Paralysis In Dogs Research Articles

The weather determines the number of cases of tick paralysis in dogs and cats in eastern Australia, caused by Ixodes holocyclus, the eastern paralysis tick.

We studied over 222,000 cases of emergency veterinary consultations in four regions along the eastern coast of Australia. We found that cases of tick paralysis (TP) caused by the eastern paralysis tick, Ixodes holocyclus, accounted for 7.5% of these cases: >16,000 cases. The season of TP and the number (prevalence) of TP cases varied among regions and over the years. Our study of the association between weather and (i) the start of the season of TP, and (ii) the number of TP cases revealed much about the intricate relationship between the weather and I. holocyclus. We studied the effect of the hypothetical availability of isoxazoline-containing tick-preventative medicines and found that an increase in the availability of these medicines had significantly contributed to the decrease in TP cases. We found that the weather in winter accounted for the time of the year the season of TP starts whereas the weather in summer accounted for the number of TP cases in the TP season. Last, through a study of the effects of shifts in the climate under four hypothetical scenarios (warmer/cooler and drier/wetter than average), we propose that the start of the season of TP depends on how soon the weather in winter becomes suitable for the activity (e.g. host-seeking) and the development of I. holocyclus nymphs, and that the number of TP cases during the TP season depends on how many engorged female ticks and their eggs survive during summer.

Clinical, pathological and genetic aspects of laryngeal paralysis in dogs

The review article discusses the main clinical signs of paralysis of the larynx and pathological changes associated with it and other neurological pathologies. These hereditary canine neuropathies form a group of degenerative diseases affecting motor and/or sensory and autonomic peripheral nerves and have similar symptoms.Axonal forms associated with generalized polyneuropathy and paralysis of the larynx have been described in several dog breeds: Dalmatians, Alaskan Malamutes, Rottweilers, Labrador Retrievers, Leonbergers, St. Bernards, Italian Spinols, Pyrenean Mountain Dogs, Podhale Sheepdogs, Cocker Spaniels, Great Danes, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Bouvier de Flandres, Siberian Huskies and Siberian Husky crosses. Candidate genes for association with the disease are considered: ARHGEF10, RAPGEF6, ADAMTS3, CNTNAP1, DCTN1. The age of onset of the disease can be different, the manifestation of signs of paralysis of the larynx occurs both in young dogs, and the geriatric form also occurs. The prognosis of the complex of paralysis of the larynxpolyneuropathy is from cautious to unfavorable. One case of euthanasia due to intractable regurgitation and aspiration pneumonia has been described. Some authors point to a possible association of the disease with white coat color. Two main types of inheritance of paralysis of the larynx in dogs have been established - autosomal recessive and X -linked recessive. In humans, the dominant type of inheritance of this anomaly is known. Early diagnosis will make it possible to identify the hereditary nature of paralysis of the larynx, reduce the incidence of severe forms of the disease with timely surgical correction of the cartilage of the larynx and symptomatic treatment, as well as the spread of carriers of mutant alleles in dog populations. This is relevant today in connection with the spread of this anomaly in many breeds.

Assessment of survey radiography as a method of diagnosing bilateral laryngeal paralysis in dogs.

The gold standard for diagnosis of laryngeal paralysis is laryngoscopy under light anesthesia. This prospective analytical cross-sectional study aimed to determine whether a radiographic assessment of the larynx could be used as a non-invasive screening tool for diagnosing laryngeal paralysis in non-sedated animals, as the laryngeal ventricles may appear wider in affected animals. The laryngeal ventricles of 18 dogs with bilateral laryngeal paralysis composing the affected group and 25 non-sedated dogs presenting no respiratory abnormality composing the control group were evaluated using right lateral radiography of the larynx. Three observers measured the ratios of the maximal ventricular length and surface to the body length of the third cervical vertebra (MVL/LC3 and VS/LC3, respectively). They also subjectively assessed the ventricular shape as either normal or rounded. The most accurate criterion was found to be MVL/LC3, as the respective areas under the ROC curves were 0.96 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.95-0.97), 0.89 (95% CI: 0.87-0.91), 0.80 (95% CI: 0.65-0.95) for MVL/LC3, VS/LC3, and ventricular shape evaluation, respectively. Based on ROC curve analysis, two thresholds of clinical interest were set for the MVL/LC3; bilateral laryngeal paralysis was very unlikely for values<0.3 and very likely for values>0.5. The findings of this study support the use of lateral laryngeal radiography as a screening tool for diagnosing bilateral laryngeal paralysis. However, further diagnostic tests remain required if MVL/LC3 lies between these threshold values or if clinically indicated. Further studies are warranted to explore the use of laryngeal radiography in unilateral paralysis and other laryngeal or oropharyngeal diseases.

