Intestine Of Dogs Research Articles

Proteomic analysis of extracellular vesicles and extracellular vesicle-depleted excretory-secretory products of Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati larval cultures

Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati are parasitic nematodes in the order Ascaridida, which inhabit the small intestines of dogs and cats, respectively, as adults. Although often nonpathogenic as adults, nematodes within this genus are capable of causing widespread disease throughout the host while in a larval stage, during which time larvae migrate throughout the body in a process termed larva migrans. Larvae are also capable of surviving within host tissues in an encysted arrested stage, without immune clearance by the host. The ability of larvae to survive within host tissues during migration and encystment may be attributed to immunomodulatory molecules released by the excretory cells of larvae in excretory-secretory (ES) products. ES products of parasites contain a variety of molecules, including proteins, lipids, and extracellular vesicles (EVs). Toxocara excretory-secretory (TES) products have been studied to some degree, with proteomic analysis of TES proteins described previously; however, investigation of the EVs within TES is lacking, despite the suggested role for these molecules in host interaction and potential immunomodulation. To further characterize the protein cargo within EVs in TES, EVs were isolated from larval cultures of T. canis and T. cati via ultrafiltration, with concurrent collection of EV-depleted TES filtrate for additional study. Isolated EVs and EV-depleted TES from both T. canis and T. cati were submitted for proteomic analysis by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Proteomic identification results revealed 140 proteins across all samples, with 16 shared by all samples, and 76 total proteins shared between T. canis and T. cati, present within EVs and EV-depleted TES. There were 17 proteins shared exclusively by EV samples, and 15 were shared exclusively between EV-depleted TES samples. Many shared proteins were associated with the host immune response. Several proteins were specific to either T. canis or T. cati, highlighting the potential use of these proteins as diagnostic tools in the differentiation of etiologic agents in cases of toxocariasis. The results of this study build upon previously reported proteomic evaluations of TES, contributing new information in regards to newly identified proteins, EV protein cargo within TES, and potential immunomodulatory functions of these proteins.

MORPHOMETRIC AND SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPE-BASED IDENTIFICATION OF Taenia hydatigena PARASITES IN STRAY DOGS

Taenia hydatigena, an intestinal parasite of domestic and wild canids which can cause medical problems and economic losses in animals. Thirty T. hydatigena recovered from the intestine of stray dogs after T. hydatigena based on morphological characters and morphometric observations involving Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and the scoleces were stained by Semichon's acid carmine and viewed on a light microscope. High-quality SEM photographs were shown the blade dimensions of both large and small hooks (83.89 µm and 48.16 µm) respectively, which was close to measurements by a digital camera. The number of hooks around the rostellum were 30 hooks, and both were equal in number (15 hooks), while the average length of the large hooks was 220.11 ±28.07 µm, and was 88.58 ±7.92, and the average length of small hooks was142.37 ±12.52 µm and was 65.73 ±6.94 µm. body surface of Taenia hydatigena presence of characteristic transverse cuticular striations.

Aberrant sparganosis in cat caused by Spirometra mansoni (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidae): a case report

BackgroundSparganosis is a rare zoonotic disease caused by plerocercoid larvae of the genera Spirometra or Sparganum (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidae). The larvae of Spirometra generally do not undergo asexual reproduction, whereas those of Sparganum can induce proliferative lesions in infected tissues. This paper presents an unusual case of proliferative sparganosis due to infection with Spirometra mansoni in a cat, normally considered a definitive host of the species.Case presentationA 9-year-old male domestic cat was presented with a mass on the right side of the face that underwent progressive enlargement for 1 month. The morphological and histopathological examinations revealed multiple asexual proliferative cestode larvae in the lesions, suggestive of proliferative sparganosis. Next-generation sequencing analysis of formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded specimens of surgically excised tissue indicated that the worm was Spirometra mansoni.ConclusionAlthough S. mansoni a common tapeworm species found in the small intestine of domestic cats and dogs in Japan, proliferative sparganosis is extremely rare. This is the first confirmed case of proliferative sparganosis due to infection with S. mansoni in cat.

