Young Dogs Research Articles

Rapid hearing threshold assessment with modified auditory brainstem response protocols in dogs.

Auditory brainstem response (ABR) is the gold standard for hearing testing in dogs. ABR is commonly used in puppies to diagnose congenital sensorineural deafness. Long test times limit the use for a more comprehensive hearing screening in veterinary practice. This study aimed to establish a super-fast hearing screening protocol in dogs. Hearing thresholds were routinely measured with a mobile device designed for newborn hearing screening in 90 dogs. We introduced modifications of the ABR protocol, e. g., a binaural test mode, higher stimulus rates, a broadband chirp stimulus, and an algorithm for automatic peak V detection in a stepwise fashion. Hearing thresholds were then measured with fast protocols utilizing either 30 Hz click or 90 Hz broadband chirp stimuli with 80, 60, 40, 30, 20, 10, 0 and -10 dBnHL stimulation intensities. Interrater reliability, agreement between click and chirp hearing thresholds and correlations with clinical characteristics of the dogs were assessed. Using all innovations, the test time for hearing threshold assessment in both ears was reduced to 1.11 min (mean). The chirp stimulus accentuated both, peak V and the subsequent trough, which are essential features for judgement of the hearing threshold, but preceding peaks were less conspicuous. Interrater reliability and agreement between click and chirp hearing threshold was excellent. Dogs >10 years of age and dogs with abnormal hearing score or otitis score had significantly higher hearing thresholds than younger dogs (p ≤ 0.001) or dogs without abnormalities (p < 0.001). The results demonstrate that modifications in ABR protocols speed-up test times significantly while the quality of the recordings for hearing threshold assessment is maintained. Modified ABR protocols enable super-fast hearing threshold assessment in veterinary practice.

Long-term effects of motivational interviewing vs. traditional counseling on dog owners' adherence to veterinary dental home care: a three-year follow-up study.

Periodontal disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. However, disease is largely preventable by eliminating dental plaque, best achieved by daily tooth brushing. Unfortunately, owner adherence is low to the recommendation of daily tooth brushing in dogs. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of various communication strategies, traditional advice (TA) versus motivational interviewing (MI), and compare them to a control group receiving no additional communication (CG), on dog owners' performance of dental home care and the oral health of their dogs. The study was conducted as a longitudinal clinical intervention study spanning 3 years, and involved 75 dog owners with young dogs who were randomly assigned to one of three groups: TA, MI, or CG. Intervention groups received annual telephone consultations based on their assigned methodology. A questionnaire was administered twice to all groups, and the dental health of the dogs was assessed at the study's conclusion. Tooth brushing frequency demonstrated a significant increase in the MI group compared to the CG group (p < 0.01), albeit with a relatively low occurrence of daily brushing among owners. Dental health assessment revealed a significantly lower plaque index in the MI group compared to the CG group (p < 0.05), and a lower calculus index in the TA group compared to the CG group (p < 0.01). No statistically significant differences were observed between the MI and TA groups in terms of dental health. Regular veterinary communication appears to have a positive influence on dog owner adherence to veterinary recommendations concerning dental care in dogs. Communication with veterinarians (MI and traditional advice) improved owner knowledge, attitude, and decreased frequency of not brushing. Although dental health parameters improved, the effect size was small, suggesting the complexity of adherence. Personalized calls to dog owners offer potential for dental health improvement, warranting further comparison of MI with traditional advice.

Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) serological and molecular patterns in dogs with viral gastroenteritis from southern Brazil.

