Origin and genetic diversity of canine parvovirus 2c circulating in Mexico.

Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) emerged in the late 1970 s as a pathogen that is capable of causing high rates of morbidity and mortality in dogs. Currently, three genetic variants circulate worldwide (CPV 2a, 2b, and 2c); however, epidemiological studies have not been conducted in all countries to identify its variants. The objectives of this work were to determine which genotypes of CPV-2 circulate in Mexico and to identify the genetic relationships between CPV-2 sequences from Mexico and those from other parts of the world. Samples from five geographical regions of Mexico were analysed by PCR for identification of CPV-2. Here, 1638 bp of the VP2 gene were amplified and sequenced from 50 CPV-2-positive samples, and a phylogenetic network was assembled using these 50 sequences and 150 others obtained from GenBank, representing different countries around the world. The network showed that the most common genotype circulating in the geographic zones of Mexico was CPV-2c. In the network, the 50 samples were organised into two clusters: cluster I, derived from a group of samples of European origin, which belong to genotype 2c, and cluster II, derived from samples belonging to genotype 2b from the USA. Our data suggest that the CPV-2 strains circulating in Mexico originated from two possible virus introduction events. In addition, high genetic diversity was observed among the CPV-2c-derived sequences, which correspond exclusively to the presence of Mexican CPV-2c haplotypes.

Urinary bladder worm (Pearsonema sp.) infection in domestic dogs and cats in Mexico at a high altitude.

Urinary bladder worm infection is relatively uncommon in pet dogs and cats in the Americas. This report describes the diagnosis of lower urinary tract infection by Pearsonema plica in two asymptomatic dogs and P. feliscati in a cat with lower urinary tract clinical signs diagnosed between 2002 and 2015, and the first report of this type of parasitism in domestic small animals in Mexico at an altitude above 2600 m above sea level. The studied cases demonstrate the need to consider a urinary bladder worm infection in domestic small animals, both stray animals and those with controlled access to the streets. Although a definitive host as foxes does not exist among the urban wildlife in cities of the Americas, stray dogs and cats should be considered as potential reservoir hosts of Pearsonema, which requires future epidemiological studies in these populations.

Proteinuria and Electrophoretic Pattern in Dogs with Comorbidities Associated with Chronic Kidney Disease.

In animals with chronic pathologies, the detection of proteinuria via the proteinuria: creatininuria ratio (UPC) and urinary protein electrophoresis allows for the early diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The objective of this work was to identify and determine the magnitude of proteinuria and its electrophoretic pattern characterization in dogs with chronic diseases pathophysiologically related to proteinuria. With the studied patients, five groups were formed. The control group (CG) contained non-proteinuric cases. The cases with proteinuria were classified into four groups according to the concurrent disease: chronic inflammatory diseases (IG), neoplasms (NG), heart diseases (HG), and endocrine diseases (EG). For the statistical analysis, descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests were used. Data from 264 dogs were obtained; in the disease groups, proteinuria was observed in more than 30% as the only finding of kidney disease, evidencing a greater risk factor for proteinuria in the HG group (OR 4.047, CI 1.894-8.644, p < 0.0001). In the HG, NG, and EG groups, a higher frequency of glomerular pattern (GEP) related to glomerular hypertension was observed; in the IG, a higher frequency of mixed pattern (MEP) was observed. These findings are secondary to the hyperfiltration process that affects the glomerulus and the renal tubule.

Seroprevalence survey of American trypanosomiasis in Central Valley of Toluca.

American trypanosomiasis is a growing health issue in the Americas. México is an endemic country, where some locations such as in the State of México are considered highly prevalent. In the valley of Toluca city, the capital of the State of Mexico, there exists an apparent high prevalence in dogs. The absence of triatomine vectors suggests that dogs may not be infected. Therefore, we conducted a directed survey to domiciliated and nondomiciliated dogs to reassess dogs' T. cruzi seroprevalence status. HAI and ELISA serologic tests were applied to 124 and 167 serums of domiciliated and nondomiciliated dogs in the target city. Risk factors were estimated, but the results did not show any evidence to assess them. No domiciliated dogs tested positive to both tests, whereas only one non-domiciliated dog resulted positive. This animal may have acquired the infection in an endemic area and then migrated to Toluca. Research results indicate that T. cruzi infection is not actively transmitted among dogs, and it is pointed out that dogs are the main sentinel animal population to evaluate a possible expansion of the territory affected by Chagas' disease.

