Control Group Of Dogs Research Articles

Anesthetic management and anesthesia-related complications in dogs with a dilated cardiomyopathy phenotype: a retrospective study of 30 dogs (2010-2024).

To describe perioperative anesthetic management in canines with a dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) phenotype and to compare the frequency of general anesthesia-related complications with a control group of dogs without heart disease. 30 dogs with DCM phenotype (cases) and 30 dogs without heart disease (controls). Dogs presented to a teaching hospital between 2010 and 2024 that were diagnosed with a DCM phenotype via echocardiography were included in this study. Controls were dogs that presented during the same time period and were matched with cases based on their age, breed, and type of procedure; however, no standardization of treatment between the groups was performed. Medical records were reviewed to evaluate the occurrence of anesthetic complications. Of dogs with a DCM phenotype, 2 had overt DCM, 22 had occult DCM, and 6 had equivocal DCM. Dogs with DCM exhibited a lower likelihood of being premedicated with dexmedetomidine or induced with propofol. Conversely, DCM dogs were more likely to be induced with etomidate or midazolam compared to their counterparts without DCM. Dogs with DCM demonstrated an increased likelihood of experiencing cardiac arrhythmias during anesthesia, received comparatively lower volumes of IV fluids, and were more likely to be administered dobutamine during anesthesia. No significant differences were identified in terms of postanesthesia complications or survival rates to discharge. Dogs with a DCM phenotype, primarily characterized by asymptomatic presentation, demonstrated comparable perioperative outcomes under general anesthesia when compared to matched controls, though the lack of standardization in anesthetic management limits definitive conclusions.

The anthelmintic efficacy of the drug Expresstabs in helminthiasis of dogs

The purpose of the research is to study the effectiveness of the drug ExpressTabs tested on dogs infected with helminths. The drug contains spinosad, praziquantel and moxidectin as active ingredients. Animals of mixed breeds of both sexes aged from 7 months to 2 years were selected for the experiments. Experimental and control groups of dogs with toxocariasis, toxascariasis and dipylidiasis were formed. ExpressTabs was administered to dogs individually, once, orally in a mixture with food or immediately after feeding (on the root of the tongue or with a treat) in a minimum dose of 30 mg of spinosad, 0.2 mg of moxidectin and 5 mg of praziquantel per 1 kg of animal weight. Animals in the control groups were not given tablets. A control examination in the case of dipylidiasis was carried out on the second day then if the animal continued to remain in the hospital once a week. For toxocariasis and toxascariasis fecal examination was carried out on day 7 then on days 14, 21 and 28. The drug ExpressTabs showed high (100%) effectiveness in the treatment of dogs with toxocariasis, toxaccariasis and dipylidiasis. In one animal re-infection with toxocariasis was observed because helminth eggs were again detected on day 28 in the control study. Taking into account the development cycle of parasites it is obvious that re-infection occurred no later than a week after the experimental deworming with ExpressTabs. At recommended doses the drug did not cause unwanted side effects.

Extreme life histories are associated with altered social behavior and cortisol levels in shelter dogs

High-volume breeders often produce purebred or “designer breeds” to supply the pet industry. Some high-volume commercial breeding facilities (CBEs) include extreme conditions such as overcrowding, little human contact, exposure to harsh weather conditions, inadequate food and water, and untreated medical conditions. Previous research with puppies born in these extreme conditions reports that this early life history of deprivation is associated with multiple behavioral and psychological abnormalities once adopted. Still, few studies to date have examined whether impoverished conditions affect the physiological systems of domestic dogs. The following study examined hormonal and behavioral differences in dogs from adverse early-life environments (i.e., puppy mills, unlicensed commercial breeders, hoarding situations) and a control group of dogs during social interactions with an unfamiliar human while in the shelter environment. Dogs from known early adverse backgrounds displayed significantly higher salivary cortisol levels than other dogs found at the shelter, F(1, 23) = 4.51, p = 0.045. Neither time spent in adverse living conditions nor time spent in the shelter correlated with cortisol output. During social interactions with an unfamiliar human, dogs from adverse backgrounds exhibited more fear behavior (p = 0.022) and displayed lower levels of affiliative behavior (p = 0.039). Dogs from adverse backgrounds spent more time in stationary positions (i.e., sitting, standing, freezing) than other shelter dogs (p = 0.043), and we were unable to complete a food-based social-cognitive task because of this. Using a moderated multiple regression model, we found dogs’ background was a significant moderator of the relationship between total cortisol output and panting during interactions with an unfamiliar human, R2 = 0.39, F(1, 11) = 6.94, p = 0.023. In contrast, no relationship between these variables was seen in other shelter dogs. The findings of this study demonstrate that even when residing in the same shelter environment, a history of living in extreme conditions may lead to higher cortisol levels and altered behavior in a novel social context. While studies have examined dogs while still in the CBEs or once they have been adopted, this study examines their behavior and cortisol levels once removed and placed in a shelter environment where the public might interact with them and consider them for adoption. Gaining a better understanding of the behavioral and hormonal outcomes of dogs that have experienced extreme early life deficiencies may assist in the development of effective interventions that will facilitate rehabilitation and enhance the welfare of these dogs as pets.

