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Infectious canine cyclic thrombocytopenia or canine anaplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by Anaplasma platys. In Mexico, cases of human infection have been reported. The present cross-sectional study aimed to determine the frequency of A. platys infection in the municipality of Veracruz, Mexico, by nested polymerase chain reaction method. A total of 100 blood samples from dogs living in the municipality were collected and analyzed between March and June 2022. A descriptive analysis of blood samples for hemoparasites frequencies was performed with the free online software VassarStats. The evaluated variables were sex, street access, usage of ticks control methods, and living environment. The free online software WinEpi software was used to calculate odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval (CI: 95.00%). Out of 100 analyzed blood samples, 27 were confirmed positive for A. platys. The only risk factor found was the absence of tick prevention methods (OR = 9.81; 95.00% CI: 23.00 - 44.50). In conclusion, the frequency of A. platys was 27.00% and no risk factors were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: As pets are increasingly seen as family members, there is a growing interest in incorporating functional supplements into pet food to improve animal health. Several commercial dog diets claim to support normal immune system function, but scientific evidence is limited. This literature review summarized scientific studies on the in vivo effects of vitamins, minerals and plant-based compounds (phytonutrients) on the immune responses of canines. A total of 27 studies were analyzed from scientific databases. While vitamin supplements are frequently marketed for immune support, only two studies demonstrated modest benefits of vitamins C and E. Research on minerals suggests that organic forms may more effectively enhance immune function than inorganic ones. Furthermore, phytonutrients may contribute to immune system regulation and reduction of inflammation. Despite the growing interest in diets targeting immune health, further research is necessary to corroborate these effects in order to develop biologically effective functional diets for dogs. Trends in the pet food industry are driven by the humanization of pets, favoring the inclusion of functional ingredients or supplements that promote animal health. Several commercial diets claim to include supplements with benefits for dogs' immune function, but in vivo evidence that supports their efficacy remains limited. This literature review aimed to better understand the current knowledge on the effects of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients on dogs' immune function. A total of 27 peer-reviewed articles were identified in PubMed and Web of Science databases. Although vitamin supplementation is often claimed to support immune function, only two studies promoting slight benefits of vitamins C and E were found. The limited research on minerals suggests that organic sources promote a better immune response. Studies evaluating the inclusion of different phytonutrients show that these compounds might exert immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. Despite the increased popularity of commercial diets claimed to support the immune response of dogs, further research is needed in order to substantiate their effects. This knowledge will contribute to the development of effective diets to enhance immune health in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Lactococcus petauri has been described for the first time in 2017 in a sugar glider. A few years later, it has emerged as important pathogen for fish and more recently it has been reported also in terrestrial mammals and humans. A lot of these cases were misdiagnosed as Lactococcus garvieae infection due to the limitation of the available common standard diagnostic techniques used which were unable to discriminate between these two species and relatively high similarity of the two pathogens at genetic and phenotypic levels. Till today, there are only two reported cases of lactococcosis in dogs with no previous cases were reported from Italy. This report is the first description of L. petauri infection in two domestics dog cases from Italy. The results of the current report provide an update on the host tropism, and additional knowledge on virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance of L. petauri. Lactococcus garvieae has been considered for a long time the only causal agent of lactococcosis. In recent years, different papers reported the involvement of other two bacterial species: Lactococcus petauri and Lactococcus formosensis. A different host tropism has been described for these species where L. garvieae and L. petauri are predominant species in fish and humans' infections, while L. formosensis in bovine. L. garvieae has been reported as rare infectious agent in dog. This paper represents the first isolation of L. petauri in two domesticated dog cases from urine and skin samples, respectively. The recovered L. petauri has been identified using PCR and sequencing based on Internal Transcribe Spacer (ITS) and phylogenetic analysis showed that it belongs to the L. petauri cluster with a 100% of identity with sequences previously reported from fish isolates while there were differences with L. petauri isolated from urinary tract infection from humans. L. petauri in human infection has been considered not necessarily deriving from the ingestion of contaminated food but rather as an opportunistic pathogen colonization intestinal tract. Differences among virulotypes have been reported for humans and dogs, and a comparison was also made between the virulotyping of L. petauri and L. garvieae in dogs. The antimicrobial pattern showed susceptibility for the election treatment molecules. These data contribute to our understanding of the host trophism of this species which was misclassified for long time and provide new data on its virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Veterinarska Stanica is the property of Croatian Veterinary Institute and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Veterinarska Stanica is the property of Croatian Veterinary Institute and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Veterinarska Stanica is the property of Croatian Veterinary Institute and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Simple Summary: This study evaluates the efficacy of a sustained-release (SR) moxidectin microsphere formulation in preventing canine heartworm infection over an 18-month period in Canary Hound dogs. Conducted in a hyperendemic region, the study included 109 outdoor dogs from 11 kennels, with heartworm prevalence rates ranging from 11.1% to 57.1%. Twenty healthy, heartworm-negative dogs received a single subcutaneous injection of moxidectin SR. Antigen and Knott's tests were conducted at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, and no infections were detected. All treated