Characterization of the semen microbiota of healthy stud dogs using 16S RNA sequencing

The reproductive microbiota of male dogs has never been investigated using culture-independent sequencing techniques. The purpose of the present study was to get seminal knowledge on the microbiota of the ejaculate. Specifically, factors as the fraction of the ejaculate, the sperm quality (normospermia, teratozoospermia), and the living environment were evaluated. The sperm-rich and the prostatic fractions of the ejaculate were collected from healthy stud dogs. Following the sperm analysis, samples from twenty animals (normospermic n = 10 and teratozoospermic n = 10) were stored at - 80 °C until further processing including DNA extraction and 16S rRNA sequencing. Alpha- (Shannon index) and beta- (Bray-Curtis, Unweighted UniFrac) diversities were assessed and compared (PERMANOVA) based on the group of samples (biological samples from the ejaculate and controls), the fraction of the ejaculate (sperm-rich and prostatic fractions), the animal group (normospermia and teratozoospermia), and the living environment of the animal (kennel or pet living in-house). The most abundant bacterial phyla in canine semen samples were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria. Overall, the dominant bacterial family was that of Pasteurellaceae The genus Mycoplasma was never detected. No differences in terms of bacterial composition were found based on the fraction of the ejaculate and based on the animal group (P > 0.05). On the other hand, differences in alpha and beta diversities were highlighted based on the living environment (P = 0.001). Overall, the results of the present study provide preliminary insights on dog semen microbiota, opening a new chapter in the field of canine andrology. Our results suggest that the environment may play a role in influencing the reproductive microbiota of male dogs and that the prostatic fraction of the ejaculate can be used for further research as a representative of the semen microbiota.

The dogma of the sterile uterus revisited: does microbial seeding occur during fetal life in humans and animals?

In brief

Opposing conclusions have been drawn regarding the presence of viable bacteria in the healthy pregnant uterus. Current evidence in humans and animals suggests that fetomaternal tissues present only traces of bacteria whose viability is still to be proven.

Abstract

The debate about the pioneer colonization of the fetus is still open, being the 'in utero colonization' hypothesis versus the 'sterile womb paradigm' the two opposing sides. The seed in this field of research sprouted in human medicine in the last decade and became a central topic in other mammals as well. We aimed to review the literature on bacterial colonization of the healthy placenta, amniotic fluid, and meconium as representatives of the fetal environment. What emerges is that confirming the colonization of fetomaternal tissues by viable bacteria is challenging in humans as well as in animals. Contamination represents the major risk in this type of research as it can be related to different parts of the study design. Sampling at natural parturition or postpartum introduces risk for colonization by the vaginal microbiome of the mother or from the environment. Culture does not reveal the presence of unculturable microorganisms, and sequencing does not allow confirming bacterial viability, while also introducing the variability associated with the data analysis. Therefore, on the basis of the present review, we provide some guidelines on the best practices when performing this type of studies. What emerges from the current literature in humans and animals is that fetomaternal tissues are characterized by a very low biomass, that the viability of bacteria eventually present is still to be confirmed, while massive colonization happens at birth, priming the individual, regardless of the species.

Birth weight, puppies' growth and health with limited-ingredient novel protein diet vs standard diet in late pregnancy

Great attention has been given in the last years to the protein source of dog food, and commercial limited-ingredient diets with a single protein are available also for late pregnancy. This work compared the effect of a fish-based limited ingredient diet (LID), and of a standard mixed-protein diet (Mixed), fed to the bitches from the last three weeks of pregnancy and to the puppies at weaning, on birth weight, growth and health of the puppies. From a breeder's records, the weight of 22 Lagotto Romagnolo (LR) and 10 Appenzeller Cattle Dog (ACD) bitches on the day of mating, and of their 199 puppies, were extracted. The effect of diet on puppies' weight on day 0, 6, 30 and 60 was analyzed, considering litter size and sex. The analyses were repeated on puppies' weights normalized on the relative dam's non-pregnant bodyweight. Birth weight was available for 146 puppies, 82 LR and 64 ACD. Median birth weight of LR puppies was 287.5 g (170-400 g); sex ratio was 1.11 (males/females, N = 80). Median birth weight of ACD puppies was 390 g (240-525 g); sex ratio 1.15 (males/females, N = 58). Diet did not significantly affect birth weight in both breeds; however, it showed a significant effect on normalized birth weights (LR, P = 0.016; ACD, P = 0.034), with higher values for LID. At day 30, ACD puppies showed significantly higher weights with the Mixed diet (P = 0.002), and, at day 60, diet significantly affected the normalized weight in both breeds (LR, P = 0.019; ACD, P = 0.001), with higher values for the Mixed type. LID may help the dam to invest the energy in the growth of her litter, however, the same diet resulted in lower puppies' weights around weaning, compared to the Mixed diet. Although our results should be confirmed with larger numbers of animals and more breeds, they set some points worth to be further investigated. The choice of a limited-ingredient single-protein diet can affect litter weight and weight at weaning. Whether, administered to dams and puppies, it can prevent later pathologies, like chronic gastrointestinal diseases or food allergies, is a field of research deserving full attention.