Canine Parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) is a highly contagious virus that can cause severe systemic disease with gastroenteric symptoms in dogs, particularly in young puppies. Originating from the feline parvovirus in the late 1970s, it swiftly propagated globally, instigating a pandemic in dogs. Despite vaccination advancements, CPV-2 remains a substantial challenge for veterinary professionals and pet owners. This study aimed to contribute knowledge about the current situation of CPV-2 among dogs in southern Brazil. In this study, the sera of 125 dogs (mostly with gastroenteritis symptoms) were screened for antibodies against CPV-2 and their faeces for the virus itself. The results showed that 40% (50/125) of dogs were infected with CPV-2. Most animals (65.5%) had previously been exposed to CPV-2 (with serotitres equal or above 1:40), and only 37.6% had protective antibody titres equal or above 1:80. The findings have also demonstrated that vaccination against CPV-2 significantly reduced the risk of infection, with positive cases decreasing from 56.9% (unvaccinated) to 2.0% (fully vaccinated). Furthermore, the prevalence of CPV-2 decreased as dogs aged, with younger dogs and those with an incomplete or non-existent vaccination history at the highest risk of infection. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insight into the prevalence and risk factors associated with CPV-2 infection in dogs in southern Brazil, thereby providing valuable knowledge for the improvement of veterinary care and pet health.

Reticulocyte Response in Paired Blood Samples of Babesia canis Infected Young and Adult Dogs

Abstract Acute B. canis infection can lead to an acute phase reaction (APR) in dogs. The parasite invades red blood cells causing anemia through immune-mediated hemolysis and possible erythropoietic suppression. A regenerative response of the erythroid lineage during the babesiosis has not been described in extension. This research examines hematologic parameters focusing on the absolute reticulocyte count and apolipoprotein A I (ApoA I) level on the day of admission and 14 days after treatment with imidocarb-dipropionate in young (n=11) and adult (n=11) dogs naturally infected with B. canis. Metabolic and inflammatory processes were characterized by analyzing protein and lipid profiles, as well as ApoA I at specified time points. Automated analyzers were used to determine complete blood count and biochemical parameters, while ApoA I was assessed using radioimmunoassay. The reticulocyte count was determined using a manual method by means of supravital staining. Both young and adult dogs with acute B. canis infection showed non-regenerative anemia without difference. Fourteen days after successful treatment with imidocarb-dipropionate, the anemia was corrected and a high reticulocyte count was observed (p&lt;0.05). This indicates that the erythroid regenerative response was efficient in young and adult dogs, although vital signs, leukocyte count and triglyceride concentration suggest a more intense APR in young dogs. A decrease in ApoA I in both groups 14 days after treatment (p&lt;0.01) confirmed that this lipoprotein acts as a positive acute-phase protein in acute B. canis infection in dogs, but further studies are needed to connect its role in erythroid lineage regeneration.

Prevalence of radiographic appendicular osteoarthritis and associated clinical signs in young dogs.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) and associated clinical signs in young dogs. Owners of dogs aged 8months-4years from a single practice, were contacted in random order, to participate in a general health screen. Clinical and orthopedic examinations were performed. Each joint was scored for pain reactions (0-4). Orthogonal radiographs of all joints were made under sedation. Each joint was scored for radiographic OA (rOA) severity on an 11-point scale. Clinical OA (cOA) was defined as an overlap of rOA and joint pain in ≥ 1 joint. Owners completed OA questionnaires. The owners of 123 dogs agreed to participate. Overall, 39.8% (49/123) of dogs had rOA in ≥ 1 joint, and 16.3% (20/123) or 23.6% (29/123) dogs had cOA, depending on the cut-off value of joint pain; moderate (2), or mild (1), respectively. Owners of dogs with cOA observed signs of impairment in approximately 30% of cases. Only 2 dogs with cOA were receiving OA pain management. The most commonly affected joints in descending order of frequency were elbow, hip, tarsus, and stifle. Radiographically visible OA is common in young dogs, and 40-60% of dogs with rOA had cOA. However, OA-pain appears underdiagnosed and undertreated in young dogs.

Exercise intolerance and a low-grade heart murmur in a young dog.

Exercise intolerance and a low-grade heart murmur in a young dog.