dogs remained healthy and heartworm-negative throughout the study. The results suggest that a single dose of moxidectin SR may prevent heartworm infection for 18 months; however, further research is needed to confirm these findings. Extending the efficacy interval of moxidectin may enhance owner compliance, especially in populations with lower awareness of animal health. This study investigates the efficacy of a sustained-release (SR) moxidectin microsphere formulation in preventing canine heartworm infection over 18 months in Canary Hound dogs, a hunting breed common in the Canary Islands, which is a hyperendemic region. These dogs typically do not receive preventive treatments and act as reservoirs for the disease. This field study was conducted across 11 hunting kennels with 109 dogs living outdoors, none of whom were receiving heartworm prophylaxis, with Dirofilaria immitis prevalence ranging from 11.1% to 57.1% (average 36.7%). Among these, 20 clinically healthy, heartworm-negative dogs were randomly selected to receive a single subcutaneous injection of moxidectin SR (0.17 mg/kg body weight). Antigen and Knott's tests were performed at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. All dogs completed the study without adverse reactions and remained heartworm-negative throughout. By the end of the study, kennel heartworm prevalence ranged from 14.3% to 46.7% (average 35.4%). A single subcutaneous dose of moxidectin SR at the recommended dosage may prevent patent heartworm infection in dogs for up to 18 months in hyperendemic regions. Further studies are required to confirm these findings. Extending the efficacy period of moxidectin could improve owner compliance, particularly among those with lower animal health awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tick-borne pathogens are understudied among domestic animals in sub-Saharan Africa but represent significant threats to the health of domestic animals and humans. Specifically, additional data are needed on tick-borne pathogens in Chad, Africa. Surveillance was conducted among domestic dogs in Chad for selected tick-borne pathogens to measure (1) the prevalence of antibodies against Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi, and Ehrlichia spp.; (2) the prevalence of infections caused by Hepatozoon spp., Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys, and Babesia spp.; and (3) associations of pathogens with demographic, spatial, and temporal factors. Blood samples were collected from domestic dogs at three time points (May 2019, November 2019, June 2020) across 23 villages in southern Chad. Results: Of the 428 dogs tested with the IDEXX SNAP 4Dx test in May 2019, 86% (n = 370, 95% CI = 83–90%) were positive for antibodies to Ehrlichia spp., 21% (n = 88, 95% CI = 17–25%) were positive for antibodies to Anaplasma spp., and 0.7% (n = 3, 95% CI = 0.1–2%) were positive for antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi. Four different pathogens were detected via PCR. Hepatozoon spp. were most commonly detected (67.2–93.4%, depending on the time point of sampling), followed by E. canis (7.0-27.8%), A. platys (10.1–22.0%), and Babesia vogeli (0.4–1.9%). Dogs were coinfected with up to three pathogens at a single time point, and coinfections were most common in May 2019 compared to November 2019 and May 2020. Conclusions: Overall, this study provides new data about the epidemiology of tick-borne pathogens in domestic dogs in Chad, with potential implications for dog and human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review article comprehensively explores the role of orexigenic and anorexigenic peptides in the management of obesity in companion animals, with a focus on clinical applications. Obesity in domestic animals, particularly dogs and cats, is prevalent, with significant implications for their health and well-being. Factors contributing to obesity include overfeeding, poor-quality diet, lack of physical activity, and genetic predispositions. Despite the seriousness of this condition, it is often underestimated, with societal perceptions sometimes reinforcing unhealthy behaviors. Understanding the regulation of food intake and identifying factors affecting the function of food intake-related proteins are crucial in combating obesity. Dysregulations in these proteins, whether due to genetic mutations, enzymatic dysfunctions, or receptor abnormalities, can have profound health consequences. Molecular biology techniques play a pivotal role in elucidating these mechanisms, offering insights into potential therapeutic interventions. The review categorizes food intake-related proteins into anorexigenic peptides (inhibitors of food intake) and orexigenic peptides (enhancers of food intake). It thoroughly examines current research on regulating energy balance in companion animals, emphasizing the clinical application of various peptides, including ghrelin, phoenixin (PNX), asprosin, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), leptin, and nesfatin-1, in veterinary obesity management. This comprehensive review aims to provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between peptides, energy balance regulation, and obesity in companion animals. It underscores the importance of targeted interventions and highlights the potential of peptide-based therapies in improving the health outcomes of obese pets.

Background: Canine enteric coronavirus (CECoV) is a prevalent infectious disease among dogs worldwide, yet its epidemiology in mainland China remains poorly understood. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence of CECoV in mainland China and identify factors influencing its prevalence. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases for studies regarding CECoV epidemiology of China. PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang, and CQVIP were searched to obtain the studies. Eligible studies were selected based on predefined criteria, and data were extracted and synthesized. The quality the studies was assessed using the JBI assessment tool. Heterogeneity was checked using I2 test statistics followed by subgroup and sensitivity analysis. Subgroup analyses were performed to explore variations in CECoV prevalence by factors such as year, region, season, health status, social housing type, gender, age, and breed. Publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot and eggers test that was followed by trim and fill analysis. Results: A total of 27 studies involving 21,034 samples were included in the meta-analysis. The overall pooled prevalence of CECoV in mainland China was estimated to be 0.30 (95% CI 0.24–0.37), indicating persistent circulation of the virus. Subgroup analyses revealed higher prevalence rates in younger dogs, multi-dog households, apparently healthy dogs, and certain regions such as southwest China. Seasonal variations were observed, with lower prevalence rates in summer. However, no significant differences in prevalence were found by gender. Conclusions: This study provides valuable insights