Interest In Veterinary Medicine Research Articles

Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Derived from Canine Adipose Tissue: Evaluation of the Effect of Different Shipping Vehicles Used for Clinical Administration.

Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs)-based therapies are rapidly gaining interest in veterinary medicine. Cellular therapy represents a new challenge for practitioners and requires precise coordination between the cell processing laboratory and the veterinary clinic. Cryopreservation is the best method to provide fast, in-time, and long-distance delivery of cells for therapeutic applications. However, potentially toxic cryoprotectants and xenobiotic products make the direct administration of cells impracticable for patients. Alternatively, the cells may be resuspended in a ready-to-use vehicle and shipped to the veterinary clinic. In this study, two nutrient-poor vehicles (physiologic saline and ringer lactate solutions) and two nutrient-rich vehicles (the releasate derived from autologous Platelet Poor Plasma and Platelet Rich Plasma) were tested on adipose tissue-derived canine MSCs (AD-MSCs). AD-MSCs stored for 2, 4, or 24 h in the different media were compared regarding mortality, metabolic activity, and replicative capacity. Furthermore, antioxidant activity and the pattern of expression of genes related to AD-MSCs function were performed following 24 h of storage. The results showed that all the different vehicles preserve cell vitality and replication following short-term storage. In long-term storage, the vehicle and cell density affect cell vitality, proliferation, and gene expression (CCL-2, CXCR-4, and TSG-6). Nutrient-rich vehicles seem better suited to preserve cell functionalities in this contest.

The relationship between dietary fiber, microbiota and kidney diseases in cats and dogs

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is an increasingly common disease in humans and a global health problem, is also a very common disease in cats and dogs. CKD can be caused by primary glomerulopathies, nephroliths, renal dysplasia, polycystic kidney disease, pyelonephritis, renal carcinomas, nephrotoxic drugs and toxins. The fact that cats diagnosed with CKD and with shorter survival time have low or excess body weights suggests that there may be strong correlations between diet and CKD. In recent years, effects of nutrition on microbiota changes and the role of these changes in diseases have taken particular interest in veterinary medicine. This review article focuses on the curative role of dietary fiber intake, which targets the intestinal microbiota and aims to reverse dysbiotic factors in cats and dogs with chronic kidney disease.

Behavioral observations, heart rate and cortisol monitoring in horses following multiple oral administrations of a cannabidiol containing paste (part 2/2).

As a remedy against stress and anxiety, cannabidiol (CBD) products are of increasing interest in veterinary medicine. Limited data is available describing the actual effectiveness of CBD in horses. The aim of this study (part 2 of 2) was to analyze stress parameters via behavioral observation, heart rate monitoring and assessment of blood and saliva cortisol levels in healthy horses treated repeatedly with a CBD containing paste. Twelve horses were randomly assigned to a treatment or a control group. Two pastes were orally administered in a double-blinded study design, one paste containing CBD and one paste without active ingredient. Both pastes were administered twice daily over 15 days (dose: 3 mg CBD/kg). Behavioral observations were conducted daily using a sedation score and a rating of facial expressions, based on the previously described facial sedation scale for horses (FaceSed) and the Horse Grimace Scale. Blood and saliva samples were obtained regularly to determine cortisol levels throughout the study. Cortisol levels were analyzed by means of liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). Behavioral observations and cortisol levels were compared between groups. Prior to paste administration, a novel object test was performed and the horses' reaction to loading on a trailer was recorded. Both tests were repeated after 13 days of paste application. Movement patterns such as different gaits during the novel object test were evaluated and an ethogram was designed to assess exhibited behavioral traits. Cardiac beat-to-beat (R-R) intervals were recorded throughout and evaluated using heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) parameters. Blood and saliva samples for cortisol analysis were taken before and after the tests. Daily behavioral observations and cortisol levels did not differ between the treatment and the control group. Similarly, analysis of movement patterns, HR, HRV and cortisol levels during the novel object test and trailer test did not identify significant differences between the groups. Regularly administered oral CBD (3 mg/kg BID over 15 days) had no statistically significant effect on behavioral observations, cortisol levels, HR and HRV in horses. Further research is required to establish adequate doses and indications for the use of CBD in horses.

The Single Intra-Articular Injection of Platelet-Rich Plasma vs. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs as Treatment Options for Canine Cruciate Ligament Rupture and Patellar Luxation.

Cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) and patellar luxation (PL) are common pathologies affecting canines. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used as a non-surgical treatment plan in these cases. Clinical usage of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an emerging area of interest in veterinary medicine. There is a lack of studies comparing those two different treatment methods in veterinary medicine. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the use of oral NSAIDs and single intra-articular injection of PRP on treatment outcomes in cases of canine CCLR and PL. Dogs diagnosed with CCRL (n = 12) and PL (n = 10) were subgrouped by the severity of pathologies and administered treatment: half of the CCRL and PL groups were orally administered NSAIDs and supplements for 14 days, and the other half received a single intra-articular PRP injection into affected stifle joint. We measured serum TNF-α levels and clinical outcomes (lameness scores, painfulness to manipulations, goniometry of stifle joint in flexion and extension, and muscle strength) before treatment, at day 14 and day 28 of treatment. The results of TNF-α concentration indicates a significant difference between groups of differently treated partial CCLR groups on d14 (p = 0.006). Results of group CCLR-P1 on d14 were decreased, while results of group CCLR-P2 on d14 were increased. When comparing TNF-α concentration between all CCLR cases treated with NSAIDs and treated with PRP, there was a significant difference between those groups on d14 (p = 0.001). The results of TNF-α concentration indicates a significant difference between groups of differently treated PL-III on d28 (p = 0.036). Results of group PL-III1 indicate growth of TNF-α concentration, while at the same d28, results of group PL-III2 indicate decreased levels of cytokine, comparing results between the subgroups at the same time point and within subgroups from baseline. Results indicate a significant difference in muscle strength between group CCLR-P1 and group CCLR-P2 on d28 (p = 0.007), indicating an increment in muscle strength in group CCLR-P1 up to d14 and its reduction up to d28, and muscle strength of group CCLR-P2 increasing up to d28. When comparing the muscle strength between all CCLR cases treated with NSAIDs and treated with PRP, there was a significant difference between those groups on d28 (p = 0.007). In conclusion, a single intra-articular injection of PRP has a superior effect on management of inflammatory processes, has better clinical outcomes, and longer duration of action than oral NSAIDs, in the treatment of canine CCRL or PL.

The Nexus of Diet, Gut Microbiota and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases in Dogs.

Canine inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are of increasing interest in veterinary medicine. They refer to complex and debilitating conditions of dogs' gastrointestinal tract. Although little evidence for causal inferences is currently available, it is believed that IBD pathophysiology entails intricate interactions between environmental factors, the intestinal immune system, and the microbial communities that colonize the gut. To better understand the mechanisms underlying these disorders, leveraging factors associated with the development of these diseases is imperative. Of these factors, emerging evidence supports the role of dietary patterns as key players influencing the composition and function of gut microbes, with subsequent effects on health and disease. In this review, we particularly focus on addressing IBD in dogs and discuss how specific nutrients may elicit or relieve gut inflammation. Gaining mechanistic insights into such interplay and the underpinning mechanisms is key to inferring dietary recommendations, and setting up new and promising therapeutics.

Welfare in hospitalized horses

Horses are complex sentient beings with specific needs that together determine their degree of well-being. The well-being of hospitalized patients has been the focus of increasing interest in veterinary medicine. This article aims to review animal welfare practices that can be applied during the period of hospitalization of horses. Veterinary practice, whether in the field or in a hospital environment, must consider the principles of the five freedoms, seeking to promote positive emotions during patient treatment.

Relationship between FGF 23, SDMA, Urea, Creatinine and Phosphate in Relation to Feline Chronic Kidney Disease.

Simple SummaryChronic kidney disease (CKD) is the most frequent metabolic disorder affecting geriatric cats, and is a major cause of mortality among this species. Due to its progressive nature and non-specific clinical signs, an effort is being made to discover new, more efficient biomarkers of glomerular filtration for the timely diagnosis of renal insufficiency. Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF 23) are promising new markers currently of interest in veterinary medicine. This study discusses the relationship between SDMA, FGF 23 and previously used indicators of kidney function, mainly creatinine, urea and phosphate, to establish their efficacy in a clinical setting. An increase in FGF 23 in CKD patients compared to healthy cats has been recognized, despite the lack of an evident correlation of FGF 23 with other analyzed markers.Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common diagnosis in older cats, and its prevalence increases with age. Conventional indirect biomarkers of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) have their limitations, and are not efficient in detecting early decreases in glomerular filtration rate. Recently, symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) concentrations have been proposed as a novel biomarker of GFR for the early detection of CKD. This study discusses the relationship between SDMA, FGF 23 and previously used indicators of kidney function, mainly creatinine, urea and phosphate. Ninety-nine cats were included in this study. Based on their SDMA values, 48 cats had CKD and the remaining 51 cats were used as a healthy control group. Serum of these cats was assayed for creatinine, urea and phosphate concentrations as well as FGF 23 values, and correlations between them were evaluated. Cats with CKD had higher FGF 23 concentrations than healthy cats, and no correlation was found between FGF 23 and SDMA, nor between FGF 23 and phosphate. On the other hand, phosphate strongly correlated with SDMA, urea and creatinine, making it a possible independent factor of CKD progression.

