Local Dogs Research Articles

LAPORAN KASUS : PENANGANAN TRANSMISSIBLE VENEREAL TUMOR PADA ANJING LOKAL DI ANOM VET CLINIC

Transmissible venereal tumor is a tumor that generally infects male and female genitalia and transmission occurs due to marriage and licking. On August 7th , 2019 the owner came with complaints of fresh blood dripping continuously from the vulva of Unyil, a local dog, female, approximately 3 years old, brown hair color, with a weight of 10.2 kg. After a physical examination in the perineal area, there is a mass like grapes formed in the vagina. Based on the results of physical examination and haematology test, the dog was diagnosed with transmissible venereal tumor. Handling is done in this case by removing the mass such as grapes formed in the vagina through surgery.

The Morphometrics and Typology of the Skull in the Ghanaian Local Dog of Non-Descript Breed (Canis lupus familiaris)

The Morphometrics and Typology of the Skull in the Ghanaian Local Dog of Non-Descript Breed (Canis lupus familiaris)

Effects of Lignocaine-Diazepam Combination in Lumbo-Sacral Epidural Anaesthetized Dogs Undergoing Caudectomy

General anaesthesia is known to be associated with the risk of cardiopulmonary depression, therefore the use of a safer means of anaesthesia as an alternative has to be explored. Epidural anaesthesia technique is known for its simplicity, safety and effectiveness and is one of the most frequently used regional anesthetic techniques described for surgical procedures caudal to the umbilicus in small animal practice. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of lumbo-sacral epidural injection of a mixture of 7.5 mg/kg of 2% lignocaine solution and 0.2 mg/kg 0.5% diazepam solution in 10 apparently healthy Nigerian local dogs undergoing caudectomy. Onset of neural blocked recorded was 6.5 ± 1.35 min (mean ± SD), duration of analgesia was 54.4 ± 5.38 min (mean ± SD) and duration of recumbency was 115.1 ± 36.1min (mean ± SD). Changes observed in the Pulse rate (PR), Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), Respiratory rate (RR) and Rectal temperature (RT) were recorded at 10 min intervals throughout the duration of the procedure. There were no significant differences (p>0.05) in the mean physiological parameters observed as compared to the baseline values. Blood samples were also taken at 15 min interval throughout the duration of the procedure to determine the effects of the epidurally administered lignocaine-diazepam combination on haematological and serum biochemical indices. No significant differences (p>0.05) were observed in the mean haematological (PCV, RBC, WBC, Hb and CBC) and serum biochemical indices (ALT, ALP, Creatinine and BUN). It was concluded that epidurally administered lignocaine-diazepam mixture at 7.5 mg/kg and 0.2 mg/kg respectively had a fast onset of neural blockade, adequate and long duration of analgesia without profound effects on haemodynamic and cardiopulmonary system.

Community Perceptions of Free-Roaming Dogs and Management Practices in Villages at the Periphery of a Protected Area in Bhutan

In Bhutan, free-roamingdogs pose health hazards to human, livestock, andwildlife. Understanding the perceptions and practices of local communitiesregarding free-roaming dogs is important to mitigate negative impacts. A community-based study was conducted inthe buffer zone of Strict Nature Reserve, western Bhutan. The study was conducted in February-October 2018 using a household questionnairesurvey, 'free-listing'of dog diseases, group discussions and key-informantinterviews.A total of 140 householdsfromKatsho and Esuegeogs(sub-districts) were interviewed. People classify dogs under three categories: 'Gokhi'/petdog, 'Changkhi'/stray dog, and 'Shakhi'/feraldog. A higher proportion of rural people owned pet dogs, which were considered important to guard crops and livestock from wildlifeandprotect households'properties. Owning a dog also contributed significantly to the non-material well-beingof the respondents, especially in the rural villages. In contrast to the perceived positive impacts of the pet dogs,81%of the respondents considered stray and feral dogs a problem in thecommunity.The threats were attacks/bites by free-roaming dogs to humans, livestock and also wildlife. Rabies was the most frequently (69.7%) known dog diseases with the highest rank (1.46) in the list, followed by scabies (49.5%, rank1.52). The majority (56%) of the respondents indicated that stray and feral dogs originate from abandoned pet dogs. This study calls for a multi-sectorial/One Health approach to mitigate the threats posed by free-roaming dogs and more detailed ecological and epidemiological studies are required to control their impacts.

