. rossi have been reported, although the clinical progression of these cases was not reported. Therefore, to better understand B. rossi under field conditions, we evaluated its clinical progression and seroprevalence in an owned, free-roaming dog population in Zenzele, South Africa, where the parasite is endemic and prevention is not routine. The entire dog population in Zenzele was monitored intensively at the individual level from March 2008 until April 2014, primarily for a longitudinal study on rabies control. Subsequent evaluation of B. rossi comprised analyses of clinical and laboratory data collected from the Zenzele dog population during the 6 year study period. A substantial proportion (31% (n = 34)) of 109 dogs (randomly selected from every available dog in February/March 2010 older than ~6-8 weeks (n = 246)) tested by Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test had seroconverted strongly to B. rossi. All 34 dogs were generally consistently healthy adults, determined from regular clinical examinations between March 2008 and April 2014. Blood smear examinations at multiple time points between July 2009 and February 2011 were also undertaken for almost all of these (34) seropositive dogs and all those tested were consistently negative for Babesia spp. Subclinical infections and mild disease were also the main findings for a separate group of 18 dogs positive for Babesia spp. on blood smear examination and confirmed to be infected with B. rossi by Polymerase Chain Reaction - Reverse Line Blot. Almost all of these dogs were positive at only one time point from repeat blood smear examinations between July 2009 and February 2011. We suggest that these observations are consistent with immunity acquired from repeated, low-level exposure to the parasite, generating transient subclinical infections or mild disease. Should this be the case, the use of tick control, particularly in adult dogs in free-roaming populations in B. rossi endemic regions, should be carefully considered.

Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin as an early biomarker for acute kidney injury in dogs.

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is used as an early biomarker of renal injury in people. In dogs, increases in urinary NGAL (uNGAL) precede increases in serum creatinine (sCr) in experimental and clinical evaluations of acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease. This study compared uNGAL in two subsets of dogs with AKI and their respective controls. One set included dogs with snake-envenomation at risk for or presenting with International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) grade I AKI; the other group included dogs with AKI, where renal injury was the result of various causes, and IRIS grade was ≥II. Additionally, this study evaluated haemoglobin (Hb) interference during NGAL analysis in Hb spiked urine and plasma from healthy dogs. In both AKI groups, uNGAL was significantly higher than in matched healthy control dogs (P<0.01). Moreover, uNGAL was significantly higher in dogs with IRIS grade ≥II AKI than in dogs at risk of IRIS grade I AKI (P=0.04). In dogs at risk of IRIS grade I AKI, there were no significant differences in uNGAL and uNGAL/uCr between dogs bitten by cytotoxic or neurotoxic snakes (P=0.44). Additionally, Hb did not interfere with the canine NGAL immunoassay. In conclusion, this study confirms the value of uNGAL as a biomarker for early renal damage: uNGAL was significantly increased in dogs with snake-envenomation at risk for or presenting with IRIS grade I AKI, which could be left undiagnosed if evaluated with the traditional renal biomarker sCr. In addition, Hb did not interfere with NGAL measurement in dogs.

Assessment of acute kidney injury in canine parvovirus infection: Comparison of kidney injury biomarkers with routine renal functional parameters.

Dogs with naturally occurring canine parvovirus (CPV) infection are at risk of developing acute kidney injury (AKI) due to several factors, including severe dehydration, hypotension and sepsis. Serum creatinine (sCr) and serum urea are insensitive markers for the assessment of early kidney injury. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate potential kidney injury in dogs with CPV infection using both routine renal functional parameters and several kidney injury biomarkers. Twenty-two dogs with CPV infection were prospectively enrolled and compared with eight clinically healthy control dogs. Urinary immunoglobulin G (uIgG) and C-reactive protein (uCRP) were measured to document glomerular injury, whereas urinary retinol-binding protein (uRBP) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) served as markers for tubular injury. These biomarkers were compared to routine renal functional parameters, including sCr, serum urea, urinary protein:creatinine ratio (UPC) and urine specific gravity (USG). Dogs with CPV infection had significantly higher concentrations of uIgG, uCRP, uRBP and uNGAL compared to healthy dogs. In contrast, sCr was significantly lower in dogs with CPV infection compared to controls, while serum urea was not significantly different. UPC and USG were both significantly higher in CPV-infected dogs. This study demonstrated that dogs with CPV infection had evidence of AKI, which remained undetected by the routine functional markers sCr and serum urea, but was revealed by UPC, uIgG, uCRP, uRBP and uNGAL. These results emphasize the added value of novel urinary kidney injury biomarkers to detect canine patients at risk of developing AKI.

