Effects of the clinical severity of disease and concomitant pyoderma on serum acute-phase proteins concentrations in dogs with sarcoptic mange.

BACKGROUND: Information on acute-phase protein (APP) concentrations in dogs with sarcoptic mange (SM) is scarce. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of the clinical severity of disease and concomitant pyoderma on serum C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid-A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp) and ceruloplasmin (Cp) concentrations in dogs with SM. ANIMALS: Forty client-owned dogs with SM (INF group) and 10 healthy control dogs (CON group). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The INF group was divided into three subgroups; Group 1 (mild/moderate), Group 2 (severe) and Group 3 (severe+pyoderma) according to the extent of skin lesions and the presence of concomitant pyoderma. Serum CRP, SAA, Hp and Cp concentrations of all study groups were measured. RESULTS: Serum CRP (P < 0.001), SAA (P < 0.001) and Hp (P = 0.016) concentrations of the INF group were higher than the CON group, with no difference in terms of Cp. A statistical difference was measured between groups 2 and 1 in SAA only. C-reactive protein was found to be significantly higher in dogs with severe SM accompanied by pyoderma (Group 3) when compared with dogs with severe SM (Group 2). The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curves differentiating pyoderma among dogs with severe SM was 0.850 for CRP (P = 0.0001, cut-off value >61.3 mg/L with sensitivity 69.29% and specificity 90.91%). CONCLUSIONS: The unique findings in this were that the SAA serum concentrations are related to the severity of SM and that serum CRP concentrations are effective in detecting the presence of pyoderma in dogs with severe SM.

Conclusions - The unique findings in this were that the SAA serum concentrations are related to the severity of SM and that serum CRP concentrations are correlated with the presence of pyoderma in dogs with severe SM. Contexte - Les informations sur les concentrations de protéines de phase aiguë (APP) chez les chiens atteints de gale sarcoptique (SM) sont rares. Objectif - Déterminer les effets de la gravité clinique de la maladie et de la pyodermite concomitante sur les concentrations sériques de protéine C-réactive (CRP), d'amyloïde-A (SAA), d'haptoglobine (Hp) et de céruloplasmine (Cp) chez les chiens atteints de SM. Animaux - Quarante chiens de propriétaires atteints de SM (groupe INF) et 10 chiens témoins sains (groupe CON). Matériels et méthodes - Le groupe INF a été divisé en trois sous-groupes ; Groupe 1 (léger/modéré), Groupe 2 (sévère) et Groupe 3 (sévère + pyodermite) selon l'étendue des lésions cutanées et la présence de pyodermite concomitante. Les concentrations sériques de CRP, SAA, Hp et Cp de tous les groupes d'étude ont été mesurées. Résultats - Les concentrations sériques de CRP (P < 0,001), SAA (P < 0,001) et Hp (P = 0,016) du groupe INF étaient supérieures à celles du groupe CON, sans différence en termes de Cp. Une différence statistique a été mesurée entre les groupes 2 et 1 en SAA uniquement. La protéine C-réactive s'est avérée significativement plus élevée chez les chiens atteints de SM sévère accompagnée de pyodermite (groupe 3) par rapport aux chiens atteints de SM sévère (groupe 2). L'aire sous les courbes caractéristiques de fonctionnement du récepteur différenciant la pyodermite chez les chiens atteints de SM sévère était de 0,850 pour la CRP (P = 0,0001, valeur seuil > 61,3 mg/L avec une sensibilité de 69,29 % et une spécificité de 90,91 %). Conclusions - Les résultats uniques dans ce cas étaient que les concentrations sériques de SAA sont liées à la gravité de la SM et que les concentrations sériques de CRP sont corrélées à la présence de pyodermite chez les chiens atteints de SM sévère.