The effect of fenbenzyl and fenbendazole on the morphological parameters of the blood of dogs, with experimental infestation with the pathogen Toxocaria-sis

The problem of toxocariasis is essential for both human and veterinary medicine. Therefore, the study aimed to determine the effect of fenbenzyl and fenbendazole on the morphological parameters of the blood of dogs, with experimental infestation with the pathogen toxocariasis. The experiments were performed on 18 dogs, two to four months of age, and three groups of six animals were formed in each: control and two experimental groups. Puppies of all groups were experimentally infected with toxocariasis at a dose of 5,000 invasive T. canis eggs per kg body weight. The control group of dogs was as untreated control. Puppies of the first experimental group were fed the drug “Fenbendazole” at a dose of 150 mg per 3 kg of animal weight once a day for three days in a single dose. Puppies of the second experimental group were fed Fenbenzyl at a dose of 350 mg per 3 kg of animal weight once a day for three days. It was found that the use of fenbendazole in infected dogs, the number of erythrocytes and hemoglobin in their blood increased compared with the control group but did not reach physiological values. In the second experimental group of animals treated with fenbenzyl, an increase in these indicators was found throughout the experiment. On days 25 and 30 of the experiment, the number of erythrocytes and hemoglobin fluctuated within physiological values. When prescribing drugs “Fenbendazole” and “Fenbenzyl” found a decrease in leukocytes from 10 days of the experiment. In the second experimental group, the number of leukocytes was more likely to decrease than the control group. Such changes in the blood are due to the antiparasitic effect of the drug “Fenbenzyl” and the cessation of toxins of Toxocara on the bone marrow. It was found that the number of eosinophils, neutrophils, and monocytes in animals was significantly reduced in all experimental groups compared to uninfected, infected dogs. It should also be noted that the number of lymphocytes in the blood of dogs of the experimental groups probably increased from the 15th day of the experiment. On days 25 and 30 of the experiment, an increase in the number of lymphocytes to physiological values was found in dogs treated with Fenbenzyl. Thus, the use of fenbenzyl in the second experimental group of dogs helped restore blood morphological parameters to the level of control, which, in our opinion, is due to reduced immunosuppressive effects of Toxocara on their body, as well as hepatoprotective, immunostimulatory, and antioxidant effects of milk thistle.

Bioactive materials in the traumatology of small pets

The effect of the biocomposition material was studied on the basis of synthetic hydroxyapatite, collagen and antibiotic for reparative histogenesis of bone tissue during shoulder bone fractures and forearm in dogs and implants for the tissue regeneration of the new generation Xenograft Collagen.It has been established that remodeling of the primary bone corn into the secondary in the region of the fracture in the dogs studied was diverse. During the experiment, it was revealed that a month after the operation on radiographs in the control group of dogs, there was a defect in which the formation of a weak periosal bone corn was observed. Endostal bone corn has not been detected. The most pronounced process proceeded by dogs in experienced groups. In the first experimental defect, a collapan was filled with a drug, and in the second used the implant in the form of the xenograft collagen granules. In animals of the first experienced group, the primary bone-cartilage corn had a more mature and developed character, intermediary and periosal corns were formed.

