Canine Infection Research Articles

EFFECT OF DOXYCYCLINE, AZITHROMYCIN AND IMIDOCARB ON HEMATOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS AND HEALTH STATUS OF Ehrlichia canis INFECTED DOGS

The objective of this study was to evaluate the treatment effect of doxycycline, azithromycin and imidocarb on dogs with natural E. canis infection. 98 dogs that tested positive for E. canis were randomly divided into three regimens: regimen 1, 38 dogs, treated with doxycycline; regimen 2, 33 dogs, azithromycin, and regimen 3, 33 dogs, imidocarb. Hematological parameters: white blood cells, red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), platelet (PLT); blood biochemical parameters: amylase, lipase, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), urea and creatinine, blood smear and clinical health status were analyzed within and among regimen(s) on day 0 and day 7, 15, 21, 28, and 60 post-treatment. The results show that RBC, HGB, HCT, and PLT increase gradually through treatment. The biochemical parameters decrease gradually from day 0 to day 28. In regimen 2 and on day 60, amylase, urea, AST, ALT, and GGT rise again. By day 60 post-treatment, 6/38 (15.8%) dogs in regimen 1, 12/27 (44.4%) dogs in regimen 2, and 8/33 (24.2%) dogs in regimen 3 show signs of disease recurrence. The blood smear exam on day 60 shows that 7/38 (18.4%) dogs in regimen 1, 14/27 (51.8%) dogs in regimen 2, and 11/33 (33.3%) dogs in regimen 3 still have E. canis morulae in monocytes and/or neutrophils. In conclusion, doxycycline shows the best effect on treating dogs with natural E. canis infection compared with azithromycin and imidocarb at mentioned dosages and therapeutic duration.

Two-Shots of Immunization Effectively Induce Protective IgG against Canine Parvo-Viral Infection

Regardless of good hygiene and management, a significant number of dogs are lost every year due to deadly attack of parvo virus. The immunization schedules recommended by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) do not have exclusive suggestions on dogs living in Bangladesh. The WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines Group (VGG) suggested that vaccination recommendations that apply to a developed country may not be appropriate for a developing country. Due to inadequate sero-monitoring, emergence and re-emergence of Parvo viral infection following immunization is a common event. Therefore, the current study is designed to establish a definite guideline for Parvo viral immunization in dogs. We immunized group of dogs with commercially available parvo virus vaccine Nobivac Dog®, and a second dose was injected 14-days following the initial dose. Sera samples were collected before starting injections and 7-day following 1st and 2nd dose of vaccinations. We performed Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) to detect protective serum IgG titer against the canine parvo virus type 2 antigen. Demographic data of the participated animals was compared to the status of antibody titer. Findings of this study revealed that two-shots of immunizations with a booster injection of 2-3 weeks apart from the primary immunization is essential to develop positive titer. The purebred female dogs of older than three-months had higher IgG when compared to local, crossbred, male and younger dogs. The results will provide valuable information to establish National Guidelines for Immunizations in Dogs of Bangladesh for effective prevention and control of this deadly disease.

Switzerland-wide Neospora caninum seroprevalence in female cattle and identification of risk factors for infection.

Neospora caninum is an important cause of abortion in cattle worldwide. Infection in cattle occurs horizontally by ingestion of oocysts shed by canids or vertically, from an infected dam to the fetus, and may result in abortion, stillbirth, or birth of seropositive offspring. The control of bovine neosporosis is difficult and costly. The objectives of this study were to estimate the current nationwide seroprevalence of N. caninum infections in Swiss cattle and to assess risk factors for infection with this parasite. We conducted a cross-sectional study with cattle farms randomly selected and stratified according to population size, resulting in a sample of 780 female cattle. The cattle originated from 161 farms distributed over all Switzerland. The serum samples were tested for antibodies against N. caninum using a commercial ELISA and if inconclusive, retested using an in-house immunoblot technique. To collect farm parameters relevant to N. caninum transmission and prevention, farm owners were mailed a questionnaire which addressed topics putatively related to N. caninum infection such as husbandry, history of abortion, and presence of dogs on farm. Univariate analysis by generalized linear mixed model (with animal seropositivity as outcome variable) and logistic regression modeling (with farm seropositivity as outcome variable) was conducted on farm parameters investigated in the questionnaire. By ELISA and immunoblot, 4.2% (33/780) of cattle sera yielded positive results. At the farm level, 16.2% (26/161) of the sampled farms had at least one seropositive animal. The return rate of the valid questionnaires was 54.0%. At the animal level, odds for farm seropositivity were 3.8 times higher when rodents had been recorded by the farmer as a problem on the farm. At the farm-level, two protective factors were identified: rearing of replacement heifers and feeding of concentrated feed. We recorded a low seroprevalence of N. caninum in a random sample of Swiss cattle representative for the years 2017-2018. Based on a questionnaire survey, we could identify risk and protective factors for infection with N. caninum, however their biological relevance needs to be confirmed in further studies.

