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The effective treatment of perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease is still a challenge. Local administration of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) is becoming a part of accepted treatment options. However, as a fledgling technique, it still can be optimized. A new trend in translational research, which is in line with "One Health" approach, bases on exploiting parallels between naturally occurring diseases affecting humans and companion animals. Canine anal furunculosis (AF) has been indicated as condition analogous to human perianal Crohn's disease (pCD). This narrative review provides the first comprehensive comparative analysis of these two diseases based on the published data. The paper also outlines the molecular mechanisms of action of MSCs which are likely to have a role in modulating the perianal fistula niche in humans, and refers them to the current knowledge on the immunomodulatory properties of canine MSCs. Generally, the pathogenesis of both diseases shares main determinants such as the presence of genetic predispositions, dysregulation of immune response and the relation to intestine microbiota. However, we also identified many aspects which should be further specified, such as determining the frequency of true fistulas formation in AF patients, elucidating the role of TNF and Th17 pathway in the pathogenesis of AF, or clarifying the role of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition phenomenon in the formation of canine fistulae. Nevertheless, the available data support the hypothesis that the results from testing cell therapies in dogs with anal furunculosis have a significant translational value in optimizing MSC transplants procedures in pCD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular apicomplexan protozoan that causes neurological disorders in dogs. This systematic review and meta-analysis targeted at evaluating the worldwide seroprevalence rate of N. caninum in dogs. Methods: Five electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar, until December 2018 were thoroughly searched for relevant English language articles. Papers were selected based on inclusion criteria. Data were analyzed in StatsDirect statistical software (version 2.7.9). Results: The searching process yielded a total number of 156 papers. The total prevalence (95% confidence intervals) of N. caninum infection in dog population worldwide was measured as 17.14% in data analyses (15.25–19.10). In addition, a significant association was also detected between neosporosis infection in dogs and continent, country, year, WHO regions, sample size and diagnostic method (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Dogs are a matter of concern to public health officials as a source of N. caninum infection. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to provide comprehensive data and systematically analyze the prevalence of N. caninum infection in dogs. Accordingly, it is recommended that researchers carry out further studies to prevent and control neosporosis among dog population worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Dogs have been raised, trained, and exercised by humans for millennia. While new dog training methods keep emerging and other ones vanish, it should be interesting to travel back in time and investigate how dogs were trained throughout history. Interestingly, much of what we know about dog keeping and training has been practiced since ancient times. The oldest dog training guide was written by Athenian writer Xenophon around 420 BC. Later, in the 13th century, Albertus Magnus wrote his extensive work De animalibus, containing an entire chapter about dogs which covers topics ranging from behaviour and breeding to the treatment of diseases. Petrus de Crescentiis had also already reported how dogs could be used for herding and livestock protection. Using the example of these two authors, we delve into the history of ancient dog keeping and breeding. Historical dog training methods reveal that dog training then and now might not have been that different. While some methods that would be considered unacceptable today have vanished over time, much of what we do today has been practiced historically for a long time. Albertus Magnus' De animalibus and Petrus de Crescentiis' Ruralia commodia deliver us historical evidence on how dogs were perceived, kept and trained by our ancestors. Not only were they already kept as pets, but they were also used in a wide range of professions. Dogs were utilized as guard and watchdogs, for hunting and for herding and livestock protection. Dogs are still trained in many of those professions today. From these historical records, we can learn how the perception and use of dogs has been similar or very different from our view on dogs today. We see how certain training methods have persisted over time, giving us an opportunity to ponder on new training and handling methods for man's best friend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Though eager to help his friend Peter the Penguin, whose submarine has stalled, Ludwig is stymied by the fact that, being paper himself and having been raised in a "world of books," all he knows of real water is from pictures of ponds and fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A review of the book "Karl's Diary: It's a Dog's Life," by Sharon Winters, is presented.