Challenging the Hypothesis of in Utero Microbiota Acquisition in Healthy Canine and Feline Pregnancies at Term: Preliminary Data

At present, there are no data on the presence of bacteria in healthy canine and feline pregnancies at term. Here, we investigated the uterine microbiome in bitches (n = 5) and queens (n = 3) undergoing elective cesarean section in two facilities. Samples included swabs from the endometrium, amniotic fluid, and meconium, and environmental swabs of the surgical tray as controls. Culture and 16S rRNA gene sequencing were used to investigate the presence of bacteria. Culture was positive for 34.3% of samples (uterus n = 3, amniotic fluid n = 2, meconium n = 4, controls n = 0), mostly with low growth of common contaminant bacteria. With sequencing techniques, the bacterial abundance was significantly lower than in environmental controls (p < 0.05). Sequencing results showed a species-specific pattern, and significant differences between canine and feline bacterial populations were found at order, family, and genus level. No differences were found in alpha and beta diversities between feto-maternal tissues and controls (p > 0.05). Dominant phyla were Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria in different proportions based on tissue and species. Culture and sequencing results suggest that the bacterial biomass is very low in healthy canine and feline pregnancies at term, that bacteria likely originate from contamination from the dam's skin, and that the presence of viable bacteria could not be confirmed most of the time.

The evolution of dam-litter microbial flora from birth to 60 days of age

Background

Early bacterial colonization in puppies is still a poorly understood phenomenon. Although the topic is of considerable interest, a big gap in knowledge still exists on the understanding of timing and features of neonatal gut colonization. Thence, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between dam and litter microbial flora, in vaginally delivered puppies, from birth to two months of age. Bacteria were identified using MALDI-TOF, an accurate and sensitive method, and cluster analysis of data provided a new insight on the investigated topic.

Methods

Six dam-litter units of two medium size breeds were enrolled in the study. Vaginal and colostrum/milk samples were collected from dams after delivery and 48h post-partum, while rectal samples were taken from dams and puppies after delivery and at day 2, 30 and 60 (T2, T30 and T60, respectively) post-partum. Bacterial isolation and identification were performed following standard techniques, then the data were analyzed using a new approach based on bacterial genus population composition obtained using a wide MALDI-TOF screening and cluster analysis.

Results

Forty-eight bacteriological samples were collected from the dams and 145 from their 42 puppies. Colostrum/milk samples (n = 12) showed a bacterial growth mainly limited to few colonies. Staphylococci, Enterococci, E. coli, Proteus spp. were most frequently isolated. All vaginal swabs (n = 12) resulted in bacteria isolation (medium to high growth). Streptococci, Enterococci, E. coli were the most frequently detected. E. coli, Proteus mirabilis, Enterococcus spp., Streptococcus spp. were often obtained from dams’ and puppies’ rectal swabs. Clostridia, not isolated in any other sampling site, were rarely found (n = 3) in meconium while they were more frequently isolated at later times (T2: n = 30; T30: n = 17; T60: n = 27).

Analysis of the bacterial genus pattern over time showed a statistically significant reduction (P < 0.01) in the heterogeneity of microbial composition in all time points if compared to birth for each dam-litter unit. These results were confirmed with cluster analysis and two-dimensional scaling.

Conclusion

This novel data analysis suggests a fundamental role of the individual dam in seeding and shaping the microbiome of the litter. Thus, modulating the dam’s microbiota may positively impact the puppy microbiota and benefit their health.

Prognostic role of cardiac MRI after first episode of acute pericarditis: a long-term follow-up study

Introduction

Recurrent pericarditis (RP) complicates acute pericarditis in 30% of case. In this clinical setting guidelines suggest a one fits-all therapeutical approach, but only a minority of patients had RP. Pericardial LGE at cardiac MRI has been suggested as potential predictor of worse prognosis among patients with RP while no data are available regarding the role of CMR after first episode of pericarditis. Aim of the present study is to evaluate the role of cardiac MRI after a single episode of pericarditis for the identification of patients at higher risk of recurrent pericarditis that may merit more aggressive therapy.

Material and methods

From a registry of consecutive patients who underwent cardiac MRI from January 2014 to January 2019 we retrospectively selected a subgroup of patients with clinical diagnosis of pericarditis according ESC guidelines on pericardial disease, who underwent cardiac CMR less than 2 week after symptoms onset, for which transthoracic echocardiography and biochemical data during acute episode were available. CMR protocol included bSSFP images, T2w images and LGE in all patients. Transthoracic echocardiography was considered to be positive for pericardial disease if pericardial effusion and/or signs of pericardial constriction were present; cardiac MRI was considered to be positive for pericardial inflammation if pericardial hyperintensity signal were detected on T2w or LGE images. Clinical follow-up was recorded for a composite end-point including new episodes of recurrent pericarditis and subsequent diagnosis of chronic constrictive pericarditis