The First Records of Canine Babesiosis in Dogs from Dermacentor reticulatus-Free Zone in Poland.

Tick-borne microorganisms belong to important etiological agents of many infectious diseases affecting humans and animals. Among them, there are haemoprotozoans of the Babesia genus, which infect erythrocytes of a host and may cause many clinical symptoms. Canine babesiosis is an emerging tick-borne disease in Southern and Central Europe. In this study, we report two cases of symptomatic canine babesiosis caused by Babesia canis in domestic dogs from the Silesian Voivodeship, Poland, as well as the presence of Dermacentor reticulatus ticks detected on one of the Babesia-infected dogs (D. reticulatus-free zone). The molecular analysis confirmed the presence of Babesia canis in the dogs’ blood, and the sequencing analysis showed that the obtained sequence is 100% identical to the sequence of Babesia canis isolate 3469 (sequence ID: KX712122.1). Our findings should raise awareness of B. canis infection among dog owners and veterinarians in the region where B. canis was not previously reported in residential, non-traveling dogs, as well as ensuring that adequate diagnostic methods are available.

Lung Lipidomic Alterations in Beagle Dogs Infected with Toxocara canis.

Toxocariasis, mainly caused by Toxocara canis, and to a lesser extent, Toxocara cati, is a neglected parasitic zoonosis. The mechanisms that underlie the changes in lipid metabolism of T. canis infection in Beagle dogs' lungs remain unclear. Lipidomics is a rapidly emerging approach that enables the global profiling of lipid composition by mass spectrometry. In this study, we performed a non-targeted lipidomic analysis of the lungs of Beagle dogs infected with the roundworm T. canis using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). A total of 1197 lipid species were identified, of which 63, 88, and 157 lipid species were significantly altered at 24 h post-infection (hpi), 96 hpi, and 36 days post-infection (dpi), respectively. This global lipidomic profiling identified infection-specific lipid signatures for lung toxocariasis, and represented a comprehensive comparison between the lipid composition of dogs' lungs in the presence and absence of T. canis infection. The potential roles of the identified lipid species in the pathogenesis of T. canis are discussed, which has important implications for better understanding the interaction mechanism between T. canis and the host lung.

Visceral Leishmaniasis Urbanization in the Brazilian Amazon Is Supported by Significantly Higher Infection Transmission Rates Than in Rural Area.

This was an open cohort prospective study (2016-2018) that analyzed the prevalence and incidence rates of human Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi-infection and the evolution of their clinical-immunological profiles in distinct urban and rural scenarios of American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL) in Pará State, in the Brazilian Amazon. These infection profiles were based on species-specific DTH/IFAT-IgG assays and clinical evaluation of infected individuals, comprising five profiles: three asymptomatic, Asymptomatic Infection [AI], Subclinical Resistant Infection [SRI], and Indeterminate Initial Infection [III]; and two symptomatic, Subclinical Oligosymptomatic Infection [SOI] and Symptomatic Infection [SI = AVL]. The two distinct scenarios (900 km away) were the urban area of Conceição do Araguaia municipality and the rural area of Bujaru municipality in the southeast and northeast of Pará State. Human populations were chosen based on a simple convenience sampling design (5-10% in each setting), with 1723 individuals (5.3%) of the population (32,464) in the urban area and 1568 individuals (8.9%) of the population (17,596) in the rural one. A serological survey (IFAT-IgG) of canine infection was also performed in both scenarios: 195 dogs in the urban area and 381 in the rural one. Prevalence and incidence rates of human infection were higher in the urban area (20.3% and 13.6/100 person-years [py]) than in the rural setting (14.1% and 6.8/100-py). The AI profile was the most prevalent and incident in both urban (13.4% and 8.1/100-py) and rural (8.3% and 4.2/100-py) scenarios, but with higher rates in the former. An III profile case evolved to SOI profile after four weeks of incubation and another to SI (=AVL) after six. The prevalence of canine infection in an urban setting (39.2%) was also higher (p < 0.05) than that (32%) in the rural zone. AVL urbanization in Pará State, in the Brazilian Amazon, has led to infection rates significantly higher than those in rural sites, requiring more intense control measures.

