A prospective cohort study to identify clinical diagnostic and prognostic markers of primary immune thrombocytopenia in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Primary immune thrombocytopenia (pITP) in dogs presents a diagnostic challenge, and clinical markers of severity are lacking. OBJECTIVES: Identify clinicopathologic features that differentiate pITP from secondary ITP (sITP) and markers related to bleeding severity, transfusion, and survival of dogs with pITP. ANIMALS: Ninety-eight thrombocytopenic dogs (58 pITP and 40 sITP). METHODS: Client-owned dogs with platelet counts <50 000/µL were enrolled in a prospective, multi-institution cohort study. History and treatment information, through a maximum of 7 days, was recorded on standard data forms. Bleeding severity was scored daily using a bleeding assessment tool (DOGiBAT). At-admission blood samples were collected for CBC, biochemistry, C-reactive protein concentration, and coagulation panels, and to measure platelet surface-associated immunoglobulin G (PSAIg) and expression of platelet membrane proteins and phospholipids. Dogs with evidence of coincident disease were classified as sITP. RESULTS: No definitive pITP diagnostic test was found. However, pITP cases were characterized by lower platelet counts, D dimer concentrations, and platelet membrane protein expression than sITP cases. Differentiation between pITP and sITP was further enhanced using logistic regression modeling combining patient sex, coagulation profile, platelet count, D dimer, and PSAIg. A second model of pITP severity indicated that low hematocrit and high BUN concentration were associated with non-survival. Low hematocrit at admission, but not platelet count or DOGiBAT score, was associated with transfusion. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Pending validation studies, models constructed from at-admission clinicopathologic findings may improve differentiation of pITP from sITP and identify the most severe pITP cases at the time of presentation.

Evaluation of the health-related quality of life in dogs following intracranial meningioma resection using a specifically developed questionnaire.

As advanced treatments are becoming increasingly feasible in veterinary medicine, the evaluation of the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of treated animals is becoming more relevant. We evaluated owner-perceived HRQOL of 10 dogs that underwent craniotomy for meningioma resection between 2002 and 2022 at our institution through telephone interview. For this purpose, we developed a disease-specific questionnaire containing 52 items (mostly of scoring nature) patterned after previously validated instruments and organised into eight domains. Approval by the Human Ethical Committee and respondents' consent were obtained. We analysed the scores for all domains and dogs. The effect of different variables on the HRQOL score was determined via log-rank test and Pearson correlation. Scores for all included dogs (range, 0-235 points) were totaled, with a higher number of points indicating a better HRQOL. The dogs included in this study yielded a mean score of 200.6 points (range, 176-227 points), implying a good overall quality of life. There were no significant associations between individual parameters and outcomes. Our questionnaire represents a structured tool for the specific evaluation of postoperative HRQOL in dogs with meningioma, placing a minimal burden on respondents. Few instruments have been developed to assess animal welfare in a disease-specific context. Implementing these tools, however, is essential to accurately evaluate not only the impact of treatments on biologic parameters, but also their implications on patient welfare. Thus, treatment plans may consider HRQOL for a more comprehensive clinical decision-making process.

Histopathological characterisation of trunk-dominant canine pemphigus foliaceus, and comparison with classic facial and insecticide-triggered forms.

BACKGROUND: While the clinical features were described recently, the histopathological characterisation of trunk-dominant canine pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is lacking, and whether it differs from classic facial or insecticide-triggered PF is unknown. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: This study describes the histopathological findings of trunk-dominant PF, and compares the results to classic facial and insecticide-triggered PF. ANIMALS: Skin biopsies from 103 dogs with clinically characterised trunk-dominant (n = 33), classic facial (n = 26) and insecticide-triggered PF (n = 44) were included. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Histological sections, randomised and blinded, were scored for over 50 morphological parameters of pustules, epidermis, dermis, adnexa and crusts. Intact pustule area and width were measured by digital microscopy. RESULTS: In trunk-dominant PF, 77 intact pustules were predominantly subcorneal (0.0019-1.940 mm2 area, 0.0470-4.2532 mm wide), and contained from one to over 100 acantholytic keratinocytes. Pustules had boat acantholytic cells, corneocytes, perinuclear eosinophilic rings, neutrophil rosettes, acantholytic cell necrosis, rafts, cling-ons and/or eosinophils. Peripustular epidermal spongiosis, necrosis and lymphocyte exocytosis occurred, as did follicular pustules. Mixed dermal inflammation often contained eosinophils. Trunk-dominant PF did not differ from the other PF groups except for few parameters, such as having fewer rafts (p = 0.003). Additional autoimmune inflammatory patterns occurred in all PF groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Trunk-dominant PF and other canine PF variants are histologically similar, which indicates shared pathomechanisms. The identification of common boat acantholytic cells and corneocyte separation has implications for the mechanisms of acantholysis. The diversity of histopathological and polyautoimmunity features support complicated immune mechanisms. Finally, results indicate that diagnostic biopsies cannot differentiate between these PF variants in dogs.

Ectopic insulinoma in a dog with insulin-induced hypoglycemia: a case report.

