This study aimed to investigate the vertical transmission of Babesia vogeli, Hepatozoon canis, Anaplasma platys, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and hemotropic Mycoplasma via molecular detection in 51 blood samples from naturally infected female dogs, 51 placentas, 22 organ pools from stillborn puppies, and 44 blood samples from neonates up to five days of age. As a result, vertical transmission was confirmed for A. platys in seven (31.81%) stillborn organ pool samples, and for hemoplasmas in one (14.28%) organ pool and 12 (63.15%) neonate samples. Furthermore, this study provides the first record of this transmission route for the protozoan B. vogeli in three (13.63%) stillborns and two (25%) neonates and for the hemoplasma Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum in one (14.28%) stillborn and 12 (63.15%) neonates. The data contribute to a better elucidation of the epidemiology of these agents in pregnant female dogs and emphasize the need for more in-depth investigations to clarify the detailed mechanisms surrounding the vertical transmission of hemopathogens, considering that this transmission route may play an important role in the maintenance and dissemination of these agents, especially in the absence of vectors.

To describe the surgical technique, complications, and outcomes of laparoscopic iliosacral lymph node (ISLN) extirpation in dogs with apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma (AGASACA), with or without intraoperative lymphangiography. 18 client-owned dogs underwent laparoscopic ISLN extirpation (19 procedures) between March 2012 and May 2024. Dogs were included if medical records were complete, the dogs were diagnosed with AGASACA, and an attempted laparoscopic ISLN extirpation was performed. Dogs were evaluated for staging and/or management of suspected metastasis to ISLNs. The study population included 11 male castrated and 7 female spayed dogs with a mean age of 9.95 ± 1.8 years (range, 7 to 14 years). Pertinent physical examination abnormalities included firm, irregular, or nodular masses involving one or both anal sacs, perianal subcutaneous tissues, or prior anal sacculectomy sites. 16 of 19 procedures (84.2%) were completed totally laparoscopically, while 3 of 19 (15.8%) required reactive conversion to open celiotomy. Intraoperative lymphangiography was attempted in 6 of 19 procedures (31.6%) using indocyanine green, methylene blue, or both. Indocyanine green was successful in 2 of 3 cases (66.7%), whereas methylene blue was unsuccessful in all attempts. Intraoperative surgical complications occurred in 9 of 19 procedures (47.3%), and most were mild and self-limiting. Histopathology confirmed metastatic ISLN(s) in 14 of 19 cases (73.7%). All dogs survived to discharge, and 18 of 19 cases (94.7%) survived beyond 14 days postoperatively. Laparoscopic ISLN extirpation, with or without intraoperative lymphangiography, is a viable diagnostic and treatment approach for dogs with AGASACA, supporting the increasing role of minimally invasive surgery in veterinary surgery including oncologic staging.

We developed JBD0131, a novel nitroimidazooxazole antitubercular agent, and conducted a comprehensive preclinical evaluation of its safety pharmacology, toxicology, and pharmacokinetics in SD rats and Beagle dogs. JBD0131 was well-tolerated in repeated-dose oral studies, with no treatment-related mortality or significant alterations in organ weights or significant alterations in organ-to-body weight ratios observed. The no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) was established at 480mg/kg/day in rats and 300mg/kg/day in female dogs. In male dogs, the NOAEL was determined to be 15mg/kg/day, a discrepancy primarily attributed to a slight trend toward Corrected QT interval (QTc) prolongation at higher doses (60 and 300mg/kg/day) to which males exhibited greater cardiovascular sensitivity. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed dose-proportional systemic exposure with no accumulation of JBD0131. Although the metabolite DM131 showed moderate accumulation, it was identified as the amino-reduction detoxification product of JBD0131, a conversion that yields a more stable species and is supported by favorable clinical safety data. While Phase I clinical trials of JBD0131 have been reported, this preclinical study remains indispensable as it establishes the toxicological "ceiling" and defines safety margins through supra-therapeutic dosing. By identifying sex-specific sensitivities and clarifying metabolite safety, this work provides a critical scientific foundation for long-term clinical monitoring and risk assessment. Based on indirect comparisons with reported historical data for clinical agents such as bedaquiline and pretomanid, JBD0131 demonstrated a favorable preclinical safety profile in the models tested, supporting its continued development for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

