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An entrustable professional activity (EPA) model was used to assess the anesthesia and surgery competence of year 4 students during elective neutering procedures over 3 academic years (cohort A, cohort B, and cohort C). Two competence thresholds were defined by an expert panel, the minimum acceptable standard (MAS) and the standard expected at the start of final-year rotations (SFR). The assessment scheme performed as expected, and the median level of supervision achieved by students either matched or exceeded the SFR for all EPAs except one, which matched the MAS. Semester of assessment was associated with student performance, with more students in semester 2 achieving the SFR. In the EPAs assessing pain management, documentation, and patient discharge, cohort A was associated with reduced student performance; this could be explained by changes in the delivery of teaching that enhanced performance in subsequent cohorts (academic years). For all EPAs combined and for EPAs 3, 5, 6, 8, and 9, student performance at the SFR was associated with academic year. For all EPAs combined and EPAs 3, 8, and 9, there was a reduction in the proportion of students achieving the SFR threshold in each successive year. At the MAS, the only association for all EPAs combined was with cohort C. This progressive reduction in performance may have been related to the negative effect of decreased time spent at the neutering clinic and loss of feedback opportunities outweighing the positive effects of increased staff:student ratio and improvements in the preparative phases.

Cancer is a major reason for veterinary consultation, especially in companion animals. Cancer surveillance plays a key role in prevention but opportunities for such surveillance in companion animals are limited by the lack of suitable veterinary population health infrastructures. In this paper we describe a pathology-based animal tumour registry (PTR) developed within the Small Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network (SAVSNET) built from electronic pathology records (EPR) submitted to this network. From an original collection of 180232 free text (non-structured) EPRs reported between April 2018 and June 2019, we used specific text-mining methodologies to identify 109895 neoplasias. These data were normalized to describe both the tumour (type and location) and the animal (breed, neutering status and veterinary practice postcode). The resulting PTR, the largest of its kind for companion animals to date, is an important research resource being able to facilitate a wide array of research in areas including surveillance, clinical decision making and comparative cancer biology., Measurement(s)tumourTechnology Type(s)digital curation • text miningFactor Type(s)animal species • breed • sex • neuter statusSample Characteristic - OrganismCanis lupus familiaris • Felis catusSample Characteristic - LocationUnited Kingdom Machine-accessible metadata file describing the reported data: 10.6084/m9.figshare.15074079

Objective The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for an agility dog becoming injured during its career. We hypothesized that certain factors involved with the training, competition, age, sex, age of neuter, body condition, and management could be associated with the risk for injury. Study Design The outcome of interest in this cross-sectional survey design was injury versus no injury, and an initial univariable analysis screening was performed. All variables with a p-value of less than 0.20 in univariable analysis were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model. Manual backward stepwise removal was performed until remaining variables had a p-value of less than 0.05. Results Five-hundred responses were included in the analysis. In the final multivariable model adjusting for all other variables, breed, age, age at neuter, and level of competition remained associated with injury in the study population. Conclusion These findings support existing literature on the predispositions for injury with certain breeds and competition level. Our study further suggests, however, that there is a need to better understand how health decisions earlier in life may affect the prevalence for injury in the agility competitor, particularly regarding age at neutering and age of the competitor.

In this study, we conducted study to explore the association between serum cross-linked N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTx), a marker of bone resorption, and age, body weight, and blood biochemical parameters as well as the neutered and intact status in male and female dogs. We targeted 145 healthy dogs (aged 0.33–18.33 years); 70 were males (38 intact, 32 castrated), and 75 were females (31 intact, 44 ovariohysterectomized). We found that the NTx levels were significantly higher in dogs aged ≤2 years than in older dogs. NTx concentration tended to decrease with age in dogs aged ≤2 years, but not significantly, and remained constant in dogs aged >2 years. Accordingly, we investigated sex/sterilization status in two age cohorts (juvenile-to-young-adult, ≤2 years of age; adult-to-geriatric, >2 years of age). In the adult-to-geriatric cohort, NTx concentration was highest in intact males, followed by neutered males, neutered females, and intact females. The intact vs. neutered difference was significant in males, but not in females. Our results suggested that estradiol deficiency may not affect bone metabolism in female dogs, but androgen deficiency may affect bone metabolism in male dogs. Furthermore, age did not affect bone metabolism after 2 years. NTx concentrations were significantly higher in the juvenile-to-young-adult cohort than in the adult-to-geriatric cohort and tended to decrease with age, similar to young humans. This study unveils novel sex differences in canine serum NTx concentrations and suggests the effect of neutering on bone metabolism, showing that serum NTx concentrations change with age.

Objectives To evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for overweight status in dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK. Materials and methods A retrospective study design was used to estimate the 1-year (2016) period prevalence of overweight status. The clinical records were randomly ordered and manually validated for dogs with overweight status during 2016. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression modelling were used to evaluate associations between risk factors (breed, brachycephalic status, adult bodyweight, bodyweight relative to breed-sex mean, age, sex-neuter and insurance) and overweight status. Results There were 1580 of 22,333 dogs identified as overweight during 2016. The estimated 1-year period prevalence for overweight status recorded in dogs under veterinary care was 7.1% (95% confidence interval 6.7-7.4). After accounting for confounding factors, eight breeds showed increased odds of overweight status compared with crossbred dogs. The breeds with the highest odds included the Pug (OR 3.12, 95% confidence interval 2.31 to 4.20), Beagle (OR 2.67, 1.75 to 4.08), Golden Retriever (OR 2.58, 1.79 to 3.74) and English Springer Spaniel (OR 1.98, 1.31 to 2.98). Being neutered, middle-aged and insured were additionally associated with overweight status. Clinical significance Targeted overweight prevention strategies should be prioritised for predisposed breeds, such as Pugs and Beagles. The findings additionally raise questions about further preventative efforts following neutering. The prevalence estimate suggests veterinary professionals are underreporting overweight status and therefore could be missing key welfare opportunities.

Objectives The objectives of this study were to validate a commercially available luteinising hormone (LH) cat ELISA, to determine whether the increases in plasma LH concentration that occur after neutering are maintained throughout cats’ lives and if other factors such as calendar seasons in both intact and neutered cats, and neutering age in neutered cats, influence plasma LH concentrations. Methods Stored plasma samples from client-owned cats were used for the measurement of LH concentrations. Clinical data, including age, sex, age at neutering and medical history, were reviewed. Two populations were included in this study: (1) a senior and geriatric cat population (⩾9 years old), including 18 intact and 18 neutered cats matched for age, sex and month of sample collection; and (2) an adult cat population (2–8 years old), including 45 neutered cats. LH concentrations were measured using a commercially available feline ELISA. Results Senior and geriatric neutered cats had higher plasma LH concentrations than age-matched intact cats ( P Conclusions and relevance Neutering causes a significant long-term increase in LH concentrations in cats and further studies are required to determine the consequences on feline health.

The present study aimed to evaluate the inflammatory response, oxidative status and fatty acid deposition in reproductive tissues of cats supplemented with the dried microalgae Schizochytrium spp. (Thraustochytriaceae) as a DHA source. Thirty-seven cats (males, n 21; females, n 16; 11·5 (sd 0·5) months of age) were divided by sex into five groups. Treatment diets contained algae biomass at 4·0, 8·0, 12·0 or 16·0 g/kg replacing poultry fat (n-6 source). Cats were fed the respective diet for 62 d and neutered on day 58. Blood samples were collected at the beginning of the experiment (day 1), before neutering (day 58) and 4 d after surgery (day 62) for analysis of inflammation and oxidative markers. Acute-phase protein levels were altered (P < 0·01) in the postoperative period, without any treatment effect (P > 0·05). PGE2 concentrations after surgery were reduced linearly (R2 0·8706; P = 0·002) with microalgal inclusion. Blood platelet count was reduced (P = 0·001) after the surgery regardless treatment, but it was higher in the DHA group compared with control (P < 0·001). The DHA deposition (testicles, R2 0·846; ovaries, R2 0·869) and the n-6:n-3 ratio (testicles, R2 0·859; ovaries, R2 0·955) in gonads had a pattern which fitted a quadratic model. DHA from Schizochytrium spp. modifies PGE2 response after the surgery in cats. The physiological roles of the DHA in the reproduction of cats were not investigated, but its gonadal deposition after supplementation was observed.

