Large Population Of Dogs Research Articles

Evaluation of the effect of cannabidiol administration with and without nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in dogs with mobility disorders: a prospective, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled study.

With rapidly growing interest in the use of cannabidiol (CBD) in the management of pain and other conditions, more information is needed on the safety and efficacy of this supplement, particularly its co-administration with commonly used pharmaceuticals such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This study sought to assess the effect of CBD in dogs with mobility impairments, as well as evaluate the clinical tolerance of CBD used together with NSAIDs. Forty-two client-owned dogs with diagnosed mobility impairments were enrolled in this prospective, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled study. Baseline data were collected for 10-14 days followed by random allocation to either placebo or CBD oil for 45 days with a 30-day washout period in between. CBD was dosed at 5 mg/kg orally every 12 h with masked placebo administered at equal volume. Outcome measures included objective gait analysis, accelerometry, and clinical metrology instruments. CBD plasma levels and serum biochemistry were also collected along with hepatic ultrasound if warranted. Thirty-eight dogs finished the study with thirty-nine included for at least partial analysis. Compared to baseline, dogs receiving CBD showed evidence of improved outcomes based on blinded veterinary assessments and accelerometer data. Compared to placebo, dogs receiving CBD showed some evidence of improved outcomes on CBPI, CSOM, and blinded veterinary assessments, but not for objective outcome measures. There was evidence of increased ALP when CBD was co-administered with NSAIDs compared to CBD administration alone. Additionally, there was evidence of ALT elevations with CBD and NSAID co-administration, but this elevation did not show evidence of an increase over CBD use alone. These results suggest a potential therapeutic benefit in the administration of CBD for the management of mobility impairments, but greater ALP elevations were seen when administered with NSAIDs. While the sample size of dogs that received further hepatic work-up for liver enzyme elevations is small, chosen diagnostics varied, and liver biopsies were not performed, there did not appear to be clinically apparent liver damage. Further research is needed to better understand the efficacy of CBD in a larger population of dogs and patient tolerance and safety when administered with NSAIDs or other medications long term.

Mycotoxin intoxication in 54 dogs after ingestion of walnuts

The aim of this retrospective study was to decribe the intoxication with tremorgenic mycotoxins subsequent to the ingestion of walnuts in a large population of dogs and the evaluation of the development of the clinical signs under the initiated treatment. The study included 54 dogs exhibiting signs of tremor, hyperesthesia, hyperthermia and ataxia, in particular a few hours following observed ingestion of walnuts or its justified suspicion. The patients were presented to the clinic mostly during winter and spring. Fifty-three of 54 dogs were hospitalized for symptomatic, decontaminating and eliminating therapy (98%). Symptomatic treatment comprised of anticonvulsant therapy in 14 dogs (26%) and an antiemetic therapy in for half of the patients (n=27; 50%). A forced emesis for decontamination was undertaken in only 6 patients due to the severity of their neurological symptoms (11%). For further decontamination, an oral administration of activated charcoal after improvement of clinical signs (n=39; 72%). The majority of dogs (n=45; 83%) additionally received an intravenous lipid therapy for toxin elimination and isotonic crystalloid solution to compensate fluid losses. There were no side effects observed following the administration of intravenous lipid therapy. The majority of dogs were hospitalized for a duration of 2 days (n=44; 81%). In most dogs, examination was unremarkable on the day of their release (n=39; 72%). Potential long-term sequelae of the intoxication were not recorded in any patient. Due to the lipophilic nature of mycotoxins, the use of intravenous lipid therapy may considered for toxin elimination purposes. The prognosis of mycotoxin intoxication following walnut ingestion is good with decontamination and elimination measures. In the case of unspecific neurological signs such as tremor, ataxia and hyperesthesia as well as a corresponding preliminary report, an intoxication with mycotoxin-containing walnuts should be considered.