Mammary tumours account for approximately 50% of the neoplasms in female dogs. Even conventionally accepted prognostic indicators often fail to reliably predict the clinical behaviour of these tumours, underscoring the need for more effective prognostic markers. Proteins of the LOX family are associated with tumour invasion and metastasis in several types of tumours. The purpose of this study was to characterise the immunohistochemical expression of LOX and LOXL2 in canine mammary carcinomas and to investigate their prognostic significance. Samples of mammary carcinomas from 80 female dogs with a minimum post-surgical follow-up of 180 days were analysed. Tumour samples were submitted to immunohistochemistry to detect LOX and LOXL2. Immunolabelling was evaluated based on scores for staining intensity and percentage of positive cells, and a combined score was used to classify each protein as having either 'low-' or 'high-expression'. The results were compared with histological types, mortality due to the disease and post-surgical survival. We found that negativity for LOXL2 expression was an indicator of higher risk of death due to the disease. Our results suggest that lysyl oxidases such as LOXL2 are potential prognostic markers in mammary carcinomas of dogs.

The study aimed to analyse the spatial distribution of mammary cancer in female dogs according to breed, age, and carcinoma type, as well as clustering or dispersion patterns, using statistical methods, mapping, and geospatial analysis. Veterinary clinic records from Bogotá were analysed. The highest prevalence was observed in the Antonio Nariño district. Furthermore, dog breeds such as French Poodle and mixed breeds, as well as female dogs aged 8 years or older, were found to have the highest incidence of the disease. Spatial clusters of specific tumour types were found, suggesting possible territorial influences on the distribution.

Mammary neoplasms are a major concern in intact female dogs, and cytologic examination is routinely used for initial screening. Although the adaptation of Robinson's cytologic grading system to canine species has been scarcely explored, it shows prognostic potential, particularly when correlated with other clinical and pathologic markers. This study aimed to assess the prognostic performance of an adaptation of Robinson's cytologic grading system using rapid Romanowsky-type staining in canine mammary carcinomas. We also investigated its association with prognostic and predictive markers and overall survival. Fifty-one cytologic samples from canine mammary tumors were analyzed to evaluate the association between cytologic grade, histopathology, Ki-67 and Cox-2 expression, clinical data, and survival. ROC curve analysis was performed to determine prognostic performance, and principal component analysis (PCA) was used to explore morphologic patterns. Cytologic grade was significantly associated with tumor size, ulceration, and cellular features linked to malignancy but revealed low agreement with histologic grade and demonstrated no significant correlation with Ki-67 and Cox-2 expression. Higher cytologic grades and increased atypia were correlated with reduced survival. Robinson's cytologic score, Ki-67 index, Peña's histologic grade, and ulceration were key variables associated with the biologic and morphologic heterogeneity of the tumors. The Robinson cytologic grading system, when adapted to rapid Romanowsky-type staining, has prognostic relevance in canine mammary tumors. When interpreted alongside other clinical and pathologic features, it may contribute to early prognostic stratification and therapeutic planning. The use of larger cohorts in future studies is recommended for their validation.

Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) is a Gram-negative, opportunistic bacterium that causes local and generalized infections and may exhibit resistance to multiple antibiotics. This study aimed to report the association of ozone therapy (OT) and photobiomodulation (PBM) in the treatment of a surgical wound contaminated with multidrug-resistant KP. A female Chow Chow dog presented with paresis of the pelvic limbs and avulsion of 13 cm² of cutaneous tissue in the lumbar region, resulting from being run over. Post-operatively, there was dehiscence and infection of the surgical wound, which was treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories, without clinical improvement. Bacteriological examination identified KP that was multidrug-resistant to 11 antibiotics. The patient was referred to the Veterinary Hospital of the State University of Santa Cruz and underwent OT by bagging (30 mcg/ml) and intrarectal (1.5 mg) and FBM with diode laser (P: 0.1W), with wavelengths of 660 nm and 808 nm. The dosimetric parameters, energy (J) and fluence (J/cm2), varied according to the characteristics of the lesion. As the treatment progressed, the patient presented a gradual decrease in pain, improved ambulation, reduction of exudate and edema, infection control, and the presence of granulation tissue in the wound bed, corroborating the progressive reduction of the wound area until complete closure of the lesion. The combination of OT and FBM was effective in the case presented, with complete wound resolution, showing it to be a promising therapeutic option for wounds infected with multidrug-resistant pathogens. However, further studies are needed to establish protocols and confirm the improvement of the effects observed in this report

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile of ondansetron following intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (SC) administration in five healthy adult female Beagles. Dogs were administered ondansetron at 0.5 mg/kg IV and SC in a randomized crossover design. On day 0 ondansetron was administered either IV (OV group) or SC (OS group), and 7 days later administered via the opposite route. Plasma samples were collected, and heart and respiratory rates, and rectal temperature were recorded over an 8 h period. Ondansetron concentrations were quantified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Non-compartmental analysis was performed using commercially available software. Median (min-max) peak plasma concentration following OS was 84.6 (56.0-326.1) ng/mL, which occurred at the first sampled time point of 0.25 (0.25-0.5) h. The terminal half-life was longer in the OS versus the OV group. Bioavailability of ondansetron in the OS group was 84.6 (51.2-132.6)%. Ondansetron administered SC at 0.5 mg/kg to adult healthy dogs has a similar bioavailability and a longer duration of action compared to the IV route of administration. Future pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic clinical studies should be performed in dogs utilizing the SC route of administration of ondansetron.

The study was carried out from January to March 2024 to assess how age and sex influence fasting blood glucose concentrations in clinically ill dogs (Canis familiaris). A total of 84 clinically ill dogs of different breeds presented to the Outpatient Ward of the Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary Science, GADVASU, Rampura Phul, Punjab, India, were included in the study. The dogs were divided into three age groups: puppies under one year of age, adults between one and five years, and geriatric dogs older than five years, and were further classified according to sex. Blood samples were obtained following a 12-hour fasting period to minimize the effect of recent food intake. Fasting blood glucose levels were determined using a dry chemistry analyser (Fujifilm NX 600 V, Veterinary Model). Statistical evaluation showed a significant variation in fasting blood glucose levels among the different age groups (p = 0.00015). The highest mean glucose values were observed in puppies (105.29 ± 16.51 mg/dL), followed by geriatric dogs (98.29 ± 16.14 mg/dL), whereas adult dogs exhibited the lowest concentrations (85.86 ± 17.18 mg/dL). A statistically significant difference was also found between sexes (p = 0.0396), with higher mean fasting glucose levels recorded in female dogs (100.20 ± 18.13 mg/dL) than in male dogs (91.97 ± 17.70 mg/dL). These results demonstrate that both age and sex have a significant effect on fasting blood glucose levels in clinically ill dogs and should be taken into account during clinical assessment and interpretation of biochemical findings in veterinary practice.