Introducción- la información sobre las concentraciones de proteína de fase aguda (APP) en perros con sarna sarcóptica (SM) es escasa. Objetivo- determinar los efectos de la gravedad clínica de enfermedad y pioderma concomitante en las concentraciones de proteína C reactiva (CRP) sérica, amiloide-A sérica (SAA), haptoglobina (Hp) y ceruloplasmina (Cp) en perros con SM. Animales - Cuarenta perros de propietarios particulares con SM (grupo INF) y 10 perros de control sanos (grupo CON). Materiales y métodos - El grupo INF se dividió en tres subgrupos; Grupo 1 (leve/moderada), Grupo 2 (grave) y Grupo 3 (grave+pioderma) según la extensión de las lesiones cutáneas y la presencia de pioderma concomitante. Se midieron las concentraciones séricas de CRP, SAA, Hp y Cp de todos los grupos de estudio. Resultados- las concentraciones séricas de CRP (P < 0,001), SAA (P < 0,001) y Hp (P = 0,016) del grupo INF fueron más altas que las del grupo CON, sin diferencias en términos de Cp. Se observó una diferencia estadística entre los grupos 2 y 1 en SAA solamente. Se encontró que la proteína C reactiva era significativamente más alta en perros con SM severa acompañada de pioderma (Grupo 3) en comparación con perros con SM severa (Grupo 2). El área bajo las curvas de características operativas del receptor que diferencian la pioderma entre perros con SM grave fue de 0,850 para CRP (P = 0,0001, valor de corte >61,3 mg/l con sensibilidad del 69,29 % y especificidad del 90,91 %). Conclusiones- los hallazgos únicos en esto estudio fueron que las concentraciones séricas de SAA están relacionadas con la gravedad de la SM y que las concentraciones séricas de CRP están correlacionadas con la presencia de pioderma en perros con SM grave.

Contexto - São escassas as informações sobre as concentrações de proteínas de fase aguda (PFA) em cães com sarna sarcóptica (SS) são escassas. Objetivo - Determinar os efeitos da gravidade da doença e a piodermite concomitante nas concentrações de proteína C-reativa (PCR), amiloide sérico A (ASA), haptoglobina (Hp) e ceruloplasmina (Cp) em cães com SS. Animais - Quarenta cães de clientes com SS (grupo INF) e 10 cães controle saudáveis (grupo CON). Materiais e métodos - O grupo INF foi dividido em três subgrupos; Grupo 1 (leve/moderado), Grupo 2 (grave), Grupo 3 (grave + piodermite) de acordo com a extensão das lesões cutâneas e a presença de piodermite concomitante. As concentrações séricas de PCR, ASA, Hp e Cp, foram mensuradas. Resultados - As concentrações séricas de PCR (P < 0,001), ASA (P < 0,001) e Hp (P = 0,016) no grupo INF foram maiores que no grupo COM, sem diferenças em termos de Cp. Mensurou-se a diferença estatística entre os grupos 2 e 1 no ASA apenas. A proteína C-reativa foi significativamente maior em cães com SS grave com piodermite (Grupo 3) quando comparado com cães com SS grave (Grupo 2). A área sob as curvas características de operação do receptor que diferenciam piodermite entre cães com SS grave foi 0,850 para a PCR (P = 0,0001, valor de corte > 61,3 mg/L com sensibilidade de 69,29% e especificidade de 90,91%). Conclusões - Os achados mais singulares deste estudo foram de que as concentrações séricas de ASA são relacionadas à severidade da SS e que as concentrações séricas de PCR são correlacionadas com a presença de piodermite em cães com SS grave.

Prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy of clinoptilolite against Cryptosporidium parvum in experimentally challenged neonatal lambs.

This study was designed to test the prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy of clinoptilolite against Cryptosporidium (C.) parvum infection in lambs. Within the first day of life, three groups of 10 lambs were each inoculated with 1 × 106 oocysts of C. parvum. The prophylactic (PROP) group received orally clinoptilolite supplemented at a rate of 3% to the colostrum within the first day of life before inoculation and then to milk replacer for two weeks. The therapeutic (TREA) group was supplemented with the same rate, route and duration of clinoptilolite, starting from the day of the first appearance of oocysts in the faeces. The positive control group (pCON) was left untreated and fed only the basal diet. Disease development and clinoptilolite efficacy were assessed daily by evaluating oocyst per gram of faeces (OPG) counts, faecal consistent score (FCS), and clinical health score (CHS) from day -1 to 20 days post inoculation. A significantly (p < 0.001) lower OPG value was found in the PROP and TREA groups in comparison to the pCON group. The FCS and CHS were decreased in the PROP (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001) and TREA (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001) groups compared to the pCON group, respectively. The percentage efficacy of clinoptilolite was calculated to be 97.4 % in the PROP group and 91.6 % in the TREA group. In conclusion, this study proved for the first time that clinoptilolite has promising prophylactic and therapeutic activities against C. parvum in experimentally infected lambs.

Cytotoxic and Apoptotic Effect of Nanoclinoptilolite on Canine Osteosarcoma Cell Lines.

