Dogs In Poland Research Articles

Prevalence of Hepatozoon canis infection in dogs from the area of Lublin Voivodship

Canine hepatozoonosis is a tick-borne protozoal disease. Two species of Hepatozoon may infect dogs: Hepatozoon americanum and H. canis. The aim of the paper was to attempt to detect the genetic material of H. canis in blood samples collected from dogs suspected to suffer from tick-borne diseases. 107 samples were tested with the use of the real-time PCR technique (Vcheck M Bionote analyser), of which 99 were collected from dogs which never left Polish territory (group 1) and 8 from dogs which spent the holidays with their owners in Turkey (group 2). DNA of H. canis was detected in 1 dog in group 1 (with Ixodes ricinus infestation), and in 2 dogs in group 2 (with Ripicephalus sanguineus infestation). The results obtained indicate that infections with H. canis should be taken into account and included in the differential diagnosis of vector-borne diseases in dogs in Poland, and the accurate identification of the infection agent is crucial for developing the correct treatment regimen and prognosis.

Risk factor analysis and clinicopathological characteristics of female dogs with mammary tumours from a single-center retrospective study in Poland

This is a comprehensive retrospective study to characterize female dogs with canine mammary tumors (CMTs) using a dataset retrieved from the archives of the Division of Animal Pathology, Institute of Veterinary Medicine in Warsaw, and to identify prognostic factors. Clinical and histopathological data of 1447 dogs with CMTs were included. Malignant tumours were found in 83.3% (n = 1206), benign tumours in 11.7% (n = 169), and non-neoplastic lesions in 5.0% (n = 72) of dogs. Dogs most often had grade II carcinomas (38.2%, 215/562) of a single histological subtype (88.5%, 1281/1447), mostly simple carcinoma (35.3%, 510/1447). Dogs with a median age of 10 years significantly often had larger (≥ 3 cm) and malignant CMTs, whereas intact females had smaller tumours (median size 2.0 cm). However, the threshold value for the age of the dog in the differentiation of malignant and non-neoplastic/benign masses could not be determined. Most females were hormonally active (76.4%, 372/487). Hormonally active dogs significantly more often had multiple tumours. Multiple tumours were significantly smaller (median 2.5 cm) than single ones. Among pedigree dogs, small-breed dogs were mostly recorded (43%, 428/1006). Twelve breeds had an increased risk of CMTs, regardless of tumour behaviour, compared with the theoretical distribution of pedigree dogs in Poland. Four breeds were often affected only by malignant and other four breeds only by non-neoplastic/benign CMT. Large-breed dogs were significantly younger and affected by larger CMT (median 4 cm) compared with small- and medium-breed dogs. Ninety dogs with a malignant CMT and complete records were included in the full analysis of CMT-specific survival (CMT-SS) with a median follow-up time of 20.0 months. We showed that the timing of ovariohysterectomy in relation to mastectomy was significantly associated with grade, CMT-SS, and CMT-related death. We indicated the low diagnostic accuracy of palpation of regional lymph nodes (RLN) in the prediction of their metastatic involvement. By multivariable analysis, dogs with neoplastic emboli, tumour ulceration, and simple or complex carcinoma had a significantly higher risk of local recurrence. Tumour size > 3 cm was as a strong independent predictor of lung metastases. Compared with dogs with an easily separated localized tumour, dogs with a multiple/diffuse malignant CMT pattern had a fivefold higher risk of death. The risk of death was significantly higher in the presence of neoplastic emboli (~ fivefold) and tumour ulceration (~ fourfold). Furthermore, the presence of neoplastic emboli and large tumour size were independent predictors of CMT-related death.

An unexpected case of a dog from Poland co-infected with Dirofilaria repens and Dirofilaria Immitis.

