Commercial Dry Food Research Articles

Anaerobic decomposition of substandard pet food as a raw material source for producing hydrogen from methane

A potential raw material for producing hydrogen (the main carrier for the accumulation, storage and transportation of energy) is methane from biogas. An approach to producing biogas with a high methane content (69–72%) from waste commercial dry and wet food for dogs and cats under mesophilic conditions has been demonstrated. For 27–28 days under anaerobic conditions, the degree of biotransformation of waste was 60–88%. As a result of mineralization of watered organic waste, the content of ammonium nitrogen and phosphorus in the form of phosphates amounted to 676–887 mgNH4+/l and 77–160 mgPO43-/l, respectively. In anaerobically treated effluent, accumulation of sulfide ions up to 22 mg/l was observed. The solid sediment and anaerobically treated effluent (liquid fraction) obtained upon completion of the biotransformation of pet food waste are a potential organic fertilizer for agricultural needs, and methane from biogas is a raw material for producing hydrogen and pure carbon for the needs of the nanoindustry.

Analysis of chicken and pig DNA content in commercial dry foods for adult cats.

Among pets, cats are the most popular in Europe. Despite the fact, the interest in the safety and quality of their food is much lower compared to the interest of caregivers in the nutrition of dogs. In this research, 27 commercial cat foods were analyzed for mislabeled component composition. Cat foods were divided into a control group, a group of fish foods and a group of other foods with alternative sources of animal protein. Chicken and pig DNA detection was performed using real-time PCR. In this research, 100% of the cat foods contained chicken DNA and 96% of the foods - pig DNA, despite the lack of declaration of these ingredients on the product label. The results indicate that cat food appear to be mislabeled to an even greater extent than dog food. Moreover, manufacturers' declarations in terms of ingredient composition do not reflect the actual composition of commercial products available on the market and intended for everyday feeding of animals. Mislabeling of these products also poses a risk for animals suffering from food allergies.

Dietary intervention for a growing Australian Kelpie with intestinal lipid malabsorption

AbstractA 12‐week‐old male Australian Kelpie was referred for nutritional consultation after being diagnosed with autosomal recessively inherited intestinal lipid malabsorption (ILM). At the timepoint of referral, the dog's bodyweight was below the ideal growth curve, the faecal quality was poor and the patient received a pancreatic enzyme supplement. The patient's diet at referral was based on a commercial dry food for all age groups and contained approximately 20% fat in dry matter (DM). We formulated a highly digestible homemade diet with a low‐fat content (10% DM) while meeting the recommendations for linoleic acid, α‐linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, which supported the nutritional requirements of a growing dog with impaired fat absorption. The diet was adapted according to the different growth phases.To our knowledge, this is the first case report highlighting the nutritional management of an Australian Kelpie with ILM. After diet adaptation, the patient reached his growth potential.

An investigation of the presence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Enterobacteriaceae in raw and cooked kibble diets for dogs in the United Kingdom.

Raw meat diets (RMD) for dogs are an increasingly popular alternative pet food choice, however studies worldwide have demonstrated them to be contaminated with zoonotic and antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria, including bacteria resistant to critically important antibiotics. Despite this, few data exist surrounding the presence of these bacteria in RMD in the United Kingdom. The present study aimed to identify the most commonly selected RMD and non-raw diets (NRMD) by United Kingdom dog owners. Additionally, it investigated the presence of AMR-Enterobacteriaceae in samples of pre-prepared RMD and cooked commercial kibble dog foods. An online survey investigating diet preferences of United Kingdom dog owners was open for 6 weeks between February-March 2020. From this, the top 10 brands of pre-prepared raw and cooked kibble diets were ascertained and 134 samples purchased (110 RMD, 24 kibble) and subjected to microbiological testing. Bacterial enumeration of E. coli and other Enterobacteriaceae was undertaken, and the presence of Salmonella spp. and AMR-E. coli within samples determined. Whole genome sequencing was undertaken on Salmonella spp. and third-generation cephalosporin-resistant 3GCR-E. coli isolates. Pre-prepared RMD was most commonly selected by dog owners who fed RMD, and cooked commercial complete dry food was most frequently fed by owners who fed NRMD. Damaged and leaking packaging was observed in samples of RMD, alongside variability in information provided surrounding product traceability. Counts of E. coli and other Enterobacteriaceae exceeding >5,000 CFU/g were identified in samples of RMD. AMR-, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing and 3GCR-E. coli was isolated from 39, 14 and 16% of RMD samples, respectively. Multiple antimicrobial resistance genes were identified in 3GCR-E. coli isolates. Of the ESBL encoding genes, blaCTX-M-15 was most commonly identified. S. enterica was isolated from 5% of RMD samples. No Enterobacteriaceae were isolated from any of the cooked kibble samples. The present study suggests that pre-prepared RMD available for dogs in the United Kingdom can be contaminated with zoonotic and AMR-Enterobacteriaceae. RMDs, therefore, are potentially an important One Health concern. Veterinary and medical professionals, pet food retailers and pet owners should be aware of these risks; and stringent hygiene measures should be practiced if owners choose to feed RMD.

