Female Dogs Research Articles

Influence of acepromazine vs. medetomidine on surgical time and complication rate during canine laparoscopic ovariectomy

ObjectiveTo compare the effect of acepromazine on surgical duration and complication rate when compared to medetomidine.Study DesignA randomised, prospective clinical study.Animal or Sample PopulationThirty‐two female entire dog.MethodsThirty‐two female entire dogs undergoing elective laparoscopic ovariectomy (lap‐ove). Dogs were randomly assigned to pre‐medication Group M (medetomidine, n = 20), or Group A (acepromazine, n = 12). Anaesthesia protocol was standardised and monitored by one anaesthetist. The surgeons were blinded for the group allocation. Time was recorded at predetermined intra‐operative points. Surgical difficulty was subjectively assessed intra‐operatively, as well as objectively scored following review of the surgical recordings. Procedural complications were recorded.ResultsThe mean ± SD surgical time from skin incision to removal of both ovaries was 11.8 ± 1.8 minutes and did not differ significantly between the two groups (M: 11.7 ± 1.6, A: 11.9 ± 2.3). Across the entire study population surgical difficulty was assessed as ‘easy’ in 14 dogs (44%), ‘medium’ difficulty in 14 dogs (44%) and ‘marked’ difficulty in four dogs (12%), while complication rate was 12.5% in both groups. There were no significant differences in difficulty or complication rate between groups.ConclusionChoice of pre‐medication did not significantly affect any of the outcomes measured.Clinical SignificanceAcepromazine may be used for sedation as part of a balanced premedication protocol as an alternative to medetomidine in dogs undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy without significantly increasing the procedure time, surgical difficulty or complication rate.

Enhanced BDNF and ROS in Mucosa of Lower Motor Neuron Lesioned Dog Bladder Following Somatic Motor Nerve Transfer

Neurotrophic factors and reactive oxygen species (ROS) modulate neuronal plasticity. In a model of a lower motor neuron lesioned bladder, somatic nerve transfer was used as a reinnervation strategy. Levels of neurotrophins, ROS, and TNF-α in bladder mucosa and muscle layers collected from three groups of adult female dogs: (1) Decentralized, via bilateral transection of coccygeal and sacral spinal roots, lumbar 7 dorsal roots, and hypogastric nerves, then 6–21 mo recovery; (2) reinnervated (ObNT-Reinn), after similar decentralization for 12 mo, then bilateral obturator-to-vesical nerve transfer and 8–12 mo recovery; and (3) Controls. In mucosa, BDNF and ROS levels were highest in ObNT-Reinn bladders, GDNF and TNF-α levels were restored to Control levels in ObNT-Reinn bladders (lowest in Decentralized). NT-3 and ARTN were lower in ObNT-Reinn and Decentralized bladders versus Controls. In muscle, ROS was lower in ObNT-Reinn muscle versus Controls. BDNF mucosa levels correlated with bladder axonal density and detrusor layer thickness; and GDNF mucosal correlated with bladder contraction after vesical or transferred obturator nerve electrical stimulation, as did BDNF and GDNF muscle levels. The increased BDNF and GDNF in bladders that underwent somatic nerve transfer with subsequent recovery suggest that BDNF and GDNF may help promote the reestablishment of bladder innervation.

Utilization of indocyanine green for intraoperative sentinel lymph node mapping in canine mammary tumors