Evaluation of clinical and immunopathological features of different infective doses of Trypanosoma cruzi in dogs during the acute phase.

Infection with Trypanosoma cruzi is a major risk in Latin America, and dogs are believed to be good models for evaluating Chagas disease. Here, we evaluated the clinical and immunopathological alterations developed by mongrel dogs experimentally infected with different infective doses (2,000, 20,000, and 200,000 metacyclic trypomastigotes of Sylvio X10/4 strain kg(-1) via intraperitoneal). Clinical and electrocardiographic parameters, as well as antibody production and pathologic lesions were evaluated. All three doses of this strain of T. cruzi induced a similar pattern of infection characterized by cardiac arrhythmias and severe and diffuse myocarditis. Specific anti-T. cruzi IgG indicated seroconversion by day 14 after infection, and IgG levels increased during the period of evaluation. Mortality was observed only in dogs infected with the medium or high parasite doses, but not in the group infected with a low dose of 2,000 parasites kg(-1). Infection with a low dose of parasites provides an excellent nonlethal model to evaluate the immunopathology of the acute disease in dogs infected with the Sylvio X10/4 strain of T. cruzi.

Advances and challenges towards a vaccine against Chagas disease.

Chagas disease is major public health problem, affecting nearly 10 million people, characterized by cardiac alterations leading to congestive heart failure and death of 20-40% of the patients infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan parasite responsible for the disease. A vaccine would be key to improve disease control and we review here the recent advances and challenges of a T. cruzi vaccine. There is a growing consensus that a protective immune response requires the activation of a Th1 immune profile, with the stimulation of CD8 (+) T cells. Several vacines types, including recombinant proteins, DNA and viral vectors, as well as heterologous prime-boost combinations, have been found immunogenic and protective in mouse models, providing proof-of-concept data on the feasibility of a preventive or therapeutic vaccine to control a T. cruzi infection. However, several challenges such as better end-points, safety issues and trial design need to be addressed for further vaccine development to proceed.

Evaluation of Chronic Kidney Disease Progression in Dogs With Therapeutic Management of Risk Factors.

This research was performed to describe the characteristics of the progression of naturally occurring chronic kidney disease (CKD) in dogs, together with the management of identified risk factors, following the International Renal Interest Society recommendations. Dogs diagnosed and staged with CKD, and with a longitudinal follow-up from the moment of diagnosis of up to a maximum of 730 days, were included. A total of 545 dogs that presented risk factors for the development of CKD were analyzed, out of which 36 met the inclusion criteria. Advanced age was identified in 80.6% of cases. Initiation risk factors were represented by inflammatory/infectious diseases, history of anesthetic-surgical procedures, heart disease, neoplasms, endocrinopathies, and exposure to nephrotoxic drugs. During the follow-up period, progression of CKD was identified in 47.2% of the cases, being more salient in advanced stages. Serum symmetric dimethyl arginine (SDMA) was the only glomerular filtration rate (GFR) marker which displayed differences among studied times during early stages of CKD, associated with the disease progression and decline of renal function. A significant difference between the survival curves in early and advanced CKD stages was observed. The factors related to decreased survival were hyperphosphatemia, anemia, and low body condition score (BCS). No differences were found between the presence of arterial hypertension and renal proteinuria and decreased survival. Furthermore, CKD diagnosis based on the persistent finding of abnormalities in early disease markers, such as serum symmetric dimethyl arginine increase and/or renal proteinuria, and timely therapeutic management of risk factors, allowed for CKD stabilization, reducing progression to advanced stages, and favoring higher survival rates.

Factors associated with endoparasites and ectoparasites in domiciled dogs in the metropolitan area of Toluca, México / Factores asociados con la presencia de endoparásitos y ectoparásitos en perros domiciliados de la zona metropolitana de Toluca, México.

