Symptomatic Dogs Research Articles

Electrocardiographic characterization of the p wave and determination of the mean atrial electrical axis in dogs with atrial remodeling

Due to potential alterations in atrial depolarization vectors in canine heart disease, the atrial electrical axis (AEA) may appear altered in patients with atrial remodeling (AR). The aim of this study was to analyze the AEA and P-wave duration in the electrocardiogram of three groups of dogs: healthy patients, cardiac patients without left AR, and cardiac patients with left AR. Of the 56 evaluated dogs, nine were healthy, 27 were cardiac patients without left AR, and 20 were cardiac patients with left AR. The classification of myxomatous mitral valve disease includes stage A, comprising dogs at high risk of developing the condition; stage B, which includes asymptomatic dogs subdivided into B1, with mitral valve regurgitation not yet causing cardiac remodeling, and B2, with sufficient mitral valve regurgitation to cause cardiac remodeling, where treatment is indicated even in the absence of clinical signs; stage C, covering symptomatic dogs; and stage D, including dogs refractory to treatment. Therefore, 27 dogs were in stage B1, two in B2, 15 in C, and three in D. The P-wave duration in the remodeling group (53 milliseconds (ms)) was higher (p=0.0088) than in the group without left AR (46 ms). The P-wave duration in healthy dogs did not differ from that of dogs with and without remodeling. The AEA in healthy animals (43.65±19.79º) was lower (p=0.0015) than in the groups with and without left AR (69.58±18.00º and 63.40±15.89º). Animals without remodeling did not differ from those with remodeling, and despite the difference found in healthy animals, the values were within the normal range for the species, and no cardiac dogs exhibited a deviation of the AEA. Stage D dogs had longer P-wave durations than healthy and stage B1 dogs and did not differ from stage B2 and C groups (p=0.0269). Healthy dogs did not differ from stage B2, C, or D dogs in recording the AEA, only being lower than the B1 dogs (p=0.0120). The AEA and P wave duration are parameters that should not be used to define left AR in dogs with heart disease.

Left atrial volume and function in Cavalier King Charles spaniels at different ACVIM stages

BackgroundThe correct assessment of left atrial size and function is essential to evaluate the severity of degenerative mitral valve disease in dogs. Hypothesis/objectivesEvaluate left atrial (LA) dimension and function in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS) at different ACVIM stages and the accuracy of linear and volumetric indexes to assess LA enlargement. AnimalsOne hundred and ninety-eight privately owned CKCS. MethodsMulticentric prospective observational cross-sectional study. Dogs underwent an echocardiographic exam for breed screening or cardiac examination. Linear and volumetric echocardiographic LA size and function indexes were compared between classes. ResultsDogs were allocated as follows: 43 in class ACVIM A, 58 ACVIM B1, 55 ACVIM B2, and 42 ACVIM C/D. Only LA anteroposterior diameter normalized on body weight (LADn) and LA maximal, minimal and P volumes (LAVmax, LAVmin, LAVP) differed across all pairwise comparisons. Active LA emptying fraction (aLAEF) was higher in class B1 compared to class A (P < .001), and then decreased in class C/D compared to class B2 (P < .001). This suggests an increase in the left atrial active component due to the Frank-Starling mechanism in ACVIM B1 dogs, and the presence of atrial dysfunction in symptomatic dogs. Conclusions and clinical importanceThe LADn and LAV are higher in CKCS in class ACVIM B1 compared to class ACVIM A, suggesting the presence of LA remodelling at the early stages of the disease. Atrial dysfunction is evident in symptomatic dogs.

Isolation of Virulent Leptospira Serogroup Australis Field Strains from Symptomatic Dogs for Canine Leptospiral Vaccine Development.

Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonosis caused by spirochaetes belonging to the pathogenic species of Leptospira, which are classified into more than 25 serogroups and 250 serovars. Vaccination can prevent the disease in dogs but offers incomplete efficacy because of a lack of cross-protection between serogroups. The aim of this study was to validate a robust recruitment and sampling process, with the objectives of isolating and typing circulating Leptospira pathogenic strains and then selecting those of proven virulence and pathogenicity for vaccine development. Blood and urine samples from dogs with clinical syndromes compatible with acute leptospirosis were sterilely collected and transported to a reference laboratory for a micro-agglutination test (MAT), PCR, and bacterial isolation. Isolated strains underwent molecular typing using RNA16S, variable-number tandem repeat (VNTR), and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Subtyping was performed using core genome multilocus sequence typing (CgMLST). Among 64 included dogs, 41 had MAT and/or PCR results compatible with Leptospira infection, and 14 Leptospira strains were isolated. Based on molecular typing, 11 isolates were classified as L. interrogans serogroup Australis, serovar Bratislava, and 3 as serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae, serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae. CgMLST subtyping revealed a diversity of clonal groups (CGs) distributed in several regional clusters. Besides validating a robust recruitment and sampling process, this study outlines the value of combining PCR and serological testing when suspecting leptospirosis and the usefulness of implementing molecular typing methods to identify circulating field strains. It also confirms the epidemiological importance of the Australis serogroup and allows for the collection of different highly pathogenic strains for vaccine development.

Production and Evaluation of an Inactivated Adjuvanted Vaccine against Canine Parvovirus in Morocco.

The study conducted in Morocco focused on addressing the challenges posed by canine parvovirus (CPV-2) through comprehensive research, vaccine development, and efficacy assessment. Through real-time PCR screening and genotyping, CPV-2 variants were identified circulating in the region. An inactivated vaccine, derived from a CPV-2 strain isolated from a symptomatic dog, was produced and evaluated for safety and efficacy. The vaccine, from the strain named "CaPV M/3-2022", demonstrated safety in vaccinated puppies, with no adverse reactions observed during the trial period. Efficacy trials showed that vaccinated puppies remained healthy and exhibited lower viral excretion post-challenge compared to unvaccinated controls. These results indicate that the vaccine effectively protects against illness related to CPV-2 and reduces viral shedding. The study provides valuable insights into CPV-2 epidemiology in Morocco, offers a promising vaccine solution, and underscores the importance of vaccination in controlling CPV-2 outbreaks and protecting canine health.

Bacteriological and Serological Investigation of Leptospirosis in Dogs and Pigs in Palau.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the pathogenic spirochaetes of the genus Leptospira. It is a public health concern in the Pacific Islands and is considered endemic in Palau. However, information on the genotypes and serotypes of causative Leptospira spp. in the country is limited. In this study, we isolated leptospires and detected antileptospiral antibodies in dogs and pigs. The isolates were characterized using a serological method and whole-genome sequencing. Leptospira interrogans was isolated from five of the 20 symptomatic dogs and one of the 58 healthy pigs. Their serogroups were identified as Icterohaemorrhagiae and Pyrogenes; however, the serogroup of one isolate could not be determined. Anti-Leptospira antibodies were detected in 14.4% (26/181) of the dogs and 20% (10/50) of the pigs. The reactive serogroups in dogs and pigs were almost identical, except for the Panama serogroup. Core genome multilocus sequence typing revealed that five of the six core genome sequence types (cgSTs) were newly identified in this study. The cgSTs from the serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae isolates belonged to the same group as the Copenhageni and Icterohaemorrhagiae serovars isolated in other countries, whereas no similar cgSTs were identified in the Pyrogenes or unidentified serogroup strains. We demonstrated a high incidence of canine and porcine leptospirosis and identified new L. interrogans genotypes (cgSTs) circulating in Palau. Further investigations are needed to determine whether dogs and pigs serve as maintenance hosts for newly identified L. interrogans genotypes and whether they pose a risk of leptospirosis transmission to humans.

Unveiling the molecular epidemiology of canine distemper virus in Namibia: An expected pathogen showing an unexpected origin

ObjectiveCanine distemper virus (CDV) is a highly infectious virus that represents a threat for domestic dogs and several wild species. Despite recognized in several African countries, current knowledge of its molecular epidemiology is scarce and poorly updated. DesignTwenty-two hemagglutinin sequences, obtained from symptomatic Namibian dogs from 2020 to 2023, were analysed through phylogenetic and phylodynamic analysis to characterize the local CDV epidemiology and contextualize it in the international scenario. ResultsTwo unrelated clades were identified, including strains sampled in different Namibian towns, in the absence of a strong geographical clustering. The ancestors of the two clades were estimated to have originated from South America, likely Brazil, and South Africa, approximately in 2000 and 2006, respectively. While the introduction from South Africa was predictable, the introduction from Brazil was unexpected. The mediation of other African countries, particularly Angola, appears to be the most likely importation pathway. ConclusionsThe occurrence of multiple introduction events, likely originating from cross-border illegal animal trade between African countries, and the absence of any geographical clustering within Namibian regions, suggest a need for further investigation into its spreading pattern, as well as improved biosecurity measures to limit foreign viral introduction into the country.