Results

A total of 26 patients were included in the study. All patients presented high risk features according to ESC guidelines on pericarditis. Pericarditis etiology was unknow (idiopathic) in 22 (84.6%), related to cancer in 3 patients (11.6%) post-myocardial injury in 1 case (3.8%). In 6 patients (24%) a myopericarditis was diagnosed. According to predefined criteria 12 patients had echocardiography positive for pericardial disease (46.2%), while in 7 patients cardiac MRI was positive for pericardial inflammation (26.9%). Both echocardiography and cardiac MRI were positive in 5 patients (19.2%). At a mean follow-up of 46.2±21.2 months a total of 8 recurrent pericarditis events were recorded and 1 patient developed chronic constrictive physiology. When corrected for peak C-reactive protein values, MRI positive for pericardial inflammation [HR (95% CI) 5.5 (1.3–24.1), p=0.034] but not echocardiography positive for pericardial disease [HR (95% CI) 0.58 (0.1–2.8), p=0.507] resulted to be associated to composite end-point at follow-up.

Conclusion

Cardiac MRI positive for pericardial inflammation may identify patients at higher risk for recurrent pericarditis, independently from peak C-reactive protein values, even after the first episode of acute pericarditis

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

A retrospective study and survival analysis on bitches with mammary tumours spayed at the same time of mastectomy

The aim of the present study was to retrospectively assess whether spaying at the same time of mastectomy increased disease-free survival (DFS) in bitches with mammary tumours and to investigate the utility of clinical data when designing a surgical plan that includes gonadectomy. Characteristics of 225 bitches carrying 489 tumours were retrieved. Of the116 bitches that underwent surgery, 52 bitches underwent mastectomy and ovariectomy, 46 bitches underwent mastectomy alone, whereas 18 bitches were already spayed. Analysis by Kaplan-Meier and in-between groups comparisons using Student's T, Chi-square, and one-way ANOVA tests were performed. DFS was longer for bitches that underwent ovariectomy and mastectomy compared to those that were left intact (p = .00064) or were already spayed (p = .0098). Spaying status affected tumour size (spayed: 2.75 cm ± 2.72; intact: 1.76 cm ± 2.04; p = .039), but not malignancy (p > .05). Differences in age were detected between animals with benign and malignant tumours (years: 9.1 ± 2.8 and 10 ± 2.3; p = .004), with multiple and single tumours (years: 10.18 ± 2.6 and 9.3 ± 2.8; p = .007), and between purebred and mixed breed bitches (years: 10.46 ±1.78 and 9.27 ±2.68; p = .005). Malignant tumours were larger than benign ones (2.17 cm±2.31 and 1.34 cm ±1.82; p = .005) and size increased according to the degree of malignancy. DFS was shorter for animals presenting tumours >2 cm in size (p < .006) and with tumours in the first pair of thoracic mammary glands (p = .00009). Gonadectomy should be suggested to owners of intact bitches carrying mammary tumours and age, size of the tumour, and location should be carefully considered when performing surgery.

Serum concentration of mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and sex steroids in peripartum bitches

The aim of the work was to describe the profile of steroid hormones in the peripartum period of the bitch. Twenty-five healthy pregnant bitches presented for pregnancy monitoring and parturition assistance were included in the study. A blood sample was collected for routine progesterone assay, and serum was stored at -20°C. The day of parturition and the number of delivered puppies were registered. Concentrations of corticosteroids, androgens, progestogens, estrogens, for a total number of 17 different hormones, were measured using ultra-performance supercritical fluid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Data were analyzed using a repeated measure, mixed-model approach, taking into account day (from day -4 to day +2 from parturition), age, parity (primiparous vs pluriparous), number of delivered puppies (<4 vs 4-8 vs > 8), and interactions between factors. Day related to parturition significantly affected the concentration of progesterone (P < 0.001), testosterone (P < 0.001), 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (P = 0.0002), and cortisone (P = 0.006). Estrogen concentration did not show any significant variation over time. Testosterone and androstenedione showed an abrupt decline on the day of parturition. The concentration of all glucocorticoids increased the day before parturition. Age or parity was not significantly associated with any of the steroids. Litter size significantly affected concentrations of aldosterone (P = 0.02) and etiocholanolone (P = 0.01). Aldosterone concentrations were higher in litters with 4 to 8 pups than in litters with more than 8 pups (P = 0.02). None of the steroids measured in our study, with the already known exception of progesterone, shows potential to be clinically useful in predicting the onset of parturition in the bitch.

