Dog Stomach Research Articles

Volumetric evaluation of the stomach capacity in stillbirths dogs

Neonatology remains a challenge for veterinarians due to the scarcity of information (including morphological data) on canine neonates. Misinformation on the topic is one of the causes of the high rate of fetal and neonatal mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the volumetric capacity of the stomach in stillbirths dogs. A total of 39 stillbirths were examined. The animals were classified into three groups according to their weight (I small size, II medium size and III large size). The stomach was removed from the abdominal cavity and the volumetric capacity of the stomach was measured by administering milk with a syringe until it was completely filled. In group I, the average weight of stillborns was 136.22±39.04 g; in group II 243.24±32.6 g and in group III 333±17.4 g. The mean volumetric capacity of the stomachs of animals in group I was 3.52±1.79 ml; from group II 6.6±2.88 ml and from group III 7±1.91 ml. It was observed that the volumetric capacity of the stomachs of newborn dogs increases with the size of the animal. This information makes it possible to provide adequate nutrition to patients unable to ingest maternal milk.

Prevalence and diagnostic methods of surgical pathology in the digestive system of animals

The relevance of the study is driven by the rapid increase in the number of small domestic animals with surgical pathology of the digestive system, requiring effective diagnosis and surgical intervention. In this regard, the purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of various diseases of the digestive organs in small domestic animals and to determine the most informative methods of their diagnosis. The primary approach in the study is to compare the informativeness of results obtained from examining sick animals, including general (history collection, examination, palpation) and special (ultrasound diagnostics of abdominal organs, endoscopy of the digestive tract, radiography) diagnostic methods. The advantages and disadvantages of different special diagnostic methods were identified and analysed, providing a comprehensive assessment of indications and contraindications for their application in clinical veterinary practice. Out of 1863 animals that presented to the veterinary clinic, pathologies of the digestive tract of various origins were diagnosed in 957 animals. Conservative care was provided to 79.7% of the affected animals (763 individuals). Complicated pathologies requiring surgical treatment were diagnosed in 194 (20.3%) animals. Among these, 170 (17.7%) had foreign bodies in the stomach, 14 (1.5%) had gastric erosions, 4 (0.4%) had neoplasms, 3 (0.3%) had perforations, and 3 (0.3%) had inflammatory diseases. The use of ultrasound diagnostics allowed for the detection of linear foreign bodies in the stomach and the identification of associated complications such as stomach or intestinal perforations caused by foreign bodies. Radiographic examination proved effective when radiopaque structures (metals, stones, bones) were present as foreign bodies. The materials of the study provide practical value for both researchers and practising veterinarians, offering the opportunity to utilise new instrumental diagnostic methods to assess the feasibility of surgical manipulations on the stomach and intestines in dogs and cats

Citric acid cross-linking of a hydrogel from Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis M.) engenders a pH-responsive, superporous, and smart material for drug delivery.

The current research work is based on the evaluation of a citric acid (CA) cross-linked Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis M.) leaf hydrogel (CL-ALH) for pH-dependent and sustained drug release application. The CA was used in different concentrations (1.25, 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0%) to cross-link the ALH using homogenous reaction conditions. The synthesis of CL-ALH was confirmed through Fourier transform and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic studies. The thermal analysis indicated that the ALH and CL-ALH were stable and decomposed in two steps. The scanning electron microscopic images of CL-ALH confirmed its porous nature due to the presence of interconnected channeling. The swelling of CL-ALH was evaluated at pH 1.2, 6.8, and 7.4 as well as in deionized water (DW). High swelling of CL-ALH was observed in DW, and at pH 7.4 and 6.8 whereas, less swelling of CL-ALH was witnessed at pH 1.2. CL-ALH also exhibited swelling/deswelling behavior in DW and ethanol, DW and normal saline, and at pH 7.4 and 1.2. Tablets were prepared from CL-ALH as a release retarding agent demonstrating the sustained release of venlafaxine hydrochloride (VFX) for 8 h. Whereas, VFX was released within 4 h from the ALH-based tablet formulation (un-cross-linked material) indicating the prolonged and sustained release behavior of CL-ALH. The VFX was released from CL-ALH tablets and followed zero-order kinetics. The mechanism followed by VFX release from CL-ALH tablets was non-Fickian diffusion. The in vivo fate of the tablet formulation was observed through an X-ray study. The CL-ALH-based tablet safely passed through the stomach of a stray dog without any significant erosion and then disintegrated in the small intestine and colon. These findings confirmed that the CL-ALH is an effective excipient for designing a sustained-release drug delivery system for the small intestine and colon.