Clinical and histopathological study of 279 dentigerous cysts in 192 dogs (2012–2022)

Unerupted teeth in dogs are fairly common and may develop an odontogenic cyst that causes destruction of the surrounding bone and affect adjacent teeth. We analyzed histological reports of cysts associated with unerupted teeth in a large population of dogs. Medical records and histopathological results of cysts associated with unerupted teeth were evaluated from all dogs treated at a private referral veterinary dental clinic over a 10-year period (2012–2022). A total of 192 dogs with 279 cysts associated with one or more unerupted teeth were included in the study. Brachycephalic breeds were overrepresented. The most affected were Tibetan Spaniels with 58 dogs (30%) and Boxers with 48 dogs (25%). The most common affected tooth was the mandibular first premolar tooth with 238 (84%) cysts. Of the total of 279 cysts, 208 (75%) were histopathologically examined. None of the cysts examined contained malignant changes. Based on these 208 cysts, the probability of finding a cyst with malignant changes in a population of dogs is 0–1.4% (confidence interval 95%).

Comparative aspects of targeted sentinel lymph node mapping in veterinary and human medicine: opportunities for future research.

There is a significant overlap in the genetic, metabolic and epigenetic alterations between human and companion animal cancers, including those of the oral cavity, breast, bladder, skin, lungs and pancreas. In many cancer types, the identification and removal of affected lymph nodes are essential for accurate cancer management, including treatment and prognosis. Historically, lymphadenectomy and subsequent radical resection based on regional anatomy, palpation and lymph node aspirates were considered sufficient; however, modern approaches with sentinel lymph node mapping (SLN) mapping have increased the accuracy of surgical decision-making. Preoperative and intraoperative SLN mapping techniques in veterinary patients parallel those used in human medicine. While many of these techniques are highly successful, the main challenges with current methodologies are their sensitivity and specificity for the presence of cancer, which can be overcome via precision medicine and targeted SLN mapping agents. Given the large population of dogs and cats with cancer, the crossover of knowledge between species can help to deepen our understanding of many of these cancers and can be useful in evaluating new drugs and/or therapies. In this review, we discuss SLN mapping techniques in veterinary medicine and the concept of precision medicine as it relates to targeted SLN mapping imaging agents. The large number of companion animals affected by cancer is an underutilized resource to bridge the translational gap and we aim to provide a reference for the use of dogs and cats as a comparative model for human SLN mapping.

Benzimidazole F167Y polymorphism in the canine hookworm, Ancylostoma caninum: Widespread geographic, seasonal, age, and breed distribution in United States and Canada dogs

Surveillance data for Ancylostoma spp. and the A. caninum benzimidazole treatment resistance associated F167Y polymorphism using molecular diagnostics was obtained in a large population of dogs from the United States and Canada. Real-time PCR (qPCR) for Ancylostoma spp. and allele-specific qPCR detecting a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) F167Y was used in 262,872 canine stool samples collected between March and December of 2022. Ancylostoma spp. was found at an overall prevalence of 2.5% (6538/262,872), with the highest prevalence in the Southern US, 4.4% (4490/103,095), and the lowest prevalence in Canada 0.6% (101/15,829). The A. caninum F167Y polymorphism was found with the highest prevalence (13.4%, n = 46/343) in the Western US and the lowest in Canada at 4.1% (4/97). The F167Y polymorphism was detected every month over the 10-month collection period. Seasonal distribution showed a peak in June for both Ancylostoma spp. (3.08%, 547/17,775) and A. caninum F167Y (12.25%, 67/547). However, the A. caninum F167Y polymorphism prevalence was highest in September (13.9%, 119/856). Age analysis indicates a higher prevalence of both hookworm infections and occurrence of resistant isolates in puppies. The breeds with the highest F167Y polymorphism prevalence in Ancylostoma spp. detected samples were poodles (28.9%), followed by Bernese Mountain dogs (25%), Cocker spaniels (23.1%), and greyhounds (22.4%). Our data set describes widespread geographic distribution of the A. caninum benzimidazole resistance associated F167Y polymorphism in the United States and Canada, with no clear seasonality compared to the Ancylostoma spp. prevalence patterns. The F167 polymorphism was present in all geographic areas with detected hookworms, including Canada. Our study highlights that the F167Y polymorphism is represented in many dog breeds, including greyhounds.