First pregnancies in jennies with vitrified donkey semen using a new warming method

Sperm vitrification has been recently developed, but fertility trials have not been performed yet in equine species. In this study, a new warming technique for vitrified donkey semen was developed and the uterine inflammatory response and fertility were compared to conventional freezing. In Experiment 1, sperm was vitrified in straws and warmed in 3 ml of extender or in a water bath at: 37 °C/30 s; 43 °C/10 s; and 60 °C/5 s. Sperm motility, plasma and acrosome membranes and DNA integrity were compared between treatments. In Experiment 2, jennies were inseminated twice (500 × 10⁶ sperm) in the uterine body either with vitrified or frozen semen (2 cycles/jenny). Pregnancy rates and the uterine inflammatory response (polymorphonuclear neutrophil concentration; PMN) were evaluated after artificial insemination (AI). No differences between warming in extender/water bath were found and 43 °C/10 s was better than lower temperatures in terms of total (53.8 ± 13.2%) and progressive sperm motility (41.4 ± 11.4%). No differences in PMN concentration (×10³ PMN/ml) were found between vitrified (276.8 ± 171.6) or frozen (309.7 ± 250.7) semen after AI. However, PMN decreased faster (P < 0.05) using vitrified semen. Pregnancy rates were greater for vitrified (22%) than frozen semen (10%) but not statistically different. In conclusion, donkey sperm vitrified in straws could be directly warmed in a water bath at 43 °C/10 s, reducing the uterine inflammatory response obtained after AI and promoting positive pregnancy outcomes. These findings confirm the possibility to use vitrified semen as an alternative for AI in jennies.

Effect of sterilization on the canine vaginal microbiota: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Surgical sterilization is the most effective method of contraception for dogs. It also prevents pyometra and reduces the risk of mammary tumour development. However, this procedure also has negative effects, such as urinary incontinence. Steroid hormone deprivation following gonadectomy could also affect canine vaginal mucosa conditions and the microbial community colonizing the vaginal tract. This hypothesis was tested by comparing the vaginal cytology and microbial community of two groups of bitches, including 11 in anoestrus and 10 sterilized bitches (post-pubertal sterilization in the last 4 years). Bacteria were identified through metataxonomic analysis, amplifying the V3-V4 regions of 16S rRNA gene, and culturing methods.

RESULTS

Vaginal mucosa cytology was suggestive of dystrophic conditions in sterilized bitches, whereas a typical anoestrus pattern with parabasal and intermediate cells was appreciable in anoestrous animals. Metataxonomic analysis revealed large inter-individual variability. Salmonella, Mycoplasma and Staphylococcus were present in moderate quantities in almost all the samples in both groups. Mollicutes (class level) and Tenericutes (phylum level) were commonly present in moderate quantities in anoestrus samples, whereas these microbes were present at high levels in a single sample from the sterilized group. Based on culturing, a higher number of different species were isolated from the anoestrous bitches, and Mycoplasma canis was exclusively identified in an anoestrous bitch. Staphylococcus spp. was the most frequently isolated genus in both groups, followed by Streptococcus spp., and, among gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia spp. and Haemophilus spp. A comparison of the numbers of the most frequently isolated genera of bacteria from vaginal cultures of bitches revealed that Pasteurella and Proteus were the most frequently identified in sterilized animals based on metataxonomic analysis (p-value = 0.0497 and 0.0382, respectively), whereas Streptococcus was significantly and most frequently isolated from anoestrous bitches using culture methods (p value = 0.0436).

CONCLUSIONS

In this preliminary investigation, no global patterns of the vaginal bacteria community were noted that characterized the condition of the bitches; however, cytology suggested local modifications. Sterilization after puberty caused minimal alterations in the vaginal microbial community of bitches within 4 years after surgery.

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations are maximal at puberty in male donkeys and secretion is redirected from the blood stream to seminal plasma

Sertoli cells produce anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and number of these cells is associated with numbers of sperm produced. The study aim was to quantify AMH concentrations in serum and seminal plasma of donkeys during puberty, and to correlate the values with those for testicular width and semen quality of sexually mature males. Blood was collected from five donkeys every second month from 4 to 24 months of age, and then once at 40 months of age. Semen was collected once monthly, from 13 to 19 and 23-25 months of age. There was quantification of AMH concentrations in serum and seminal plasma. During puberty, there was a redirection of AMH secretion from the blood stream into seminal plasma. In serum, AMH concentrations increased during puberty with a maximal concentration at 16 months and the changes were similar for seminal plasma with a maximal concentration at 18 months of age. Serum AMH concentrations from 14-20 were greater than at 12 or 22 months of age. Maximal serum AMH concentrations were associated with testicular width at 24 months (r = 0.97, P = 0.005), but not with sperm count, sperm motility or percentage of sperm with normal morphology at 42 months of age. There were no significant correlations among values for AMH concentrations in seminal plasma during puberty and values for any of the seminal variables.

