University Veterinary Hospital Research Articles

Comparison of intraoperative outcomes in excision arthroplasty with or without partial tenotomy of deep gluteal muscle in dogs

Background: Excision arthroplasty is a commonly performed surgical technique for treating coxofemoral luxation in dogs. Favourable outcomes have been reported in dogs up to 15 kg. Aim: This study aimed to compare the intraoperative findings of two surgical approaches i.e., with or without partial deep gluteal muscle tenotomy in the excision arthroplasty in dogs. Methods: A total of 15 dogs having average body weight 15.6 kg (3.5-26) and 29.5 months (6-72) of age were brought to the Veterinary Surgery Clinics at University Veterinary Hospital, Samsun, Turkey with traumatic coxofemoral luxation or femur head/neck fracture. Craniolateral incision was used to approach the craniodorsal aspect of the hip joint in all cases. Myotomy of the superficial gluteal muscle and partial tenotomy of the deep gluteal was performed in one group. While blunt dissection approach was performed for elevation of gluteal muscles in another group. Results: Fifteen dogs (myotomy and tenotomy in 8 dogs and without tenotomy in 7 dogs) were diagnosed having lesions along with coxofemoral luxation in 9 cases, femoral neck fracture in 5 cases and caput femur fracture in 1 case. Partial tenotomy improved the exposure of joint capsule and femur neck. Discussion and Conclusion: The remnants of femoral neck after excision arthroplasty may contact the acetabulum and cause pain in the postoperative period. By applying the partial deep gluteal muscle tenotomy technique, surgeons can readily expose joint capsule, femoral head, femoral neck, and great and lesser trochanter.

Prevalence and factors associated with overweight and obesity in dogs presenting to French university veterinary teaching hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic

Pet obesity is still a major health issue, which is considered an epidemic by some researchers. Prevention is one of the cornerstones of veterinary care, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures. Human lifestyle was affected during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in an increased overweight prevalence in the population. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in dogs during this period has been poorly explored. This study's objectives were to assess the percentage of the French dog population with overweight and obesity, compare the results with a study conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic, and investigate any potential changes in the risk factors. The study collected data through a survey completed by dog owners during their pets' vaccination visits at university veterinary hospitals of Maisons-Alfort (Paris) and Toulouse, in France, between 2020 and 2022. The veterinarian recorded the dog's weight and the body condition score using a 9-point scale. The study included a total of 309 dogs. Of these, 1.6 % were underweight, 63.1 % had an ideal body condition, and 35.3 % were overweight, including 2.3 % of all dogs classified as obese. During the pandemic, French dog diets shifted towards increased commercial food consumption and twice-daily feedings compared to a 2003 study. Factors positively associated with overweight were being female (OR = 3.55; 95 % CI: 1.65–8.01; P=0.002), being senior (OR=4.91; 95 % CI: 2.07–12.2; P<0.001) or geriatric (OR=5.81; 95 % CI: 2.04–17.0; P=0.001) and having an owner underestimating dog's body condition (OR=74.1; 95 % CI: 29.8–215; P<0.001). Recognizing the impact of owner perception enables early intervention strategies, such as educating owners during consultations and conducting teaching sessions at the clinic. This proactive approach could contribute to improved health outcomes and help prevent the onset of obesity-related issues in dogs. The new trends in dogs’ diets may have global relevance due to the pandemic's widespread impact. Although no immediate impact on overweight is evident, ongoing research is crucial to understand the pandemic's long-term effects.

Reproductive emergencies in female cats

Reproductive emergencies are common in female cats, so, with the aim of contributing to the knowledge of the most frequent reproductive emergencies in this specie, a prospective study of patients treated at a University Veterinary Hospital was performed. All medical records of feline females, who were admitted like emergency related to the reproductive system, were analyzed. All data from epidemiological and clinical interest were registered. During 64 days, 20 female queen cats were monitored, and 13 had dystocia (65%; 13/20) and seven (35%; 7/20) pyometra. Many reproductive emergencies in the animals studied were related to contraceptive use. These findings should serve as a basis to veterinary clinicians to discourage this practice and encourage the neutering of females, thus providing quality care to clients and patients.