Presence of potentially novel Helicobacter pylori-like organisms in gastric samples from cats and dogs

While seven gastric non-Helicobacter pylori Helicobacter (NHPH) species are known to commonly colonize the stomach of cats and dogs, the potential of H. pylori and H. pylori-like organisms to infect animals remains controversial and was investigated in this study using gastric samples of 20 cats and 27 dogs. A Helicobacter genus-specific 16 S rRNA PCR assay, H. pylori-specific ureAB and glmM PCR assays and a nested PCR detecting 23 S rRNA in a Helicobacter genus-specific manner in a first round of PCR and a H. pylori-specific manner in a second round, were performed in combination with sequencing. Histopathological and anti-Helicobacter immunohistochemical evaluations were also performed. Based on 16 S rRNA sequence analysis, 39/47 animals (83%) appeared infected with canine/feline gastric NHPHs in the corpus and/or antrum. H. pylori-specific ureAB amplicons were obtained in samples of 22 stomachs (47%). One canine antrum sample positive in the ureAB assay was also positive in the H. pylori-specific glmM assay. While 36/47 (77%) animals had a positive sample in the first round of the nested 23 S rRNA PCR assay, all samples were negative in the second round. Sequence analysis of obtained amplicons and immunohistochemistry point towards the presence of unidentified H. pylori-like organisms in cats and dogs. Histopathological examination suggests a low pathogenic significance of the gastric Helicobacter spp. present in these animals. In conclusion, cats and dogs may be (co-)infected with gastric Helicobacter organisms other than the known gastric NHPHs. Culture and isolation should be performed to confirm this hypothesis.

Detection of Helicobacter species in humans and their dog

Helicobacter is a genus of Gram-negative bacteria that colonizes the stomach of humans and dogs, among other mammals. The most frequent species found in the gastric mucosa of man is H. pylori, however, there are other species of Helicobacter in the stomach of humans, such as H. suis, H. bizzozeronii, H. felis, H. salomonis and H. heilmannii sensu stricto, named non H. pylori Helicobacter (NHPH) some of which also colonize the dog's stomach. The detection of NHPH in the stomach mucosa of humans with gastric disease, and in a high percentage of dogs, suggests the possibility that these animals play an important role in the pathogenesis and transmission of infection to man, postulating the path of transmission oral-oral or fecal-oral. The aim of this study was to determine whether people with signs of chronic gastritis who have Helicobacter spp. and who own dogs as pets, share the same species with them. The presence of Helicobacter spp. in gastric samples of 30 people with clinical signs of chronic gastritis and histopathological diagnosis of gastric infection with Helicobacter spp. was analyzed by PCR. The presence of Helicobacter spp. was also studied in the dogs of these people. Then, the species of Helicobacter presented was determined in both. In human gastric samples, H. pylori was the only species found, while in dogs, samples were H. bizzozeronii, H. felis, H. salomonis and H. heilmannii. In this work the same species were not found in dogs and their owners.

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

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

An endoscopic and histopathological assessment and correlation of endoscopic score with clinical activity index (CIBDAI) in the diagnosis of canine idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in dogs is often characterized by a relapsing and remitting clinical course. Determination of inflammatory activity is important for assessing the disease extent, severity, and tailoring appropriate treatment. The study was conducted to record the macroscopic and microscopic changes associated with IBD to assess the usefulness of endoscopy in the diagnosis of the disease and to correlate the clinical activity index (CIBDAI) with endoscopic score. Thirty-three dogs with idiopathic IBD were selected after thorough examination and exclusion. Gastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy were performed to document the gross macroscopic intestinal lesions. Histopathology of endoscopic aided biopsy samples was used to confirm the disease. Mucosal erythema and increased friability were the most predominant endoscopic findings in the stomach, duodenum, and colon of IBD dogs. Lymphoplasmacytic infiltration was predominant in the mucosal samples on histopathology and diffuse form of IBD is more common in canines. Gastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy in combination with endoscopically guided biopsy and histopathology are of value in the assessment and diagnosis of IBD. There was no correlation between the clinical inflammatory bowel disease activity index (CIBDAI) with the endoscopic score. A diffuse form of IBD and colitis is more common in dogs in comparison to human IBD where the disease manifests in two distinct forms. Colonoscopy with ileal biopsy could act as a gold standard in the confirmation of diffuse IBD in dogs. CIBDAI can be used as a reliable measure of clinical signs of inflammation and histopathology can be used as a definitive diagnosis of intestinal inflammation.