INTRODUCTION: Clinoptilolite has antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties due to its biological activities. In various cancer cell culture studies, it has been reported effective against tumour cells and gave positive results in treatment of various tumours in dogs. No study was found on the effects of the nanoparticulate form, nanoclinoptilolite, on cancer cells. The aim of this study was to determine its cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in canine osteosarcoma (OSA) cell culture. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Doses at 50% inhibitory concentration were determined by measuring the dose- and duration-dependent cytotoxicity of nanoclinoptilolite on canine D-17 osteosarcoma cells by methylthiazol tetrazolium (MTT) test for 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h. Murine caspase-3 and -7 activity and expression levels of the BAX and BCL2 genes were measured using RT-PCR to investigate the apoptotic effect. RESULTS: Nanoclinoptilolite decreased cell viability and induced caspase-3- and -7-mediated apoptosis in treated canine OSA cells. Furthermore, its application to canine OSA cells downregulated the expression of BCL2 and upregulated the expression of proapoptotic BAX. CONCLUSION: Clinoptilolite, which was previously demonstrated to have anticancer properties, decreased cell viability effectively and rapidly and increased the apoptotic cell ratio in a novel use in nanoparticle form, exhibiting this effect by increasing the BAX/BCL2 ratio.

Reference intervals for serum amyloid A, haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, and fibrinogen in apparently healthy neonatal lambs.

BACKGROUND: Acute-phase proteins (APPs) are considered biomarkers for diagnoses, prognoses, and treatment and health status monitoring. Reference intervals (RIs) are an integral part of diagnostic laboratory testing and clinical decision-making. The RIs for neonatal lambs are lacking. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the RIs of serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), ceruloplasmin (Cp), and fibrinogen (Fb) concentrations in neonatal cross-bred Kivircik lambs. METHODS: The study consisted of 42 neonatal cross-bred Kivircik lambs. Physical examinations were performed daily, and blood samples were collected at 0 (precolostrum), 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of age. The RIs of SAA, Hp, Cp, and Fb concentrations were calculated according to the recommendation of the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology. Results were also evaluated for age- and sex-related effects. RESULTS: The RI for serum Hp was 0-0.4 g/L, and no apparent effect of age or sex was noted. Because of significant age- and sex-related differences, the SAA (0.34-55.12 µg/mL), Cp (2.4-26.07 mg/mL), and Fb (218.86-527.82 mg/mL) results were given as minimum and maximum values. Serum SAA on the 1st, 3rd, and 7th days of life, and Cp and Fb concentrations on the 14th and 21st days of life, were significantly higher than those on other study days. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to establish RIs for neonatal lambs, and the values obtained could be useful for making clinical decisions regarding cross-bred Kivircik lambs during this critical period.

Molecular Identification and Clinicopathological Findings of Hepatozoon sp. Infection in a Cat: First Report from Turkey.

Hepatozoon is a genus of protozoa belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa. Ticks are the vectors for the members of this genus. The protozoans infect a wide variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The domestic and wild felids are also susceptible to Hepatozoon infection. A five-year-old female cat was presented to the Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Animal Hospital, with a 1-month history of inappetence and weight loss. In a physical examination, weakness, depression, anorexia, lymphadenopathy, icteric mucous membranes, abdominal distension, and fever were detected. Laboratory analysis revealed anemia, neutrophilic leukocytosis, and increased serum total bilirubin and indirect bilirubin concentrations. Hepatozoonosis was diagnosed by the observation of Hepatozoon spp. gamonts within neutrophils in Giemsa-stained blood smears and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This is the first report about the molecular identification of hepatozoonosis in a cat from Turkey.

Haptoglobin and serum amyloid-A concentrations and their relationship with oocyst count in neonatal lambs experimentally infected with Cryptosporidium parvum.

This study aimed to evaluate the acute phase response (APR) through haptoglobin (Hp) and serum amyloid A (SAA) concentrations in serum and to examine the correlation between these acute phase proteins (APPs) and oocyst shedding using experimental Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum) infection model in neonatal lambs. Twenty lambs were divided into two equal groups: group CON remained uninfected as negative control and lambs of the group EXP were inoculated orally with 1×106C. parvum oocysts. Blood and faecal samples were obtained from both groups before colostrum intake and prior to inoculation (day-1), and at 2, 6, 13, and 20days post-inoculation (dpi). The serum concentrations of SAA increased following the experimental infection of lambs with C. parvum, the difference being statistically significant from pre-inoculation levels at 2 dpi, while significant increases in serum concentration of Hp were observed at 2 and 6 dpi. At the same occasions, serum concentrations of both APPs were significantly higher in the C. parvum-infected lambs compared to the healthy control lambs. A moderate positive correlation (rho=0.67; p< 0.001) was observed between serum Hp concentration and oocyst count (OPG),whereas the serum SAA concentration didn't significantly correlate with OPG (rho=0.18; p>0.05). In conclusion, the results of the study shed some light on APR due to C. parvum infection in neonatal lambs.