Pathologic Case of Gout Tophi Deposition with a Concurrent Systemic Bacterial Infection in a Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius)

Gout is caused by excessive uric acid in the blood deposited in tissues (visceral gout) or joints (articular gout), leading to severe inflammation and pain. A female leopard gecko was presented to the University Veterinary Hospital, University of Putra, Malaysia, with a history of swelling at the left caudal mandible, inappetence, and weight loss. An oral examination indicated a swollen mouth with scabs on the upper right mandible and multiple whitish deposits inside the mouth. The preliminary diagnosis was mouth rot, and the treatment included metronidazole and a multivitamin supplement. The leopard gecko died 12 days after treatment since there was no improvement. Post-mortem examination revealed that the liver was slightly enlarged with generalized moderate congestion and the presence of whitish deposits, as well as noticeable whitish deposits on the pleural surface of the lungs. Histopathological examination of the lungs revealed a granuloma with an inflammatory reaction predominantly by abundant mononuclear cells and fibrin deposition. An irregular collection of amorphous materials in the visceral pleura suggested gout tophi. The liver was infiltrated with amorphous material and fibrinous tissue, and it had mild congestion, indicating visceral gout and bacterial infection. Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis were isolated from the lungs and liver samples, respectively. In conclusion, gout tophi is common in reptiles, but visceral involvement is rare, and early detection is critical to avoid secondary bacterial infection, as demonstrated in this case.

COMPLICATION OF SCABIES AND ANAPLASMOSIS IN MIXED BREED DOGS

Dogs are animals that are in great demand by many people. However, there are several diseases that often attack dogs, such as scabies and anaplasmosis. The purpose of this writing is to find out how the symptoms and treatment are in dog cases. The case animal is a female mixed breed dog, 3 months old and 1.24 kg body weight. Furthermore, anamnesa was carried out on the owner and physical examination by palpation, percussion, auscultation, and inspection of the animal cases. Supporting examinations are carried out by conducting blood tests by taking the blood of animal cases which are fixed first, then stained and examined under a microscope. In the blood hematology examination, blood was taken which was then examined at the Udayana University Veterinary Hospital. The skin scraping method is performed on the part of the skin where there is a lesion which is then given KOH and then examined under a microscope. From the results of the examination, it was found that the case animal had hypochromic microcytic anemia, had anaplasma, and had scabies on the skin scrapings. This case dog was diagnosed with scabies accompanied by anaplasmosis. The therapies given were ivermectine, doxycycline, dipenhydramine, chlorpheniramine maleate, vitamin B12 and fish oil. After 14 days of therapy, the case animals showed good progress where the level of pruritus decreased and hair began to grow on the skin area where there were lesions. Case animals should not have direct contact with healthy animals to avoid transmission and owners should wash their hands after touching case animals.

Monitoring the Prevalence of Antimicrobial Resistance in Companion Animals: Results from Clinical Isolates in an Italian University Veterinary Hospital

The role of companion animals in the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is still not well known. As part of a wider surveillance system, this study aimed to provide data about AMR in bacterial isolates from infections in companion animals referred to an Italian University Veterinary Hospital (VUH) from November 2020 to September 2022. A total of 940 isolates were identified with MALDI-TOF MS and subsequently the antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST) for 12 antimicrobials was performed. Urine was the most commonly submitted specimen (54.92%) and Escherichia coli was the most common bacterial species isolated (36.06%). Out of the 940 isolates, 747 (79.47%) were nonsusceptible to at least one drug (AMR), while 420 (44.68%) were considered multidrug resistant (MDR). The highest nonsusceptibility percentages were recorded for clindamycin (59.65 %), erythromycin (58.96 %), ampicillin (52.85%), and enrofloxacin (48.19%). Alarming percentages were recorded also for ceftiofur (25.51%), amoxicillin–clavulanate (22.99%), and piperacillin–tazobactam (15.85%). In multivariable risk factors analysis, previous use of invasive devices ( p &lt; 0.01 in both cases) and previous use of antimicrobials ( p &lt; 0.01 in both cases) were statistically related with higher AMR and MDR percentages. Apart from a general evaluation, the study focused on specific bacterial species (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp.) and specimens (blood cultures, urine from suspected healthcare-associated urinary tract infections, and surgical site infections), showing in both cases higher AMR and MDR percentages compared to average. These data highlight the urgency to further investigate AMR spread in pets and how passive surveillance systems can be effective tools to monitor AMR and to optimize antimicrobial use.

Clinical retrospective study of vaginal hyperplasia in the bitch (2012-2022).

