Complications and risk factors regarding the outcomes of canine babesiosis in Central Europe - A retrospective analysis of 240 cases.

The purpose of this study was to investigate retrospectively the prevalence of the complicated and uncomplicated forms of babesiosis and to evaluate various laboratory and clinical parameters of dogs infected with Babesia canis in order to assess their prognostic value regarding the outcomes of the disease. Medical records, complete blood count and serum biochemical analysis from the animal hospital information system of 240 dogs were reviewed and evaluated retrospectively. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to ascertain correlations between alterations in the obtained parameters and survival probability. The results showed that creatinine levels of more than 5 mg/dL and phosphate levels of more than 3 mmol/L have a highly significant link to death (P ≤ 0.001). Albumin levels of <2.2 g/dL (P = 0.003) and a rectal body temperature below 38 °C (P ≤ 0.001) may also serve as prognostic markers for the severity of the disease. If renal involvement was present, 33.9% of the dogs died, while 40.0% of the dogs died in the presence of pancreatitis. The parameters creatinine, phosphate, albumin and rectal temperature serve as reliable predictive markers of an increased risk of death in the case of an infection with B. canis.

Carriage of meticillin-resistant staphylococci between humans and animals on a small farm.

BACKGROUND: Meticillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) are pathogens of increasing importance to human and animal health worldwide. Transmission of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) between animals and humans has been well documented. By contrast, information about transmission of other Staphylococcus spp. is limited. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to screen animals and humans on a small farm for nasal carriage of MRS and to assess interspecies exchange. METHODS: After detection of MRSA in a lung sample of a deceased cat, which lived on a small mixed farm, nasal swabs were taken within two weeks, four and 16 months from other animals of various species and humans living on the farm. Swabs were cultured for MRS which were then characterized molecularly. RESULTS: MRSA and meticillin-resistant coagulase negative staphylococci (MRCoNS), including Staphylococcus haemolyticus, S. epidermidis and S. fleurettii, were isolated from humans and different animal species. Typing of the MRS revealed isolates with the same characteristics in different human and animal hosts. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of carriage of both MRSA and MRCoNS among humans and various animals within a shared environment. The detection of strains with indistinguishable molecular characteristics strongly suggested transmission of these MRS between the various animal species and humans.

Comparison of an indirect fluorescent antibody test with Western blot for the detection of serum antibodies against Encephalitozoon cuniculi in cats.

Current clinical research indicates that Encephalitozoon (E.) cuniculi infections in cats may be underdiagnosed, especially in animals with typical ocular signs (cataract/anterior uveitis). Although molecular detection of the pathogen in tissue appears promising, serology remains the major diagnostic tool in the living animal. While serological tests are established for the main host of E. cuniculi, the rabbit, the routine serological diagnosis for cats still needs validation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the consistency of indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and Western blot (WB) for the detection of IgG antibodies against E. cuniculi in the serum of 84 cats. In addition, PCR of liquefied lens material or intraocular fluid was performed in those of the cats with a suspected ocular E. cuniculi infection. Twenty-one cats with positive PCR results were considered as a positive reference group. Results obtained by IFAT and WB corresponded in 83/84 serum samples, indicating a very good correlation between both serological methods. Using WB as the standard reference, sensitivity and specificity for the detection of antibodies against E. cuniculi by the IFAT were 97.6 and 100%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values for the IFAT were 100 and 97.7%, respectively. The accuracy (correct classified proportion) for the detection of IgG antibodies against E. cuniculi in cats was 98.8%. The comparison of both serological methods with the PCR results also revealed a good agreement as 20 out of 21 PCR-positive samples were seropositive both in IFAT and WB. Both tests can be considered as equally reliable assays to detect IgG antibodies against E. cuniculi in cats. As the IFAT is quicker and easier to perform, it is recommended for routine use in the diagnosis of feline encephalitozoonosis.

Sequence type 398 meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection in a pet rabbit.

BACKGROUND: Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a frequent pathogen of humans and many animal species, and has become established as a veterinary pathogen. CASE REPORT: In this case report we describe an MRSA infection in a dwarf rabbit, treatment of the infection and, subsequently, the genetic analysis of the isolated strain. The pet rabbit was presented to an animal hospital due to recurrent swellings on the head and on the neck. Bacteriological examination yielded Staphylococcus aureus, which was resistant to ß-lactam antibiotics. The isolate was confirmed as an MRSA by mecA PCR, Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) negative, and typed as multilocus sequence type (ST)398/staphylococcal protein A (spa) type t011/staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) type SCCmecIVa. The rabbit was treated with rifampicin for 2 weeks. After 2.5 weeks the rabbit was clinically normal and control swabs were negative for MRSA. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: This study is the first to report MRSA in a rabbit in Austria. This study contributes to the growing evidence that MRSA ST398 could be isolated from a variety of animals.