Next-generation sequencing metabarcoding assays reveal diverse bacterial vector-borne pathogens of Mongolian dogs

Bacterial vector-borne pathogens (BVBPs) negatively impact canine health worldwide, with several also being zoonotic, posing an additional disease risk to humans. To date, BVBPs have been reported in humans and various sylvatic and domestic animal hosts across multiple Mongolian aimags (provinces); however, there has been no published data on these pathogens within Mongolia’s canine populations. Collection of such data is important given Mongolia’s size, diverse number of climatic regions, and large population of dogs, most of which closely share their environment with humans and livestock. Therefore, a bacteria-targeting next-generation sequencing metabarcoding (mNGS) assay was used to test the feasibility of mNGS as a proof-of-concept study to ascertain the detection of BVBP in 100 Mongolian dogs. The majority of dogs (n = 74) were infected with at least one of six BVBPs identified; including three species of haemoplasmas (also known as haemotropic mycoplasmas, n = 71), Bartonella rochalimae (n = 3), Ehrlichia spp. (n = 2) and Anaplasma platys (n = 1). Univariable analysis found sex, housing, and role of the dog to be associated with BVBP infection. Male dogs had 4.33 (95% CI: 1.61–11.62, P = 0.003) times the odds of infection with BVBPs compared to females. The majority of dogs included in this study were kept outdoors and had regular direct contact with both livestock and humans, indicating that dogs may contribute to the transmission and dissemination of BVBPs in Mongolia and could act as epidemiological sentinels. This study underscores the importance of pathogen surveillance studies in under-researched regions, reinforces the efficacy of mNGS as an explorative diagnostic tool, and emphasises the need for further larger-scale seroprevalence studies of Mongolian dogs.

Effect of hospitalisation on the rate of surgical site infection in dogs with Penrose drains.

The aim of this study is to retrospectively report complication and infection rates associated with the use of Penrose drains in a large population of dogs; and to compare complication and infection rates of dogs hospitalised for maintenance of their Penrose drains with those that were discharged home with their drains in place. We performed a retrospective search of medical records from 2014 to 2022 for dogs that had a Penrose drain placed into a wound in one institution. Our population was sub-divided into dogs discharged home with a drain in place; dogs discharged only after drain removal; and dogs recovered part of the time in hospital and part at home (with the drain insitu). Postoperative complications were graded using the Clavien-Dindo scale. Two hundred and eight dogs were included. The overall complication rate was 40.9% (85/208), with most complications considered minor. The overall infection rate was 16.9% (35/207). Dogs discharged home with the drain insitu <24 hours after surgery (n=136) had similar complication (39.0%) and infection (16.2%) rates to dogs kept hospitalised for drain care (n=50, 42.9%, 18.4%) and dogs kept hospitalised for >24 hours but discharged with the drain insitu (n=18, 50.0%, 22.2%). Our study results show no significant influence on the complication or infection rates between dogs that were hospitalised for drain care and those discharged home with drains insitu within 24 hours of surgery.

Clinical Effects of Faecal Microbiota Transplantation as Adjunctive Therapy in Dogs with Chronic Enteropathies—A Retrospective Case Series of 41 Dogs

Chronic enteropathies (CE) are common in dogs, but not all affected dogs respond to standard therapy. Successful responses to faecal microbial transplantation (FMT) in dogs with non-responsive CE have been reported in two case series. The objective of this retrospective study was to describe the clinical effects of FMT as an adjunctive therapy in a larger population of dogs with CE. Forty-one dogs aged 0.6-13.0 years (median 5.8) under treatment for CE at one referral animal hospital were included. Dogs were treated with 1-5 (median 3) FMTs as a rectal enema at a dose of 5-7 g/kg body weight. The canine inflammatory bowel disease activity index (CIBDAI) was compared at baseline versus after the last FMT. Stored faecal samples (n = 16) were analysed with the dysbiosis index. CIBDAI at baseline was 2-17 (median 6), which decreased to 1-9 (median 2; p < 0.0001) after FMT. Subsequently, 31/41 dogs responded to treatment, resulting in improved faecal quality and/or activity level in 24/41 and 24/41 dogs, respectively. The dysbiosis index at baseline was significantly lower for good responders versus poor responders (p = 0.043). Results suggest that FMT can be useful as an adjunctive therapy in dogs with poorly responsive CE.

Urine Residual Volume in Normal Dogs Determined by Direct Measurement and Comparison to Two-Dimensional Ultrasonographic Measurement.