A retrospective study was used to analyse canine vaginal hyperplasia ambulatory cases in Small animal clinic of the University Veterinary Hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria between 2012 and 2022. The study was done to investigate the morbidity of vaginal hyperplasia in the bitch and its relationship with the breed, body weight, age, stage of the oestrous cycle, parity of dogs and grade of the condition. Grade II and grade III vaginal hyperplasia were observed in 3.11% of all female dog genital pathological cases. Twenty-eight canine breeds were affected and the largest number were Central Asian Shepherds (30.47%). Most frequently the dogs were between 2 and 3 years old (29.68%), above 40 kg body weight (58.59%) and during follicular phase (proestrus and oestrus) of the oestrous cycle (82.02%). All the affected bitches were non-spayed (100%) and nulliparous were 70.31% of them. Grade III vaginal hyperplasia was more frequently observed (53.13%) than grade II of the condition. High correlation was found between age of the bitches and grade of the vaginal hyperplasia (R2 = .551; SEE = 0.053), body weight and grade of the condition (R2 = .820; SEE = 0.054), and age of the animals and their body weight (R2 = .820; SEE = 1.27).

Postoperative injectable opioid use and incidence of surgical site complications after use of liposomal bupivacaine in canine gastrointestinal foreign body surgery.

To compare postoperative analgesic use and postoperative complications between dogs that received liposomal bupivacaine (LB) during surgical gastrointestinal foreign body (GIFB) removal and those that did not. Retrospective study. Two hundred five dogs. Medical records for all dogs with GIFB removal at the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital between May 2017 and August 2021 were searched. Incomplete records and dogs with less than 2 weeks' veterinary follow up were excluded. Data collected included: patient information, time until surgery, intraoperative findings, surgical data (including perforation at time of surgery, linear vs. solid, enterotomy vs. enterectomy), use of LB (including time and manner of administration), time to extubation after surgery, in-hospital postoperative analgesic use and duration, and postoperative complications. Fentanyl was noted as used/not used, quantified as mean hourly rate over 12 h intervals. All analyses were performed using commercial statistical software with p < .05 as the significance level. Dogs that received LB were heavier (n = 65, median 28.5 kg) than those that did not (n = 140, median 24.4 kg) (p = .005). Postoperative fentanyl use (p < .05 between 13 and 72 h) and hourly rates (p < .05 between 13 and 48 h) were less, and postoperative time in the intensive care unit (ICU) (p < .001) and hospital were shorter (p < .001) in dogs receiving LB. Postoperative wound complications were seen in 7/65 dogs (10.8%, 95% CI = 4.4-21.0%) with LB and 4/140 (2.9%, 95% CI = 0.8-7.2%) without LB (p = .039). Use of LB was associated with reduced postoperative analgesic use, and shortened ICU and hospital stay but also with wound complications. Caution should be used when using LB in (clean) contaminated surgeries.

Wound Care in Cats with Hanon Honey

The present study was carried out in clinical cases of seven cats with the aim to evaluate the pattern of wound healing using Hanon honey from (Arbutus unedo) having non-healing chronic wound present at University veterinary hospital (UVH) Omar Al-Mukhtar University. Seven cats having a non-healing chronic wound. The pattern of wound healing was evaluated both clinically and by histopathological. All cases showed good progress in healing after application of the Hanon honey. The results ofthe study suggested that Hanon honey can be a better wound healing biomaterial in cats. It can be used as a less expensive skin substitute in order to stimulate and promote wound healing in cats as a stimulant for wound healing in chronic non-healing wounds.

Undertail body wall herniation with abdominal air sac rupture in budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus)

Ventral abdominal hernia cases are frequently encountered in bird species. These abdominal hernias are usually seen in sexually active female birds. Although the etiopathology is not fully understood, it is believed that the main cause is hyperestrogenism. Among the herniated organs, intestines have been reported most commonly. However, a case of abdominal hernia accompanied by air sac rupture has not been identified in the literature. An 8-year-old female budgerigar presented with a complaint of swelling under the tail and was brought to Ankara University Veterinary Hospital. Clinical examination revealed the presence of a ventral abdominal hernia under the tail. Radiographic evaluation showed that a significant portion of the swelling was filled with air, and the herniated structures were identified as intestines. The swelling was punctured with a 16G gray cannula, and the air was completely drained. Immediately after the air was expelled, it was observed that the air refilled, indicating air sac rupture. During the surgery, the herniated intestines were reduced, and the abdominal wall was repaired. At the final follow-up examination after 14 days, complete recovery of the patient was observed. In conclusion, the surgical procedure and postoperative follow-up results of a case involving previously unreported ventral abdominal herniation accompanied by air sac rupture are presented.