MRI-based quantification of adipose tissue distribution in healthy adult cats during body weight gain.

The incidence of obesity in pet population increased over the last decades. Cats have been suggested as model for human obesity because of similar co-morbidities as diabetes and dyslipidaemia. Aim of this study were to quantify the distribution of visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue (VAT, SAT respectively) in healthy adult cats during feeding-induced body weight (BW) gain by MRI, and to correlate it to the increased hepatic fat fraction (HFF). Cats received a commercial dry food ad libitum for 40 weeks and were longitudinally scanned three times. VAT and SAT were determined from Dixon MRI data by a dedicated software solution (ATLAS, established in human and rodents). HFF was quantified from a commercially available sequence. At both individual and group level, normalized adipose tissue volumes significantly increased longitudinally, with median VAT/SAT ratio always < 1. With increased BW, more than proportional increased total adipose tissue was observed together with more than proportional increased HFF. HFF is disproportionately high in overweight cats compared to SAT and VAT accumulation in the 40 weeks observation period. Quantitative unbiased MRI examination of different body fat components is useful in longitudinal monitoring of obesity in cats.

Administration of Strobilanthes crispus in an Angora Cat with Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease

The occurrence of feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUD) in Indonesia has not been widely reported. However, the incidence of the disease has increased due to dietary cat patterns. The diet habitually consists of commercial dry food only, without wet food, such as meat. FLUD often affects certain breeds of cats. Surgical therapy is the first option to remove kidney stones; however, rural areas in Indonesia often lack animal surgical facilities. This condition requires alternative therapies to cure the disease. A one-year-old male Angora cat was brought to Rumah Satwa veterinary clinic in Tanah Datar, Indonesia, for examination, with a history of urination difficulties or dysuria, pain in the abdomen when being handled, and lack of desire to mate. A macroscopic examination of urine showed a cloudy and dense appearance. The ultrasound examination revealed a stone (struvite) and a thickening of the urinary bladder wall. The angora cat was diagnosed with obstructive FLUD caused by urolithiasis. A capsule containing 125 mg Keji Beling (Strobilanthes crispus, Bl) extract was administered to the cat once daily to aid the struvite stone dissolution. Keji Beling is a herbal plant easily found in Indonesia and used to treat human kidney stones. After 32 days of therapy, the clinical condition of the cat improved. The ultrasound examination did not find any stones left in the bladder. In conclusion, based on local wisdom, Keji Beling leaves can potentially be an alternative therapy for FLUD in Angora cats with certain conditions.

Microbiological safety of commercial canned and dry pet food products in Lebanon.

Estimating the microbiological quality of pet food is essential in providing healthy and safe foods to pets. The aim of this study was to assess the microbiological safety of pet food marketed in Lebanon, namely cat and dog products. To the best of our knowledge, no studies have been conducted in Lebanon nor the Middle East region with reference to pet food quality. Lebanese market was screened and a total of 165 dry and canned pet food products were identified, collected and analyzed for their load of total aerobic microbial count, Enterobacteriaceae species, yeasts and molds, and for the presence of Salmonella and Listeria species. Dry pet food products had higher contamination level compared to canned ones. In terms of non-conformity to the European commission regulations, out of the 165 brands, 11 (7%) had a total aerobic microbial count above 106 cfu/g, and 27 (16%) exceeded 3 × 102 cfu/g as a maximum limit of presumptive Enterobacteriaceae. Among the dry brands, 8 out of 66 (12%) had a contamination level of yeasts and molds above 104 cfu/g. Presumptive Salmonella spp. was detected in 68 (41%) and presumptive Listeria spp. in 106 (64%) of brands. These alarming results necessitates setting and monitoring microbiological standards for pet food in Lebanon. This study contributes as well to the building of a database for knowledge development regarding the potential contamination of pet food by the abovementioned microorganisms.

