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A 5-year-old female Springer Spaniel dog was submitted for necropsy after sudden death following vaccination against Leptospira spp. Gross examination revealed a diffuse dark red discolouration of skeletal musculature, severe diffuse congestion of all the abdominal organs and a contracted spleen. Severe dilation and reduction in wall width was seen in the right ventricle and histological examination revealed multifocal replacement of the right ventricular myocardium by a large amount of fibrofatty tissue. Pathological changes were consistent with post-vaccinal anaphylactic shock in a dog with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), a rare condition typical of Boxer dogs but not previously reported in Springer Spaniels. Canine vaccine-associated adverse events are discussed and ARVC is compared with the corresponding human cardiac condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• In the most of stray cats in Milan the seroprevalence for FCV is high, whereas less than 50% of cats were seropositives against FPV and FHV-1. • The feline calicivirus represents the most common circulating pathogen in Milan, as observed in other studies worldwide. • An increase of antibody protective titres from kitten to senior is generally observed for the three pathogens. The aim of the study was to determine the seroprevalence of feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) and feline calicivirus (FCV) in stray colony cats from Milan, Italy. Cats were divided in groups based on age, gender, reproductive status, health status and colony of origin. Blood samples were tested with an in-clinic ELISA test. The possible presence of a link between the antibody titre or the presence of seropositive results and the independent variables (age, gender, reproductive status, health status and colony location) was assessed by means of multinomial and univariate logistic regression models, respectively. Seroprevalence of 85.4% was reported for FCV. The diffusion of the other two pathogens in the cat population was much lower compared to FCV, with 45.7% and 37.1% seroprevalence observed for FPV and FHV-1, respectively. An increase of antibody titres from kitten to senior was generally observed for the three pathogens. Age was a statistically significant variable for FHV-1, with senior cats significantly associated with higher antibody titres and higher percentages of seropositive animals compared to younger age groups. Neutered cats had significantly higher antibody titres and showed significantly higher FHV-1 seroprevalences compared to sexually intact cats. Colonies from two of the nine administrative districts of Milan showed significantly higher FPV seroprevalences compared to the others. No other significant differences were observed. Our results, based on cats belonging to 70 different colonies located in urban areas far from each other, suggest that the three viruses circulate in the feline population of stray cats in Milan. The feline calicivirus represents the most common circulating pathogen, as observed also in other studies worldwide. Finally, our results suggest that stray cats may be not adequately protected against FPV, FHV-1 and FCV and vaccination could be a possible strategic solution, especially for FPV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs), the localization of the prion protein in the neuronal membrane lipid rafts (LR) seems to play a role in sustaining the protein misfolding. Changes in membrane properties, due to altered lipid composition, affect their organization and interaction between lipids and protein therein, and consequently also membrane resident protein functionality; dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), gangliosides and cholesterol seem to influence these processes. Aims In this work, the influence of administration of different feed, able to change the composition of lipid membrane, on the clinical progression of prion disease was studied. Main methods The activity of three diets (hyperlipidic with 6% fats; hypolipidic with 0.1% fats; and purified with 4% fats) was tested in CD1 mouse model experimentally infected with RML scrapie strain. Presence and distribution of typical central nervous system (CNS) lesions and deposits of PrP sc were evaluated by histopathological analysis and immunohistochemistry. Analysis of lipids was performed in homogenate and insoluble brain fraction of the neuronal membrane rich in LR. Key findings Results show that a diet with a different lipid level has not a significant role in the development of the scrapie disease. All infected mice fed with different diets died in the same time span. Histology, immunohistochemistry, and neuropathological analyses of the infected brains did not show significant differences between animals subjected to different diets. Significance Independently of the diet, the infection induced a significant modification of the lipid composition in homogenates, and a less noticeable one in insoluble brain fraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Because immune transfer from jenny to donkey foal is mostly unknown, the aim of the present study was to evaluate, from 5 days before to 10 days after foaling, immunoglobulin (Ig)G, IgA, and lysozyme peripartal concentrations in serum and mammary secretions of 10 healthy, spontaneously foaling