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Acantocheilonema reconditum is a parasite transmitted by fleas, lice and ticks and is included among the filaroid species infecting dogs. Contrary to the more well-studied Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens, A. reconditum is believed to be less pathogenic, as adult worms are localized in the subcutaneous tissues and in the perirenal fat. Although previous studies reported the absence of clinical symptoms in infected dogs, there are few data regarding the haematological and biochemical changes that could be potentially caused by this parasite. Because hunting dogs are frequently exposed to vector-borne pathogens, the aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence, risk factors and potential hematobiochemical abnormalities associated with A. reconditum infection in this specific canine population. Blood samples were collected from 3,020 hunting dogs living in Campania region, and were tested by a modified Knott technique to count and identify microfilariae. Out of 3,020 dogs tested, 84 were positive to A. reconditum, with an overall prevalence of 2.78% (95% CI: 2.19– 3.37%). The number of microfilariae/ml ranged from 1 to 442. After excluding dogs co-infected by different filarial worm species and/or other vector-borne pathogens common in Southern Italy, n. 74 dogs showed A. reconditum single infection. The main clinical features observed were dehydration (n. 1), fever (n. 1), congested mucous membranes (n. 2) and exercise intolerance (n. 2). Complete blood cell count results revealed leukocytosis (n. 16), anaemia (n. 2), thrombocytopenia (n. 8), eosinophilia (n. 1). Biochemical data showed increased serum values of total globulins (n. 14), albumins (n. 9), gamma glutamyl transferase (n. 2) and alkaline phosphate (n. 1), hypoalbuminemia was observed in one dog. Dogs co-infected with other vector-borne pathogens were not included in the statistical analysis. The living area (p

In these last years, the increasing obesity incidence in canine species has enshrined its relevance as an important worldwide disease. Recently, obesity has been associated with impaired immunity and chronic low-grade inflammation in humans as well as mouse models. Increased concentration of leptin and other pro-inflammatory cytokines have been described in obese dogs. A reduced number of T regulatory cells (Treg) has been reported in visceral adipose tissue and blood of obese humans, and recently also in Labrador retriever obese dogs. Moreover, some evidences addressed the possible impact of obesity on cardiovascular apparatus in dogs. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a weight loss program on metabolic and immunological profile, blood leptin level and cardiovascular parameters in obese dogs. Ten overweight dogs (OB) (BCS>7/9) were recruited into the study, and they underwent blood testing (complete blood count, serum biochemistry, blood level assay of CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+T cells, CD4/CD8 ratio, CD21+B cells, Treg cells by immune-fluorescence and flow cytometry and measurement of serum leptin by species-specific ELISA kit) and assessment of cardiovascular function (blood pressure measurement, electrocardiography and echocardiography) before (T0) and after five months (T1) of commercially available weight loss diet. Ten normal weight (BCS 4–5) healthy dogs represented a control group (CTR). Regarding metabolic profile, a mild no significant decrease in total cholesterol but a significant decrease in triglycerides serum levels (p

One hundred and twenty dogs were enrolled to value the effect of loading condition changes on left ventricular volumes before and 24 hours after the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occlusion by ACDO using standard echocardiography. The animals were divided in pure breed (n=94) and mixed breed (n=26); subsequently, the pure-breed dogs were divided on the basis of the size of the breed of belonging in 3 groups (small size n=36; medium size n=8; large size n=50). Moreover, the animals were divided in three classes based on their age: until 6 months; 6–12 months; over 12 months. A significant reduction of all the examined parameters (LVIDd, LVIDs, EDV, ESV, EDVI, ESVI, FS) was observed after ductal closure. The evaluation of the relative percentage difference (RDP) of the echocardiographic parameters showed at 24 hours after the closure, a significant reduction higher in small size breed than in large size breed dogs. No significant difference related to breed size was observed only for RPD_FS variable. A significant interaction effect, between breed size and age classes, was observed only for RPD_EDVI (F=3.4; p=0.039). Until six months of age there was no significant difference in RPD_EDVI reduction, but over 6 months a significant reduction between small size and large size breed dogs at 24 hours from the occlusion was observed. In conclusion, our data seem to indicate that small-breed dogs show a greater tolerance to congenital volume overload, and for this reason it could be possible to delay the PDA closure of a few months, allowing weight gain that makes easier the interventional procedure. On the other hand, the large-breed dogs should be submitted to ductal closure as soon as possible, in order to avoid an excessive LV wall stress.

Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) result from a range of pathogens transmitted to dogs by arthropods. The present study aimed to examine a population of hunting dogs from southern Italy using both serological and molecular diagnostic methods for evidence of infection by known pathogens of CVBDs. Blood samples were collected from hunting dogs (n. 1,191) in the Avellino and Salerno provinces of Campania region of southern Italy. Serological testing for Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma spp., and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato-specific antibodies and Dirofilaria immitis-specific antigen was performed using a commercial in-clinic enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit, SNAP® 4Dx® Plus. Molecular diagnostic testing for the blood-borne presence of Ehrlichia canis, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Anaplasma platys, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia canis, Babesia vogeli, Babesia gibsoni, Dirofilaria immitis, Dirofilaria repens, Hepatozoon canis, and Leishmania spp. was performed by real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays. Seropositive rates for the four individual pathogens were: E.canis 7.7%; Anaplasma spp. 4.2%; D.immitis,1.4%; and B.burgdorferi s.l. 0.3%. PCR positive rates for eight detected pathogens were: H.canis 16.8%; A.platys 2.4%; E.canis 1.9%; B.vogeli 1.6%; Leishmania spp. 0.4%; B.canis 0.2%; D.repens 0.2%; and D.immitis 0.1%. Co-infections were detected at a rate of 2.3% by serology and 2.7% by RT-PCR with Anaplasma/E.canis and E.canis/H.canis co-infections occurring most frequently by serology and PCR, respectively. The results of present survey indicate that hunting dog populations are at risk of CVBDs in southern Italy. Further studies are needed to evaluate the role of hunting dogs in the epidemiology of vector-borne agents and the relationship to sympatric populations of wild animals.

A rare association between situs inversus totalis (SIT), restrictive ventricular septal defect, severe subaortic stenosis, and tricuspid dysplasia was observed in an adult mixed-breed dog. Primary ciliary dyskinesia and Kartagener’s syndrome were excluded. After 15 mo the dog died suddenly. The association between SIT and congenital heart diseases is discussed.

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is a very frequently acquired cardiac disease in dog breeds and is responsible for congestive heart failure (CHF). The involvement of the immune system and pro-inflammatory cytokines in dogs with CHF due to mitral valve disease has not yet been extensively investigated. Here, we investigate the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the dysfunction of the immune system in dogs with different stages of severity through the blood assessment of CD4+FoxP3+regulatory T cells (Treg) cells, leptin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 pro-inflammatory cytokines, and immunological and echocardiographic parameters. A total of 36 cardiopathic dogs, 14 females and 22 males, with MMVD were included. Mean age and body weight (BW) at the time of enrollment were 10.7 ± 2.77 years and 10.9 ± 6.69 kg, respectively. For the comparison of the pro-inflammatory and immunological parameters, two groups of healthy dogs were also established. Control group 1 consisted of young animals (n. 11; 6 females and 5 males), whose age and mean weight were 4.1 ± 0.82 years and 13.8 ± 4.30 kg, respectively. Control group 2 consisted of elderly dogs (n. 12; 6 females and 6 males), whose age and BW were 9.6 ± 0.98 years and 14.8 ± 6.15 kg, respectively. Of particular interest, an increase in Treg cells was observed in the cohort of MMVD dogs, as compared to the healthy dogs, as Treg cells are involved in the maintenance of peripheral tolerance, and they are involved in etiopathogenetic and pathophysiological mechanisms in the dog. On the other hand, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 significantly increased according to the severity of the disease in MMVD dogs. Furthermore, the positive correlation between IL-6 and the left ventricle diastolic volume suggests that inflammatory activation may be involved in cardiac remodeling associated with the progressive volumetric overload in MMVD.