Epidemiology of canine parvovirus infection in and around Pantnagar, Uttarakhand: A retrospective study

In India, Canine Parvovirus Infection is an endemic viral disease-causing severe gastroenteritis and significant numbers of deaths in puppies, even in vaccinated populations. A retrospective study was conducted between June, 2021 and June, 2022 in and around Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, in which cases of gastro-enteritis were screened for canine parvovirus infection. A total of 258 cases out of 627 cases presented for gastro-enteritis were found to be positive for canine parvovirus based on Rapid Antigen Tests and Polymerase Chain Reaction with a prevalence rate of 41.15%. Data associated with factors such as age, breed, sex, season, immunisation and relocation stress were recorded. Mongrels were found to be the most affected among various breeds, with a prevalence rate of 51.16%, followed by the exotic breed Labrador retriever (9.68%). Males (63.57%) were more found to be affected more than females (34.43%). As for age, prevalence was higher in the age group of 3-6 months (43.40%), followed by less than 3 months of age (31.40%) respectively. Considering other risk factors such as season, vaccination status and relocation stress, prevalence was seen to be higher in to be higher comparatively in spring (33.33%) and winter (29.07%); also, higher prevalence in non-vaccinated (63.13%) and about 25.19% of the animals which were relocated recently were found to be infected with canine parvovirus.

<i>Microsporum canis</i> Infection in a Cat Breeder Family and an Investigation of Their Breeding Cats

Two pediatric cases of Microsporum canis infection that occurred in a cat breeder family and the isolation of dermatophytes from their 166 breeding cats are reported. The patients were a 16-month-old girl and her 26-month-old sister who both had tinea capitis. Their family consisted of six members: the sisters, their great-grandmother, grandmother, grandfather, and mother. Except for the two sisters, the family had no history of skin lesions. The grandmother had been a cat breeder for 20 years. We tested the cats using the hairbrush technique, and 56 of the 158 cats (35%) tested were positive for M. canis. In particular, cultures performed from 4 cats developed M. canis colonies that grew densely from all spikes on the hairbrush. On the basis of observations of the cultures, cutaneous infection was suspected when five or more colonies grew on a single plate medium (9 cats), whereas growth of fewer colonies was thought to suggest saprophytic colonization on cat hair. M. canis is known to be highly transmittable among cats, but 65% of the cats investigated remained negative. It was thus considered possible to prevent further spread of infection by practicing basic infection control and improving the environment.

Epidemiological Survey of the Main Tick-Borne Pathogens Infecting Dogs from the Republic of Moldova.

Despite the significant burden of tick-borne diseases (TBDs), epidemiologic studies are missing, and TBD awareness is low in the Republic of Moldova. Our study is the first to assess the prevalence of the main tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) infecting dogs in this country and associated risk factors. In this cross-sectional, multi-centre study (June 2018-July 2019), blood samples were collected from dogs presenting in veterinary clinics (Chişinău: N = 30) and hosted in public dog shelters (Cahul: N = 42; Chişinău: N = 48). TBPs were assessed by molecular techniques and risk factors by the logistic regression model. Hepatozoon canis was the most prevalent TBP (15.8% [19/120]), followed by Babesia canis (11.7% [14/120]), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (5.8% [7/120]), and Bartonella spp. (0.8% [1/120]). Blood samples tested negative for Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp., Francisella tularensis, Anaplasma platys, and Ehrlichia canis. Dogs originating from the veterinary clinics had a higher prevalence of A. phagocytophilum infection than those from the shelters (16.6% versus 2.2%, respectively, p = 0.0292; OR: 27.0 [95%CI: 1.4-521.9]). Dogs from Chișinău had a higher prevalence of Hepatozoon canis infection versus those from Cahul (19.2% versus 9.5%, respectively, p = 0.0295; OR: 3.9 [95%CI: 1.1-13.4]). We recommend routine use of acaricides and deworming of dogs to prevent or/and limit TBD spread. Further TBD surveillance studies are needed.