Martina Franca jennies and in serum of their mature, viable, healthy foals, in the first 10 days after birth. The results showed that, in jennies, mammary secretion of IgG levels (ranging between 16 and 75 mg/mL) and IgA (0.9–2 mg/mL), and IgG (6.8–13.5 mg/mL) and IgA (0.5–2.4 mg/mL) serum concentrations were not different along the time of study. Also, IgG concentrations in serum of foals did not show significant differences although a high level was observed at 12 hours after birth (8 mg/mL), and IgA concentrations in serum of foals did not show any significant difference, although a high level was observed at 12 hours after birth (1.2 mg/mL). Lysozyme increased significantly at Day 2 after parturition in mammary secretions of jennies (551.9 μg/mL) and at 12 hours in serum of foals (25.9 μg/mL). The study demonstrated that the pattern of passive immune transfer in donkey foals seems to be similar to that reported for the horse foal, with IgG predominating IgA in serum and mammary secretions of the jenny and also in serum of foals. The most significant early increase in foals' serum concerns lysozyme, which probably plays an important role in the innate immunity of the donkey foal in the first challenging hours after birth. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The purpose of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was to evaluate the efficacy of a diet containing caseinate hydrolysate (CH) on signs of stress in 2 groups of dogs (defined as Anxious and Nonanxious), using physiological (serum cortisol and lysozyme, N:L ratios and heart rate) and behavioral parameters. From an initial group of 40 female Beagle dogs, ranging in age from 10 months to 4 years (mean = 1.47 years; SD = 0.53) belonging to a dog colony, 32 were selected for this study according to their level of anxiety. A group of 16 Anxious dogs and a group of 16 Nonanxious dogs were identified. A baseline period, aimed to obtain reference values of investigated parameters, preceded the experimental phase. Both groups (Anxious and Nonanxious) were divided into a treatment group, which received the diet containing CH, and a control group which received a placebo diet (PD). Anxious CH and PD groups were balanced for anxiety level. Each dog was evaluated 3 times a day at 4 weeks intervals (T1-T2-T3). Each evaluation lasted 2 days and involved a Reactivity Evaluation Form, a blood sampling, heart rate recording, and a 10-minute behavioral video recording. Results from Reactivity Evaluation Form scores showed that although at T1 Anxious dogs had significantly higher scores (Mann–Whitney test, P < 0.001) compared with Nonanxious dogs, no difference was found between Anxious dogs fed with CH diet and Nonanxious fed with PD or CH diet at T3. Behavioral observations evidenced some signs of improvement in Anxious dog fed with CH diet. Cortisol level significantly decreased in Anxious dogs fed with CH diet (Friedman test, P < 0.05). Individual differences in physiological measures of stress responses may have contributed to the large variability, making interpretation of these measures difficult. These results suggest that CH may be used as a functional ingredient alleviating stress in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Veterinary and human medicine are focused on the issue of emerging and re-emerging diseases, which are especially represented by zoonosis that could be a threat for public health. Zoonotic risk may come from pets: some canine and/or feline viral, bacterial, parasitic, protozoal or mycotic diseases can be transmitted directly to humans. There are several strategies to prevent the transmission of such zoonosis, and among them vaccination plays an important role. Through a survey carried out in Northern Italy aimed to collect information regarding owners' knowledge and perception of the zoonotic risks associated with three zoonoses (rabies, leptospirosis, and dermatophytosis), it was demonstrated that dog owners tend to adhere more consistently to their pets' vaccination schedules and are more receptive to changes in vaccination scheduling compared to cat owners. This study also suggests that cat owners predominantly visit veterinarians for vaccination purposes, whereas dog owners seek veterinary services for a variety of reasons. The survey highlighted the ongoing need to enhance owners' understanding of zoonoses affecting their pets and also the protective role of vaccines. Veterinarians should undertake the responsibility of educating, reassuring, and informing pet owners about the significance of vaccines for their pets and for public health. • Zoonoses are still a real and emerging health problem today. • Poor pet owner perception of leptospirosis and dermatophytosis zoonotic risks. • Pet owners need more information, especially on vaccination for preventing zoonoses. • More active role of veterinarians in informing owners about zoonoses and vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Effective therapy for prion diseases is currently unavailable. Recently, vaccination was shown to be effective in mouse models of a particular neurodegenerative conditions: Alzheimer''s disease (AD). Here, we report that vaccination with synthetic oligopeptides homologous to the hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) prion protein augments survival time in animals infected intraperitoneally with 263K scrapie agent. For each hamster included in the study, prion-specific serum antibodies as well as deposition of pathological prion protein (PrPres), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and mRNA expression for cytokines (TNFα, IL-1β, IL-10) in brain tissues were evaluated. In immunized animals, increased survival after challenge was associated with a reduction of cerebral lesion, PrP deposition and GFAP expression; in these animals, anti-prion protein peptide antibody levels were increased, and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα and IL-1β) was reduced. Vaccination could be an effective therapeutic approach to postpone disease onset. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Aims: The misfolding and the aggregation of specific proteins are key features of neurodegenerative diseases, specifically Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs). In TSEs, neuronal loss and inflammation are associated with the accumulation of the misfolded isoform (PrPsc) of the cellular prion protein (PrPc). Therefore we tested the hypothesis that augmenting a natural anti-inflammatory pathway mediated by epoxygenated fatty acids (EpFAs) will delay lethality. EpFAs are highly potent but enzymatically labile molecules produced by the actions of a number of cytochrome P450 enzymes. Stabilization of these bioactive lipids by inhibiting their degradation mediated by the soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) results in potent anti-inflammatory effects in multiple disease models. Main methods: Mice were infected with the mouse-adapted RML strain of scrapie by intracerebral or intraperitoneal routes. Animals received the sEH inhibitor, by oral route, administrated in drinking water or vehicle (PEG400). Infected mice were euthanized at a standard clinical end point. Histopathological, immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses of brain tissue confirmed the presence of pathology related to prion infection. Key findings: Oral administration of the sEHI did not affect the very short survival time of the intracerebral prion infection group. However, mice infected by intraperitoneal route and treated with t-AUCB survived significantly longer than the control group mice (p<0.001). Significance: These findings support the idea that inhibition of sEH or augmentation of the natural EpFA signaling in the brain offers a potential and different route to understand prion diseases and may become a therapeutic strategy for diseases involving neuroinflammation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A DNA vaccine against contagious agalactia was developed for the first time, encoding the P48 of Mycoplasma agalactiae. Specific immune responses elicited in BALB/c mice were evaluated. Both total IgG and IgG1 were detected in mice vaccinated with pVAX1/P48. Proliferation of mononuclear cells of the spleen, levels of gamma interferon, interleukin-12, and interleukin-2 mRNAs were enhanced in immunized animals. Results indicate that pVAX1/P48 vaccination induced both Th1 and Th2 immune responses. Nucleic acid immunization could be a new strategy against M. agalactiae infections and may be potentially used to develop vaccines for other Mycoplasma diseases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Surveillance for parvoviruses in faeces from cats in multicat environments (MCE) was performed. • Parvoviral DNA was detected using a TaqMan real-time PCR. • Parvoviral DNA was detected in 6.61 % of faecal samples from cats in MCE in Italy and Australia. • Parvoviral variants were typed using a minor-groove binding real-time PCR. • Viruses detected in positive samples were FPV in 90.3 % and CPV in 12.9 %. Whether subclinical shedding of canine parvovirus (CPV) by cats might contribute to the epidemiology of canine CPV infections, particularly in facilities housing both cats and dogs, requires clarification. Conflicting results are reported to date. Using conventional PCR (cPCR) to amplify the VP2 gene, shedding of the CPV variants (CPV-2a, 2b, 2c) by healthy cats in multi-cat environments was reportedly common in Europe but rare in Australia. The aim of this study was to determine whether low-level faecal CPV shedding occurs in multi-cat environments in Australia and Italy using a TaqMan real-time PCR to detect Carnivore protoparvovirus 1 (CPV and feline parvovirus, FPV) DNA, and minor-groove binder probe real-time PCR assay to differentiate FPV and CPV types and to characterize CPV variants. In total, 741 non-diarrhoeic faecal samples from shelters in Australia (n = 263) and from shelters or cat colonies in Italy (n = 478) were tested. Overall, Carnivore protoparvovirus 1 DNA was detected in 49 of 741 (6.61 %) samples. Differentiation was possible for 31 positive samples. FPV was most common among positive samples (28/31, 90.3 %). CPV was detected in 4/31 samples (12.9 %) including CPV-2a in one sample, CPV-2b in another and co-infections of FPV/CPV-2b and CPV-2a/CPV-2b in the remaining two samples. A high rate of subclinical FPV infection was detected in one shelter during an outbreak of feline panleukopenia, during which 21 of 22 asymptomatic cats (95.5 %) sampled were shedding FPV. Faecal shedding of CPV by cats in multi-cat environments is uncommon suggesting that domestic cats are not significant reservoirs of CPV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]