Overview of canine eosinophilic lung and bronchial diseases

In dogs with chronic cough eosinophilic lung disease (ELD) may be present, especially in young dogs. A breed predisposition has been described in Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies. Chronic cough is the most common clinical sign. Other symptoms include nasal discharge, sneezing, poly- or dyspnea and exercise intolerance. The exact pathogenesis is unknown. Type 1 hypersensitivity reaction is suspected. Eosinophilic lung diseases may be classified into different groups (eosinophilic bronchitis, eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy and eosinophilic granuloma). Diagnostic work-up includes hematology, imaging, bronchoscopy and cytologic examination of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. A wide spectrum is present in terms of the expression and severity of the changes. The current reported treatment is systemic or inhaled glucocorticoids, or a combination of both.Most patients respond well to therapy. Relapses after treatment discontinuation are common.

Clinical features, treatment, and outcome of juvenile dogs with meningoencephalitis of unknown etiology.

The information relating to the outcome specifically for juvenile dogs with meningoencephalitis of unknown etiology (MUE) is lacking. To describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, treatment, and outcome in a cohort of dogs with MUE <52 weeks old. Thirty-four client-owned dogs. Multicenter retrospective case series. Records from 5 referral centers were searched. Data was extracted from the medical records and referring veterinarians were contacted for survival data if this was not available from the record. The mean age was 31 weeks; the youngest dog was 11 weeks and 3 dogs were <16 weeks old. Altered mentation (71%), ataxia (44%), seizures (29%), and circling (26%) were the most common presenting complaints. Neuroanatomical localization was to the forebrain (38%), multifocal (35%), brainstem (18%), and cerebellum (12%). Corticosteroid monotherapy (n = 15) and corticosteroid plus cytosine arabinoside (n = 15) were used in equal proportions. Outcome data was available for 26 dogs, 8 (31%) were alive at the time of data collection with a follow-up range of 135 to 2944 days. Death or euthanasia was related to MUE in 17/18 dogs that died during the study period. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated a median survival time for all-cause death of 84 days. The prognosis for MUE in this subset of dogs was considered poor.

Canine Parvoviral Enteritis Mortality in Shelter Dogs Receiving Conventional Medical Therapy Compared to Integrative Treatment with the Chinese Herbal Medicine, Zhi Li Tang: A Pilot Study

Canine parvoviral (CPV) enteritis is a contagious infection, which particularly affects young dogs, and is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates in the canine population. This study sought to determine whether including the Chinese herbal medicine formula, Zhi Li Tang (ZLT, Red Back Door), in conjunction with conventional therapy can decrease mortality of shelter dogs with CPV enteritis. Nineteen canine subjects from a shelter population diagnosed with CPV enteritis were randomly assigned to a Control Group which received conventional supportive treatment, or an Integrative Treatment Group which received ZLT along with conventional supportive treatment. Study duration was 14 days unless the subject died, or all clinical signs associated with CPV enteritis had resolved. The outcome measurement was a binary response of mortality within the 14-day trial. In the Control Group, there was a 43% (3/7) mortality rate compared to 0% mortality in the Integrative Treatment Group (12/12, all dogs recovered) within the 14-day study period. All subjects that survived in both study groups had resolution of CPV clinical signs by the end of the study. Despite the small sample size in this pilot study, there was a statistically significant (p=0.036) improvement in survival for the dogs receiving Zhi Li Tang in addition to conventional therapy when compared to the dogs receiving conventional therapy only. The results from this study suggest integrating ZLT with conventional treatment of CPV enteritis could reduce mortality from CPV infections in shelter dogs. Further investigation of these findings with larger studies is needed to confirm study results.

Comparison of the distraction index and Norberg angle with radiographic grading of canine hip dysplasia.

