Signalment risk factors for cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (Alabama rot) in dogs in the UK

Baicalin Exhibits a Protective Effect against Cisplatin-Induced Cytotoxic Damage in Canine Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells

Renal failure is a common chronic disease in dogs that substantially affects both their quality of life and longevity. The objective of this study was to assess the protective mechanisms of baicalin in cisplatin-induced Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells' apoptosis model and explore the impacts of baicalin at varying doses on various indexes, such as cisplatin-induced MDCK cell apoptosis, oxidation and antioxidation, and inflammatory factors. (Methods) MDCK cells in the logarithmic growth phase were randomly divided into a control group, a model group (20 μmol/L cisplatin), and a baicalin-protection group (20 μmol/L cisplatin + 50, 25 μmol/L baicalin) and received the corresponding treatments for 24 h. The effects of cisplatin on MDCK cell apoptosis, oxidation and antioxidation, inflammatory factors, and other indicators were studied, and the relieving effect of baicalin on cisplatin-induced MDCK cell damage was explored. Calcein/PI staining and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining showed that cisplatin induced the apoptosis of MDCK cells, while baicalin effectively reduced the damage caused by cisplatin. The ELISA results demonstrated a significant elevation in the nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels within the MDCK cells following treatment with cisplatin (p < 0.01). In addition, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH), and catalase (CAT) activities remarkably declined (p < 0.01), while tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression within the MDCK cells were apparently elevated (p < 0.01). However, baicalin treatment resulted in opposite changes in these factors. The findings suggested that baicalin exhibits potential in mitigating cisplatin-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in MDCK cells. As revealed with the Western blot results, cisplatin promoted P62, P53, and BAX protein levels, increased mTOR phosphorylation, inhibited AMPK phosphorylation, and reduced Beclin1 and BCL-2 protein levels. However, a contrasting trend was observed following baicalin treatment. Cisplatin can inhibit the activity of MDCK cells, lead to abnormalities in oxidation and antioxidation functions and cell inflammatory factors, and accelerate cell apoptosis. Moreover, baicalin can significantly alleviate the damage of cisplatin to MDCK cells.

Epidemiology of mammary tumours in bitches under veterinary care in the UK in 2016

BACKGROUND

There is limited information on the epidemiology of canine mammary tumours. This study aimed to estimate the incidence and risk factors for mammary tumours in UK bitches.

METHODS

A nested case-control study was conducted within VetCompass to estimate the frequency and risk factors for clinically diagnosed mammary tumours during 2016 (VetCompass study). A second case-control study explored further breed associations for cases confirmed histopathologically compared to the VetCompass controls (laboratory study). Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between risk factors and mammary tumours.

RESULTS

The incidence of mammary tumours was 1340.7/100,000 per year (95% confidence interval: 1198.1-1483.3). A total of 222 clinical cases (VetCompass study) and 915 laboratory cases (laboratory study) were compared to 1515 VetCompass controls in the two analyses. In the VetCompass study, Springer and Cocker Spaniels, Boxers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Lhasa Apsos had increased odds of developing mammary tumours. Neutering was associated with reduced odds, while odds increased with increasing age and a history of pseudopregnancy. In the laboratory study, increasing age was associated with greater odds of mammary tumours, and the breeds most at risk were similar to those identified in the VetCompass study.

LIMITATIONS

The timing of neutering was not consistently available. Comparing laboratory cases to VetCompass controls provided only exploratory evidence for the breed associations identified.

CONCLUSIONS

The study provides an update on the frequency of canine mammary tumours.

Incidence and demographic risk factors for leptospirosis in dogs in the UK

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the annual incidence risk of leptospirosis diagnosis in practice-attending dogs in the UK during 2016 and identify risk factors for diagnosis.

METHODS

Incidence of leptospirosis diagnosis in dogs during 2016 was estimated from dogs in primary-care practices from the VetCompass Programme (n = 905,543). A case-control study of laboratory cases (n = 362) versus VetCompass controls explored factors (age, sex, neutering, breed, Kennel Club group, urban-rural location, indices of deprivation) associated with leptospirosis diagnosis through multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Annual incidence risk of leptospirosis in the VetCompass population was 0.8 cases per 100,000 dogs (0.0008%, 95% CI 9.1 × 10^-8 -5.2 × 10^-5 ). Adult dogs, especially 1- < 5 years olds (odds ratio [OR] = 0.38, 95% CI 0.27-0.54), and dogs attending urban clinics (OR = 0.26, 95% CI 0.19-0.35) had reduced odds of leptospirosis versus dogs < 1 year old and rural dogs, respectively. Dogs attending clinics in less deprived areas had increased odds of diagnosis (OR = 3.63, 95% CI 2.28-5.78) compared to crossbreds, Cocker Spaniels (OR = 4.25, 95% CI 2.65-6.84), Collies (OR = 3.53, 95% CI 2.22-5.62) and Lurchers (OR = 3.49, 95% CI 1.50-8.11) had increased odds of diagnosis.