Introduction: Endoparasites and ectoparasites in dogs are of global distribution. The close relationship between dogs and man implies a risk for the transmission of zoonotic parasites. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the parasites hosted by dogs in specific areas and the factors associated with their presence. Objectives: To identify and to estimate the prevalence of endoparasites and ectoparasites in domiciled dogs in the Metropolitan area of Toluca, México, and the prevalence of D. caninum in fleas of the genus Ctenocephalides spp. Materials and methods: We collected samples from 402 domiciled dogs in four reference hospitals in the area in Toluca. We diagnosed endoparasites using direct smear, flotation, and sedimentation techniques and we performed the taxonomic identification of ectoparasites. Finally, the molecular diagnosis of D. caninum in fleas was made using the polymerase chain reaction technique (PCR). Results: A total of 37.2% of dogs were positive for endoparasites; the genera or species identified were Toxocara spp., Giardia spp., Ancylostoma spp., Cystoisospora spp., D. caninum, Taenia spp., and Trichuris vulpis; the prevalence of ectoparasites was 13.13%. We identified fleas of the species Ctenocephalides felis, Ctenocephalides canis; only one animal was parasitized with Rhipicephalus sanguineus and another one with Trichodectes canis; the prevalence of D. caninum in fleas was 9.5%. Conclusion: The prevalence of endoparasites was 37.2% while that of ectoparasites was 13.1%; this is the first analysis of endoparasites and ectoparasites conducted in the same population of dogs in México together with the molecular diagnosis of D. caninum in fleas.

Introducción. Los endoparásitos y ectoparásitos en perros son de distribución mundial. La estrecha relación entre los perros y el hombre implica un riesgo de transmisión de parasitosis zoonóticas, por lo cual es necesario conocer las especies que parasitan a los perros de esta zona y determinar los factores asociados. Objetivos. Estimar la prevalencia de endoparásitos y ectoparásitos, identificarlos en perros domiciliados de la zona metropolitana de Toluca, México, y determinar la prevalencia de Dipyilidium caninum en pulgas del género Ctenocephalides spp. Materiales y métodos. Se recolectaron muestras de 402 perros que fueron llevados a consulta en cuatro hospitales de referencia de Toluca. En el diagnóstico de endoparásitos, se utilizaron las técnicas coproparasitoscópicas de frotis directo, flotación y sedimentación; además, se recolectaron ectoparásitos para su identificación taxonómica. Por último, la detección de D. caninum en pulgas se hizo mediante la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR). Resultados. El 37,2 % de los perros resultó positivo para endoparásitos. Los géneros o especies identificados fueron Toxocara spp., Giardia spp., Ancylostoma spp., Cystoisospora spp., D. caninum, Taenia spp. y Trichuris vulpis. Se determinó una prevalencia de ectoparásitos de 13,13 %. Se identificaron pulgas de las especies Ctenocephalides felis y C. canis, en tanto que solo un animal presentó parasitosis por Rhipicephalus sanguineus y otro por Trichodectes canis. La prevalencia de D. caninum en pulgas fue del 9,5 %. Conclusión. La prevalencia de endoparásitos fue de 37,2 % y, la de ectoparásitos, de 13,1 %. Por primera vez en México se hizo un análisis de endoparásitos y ectoparásitos en una misma población de perros, así como el diagnóstico molecular de D. caninum.

Canine Silica Urolithiasis in Mexico, Associated with the Concentration of Dissolved Silica in Tap Water.

Silica urolithiasis is infrequent in dogs, but in Mexico represents 12.9%. Our hypothesis is the consumption of high amounts of silicates in the diet, especially that dissolved in tap water. The objective of this study was to determine the concentrations of silica in the tap water in different geographical areas and their relationship with cases of silicate urolithiasis in dogs. From 179 cases of silicate urolithiasis, 98.9% were from dogs within a geographic area called the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, which represents a cross shaft to the center of the country. Silica concentrations in tap water ranged between 3 and 76 mg/L, with a range of 27 to 76 mg/L, a mean of 49.9 ± 12 mg/L within the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, and a concentration from 3 to 30 mg/L, with a mean of 16.4 ± 7 mg/L outside this area; these were significantly different (p < 0.001). These findings demonstrate that there is a geographic risk factor for silicate urolithiasis in urolith-forming dogs, related to the consumption of tap water with a high concentration of silica. Further studies are necessary to identify this same pathophysiological association in other species.

Canine Silica Urolithiasis in Mexico (2005-2018).