Thymomas in rabbits: clinical evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.

Thymomas are rarely recorded in rabbits, and the literature includes comparatively few cases. Medical records were reviewed to identify all pet rabbits in which a mediastinal mass was diagnosed between Feb 2007 and Jan 2010. Signalment, history, clinical signs, diagnostic work-up (including laboratory data, diagnostic imaging, and ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of the mediastinal mass), treatment modalities, survival time, and histologic findings were evaluated. Cytologic and/or histopathologic examinations revealed thymomas in all rabbits with mediastinal masses (n=13). Rabbits with thymomas showed clinical signs of dyspnea (76.9%), exercise intolerance (53.9%), and bilateral exophthalmos (46.2%). In seven rabbits the thymoma was removed surgically. Two rabbits were treated conservatively, and four rabbits were euthanized because of their poor clinical condition. The two rabbits that underwent surgery were euthanized 6 mo and 34 mo later. Mediastinal masses in rabbits appear to be more common than previously believed and consist primarily of thymomas rather than thymic lymphomas. Cytology of samples collected by ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration is an accurate diagnostic tool for the identification of thymomas in rabbits. Due to a high rate of perioperative mortality, intensive perioperative care and the provision of a low-stress environment are recommended for a successful thoracotomy.

Peripheral blood eosinophilia in dogs: Prevalence and associated diseases.

BACKGROUND: Canine eosinophilia has not been evaluated over the last two decades. As in human local differences, changes in the prevalence and associated diseases over time can be expected. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the prevalence and causes of marked blood eosinophilia in dogs. METHODS: Retrospective study. A total of 317 clinical histories of dogs with an eosinophil concentration > 1.5 × 109 /L (marked eosinophilia) between 2013 and 2017 were evaluated. Patients were allocated to 10 groups according to their major clinical findings. RESULTS: Eosinophilia was present in 1,592 of 10,829 dogs (14.7%); it was mild (0.8-1.49 × 109 /L) in 78.4%, moderate (1.5 - 4.9 × 109 /L) in 20.5% and severe (> 5 × 109 /L) in 1.1% of cases. Rottweilers were overrepresented (16.1%). Of 317 cases with marked eosinophilia, 19.6% had neoplasia, 19.1% gastrointestinal disorders, 13.6% health check, 10.4% endoparasites, 6% respiratory, 5.4% neurologic, 5.4% dermatologic, 4.8% urogenital, 3.2% endocrine disorders and 12.6% miscellaneous. Lymphomas (29%) and mast cell tumours (12.9%) were the most frequent tumours in the neoplasia group. A total of 72.6% of tumour-bearing dogs were older than 8 years, while 63.6% of dogs had endoparasites, and 86% of apparently healthy dogs were younger than 5 years. Eosinophilia was significantly higher in patients with respiratory disorders (p < 0.0146). Leukocytosis was found in 50.2% of cases. CONCLUSION: Malignancy was the most common cause of marked blood eosinophilia in older dogs and endoparasitism in younger dogs. Eosinophilia was common in apparently healthy young dogs and may be related to undiagnosed parasitic infestations.

Successful treatment of coagulation disorders and hypoalbuminaemia in a puppy with Infectious Canine Hepatitis.

Due to high vaccination coverage of the dog population in Western and Middle Europe, veterinarians are usually not familiar with clinical signs and treatment of Infectious Canine Hepatitis (ICH). This case report describes a 4-month-old female mixed breed dog that was imported from Bulgaria. According to the history, the puppy was presented with lethargy, pyrexia, icterus and melaena. On clinical examination, the dog additionally exhibited a painful abdomen and bleeding tendency at the venous puncture sites. Blood analysis revealed anaemia, left shift without leucocytosis, increased liver enzymes and prolonged coagulation times. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and subsequently sequence analysis performed out of urine confirmed Canine Adenovirus 1 (CAV-1) as the causative agent of the disease. Peripheral oedema developed on the dog´s head and limbs during the progression of the disease due to severe hypoalbuminaemia. Initial treatment of the puppy included transfusion of whole blood and fresh frozen plasma. Hypoalbuminaemia was treated by transfusion using human albumin. On day eight after starting the treatment, the dog was released from the hospital due to an unremarkable clinically condition. This case report indicates that ICH might become a re-emerging disease by means of rising dog imports. Especially, the severe form of ICH can be associated with several life-threatening complications that require hospitalisation and intensive care treatment.