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus from Municipal Abattoirs in Nigeria: Showing Highly Similar Clones and Possible Transmission from Slaughter Animals to Humans.

In recent years, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has gained interest in veterinary medicine due to its zoonotic potential. Currently, little information is available on the genotypic and virulence characteristics of MRSA isolates detected in Nigerian abattoirs. To better understand the epidemiology of MRSA associated with the abattoir food chain environment in Nigeria, a total of 18 isolates (humans: n = 5, slaughter animals: n = 5, and environment: n = 8), previously spa typed, were recovered and characterized by Staphylococcus cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) typing, and phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing. In addition, 10 of the 18 MRSA strains with a new spa type (t16571) were subjected to multilocus sequence typing. The similarity of strains was analyzed based on the results of the DNA microarray analysis. The 18 MRSA strains harbored two distinct SCCmec types (IVa and V) and belonged to four clonal clusters (CC1, CC7, CC88, and CC152). All MRSA of the new spa type t16571 (n = 10) harbored the SCCmec type IVa. Seven of the MRSA t16571 strains belonged to ST88, while three other strains were assigned to ST3614. The 18 MRSA isolates were categorized into six virulence profiles, and the detection rate for the Panton-Valentine Leukocidin gene was high (33.3%). The antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of the 18 MRSA varied widely between strains, but phenotypic resistance corresponded to relevant resistance genes harbored. The detection of highly similar MRSA strains in slaughter animals, abattoir workers, and the environment underlines the need to use adequate measures at Nigerian abattoirs to prevent further spread and transmission of MRSA to humans or food.

Effect of metformin on the development of Sarcoma Walker-256

There has been a great deal of interest in veterinary medicine in drugs that support the body during chemotherapeutic treatment. The authors conducted a study of the drug’s effect on the development of carcinosarcoma in the mono regimen. The growth pattern of artificially induced Walker-256 sarcoma in 3-month-old Wistar rats in the post-lactation period was studied. The study was conducted at the Department of Pharmacology and General Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.The study was conducted at the Department of Pharmacology and General Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. The objects of the study were Wistar rats, female rats of three months of age, weighing 150-200 g in the post-lactation period. Rats of both groups were infected with Walker 256 sarcoma by injection into the thigh muscle at a dose of 106 ml/head. Rats in the experimental group were additionally administered metformin at 30 mg/head daily with water. Histological, cytological and haematological studies were performed on days 14 and 21 from the time of infection of the rats with the tumour. Under the action of metformin, the number of erythrocytes, leukocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes and granulocytes in Walker-256 sarcoma-infected rats increased, the concentration of haemoglobin decreased, and the number of platelets did not change. In the biopsy specimen of control rats compared to the counterparts of the experimental groups, the concentration of monocytes was increased. The number of eosinophils and nuclear polymorphism was decreased under the influence of metformin. In addition, metformin-induced neuropsychiatric abnormalities in rats, such as appetite perversion and cannibalism. The more pronounced inflammatory response in the experimental group indicates that further study of the drug’s effect on the development of various neoplasms is necessary, as this is an essential factor in the choice of the treatment strategy.

English

The present study is carried out to determine the interest of veterinary students in veterinary medicine and pharmacology and the counselling implications. One hundred and thirteen students of veterinary college, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi were randomly sampled for determination of their interest in veterinary medicine and pharmacology using age, sex and levels of study. The results showed that the sex and age of the students do not depend on their levels of study (P > 0.05). The students’ choice of veterinary medicine is dependent on their interest in the course, which is motivated by lecturer/student relationship (P < 0.05). Many students significantly agree (P < 0.05) that they have interest in pharmacology and would want to advance in the knowledge in order to become pharmacology lecturers. There is a co-relation between the students’ interest in veterinary medicine and pharmacology indicating that pharmacology is a core course of veterinary medicine.   Key words: Veterinary medicine, pharmacology, interest, implications, counselling.