Biochemical markers of connective tissue in the pathogenesis of gastroenteritis in dogs and cats

The aim: to analyze and establish the pathogenetic role of biochemical markers of the state of connective tissue in diseases of the stomach and intestines in dogs and cats.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The research was carried out by the method of analysis of sources of scientific literature (PubMed, Elsevier, electronic resources of the V. I. Vernadskyi National Library), because of which a scheme of the pathogenesis of gastroenteritis in dogs and cats with the participation of connective tissue biopolymers was created.&#x0D; Results. In dogs and cats, the issue of the use of biochemical markers for the diagnosis of diseases of the stomach and intestines has not yet been fully clarified. It is known, that in dogs and cats, lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis is histologically determined by fibrosis of the intestinal wall, but biochemical tests for the diagnosis of this condition are not given. Among the biochemical markers of inflammatory bowel disease, tumor necrosis factor, C-reactive protein and microalbumin were identified. Although C-reactive protein was elevated in a greater number of diseased animals, this increase was insignificant. Other tests also did not show high diagnostic informativeness. Several stages can be identified in the pathogenesis of alimentary gastroenteritis in dogs and cats. First, the irritating components of food act on the mucous membrane of the stomach and disrupt its secretory and motor functions, which causes gastritis. Thus, the use of indicators of the state of connective tissue in the diagnosis of intestinal diseases in dogs can be used to assess the degree of the inflammatory process.&#x0D; Conclusions. According to the results of the analysis, it was established, that the development of the inflammatory process in the stomach and intestines causes an increase in the content of glycoproteins in the blood serum of cats and dogs, and a decrease in synthetic processes in the liver is accompanied by a decrease in the concentration of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) in the blood serum of sick animals. It should be noted, that this decrease has peculiarities: in dogs, the content of total chondroitin sulfates remained at the level of clinically healthy animals, while the concentration of total GAG decreased. In cats, on the contrary, the content of total chondroitin sulfates decreased, and the fractional composition of GAG remained unchanged. The level of excretion of oxyproline and uronic acids in the urine of animals with gastroenteritis did not change, which indicates the absence of catabolism of collagen and proteoglycans with gastroenteritis

Pathomorphological changes of the stomach and intestinum crassum in the intestinal form of parvoviral enteritis in dogs

Based on the analysis of literature sources, monitoring results and our own research, it has been established that viral enteritis occupies a leading place in the infectious pathology of dogs and causes significant damage to animal owners. Viral enteritis, most commonly caused by parvovirus, causes severe gastrointestinal disorders and is one of the most common causes of infectious diarrhea in dogs under 6 months of age. Therefore, given the relevance of this issue, the result of our study is to clarify, supplement and summarize data on the pathomorphological features of the intestinal form of parvovirus infection in dogs. Diagnostic studies to confirm parvovirus enteritis were performed using VetExpert CPV Ag or CPV/CCV Ag rapid tests, as well as by ELISA and PCR. Dissection of dead animals was performed in the conventional sequence. For pathomorphological examination, samples were taken from the gastrointestinal tract, fixed in 10 % neutral formalin solution, followed by dehydration in alcohols of increasing concentration and the procedure of organ compaction according to the generally accepted method. Histological sections 6–10 μm thick were obtained using a microtome. The article presents the results of pathological changes in dogs with parvovirus enteritis, namely macroscopically under the serous membrane of the stomach revealed striped hemorrhages, duodeno-gastric reflux, manifested by gray-green color of the mucous membrane (bile accumulation). Histological methods have shown that the blood vessels of the submucosal base of the mucous membrane are clearly dilated, filled with blood. The mucous membrane is swollen, unevenly colored in all parts of the stomach. In the muscular membrane of the stomach wall, the vast majority of cells were in a state of granular dystrophy, and in some animals, necrotic changes in smooth muscle tissue were recorded. Histochemical studies revealed the development of microscopic changes that indicated hypersecretion of mucus (acidic proteins) in the stomach of sick dogs. No specific macroscopic changes in the colon were recorded. Microscopically, a small amount of cellular detritus with mucus fragments, goblet cell hyperplasia, and a reaction of epithelial cells that were in a state of granular, less often, hydropic dystrophy were recorded on the lumen of the colon on the mucosal surface.