Accurate staging by sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is essential for improving prognostic outcomes of canine mammary tumors (CMT). Indocyanine green near-infrared fluorescence (ICG-NIRF) imaging offers a novel real-time approach for SLN mapping, potentially enhancing the precision of surgical SLN biopsies. This study evaluated the effectiveness of transcutaneous ICG-NIRF imaging in identifying lymphatic drainage pathways and SLNs in CMT and determined the optimal ICG concentration for visualizing lymphatic channels and SLNs. We hypothesized that transcutaneous ICG-NIRF imaging effectively highlights both lymphatic channels and SLNs, facilitating accurate SLN biopsies. This study included 24 female dogs with cytologically diagnosed malignant CMT, from September 2023 to April 2024. ICG was injected peritumorally (concentrations: 0.5, 1.0, and 2.5 mg/mL). NIRF imaging was conducted intraoperatively to visualize lymphatic drainage and identify SLNs. Data on signal-to-background ratio of lymphatic drainage and SLN and operation time were collected and analyzed using ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey tests. The detection rate of SLNs using ICG-NIRF was 94.4% (34/36). Highest LN fluorescence (p = 0.030) and shortest operation time (p = 0.002) were yielded by 1.0 mg/mL ICG, with minimal false-negative rates (0%, 0/18). ICG-NIRF imaging enhances the accuracy of sentinel lymph node mapping in CMT by enabling real-time visualization of lymphatic drainage, optimizing lymph node biopsy selection, and improving surgical precision, thereby contributing to more accurate tumor staging and better prognostic assessment.

Safety of ilunocitinib tablets (Zenrelia™) after once daily oral administration in dogs

BackgroundIlunocitinib is a new molecular entity of the Janus kinase inhibitor (JAKi) class for the treatment and control of symptoms of allergic skin disease conditions, such as pruritus and skin lesions in dogs. This laboratory study with ilunocitinib tablets (Zenrelia™, Elanco) investigated the safety in healthy dogs treated once daily for 6 months. The study was a randomized, blinded, parallel-group design examining one (1X), two (2X), three (3X) and five (5X) times the maximum recommended dose (0.8 mg/kg) compared to sham dosed control dogs.MethodsTwenty male and 20 female healthy Beagle dogs, 11 to 12-month of age, with a mean body weight ranging from 9.85 to 10.46 kg, were randomized to an untreated control group or ilunocitinib treatment groups at daily dose rates of 0.8 mg/kg (1X), 1.6 mg/kg (2X), 2.4 mg/kg (3X), or 4.0 mg/kg (5X) over six months. All animals were fed within 30 min prior to treatment. Safety assessments included general health observations, clinical observations (including complete physical and neurological examinations), ophthalmology, clinical pathology, peripheral blood immunophenotyping, body weight, food consumption, pharmacokinetic blood collections, organ macroscopic and microscopic examinations.ResultsNo effects of the treatment were noted on body weight, food consumption, physical and neurological examinations, urinalysis, peripheral blood immunophenotype, and ophthalmoscopic examinations. Clinical findings included non-exudative skin lesions, skin lesions with discharge, swollen paw(s), skin thickening, skin discoloration or scabbing of the feet (paws/digits), in both male and female dogs. Changes in clinical pathology included marginally decreased red cell mass, lower eosinophils, higher C-reactive protein, total protein and fibrinogen, lower albumin and albumin: globulin levels. Microscopic findings included skin inflammation and focal dermatitis/furunculosis.ConclusionsIlunocitinib was well tolerated when administered daily over six months at 0.8 mg/kg and multiples thereof up to 4.0 mg/kg in Beagle dogs. At the therapeutic dose, no clinically significant changes were observed. Minimal changes in hematological parameters, total protein, and fibrinogen were noted at the higher doses. All of these findings, consistent with the known pharmacology of the JAKi class at exaggerated dosing, support the safe and chronic use of Zenrelia™ tablets.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.

Trace Element Levels in Canine Tear Film.

To evaluate the levels of trace elements in the tear film of healthy dogs. Twenty-five healthy Labrador retrievers. Tear samples were collected from the ventral conjunctival fornix of each dog using a Schirmer tear test strip. Elemental analysis was conducted using the particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) method with a 1.7 MV Pelletron accelerator. Trace element levels were compared across all dogs using the Kruskal-Wallis test with post hoc Tukey analysis and between male and female dogs using the Mann-Whitney test. The study included 14 neutered males and 11 spayed females, with a mean (±SD) age of 19.8 ± 3.1 months (range 14.3-26.5, median 18.8 months). Elemental analysis of tear samples revealed the presence of calcium (Ca), chloride (Cl), iron (Fe), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sodium (Na), and sulfur (S). The median ± SEM peak area levels were highest for Cl (69 530 ± 1432) and K (5782 ± 514), followed by S (3545 ± 772), Na (3387 ± 159), P (1408 ± 160), Ca (593 ± 85), and Fe (276 ± 206). Compared to males, female dogs had significantly higher peak areas for S (2272 ± 549 vs. 4389 ± 1484, p = 0.037) and Ca (536 ± 76 vs. 800 ± 148, p = 0.029). This study provides a detailed assessment of the trace element composition in the tear film of healthy dogs. These findings enhance our understanding of canine ocular surface physiology and may have potential implications for the diagnosis and management of ocular surface diseases in dogs.