Spread of Toxoplasma gondii among animals and humans in Northern Italy: A retrospective analysis in a One-Health framework

Toxoplasmosis occurs worldwide and is considered one of the most important food-borne parasitic zoonoses. The consumption of undercooked meat containing viable tissue cysts and ingestion of environmental oocyst are the most important sources of infection. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the spread of Toxoplasma gondii in the province of Bologna (Emilia-Romagna region) in northern Italy, with a One Health approach, comparing seropositivity rates in different animal species and in humans over the last 19 and 4 years respectively. Analyses were performed on serological data collected over different periods at three separate locations: Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e della Emilia-Romagna (IZSLER); Veterinary University Hospital Clinical Pathology Service, Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna; and Unit of Microbiology, St. Orsola Hospital, Bologna. Most relevant seropositivity rates observed in animals were 15.5% (wild boar), 25% (roe deer), 18.7% (goat), 29.9% (sheep), 9.7% (pigs), 42.9% and 21.8% in cat and dog, respectively. A comprehensive screening was conducted on a population of 36,814 individuals, revealing a prevalence of 20.4%. Among pregnant women, a frequence of 0.39% for active toxoplasmosis was observed. Despite certain limitations, this study provided valuable insights into the extensive distribution of this parasitic infection among diverse animal species and human populations in the province of Bologna. These findings underscore the importance of implementing consistent and proactive toxoplasmosis screening protocols during pregnancy, while emphasizing the critical need for adopting a One Health approach for effective control of this parasitic disease.

Obstetrical Emergencies in Domestic Cats

Background: The adaptability of kittens as indoor pets and the unique situation presented by Covid 19 pandemic led to a flourish in cat breeding and sales. This has led to an increased number of feline obstetric cases presented to veterinary clinical settings during the last two years. Dystocia in dogs is well referenced, but it has received less attention and documentation in cats. Hence, a retrospective study of obstetric emergencies in cats was made. Methods: This study reviewed the incidence, treatment and outcomes of 48 feline obstetric emergencies presented to University Veterinary Hospital, Mannuthy, Kerala during the calendar year 2021. The data was analysed and represented according to the presenting complaint, causes of dystocia as maternal or foetal, diagnostic modes, outcome to medical or surgical treatment adopted and exceptional reasons for obstetric emergencies in cats. Result: Dystocia (n= 45), uterine torsion (n= 3), ectopic pregnancy (n= 2) and uterine prolapse (n= 1) were the obstetric emergencies recorded during this study. 75.56 per cent of feline dystocia were due to maternal factors and 24.44 per cent due to foetal factors and in three patients, uterine torsion was identified as the cause of dystocia. Medical management was successful in 45.71% and surgical management was adopted in 48.89% cases. Ovariohysterectomy was performed in cats identified with torsion of uterus, prolapsed uterus and ectopic pregnancies.

Evaluation of Environmental Contamination with Salmonella spp. in a Large Animal Ward at a Veterinary Hospital in Malaysia

Veterinary hospitals are important locations for various sick and immunocompromised animal patients. These centers may act as reservoirs for nosocomial diseases such as Salmonella infection, one of the most common causes of healthcare-associated infections in veterinary hospitals. The study was performed at the Large Animal Ward (LAW), University Veterinary Hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia, to assess the environment’s degree of Salmonella spp. contamination. Environmental samples were obtained from various floor and surface areas in the LAW using sterile, moistened gauze. Salmonella spp. was determined using conventional bacteriological culture on all samples. Positive Salmonella isolates were subject to antimicrobial sensitivity testing. A total of 6 out of 135 (4.4%) samples were found to be positive for Salmonella spp., with 5/116 (4.3%) samples obtained from the ward environment and 1/19 (5.3%) obtained from reusable equipment. Antimicrobial sensitivity testing revealed three resistance profiles: all isolates were resistant to penicillin and enrofloxacin, one isolate was resistant to streptomycin, and one was resistant to gentamicin. The results indicate that animal treatment areas within the LAW can become contaminated with Salmonella spp. This study highlights the importance of improving biosecurity programs to prevent nosocomial diseases in patients and the hospital environment.