Smart sensory polymer for straightforward Zn(II) detection in pet food samples

We report on an innovative method to measure the Zn(II) concentration in commercial pet food samples, both wet and dry food. It is based on a colorimetric sensory polymer prepared from commercial monomers and 0.5 % of a synthetic monomer having a quinoline sensory core (N-(8-(2-azidoacetamido)quinolin-5-yl)methacrylamide). We obtained the sensory polymer as crosslinked films by thermally initiated bulk radical polymerization of the monomers of 100 μm thickness, which we punched into Ø6 mm sensory discs. The immersion of the discs in water solutions containing Zn(II) turned the fluorescence on, allowing for the titration of this cation using the G parameter of a digital picture taken to the discs. The limits of detection and quantification were 29 and 87 µg/L, respectively. Furthermore, we measured the concentration of Zn(II) even in the presence of other cations, detecting no significant interferences. Thus, in a further step, we obtained the concentration of Zn(II) from 15 commercial pet food samples, ranging from 19 to 198 mg/kg, following a simple extraction procedure and contacting the extractant with our sensory discs. These results were contrasted with that obtained by ICP-MS as a reference method.

Demographic factors associated with joint supplement use in dogs from the Dog Aging Project.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most prevalent age-related chronic conditions that afflict companion dogs, and multiple joint supplements are available to prevent or treat OA, though the efficacy of these treatments is controversial. While the demographic factors that are associated with OA diagnosis are well established, the factors that are associated with joint supplement use are not as well studied. Using data collected from the Dog Aging Project, we analyzed owner survey responses regarding joint supplement administration and OA diagnosis for 26,951 adult dogs. In this cross-sectional analysis, logistic regression models and odds-ratios (OR) were employed to determine demographic factors of dogs and their owners that were associated with joint supplement administration. Forty percent of adult dogs in our population were given some type of joint supplement. Perhaps not surprisingly, dogs of older age, larger size, and those that were ever overweight were more likely to receive a joint supplement. Younger owner age, urban living, owner education, and feeding commercial dry food were associated with a reduced likelihood of administration of joint supplements to dogs. Interestingly, mixed breed dogs were also less likely to be administered a joint supplement (OR: 0.73). Dogs with a clinical diagnosis of OA were more likely to receive a joint supplement than those without a reported OA diagnosis (OR: 3.82). Neutered dogs were more likely to have a diagnosis of OA, even after controlling for other demographic factors, yet their prevalence of joint supplement administration was the same as intact dogs. Overall, joint supplement use appears to be high in our large population of dogs in the United States. Prospective studies are needed to determine if joint supplements are more commonly administered as a preventative for OA or after an OA clinical diagnosis.

Oral microbiota populations of adult dogs consuming wet or dry foods.