Successful Insulin Glargine Treatment in Two Pet Guinea Pigs with Suspected Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

Scientific information on spontaneous type I diabetes mellitus (DM) and treatment modalities in guinea pigs is scarce. As most diabetic guinea pigs are overweight and respond to dietary changes, a disorder resembling type II-DM in humans seems to be most prevalent in this species. In the present report, a nine-month-old female intact guinea pig (GP1) was presented because of a cataract and polyphagia. The physical examinations in GP1 and its littermate, GP2, were unremarkable. Laboratory tests revealed hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, elevated fructosamine concentrations, and glucosuria in GP1 and GP2. Not responding to dietary changes, an insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus was suspected in both animals. Treatment with 0.5 IU of glargine insulin (Lantus®) per guinea pig subcutaneously (s.c.) once daily was initiated in both animals. Monitoring included repeated clinical evaluations and the measurement of plasma glucose and fructosamine concentrations. Capillary glucose concentration was measured using a glucometer, and glucosuria was monitored by dipstick. Blood glucose concentrations decreased quickly in both GPs, and glucosuria resolved. Including several dose adjustments, DM remained controlled for over 1.5 years. Bilateral cataracts and lens-induced uveitis in GP1 were medically managed with only slight progression. This is the first report of guinea pigs with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus that were successfully treated with long-acting basal insulin glargine.

The First Bacterial Endocarditis Due to Achromobacter xylosoxidans in a Dog.

Infectious endocarditis (IE) in dogs is often associated with a high mortality rate as diagnostic work-up as well as antibiotic treatment might be challenging. The present case describes bacteremia in a dog caused by Achromobacter xylosoxidans, leading to an infectious endocarditis. Achromobacter xylosoxidans (A. xylosoxidans) is an aerobic Gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium, which has been associated with multiple nosocomial opportunistic diseases in human medicine. One such manifestation of A. xylosoxidans infection is endocarditis. A. xylosoxidans infections are challenging to treat due to the reduced effectiveness of a wide range of antimicrobial agents. To date, only a few case reports of infections with A. xylosoxidans in animals have been described. This is the first case report of A. xylosoxidans endocarditis in a dog. Whole-genome sequencing was performed to determine the sequencing type and to gain more information about this bacterium regarding its intrinsic resistance genes. With this case report, we seek to increase awareness of A. xylosoxidans as an opportunistic nosocomial pathogen in dogs and to provide a short summary regarding the current state of general knowledge and known resistance patterns.

Encephalitozoonosis in rabbits.

Encephalitozoon cuniculi is an obligatory intracellular microsporidian parasite that can infect a wide range of mammals, including rodents, rabbits, horses, carnivores and humans, in which the organism is known as an opportunistic pathogen of immunocompromised individuals. Nevertheless, the main host for E. cuniculi is the rabbit and infections usually have a sub-clinical course. However, severe disease is recognised in pet rabbits more frequently within the last years. As the central nervous system, the kidney and the eye are predilection organs for the organism, predominant histopathological alterations comprise granulomatous meningoencephalitis, chronic interstitial nephritis and phacoclastic uveitis. A definitive diagnosis of encephalitozoonosis in vivo is difficult, but it is important for specific treatment and the determination of possible zoonotic risks. This review article covers epidemiology, pathology, pathophysiology, immunology, clinical signs, differential diagnosis, diagnosis and treatment of encephalitozoonosis in rabbits.

Broad-Spectrum Cephalosporin-Resistant and/or Fluoroquinolone-Resistant Enterobacterales Associated with Canine and Feline Urogenital Infections.