A 7-year-old spayed female Shih Tzu dog was presented for evaluation of recurrent hypoglycemia. Serum insulin levels during hypoglycemia were 35.3 µIU/mL. Ultrasonography and computed tomography showed a mesenteric nodule between the kidney and the portal vein, but no pancreatic mass was observed. During surgery, the nodule had neither anatomical adhesions nor vascular connections to the pancreas. Pancreatic inspection and palpation revealed no abnormalities. Hypoglycemia improved after resection of the nodule. Histopathological examination confirmed the nodule to be an islet cell carcinoma. Although extremely rare, ectopic insulinoma should be considered as a possible cause of insulin-induced hypoglycemia in dogs.

Doble cuarto arco aórtico persistente en un perro (Canis familiaris): reporte de caso

El doble arco aórtico persistente es una patología caracterizada por anomalías embrionarias en la vascularización, que pueden afectar de manera indirecta a otros sistemas, como el digestivo y el respiratorio. El objetivo de este documento es reportar un caso de doble arco aórtico, persistente en un cachorro Bull terrier, de seis meses de edad. El paciente ingresó a consulta por motivo de regurgitaciones frecuentes y pérdida ponderal. En el estudio radiográfico, se evidenció dilatación esofágica craneal a la base del corazón y en la toracotomía, se confirmó un doble arco aórtico persistente. Se realizó manejo nutricional y posteriormente, corrección quirúrgica de la anomalía vascular. Este es el primer caso de una anomalía de este tipo en Colombia. Se concluye, que un manejo quirúrgico enfocado a liberar el anillo estenosante y a recuperar la función esofágica, son la base terapéutica de este tipo de alteraciones.

Persistent double aortic arch is a pathology characterized by embryonic vascularization anomalies, which can indirectly affect other systems such as the digestive and respiratory systems. The objective of this document is to report a case of persistent double aortic arch in a six-month-old Bull Terrier puppy. The patient was admitted for consultation due to frequent regurgitation and weight loss. The radiographic study revealed cranial esophageal dilation at the base of the heart, and a thoracotomy confirmed a persistent double aortic arch. Nutritional management was performed and subsequently, surgical correction of the vascular anomaly. This is the first case of an anomaly of this type in Colombia. It is concluded that surgical management focused on releasing the stenosing ring and recovering esophageal function are the therapeutic basis for this type of alteration.

Global distribution of animal sporotrichosis: A systematic review of Sporothrix sp. identified using molecular tools.

Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis caused by thermodimorphic fungi of the genus Sporothrix. The phenotypic and genotypic differences of the isolates within the genus Sporothrix have been associated with their geographic distribution, virulence capacity, or clinical manifestation of sporotrichosis. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the causative agent of sporotrichosis. However, there are few case reports and studies in animals compared to those in humans, despite the substantial increase in the number of cases of sporotrichosis by zoonotic transmission, especially in endemic areas. Considering the epidemiological importance, taxonomic evolution and worldwide distribution of these fungi in the last decade, there is interest in identifying the species of the genus Sporothrix in different regions of the world. This study aimed to analyze the geographic distribution of animal sporotrichosis in the world, caused by pathogenic species identified by use of molecular tools. This systematic review of articles from 2007 to 2021 analyzed the geographic distribution of species that cause sporotrichosis in cats, dogs and other animals. It demonstrated that the most identified species were S. brasiliensis, isolated from cats in Brazil and S. schenckii isolated from cats in Malaysia. We show the lack of studies in global areas and reinforce the need to use molecular tools to identify and monitor potential pathogens.

Magnitudes of diseases in dogs vary among different levels of age, gender, breed, and season: A hospital-based, retrospective cross-sectional study.

Dogs, the most common companion animal of humans, perform not only the auxiliary of an individual, but also contribute to the nations' crime and defence departments. Knowing the determinant-based disease status of dogs is imperative to keep them healthy by subsequent prevention and control of those diseases; however, such baseline epidemiological information is limited. Therefore, a retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the proportional incidence of dog diseases to explore their magnitudes, and we compared them to different levels of intrinsic (age, gender, breed) and extrinsic determinants (season). Purposively, data of a total of 1,557 cases of different diseases were collected from the record book of the Central Veterinary Hospital (CVH), Dhaka, Bangladesh. The proportional incidence was calculated as the proportion of cases of a specific disease among total number of cases of all types of diseases attended the hospital during the study period. Diseases of dog were categorized into infectious, non-infectious, and non-specific. Results showed that the highest proportional incidence was noted in infectious diseases (53.8%) followed by non-infectious diseases (23.4%) and the lowest in non-specific (22.7%) cases. Among them, disease-specific proportional incidence was remarkable in case of mange (9.5%), parvovirosis (8.7%), lacerated wound (8.5%), ectoparasitism (8.3%), helminthiasis (7.8%), and fracture (5.7%). The occurrence of mange varied significantly (p < 0.05) among all studied determinants (age, gender, breed, and season); while significant discrepancies (p < 0.05) in magnitudes of lacerated wound, dystocia, abortion, and gastroenteritis were observed among various groups of age, gender, and breed. Accordingly, dermatitis and orchitis had significant differences (p < 0.05) in proportional incidence amid various levels of age, gender, and season; whilst the burden of parvovirosis and alopecia differed significantly (p < 0.05) amongst different categories of age, breed, and season. The magnitude of otorrhoea showed a significant (p < 0.05) variation among different groups of gender, breed, and season. The proportional incidence of other diseases also varied significantly (p < 0.05) amongst either one or two studied determinants. This study provides a valuable insight about important diseases in dogs, which may serve as useful baseline information for disease prioritization and subsequent planning of effective control and prevention measures against those diseases.