Oral microbiota play a prominent role in canine periodontal disease and wet foods are often blamed for poor oral health, but canine oral microbial communities have been poorly studied. We aimed to determine differences in oral health measures, breath odor, and oral microbiota populations of dogs fed wet or dry food. Twelve adult dogs fed either a commercial dry (extruded) or commercial wet (canned) food for 6 wk were studied. Breath samples were measured for sulfur compounds, teeth were scored for plaque, calculus, and gingivitis by a blinded veterinary dentist, salivary pH was measured, and supragingival (SUP) and subgingival (SUB) plaque samples were collected for microbiota analysis. Plaque DNA was extracted and Illumina sequencing was conducted. Phylogenetic data were analyzed using the CosmosID bioinformatics platform and SAS 9.4, with P <0.05 being significant and P <0.10 being trends. Plaque coverage tended to be higher (P < 0.10) in dogs fed wet vs. dry food, but other oral health scores were not different. Dogs fed dry food had higher (P < 0.05) salivary pH and lower (P < 0.05) breath sulfur concentrations than those consuming wet food. Bacterial alpha diversity was higher in SUP than SUB samples, and a clear separation in beta diversity was observed between sample sites on principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) plots. In SUP samples, dogs fed wet food had a higher alpha diversity than dogs fed dry food, with PCoA plots showing a separation between wet and dry food. Relative abundances of Firmicutes, Synergistetes, and 10 bacterial genera were different (P < 0.05) in SUB samples of dogs fed wet vs. dry food. Relative abundances of Fusobacteria and over 20 bacterial genera were different (P < 0.05) in SUP samples of dogs fed wet vs. dry food. In general, oral health-associated bacterial taxa (Pasteurella, Capnocytophaga, Corynebacterium) were higher, while bacteria associated with poor oral health (Fretibacterium fastidiosum, Filifactor alocis, Treponema medium, Tannerella forsythia, Porphyromonas canoris, Porphyromonas gingivalis) were lower in dogs fed dry food. Such shifts in the oral microbiota may impact periodontal disease risk, but longer dietary intervention studies are required to confirm their role in the disease process. Our results suggest that dogs fed dry extruded foods have lower breath odor and tooth plaque buildup and an oral microbiota population more closely associated with oral health than dogs fed wet canned foods.

Beneficial effects of a prescription home-prepared diet and of zucchini on urine calcium oxalate supersaturation and urinary parameters in adult cats.

From the authors' experience, the consumption of a balanced prescription home-prepared diet that includes zucchini (courgette) benefits cats with recurrent urolithiasis, but there is no published evidence to support this. The aim was to study the effects on urinary parameters of (1) a balanced prescription home-prepared diet containing zucchini, and (2) the addition of zucchini to a dry food, compared with two commercial therapeutic diets. Eight healthy cats were included in a Latin-square designed protocol. Five diets were evaluated: two commercial diets, designed for cats with urinary disorders, one high-moisture (U-WET) and one high-sodium dry (U-DRY); one home-prepared diet (HOME); one commercial dry food for adult maintenance (DRY); and DRY given together with 10 g of zucchini per kg body weight (DRY-Zuc). After a 7-day adaptation period, urine was collected and daily food and water intakes were assessed for 12 days. Urinary parameters, and relative supersaturation (RSS) for calcium oxalate (CaOx) and struvite, were determined. Data underwent repeated measures ANOVA analysis. The digestibility of energy, dry matter, protein and fat was highest with the HOME diet. CaOx RSS was lowest in cats eating the HOME diet, but not significantly different from the U-WET or U-DRY diets. CaOx RSS was lower in cats eating the DRY-Zuc diet than in cats eating the DRY diet. Struvite RSS did not differ significantly among groups. This study shows that a balanced prescription home-prepared diet was safe and allowed a very low urinary CaOx RSS. It also showed that adding zucchini to dry food lowered the urine CaOx RSS.

Periodontal and Dental Status in Packs of Spanish Dogs

Simple SummaryPeriodontal disease (PD) is the most frequently occurring canine oral pathology, and even at early stages, it may significantly affect general health. Therefore, veterinarians should be able to properly diagnose PD, treat PD at earlier stages, and establish preventive strategies. However, data about PD prevalence in different sizes and breeds of dogs are highly variable and incomplete. Our objective was to improve understanding of PD in dogs by studying a specific group of animals that were subjected to specific management: pack dogs in Spain. Thirty-two conscious individuals from two packs of dogs in Northeastern Spain (30/32 crossbred hunting dogs and 2/32 Siberian Husky; 26 males and 6 females; 27.75 ± 5.807 kgs; 5.48 ± 2.818 years; mixed diet: home-prepared food, commercial dry food, stale bread and bones) received visual dental examinations for assessment of absent teeth (AT), dental calculus (DC) grade, gingival recession (GR), periodontal disease (PD), tooth fracture (TF), and dental attrition (DA). The low prevalence (15.62%) and extent of PD (<1 affected tooth/individual) was attributed to diagnosis methodology, bodyweight effect, breed, and, ultimately, diet. Individuals affected by DC remained under veterinary surveillance due to risk of PD development.While periodontal disease (PD) is the most common canine oral pathology, its prevalence varies according to diagnosis methodology, breed, and age. We intended to increase understanding of canine PD by studying dogs that are managed in a specific way: pack dogs in Spain. They received a mixed diet (home-prepared food, commercial dry food, stale bread and bones). Thirty-two conscious individuals from two packs of dogs in Northeastern Spain (30/32 crossbred hunting dogs and 2/32 Siberian Husky; 26 males and 6 females; 27.75 ± 5.807 kgs; 5.48 ± 2.818 years) received visual dental examination for assessment of absent teeth (AT), dental calculus (DC) grade, gingival recession (GR), periodontal disease (PD), tooth fracture (TF), and dental attrition (DA). DC was the most prevalent oral problem (75%), followed by TF/DA (68.75%), AT (34.37%), GR (31.25%), and, finally, PD (15.62%). Low individual affectation values were found for AT, GR, and PD (<1 tooth/individual); mean DC grade per individual was 0.06 ± 0.063; and TF and DA were found in 1.63 and 4.72 teeth/individual, respectively. Low prevalence and extent of PD was attributed to diagnosis methodology, bodyweight effect, breed, and, ultimately, diet. Individuals affected by DC remained under veterinary surveillance due to PD development.