The aim of the present study was to characterize Enterobacterales resistant to 3rd and 4th generation cephalosporins, carbapenems and/or fluoroquinolones, isolated from dogs and cats with urogenital infections. In total, 36 strains (Escherichia coli (n = 28), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 3), Serratia marcescens, Raoultella ornithinolytica, Proteus mirabilis, Citrobacter portucalensis and Enterobacter cloacae (each n = 1)) were included in the present study, 28 from Austria and 8 from Serbia. Isolates were characterized by a polyphasic approach including susceptibility pheno- and genotyping and microarray-based assays. Escherichia (E.) coli isolates were additionally characterized by two-locus (fumC and fimH) sequence phylotyping and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) of selected isolates. MLST of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter cloacae isolates was also performed. Among E. coli, the most dominant phylogenetic group was B1 (27.8%), followed by C, (16.6%), A and Clade II (5.5% each), B2 and F (2.77% each). The most predominant ß-lactam resistance genes were blaTEM (70%) and blaCTX-M (38.8%), blaCMY (25%). blaNDM was detected in one carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter cloacae ST114. The most common ST among selected E. coli was 744 (10.7% isolates). The pandemic clones ST131 and ST648 carrying CTX-M-15 were also detected. Remaining STs belonged to 469, 1287, 1463 and 1642. E. coli clonotyping revealed 20 CH types. Based on the presence of certain virulence genes, three isolates were categorized as ExPEC/UPEC. The most prevalent virulence factors were fimH detected in 61%, iucD and iss both in 55%, iroN in 27.8%, papC in 13.8% and sat in 8.3% isolates.

Diagnostic markers for encephalitozoonosis in pet rabbits.

Encephalitozoonosis is a common disease in pet rabbits, routinely diagnosed in vivo by serological examination or post mortem by histopathology. Recently molecular techniques have become increasingly important as diagnostic tools. The application of different diagnostic markers for in vivo and post mortem determination of E. cuniculi in naturally infected pet rabbits were compared. The examined population was divided into 33 rabbits with symptoms of encephalitozoonosis (group I) and 38 animals without symptoms (group II) which were all tested by serological analysis (Indirect Immunofluorescence Test), histological examination including special spore staining (Ziehl-Neelsen, acid-fast trichrome) and conventional and nested PCR (organs, body fluids). Additionally, in group III lens material (n=10) of animals (n=9) with phacoclastic uveitis were examined by conventional PCR. Infections with E. cuniculi could be determined post mortem in 78.8% of the rabbits of group I and in 57.9% of group II by histological examination combined with spore staining. In group I 69.7% and in group II 50.0% showed seroconversion. Conventional PCR was only sufficiently sensitive in samples of eyes with phacoclastic uveitis (n=10; 100%). Therefore nested PCR was performed in tissue samples, urine and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with positive results in 63.6% of group I and 42.1% of group II. Positive results in serology, pathohistology (spore detection and histological changes in the brain and/or kidneys) and nested PCR were obtained in 52.1% of the rabbits (group I and II, n=71), whereas 31.0% showed negative results in all three diagnostic techniques. 5.6% of the rabbits were positive in two methods and 11.3% in one method. In 37 rabbits (group I and II) with positive results in nested PCR, E. cuniculi DNA could be detected more frequently in the brain (91.9%) than in the kidney (54.1%). Furthermore nested PCR of urine revealed positive results in 29.7% of the rabbits (n=37) with seroconversion and/or confirmed E. cuniculi infection by spore detection. All 25 samples of CSF tested negative in nested PCR. Conventional PCR of eyes with phacoclastic uveitis was an excellent diagnostic marker in living rabbits, while nested PCR of urine or CSF was not reliable. Histological examination combined with special staining was the most sensitive method in post mortem diagnostics. Nested PCR appears to be a good post mortem method to investigate organs, especially brains, of chronically infected animals.

Remission of diabetes mellitus after ovariohysterectomy in a guinea pig with ovarian cysts.

A 3-year-old intact female guinea pig was presented with a history of polydipsia, polyphagia, and hyperactivity combined with non-pruritic hair loss. The physical examination revealed bilateral alopecia mainly including the flanks and the ventral abdomen. Bilateral rounded masses just caudal to the kidneys were detected on abdominal palpation. Abdominal ultrasound examination confirmed bilateral ovarian cysts and an enlarged uterus with cystic lesions. Blood biochemistry revealed highly increased glucose and fructosamine concentrations. The final diagnoses were diabetes mellitus, bilateral ovarian cysts, and pathologic changes of the uterus. The guinea pig underwent ovariohysterectomy. After surgery, diabetes mellitus and all of the existing clinical signs were fully resolved. A causal relationship between hormonally active ovarian cysts and diabetes mellitus that commonly present independently from each other in the guinea pig can be strongly assumed in the present case. In suspicious cases of gestagen-induced diabetes mellitus ovariohysterectomy could be considered a potential treatment option in guinea pigs.

Efficacy and safety of ronidazole treatment against Tritrichomonas foetus in a cat colony with multiple disorders.