Cryopreservation of donkey embryos: Comparison of embryo survival rate after in vitro culture between conventional freezing and vitrification

Embryo cryopreservation ensures that genetic biodiversity is preserved over time. This study evaluates the survival of donkey embryos subjected to slow freezing and vitrification after thawing and in vitro culture. Seven-day-old in vivo produced donkey embryos were subjected to slow freezing (SF, N = 14) or vitrification (VIT, N = 22). After one year of cryopreservation, embryos were warmed, washed and placed in incubation for in vitro culture (IVC). In order to assess the embryo viability, the quality grade and developmental stage were recorded after thawing and after 24 and 48 h of IVC. Eleven embryos (SF = 4 and VIT = 7) were incubated under a time-lapse camera, for up to 68 h, in order to determine the area and growth. The survival rate was not influenced by the procedure but by the developmental stage: after 48 h of IVC blastocyst survival rate (1/8, 12.5%) was significantly lower compared to both morulas (8/12, 66.7%) and early blastocysts (11/16, 68.7%) (P < 0.05). Embryo diameter class at recovery did not significantly influence the survival rate. In terms of the embryos that were judged to be alive after 48 h of IVC, quality grade 1 was observed in 7/8 (88%) and 4/12 (33%) of the SF and VIT embryos, respectively (P < 0.05). After time-lapse analysis, the IVC embryo area as well as growth percentage were statistically higher in the SF than the VIT embryos (P < 0.05). In conclusion, no difference in survival rates was found between the two cryopreservation procedures, although embryo quality was more negatively affected by vitrification.

Serological survey of canine parvovirus 2 antibody titres in breeding kennels in northern Italy

BACKGROUND

Current guidelines recommend parvovirus revaccination of adult dogs no more frequently than every 3 years. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of dogs showing protective serum antibody titres against canine parvovirus 2 in breeding kennels in Northern Italy and to assess the effect of time from vaccination and the sex of the dog on antibody titres. The study was carried out on 370 animals of different breeds kept in 33 breeding kennels. Antibodies to canine parvovirus 2 in serum samples were measured with an indirect immunoenzymatic assay validated by the manufacturer in relation to the 'gold standard' haemagglutination inhibition test. The number of months that had elapsed since the last vaccination was calculated for each animal and categorized into the following classes: < 12 months; 13-24 months; 25-36 months; 37-48 months; and > 49 months.

RESULTS

The prevalence of 'unprotected' dogs was 4.6%. A satisfactory solid herd immunity was present in the majority of breeding kennels, although some vaccination failures were detected. A significant negative correlation was found between antibody titre and months since last vaccination. Comparable antibody titres were found in the first 3 years after vaccination. Although the antibody titre over time was not affected by the sex of the dog, 'unprotected' females had been vaccinated more recently than males with analogous low titres.

CONCLUSIONS

Parvovirus revaccination of adult dogs every 3 years, as currently recommended, is also the appropriate recommendation for breeding kennels. Serological tests could be a useful tool to assess the effectiveness of vaccination.

New simplified protocols for timed artificial insemination (TAI) in milk-producing donkeys

This study compared the outcome of two new timed artificial insemination (TAI) protocols in a milk-producing donkey farm. Ninety Amiata jennies were inseminated at the moment of ovulation induction with hCG, with fresh-transported semen that had been stored at room temperature from 3 up to 6 h, with an approximate average storage time of 4 h and a half. In both protocols, on Day 0 jennies were treated with alfaprostol (PGF2α), and on Day 7 they were checked by ultrasound (US) and, if in estrus, they were treated in order to induce ovulation and were then artificially inseminated. In the slow-short TAI protocol, jennies not already inseminated were treated again with PGF2α at Day 14. On day 21 US was repeated and estrus jennies were induced to ovulate and inseminated. In the fast-long TAI protocol, US was performed once a week in jennies not already inseminated and if found in estrus, they were induced to ovulate and inseminated, while those not in estrus were treated again with PGF2α. This protocol was repeated for up to nine weeks. The rates of inseminated/treated, pregnant/inseminated and pregnant/treated jennies were 76%, 56% and 43% for the slow-short TAI protocol and 94%, 47% and 44% for the fast-long TAI protocol. The age class and the lactation status of the jennies had no significant effect on synchronization success or final pregnancy rate. This study demonstrates that it is possible to achieve reasonable pregnancy rates through simplified TAI protocols in jennies, reducing animal handling to a minimum.

Contrast enhancement ultrasound of renal perfusion in dogs with acute kidney injury

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound to assess changes in renal perfusion in dogs with acute kidney injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The left kidney of each dog in two groups was examined using contrast-enhanced ultrasound: Group A consisted of 16 healthy dogs and Group B consisted of 12 dogs with acute kidney injury.

RESULTS

All dogs in Group A showed the same sequence of wash-in and wash-out. In Group B the distribution of contrast media showed a similar cortical phase to healthy dogs, but a faster time to maximal medullary enhancement. Group B showed increased medullary peak intensity and medullary area under the curve compared to Group A. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses showed vascular changes especially in the medulla, with more rapid medullary vascularisation and increased medullary perfusion. These results were interpreted as medullary congestion in dogs with acute kidney injury.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound represents an easy to perform, safe, and non-invasive method to detect changes in renal perfusion in dogs with acute kidney injury.