EFFECT OF FENBENZYL AND FENBENDAZOLE ON THE ANTIOXIDANT STATUS IN DOGS DURING EXPERIMENTAL INFECTION WITH CAUSATIVE AGENT OF TOXOCARIASIS

The article presents the results of studies of the effect of fenbensyl and fenbendazole on the antioxidant status of dogs in the experimental infestation of the pathogen toxocariasis. The experiments were performed on 18 dogs, two and four months old. Three groups of six animals in each were formed: control and two experimental groups. Puppies of all groups were experimentally infected with the pathogen toxocariasis at a dose of 5,000 invasive T. canis eggs per kg of body weight. The control group of dogs was as untreated control. Puppies of the first experimental group were fed with the drug “Fenbendazole” at a dose of 150 mg per 3 kg of animal weight once a day for three days in a single doze. Puppies of the second experimental group were fed with the drug “Fenbensyl” (TU U 00492990-027: 2020 The drug “Fenbensyl”) at a dose of 350 mg per 3 kg of animal weight once a day for three days. While studying the activity of the enzymatic link of the antioxidant defense system, namely catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, as well as non-enzymatic link: the level of reduced glutathione in animals of experimental groups found an increase in the activity of these indicators. It should be noted that the use of the drug “Fenbensyl” in infected dogs contributed to a better normalization of the antioxidant system in animals than the use of the drug “Fenbendazole”. The use of fenbensyl in infected dogs contributed to a more likely increase in the antioxidant status of the dogs of the second experimental group, as this drug includes milk thistle, which exhibits antioxidant properties due to the presence of silymarin, which restores damaged liver cell cells. Studies confirm the effectiveness of the use of milk thistle in the drug “Fenbensyl” in dogs with the development of toxocariasis invasion to activate the protective systems of their body. Key words : parasitology, pharmacology, dogs, antioxidant system, milk thistle

Effect of fenbenzyl and fenbendazole on peroxide intensity oxidation of lipids in the blood of dogs in experimental toxocariasis

Toxocariasis is a chronic helminthic disease caused by the larval stages of the nematode Toxocara canis. The problem of toxocariasis is important for both humane and veterinary medicine. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the effect of fenbenzyl and fenbendazole on the intensity of lipid peroxidation in the blood of dogs during experimental infestation with the pathogen toxocariasis. The experiments were performed on 18 dogs, two to four months of age, and three groups of six animals were formed in each: control and two experimental groups. Puppies of all groups were experimentally infected with the pathogen toxocariasis at a dose of 5.000 invasive T. canis eggs per kg of body weight. The control group of dogs was as untreated control. Puppies of the first experimental group were fed the drug “Fenbendazole” at a dose of 150 mg per 3 kg of animal weight once a day for three days in a single dose. Puppies of the second experimental group were fed the drug “Fenbenzyl” at a dose of 350 mg per 3 kg of animal weight once a day for three days. In the clinical manifestation of the disease, toxocariasis secretes metabolic products that promote the formation of large amounts of free radicals, which in turn enhance the initiation of lipid peroxidation processes. With the use of fenbendazole and fenbenzyl, a probable decrease in these products was found starting from the 15th day of the experiment. It should be noted that the lowest level of diene conjugates and TBA-active products was in the blood of dogs of the second experimental group at 25 and 30 days of the experiment. Inhibition of lipid peroxidation processes in the treatment of dogs with fenbenzyl is due to the activation in animals of metabolic processes involving enzymes, including antioxidant enzymes that catalyze the processes of peroxidation and phosphorylation, as well as enhancing erythropoietic function. On the 30th day of the experiment, the level of diene conjugates in the blood of the second experimental group was 0.29 ± 0.02 IU/ml, and TBA-active products – 25.2 ± 0.40 μmol/l.

THE COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF COMPLEX MEDICINES, BASED ON IMIDACLOPRIDE IN ECTOPARASITOSIS OF DOGS AND CATS