Synergistic effects of using sodium hypochlorite (bleach) and desiccation in surface inactivation for Toxocara spp

Toxocara cati and T. canis are parasitic nematodes found in the intestines of cats and dogs respectively, with a cosmopolitan distribution, and the potential for anthropozoonotic transmission, resulting in human toxocariasis. Spread of Toxocara spp. is primarily through the ingestion of embryonated eggs contaminating surfaces or uncooked food, or through the ingestion of a paratenic host containing a third-stage larva. The Toxocara spp. eggshell is composed of a lipid layer providing a permeability barrier, a chitinous layer providing structural strength, and thin vitelline and uterine layers, which combined create a biologically resistant structure, making the Toxocara spp. egg very hardy, and capable of surviving for years in the natural environment. The use of sodium hypochlorite, household bleach, as a disinfectant for Toxocara spp. eggs has been reported, with results varying from ineffective to limited effectiveness depending on parameters including contact time, concentration, and temperature. Desiccation or humidity levels have also been reported to have an impact on larval development and/or survival of Toxocara spp. eggs. However, to date, after a thorough search of the literature, no relevant publications have been found that evaluated the use of sodium hypochlorite and desiccation in combination. These experiments aim to assess the effects of using a combination of desiccation and 10% bleach solution (0.6% sodium hypochlorite) on fertilized or embryonated eggs of T. cati, T. canis, and T. vitulorum. Results of these experiments highlight the synergistic effects of desiccation and bleach, and demonstrate a relatively simple method for surface inactivation, resulting in a decrease in viability or destruction of T. cati, T. canis and T. vitulorum eggs. Implications for these findings may apply to larger scale elimination of ascarid eggs from both research, veterinary, and farming facilities to mitigate transmission.

Isolation of a feline-derived feline panleukopenia virus with an A300P substitution in the VP2 protein and confirmation of its pathogenicity in dogs

Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) is a single-stranded DNA virus that can infect cats and cause feline panleukopenia, which is a highly contagious and fatal disease in felines. The sequence of FPV is highly variable, and mutations in the amino acids of its capsid protein play crucial roles in altering viral virulence, immunogenicity, host selection, and other abilities. In this study, the epidemiology of FPV was studied using 746 gastrointestinal swab samples derived from cats that presented gastrointestinal symptoms specifically, diarrhea or vomiting during the period spanning from 2018 to 2022. The overall prevalence of FPV-positive patients among these samples was determined to be 45.4%. Capsid (virion) protein 2 (VP2) gene of each FPV-positive sample was sequenced and amplified, yielding 65 VP2 sequences. Among them, six VP2 gene sequences were detected in the majority of the samples test positive for FPV, and these positive samples originated from a diverse range of geographical locations. These isolates were named FPV-6, FPV-10, FPV-15, FPV-251, FPV-271 and FPV-S2. Additionally, the substitution of Ala300Pro (A300P) in VP2 was detected for the first time in feline-derived FPV (FPV-251). FPV-251 isolate, with this substitution in VP2 protein, exhibited stable proliferative capacity in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells and A72 cells. FPV-271 was selected as the FPV control isolate due to its single amino acid difference from VP2 protein of FPV-251 at position 300 (FPV-271 has alanine, while FPV-251 has proline). After oral infection, both FPV-251 and FPV-271 isolates caused feline panleukopenia, which is characterized by clinical signs of enterocolitis. However, FPV-251 can infect dogs through the oral route and cause gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms with lesions in the intestine and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) of infected dogs. This is the first report on the presence of an A300P substitution in VP2 protein of feline-derived FPV. Additionally, FPV isolate with a substitution of A300P at VP2 protein demonstrated efficient replication capabilities in canine cell lines and the ability to infect dogs.

Gut-Brain Axis Impact on Canine Anxiety Disorders: New Challenges for Behavioral Veterinary Medicine.

Anxiety disorders in dogs are ever-growing and represent an important concern in the veterinary behavior field. These disorders are often disregarded in veterinary clinical practice, negatively impacting the animal's and owner's quality of life. Moreover, these anxiety disorders can potentially result in the abandonment or euthanasia of dogs. Growing evidence shows that the gut microbiota is a central player in the gut-brain axis. A variety of microorganisms inhabit the intestines of dogs, which are essential in maintaining intestinal homeostasis. These microbes can impact mental health through several mechanisms, including metabolic, neural, endocrine, and immune-mediated pathways. The disruption of a balanced composition of resident commensal communities, or dysbiosis, is implicated in several pathological conditions, including mental disorders such as anxiety. Studies carried out in rodent models and humans demonstrate that the intestinal microbiota can influence mental health through these mechanisms, including anxiety disorders. Furthermore, novel therapeutic strategies using prebiotics and probiotics have been shown to ameliorate anxiety-related symptoms. However, regarding the canine veterinary behavior field, there is still a lack of insightful research on this topic. In this review, we explore the few but relevant studies performed on canine anxiety disorders. We agree that innovative bacterial therapeutical approaches for canine anxiety disorders will become a promising field of investigation and certainly pave the way for new approaches to these behavioral conditions.