Dirofilariasis is a vector-borne disease caused by parasitic nematodes of the genus Dirofilaria spp., considered an emerging concern in both veterinary and human medicine. Climate changes and human activities, such as pet travel, contribute to the spread of diseases to new non-endemic regions. Poland is dominated by subcutaneous dirofilariasis caused by D. repens infections. Cardiopulmonary dirofilariasis, also known as a heartworm disease is much more rare with only single autochthonous cases reported so far. Also, imported infections are observed sporadically in dogs traveling to endemic countries. In this study, we report the first case of a dog in Poland, never having traveled abroad, co-infected with Dirofilaria repens and Dirofilaria immitis. A 14-year-old mixed breed, an intact male dog with fever, lightly pale mucosal membranes, moderate abdominal pain, and a mild cough was presented in a veterinary clinic in Warsaw, Poland. The examination of the blood sample collected for complete morphology and biochemistry revealed the presence of live microfilariae. Presence of the DNA of both microfilariae species was detected using Real-Time PCR with species-specific primers. Since the remaining diagnostic methods like Knott's test, antigen test or echocardiography did not reveal the presence of D. immitis, we discussed the impact of microfilariae periodicity and low worm burden infections on the limited efficiency of these techniques. We strongly recommend using a mixed diagnostic approach for the most sensitive and specific diagnosis since the ideal diagnostic method does not exist, and several factors may contribute to misdiagnosis. Furthermore, we considered factors that contribute to the uncontrolled spread of dirofilariasis such as climate changes, introduction of new species of mosquitoes competent for the transmission of the disease, and wildlife animals as an important reservoir of this parasitosis. Given that Poland shares borders with countries classified as endemic and pre-endemic for D. immitis, such as Slovakia and Ukraine, it is reasonable to anticipate a rise in autochthonous heartworm infections and shifts in the epidemiological pattern of dirofilariasis in the coming years.

Pedigree-based analysis of genetic variability in the Chinese Crested dog population in Poland

The aim of the study was to analyse the level of genetic diversity within the small-sized population of Chinese Crested dogs bred in Poland, considering the common occurrence of hereditary diseases, probably related to the high level of inbreeding. The pedigree data provided by Polish Kennel Club were used to estimate different genealogical parameters in the ancestral (n=1,860) and active population (n=1,313). The mean equivalent number of complete generations known per animal reached 5.97 and 6.75 generations in the ancestral and active populations, respectively. The mean inbreeding coefficient values were 0.083 and 0.049 in the ancestral and in the active population, respectively. The effective number of founders (fe) and ancestors (fa) and the ratio fa/fe were 38, 20, 0.54 and 79, 34, 0.43 in the ancestral and active population, respectively. It should be concluded that the genetic variability of the Chinese Crested dogs in Poland is currently at a satisfactory level. However, high proportion of related male-female pairs may cause future mating problems. The population should be monitored for inbreeding and genetic variation. The breeders should choose reproducers in such a way as not to create large groups of paternal half-siblings in the offspring.

The first report on Hepatozoon canis in dogs and wolves in Poland: clinical and epidemiological features

BackgroundCanine hepatozoonosis caused by Hepatozoon canis is a common infection in dogs, with frequent case reports from the Mediterranean region and more recently from several Central European countries, such as Hungary and Germany. Despite the high prevalence of H. canis in red foxes, no infections have been reported to date in dogs in Poland. We describe here the first autochthonous cases of H. canis infection in dogs, including their clinical features, and report the prevalence of H. canis in grey wolves from different regions of Poland.MethodsThin smears prepared from blood samples collected from dogs were evaluated by microscopic examination. A total of 60 wolves and 47 dogs were tested. Infections were confirmed by PCR and sequencing.ResultsGamonts of H. canis were found in > 50% of the neutrophils of two dogs and in < 10% of the neutrophils in another five dogs. Molecular typing by PCR sequencing of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene fragment confirmed infections in 11 dogs from different regions of Poland, in 2.7% of dogs attending veterinary practices in central Poland and in 35% of wolves from various geographical regions of Poland. Clinical features manifested mostly in older dogs, and the most common signs were anaemia and apathy. Young dogs usually remained asymptomatic.ConclusionsThis is the first report of H. canis infection in dogs and wolves in Poland. Although the exact vector of the parasite is not known, veterinary practitioners should be aware of this new parasitosis and should consider appropriate diagnostics to confirm/exclude this infection. Further studies are needed to understand the transmission routes of H. canis in domestic and wild canids in Poland.Graphical

First cases of alveolar echinococcosis in dogs in Poland.

Alveolar echinococcosis caused by Echinococcus multilocularis is common parasitic disease among humans and animals in the northern hemisphere. Dogs, foxes, and other wild canids are definitive hosts, whereas small rodents play the role of intermediate hosts. In rare cases, after incidental ingestion of tapeworm eggs, dogs can become an intermediate host. The study describes briefly two cases of alveolar echinococcosis in dogs in Poland, including clinical management, diagnostic, treatment and molecular confirmation. Diagnostic procedures included laparotomy, cytology, histopathology and molecular analysis. Obtained sequences data were 100% homologous to E. multilocularis dehydrogenase subunit 1 gene sequences in GenBank®. To the authors' knowledge, alveolar echinococcosis has not been reported previously in a dog in Poland.