into the epidemiology of CECoV in mainland China, highlighting the persistent circulation of the virus and identifying factors associated with higher prevalence rates. Continuous monitoring and surveillance efforts, along with research into accurate detection methods and preventive measures, are essential for the effective control of CECoV and mitigation of its potential impact on animal and human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circadian biology's impact on human physical health and its role in disease development and progression is widely recognized. The forefront of circadian rhythm research now focuses on translational applications to clinical medicine, aiming to enhance disease diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment responses. However, the field of circadian medicine has predominantly concentrated on human healthcare, neglecting its potential for transformative applications in veterinary medicine, thereby overlooking opportunities to improve non-human animal health and welfare. This review consists of three main sections. The first section focuses on the translational potential of circadian medicine into current industry practices of agricultural animals, with a particular emphasis on horses, broiler chickens, and laying hens. The second section delves into the potential applications of circadian medicine in small animal veterinary care, primarily focusing on our companion animals, namely dogs and cats. The final section explores emerging frontiers in circadian medicine, encompassing aquaculture, veterinary hospital care, and non-human animal welfare and concludes with the integration of One Health principles. In summary, circadian medicine represents a highly promising field of medicine that holds the potential to significantly enhance the clinical care and overall health of all animals, extending its impact beyond human healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tungiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by the adult female sand flea (Tunga penetrans). Dogs are considered important reservoirs of T. penetrans in Brazil. The aim of this study was to determine the monthly insecticidal efficacy of a single oral administration of fluralaner at a dose of 10–18 mg/kg (Bravecto® 1-Month, also registered as Defenza® in some countries; MSD Animal Health) in dogs naturally infested with T. penetrans. Methods: This clinical trial was conducted in a rural community located in Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil. A total of 64 dogs were selected and distributed in a completely randomized design between a treated group (TG) that received one single dose of Bravecto® 1-Month (Defenza®) and a negative control group (CG) that received no treatment. Each group was composed of 32 dogs. The evaluations took place on days 0, 7 ± 2, 14 ± 2, 21 ± 2, 28 ± 2, 35 ± 2, and 42 ± 2 post treatment, in which the dogs were inspected to evaluate the infestation stage and classify lesions associated with tungiasis. The primary efficacy was determined from the percentage of treated dogs free of fleas (stage II and III lesions) after administration of the formulation at each evaluation time. Secondary efficacy was based on the number of active lesions (stages II and III) in each group at each evaluation time. The clinical condition of the animals was defined based on the Severity Score for Acute Dog Tungiasis (SCADT), which is related to the number and severity of lesions. Results: The primary efficacy of the product was greater than 95.0% from days 7 to 21 and reached 100.0% between days 28 and 42, with a significant association between treatment and infestation decline (P < 0.025) between days 7 and 42. Secondary drug efficacy was greater than 99.9% from days 7 to 21, reaching 100.0% between days 28 and 42 (P < 0.05). The treated dogs also scored lower on the SCADT than the control animals did during the entire clinical evaluation period (P < 0.05). Conclusions: A single administration of Bravecto® 1-Month (Defenza®) was effective in eliminating Tunga penetrans infestations, as well as in preventing parasitism for at least 42 days after treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Canine olfaction is a potential means for detection of respiratory disease in beef cattle. In a prior study, two dogs were trained to discriminate between nasal swabs from healthy cattle and cattle that developed Bovine Respiratory Disease. Dogs had some ability to identify samples from BRD- affected cattle, but results were ambiguous. The purpose of this study was to evaluate more dogs using better-controlled training and testing procedures. Methods: Nasal and saliva swabs were collected from 96 cattle before and after administering a vaccine to induce an inflammatory immune response. Samples were stored at -80°C for up to 11 months before use, and samples from animals with an elevated body temperature at baseline were omitted. An automated olfactometer apparatus was constructed to improve blinding procedures and reduce opportunities for odor contamination. Four dogs were trained to distinguish between swabs from healthy and sickness-model cattle, including the two dogs from the previous study ("Runnels" and "Cheaps") and two inexperienced dogs ("Molokai" and "Amy"). During a seven-month training period, dogs were exposed to samples from 28 animals. Dogs were tested on 59 sets of unfamiliar samples. Results: Performance varied among dogs (2 = 10.48, p = 0.02). Molokai's performance was above chance (0.73 ± 0.06, p = 0.0006), while Amy (0.44 ± 0.06, p = 0.43), Cheaps (0.53 ± 0.07, p = 0.79), and Runnels (0.56 ± 0.06, p = 0.43) did not respond correctly at a rate different from chance. Accuracy did not differ between nasal swabs (0.63 ± 0.08) and saliva swabs (0.53 ± 0.08, 2 = 0.81, p = 0.37). Discussion: The results of this study indicate that canine olfaction may be an effective means of detecting illness in beef cattle. However, individual dogs' aptitude for this detection task varies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superficial pyoderma is a common complication of a range of feline and canine skin diseases. The objective of the present study is to retrospectively evaluate bacterial and fungal skin culture samples in superficial pyoderma cases of cats and dogs and to reveal in detail the pathogens and their susceptibility and/or resistance to antimicrobials, as well as demographic data and clinical symptoms of the patients. Medical records of 28 cats and 35 dogs meeting the criteria for inclusion were reviewed. Staphylococcus spp. and Trichophyton species were found to be the most common cultured microorganisms in both cats and dogs. Antimicrobial resistance was determined both in cat and dog samples. As a result, it has been demonstrated that skin culture is particularly important for the management of diagnosis and treatment processes and the regulation of treatment protocols in pyoderma in terms of preventing the increasing antibiotic resistance in recent years and thus protecting both human and