Asymptomatic colonization of stray dogs and domestic cats with Trichophyton mentagrophytes II in Northern Iran

BackgroundDespite changes in the epidemiology of dermatophyte infections, the incidence of fungal infections associated with Trichophyton species still remains high among dogs and cats. The objective of the present study was to isolate and characterize dermatophytes from dogs and cats in Iran. Method:From December 2022 to May 2023, skin and hair samples were collected from symptomatic and asymptomatic cats and dogs in Mazandaran, a northern province of Iran. The samples were then inoculated into Mycosel™ Agar. Dermatophyte isolates were identified by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer region. Antifungal susceptibility tests were conducted using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI-M38-A3). ResultOf the 250 samples collected (from 200 dogs and 50 cats), 20 (from 19 dogs and one cat) (8.0 %) were positive for dermatophyte growth. Based on sequence and phylogenetic analysis, all isolates belonged to T. mentagrophytes II*. Of these positive samples, 14 (70.0 %), 3 (15.0 %), 2 (10.0 %), and 1 (2.0 %) were isolated from asymptomatic stray dogs, symptomatic stray dogs, symptomatic domestic dogs, and symptomatic cats, respectively. Luliconazole and terbinafine displayed potent activity against all T. mentagrophytes isolates, with Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 0.016 µg/ml. Miconazole and griseofulvin demonstrated higher MIC (1 and 8 µg/ml). ConclusionThe present study indicated that T. mentagrophytes II* asymptomatic carriage is frequent in stray dogs in Iran. The potential risk to public health needs to be evaluated However, T. mentagrophytes genotype VIII, considered as an endemic and emerging human pathogenic clone in several countries, was not detected during the present survey.

First detection and genetic characterization of canine bufavirus in domestic dogs, Thailand

Canine bufavirus (CBuV) was reported in domestic dogs worldwide. We conducted a survey of canine bufavirus in domestic dogs in Thailand from September 2016 to October 2022. Rectal swab samples (n = 531) were collected from asymptomatic dogs and dogs with gastroenteritis signs. The samples were tested for CBuV using PCR with specific primers to the VP1/VP2 gene, and 9.42% (50/531) was CBuV positive. Our findings showed that CBuVs could be detected in both symptomatic and healthy dogs. The Thai CBuVs were found in dogs from different age groups, with a significant presence in those under 1 year (12.60%) and dogs aged 1–5 years (7.34%) (p < 0.05), suggesting a high prevalence of Thai CBuVs in dogs under 5 years of age. We performed complete genome sequencing (n = 15) and partial VP1/VP2 sequencing (n = 5) of Thai CBuVs. Genetic and phylogenetic analyses showed that whole genomes of Thai CBuVs were closely related to Chinese and Italian CBuVs, suggesting the possible origin of Thai CBuVs. The analysis of VP1 and VP2 genes in Thai CBuVs showed that 18 of them were placed in subgroup A, while only 2 belonged to subgroup B. This study is the first to report the detection and genetic characterization of CBuVs in domestic dogs in Thailand. Additionally, surveillance and genetic characterization of CBuVs in domestic animals should be further investigated on a larger scale to elucidate the dynamic, evolution, and distribution of CBuVs.

Epidemiology of Ocular Thelaziosis in Domestic Dogs in Beijing.

Thelazia callipaeda is a zoonotic parasitic nematode that lives in the ocular conjunctival sac of domestic and wild carnivores, lagomorphs, and humans, with Phortica spp. as its intermediate host. At present, the important role that domestic dogs play in thelaziosis has been studied in many countries. However, Beijing, which is the first city in China to experience human thelaziosis, has not yet conducted a comprehensive epidemiological analysis of the disease. In this study, we analyzed risk factors (region, season, age, sex, breed, size, living environment, diet, country park travel history, immunization history, anthelmintic treatment history, and ocular clinical symptoms) associated with the prevalence of thelaziosis in domestic dogs in Beijing. The overall prevalence of T. callipaeda in the study area was 3.17% (102/3215 domestic dogs; 95% CI 2.57-3.78%). The results of the risk factor analysis showed that thelaziosis in domestic dogs from Beijing was significantly correlated with regional distribution, seasonal distribution, country park travel history, and anthelmintic treatment history (p < 0.05). In summer and autumn, domestic dogs living in mountainous areas, with a history of country park travel and without deworming were 4.164, 2.382, and 1.438 times more infected with T. callipaeda than those living in plain areas without a history of country park travel and with a history of deworming (OR = 4.164, OR = 2.382, OR = 1.438, respectively). T. callipaeda-infected domestic dogs did not always show any ocular clinical symptoms, while symptomatic domestic dogs were mainly characterized by moderate symptoms. The results indicate that in summer and autumn, preventive anthelmintic treatment should be strengthened for domestic dogs with a country park travel history or those living in mountain areas. At the same time, we should be vigilant about taking domestic dogs to play in country parks or mountainous areas during summer and autumn because this may pose a potential risk of the owner being infected with T. callipaeda.