Motion Mode and Two-Dimensional Echocardiographic Measurements of Cardiac Dimensions in Local Dogs in Malaysia

Echocardiographic measurements of the dog’s heart are known to be breed-specific. The establishment of normal echocardiographic measurements for each breed of dog increases the accuracy of echocardiographic examination. The purpose of this preliminary study was to determine the value of normal echocardiographic measurements of local dogs from Malaysia. A total of 20 clinically healthy client-owned pet dogs were recruited, in accordance to the pre-determined inclusion criteria of the study. Two dimensional and M-mode echocardiograms image of both long and short axis of the left ventricle were obtained in accordance to recommendation by the American Society of Echocardiography. From this study, the reference echocardiographic measurements of local dogs in Malaysia were established. The measurements of intra-cardiac dimensions, wall thickness, and contractility varied from the Indonesian mongrel dogs, as well as the general population of dogs that have the same average body weight. There is no association between echocardiographic measurements with gender and bodyweight of local dogs in Malaysia.

The therapeutic efficacy of Aloe vera gel ointment on staphylococcal pyoderma in dogs.

Background and Aim:Staphylococcus pyoderma is a common problem in dogs that need a novel treatment rather than antibiotic therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic efficacy, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative properties of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) gel ointment on dogs’ Staphylococcus pyoderma compared to gentamicin ointment.Materials and Methods:The inhibition zone of A. vera extract 20% and 40% and gentamicin 1% against Staphylococcus aureus was determined on well diffusion agar. Twenty Baladi local breed dogs were used as control negative group before intradermal inoculation with 105 CFU S. aureus. The animals were classified into four equal groups, control positive group without treatment (n=5), treated groups by 20% A. vera gel ointment (n=5), 40% A. vera gel ointment (n=5), and gentamicin ointment 1% (n=5). Topical application of A. vera and gentamicin ointments was carried out twice daily for 2 weeks until complete healing of dogs’ pyoderma. Clinical evaluation was recorded. Inflammatory, oxidant, and antioxidant parameters were measured in serum.Results:The inhibition zone of A. vera extracts 20% and 40% was 19 mm and 23 mm, respectively, while gentamicin 1% was 18 mm. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (of A. vera 20% and 40% were 13.70 with R2=0.98. Dogs’ pyoderma treated with A. vera gel ointment 20% and 40% were more likely to have low haptoglobin and tumor necrosis factor-α concentrations than gentamicin 1% ([odds ratio [OR]=4.6; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.31-17.40; p<0.05]; [OR=5.2; 95% CI=1.04-22.30; p<0.05]), respectively.Conclusion:It seems evident that A. vera has therapeutic effect, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects against dogs’ staphylococcal pyoderma than gentamicin that would support its further use rather than antibiotics in one health arena.

The Patagonian Sheepdog: Historical Perspective on a Herding Dog in Chile

The “Patagonian Sheepdog” is a local working dog breed that was produced by selection from European working sheepdogs that arrived in the Magallanes region of southern Chile in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Currently, the Patagonian Sheepdog is most commonly found in the Chilean Patagonian region (43°12’ S to 56°30’ S), where it plays a fundamental role as a working dog in sheep and, to some extent, in cattle farming. Dog types that may have contributed to the Patagonian Sheepdog include the Old Welsh Grey and other old UK herding dogs. The modern Patagonian Sheepdog has been selectively bred by local sheep farmers to produce a herding dog that is well adapted to the area: a medium body size, long or semi-long fur, drooping or semi-erect ears, a docile character, and a great aptitude for sheep herding. Morphological studies have determined the body measurements, zoometric indices, coat color, and marking for Patagonian Sheepdogs. The objective of this investigation was to collect historical information related to the presence of this dog in Chilean Patagonia, providing general aspects of the morphology and behavior, all key factors for the recognition and conservation of this little-known herding dog.

Specialized sledge dogs accompanied Inuit dispersal across the North American Arctic.