The article represents data on the effectiveness of the new domestic anti-parasitic medicine «Animal VetLine antiparasitic drops for dogs and cats spot-on» in comparison to the reference-medicine «Advantage@» when used for the therapeutic and prophylactic purposes for ectoparasites of dogs and cats of different breeds.
 According to the results of clinical examination and parasitological examination of animals, parasitism of fleas of the Ctenocephalides canis, Ctenocephalides felis, Pulex irritans species at the intensity of invasion (II) from 5 to 8 specimens/10 cm2, lice Linognathus setosus at II from 1 to 3 specimens/10 cm2 of body surface, and parasitic mites of the Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus species at II from 8 to 12 specimens per animal in addition in dogs.
 Based on the obtained results for the study of the effectiveness of the «Animal VetLine antiparasitic drops for dogs and cats spot-on» in comparison with the reference drug «Advantage@» medicine, during the infection of dogs and cats by Ctenocephalides canis, Pulex irritans and Ctenocephalides felis fleas, Linognathus setosus lice, mites of the Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus species, was found that on the second day of treatment in the experimental and control groups of animals there was a sharp increase in the number of dead insects, ectoparasites and Ixodes mites, and on the fifth day of the study no live fleas were detected, lice and ticks.
 At the same time, on the second day after the usage of the experimental and reference drug, their extensile effectivity during the linognatosis of dogs and cats and syphonapterosis of cats was 100.0 %. In the experimental and control groups of dogs on the second day after usage of the experimental drug and the reference drug, the average intensity of invasion of Ctenocephalides canis and Pulex irritans decreased to 1.2±0.4 ectoparasite insects per 10 cm2 of body surface in the experimental group and to 1.4±0.4 insect ectoparasites per 10 cm2 of body surface in the control group of animals, ie the intensity of the experimental drug was 82.1 %, and the reference drug 78.5 %.
 The results show that the rate of intensification of the drug for exodidosis of dogs in the experimental group on the second day was – 75.0 %, and the control – 68.0 %. However, the average intensity of mite infestation of the family Ixodidae was in the experimental group 2.5±0.15 specimens per animal, and in the control group 3.0±0.21 specimens per animal, respectively.
 It was found that the experimental drug had no toxic effects and was well tolerated by animals no changes in clinical signs during use were detected.

Biochemical and haematological parameters in dogs with Cushing’s syndrome

The exposure of the body to stress, regardless of whether it comes from physical, chemical or emotional stimuli from the environment, causes an inadequate adaptation of the organisms which can contribute to the development of various diseases. Abnormally high blood concentrations of cortisol, known as stress hormone, lead to the development of a hormonal disorder called hyperadrenocorticism or Cushing’s syndrome. In the majority of cases, Cushing’s syndrome is diagnosed when symptoms are apparent, and screening endocrinological test confirms the existence either of increased cortisol production or decreased sensitivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis to negative glucocorticoid feedback. In our research, we examined a total of 23 male and 7 female dogs that were suspected to have Cushing’s syndrome, based on history and clinical signs. A total of 15 male and 5 female dogs were positive for Cushing’s syndrome (HAC group), whereas the remaining dogs were used to form non-HAC group. Using the apparatus IDEXX “Vet Test 8008”, the following biochemical parameters were determined: glucose, urea, creatinine, phosphorus, calcium, total protein, albumin, globulin, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, cholesterol, and amylase. Regarding haematological parameters, the following parameters were investigated: erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets, erythrocyte indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW), white blood cell count, haemoglobin and haematocrit, using “Laser cite vet lab Station” (IDEXX). No significant differences in haematological and biochemical blood parameters were noticed between the HAC and the non-HAC group of dogs. However, dogs suffering from Cushing’s syndrome had a higher value in the number of erythrocytes compared to the control group. The finding that has to be payed attention to is the difference in platelet count between the control group of dogs and dogs suffering from Cushing’s syndrome.

Investigation of serum survivin in dogs suffering from cancer: a multicenter study

BackgroundIn contrast to human medicine, only a small number of serum tumor markers are established in veterinary medicine even though they are a non-invasive diagnostic tool.ObjectivesThis study examined whether survivin could be suitable as a potential canine serum tumor marker.MethodsThis study measured the serum survivin concentrations of dogs with mammary tumors (n = 33), squamous cell carcinoma (n = 9), soft-tissue sarcoma (n = 18) and multicentric lymphoma (n = 22), using a commercially available, competitive immunoassay kit (BlueGene). The serum survivin concentrations were compared with those of a healthy control group (n = 20) and a control group of dogs with non-neoplastic diseases (n = 17).ResultsDogs with malignant tumors had serum survivin concentrations between 15 and 5,906 pg/mL (median, 72 pg/mL), those in the healthy group ranged from 7 to 99 pg/mL (median, 21 pg/mL) and those in the group of dogs suffering from non-neoplastic diseases from 15 to 93 pg/mL (median, 42 pg/mL). The differences in the survivin concentrations between the healthy dogs and dogs with malignant tumors and between the dogs with non-neoplastic diseases and those with malignant tumors were significant (p < 0.001 and p = 0.006, respectively).ConclusionsThe serum survivin concentrations in dogs with malignant tumors, with some exceptions, are higher than in dogs with benign tumors and dogs that do not suffer from a malignancy. Therefore, survivin can provide information on the presence of malignant tumors and be used as a tumor marker in dogs.