Efficiency of rLb6H recombinant protein from Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis for the detection of canine visceral leishmaniasis

Introduction: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a serious endemic disease in many tropical and subtropical countries, with a strong incidence in Brazil. The disease is transmitted by the bite of infected female phlebotomine sandflies, with dogs being the main urban reservoirs of the parasite. The diverse clinical profile and the long incubation period are challenges for the diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL). Recombinant proteins from Leishmania spp. have been studied as antigens that can increase the accuracy of serological tests. Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the recombinant protein rLb6H, from Leishmania braziliensis, in comparison to the reference antigens rK39 and rK28, from L. donovani, prioritizing the identification of subclinical infected dogs. Material and Methods: Serum IgG reactivity to rLb6H, rK28, and rK39 recombinant proteins was assessed in dogs with previously parasitological confirmation of CVL, subdivided according to their clinical status, using immunoenzymatic assay (ELISA). Diagnostic accuracy of each ELISA was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: While all antigens showed a better performance in detecting CVL in symptomatic dogs (SD), detection of CVL in the oligosymptomatic (OD) and asymptomatic (AD) groups was lower, but rLb6H achieved high sensitivity for asymptomatic CVL. Interestingly, the most reactive CVL samples to rK28 were barely detected by rLb6H, while the less reactive to rK28, mostly from the AD group, presented higher reactivity to rLb6H. Conclusion: The recombinant protein rLb6H showed utility in the detection of asymptomatic CVL, displaying a complementary reactivity to rK39 and rK28. Thus, these results suggest that rLb6H could be incorporated into multi-antigen strategies, to increase diagnostic accuracy of CVL.

Comparative Study of a Novel Lateral Flow Rapid Test with Conventional Serological Test Systems for the Diagnosis of Canine Leishmaniosis in Croatia and Brazil.

Control of canine infections with Leishmania infantum (L. infantum), a major zoonotic disease in Brazil and southern Europe, is becoming increasingly important due to its close proximity to humans, the increasing import of dogs from endemic regions and the impact of climate change on vector spreading. Simple, rapid and reliable diagnostic tests are therefore needed to detect infected dogs. Here, we re-evaluated different serological methods for the diagnosis of canine leishmaniosis (CanL) in Croatia and Brazil. The diagnostic performance of the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and the VetLine® Leishmania ELISA (GSD Frankfurt, Germany) was compared with three rKLi8.3-based diagnostic test systems, the rKLi8.3 ELISA (GSD Frankfurt, Germany), the INgezim® Leishma CROM (GSD Madrid, Spain) lateral flow test (LFT) and the VetBlot®Leishmania LineBlot (GSD Frankfurt, Germany). CanL symptomatic dogs were efficiently diagnosed by all tests, except the VetLine® Leishmania ELISA, which is based on whole Leishmania antigens. The advantage of rKLi8.3 was also observed in oligo- and asymptomatic dogs from Brazil and Croatia, although with reduced diagnostic efficiency compared to symptomatic dogs. Similar to IFAT and rKLi8.3 ELISA, the LFT did not cross-react with other common canine pathogens; it showed very high specificity for healthy dogs from endemic regions in both countries and did not react with healthy, vaccinated dogs in Brazil. In conclusion, serodiagnostic tests based on the rKLi8.3 antigens are superior to whole parasite antigens, and the LFT has the advantage of providing a laboratory-independent, rapid and specific diagnosis of CanL.

The Influence of Giardia duodenalis on the Occurrence of Clinical Signs in Dogs.