Microanalysis of the stomach of southern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor): Histological, histochemical, immunohistochemical, and scanning electron microscopic studies.

This study was designed to provide more detailed knowledge on the stomach histochemistry and immunohistochemistry in the southern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor). Two animals were used in the present work. Periodic acid Schiff's (PAS) and Alcian blue were used for histochemical purposes. SOX9, gastrin, serotonin, and glucagon markers were traced immunohistochemically. The mucosa was extremely folded in the fundus with numerous opening of glands. The body and pylorus mucosa were almost smooth and equipped with gastric gland openings. A simple columnar epithelium covered the stomach entirely. Cardiac glands region was mucus secreting with both positive and negative reactions to PAS. Fundic mucosa was contained cardiac glands near to the cardia, and toward the body it was divided into the light and dark zones. These zones and body contained proper gastric gland, which constituted of parietal, chief, and mucous neck cells. These glands contained PAS-positive cells on their basal portions. The pyloric glands were mucus secreting but negative for PAS. All gastric glands were Alcian blue-negative, but epithelium showed moderate reaction especially in the pylorus. SOX and gastrin were express highly in the body and fundus. The expression of serotonin and glucagon was rare. Comparatively, some similarities between the stomach of hedgehog and dog can be assumed. The present findings provide additional information concerning the histochemical characteristics and endocrine cells distribution in the stomach of the southern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor). Further detailed studies are required to enhance the current knowledge on histophysiology of the digestive system in this species as a pet and exotic animal. HIGHLIGHTS: The stomach was simple glandular type. The fundus was divided into light and dark zones similar to the dog. The proper gastric glands were periodic acid Schiff's positive at their basal parts.

A randomized crossover study of compounded liquid sildenafil for treatment of generalized megaesophagus in dogs.

To determine whether delivery of compounded liquid sildenafil directly to the stomach of dogs with megaesophagus (ME) would affect esophageal clearance, regurgitation frequency, body weight, or quality of life. 10 client-owned otherwise healthy dogs with stable ME. A randomized crossover study was performed. Dogs received either sildenafil (1 mg/kg, PO, q 12 h) or a placebo for 14 days, followed by a 7-day washout period, then the opposite treatment for 14 days. Esophageal clearance time was assessed by means of videofluoroscopy prior to treatment and on day 1 of each treatment period. Owners maintained logs of regurgitation episodes and quality of life. Compounded liquid sildenafil moved into the stomach during 21 of 30 (70%) videofluoroscopy sessions. Sildenafil resulted in a significant reduction in the number of regurgitation episodes (median, 3.5 episodes/wk; range, 0 to 14.5 episodes/wk), compared with baseline (median, 6.5 episodes/wk; range, 1.5 to 19.5 episodes/wk) and the placebo (median, 4 episodes/wk; range, 0 to 28 episodes/wk), and a significant increase in body weight (median, 22.05 kg; range, 6 to 26.3 kg), compared with baseline (median, 21.55 kg; range, 5.1 to 26.2 kg) and the placebo (median, 22.9 kg; range, 5.8 to 25.9 kg). There were no differences in esophageal clearance times or quality-of life-scores between sildenafil and placebo. Although significant differences with placebo administration were identified, clinically relevant improvements were not seen with the use of compounded liquid sildenafil in dogs with ME.

Presence of Helicobacter Species in Gastric Mucosa of Human Patients and Outcome of Helicobacter Eradication Treatment.