Newcastle Disease Virus Induces Pyroptosis in Canine Mammary Tumour CMT-U27 Cells via the TNFα/NF-κB/NLRP3 Signalling Pathway.

Mammary tumours are the most common type of neoplasm in female dogs, with nearly half being malignant. Oncolytic Newcastle disease virus (NDV) therapy has emerged as a novel cancer treatment option; however, its precise oncolytic mechanism in canine mammary tumours (CMT) remain unclear. Ultrastructural analysis of NDV-infected CMT-U27 cells with locally damaged cell membranes and swollen and ruptured mitochondria revealed the occurrence of pyroptosis. Transcriptome sequencing further identified a significant upregulation of pyroptosis-related genes, including NLRP1, NOD2, caspase-1, and GSDMD. Subsequent examination of RNA and protein expression levels of pyroptosis-related molecules invitro indicated that NDV induces pyroptosis in CMT-U27 cells via the caspase-1/GSDMD pathway. Additionally, inhibition of the TNFα/NF-κB pathway and knockdown of NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) using small interfering RNA demonstrated that the TNFα/NF-κB pathway can regulate NDV-induced pyroptosis through the NLRP3 inflammasome. In a xenograft model, intravenous administration of NDV significantly inhibited tumour growth, and prolonged the survival time in nude mice bearing CMT-U27 cells. NDV treatment enhances intratumoural pyrotosis in tumour bearing mice. In conclusion, these findings suggest that NDV induces pyroptosis in CMT-U27 cells through the TNFα/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway, providing a foundation for future research into NDV's therapeutic potential in canine mammary cancer.

Ultrasonographic computer-assisted quantification of the intraluminal uterine content in female dogs.

Ultrasonographic computer-assisted quantification of the intraluminal uterine content in female dogs.

An Assessment of the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) of Dog Owners regarding Pet Reproduction

An ex-post facto study was designed to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of the dog owners visiting the Multi Speciality Veterinary Hospital, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana (India). A total of 102 dog owners were investigated purposively to assess their socio-economic profiles, knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding pet reproduction with major focus on breeding management and artificial insemination. On analysis, results revealed that majority of the respondents were young (19-35 years), and belonged to low-income category (earning less than Rs. 3.00 lakh annually). A substantial portion of dog owners had low experience in pet rearing, with a majority owning large breed dogs. The study highlighted gaps in knowledge related to reproductive management, with only 40.20% of respondents aware of semen storage temperatures and 49.02% familiar with semen cryopreservation. However, 86.27% of the respondents knew the average litter size, and 84.31% were aware of the appropriate age for female dogs to begin breeding. Overall, 50.98% of respondents demonstrated a high level of knowledge, which was positively correlated with higher education levels. Majority of the respondents (57.84%) exhibited a favourable attitude toward pet reproduction practices, particularly neutering. However, only 48.04% maintained breeding records, and 64.71% provided adequate care for pregnant or whelping dogs. The findings emphasize the need for improved awareness and education on advanced reproductive technologies and ethical breeding practices.

Acute traumatic paracostal abdominal wall rupture associated with subcutaneous spleen herniation in a dog

AbstractA 2‐year‐old female entire Dachshund dog was referred for further investigations following a road traffic accident. Physical, ultrasonographic, radiographic and computed tomographic findings were consistent with acute traumatic paracostal abdominal wall rupture with associated splenic and small intestine subcutaneous herniation, bilateral sacroiliac subluxation and right femoral fracture. Staged procedures consisting of abdominal wall reconstruction, femoral fracture and bilateral sacroiliac subluxation repair were performed. A clinical re‐examination 7, 14 and 30 days after discharge and a telephone follow‐up 6 months after surgery did not reveal any signs of postoperative complications.