Two seasons of tick paralysis in Victoria yet one season in Queensland and New South Wales, Australia

We studied 22,840 cases of tick paralysis in dogs and cats that were attributable to infestation with the eastern paralysis tick, Ixodes holocyclus. We report that the mortality rates from the holocyclotoxins of the tick or from euthanasia due to complications arising from tick paralysis in dogs and cats were 10% and 8%, respectively. The distribution of cases of tick paralysis among the 52 weeks of 22 years (1999 to 2020, inclusive) in four regions along the eastern coast of Australia revealed much about how the life-cycle of this tick varied among regions. The four regions in our study were: (i) Cairns, Innisfail, and surrounding postcodes in Far North Queensland; (ii) South East Queensland; (iii) Northern Beaches of Sydney in New South Wales; and (iv) the Shire of East Gippsland in Victoria. We found that the season of tick paralysis started earlier in more northerly latitudes than in more southerly latitudes. We also found that Victoria has two seasons of tick paralysis, one from approximately the third week of February to the first week of May, and another from approximately the third week of September to the third week of December, whereas all of the other regions we studied in eastern Australia only had one season of tick paralysis. When we studied the two seasons of tick paralysis in Victoria, we found a statistically significant negative correlation between the number of cases of tick paralysis between the two seasons: the more cases in one season, the fewer the cases in the next season. One possible explanation for the negative correlation may be immunity to I. holocyclus acquired by dogs and cats in the first season.

Laryngeal silicone stent as a treatment option for laryngeal paralysis in dogs: a preliminary study of 6 cases.

BackgroundLaryngeal paralysis is a common idiopathic degenerative neurological disease in older medium-to-large breed dogs, with surgical correction of the obstruction being the treatment of choice.ObjectivesThis study evaluated the use of laryngeal silicone stents to treat canine laryngeal paralysis in dogs where classic surgical treatment was not accepted by the owners.MethodsDogs diagnosed with laryngeal paralysis, for which the owners refused arytenoid lateralization surgery as a first-line treatment, were treated with laryngeal silicone stents.ResultsSix dogs with bilateral laryngeal paralysis were included in the study. All dogs showed improvement in clinical signs immediately after the procedure. No clinical signs or radiographic changes were noted in four out of six dogs in the follow-up visit performed 1 wk later. One dog was suspected of aspirating water while drinking, but the signs disappeared after repositioning the stent. Another dog had a relapse of stridor due to caudal migration of the stent. This dog underwent arytenoid lateralization surgery because larger stents are not commercially available. At the time of writing, between seven and 13 mon after stent placement, no significant incidents have occurred in four dogs, and all owners report a satisfactory quality of life.ConclusionsLaryngeal silicone stenting is an interesting alternative for treating dogs with acquired laryngeal paralysis when the owners refuse classic arytenoid lateralization surgery. Furthermore, stent placement can be a temporary solution to stabilize these dogs until a permanent surgical treatment can be performed.

Treatment of Chronic Spinal Cord Injury in Dogs Using Amniotic Membrane-Derived Stem Cells: Preliminary Results.