Giardia duodenalis infections are common in dogs and are mainly caused by assemblages C and D. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between the presence of Giardia duodenalis and different Giardia assemblages detected in symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs and the occurrence of certain clinical signs. All the dogs included (n = 82) were clinically examined, and fecal samples were examined for other parasites and Clostridium spp. Also, G. duodenalis assemblages were detected and the occurrence of certain clinical signs was assessed. A total of 42/82 (51.2%) dogs were symptomatic and had one or more gastrointestinal signs, and 40/82 (48.8%) dogs were asymptomatic. G. duodenalis was found in 25/82 (30.5%) dogs: assemblage C in 10/25 (40%) and assemblage D in 15/25 (60%). Only Cryptosporidium spp. showed a higher coinfection rate with G. duodenalis but that did not have an influence on clinical sign appearance. There was no correlation between the presence of different assemblages of G. duodenalis and the sex of the host or the duration and appearance of certain clinical signs, except the presence of mucus in feces, which was more frequent in dogs invaded with G. duodenalis assemblage C. Further research of other assemblages is needed.

Giardiasis and diarrhea in dogs: Does the microbiome matter?

Giardia duodenalis (Gd) causes intestinal parasitosis. The involvement of the intestinal microbiome in determining the infection's clinical phenotype is unknown. Investigate the fecal microbiome features in dogs with giardiasis. Cross-sectional study, including fecal samples of kenneled dogs with Gd diagnosed by fecal Giardia antigen dot ELISA. The fecal microbial compositional characteristics and dysbiosis index (DI) were compared between diarrheic and nondiarrheic dogs. Fecal samples of 38 Gd-infected dogs (diarrheic, 21; nondiarrheic, 17) were included. No differences were found in Faith's phylogenic diversity and beta diversity (weighted UniFrac distances) and in specific taxa abundances at the phylum, genus, and species levels, as well as in alpha and beta diversities between diarrheic and nondiarrheic dogs, and also when divided by sex or age. Among diarrheic dogs, alpha diversity was higher in males than in females (pairwise Kruskal-Wallis, q = 0.01). Among males, fecal abundances of the genus Clostridium (W = 19) and Clostridium spiroforme species (W = 33) were higher in diarrheic compared to nondiarrheic dogs. In diarrheic dog fecal samples, Proteobacteria were more prevalent (W = 1), whereas Verrucomicrobia were less prevalent in dogs <1 year of age than in older dogs. The fecal sample DI of 19 diarrheic and 19 nondiarrheic dogs was similar (median, -0.2; range, -4.3 to 4.5 and median, -1.0; range, -4.3 to 5.8, respectively). The fecal microbial composition of symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs with giardiasis is similar. Based on fecal DI, giardiasis is not characterized by prominent dysbiosis. Other host and parasite characteristics might determine the severity of giardiasis in dogs.

Diagnostic Potential for the Detection of Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis of an ELISA Assay Based on the Q5 Recombinant Protein: A Large-Scale and Comparative Evaluation Using Canine Sera with a Positive Diagnosis from the Dual-Path-Platform (DPP) Test.

Dogs are considered the major domestic reservoir for human visceral leishmaniasis, a serious disease caused by the Leishmania infantum parasite. Diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is critical for disease control, with several methods currently available. Among the serological tests, the DPP rapid test and the EIE-LVC, more commonly used in Brazil, are associated with variable sensitivity and specificity. Research with novel recombinant proteins such as the ELISA with the recombinant chimeric protein Q5 may therefore improve the CVL diagnosis. This study aimed to evaluate the true diagnostic potential of Q5 in an ELISA assay using a large number of CVL-suspected sera (406) with a previous positive diagnosis based on the rapid DPP test. Sera from the DPP-positive dogs, also assessed with the EIE-LVC test, were compared with sera from healthy dogs (n = 46) and used for ELISA tests using the recombinant Q5. The resulting data as well as the correlation with the clinical signs and the environmental characteristics of the animals were analyzed using Medal and GraphPad Prism 8.0. Overall, similar levels of lower sensitivity (67-68%) were seen for both the commercial EIE-LVC test and the Q5 ELISA when all assessed sera were considered, but a much greater sensitivity (92%) was seen for those samples from symptomatic dogs only. In contrast, many negative results were observed for the DPP-positive sera from asymptomatic dogs or those with no clinical information available. A selection of those sera were tested yet again in new ELISA assays using a second batch of the recombinant Q5, purified under milder denaturing conditions, as well as using another recombinant protein (Lci13). The results reveal a higher-than-expected incidence of likely false-positive results for DPP, reinforcing the need for other recombinant proteins, such as the chimeric Q5, to be investigated as possible alternatives to the currently used CVL diagnostic methods.