A higher frequency of canine silica urolithiasis is found in Mexico, unlike <1-8% in other countries. The causes and risk factors for this pathology are unknown. However, we consider the consumption of high amounts of silica from the solid diet or dissolved in water as the only hypothesis. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for silica urolithiasis in dogs from Mexico. A total of 1383 clinical cases of canine urolithiasis were included in this study; the uroliths were analyzed to determine their mineral composition by stereoscopic microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. Of these cases, 12.94% were considered pure silica uroliths; however, considering the mixed and compound uroliths, the frequency increased to 17.42%. Male dogs aged >6 years and large breeds, especially Labradors and Golden retrievers, were at significant risk for this disease. 98.88 % of the clinical cases studied were found in the central axis of the country, considering this finding as a possible geographical risk factor to be analyzed in another study.

Immunopathology of natural infection with Trypanosoma cruzi in dogs.

Chagas disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and dogs are an important reservoir of the parasite as well as a good model for the study of the pathogenesis of the disease. We aimed here at characterizing the immunopathology of naturally infected dogs in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. Following an initial screening for T. cruzi seropositive stray dogs, we examined 9 seropositive and 10 seronegative animals. High lymphocytes and low monocytes counts were observed in peripheral blood from seropositives dogs. Three of nine seropositive dogs presented electrocardiographic alterations including right bundle branch block, sinusal block and QRS complex alterations and some right ventricle enlargement was noted. Histopathologic analysis of cardiac walls revealed significant inflammation with a clear tropism for the right ventricle, although most walls were affected. Seropositive dogs presented low IgG1 and high IgG2 levels. Higher IgG1 levels were associated with increased cardiac index and myocarditis, suggesting that a Th2 immune response leads to susceptibility and increased disease severity. These observations shed some light on the mechanisms of pathogenesis of Chagas disease in dogs, and provide a good framework for the evaluation of novel drugs and vaccines in this animal model.

Epidemiology of feline urolithiasis in Mexico (2006-2017).

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to identify the proportions of different types of uroliths, characterize the population of cats that present with urolithiasis and determine possible predisposing factors in a population of Mexican cats. METHODS: This study analyzed clinical specimens of feline urolithiasis submitted to our laboratory in the period from 2006 to 2017. The mineral composition of the uroliths was determined by qualitative and quantitative mineral analyses, performed by stereoscopic microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. RESULTS: In the population studied, 54.3% of all uroliths were calcium oxalate, followed by 32.1% struvite and 7.4% purine (urate and xanthine) uroliths, with other types accounting for 6.2% of submissions. The male:female ratio was 1.2:1. Calcium oxalate submissions were predominantly from males and struvite submissions were predominantly from females. The age of the cats with stone submissions ranged from 6 months to 17 years. In cats with calcium oxalate uroliths, 52.3% were aged 7 years or older. Cats with struvite uroliths were younger, with 65.4% younger than 6 years of age. Almost 90% of all submitted uroliths were from domestic shorthair cats. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This is the first epidemiologic study of urolithiasis in cats in Mexico. Age and sex predispositions to common uroliths were identified, as males aged ≥7 years primarily presented with calcium oxalate uroliths and females aged <6 years primarily presented struvite uroliths. Cases of urolithiasis of genetic origin, including xanthinuria and cystinuria, were also detected, in addition to silicate uroliths.

Correlación de biomarcadores de función renal en el primer acercamiento diagnóstico de la enfermedad renal crónica en perros

RESUMEN Objetivo. Determinar la correlación de los biomarcadores de funcionamiento renal en la primera evaluación en perros con diferentes factores de riesgo identificados para desarrollar enfermedad renal crónica (ERC). Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, prospectivo de casos y controles de 388 animales, divididos en cinco grupos: grupo control (GC), y cuatro grupos de perros potencialmente enfermos renales (pERC). Se analizaron historia clínica, examen físico, condición corporal (CC), hemograma, perfil bioquímico con dimetilaginina simétrica (SDMA), urianálisis, ratio proteinuria/creatininuria (UPC) y medición de presión arterial sistémica. Se utilizó estadística no paramétrica y los datos fueron expresados en medianas y percentiles; para la CC se utilizó Xi2. Para los biomarcadores se realizó correlación de Spearman. Resultados. Para SDMA y la creatinina sérica (CrS) se observó una correlación moderada para pERC (r=0.69, p<0.001). Se observaron diferencias significativas en las variables edad (p=0.002), y CC (p<0.001) entre el GC y los pERC. Los animales azotemia leve (CrS 125-250 μmol/L) y/o con un valor de SDMA de 18-35 μg/dL, con o sin proteinuria tuvieron una mayor probabilidad de presentar un incremento de SDMA cuando se presentó una CC por debajo de 5/9 (OR=3.55, p=0.005). Conclusiones. El SDMA es un biomarcador complementario útil en etapas preazotémicas y en estadios avanzados donde existen caquexia y sarcopenia. Los biomarcadores deben evaluarse en conjunto para tener perspectiva completa de la función renal en los animales con factores de riesgo para desarrollar ERC.