IntroductionIntervertebral disc diseases (IVDD) represent the majority of neurological attendance and responsible for the most cases of paralysis in dogs. Treatments currently used do not show satisfactory results in patients with more severe and chronic neurological manifestations.MethodsTo promote nerve and muscular recovery, as well as improve quality of life, we aimed to create a double-blind test method, associating spinal decompression surgery and allogeneic transplantation of amniotic membrane-derived stem cells (AMSCs) in dogs with chronic IVDD. Cells were characterized as fetal mesenchymal cells and safe for application. Eight animals completed the experiment: stem cell applications were made in four animals that had previously undergone an unsuccessful surgical procedure (“SC group”, n = 4); two animals were submitted to surgery, followed by applications of stem cells (“Surgery + SC”, n = 2); two other animals were submitted to surgery, followed by the application of saline solution (“Surgery + placebo”, n = 2). During the surgical procedure, a topical application was performed on the lesion and after fifteen and forty-five days another two applications were made via epidural. Animals were monitored biweekly and reassessed three months after surgery, by functional tests and magnetic resonance exams.ResultsSome animals presented significant neurological improvement, such as the recovery of nociception and ability to remain on station. Despite the need further studies, until the present moment, cell therapy has been feasible and has no harmful effects on animals.ConclusionThe protocol of preclinical trial showed the association with decompressive surgery and cell transplantation in dogs with thoracolumbar IVDD proved feasible, and it was possible to observe neurological improvement after treatment. No tissue improvement through MRI was found. The double-blind test guaranteed reliability of the evaluations and results obtained that, even with a small sample size, generated satisfactory results for the animals and owners.

Prognostic Factors in Canine Acute Intervertebral Disc Disease.

Knowledge of the prognosis of acute spinal cord injury is critical to provide appropriate information for clients and make the best treatment choices. Acute intervertebral disc extrusions (IVDE) are a common cause of pain and paralysis in dogs with several types of IVDE occurring. Important prognostic considerations are recovery of ambulation, return of urinary and fecal continence, resolution of pain and, on the negative side, development of progressive myelomalacia. Initial injury severity affects prognosis as does type of IVDE, particularly when considering recovery of continence. Overall, loss of deep pain perception signals a worse outcome. When considering Hansen type 1 IVDE, the prognosis is altered by the choice of surgical vs. medical therapy. Concentration of structural proteins in the plasma, as well as inflammatory mediators, creatine kinase, and myelin basic protein in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can provide additional prognostic information. Finally, cross-sectional area and length of T2 hyperintensity and loss of HASTE signal on MRI have been associated with outcome. Future developments in plasma and imaging biomarkers will assist in accurate prognostication and optimization of patient management.

Efficacy of combination products containing sarolaner, moxidectin and pyrantel (Simparica Trio\u2122) or afoxolaner and milbemycin (NexGard Spectra\xae) against induced infestations of Ixodes holocyclus in dogs

BackgroundThe Australian paralysis tick, Ixodes holocyclus, causes tick paralysis in dogs and cats in the eastern coastal regions of Australia. Prevention is the best option to protect dogs against this potentially fatal disease and sarolaner provides rapid and sustained efficacy against I. holocyclus. In this laboratory study, the efficacy of two combination endectocides containing sarolaner + moxidectin + pyrantel (Simparica Trio™) and afoxolaner + milbemycin (NexGard Spectra®) was evaluated against an artificial infestation of I. holocyclus.MethodsTwenty-four (n =24) foxhounds were randomly allocated to three treatment groups and artificially infested with 30 adult female viable ticks on Days − 1, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35. On Day 0, dogs in each treatment group were treated with either Drontal® (control group), Simparica Trio™ at the label dose to provide minimum doses of sarolaner (1.2 mg/kg), moxidectin (24 µg/kg) and pyrantel (5 mg/kg) or NexGard Spectra® to provide minimum doses of afoxolaner (2.5 mg/kg) and milbemycin (0.5 mg/kg). Live tick counts were performed at 48 and 72 hours after treatment and after each re-infestation on Days 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35. Efficacy was determined at each time point relative to counts for control dogs based on geometric means.ResultsAgainst an existing infestation, efficacy of both Simparica Trio™ and NexGard Spectra® was 99.6% and 100% at 48 and 72 h time points, respectively (P = 1.000). Against subsequent weekly infestations, treatment with Simparica Trio™ and NexGard Spectra® resulted in efficacy of ≥ 97.7% and ≥ 95.5% (P ≥ 0.0911), respectively at the 48 h time point and at the 72 h time point, Simparica Trio™ and NexGard Spectra® resulted in efficacy of ≥ 99.0% and ≥ 98.4% (P ≥ 0.0511), respectively. There were no treatment-related adverse events in the study.ConclusionsSingle doses of Simparica Trio™ and NexGard Spectra® were highly efficacious and provided comparable efficacy against the Australian paralysis tick, I. holocyclus for up to 35 days.