Normal urine residual volume (URV) in dogs has not previously been established by direct measurement. Twenty-two client-owned normal healthy dogs (8 female spayed, 12 male castrated, 2 male intact) without history of urinary abnormalities were included. Dogs were walked outside for 5 min to allow for natural voiding, immediately followed by urinary bladder ultrasound and urinary catheterization. The URV was recorded, and the ultrasound images were used to estimate URV for each dog. There was no significant difference between male and female URV; therefore, all data were pooled. With a 90% confidence interval, URV was 0-0.47 mL/kg with a mean URV of 0.21 mL/kg and a median value of 0.175 mL/kg. There was no significant difference between the measured URV and the ultrasound-determined URV. This case series supports previously established normal URV in the dog; however, a reference interval based on a larger population of dogs with further evaluation of body size/weight, sex, and neuter status is recommended to be established for use in clinical setting to differentiate normal urination from urinary retention in patients.

Histopathologic findings and survival outcomes of dogs undergoing liver lobectomy as treatment for spontaneous hemoabdomen secondary to a ruptured liver mass: retrospective analysis of 200 cases (2012-2020).

To describe the distribution of histopathologic diagnoses in a large population of dogs undergoing surgical treatment for spontaneous hemoperitoneum secondary to a ruptured liver mass. Additionally, to describe survival outcomes and assess for prognostic factors for overall survival time in this population. 200 client-owned dogs with spontaneous hemoperitoneum resulting from a liver mass. Medical records from 19 veterinary referral hospitals were reviewed. Data collected included signalment, clinical signs, blood work, radiographic and ultrasonographic findings, surgical methods, intraoperative and postoperative complications, outcomes, and histopathologic findings. Follow-up information was obtained by contacting the referring veterinarian or owner. Well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma, benign masses, hemangiosarcoma, and other malignant tumors accounted for 36% (72/200), 27.5% (55/200), 25.5% (51/200), and 11% (22/200) of cases, respectively. Overall survival time for all dogs was 356 days and for the above categories was 897 days, 905 days, 45 days, and 109 days, respectively. Prognostic factors for survival included diagnosis, increased ALT, anemia, and whether a transfusion was received. Overall survival time in dogs with increased ALT was 644 versus 63 days with normal values. The majority of dogs (63.5%) were diagnosed with well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma or a benign process, resulting in favorable long-term survival. The distribution of histopathology for ruptured liver masses resulting in hemoperitoneum has not been previously reported and may be useful for client discussions prior to surgery.

Optimising rabies vaccination of dogs in India.

Dog vaccination is the key to controlling rabies in human populations. However, in countries like India, with large free-roaming dog populations, vaccination strategies that rely only on parenteral vaccines are unlikely to be either feasible or successful. Oral rabies vaccines could be used to reach these dogs. We use cost estimates for an Indian city and linear optimisation to find the most cost-effective vaccination strategies. We show that an oral bait handout method for dogs that are never confined can reduce the per dog costs of vaccination and increase vaccine coverage. This finding holds even when baits cost up to 10x the price of parenteral vaccines, if there is a large dog population or proportion of dogs that are never confined. We suggest that oral rabies vaccine baits will be part of the most cost-effective strategies to eliminate human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.

Are postnatal traumatic events an underestimated cause of porencephalic lesions in dogs and cats?

Porencephaly is defined as a fluid-filled cavity of variable size in the brain cortex. It is regarded as a congenital condition and is typically considered a developmental or an encephaloclastic defect. Our hypothesis is that postnatal traumatic events in the first few months of life may represent a cause of canine and feline porencephaly that is more common than generally suspected. The aims of this study were to retrospectively investigate porencephaly in a large population of dogs and cats, detect MRI features that might be useful to differentiate postnatal acquired traumatic forms from congenital/perinatal porencephaly, and define the prevalence of seizure activity in porencephalic patients. This is a double-center, descriptive, retrospective case series. Databases were searched for cases within a 17-year time span that involve dogs and cats with an MRI-based diagnosis of cerebral cavitary lesions. Animals were included if a complete signalment and an exhaustive MRI of the brain were available. Besides the porencephalic lesions, MRIs of the head were reviewed to detect concomitant musculoskeletal abnormalities. Thirty-two cases involving nine cats and twenty-three dogs were selected. Of all the cases, 21.9% were aged six years or older at the time of diagnosis. All patients in which the neuroanatomical localization was available showed clinical signs of a prosencephalic disorder. Epileptic seizures were observed in 71.8% of cases. A single porencephalic cavity was found in 78.1% of cases. The most affected cerebral lobe was the parietal lobe (n = 20). The defects involved both the grey and white matter in 78.1% of cases. Twenty cases showed concomitant musculoskeletal abnormalities overlying the porencephalic cavities. Fourteen of twenty cases showed evidence of fractures, of which thirteen showed depression of the calvarium and twelve masticatory muscle abnormalities. Of these, seven of fourteen had a history consistent with a head trauma in the first period of life. The recognition of skull fractures and muscular abnormalities closely associated with the porencephalic cavity may support a diagnosis of a postnatal traumatic origin of porencephaly. Therefore, this study highlights the importance of evaluating musculoskeletal structures in the MRIs of the heads of porencephalic cases.