The genus Helicobacter is composed of bacteria that colonize both the human and animal gastrointestinal tract. Helicobacter pylori infects half of the world’s population, causing various disorders, such as gastritis, duodenitis and gastric cancer. Additionally, non-Helicobacter pylori Helicobacter species (NHPH) are commonly found in the stomach of pigs, dogs and cats. Most of these species have zoonotic potential and prevalence rates of 0.2–6.0%, and have been described in human patients suffering from gastric disorders undergoing a gastric biopsy. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of Helicobacter spp. in the stomach of patients with gastric cancer (n = 17) and obese (n = 63) patients. Furthermore, the outcome of the Helicobacter eradication treatment and the current infection status was evaluated. Overall, based on the genus-specific PCR followed by sequencing, DNA from Helicobacter spp. was detected in 46.3% of the patients, including single infections with H. pylori in 43.8% of the patients and mixed infections with H. pylori and canine- or feline-associated H. felis in 2.5%. About 32.5% of the patients had been subjected to previous Helicobacter eradication therapy and the triple standard therapy was the most frequent scheme (42.3%). In 48.0% of the patients who received eradication treatment, bacteria were still detected, including one mixed infection. In 23.1% of the patients who reported that a subsequent test had been performed to confirm the elimination of the bacteria, Helicobacter were still detected. In conclusion, although in a smaller percentage, NHPH may also be present in the human stomach. Thus, specific NHPH screening should be included in the diagnostic routine. The continued presence of H. pylori in the stomach of patients recently subjected to eradication schemes raises questions about the efficacy of the current Helicobacter treatments.

Surgical management of intrathoracic wooden skewers migrating from the stomach and duodenum in dogs: 11 cases (2014–2020)

ObjectivesTo describe the clinical presentation, management and outcome of cases presenting with intrathoracic wooden skewers originating from the abdominal gastrointestinal tract.Materials and MethodsClinical records of dogs presented and treated for an intrathoracic wooden skewer were reviewed from June to August 2020. Data included signalment, clinical presentation, duration of clinical signs, haematological and biochemical abnormalities, diagnostic imaging findings, surgical procedure, postoperative complications and outcome.ResultsEleven dogs were included in the study. In all cases, the foreign body was identified as a wooden skewer. The most common clinical signs were anorexia/hyporexia (n=7), vomiting/regurgitation (n=7), lethargy (n=6), pyrexia (n=4) and gait abnormalities/lameness (n=3). CT correctly identified a wooden skewer in all cases when performed (n=7). A coeliotomy combined with transdiaphragmatic thoracotomy was performed in six of 11 cases (55%), a coeliotomy combined with median sternotomy in four of 11 cases (36%) and a median sternotomy alone was performed in one case. Foreign bodies penetrated from the stomach (n=10) or the duodenum (n=1). Intrathoracic trauma was most commonly identified to the lungs (n=3) and pericardium (n=3). Complications occurred in three of 11 cases (27%), two minor and one resulting in death. Ten of the 11 cases (91%) survived to discharge. Long‐term outcome was available for seven of 11 cases (66%), all of them excellent.Clinical SignificanceDespite the challenges of managing wooden skewers penetrating the thoracic cavity from the abdominal gastrointestinal tract, the majority of the patients are stable to undergo diagnostic procedures, surgical exploration and management with low morbidity and excellent short‐ and long‐term prognosis.

Motilin Comparative Study: Structure, Distribution, Receptors, and Gastrointestinal Motility.

Motilin, produced in endocrine cells in the mucosa of the upper intestine, is an important regulator of gastrointestinal (GI) motility and mediates the phase III of interdigestive migrating motor complex (MMC) in the stomach of humans, dogs and house musk shrews through the specific motilin receptor (MLN-R). Motilin-induced MMC contributes to the maintenance of normal GI functions and transmits a hunger signal from the stomach to the brain. Motilin has been identified in various mammals, but the physiological roles of motilin in regulating GI motility in these mammals are well not understood due to inconsistencies between studies conducted on different species using a range of experimental conditions. Motilin orthologs have been identified in non-mammalian vertebrates, and the sequence of avian motilin is relatively close to that of mammals, but reptile, amphibian and fish motilins show distinctive different sequences. The MLN-R has also been identified in mammals and non-mammalian vertebrates, and can be divided into two main groups: mammal/bird/reptile/amphibian clade and fish clade. Almost 50 years have passed since discovery of motilin, here we reviewed the structure, distribution, receptor and the GI motility regulatory function of motilin in vertebrates from fish to mammals.