Protein-synthesizing function and functional state of the liver of dogs at experimental toxocariasis

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of toxocariasis invasion on protein-synthesizing function and functional state of the liver of dogs. For experimental studies, 12 dogs aged from two to four months were used and two groups of six animals were formed in each: control and experimental. Puppies of the experimental group were experimentally infected with the pathogen toxocariasis at a dose of 5,000 invasive eggs of T. canis per kg of body weight. The control puppies were clinically healthy. Protein-synthesizing function of the liver of dogs in experimental toxocariasis was studied by the level of total protein and its fractions. It was found that on the 25th day of the experiment the level of total protein in the blood of the experimental group of dogs was 56.9 ± 1.47 g/l, while in the control group – 63.8 ± 2.92 g/l. The lowest level of the studied indicator was on the 30th day of the experiment in the blood of the experimental group of dogs, where it decreased by 9.6 %. The results of a study of protein fractions in the blood of dogs infested with toxocara showed that the percentage of albumin is likely to decrease. However, in the blood of infected dogs in this period of research there was a probable increase in globulin levels. The study of the effect of toxocariasis invasion on the activity of enzymes in blood serum is a test for the morphological and functional state of tissues and organs. Based on the studies, it was found that with the development of toxocariasis invasion in dogs there is an increase in alanine aminotransferase in their serum. On the 25th and 30th day of the experiment, the activity of the enzyme in the serum of infected dogs was the highest, where compared with the control group of dogs, the activity of ALT increased by 51.2 and 59.1 %, respectively. Similar changes in activity were observed in the determination of aspartate aminotransferase, where, respectively, on the 15th, 20th and 25th day of the experiment, the activity of AST in the serum of infected dogs increased by 19.3, 27.5 and 39.1 %.

Estimation of genotyping errors of STR markers in dogs and wolves

This article will discuss the estimation of genotyping errors for Mini-DogFiler panel A and B in group of wolfs (n = 39) where the source material for DNA isolation were faeces and control group of dogs (n = 170), represented by Czechoslovakian wolfdog breed (CSW), where DNA was obtained from buccal swabs.DNA samples isolated from buccal swabs had a very low frequency of genotyping error estimated as mean error rate per allele (ea = 0.09 %), mean error per locus (el = 0.18 %) and error rate per multilocus genotype (eobs = 2.17 %). Completely different situation was observed for DNA samples isolated from faeces and affirms how complicated is to get reliable results from such material. Total performance was very poor where only 7 out of 39 samples replicated (∼18 %) at least 2 times out of 4 replicates. In such case would be eobs = 86.5 %. For this type of samples is typical very fragmented DNA with low concentration. This fact leads to the occurrence of many of negative effects like an allelic dropout, null allele or presence of PCR artefacts. Results confirm necessity of multiple DNA isolates from one sample and a multiple amplification of these samples for creating a consensus for each genotype.Moreover, both types of samples suffered by relatively high frequency of allelic dropout occurring in locus VGL2136, but it did not increase error rate because no signal was detected in all cases. The cause of such behaviour remained unknown but it raised the question whether is this locus appropriate for analysis of wolf and CSW samples.

BIOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF THE BLOOD OF DOGS ON THE BACKGROUND OF THE INFLUENCE OF INTENSIVE INVASION OF DIROFILARIASIS

Experimentally obtained new data in the study of the biochemical composition of blood of invasive dogs on the background of the influence of intensive invasion of dirofilariоsis. Biochemical blood tests were performed on 20 dogs intensively infected with microfilaria pathogens of dirofilariasis using standard methods. In the morning, blood from dogs was taken from the forearm vein in test tubes with an anticoagulant for a general blood test, in test tubes with a clotting activator – for biochemical studies. For the study were formed 2 groups: experimental and control. The experimental group (n = 10) consisted of dogs that had microfilariae of dirofilariоsis pathogens in blood samples. A control group of dogs (n = 10) was formed from nonhelminthic animals. Intensive dirofilariasis invasion has a pathological effect on the biochemical blood parameters of dogs in the form of an increase in total whey protein by 28.83 g / l, and enzymes: AST by 27.89 units / l and ALT 47.95 units / l, total bilirubin in 38.01 μmol / l and urea in 17.07 μmol / l. Against the background of control at high intensity of dirofilariasis invasion in dogs, hyperproteinemia with a multiple increase in the activity of AST and ALT, bilirubin and urea manifest with firmness.