Comparação biomecânica entre placa de TPLO modificada, placa bloqueada e construção placa-pino intramedular aplicadas medialmente em modelo de fratura proximal em tíbias sintéticas caninas

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to develop a modified tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) plate and to compare its biomechanical properties with a locking compression plate (LCP) and plate-rod constructs for the stabilization of experimentally induced gap fractures in canine synthetic tibias. The tibial models were assigned to either repair with a modified TPLO plate (Group 1), locking compression plate construct (Group 2), or plate-rod construct (Group 3). The specimens were loaded to failure in axial compression, three-point mediolateral and craniocaudal bending. There was no statistical difference between the three groups regarding stiffness (N/mm) and deformation (mm) in axial compression. The modified TPLO plate achieved load to failure similar to the plate-rod construct in craniocaudal bending. There was no significant difference between groups on mediolateral bending tests regarding load to failure and deformation. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in stiffness between groups 1 and 2. In conclusion, the modified TPLO plate had similar mechanical properties to LCP and plate-rod construct in the axial compression and bending tests. Nonetheless, clinical studies with a large population of dogs are required to determine the value of this new implant in proximal tibial fracture repair.

Demographic factors associated with joint supplement use in dogs from the Dog Aging Project.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most prevalent age-related chronic conditions that afflict companion dogs, and multiple joint supplements are available to prevent or treat OA, though the efficacy of these treatments is controversial. While the demographic factors that are associated with OA diagnosis are well established, the factors that are associated with joint supplement use are not as well studied. Using data collected from the Dog Aging Project, we analyzed owner survey responses regarding joint supplement administration and OA diagnosis for 26,951 adult dogs. In this cross-sectional analysis, logistic regression models and odds-ratios (OR) were employed to determine demographic factors of dogs and their owners that were associated with joint supplement administration. Forty percent of adult dogs in our population were given some type of joint supplement. Perhaps not surprisingly, dogs of older age, larger size, and those that were ever overweight were more likely to receive a joint supplement. Younger owner age, urban living, owner education, and feeding commercial dry food were associated with a reduced likelihood of administration of joint supplements to dogs. Interestingly, mixed breed dogs were also less likely to be administered a joint supplement (OR: 0.73). Dogs with a clinical diagnosis of OA were more likely to receive a joint supplement than those without a reported OA diagnosis (OR: 3.82). Neutered dogs were more likely to have a diagnosis of OA, even after controlling for other demographic factors, yet their prevalence of joint supplement administration was the same as intact dogs. Overall, joint supplement use appears to be high in our large population of dogs in the United States. Prospective studies are needed to determine if joint supplements are more commonly administered as a preventative for OA or after an OA clinical diagnosis.

Efficacy of imidacloprid/flumethrin collar in preventing canine leishmaniosis in Brazil.

The Leishmania infantum (synonym, Leishmania chagasi) causes life-threatening infection, namely canine leishmaniosis (CanL), which is a chronic zoonosis prevalent in various countries and spread by the bite of the infected Lutzomyia femalesandflyin South America. The objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of a polymer matrix collar containing made up of10% imidacloprid and 4.5% flumethrin for the prevention of canineleishmaniosis from the hyperendemic region falling underAraçatuba municipality(Brazil). The research included a total of 146 dogs chosenfrom 75 households. Test were initiated via physical examination; weighing and biological sample collection (blood, popliteal lymph node and conjunctival swab) of these dogs were done in March 2018 (Day 0; GA, control =69, GB, treated=77) to initiate laboratory tests. Post-inclusion, the animals were monitored on the 120th, 240th, 360th and 480th days, respectively. The usage ofcollars continuedbetween 0 and480 days before being substituted in second (D240) and fourth (D480) follow-up visits. On the whole,25 dogs in GA(36.2%)and three in GB(3.9%) were found positive for L. infantum infection in a minimum of one diagnostic test used in the research. Therefore, the average collar effectiveness forprotection from L. infantum infection was 89.2% (p<.01). In the last follow-up, the average incidence density rate for GA was 30.7%, whereas for GB, it was 2.9%. The imidacloprid/flumethrin collars evaluated in the research were found to be safe and extremely efficient for the prevention of L. infantum infection throughLutzomyia species among the largepopulation of dogs in highly prone endemic regions. This is a dependable and efficient technique aimed at reducing the occurrence and propagation of this illness among the population of canines, which would eventually reduce the human-health-related hazards. In Brazil, Lutzomyia spp. is a leading vector of the infection; thus, the collar can be used to limit infection in dogs and humans.

Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Disease Associations of Overweight and Obesity in Dogs that Visited the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at the University of California, Davis from January 2006 to December 2015

Overweight and obesity contribute to a variety of disease processes and negatively affect quality of life in dogs. A considerable number of epidemiological studies performed in a variety of canine communities revealed varied prevalence, and identified associated risk factors, including neutering. Associations between excessive body weight and certain diseases, including orthopedic diseases, were also reported. However, risk factors and disease associations of overweight and obesity in a larger population of dogs seen in recent years at a single referral veterinary hospital remains undefined. The present study utilized descriptive statistics and logistic regression models to characterize prevalence, risk factors, and disease associations of excessive body weight (both overweight and obesity) in 40,038 dogs that visited the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at the University of California, Davis from January 2006 to December 2015.The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity in 40,038 dogs were 21.1% (n = 8461) and 20.2% (n = 8089) respectively. Dogs that were neutered, female, and considered middle-aged or senior were at increased risk of overweight and obesity. Certain breed types, including Retriever and Spaniel, and certain disease processes, including orthopedic diseases, were also at increased risk of overweight and obesity.Overweight and obesity are prevalent problems, which can benefit from continual education to raise awareness of the scale of the problem to both the veterinary community and the general public. Structured disease surveillance plans monitoring these associated factors also help to guide further research and to better prevent overweight and obesity.

Dermal microfilariae of dogs, jackals and cats in different regions of Iran

BackgroundDue to the complexity of retrieving skin-dwelling microfilariae, filarioids of dogs presenting dermal microfilariae (e.g. Cercopithifilaria spp., Onchocerca lupi) are relatively unknown compared to Dirofilaria spp. and Acanthocheilonema spp. whose microfilariae circulate in the blood. Although Cercopithifilaria spp. and O. lupi filarioids are distributed worldwide, there is a paucity of information on their occurrence in Iran. The aim of this study was to investigate these filarioids in a large population of dogs from different regions of Iran.MethodsFrom October 2018 to September 2020, skin biopsies were obtained from dogs housed in shelters (n = 557) and privately owned dogs (n = 26) in seven provinces of Iran (Hamedan, Kermanshah, Yazd, Mazandaran, Khuzestan, Lorestan, Esfahan), as well as from three road-killed jackals (Canis aureus) and three cats (Felis catus) in Hamedan province. The skin biopsies were first soaked in saline solution at room temperature overnight, and examined for dermal microfilariae under the microscope. Positive skin specimens and sediments were tested by PCR for a 304-bp region of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene and amplicons were sequenced.ResultsMicrofilariae of Cercopithifilaria spp. were found in skin biopsies of 32 of the 583 (5.5%) dogs tested, with infection rates of up to 25% in Kermanshah. No microfilariae were recovered from skin biopsy samples collected from dogs in Khorramabad and Ahvaz, nor from the examined jackals and cats. None of the privately owned dogs were found to be infected. Morphologic and morphometric characteristics of the microfilariae were consistent with C. bainae. Eighteen skin samples were positive for the cox1 gene, of which 15 sequences showed a nucleotide identity of 100% and three of 93.4% with the reference sequence of C. bainae available in GenBank (haplotype I; GenBank accession number: JF461457).ConclusionsThe data from this study broadens current knowledge on the geographical distribution of C. bainae in dogs in Middle Eastern countries. Further studies on different wild canine species in the country (e.g. jackal, fox, wolf) could provide further information on the epidemiology of these filarioids. A particular focus should be put on zoonotic O. lupi given the reports of its presence in human patients from this country.Graphical

Outcomes of adjunctive radiation therapy for the treatment of mast cell tumors in dogs and assessment of toxicity: A multicenter observational study of 300 dogs.

