National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital Research Articles

Presence of the Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamase and Plasmid-Mediated AmpC-Encoding Genes in Escherichia coli from Companion Animals-A Study from a University-Based Veterinary Hospital in Taipei, Taiwan.

Extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (ESBL) and AmpC β-lactamase are two enzymes commonly found in Enterobacteriaceae that confer resistance to major antibiotics, such as third-generation cephalosporins that are widely prescribed for both human and animals. We screened for Escherichia coli producing ESBL and plasmid-mediated AmpC β-lactamase (pAmpC) from dogs and cats brought to National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan from 29 June 2020, to 31 December 2020. The genotypes and phylogenetic relatedness of these E. coli were also analyzed. Fifty samples of E. coli obtained from 249 bacterial isolates were included in this study. Among them, eight isolates had ESBL, seven had pAmpC, and one had both. Thirty-two percent (16/50) of E. coli isolates were resistant to third-generation cephalosporins. The detected ESBL genes included the blaCTX-M-1 and blaCTX-M-9 groups, and the blaCMY-2 group was the only gene type found in pAmpC. ESBL-producing E. coli belonged to the pathogenic phylogroup B2, and the sequence types (STs) were ST131 and ST1193. Three isolates were determined to be ST131-O25b, a highly virulent epidemic clone. The pAmpC-producing E. coli were distributed in multiple phylogroups, primarily the commensal phylogroup B1. The STs of the pAmpC-producing E. coli included ST155, ST315, ST617, ST457, ST767, ST372, and ST93; all of these have been reported in humans and animals. Imipenem was active against all the ESBL/pAmpC-producing E. coli; however, since in humans it is a last-resort antimicrobial, its use in companion animals should be restricted.

A STUDY OF WARMING DEVICES AND PERIOPERATIVE FACTORS POTENTIALLY CONTRIBUTING TO SURGICAL FIELD CONTAMINATION IN SMALL ANIMAL PATIENTS

Bacterial contamination on surgical drapes may increase the risk of surgical site infection (SSI). This preliminary investigation analyzed the relationship between forced-air warming devices and bacterial contamination on surgical drapes in small animal soft tissue surgery settings. The subjects of this study were canine and feline patients enrolled in clean surgical procedures at the National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital. Bacterial colonies on surgical drapes were sampled on agar plates immediately prior to and 1[Formula: see text]h after skin incision. Cases with bacteria growth on the post-incision sampled agar were considered with surgical field contamination (SFC). Intraoperative warming methods (forced-air warming systems or circulating water blankets) and other factors that potentially contribute to SFC (drape material, patient features, surgical procedure types, surgeons, and number of operating room personnel) were recorded. The study comprised 57 operations, 28 cases belonged to the circulating water blanket group and 29 belonged to the forced-air warming system group. No differences in contamination rate were detected among intraoperative warming methods, drape materials, patient characteristics, surgical procedure types, or number of operating room personnel. However, a significant difference in contamination rate was detected among surgeons.

Characteristics of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli From Dogs and Cats Admitted to a Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Taipei, Taiwan From 2014 to 2017.

Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) are enzymes that mediate resistance to newer β-lactam antibiotics, including extended-spectrum cephalosporins and monobactams. The production of ESBL is primarily plasmid mediated, and such plasmids often comprise the genes that encode resistance to other classes of antimicrobials, such as aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones. Therefore, ESBL-producing microorganisms leave clinicians with limited therapeutic options in both human and veterinary medicine. Compared with human medicine, information regarding ESBL-producing microorganisms is limited in veterinary medicine. We screened for ESBL-producing Escherichia coli in dogs and cats admitted to National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital, Taipei, from 2014 to 2017 and further analyzed the genotypes and phylogenetic traits of these ESBL producers. Double disk tests specified by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute were performed on 283 E. coli isolates and revealed a total of 65 E. coli (54 from dogs and 11 from cats) with the ESBL phenotype (22.8%). blaCTX−M−1 group and blaCTX−M−2group were the most commonly identified ESBL gene groups. blaCTX−M−55 was the main ESBL gene within the blaCTX−M−1group, whereas the blaCTX−M−2group contained only blaCTX−M−124. The ESBL-producing E. coli were all resistant to ampicillin. The resistance rate to ceftiofur, doxycycline, enrofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin was 93.8, 73.8, 80, and 78.5%, respectively. Of the antibiotics tested, greater sensitivity to imipenem and gentamicin was noted. Multilocus sequence typing indicated that ST457, ST131, and ST648 were the most common sequence types. Our study identified eight ST131/O25b isolates, which is a global zoonotic clone of public health concern. The major ESBL genes of these clones were blaCTX−M−174 and blaCTX−M−194. Because companion animals such as dogs and cats are in close contact with humans, the characterization of ESBL producers originating from them is crucial from the perspective of both public health and veterinary medicine.

The investigation of histopathology and locations of excised eyelid masses in dogs

BackgroundEyelid masses are the most common ocular diseases in dogs. However, there are no studies specifically investigating the location of eyelid masses.Methods118 dogs with 119 eyelid masses were included. Medical...

SEROEPIDEMIOLOGIC SURVEY OF CANINE LEPTOSPIROSIS IN NORTHERN TAIWAN DURING 2008–2015

Leptospirosis is an important infectious zoonosis that may cause life-threatening illness in both humans and animals. This study aimed to identify the serovars of Leptospira using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and the effect of season on serum-positive cases detected in National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital from August 2008 to September 2015. This study also compared the characteristics of serum-positive and serum-negative cases. Among 159 suspected cases, 78 serum-positive (MAT titer [Formula: see text]) and 81 serum-negative cases were identified. In serum-positive cases, the most common pathogenic serovars were Canicola (18.2%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (23.6%), and Shermani (20.0%). Significantly more serum-positive cases were identified in fall (September to November) than other seasons ([Formula: see text]). Dogs aged 1–5 years (odds ratio [Formula: see text] 1.7) were more likely to be identified as being serum-positive cases of canine leptospirosis than serum-negative cases. However, no significant difference was observed regarding breed, gender, and regional distribution. The serum concentrations of liver enzymes, total bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine were elevated in both serum-positive and serum-negative cases, with no significance. White blood cell (WBC) counts of serum-positive cases were statistically higher than those of serum-negative cases ([Formula: see text]). In conclusion, more precaution must be taken with dogs aged 1–5 years because of their higher risk of leptospirosis; additionally, significantly elevated WBC count may be a suitable indicator in suspected cases of canine leptospirosis.

Association between indoor air pollution and respiratory disease in companion dogs and cats.

BackgroundIndoor air pollution (IAP) leads to important respiratory morbidity and mortality in humans. Companion dogs and cats share the same household environment with their owners and are exposed to IAP.HypothesisPets with respiratory disease are more commonly exposed to indoor air pollutants in their homes and to worse air quality than pets without respiratory disease.AnimalsThree hundred and forty‐eight animals (230 dogs and 118 cats) were recruited.MethodsDogs and cats attending the National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital were prospectively enrolled over a 12‐month period. Questionnaires were collected from pet owners regarding the status of signs of respiratory problem of animals and air pollutants in their homes. Clinical assessment was performed by veterinarians on all animals included in the case‐control study and the presence/absence of respiratory disease and diagnoses were recorded. Individual exposure to particulate matter of 2.5 μm or less (PM2.5) was estimated in the domestic microenvironment of the animals.ResultsDogs with respiratory disease were more commonly exposed to incense burning than control dogs (30 versus 13%, P = .045), but household PM2.5 level was not different between dogs with and without respiratory disease [median 30.8 μg/m3, range 10.8‐214.2 versus median 38.2 μg/m3, range 5.4‐69.4, P = .57]. Signalment factors (age, body weight, and body condition score) instead of IAP factors were associated with respiratory disease in dogs using multivariable logistic regression. In contrast, household PM2.5 level was significantly higher in cats with respiratory disease than in control cats [median 38.6 μg/m3, range 17.8‐131.2 versus median 27.4 μg/m3, range 15.4‐70.0, P = .017]. Cats living in households with PM2.5 > 35 μg/m3 were more likely to have respiratory disease than those living in households with acceptable levels of PM2.5 (OR = 4.13, 95% CI 1.12‐15.27, P = .03).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe link between IAP and respiratory disease in dogs is complicated. An unacceptable level of household PM2.5 (>35 μg/m3) is significantly associated with respiratory disease in cats. The effect of IAP on the respiratory health of companion animals warrants further attention.