The seroprevalence of canine dirofilariosis in dogs in the eastern coastal areas of China

Background and objectivesThe present study was carried out to assess the presence of canine Dirofilaria immitis infection in pet dogs in China. Materials and methodsFrom October 2018 to November 2019, a total of 216 sera were collected from pet hospitals in Shandong, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Zhejiang, and Fujian regions of Eastern China. The sera were tested by using a commercial canine heartworm antibody ELISA test kit. Results70.8% of the pets had significant clinical symptoms resembled to heartworm infection; the overall dirofilariosis positivity found was 12.5% (27/216); Significant positive rates differences were observed between symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs (P < 0.05) (i.e. 15.7% and 4.7% respectively).The prevalence of infection in Shandong Province (15.5%) was the highest among the surveyed areas, but the difference among the geographic regions was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Furthermore, the prevalence detected in summer (28.2%) was significantly higher than in other seasons (P < 0.05). In addition, no significant difference was observed between male and female sex (P > 0.05). ConclusionsAltogether, these results suggest that an epidemic of dirofilariosis exists in eastern coastal China, as such preventive measures should be taken to control the spread of dirofilariosis to reduce the risk of human and pet infection with heartworm.

Identification of a new polymorphism on the wild-type canine distemper virus genome: could this contribute to vaccine failures?

The canine distemper virus (CDV) is responsible for a multisystem infectious disease with high prevalence in dogs and wild carnivores and has vaccination as the main control measure. However, recent studies show an increase in cases including vaccinated dogs in different parts of the world. There are several reasons for vaccine failures, including differences between vaccine strains and wild-type strains. In this study, a phylogenetic analysis of CDV strains from samples of naturally infected, vaccinated, and symptomatic dogs in Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil was performed with partial sequencing of the hemagglutinin (H) gene of CDV. Different sites of amino acid substitutions were found, and one strain had the Y549H mutation, typically present in samples from wild animals. Substitutions in epitopes (residues 367, 376, 379, 381, 386, and 388) that may interfere with the vaccine's ability to provide adequate protection against infection for CDV were observed. The identified strains were grouped in the South America 1/Europe lineage, with a significant difference from other lineages and vaccine strains. Twelve subgenotypes were characterized, considering a nucleotide identity of at least 98% among the strains. These findings highlight the relevance of canine distemper infection and support the need better monitoring of the circulating strains that contribute to elucidate if there is a need for vaccine update.

A retrospective evaluation of hops ingestion in 177 dogs (2005–2018)

To describe the clinical signs and outcomes observed after Humulus lupulus (hops) ingestion in dogs. A secondary objective was to note any trends in the number of hops-related phone calls made to an animal poison control center over a 13-year period. Retrospective study (2005-2018). An animal poison control center. One hundred and seventy-seven dogs with known or suspected hops ingestion. None. A total of 177 calls were made to Pet Poison Helpline between 2005 and 2018 involving hops ingestion in dogs. Outcomes were determined in 83 cases; 79 of 83 (95.2%) survived. Clinical signs associated with hops ingestion were observed in 74.0% (131/177). Commonly observed clinical signs were tachypnea (98/131), hyperthermia (65/131), and vomiting (44/131). Severe hyperthermia (>41.4°C, [>106°F]) developed in 8 dogs and 3 of those dogs did not survive. A fourth nonsurvivor was found deceased at home. The majority of symptomatic dogs developed clinical signs between 2 and 8hours postingestion. Resolution of clinical signs occurred in less than 24hours in all survivors except in one. Cases consulted with Pet Poison Helpline related to hops ingestion increased from 2005 to 2018 relative to the total amount of cases managed overall. The most common clinical signs associated with hops ingestion include tachypnea, hyperthermia, and vomiting; however, not all dogs develop clinical signs. While prognosis is good with 95.2% of dogs in this population surviving, some dogs can develop a severe and fatal hyperthermia.