animal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research work was undertaken to study the occurrence and pathology of cutaneous tumours in dogs and their age, breed, location and gender-wise distribution. A total of 33 samples suspected of cutaneous tumours were collected from the cases presented to Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex (TVCC), Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala during a period of 12 months from June 2022 to June 2023. Based on histopathology, most of the tumours were diagnosed as benign. Majority of the tumours were of mesenchymal origin. Among different histological types, highest occurrence was that of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and trichoblastoma followed by histiocytoma, lipoma, mast cell tumour, hepatoid gland adenocarcinoma and haemangioma. Although, the incidence was higher among males and among the dogs belonging to the age group of 5-10 years, it was not statistically significant. Among different breeds, highest occurrence was observed in Labrador Retriever followed by German Shepherd. The study also warrants large scale epidemiological studies to identify the risk factors and to unravel the etiopathogenesis of canine cutaneous neoplasms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work was undertaken with the aim to study the histological features of trachea and lung of dog. The lung was collected from six apparently healthy dogs, cut into small pieces, routine histological processing done and images were recorded. Histologically trachea consisted of four tunics namely tunica mucosa, submucosa, fibrocartilaginous layer and serosa. The glands and lymphoid accumulation were not observed in the lamina propria of the mucosa, but some solitary lymphocytes could be observed. The submucosa contained mucous secreting glandular alveoli with clear foamy cytoplasm and spherical to flat nucleus found lying at the basal part of the cells The parenchymatous portions showed intrapulmonary bronchi, tertiary bronchioles and respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, sacs and alveoli. Terminal bronchioles could be well distinguished in the terminal part of the conducting pathway. The respiratory bronchioles were lined by cuboidal epithelium without cilia. The alveolar ducts, alveolar sacs and alveoli were lined by simple squamous epithelium. The alveoli showed type 1 pneumocytes, type 2 pneumocytes and alveolar macrophages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Animal Health, Production & Hygiene is the property of Animal Health, Production & Hygiene and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Surveillance and control of dogs and cats (D&C) have become increasingly important for the conservation of biodiversity in protected areas. However, despite the increase in densities of free-roaming D&C in urban areas, especially in developing countries, the impact on wildlife is poorly documented. The Metropolitan District of Quito (MDQ) in Ecuador, contains a high biodiversity of native fauna, but free-roaming dog populations have tripled in recent years, with no published information about possible consequences on wildlife. We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients admitted to a Veterinary Hospital in Quito between July 2017 and June 2022 to determine the incidence of D&C attacks on wildlife from the MDQ. A total of 429 wild specimens (79.5% birds, 17.2% mammals and 3.3% reptiles), including 59 species (4 vulnerable, 1 endangered and 1 critically endangered), were treated for injuries inflicted by D&C. Attacks increased every year on record, and 79% of specimens did not survive. Given that current governmental regulations for the control of domestic animals have not been effective, we propose to address the global issue from a multidisciplinary perspective, considering predation by D&C, biodiversity conservation, animal welfare, human health, and public policies as intertwined phenomena. The goal of this approach is to achieve greater awareness and increase the effectiveness of management programs, while improving the health of animals, humans, and the environment in which they live. Additionally, we recommend government support to replicate this research in other wildlife rehabilitation and rescue centers to understand the scope of the issue nationally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Veterinary Journal / Revue Vétérinaire Canadienne is the property of Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article focuses on analyzing age-related hearing loss in dogs and cats through an audiometric study. Topics discussed include identifying patterns of hearing deterioration, exploring potential factors contributing to age-related hearing loss, and discussing implications for veterinary care and pet owners.

Bartonella species are vector-borne infectious pathogens with a severe impact on animal and human health. This comprehensive systematic review aimed to perform a meta-analysis to evaluate the global impact of this pathogen on pet health. A literature search was performed on electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus) to find relevant peer-reviewed published papers (n = 131). A random-effects model was employed to calculate pooled prevalence estimates, and Q-statistic and I2 index were used to assess the heterogeneity. Based on 20.133 cats and 9.824 dogs, the global prevalence estimates were 15.3% and 3.6%. The heterogeneity was significantly high in both species, with I2 = 95.8%, p-value <0.0001, and I2 = 87.7%, p-value <0.0001 in cats and dogs, respectively. The meta-analysis conducted using location coordinates showed a consistently high prevalence in regions located between latitudes −40 to −30 or latitudes 30–40 in both populations, in agreement with the pure spatial analysis results, which computed significantly high relative risk areas within these region coordinates. When analyzing cat data for other subgroup moderators, Bartonella spp. prevalence was higher in animals of young age (<1 year, p-value = 0.001), with a free roaming lifestyle (p-value <0.0001) and/or having ectoparasite infestation (p-value = 0.004). Globally, among the Bartonella species detected in cats, Bartonella henselae was the most frequent (13.05%), followed by Bartonella clarridgeiae (1.7%) and Bartonella koehlerae (0.11%). When considering Bartonella henselae genotype distribution, high heterogeneity (p < 0.0001) was observed based on geographical subgroups. Dogs displayed infection by Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii (1.1%), B. henselae (1%), Candidatus B. merieuxii (0.9%) and B. rochalimae (0.38%). The present study provides a global picture of the epidemiological distribution of Bartonella spp. in cat and dog populations that may be pivotal for implementing proper preventive and control measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piroplasmosis is a zoonotic disease mainly caused by the Babesia and Theileria parasites. Piroplasmosis is often a subclinical infection in dogs and