Evaluation of serum C-reactive protein concentration as a marker of impending parturition and correlation with progesterone profile in peri-partum bitches

C-reactive protein (CRP) is one of the major acute phase proteins in dogs. It is produced by the liver and rapidly increases in response to an inflammatory stimulus. The aim of this study was to measure CRP concentrations around parturition and to verify whether this protein could be useful, together with progesterone (P), to detect the onset of parturition in bitches. The CRP and P concentrations were measured in 66 serum samples from 28 healthy pregnant bitches, collected between -5 and +2 days from parturition (day of parturition = day 0). The effect of 'days from parturition', parity, and litter size on P and CRP concentration was analyzed and the correlation between CRP and P values was calculated. The P and CRP values were affected by 'days from parturition'. While P decreased during the last days of pregnancy, CRP concentration was greater than the normal range (0-1.07 mg/dl) starting the parturition day with the increase starting on day -1. The CRP concentration profiles during the days around parturition have not been previously reported in dogs. The increase in CRP very near the time of parturition and the low magnitude of the increase do not allow for it to be useful in clinical practice to assess the onset of parturition in the bitch.

Occurrence and characterization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius in successive parturitions of bitches and their puppies in two kennels in Italy

BACKGROUND

Multi-drug methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) detection is rapidly increasing in microbial specimens from pets across Europe. MRSP has also been isolated from bitches and newborns in dog breeding kennels. This study assessed whether MRSP lineage differs between breeding kennels and is maintained over time. Post-partum bitches (at day 3 vaginal and day 3, 9 and 35 milk samples) and their litters (at day 3, 9 and 35 oral and abdominal skin samples) from two Italian breeding kennels (A and B) were sampled and MRSP was subsequently characterized via whole-genome sequencing and antibiotic susceptibility testing. The study was carried out from October 2014 to March 2016 and included successive parturitions from the same animals.

RESULTS

The analysis revealed different situations in both investigated kennels. In kennel A, circulating strains were from 7-locus sequence types ST688, ST258 and closely related isolates of ST71, which included most isolates. In kennel B, only a new isolate, ST772, was detected. In addition, most isolates from both kennels had multi-resistant antibiotic profiles. MRSP was only isolated from litters of MRSP-positive bitches, thus suggesting that bitch-litter transmission is likely.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show that MRSP circulation can differ in different settings, that several clonal lineages can circulate together, and that vertical transmission appears common. MRSP colonization did not affect the health conditions of the bitches or of their litters.

Biochemical composition of fetal fluids in at term, normal developed, healthy, viable dogs and preliminary data from pathologic littermates

A proper canine neonatal assistance, required to reduce the high perinatal loss rate, imply a full knowledge about the fetal-to-neonatal physiology. Because fetal fluids play an important role throughout mammals pregnancy, influencing fetal growth and development, fetal well being, and contributing to guarantee the most suitable environment for the fetus, the knowledge about fetal fluids biochemical composition is of major importance. At first, the biochemical composition of fetal fluids collected by normal developed, healthy and viable newborns, is necessary to depict the normal features, and represent the first step for the further detection of abnormalities associated to fetal/neonatal distress and useful for the early identification of newborns needing special attention, immediately after birth. The present study was aimed to define the biochemical composition of amniotic and allantoic fluids collected from fetus delivered by caesarean section at term of pregnancy. To reduce the possible confounding effect of maternal labor or troubles at parturition, fetal fluids were collected only from puppies born by elective caesaeran section, at term of normal pregnancies. Fetal fluids from 76 puppies, 70 normal and six pathologic newborns, born by elective caesarean section were collected and analyzed for alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine-kinase (CK), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, urea, amylase, lipase, gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT), triglycerides, cholesterol, total proteins, albumin, globulins, glucose, magnesium, potassium, chloride, sodium, calcium, phosphorus and osmolarity. No significant differences were found between biochemical composition of amniotic or allantoic fluid in normal and pathologic newborns, maybe due to the small number of the pathologic puppies. Although some correlations between the two fluids were found (albumin, phosphorus, glucose and triglycerides), the results showed significant differences between the amniotic and allantoic biochemical composition (for all the parameters, except of alanine aminotransferase, triglycerides, cholesterol, albumin, amylase and glucose), suggesting that diverse sources could concur to the final composition of each fluid. A wide variability within and among litters was found for both amniotic and allantoic biochemical composition, and for some parameters an influence of breed body size (amniotic amylase, cholesterol, and allantoic calcium and glucose), maternal parity (amniotic and allantoic CK, glucose, LDH, chloride) and newborn gender (allantoic phosphorus) was found. Further investigations are needed for addressing the origin of each fetal fluid biochemical composition in the dog and also to indeep possible differences in fetal fluids biochemical composition between normal and pathologic puppies, providing potential markers for the quick identification of newborns that need special surveillance and cares immediately after birth.

Timing of hospital admission in labour: latent versus active phase, mode of birth and intrapartum interventions. A correlational study

BACKGROUND

Hospitalization of women in latent labour often leads to a cascade of unnecessary intrapartum interventions, to avoid potential disadvantages the recommendation should be to stay at home to improve women's experience and perinatal outcomes.

AIM

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the association between hospital admission diagnosis (latent vs active phase) and mode of birth. The secondary aim was to explore the relationship between hospital admission diagnosis, intrapartum intervention rates and maternal/neonatal outcomes.