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) radiographic grading system stands as a well-established benchmark for categorizing hip dysplasia in canines. Although more objective techniques to quantify early hip laxity in young dogs, such as the Norberg angle (NA) and distraction index (DI), have been documented, there is a scarcity of published studies that directly compare these radiographic measures. The primary objectives of this prospective, analytical study were to assess and compare the NA and DI measures with OFA grades within a cohort of dogs. Thirty dogs (57 hip joints) were evaluated, with a mean age of 5.4±2.9 years and a mean body weight of 34.3±7.1kg. The discriminative power of hip dysplasia for DI and NA used OFA as a reference were compared by multivariate discriminant analysis test. Using the DI (≤0.3) 12 joints were classified as normal, using NA (≥105°) 24 joints and using OFA (≤3) 29. When comparing the discriminant power of NA with OFA resulting similar (P=.8324) with correct classifications of 81% using cross validation, however, the discriminant power of dysplasia of the DI resulted significantly greater (P=.0034) than OFA with correct classifications of only 59% using cross-validation, consequently it was possible determined that of 29 patients with OFA ≤ 3, 20 had DI>0.3. These findings demonstrated that phenotypic healthy dogs according to OFA grading can present passive hip joint laxity, as demonstrated by radiographic evaluation with distraction. Furthermore, DI can contribute to the screening of CHD when evaluated in conjunction with OFA grading.

Impacts of Puppy Early Life Experiences, Puppy-Purchasing Practices, and Owner Characteristics on Owner-Reported Problem Behaviours in a UK Pandemic Puppies Cohort at 21 Months of Age.

Problem behaviours are a leading cause of relinquishment and euthanasia of young dogs. Previous research has identified associations between owner-reported problem behaviours and risk factors, including how dogs were acquired as puppies, early socialisation experiences, and owners' experience levels. Puppies acquired during the 2020 phase of the UK COVID-19 pandemic ("Pandemic Puppies") were more likely to be exposed to many of these risk factors compared to puppies acquired in 2019; however, consequences for their adult behaviour are, as yet, unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the impact of these early-life and provenance-based risk factors, in addition to owner management strategies (including training methods) into early adulthood, upon adult dog behaviour aged 21 months. An online longitudinal cohort study of n = 985 Pandemic Puppies was conducted, recruited from a cohort of n = 4369 puppies originally surveyed in November-December 2020, which included data on how and why they were acquired and their socialisation/habituation experiences <16 weeks of age. Nearly all owners (96.7%) reported that their dog had exhibited at least one problem behaviour up to 21 months of age (median: 5; IQR: 3-7). Almost one third of dogs (30.9%) were reported to have displayed separation-related behaviours. Multivariable linear regression modelling revealed that owners reporting more problem behaviours were more likely to use multiple aversive training techniques (e.g., physical punishment), the use of which was notably high in this population (82.3%) compared to previous studies. Attendance at online puppy classes was the sole protective factor against owner use of aversive training methods. Almost one third of owners had underestimated how hard training their dog would be; this view was more likely among first-time owners. Urgent efforts are required to support this vulnerable population of dogs, including providing owner education regarding humane training techniques, to improve canine emotional health and avoid future relinquishment and/or behavioural euthanasia.

PCYT2 deficiency in Saarlooswolfdogs with progressive retinal, central, and peripheral neurodegeneration