Analysis of the culturable gut yeast microbiota of dogs with digestive disorders

Despite the increasing interest in studying the gut mycobiota of dogs, the association between fungal colonization and the development of digestive disorders in this species remains largely understudied. On the other hand, the high prevalence of antifungal-resistant yeasts detected in previous studies in samples from animals represents a major threat to public health. We analyzed the presence of culturable yeasts in 112 rectal swab samples obtained from dogs with digestive disorders attended in a veterinary teaching hospital. Our results revealed that Malassezia pachydermatis was frequently isolated from the studied dog population (33.9% of samples), and that the isolation of this yeast was significantly associated to the age of animals, but not to their sex, disease group, or the presence of vomits and/or diarrhea. In contrast, other yeast species were less prevalent (17.9% of samples in total), and their isolation was not significantly associated to any variable included in the analysis. Additionally, we observed that 97.5% of the studied M. pachydermatis isolates (n = 158, 1–6 per positive episode) displayed a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value >4 μg/ml to nystatin, 31.6% had a MIC ≥32 μg/ml to fluconazole, and 27.2% had a MIC >4 μg/ml to amphotericin B. The antifungal susceptibility profiles of non-Malassezia (n = 43, 1–7 per episode) were more variable and included elevated MIC values for some antifungal-species combinations. These results confirm that the intestine of dogs is a reservoir of opportunistic pathogenic yeasts and suggest that the prevalence of M. pachydermatis colonization depends more on the age of animals than on any specific digestive disorder.

Ultrasonographic-histological correlations of some aspects of the intestine in dogs

Ultrasonographic-histological correlations of some aspects of the intestine in dogs

Homeostasis of dogs when feeding them with industrially produced dry food and home-made food

The work aimed to test a newly developed new formulation of domestic dry food for dogs. Some homeostasis indicators in dogs transferred from natural feeding to complete dry food were assessed. The studies were conducted on two groups of dogs kept by their owners in apartment conditions and on personal plots. Dogs of the 1st group (experimental) were transferred from feeding homemade food to industrially produced complete dry food. The diet of dogs in group 2 (control) did not change and still consisted of meat products, cereals and vegetables.Biomaterial for research (blood, faeces) was taken at the beginning of the experiment and after two months of controlled feeding. The bioelemental and biochemical composition of blood, haematological parameters and faecal microbiology were studied. The dogs' and general clinical conditions were assessed, including determination of live weight at the beginning and end of the two-month study. The results of the elemental analysis showed that two months after the transfer of dogs of the 1st group from the "natural" type of feeding to dry food in the blood of the animals, the concentration of arsenic, lead, strontium, chromium, iodine, selenium and zinc decreased, but the levels of lithium increased nickel and molybdenum. Of the biochemical and haematological parameters, AST, ALT, β-lipoproteins, amylase, lipase, total protein and haemoglobin increased statistically significantly, but alkaline phosphatase level decreased. In addition, switching dogs to dry food contributed to a decrease in 1 g of faeces in the concentration of E. coli with regular enzymatic activity, lactose-negative E. coli, microflora of the genus Proteus and yeast-like fungi. During the experimental period, animals of the 2nd (control) group showed an increase in the amount of microflora of the genus Protea and lactose-negative E. coli. In the intestines of dogs of both groups during the study period, an increase in coccal flora and a decrease in the number of E. coli hemolytic and E. aerogenes were observed.

Congenital Partial Colonic Agenesis in Dogs and Cats: Clinical, Biological, Diagnostic Imaging, Endoscopic and Histopathologic Characterization, a Retrospective Study.