Intervertebral disc disease and aortic thromboembolism are the most common causes of acute paralysis in dogs and cats presenting to an emergency clinic

BackgroundAcute paralysis is a common presentation in small animal emergency clinics, but the aetiological prevalence has not been reported. Knowledge of diagnosis frequency aids prioritisation of differential diagnoses, facilitates resource...

"The Role of Intestinal Microbiote in Neuromuscular Diseases in Paralized Dogs"

In order to be able to move, animals like man need the nervous and muscular system to function optimally. The brain, spine, nerves and muscles must work together. If there is a disturbance, the messages will not reach the destination and the animal will not be able to move. Depending on the location and extent of the neurological lesions, the dog may paralyze in whole or in part. Post-traumatic paralysis is a complex condition that requires proper treatment and thorough investigations to establish an accurate diagnosis. There are several conditions that can cause paralysis in the dog. The interaction between the health of the microbiome and that of the brain as well as the way it communicates immune and neuronal cells has been studied. Intestinal cells affect the cells of the central nervous system in the brain. The intestinal-brain axis may influence different neurological disorders and it is possible that dysbiosis in the intestinal tract may lead to disturbance of the transmission of nerve controls on the neuromuscular plate. By-products of microorganisms in the intestine, which appear as a result of tryptophan processing in the diet, can limit the level of inflammation in the brain by the influence they have on microglial cells. The current research focuses on the influence that the gut microbiota has on microglial cells and astrocytes that play an important role in the health of the central nervous system. To reach these observations, the authors examined how intestinal microbiota and diet influence amelioration of paralysis in dogs. In conclusion, the link between the health of the microbiome and the health of the brain, shows how the microorganisms in the intestine influence the evolution of paralysis.

Laryngeal stent for acute and chronic respiratory distress in seven dogs with laryngeal paralysis

Background:Laryngeal paralysis, failure of arytenoid cartilage, and vocal fold abduction are commonly seen in older medium to large breed dogs. Observation of laryngeal function in dogs and cats is performed by transoral visualization. There are a variety of surgical techniques; aspiration pneumonia is the most common complication associated with surgical correction of laryngeal paralysis. The aim of this case series is to report on the placement of a laryngeal silicone stent in seven dogs with laryngeal paralysis and its use as an alternative treatment of respiratory distress caused by laryngeal paralysis and/or its use for laryngeal stenosis as complication of laryngeal paralysis surgery.Case description:Seven dogs presented with either episode of gagging, mild-to-severe inspiratory distress, or cyanosis because of a laryngeal paralysis or laryngeal stenosis. In each case, the laryngeal paralysis was diagnosed by direct laryngoscopy. They were treated with a silicone laryngeal stent (Stening®) that substantially improved the clinical signs. Each dog had a different outcome because of other pathologies; however, the laryngeal pathology was successfully treated with the stent.Conclusion:The placement of the laryngeal stent is an easy technique to learn and practice, it could avoid the life-threatening complications of the laryngeal paralysis at the acute phase, and it could be a noninvasive and long-term alternative therapy for laryngeal paralysis in dogs. The results in these clinical cases are encouraging for considering the laryngeal stent as a therapeutic alternative.

Incidence, cause, outcome and possible risk factors associated with facial nerve paralysis in dogs in a Sydney population (2001-2016): a retrospective study.

This study aims to assess the incidence and causes of facial nerve paralysis (FNP) in dogs in the Sydney region. Its outcome and possible risk factors are investigated to prognosticate and aid design of diagnostic and treatment plans. Retrospective case study. Client-owned dogs presented to the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Sydney (UVTHS), between 2001 and 2016 with FNP were included (n = 122). The incidence of each cause of FNP was investigated. A reference population of noncases seen at the UVTHS during the same time period was used to study the association between idiopathic facial nerve paralysis (IFNP) and gender, age and breed. IFNP (29.5%) was the most common diagnosis. Male dogs (odds ratio [OR], 2.3) had increased odds of IFNP compared with female dogs. Age was a significant risk factor for both the occurrence of FNP and IFNP. There was higher occurrence of IFNP among middle-aged dogs (5-13 years) and reduced risk in juvenile dogs (less than 2 years). Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were over-represented for FNP (OR, 6.9) and IFNP (OR, 17.5). For IFNP, 6 of 16 dogs with known follow-up showed definitive resolution within 3 years of diagnosis. Concurrent vestibular signs were common in dogs with middle/inner ear abnormality and intracranial disease; and were also seen in 50% of dogs with IFNP. The results of this study demonstrate statistical predilections in age, gender and breed for IFNP. Guarded prognosis for recovery should be given to dogs diagnosed with IFNP and supportive management instigated.