Domestic dogs have been central to life in the North American Arctic for millennia. The ancestors of the Inuit were the first to introduce the widespread usage of dog sledge transportation technology to the Americas, but whether the Inuit adopted local Palaeo-Inuit dogs or introduced a new dog population to the region remains unknown. To test these hypotheses, we generated mitochondrial DNA and geometric morphometric data of skull and dental elements from a total of 922 North American Arctic dogs and wolves spanning over 4500 years. Our analyses revealed that dogs from Inuit sites dating from 2000 BP possess morphological and genetic signatures that distinguish them from earlier Palaeo-Inuit dogs, and identified a novel mitochondrial clade in eastern Siberia and Alaska. The genetic legacy of these Inuit dogs survives today in modern Arctic sledge dogs despite phenotypic differences between archaeological and modern Arctic dogs. Together, our data reveal that Inuit dogs derive from a secondary pre-contact migration of dogs distinct from Palaeo-Inuit dogs, and probably aided the Inuit expansion across the North American Arctic beginning around 1000 BP.

Development of a high number, high coverage dog rabies vaccination programme in Sri Lanka

BackgroundRabies is estimated to cause 59,000 deaths and economic losses of US$8.6 billion every year. Despite several years of rabies surveillance and awareness programmes, increased availability of post-exposure prophylaxis vaccinations and dog population control, the disease still remains prevalent in Sri Lanka. This study reports the roll-out of a high number, high coverage canine rabies vaccination campaign in Sri Lanka, providing estimates for the vaccination coverage achieved, analysing the local dog demographics, and identifying barriers of attendance to static vaccination clinics.MethodsA mass dog vaccination campaign was undertaken in Negombo, Sri Lanka. The campaign was composed of static point and door-to-door vaccination stages, with a final survey of vaccination coverage. A large volume of data on the distribution, health, and signalment of vaccinated dogs was collected through a mobile phone application. A logistic regression model was developed to investigate which socio-spatial and dog-related factors influenced attendance of owners to static vaccination points.ResultsThe campaign vaccinated over 7800 dogs achieving a vaccination coverage of 75.8%. A dog:human ratio of 1:17 was estimated. Most dogs were owned, and the dog population was mostly male, adult, and non-sterilized. Unawareness, unavailability and handling problems were the most common reasons given by owners to explain failure to attend a static vaccination point. The regression analysis showed that increasing distance to a static point, in addition to young age and poor health of the dog, were associated with a decrease in the likelihood of attendance to a static vaccination points.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the feasibility of high number, high coverage vaccination campaigns in Sri Lanka. The information on dog ecology and barriers of attendance to static point vaccination clinics will facilitate development of future vaccination campaigns.

Detection of selected pathogens in Apennine wolf (Canis lupus italicus) by a non-invasive GPS-based telemetry sampling of two packs from Majella National Park, Italy.

In this study, a multi-pathogens survey was conducted to verify the sanitary status of two Italian wolf packs of Majella National Park. Twenty fecal samples (10/pack) were collected using a sampling protocol, based on the combining data from radio-collared wolves with geographic information system (GIS) analysis, allowing to mark off the home range of packs and to recover group-specific and high-quality specimens. Virological screening against the most prevalent canine viruses (protoparvovirus, distemper virus, adenoviruses, and coronaviruses) was carried out by molecular methods, while parasites were detected by means of copromicroscopic and molecular analysis. Canine parvovirus type 2b (CPV-2b) is the most prevalent virus in both packs (7/20), followed by canine adenovirus type 2 (CAdV-2), while no sequences of canine distemper virus and coronaviruses were detected. The sequence analysis of the viruses demonstrated the domestic origin of the infection, highlighting the importance of vaccination of local dogs in order to reduce the risk of exposure of wildlife to these pathogens. Fourteen samples resulted positive for parasites. Capillaria aerophila (sin. Eucoleus aerophilus), Ancylostoma/Uncinaria, Trichuris vulpis eggs, Sarcocystis spp., Cystoisospora canis, and Angiostrongylus vasorum larvae were identified. Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (ovine genotype G1) and Giardia duodenalis(canid-specific Assemblage C) were also characterized, providing insights into the wolves’ diet and their effects on environmental contamination. The sampling protocol applied in this study, based on a multidisciplinary approach, represents an innovative tool for the survey of Apennine wolf, able to integrate sanitary data with the ecological and demographic features of this population.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s10344-019-1326-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Algerian Indigenous Dog: Hemato-biochemical Profile in Healthy and Gastroenteritis Diseased Case