BackgroundRadiation therapy is commonly used as an adjunct to incomplete surgical excision in dogs with mast cell tumors (MCT), but the optimal dose and fractionation regimen have yet to be determined.HypothesisWe assessed outcomes (time to local recurrence, patient survival and toxicity) of a large population of dogs with MCT that received adjunctive radiation therapy.AnimalsThree hundred dogs with 302 MCT treated using adjunctive radiation therapy.MethodsRetrospective observational study. Clinical records of 4 veterinary radiation centers were reviewed.ResultsLocal recurrence rates were similar regardless of radiation protocol with 6.6% of patients developing recurrent cutaneous MCT at a median of 526 days. Local recurrence rate was similar between high and low‐risk MCT. Mast cell tumor related death was reported in 19% of all dogs, with 13% of dogs with low‐risk MCT dying of their disease compared to 29% of dogs with high‐risk MCT. No SC MCT (SCMCT) recurred after radiation therapy and only 7% of dogs with SCMCT were reported to have died of their disease. Mild late toxicity was common in both protocols and severe late toxicity occurred in 1.9% of dogs many years after treatment.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceOur study supports the use of adjunctive radiation for the long‐term control of incompletely or narrowly excised cutaneous and SCMCT in dogs. More moderate dose and fractionation protocols may be appropriate in the adjunctive treatment of low‐risk MCT in dogs. Large multicenter prospective studies are required to establish the optimal dose and fractionation for MCT of different risk categories.

Characterization of recessed vulvas in dogs.

To determine the prevalence of vulvar recession in a large population of dogs and to compare the reproductive and physical differences between dogs with and without recessed vulvas. 250 female dogs presenting to a tertiary referral institution. Female dogs > 6 months of age presenting to a tertiary referral institution were enrolled. At enrollment, a full medical history was obtained with particular emphasis on the presence of lower urinary tract (LUT) disease in the 3 months prior to presentation. All dogs underwent a full physical examination including perivulvar cytologic examination and scoring of the degree of perivulvar skin coverage on the basis of an 8-point scale. Dogs with scores of ≥ 7 were classified as having recessed vulvas. When available, urinalysis data were also included. Recessed vulvas were identified in 36 of 250 (14%) dogs. Dogs with recessed vulvas had significantly higher body condition scores and body weights than unaffected dogs. In addition, recessed vulvas were more common in spayed than sexually intact dogs. Dogs spayed at ≤ 1 year of age were almost 3 times as likely to have vulvar recession, compared with dogs spayed at > 1 year of age. No significant difference was identified between affected and unaffected dogs with respect to the prevalence of LUT signs, urinary tract infections, or perivulvar dermatitis. Although recessed vulvas were relatively common in dogs, they did not appear to be associated with an increased risk of LUT disease or perivulvar dermatitis.

Natural history of subaortic stenosis in 166 dogs (1999–2011)

IntroductionSubaortic stenosis (SAS) is one of the most common congenital cardiac diseases in dogs. The objective of this study was to provide survival times on a large population of dogs with SAS and to propose a redefined pressure gradient (PG) scale to include a mild, moderate, severe and very severe disease group. Animals, materials and methodsDogs were divided into four groups based on the Doppler-derived PG across the stenosis. Disease severity was defined as follows: mild = PG < 50 mmHg; moderate = PG range 50–80 mmHg; severe = PG range 80–130 mmHg; and very severe = PG > 130 mmHg. Over the study period (1999–2011), 166 client-owned dogs were diagnosed with SAS of which 129 had follow-up information available. ResultsUnadjusted median survival time for severity groups were as follows: mild 10.6 years; moderate 9.9 years; severe 7.3 years; and very severe 3.0 years. Univariable analysis examining the effect of the PG, age at diagnosis and sex found only the PG and age at diagnosis had a significant effect on survival. Adjusted survival curves showed that the survival time in the very severe group was decreased compared with all other groups. ConclusionBased on the results of this study, a revised SAS classification system with four PG groups is appropriate. Dogs with a PG > 130 mmHg were identified as those with the lowest median survival time.