ABSTRACT Objective. To determine the correlation of kidney function biomarkers at the first evaluation in dogs with different risk factors identified for developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Materials and methods. A descriptive, prospective study of cases and controls of 388 animals, divided into five groups: control group (CG), and four groups of potentially kidney-diseased dogs (pCKD) was carried out. Clinical history, physical examination, body condition score (BCS), complete blood count, biochemical profile with symmetrical dimethylarginine (SDMA), urinalysis, urine protein/creatinine ratio (UPC), and systemic blood pressure were analyzed. Non-parametric statistics were used, and data were expressed as medians and percentiles; for BCS, Xi2 was used. For biomarkers, Spearman's correlation was performed. Results. For SDMA and serum creatinine (sCr), a moderate correlation was observed for pCKD (r=0.69, p<0.001). Significant differences were observed in the variables age (p=0.002) and BCS (p<0.001) between the CG and the pCKD. Animals with mild azotemia (sCr 125-250 μmol/L) and/or with an SDMA value of 18-35 μm/dL, with or without proteinuria, had a greater probability of presenting an increase in SDMA when the BCS was below 5/9 (OR=3.55, p=0.005). Conclusions. SDMA is a useful complementary biomarker in pre-azotemic stages and advanced stages where there is cachexia and sarcopenia. Biomarkers must be evaluated together to have a complete perspective of renal function in animals with risk factors for developing CKD.

Reliability of clinical diagnosis and laboratory testing techniques currently used for identification of canine parvovirus enteritis in clinical settings.

Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) is the main etiological agent of viral enteritis in dogs. Actually in literature, CPV-2 has been reported with clinical signs that vary from the classical disease, and immunochromatography test and PCR technique have been introduced to veterinary hospitals to confirm CPV-2 diagnosis and other infections. However, the reliability of these techniques has been poorly analyzed. In this study, we evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of veterinary clinical diagnosis, immunochromatography test and PCR technique. Our data indicate that variations in the clinical signs of CPV-2 complicate the gathering of an appropriate diagnosis; and immunochromatography test and PCR technique do not have adequate sensitivity to diagnose positive cases.

Correlation between osteoarthritic changes in the stifle joint in dogs and the results of orthopedic, radiographic, ultrasonographic and arthroscopic examinations.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, degenerative disease affecting the articular cartilage and subchondral bone that causes pain and inhibits movement. The stifle's joint fibrous capsule contains the synovial membrane, which produces cartilage nutrients. A ruptured cranial cruciate ligament injures the joint and produces OA. Osteoarthritis diagnosis starts with clinical radiographic and ultrasonographic tests, although the latter is not used very much in dog and cat clinics for this purpose. The objective of this study was to establish the correlation among the results of orthopedic, radiographic, ultrasonographic examinations and structural anatomical changes revealed by arthroscopic evaluation to diagnose stifle joint OA and determine risk factors in the dogs affected. Of 44 clinical cases of OA included in the study, 88.64% had ruptured of cranial cruciate ligaments. The correlation between synovial fluid effusion and osteophytosis was of 0.84. It was concluded that there is good diagnostic agreement between synovial fluid effusion and osteophytosis when dealing with stifle joint OA. Risk factors for dogs regarding the development of stifle joint OA included: ruptured cranial cruciate ligaments or patella luxation, female dogs and weight over 10 kg.