POSTĘPOWANIE Z BEZDOMNYMI PSAMI NA ZIEMIACH POLSKICH OD XIX DO XXI WIEKU Z UWZGLĘDNIENIEM NIEPRAWIDŁOWOŚCI W TYM ZAKRESIE

Domestic animal homelessness is a long-known and ever-present phenomenon in Poland. Left unattended, animals pose a threat to people, their farms, public order and epidemiological safety. “The problem” was attempted to solve as early as the 19th century. Although the main purpose behind catching stray dogs was the need to remove them from public space, attention was drawn already in distant times to issues related to improper and brutal handling during the catching, transporting, keep- ing and killing of unwanted pets. Nowadays, animals entering shelters can no longer be killed, but the problem of their homelessness is still present and has not been effectively resolved over the years. Changes in the political system and regulations have not guaranteed that they are properly protected and cared for in shelters, as there are still cases of inhumane treatment of animals in these facilities. There have also been no effective solutions to significantly reduce the scale of the phenomenon of dog abandonment in Poland. The lack of an obligation to sterilize mixed-breed individuals means that there are a lot of them, so that any person can come into possession of a dog without any difficulty, which, combined with the lack of mandatory, permanent and enabling owner identification marking, means that there are still tens of thousands of stray dogs in Poland, and responsibility for their abandonment can easily be avoided. The aim of the study is to showcase changes in the treatment of stray animals that occured during the last century.

Clinical course of granulocytic anaplasmosis in hunting dogs.

The aim of this study was to analyze cases of granulocytic anaplosmosis diagnosed in 53 hunting dogs in Poland. Medical records of dogs naturally infected with Anaplasma phagocytophilum were retrospectively evaluated with regard to clinical signs and laboratory abnormalities at the time of presentation, therapy and course of disease. The most common clinical signs in A. phagocytophilum-positive dogs included in the study were lethargy (100%), inappetence (94%) and fever (92.5%). Thrombocytopenia was the most common laboratory abnormality (100%), followed by a drop in haematocrit level (79.3%) and increased AST activity (75.5%). Of the 53 infected dogs, 51 (96%) recovered and two dogs (with neurological symptoms) died. Analysis of these cases indicates that A. phagocytophilum infection must be considered in differential diagnosis in dogs living in Poland, especially in hunting dogs with thrombocyto- penia and Ixodes ricinus tick invasions.

The Vector-Borne Zoonotic Nematode Thelazia callipaeda in the Eastern Part of Europe, with a Clinical Case Report in a Dog in Poland

Thelazia callipaeda is a zoonotic nematode transmitted by drosophilid flies. It causes ocular thelaziosis, a disease of carnivores, such as dogs, cats, and foxes, and also humans. The parasite has thus far been observed in various areas of Eurasia, including 20 countries within Europe. The present study documents its presence in the south-east region of Poland, near the Ukraine border. An adult nematode was removed from the conjunctival sac of a dog showing ocular inflammation and purulent discharge. The dog’s precise origin is unknown. Based on its localization and morphometrical features, the nematode was identified as a Thelazia callipaeda adult male. The present study is the first report of T. callipaeda in a dog in Poland.

Genetic variability among canine parvovirus strains currently circulating in Poland

The aim of the study was to perform a molecular analysis of the CPV VP2 gene fragment isolated from faeces samples of 46 dogs (vaccinated, as well as non-vaccinated against parvovirosis) with clinical parvovirosis. In all animals, the infection was confirmed by PCR. The purified PCR products (fragment VP2 gene) were sequenced and compared to each other and to the sequences of CPV VP2 gene from NCBI GenBank. Readable sequences of the VP2 gene were obtained for 46 samples. In 23 out of 30 non-vaccinated dogs, the most frequently isolated CPV strain was 2b. In the remaining cases the dogs were infected with CPV-2a. The parvovirus strains isolated from faeces of vaccinated dogs were classified in most cases (14/16) as CPV-2b, one as CPV-2a and one as CPV-2c. Continuous monitoring of parvovirosis in dogs in Poland plays an important role in updating vaccines against the disease and developing effective methods of its prevention.

Salivary cortisol levels in search and rescue (SAR) dogs under rescue examination conditions

The aim of the study was to assess the salivary cortisol level in search and rescue dogs during rescue search examinations. The research was carried out during open-field and disaster examinations for search and rescue dogs in Poland. Forty-one dogs took part in the study. Saliva was collected just before the search test and immediately after the search examination. The salivary cortisol level in dogs was marked and analyzed in relation to the sex, breed, type of examination, dogs' experience, and detection time. Salivary cortisol level in search and rescue dogs increases during the examination in both male and female dogs. Examination type affects salivary cortisol levels in male and female dogs. The sex of a search and rescue dog can be an important factor when choosing the specialty in which to train.