THE EFFECT OF INTENSIVE DOGS INVASION BY DIROFILARIASIS ON THE MORPHOLOGICAL PICTURE OF BLOOD

New data were obtained when studying the effect of intensive dirofilariоsis invasion on the morphological composition of the blood corpus of infected dogs. Hematological studies were performed on 20 dogs infected intensively with microfilaria. Blood from dogs was taken from a forearm vein in test tubes with an anticoagulant. For research, 2 groups were formed: experimental and control. The experimental group (n=10) consisted of dogs that had microfilaria dirofilariasis in blood samples. The control group of dogs (n=10) was formed from agelminthous animals, in the blood of which there were no nematode microfilaria. Results. With intensive invasion of dirofilariоsis in blood samples of dogs, a decrease in the number of erythrocytes is observed by 3.03х1012/l, a decrease in hemoglobin concentration by 70.68 g/l. At the same time, the number of leukocytes in the hematological profile of experienced dogs increased by 14.68х109/l, and that of eosinophils by 497.44%, which indicates profound pathophysiological changes in the hematocrit. Conclusion With a high intensity of dirofilariasis in dogs, erythropenia, hypohemoglobinemia, leukocytosis, and eosinophilia appear strongly on the background of control.

Analysis of blood degradation products and ferritin in the cerebrospinal fluid of dogs with acute thoracolumbar intervertebral disk extrusion, a prospective pilot study

BackgroundHemorrhage in the spinal canal leads to further damage of the spinal cord influencing outcome in dogs with intervertebral disk (IVD) extrusion. The aim of the study was to evaluate blood degradation products and ferritin in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of dogs with thoracolumbar IVD extrusion, and their association to clinical parameters and MRI findings.ResultsIn the CSF of dogs with IVD extrusion, both net oxyhemoglobin absorption (NOA) and net bilirubin absorption (NBA) were significantly higher compared to the control groups of dogs with steroid responsive meningitis arteritis (SRMA) and idiopathic epilepsy (IE) (P < 0.001), but NOA compared to the idiopathic epilepsy group contaminated artificially with blood (IEc) was not (P = 0.890). Ferritin concentration was significantly higher in dogs with IVD extrusion compared to dogs with IE (P = 0.034), but not to dogs with SRMA (P = 0.526). There was no association between NOA, NBA or ferritin concentration and severity or duration of clinical signs. In dogs with a higher ferritin concentration the outcome was better (P = 0.018). In dogs with evidence of hemorrhage on MRI, NOA and NBA were significantly higher (P = 0.016, P = 0.009), but not ferritin (P = 0.0628).Conclusion and clinical importanceQuantification of blood degradation products and ferritin in the CSF of dogs to assess subarachnoidal hemorrhage is feasible; however, larger case numbers are needed to evaluate the relevance of NBA and ferritin as prognostic indicators.

Strength and medium-term impact of HisAK70 immunization in dogs: Vaccine safety and biomarkers of effectiveness for ex vivo Leishmania infantum infection

HisAK70 candidates have successfully been tested in cutaneous (CL) and visceral leishmaniosis (VL) mouse models. Here, we analyse different biomarkers in dog trials after a heterologous immunization strategy with a HisAK70 candidate (plasmid DNA plus adoptive transfer of peripheral blood-derived dendritic cells (DCs) pulsed with the same pathoantigen and CpG ODN as an adjuvant) to explore the antileishmanial activity in an ex vivo canine co-culture system in the presence of Leishmania infantum parasites. In the canine model, the heterologous HisAK70 vaccine could decrease the infection index in the DC-T cell co-culture system by up to 54% after 30 days and reach almost 67% after 100 days post-immunization, respectively, compared to those obtained in the control group of dogs. The observed security and potential to fight ex vivo L. infantum infection highlight a HisAK70 heterologous immunization strategy as a promising alternative to evaluate its effectiveness against canine VL.