Congenital diseases of the large intestine of dogs and cats have scarcely been reported and mostly include fistula, atresia or colonic duplication. Cases of partial colonic agenesis have rarely been described. The purpose of this study was to report a cohort of dogs and cats diagnosed with partial colonic agenesis. The colon was measured during colonoscopy or contrast-radiography and compared to the average length described in the literature. Six dogs and 17 cats were retrospectively included. Depending on the case, partial colonic agenesis could represent an incidental finding or the likeliest cause of clinical signs. Diarrhea was reported in most cases, and no specific clinical or biological abnormality was observed. Median age of presentation was variable and long asymptomatic periods were common. Abdominal ultrasound was useful and identified a short colon in 14/17 cats but only in one dog. Endoscopy was useful to confirm the diagnosis and to identify associated lesions and complications. Among others, colonic stenosis was reported in 8/9 cases that had lifelong clinical signs and the shortest colon length. This anatomical abnormality could promote chronic inflammation that might generate fibrosis and ultimately stenosis.

A Case Report of Coenurus Cerebralis in a Goat at Dembecha District of Amhara Region, Ethiopia

The Animal Health Institute received a report of an outbreak from Amhara Regional State, West Gojam zone, Dembecha district, with an unknown etiological agent on caprine death in February 2023. With the objective to conduct investigations and ascertain the reason for the caprine death, a team of experts was deputed to the affected area. Goat exhibiting seizures, lateral recumbency, and appetite loss during a clinical examination, symptoms of a central nervous system disorder including paddling, convulsions, and unconsciousness were noted. Based on clinical sign and presence of definitive hosts at the area the case has been defined for coenurosis cerebralis. For further confirmatory diagnosis postmortem inspection for the brain was undertaken. Cysts were found during necropsy in the left hemisphere’s occipital lobe. The cysts were filled with a clear fluid, and the inner layer of the cysts had several clusters of scolice growing out of it. Larval form of Taenia multiceps, known as Coenurus cerebralis, is found in the small intestines of dogs and other carnivores in the wild. Worldwide, coenurosis is endemic, and it is particularly prevalent in Ethiopia’s highlands, where there are many sheep. Commonly occurs in the life cycle of dogs and small ruminants. The larvae of this parasite are found in the brain and spinal cord of intermediate hosts, while the adult stage of the parasite lives in the small intestine of dogs, foxes, coyotes, and jackals. The intermediate hosts become infected when the dog eats the brain containing the Coenurus cyst, which then develops into Taenia multiceps and begins to pass proglottids containing eggs on pasture. If a person accidentally consumes a parasite egg, they become infected with coenurosis. The primary method of controlling coenurosis is the regular administration of canine anthelmintics and the proper disposal of sheep and goat brain.

Effect of cholecystokinin on small intestinal motility in suncus murinus

In a fasting gastrointestinal tract, a characteristic cyclical rhythmic migrating motor complex (MMC) occur that comprises of three phases: I, II, and III. Among these, phase III contractions propagate from the stomach to the lower intestine in mammals, including humans, dogs, and Suncus murinus (suncus). Apart from the phase III of MMC propagating from the stomach, during the gastric phase II, small intestine-originated strong contractions propagate to the lower small intestine; however, the mechanism of contractions originating in the small intestine has not been clarified. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the role of cholecystokinin (CCK) in small intestinal motility. Administration of sulfated CCK-8 in phase I induced phase II-like contractions in the small intestine, which lasted for approximately 10–20 min and then returned to the baseline, while no change was observed in the stomach. Contractions of small intestine induced by CCK-8 were abolished by lorglumide, a CCK1 receptor antagonist. Gastrin, a ligand for the CCK2 receptor, evoked strong contractions in the stomach, but did not induce contractions in the small intestine. To examine the effect of endogenous CCK on contractions of small intestinal origin, lorglumide was administered during phase II. However, there was no change in the duodenal motility pattern, and strong contractions of small intestinal origin were not abolished by treatment with lorglumide. These results suggest that exogenous CCK stimulates contractions of small intestine via CCK1 receptors, whereas endogenous CCK is not involved in the strong contractions of small intestinal origin.