Babesia gibsoni infection in dogs in Poland.

Canine babesiosis is a tickborne, protozoal, haemoparasitic disease. Babesia organisms are frequently classified as either large (B. canis) or small (B. gibsoni). The aim of this study was an attempt to detect B. gibsoni DNA in blood samples taken from dogs suspected of suffering from tick-borne diseases. 216 samples were tested using PCR, of which, in 99 of them B. canisDNA was detected, whereas in 3 of them B. gibsoni was detected. Positive PCR results for B. gibsoni were confirmed using a Qube MDx real-time analyzer. The results indicate that infec-tions with this B. gibsoni should be taken into account and included in the differential diagnosis of vector-borne diseases in dogs in Poland, and that the accurate identification of the species of parasite causing the infection is crucial for developing the correct treatment regimen and prognosis.

Serologic investigation of influenza A virus infection in dogs in Poland.

The 2 predominant circulating subtypes of influenza A virus in the dog population, equine-origin H3N8 and avian-origin H3N2, constitute a potential zoonotic risk. We determined the prevalence of influenza A antibodies in 496 dogs in Poland and found 2.21% of sera positive by commercial ELISA. Hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assays indicated 7.25% of sera positive using equine H3N8, swine H3N2, and pandemic H1N1 antigens, with the most frequently detected immune response being to H3N2. Considering interspecies transfer, reassortment ability, and close contact between dogs and humans, infections of dogs with influenza A virus should be monitored.

The Enemy and the Victim: Stray Dogs in Poland, 1945–70 (Discourses and Actions)

The article argues that two primary roles were prevalently identified for dogs in the period concerned: for one thing, dogs were perceived as objects of human malevolence or at least dislike; this had to do with the dissemination of disease – particularly, rabies, dangerous to humans. For another, the dog was represented as a victim of cruelty. The exchange of arguments between adherents of different solutions to the ‘canine question’ (dog-pounds and culling vs. shelters) grew emotion-imbued, especially in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The press published voices of protest against mass killings of dogs and reinstatement of dogcatcher’s establishments. Eminent scientists, artists, cultural workers sent requests or appeals in these respects to the authorities. This ‘canine campaign’ led to the adoption, in 1961–2, of legal acts designed to make the methods of dealing with homeless animals ‘civilised’, but they did not bring about a breakthrough in the way dogs were treated or dealt with in post-war Poland. The campaign demonstrated that an active group of dog lovers got formed in the People’s Republic. In this sense, it can be said that dogs became an object of human care (the latter topic not having been subject to the research on which the following text is based).

Collie Eye Anomaly in Australian Kelpie dogs in Poland

BackgroundTo report the occurrence of choroidal hypoplasia in the Australian Kelpie breed in Poland, the affected dogs testing positive for the Collie Eye Anomaly NHEJ1 gene mutation.Case presentationsChoroidal hypoplasia (CH) was initially diagnosed in a young female Australian Kelpie presented for routine ophthalmological examination prior to breeding. Indirect ophthalmoscopy revealed tigroid fundi bilaterally with areas of abnormally arranged choroidal vasculature temporal to the optic disc. These lesions had the appearance of the choroidal hypoplasia diagnostic for Collie Eye Anomaly, a genetically determined disease seen most commonly in Collie types.The DNA based test for the NHEJ1 gene mutation that is confirmatory for Collie Eye Anomaly proved the dog to be homozygous for this mutation. Twenty one other related dogs were subsequently examined genetically, the dam proving to be affected and eight others were shown to be carriers.ConclusionsThis report demonstrates that Collie Eye Anomaly is present in a Polish bred Australian Kelpie line and as such breeders in this country and those importing dogs or semen internationally should be aware of other possible cases.

Problems of bioethics in veterinaria: transplantation of dogs organs

The article reviews the bioethics of veterinary medicine as an alternative to the professional ethics of a veterinarian. From this position the transplantation of organs in the field of veterinary medicine is analyzed, its ethical problems are compared with the ethical problems of transplantology in human medicine. The case of two recent kidney transplantations to dogs in Poland, and the public reaction to them, as well as kidney transplantation to dogs in Moscow, which have been already conducted for several years, are described. The problem of organ donation in the field of veterinary medicine and the quality of life of donor dogs is being raised. The author argues that these cases go beyond professional ethics and should be considered more widely, ге. in the framework of bioethics.