The evaluation of three treatment protocols using oral prednisone and oral meloxicam for therapy of canine idiopathic lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis: a pilot study

BackgroundIdiopathic lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis (LPR) is a common inflammatory disorder of the nasal cavity in dogs due to unknown etiology. It is characterised by non-specific clinical signs, including nasal discharge, epistaxis and breathing problems. Diagnosis is usually based on the histopathologic identification of infiltrating plasmocytes and lymphocytes in the nasal mucosa and the exclusion of other underlying diseases. Treatment strategies include glucocorticoids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics and antifungal medications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of various therapeutic protocols for managing canine lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis based on the results of clinical, endoscopic and histological examinations, and to determine the relapse rate for LPR in dogs.Twenty dogs of different breeds and both sexes, aged 1 to 14 years, were divided into four groups, each consisting of five dogs, including three experimental groups diagnosed with LPR and a control group.The dogs from the first experimental group were administered prednisone orally at 1 mg/kg/day in the first 4 weeks and 0,5 mg/kg/day in the following 2 weeks. The second group of dogs was administered meloxicam orally at 0,1 mg/kg/day in the first 3 weeks, followed by prednisone at 1 mg/kg/day in the following 2 weeks and 0,5 mg/kg/day in the last week of the treatment. The dogs from the third experimental group were administered meloxicam orally at 0,1 mg/kg/day for 6 weeks. The control group of dogs was administered empty gelatin capsules (placebo) orally for 6 weeks. Clinical signs, endoscopic and histopathologic lesions were scored before and after treatment. Groups were compared using Chi- squared statistics in a 2 × 2 table for pre- versus post-treatment scores.ResultsClinical signs persisted in the group treated with meloxicam and were mostly resolved in prednisone-treated dogs. However, endoscopic and histological changes were still observed in these two groups after treatment. The severity of all diagnostic features was reduced in the group treated with meloxicam for 3 weeks followed by prednisone for 3 weeks. The significant differences (p < 0.05) were noted between experimental and control groups. The dogs showed a statistically significant reduction in characteristics of the LPR before and after treatment, as measured by clinical signs (Group 1vs.4 p = 0.00, group 2 vs 4 p = 0.00, group 3 vs 4 p = 0,01), by endoscopy (1 vs 4 p = 0,01, 2 vs 4 p = 0,00, 3 vs 4 p = 0,03), and by histopathology (groups 1 vs 4 p = 0,00, 2 vs 4 p = 0,00, 3 vs 4 p = 0,03). The significant differences were noted between experimental groups, as measured by endoscopy (group 2vs 3 p = 0,04), and by relapse rate (groups 1 and 2 p = 0,03, groups 2 and 3 p = 0,01).ConclusionsThe three treatment protocols administered to dogs improved clinical, endoscopic and histological status. However, oral administration of meloxicam for 3 weeks, followed by prednisone for 3 weeks, appeared to be the most successful treatment. These patients remained asymptomatic for 6 months.

A New Approach to Blood Parameters in Dogs with Hemorrhagic Enteritis

Background: Some blood parameters have diagnostic and prognostic importance for the infections in human medicine. However, there is insufficient research regarding the importance of blood parameters and their correlations in veterinary medicine. Increased blood cell distribution width (RDW) and platelet activity can link with the important inflammatory markers. The main objective of the present study was the evaluation of the relationship among some important blood parameters namely RDW, platelet count (PLT), platelet distribution width (PDW), mean platelet volume (MPV), plateletcrit (PCT), their potential usage in the diagnosis and determination of the clinical severity in dogs with hemorrhagic enteritis.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: In this study, the case records of 29 dogs with hemorrhagic enteritis were evaluated and the records of 10 healthy dogs were used as controls. The animals of the study group were presented at the Ondokuz Mayis University, Veterinary Internal Medicine Clinic. The complete blood count (CBC), which includes the total WBC, RBC, hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin concentration (Hgb), MCV, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), RDW, PLT, MPV, PCT, and PDW, was determined. Significant positive correlations between RDW and RBC, HCT, MCHC, PLT and PDW, and a negative correlation with MCV, were determined. PDW was positively correlated with the lymphocyte count, MCHC and RDW, and negatively correlated with PCT. PLT was negatively correlated with MCV and MPV and positively correlated with RBC and RDW. In addition, MPV was positively correlated with MCV and MCH, and negatively correlated with PLT. Furthermore, there were significant differences between the granulocyte, WBC, HCT, RDW and PDW values (P &lt; 0.001) and monocyte count, Hgb and MCV (P &lt; 0.05), of the study and control groups.Discussion: Acute hemorrhagic enteritis has various causes in dogs such as idiopathic hemorrhagic gastroenteritis and a number of viral, bacterial and parasitic agents. Hematological and biochemical parameters are not specific to enteric diseases, but these paremeters can provide clinically helpful information for differential diagnosis, response to treatment, and prognosis. In this frame, the evaluation of MCV and RDW in combination, and the determination of the mean red cell size and the extent of heterogeneity of the red cell population, can be especially useful to the diagnosis of different red blood cell disorders. In the present study, differences in RDW and MCV values were statistically significant between the study and control groups (P &lt; 0.05). Increased RDW and decreased MCV can be good indicators of hemorragic diseases and in the present study, in addition to these findings, decreased Hgb and Hct confirmed anemia in dogs with hemorrhagic enteritis. The other key findings of this study were statistically significant relationships between RDW, PLT and PDW, which could be important indicators of inflammation in dogs with hemorrhagic enteritis. These parameters should be evaluated carefully in clinical cases of hemorrhagic enteritis. However, due to nature of retrospective studies, there were some limitations (the lack of another control group of dogs suffering from other hemorrhagic diseases) lack of serial measurements of the blood parameters and further studies should be carried out on dogs with hemorrhagic enteritis for a more detailed evaluation and confirmation of the findings of this study.