A Case Report of Coenurus Cerebralis in a Goat at Dembecha District of Amhara Region, Ethiopia

This outbreak case with an unidentified etiological agent on caprine mortality was reported from Amhara Regional State, West Gojam zone, Dembecha district in February 2023 with the objective of investigating and determining the cause of the caprine death. During a clinical examination, the goat displayed seizures, lateral recumbency, and appetite loss. Additionally, paddling, convulsions, and unconsciousness were observed, which signs of a central nervous system disease. The case for coenurosis cerebralis has been established based on the clinical signs and the presence of certain hosts in the area. The brain was examined postmortem in order to confirm the diagnosis further. Cysts were found during necropsy in the left hemisphere's occipital lobe. The cysts were filled with a clear fluid, and the inner layer of the cysts had several clusters of scolice growing out of it. Larval form of Taenia multiceps, known as Coenurus cerebralis, is found in the small intestines of dogs and other carnivores in the wild. Worldwide, coenurosis is endemic, and it is particularly prevalent in Ethiopia's highlands, where there are many sheep. Commonly occurs in the life cycle of dogs and small ruminants. The larvae of this parasite are found in the brain and spinal cord of intermediate hosts, while the adult stage of the parasite lives in the small intestine of dogs, foxes, coyotes, and jackals. The definitive host becomes infected when it eats the brain or tissue become infected when the dog eats the brain containing the Coenurus cyst, which then develops into Taenia multiceps and begins to pass proglottids containing eggs on pasture. If a person accidentally consumes a parasite egg, they become infected with coenurosis. The primary method of controlling coenurosis is the regular administration of canine anthelmintics and the proper disposal of sheep and goat brain.

DETERMINATION OF THE CHRONIC TOXICITY PARAMETERS OF THE COMPLEX REMEDY FOR THE TREATMENT OF CYSTICERCOSIS IN RABBITS

The article presents the data of a preclinical test of a means for the treatment of cysticercosis in rabbits by intra-gastric administration to white mice. Cysticercus pisiformis is a disease caused by ingestion of eggs of Taenia pisiformis in food or water, a tapeworm that parasitizes the small intestine of dogs and other carnivores. As a result of the invasion, the body loses its ability to fully function, the resistance of the immune system to infectious diseases decreases. In order to avoid the spread of the disease, it is necessary to make a timely diagnosis. The obtained data can be used to take the necessary measures against infestations and are important to prevent the selective use of anti-parasitic agents, which can lead to anthelmintic resistance.
 The purpose of the work was to determine the parameters of chronic toxicity of the developed complex anti-parasitic agent for the treatment of rabbits for cysticercosis on white mice under experimental conditions.
 The animals of the experimental groups were given an aqueous mixture of 0.0002 dm3 of the drug containing the following doses of the drug daily for 12 days: 1/100 DL50 ‒ 16.80 mg/kg (I group); 1/50 DL50 ‒ 33.58 mg/kg (II group); 1/25 DL50 ‒ 67.18 mg/kg (III group). On the next day after the last administration of the drug, on mice, under the condition of light ether narcosis, blood samples were taken for morphological and biochemical studies.
 The agent for the treatment of cysticercosis in rabbits, at doses of 1/50 DL50 and 1/25 DL50, resulted in a slight decrease in hemoglobin content and erythrocyte count compared to the control, but it did not suppress bone marrow erythropoiesis in laboratory animals. A decrease in the number of lymphocytes and a slight increase in the level of neutrophils were recorded, which indicates the irritating effect of increased doses of the active substance of the drug. According to the classification of chemical substances by degree of danger (DST 12.1.007–76), it belongs to the class of "moderately toxic substances".

Zoobiquity experiments show the importance of the local MMP9-plasminogen axis in inflammatory bowel diseases in both dogs and patients.

Using a zoobiquity concept, we directly connect animal phenotypes to a human disease mechanism: the reduction of local plasminogen levels caused by matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) activity is associated with the development of inflammation in the intestines of dogs and patients with inflammatory bowel disease. We first investigated inflammatory colorectal polyps (ICRPs), which are a canine gastrointestinal disease characterized by the presence of idiopathic chronic inflammation, in Miniature Dachshund (MD) and found 31 missense disease-associated SNPs by whole-exome sequencing. We sequenced them in 10 other dog breeds and found five, PLG, TCOF1, TG, COL9A2 and COL4A4, only in MD. We then investigated two rare and breed-specific missense SNPs (T/T SNPs), PLG: c.477G > T and c.478A>T, and found that ICRPs with the T/T SNP risk alleles showed less intact plasminogen and plasmin activity in the lesions compared to ICRPs without the risk alleles but no differences in serum. Moreover, we show that MMP9, which is an NF-κB target, caused the plasminogen reduction and that intestinal epithelial cells expressing plasminogen molecules were co-localized with epithelial cells expressing MMP9 in normal colons with the risk alleles. Importantly, MMP9 expression in patients with ulcerous colitis or Crohn's disease also co-localized with epithelial cells showing enhanced NF-κB activation and less plasminogen expression. Overall, our zoobiquity experiments showed that MMP9 induces the plasminogen reduction in the intestine, contributing to the development of local inflammation and suggesting the local MMP9-plasminogen axis is a therapeutic target in both dogs and patients. Therefore, zoobiquity-type experiments could bring new perspectives for biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Iron Bioaccessibility and Speciation in Microalgae Used as a Dog Nutrition Supplement