This study observed the effects of three different surgical positions on arterial blood oxygenation measured noninvasively by pulse oximetry (SpO2) and on intraocular pressure (IOP) in anaesthetised cats undergoing spay. A total of 222 female feral cats were anaesthetised for a large-scale trap-neuter-return program with an intramuscular combination of medetomidine (0.03 - 0.05 mg/kg), ketamine (7 - 10 mg/kg) and butorphanol (0.4 mg/kg). Cats were randomly allocated to undergo spay in either Trendelenburg (70° downward head tilt), lateral or dorsal recumbency. SpO2 and pulse rate were measured at baseline, prior to surgical positioning, after one minute in surgical position and in one-minute intervals after surgical incision. Intraocular pressure was measured before positioning and at the end of surgery. At the end of surgery, all cats were placed into left lateral recumbency and all parameters were revaluated after five minutes. No significant differences between the three positions were found regarding SpO2, but an increase over time was observed. In total, 52 ± 10% (mean ± SD) of cats were hypoxaemic (SpO290%) at baseline. SpO2 improved over time, but 27 ± 3% (mean ± SD) of the cats remained hypoxaemic at the end of surgery. Trendelenburg position increased IOP during surgery (mean 31 ± 6 mmHg, individual max. 48 mmHg, versus 17 ± 4 mmHg in dorsal/lateral recumbency) but normalised after 5 mins in lateral recumbence. All cats recovered well from surgery and were released within 24 hours post-anaesthesia. Surgical position was shown to have no notable influence on SpO2 during anaesthesia in cats not receiving oxygen supplementation, whereas Trendelenburg position led to increased IOP. Oxygen supplementation is recommended with this anaesthetic protocol, as hypoxaemia is frequently observed.In dieser Studie wurden die Auswirkungen von drei verschiedene Positionen während der Kastration auf die arterielle Sauerstoffsättigung (SpO2) und den Augen­innendruck (IOD) untersucht. Insgesamt wurden 222 Kätzinnen mit einer intramuskulären Kombination aus Medetomidin (0,03 - 0,05 mg/kg), Ketamin (7 - 10 mg/kg) und Butorphanol (0,4 mg/kg) für ein Fang-, Kastrations- und Wiederfreilassungs- Programm anästhesiert. Die Katzen wurden nach dem Zufallsprinzip ausgewählt, um entweder in der Trendelenburg Position (70° Abwärtsneigung des Kopfes), in Seitenlage (lateral) oder in Rückenlage (dorsal) kastriert zu werden. SpO2 und Pulsfrequenz wurden zu Beginn vor der chirurgischen Positionierung, nach einer Minute in der chirurgischen Position und in Intervallen von einer Minute nach der chirurgischen Inzision gemessen. Der IOD wurde vor der Positionierung und am Ende des chirurgischen Eingriffes gemessen. Nach der Kas­tration wurden alle Katzen in linke Seitenlage gebracht und alle Parameter nach fünf Minuten erneut gemessen. Für SpO2 konnte kein signifikanter Unterschied zwischen den drei Positionen gemessen werden, doch konnte ein Anstieg im Laufe der Zeit beobachtet werden. Zu Studienbeginn wurde bei 52 ± 10% (Mittelwert ± SD) der Katzen eine Hypoxämie (SpO2.Dans cette étude, on a observé les effets de trois positions chirurgicales différentes sur l’oxygénation du sang artériel mesurée de manière non invasive par oxymétrie de pouls (SpO2) et sur la pression intraoculaire (PIO) chez des chattes anesthésiées subissant une stérilisation. Un total de 222 chattes sauvages ont été, dans le cadre d’un large programme de piégeage-castration-libération, anesthésiées avec une combinaison de médétomidine (0,03 à 0,05 mg/kg), de kétamine (7 à 10 mg/kg) et de butorphanol (0,4 mg/kg) par voie intramusculaire. Les chattes ont été réparties au hasard pour subir une stérilisation en Trendelenburg (inclinaison de la tête à 70 ° vers le bas), en décubitus latéral ou dorsal. La SpO2 et la fréquence du pouls ont été mesurées au départ, avant le positionnement chirurgical, après une minute en position chirurgicale et à des intervalles d’une minute après l’incision chirurgicale. La pression intraoculaire a été mesurée avant le positionnement et à la fin de la chirurgie. À la fin de la chirurgie, toutes les chattes ont été placées en décubitus latéral gauche et tous les paramètres ont été réévalués après cinq minutes. Aucune différence significative entre les trois positions n’a été constatée concernant la SpO2, mais une augmentation au fil du temps a été observée. Au total, 52 ± 10% (moyenne ± SD) des chattes étaient hypoxémiques (SpO2.Questo studio ha osservato gli effetti di tre diverse posizioni chirurgiche sull’ossigenazione del sangue arterioso misurata in modo non invasivo tramite pulsossimetria (SpO2) e sulla pressione intraoculare (IOP) nei gatti anestetizzati sottoposti a sterilizzazione. Un totale di 222 gatti selvatici femmine sono stati anestetizzati per un programma su larga scala trappola-neutro-ritorno con una combinazione intramuscolare di medetomidina (0,03 - 0,05 mg/kg), ketamina (7 - 10 mg/kg) e butorfanolo (0,4 mg/kg). I gatti sono stati randomizzati per essere sottoposti a sterilizzazione in posizione di Trendelenburg (70 ° di inclinazione della testa verso il basso), laterale o dorsale. La SpO2 e la frequenza del polso sono stati misurati al valore basale, prima del posizionamento chirurgico, dopo un minuto in posizione chirurgica e a intervalli di un minuto dopo l’incisione chirurgica. La pressione intraoculare è stata misurata prima del posizionamento e alla fine dell’intervento chirurgico. Alla fine dell’intervento, tutti i gatti sono stati posizionati sul decubito laterale sinistro e tutti i parametri sono stati rivalutati dopo cinque minuti. Non sono state riscontrate differenze significative tra le tre posizioni per quanto riguarda la SpO2, ma è stato osservato un aumento nel tempo. In totale, 52 ± 10% (media ± SD) gatti sono risultati ipossiemici (SpO290%) al valore basale. La SpO2 è migliorata nel tempo, ma 27 ± 3% (media ± SD) gatti sono rimasti ipossiemici alla fine dell’intervento. La posizione di Trendelenburg ha determinato un aumento dell’IOP durante l’intervento chirurgico (una media di 31 ± 6 mmHg, individuo max. 48 mmHg risp. 17 ± 4 mmHg in posizione dorsale/laterale) ma si è normalizzata dopo 5 minuti in posizione laterale. Tutti i gatti si sono ripresi bene dall’intervento e sono stati rilasciati entro 24 ore dopo l’anestesia. La posizione chirurgica ha dimostrato di non avere un’influenza notevole sulla SpO2 durante l’anestesia nei gatti che non ricevono un’integrazione di ossigeno, mentre la posizione di Trendelenburg ha portato a un incremento della IOP. L’integrazione di ossigeno è raccomandata con questo protocollo anestetico, poiché l’ipossiemia è stata spesso rilevata.

The ability to make an accurate prognosis, which is a prerequisite for treatment decisions, is very limited in dogs with traumatic brain injury (TBI). To determine whether serum concentrations of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) have prognostic value in dogs following TBI, we conducted a prospective, observational, controlled clinical study in an intensive care unit of a university teaching hospital. The study population comprised 24 dogs admitted to the hospital within 72 h of a known event of TBI between January 2010 and January 2015, as well as 25 control healthy shelter dogs admitted for elective neutering. Seventeen injured dogs (70%) survived to discharge, four were euthanized and three died within 48 h. Serum samples were obtained from all dogs (in injured dogs, within 72 h of TBI) and NSE concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immonosorbent assay. Associations between NSE levels and outcome, Modified Glasgow Coma Scale, time to sampling, age or haemolysis scale were determined. Mean serum NSE concentrations were decreased in dogs with TBI compared with healthy controls (19.4 ± 4.14 ng/ml vs. 24.9 ± 4.6 ng/ml, P 0.001). No association was found between serum NSE concentrations and either survival or severity of neurological impairment. A negative correlation was found between serum NSE concentrations and time from trauma to blood collection (r = -0.50, P = 0.022). These results indicate that serum NSE concentration in dogs following TBI is not an effective marker for severity or outcome. Further studies are warranted to standardize serum NSE measurements in dogs and to determine the peak and half-life levels of this potential biomarker.