Probable rabies in a child in a Bhutanese town bordering India, 2020.

Rabies is a neglected tropical disease that causes mortality and high economic burden in many developing countries. Rabies is a vaccine-preventable disease if timely post-exposure prophylaxis is available after animal exposure. The control of rabies requires limiting the transmission of the virus in the animal reservoir, effective public health measures to control outbreaks and increasing accessibility and uptake of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis. Bhutan is a small Himalayan country where rabies is endemic. In this article, we describe the death of a 3-year-old female child due to probable rabies in a Bhutanese village located along the border with India. The child had a furious form of rabies with encephalitic syndrome developing 57 days after a category III dog bite on the chest. The child was managed at a district hospital with the available resources. This is the first rabies death in Bhutan in the last 5 years and the 18th since 2006. This case report focuses on the efforts required to increase the timely uptake of post-exposure prophylaxis in a free healthcare system in Bhutan.

Fatal Clostridium sordellii-mediated hemorrhagic and necrotizing gastroenteropathy in a dog: case report.

BACKGROUND: Canine hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (also canine gastrointestinal hemorrhagic syndrome) is commonly associated with Clostridium perfringens, although in some cases the etiology remains unclear. This report describes a fatal acute hemorrhagic and necrotizing gastroenteropathy in a dog associated with Clostridium sordellii, a bacterial species never before identified as the etiological agent of hemorrhagic and necrotizing gastroenteropathy in dogs. CASE PRESENTATION: A fully vaccinated, eight-year-old, female neutered Labrador presented with a history of vomiting without diarrhea. Clinical examination revealed pink mucous membranes, adequate hydration, normothermia, and normocardia. The dog was discovered deceased the following day. Post-mortem examination showed moderate amounts of dark red, non-clotted fluid within the stomach that extended into the jejunum. Discoloration was noted in the gastric mucosa, liver, lungs, and kidneys, with small petechial hemorrhages present in the endocardium over the right heart base and thymic remnants. Histological analysis demonstrated that the gastric fundic mucosa, the pyloric region, small intestine, and large intestine exhibited superficial coagulative necrosis and were lined with a layer of short Gram-positive rods. Anaerobic culture of the gastric content revealed C. sordellii as the dominant bacterial species and neither Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., C. perfringens, nor C. difficile were isolated. Unexpectedly, whole genome sequencing of the C. sordellii isolate showed that it lacked the main plasmid-encoded virulence factors typical of the species, indicating that the genetic determinants of pathogenicity of this strain must be chromosomally encoded. Further phylogenetic analysis revealed it to be genetically similar to C. sordellii isolates associated with gastroenteric disease in livestock, indicating that the infection may have been acquired from the environment. CONCLUSIONS: This case demonstrates that C. sordellii can associate with a canine hemorrhagic and necrotizing gastroenteropathy in the absence of C. perfringens and illustrates the benefits of using bacterial whole genome sequencing to support pathological investigations in veterinary diagnostics. These data also update the molecular phylogeny of C. sordellii, indicating a possible pathogenic clade in the environment that is distinct from currently identified clades.

Serum proteome of dogs at subclinical and clinical onset of canine leishmaniosis.

The objective of this study was to identify changes in serum proteome in dogs that may occur after an experimental infection at subclinical and clinical stages of canine leishmaniosis (CanL). For this purpose, canine pre- and post-infection with Leishmania infantum serum proteomes in the same dogs were analysed by a high-throughput label-based quantitative LC-MS/MS proteomic approach. A total of 169 proteins were identified, and 74 of them including complement C8 alpha chain, adiponectin, transferrin, sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase acid-like 3A and immunoglobulins showed different modulation between the different stages of CanL. These proteins could be considered as potential serum biomarkers of early diagnostic or disease progression in CanL. Additionally, biological pathways modulated during CanL such as blood coagulation or gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor were revealed, which could help to understand the pathological mechanisms of the disease.