Simple technique for aiding thoracic CT scanning of cats without general anaesthesia

Thoracic CT can provide additional diagnostic information in comparison to thoracic radiography for animals with respiratory diseases1 2; however, the requirement of general anaesthesia can be of risk and may...

PARACLOACAL GLAND CARCINOMA IN A SUGAR GLIDER (PETAURUS BREVICEPS)

A male sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps) was presented to the National Taiwan University Veterinary hospital for repeated self-mutilation of the cloacal region. After correction of husbandry deficiencies and medical management of the lesion, the condition improved but a pericloacal mass was found. Surgical removal of the mass resolved the self-mutilation, and a dorsal paracloacal gland carcinoma was diagnosed on histopathological examination. Straining to defecate and a pericloacal mass could indicate neoplasia in sugar gliders. A tumor should be differentiated from chronic inflammation, infection, paracloacal gland impaction, and hyperplasia. Surgical removal is recommended as a treatment for paracloacal gland carcinoma in sugar gliders. Further monitoring is suggested after surgical removal of the tumor.

SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS AND SJÖGREN-LIKE SYNDROME IN A POODLE

An eight-year-old neutered female miniature poodle was presented at National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital with the history of intermittent fever, papules, discoid rash, low appetite and activity and having been treated at local veterinary hospitals for about two months. The laboratory data showed non-regenerative anemia, leukopenia, elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase and asparatate aminotransferase activity, low total T4 concentration and proteinuria. Xerophthalmia and xerostomia were also noted. Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test revealed positive ANA at a titer of 256. The tentative diagnosis was systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) accompanied with Sjögren-like syndrome. After prednisolone and azathioprine administration, clinical signs and clinic pathologic abnormalities were improved gradually, and then prednisolone was tapered to reduce the side effects of steroid. Conclusively, this poodle was diagnosed as SLE and Sjögren-like syndrome.

CAUSES OF CANINE ANEMIA IN TAIWAN: A FIVE-YEAR RETROSPECTIVE SURVEY

Anemia is a common hematologic disorder in dogs, however, few data are available regarding epidemiology and causes in Taiwan. To investigate the causes of anemia, 3174 anemic cases (hematocrit < 37%) collected between January 2008 and December 2012 at National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital (NTUVH) were analyzed. Most dogs (48.5%, n = 1540) presented with a mild form (30% ≤ hematocrit < 37%), which was followed by a moderate form (20% ≤ hematocrit < 30%; 36.4%, n = 1155), a severe form (13% ≤ hematocrit < 20%; 10.5%, n = 332) and a very severe form (hematocrit < 13%; 4.6%, n = 147). Among the 2037 dogs with identifiable causes, 70.4% (1435 dogs) were induced by single cause, whereas 29.6% (602 dogs) by multiple causes. Cancer-related anemia (CRA, n = 460), infectious pathogens-related anemia (n = 287), renal disease-related anemia (n = 251) and post-surgery/trauma-related anemia (n = 182) account for 32.1%, 20.0%, 17.6% and 12.7% of single-cause cases, respectively. Furthermore, 255 of the total (17.8.0%) presented with severe and very severe anemia. 72 dogs with very severe anemia primarily resulted from infectious disease-related anemia (59.7%), followed by immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (13.9%), and other disease-related anemia (9.7%). Of the 43 infectious disease-related very severe anemic dogs, the most commonly diagnosed pathogen was Babesia gibsoni (83.7%, n = 36), followed by Ehrlichia canis (11.6%, n = 5), Babesia canis (2.3%, n = 1) and Leptospira spp. (2.3%, n = 1). Taken together, cancer, infectious diseases, and renal failure are the most frequent causes of canine anemia in Taiwan, and B. gibsoni appeared to be the most important infectious pathogen causing very severe anemia.