Pyometra is not a common disease in cats however in Egyptian veterinary clinics where owners do not usually go for elective neutering become a more common affection. It is an acute or chronic purulent endometritis, a sequel to progesterone stimulation. The traditional therapy for pyometra is ovariohysterectomy however medical treatment may be requested by owners or cat condition may not permit surgical treatment. The aim of the present study is to characterize the pyometra in cats and compare between ovariohysterectomy and medical treatment using PGF2α alone or PGF2α in combination with dopamine agonist. 45 cats were diagnosed with pyometra. Cats divided into 3 groups. Group 1 (n= 23): animals received PGF2α, Group 2 (n= 15): cats received PGF2α plus oral administration of Bromocriptine. Group 3 (n=7): went for ovariohysterectomy. Survival analysis of cats was performed in this study for 2 years after diagnosis. In G1 we censored 14 animals, eight of them returned with recurrent pyometra. The first recurrent case was recorded 3 months post-treatment. In G2 we censored 12 cats, four of them were returned with recurrent pyometra, the first recurrent case was met 8 months post-treatment. After 24 months, both G1 and G2 have no difference in the survival rate which reach for both treatment about 60% success in both groups. However, G3 survival rate was 100% success. Using dopamine agonist in medical treatment my delay the recurrences of pyometra for a short term however ovariohysterectomy whenever possible may be the best choice for treatment of pyometra.

Background Feline vector-borne pathogens (FeVBPs) have been increasingly investigated for their impact on cat health and their zoonotic potential. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of FeVBPs and haemoplasmas in cats across Italy and to identify potential risk factors linked to their occurrence. Methods Blood samples from 958 owned cats living in the North (n = 556), Centre (n = 173) and South (n = 229) of Italy were tested for Babesia spp., Hepatozoon spp., Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp. and filarioids by conventional PCR (cPCR) and for haemoplasmas and Bartonella spp. by SYBR green real-time PCR. Cats included in the study represent a sub-sample from a larger number of animals enrolled in a previous study, which were selected based on the geographical origin. Data on cats’ positivity for Leishmania infantum, feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), available from the previous study, were included and examined. Potential risk factors for pathogen infection were assessed in relationship to categorical variables including sex, geographical origin, breed, neutering status and age of cats. Results Out of the 958 cats, 194 (20.2%) were positive for at least one of the tested pathogens, 89 (16%) from the North, 32 (18.5%) from the Centre and 73 (31.9%) from the South of Italy. A high prevalence of FeVBPs was detected in male cats (n = 125, 27.8%), living in the southern part of the country (n = 73, 31.9%), younger than 18 months of age (n = 24, 22.4%) and not neutered (n = 39; 27.5%). In particular, 24 cats (2.5%) tested PCR-positive for Bartonella spp., of which 1.6% for B. henselae and 0.9% for B. clarridgeiae. A total of 111 cats scored PCR-positive for haemoplasmas (11.6%), specifically “Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum” (n = 95, 9.9%), M. haemofelis (n = 14, 1.5%) and “Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis” (n = 2, 0.2%). Moreover, 39, 31 and 8 cats were positive for FeLV (4.1%), L. infantum (3.2%) and FIV (0.8%), respectively. Co-infections were registered for 19 (9.8%) cats. Conclusions These results confirm the occurrence of haemoplasmas and FeVBPs throughout Italy. Preventive measures to protect both animal and human health should be carried out also for owned cats, even if no health status of animals has been assessed in this study.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the proportion of non-ambulatory dogs with cervical intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH) in a private clinic and to compare signalment and outcome between those that underwent single or multiple ventral slot decompression (VSD). DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. METHODS After screening 43,378 medical records (January 2010-September 2016), those of 185 dogs with non-ambulatory tetraparesis or tetraplegia along with cervical IVDH that had undergone single (123) or multiple (62) VSD were included in this study. Data on signalment, preoperative neurological status, location of affected intervertebral disc(s), time to ambulation and short-term outcome were compared between single and multiple VSD groups. RESULTS The proportion of non-ambulatory dogs with IVDH was 35.3%. The prevalence of non-ambulation was higher in male dogs (0.56%) than in female dogs (0.26%; P

Summary The objectives of the randomized prospective study were to report short-term and long-term outcomes and complications associated with laparoscopic castration in a cohort of dogs; and to validate long-term suppression of testosterone. Two groups were formed: Laparoscopic (LC, n = 17) and Conventional (CC, n = 7) castration. LC was achieved using a two-port approach and a vessel sealing device to transect testicular blood supply and ductus deferens. For each group, postoperative pain was evaluated. Testosterone concentration was measured at day 1, 6 and 12 months postoperative. Testicular volume was assessed at day 1 and 5 and 6 months postoperative. No major intraoperative complication occurred. Postoperative testosterone concentration was decreased in all dogs and not different from CC group (P = 0.09). Testicular volume evolution was marked by an enlargement 5 days postoperatively in 75% of dogs (P = 0.007), followed by a significant reduction after 6 months (P = 0.007). There was no significant difference in pain scores between both procedures (P = 0.24). In conclusion, LC is a reliable technique to achieve testosterone suppression and neutering and deserves further studies including larger cohort and longer follow-up. It cannot be recommended over CC but it is an ideal procedure as adjunctive neutering during another laparoscopic procedure.

Simple Summary Cats have been closely linked to humans for thousands of years. Nowadays, stray cats are frequently hosted in colonies, protected, and enrolled in programs of trap–neuter-–return to control population increase. Italian public veterinary services work in collaboration with voluntary colony caretakers and are responsible for neutering and monitoring the health of colony cats. This retrospective study, conducted by the Anatomical Pathology Unit of the Teaching Veterinary Hospital of Milan in collaboration with the public veterinary services, was undertaken because of the limited information available regarding causes of death of colony cats. The study reports on and statistically analyzes the causes of death of colony cats in the city of Milan as assessed by necropsy. Inflammatory processes including those consistent with the most relevant feline infectious diseases were most common in kittens and young cats. Trauma was more frequent in adult cats, while organ failure was the most common cause of death in aged cats. Considering the possible animal welfare issues deriving from colony cats, awareness of the most common causes of death and collaboration between university veterinary pathologists and public veterinary services represent an essential contribution to health monitoring of colony cats and can assist in the rapid detection of possible emerging animal welfare concerns. Abstract The presence of cats in urban environments has a long history. In Italy, stray cats are protected by national and regional laws, and programs of neutering and reintroduction to colonies are ongoing. Colony cats have been widely studied from a behavioral perspective, while surveys regarding their causes of death are limited, although they may provide relevant information related to public health and cat welfare. This retrospective study provides pathological descriptions and statistical analyses of the causes of death of 186 cats from 100 colonies in the city of Milan. Inflammatory processes represent the primary cause of death (37.7%) and include common feline infectious diseases such as feline panleukopenia (67.5%), particularly in kittens, and feline infectious peritonitis (32.5%), most common in adult cats. Trauma was found to be a common cause of death of young/adult cats (14%) with a generally good body condition, while severe parasitosis was less represented (2.6%). The death of old cats was statistically associated with organ failure (24.7%), particularly renal failure, and tumors (11.8%). Knowledge of the most common causes of death of colony cats could make an important contribution to the health monitoring of these cats and sanitary control of their habitats and provide information on possible related emerging animal welfare concerns.

Objectives The aim of this case-control study was to identify early-life risk factors associated with the occurrence of owner-reported mobility changes in 6-year-old cats by examining prospective data from a longitudinal cohort study of pet cats, the Bristol Cats study. Methods Data on potential risk factors were obtained from seven sequential questionnaires completed between the ages of 2–4 months and 5 years. Mobility-related questions from the study questionnaire distributed at the age of 6 years were used to calculate each cat’s mobility score. Cats with mobility scores of ⩾2 and 0 were allocated to the case and control groups, respectively, and the cat’s status was the outcome variable. Results Of the 799 cats included for analysis, 238 (29.8%) had owner-reported mobility changes. Binomial logistic regression using backwards elimination identified four risk factors for owner-reported mobility changes at 6 years of age: entire neuter status at 6 months of age (odds ratio [OR] 1.97; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26–3.07), sustained trauma before 6 years of age (OR 1.85; 95% CI 1.30–2.60), outdoor access at 6 years of age (OR 1.67; 95% CI 0.96–2.90) and overweight/obese status at 6 years of age (OR 1.62; 95% CI 1.13–2.33). Conclusions and relevance Risk factor analysis demonstrated that obesity, outdoor access and a history of trauma may predispose cats to developing owner-reported mobility changes associated with degenerative joint disease, whereas neutering before 6 months of age appears to decrease that risk.