Hypertrophic osteopathy and bone metastases in a dog with prostatic carcinoma / Osteopatia hipertrófica e metástases ósseas em um canino com carcinoma prostático

ABSTRACT: Prostatic carcinomas in are aggressive neoplasms and bone metastases may occur; however, hypertrophic osteopathy associated with that condition is poorly documented. A ten-year-old, neutered male, mixed breed dog had a history of lameness and volume increase in the left pelvic limb. On radiographic examination, a lytic bone mass was observed in the left metatarsus, as well as a diffuse proliferative periosteal reaction in several bones of the appendicular skeleton, in addition to radiopaque nodular structures in all lung lobes. A presumptive diagnosis of primary bone neoplasia with pulmonary metastases and hypertrophic osteopathy was established and chemotherapy treatment was started. However, there was no satisfactory clinical response, and euthanasia was ellected. At necropsy, there was moderate enlargement of the prostate gland. The gland was firm and whitish, with a multilobulated aspect. Several similar masses were observed in the right kidney, lungs, mediastinal lymph nodes, and multiple bones of the appendicular skeleton. These bones also presented evident diffuse periosteal reaction. Histological examination revealed a metastatic prostatic carcinoma with bone involvement and hypertrophic osteopathy. This report is an unusual case of metastatic prostatic carcinoma in association with hypertrophic osteopathy and concomitant bone metastases.

RESUMO: Os carcinomas prostáticos em cães são neoplasmas agressivos e as metástases ósseas podem ocorrer, entretanto a associação com osteopatia hipertrófica é pouco relatada. Um canino, macho, sem raça definida de 10 anos de idade, com histórico de claudicação e aumento de volume em membro pélvico esquerdo, apresentou no exame radiográfico uma massa óssea, lítica em metatarso esquerdo, bem como reação periosteal proliferativa difusa em diversos ossos do esqueleto apendicular além de estruturas nodulares, radiopacas em todos os lobos pulmonares. Realizou-se o diagnóstico presuntivo de neoplasia óssea primaria com metástases pulmonares e osteopatia hipertrófica e iniciou-se o tratamento quimioterápico. Todavia, não houve resposta clínica satisfatória, optando-se pela eutanásia. Na necropsia foi constatado aumento de volume moderado da próstata, com aspecto multilobulado, ao corte firme e brancacento. Diversas massas similares foram observadas no rim direito, pulmões, linfonodos mediastínicos e em vários ossos do esqueleto apendicular, além de evidente reação periosteal difusa. A avaliação histológica revelou um carcinoma prostático metastático com envolvimento ósseo, bem como osteopatia hipertrófica pulmonar. Esse relato é um caso incomum de carcinoma prostático metastático devido a associação com osteopatia hipertrófica pulmonar e as metástases ósseas concomitantes.

Controle da leishmaniose visceral canina por eutanásia: estimativa de efeito baseado em inquérito e modelagem matemática / Control of canine visceral leishmaniasis by euthanasia: estimated effect based on a survey and mathematical modeling / Control de la leishmaniasis visceral canina por eutanasia: estimación del efecto basado en una encuesta y modelo matemático

A leishmaniose visceral é uma doença emergente e negligenciada em processo de expansão para áreas urbanas. A incidência da doença humana está relacionada com a infecção canina. Araçatuba e Birigui são municípios do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, com soroprevalência da infecção canina de 8 a 10%, que empregam estratégias de controle voltadas ao reservatório canino baseado em inquérito sorológico e eutanásia dos cães soropositivos. Usando dados desses programas de controle para parametrizar modelos matemáticos, este estudo avaliou a eficácia dessas atividades. Estimamos que o controle atualmente empregado é capaz de reduzir em cerca de 20% a incidência de casos de leishmaniose visceral canina (LVC). Considerando-se um controle contínuo e um esforço das atividades de inquérito sorológico igual ao triplo da média do observado em Araçatuba e Birigui, a atividade de eutanásia de cães com diagnóstico positivo seria efetiva para o controle da infecção canina. Embora teoricamente possível, na prática, o controle da LVC com as estratégias preconizadas atualmente é insuficiente, pois exigiria superpor dificuldades enfrentadas por estas atividades como falta de recursos materiais, humanos e financeiros, além das questões éticas e jurídicas associadas.

Visceral leishmaniasis is an emerging and neglected disease that is currently expanding to urban areas. The incidence of human disease is related to canine infection. Araçatuba and Birigui are municipalities (counties) in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, with 8-10% seroprevalence of canine infection and that employ control strategies targeting the canine reservoir, based on serological survey and culling of seropositive dogs. Using data from these control programs to parameterize mathematical models, this study assessed the efficacy of these activities. We estimated that current control is capable of reducing the incidence of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) by approximately 20%. Assuming continuous control and three times the current serological survey activities in Araçatuba and Birigui, culling dogs with a positive CVL diagnosis would be effective for the control of canine infection. Although theoretically possible, in practice the control of CVL with the currently recommended strategies is insufficient, since it would require overcoming the difficulties in these activities, such as lack of material, human, and financial resources, besides associated ethical and legal issues.