Scenario of viral and protozoa diseases in commercial dairy goats from Zona da Mata of Minas Gerais State, Brazil

Caprine encephalitis-arthritis virus (CAEV), bluetongue virus (BTV), and the parasites Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii can be considered important infectious agents for dairy goats, causing significant losses in production. Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) can occasionally infect goats. This study assessed the prevalence and determined the risk factors for viral (CAEV, BTV, BHV-1, and VSV) and protozoan (T. gondii and N. caninum) infection; it also verifies the natural disposition of seropositive groups regarding their multivariate similarity in commercial dairy goat farms in the Zona da Mata of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Blood serum samples from 413 dairy goats from nine farms were analyzed using the virus neutralization test, agar gel immunodiffusion, and indirect immunofluorescence methods. The average prevalences found were 65% (269/413) and 47.1% (195/413) for the parasites N. caninum and T. gondii and 35% (145/413) and 24% (99/413) for BTV and CAEV, respectively. All samples were seronegative for BHV-1 and VSV. Significant risk factors were found only in T. gondii and CAEV infection. For toxoplasmosis, contact of the herd with cats (OR = 28.6; [95% CI = 5.81–140.66]) or dogs and cats (OR = 21.12; [95% CI = 6.78–65.82]), the disposal of dead animals in landfill (OR = 0.03; [95% CI = 0.01–0,10), the lack of colostrum treatment (OR = 3.75 [95% CI = 1.53–9.20]), and natural reproduction (OR = 0.28; [95% CI = 0.13–0.62]) were risk factors. For CAEV, the risk factors were contact with dogs (OR = 0.66; [95% CI = 0.49–0.90]), the disposal of dead animals in landfill (OR = 4.12; [95% CI = 1.65–10.28]), and natural suckling (OR = 0.03; [95% CI = 0.004;0.261]). Based on the PCA results, farms with higher rates of positive cases in CAEV, N. caninum, and T. gondii infection bordered the mesoregion, demonstrating the possible special interaction with the seropositivity of dairy goat herds. There is a need to implement measures to control viral and protozoal infections in this important goat milk production region in Brazil.

Seroepidemiological and Clinicopathological Investigation of Canine Coronavirus Infection in Dogs, in Türkiye

Domestic and wild dogs of all ages and breeds are susceptible to Canine Coronavirus (CCoV) infections and be seen in Türkiye and amongst world. CCoV has recently been declared a zoonotic disease agent and the eighth pathogenic human coronavirus. This study was conducted on 143 naturally infected dogs with gastroenteritis which were not vaccinated against CCoV in Türkiye in 2015-2020. The data of dogs were analyzed seroepidemiologically, clinicopathologically and statistically. CCOV antibodies in serum and CCOV antigens in stool were detected by ELISA and lateral immunochromatography. The rising CCoV IgG antibody titers were detected at all dogs and were as follows; 64 ng/L in 81 (81%) dogs. CCOV and Canine Parvovirus (CPV) antigen were detected together in the stool of the 41 (28.7%) dogs. As a result, it was concluded that the CCOV agent is in circulation among dogs living in Türkiye. CCOV and CPV can cause co-infections and increased mortality. Although infection can be seen in dogs of all ages, it can be seen more frequently in dogs younger than 1 year of age, and especially in dogs younger than 6 months, and can cause enteritis, low hemoglobin, erythropenia, lymphopenia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and hypoproteinemia.

Epidemiological investigation of canine coronavirus infection in Chinese domestic dogs: A systematic review and data synthesis

Canine enteric coronavirus (CCoV) is a pathogenic virus that infects dogs worldwide, causing enteric issues and causing harm to the dog industry and dogs. Although CCoV is not recognized as a highly lethal canine intestinal pathogen, it has been reported that CCoV is significantly associated with canine diarrhea in dogs. CCoV is a common health problem in dogs, attracting major concern from veterinarians and dog owners across China. In this study, we summarized the prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of CCoV in dogs in mainland China. The study revealed that the pooled prevalence of CCoV infection was 33%, and which associated with age, but not with sex, season and immunization status. In addition, the study also further suggested that CCoV-II was the predominant CCoV subtype in Chinese dogs. This study will provide valuable information for CCoV infections across China and other countries. Furthermore, this study also suggested that continuous surveillance and epidemiological studies of CCoV are necessary.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of human and zoonotic dog soil-transmitted helminth infections in Australian Indigenous communities.

Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infect 1.5 billion people and countless animals worldwide. In Australian Indigenous communities, STH infections have largely remained endemic despite control efforts, suggesting reservoirs of infection may exist. Dogs fulfil various important cultural, social and occupational roles in Australian Indigenous communities and are populous in these settings. Dogs may also harbour zoonotic STHs capable of producing morbidity and mortality in dogs and humans. This review provides an overview of human and zoonotic STH infections, identifies the Australian Indigenous locations affected and the parasite species and hosts involved. The meta-analysis provides estimates of individual study and pooled true prevalence of STH infections in Australian Indigenous communities and identifies knowledge gaps for further research on zoonotic or anthroponotic potential. A systematic literature search identified 45 eligible studies documenting the presence of Strongyloides stercoralis, Trichuris trichiura, Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma duodenale, Ancylostoma ceylanicum, undifferentiated hookworm, and Ascaris lumbricoides. Of these studies, 26 were also eligible for inclusion in meta-analysis to establish true prevalence in the light of imperfect diagnostic test sensitivity and specificity by Rogan-Gladen and Bayesian methods. These studies revealed pooled true prevalence estimates of 18.9% (95% CI 15.8-22.1) for human and canine S. stercoralis infections and 77.3% (95% CI 63.7-91.0) for canine A. caninum infections indicating continued endemicity, but considerably more heterogenous pooled estimates for canine A. ceylanicum infections, and A. duodenale, undifferentiated hookworm and T. trichiura in humans. This review suggests that the prevalence of STHs in Australian Indigenous communities has likely been underestimated, principally based on imperfect diagnostic tests. Potential misclassification of hookworm species in humans and dogs due to outdated methodology, also obscures this picture. High-quality contemporary studies are required to establish current true prevalence of parasite species in all relevant hosts to guide future policy development and control decisions under a culturally sound One Health framework.

Eosinophilia caused by Toxocara canis infection

Eosinophilia is defined as an absolute peripheral blood eosinophil count > 0.5 GL. Most often, its intensity is mild. Eosinophilia usually accompanies other diseases such as allergic, rheumatological, infectious, or oncological. The signs depend on the underlying diseases. After starting treatment of the underlying disease, the eosinophil count returns to the reference range. The diagnosis of eosinophilia starts by excluding the secondary causes. Clonal eosinophilia is a rare disease in which eosinophils are part of a tumor clone. The clonality is confirmed by molecular biology methods. The most common eosinophilic infiltration includes skin, lungs, and heart. The symptoms are not connected with a count of eosinophils in blood or bone marrow. The manifestation can be mild but also severe, life-threatening like venous thromboembolism. This article presents a case of 36-year-old man with eosinophilia caused by Toxocara canis infection manifested by systemic symptoms, erythroderma, and liver failure.

Leptospira borgpetersenii Leucine-Rich Repeat Proteins and Derived Peptides in an Indirect ELISA Development for the Diagnosis of Canine Leptospiral Infections.

Domestic and stray dogs can be frequently infected by Leptospira, and thus may represent a source for transmission of this zoonotic disease in Thailand. Here, we have used peptides derived from a recombinant leucine-rich repeat (LRR) protein of Leptospira, rKU_Sej_LRR_2012M, for the development of an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) aimed at detecting antibodies against Leptospira interrogans, L. borgpetersenii, and L. biflexa, the three major seroprevalences in Thai dogs. The rKU_Sej_LRR_2012M protein is recognized by hyperimmune sera against several leptospiral serovars. The epitope peptides of the rKU_Sej_LRR_2012M showed binding affinities with lower IC50 values than peptides of known antigenic protein LipL32. Four peptides, 2012-3T, 2012-4B, 2012-5B and pool 2012-B, were specifically recognized by rabbit hyperimmune sera against nine serovars from three Leptospira spp. The indirect peptide-based ELISAs with these four peptides were evaluated with the LipL32 ELISA by using a receiver–operator curve (ROC) analysis. All peptides had an area under the curve of ROC (AUC) greater than 0.8, and the sum of sensitivity and specificity for each peptide was greater than 1.5. The degree of agreement of 2012-3T and pool 2012-B and 2012-4B and 2012-5B peptides were in moderate-to-good levels with kappa values of 0.41–0.60 and 0.61–0.80, when compared with LipL32, respectively. This finding would suggest an excellent capability of the 2012-4B and 2012-5B peptide-based ELISAs assay for the diagnosis of canine leptospiral infections.