cats that is difficult to detect and is often suspected when clinical signs such as anemia are present. It has been reported to be prevalent in China. However, molecular evidence of the disease has not been reported in pet dogs and cats in Guiyang. In this study, we collected 307 anticoagulated blood samples from an animal hospital in the Wudang District of Guiyang during the period March 2021 to November 2021 and extracted DNA from the samples. The 18S rDNA gene was amplified using PCR, and the positive amplification product was sequenced. The sequences were then analyzed for homology and phylogeny. Of the 307 samples collected, 164 were feline and 143 were canine, with a total of 23 amplifying a target band of approximately 400 bp. The percentage of positives of piroplasms infection in pet cats was 4.27% (7/164), with the pathogens being T. uilenbergi (3) and T. luwenshuni (4). One Colpodella sp. and two undetermined species were also detected in the cat samples. The percentage of positives of piroplasms infection in pet dogs was 7.69% (11/143), with the pathogen being T. uilenbergi (11). One Colpodella sp. was also detected in the dog samples. The results confirmed that T. uilenbergi and T. luwenshuni are prevalent in pet cats and dogs in this area. In addition, the study found a rare zoonotic pathogen, Colpodella sp., in cats and dogs. Therefore, this study is expected to serve as a valuable reference for decision-making regarding animal health management and public health work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dexmedetomidine (Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride‐Dexdomitor; Zoetis) is the preferred sedative used for canine intradermal allergen testing (IDT) in the United States. Alfaxalone (Alfaxan Multidose; Jurox Animal Health) is a neuroactive steroid, and its effect on sedation and allergen reactivity scores is unknown. Hypothesis/Objectives: We hypothesised that alfaxalone would produce an adequate level of sedation with fewer cardiovascular adverse effects and would not affect allergen reactivity scores or histamine wheal size compared to dexmedetomidine. Materials and Methods: Twenty client‐owned dogs were included in two groups: 10 atopic and 10 nonatopic. In a randomised, controlled, blinded, cross‐over design all dogs underwent two modified IDT, 1–4 weeks apart, using intravenous dexmedetomidine (2.87–5.22 μg/kg) or alfaxalone (1.8–2.4 mg/kg). Anaesthetic parameters and sedation level were recorded over 25 min using a validated canine sedation scale described by Grint et al. (Small Anim Pract, 2009, 50, 62). Simultaneously, both objective and subjective reactivity scores were measured in technical triplicates at 10, 15 and 20 min. The modified IDT included eight allergens, histamine‐positive and saline‐negative controls. Results: Alfaxalone produced a significantly higher sedation score across all time points (p < 0.05). All objective scores were significantly correlated to the corresponding subjective scores (Spearman R = 0.859, p < 0.0001). Sedative used did not significantly affect subjective allergen scores for nine atopic dogs (p > 0.05, 15 min). Sedative used did not affect the diameter of objective scores for individual allergens and histamine wheals (p > 0.05, 15 min). Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Intravascular alfaxalone is an alternative sedative for IDT in dogs. Alfaxalone may be preferred to dexmedetomidine in some clinical scenarios as a result of having fewer cardiovascular adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neglected intestinal helminthiases are very prevalent worldwide and represent a serious problem of: environmental contamination (presence of feces with infective parasitic forms dispersed in the soil), animal health and public health. This paper explains new research perspectives on the ecoepidemiology of neglected intestinal helminthiasis in urban-marginal and rural areas of the province of Guayas (Ecuador). By means of an applied study with a qualitative, quantitative, field, descriptive-prospective-analyticaltransversal approach, fecal samples from humans and their domestic dogs from the indicated areas will be analyzed, in order to provide information: The relationship between the environment-helminthsand hosts, prevalence of neglected intestinal helminthiases, zoonotic association, characterization of environmental variables, specification of social determinants of health and generate scientific production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidemiological and statistical methods were used to analyze the epidemiological situation regarding Lyme borreliosis in humans and domestic dogs in Ukraine. The data of the Central Health Service of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine on the incidence of Lyme borreliosis in humans over the last 20 years of passive epidemiological observation (2003–2022) were analyzed, and time trends and seasonal dynamics of incidence were studied. The prevalence of Lyme borreliosis among domestic dogs over the last decade (2013–2022) was analyzed based on data from a survey of veterinarians. Cross-regional geographic trends in the prevalence of Lyme borreliosis in humans and domestic dog populations are compared. The obtained data indicate an increasing trend in the incidence of Lyme borreliosis in Ukraine over the past two decades. The peak of incidence was recorded in 2018 – 12.77 cases per 100,000 population. Over the 5 years, from 2018 to 2022, Ukraine experienced the highest level of Lyme disease incidence, which was 45.16 cases per 100,000 population and statistically higher than the incidence rates in 2003–2007 (2.86 cases per 100,000 population) and 2008–2012 (13.33 cases per 100,000 population), confirming a trend of increasing disease prevalence over the years. Seasonal dynamics are observed, with the highest incidence rates occurring during the summer months, especially in June, July, August, and the early autumn month of September, as indicated by a seasonal disease index exceeding one. The study revealed geographical variations in the prevalence of Lyme borreliosis among both humans and domestic dogs. Over the past 10 years, from 2013 to 2022, regions of Northern and Central Ukraine, including Kyiv, Sumy, Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Vinnytsia, and Poltava oblasts, have shown relatively higher rates of Lyme borreliosis in both humans and domestic dogs. Conversely, the southern regions of Ukraine consistently report lower incidence rates of Lyme borreliosis in both populations, especially in Odesa, Mykolaiv and Kherson oblasts. The similarity of the geographical distribution of Lyme borreliosis among humans and domestic dogs is confirmed statistically. The study findings highlight the growing public health burden of Lyme borreliosis and the importance of ongoing disease surveillance. In addition, they highlight the valuable contribution of veterinary data on the incidence of Lyme borreliosis in domestic dogs, providing a passive but important source of additional