Tick paralysis in dogs and cats in Australia: treatment and prevention deliverables from 100 years of research.

This review of tick paralysis caused by Ixodes holocyclus in Australia addresses the question: What are the key discoveries that have enabled effective treatment and prevention of tick paralysis in dogs and cats? Critical examination of 100 years of literature reveals that arguably only three achievements have advanced treatment and prevention of tick paralysis in animals. First, the most significant treatment advance was the commercial availability of tick antiserum in the 1930s. Hyperimmune serum currently remains the only specific anti-paralysis tick therapy available to veterinarians in Australia. Second, advances in veterinary critical care have increased survival rates of the most severely affected dogs and cats. Critical care advancements have been enabled through specialised veterinary hospitals that can provide appropriate care 24 h a day, and advanced training of veterinarians, veterinary nurses and technicians. Third, perhaps that biggest advance of all in the last 100 years of research has been the commercial availability of the isooxazoline class of acaricidal preventatives in Australia specifically for I. holocyclus. This highly effective class of preventatives offers long duration of action, low cost, spot-on or oral formulations and a low rate of adverse reactions. Animal owners and veterinarians now have the most useful tool of all - a reliable preventative. This review reveals the key events in research over the last 100 years and the tortuous pathway to delivering better treatment and preventative options for this enigmatic Australian parasite.

Survey of cases of tick-paralysis and the presence of the eastern paralysis tick, Ixodes holocyclus, and the southern paralysis tick, Ixodes cornuatus, in the Greater Melbourne Area.

The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that the paralysis ticks, Ixodes holocyclus and Ixodes cornuatus, are epizootic and/or enzootic in the Greater Melbourne Area (GMA). We examined the ticks in the museum collections of Australia, wrote to, phoned and visited veterinarians and other colleagues in the GMA to gather information about the cases of tick paralysis and to request the ticks for identification. We present evidence of I. holocyclus at 24 postcodes and I. cornuatus at 28 postcodes in the GMA. We found evidence that I. holocyclus is epizootic at four postcodes in the GMA: at East Melbourne, Williamstown, Moonee Ponds and Hoppers Crossing. We did not find evidence that I. holocyclus is enzootic in the GMA. I. cornuatus is apparently enzootic in the GMA at Bullengarook, Kinglake, Chum Creek and Healesville. Our hypothesis is that I. cornuatus is also enzootic at Mt Macedon, Gisborne and at other bushy postcodes in the GMA. Since this tick is apparently enzootic in the GMA, it may also be epizootic at postcodes adjacent to busy postcodes such as Bullengarook, Kinglake, Chum Creek and Healesville. The concept of hitch-hiker larvae, nymphs and adult female ticks may explain many of the cases of tick paralysis due to I. holocyclus in the GMA. The accurate assessment of the risk of tick paralysis in dogs and cats in the GMA requires a more detailed map of the distribution of I. holocyclus and I. cornuatus in Victoria.

A RAPGEF6 variant constitutes a major risk factor for laryngeal paralysis in dogs.

Laryngeal paralysis (LP) is the inability to abduct the arytenoid cartilages during inspiration, resulting in a partial to complete airway obstruction and consequent respiratory distress. Different forms of LP with varying age of onset exist in dogs. Hereditary early onset forms were reported in several dog breeds. In most breeds, hereditary LP is associated with other neurologic pathologies. Using a genome-wide association study and haplotype analyses, we mapped a major genetic risk factor for an early onset LP in Miniature Bull Terriers to a ~1.3 Mb interval on chromosome 11. Whole genome sequencing of an affected Miniature Bull Terrier and comparison to 598 control genomes revealed a 36 bp insertion into exon 15 of the RAPGEF6 gene (c.1793_1794ins36). The imperfect genotype-phenotype correlation suggested a complex mode of inheritance with a major genetic risk factor involving a recessive risk allele. Homozygosity for the insertion was associated with a 10- to 17-fold increased risk for LP. The insertion allele was only found in Miniature Bull Terriers and Bull Terriers. It was absent from >1000 control dogs of other dog breeds. The insertion sequence contains a splice acceptor motif leading to aberrant splicing in transcripts originating from the mutant allele (r.1732_1780del). This leads to a frameshift and a premature stop codon, p.(Ile587ProfsTer5), removing 64% of the open reading frame. Our results suggest an important role of RAPGEF6 in laryngeal nerve function and provide new clues to its physiological significance.