METHODS

A correlational study was conducted in a large Italian maternity hospital. Data from January 2013 to December 2014 were collected from the hospital electronic records. 1.446 records of low risk women were selected. These were dichotomized into two groups based on admission diagnosis: 'latent phase' or 'active phase' of labour.

FINDINGS

52.7% of women were admitted in active labour and 47.3% in the latent phase. Women in the latent phase group were more likely to experience a caesarean section or an instrumental birth, artificial rupture of membranes, oxytocin augmentation and epidural analgesia. Admission in the latent phase was associated with higher intrapartum interventions, which were statistically correlated to the mode of birth.

CONCLUSIONS

Women admitted in the latent phase were more likely to experience intrapartum interventions, which increase the probability of caesarean section. Maternity services should be organized around women and families needs, providing early labour support, to enable women to feel reassured facilitating their admission in labour to avoid the cascade of intrapartum interventions which increases the risk of caesarean section.

Comparison of different methods of semen cryopreservation in Melopsittacus undulatus

Melopsittacus undulatus is largely used as a potential model for assisted reproduction in other endangered parrot species. Semen was collected from nineteen healthy adult males, by massage technique, during the breeding season. After preliminary evaluations through CASA analysis, eight birds were selected as semen donors and five ejaculates of each bird were utilized to evaluate the effect of 10% ethylene glycol (EG) addition, in two times, during 40min of equilibration time at 4°C, and to compare two programmable freezing curves (a rapid and a slow temperature descent rate) and freezing on nitrogen vapors. Diluted semen (modified TALP, pH 8.4) was divided into two aliquots, the first for freezing individual samples, the second to be mixed in a semen pool from the eight birds. Potential inseminating doses of 10μl, containing 1×10⁶ spermatozoa, were frozen. The effect of EG addition on semen motility and kinetic parameters was analyzed and the three freezing methods were compared. EG addition caused a significant decline of semen motility in individual samples, not in semen pools. The three freezing curves resulted in significant differences in thawed-semen parameters, with nitrogen vapors showing the worst results, while the higher total and progressive motility values were obtained with the 'fast' protocol. Thawed-semen pools motility and kinetic parameters appeared lower than those of the individual ejaculates. The differences found between single ejaculates and semen pools emphasize the importance of performing artificial insemination tests in order to assess the in vivo performance of single ejaculates in the parrot species.

Comparison of celioscopy and histological examinations to assess male gonadal health and functionality in adults and immature wild raptors

Celioscopy is routinely used in birds for sex determination and diagnostic purposes. Aim of this work was to validate celioscopy for the assessment of male gonads functionality in wild raptors, comparing the results of direct observation with morphometrical and histological characteristics. The work was done at the 'Centro Animali Non Convenzionali' of the University of Turin, Italy, on 31 endoscopically evaluated raptors that died or were euthanized. Through celioscopic observation, the birds were classified in adults or immatures and maturity categories were defined according to the adrenal-gonad size ratio and to the degree of blood filling of testicular vessels. The gonads were removed immediately after death/euthanasia and measured. Albuginea tunic thickness, diameter of seminiferous tubules, number of meiosis figures, tubular development degree, tubular degeneration degree and germinal cells production degree were evaluated. Testicular size tended to increase from immature to adult birds and from 'out of' to 'in' breeding season; albuginea tunic thickness tended to be higher out of the reproductive season while diameter of the seminiferous tubules, germinative epithelium thickness and number of meiosis figures were higher in the breeding season. In season adults generally showed higher values in tubular development and germinal cells production, and lower degrees of tubular cells degeneration and fibrosis. From the interpretation of all the morphometrical and histological aspects, a general reproductive degree of activity was given to the birds and compared with celioscopic results. A perfect concordance was found in 23 out of 31 cases and a good concordance in six ones; histology could describe obviously better sub-clinical conditions undetectable at direct observation. These preliminary results suggest that celioscopy could be a useful tool to assess male gonads functionality in wild raptors, with the future goal to select the better potential semen donors.

Semen Collection and Spermatozoa Characteristics in the Kea Parrot (Nestor notabilis)

We describe the seminal characteristics of the kea parrot (Nestor notabilis), an endangered species endemic to the South Island of New Zealand. Semen was collected in the full breeding season from 6 birds in the collection of an amateur aviculturist. The manual massage technique was used. A total of 25 ejaculates was collected and evaluated for volume, degree of contamination, and spermatozoa concentration; motility and kinetic parameters were assessed on diluted samples (modified Tyrode's Albumin Lactate Pyruvate, pH 8.2, temperature 37.5°C) with a computer-aided sperm analyzer. Four ejaculates were not analyzed because of an excessively high degree of contamination. Semen color ranged from transparent or turbid yellow to whitish. The geometric mean of spermatozoa number/ejaculate was 765.9 ± 2084.7 × 10⁶. Total and progressive motility were 71.7% ± 20.0% and 59.8% ± 22.0%, respectively. Great variability was observed both among birds and among different ejaculates of the same subject. The seminal characteristics of kea are worth further investigation, with the aim of relating semen quality to fertility and defining a minimum inseminating dose for breeding purposes. A deeper knowledge of male reproductive biology also can increase the success of breeding programs and enable the use of the kea as a model species for other more threatened species, such as the kaka ( Nestor meridionalis ) and the kakapo (Strigops habroptila).