Hypothyroidism in dogs – prevalence, risk factors and neurological implications

Hypothyroidism is an endocrine pathology frequently encountered in dogs, whose diagnosis involves a series of difficulties due to the insidious onset of the disease and the non-specific clinical manifestations, which can mimic other diseases (metabolic, dermatological, neuromuscular, etc.). However, the development of modern diagnostic techniques and the widespread availability of specific determinations, such as total canine T4, free canine T4 and TSH, have led to an increase in diagnostic accuracy and the possibility of differentiating hypothyroidism from other diseases with similar manifestations. In recent years, numerous articles have investigated the etiology of the disease, however in our country there are few data regarding the prevalence and risk factors of this condition in the canine population. This article was carried out on 18 dogs diagnosed with hypothyroidism at the Emergency University Veterinary Hospital “Prof. Dr. Alin Bîrţoiu” between 2021 and 2022. All patients included in the study presented neurological manifestations. The diagnostic protocol included anamnesis, analysis of signalment, complete clinical examination, neurological examination and confirmation by serological investigations, the data obtained being compared with those provided by other similar studies.

Estrés laboral en médicos veterinarios y estudiantes avanzados dedicados a la clínica de pequeños animales

Stress (eng. "Stress", tension) is defined as a state of exaggerated tension that is reached by an excess of activity, work or responsibility, and that leads to physical and psychological disorders in people who suffer from it (Vilcahuamán, 2014). Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) can be defined as the consequent natural behaviors and emotions that result from knowing about a traumatic event experienced by another person (Figley, 1995). In this work, a descriptive study was carried out based on telephone survey methodology, incidental and cross-sectional design. Surveys were conducted through the use of different forms and scales as measuring instruments for the STS and the different variables. The sample consisted on 103 workers (advanced students in the career and Veterinary Doctors) belonging to the Small Animal Clinics of Montevideo and the Small Animal Unit of the Veterinary College Hospital. The objective was to estimate the prevalence of STS in this population, identify and evaluate risk factors for STS and analyze its relationship with the development of Burnout Syndrome and other psychological processes and behavioral strategies described. It was found that 3 out of 10 professionals presented symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to the STS. It was concluded that the prevalence of symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder due to STS was considerable. We were able to observe that this acute process is related to a chronic condition known as Burnout Syndrome. Noting that an increase in STS symptoms is positively related to an increase in Burnout symptoms. This work can be the first step to continue researching on the subject and thus in this way build the best tools to take care of ourselves as professionals and be better doctors for our patients. &nbsp; &nbsp

Prevalence of signs of lower urinary tract disease and positive urine culture in dogs with diabetes mellitus: A retrospective study.

No recent studies have evaluated the association between clinical signs of lower urinary tract disease (LUTD) and positive urine culture in dogs with diabetes mellitus. Determine the prevalence of subclinical bacteriuria (ie, positive urine culture without signs of LUTD) in dogs with diabetes mellitus. One hundred seven dogs with diabetes mellitus were evaluated at a university veterinary hospital. Retrospective study evaluating diabetic dogs with a single sample paired urinalysis and urine culture. Relationship between the presence of signs of LUTD, pyuria, and bacteriuria and urine culture results were compared using Fisher exact testing. Fifteen dogs (14%) had a positive urine culture via cystocentesis or free catch, of which 8 (53%) had pyuria, and 4 (27%) had signs of LUTD. Of the 88 dogs (82%) without signs of LUTD, 11 (13%) had a positive culture. A significant association was found between a positive urine culture and pyuria (OR infinity; 95% CI 20.34-infinity, P < .00001) and bacteriuria (OR infinity; 95% CI 164.4-infinity, P < .00001). No association was found between urine culture results and signs of LUTD (OR 1.87; 95% CI 0.59-6.85, P=.46). Subclinical bacteriuria occurred in this cohort of dogs, and our findings reinforce the recommendation that urine cultures should not be routinely performed in diabetic dogs particularly if pyuria and bacteriuria are absent.