Canine, Feline, and Murine Mammary Tumors as a Model for Translational Research in Breast Cancer.

In veterinary medicine, mammary tumors are the most common neoplasms in female dogs and the third most frequent in cats, representing a significant challenge. Efforts have been directed toward adopting standardized diagnostic criteria to better understand tumor behavior and progression in these species. Meanwhile, the use of animal models has substantially advanced the understanding of comparative mammary carcinogenesis. These models provide critical insights into factors responsible for the disease in humans, with the expectation that such factors can be identified and controlled. In this context, this review presents a work based mainly on articles published by a research group specializing in mammary pathology (Laboratory of Comparative Pathology-Department of General Pathology-ICB/UFMG) and its collaborators, complementing their results with literature findings. The publications were categorized into animal research, experimental research, and human research. These studies addressed topics such as diagnosis, prognostic and predictive factors, tumor microenvironment, inflammation associated with tumors, treatment approaches, and factors influencing tumor growth. The conceptual network analysis underscores the importance of in vivo breast cancer models, both experimental and spontaneous, for understanding tumor progression mechanisms and therapeutic responses, offering valuable contributions to veterinary and human oncology.

X chromosomal monosomy with bilateral ovotestes in a Labrador Retriever dog

A 2 year intact, phenotypically female Labrador Retriever dog was presented for evaluation of persistent white vaginal discharge after a perceived normal estrous cycle. On repeat evaluations, the dog was determined to be in persistent cytologic estrus ~ for 2 months. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed suspected bilateral ovarian cysts and cystic endometrial hyperplasia. After ultrasound-guided cystic aspiration, the dog was treated with a 3 day course of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Four months after initial treatment, the dog developed behavioral and physical signs of estrus that lasted ~ for 4 weeks; systemic progesterone concentrations never increased > 1.0 ng/ml. Repeat abdominal ultrasonography revealed another cyst-like structure on the right gonad. Similar treatment (cyst aspiration and GnRH treatment) was given. Paired cystic fluid and blood serum hormone concentrations were analyzed at each aspiration; testosterone concentrations were higher in serum and cystic fluid. Ovariohysterectomy and karyotyping diagnoses were bilateral ovotestis and X chromosomal monosomy (77, XO).

Complicações tardias decorrentes do uso de lacre plástico em cirurgia de ovariohisterectomia em cadela

Ovariohysterectomy is considered the most commonly performed elective and/or therapeutic procedure on the reproductive system of female dogs and cats, seeking to control birth rates and overpopulation, or as a treatment measure for patients with pyometra, tumors or other conditions. The castration technique is classified as simple; however, complications can occur that cause significant sequelae or even lead to the death of the animal. As an alternative to the traditional technique, in which sutures are used to ligate the ovarian and uterine pedicles, some veterinarians opt to use plastic seals, aiming to reduce surgical time, as well as surgical costs. However, this material can cause complications such as the development of granulomas and intra-abdominal adhesions. This study aims to report the case of a 6-year-old female dog, of mixed breed, diagnosed with granuloma in the topography of ovarian pedicles, adhered to the kidneys, with total obstruction of the right ureter and partial obstruction of the left ureter. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy, where it was necessary to perform nephrectomy of the right kidney, which in its evaluation, removed a plastic seal from the granuloma. Due to the extension of adhesions, it was not possible to remove the granuloma from the left kidney, thus opting for palliative treatment of the patient.

First report of canine protothecosis caused by Prototheca wickerhamii in Argentina. Brief literature review.