Factores asociados con la presencia de endoparásitos y ectoparásitos en perros domiciliados de la zona metropolitana de Toluca, México / Factors associated with endoparasites and ectoparasites in domiciled dogs in the metropolitan area of Toluca, México

Resumen | Introducción. Los endoparásitos y ectoparásitos en perros son de distribución mundial. La estrecha relación entre los perros y el hombre implica un riesgo de transmisión de parasitosis zoonóticas, por lo cual es necesario conocer las especies que parasitan a los perros de esta zona y determinar los factores asociados. Objetivos. Estimar la prevalencia de endoparásitos y ectoparásitos, identificarlos en perros domiciliados de la zona metropolitana de Toluca, México, y determinar la prevalencia de Dipyilidium caninum en pulgas del género Ctenocephalides spp. Materiales y métodos. Se recolectaron muestras de 402 perros que fueron llevados a consulta en cuatro hospitales de referencia de Toluca. En el diagnóstico de endoparásitos, se utilizaron las técnicas coproparasitoscópicas de frotis directo, flotación y sedimentación; además, se recolectaron ectoparásitos para su identificación taxonómica. Por último, la detección de D. caninum en pulgas se hizo mediante la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR). Resultados. El 37,2 % de los perros resultó positivo para endoparásitos. Los géneros o especies identificados fueron Toxocara spp., Giardia spp., Ancylostoma spp., Cystoisospora spp., D. caninum, Taenia spp. y Trichuris vulpis. Se determinó una prevalencia de ectoparásitos de 13,13 %. Se identificaron pulgas de las especies Ctenocephalides felis y C. canis, en tanto que solo un animal presentó parasitosis por Rhipicephalus sanguineus y otro por Trichodectes canis. La prevalencia de D. caninum en pulgas fue del 9,5 %. Conclusión. La prevalencia de endoparásitos fue de 37,2 % y, la de ectoparásitos, de 13,1 %. Por primera vez en México se hizo un análisis de endoparásitos y ectoparásitos en una misma población de perros, así como el diagnóstico molecular de D. caninum.

Abstract | Introduction: Endoparasites and ectoparasites in dogs are of global distribution. The close relationship between dogs and man implies a risk for the transmission of zoonotic parasites. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the parasites hosted by dogs in specific areas and the factors associated with their presence. Objectives: To identify and to estimate the prevalence of endoparasites and ectoparasites in domiciled dogs in the Metropolitan area of Toluca, México, and the prevalence of D. caninum in fleas of the genus Ctenocephalides spp. Materials and methods: We collected samples from 402 domiciled dogs in four reference hospitals in the area in Toluca. We diagnosed endoparasites using direct smear, flotation, and sedimentation techniques and we performed the taxonomic identification of ectoparasites. Finally, the molecular diagnosis of D. caninum in fleas was made using the polymerase chain reaction technique (PCR). Results: A total of 37.2% of dogs were positive for endoparasites; the genera or species identified were Toxocara spp., Giardia spp., Ancylostoma spp., Cystoisospora spp., D. caninum, Taenia spp., and Trichuris vulpis; the prevalence of ectoparasites was 13.13%. We identified fleas of the species Ctenocephalides felis, Ctenocephalides canis; only one animal was parasitized with Rhipicephalus sanguineus and another one with Trichodectes canis; the prevalence of D. caninum in fleas was 9.5%. Conclusion: The prevalence of endoparasites was 37.2% while that of ectoparasites was 13.1%; this is the first analysis of endoparasites and ectoparasites conducted in the same population of dogs in México together with the molecular diagnosis of D. caninum in fleas.

Obesity-hypertension and its relation to other diseases in dogs.

Obesity is a chronic disease in which adipose tissue accumulates in such a way that it affects the health of the patient and is associated with a myriad of alterations such as systemic hypertension (HTN). The mechanisms by which obesity causes HTN are complex and involve several organic mechanisms. The objective of this study was to determine the correlation between obesity to HTN in dogs in accordance with recent international protocols (systolic blood pressure >160 mmHg) relating to age, genre, gonadal status, breed and other diseases commonly associated with HTN. A total of 244 dogs were studied, 105 non-obese controls and 139 in the obese group. For both groups, healthy and a variety of diseased dogs were observed; the correlations between pathologies and obesity were studied, paying special attention to diseases whose pathophysiologies could lead to HTN. We conclude that obesity is not a risk factor for dogs to develop HTN, and that HTN present in these patients was related to comorbidities such as chronic kidney disease, cardiopathies and endocrinopathies.

Preventive and therapeutic DNA vaccination partially protect dogs against an infectious challenge with Trypanosoma cruzi.