Chlorella vulgaris, Arthrospira platensis, Haematoccocus pluvialis, and Phaeodactylum tricornutum are species of interest for commercial purposes due to their valuable nutritional profile. The aim of this study was to investigate the iron content in these four microalgae, with emphasis on their iron bioaccessibility assessed using an in vitro digestion system to simulate the process which takes place in the stomach and small intestine of dogs, followed by iron quantification using atomic absorption spectrometry. Furthermore, the extraction of soluble proteins was carried out and size exclusion chromatography was applied to investigate iron speciation. Significant differences (p < 0.004) in iron content were found between C. vulgaris, which had the highest (1347 ± 93 μg g-1), and H. pluvialis, which had the lowest (216 ± 59 μg g-1) iron content. C. vulgaris, A. platensis, and H. pluvialis showed an iron bioaccessibility of 30, 31, and 30%, respectively, while P. tricornutum showed the lowest bioaccessibility (11%). The four species analysed presented soluble iron mainly bound to proteins with high molecular mass ranging from >75 to 40 kDa. C. vulgaris showed the highest iron content associated with good bioaccessibility; therefore, it could be considered to be an interesting natural source of organic iron in dog nutrition.

Characterization of the Fecal and Mucosa-Associated Microbiota in Dogs with Chronic Inflammatory Enteropathy.

Canine chronic inflammatory enteropathy implicates multifactorial pathogenesis where immunological dysregulation and gut microbiota changes have a central role. Most sequencing-based taxonomic studies have been focused on the fecal microbiota. However, the analysis of these samples does not provide complete information regarding the composition of the small intestine affected by this canine disease. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to characterize the intestinal bacterial microbiota in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (n = 34) by means of duodenal biopsies and fecal samples collected at the time of the diagnosis and to compare those to a group of healthy dogs (n = 12) using the 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene-targeted sequencing (Illumina MiSeq platform). Our study showed that IBD dogs presented differences in the fecal bacterial communities when compared with healthy dogs, with a lower relative abundance of Prevotellaceae (p = 0.005), Prevotella (p = 0.002), and Prevotellaceae Ga6A1 group (0.006); Erysipelotrichales (p = 0.019), Candidatus Stoquefichus (p < 0.001), Erysipelotrichaceae (p = 0.011), and Allobaculum (p = 0.003); Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group (p = 0.015), Sellimonas (p = 0.042), Oscillospirales (p = 0.037), Oscillospiraceae UCG-005 (p < 0.001), Faecalibacterium (p = 0.028), and Fournierella (p = 0.034); Acidaminococcales, Acidaminococcaceae, and Phascolarctobacterium (p = 0.001); Aeromonadales (p = 0.026), Succinivibrionaceae (p = 0.037), and Succinivibrio (p = 0.031). On the other hand, a higher relative abundance of Enterococcaceae (Enterococcus; p = 0.003), Streptococcaceae (Streptococcus, p = 0.021), Enterobacterales (p = 0.027), Enterobacteriaceae (p = 0.008), and Escherichia-Shigella (p = 0.011) was detected. Moreover, when evaluating α-diversity, the dogs with IBD showed lower diversity in terms of richness and abundance of species (observed species [p = 0.031] and Shannon index [p = 0.039]). Furthermore, fecal microbiota in dogs with IBD was significantly different from healthy dogs (p = 0.006). However, only a few taxa relative abundance shifts (lower Rubrobacteria, Rubrobacterales, Rubrobacteriaceae, and Rubrobacter [p = 0.002]; Cyanobacteria [p = 0.010], Vampirivibrionia, Obscuribacterales, and Obscuribacteraceae [p = 0.005]; Neisseriaceae [p = 0.004] and Conchiformibius [p = 0.003]) were observed when assessing duodenal-associated microbiota of dogs with IBD. Thus, even if the bowel inflammation mainly affects the small intestine in the IBD-affected dogs of the study, fecal specimens may constitute a better sample due not only to their easy availability but also in terms of searching for bacterial taxa as biomarkers for canine IBD. The use of different diets in the study can also have a partial influence on the microbiota composition. Future studies encompassing multi-omics approaches should evaluate the functionality in both levels to unravel the pathophysiology of canine IBD.