A cirurgia de castração é considerada uma das técnicas cirúrgicas mais realizadas na rotina veterinária e a idade ideal para a sua execução ainda é contraditória entre os médicos veterinários, uma vez que os estudos sobre este tema relacionados a alguns fatores, como raça e espécie, são escassos. É tida como método de contracepção, controle de zoonoses e método preventivo e terapêutico de algumas enfermidades como as afecções do sistema reprodutor. A castração pré-púbere é amplamente aplicada em diversos países, porém a literatura expõe certas consequências desta prática, como o aumento do risco de aparecimento de algumas enfermidades como afecções urogenitais, obesidade, diabetes mellitus, afecções musculoesqueléticas e neoplasmas. Assim sendo, esta revisão de literatura pretende abordar a castração pré-púbere e suas consequências com o objetivo de contribuir nas decisões dos profissionais veterinários, além de colaborar com estudos futuros.

Controlling populations of free-roaming dogs and cats poses a huge challenge worldwide. Non-surgical neutering strategies for male animals have been long pursued, but the implementation of the procedures developed has remained limited to date. As submitting the testes to high temperatures impairs spermatogenesis, the present study investigated localized application of magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia (MNH) to the testicles as a potential non-surgical sterilization method for animals. An intratesticular injection of a magnetic fluid composed of manganese-ferrite nanoparticles functionalized with citrate was administered followed by testicle exposure to an alternate magnetic field to generate localized heat. Testicular MNH was highly effective, causing progressive seminiferous tubule degeneration followed by substitution of the parenchyma with stromal tissue and gonadal atrophy, suggesting an irreversible process with few side effects to general animal health.

Recently updated guidance on communication and consent from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) suggests that consent should be a process, held in advance of the day of surgery if possi...

Background and Aim: Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) is the most common form of seafood toxicosis reported in humans worldwide. Dogs and cats are also susceptible to CFP, but there is little published and much unknown about the condition in these species. This study aimed to document the demographics of canine and feline cases of CFP, to examine the temporal and spatial distribution of cases, and to compare the incidence of animal and human CFP in the Cook Islands. Materials and Methods: Six years of medical records from the Esther Honey Foundation Animal Clinic (the only veterinary clinic in the Cook Islands during the study period) were reviewed to identify cases of CFP. The study variables included the date of presentation, species, age, sex, neutering status, and village/locality. Results: A total of 246 cases of CFP were identified, comprising 165 dogs and 81 cats. The sexes were equally represented; however, within each sex, entire animals outnumbered those that had been desexed. Cases occurred year-round, with slightly higher numbers recorded in spring. Annual case numbers trended downward over the study period. Cases were documented in all regions of Rarotonga and also one outer island (Aitutaki). Fewer cases were seen in areas with a narrow (400 m) lagoon. Conclusion: This study documented epidemiologic patterns of canine and feline CFP cases for the first time. Based on the results, further investigation is warranted to establish whether desexing has a protective effect against CFP.

The vasovagal tonus index (VVTI), a time-domain indicator of heart rate variability, has been suggested as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in dogs with cardiac disease and heart failure. Brachycephalic breeds tend to have a higher VVTI than non-brachycephalic breeds.11 The objective of this study was to obtain standard VVTI reference values from a representative cohort of healthy French Bulldogs based on a single ECG recording. A second aim of this study was to evaluate the practicability of a VVTI screening in the clinical routine by evaluating repeatability of the VVTI across five successive measurements. In order to determine baseline factors potentially influencing the VVTI, the impact of stress, activity and character as well as sex and neutering status were evaluated. Out of 73 French Bulldogs screened, 60 dogs were considered healthy based on their medical history, physical examination, blood pressure and ECG, and no evidence of congenital or acquired heart disease on echocardiographic examination. The VVTI was calculated based on the variance of 20 R-R intervals and the corresponding HR extrapolated to one minute from the same 20 R-R intervals. In addition, a maximum of five consecutive VVTI values were calculated based on 100 successive R-R intervals recorded from each dog. VVTI values ranged from 5.66 to 11.3 with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) of 8.82 (1.43); the corresponding HR ranged from 78 to 173 bpm with a mean (SD) of 120 (23) bpm. Importantly, VVTI and HR values were negatively correlated (R = 0.689; adjusted R² = 0.466), which must be considered for clinical interpretation of the VVTI. The repeatability across five successive sets of 20 heartbeats was shown (mean intra-individual variability of 6.1%). Stress significantly influenced the VVTI and HR (p0.001). The VVTI range established in this study may be used as reference to assess the HRV of presumably healthy brachycephalic dogs at routine health checks. Deviations from the reference may permit the clinician to adapt the schedule and focus of subsequent follow-up investigations.Der Vasovagale Tonusindex (VVTI) ist ein Zeitbereichs­indikator für die Herzfrequenzvariabilität und wird als diagnostisches und prognostisches Instrument bei Hunden mit Herzerkrankungen und Herzinsuffi­zienz beschrieben. Brachyzephale Rassen haben tendenziell einen höheren VVTI als nicht-brachyzephale Rassen. 11 Das Ziel dieser Studie war es, die VVTI-Referenzwerte von einer repräsentativen Kohorte gesunder französischer Bulldoggen mittels einer EKG-Aufzeichnung zu bestimmen. Ein zweites Ziel dieser Studie war es, die Praktikabilität eines VVTI-Screenings im klinischen Alltag zu evaluieren, indem die Wiederholbarkeit des VVTI über fünf aufeinanderfolgende Messungen untersucht wurde. Um die Basisfaktoren zu bestimmen, die möglicherweise den VVTI beeinflussen, wurden die Auswirkungen von Stress, Aktivität und Charakter sowie Geschlecht und Kastrationsstatus bewertet. Von 73 untersuchten französischen Bulldoggen galten 60 Hunde aufgrund ihrer Anamnese, körperlichen Untersuchung, ihres Blutdrucks und ihres EKGs als gesund, auch wurde bei der echokardiographischen Untersuchung keine angeborene oder erworbene Herzkrankheit festgestellt. Der VVTI wurde auf der Varianz von 20 R-R-Intervallen berechnet und der entsprechenden extrapolierten Herzfrequenz (HR). Zusätzlich wurde von jedem Hund maximal fünf aufeinanderfolgende VVTI-Werte basierend auf 100 aufeinanderfolgenden R-R-Intervallen berechnet. Die VVTI-Werte lagen zwischen 5,66 und 11,3 mit einem Mittelwert (Standardabweichung [SD]) von 8,82 (1,43). Die entsprechende Herzfrequenz lag zwischen 78 und 173 Schlägen pro Minute mit einem Mittelwert (SD) von 120 (23) Schlägen pro Minute. Für die klinische Interpretation des VVTI muss die negative Korrelation von VVTI und HR (R = 0,689; angepasstes R2 = 0,466) berücksichtigt werden. Die Wiederhol­barkeit konnte an fünf aufeinanderfolgende Sätze von 20 Herzschlägen überprüft werden (mittlere intraindividuelle Variabilität von 6,1%). Stress beeinflusste den VVTI und die HR signifikant (p.L’indice de tonicité vaso-vagal (VVTI) est un indicateur temporel de la variabilité de la fréquence cardiaque; il est décrit comme un outil de diagnostic et de pronostic chez les chiens atteints de maladie cardiaque et d’insuffisance cardiaque. Les races brachycéphales ont tendance à avoir un VVTI plus élevé que les races non brachycéphales.11 Le but de cette étude était de déterminer les valeurs de référence VVTI à partir d’une cohorte représentative de bouledogues français en bonne santé à l’aide d’un enregistrement ECG. Un deuxième objectif de cette étude était d’évaluer la faisabilité du dépistage du VVTI dans la pratique clinique quotidienne en examinant la répétabilité du VVTI sur cinq mesures consécutives. Afin de déterminer les facteurs de base susceptibles d’affecter le VVTI, les effets du stress, de l’activité et du caractère, ainsi que le sexe et le statut de castration ont été évalués. Sur les 73 bouledogues français examinés, 60 chiens ont été jugés en bonne santé sur la base de leurs antécédents médicaux, de leur examen médical, de leur tension artérielle et de leur électrocardiogramme et aucun examen échocardiographique n’a révélé de maladie cardiaque congénitale ou acquise. Le VVTI a été calculé sur la variance de 20 intervalles R-R et sur la fréquence cardiaque extrapolée (HR) correspondante. De plus, un maximum de cinq valeurs VVTI consécutives ont été calculées pour chaque chien sur la base de 100 intervalles R-R consécutifs. Les valeurs de VVTI allaient de 5,66 à 11,3 avec une moyenne (écart type [SD] de 8,82 (1,43). La fréquence cardiaque correspondante était comprise entre 78 et 173 battements par minute avec une moyenne (SD) de 120 (23) battements par minute. Pour l’interprétation clinique de VVTI, la corrélation négative entre VVTI et HR (R = 0,689; R2 ajusté = 0,466) doit être prise en compte. La répétabilité a été vérifiée sur cinq séries consécutives de 20 pulsations (variabilité intra-sujet moyenne de 6,1%). Le stress a affecté de manière significative le VVTI et la HR (p.L’indice del tono vasovagale (VVTI), un indicatore di dominio del tempo della variabilità della frequenza cardiaca, è stato suggerito come strumento diagnostico e prognostico nei cani affetti da malattia cardiaca e insufficienza cardiaca. Le razze brachicefaliche tendono ad avere un VVTI più elevato rispetto alle razze non- brachicefaliche11. L’obiettivo di questo studio è di ottenere valori di riferimento VVTI standard da parte da una coorte rappresentativa di Bulldog francesi sani basati su una singola registrazione ECG. Il secondo obiettivo era quello di valutare la praticabilità di uno screening VVTI di routine, valutando la ripetibilità del VVTI tra cinque misurazioni successive. Alfine di determinare i fattori chiave che potrebbero influenzare il VVTI, si sono valutati l’impatto dello stress, l’attività e il carattere, nonché il sesso e lo stato di castrazione/sterilizzazione. Su 73 Bulldog francesi controllati, 60 sono stati considerati sani sulla base di anamnesi, esame fisico, pressione sanguigna e ECG, e nessuna prova di malattia cardiaca congenita o acquisita dall’esame ecocardiografico. Il VVTI è stato calcolato sulla base della varianza di 20 intervalli R-R e l’HR corrispondente è stato estrapolato a un minuto dagli stessi 20 intervalli R-R. Inoltre, sono stati calcolati un massimo di cinque valori VVTI consecutivi sulla base di 100 intervalli R-R successivi registrati su ciascun cane. I valori VVTI variavano da 5,66 a 11,3 con una media (standard deviazione [SD]) di 8,82 (1,43); l’HR corrispondente variava da 78 a 173 bpm con una media (SD) di 120 (23) bpm. È importante notare che i valori di VVTI e HR erano correlati negativamente (R = 0,689; corretto R2 = 0.466), questo fattore deve venir preso in considerazione per l’interpretazione clinica del VVTI. La ripetibilità tra cinque serie successive di 20 battiti cardiaci è stata dimostrata (variabilità media intra-individuale del 6,1%). Lo stress ha influenzato significativamente il VVTI e l’HR (p0,001). L’intervallo VVTI stabilito in questo studio può essere utilizzato come riferimento per valutare l’HRV presumibile nei cani brachicefalici sani durante i controlli sanitari di routine. Deviazioni dal riferimento possono consentire al veterinario di adattare il programma e gli obiettivi delle successive indagini di follow-up.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the analgesia and recovery effects of two doses (0.12 mg/kg and 0.24 mg/kg) of subcutaneous buprenorphine in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Methods: This was an assessor-blinded, randomised, clinical study. A total of 83 cats were recruited and randomly allocated to receive 0.12 mg/kg buprenorphine or 0.24 mg/kg buprenorphine subcutaneously, followed 30 minutes later by 40 μg/kg medetomidine intramuscularly. Anaesthesia was induced with intravenous alfaxalone to effect and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. All cats received meloxicam before surgery. Temperament score, quality of sedation, induction of anaesthesia, dose of alfaxalone and recovery were scored using simple descriptive scales. Atipamazole was administered following surgery. Physiological variables during anaesthesia were recorded. Cats were assessed postoperatively by the same blinded observer at 2, 4 and 24 hours using a modified Colorado Feline Acute Pain scale. The presence or absence of mydriasis was noted. Results: No significant differences were identified between groups. Three cats in the 0.12 mg/kg group and four in the 0.24 mg/kg group required rescue analgesia. Mydriasis persisting for at least 24 hours was evident in 75 cats. Conclusions and relevance: No differences in analgesia were detected between groups with these protocols; mydriasis was common in both groups.