Nutritional and Safety Surveillance Study of Some Puppies' Commercial Dry Foods

A surveillance study was conducted to evaluate the nutritional value and safety of some puppies' commercial dry foods available in Egypt. A total of (100) extruded puppies' dry food samples (18 imported and 2 locally produced) were collected from different batches and subjected to proximate analysis for determinations of Moisture, Crude protein, Ether extract, Crude fiber and total ash%. Moreover, all samples were examined for their water activity values as well as Mycotoxins levels (Aflatoxins and Ochratoxins). Results of proximate analysis in comparison with the values stated on the bag label revealed that, moisture ranged from 4.95 to 11.36 %, CP ranged from 23.37 to 40.96 %, EE ranged from 5.35 to 19.21, CF ranged from 1.30 to 4.19 % and total ash ranged from 3.48 to 12.49 %. Water activity values (a w ) ranged from 0.43 to 0.71 in comparison to the standard acceptable level of 0.6 for dry food, a condition that may be explained on the basis that the examined puppies' dry foods might be subjected to excessive dryness during the manufacture as a tool for protection against microbial growth. Results of Aflatoxins levels revealed that all samples were proved to be positive for the presence of Aflatoxins, 30% of them were over the permissible limits, which ranged from 1.2 to 17.6 ppb. Furthermore, all examined samples were proved to be positive for Ochratoxins with minimum and maximum levels 0f 3.9 and 42.3 ppb respectively.

Megaesôfago adquirido em cão – relato de caso

Acquired megaesophagus is an uncommon cause of regurgitation in dogs. Diagnosis is confirmed by simple or contrast radiographs, endoscopy, tomography, scintigraphy, or magnetic resonance imaging. Esophagography with barium sulphate contrast is the most commonly used method, however, it may be inconclusive if dilation marking does not occur. This paper reports the case of a 9-year-old female dog, with a history of regurgitation over six months, simple and contrast radiographic exams showing no evidence of megaesophagus. The esophagography exam was repeated with the addition of barium contrast mixed with commercial dry pet food, which verified esophageal dilatation and confirmed megaesophagus. Although this technique is not widely used, it is an effective alternative method for diagnosis of canine megaesophagus, particularly when other radiographic approaches are inconclusive.

Natural feed after weaning improves the reproductive status of Solea senegalensis breeders

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of long term natural feeding in the subsequent reproductive status of 4 years old cultured Solea senegalensis, and to determine if the potential changes were structural or feeding dependent. To this aim, two different feeding regimes were used from one year after weaning and during the following 3 years; 1) a commercial dry food diet and 2) a natural feeding regime. After this period, the proportion of fluent males and the evolution of maturity stages of females over a breeding season were studied. A complete sperm quality analysis assessment was carried out, including individual volumes, motility, density and curvilinear, rectilinear and mean velocities of spermatozoa. Moreover, viability and apoptosis indexes were analyzed as indicator of molecular sperm membrane integrity. Additionally, a morphological characterization of the testes during the spawning season was conducted. Finally, both groups were fed with the same commercial pellets during one year to evaluate the effect of the diet of previous years on sperm quality. The results of this study showed how feeding can improve not only sperm quality and quantity, but also the proportion of fluent males and females in advanced maturity stages. All the sperm quality parameters resulted significantly higher in the group fed with a natural diet. Moreover, the number of apoptotic cells was significantly higher in the group fed with a commercial diet. According to the morphological features of the testes, the animals fed with a natural diet presented more basal position, less protuberances and irregular edges when compared with the animals fed with commercial diet. Interestingly, the progression of the spermatogenesis determined by the proportion of germ cells and the production of spermatozoa determined by the wider of the ducts system was also significantly larger in the natural diet group.After the standardization of the diets, mean volume per male and production of total motile cells were significantly higher in the group that was previously fed a natural diet, confirming structural improvements.