Levantamento das alterações do trato gastrointestinal em cães submetidos a necropsia na Universidade Presidente Antônio Carlos, em Uberlândia-MG

O sistema digestório tem como função fazer a digestão e absorção de nutrientes de modo a fornecer energia para o crescimento e renovação celular. Esse sistema é constituído pelos seguintes segmentos: boca, faringe, esôfago, estômago, intestino delgado, intestino grosso e canal anal. Os cães estão expostos a vários agentes (bactérias, vírus, parasitos e corpos estranhos) que podem acarretar diversos distúrbios gastrointestinais e provocar alterações patológicas no trato gastrointestinal. Diante disso, o objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar as principais patologias encontradas no estômago e intestino de cães por meio do exame de necropsia. Para tanto, foram avaliadas 83 fichas de necropsias preenchidas entre fevereiro de 2014 e abril de 2016, provenientes das aulas práticas de Patologia Animal da Universidade Presidente Antônio Carlos (UNIPAC), de Uberlândia-MG. Durante o estudo, apuraram-se alterações gastrointestinais em 70 casos do total analisado. Ao final do levantamento, constataram-se como alterações mais frequentes: mucosa espessada e hiperêmica, presença de hemorragia, presença de muco e erosões na mucosa.

Special Issue No. – 10, June, 2020 Journal &gt; Special Issue &gt; Special Issue No. – 10, June, 2020 &gt; Page 5 “Quantative Methods in Modern Science” organized by Academic Paper Ltd, Russia MORPHOLOGICAL AND ANATOMICAL FEATURES OF THE GENUS GAGEA SALISB., GROWING IN THE EAST KAZAKHSTAN REGION Authors: Zhamal T. Igissinova,Almash A. Kitapbayeva,Anargul S. Sharipkhanova,Alexander L. Vorobyev,Svetlana F. Kolosova,Zhanat

Special Issue No. – 10, June, 2020 Journal &gt; Special Issue &gt; Special Issue No. – 10, June, 2020 &gt; Page 5 “Quantative Methods in Modern Science” organized by Academic Paper Ltd, Russia MORPHOLOGICAL AND ANATOMICAL FEATURES OF THE GENUS GAGEA SALISB., GROWING IN THE EAST KAZAKHSTAN REGION Authors: Zhamal T. Igissinova,Almash A. Kitapbayeva,Anargul S. Sharipkhanova,Alexander L. Vorobyev,Svetlana F. Kolosova,Zhanat

Evaluation of minimally invasive small intestinal exploration and targeted abdominal organ biopsy with use of a wound retraction device in dogs: 27 cases (2010-2017).

To describe surgical technique, biopsy sample quality, and short-term outcome of minimally invasive small intestinal exploration and targeted abdominal organ biopsy (MISIETB) with use of a wound retraction device (WRD) in dogs. 27 client-owned dogs that underwent MISIETB with a WRD at 1 of 4 academic veterinary hospitals between January 1, 2010, and May 1, 2017. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed, and data collected included signalment; medical history; findings from physical, ultrasonographic, laparoscopic, cytologic, and histologic evaluations; surgical indications, procedures, duration, and complications; and short-term (14-day) outcomes. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to evaluate the normality of continuous variables, and descriptive statistics were calculated for numeric variables. Laparoscopic exploration was performed through a multicannulated single port (n = 18), multiple ports (5), or a single 6-mm cannula (4). Median length of the incision for WRD placement was 4 cm (interquartile [25th to 75th percentile] range, 3 to 6 cm). All biopsy samples obtained had sufficient diagnostic quality. The 2 most common histologic diagnoses were lymphoplasmacytic enteritis (n = 14) and intestinal lymphoma (5). Twenty-five of 27 (93%) dogs survived to hospital discharge, and 3 (12%) dogs had postsurgical abnormalities unrelated to surgical technique. Results indicated that MISIETB with WRD was an effective method for obtaining diagnostic biopsy samples of the stomach, small intestine, pancreas, liver, and mesenteric lymph nodes in dogs. Prospective comparison between MISIETB with WRD and traditional laparotomy for abdominal organ biopsy in dogs is warranted.