Efficacy of a formulation of sarolaner/moxidectin/pyrantel (Simparica Trio®) for the prevention of Thelazia callipaeda canine eyeworm infection

BackgroundFor a long time known as the oriental eyeworm, Thelazia callipaeda is a zoonotic nematode that infects the eyes of a wide range of vertebrate hosts including dogs, cats, wildlife carnivores, lagomorphs, and humans. The high occurrence of this infection in Europe and the first cases in the United States have increased scientific interest in the parasite, as it also represents a risk for people living in endemic areas. Therefore, treatment and prevention of thelaziosis in canine population are advocated to reduce the risk of human infection as well. Here, we assessed the efficacy of a formulation containing sarolaner/moxidectin/pyrantel (Simparica Trio®) administered orally at monthly intervals, for the prevention of establishment of infection with T. callipaeda in naturally infected dogs. In this formulation, moxidectin is expected to have efficacy against eyeworms, whereas sarolaner and pyrantel are not.MethodsThe study was conducted in eyeworm endemic areas of Italy and France, where dogs (n = 125) were assigned into two groups consisting of a negative control group (G1; n = 62), in which animals were treated monthly with a control product (sarolaner; Simparica®), and a treatment group (G2; n = 63) in which animals were treated monthly with Simparica Trio (sarolaner/moxidectin/pyrantel) from day 0 to day 150. In total, nine animals were withdrawn from the study (two animals became positive at day 30, and seven for reasons unrelated to eyeworm infection), resulting in 116 animals (n = 58 for G1; n = 58 for G2).ResultsIn G1, 16 out of 58 animals (27.6%) were observed with eyeworms during the study, and none of the animals from G2 were ever observed with eyeworms, resulting in 100% efficacy (P < 0.0001) in the prevention of establishment of T. callipaeda infection. Adult nematodes and fourth-instar (L4)-stage larvae were recovered from the eyes of positive animals, counted, and morphologically identified as T. callipaeda. In addition, specimens from Italy were molecularly confirmed as belonging to the haplotype 1 (i.e., the only one circulating in Europe so far).ConclusionsData presented herein demonstrated 100% efficacy of Simparica Trio for the prevention of T. callipaeda eyeworm infection in dogs from highly endemic areas of France and Italy. The use of this formulation is advantageous, as it is a licensed product in Europe with a wide efficacy spectrum against other nematodes, multiple tick species, and fleas. In addition, preventing the development of infection in dogs could also be a prophylaxis measure for zoonotic T. callipaeda infection in humans inhabiting endemic areas.Graphical

Clinical complications for canine parvovirus infection in puppies

Canine parvovirus (CPV) infection is one of the most important infectious diseases affecting young puppies. With aggressive supportive treatment, most puppies tend to survive the infection, while a minority develops some complications that make the course of treatment longer and more complicated. In this study, we documented the main complications of the CPV infection in 44 puppies referred to private practices in Baghdad. We present a full description of the cases with their clinical, laboratory and imaging findings and discuss the type, rate and causes of the complications in the survived puppies that occurred in the next two weeks. Out of 44 puppies, five did not survive, while, 30 cases were treated without any complications. In the meantime, Carpal / Tarsal laxity, decreased growth rate, antibiotic responsive diarrhea and ascites were observed in 6, 2, 2 and 1 case, respectively. Weaker puppies, inappropriate treatment protocol and/or uncomfortable small enclosures could be important predisposing factors for these complications. Therefore, it is highly recommended to start an appropriate treatment in larger enclosures and more comfortable floor as soon as possible, in addition to providing the oral soft food no later than 3-5 days to reduce further complications.

Comparative efficacy of ivermectin and fenbendazole against ancylostomiasis in dogs.