The purpose of this study is firstly, to establish the haemato-biochemical reference values ​​of the indigenous canine breed in Batna area of Algeria as related to the gender effect. For this reason, 20 apparently healthy local dogs were used. A complete blood count and the serum biochemical parameters analysed here remained mostly within the physiological reference intervals. The effect of sex was only observed in the platelet count, which is higher in female dogs, whereas the creatinine level is higher in male dogs. The second part is devoted to evaluating the haemato-biochemical parameters in dogs with moderate to severe gastroenteritis infections. A total of 37 diseased dogs were selected and classified into two groups – diseased vaccinated dogs and diseased unvaccinated dogs – to establish the haemato-biochemical parameters. Haemato-biochemical investigation shows significant alteration in diseased unvaccinated dogs than other groups.

Effects of platelets rich fibrin and bone marrow on the healing of distal radial fracture in local dogs: Comparative study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of platelets rich fibrin and bone marrow on distal radial fracture healing in local breed dogs. Twenty four adult animals (males and females), mean aged 2.6 ±0.15 years, and the mean body weight 24.58 ±1.07 kg were used. The experimental animals were randomly divided into three equal groups. First group (Control group), transverse fracture was induced in the distal portion of radial bone and immobilized by Plaster of Paris, the fracture line didn't treated with any material. Second group (platelets rich fibrin group), the fracture line was surrounded by the platelets rich fibrin. Third group (bone marrow group), the fracture line was surrounded by autologous bone marrow. The radiographic results confirmed that the fracture healing was faster and superior in third group compared with first and second groups. The hematological results showed an increasing in concentration rates of alkaline phosphatase enzyme and calcium at the weeks that follows surgical operation. Depending on the serial rates of alkaline phosphatase, the third group and the second group are the better fractured bone healing than the first group. In conclusion, the results revealed that, the using of bone marrow and platelets rich fibrin improved and enhanced the healing of distal radial fracture.

Laparoscopic and hand-assisted cystorrhaphy strengthened with omental pedicle in dogs: Radiographic and ultrasonographic study

This study was designed to evaluate the using of two laparoscopic techniques for repairing an experimental cystotomy of urinary bladder reinforced with omental pedicle in dogs. Eighteen local breed male dogs were randomly allocated into two equal groups: first group an experimental cystotomy (about 2 cm) was induced laparoscopically at the ventral surface of the urinary bladder, repaired with titanium clips and reinforced with the omental pedicle. In the second group: similar technique was followed; however, the induced was repaired with hand-assisted extracorporeal laparoscopic method. In both groups, several diagnostic parameters were followed including clinical / laparoscopic exploration, radiology, and ultrasonography. Results obtained in the first group shown the titanium clips 4-6 clips freely applicated and whole time consuming for performing operation was 45±2.1 minutes. Clinically, the experimental animals didn't show any abnormal changes in their behavioral activities. Radiographic examination revealed distention of the urinary bladder accompanied by the presence of distances between the titanium clips; however, ultrasonography didn't show any leakage or thickness at the site of operation. Laparoscopic examination demonstrated mild adhesion between urinary bladder and adjacent organ. In the second group, the operation required 36±1.1 minutes to be completed. Postoperatively, no signs of pain were observed, however, animals demonstrated post-operative transient hematuria, lasts for 24 hours, accompanied with severe adhesion between the bladder and abdominal wall. Radiographically, regular distention of the bladder was revealed, while ultrasonographic examination showed hyperechoic dots and thickening of the bladder wall. We concluded that the hand-assisted laparoscopic cystorrhaphy strengthened by omentum is a practical, time saving and mini-invasive surgical technique.