Objectives To identify the predictive value on time to onset of heart failure (HF) or cardiac death of clinical, radiographic, and echocardiographic variables, as well as cardiac biomarkers N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and cardiac troponin I in dogs with preclinical myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). Animals One hundred sixty-eight dogs with preclinical MMVD and left atrium to aortic root ratio ≥1.6 (LA:Ao) and normalized left ventricular end-diastolic diameter ≥1.7 were included. Methods Prospective, randomized, multicenter, single-blinded, placebo-controlled study. Clinical, radiographic, echocardiographic variables and plasma cardiac biomarkers concentrations were compared at different time points. Using receiving operating curves analysis, best cutoff for selected variables was identified and the risk to develop the study endpoint at six-month intervals was calculated. Results Left atrial to aortic root ratio >2.1 (hazard ratio [HR] 3.2, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.9–5.6), normalized left ventricular end-diastolic diameter > 1.9 (HR: 6.3; 95% CI: 3.3–11.8), early transmitral peak velocity (E peak) > 1 m/sec (HR: 3.9; 95% CI: 2.3–6.7), and NT-proBNP > 1500 ρmol/L (HR: 5.7; 95% CI: 3.3–9.5) were associated with increased risk of HF or cardiac death. The best fit model to predict the risk to reach the endpoint was represented by the plasma NT-proBNP concentrations adjusted for LA:Ao and E peak. Conclusions Logistic and survival models including echocardiographic variables and NT-proBNP can be used to identify dogs with preclinical MMVD at higher risk to develop HF or cardiac death.

Obesity is an important health issue in dogs since it influences a plethora of associated pathologies, including dermatological disorders. Considering the scarcity of information in pets, this work aimed to evaluate the localization and expression of adiponectin (ADIPOQ) and its two receptors (ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2) in the skin of 10 obese dogs, compared with serum ADIPOQ level. Through immunohistochemistry, ADIPOQ and ADIPOR2 were observed in the adipose tissue, sweat and sebaceous glands, endothelium, and some connective cells. Both receptors were observed in the epidermis and the hair follicles, other than in the sweat and sebaceous glands. Real-time PCR evidenced that the ADIPOQ and ADIPOR2 transcripts were expressed 5.4-fold (p &lt, 0.01) and 2.3-fold less (p &lt, 0.01), respectively, in obese than in normal weight dogs, while ADIPOR1 expression did not change. Obese dogs showed lower serum ADIPOQ levels than the normal weight group. Accordingly, ADIPOQ and ADIPOR2 expression in the skin appear negatively correlated with obesity in the same way as the serum ADIPOQ level. These findings evidence that ADIPOQ system changes in the skin of obese dogs and suggest that the ADIPOQ effect on the skin is at least in part regulated by the reduced expression of ADIPOR2.

INTRODUCTION. Horses are naturally parasitized by several genus/group of helminths and intestinal strongyles are the most common. Presently three anthelmintic classes are registered in horses: tetrahydropyrimidines, benzimidazoles and macrocyclic lactones (Gokbulut and McKellar, 2018 Vet Parasitol. 261: 27-52). The traditional approach to helminths control is based on interval dose program without a diagnosis, furthermore the frequent and reason less drug use has led to development of anthelmintic resistance (Leathwick et al., 2019 Vet Parasitol. 209: 210-20). Equine deworming scheme for adult horses is based on strongyle Fecal Egg Count (FEC) and on treatment of horses with FEC>200 egg per gram of feces (EPG) (Selective Treatment) (AAEP Internal Parasite Control Guidelines, 2019). FEC is also crucial to evaluate the treatment efficacy. The aims of this work were to carry out a survey on intestinal strongyles in horses in Italy and to propose a veterinary assistance considering a Parasitological Assistance Program in Equids (PAPE) based on coprological diagnosis (FEC). MATERIALS AND METHODS. The study was performed on 7,796 horses bred in 542 Italian farms. Individual FECs were performed using Mini-FLOTAC technique and a Sheather's sugar solution with a specific gravity of 1.250. Individual coprocultures were set up for each horse with FEC>200EPG. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS. Intestinal strongyle eggs were found in 420 (77.5%) tested farms with a prevalence at animal level of 57.6% (4,492/7,796). The average EPG was 441.2±622.0 (min 5 max 7,100). Regarding the egg shedding level, 71.4% of horses had a FEC 500 EPG (high contaminators). Coprocultures revealed L3 of Cyathostominae (100%), Poteriostomum (3.2%), Gyalocephalus (2.1%), Strongylus vulgaris (1.9%), Strongylus edentates (1.1%), Triodontophorus (0.7%) and Oesophagodontus (0.2%). Considering that FEC was