information. In addition, the study results provide valuable information on the geographic distribution of Lyme borreliosis in both humans and domestic dogs, which will aid in the development of targeted intervention strategies aimed at mitigating the impact of the disease in selected high-risk regions. A deeper understanding of the epidemiological aspects of the disease will contribute to the development of science-based strategies for the prevention and control of Lyme borreliosis, in accordance with the concept of One Health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Corn-fermented protein, a co-product of ethanol production, can be utilized as a protein source for pet food. Currently, there are no studies that have evaluated the impact of this ingredient on the fecal microbiota of dogs, an indicator of animal health. The overall richness and diversity of the fecal microbiota were maintained when dogs were fed corn-fermented protein compared to traditional ingredients such as brewer's dried yeast and distiller's dried grains with solubles. Corn-fermented protein (CFP), a co-product from the ethanol industry, is produced using post-fermentation technology to split the protein and yeast from fiber prior to drying. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of CFP compared to traditional ingredients on the fecal microbiota of dogs. The four experimental diets included a control with no yeast and diets containing either 3.5% brewer's dried yeast, 2.5% brewer's dried yeast plus 17.5% distiller's dried grains with solubles, or 17.5% CFP. The experimental diets were fed to adult dogs (n = 12) in a 4 × 4 replicated Latin square design. Fresh fecal samples (n = 48) were analyzed by 16S metagenomic sequencing. Raw sequences were processed through mothur. Community diversity was evaluated in R. Relative abundance data were analyzed within the 50 most abundant operational taxonomic units using a mixed model of SAS. Alpha and beta diversity were similar for all treatments. Predominant phyla among all samples were Firmicutes (73%), Bacteroidetes (15%), Fusobacteria (8%), and Actinobacteria (4%). There were no quantifiable (p > 0.05) shifts in the predominant phyla among the treatments. However, nine genera resulted in differences in relative abundance among the treatments. These data indicate that compared to traditional ingredients, CFP did not alter the overall diversity of the fecal microbiota of healthy adult dogs over 14 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Egypt, dogs are routinely fed a home-cooked diet prepared by their owner (e.g. boiled chicken legs). The nutrition of pets is crucial to the health state of various body systems and that can be reflected in the complete blood count picture as well as general health of the animal. Poor nutrition can result in various nutritional deficiency disorders such as nutritional deficiency anemia. Nine native breed puppies were screened at regular intervals using a general health physical examination including monitoring their temperature, general inspection, heart and respiratory rate measurements before changing their diet in a controlled experiment. The dogs were kept indoors and their diet was changed from the traditional home cooked food into a commercially available dry diet. Blood samples were also collected for a complete blood count on day one before starting the commercial diet and day 30 at the end of the experiment. The complete blood picture was monitored on set days throughout the experiment and the fecal score was assessed using a fecal scoring system of Royal Canine on day 1 before starting the commercial diet and day 30 at the end of the experiment. There was a significant difference in most blood parameters following the change in diet. Those that were significantly higher were: the total RBCs count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit value, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (p<0.05). The fecal score also improved from loose stool into clearly defined shape and that change was statistically significant (p<0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) can affect the health of domestic and wild animals, and their prevalence is increasing worldwide. As potential reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens, dogs might transfer these pathogens to humans. There is limited knowledge about the vector-borne pathogens circulating in dogs in China. To investigate the current epidemiological status and genetic characteristics of Ehrlichia spp., Hepatozoon spp., and Mycoplasma spp., blood samples were collected from healthy pet dogs in four regions of China. There was no evidence of Ehrlichia spp. or Mycoplasma spp., and only Hepatozoon canis was detected in these dogs. High haplotype diversity and the occurrence of genetic variation were observed among these H. canis isolates. These results will be useful for developing effective control approaches against CVBDs in companion animals. Canine vector-borne diseases are widely distributed around the world. They are transmitted by arthropods, and many seriously threaten the health of animals and humans. In China, our knowledge of Ehrlichia, Hepatozoon, and Mycoplasma species circulating in dogs is still poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to understand the prevalence and genetic characteristics of canine Ehrlichia spp., Hepatozoon spp., and Mycoplasma spp. in Chongqing (southwest), Fujian (southeast), Shandong (southeast), and Hubei (central) Provinces of China. Blood samples from healthy pet dogs were processed to detect Ehrlichia, Hepatozoon, and Mycoplasma DNA with PCR. Haplotype and phylogenetic analyses were performed on 18S rRNA sequences. Among 306 dogs, no Ehrlichia spp. or Mycoplasma spp. were detected, whereas one Hepatozoon sp. was detected in 10 (3.27%) of the animals. Only Hepatozoon canis was identified and was endemic to Chongqing (2.46%) and Hubei (8.77%). A haplotype analysis identified eight haplotypes among the H. canis isolates. A phylogenetic analysis showed that the H. canis isolates in this study clustered into four clades, together with isolates from different countries and hosts, forming a large group that was clearly separate from other Hepatozoon species. These findings provided new information on the epidemiological characteristics of canine vector-borne diseases in China and will be helpful in the development of efficient measures to safeguard the health and well-being of companion animals and their owners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leishmaniosis caused by the protozoon Leishmania infantum that is transmitted through the bites of infected phlebotomine sandflies is of major veterinary concern in Greece. The country is endemic with particularly favourable environmental conditions for the spread of this infection. Moreover, Greece remains a popular touristic destination, and the continuous travel of pets raises concern regarding the possible dissemination of infection from endemic to non-endemic areas. Dogs are the main