Clinical and ultrasonographic study of using autogenous venous graft and platelet-rich plasma for repairing Achilles tendon rupture in dogs

The present article was aimed to assess the healing process of experimental entire rupture of Achilles tendon treated with various methods. The study was conducted on twenty-four healthy mature local breed dogs, which were randomly allocated in equal four experimental groups (6 of each). All dogs underwent complete Achilles tendon rupture and reconstructed as following: Group1 (control), animals were treated with tendorrhaphy only; Group 2, tendorrhaphy with platelet-rich plasma; Group 3, tendorrhaphy with a vein graft; and Group 4, the ruptured tendon was repaired with tendorrhaphy and augmented with vein and platelet-rich plasma. Dogs were monitored clinically and sonographically to evaluate tendon healing at 15, 30 and 60 days following the surgery. By comparison with the control group, the utilizing of plasma, with or without vein graft, enhanced the healing process of the induced rapture. Clinically, animals showed a fastest weight bearing and ultrasound imaging revealed increased echogenicity of fibrotic tissue. Clinically, the vein- platelet-rich plasma treated animal’s demonstrated early weight bearing, while animal treated with plasma showed earlier improvement in fiber pattern echogenicity. Furthermore, the using of vein graft for injury repair increased the repair process and the healing was earlier than that in the control group. In conclusions, our results suggested that the using of platelet-rich plasma with or without vein graft could enhance tendon healing and improve its mechanical function, which might be attributed to the synergistic effect of platelet-rich plasma with the vein graft.

Dirofilaria immitis infestation in imported police (K-9) dogs in Iraq:

Dirofilaria immitis, the cause of heartworm infestation (HWI) or dirofilariasis, affects members of the Canidae and remains a worldwide clinical problem. In Iraq, dirofilariasis was believed absent until 2009, when the Karbala Governorate was reported as an endemic area for canine dirofilariasis. Consequently, this study intended to investigate the occurrence of Dirofilaria immitis in police dogs in one police academy in Iraq and to study the gross and histopathological changes in 5 dead dogs, as well as to identify the species of the causative parasite using PCR technique. Thirty-nine police dogs, aged between 6 months and 12 years were included in this study. For the microfilariae investigation, 5 ml blood samples were collected from all dogs in EDTA tubes and examined by Knott’s method. The systemic necropsy performed in five dead dogs showed severe clinical signs of dirofilariasis and tissue specimens were sent for routine histopathological processing. For the molecular analysis, adult worms of the detected Dirofilaria spp. were used for DNA extraction andamplification of the cox1 gene. Fifteen of 39 (38.46%) dogs were diagnosed with moderate to severe microfilariasis. The dead dogs revealed typical severe clinical signs of dirofilariasis. Moreover, typical gross and histopathological changes were also seen, accompanied by generalized thromboembolic lesions, suggesting the occurrence of the caval syndrome. The PCR investigation confirmed that D. immitis was the species present in Iraq. In conclusion, this study establishes that Iraq is a newly reported endemic area for dirofilariasis. Moreover, the infestation occurring in these cases most probably happened inside Iraq. The authors recommend doing further epidemiological studies concerning the occurrence of D. immitis in local dogs as well as in the imported dogs in all Iraqi governorates to better understand the epidemiological map of this disease and to introduce an active treatment and preventive program. Awareness and education regarding this disease should be provided to the veterinarians, dog guiders and people in direct contact with dogs, as this disease is one of the important zoonotic diseases.

Histopathological evaluation of the platelets rich fibrin and bone marrow on healing of experimental induced distal radial fracture in local dogs

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of platelets rich fibrin and bone marrow on healing of distal radial fracture in local dogs. Twenty four adult animals (males and non-pregnant females of local breed dogs); had mean age 2.6 ±0.15 years and body weight 24.58 ±1.07 kgs were used. The experimental animals were randomly divided into three equal groups. First group (Control group), transverse fracture was induced at the distal portion of radial bone and immobilized by using Plaster of Paris, the fracture line didn't treated with any substance. Second group (Platelets Rich Fibrin group), in which the fracture line was surrounded by the platelets rich fibrin. Third group (Bone Marrow group) in which the fracture line was surrounded by autologous bone marrow. The histopathological results confirmed that the third group was the best one in its response for fractured bone healing in both periods sixth and tenth week, while the second group was came in the second rank, whereas the first group was the slowest response for fractured bone healing, represented by trabecular bone formation. The concentration rates of calcium and alkaline phosphatase enzyme increased at the weeks that follow surgical operation. In conclusion, the using of bone marrow and platelets rich fibrin are enhance the healing of distal radial fracture.