Spatial distribution of vector borne disease agents in dogs in Aegean region, Turkey / Distribución espacial de agentes patógenos transmitidos por vectores en perros en la región del Egeo, Turquía

Objective. Assess the spatial distribution of seroprevalence of infection with or exposure to 4 vector-borne pathogens Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi and Dirofilaria immitis, across the coastal states of the Aegean region with special reference to clinical signs and haematological variances related to disease condition. Materials and methods. A convenience sample, targeting blood from at least 10 pet dogs from Izmir, Aydin, Denizli, Mugla and Manisa cities involved was evaluated using a canine point-of-care ELISA kit. Results. Out of 307 dogs tested the overall seroprevalence was highest for E. canis (24.42%), followed by E. canis + A. phagocytophilum co-infection (10.42%), A. phagocytophilum (7.49%) and D. immitis (2.28%). Only 2 cases were seropositive to B. burgdorferi albeit 10 dogs were co-infected with more than 2 agents. For both dogs infected with E. canis and co-infected with E. canis and A. phagocytophilum, anemia, thrombocytopenia and leukocytosis, were more commonly detected, whereas thrombocytopenia and leukocytosis were significant finding in dogs infected with A. phagocytophilum or D. immitis, respectively. Variance analysis showed significant differences for mean RBC, Hb, PCV and PLT values (p<0.01) among control group and other groups. Conclusions. Seropositivity for vector-borne pathogens other than B. burgdorferi, is moderately to widely distributed in dogs residing in the Aegean region in Turkey.

Objetivo. Evaluar la distribución espacial de la seroprevalencia de la infección de 4 agentes patógenos de transmisión por vectores Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi y Dirofilaria immitis, en los estados costeros de la región del Egeo con especial referencia a los signos clínicos y las variaciones hematológicas relacionadas con la enfermedad. Materiales y métodos. Se tomaron por conveniencia muestras de sangre de al menos 10 perros en las ciudades Izmir, Aydin, Denizli, Mugla y Manisa. Para la evaluación de las muestras se utilizó un kit de ELISA para la detencción de anticuerpos de las enfermedades del estudio. Resultados. De los 307 perros muestreados, la seroprevalencia más alta fue para E. canis (24.42%), seguido por la coinfección entre E. canis + A. phagocytophilum (10.42%), A. phagocytophilum (7.49%) y D. immitis (2.28%). Sólo 2 casos fueron seropositivos para B. burgdorferi aunque 10 perros fueron coinfectados con más de 2 agentes. En ambos perros infectados con E. canis y coinfectados con E. canis y A. phagocytophilum, se detectó comúnmente anemia, trombocitopenia y leucocitosis, mientras que la trombocitopenia y leucocitosis fueron significativos en perros infectados con A. phagocytophilum o D. immitis , respectivamente. El análisis de varianza mostró diferencias significativas para los promedios de RBC, hemoglobina, hematocrito y valores PLT (p<0.01) entre el grupo control y los otros grupos. Conclusiones. La seropositividad transmitida por vectores patógenos distintos de B. burgdorferi, fue moderada y ampliamente distribuida en los perros que residen en la región del Egeo en Turquía.

Single dose of secnidazole treatment against naturally occuring Giardia duodenalis infection in Sakiz lambs / Tratamiento con dosis única con secnidazol en corderos naturalmente infectados con Giardia duodenalis

Objetive. The purposes of this study were to determine whether secnidazole administered at a single dose of 10 mg/kg, orally, lessens or eliminates Giardia cyst shedding, and to validate the benefit of secnidazole treatment on clinical signs and faecal consistency in lambs naturally infected with Giardia duodenalis. Materials and methods. To this extent weaned 12 weeks of age lambs were selected and randomly assigned into two groups based on placebo (group C, n=7 untreated control group) or treatment (group S, n=10 lambs treated with a single dose of secnidazole at 10 mg/kg). Results. On days 0 and 10, before and after treatment, respectively, reduction in cyst excretion was determined. The faecal consistency and general health were recorded at each sampling day. Conclusions. During the study there was a high (99.98%) reduction in cyst excretion in the secnidazol treatment group compared to the positive control group on day 10, resulting in a significant (p<0.001) reduction, making secnidazole highly effective treatment option.