Renal azotemia and associated clinical and laboratory findings in dogs with Babesia rossi infection.

The occurrence of acute kidney injury in canine babesiosis is not well documented. Furthermore, interpretation of urine specific gravity (USG) to assess renal concentrating ability is hampered by the frequent presence of hemoglobinuria in this disease. This cross-sectional study aimed to test the hypothesis that renal azotemia (RA) is underdiagnosed according to current canine babesiosis literature by determining its occurrence at presentation, using urine osmolality instead of USG to measure urinary concentration. The second objective was to examine potential associations between the presence of RA and selected clinical and laboratory variables at presentation. Medical records available from 3 previously performed prospective data collections were reviewed retrospectively. Client-owned dogs that were diagnosed with babesiosis caused by Babesia rossi, were included if a complete blood count, biochemistry profile, and urinalysis was performed at admission. Urine osmolality was measured to identify dogs with RA. Differences between dogs with RA and dogs without RA were assessed by nonparametric statistics. One hundred and fifty-two dogs were included, of which 26 (17%) were azotemic at admission. The occurrence of RA was 14% (21/152), hence 81% (21/26) of all azotemic dogs were diagnosed with RA. In contrast, when diagnosis of RA was based on an admission USG < 1.030, only 23% (6/26) of the azotemic dogs would have been considered to have RA. Several signalment and clinicopathological findings were found to be associated with the presence of RA, including older age, and the presence of collapse, hypoglycemia, hyperphosphatemia, cerebral babesiosis, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Lastly, survival at discharge was significantly lower in dogs diagnosed with RA at presentation. Our results clarified that RA is more common than previously reported in B. rossi. This study also demonstrated that USG determination is not a reliable method to evaluate renal concentrating ability in azotemic dogs with babesiosis. Thus, if available, urine osmolality should be part of the diagnostic work-up of dogs infected with B. rossi to avoid misclassification of dogs with RA as having prerenal azotemia. If urine osmolality cannot be measured, clinicians should realize that most azotemic dogs with B. rossi infection have RA.

Effective vaccination against rabies in puppies in rabies endemic regions.

In rabies endemic regions, a proportionally higher incidence of rabies is often reported in dogs younger than 12 months of age, which includes puppies less than 3 months of age; this presents a serious risk to public health. The higher incidence of rabies in young dogs may be the effect of low vaccination coverage in this age class, partly as a result of the perception that immature immune systems and maternal antibodies inhibit seroconversion to rabies vaccine in puppies less than three months of age. Therefore, to test this perception, the authors report the virus neutralising antibody titres from 27 dogs that were vaccinated with high quality, inactivated rabies vaccine aged three months of age and under as part of larger serological studies undertaken in Gauteng Province, South Africa, and the Serengeti District, Tanzania. All of these dogs seroconverted to a single dose of vaccine with no adverse reactions reported and with postvaccinal peak titres ranging from 2.0 IU/ml to 90.5 IU/ml. In light of these results, and the risk of human beings contracting rabies from close contact with puppies, the authors recommend that all dogs in rabies endemic regions, including those less than three months of age, are vaccinated with high quality, inactivated vaccine.

Efficacy of alphacypermethrin-treated high density polyethylene mesh applied to jet stalls housing horses against Culicoides biting midges in South Africa.