Effects of chemical and mechanical stimulation on laryngeal motion during alfaxalone, thiopentone or propofol anaesthesia in healthy dogs

ObjectiveTo compare the effect of chemical and mechanical stimulation on arytenoid cartilage motion during anaesthetic induction with alfaxalone, thiopentone or propofol. Study designMasked, randomized, crossover study. AnimalsA group of eight adult Beagle dogs. MethodsAnaesthesia was induced with thiopentone (7.5 mg kg–1), propofol (3 mg kg–1) or alfaxalone (1.5 mg kg–1) intravenously (IV), which were concurrently paired with either chemical (doxapram at 2.5 mg kg–1 IV) or mechanical (gentle pressure to the corniculate process of the right arytenoid cartilage using a cotton bud) stimulation for enhanced assessment of laryngeal motion, in random order, with a 1 week wash-out period between treatments. If deemed inadequately anaesthetized, supplemental boli of thiopentone (1.8 mg kg–1), propofol (0.75 mg kg–1) or alfaxalone (0.4 mg kg–1) were administered. Assessment of number of arytenoid motions and vital breaths, among others, was initiated immediately after induction. Chemical (doxapram) and mechanical stimulation were begun 2 minutes after anaesthetic induction. Data were collected at 2, 3 and 5 minutes after anaesthetic induction and the Friedman rank-sum or repeated-measures analysis of variance tests were used when applicable for statistical analysis. ResultsThe duration of examination time was shorter among treatments combined with chemical stimulation (p=0.001). Examination time during induction was longer for alfaxalone-chemical (8.9 minutes) and -mechanical (10.9 minutes) compared to both induction with thiopentone-chemical (3.8 minutes) and propofol-chemical (4.0 minutes). The median number of arytenoid motions for both thiopentone (67) and propofol (59) induction combined with chemical stimulation was significantly higher in comparison to that of alfaxalone (1), thiopentone (2) and propofol (2), when combined with mechanical stimulation at 3 minutes after induction. Conclusion and clinical relevanceAmong the regimens for assessing laryngeal motion assessed in the present study, combinations of thiopentone or propofol with doxapram are the most effective means of stimulating arytenoid motion and could improve the accuracy of diagnosis of laryngeal paralysis in dogs.

Laboratory evaluations of the 3-month efficacy of oral lotilaner (Credelio\u2122) against experimental infestations of dogs with the Australian paralysis tick, Ixodes holocyclus

BackgroundFrom three days following host attachment, the Australian paralysis tick, Ixodes holocyclus, secretes a neurotoxin that annually causes paralysis in approximately 10,000 domestic pets. Lotilaner, a novel isoxazoline formulated in a chewable flavoured tablet (CredelioTM), produces rapid onset of acaricidal activity in dogs, with an efficacy duration of at least one month. Two studies were performed to determine the efficacy of lotilaner against I. holocyclus infestations over 3 months.MethodsBoth studies included 16 dogs, ranked according to I. holocyclus counts on Day -5 (from infestations on Day -8) and blocked into pairs. One dog in each pair was randomized to be a sham-treated control, the other to receive lotilaner at a minimum dose rate of 20 mg/kg on Day 0. Dogs were dosed in a fed state. Infestations were performed in both studies on Days -8 (to determine the tick carrying capacity of each dog) -1, 28, 56, 70, 77 and 84, and additionally in Study 1 on Day 91, in Study 2 on Days 14 and 42. In Study 1, ticks were counted and assessed as alive or dead at 24, 48 and 72 h post-initial infestation and post-subsequent re-infestations. In study 2, ticks were counted at 24, 48 and 72 h post-dosing or post-re-infestation. Efficacy was determined by the percent reduction in live attached tick counts in the lotilaner group compared to control.ResultsWithin 48 h post-treatment in Study 1 and within 72 h post-treatment in Study 2 all lotilaner-group dogs were free of live ticks. By 72 h post-infestation, efficacy in Study 1 remained at 100% through Day 87, except on Day 31 when a single tick was found on one dog, and through Day 59 in Study 2. Efficacy exceeded 95% through the final assessment in each study (Days 94 and 87 in Studies 1 and 2, respectively).ConclusionThese results demonstrate that lotilaner quickly kills existing I. holocyclus infestations. By providing 95.3–100.0% protection through at least 87 days post-treatment, lotilaner can be a valuable tool in reducing the risk of tick paralysis in dogs.