A comparative Study of Two Techniques for Repairing of Tracheal Defect in Dogs.

The objective of this study was designed to evaluate the possibility of repairing tracheal cartilage defect in dogs. 18 local breed dogs of both sexes was used in this study, they are allocated into 2 equal groups. A tracheal defect was induced in the cervical part of the trachea as a window about 3cm x 2cm in diameter. The defect was closed in 1st group by using polypropylene mesh and bone cement substance, while in 2nd group polypropylene mesh with fresh auto- bone marrow. Post-operative study including, clinical observation, gross pathology and histopathological evaluation was performed in all animals. The most important postoperative clinical observation was represented by subcutaneous emphysema at the site of operation in the 2nd group animals, which gradually disappeared within few days. Otherwise no other important complications was reported in both groups during the period of the experiment. The gross pathological changes and biopsy collection for all animals was done at 15, 30, 60 postoperative days. The gross examination revealed complete closing of the induced tracheal defect in all operated animals and a mild adhesion with the surrounding tissues. In both groups, the histopathological features was represented by newly granulation tissue formation and areas of hyaline cartilage degeneration and necrosis. The cartilage regeneration was showed only in 2nd group through by formation of new cartilage cells. In conclusion, it can use both techniques for reconstruction of tracheal defect in dogs but the auto bone marrow group was regarded the best due to improvement of the healing process. .

Epidemiological, Clinical and Laboratory study of Canine Dermatophytosis in Baghdad Governorate, Iraq

The aim of the present study was to isolate and identify of the pathogenic fungi of canine dermatophytosis in Baghdad governorate Iraq, also study the epidemiology and describe the clinical signs of dermatophytosis, from January 2018 till December 2018. Out of 653 dogs 165 (25.3%) were with dermatomycoses and 103 (62.42%) dogs with dermatophytosis. The mycological diagnosis were conducted by direct microscopy and by culture the specimens on each sabouraud dextrose agar supplemented with chloramphenicol and cyclohxemide and dermatophytes test media. The identified dermatophytes were represented Microsporum sp.(80.6%) appeared Microsporum canis (87.9%); M. audounii (8.4% );M. gypseum (3. 6 %) and Trichophyton spp (19.4%) in which divided between Trichophyton ruburum (60.0 %) and T. terrestre (40.0%). Microsporum canis and Trichophyton ruburum were the most common species isolated (87.9%),(60.0 %) respectively. The overall prevalence of dermatomycosis and dermatophytosis from various parts region of Baghdad city were Al Karkh district (32.0%), (64.6%) and Al Rusafa district (22.4%), (60.4%) respectively. Moreover, a higher percentage of infection in young age 55 of 84 (65.47%) and lower infection in old age 8 of 18 (44.44%) with significant difference at P&lt; 0.05. The effect of breeds on the prevalence of canine mycosis show high percentage of infection in German shepherd dog (47.96%) and lower infection in Bulldog breed (10.63%) as well as, high prevalence of dermatophytosis recorded in Rottweiler (100%), Pomeranian (83.3%) and lower prevalence (40.0 %) in each of Boxer and local dog breed. The relation of hair coat showed significantly high percentage of infection in long hair dogs (69.0%) than short hair coat (48.0%). There were no significant difference between the sex and habitat but, recorded a high (%) in shelters habitat (67.19%) and low (%) in plantation habitat (56.25%). The prevalence of infection was showed no signficantly high percentage of infection in cold climate winter (67.74%) in which low temperature and high humidity while low percentage of infection in dry climate autumn (44.4%). In addition the effect of season on the prevalence of dermatophytosis recognized by a higher (%) of infection in cold weather, winter (67.74%) and lower infection in dry weather, autumn (50.0%). Other dermatomycosis isolated were Chrysosporium Nannizziopsis dermatitidis (9.1%); Malassezia pacydermatis (7.9 %) and saprobe fungi from domestic dogs represented by Alternaria alternate (21.4%); Aspergillus spp (60.7%); Aspergillus flavus (25.9%); Aspergillus fumigatus (28.2%); Aspergillus niger (23.5 %); Aspergillus nidulans (22.4 %); Penicillium sp. (4.3%); Curvularia sp (3.6%) and Rhizopus sp (2.1%).