Occurrence of canine transmissible venereal tumour

Canine transmissible venereal tumour (CTVT) is the most common neoplasm of the genital sites transmitted through allogenic transplantation of tumour cells during coitus or at extragenital sites like oral or nasal mucosa by licking, scratching or sniffing affected area. In this study the overall occurrence of CTVT and its occurrence was analysed based on breed, age, gender, parity, season, reproductive status and breeding history, collected from retrospective data of clinical records maintained at University Veterinary Hospitals. The overall occurrence of CTVT was 0.15 per cent among total presented cases, 0.88 per cent among total reproductive disorders, 21.42 per cent among total canine tumour cases and 4.74 per cent among cases with vaginal bleeding. Higher occurrence was recorded in female dogs (88.59%), dogs aged 2-5 years (73.91%), intact females (88.04%), pluriparous dogs (41.10%) and during south-west monsoon season (32.07%). Breed wise occurrence was higher in Labrador Retriever dogs (41.30%) followed by non-descript dogs (22.28%). Occurrence was higher in dogs with history of mating with stud dogs (81.60%) when compared to stray dogs (18.40%).

Correlational analysis of anuclear cell index and serum progesterone concentration for predicting the optimum time of breeding in subfertile bitches

Twenty bitches with previous history of subfertility presented for breeding management at University Veterinary Hospital, Kokkalai were selected for the study. The stage of oestrous cycle was determined and breeding scheduled based predominantly on anuclear cell index (ACI) and serum progesterone assay, after giving due weightage to behaviour and clinical signs. First mating was considered as day 0 and the second as day 3. The mean ACI of the bitches under study was 56.4 ± 1.53 per cent and the mean serum progesterone levels was recorded as 2.82± 0.16 ng/mL three days prior to breeding (day 3). Since, ACI had highly positive correlation with serum progesterone level (Pearson’s correlation coefficient being 0.880) in subfertile bitches three days prior to first breeding, it could be inferred that, when the mean ACI reached more than 55 per cent, serum progesterone levels reach values corresponding to presumably the day of LH surge and by considering both the variables, the day of ovulation could be predicted. Hence, the correlation analysis of ACI and progesterone assay can be considered as reliable method to schedule optimum breeding time in subfertile bitches.

Epidemiological study of pyoderma in dogs of Thrissur district

Pyoderma, refers to any clinical picture that results in the accumulation of neutrophilic exudates of varying degrees in conjunction with a bacterial infection. A longitudinal study was conducted among 178 dogs brought to the small animal dermatology unit of Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Mannuthy and University Veterinary Hospital, Kokkalai, Thrissur, Kerala to document the age, breed and sex predispositions and to identify any environmental influence or managemental practice that predisposes to pyoderma. The overall prevalence of pyoderma was 7.5 per cent. Statistical analyses using Chi square test revealed that there was significant difference in the proportion of animals affected with pyoderma among different categories of age, breed, housing system, bathing practices, kennel hygiene, access to oral coat conditioners and feed supplements. The distribution of animals affected with pyoderma was statistically significant between different seasons also. The condition was commonest in dogs between one to three years of age (46.07 per cent). The Labrador retrievers were more predisposed to developing pyoderma. More females (53.37 per cent) were infected when compared to males (46.63 per cent). Majority of the cases (52.25 per cent) were housed outdoors in a separate kennel and were bathed (68.54 per cent) regularly and groomed (36.52 per cent) at least once a month. The analyses of the epidemiological profile of dogs affected with pyoderma revealed that apart from the host factors, the environmental and managemental aspects also plays an important role in the occurrence of pyoderma.

Diagnosis of canine brucellosis using Rose Bengal plate test

Canine brucellosis or beagle fever is a zoonotic bacterial reproductive disease of dogs, caused by Brucella canis and occasionally by Brucella abortus, B. melitensis and B. suis. The actual seroprevalence of canine brucellosis in India is unknown and not yet studied in Kerala. A total of 131 animals presented to the outpatient unit of medicine, gynaecology and obstetrics of the two University Veterinary Hospitals at Mannuthy and Kokkala with clinical signs of epididymitis, orchitis, abortion, still birth, foetal resorption, foetal mummification, foetal maceration, neonatal death and infertility were randomly selected for the study. Paired sera samples were collected on the day of presentation and after three weeks of presentation for Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT). In this study, sera samples from forty-seven (35.88 per cent) infected dogs showed agglutination on RBPT using B. abortus S99 antigen. Out of forty-seven RBPT positive samples, 80.85 per cent (38/47) were female and 19.15 per cent (9/47) were male dogs. The high seroprevalence of canine brucellosis in this study is attributed to the endemicity of bovine brucellosis in the study area.