Markers of inflammation and insulin resistance in dogs before and after weight loss versus lean healthy dogs

ABSTRACT: Chronic low-grade inflammation in obesity is characterized by an increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines that contribute to insulin resistance. For this study body composition, markers of inflammation and of insulin resistance in dogs before and after weight loss were compared to those of lean dogs. Eleven client-owned obese adult dogs underwent a weight loss program with commercial dry food for weight loss and reached an ideal body condition score (BCS) six months after the beginning of the weight loss program. A Control Group of nine dogs with ideal BCS were selected for the comparison. Shapiro-Wilk test was used to test for normality, Mann Whitney were used for non-normally distributes data, and Student t-test was used for normally distributed parameters. In the Obese Group body fat decreased from 41.6% (30.7-58.6) to 29.1% (18.6-46.3) (P&lt;0.01) and dogs maintained lean body mass throughout the weight loss program (P&gt;0.05). Obese dogs presented higher concentration of fructosamine, triglycerides, insulin, IGF-1 and leptin than the Control Group before weight reduction (P&lt;0.05). Serum concentrations of triglycerides, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, insulin, leptin and IGF-1 decreased after weight loss (P&lt;0.01), and these concentrations were similar to the Control Group (P&gt;0.05), except for leptin (P&lt;0.001). No alteration on peptide YY was found. Leptin (r=0.60, P=0.01), fructosamine (r=0.44, P=0.02) and triglycerides (r=0.40, P=0.04) concentrations correlated with the reduction of body fat. Weight loss reduced the concentrations of inflammatory and insulin resistance markers and most parameters became similar to dogs that have always been lean, reinforcing the importance of weight loss in small animal practice.

Risk assessment of the exposure to mycotoxins in dogs and cats through the consumption of commercial dry food

Dry feed for dogs and cats sold in Europe are mostly formulated with cereals and cereal by-products, so the contamination of this food with mycotoxins represents a potential risk for these pets. We analyzed a representation of the best-selling feed brands in Spain. The presence of Aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, and G2), Ochratoxin A, T-2 and HT-2 toxins, Deoxynivalenol, Zearalenone, and Fumonisins (B1 and B2) was quantified, using immunoaffinity columns and LC-MS/MS. In general, mycotoxins were frequently and simultaneously (6–11) detected, with AFB1, FB1, FB2, Deoxynivalenol, and HT-2 detected in 100% of the samples. However, the concentrations of most of them are among the lowest reported so far. Fumonisins were the exception since we report the highest concentrations to date, particularly in cat feed. We practically found no significant differences in the level of mycotoxin contamination in relation to the presumed quality of the feed. We also calculated the daily exposure, and evaluated the acute and chronic health risk posed by these feeds. None of the brands analyzed presented acute risk for any of the mycotoxins. However, the high levels of fumonisins found in some samples could become problematic, if there are hidden forms of them. This is also evident in relation to long-term risk, since in the case of fumonisins the level of exposure exceeds the tolerable daily intake level in 3.5 and 12 times, for dogs and cats respectively. The exposure levels to zearalenone and deoxynivalenol could also be of long-term concern, especially considering the possibility that the continuous exposure to several mycotoxins simultaneously might produce potentiated toxic effects as a result of their synergistic action. Further research on the potential adverse health effects deriving from chronic exposure to low doses of multi-mycotoxin mixtures in pets is needed.