Evaluation of Postvaccinal Antibody Responses to Three Brands of Combined Canine Vaccines Containing Canine Parvovirus Type 2 Following Single Administration in Nigerian Local Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris)

The current level of morbidity and mortality among dogs due to canine parvovirus infection despite vaccination raises concerns about the effectiveness of commercially available polyvalent modified live vaccine containing Distemper, Adenovirus, Leptospira, Parvovirus and Parainfluenza antigens (DHLPPi) in Nigeria. This study was conducted to evaluate canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) antibody responses to three different brands of DHLPPi vaccines.Fifteen Nigerian local dogs, age 8- 14 weeks; were randomly selected. The dogs were divided into 3 groups (A, B and C) each containing 5 dogs. The dogs were vaccinated with respective polyvalent modified live vaccines containing Distemper, Adenovirus, Leptospira, Parvovirus and Parainfluenza antigens (DHLPPi) tagged A, B and C. Blood samples were collected before vaccination weekly for four weeks and on day 90 post vaccination. The sera from the collected blood samples were subjected to Indirect Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The mean titre values were analysed using ANOVA test and student t-test. Group A had a statistical significant (P<0.05) higher antibody titre when compared with that of group B on day 21. A statistical significant (P<0.05) increase in antibody response was found in group Bwhen compared to group A on days 14 and 28 and group C on day 14. Group C had significantly higher antibody titre when compared to group A on days 7 and 28 and group B on day 21. The group C antibody titres were found to be the consistently higher than those of groups A except on days 14 and 21 and and group B on every other days except on days 14 and 90. In conclusion, the three vaccines were found to be immunogenic, but vaccines B and C gave adequate and consistently high immune response whilevaccine A gave the least response. The occurrence CPV enteritis in dogs despite vaccination may therefore, be attributed to vaccine failure as a result of poor immunogenicity of some vaccines used in routine vaccination of dogs and other factors that may affect the quality of vaccine or ability of the host to produce adequate antibody to administered vaccines.

A grid-cell based fecal sampling scheme reveals: land-use and altitude affect prevalence rates of Angiostrongylus vasorum and other parasites of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes).

In view of the role of foxes as a reservoir for Angiostrongylus vasorum, a nematode of the heart and lungs of dogs and foxes, its occurrence across Switzerland was investigated in foxes applying a standardized sampling scheme for fox fecal samples. In 72 study areas, which consisted of three 1-km2 grid cells, a total of 1481 samples were collected by walking transects following linear features in the terrain, and analyzed by a flotation-sieving method. The overall prevalence rate of A. vasorum in fecal samples was 8.8% (95% confidence interval, CI 7.4-10.3%), being significantly higher in the Swiss Plateau (11.4%, CI. 9.4-13.8%) compared with other bioregions, and more prevalent in areas with less than 50% of cultivated land (p = 0.043). Prevalence rates increased with decreasing altitudes being significantly higher below 400m above sea level (20.6%, 95% CI 15.2-26.9%), while all samples collected above 900m asl were negative. Eggs of Toxocara sp. (12.1%), Taeniidae (10.5%), Capillaria spp. (8.3%), Trichuris vulpis (5.5%), hookworms (5.3%), Toxascaris leonina (1.3%) and Strongyloides sp. (0.4%) were furthermore identified. Taeniid eggs were positively and Capillaria spp. negatively associated with the amount of cultivated land. The prevalence rates based on our fecal analyses were generally lower compared with previous studies from Switzerland which were based on fox necropsies. However, the grid cell-based sampling scheme with replicable transects for fox feces collection proved to be a suitable, non-invasive method for parasitic large-scale surveys providing information on the relative infectious pressure for the local dog population.