Protothecosis is an infectious disease caused by microalgae of the genus Prototheca. Prototheca can be found in soil and water and transiently colonize animals. Cutaneous protothecosis can involve not only the skin but also the underlying subcutaneous tissue and lymph nodes. This can lead to clinical signs and a microscopic tissue image that closely resembles a fungal infection. Treatment typically involves antifungal medications. We report the first case of fatal disseminated protothecosis caused by Prototheca wickerhamii in the city of Rosario, Argentina in a 5-year-old female poodle dog. The dog exhibited ocular signs of uveitis and lymphadenitis. To reach a clinical and etiological diagnosis, imaging studies, routine laboratory tests and serological tests were performed. A mycological analysis was conducted on the material obtained by puncturing three lymph nodes. Additionally, morphological, metabolic, and molecular analyses were performed. Antifungal susceptibility testing was also conducted using broth microdilution and diffusion methods. Phenotypic, metabolic, and sequencing techniques identified the isolated organism as P. wickerhamii. This isolate displayed susceptibility to amphotericin, variable susceptibility to itraconazole and voriconazole, and resistance to fluconazole and caspofungin. The frequent presence of pets in our homes highlights the need for a more comprehensive diagnostic approach. This is important because, from a public health perspective, dogs could serve as indicators of algal presence in the environments they frequently share with humans.

Comparison of viscoelastic coagulation parameters, blood loss and surgical time between asymptomatic heartworm antigen-positive and negative dogs presented for elective gonadectomy.

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate viscoelastic profiles in heartworm antigen-positive versus antigen-negative dogs using a point-of-care viscoelastic device. A secondary objective was to compare intraoperative bleeding and surgical duration between these same groups. Dogs presented for elective surgical gonadectomy were screened for the presence of heartworm antigen using a commercial antigen detection test. Viscoelastic testing was performed in equal numbers of asymptomatic heartworm antigen-positive and -negative dogs. Viscoelastic data recorded included Clot Time, Clot Formation Time, α-angle, Maximum Clot Formation, Amplitude at 10 minutes (A10), Amplitude at 20 minutes (A20), Lysis Index at 30 minutes (LI30) and Lysis Index at 45 minutes (LI45). Other data included intraoperative blood loss via the gravimetric technique and surgical time (incision to closure). A total of 60 dogs (30 heartworm antigen-negative and 30 heartworm antigen-positive) were enrolled in the study. There were no significant differences between Clot Time, Clot Formation Time, α-angle, LI30 and LI45 between heartworm antigen-positive and -negative dogs; however, Maximum Clot Formation, A10 and A20 were higher in heartworm antigen-positive dogs. All viscoelastic results were within previously published normal reference ranges. No significant differences in surgical gonadectomy duration or intraoperative blood loss were observed between groups for male or female dogs. Apparently healthy heartworm antigen-positive dogs were relatively hypercoagulable as defined by viscoelastic testing compared to heartworm antigen-negative dogs. There was no apparent additional risk of bleeding in dogs with subclinical heartworm infection.

Ovarian neuroglial choristoma in a dog.

Neuroglial choristomas are rare in humans and animals. During a routine medical examination, an ovarian mass was found in a 5-y-old female mixed-breed dog. Histologically, the ovarian mass was well-defined, expansile, and composed of large polygonal cells resembling well-differentiated neurons and scattered smaller cells resembling glial cells. Immunohistochemically, the neuron-like cells were positive for neuronal nuclei; the smaller cells were positive for glial fibrillar acidic protein, oligodendrocyte transcription factor 2, and ionized calcium-binding adaptor protein-1. Ovarian neuroglial choristoma was diagnosed.

Bacteria associated with canine pyometra and concurrent bacteriuria: A prospective study.

Bacteria associated with canine pyometra and concurrent bacteriuria: A prospective study.