The efficacy of alphacypermethrin-treated high density polyethylene (HDPE) mesh applied to jet stalls against Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) was determined by mechanical aspiration of midges from horses and using Onderstepoort 220 V downdraught black light traps in four blocks of a 3 × 2 randomised design under South African field conditions. The alphacypermethrin-treated HDPE mesh applied to the stall significantly (P = 0.008) reduced the number of Culicoides midges, predominantly Culicoides (Avaritia) imicola Kieffer, mechanically aspirated from horses housed in the stall. The mesh reduced the Culicoides midge attack rate in the treated stall compared to the untreated stall and a sentinel horse by 6 times and 14 times, respectively. The number of Culicoides midges and C. imicola collected in light traps from the untreated and alphacypermethrin HDPE mesh-treated stalls did not differ significantly (P = 0.82). Alphacypermethrin-treated HDPE mesh could be used to reduce exposure of horses in jet stalls to Culicoides midges, specifically C. imicola, and the risk of midge-borne Orbivirus transmission.

Field and in vitro insecticidal efficacy of alphacypermethrin-treated high density polyethylene mesh against Culicoides biting midges in South Africa.

The efficacy of untreated and alphacypermethrin-treated high density polyethylene (HDPE) mesh against Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) was determined using Onderstepoort downdraught black light traps and a contact bioassay. Three traps were operated overnight in four replicates of a 3×3 randomised Latin square design near horses under South African field conditions. Both the untreated and alphacypermethrin-treated HDPE mesh significantly (P<0.05) reduced the numbers of Culicoides midges, predominantly Culicoides (Avaritia) imicola Kieffer, collected in the light traps by 4.2 and 7.2 times, respectively. A repellent effect of the alphacypermethrin-treated mesh was not confirmed because the number of midges collected in the light traps with untreated and alphacypermethrin-treated HDPE mesh was not significantly different (P=0.656). Bioassay of the insecticidal contact efficacy indicated median C. imicola mortality of 100% from 30 and 10 min following exposure to the alphacypermethrin-treated HDPE mesh for 1 or 3 min, respectively. In the bioassay, mortality was significantly higher (P=0.016) at 5 min post exposure in the midges exposed to the alphacypermethrin-treated mesh for 3 min (74.8%) compared to the 1 min exposure group (59.5%). The HDPE mesh could be used to reduce exposure of housed animals to Culicoides midges, specifically C. imicola, and viruses transmitted by these midges. Mesh treated with alphacypermethrin had the additional benefit of a rapid insecticidal effect on C. imicola.

Evaluation of snake envenomation-induced renal dysfunction in dogs using early urinary biomarkers of nephrotoxicity.

Renal dysfunction in dogs envenomed by poisonous snakes is currently detected using traditional serum and urinary biomarkers such as creatinine and proteinuria. However, these markers lack sensitivity at the early stages of renal dysfunction and their diagnostic accuracy is affected by pre-analytical factors commonly occurring in these dogs, such as haemolysis and haemoglobinuria. Early detection of renal dysfunction would allow for the identification of dogs requiring intensive treatment and monitoring and may help inform prognosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of several novel urinary biomarkers of glomerular dysfunction, namely, urinary albumin (uAlb), immunoglobulin G (uIgG) and C-reactive protein (uCRP) and of proximal tubular dysfunction (urinary retinol binding protein (uRBP)) compared to traditional end points in dogs with renal damage caused by snake envenomation. Biomarker results were compared between 19 dogs bitten by snakes producing either neurotoxins or cytotoxins and 10 clinically healthy controls. uAlb, uIgG, and uRBP were significantly increased in snake-envenomed dogs at presentation compared to controls, whereas only uIgG and uCRP were significantly elevated 24h post-envenomation. The urinary protein:creatinine ratio was also increased in envenomed dogs compared to controls, but because of the presence of haematuria and haemoglobinuria, differentiation between pre-renal and renal proteinuria was not possible. The results showed that these novel urinary biomarkers may assist in better detecting renal dysfunction in dogs envenomed by poisonous snakes at the acute disease stage compared to traditional laboratory endpoints.