Inheritance of different coat colours in Newfoundland dogs in Poland

The aim of the study was to present the manner in which coat colour genes are inherited in the Newfoundland dog breed and to estimate the number of dogs with various coat colours in the Polish Newfoundland dog population in 2017. This population numbered 656 dogs, including 248 males and 408 females. The estimated number of dogs of this breed also included all registered puppies, broken down by gender and coat colour. The genes determining coat colour are described, including more precisely the genes responsible for the coat colour of the Newfoundland breed. According to FCI regulations, the coat colours for Newfoundland dogs are black, brown and black-and-white. Other colours, such as brown-and-white or blue, are not recognized for breeding purposes in Europe. The study found that the dominant black coat was predominant in the Polish Newfoundland dog population in 2017. These dogs could be heterozygous at some other loci and have undesirable alleles. The second most common coat colour was chocolate, while the fewest dogs had spotted coats. The group with spotted coats contained more males than females, in contrast to the other two colour variants. There were also individuals with the blue coat colour, which is not accepted for breeding, as the result of mating of parents with proper coat colours. An understanding of how dog coat colours are inherited and the need for tests to determine coat colour genotypes would make it possible to foresee the occurrence of incorrect colours in subsequent generations, which is crucial for Newfoundland dog breeders, whose goal is to obtain dogs whose coat colour is in line with the FCI standard.

Occurrence and Distribution of Canine Cutaneous Mast Cell Tumour Characteristics Among Predisposed Breeds.

IntroductionBreed predisposition to cutaneous mast cell tumours (MCT) in a population of dogs in Poland affected by various skin tumours was assessed, and the distribution of MCT characteristics such as histological grading, sex, age, and location, in predisposed breeds was evaluated.Material and MethodsThe retrospective epidemiological study included 550 dogs affected by cutaneous MCTs with a reference group of 2,557 dogs diagnosed with other skin tumours.ResultsA univariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals. The risk of high-grade MCTs was the highest for Shar-Peis (OR: 26.394) and American Staffordshire Terriers (OR: 2.897). Boxers (OR: 6.619), Labrador Retrievers (OR: 2.630), French Bulldogs (OR: 2.050), Golden Retrievers (OR: 1.949), and American Staffordshire Terriers (OR: 2.592) were mainly affected by low-grade MCTs. The high risk of MCT was calculated to be at the age of 4–6 years for Labrador Retrievers (OR: 2.686) and 7–10 years for Boxers (OR: 2.956) and French Bulldogs (OR: 9.429). MCTs were significantly more often located on the trunk in French Bulldogs (OR: 4.680), American Staffordshire Terriers (OR: 2.520), and Labrador Retrievers (OR: 1.948). There was no statistically significant correlation between gender and the occurrence of MCTs in the breeds.ConclusionsThe breed-predicated differences in the clinical course of MCTs suggest a genetic background for the tumours.

Haemangiopericytomas in dogs: Epidemiological analysis of 136 cases

Perivascular wall tumors (PWTs or haemangiopericytomas) are common in dogs, and they are clinically important in veterinary oncology, but there is no data on the occurrence of these tumors in dogs in Poland. The aim of the present study was an epidemiological analysis of canine perivascular wall tumors. The study included 136 dogs with recognized PWTs (whose frequency of occurrence was the same in females and males). The mean age of the dogs was 9.8±3.0 years, with no statistically significant difference between sexes. Among the dogs, 40.7% were mongrels, and 59.3% were purebred. Among the purebred dogs, 21 (26.3%) were German Shepherds, 17 (21.3%) were Boxers, 5 (6.3%) were Doberman pinchers and Rottweilers. Statistical analysis revealed that four breeds were predisposed to perivascular wall tumors in comparison to the general dog population: German Shepherds, Boxers, Doberman pinchers and Rottweilers. Moreover, large-breed (but not giant-breed) dogs were shown to be predisposed to PWTs. Tumors were located in the skin or subcutis of the entire body, mostly on the legs, more seldom on the trunk or the head. The most typical location for PWTs was the elbow area (11% of all cases).

The first case of Babesia gibsoni infection in a dog in Poland

Canine babesiosis is a tickborne, protozoal, haemoparasitic disease that can cause varying degrees of haemolytic anaemia, splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia and fever. Babesia organisms are frequently classified as either large or small. All small Babesia infections were previously attributed to B. gibsoni, but molecular analysis and DNA sequencing have revealed that there are at least three small piroplasms which infect dogs. Correctly identifying the infectious agent is important for treatment planning and prognosis. In this report, the first case of Babesia gibsoni infection in a Polish dog is presented.