ВІДНОСНІ ПОКАЗНИКИ ІМУНОГРАМ У СЕРОПОЗИТИВНИХ НА ТОКСОПЛАЗМЕНУ ІНВАЗІЮ СОБАК ТА КОТІВ

In most parasitic diseases, the main element of protection of an organism is cell-mediated immunity. His immunological reactivity depends on the ability of an organism to respond adequately to the introduction of antigen. Evaluation of relative indices of the immunogram of HIV-positive dogs and cats have shown that a more pronounced decrease in the relative number of lymphocytes in the experimental group were observed in dogs (33% of the trial) compared with cats (22%). This species difference is probably due to the development cycle of the pathogen and the fact, namely, dogs are the ultimate owners unlike cats. Comparing the relative number of T-helper lymphocytes, it should be noted that seropositive dogs, the figure was higher (by 15% in comparison with the control) and in the middle pozitivnih cats on the contrary marked reduction (47% compared to control). In experimental dogs, compared with control the ability of neutrophils to phagocytosis is less than 8% and cats the difference is 1.5%.When the relative amount by B-lymphocytes in seropositive dogs and cats found that subpopulation of lymphocytes, unlike T-cells, in contrast was higher in the experimental group of animals. In the control group of dogs and cats of these cells is within 11%. In the experimental group of cats increased number of these cells is more pronounced and 3.25% more than in the experimental group of dogs. Analysis of the relative amount of lymphocytes NK- showed that the number of these cells is lower in seropositive for toxoplasmosis dogs and cats. A marked reduction of cell found in cats experimental group (by 5.25%), but in dogs by 1.75%.Given the slight percentage decrease ability neutrophil phagocytosis can be assumed that this cell population is not exposed to marked reduction due to specific receptors vidsutnistyu toksoplazmenoho antigen and it does not allow pathogens directly affect the functional activity of these cells.

NT-proBNP and cardiac troponin I concentrations in dogs with tick paralysis caused by Ixodes holocyclus.

The purpose of this study was to determine through measurement of cardiac biomarkers whether there was cardiac involvement in dogs infested with Ixodes holocyclus. Dogs with tick paralysis and no-mild (group 1; n = 44) or moderate-severe respiratory compromise (group 2; n = 36) and a control group of dogs (n = 31) were enrolled. Plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and serum creatinine concentrations were determined. For most of the affected dogs SpO2 was determined. SpO2 readings did not differ between groups 1 and 2. Three animals in group 2 had an SpO2 reading <90%. NT-proBNP concentrations were lower in both groups 1 and 2 compared with the control group. There was no difference in cTnI concentrations among groups, although they were elevated in four dogs, including the three dogs in group 2 with SpO2 readings <90%. Creatinine concentrations were within the reference interval for all dogs, but did differ among the groups, with control dogs having the highest values, followed by group 1 and then group 2. This study did not detect significant cardiac involvement in dogs with tick paralysis induced by I. holocyclus. Evidence for reduced preload in dogs with tick paralysis was provided by lower NT-proBNP concentrations compared with control dogs. Severe hypoxaemia may not be a significant component of the clinical picture in many of the dogs presenting with tick paralysis. Dogs with severe hypoxaemia may have loss of cardiomyocyte integrity, reflected by elevated cTnI concentrations.