Diagnósticos histomorfológico e imunofenotípico de tumores estromais gastrointestinais e outros sarcomas que acometem o intestino de cães

Abstract In view of the morphological similarity between gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) and other sarcomas of the intestine of dogs, the aim was to carry out the histomorphological and immunohistochemical diagnosis of these tumors, associating breed, sex and age, location and tumor invasion. 217 cases were evaluated by histopathology and 36 diagnosed by immunohistochemistry were included (24 GIST and 12 other intestinal sarcomas). Mixed breed dogs were the most diagnosed with GIST, mainly elderly females (9.5±2.2 years); in the other intestinal sarcomas, crossbreeds and Dachshunds, males and females, were equally affected. The cecum was the most affected by GISTs, with tumor invasion of the intestinal layers in all cases. The small intestine was the most affected by the other intestinal sarcomas, with invasion of the layers in most of these tumors. GISTs expressed markers such as CD117 and DOG-1, unlike other intestinal sarcomas. GIST and other intestinal sarcomas denoted histomorphological and immunophenotypic characteristics similar to histopathology, justifying the association of immunohistochemistry for the definitive diagnosis.

Histomorphological and immunophenotypic diagnoses of gastrointestinal stromal tumors and other sarcomas that affect the intestine of dogs

Resumo Tendo em vista a semelhança morfológica entre tumores estromais gastrointestinais (GIST) e outros sarcomas do intestino de cães, objetivou-se realizar o diagnóstico histomorfológico e imunoistoquímico desses tumores, associando raça, sexo e idade, localização e invasão tumoral. Foram avaliados 217 casos por histopatologia e incluídos 36 diagnosticados por imuno-histoquímica (24 GIST e 12 outros sarcomas intestinais). Cães sem raça definida foram os mais diagnosticados com GIST, principalmente fêmeas idosas (9,5±2,2 anos); nos demais sarcomas intestinais, mestiços e Dachshunds, machos e fêmeas, foram igualmente acometidos. O ceco foi o mais acometido pelos GISTs, com invasão tumoral das camadas intestinais em todos os casos. O intestino delgado foi o mais acometido pelos demais sarcomas intestinais, com invasão das camadas na maioria desses tumores. GISTs expressaram marcadores como CD117 e DOG-1, ao contrário de outros sarcomas intestinais. O GIST e outros sarcomas intestinais denotaram características histomorfológicas e imunofenotípicas semelhantes à histopatologia, justificando a associação da imuno-histoquímica para o diagnóstico definitivo.

Prevalence of Taeniid eggs in the Feces of Stray Dogs Collected from Different Location of Zakho city, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.

Iraq is an endemic country for cystic echinococcosis (CE). This disease is zoonotic infection with a widespread distribution among livestock and humans. The adult parasite inhabits the small intestine of dogs especially stray dogs, their eggs are excreted with the feces to the environment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Taeniid eggs and other intestinal parasites in the feces of stray dogs collected from different location of Zakho city. The study was conducted during the period from March 2020 to March 2021, in which 160 fecal samples of stray dogs were collected from soil surface of 10 different location in Zakho city. The feces were examined by direct wet mount and flotation technique to detect the presence of parasitic eggs and then the data were statistically analyzed. The overall, rate of infection was 46.25% (74/160) of examined fecal samples. The most frequently detected eggs were of Taeniid spp. constituting 23.13% (37/160) of the examined stool samples, with the highest rate (42.86%) being in samples collected from the areas around Zakho abattoir. Furthermore, other parasites recorded in this study, were Oxyurid spp. larvae (8.13%) and eggs of Dipylidium caninum (5%), Stronglodies stercoralis (5%), Toxocara spp. (4.38%) and Hymenolepis nana (0.63%).