Pyometra, a serious and potentially fatal uterine infection in intact female dogs, is a common reproductive disorder characterized by the accumulation of purulent material within the uterus. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of canine from June to November 2024. A total of 1,857 canine cases were presented during the study period, of which 27 cases (1.45%) were diagnosed as pyometra based on clinical signs and ultrasonographic findings. Among 174 recorded gynaecological cases, pyometra accounted for 15.51 per cent cases. The disease was more prevalent in the month of July and August, with the highest incidence observed in Labrador Retrievers (37.03%) and nulliparous females (55.55%). Both open (77.77%) and closed (22.22%) cervix forms of pyometra were identified, with severity classified via ultraso nography. Monthly and breed-wise variation, along with parity status, revealed patterns that may assist in early diagnosis and targeted intervention. The findings highlight the importance of routine reproductive health monitoring in at-risk breeds and non-breeding females. Enhanced diagnostic facilities, including ultrasonography, were crucial for timely detection and management, thereby reducing associated morbidity and mortality.

This study aimed to combine two or more techniques to achieve more precise and dependable results for estrous detection. For this, 54 healthy female dogs were evaluated for estrous detection through different diagnostic methods, including vaginal electrical resistance (VER), exfoliative vaginal cytology (EVC), vaginoscopy and serum progesterone profiling. Vaginal cytology during proestrus revealed a significant proportion of large intermediate cells (61.94±4.98%), followed by small intermediate cells (26.58±3.53%) and a low proportion of keratinized cells (6.38±4.82%). During estrus, kera tinized cells dominated (70.67±2.64%), alongside large intermediate cells (25.25±2.84%). VER values peaked during estrus (614.72±63.91Ω), while specific means recorded as 233.87±28.95 Ω in proestrus. Vaginoscopy revealed pink, con gested vaginal mucosa with vulvar edema during proestrus, transitioning to wrinkled, shrunken and pale mucosa with progressing crenulations during estrus, driven by hormonal changes. Serum progesterone levels increased steadily from 0.63 ± 0.15ng/mL in proestrus to 7.29±0.83 ng/mL during estrus. Hence, the combined application of these diagnostic methods provides a comprehensive framework for predicting the estrus stage and improving reproductive management in canines.

The PD-1 protein is an immune checkpoint present on T cells and, when bound to PD-L1, it inhibits the immune response. Tumor cells can exploit this mechanism to escape immune surveillance. In this study, we characterized the expression of PD-L1 and the infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and regulatory T lymphocytes (RTLs) in 92 mammary tumors of 92 female dogs to assess their prognostic value. Tumor samples were subjected to immunohistochemistry for PD-L1, FOXP3, and CD8. FOXP3- and CD8-positive and negative lymphocytes were counted to obtain the percentage of positive cells. PD-L1 expression was evaluated for protein localization (nuclear and/or cytoplasmic), percentage of positive cells, and labeling intensity. The majority of the tumors were positive for PD-L1 (72%). Dogs with PD-L1-negative tumors had shorter post-surgical survival (P = .0328; hazard ratio = 2.35). PD-L1-positive tumors had higher percentages of CTLs and were significantly associated with clinical stage I (P = .0046) and absence of lymph node metastasis (P = .0006). An increased percentage of RTLs was an indicator of shorter survival (P = .0084). Our results suggest that PD-L1 positivity indicates a better prognosis for dogs with mammary carcinomas, whereas the presence of intratumoral RTLs is an indicator of poor prognosis. These findings highlight prognostic biomarkers that may support personalized treatment approaches in veterinary oncology.