La leishmaniasis visceral es una enfermedad emergente y pasada por alto en proceso de expansión hacia áreas urbanas. La incidencia de la enfermedad humana está relacionada con la infección canina. Araçatuba y Birigui son municipios del estado de São Paulo, Brasil, con una seroprevalencia de infección canina de un 8 a un 10% que emplean estrategias de control dirigidas al reservorio canino, basado en una encuesta serológica y eutanasia de los perros seropositivos. Usando datos de esos programas de control para proporcionar parámetros en modelos matemáticos, este estudio evaluó la eficacia de esas actividades. Estimamos que el control actualmente empleado es capaz de reducir cerca de un 20% la incidencia de casos de leishmaniasis visceral canina (LVC). Si se considera un control continuo y un esfuerzo de las actividades de encuesta serológica igual al triple de la media de lo observado en Araçatuba y Birigui, la actividad de eutanasia de perros con diagnóstico positivo sería efectiva para el control de la infección canina. A pesar de que teóricamente es posible, en la práctica el control de la LVC con las estrategias preconizadas actualmente es insuficiente, puesto que exigiría superar dificultades a las que se enfrentan estas actividades como la falta de recursos materiales, humanos y financieros, además de las cuestiones éticas y jurídicas asociadas.

Clinical-epidemiological, anatomic-pathological, histochemical and immunohistochemical characterization of renal cystadenocarcinoma-nodular dermatofibrosis syndrome in 11 German Shepherd dogs / Caracterização clínico-epidemiológica, anátomo-patológica, histoquímica e imuno-histoquímica da síndrome cistadenocarcinoma-dermatofibrose nodular em 11 cães Pastor Alemão

Eleven cases of renal cystadenoma/cystadenocarcinoma-nodular dermatofibrosis syndrome (RCND) are described in German Shepherd dogs diagnosed from January 1994 to January 2018 at the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory of the "Universidade Federal de Santa Maria" (LPV-UFSM). The study sample was composed of eight male and three female dogs at a ratio of 2.67:1. Age ranged from six to 12 years (mean=8.7 years). The main clinical signs reported in descending order of frequency were multiple cutaneous nodules (nodular dermatofibrosis), dyspnea, anorexia, weight loss, recurrent hematuria, vomiting, and polydipsia. Results demonstrated that it is not always easy to clinically recognize this syndrome, but its peculiar anatomical-pathological characteristics allow safe diagnosis. Histologically, it was possible to detect all phases (cysts, papillary intratubular hyperplasia, and cystadenomas or cystadenocarcinomas) of a possible pathological continuum of the renal lesions. Uterine leiomyomas were observed in only one of the cases. Through histochemical techniques, it was possible to identify the presence of type I collagen in both cutaneous and renal lesions and consider its possible involvement in the pathogenesis of renal cystadenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) showed partially satisfactory results in the staining of epithelial cells of renal cysts and neoplasms for pan-cytokeratin.(AU)

São descritos 11 casos da síndrome cistadenoma/cistadenocarcinoma-dermatofibrose nodular (CR-DN) em cães Pastor Alemão, diagnosticados entre janeiro de 1994 e janeiro de 2018 no Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (LPV-UFSM). Os cães afetados foram oito machos e três fêmeas, estabelecendo-se uma relação de 2,67:1. A idade variou de seis a 12 anos, sendo a média de idade de 8,7 anos. Os principais sinais clínicos relatados foram, em ordem decrescente de frequência, múltiplos nódulos cutâneos (dermatofibrose nodular), dispneia, anorexia, emagrecimento, hematúria recorrente, vômito e polidipsia. Este estudo permitiu estabelecer que o reconhecimento clínico da síndrome nem sempre é fácil, porém suas características anátomo-patológicas peculiares permitem um diagnóstico com segurança. Histologicamente, foi possível detectar todas as fases (cistos, hiperplasia intratubular papilífera, cistadenomas ou cistadenocarcinomas) de um possível continuum patológico das lesões renais. Leiomiomas uterinos foram observados somente em um caso. Através das técnicas histoquímicas foi possível estabelecer que o colágeno tipo I está presente em ambas as lesões, cutâneas e renais, e cogitar seu possível envolvimento na patogênese dos cistadenocarcinomas renais. A técnica de IHQ mostrou resultados parcialmente satisfatórios na imunomarcação das células epiteliais dos cistos e dos neoplasmas renais para pancitoceratina.(AU)

First inter-laboratory comparison of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato diagnosis in Latin America.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the performance of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests for diagnosing Echinococcus granulosus in dog feces among national reference laboratories in Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay. METHODS: National laboratories affiliated with the Ministry of Health/Agriculture of each country exchanged panels of 10 positive/negative samples obtained from their regular national surveillance programs in November 2015 - November 2016. All laboratories applied PCR; two also applied ELISA techniques. Sensitivity and specificity were determined for each laboratory and concordance of results among the laboratories was evaluated by Cohen Kappa coefficient. RESULTS: Poor concordance (3 of 10 paired comparisons had values of Kappa > 0.4), low sensitivity and specificity across all laboratories, and poor performance of both techniques in detecting E. granulosus in canine feces was demonstrated in this study. An ex-post comparison of the laboratories' test protocols showed substantial heterogeneity that could partially explain poor concordance of results. CONCLUSION: The results underscore the heterogeneity of canine echinococcosis diagnosis across the region and indicate possible sources of variability. Efforts to standardize canine echinococcosis testing must be included in the plan of action for the Regional Initiative for the Control of Cystic Echinococcosis. Future comparisons with fecal samples of known parasite load are needed.

Accuracy of ultrasonography and fine-needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of prostate diseases in dogs.