Maintenance energy requirement (MER) is the energy amount necessary for dogs to maintain their weight and body condition. Some factors can influence the MER, such as gender, age, neutering status and also diseases. The present retrospective study aimed to evaluate MER of adult dogs with several diseases and compare with the MER of healthy adult dogs, observing the influence of parameters such as body condition score (BCS), neutering status, gender, age, diagnosis and type of food on MER of these dogs. A total of 165 adult dogs with weight changes of ≤5% were included and divided in groups according to diagnosis. Mean MER for healthy dogs was 86.09 kcal/BW0.75 , which differed from NRC and FEDIAF recommendations for inactive adult dogs (p = .047). Lowest MERs were of the endocrinopathies (78.52 ± 19.32 kcal/BW0.75 ), orthopaedic diseases (59.71 ± 19.30 kcal/BW0.75 ) and neurologic diseases (78.83 ± 32.66 kcal/BW0.75 ) groups. Gastrointestinal diseases (99.59 ± 20.36 kcal/BW0.75 ), orthopaedic diseases (59.71 ± 19.30 kcal/BW0.75 ) and neoplasia (95.61 ± 21.02 kcal/BW0.75 ) groups were the only groups that differed from the mean MER of healthy adult dogs. Regarding BCS, for each increasing point in a 9-point scale, there was a decrease of 9.8 kcal/BW0.75 on MER, independent of diagnosis (p

Surgical gonadectomy in ferrets was routinely performed in clinical practice in order to reduce their typical musky odor as well as inhibit aggressive behavior. Over recent years, however, early surgical neutering has been correlated with the occurrence of adrenal gland disease that causes various symptoms and prostatic hyperplasia. More recently, a synthetic long-acting gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog, deslorelin acetate, has been developed in order to overcome the abovementioned complications. The aim of the present study was to compare the prostate gland in intact, and surgically and chemically neutered ferrets by means of deslorelin implants, from a morphological and morphometrical point of view. The macroscopic assessment of the prostate revealed a constant anatomical topography in all three categories. The prostatic tissue had similar organization, originating dorsally to the bladder neck, extending laterally and then ventrally to the urethra, surrounding it entirely, dividing caudally into a dorsal and a ventral portion, and finally ending on the ventral surface of the urethra. In both the deslorelin-treated and the surgically gonadectomized ferrets, a dramatic involution of the glandular prostatic tissue occurred, resulting in a decrease in acini size, more prominent in the chemically neutered ferrets, together with a hyperplasia of fibromuscular stroma. Epithelial acinar heights and acini cross-sectional areas measured from the prostatic tissues of the neutered ferrets showed significantly smaller values than those relating to the intact ferrets. Therefore, chemical castration by means of deslorelin implants, also being a nonsurgical reversible procedure, could be considered an efficient method to prevent prostatic hyperplasia in ferrets.