Tissue-specific expression and circulating concentrations of nesfatin-1 in domestic animals

Nesfatin-1 is a naturally occurring 82–amino acid protein encoded in the precursor nucleobindin-2 (NUCB2) and has been implicated in multiple physiological functions, including food intake and blood glucose regulation. This study aimed to characterize nesfatin-1 in domestic species, especially cats (Felis catus), dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), and pigs (Sus scrofa). Our in silico analysis demonstrated that the NUCB2/nesfatin-1 amino acid sequence, especially the bioactive core region of the peptide, is very highly conserved (more than 90% identity) in domestic animals. Expression of mRNAs encoding NUCB2/nesfatin-1 was detected in the cat, dog, and pig stomach and pancreas. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of nesfatin-1 in the gastric mucosa of the stomach of dogs, cats, and pigs, and in the pancreatic islet β-cells of dogs and pigs. No nesfatin-1 immunoreactivity was found in the cat pancreas. Nesfatin-1 was detected in the serum of dog, cat, pig, bison, cow, horse, sheep, and chicken. Circulating nesfatin-1 in male and female dogs remained unchanged at 60 min after glucose administration, suggesting a lack of meal responsiveness in nesfatin-1 secretion in this species. The presence of nesfatin-1 in the gastric and endocrine pancreatic tissues suggests possible roles for this peptide in the metabolism of domestic animals. Future research should focus on elucidating the species-specific functions and mechanisms of action of nesfatin-1 in health and disease of domestic animals.

Immunohistochemical characterization of gastrointestinal macrophages/phagocytes in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and non-IBD dogs

Intestinal Mϕ play a pivotal role in the maintenance of gut homeostasis, but can also contribute to inflammation such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In contrast to human tissues, little is known about phenotypes of Mϕ in the canine gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, an immunohistochemical study was performed using Abs against Mϕ-associated molecules (Cluster of differentiation (CD)64, CD163, CD204, ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1, L1 Ag, and MHC II) on stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon from non-IBD dogs. In addition, marker-expression in the stomach, duodenum and colon of the non-IBD dogs was compared to that in dogs with IBD. Results revealed predominance of resident Mϕ displaying an anti-inflammatory phenotype represented by expression of CD163 as well as CD204 in the gut of non-IBD dogs with high Mϕ numbers especially present in the small intestinal villus area. Compared to non-IBD tissue counterparts, stomach, duodenum, and colon from dogs with IBD showed reduced Mϕ numbers with the exception of slightly increased numbers of CD64+ Mϕ. Correlation analyses between marker-expression of Mϕ and the Canine Inflammatory Bowel Disease Activity Index as well as histological scores failed to reveal relevant relationships. The present study provides evidence of the canine steady state gastrointestinal tract being dominated by Mϕ with anti-inflammatory properties maintaining gut homeostasis. A significant reduction in these resident Mϕ may reflect disturbances in homeostatic capacity that could contribute to the development of canine IBD. In contrast to human IBD and murine disease models, infiltration of pro-inflammatory Mϕ does not significantly contribute to the inflammatory process of canine IBD, which may illustrate possible species-specific differences in IBD pathogenesis.

Chitin digestibility is dependent on feeding behaviors, which determine acidic chitinase mRNA levels in mammalian and poultry stomachs

Chitin, a polymer of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc), functions as a major structural component in chitin-containing organism including crustaceans, insects and fungi. Recently, we reported that acidic chitinase (Chia) is highly expressed in mouse, chicken and pig stomach tissues and that it can digest chitin in the respective gastrointestinal tracts (GIT). In this study, we focus on major livestock and domestic animals and show that the levels of Chia mRNA in their stomach tissues are governed by the feeding behavior. Chia mRNA levels were significantly lower in the bovine (herbivores) and dog (carnivores) stomach than those in mouse, pig and chicken (omnivores). Consistent with the mRNA levels, Chia protein was very low in bovine stomach. In addition, the chitinolytic activity of E. coli-expressed bovine and dog Chia enzymes were moderately but significantly lower compared with those of the omnivorous Chia enzymes. Recombinant bovine and dog Chia enzymes can degrade chitin substrates under the artificial GIT conditions. Furthermore, genomes of some herbivorous animals such as rabbit and guinea pig do not contain functional Chia genes. These results indicate that feeding behavior affects Chia expression levels as well as chitinolytic activity of the enzyme, and determines chitin digestibility in the particular animals.