reservoir host, although other animal species, including humans, may also be infected. Canine leishmaniosis manifests as a visceral disease that can result in death if left untreated. Serological and molecular epizootiological studies have confirmed circulation of the parasite in Greek canine and feline populations as well as in other mammals. As a result, constant surveillance and identification of high-risk localities are necessary to establish chemoprophylactic protocols for travelling animals to safeguard animal and public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In the evolving field of veterinary medicine, the need for innovative treatments for parasitic infections in pets is more pressing than ever. Parasites such as ticks, roundworms, hookworms, and pinworms are persistent threats to animal health, demanding solutions that are both effective and easy to administer such as oral palatable chewable tablets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic utility of a cancer genomic diagnostic assay (SearchLight DNA; Vidium Animal Health) for diagnostically ambiguous cancer cases. ANIMALS 69 privately owned dogs with ambiguous cancer diagnoses and for which the genomic assay was performed. PROCEDURES Genomic assay reports generated between September 28, 2020, and July 31, 2022, for dogs with malignancy or suspected malignancy were reviewed to determine the assay’s clinical utility defined as providing diagnostic clarity, prognostic information, and/or therapeutic options. RESULTS Genomic analysis provided diagnostic clarity in 37 of 69 cases (54%; group 1) and therapeutic and/or prognostic information in 22 of the remaining 32 cases (69%; group 2) for which the diagnosis remained elusive. Overall, the genomic assay was clinically useful in 86% (59/69) of cases. CLINICAL RELEVANCE To our knowledge, this was the first study to evaluate the multifaceted clinical utility of a single cancer genomic test in veterinary medicine. Study findings supported the use of tumor genomic testing for dogs with cancer, particularly those that are diagnostically ambiguous and therefore inherently challenging to manage. This evidence-driven genomic assay provided diagnostic guidance, prognostic support, and therapeutic options for most patients with an unclear cancer diagnosis that would otherwise have an unsubstantiated clinical plan. Furthermore, 38% (26/69) of samples were easily obtained aspirates. Sample factors (sample type, percentage of tumor cells, and number of mutations) did not influence diagnostic yield. Our study demonstrated the value of genomic testing for the management of canine cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We hypothesized that keratouveitis still occurs despite current widespread use of Canine adenovirus (CAV)‐2 vaccinations and assessed the utility of CAV‐1 and CAV‐2 titers in elucidation of its etiopathogenesis. Animals studied: Nine dogs with unexplained keratouveitis (14 eyes) and nine control dogs. Procedures: The Animal Health Trust clinical database was searched between 2008 and 2018 to identify cases of keratouveitis. Inclusion criteria included known vaccination status, interval from vaccination to development of clinical signs and availability of CAV titers. Cases were excluded if they were older than 1 year of age, or other causative ocular pathology for corneal edema was identified. Nine age‐matched dogs without corneal edema but with CAV titers were included as controls. Results: Mean CAV‐1 and CAV‐2 titers were not statistically different between dogs with keratouveitis and controls (p =.16 and p =.76, respectively). Three cases had CAV‐1 titers >5000 and two of these cases had rising convalescence titers (greater than an 11‐fold increase) suggesting infection with wild‐type CAV‐1. The six other cases did not appear to be associated with CAV infection or vaccination. Conclusion: Keratouveitis continues to occur despite the advent of CAV‐2 vaccinations. While this study found no evidence to indicate CAV‐2 vaccination causes keratouveitis, the data indicates that in a proportion of cases, contemporaneous wild‐type CAV‐1 infection is a possible cause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to describe the most frequently recorded disorders in dogs in Alexandria Government and provides a prevalence baseline against which to measure progress in canine health. The surgical conditions affecting the eyes, mouth and nose and its surrounding structures are numerous. These conditions affect adversely the general health condition of the animal as it is causing disruption of the important biological processes in the body. In the present study, a total number of 422 pet animals suffering from different surgical conditions were recorded. The surgical conditions of the eye and its surrounding structures represented about 25.11% of the encountered surgical conditions along this study with maximum incidence of diseases of nictating membrane. Meanwhile, the surgical conditions of the mouth and their surrounding structures were recorded in 14.21% of the encountered surgical conditions. The surgical conditions of the nose represent 0.47 %. The results of the present study revealed that the surgical conditions affecting the eyes and its related structures were recorded in 106 cases. These conditions include eyelid laceration and trauma (17 cases), eye lid abscess (1 case), eye lid neoplasia (2 cases), entropion (10 cases), neonatal defect in eyelid opening (5 cases), eye proptosis (2 cases), eye infection (1 case) and diseases of nictating membrane (68 cases). The mouth and nose disorders include dental tartar (13 cases), periodontal diseases (3 cases), persisting deciduous teeth and polydontium (3 cases), neoplastic lesion (3 cases), foreign body in mouth (22 cases), lip wound (16 cases), and epistaxis (2 cases). Most of the surgical disorders of the mouth and related structures affected the animal's health and are usually associated with difficult mastication. These disorders usually required immediate surgical interferences. German Shepherd, Rottweiler and Pit bull recorded highest incidence of disorders with maximum cases in young age group up to 2 years 104 cases (24.63%) of age. Sex wise incidence was higher in male 101 cases (23.91%) dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intestinal microbiota is fundamental in the proper nutritional, physiological and immunological functions of domestic dogs involved in the agricultural sector in the care of animals and crops. The presence of a microbial ecosystem is essential to maximize animal health and performance. The present study is a systematic review of the role of the intestinal microbiota in the health and disease of dogs and its importance in the agricultural sector. It is aimed at efforts to reduce the use of antibiotics in domestic dogs and production animals. Gut microbiota has the ability to enhance disease resistance in hosts. Developing a diet with cereal grains high in fermentable carbohydrates, probiotics and prebiotics is a sustainable option to