(Picture book. 6-8) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The molecular ecology of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and their methicillin‐resistant strains in healthy dogs and cats could serve as good models to understand the concept of bacterial zoonosis due to animal companionship. This study aims to provide insights into pooled prevalence, genetic lineages, virulence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among healthy dogs and cats. Original research and brief communication articles published from 2001 to 2021 that reported the nasal detection of S. aureus and S. pseudintermedius in healthy dogs and cats in the community, homes and outside veterinary clinics were examined and analysed. Forty‐nine studies were eligible and included in this systematic review. The pooled prevalence of nasal carriage of S. aureus/methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in healthy dogs and cats were 10.9% (95% CI: 10.1–11.9)/2.8% (95% CI: 2.4–3.2) and 3.2% (95% CI: 1.9–4.8)/0.5% (95% CI: 0.0–1.1), respectively. Conversely, the pooled prevalence of S. pseudintermedius/methicillin‐resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) in healthy dogs and cats were 18.3% (95% CI: 17.1–19.7)/3.1% (95% CI: 2.5–3.7) and 1.3% (95% CI: 0.6–2.4)/1.2% (95% CI: 0.6–2.3), respectively. Although highly diverse genetic lineages of S. aureus were detected in healthy dogs and cats, MSSA‐CC1/CC5/CC22/CC45/CC121/CC398 and MRSA‐CC5/CC93/CC22/CC30 were mostly reported in dogs; and MSSA‐CC5/CC8/CC15/CC48 and MRSA‐CC22/CC30/CC80 in cats. Of note, MSSA‐CC398 isolates (spa‐types t034 and t5883) were detected in dogs. Genetic lineages often associated with MSSP/MRSP were ST20/ST71, highlighting the frequent detection of the epidemic European MRSP‐ST71 clone in dogs. S. aureus isolates carrying the luk‐S/F‐PV, tst, eta, etb and etd genes were seldomly detected in dogs, and luk‐S/F‐PV was the unique virulence factor reported in isolates of cats. S. pseudintermedius isolates harbouring the luk‐S/F‐I, seint and expA genes were frequently found, especially in dogs. High and diverse rates of AMR were noted, especially among MRSA/MRSP isolates. There is a need for additional studies on the molecular characterization of isolates from countries with under‐studied nasal staphylococci isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mystery of new neighbors on the other side of a high fence leads Nancy and her dog, Douglas, to a bilingual surprise in a confident follow-up to Douglas, You Need Glasses! (2016). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A review of the book "Every Dog in the Neighborhood," by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Matthew Cordell, is presented.

A review of the book "When Dogs Heal: Powerful Stories of People Living with HIV and the Dogs That Saved Them," by Jesse Freidin, Dr. Robert Garofalo, Zach Stafford and Christina Garofalo, is presented.

Background: Monitoring changes in appendicular skeletal muscle mass is frequently used as a surrogate marker for limb function. The primary objective of this study was to review scientific information related to the assessment of appendicular skeletal muscle mass in dogs. The secondary objective was to develop practical recommendations for serial evaluation of muscle mass. Methods: A scoping review was conducted with a systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, CAB abstract, and Cochrane from inception to June 2021. The following modalities were included in the search: limb circumference, diagnostic ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Results: A total of 62 articles that measured appendicular skeletal muscle mass in dogs were identified. Limb circumference (55 articles) was the most commonly used modality. Its reliability was investigated in five studies. Several factors, including measuring tape type, body position, joint angles, and the presence of hair coat, were reported as variables that can affect measurements. Diagnostic ultrasound (five articles) was validated in three articles, but there is scarce information about observer reliability and variables affecting the measurement. Computed tomography (four articles) and magnetic resonance imaging (one article) have been used to validate other modalities at a single time point rather than as a clinical tool for serial muscle mass monitoring. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (two articles) has been used to quantify specific skeletal muscle mass but was mainly used to evaluate body composition in dogs. Conclusion: Limb circumference and ultrasound are likely the main modalities that will continue to be used for serial muscle mass measurement in the clinical setting unless a new technology is developed. The reliability of limb circumference is questionable. Several key factors, including measuring tape type, body position, joint angles, and coat clipping, need to be controlled to improve the reliability of limb circumference measurements. Ultrasound may provide a reasonable alternative, but further studies are required to evaluate the reliability of this modality and identify factors that influence ultrasound measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Livestock is regarded as a source of parasites to wildlife populations, but no assessment of the nature and magnitude of parasite transmission from livestock to South American canids is available. Methods: Here we systematically reviewed articles that evaluate protozoa, helminths and arthropods in wild canids living in areas with and without the presence of livestock. Results: There is an unbalanced study effort which precludes proper testing of the assumption that livestock increase the incidence and prevalence of parasites in wild canids. Most of the parasites reported are shared with domestic carnivores. Conclusion: Available information strongly suggests that the role played by livestock and their associated dogs on wild canid parasitism should be re-evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(Picture book. 3-5) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(Picture book. 3-7) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reviews the book "My Life with George: What I Learned About Joy from One Neurotic (and Very Expensive) Dog," by Judith Summers.

The article reviews the book "Dogs, Dogs!," written and illustrated by Michelle Nelson-Schmidt.

The article reviews the book "Dogs and Cats," by Steve Jenkins.

A review of the book "Dogs at Work: Good Dogs. Real Jobs," by Margaret Cardillo, illustrated by Zachariah Ohora, is presented.

The article reviews the book "Fetch" by Jorey Hurley.

(Picture book. 3-6) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]