We investigated a syndromic disease comprising blindness and neurodegeneration in 11 Saarlooswolfdogs. Clinical signs involved early adult onset retinal degeneration and adult-onset neurological deficits including gait abnormalities, hind limb weakness, tremors, ataxia, cognitive decline and behavioral changes such as aggression towards the owner. Histopathology in one affected dog demonstrated cataract, retinal degeneration, central and peripheral axonal degeneration, and severe astroglial hypertrophy and hyperplasia in the central nervous system. Pedigrees indicated autosomal recessive inheritance. We mapped the suspected genetic defect to a 15 Mb critical interval by combined linkage and autozygosity analysis. Whole genome sequencing revealed a private homozygous missense variant, PCYT2:c.4A>G, predicted to change the second amino acid of the encoded ethanolamine-phosphate cytidylyltransferase 2, XP_038402224.1:(p.Ile2Val). Genotyping of additional Saarlooswolfdogs confirmed the homozygous genotype in all eleven affected dogs and demonstrated an allele frequency of 9.9% in the population. This experiment also identified three additional homozygous mutant young dogs without overt clinical signs. Subsequent examination of one of these dogs revealed early-stage progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and expansion of subarachnoid CSF spaces in MRI. Dogs homozygous for the pathogenic variant showed ether lipid accumulation, confirming a functional PCYT2 deficiency. The clinical and metabolic phenotype in affected dogs shows some parallels with human patients, in whom PCYT2 variants lead to a rare form of spastic paraplegia or axonal motor and sensory polyneuropathy. Our results demonstrate that PCYT2:c.4A>G in dogs cause PCYT2 deficiency. This canine model with histopathologically documented retinal, central, and peripheral neurodegeneration further deepens the knowledge of PCYT2 deficiency.

Mortality and heavy metals environmental exposure: a study in dogs.

Dogs are human companions and share environmental conditions with their owners. Epidemiological studies have shown that dogs seem to be good sentinel animals for the association of diseases and/or mortality provoked by chronic exposure to heavy metals (Cd, Pb). In the present work, we analyze the registered death cases and population from the National Canine Registry from 2020 to 2022, involving a dog population of 582,564 and 17,507 deaths. The mortality rate in male and not-purebred dogs is higher than in female and purebred dogs, respectively. The mortality cases were cross-referenced with the environmental pollution data relating to the concentration of Cd and Pb detected, between 2012 and 2022, in the various municipalities of the Liguria region. We then calculated SMR (Standardized Mortality Rate) throughout the region and found that mortality increases from the eastern to the western Ligurian coast. We observed that the most polluted areas present the highest SMRs (IRR = 1.36, 95%CI: from 1.31 to 1.41). Considering dog ages, we found that mortality in young dogs is not affected by pollution, while mortality in old dogs (10-20 years old) is heavily affected by it (IRR = 8.97, 95%CI from 8.09 to 9.93). In conclusion, the data suggest the importance of canine health and biomonitor studies and provide a basis for future research involving both animal and human health.

Oftalmopatias em 574 cães da raça Shih tzu atendidos em um Hospital Veterinário: estudo retrospectivo

Abstract Brachycephalic breeds, including Shih Tzus, are predisposed to developing ophthalmic conditions due to facial conformation. This study investigated the primary ophthalmic diseases in Shih Tzus treated at the Governador Laudo Natel’s Veterinary Hospital of São Paulo State University Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Jaboticabal-São Paulo, Brazil, between 2014 and 2022. We selected 574 cases, totaling 1,724 diagnoses. Regarding sex, 50% (287/574) were female, and 50% (287/574) were male. Anatomically, diagnoses in group 1 (lacrimal system, eyelids, and adnexa) were the most common, comprising 55% (945/1,724), followed by group 2 (anterior segment) at 40% (683/1,724), group 4 (eyeball) at 4% (73/1,724), and group 3 (posterior segment) at 1% (23/1,724). The mean age at diagnosis was 5.2 years. Adult dogs were the most represented age group at 55% (317/574), followed by young dogs at 25% (145/574) and elderly dogs at 20% (112/574). Elderly dogs had more diagnoses of glaucoma and cataracts compared to young and adult dogs. In young dogs, the most diagnosed conditions were ulcerative keratitis and distichiasis, while in adults and elderly dogs, the predominant conditions were keratoconjunctivitis sicca and ulcerative keratitis.

