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The purpose of this study was to detect prevalence and risk factors of “cognitive dysfunction syndrome” (CDS) in geriatric dogs in Tehran. CDS is a neurodegenerative condition affecting geriatric dogs, which affects multiple aspects of behavioral function. This study was performed on total of 234 client-owned dogs (7-16 years old). A questionnaire to assess behaviors and a canine cognitive dysfunction rating (CCDR) scale were used. Other potential risk factors including dog's age, sex, breed, body condition score, reproductive status, type of food intake, and type of medication were assessed at the time of questionnaire completion. Scores > 50 on the CCDR scale were indicative of canine cognitive dysfunction. The results of the statistical analysis showed that 21 dogs had CCDR scores greater than 50. Thus, in this study, the prevalence of CDS based on the CCDR scale was 8.9% (21/234). There were no significant differences between risk factors with CDS in this study. The results of this study suggested a low prevalence of CDS in senior dogs (older than 7 years) in Tehran; however, practitioners should consider routine screening for cognitive change in all aging dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aims of this study were to determine the seroprevalence of canine ehrlichiosis and risk factors of this disease in companion dogs' population of Mashhad, North East of Iran. Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (CME) is a zoonotic disease transmitted by ticks, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, and caused by an obligate intracellular bacterium, Ehrlichia canis. Methods: During September 2009 until November 2010, 250 companion dogs from Mashhad, North-East of Iran, were examined for serum antibody detection against E. canis by means of immunofluorescence assay test (IFAT) and factors associated with a positive antibody response. Results: There was a very low prevalence of anti-E. canis antibodies (0.8%, 2/250) among studied dogs. The antibody titers for two seropositive dogs were 1:80 and 1:160, respectively. One (0.4%) of seropositive dogs was infested with, R. sanguineus. In blood smears from one of infested dogs (0.4%), typical morulae of E. canis was observed in lymphocytes. The results confirm that the lowest occurrence of reactive dogs indoors probably related to low tick infestion. Conclusion: This is the first report that describes serological evidences of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis in North- East of Iran. Results suggested that E. canis infection in owned pet dogs from North of Khorasan was not endemic from 2009 to 2010. Additional molecular studies are necessary to confirm E. canis infection and to identify the local strains of the organism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]