Clinical signs of prostatic diseases in dogs are often non-specific. Appropriate treatment should be based on a detailed investigation using reliable diagnostic tools. The aim of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of ultrasonography (US) and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology in dogs' prostate diseases. The mean accuracy of FNA cytology and US were 0.72 and 0.88 (n = 13), respectively. US gland size measurements and actual gland dimensions were highly concordant. Obtained results confirm the high diagnostic value of US and FNA biopsy and in prostatic diseases. Diagnosis based on US is highly reliable; however, it should be combined with clinical signs. Therefore, cytological evaluation of prostate gland material may be performed to differentiate or confirm presumptive diagnosis.

Aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos e anatomopatológicos da hepatite infecciosa canina: 15 casos / Epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of infectious canine hepatitis: 15 cases

Descrevem-se os principais aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos e anatomopatológicos de casos de hepatite infecciosa canina diagnosticados no Laboratório de Patologia Animal da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, durante o período de janeiro de 2003 a dezembro de 2016. Dos 1.640 cães necropsiados, 15 foram diagnosticados como hepatite infecciosa canina (0,91%). Dos cães acometidos nove eram machos e seis fêmeas. As idades variaram de 45 dias a sete anos, sendo a maioria filhotes. Dez animais não apresentavam raça definida, quatro eram Poodles e um Rottweiler. A maioria dos cães não recebeu nenhum tipo de protocolo vacinal. Os cães eram oriundos dos municípios de Patos, São Mamede e Teixeira, pertencentes ao estado da Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil. A maioria dos cães apresentou curso clínico variando de hiperagudo a agudo. Os principais sinais clínicos foram convulsão, apatia e hiporexia. Na necropsia, as principais alterações foram observadas no fígado que se apresentava de pálido a alaranjado e com áreas irregulares avermelhadas na superfície capsular, além de acentuação do padrão lobular e edema na parede da vesícula biliar. Hemorragias foram observadas em vários órgãos. Na histopatologia havia necrose centrolobular de hepatócitos associada a corpúsculos de inclusão viral intranucleares, hemorragia e infiltrado inflamatório misto. O diagnóstico foi estabelecido com base nas características lesões histopatológicas e foi confirmado por imuno-histoquímica. A hepatite infecciosa canina ocorre ocasionalmente na Paraíba, acometendo particularmente cães jovens e não vacinados.(AU)

We described the main epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of canine infectious hepatitis diagnosed in the Laboratory of Animal Pathology of the Federal University of Campina Grande during the period from January 2003 to December 2016. Of the 1,640 necropsied dogs, 15 were diagnosed as infectious canine hepatitis (0.91%). Of the dogs affected nine were males and six females. The ages ranged from 45 days to seven years, being most of them young. Ten animals were mixed breed, four were Poodles and one Rottweiler. Most of the dogs do not received any vaccine protocol. The dogs came from the municipalities of Patos, São Mamede and Teixeira, from Paraiba, northeastern of Brazil. Most of the dogs presented clinical course varying from hyperacute to acute. The main clinical signs were seizure, apathy and hyporexia. At necropsy, the major alterations were observed in the liver, which was pale to orange and with irregular reddish areas on the capsular surface, besides accentuation of the lobular pattern and edema in the wall of the gallbladder. Hemorrhages were observed in several organs. In the histopathology there was centrolobular necrosis of hepatocytes associated with intranuclear viral inclusion bodies, hemorrhages and mixed inflammatory infiltrate. The diagnosis was established based on the characteristic histopathological lesions and was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Infectious canine hepatitis occurs occasionally in the Paraiba, affecting particularly young and unvaccinated dogs.(AU)

Determination of qPCR Reference Genes Suitable for Normalizing Gene Expression in a Canine Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

BACKGROUND: Dogs with dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy are valuable models of the equivalent human disease, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD): unlike the mdx mouse, these animals present a disease severity and progression that closely matches that found in human patients. Canine models are however less thoroughly characterised than the established mdx mouse in many aspects, including gene expression. Analysis of expression in muscle plays a key role in the study of DMD, allowing monitoring and assessment of disease progression, evaluation of novel biomarkers and gauging of therapeutic intervention efficacy. Appropriate normalization of expression data via carefully selected reference genes is consequently essential for accurate quantitative assessment. Unlike the expression profile of healthy skeletal muscle, the dystrophic muscle environment is highly dynamic: transcriptional profiles of dystrophic muscle might alter with age, disease progression, disease severity, genetic background and between muscle groups. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work was to identify reference genes suitable for normalizing gene expression in healthy and dystrophic dogs under various comparative scenarios. METHODS: Using the delta-E50 MD canine model of DMD, we assessed a panel of candidate reference genes for stability of expression across healthy and dystrophic animals, at different ages and in different muscle groups. RESULTS: We show that the genes HPRT1, SDHA and RPL13a appear universally suitable for normalizing gene expression in healthy and dystrophic canine muscle, while other putative reference genes are exceptionally poor, and in the case of B2M, actively disease-correlated. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest consistent cross-sample normalization is possible even throughout the dynamic progression of dystrophic pathology, and furthermore highlight the importance of empirical determination of suitable reference genes for neuromuscular diseases.