Genome Wide Identification of Mutational Hotspots in the Apicomplexan Parasite Neospora caninum and the Implications for Virulence.

Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan parasite responsible for neosporosis, a disease causing hind limb paralysis in dogs and abortion in cattle, resulting in substantial economic losses to beef and dairy industries. Marked differences in pathogenicity exist between N. caninum strains suggesting that intrinsic genetic differences exist between them. These differences likely exist in genes expressed during the tachyzoite lifecycle stage which is responsible for the pathogenesis of neosporosis. An improved understanding of these genetic differences is essential to understanding N. caninum virulence, though such knowledge is scarce. Using a variant detection workflow we compared the tachyzoite transcriptomes of two N. caninum strains with different virulence properties: NC-Liverpool (virulent) and NC-Nowra (avirulent). This workflow identified 3130 SNPs and 6123 indels between the strains, and nine markers capturing 30 variants were Sanger sequenced for both strains. Sequencing of these loci was extended to an additional eight strains and subsequent phylogenetic analysis supported a genetic population structure comprised of two major clades with no geographical segregation. Sequence polymorphisms within coding regions of tachyzoite-associated genes were concentrated on chromosomes XI and XII, with 19 distinct tachyzoite-associated SNP hotspot regions identified within coding regions of the N. caninum nuclear genome. The variants were predominantly located in loci associated with protein binding, protein–protein interactions, transcription, and translation. Furthermore, 468 nonsynonymous SNPs identified within protein-coding genes were associated with protein kinase activity, protein binding, protein phosphorylation, and proteolysis. This work may implicate these processes and the specific proteins involved as novel effectors of N. caninum tachyzoite virulence.

The effectiveness of turmeric use in the therapy of chronic inflammation associated with paresis and paralysis in dogs

The effectiveness of turmeric use in the therapy of chronic inflammation associated with paresis and paralysis in dogs

Laryngeal mask airway and transient hypercapnic hyperpnea for video-endoscopic assessment of unilateral laryngeal paralysis in dogs.

To evaluate the ability to assess laryngeal function and to diagnose unilateral laryngeal paralysis (uLP) via airway endoscopy and carbon dioxide (CO2 ) stimulation. Experimental study. Six healthy, adult beagles. Dogs were anesthetized with sevoflurane and dexmedetomidine. Laryngeal activity was observed via endoscopy placed through a laryngeal mask airway (LMA). The absolute and normalized glottic gap areas (AGGA and NGGA, respectively) and the glottic length (GL) were measured at inspiration and before and after surgically induced uLP. Measurements were obtained at eupnea and during hypercapnic hyperpnea produced by the administration of CO2 . Values for each hemilarynx were also measured. Video recordings were observed by 2 surgeons who scored function as normal or uLP. The AGGA and NGGA increased similarly during CO2 administration in intact dogs and in dogs with uLP; the GL increased in dogs with uLP but not in intact dogs. The AGGA and NGGA of the intact hemilarynx increased more than those of the affected hemilarynx in dogs with uLP. uLP was correctly identified more frequently by observers at hypercapnic hyperpnea than during eupnea. The increase in AGGA and NGGA at peak inspiration during CO2 administration was not limited by uLP, but asymmetry in hemilarynx AGGA and NGGA was observed in dogs with uLP. CO2 administration facilitated the identification of uLP. Laryngeal endoscopy through an LMA coupled with administration of CO2 in anesthetized dogs facilitates the observation of arytenoid function and may improve the diagnosis of naturally occurring mild laryngeal paralysis.