Hypovitaminosis D in dogs with spirocercosis.

BACKGROUND: Spirocercosis in dogs is characterized by esophageal nodules that can undergo neoplastic transformation. Hypovitaminosis D has been associated with neoplasia formation. We hypothesized hypovitaminosis D in neoplastic spirocercosis and that it could be a risk factor for neoplastic transformation. OBJECTIVE: To measure and compare vitamin D status, assessed by serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations in non-neoplastic (n = 25) and neoplastic (n = 26) spirocercosis client-owned dogs and healthy dogs (n = 24). ANIMALS: Twenty-five non-neoplastic dogs, 26 neoplastic dogs, and 24 healthy dogs. METHODS: Fifty-one dogs were randomly selected from 119 dogs diagnosed with spirocercosis presenting to our hospital, and further divided into non-neoplastic or neoplastic groups. Exclusion criteria included dogs less than 1 year old, with concurrent diseases, received corticosteroids, or treated prophylactically for spirocercosis. Serum 25(OH)D concentration was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Spirocercosis dogs' appetites were graded and compared. RESULTS: Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were significantly different among all groups (P < .001). 25-Hydroxyvitamin D concentrations were significantly lower in neoplastic group (median 30.7 nmol/L [range 14.7-62.2]) compared to non-neoplastic (median 52.7 nmol/L [range 19.1-129.7, P < .05]) and healthy groups (median 74.6 nmol/L [range 37.4-130.5, P < .005]). 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations were significantly lower in non-neoplastic spirocercosis dogs compared to healthy ones (P < .05). Neoplastic and non-neoplastic spirocercosis dogs had similar appetite scores (P = 1.0). 25-Hydroxyvitamin D concentrations were not significantly different between dogs with normal (P = .087) and abnormal (P = .125) appetites within neoplastic and non-neoplastic spirocercosis groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Further studies are warranted to determine potential use of vitamin D treatment in spirocercosis and explore role of hypovitaminosis D in pathogenesis of malignant transformation.

Biomarkers in canine parvovirus enteritis.

Canine parvovirus (CPV) enteritis has, since its emergence in 1978, remained a common and important cause of morbidity and mortality in young dogs. The continued incidence of parvoviral enteritis is partly due to the virus' capability to evolve into more virulent and resistant variants with significant local gastrointestinal and systemic inflammatory sequelae. This paper reviews current knowledge on historical-, signalment-, and clinical factors as well as several haematological-, biochemical- and endocrine parameters that can be used as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in CPV enteritis. These factors include season of presentation, purebred nature, bodyweight, vomiting, leukopaenia, lymphopaenia, thrombocytopaenia, hypercoagulability, hypercortisolaemia, hypothyroxinaemia, hypoalbuminaemia, elevated C-reactive protein and tumour necrosis factor, hypocholesterolaemia and hypocitrullinaemia. Factors contributing to the manifestations of CPV infection are multiple with elements of host, pathogen, secondary infections, underlying stressors and environment affecting severity and outcome. The availability of several prognosticators has made identification of patients at high risk of death and their subsequent targeted management more rewarding.

Congenital pyloric mucosal fold resulting in an antral valve outflow obstruction in a bull terrier.

An under-sized three-month-old female bull terrier was referred with a history of regurgitation since three days of age. Thoracic radiographs were unremarkable, while abdominal radiographs showed a distended stomach, despite a 12 hour fast. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed gastric outflow obstruction of unclear aetiology. Coeliotomy was performed, during which an excessive mucosal fold at the pyloric antrum was excised. Histopathology of the pyloric fold revealed mild oedema and fibrosis of the mucosal tissue. The dog made a complete recovery, with resolution of regurgitation and grew to within the expected breed size. In the authors' opinion, this is the first canine report of congenital antral mucosal valve resulting in gastric outflow obstruction, and only the second report in any species.