Neoplasmas da tireoide em cães: 26 casos / Thyroid neoplasms in dogs: 26 cases

Foram revisados os protocolos de biópsias e necropsias do Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (LPV/UFSM) entre 2004 e 2014, e todos os casos de tumores que acometeram a glândula tireoide foram selecionados. A partir disso, foram anotados sexo, idade e raça dos cães afetados. Também foi avaliado o significado clínico dos tumores, presença de aumento de volume cervical, lobos afetados, tamanho dos tumores, presença e localização de metástases e padrão histológico dos neoplasmas. Nos 11 anos que compreenderam este estudo, foram diagnosticados 26 tumores de glândula tireoide (quatro eram provenientes de exames de biópsias e 22 de necropsias), 53,9% dos cães eram fêmeas e 46,1% eram machos; 65,4% eram cães com raça definida. Desses, Boxers foram os mais afetados (15,4% dos casos). Dos 23 protocolos em que a idade foi informada, 60,9% dos cães eram idosos e 39,1% eram adultos. A avaliação dos protocolos permitiu constatar que 38,5% dos animais haviam apresentado aumento de volume cervical no momento do exame clínico. Dos cães necropsiados 13,6% morreram ou foram submetidos à eutanásia em decorrência de complicações causadas por metástases dos tumores de tireoide. Dessa forma, em 86,4% dos cães, os neoplasmas foram considerados achados incidentais de necropsia. Nos quatro casos provenientes de material de biópsia, o desfecho não foi conhecido. Em nenhum cão os tumores causaram síndrome clínica devido à hipo ou hiperfunção da tireoide. Em 24 protocolos havia informação sobre os lobos afetados e 75% dos cães tiveram acometimento unilateral da glândula. Os diagnósticos histológicos dos tumores permitiram constatar que 16 (61,5%) neoplasmas eram carcinomas de células foliculares (nesses casos, o padrão folicular-compacto foi o mais frequente [43,75%]), seis (23,1%) eram adenomas de células foliculares, dois (7,7%) eram carcinossarcomas e dois (7,7%) eram tumores de células C (adenoma e carcinoma).(AU)

Biopsy and necropsy reports of the Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária at the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (LPV/UFSM) were reviewed, including data from 2004 to 2014; all cases of the thyroid tumors were selected. From this point on, it was recorded the gender, age and breed of affected dogs. Additionally, it was evaluated the clinical significance of these tumors, presence of cervical swelling, affected lobes, tumors size, presence and location of metastasis and histological pattern of neoplasms. Twenty six thyroid tumors were diagnosed in the study period (four came from biopsies while the other 22 were from necropsies). Of the affected dogs, 53.8% were females and 46.2% were males; most of the animals (65.4%) were purebred. Of these, Boxers were the most affected (15.4%). In 23 protocols the age was informed; 60.9% of the dogs were elderly and 39.1% were adults. The protocols evaluation allowed establishing that 38.5% of the animals had cervical swelling, at the time of clinical examination. Out of the dogs necropsied, only 13.6% died or were euthanized due to complications caused by metastases of thyroid tumors. Thus, in 86.4% of the dogs, the neoplasms were considered as incidental necropsy findings. In the four cases from biopsy samples, the outcomes were not known. There were no tumors causing clinical syndrome in these dogs, due to thyroid hypo- or hyperfunction. In 24 protocols it was found information about the affected lobes, indicating that 75% of the dogs had unilateral glandular involvement. The histological diagnosis showed that 16 (61.5%) neoplasms were follicular cell carcinomas (in these cases, the follicular-compact pattern was the most frequent [43.8%]); 6 (23.1%) were follicular cells adenoma; two (7.7%) were carcinosarcomas and two (7.7%) were C cells tumors (adenoma and carcinoma).(AU)

Seroprevalencia de Ehrlichia canis en perros con sospecha de infección por patógenos transmitidos por garrapatas en Medellín, 2012-2014 / Seroprevalence of Ehrlichia canis in Dogs with Suspected Infection by Tick-Borne Pathogens in Medellín, 2012-2014 / Soroprevalência de Ehrlichia canis em cachorros com suspeita de infecção por patógenos transmitidos por carrapatos em Medellín, 2012-2014

En Colombia son exiguas las investigaciones sobre ehrlichiosis canina y en Medellín son nulas. Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo determinar la seroprevalencia de Ehrlichia canis y su distribución según sexo, edad, raza y tamaño en caninos diagnosticados en un laboratorio veterinario de Medellín, entre 2012 y 2014. Para ello se diseñó un estudio transversal en 781 caninos. Se calculó la seroprevalencia global de infección y específica según sexo, grupo de edad, tamaño y raza del canino. En el análisis bivariado se usaron las pruebas Z, chi cuadrado de Pearson y U de Mann-Whitney. En el análisis multivariado se hizo regresión logística binaria. Se incluyeron 57 razas, de las cuales las más frecuentes fueron criollos, labradores y french poodle; 54,9 % eran machos y 56,9 %, adultos. La prevalencia global de la infección fue 24,8 %; las mayores seroprevalencias específicas se observaron en las hembras (25,9 %), los seniles (29,7 %) y los pertenecientes a razas grandes (27,6 %). El riesgo de infección en adultos y seniles fue 2 veces el hallado en cachorros; la probabilidad de infección en los cocker spaniel fue 6,4 veces la hallada en los bulldog francés; el riesgo de infección en lobo siberiano, pug y labrador fue 7,8, 5,5 y 4,1 veces lo observado en los bulldog. La alta seroprevalencia de ehrlichiosis canina y la identificación de los caninos adultos, seniles y las razas cocker spaniel, lobos siberianos, pug y labradores como las de mayor riesgo evidencian la necesidad de formular programas de prevención y atención de esta infección en la ciudad.