Objetivo. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar si la administración oral de una dosis única de secnidazol de 10mh/kg reduce o elimina la presencia de quistes de Giardia y validar el beneficio del tratamiento con secnidazol en los signos clínicos y la consistencia fecal de corderos infectados naturalmente con Giardia duodenalis. Materiales y métodos. Se seleccionaron corderos destetados de 12 semanas de edad que fueron asignados al azar a dos grupos con base a placebo (grupo C, n=7, grupo de control sin tratar) o tratamiento (grupo S, n=10 corderos con tratamiento de dosis única de secnidazol de 10 mg/kg). Resultados. En los días 0 y 10, antes y después del tratamiento, respectivamente, se determinó una merma en la excreción de quistes. La consistencia de la materia fecal y el estado general de salud fue registrado en cada muestreo diario. Conclusiones. Durante el estudio hubo una alta reducción en la excreción de quistes (99.98%) en el grupo tratado con secnidazol comparado con el grupo control positivo en el día 10, resultando en una disminución significativa (p<0.001), haciendo del tratamiento con secnizadol una opción altamente efectiva.

Mepyramine Maleate treatment of urticaria in horses; a multicentered, randomized, placebo controlled, double blinded clinical trial / Maleato de Mepiramine como tratamiento de la urticaria en caballos; un estudio multicéntrico, aleatorizado y Controlado con placebo a doble ciego

The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of mepyramine maleate in horses with urticaria. A total of 31 horses, between the ages of 1 and 8 years, were enrolled and randomly assigned to either a placebo or an intramuscular mepyramine maleate group. Clinical evaluations were done by the same investigator, who scored clinical healing, throughout the study and was blinded to the allocation to the groups. At the end of the trial, mepyramine maleate treatment significantly decreased (P<0.001) the investigator’s clinical scores and while weak changes were detected in the placebo treatment group. In all of the horses treated, the lesions improved gradually within 6 hours after treatment. Complete clinical remission was detected within 6 to 18 hours and all treated horses completely cured within 24 hours of starting treatment. Urticaria was still evident in 8 out of 14 untreated control horses throughout the study. No recurrency was observed in treated horses within 1 week after therapy. Results of the present study indicate that mepyramine maleate may be a safe and effective therapy for horses with urticaria.

El objetivo del presente estudio fue investigar la eficacia del maleato de mepiramina en caballos con urticaria. Un total de 31 caballos, entre las edades de 1 y 8 años, se matricularon y fueron asignados aleatoriamente en grupos de placebo o una inyección intramuscular de maleato de mepiramina. Evaluaciones clínicas fueron realizadas por el mismo investigador, quien anotó la evolución clínica, a lo largo del estudio y la asignación a los grupos fue hecha a doble ciego. Al final del estudio, el tratamiento con maleato de mepiramina disminuyó significativamente (P<0,001) los resultados, mientras que cambios débiles fueron detectados en el grupo de placebo. En todos los caballos tratados, la mejoría de las lesiones se dio dentro de las 6 horas después del tratamiento. Completa recuperación clínica se detectó dentro de 6 a 18 horas y todos los caballos tratados estuvieron completamente curados dentro de las 24 horas de iniciado el tratamiento. Urticaria fue todavía evidente en 8 de los 14 caballos de control sin tratar a lo largo del estudio. No fueron observadas recaidas en los caballos tratados 1 semana después de la terapia. Los resultados del presente estudio indican que maleato de mepiramina puede ser una terapia segura y eficaz para los caballos con urticaria.

[Haptoglobin, serum amyloid-a and ceruloplasmin concentrations in goats with mixed helminth infection]. / Miks Helmint Enfeksiyonlu Keçilerde Haptoglobin, Serum Amiloid-A ve Seruloplazmin Konsantrasyonlari.