increase microbial diversity and beneficial microbes, which help prevent the incidence of diarrhea and decrease the use of subtherapeutic antibiotics. Finally, it is important to mention that the intestinal microbiota provides greater protection to animals against infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Blood has been considered a sterile environment. However, recent studies demonstrated the presence of bacterial DNA in healthy individuals. Most of the research has focused on human health, although this is an expanding topic in animal health. More needs to be done to understand the origin of bacteria found in blood, especially in relation to the host's health status. This study aims to characterize the blood microbiome in healthy dogs and dogs with gastrointestinal disease and to compare the microbial blood population with the fecal microbiome. Results showed a clear separation of blood and fecal microbiome between the healthy and unhealthy groups, suggesting a translocation of the bacteria from the gut to the blood. More investigations are necessary to understand the bacteria's origin and viability in blood. Recent studies have found bacterial DNA in the blood of healthy individuals. To date, most studies on the blood microbiome have focused on human health, but this topic is an expanding research area in animal health as well. This study aims to characterize the blood microbiome of both healthy dogs and those with chronic gastro-enteropathies. For this study, blood and fecal samples were collected from 18 healthy and 19 sick subjects, DNA was extracted through commercial kits, and the V3-V4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene were sequenced on the Illumina platform. The sequences were analyzed for taxonomic annotation and statistical analysis. Alpha and beta diversities of fecal microbiome were significantly different between the two groups of dogs. Principal coordinates analysis revealed that healthy and sick subjects were significantly clustered for both blood and fecal microbiome samples. Moreover, bacterial translocation from the gut to the bloodstream has been suggested because of found shared taxa. Further studies are needed to determine the origin of the blood microbiome and the bacteria viability. The characterization of a blood core microbiome in healthy dogs has potential for use as a diagnostic tool to monitor for the development of gastro-intestinal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volatile compounds of anal sac secretions are odorant chemicals used across the carnivores for social communication such as identifying individuals and group membership. Odor profiles taken from expressed anal sac secretions of some species of carnivores have been detected in previous studies. In this study, the volatile compounds of anal sac secretions between five male and five female domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) were compared. Volatile chemicals were extracted, separated, and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with solid-phase micro-extraction and identified from their electron ionization mass spectra and Kovats retention indices. The results showed the presence of various types of compounds including organic fatty acids, ketones, aldehydes, esters, and alcohols in the anal sac secretions of dogs. Greater amounts of diversity and esters, and lower amounts of alcohols were detected in the anal sac secretions of females compared to males. This was accompanied by finding citrate and acetic acid ester only in the females. Furthermore, presence of some sex-specific organic compounds like dimethylcyclopentyl ethanone indicates that the volatile profiles of anal sac secretions in 10 domestic dogs are differentiated by host sex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To analyze the population management of dogs and cats in Bogota between 2004 and 2021 within the “One Welfare” framework. Materials and Methods. This is a retrospective, descriptive study that includes an analysis of public and private interventions related to the sterilization, adoption, and slaughter of companion animals, discriminating by location, species, sex, and sector (public or private). The available information was organized using Excel®, with a descriptive analysis and results expressed in frequencies, proportions, and rates. Results. Between 2004 and 2021, 750.949 cats and dogs were sterilized in the public sector and 217.276 in the private sector; 22.126 were adopted through the district adoption program, 101.165 animals were slaughtered, of which 8.8% were cats; after the year 2005 cats were included in the population estimates and after 2014 information was collected from private veterinarians (sterilization) who contributed with the 29% of the total number of interventions. Conclusions. The population growth of animals demands health, policies, and environmental attention, and its ethical management must be kept, although it should be complemented with actions from various sources where these animals live. The One Welfare approach is a method that recognizes the interconnections between animal, human, and environmental welfare and facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration to improve their welfare, as well as complements and communicates with One Health. This paper contributes, therefore, by presenting in an organized and compared way the available management statistics, for the decision-makers and the interested community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intestinal parasites in livestock cause huge economic setbacks. Moreover, these parasites can threaten human health when also present in companion animals. Objectives: The study examined the prevalence and burden of intestinal parasites among roaming/migrating animals (goats, sheep, cattle, and dogs) to provide insights into the risk of potential human parasitic infections. Methods: A total of 1,741 fecal samples from goats (n = 920), sheep (n = 335), cattle (n = 230) and dogs (n = 256) were obtained randomly across 18 local government areas in Edo State, Nigeria. The parasite samples were recovered and identified under a microscope. Molecular tools were used to identify Toxocara spp. Results: Eighteen different parasites were isolated. Among the different groups of parasites observed, nematodes occurred the most, followed by protozoans. Among nematodes, Haemonchus was most prevalent in goats (28.04%) and sheep (29.85%), while Strongyloides (10.86%) and Bunostomum (8.69%) were relatively high in cattle. Strongyloides (3.9%), hookworm (3.9%), and Toxocara (3.12%) were the predominant parasites in dogs. For protozoan parasites, Eimeria was most common in all 4 animal hosts. Several goats (2.39%) and sheep (2.38%) tested positive for Fasciola spp. Molecular analysis confirmed Toxocara canis in dogs for the first time in Nigeria. Conclusions: The major parasites recovered from these roaming/migrating animals have zoonotic potentials that can threaten human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]