Research is meager on canine ehrlichiosis in Colombia and it is absent in Medellín. This research aims to determine the seroprevalence of Ehrlichia canis and its distribution by sex, age, race and size in dogs diagnosed in a veterinary laboratory in Medellín, between 2012 and 2014. To the effect, a cross-sectional study was designed in 781 dogs. Overall seroprevalence of infection and specific by sex, age, size, and canine breed were calculated. In the bivariate analysis, Z test, Pearson's chi-square test, and the Mann-Whitney U test were used. In the multivariate analysis, binary logistic regression was performed. 57 races were included, of which the most frequent were Creoles, Labradors, and French poodles; 54.9% were males, and 56.9% were adults. Overall prevalence of infection was 24.8%; highest specific seroprevalences were observed in females (25.9%), senile dogs (29.7%), and those belonging to large breeds (27.6%). The risk of infection in adult and senile dogs was two times higher than in puppies; the probability of infection was 6.4 times higher in cocker spaniels than in French bulldogs; the risk of infection in Siberian wolf, pug and Labrador was 7.8, 5.5 and 4.1 times higher than in bulldogs. High seroprevalence of canine ehrlichiosis and the identification of adult and senile dogs, and cocker spaniel, Siberian wolf, pug and Labrador breeds as of higher risk show the need to develop programs for prevention and treatment of this infection in the city.

Na Colômbia são exíguas as pesquisas sobre ehrlichiosis canina e em Medellín são nulas. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo determinar a soroprevalência de Ehrlichia canis e sua distribuição de acordo com sexo, idade, raça e tamanho em caninos diagnosticados em um laboratório veterinário de Medellín, entre 2012 e 2014. Para isso desenhou-se um estudo transversal em 781 caninos. Calculou-se a soroprevalência global de infecção e específica de acordo com sexo, grupo de idade, tamanho e raça do canino. Na análise bivariada se usaram as provas Z, chi quadrado de Pearson e U de Mann-Whitney. Na análise multivariada realizou-se regressão logística binaria. Incluíram-se 57 raças, das quais as mais frequentes foram criollos (vira-latas), labradores e french poodle; 54,9 % eram machos e 56,9 %, adultos. A prevalência global da infecção foi 24,8 %; as maiores soroprevalências específicas foram observadas nas fêmeas (25,9 %), os senis (29,7 %) e os pertencentes a raças grandes (27,6 %). O risco de infecção em adultos e senis foi 2 vezes mais do que o encontrado em filhotes; a probabilidade de infecção nos cocker spaniel foi 6,4 vezes mais do que a encontrada nos bulldog francês; o risco de infecção em lobo siberiano, pug e labrador foi 7,8, 5,5 e 4,1 vezes mais do que o encontrado nos bulldog. A alta soroprevalência de ehrlichiosis canina e a identificação dos caninos adultos, senis e as raças cocker spaniel, lobos siberianos, pug e labradores como as de maior risco evidenciam a necessidade de formular programas de prevenção e atenção desta infecção na cidade.

No evidence for zoonotic transmission of H3N8 canine influenza virus among US adults occupationally exposed to dogs.

OBJECTIVES: The zoonotic potential of H3N8 canine influenza virus (CIV) has not been previously examined; yet considering the popularity of dogs as a companion animal and the zoonotic capabilities of other influenza viruses, the public health implications are great. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of antibodies against CIV among a US cohort. DESIGN: A cross-sectional seroepidemiological study was conducted between 2007 and 2010. SETTING: Recruitments primarily occurred in Iowa and Florida. Participants were enrolled at dog shows, or at their home or place of employment. SAMPLE: Three hundred and four adults occupationally exposed to dogs and 101 non-canine-exposed participants completed a questionnaire and provided a blood sample. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Microneutralization and neuraminidase inhibition assays were performed to detect human sera antibodies against A/Canine/Iowa/13628/2005(H3N8). An enzyme-linked lectin assay (ELLA) was adapted to detect antibodies against a recombinant N8 neuraminidase protein from A/Equine/Pennsylvania/1/2007(H3N8). RESULTS: For all assays, no significant difference in detectable antibodies was observed when comparing the canine-exposed subjects to the non-canine-exposed subjects. CONCLUSION: While these results do not provide evidence for cross-species CIV transmission, influenza is predictably unpredictable. People frequently exposed to ill dogs should continually be monitored for novel zoonotic CIV infections.