P-1088. Safety Study of Rifaquizinone in Dogs Following Intra-articular Administration

Abstract Background Rifaquizinone (RFQ, TNP-2092) is a novel multitargeting drug conjugate in development for the treatment of prosthetic joint infections (PJIs). RFQ exerts its antibacterial activity by inhibiting RNA polymerase, DNA gyrase, and topoisomerase IV. This study sought to investigate the safety/tolerability of RFQ following intra-articular (IA) administration in Beagle dogs. Methods Forty Beagle dogs (20/sex) were randomly assigned to 4 groups (5/sex/group) to receive 0, 1, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg/day RFQ in 5% (w/v) glucose once daily for 14 days by IA administration into the right knee joint. All the dogs had a 14-day recovery period to assess the reversibility, persistence, or delayed occurrence of adverse effects. Blood and synovial fluid samples were collected and concentrations of RFQ in each matrix were determined by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Results No test article-related adverse effects in body weight, food consumption, temperature, clinical pathology, or organ weight were observed in any of the study groups. In 2.5 and 5 mg/kg/day groups, lameness, swelling and ulceration of right knee joint during treatment were observed. The 5 mg/kg group dosing was terminated prematurely due to marked arthritis on right knee joint. The no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) was 1 mg/kg/day. At this dose level the steady state of RFQ concentrations in synovial fluid was achieved in 4 days and maintained until Day 14 (Figure 1). The mean RFQ concentrations on Day 14 in synovial fluids for male and female dogs were 35,900 and 19,200 ng/mL, respectively, as compared to the plasma Cmax 411 and 303 ng/mL for male and female dogs, respectively. Plasma toxicokinetics (TK) analysis indicated no apparent sex differences in systemic exposure at any dose level. Conclusion The NOAEL of RFQ in dogs was 1 mg/kg/day via IA administration. The synovial fluid concentration at this dose level exceeded minimum biofilm bactericidal concentration inhibit 90% bacterial growth (MBBC90) levels for both S. aures and S. epidermidis. IA administration of RFQ is a promising option for the treatment of PJIs. Disclosures Huan Wang, PhD, TenNor Therapeutics (Suzhou) Ltd: Employee Qin Cheng, Master, TenNor Therapeutics (Suzhou) Ltd: Employee Weijian Ke, Master, TenNor Therapeutics (Suzhou) Ltd: Investigator Zhenkun Ma, PhD, TenNor Therapeutics (Suzhou) Ltd: Employee

АНАТОМО-ГИСТОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ ОСОБЕННОСТИ РЕГИОНАРНЫХ ЛИМФАТИЧЕСКИХ УЗЛОВ ЖЕЛУДКА У СОБАК

The paper describes the local features of the regional lymph nodes of the stomach in dogs. Research was carried out at the Khakass State University named after N.F. Katanov (Republic of Khakassia) on autopsy and biopsy material obtained from 34 male and female healthy outbred dogs aged 2 to 6 years. In the course of the study, the methods of intratissue injection of the lymphatic bed with colored dyes, preparation, making stained total preparations from the capsule of the lymph nodes, histological sections, light and electron microscopy were used. The regional lymph nodes of the stomach in dogs are gastric, pancreaticoduodenal, splenic, and hepatic lymph nodes. Regional lymph nodes of the stomach in dogs have a typical structure for these organs. The contractility of the capsule of the lymph nodes is determined by the quantitative and spatial distribution of smooth myocytes of its middle layer, which have local features. In the zone of muscle strands, myocytes lay in strands in several layers and were oriented along the course of attachment of the trabeculae. In the rarefaction zone, myocytes lay singly or in bundles of 2–3 cells and oriented in different directions, intersecting with each other. The depositing ability of the capsule of the lymph nodes of the stomach in dogs also has local features and is determined by the quantitative and spatial distribution of collagen and elastic fibers, as well as the presence of "reserve" folds in them. The largest number of myocytes and connective tissue fibers were detected in the zone of muscle-connective tissue cords, fewer myocytes and connective tissue fibers were detected in the zone of capsule rarefaction. Most myocytes were found in the capsules of the pancreas-duodenal lymph nodes, and the capsules of the hepatic lymph nodes contained a smaller number of myocytes relative to all regional gastric lymph nodes in dogs.

Assessing Facial Thermal Nociceptive Response in Female Dogs After Elective Ovariohysterectomy Anesthetized with Isoflurane and Treated with Cannabidiol and Meloxicam Analgesia.