The Use of Autologous Protein Solution (Pro-Stride®) and Leukocyte-Rich Platelet-Rich Plasma (Restigen®) in Canine Medicine.

The use of autologous orthobiologics is an emerging area of interest in veterinary medicine. In this retrospective study, we reviewed the clinical results achieved using two orthobiologics devices to address orthopedic injuries and tissue repair. Leukocyte (White blood cell)-rich platelet-rich plasma (L-PRP) devices produce outputs containing high concentrations of growth factors from venous blood. The Autologous Protein Solution (APS) device produces an orthobiologic containing high concentrations of growth factors and anti-inflammatory cytokines. L-PRP has commonly been used to address soft tissue injuries. APS has been injected into the joint to address osteoarthritis. In the last five years, our practice has treated 35 dogs (38 treatments) with L-PRP and 98 dogs (108 treatments) with APS. Our group has used L-PRP and APS to address orthopedic conditions including osteoarthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, tendon/ligament rupture/repair procedures, post-surgical femoral head osteotomy/tibial-plateau-leveling osteotomy tissue repair, lumbosacral stenosis, patellar luxation, joint laxity, and osteochondral dissecans. The results achieved with L-PRP and APS have been favorable (observed pain improvement and minimal adverse reactions), but sometimes have not achieved complete pain relief or tissue repair. The most common application for L-PRP was patellar luxation and the most common application for APS was injection post-ACL surgery. Canine OA has been successfully managed in several patients with repeat injections of APS over the course of several years. Future studies on specific conditions are ongoing and including efforts to further characterize these products in canine medicine.

Implementation of next-generation sequencing for virus identification in veterinary diagnostic laboratories.

The value of next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based applications for testing purposes in human medicine is widely recognized. Although NGS-based metagenomic screening may be of interest in veterinary medicine, in particular for intensively farmed livestock species such as pigs, there is a lack of protocols tailored to veterinary requirements, likely because of the high diversity of species and samples. Therefore, we developed an NGS-based protocol for use in veterinary virology and present here different applications in porcine medicine. To develop the protocol, each step of sample preparation was optimized using porcine samples spiked with various RNA and DNA viruses. The resulting protocol was tested with clinical samples previously confirmed to be positive for specific viruses by a diagnostic laboratory. Additionally, we validated the protocol in an NGS viral metagenomics ring trial and tested the protocol on viral multiplex reference material (NIBSC, U.K.). We applied our ViroScreen protocol successfully for 1) virus identification, 2) virus characterization, and 3) herd screening. We identified torque teno sus virus and atypical porcine pestivirus in a neurologic case, determined the full-length genome sequence of swine influenza A virus in field samples, and screened pigs using pen floor fecal samples and chewing rope liquid.

Evaluation of mouse enteroids as a model for Lawsonia intracellularis infection

Lawsonia intracellularis, an obligate intracellular bacterium, is an important enteric pathogen in pig herds and horse farms worldwide. The hallmark feature of L. intracellularis infection is the proliferation of epithelial cells in intestinal crypts. A major limitation to the study of L. intracellularis infection is the lack of an in vitro model that reproduces the changes observed in proliferative enteropathy. Here we investigated the suitability of mouse enteroids as a model to study L. intracellularis infection. Mouse enteroids were microinjected with L. intracellularis, filter-sterilized L. intracellularis culture supernatant, or sterile cell culture media (DMEM). L. intracellularis antigen was detected in mouse enteroids by immunohistochemistry and was located mostly in the basal region of the epithelium. There was no differential growth of enteroids among treatment groups, and cellular proliferation was not increased in L. intracellularis-infected enteroids in relation to non-infected enteroids based on immunofluorescence staining. L. intracellularis infection did not induce changes in gene expression of Ki-67 (proliferation marker), Sox9 (marker for transit amplifying cells) and Muc2 (marker for goblet cells). These results indicate that although L. intracellularis antigen is detectable in mouse enteroids, indicating susceptibility to infection, mouse enteroids fail to replicate the cellular proliferation and gene expression changes observed in proliferative enteropathy. Nevertheless, we have successfully demonstrated that mouse enteroids can be used to model days-long intracellular pathogen infection, serving as potential models for the study of other pathogens of interest in veterinary medicine.

Females in Veterinary Medical Education: Why the Choice?