Hemostatic abnormalities in uncomplicated babesiosis (Babesia rossi) in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Babesiosis in dogs is associated with severe thrombocytopenia; yet infected dogs rarely show clinical signs of hemorrhage. HYPOTHESIS: Dogs with uncomplicated babesiosis have normal hemostatic capacity despite severe thrombocytopenia. ANIMALS: Nineteen client-owned dogs with uncomplicated babesiosis; 10 healthy controls. METHODS: A prospective, cross-sectional, observational study. Thromboelastography (TEG), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), fibrinogen, D-dimers, and antithrombin (AT) measured in both groups. Statistical significance set at P < .01. RESULTS: Babesiosis group hematocrit and platelet count significantly lower than controls (0.29 versus 0.50 L/L; P < .001 and 20.0 versus 374.5 × 10(9)/L; P < .001, respectively). Except for K, no significant difference in TEG variables between groups. Hemostatic variables for babesiosis group versus controls (mean ± SD); R: 5.9 ± 1.8 versus 4.6 ± 0.9 min (P = .048); K: 2.8 ± 1.1 versus 1.9 ± 0.6 min (P = .003); angle: 55.5 ± 11.7 versus 62.2 ± 4.1 degrees (P = .036); MA: 48.4 ± 9.7 versus 57.2 ± 5.2 mm (P = 0.013); G: 5.1 ± 1.9 versus 6.9 ± 1.5 dyn/cm(2) (P = .019); LY30 (median, range): 0 (0-5.7) versus 0.6% (0-6.1) (P = .152); and LY60: 0 (0-8.8) versus 3.1% (0-13.1) (P = .012). AT activity significantly lower (105.2 ± 16.5 versus 127.8 ± 15.4%; P = .001). Fibrinogen concentration significantly higher in babesiosis group (5.7 ± 1.3 versus. 3.0 ± 0.7 g/L; P < .001). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Despite severe thrombocytopenia, dogs with uncomplicated babesiosis did not have clinical signs of hemorrhage and TEG variables were normal, which could indicate a normocoagulable state.

Assessment of renal dysfunction using urinary markers in canine babesiosis caused by Babesia rossi.

Renal damage is deemed a common, yet poorly documented, complication in canine babesiosis. Serum urea and creatinine are insensitive and non-specific markers of early renal dysfunction and their measurements are influenced by hemolysis caused by babesiosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to use urinary markers to assess the localization and degree of renal dysfunction in dogs with Babesia rossi infection. Urinary immunoglobulin G (uIgG) and urinary C-reactive protein (uCRP) were measured as markers for glomerular dysfunction, while urinary retinol-binding protein (uRBP) was used as a marker for tubular dysfunction. Eighteen dogs presenting with uncomplicated babesiosis were included and compared with eight clinically healthy dogs. Previously validated commercial ELISA kits were used for the measurement of uIgG, uCRP, and uRBP. Results were related to urinary creatinine concentrations (c). Dogs with babesiosis had significantly higher concentrations of all three measured urinary markers compared to healthy dogs. Except for urinary protein/c ratio (UPC), routine urinary and serum markers for renal function (urine specific gravity (USG), serum urea and creatinine (sCr)) were not significantly different between dogs with babesiosis and healthy dogs. All three urinary markers were positively correlated with each other and with UPC. The data supports the presence of both glomerular and tubular dysfunction in dogs suffering from uncomplicated B. rossi infection. Urinary markers were superior to USG, serum urea and creatinine concentrations for the early detection of renal dysfunction in dogs with babesiosis.

Plasma IL-8 concentrations are increased in dogs with spirocercosis.