Objective To determine whether the use of a single dose of midazolam affects quality and duration of the recovery period in healthy dogs undergoing elective castration or ovariohysterectomy. Study design Prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, masked clinical trial. Animal population Seventy-four client-owned dogs undergoing neutering. Methods Following cage demeanour scoring using a simple descriptive scale (SDS), dogs were premedicated with acepromazine (0.03 mg kg–1) and pethidine (3 mg kg–1) intramuscularly (quadriceps muscle). Twenty minutes later sedation was scored with an SDS. Male dogs were induced with midazolam (0.25 mg kg–1) (group M) or an equivalent amount of Hartmann’s solution (group P) and propofol intravenously (IV). Female dogs were induced with propofol alone and were administered midazolam (group M) or Hartmann’s solution (group P) 5 minutes before intraoperative manipulation of the first ovary. Anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. Intraoperative analgesia was provided with morphine (0.3 mg kg–1 IV) prior to the start of surgery. Male dogs were administered intratesticular lidocaine (1 mg kg–1). All dogs were administered meloxicam (0.2 mg kg–1 IV) at the end of the procedure, and recovery was scored with an SDS following extubation and 30 minutes later. Time to extubation, head lift, sternal position and standing and complications during recovery were recorded. Data are presented as median (range). Results Time to standing was significantly longer in animals in group M [56 (13–179) minutes] than in group P [44 (4–137) minutes], and the early recovery score in group M [3 (2–6)] was overall worse than in group P [3 (1–5)]. Significantly more dogs in group M (n = 30) than in group P (n = 22) displayed hypotension. Conclusions and clinical relevance The administration of midazolam prolonged time to standing and had a mild negative effect on the quality of recovery in a pooled population of healthy male and female dogs undergoing neutering.

Background: Neutering cats and dogs is the most common elective procedure undertaken in small animal practice. Neutering is often at the request of an owner but may be carried out on unowned animals as a policy decision in a charity practice, or as a life-saving intervention in cases such as testicular torsion or pyometra. Considerations influencing the decision to neuter include owner, animal and veterinary factors. Aim of the article: Here, we consider the timing of the procedure, the risks and benefits and technicalities of performing prepubertal gonadectomy in the dog and cat. Traditionally, cats and dogs are neutered from six months old; in contrast, prepubertal neutering is defined as ovariectomy/ovariohysterectomy or castration at six to 16 weeks of age in both species. It should be noted that large dog breeds may not reach puberty for many months after this period.

El objetivo del estudio fue describir las características demográficas de la población de animales de compañía que fueron sometidos a control reproductivo quirúrgico en la Municipalidad de Los Olivos (Lima, Perú) en el periodo 2015-2016. Se revisaron los registros de la Clínica Veterinaria Municipal de Los Olivos recolectando información de las variables edad, sexo, especie y dirección del propietario. La información fue analizada mediante estadística descriptiva. Se obtuvo 140 fichas de perros y 155 de gatos esterilizados. La media de edad de los perros fue de 2.1 ± 1.5 (rango: 6 meses a 7 años) y de los gatos fue de 1.2 ± 0.8 (rango: 6 meses a 4 años). El mayor porcentaje de esterilizaciones correspondió a las hembras en ambas especies (90.7% en perros y 89.0% en gatos) y de raza mestiza (93.6% en perros y 99.4% en gatos). El área de influencia de la Clínica Veterinaria Municipal de Los Olivos tuvo un radio de hasta 8.26 km. Se espera que la información sea de utilidad para determinar la población objetivo de futuras campañas de esterilización, así como planificar necesidades logísticas que se han de requerir.

Objectives The aim of this study was to analyse cat breeders’ application of and opinions concerning early-age (ie, Methods This study analysed a retrospective cohort. A web survey was designed for French cat breeders and was published in June 2017 on the Facebook page of Livre Officiel des Origines Félines, the official feline studbook for purebred cats born in France. The early-age cat neutering habits, opinions and expectations of breeders were collected. Results A total of 999 breeders returned the questionnaire. Almost half of the breeders (49%) reported consistently requesting neutering of kittens before selling them, 32% claimed that they never requested it and the remaining 19% reported that they inconsistently requested it. When performed, 83% of breeders had kittens neutered at 12 weeks of age; for a large majority of these breeders (94%), the neutering was undertaken on their own initiative. Various reasons for neutering were provided, including the prevention of uncontrolled breeding, short- and long-term welfare benefits for neutered cats, and practical and economic reasons. Reported incidents related to early-age neutering were scarce. Nearly half of breeders who did not apply early-age neutering to their kittens cited a veterinarian’s unwillingness to perform the surgery as a cause. Conclusions and relevance A large majority of surveyed French cat breeders supported early-age neutering that would occur before kittens were sold, most of the time at the age of 3 months. These breeders reported high satisfaction with early-age neutered cats, with a low number of incidents and accidents reported.

Feline lungworms affect the respiratory tract of domestic cats causing respiratory conditions of various degrees. In this study, we investigated the exposure of cats to feline lungworm infections by detecting antibodies in a large population of animals from several regions of Italy. Sera of 1087 domestic cats living in regions of the north (n = 700), the centre (n = 227) and the south (n = 160) of Italy were examined by a newly developed indirect ELISA conceived for detection of antibodies against the most frequently occurring feline lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus. Individual cat data (i.e., age, sex, neutering status and provenience) were analysed as potential risk factors for exposure to lungworm infections. Samples were additionally screened for feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) proviral DNAs. Overall, 9% (98/1087; 95% confidence interval (CI) 7.4-10.9%) of the animals tested seropositive to lungworm antibodies. Positive cats were identified in the north (7.1%; CI 5.5-9.3%), in the centre (5.3%; CI 3.0-9.0%) and in the South (22.5%; CI 16.7-29.6%), with more seropositive animals in the latter area (p

Objectives To determine the epidemiological features of patients and animals after bites/scratches from rabies-suspected animals in Zenica-Doboj Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Methods Data from all patients (and the causative animals) admitted to the Antirabies Service of the Institute for Health and Food Safety Zenica in the 2009-2017 period were analyzed, including age, sex, anatomical site of the bite/scratch, animal type (stray/owned/wildlife), veterinary observations of the animal, and whether antirabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) was indicated and/or administered. Results In total, 1716 patients were admitted. Bites/scratches were most frequently recorded during April and May (n=181, 10.5% and n=163, 9.5%, respectively). The persons admitted were mostly from the Zenica municipality (n=1278, 74.5%; incidence: 11.55/ 1000), which is 66.6% urbanized. Males were more frequently represented (n=1089, 63.6%). The patients were mostly 50-64 and 25-49 years of age (n=425, 24.7% and n=390, 22.7%, respectively). Dog bites were the most common cause (n=1634, 95.1%, of which n=1258, 77.0% were caused by stray dogs). PEP was indicated for 997 (58.1%) patients. Only 340 (19.9%) animals underwent veterinary observations (3.1% of stray and 76.1% of owned animals). The largest number of injuries were presented at lower extremities, 1044 (60.8%) cases. Conclusions Zenica-Doboj Canton is a rabies-free region. Due to the high rate of stray animals not undergoing veterinary observations, the non-existence of a unique dog registry, and the consequent lack of information about stray animals in terms of number, vaccination, neutering, and euthanasia, there is an urgent need for improving the prevention and control of rabies within the One Health framework.

Metabolic profile and leptin presence and expression of receptor in the ovary of 8 queens were analyzed. All queens were assessed for nutritional state and underwent ovariectomy in accordance with Italian law for the control of stray cats and dogs. Three queens were at early gestation, three prepubescent and two non-pregnant. All animals appeared healthy but underweight. Haemogram and biochemical profile did not show to be of prognostic value. On microscopy, granulosa cells of secondary follicles tested positive to leptin in pregnant queens, while testing negative in non-pregnant ones. Muscular layer of vessels of the ovary in non-pregnant queens tested positive to receptor, but negative in those found pregnant. Results suggest that leptin is produced and receptor expressed in the different tissues of the ovary in underweight queens. Additionally, the expression of receptor did not necessarily imply local leptin production and clearly displayed to vary according to the reproduction phase. Taken altogether, these findings allow to conclude that the expression of receptor can be interpreted as the pillar bridging ovary tissues as target sites of circulating leptin produced elsewhere. Arguably, ovary removal may affect hormonal cross-talk at the systemic level, likely affecting different systemic functions, including the nutritional status.