In this study, the concentrations of haptoglobin, serum amyloid A and ceruloplasmin were measured in goats with mixed gastrointestinal infections of nematodes and liver trematodes. Twelve patients who were diagnosed as having mixed helminth infection after detection of Trichuris spp., Trichostrongylidae spp. and Fasciola spp. and six healthy controls participated in the study. The concentrations of the acute phase proteins (haptoglobin p< or =0.001; serum amyloid-A p< or =0.05) were significantly higher in the goats with mixed gastrointestinal infection with nematodes and liver trematodes than the control goats. As a result of this study, we determined that the concentrations of haptoglobin and serum amyloid-A increased in goats with mixed helminth infection but further studies of the clinical importance of those increases in relation to prognosis and monitoring therapy of helminthic infections in goats should be made.

Acute phase protein response in dogs with experimentally induced gastric mucosal injury.

BACKGROUND: The acute phase response is part of the innate defense system of an animal against trauma, inflammation, and infection. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the acute phase response in dogs with acetylsalicylic acid-induced gastric mucosal injuries and to determine its potential diagnostic significance. METHODS: Ten, healthy, cross-breed dogs (6 females and 4 males) were given oral acetylsalicylic acid in a single oral dose of 200 mg/kg for the experimental model of acute gastric mucosal injury. Heparinized blood samples were collected before (day 0) and on days 1, 4, and 7 after acetylsalicylic acid administration to determine plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid-A (SAA), haptoglobin, fibrinogen, total protein, albumin, and iron concentrations. Total WBC counts were done in whole blood. Endoscopy was done on each of the selected days, and gastric lesions were scored and localized. RESULTS: Hemorrhagic linear erosions were found in all dogs on day 1, concurrent with significant increases in CRP, SAA, haptoglobin, and fibrinogen concentrations, and in WBC counts; however, iron concentration was decreased. Peak haptoglobin and fibrinogen concentrations occurred on day 4, at which time only nonhemorrhagic lesions were observed endoscopically. On day 7, results for all analytes except haptoglobin had returned to baseline levels, along with resolution of most gastric lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study indicate that a rapid acute phase protein response occurs after induced gastric mucosal injury in dogs and may be potentially useful together with gastroscopy in the diagnosis and monitoring of gastric injury.

Efficacy of topical administration of eprinomectin for treatment of ear mite infestation in six rabbits.

Six rabbits naturally infested with Psoroptes cuniculi were treated topically on the skin at the base of the neck with 0.5 mg kg(-1) of 0.5% pour-on eprinomectin for cattle, twice at 14-day intervals. Efficacy of the drug was based on the disappearance of clinical signs and the absence of live mites for a period of 6 weeks. Clinical improvement was seen within 3 days of the first application; however, complete recovery of clinical signs and elimination of mites in 5/6 rabbits did not occur until the end of the study. No adverse reactions attributable to eprinomectin treatment were observed during the observation period. Results of this trial indicated that eprinomectin was partially effective in the treatment of psoroptic mange in rabbits.

Use of doramectin for treatment of sarcoptic mange in five Angora rabbits.

The efficacy of administering doramectin after moxidectin treatment, which has previously proved only partially effective, was evaluated in five Angora rabbits naturally infested with Sarcoptes scabiei mange. Evaluations included physical examination for clinical signs of sarcoptic mange and collection of skin scrapings for determination of mites. The rabbits first received two subcutaneous injections, 10 days apart, of moxidectin 1% injectable solution at a dosage of 0.2 mg kg(-1) of bodyweight. Although moxidectin treatment resulted in clinical improvement within 10 days post initial injection, on days 10 and 35 post initial treatment live mites were present in skin scrapings. Administration of doramectin 1% injectable solution using the same route and dosage and at similar intervals to moxidectin led to complete disappearance of signs of scabies and parasitological cure in all rabbits.

Serum concentration of some acute phase proteins in naturally occurring canine babesiosis: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Serum concentrations of acute phase proteins can provide valuable diagnostic information in the detection, prognosis, or monitoring of disease. Information available on the acute phase response in naturally occurring canine babesiosis is limited. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this investigation was to retrospectively evaluate serum concentrations of haptoglobin, C-reactive protein, and ceruloplasmin in dogs naturally infected with Babesia canis. METHODS: Haptoglobin, C-reactive protein, and ceruloplasmin concentrations were measured in serum samples from dogs with uncomplicated (n = 6) and complicated (n = 1) babesiosis and compared with 6 healthy dogs. RESULTS: Serum C-reactive protein and ceruloplasmin concentrations were significantly higher in dogs with babesiosis; however, serum haptoglobin concentration was significantly lower compared with control dogs (P <.01). CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study suggest that acute phase protein concentrations could be beneficial in the diagnosis and determination of the severity of babesiosis in dogs.