DISCUSSION

Leptospirosis is rarely diagnosed in clinical practice, suggesting that many true cases may be missed. Demographic risk factors identified here may inform the index of suspicion and encourage increased use of confirmatory diagnostic testing.

Cerebral Microangiopathy in Two Dogs with Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy

Cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV) is an emerging disease in the UK, but its aetiology remains unclear. It is considered a thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) in which the kidney and skin are the most commonly affected organs. We now document two cases of CRGV with brain lesions, which may have accounted for neurological signs displayed by these animals. The histopathological brain lesions were similar to TMA lesions in humans with thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura (TTP) and complement-mediated haemolytic uraemic syndrome (CM-HUS), in which the neurological signs are more associated with TMA than with any systemic disease or electrolyte imbalance. Fibrinoid necrosis in brain arterioles and associated lesions in these dogs were similar to those in human CM-HUS, indicating that the alternative complement pathway may play an important role in the pathophysiology of CRGV.

Dog breeds and body conformations with predisposition to osteosarcoma in the UK: a case-control study

Background

Osteosarcoma is an aggressive and painful bone neoplasm in dogs. Previous studies have reported epidemiological associations suggesting that large body mass, long bone length and the genetics of certain breeds including the Rottweiler are associated with elevated osteosarcoma risk. However, these studies were often limited by selection bias and confounding factors, and have rarely offered insights into breed-associated protection for osteosarcoma. The current study includes 1756 appendicular and axial osteosarcoma cases presenting to VPG Histology (Bristol, UK) compared against a control population of 905,211 dogs without osteosarcoma from primary care electronic patient records in the VetCompass™ dataset.

Methods and study design

Retrospective, case-control study. Multivariable logistic regression analysis explored associations between demographic risk factors (including breed, chondrodystrophy, age, sex/neuter status, skull-shape, and body mass) and osteosarcoma of all anatomical sites.

Results

We identified several breeds with increased and reduced odds of osteosarcoma. At highest risk were the Rottweiler and Great Dane, with > 10 times the odds of osteosarcoma compared with crossbreds, and the Rhodesian Ridgeback, which has not featured in previous lists of at-risk breeds for osteosarcoma, and had an odds ratio of 11.31 (95% confidence interval 7.37–17.35). Breeds at lowest risk of osteosarcoma (protected breeds) included the Bichon Frise, the French Bulldog and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, all with odd ratios of less than 0.30 compared with crossbreds. Body mass was strongly associated with osteosarcoma risk; dogs over 40 kg exhibited osteosarcoma odds of 45.44 (95% confidence interval 33.74–61.20) compared with dogs less than 10 kg. Chondrodystrophic breeds had an osteosarcoma odds ratio of 0.13 (95% confidence interval 0.11–0.16) compared with non-chondrodystrophic breeds.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence of strong breed-associated osteosarcoma risk and protection, suggesting a genetic basis for osteosarcoma pathogenesis. It highlights that breeds selected for long legs/large body mass are generally overrepresented amongst at-risk breeds, whilst those selected for short leg length/small body mass are generally protected. These findings could inform genetic studies to identify osteosarcoma risk alleles in canines and humans; as well as increasing awareness amongst veterinarians and owners, resulting in improved breeding practices and clinical management of osteosarcoma in dogs.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40575-021-00100-7.

Clinicopathological features of cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy in 178 dogs

BACKGROUND

One hundred seventy-eight dogs with cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV) were evaluated to further the understanding of the natural course of CRGV. CRGV, a form of thrombotic microangiopathy, can cause skin lesions and potentially acute kidney injury (AKI) with a high mortality rate.

METHODS

Cases were submitted from multiple practices from 2012 until June 2019. Clinical histories and laboratory data were reviewed to describe the features of CRGV.

RESULTS

Most cases (91%) occurred between November and May. Fifteen dogs (8.4%) with CRGV were in contact with another dog that developed skin lesions +/- AKI. Limb lesions were present on 144 dogs (80.9%) at presentation. Median time from appearance of a lesion to AKI was 3 days (range -4-45 days). Neurological signs occurred in 33 dogs (18.6%) including at presentation in 2 (1.1%). Systemic signs were present in 13 dogs prior to a skin lesion (7.3%). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were prescribed prior to AKI identification in 92 of 170 dogs (54.1%). Thrombocytopenia was present in 115 of 137 (83.9%) of dogs.