Pain management requires the identification of certain indicators to recognize pain. Various tools have been suggested to achieve an objective evaluation, including infrared thermography (IRT). The objective of this study was to assess the facial thermal nociceptive response produced by the use of cannabidiol (CBD) alone and in combination with meloxicam in female dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy anesthetized with isoflurane. Sixty-four female dogs of different breeds were randomly distributed into four study groups according to the treatment received. G1: Placebo group (n = 16); G2: Group receiving intravenous meloxicam as premedication (0.2 mg Kg-1) and every 24 h postoperatively 0.1 mg Kg-1 (n = 16); G3: Group treated with CBD (n = 16) at a dose of 2 mg kg-1 orally every 12 h; and G4: Group medicated with the combination of both treatments (n = 16). All treatments were administered for 48 h postoperatively. After the anesthetic surgical procedure, radiometric images were captured using IRT and physiological parameters during the events EBasal, E30min, E1h, E2h, E3h, E4h, E8h, E12h, E24h and E48h. Overall, it was found that the high, medium and low temperatures of the thermal windows of the eye, upper eyelid and lower eyelid, as well as the average temperature of the lacrimal gland in G1 between events, were significantly lower at E30min, E1h and E2h compared to EBasal (p = 0.01). Among treatments, a significantly higher temperature was observed in groups G2, G3 and G4 compared to G1 (p = 0.001) in the thermal windows of the upper eyelid, lower eyelid, lacrimal gland and ocular areas. Regarding physiological parameters, heart rate (HR) was higher in G1 compared to the animals in G2, G3 and G4 (p = 0.03). The respiratory rate (RR) was significantly lower in all four study groups during the postoperative events compared to their respective EBasal (p < 0.05), while among treatments, G2, G3 and G4 had a lower RR compared to G1 (p = 0.03). Mild hypothermia was observed in all study groups at E30min and E1h compared to EBasal (p = 0.001). No significant correlation was found between the temperatures of the assessed thermal regions and the physiological traits. In conclusion, CBD, whether administered alone or in combination with meloxicam, demonstrated comparable analgesic efficacy, which could control nociceptive cardiorespiratory and hemodynamic autonomic responses, as there were no significant changes in the facial thermal response between treatments G2, G3 and G4.

Epidemiology of gastrointestinal parasites of dogs in four districts of central Ethiopia: Prevalence and risk factors.

From February 2022 to April 2023, a cross-sectional study on dog gastrointestinal parasites was conducted in Bishoftu, Dukem, Addis Ababa, and Sheno, Central Ethiopia, with the aim of estimating the prevalence and evaluating risk factors. A total of 701 faecal samples were collected and processed using floatation and McMaster techniques. In dogs that were investigated, the overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 53.1% (372/701). Nematode (28.2%), cestode (8.4%), and protozoan (5.6%) parasite infections were detected in dogs in both single (42.2%) and combined (10.8%) infections. With respective prevalences of 16%, 9.8%, 5%, 3.9%, and 3.1% Ancylostoma spp., Toxocara canis, Dipylidium caninum, Giardia spp., and Taenia/Echinococcus spp. were the most common parasites. The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was significantly higher (P<0.05) in female dogs (73.8%, OR = 0.4), adult dogs (55.3%, OR = 0.4), dogs that were given raw food (57.9%, OR = 2.7), and dogs kept free outdoor (60.9%, OR = 2.4). The incidence of gastrointestinal parasites was also higher in dogs with diarrheal faecal consistency (89.1%, OR = 9.1) and dogs from highland areas (62.1%, OR = 1.8). In contrast, statistically significant variation in the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was not recorded among dogs of different breeds. The current study found that dogs in the studied locations had a high overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites. In conclusion, gastrointestinal parasites in dogs have the potential to pose a serious threat to public health, so addressing this issue requires a unified approach. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct detailed epidemiological and genetic research on dog parasites in vast study regions across various agro-ecologies zones and seasons in Ethiopia. Additionally, it is crucial to raise public awareness of the prevalence, effects on public health, and financial implications of dog gastrointestinal parasites in Ethiopia.