The nematode Spirocerca lupi (S. lupi) induces sarcoma in the dog oesophagus in about 25% of cases. The aim of this study was to compare the differences in the cytokine milieu between dogs with neoplastic (n=29) and non-neoplastic disease (n=49) and age- and gender-matched healthy controls (n=25). We measured IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-18, GM-CSF and MCP-1 in a specific canine multiplex immunoassay kit. Cytokine concentrations were compared between the different groups using the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn's test. Only IL-8 and IL-18 showed significant differences in their plasma concentration among the three groups. Kruskal-Wallis test revealed a significant (p=0.001) difference in IL-8 concentration between the neoplastic group (634pg/ml), the non-neoplastic (429 pg/ml) and the control groups (150 pg/ml). Post-test analysis revealed a significance difference between the two S. lupi groups and the control group (p<0.01). The highest IL-18 concentration was found in the non-neoplastic group (53 pg/ml), followed by the control group (46 pg/ml) and finally the neoplastic group (33 pg/ml). IL-18 concentrations were significantly higher in the non-neoplastic group than in the neoplastic group (p=0.05). The increased IL-8 in the spirocercosis groups is consistent with the neutrophilic infiltrate in spirocercosis lesions and in those of other inflammatory-induced neoplasias such as Barret's oesophagus and Helicobacter gastritis. IL-18 showed negative regulatory effect in several worm infections and it is possible that it plays the same role in spirocercosis, allowing the worm to evade the host response and to induce neoplastic transformation.

Breed and sex risk factors for canine babesiosis in South Africa.

BACKGROUND: In South Africa, canine babesiosis typically is an acute disease in susceptible individuals and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Despite the importance of the disease, there have been no large studies that have examined the influence of breed and sex on disease susceptibility. HYPOTHESIS: Toy breeds have a lower risk of babesiosis than working dogs. ANIMALS: A total of 1,222 dogs diagnosed with canine babesiosis and 11,484 noninfected dogs presented to the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital's small animal outpatient clinic between 2004 and 2010. METHODS: Retrospective study. RESULTS: Intact male, neutered male, and neutered female dogs had a significantly higher odds of being diagnosed with canine babesiosis compared to intact female dogs. Five of the 6 Toy breeds had significantly lower odds of being diagnosed with canine babesiosis than did the reference breed, Labrador Retrievers. In contrast, none of the 8 working dog breeds had significantly lower odds compared to the reference breed. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Intact male, neutered male, and neutered female dogs were at increased risk of canine babesiosis compared to intact female dogs. Several dog breeds, notably Toy breeds, had a lower risk of babesiosis in a hospital population of dogs in South Africa. The mechanism or mechanisms by which Toy breeds are protected from developing canine babesiosis may be related to genetic background or environmental exposure and deserves further study.

Serial plasma glucose changes in dogs suffering from severe dog bite wounds.

The objective of this study was to describe the changes in plasma glucose concentration in 20 severely injured dogs suffering from dog bite wounds over a period of 72 hours from the initiation of trauma. Historical, signalment, clinical and haematological factors were investigated for their possible effect on plasma glucose concentration. Haematology was repeated every 24 hours and plasma glucose concentrations were measured at 8-hourly intervals post-trauma. On admission, 1 dog was hypoglycaemic, 8 were normoglycaemic and 11 were hyperglycaemic. No dogs showed hypoglycaemia at any other stage during the study period. The median blood glucose concentrations at each of the 10 collection points, excluding the 56-hour and 64-hour collection points, were in the hyperglycaemic range (5.8- 6.2 mmol/l). Puppies and thin dogs had significantly higher median plasma glucose concentrations than adult and fat dogs respectively (P < 0.05 for both). Fifteen dogs survived the 72-hour study period. Overall 13 dogs (81.3 %) made a full recovery after treatment. Three of 4 dogs that presented in a collapsed state died, whereas all dogs admitted as merely depressed or alert survived (P = 0.004). The high incidence of hyperglycaemia can possibly be explained by the "diabetes of injury" phenomenon. However, hyperglycaemia in this group of dogs was marginal and potential benefits of insulin therapy are unlikely to outweigh the risk of adverse effects such as hypoglycaemia.