Veterinary Medicine as a profession has undergone a change from a male-oriented one, to being predominantly female. The increase in female students is a reflection of the increasing interest in veterinary medicine by females. This study focused on reasons for the specific choice of veterinary medical education among female veterinary students. A life history approach was applied in order to explore the lives of six female veterinary students from St. George’s University, School of Veterinary Medicine in Grenada. This methodology involved using interviews to collect personal accounts of students’ life experiences that provided data about the reasons for the choice of female students to pursue veterinary medical education. The study revealed that life experiences as well as socio-cultural realities surrounding the lives of the students were crucial in understanding the influences and reasons for their choice of veterinary medicine. A Life Stages Theory emerged from the use of grounded theory approach to data analysis which identified personal, financial and academic needs as primary to create interest in veterinary medicine. The choice of veterinary medicine by females was found to be based on their personal interests, their ability to overcome financial and academic barriers and receive opportunities of alternative academic pathways.

Isolation and characterization of olfactory ecto-mesenchymal stem cells from eight mammalian genera

BackgroundStem cell-based therapies are an attractive option to promote regeneration and repair defective tissues and organs. Thanks to their multipotency, high proliferation rate and the lack of major ethical limitations, “olfactory ecto-mesenchymal stem cells” (OE-MSCs) have been described as a promising candidate to treat a variety of damaged tissues. Easily accessible in the nasal cavity of most mammals, these cells are highly suitable for autologous cell-based therapies and do not face issues associated with other stem cells. However, their clinical use in humans and animals is limited due to a lack of preclinical studies on autologous transplantation and because no well-established methods currently exist to cultivate these cells. Here we evaluated the feasibility of collecting, purifying and amplifying OE-MSCs from different mammalian genera with the goal of promoting their interest in veterinary regenerative medicine.Biopsies of olfactory mucosa from eight mammalian genera (mouse, rat, rabbit, sheep, dog, horse, gray mouse lemur and macaque) were collected, using techniques derived from those previously used in humans and rats. The possibility of amplifying these cells and their stemness features and differentiation capability were then evaluated.ResultsBiopsies were successfully performed on olfactory mucosa without requiring the sacrifice of the donor animal, except mice. Cell populations were rapidly generated from olfactory mucosa explants. These cells displayed similar key features of their human counterparts: a fibroblastic morphology, a robust expression of nestin, an ability to form spheres and similar expression of surface markers (CD44, CD73). Moreover, most of them also exhibited high proliferation rates and clonogenicity with genus-specific properties. Finally, OE-MSCs also showed the ability to differentiate into mesodermal lineages.ConclusionsThis article describes for the first time how millions of OE-MSCs can be quickly and easily obtained from different mammalian genera through protocols that are well-suited for autologous transplantations. Moreover, their multipotency makes them relevant to evaluate therapeutic application in a wide variety of tissue injury models. This study paves the way for the development of new fundamental and clinical studies based on OE-MSCs transplantation and suggests their interest in veterinary medicine.

Evaluation of Commonly Used Products for Disinfecting Clipper Blades in Veterinary Practices: A Pilot Study.

Nosocomial infections are a concern of growing interest in veterinary medicine. Clipper blades have been confirmed as fomites for numerous potential pathogens and, as such, may be associated with wound and surgical site infections. The goal of this study was to evaluate the disinfectant capabilities of several commonly used clipper blade cleaning products. Seventy sterile clipper blades were inoculated with strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Escherichia coli , and Staphylococcus aureus . Blades were then subjected to one of seven treatment groups for disinfecting. Quantitative cultures of remaining bacteria were performed. All blades in the control group showed large amounts of bacterial recovery. Culture results showed no recovery in blades soaked in alcohol or chlorhexidine or those sprayed with an ethanol/o-phenylphenol product, while moderate recovery was seen with all other treatments. These results show that persistent contamination of clipper blades can occur with the use of several commonly used disinfectant products. Further research is necessary to evaluate fungicidal capabilities as well as the effect of disinfection on clipper blade maintenance.

Equine faecal microbiota transplant: Current knowledge, proposed guidelines and future directions.

SummaryWhile certainly not a novel concept, faecal microbiota transplant (FMT) has recently garnered renewed interest in veterinary medicine due to its remarkable success in treating recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in man. There is a dearth of information on indications and efficacy of FMT for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in the horse; however, based on evidence in man and other veterinary species, and anecdotal reports in horses, FMT may be a useful treatment for selected cases of acute and chronic diarrhoea and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the horse. In the absence of evidence, expert opinion is offered on case selection and FMT procedure. More research is needed to explore the efficacy, indications and optimal preparation, storage and delivery of FMT to horses.