CASE REPORT: LOW DOSE CYCLOSPORINE COMBINED KETOCONAZOLE CURES A DOG OF STERILE NODULAR PANNICULITIS

An eight-year-old neutered male Cocker Spaniel with multiple subcutaneous masses on the right flank was presented to National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital. The masses were excised and submitted for histopathologic evaluation and bacterial culture. A diagnosis of severe panniculitis was made and no microorganism was identified with bacterial culture. The patient did not respond well and showed significant side effects from prednisolone therapy. Later, low-dose cyclosporine was used instead and the lesions resolved. Complete remission was observed when ketoconazole was added in order to increase the blood concentration of cyclosporine in the patient. There were no adverse side effects noted during this combination therapy. The patient has remained free of the disease at the time this report was written. In conclusion, low-dose cyclosporine combined with ketoconazole therapy is safe and effective for treating sterile nodular panniculitis, when glucocorticoid does not provide an adequate clinical result.

INVESTIGATION OF 201 CASES OF CANINE KERATOCONJUNCTIVITIS SICCA IN TAIWAN

This is a retrospective study of data analyses from 201 cases with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) referred to the National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital, Taiwan. There were 23 breeds in the study, with three most affected breeds, namely Shih-Tzu, Maltese and American cocker spaniel, making up 59.2% of the cases. Among all cases, the mean age at onset of clinical signs was eight years and one month, with no statistical difference between females and males. Clinical signs consisted mainly of corneal pigmentation, mucopurulent discharge and corneal ulceration. In contrast, Shih-Tzu and Malteses showed higher incidence of corneal ulceration. Severe corneal pigmentation occurred in Shih-Tzu. There was no significant difference in mucopurulent discharge in all breeds. The results of this study revealed interbreed differences with respect to sex, age and risks of corneal pigmentation, and corneal ulceration that have not been detailed previously in a referral population in Taiwan.

Characteristics of Electroretinograms in Canine Eyes with Cataracts

Pre-operative electroretinographic (ERG) data from 203 dogs with cataracts at the National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital (NTUVH) were analyzed. Retinal function of the catatact dogs was examined by a RetinoGraphics ERG system with a white flash stimulus delivered to mydriatic canine eyes under general anesthesia. ERG was recorded by a contact-lens type of recording electrode referenced to a needle electrode inserted subcutaneously 3 cm posterior to the lateral can-thus. Abnormal ERG results with a wave amplitude less than 70 micorvolts were measured in 27% (109/402) of the eyes examined, including 9% (37/402) of eyes with absent responses and 18% (72/402) of eyes with decreased responses to light stimuli. Miniature schnauzer, Miniature poodle, Pomenarian, and Cocker spaniel showed significantly lower ERG b-wave amplitudes when compared to mix-breed dogs. There were no remarkable changes in the implicit time of ERG wave. There was a big difference in b-wave amplitudes between different age among dogs lost of retinal function, whereas there was no difference in gender among dogs lost of retinal function. In 73% of the dogs, ERG results were normal and cataract surgery was performed with good post-op visual prognosis achieved. As retinal diseases commonly affect dogs and the diseases greatly affect post-op visual outcome and success rate of surgery performed in cataract patients, ERG is an essential procedure before cataract surgery to select suitable candidates for surgical treatment of cataracts in animals.