Elastografia ARFI (Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse) e ultrassonografia modo-B das glândulas adrenais em cães hígidos e de diferentes idades

ABSTRACT Sixty adrenals of 30 dogs were evaluated, divided into three groups, according to age: Group 1 = healthy youngsters (10 animals) - from one to three years old; Group 2 = healthy adults (10 animals) - four to nine years old; and Group 3 = healthy senile animals (10 animals) - older than ten years old. The experimental design was randomized, with a significance of 5%. There was a significant difference (P=0.017) in length between young and elderly dogs. The thickness of the cranial pole showed a significant difference (P=0.001) between young and adults when compared with the elderly group. The thickness of the caudal pole was not significant for adults when compared to elderly and young people. Between elderly and young, the difference was significant (P=0.024). The mean speeds differed between the groups of young and adult animals regarding the left adrenal and its cranial pole. The hardness pattern and its measurements can vary in healthy dogs of different ages, being more rigid in the cranial pole of the left adrenal in young dogs.

Caracterização genética e predominância da variante do novo CPV-2a em casos clínicos de parvovirose canina na região oeste do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

ABSTRACT: Canine parvovirus 2 (CPV-2) is an important causative agent of segmental enteritis in young dogs and has globally distributed variants and subtypes. Viral mutations can alter the pathogenesis and clinical signs, making identifying the samples circulating in a given region relevant. This study described the epidemiological and clinical findings and the molecular characterization of CPV-2 samples circulating in the canine population of Uruguaiana, Rio Grande doSul (RS), Brazil. We analyzed 27 cases with a complete clinical history and at least one confirmatory etiologic diagnosis. In addition to clinical and epidemiological data, whole blood samples or tissues were tested by PCR for viral DNA detection. Amplified products were sequenced and analyzed, and phylogeny was generated with reference sequences. The disease was diagnosed especially in the summer months, and the most common clinical findings were diarrhea, anorexia, listlessness, and vomiting. Infection was predominant in young (&lt; 6 months) unvaccinated or partially immunized dogs, with mortality exceeding 93%. It was possible to identify 15 CPV-2 samples, four of which were CPV-2a and 11 were new CPV-2a. It can be concluded that canine parvovirus is a disease with high mortality rates, with young unvaccinated dogs being more susceptible, with a predominance of the new CPV-2a variant in the western region of Rio Grande do Sul.

Response to treatment with grapiprant as part of a standard multimodal regimen in young dogs with appendicular joint osteoarthritis associated pain.

The response to medical management of young dogs with osteoarthritis (OA) associated pain has not been evaluated. Using an open-label design, the effectiveness, over a 4-month period, of standardized management (grapiprant/fish oil/exercise) for treating OA pain in young dogs was evaluated. Included dogs were 9 months-4 years of age; ≥3.6 kg body weight; had ≥1 appendicular joint with radiographic OA and obvious joint pain; had a Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) score of ≥5. The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory piprant (grapiprant) was given at the recommended dose daily, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation was initiated at 100 mg/kg and then increased to 200 mg/kg daily, and leash exercise was gradually increased to a target of 60 min daily. Client-reported outcome measures (CROMs) and force plate gait analysis were collected at baseline and monthly for 4 months. The index limb was defined as the most severely affected limb at baseline. Forty-eight dogs were enrolled (mean ± SD age of 30.7 ± 10.7 months). Hips, elbows, and stifles were commonly affected. Medication and supplement compliance was excellent (≥95% of target administered), and treatments were well-tolerated. CROMs showed significant improvement over time and at each time point. Overall, peak vertical force (PVF) increased significantly (<0.001), and vertical impulse increased numerically. Increase in PVF from baseline was significant at all time points except 4-months. This study demonstrates a clinically meaningful benefit of a multimodal treatment regimen over a 4-month period for young dogs (<4 years old) with OA-pain. Future work should determine if early, effective treatment is of long-term benefit.

Epidemiology, molecular prevalence and prevention on canine parvovirus in India: A review.