BackgroundEctopic ureters (EU) are the main cause of urinary incontinence in juvenile dogs with a continence rate ranging from 22 to 72% reported after surgical correction. The objective of this retrospective preliminary study was to evaluate the usefulness of pre- and postoperative urethral pressure profiles (UPP) in predicting long-term continence in dogs with EU.ResultsUPP were performed in 16 female dogs prior to surgical correction of EU, as well as postoperatively, between 2012 and 2022. Urodynamic parameters included maximal urethral pressure (MUP), maximal urethral closure pressure (MUCP), anatomical profile length (APL), functional profile length (FPL) and integrated pressure (IP). A continence score (CS), defined as 1 = incontinent, 2 = continent with sporadic episodes of incontinence, 3 = continent, was given at the time of pre- and postoperative UPP. Neoureterostomy with dissection of the intramural portion (23 EU) or neoureterocystostomy (3 extramural EU) were performed. Seven dogs were neutered before or during surgical correction. Median preoperative CS was 1 (min 1, max 2). All dogs were continent with a CS of 3 in the immediate postoperative period. Long-term median follow-up time was 24 [8.5–42] months. Recurrence of incontinence occurred in 9 dogs (56.3%). Median time duration without recurrence was 5 months. In the 16 dogs, postoperative FPL values (median 70.5 [56-82.5] mm) were significantly increased compared to preoperative values (median 56.5 [41-72.3] mm) (P = 0.034). In the group of 7 dogs without recurrence of incontinence, IP increased significantly from a preoperative median value of 102 [19–171] cm.cmH2O to a postoperative median value of 132 [67–225] cm.cmH2O (P = 0.016). In dogs without recurrence, ranges of variation between pre- and postoperative MUP and IP values, as well as postoperative MUCP values (median 47.3 [24.5–52] cmH2O, P = 0.026) were significantly higher (P = 0.017 and P = 0.039 respectively). Recurrence hazard of incontinence was neither significantly associated with age, breed, preoperative urodynamic measurements, CS, neutering, or the type of EU.ConclusionsIn our population, preoperative UPP could not be considered as a diagnostic procedure predictive for incontinence recurrence after surgical correction of EU. Our urodynamic findings support potential improvement in urethral tone in female dogs without recurrence of incontinence.

Efficacy of oral mifepristone and parenteral Aglepristone on serum progesterone concentration and clinical recovery in female dogs with pyometra

Invasive carcinoma of no special type with medullary pattern in the canine mammary gland: histopathological and immunohistochemical characterization.

Erector spinae plane (ESP) block is a regional anaesthetic technique described in dogs, but clinical evidence of its perioperative effects in abdominal procedures remains limited. This study evaluated its antinociceptive efficacy during elective ovariohysterectomy in bitches. Sixteen healthy client-owned female dogs were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 8). All the patients received 0.05mg/kg acepromazine and 0.3mg/kg methadone intramuscularly, followed by propofol-based induction and maintenance. Ultrasound-guided bilateral ESP blocks were performed at the first lumbar vertebra using 0.25% bupivacaine (0.5mL/kg per side) in the bupivacaine group or 0.9% saline in the saline solution group. Vital signs and nociceptive responses were recorded intraoperatively; 2.5µg/kg fentanyl intravenously was used as rescue analgesia. Postoperative pain was assessed over 24 hours using the short-form Glasgow pain scale. The ESP group required significantly fewer intraoperative fentanyl rescues (8vs. 19; p = 0.031). No significant differences were observed in postoperative pain scores or analgesic rescue requirements. The small sample size and use of physiological nociceptive indicators may limit generalisability. Only a single non-opioid postoperative rescue was needed, potentially masking postoperative differences. Ultrasound-guided ESP block reduces intraoperative opioid use in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy but has limited impact on postoperative pain control.

Canine mammary tumors (CMTs) are among the most frequent neoplasms in female dogs, with current therapeutic options being limited and non-standardized, prompting the search for alternative treatments such as fungal secondary metabolites. In this study, the fungal pigment Epipyrone A (Epy A) was first isolated from Epicoccum nigrum and then tested in vitro on two CMT cell lines, P114 and CF33. The compound significantly reduced cell viability in both lines in a concentration- and time-dependent manner (p < 0.05), with the strongest effect observed at 175 µg/mL after 48 h (p < 0.0001), while showing no cytotoxicity in MDCK non-tumor cells. Epy A also inhibited cell migration and increased total antioxidant capacity in P114 cells, accompanied by a significant reduction in ROS levels. Western blot analysis revealed modulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, crucial in CMT biology. Specifically, P114 cells showed downregulation of mTOR and p-Akt, indicating inhibition of proliferative signaling, whereas CF33 cells exhibited increased Akt and p-Akt alongside reduced mTOR, consistent with a compensatory feedback mechanism, probably linked to the changing in oxidative balance after treatment. Overall, these results identified Epy A as a promising natural molecule with potential applications in innovative therapeutic approaches for veterinary and comparative oncology.