Efficacy of antiviral chemotherapy for retrovirus-infected cats: What does the current literature tell us?

The two feline retroviruses, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV), are global and widespread, but differ in their potential to cause disease. FIV, a lentivirus that shares many properties with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), can cause an acquired immune deficiency syndrome, which predisposes cats to other infections, stomatitis, neurological disorders and tumours. Although secondary infections are common, specific opportunistic infections or acquired immunodeficiency virus-defining infections, such as those that occur with HIV, are not commonly reported in FIV-infected cats. In most naturally infected cats, FIV does not cause a severe clinical syndrome; with appropriate care, FIV-infected cats can live many years before succumbing to conditions unrelated to their FIV infection. Thus, overall survival time is not necessarily shorter than in uninfected cats, and quality of life is usually high over many years or lifelong. FeLV, an oncornavirus, is more pathogenic than FIV. Historically, it was considered to account for more disease-related deaths and clinical syndromes in cats than any other infectious agent. Recently, the prevalence and importance of FeLV have been decreasing, mainly because of testing and eradication programmes and the use of FeLV vaccines. Progressive FeLV infection can cause tumours, bone marrow suppression and immunosuppression, as well as neurological and other disorders, and leads to a decrease in life expectancy. However, with appropriate care, many FeLV-infected cats can also live several years with a good quality of life. A decision regarding treatment or euthanasia should never be based solely on the presence or absence of a retrovirus infection. Antiviral chemotherapy is of increasing interest in veterinary medicine, but is still not used commonly. This article reviews the current literature on antiviral chemotherapy in retrovirus-infected cats, focusing on drugs that are currently available on the market and, thus, could potentially be used in cats.

An open-label prospective study of the use of l-theanine (Anxitane) in storm-sensitive client-owned dogs

There is a growing interest in veterinary medicine toward the use of alternative treatments including nutraceuticals. This open-label trial evaluated the use of the nutraceutical l-theanine (Anxitane, Virbac Animal Health, Fort Worth, TX) (N-ethyl-l-glutamine) in client-owned dogs with a history of storm sensitivity. Dogs had to be between 1 and 8 years and were recruited from general practices in the study area. All enrolled dogs were healthy based on physical examination and laboratory analysis and not currently being treated for any chronic medical or behavioral disorder. Owners completed a questionnaire for the initial storm. Then, after starting the test article, owners completed the same questionnaire for each of 5 subsequent storms. Questionnaires evaluated 11 individual behavior manifestations of storm sensitivity using a 0-5 Likert scale. Storm severity was also rated on a 0-5 Likert scale. At the end of each storm, owners evaluated time to return to the patient's normal baseline behavioral state. Owners were given a standardized protocol of environment and behavior management, but no other behavior modification was prescribed. Eighteen dogs completed the trial and were available for statistical analysis. There was a statistically significant decrease (P < 0.0001) in global anxiety scores from baseline to exit evaluation. Additionally, time to return to baseline normal scores demonstrated a significant decrease (P = 0.0063) from baseline storm to last storm evaluated. Treatment success was achieved for the behaviors of drooling (83.33%), following people (75%), panting (76.47%), pacing (78.57%), and hiding (78.57%). Owner satisfaction with treatment was 94% (17 of 18). This study suggests that l-theanine can be an effective treatment for storm sensitivity, decreasing severity of the dog's overall response, time for the dog to return to baseline after storm ends, and diminishing drooling, following people, pacing, panting, and hiding.

Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 Involvement in Animal Pain Perception

In last decades, Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) has been the target of a large number of scientific investigations. It has been identified as a polymodal transducer molecule on a sub-set of primary sensory neurons which responds to various endogenous and exogenous stimuli including noxious heat (more than 42°C), protons and vanilloids such as capsaicin, the hot ingredient of chilli peppers. In mammals, TRPV1 displays a wide tissue and cellular expression including both the peripheral and central nervous system, with broad distribution and functions, in physiological and pathological conditions. Its primary localisation in sensory neurons reveals its key nodal point in pain transmission pathways. Nowadays, it is clear that TRPV1 is involved in inflammation, pain perception and thermoregulation in the majority of animals, including humans. Recently, a lot of studies tried to investigate some analgesic treatments applied on TRPV1. The aim of this review is to give to the readers a short overview of the TRPV1 involvement in pain perception and possible therapeutic applications, highlighting this topic in species of interest in veterinary medicine.