Background The parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is recognized as one of the major foodborne pathogens with a high human disease burden. To control T. gondii infections in pigs, European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) advises serological testing of pigs and audits of pig farms to identify risk factors for T. gondii infection. In line with this approach, the aim of the current study was to assess the effectiveness and costs of intervention measures implemented to reduce the T. gondii seroprevalence on finishing pig farms in the Netherlands. A crossover clinical trial was conducted at five case farms were their own control and the cross-over moment was the implementation of interventions to reduce risk factors. Each of the case farms had a farm-specific intervention strategy with one principal intervention measure (neutering of cats, professional rodent control or covering food storage). Results All finishing pig farms (n = 5) showed a reduction in T. gondii seroprevalence within one year of implementing the intervention strategy. Cat neutering (n = 3) and feed coverage (n = 1) showed statistically significant reductions in seroprevalence. Rodent control (n = 1) did not show a statistically significant reduction. The estimated reduction in seroprevalence in response to the neutering of cats and feed coverage were 67 and 96 %, respectively. Conclusions Our work demonstrates that it is possible to reduce the within-farm T. gondii seroprevalence within one year after interventions were implemented to reduce T. gondii risk factors. This information is essential and encouraging for policy makers, food business operators, and farmers to implement in their risk assessment and to apply to food safety control systems.

Overweight is common in cats and has health and welfare implications. This study aimed to assess potential predictive/protective factors for feline overweight associated with owner management and their relationship with cat behavior and welfare. A questionnaire was administered to 197 owners to collect information about cat demographics, management, environment, dietary habits and behavior. The feline Body Mass Index was recorded for each cat. Univariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of parameters with overweight cats. Variables with a p-value &lt, 0.10 at univariable analyses were selected for the multivariable model. Most cats were mixed- breed, 1–7 years old and neutered, 51.3% were overweight. Age higher than 7 years, neutering, being alone all day and being stressed were predictive for overweight (p &lt, 0.05). Conversely, the presence of other animals had a protective effect (p &lt, 0.05). A general disagreement between owners’ perception and clinical evaluation of cats’ body condition was a common and significant risk factor for overweight (OR = 8.532, 95% CI = 4.073–17.875, p &lt, 0.001). According to the owners, many veterinarians did not inform them about their cat being overweight nor about the risks (p &lt, 0.001). This study provides helpful information on the influence of management and environment on cats’ body condition and its relationship with cat welfare.

SARS‐CoV‐2 positive or seropositive owned cats have been reported worldwide. The detection of seropositive stray cats in the proximity of farms of infected minks, coupled with the demonstration of cat‐to‐cat transmission in experimental settings, raise the question whether stray cats may have an epidemiological role in the COVID‐19 pandemic and may act as sentinel for the circulation of SARS‐CoV‐2. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA and anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies in free roaming cats belonging to colonies located in an area highly affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic and to correlate the results with the positivity rate in people sharing the same area. Interdigital, cutaneous, oropharyngeal, nasal and rectal swabs, as well as blood samples, were collected from 99 cats living in colonies and admitted to our hospital for neutering. This caseload corresponds to the 24.2% of the feline population living in the 25 sampled colonies and to the 5.6% of all the free‐roaming registered cats. The presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA in swabs was assessed using real time RT‐PCR. Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 serum antibodies were assessed using commercially available ELISA kits and confirmed by serum virus neutralization. In people, the SARS‐CoV‐2 positivity rate ranged from 3.0% to 5.1% (mean rate: 4.1%) and the seropositive rate from 12.1% to 16.3% (mean rate: 14.2%). Most of the colonies were in urban areas and resident cats had frequent contacts with external cats or people. A COVID‐19 positive caretaker was found, whereas all the cats were negative for SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA and seronegative. Although the negative results cannot exclude previous infections followed by decrease of antibodies, this study suggests that colony cats do not have an important epidemiological role in SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission dynamics. Further studies on larger caseloads are warranted, also in the light of the emerging new viral variants, on a One Health perspective.

Objectives To estimate the annual incidence risk of leptospirosis diagnosis in practice-attending dogs in the UK during 2016 and identify risk factors for diagnosis. Methods Incidence of leptospirosis diagnosis in dogs during 2016 was estimated from dogs in primary-care practices from the VetCompass Programme (n = 905,543). A case-control study of laboratory cases (n = 362) versus VetCompass controls explored factors (age, sex, neutering, breed, Kennel Club group, urban-rural location, indices of deprivation) associated with leptospirosis diagnosis through multivariable logistic regression. Results Annual incidence risk of leptospirosis in the VetCompass population was 0.8 cases per 100,000 dogs (0.0008%, 95% CI 9.1 × 10–8–5.2 × 10–5). Adult dogs, especially 1- < 5 years olds (odds ratio [OR] = 0.38, 95% CI 0.27–0.54), and dogs attending urban clinics (OR = 0.26, 95% CI 0.19–0.35) had reduced odds of leptospirosis versus dogs < 1 year old and rural dogs, respectively. Dogs attending clinics in less deprived areas had increased odds of diagnosis (OR = 3.63, 95% CI 2.28–5.78) compared to crossbreds, Cocker Spaniels (OR = 4.25, 95% CI 2.65–6.84), Collies (OR = 3.53, 95% CI 2.22–5.62) and Lurchers (OR = 3.49, 95% CI 1.50–8.11) had increased odds of diagnosis. Discussion Leptospirosis is rarely diagnosed in clinical practice, suggesting that many true cases may be missed. Demographic risk factors identified here may inform the index of suspicion and encourage increased use of confirmatory diagnostic testing.

Overabundant, free-roaming dog populations are associated with risks to public health, livestock losses, wildlife conservation, and dog health and welfare. Dog population management is conducted to mitigate these issues. Assessing dog population management strategies is important to determine their effectiveness, efficiency, and long-term impact. It is essential to also determine how the behaviour and outlook of local communities may influence the efficacy of dog population management. This study aimed to determine public attitudes towards free-roaming dogs and their management and describe dog ownership practices in three European countries using an online questionnaire survey. This study found that most surveyed respondents wanted to see a reduction in free-roaming dog numbers, and felt that this should be achieved through sheltering, catch-neuter-release, and by controlling the breeding of owned dogs. This questionnaire also identified significant associations between public attitudes and dog ownership practices with gender, religious beliefs, age, education level, reason for dog ownership, previous experience with free-roaming dogs, and country of residence. Respondents who identified as: (i) being male, (ii) holding religious beliefs, (iii) owning dogs for practical reasons, (iv) being young, and (v) having no schooling or primary education had a lower probability of neutering and a higher probability of allowing dogs to roam. Respondents who identified as: (i) being female, (ii) feeling threatened by free-roaming dogs, (iii) being older, and (iv) having more education had a higher probability of answering that an increase in free-roaming dog numbers should be prevented. These findings can help to inform future dog population management interventions in these countries and highlight the importance of considering local public attitudes and dog ownership practices in the development of effective dog population management approaches. Including these social factors will ensure that both the community and organisations involved in dog population management work cohesively towards a shared goal.

OBJECTIVE To report the complications and long-term outcome of female dogs with intramural ectopic ureter(s) (iEU) undergoing cystoscopic-guided laser ablation (CLA) and determine the effect of post-CLA neutering on urinary continence. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective clinical study. ANIMALS OR SAMPLE POPULATION Thirty-four client-owned dogs. METHODS Medical records of female dogs that had iEU-CLA were reviewed. A 10-point continence score was assigned before, immediately after, and at a minimum of 12 months postprocedure via owner telephone contact. Neutering status prior to and postprocedure was recorded. RESULTS Continence scores increased in all dogs after CLA (p

Background Canine diabetes mellitus has mostly been studied in northern European, Australian and American populations, whereas other regions have received less attention. Objectives We evaluated the epidemiological, clinical and histopathological features of diabetic dogs in Gran Canaria, Spain. Methods Prevalence and incidence were estimated. Clinical features were analysed, and serum and genomic DNA were obtained. Dogs with presumed idiopathic or immune‐mediated diabetes, were DLA‐typed and antibodies against GAD65 and IA‐2 were assessed. Pancreases from ten diabetic dogs were examined and compared with pancreases from non‐diabetic dogs. Results and conclusions Twenty‐nine diabetic dogs were identified in a population of 5,213 (prevalence: 0.56%; incidence: 0.37%). Most were female (79%) and sexually intact (87% of females, 83% of males). Diabetes secondary to dioestrus (55.2%) and insulin‐deficient diabetes (20.7%) were the most frequent types. Antibodies against GAD65 and IA‐2 were identified in two out of five cases and DLA‐genotyping revealed novel haplotypes. Breed distribution differed between diabetic and non‐diabetic dogs. Reduced number of pancreatic islets and β‐cell mass were observed, with vacuolation of islet cells and ductal epithelium. In this population, where neutering is not standard practice, diabetes secondary to dioestrus is the most frequent diabetes subtype. Genetic susceptibility also differed from previous studies. These results support the heterogeneous pathogenesis of canine diabetes., After evaluating the epidemiological, clinical and histopathological features of diabetic dogs from the Canary Islands, in this population the most common type of diabetes is dioestrus diabetes, and the breed‐specific risk of diabetes differed from previous studies. These results, obtained in a relatively small population, support the heterogeneous pathogenesis of cDM.