The present experiment was carried out to assess the comparative efficacy of ivermectin and fenbendazole individually for anthelmintic therapy for the hookworm infested dogs. Dogs presented to the Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine or Veterinary Clinical Complex, Bhubaneswar were randomly screened for Ancylostoma caninum infection and the positive dogs were selected for the therapeutic trial Faecal samples were collected randomly from presented dogs immediately after defaecation or from the rectum directly using a faecal scoop. The collected sample was examined by floatation technique to detect the positive cases of Ancylostoma caninum infection. The dogs with normal clinical parameters and no eggs or ova in the faeces were included in in group 1 (n = 12). Dogs with faecal sample positive for Ancylostoma caninum ova were recruited for the comparative study (n = 24) which were grouped into two groups consisting of 12 dogs in each (group 2 and 3). Group 2 dogs (n = 12) were treated with ivermectin at 200µg/kg body weight once orally repeated after 15days with proper supportive therapy each time. Group 3 (n = 12) were treated with fenbendazole at 50mg/kg body weight once orally repeated after 15days with proper supportive therapy each time. Haematological examinations and serum biochemical tests were carried out in all groups each time on day 0, 15 and 30 of the experiment. The therapeutic efficacy of both the drugs was calculated on the basis of number of animals found free of Ancylostoma infection as determined by reduction in EPG count of the faeces of the group following the treatment. The reduction in eggs per gram (EPG) count on day 15 and day 30 was more significant in group 2 than group 3. The mean EPG count reduced significantly to 24.17 ± 11.44 on day 15 from day 0 level of 1650.00 ± 247.25 in fenbendazole-treated dogs. On day 30, the mean value further reduced to become nil.The 15th day after treatment, mean (± SE) value of protein, albumin and globulin was changed to 5.63 ± 0.12, 2.64 ± 0.12 and 2.99 ± 0.15g/dl, respectively. The 30th day after treatment, the values were 6.23 ± 0.14, 3.20 ± 0.18 and 3.03 ± 0.21g/dl, respectively. The total protein and albumin values were significantly changed from day 0 level in group 2 and 3 by 15th day and 30th day, respectively, at 1% level of significance. Following treatment with ivermectin, the 15th day haematological values increased significantly at 1% level (P < 0.01) of significance. There was significant increase in the values at 1% level on the 30th day compared to day 0 and the mean values were non-significantly comparable to the healthy control group except PCV and TEC.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infection in black goats in Yunnan Province, Southwestern China.

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are two obligate intracellular protozoan parasites that can cause reproductive failure and production losses. To date, there is no data of T. gondii and N. caninum seroprevalence in black goats in Yunnan Province, southwestern China. In the present study, a total of 734 serum samples were collected from black goats in four different counties of Yunnan Province. 734 and 590 serum samples were examined for antibodies against T. gondii and N. caninum by using MAT and indirect ELISA, respectively. A total of 123 and 76 samples were T. gondii-positive and N. caninum-positive, respectively. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii in black goats was 16.76% (123/734, 95% CI: 14.06–19.46) with the titer ranged from 1:25 to 1:3200. The seroprevalence of N. caninum was 12.88% (76/590, 95% CI: 10.18–15.58). There was significant difference in seroprevalence of N. caninum in different regions (P < 0.01, χ2 = 30.63) and age groups (P < 0.05, χ2 = 11.85). Significant differences in seroprevalence of T. gondii were observed in different regions (P < 0.05, χ2 = 9.21) and different gender groups (P < 0.01, χ2 = 12.29). Results of seroprevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum indicated that T. gondii and N. caninum were prevalent parasites in black goats in Yunnan Province. This is the first report of seroprevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum in black goats in Yunnan Province. The results of this study indicated that some measures should be taken to control these two parasites and to reduce economic losses to the livestock industry in Yunnan Province.

Coprological detection of Toxocariosis in domicile and stray dogs and cats in Sulaimani province, Iraq

Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati are ascarid nematodes, belong to the Toxocaridae family and genus Toxocara, causing toxocariosis in dogs and cats. The disease is mainly transmitted between animals and humans through ingestion of contaminated food with the embryonated eggs of the parasite. In addition, vertical transmission of the Toxocara larvae from pregnant bitches to their offspring through placenta and milk has been reported. Nowadays, stray dogs and cats, which are unvaccinated or not treated against the parasites, play a significant role in introducing the disease and seem to be a common public health concern. The study aimed to identify the rate of Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati infection among the domiciliary and stray dogs and cats that presented to the veterinary clinics, using direct fecal smear and fecal floatation techniques. The results showed that stray cats were highly infected 47.62% in comparison to domiciled cats 5.56%. In contrast, the T. canis infection among domiciled and stray dogs was about 11.11% and 11.76%, respectively. Adult cats and dogs were found to have a higher infectious rate cat; 30%, dogs; 14.81% than younger age groups cats; 27.58%, dogs; 8%. There was a moderate and highly significant positive correlation between the lifestyle and infectious rate in cats. In conclusion, stray cats and dogs are the leading risk factor for transmitting the disease.