Investigation of Anti-&lt;i&gt;Toxoplasma gondii&lt;/i&gt; Antibodies in Cats Using Sabin- Feldman Dye Test in Ankara in 2016

Toxoplasmosis, in which obligate intracellular protozoa Toxoplasma gondii (T.gondii) is the causative organism, is a multisystemic disease that can be seen all over the world and can impair all vertebrates. The only hosts known for T.gondii are members of Felidae family. Our study aimed to determine anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies with Sabin-Feldman Dye Test (SFDT) in cats in Ankara. It’s aimed to evaluate the current situation in terms of Toxoplasmosis spread by comparing our findings with previous studies in the same region. Rh strain of Toxoplasma used in our study is maintained in our laboratory. SFDT is still accepted as the gold standard. Material of the study was obtained by taking blood samples from cats who were admitted to the clinics between March 2016 and October 2016 in Ankara. Blood samples were inactivated and measurements were done with SFDT 1/4, 1/16, 1/64, 1/256, 1/1024 titers. SFDT resulted positive in 56 (43.4%) cats at a dilution of 1/16, in 7 (5.4%) cats at a dilution of 1/64, in 23 (17.8%) cats at a dilution of 1/256 and negative in 43 (33.3%) cats. Comparison of demographic data with SFDT results showed that positive test results did not differ according to gender and age (P=0.803 and P=0.991, respectively). Seropositivity was higher in stray cats than house cats (P<0.001). Test results were negative in the cats that fed only by commercial dry food (P<0.001). Positivity in hunter cats was more than in non-hunters (P<0.001). Seropositivity was detected in 66.6% of the cats, which was quite a high rate. As a result, taking precautions in terms of Toxoplasma for stray cats that are hunting and feeding naturally is a necessity for public health.

Cistos ovarianos em porquinha-da-índia (Cavia porcellus) – relato de caso

Ovarian cysts are not funcional fluid-filled structures, which can spontaneously develop in the ovaries during the reproductive cycle, and secrete female hormones in increased amounts, causing irregular reproductive cycles and infertility. We describe the case of a 4 year old, intact female guinea pig presented with anorexia, progressive weight loss and enlarged abdomen. She was fed commercial rodent dry food, fruits and vegetables. An abdominal ultrasonography revealed the presence of ovarian cysts, and an exploratory laparotomy was recommended. The pig was anesthetized with a combination of intramuscular xylazine (1 mg/kg); ketamine (25 mk/kg) and nalbuphine (1 mg/kg) followed by inhalatory anesthesia with 3% isoflurane during induction and 1% for maintenance. Surgical approach was median laparotomy. Bilateral ovariectomy with removal of the ovariany cyst was performed. Postoperative treatment consisted in administration of enrofloxacin 5 mg/kg every 24 hours via SC, feeding of commercial food until sutures were removed, 10 days after surgery.

Cross-contamination in canine and feline dietetic limited-antigen wet diets

BackgroundAdverse food reactions (AFRs) are defined as abnormal responses to an ingested food or food additive. Diagnosis and treatment of AFRs consist of the complete elimination of these ingredients in the dietary trial. Previous studies have demonstrated the presence of undeclared ingredients in commercial limited-antigen dry food diets that can compromise the results and efficacy of dietary elimination trails. The aim of this study was to assess a selection of commercial canine and feline dietetic limited-antigen wet foods for the potential cross-contamination of animal proteins from origins not mentioned on the label.ResultsEleven canine and feline dietetic limited-antigen wet foods (9 novel animal protein foods, 1 vegetarian and 1 hydrolyzed) were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the presence DNA of animal and vegetal origins. PCR analysis confirmed the contamination of 6 of the 11 (54.5%) limited-antigen wet diets with undeclared animal protein. One of these 6 diets was solely composed of animal protein sources completely unrelated to those declared on the label. None of the foods containing horse meat or fish were contaminated, and neither were the vegetarian or the hydrolyzed food products. Moreover, the results show that had zoological class primers only been used to check for cross-class contaminations, as are generally used in the pet food industry for in-house checks, the apparent contamination rate would have been significantly underestimated: less than 20% (3/11), instead of the actual rate of 54.7% using species-specific primers.ConclusionThis study reveals a high rate of cross-contamination in dietetic limited-antigen wet canine and feline foods, as previously described for dietetic dry limited-antigen foods (reported to be more than 80%). These results add new fuel to the discussion about the potential causes underlying the failure of elimination diets, since animal protein contaminants may actually be present in the commercial dietetic limited-antigen diets. AFRs may therefore occur as a result of inadequate practices in the pet food industry.