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a highly contagious and lethal virus that causes severe gastroenteritis and myocarditis in young dogs. In 1978, CPV has rapidly spread worldwide, resulting in outbreaks and high morbidity rates among dog populations. Over a decade, CPV has undergone genetic changes, leading to the emergence of different genotypes (CPV-2a, CPV-2b, and CPV-2c), which have expanded its host range to include cats and tissue culture cells. This review focuses on CPV-2 outbreaks in India from 2010 to 2023, analyzing gene lengths covering 274-438 amino acids in the VP2 gene which are collected from the NCBI database to investigate CPV epidemiology and diversity. The study highlighted substantial differences in seroprevalence over the period for CPV-2 (7%), CPV-2a (45%), CPV-2b (12%), and CPV-2c (36%). Our study found significant seroprevalence differences among CPV variants, with CPV-2a being the most prevalent, underscoring the need for effective diagnostic and preventive strategies.

Co-infecção de patógenos transmitidos por carrapatos e Leishmania sp. em cães com sinais sugestivos para leishmaniose em uma área endêmica no nordeste do Brasil

ABSTRACT: The present study aimed to investigate the occurrence of Leishmania spp., hemotropic Mycoplasma spp., tick-borne pathogens (TBP), and co-infection in dogs with clinical signs suggestive of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). It also aimed to determine the factors associated with infection and to map the distribution of co-infected dogs in an endemic area in the Northeast region of Brazil. Blood samples from 168 dogs were evaluated for serological analysis to Leishmania spp., Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Babesia spp., and molecular assays to Leishmania spp., Anaplasma platys, Ehrlichia canis, Babesia spp., and hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. In serological and molecular analysis, 29.8% and 5.9% of dogs were co-infected. In the regression analysis, seropositivity for Ehrlichia spp., Babesia spp., and Leishmania spp. was significantly associated with the presence of petechiae, young dogs, and weight loss. Serology revealed that co-exposure with Babesia spp. and Ehrlichia spp. was associated with fever and thrombocytopenia, and there was an association between seropositivity for Ehrlichia spp. and Babesia spp. in dogs seropositive for Leishmania spp. The presence of hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. DNA was associated with anorexia. Thus, dogs with clinical VL have co-infection with other pathogens, reinforcing the importance of this study for a better understanding of these co-infections in dogs from endemic areas.

Canine transmissible venereal tumour in Morocco: Clinical and pathological findings in 64 dogs – Insights from a descriptive epidemiological study (2020-2023)

Background: Canine transmissible venereal tumour (CTVT) is a widely spread, contagious neoplasm commonly found in dogs. Mostly affects the external genitalia, however, it may also exhibit unusual clinical presentations. Aim: To describe the epidemiology, clinical appearance, cytologic and histopathologic features of dogs with TVT in Morocco. Methods: Within the realm of a nation-wide study on canine and feline tumours in Morocco between September 2020 and March 2023, dogs with histologically diagnosed TVT were identified and data on epidemiologic, clinical as well as cytologic and histologic features compiled and analyzed. Results: A total of 64 cases of canine TVT were diagnosed. 52 dogs were cross-breed (81.2%) while 4 Siberian Huskies (6.2%) and 3 German shepherds (4.7%) were the most affected pure-breed dogs. Median age of dogs at diagnosis was 3 years (range, 1-10years) and male gender was more common (male:female ratio; 1.3:1). Tumour was located exclusively in the genital area in 58 cases (90.6%), whereas 6 dogs (9.4%) had an atypical occurrence of TVT with locations including skin and nasal cavity. Cytology allowed for an early diagnosis in 2 cases. Histology revealed no differences between the genital and extragenital forms. Immunohistochemistry was necessary in 4 cases and revealed positive staining for vimentin and Alpha-1-antitrypsin, negative marking for CD3, CD20 and AE1/AE3, and low cytoplasmic labeling for lysozyme. Conclusion: CTVT is a widely distributed neoplasm in Morocco, mostly showing presence in young, cross-breed, and oftentimes stray dogs. Adequate understanding of this tumour's epidemiological features is necessary for its management and eradication.