Immunoproteomics approach for the discovery of antigens applied to the diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis

In the present study, an immunoproteomic approach using Leishmania infantum parasites isolated from naturally infected dogs from an endemic region of the disease, was carried out to identify new antigens to be used in the diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL). Protein extracts, obtained from parasites isolated from asymptomatic (CanLA) and symptomatic (CanLS) dogs, were used to perform the two-dimensional gels. Western Blotting assays were carried out by employing a pool of sera from dogs with visceral leishmaniasis (CanLA or CanLS), healthy dogs from an endemic area, or dogs with similar diseases associated with cross-reactions (babesiosis and ehrlichiosis). With these results, it was possible to exclude the spots that showed a cross-reactivity of the sera from groups of healthy dogs, and those with babesiosis or ehrlichiosis. Taken together, 20 proteins were identified, 15 of which have already been described in the literature and 5 of which are hypothetical. An immunogenomic screen strategy was applied to identify conserved linear B-cell epitopes in the identified hypothetical proteins. Two peptides were synthesized and tested in ELISA experiments as a proof of concept for the validation of our immunoproteomics findings. The results demonstrated that the antigens presented sensitivity and specificity values ranging from 81.93% to 97.59% and 78.14 to 85.12%, respectively. As a comparative antigen, a preparation of a Leishmania extract showed sensitivity and specificity values of 75.90% and 74.88%, respectively. The present study was able to identify proteins capable of being used for the serodiagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis.

Intracellular IFN-γ and IL-4 levels of CD4 + and CD8 + T cells in the peripheral blood of naturally infected (Leishmania infantum) symptomatic dogs before and following a 4-week treatment with miltefosine and allopurinol: a double-blinded, controlled and cross-sectional study

BackgroundCanine leishmaniosis (CanL) is a systemic disease caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania infantum with a wide spectrum of clinical signs, with cutaneous, ocular, renal and lymphoreactive conditions prevailing in the clinical setting. The immune system plays a pivotal role in the evolution of Leishmania infection and its response to antileishmanial treatment. Cytokines are important immune response mediators that are released by activated lymphocytes and less so by other immunocytes. In dogs with leishmaniosis, IFN-γ and IL-4 have been recognized as the main activators of cellular and humoral immunity, respectively. The objective of this study was to investigate intracellular IL-4 and IFN-γ expression by CD4 + and CD8 + lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of symptomatic dogs before and after combined antileishmanial treatment with miltefosine and allopurinol.ResultsPostantileishmanial treatment CD4 + IL-4 + and CD8 + IL-4 + cell counts were significantly decreased, although no similar changes were observed in the comparisons made between the pre- and posttreatment CD4 + IFN-γ + and CD8 + IFN-γ + counts and ratios.ConclusionThe findings indicate that IL-4 production by T cells may facilitate the symptomatic phase of CanL, whereas IFN-γ production by CD4 + and CD8 + cells may indicate its negligible role in the evolution of natural CanL and perhaps the equivocal positive influence of antileishmanial treatment.

Serodiagnosis of leishmaniasis in asymptomatic and symptomatic dogs by use of the recombinant dynamin-1-like protein from Leishmania infantum: A preliminary study

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a fatal manifestation of an infection caused by intracellular protozoa of the Leishmania genus. In New World countries, VL is classified as a zoonotic disease with domestic dogs acting as its main reservoir. Asymptomatic dogs are as competent to transmit Leishmania to the vectors as symptomatic dogs, however current diagnostic tests are limited and present low sensitivity for this important group. The development of accurate tests is fundamental to the early diagnosis, treatment, and control of canine leishmaniasis. In this study, we investigated the use of a recombinant protein (dynamin-1-like protein, Dyn-1) from L. infantum, as a potential target antigen for leishmaniasis serodiagnosis in both symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs. The antigenic performance of the protein was evaluated by means of ELISA assays using sera from symptomatic (n = 25), asymptomatic (n = 34) and non-infected dogs (n = 36) using ELISA. In addition, sera from dogs experimentally infected with Trypanosoma cruzi (n = 49) and naturally infected with Babesia sp. (n = 8) were tested to evaluate possible cross-reactivity. A crude soluble antigen (CSA) of Leishmania was used as an antigen control and K39 and K26 were used as reference antigens because they are already widely used in commercial tests. rDyn-1-based assay showed the highest sensitivity (97%) compared to the antigens K39 (88%), K26 (86%) and crude extract (95%). The highest specificity among the tests was also obtained with the protein rDyn-1 (94%), compared with the other antigens K39 (81%), K26 (87%), and crude extract (77%). This study showed that the rDyn-1 ELISA assay was able to identify 100% of asymptomatic dogs, establishing its potential as a target for the diagnosis of canine leishmaniasis.