IntroductionIn regenerative medicine and comparative oncology, the development of physiologically relevant in vitro models is critical for advancing our understanding of tissue homeostasis, cellular differentiation, and early tumorigenesis. Such models provide controlled experimental systems to investigate normal mammary gland function, assess responses to therapeutic agents, and establish baseline characteristics for distinguishing healthy from pathological tissue.MethodsThis study successfully established and characterized primary epithelial cell cultures derived from histologically normal canine mammary gland (CMG) tissue. Samples from two healthy female dogs were obtained during elective ovariohysterectomy. Following enzymatic digestion and optimized culture conditions, isolated cells adhered within 24 hours and reached confluence within 6–7 days, maintaining over 95% viability.Results and discussionHistological analysis confirmed either active lactational or regressive tissue states. Cell growth and metabolic activity were evaluated using the CELLigence system and XTT assay, with optimal results achieved at a seeding density of 4,000 cells per well. Immunofluorescence staining confirmed epithelial identity (pan-CK, CK8/18), apical MUC1 expression, low Ki-67 levels and negative expression of mesenchymal markers (vimentin, S100), indicating a healthy, non-cancerous cell population with moderate proliferative activity. This study provides the first detailed protocol for establishing primary CMG epithelial cultures and validates their suitability as a reference model for future oncological studies. Overall, this platform supports translational research, including drug testing and biomarker discovery, contributes to personalized veterinary therapies and enhanced understanding of mammary gland pathology in both dogs and humans.

Maintaining cardiovascular stability during anesthesia is essential, yet the routine use of atropine to prevent vagally induced low heart rate may impose additional stress on the heart. This randomized, controlled, observer-blinded, clinical study aimed to evaluate whether ondansetron, a selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, could serve as an alternative anesthetic adjuvant to modulate autonomic activity while maintaining cardiovascular stability in dogs. A total of 66 female dogs, with a mean age of 1.5 years and a mean weight of 16-18 kg ASA I, undergoing elective surgery were assigned to three study groups to receive atropine, ondansetron, or no autonomic-modulating drug. Heart rate, arterial pressure, respiratory rate, and NT-proBNP were recorded before, during, and after anesthesia. Dogs treated with ondansetron maintained stable cardiovascular values throughout the procedure, with no episodes of low heart rate or excessive increases in heart rate. In contrast, atropine induced marked and sustained elevation in heart rate and higher arterial pressures. Concentrations of the cardiac biomarker NT-proBNP increased significantly 48 h after surgery in the atropine group but remained unchanged in the ondansetron group, indicating the absence of additional myocardial stress. These findings suggest that ondansetron may help preserve autonomic balance during anesthesia while minimizing myocardial stress. Ondansetron could represent a useful component of multimodal anesthetic protocols, particularly in dogs in which excessive cardiac stimulation should be avoided.

A 5-wk-old, 10.6-kg, intact female Leonberger dog was presented for evaluation of a mass on the left ventrolateral thorax that had been present since birth. A biopsy of the mass revealed an invasive, unencapsulated spindle-cell population arranged in bundles and concentric whorls (pseudo-onion bulb formations) with multifocal melanocytic differentiation. Neoplastic cells in pseudo-onion bulbs immunolabeled strongly for glial acidic fibrillary protein and PGP9.5 and moderately for S100 and Sox10. The supporting matrix had strong immunolabeling for laminin. Cells had multifocal immunolabeling for NeuN, melan A, and PNL2. Collectively, these histopathologic characteristics support a diagnosis of congenital nerve sheath tumor, which is rarely described in dogs.