In a group of pedigree cats (n = 17) in poor health condition housed in an animal shelter in Vienna, Austria, with a history of persistent diarrhea, Tritrichomonas foetus infection was detected by PCR. Despite pre-existing clinical conditions all cats were treated with ronidazole (30 mg/kg PO q24h for 14 days) under close observation. After treatment, 11 of 14 initially positive animals remained negative for T. foetus during the observation period (six to eight weeks post treatment) and no diarrhea was observed. During treatment, nine cats showed mild to moderate neurological disorders (incoordination, mild tremor) at least once; six of these had already shown similar signs before treatment. Ronidazole treatment of multimorbid animals is acceptable if the benefit (here: clinical resolution and release from quarantine for adoption) is high. It is hypothesized that a high degree of inbreeding is a significant risk factor for the development of tritrichomonosis in cats.

Prevalence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus sp. (MRS) in Different Companion Animals and Determination of Risk Factors for Colonization with MRS.

The aim of this study was to detect the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus sp. (MRS) in populations of companion animals that either have previously been exposed or have not been exposed to antibiotic therapy or veterinary facilities, and if owners' healthcare profession had an influence on colonization with MRS. In addition, the antimicrobial resistance pheno- and genotype were investigated and risks for colonization with MRS were assessed. During this study, 347 nasal swabs (dogs n = 152; cats n = 107; rabbits n = 88) were investigated for the presence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In addition, 131 nasal swabs (dogs n = 79; cats n = 47; rabbits = 3; guinea pigs = 2) were examined for the presence of MRSA but also other MRS. In total, 23 MRS isolates belonged to nine staphylococcal species: Staphylococcus epidermidis (n = 11), Staphylococcus warneri (n = 3), Staphylococcus hominis (n = 2), Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (n = 2), and singletons Staphylococcus cohnii, Staphylococcus sciuri, Staphylococcus fleurettii, Staphylococcus lentus, and Staphylococcus haemolyticus. Twenty isolates displayed a multidrug-resistant phenotype. Various resistance and biocide resistance genes were detected among the examined staphylococci. Risk assessment for MRS colonization was conducted using a number of factors, including animal species, breed, age, gender, recent veterinary health care hospitalization, and antibiotic prescription, resulting in recent veterinary health care hospitalization being a significant risk factor. The detection of multidrug-resistant MRS in healthy animals is of importance due to their zoonotic potential.

Increased genetic diversity of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from companion animals.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the diversity of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) that originated from Austrian companion animals during the last five-year period. A total of 90 non-repetitive MRSA isolates were obtained during diagnostic activities from autumn 2013 to autumn 2018. They originated from horses (n = 62), cats (n = 13), dogs (n = 10), rabbits (n = 2), a domestic canary, a zoo-kept hammer-headed bat (Hypsignathus monstrosus) and a semi-captive northern bald ibis (Geronticus eremita). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed. All isolates were mecA-positive and mecC-negative. The isolates were genotyped by SCCmec, spa and dru typing, Multiple-Locus Variable number of tandem repeat Analyses (MLVA), S. aureus DNA microarray, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Eight sequence types (STs - ST398, ST5275 (new ST), ST225, ST8, ST22, ST152, ST1, and ST45), three SCCmec types (II, IV, and V), sixteen spa types (t003, t008, t011, t015, t032, t034, t1381, t1928, t1985, t223, t334, t355, t430, t6447, t6867, and t7105), fourteen dru types (dt10a, dt10az, dt10q, dt10r, dt11a, dt5e, dt6j, dt9a, dt9ak, dt9g, and four new types dt8as, dt7ak, dt4j, dt14n), and thirty-five MLVA types were detected. WGS-based core genome MLST (cgMLST) displayed five main clusters. Compared to the time period 2004-2013, the results of the present study show not only a higher diversity among the MRSA isolates within the population of Austrian companion animals, but also the introduction of new clones. Although ST398 isolates remained predominant, mainly due to high presence of this lineage among horses, increasing isolation rates of human-associated MRSA clones were observed in cats and dogs.

Characterization of mecC gene-carrying coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. isolated from various animals.