A castracao de femeas caninas e uma cirurgia de rotina que visa principalmente a prevencao de doencas e o controle populacional da especie. Ela nao e, todavia, desprovida de consequencias indesejaveis, e a incontinencia urinaria pos-castracao e uma das mais significativas. Tratamento medicamentoso e preconizado para estes casos, sendo o emprego dos farmacos α-adrenergicos e estrogenicos os mais frequentemente descritos na literatura. Entretanto, o uso de antidepressivos triciclicos pode ser eficaz no controle dos sinais clinicos da incontinencia. O mecanismo exato que envolve esta afeccao ainda nao e completamente entendido. Acredita-se que uma deficiencia de estrogeno e consequente perda de tonus uretral sejam responsaveis pela ocorrencia dos sinais, mas e possivel que outros fatores como os niveis de gonadotrofinas e de hormonio liberador de gonadotrofinas estejam implicados na patogenia da incontinencia urinaria pos-castracao. Female dogs neutering is a routine surgery that aims to prevent diseases as well as to help populational control. Urinary incontinence is one of the most significant unwanted consequences following the procedure. Pharmacological treatment is recommended for such case, and alpha-adrenergic and estrogenic drugs have been the most frequent choices reported in literature. Besides, tricyclic antidepressants are also able to control clinical signs. The exact mechanism involved with this condition is not yet fully understood. Estrogen deficiency with a subsequent loss of urethral tonus is believed to trigger clinical signs. However, it is possible that other factors such as gonadotropins and gonadotropin-releasing hormone levels may play a part on this complex mechanism of the post-neutering urinary incontinence.

This study describes two different manifestations of Dirofilaria repens infection in sibling dogs with microfilaremia. Dog 1, asymptomatic, harbored a gravid female of D. repens on the parietal layer of tunica vaginalis of one testicle and showed a marked circulating eosinophilia (3.3·103/μL). Both testicles were normal in shape and size without any gross lesions. Dog 2 had a pyotraumatic dermatitis. The cases were confirmed by PCR and sequencing. The sequences obtained showed 100% identity with those of D. repens isolated from human scrotum in Croatia. The treatment with moxidectin 2.5% and imidacloprid 10%/kg was effective in eliminating microfilariae after just one application, as demonstrated by negative modified Knott’s tests and PCR analyses of blood samples. This status was maintained during the post-treatment observation period. The classical localization of D. repens in dogs is in subcutaneous tissues, within nodules or free; however, it can also occur with some frequency in testicles, as described in humans. The infection can be associated with circulating eosinophilia or pyotraumatic dermatitis, as reported in this study. Thus, in endemic areas, it is advisable to carefully inspect the removed testicles at neutering since parasite localization can take place without any macroscopic changes. Moreover, in the case of circulating eosinophilia or pyotraumatic dermatitis, investigations should include modified Knott’s test and PCR to ensure that D. repens is not the cause of these alterations. Rapid and sensitive tests for the early detection of infected animals would help to prevent or limit the spread of this zoonosis.

Background Infection by SARS-CoV-2 in domestic animals has been related to close contact with humans diagnosed with COVID-19. Objectives: To assess the exposure, infection, and persistence by SARS-CoV-2 of dogs and cats living in the same households of humans that tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, and to investigate clinical and laboratory alterations associated with animal infection. Methods Animals living with COVID-19 patients were longitudinally followed and had nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal and rectal swabs collected and tested for SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, blood samples were collected for laboratory analysis, and plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT90) to investigate specific SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Results Between May and October 2020, 39 pets (29 dogs and 10 cats) of 21 patients were investigated. Nine dogs (31%) and four cats (40%) from 10 (47.6%) households were infected with or seropositive for SARS-CoV-2. Animals tested positive from 11 to 51 days after the human index COVID-19 case onset of symptoms. Three dogs tested positive twice within 14, 30, and 31 days apart. SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies were detected in one dog (3.4%) and two cats (20%). In this study, six out of thirteen animals either infected with or seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 have developed mild but reversible signs of the disease. Using logistic regression analysis, neutering, and sharing bed with the ill owner were associated with pet infection. Conclusions The presence and persistence of SARS-CoV-2 infection have been identified in dogs and cats from households with human COVID-19 cases in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. People with COVID-19 should avoid close contact with their pets during the time of their illness.

This case report presents a celioscopy procedure followed by partial salpingectomy (PS) in a pregnant bitch referred to elective video assisted ovariohysterectomy. Through celioscopy it was visualized the embryonic vesicles and PS was performed after conversion to minioceliotomy. The puppies were born by eutocic delivery without clinical alterations. The case suggested that short and regular pneumoperitoneum is not deleterious to dog fetus and video surgery could be used in pregnant bitches. PS allows the fetus development and promotes bitch neutering.

Animal foster homes (AFHs) provide shelter for abandoned animals and are an essential part of street population management programs. An online survey was conducted in Brazil with questions about general aspects of AFHs. A total of 150 caregivers responded, most were female (n=140; 93.3%) with a mean age of 35.4 years. AFHs in most cases conduct vaccination (n=103; 68.3%), treatment for internal parasites (n=142; 94.7%), external parasites (n=138; 92.0%) and neutering (n=113; 75.3%) to animals in their care. The principal problem for AFHs is finding adopters (n=122; 81.3%) and indeed most caregivers adopted some of the animals under their care (n=129; 86.0%). Although most AFHs reported having no limit on housing time (n=61; 40.7%), there were significant differences between short-term ( 24 months) housing. Long-term AFHs sheltered to more than 20 animals (P

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T11:09:56Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-01-01 The reduction of gonadal steroid hormone secretion is identified as one of the factors responsible for the decrease in bone mass and, consequently, a decrease in bone mineral density. The study aimed to evaluate the bone mineral density by using radiographic optical densitometry of the distal epiphyseal region of the radius and ulna in prepubertal and post pubertal bitches submitted to ovariohysterectomy (OVH). Thirty-four female dogs were divided into two groups of 16 animals, according with age of neutering: G1 - prepubertal bitches submitted to OVH; G2 - postpubertal bitches submitted to OVH. The animals were submitted to the evaluation of bone mineral density at 24 h before the surgical procedure, 24 and 48 weeks after the surgical procedure. No significant differences in bone mineral density were identified in all groups. Ovariohysterectomy in pre and postpubertal bitches did not induce significant variations in bone mineral density of the distal epiphyseal region of the radius and ulna by using radiographic optical densitometry, during 48 weeks of evaluation. Faculdade de Medicina veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ Botucatu) Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Faculdade de Medicina veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ Botucatu) Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP)

This report describes an option to modulate the testicular function of wild horses and field methods to assess it. Non-surgical castration of a captive wild Przewalski's stallion with anti-gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) immunization was performed by sub-cutaneous injection of two doses of 450 μg (3 ml) of GnRH conjugated to diphtheria toxin, further repeated every 6 months. Semen quality was assessed after collection by electro-ejaculation under general anesthesia. Endocrine and behavioral consequences were studied during a 2-year follow-up period. The procedure of electro-ejaculation was safe and effective to collect spermatozoa. Motility was low but was improved by a significant dilution of sample (1v/4v−1v/5v) after collection. Immuno-neutering resulted in a decrease of the total spermatozoa number and motility 1 month after primary vaccination. However, infertility could not yet be guaranteed. Six months post-vaccination, serum testosterone concentrations had decreased and the treated stallion had lost his harem stallion role. Moreover, at the same time, the total spermatozoa number was near zero with no motile spermatozoa, and offspring was no longer observed. As a conclusion, electro-ejaculation under general anesthesia is suitable on wild horses to obtain spermatozoa that should be washed or largely diluted before use for artificial insemination (AI) programs. Anti-GnRH immuno-neutering protocol led to a dramatic decrease of spermatozoa number, motility, and testosterone production. This also induced deep changes in the social structure of the band. Such technique could be considered as an alternative to surgical castration in wild horses.