Donkeys have been used as working animals for transport and farm activities worldwide. Recently, in European countries, there has been an increasing interest in donkeys due to their use as pets, onotherapy or milk production. During 2014–2016, a countrywide survey was conducted to determine prevalence and risk factors of principal helminth infections in 1775 donkeys in 77 Italian farms. A questionnaire on management and parasite control practices was filled out for each farm. Faecal samples were examined using a modified McMaster technique, a centrifugation/flotation method and a sedimentation technique. Pooled coprocultures were performed for differentiation of strongylid eggs. Strongyles were the most common parasites detected (84.9%), followed by Dictyocaulus arnfieldi (6.9%), Oxyuris equi (5.8%), Parascaris spp. (3.6%), Anoplocephala spp. (1.0%), Strongyloides westeri (0.3%). Coprocultures revealed an omnipresence of cyathostomins (100%), followed by Strongylus vulgaris (31.0%), Poteriostomum spp. (25.0%), Triodontophorus spp. (9.0%), Strongylus edentatus (7.0%), Strongylus equinus (5.0%). Logistic regression analysis identified breed, co-pasture with horses, living area, herd size and number of treatments as significantly associated with strongyles. Sex, age, living area and herd size were significantly associated with Parascaris spp. Dictyocaulus arnfieldi was significantly associated with sex, grass, co-pasture with horses, living area and herd size. Strongylus vulgaris was significantly associated with living area and herd size. The mean number of anthelmintic treatments/year was 1.4; most of the donkeys (71.8%) were dewormed using an ivermectin drug. It is important to design parasite programs to specifically address both D. arnfieldi and S. vulgaris in donkeys, and this is especially important if donkeys co-graze with horses.

Background: Horses are parasitised by several intestinal helminths such as strongyles, ascarids, tapeworms and pinworms. Oxyuris equi, the horse pinworm, causes perineal irritation (tail rubbing, broken hairs and excoriated skin) [1]. Faecal Egg Count is the routine method for the diagnosis of intestinal parasite in equids [2]; however, pinworm eggs are rarely observed in faecal samples because O. equi females deposit eggs in the perianal region [1]. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare three diagnostic techniques namely Mini-FLOTAC, Proudman test and Scotch test for detecting O. equi eggs. Study design: Assay comparison. Methods: Scotch test, Mini-Flotac technique and Proudman test were performed on 2,857 horses to determine technique diagnostic accuracy. Two Scotch tests were performed for each horse and faeces were collected directly from the rectum. The faecal samples were analysed in duplicate using both Mini-FLOTAC and Proudman test with a Sheather's saturated sugar solution. Considering all three methods used, a total of 17,142 assays was performed. Results: Overall, O. equi eggs were found in 125 (4.4%) horses. Of these 91 (72.8%) were positive only by Scotch test; 19 (15.2%) by Scotch test and Mini-Flotac; 5 (4.0%) by Scotch test and Proudman test; 7 (5.6%) only by Mini-Flotac and 3 (2.4%) only by Proudman test. Main limitations: Underestimation of O. equi prevalence due to the egg laying pattern. Conclusions: The number of horses positive for O. equi eggs was higher using the Scotch test, thus showing that it is a more sensitive method for diagnosis of pinworms than FEC and Proudman test.