American trypanosomiasis, or Chagas disease, is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, and a vaccine would greatly improve disease control. While some studies in mice suggest that a vaccine is feasible, limited efficacy has been observed in dogs. We evaluated here the safety and efficacy of a DNA vaccine encoding TSA-1 and Tc24 antigens in a dog model of acute T. cruzi infection. Mongrel dogs were immunized with two doses of 500 µg of DNA vaccine, two weeks apart, and infected with T. cruzi (SylvioX10/4 strain) two weeks after the second vaccine dose. Another group of dogs was infected first and treated with the vaccine. Disease progression was monitored for up to 70 days post-infection. The vaccine did not induce any critical change in blood parameters, nor exacerbation of disease in vaccinated animals. On the contrary, it prevented anemia and a decrease in lymphocyte counts following T. cruzi infection in vaccinated dogs. Both preventive and therapeutic vaccination significantly reduced parasitemia, cardiac inflammation and cardiac parasite burden, and tended to reduce the development of cardiac arrhythmias. These results indicate that a preventive or therapeutic DNA vaccine encoding TSA-1 and Tc24 antigens is safe and may reduce both parasite transmission and the clinical progression of Chagas disease in vaccinated dogs. This DNA vaccine may thus be an excellent veterinary vaccine candidate. These data also further strengthen the feasibility of a Chagas disease vaccine for humans.

Analysis of lower urinary tract disease of dogs / Análise de doenças do trato urinário inferior em cães

Lower urinary tract diseases (LUTD) include different conditions that affect the urinary bladder, urethra and prostate. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of different related diseases, to characterize the population affected, and to determine risk factors in dogs. The clinical cases were diagnosed with LUTD through physical examination, and clinical laboratory and imaging studies. Male dogs had a greater predisposition to present a LUTD. Dogs from 3 months to 18 years with a median of 8 years were affected, and the most affected breeds were Poodle, Labrador, German shepherd, Schnauzer, Cocker Spaniel and Chihuahua. The LUTD presented with the following frequencies: bacterial urinary tract infection 34.02%; micturition disorders 22.68%; urolithiasis 20.61%; prostatic disease 14.43%; traumatic problems 8.24%. Sixty-seven per cent of the cases were specific diseases, such as uncomplicated and complicated bacterial urinary tract infections, urinary retention of neurologic origin and silica urolithiasis.(AU)

Doenças do trato urinário inferior (DTUI) incluem várias condições clínicas que afetam a bexiga, próstata e uretra. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a frequência de diferentes doenças relacionadas, caracterizar a população afetada, e determinar os fatores de risco em cães. Os casos clínicos com DTUI foram diagnosticados através de exame físico, estudos laboratoriais e de imagem. Os cães machos apresentam uma maior predisposição para DTUI. Foram afectados cães com idades compreendidas entre os 3 meses a 18 anos, com uma mediana de oito anos, sendo as raças mais predispostas os Poodle, Labrador, Pastor Alemão, Schnauzer, Cocker Spaniel e Chihuahua. A etiologia DTUI apresentou as seguintes frequências: 34,02% foram originadas em infecção do trato urinário inferior; 22,68% em distúrbios miccionais; 20,61% em urolitíase; 14,43% em doença prostática; 8,24% em problemas traumáticos. Sessenta e sete por cento dos casos de DTUI estavam associados a doenças específicas, tais como infecções bacterianas do trato urinário não complicadas e complicadas, retenção urinária neurogénica e urolitíase por sílica.(AU)

Identification of a new genotype of canine distemper virus circulating in America.

Canine Distemper is a highly contagious viral systemic disease that affects a wide variety of terrestrial carnivores. Canine Distemper virus (CDV) appears genetically heterogeneous, markedly in the hemagglutinin protein (H), showing geographic patterns of diversification that are useful to monitor CDV molecular epidemiology. In Mexico the activity of canine distemper remains high in dogs, likely because vaccine prophylaxis coverage in canine population is under the levels required to control effectively the disease. By phylogenetic analysis based on the nucleoprotein (N) and on the H genes, Mexican CDV strains collected between 2007 and 2010 were distinguished into several genovariants, all which constituted a unique group, clearly distinct from field and vaccine strains circulating worldwide, but resembling a CDV strain, 19876, identified in Missouri, USA, 2004, that was genetically unrelated to other North-American CDV strains. Gathering information on the genetic heterogeneity of CDV on a global scale appears pivotal in order to investigate the origin and modalities of introduction of unusual/novel CDV strains, as well as to understand if vaccine breakthroughs or disease epidemics may be somewhat related to genetic/antigenic or biological differences between field and vaccine strains.