CONCLUSION

The timeframe over which AKI may develop is longer than previously reported, neurological signs can be identified at presentation or during hospitalisation, and thrombocytopenia is even more common than previously reported.

Moving from information and collaboration to action: report from the 4th international dog health workshop, Windsor in May 2019

Background

Dogs are the most popular mammal kept as a companion animal globally. Positive human-dog relationships can benefit both the human owners as well as the dogs. However, popularity as a companion animal species does not universally benefit dogs in reverse. Breed-related health problems in dogs have received increasing attention over the last decade, sparking increased concerns for dog welfare across many stakeholders. Progress towards improved welfare requires meaningful collaboration between all those working in dog health, science and welfare. The International Partnership for Dogs (IPFD), together with an alternating host organisation, holds biennial meetings called the International Dog Health Workshops (IDHW). The IPFD 4th IDHW was hosted by the UK Kennel Club in Windsor, UK in May 2019. With the aim of encouraging international and multi-stakeholder collaborations that are effective and ongoing, the 4th IDHW 2019 provided a forum to identify specific needs and actions that could improve health, well-being and welfare in dogs, building on outcomes and evaluating actions of previous IDHWs.

Results

The workshop included 126 decision-leaders from 16 countries and was structured around five key themes identified as needing international, multi-stakeholder attention. These included the concept of “breed”, supply and demand, breed-specific strategies for health and breeding, genetic testing and extreme conformations. The review of progress made since the 3rd IDHW 2017 and the comprehensive lists of actions agreed upon during the current meeting suggest that movement from information and collaboration to action has been achieved. Working groups with specific tasks were identified and many plan to continue to communicate through forum communities on DogWellNet.com.

Conclusions

The IDHW provides a forum for formal and informal discussion between relevant groups so that key dog health and welfare issues can be identified and defined, and plans can be agreed for effective actions to address them. The 3rd IDHW 2017 resulted in a number of significant outcomes. New and continuing actions were laid down at the 4th IDHW 2019, which will be re-evaluated at the 5th IDHW facilitating continual progress.

Pathology and Epidemiology of Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy in Dogs

Cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV) has been recognized as a potentially life-threatening condition of dogs in the UK since 2012, although there was a single (non-azotaemic) case reported in the UK in 2000. Prior to that, CRGV was recognized in the 1980s in southern USA as a disease affecting solely racing greyhounds (which gave rise to the colloquial name of 'Alabama rot'). CRGV manifests as ulcerative skin lesions, generally sparing the dorsum. It is variably associated with systemic signs including anaemia, thrombocytopenia and acute kidney injury, which, when it develops, is often severe and fatal. CRGV is characterized histopathologically as a thrombotic microangiopathy. To date in the UK, more than 230 dogs of varying breed and age have been humanely destroyed and histopathologically confirmed to be suffering from CRGV. The aetiology remains unknown, but the seasonal distribution (highest case incidence November-May each year) suggests that environmental or climatic factors may play a role in disease development. Further research to determine the aetiology and improve ante-mortem diagnostic testing, therapeutic options and preventive strategies is urgently needed.

Canine cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy in the Republic of Ireland: a description of three cases

Background

Cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV) is a condition of unknown aetiology involving microvascular thrombosis. It has recently been described in over 160 dogs in the United Kingdom and usually has a grave prognosis. To date, this condition has not been described in dogs residing in the Republic of Ireland.

Case presentation

Three dogs presented to University College Dublin Veterinary Hospital (UCDVH) for investigation of rapidly progressive skin lesions. All dogs were diagnosed with CRGV on post-mortem examination. All three dogs had azotaemia on presentation or rapidly developed azotaemia, and all were euthanased because of progression of clinical signs and likelihood of CRGV. One dog was affected by seizure-like episodes and had thrombotic microangiopathy evident within the cerebrum.

Conclusions

CRGV occurs in dogs residing in the Republic of Ireland and is a differential for cases presenting with skin lesions and azotaemia. The histopathological lesions of CRGV can also affect the brain leading to neurological signs such as seizures. Owners and veterinarians should be aware that this condition can occur in dogs in Ireland.

Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy: What Do We Know so Far?

Cutaneous renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV), colloquially named "Alabama rot," is an emerging condition in the United Kingdom, previously reported from the United States and Germany. The cause of CRGV is not yet determined; no definitive link to an infectious agent has been made. Dogs diagnosed with CRGV initially develop cutaneous lesions, and a proportion of these dogs go on to manifest acute kidney injury, which may result in oligoanuric acute renal failure. Antemortem diagnosis is challenging given the lack of a specific diagnostic test, and confirmation of CRGV is therefore currently dependent on identification of thrombotic microangiopathy on renal histopathology.