The presence of the methicillin resistance gene mecC in coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. (CoNS) is scarce. The aim of this study was to characterize mecC-positive CoNS isolated from various wild and domestic animals. The presence of the mecC gene was screened in 4299 samples from wild animals and domestic animals. Fifteen coagulase-negative staphylococci, that displayed a cefoxitin-resistant phenotype, were tested mecC-positive by PCR. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed for all isolates. The 15 isolates were genotyped by sequencing of the entire class E mec gene complex (blaZ-mecC-mecR1-mecI), the ccrA and ccrB recombinase genes and other determinants within the type XI SCCmec element. DNA microarray analysis was performed and five selected isolates were additionally whole genome sequenced and analyzed. S. stepanovicii (n = 3), S. caprae (n = 1), S. warneri (n = 1), S. xylosus (n = 1) and S. sciuri (n = 9) were detected. All but the S. sciuri isolates were found to be susceptible to all non-beta lactams. The entire class E mec gene complex was detected in all isolates but ccrA and ccrB genes were not identified in S. stepanovicii and S. xylosus. The genes erm(B) and fexA (n = 4, each) were the most predominant non-beta lactam resistance genes detected in the S. sciuri isolates. Even though the presence of the mecC gene among CoNS is a rare observation, this study further expands our knowledge by showing that the mecC gene, including its allotypes, are present in more staphylococcal species from different animal species than has been previously described.

Clinical symptoms and diagnosis of encephalitozoonosis in pet rabbits.

Infections with Encephalitozoon cuniculi in rabbits are observed at increasing frequency and are known as opportunistic infections in immunocompromised humans. 191 pet rabbits with suspected encephalitozoonosis, presented at the Animal Hospital of the Veterinary University of Vienna (Austria), were included in this study. Rabbits were serologically examined for antibodies against E. cuniculi (144 positive out of 184 rabbits with suspected encephalitozoonosis compared to 14 positive out of 40 clinically healthy rabbits tested as part of a standard health check) and Toxoplasma gondii (8 positive out of 157). Of the 144 seropositive rabbits with clinical signs, 75% showed neurological symptoms, 14.6% demonstrated phacoclastic uveitis and 3.5% suffered from renal failure. 6.9% of the animals had combined symptoms. Vestibular disease dominated within the rabbits that showed neurological symptoms. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) could not detect parasite DNA in urine or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), but did so in 4 out of 5 samples of liquefied lens material in cases with phacoclastic uveitis due to lens capsule rupture. Additionally further diagnostic procedures, such as inspection of the external ear canal (N=69), radiography of the tympanic bullae (N=65) were performed to rule out differential diagnosis. 54.2% of the patients exhibiting neurological symptoms recovered within a few days, while 87.5% of the rabbits suffering from renal failure died or had to be euthanized.

Clinical Signs, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Encephalitozoon cuniculi Infection in Rabbits.

Central vestibular dysfunction caused by Encephalitozoon cuniculi frequently mimics the condition of a peripheral disorder. A negative antibody titer rules out E cuniculi as the cause of present clinical signs. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis including polymerase chain reaction is considered an inappropriate diagnostic method for in vivo diagnosis of encephalitozoonosis. The usefulness of glucocorticoid anti-inflammatories in the treatment of encephalitozoonosis is called into question. Encouraging activity early in the course of disease and adding in therapeutic exercise may represent the most important part of therapy in rabbits with vestibular dysfunction associated with encephalitozoonosis.

Pneumocystosis in dogs: meta-analysis of 43 published cases including clinical signs, diagnostic procedures, and treatment.

We evaluated 43 published cases of dogs with confirmed Pneumocystis infection regarding the value of clinical parameters indicating the presence of the disease as well as tools for the detection of the pathogen. The assessed parameters included clinical signs, laboratory findings, results of thoracic radiography, autopsy, histopathology, methods for the detection of Pneumocystis, as well as medical therapy. Pneumocystosis was diagnosed most often in certain breeds (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Miniature Dachshund) with a predisposition for impaired immunity. The median age of the dogs was 1 y. Chronic therapy-resistant respiratory signs, such as tachypnea, dyspnea, and cough, along with leukocytosis, neutrophilia, and hypogammaglobulinemia, were the most frequently described clinical and clinicopathologic abnormalities. Pneumocystosis can be masked by coinfections with other respiratory pathogens, and the successful detection of Pneumocystis organisms is of major relevance. Several detection methods have been used in the past, but only a few provide reliable results. In 2017, the cytologic evaluation of Giemsa-stained bronchoalveolar lavage samples is generally used, even if sensitivity is only moderate. More reliable results can be achieved using special stains or sensitive molecular techniques. Fast and reliable detection of Pneumocystis is the essential basis for appropriate treatment and higher survival chances for dogs.