Aging and Veterinary Care of Cats, Dogs, and Horses through the Records of Three University Veterinary Hospitals

The present article examines over 63,000 medical records belonging to the Veterinary Hospitals of the Universities of Bologna, Torino, and Padova, all in Northern Italy, and relative to dogs (approximately 50,000), cats (approximately 12,000), and companion horses (slightly less than 1,000). The animals of the three species were divided into age classes and categorized per sex into males, females, and neutered individuals. The mean age at visit and the effects of age classes and category (analyzed via ANOVA) are presented and discussed. The data indicate that many animals are presented to the hospitals either in the early phases of their life (presumably for vaccination and, in cats and dogs, gonadectomy) or in the advanced age (over 10 years in dogs, over 15 years in cats, and over 17 years in horses). The records of very old individuals of the three species are also reported. On the whole, the results suggest that a growing population of mature to old domestic carnivores or companion horses reaches ages that were considered exceptional only a few years ago. The data also testify an evolution in the animal–owner relationship and a renewed respect for the value of life in companion domestic mammals.

Cortisol fetal fluid concentrations in term pregnancy of small-sized purebred dogs and its preliminary relation to first 24 hours survival of newborns

Along the perinatal period, in mammals, cortisol (C) plays a pivotal role in the final intrauterine fetal maturation and in the early neonatal adaptation. Because of the scarce knowledge about canine perinatology, the present study was aimed to assess the C concentrations in amniotic and allantoic fluids collected, without invasiveness, from small-sized, purebred newborn puppies born by elective cesarean section, at term of pregnancy. Possible correlations between fetal fluid C concentrations and maternal parity, litter size, birth weight, Apgar score, were evaluated. In addition, the possible effect of fetal fluid C concentrations on newborn survival at 24 hours of age, and the effect of the litter or the newborn gender on fetal fluid C concentrations were also assessed. The results, obtained from 50 born alive, normal-weight puppies, without gross physical malformation, showed that C concentration was higher in allantoic than in amniotic fluid (P < 0.01), even if a strong positive correlation between the two fluids C concentration was found (P < 0.0001; R = 0.83). Neither amniotic nor allantoic C concentrations were correlated to maternal parity, litter size, birth weight, and Apgar score. Interestingly, higher amniotic (P < 0.05), but not allantoic, C concentrations were found in puppies not surviving at 24 hours after birth. Therefore, it could be suggested that this parameter may be useful for the recognition, at birth, of puppies needing special surveillance during the first day of age. A significant (P < 0.001) effect of the litter in both amniotic and allantoic C concentrations was found. In conclusion, the present results showed that in small-sized purebred puppies, born at term by elective cesarean section, the exact fetal, maternal, or placental source contributing to fetal fluid C concentrations remains to be clarified. From a clinical perspective, however, the evaluation of amniotic C concentration at birth seems useful for the detection of puppies that need special surveillance during the first 24 hours of age, and should be coupled to the early newborn evaluation by Apgar score. However, the small total number of newborns, and especially of the dead puppies enrolled in the present study, suggests that further, more-focused investigations on a large number of subjects are needed before the method could be considered for application in the clinical practices.

AFM-based tribological study of nanopatterned surfaces: the influence of contact area instabilities

Although the importance of morphology on the tribological properties of surfaces has long been proved, an exhaustive understanding of nanopatterning effects is still lacking due to the difficulty in both fabricating 'really nano-' structures and detecting their tribological properties. In the present work we show how the probe-surface contact area can be a critical parameter due to its remarkable local variability, making a correct interpretation of the data very difficult in the case of extremely small nanofeatures. Regular arrays of parallel 1D straight nanoprotrusions were fabricated by means of a low-dose focused ion beam, taking advantage of the amorphization-related swelling effect. The tribological properties of the patterns were detected in the presence of air and in vacuum (dry ambient) by atomic force microscopy. We have introduced a novel procedure and data analysis to reduce the uncertainties related to contact instabilities. The real time estimation of the radius of curvature of the contacting asperity enables us to study the dependence of the tribological properties of the patterns from their geometrical characteristics. The effect of the patterns on both adhesion and the coefficient of friction strongly depends on the contact area, which is linked to the local radius of curvature of the probe. However, a detectable hydrophobic character induced on the hydrophilic native SiO2 has been observed as well. The results suggest a scenario for capillary formation on the patterns.

Identification of a suitable internal control for fluorescence analysis on canine peripheral blood samples

Reliable detection of fluorescence intensity (FI) by flow cytometry (FC) is fundamental. FI depends on instrument settings and sample processing procedures: thus, measurements should be done using internal controls with known FI. Commercially available beads-based standards are expensive, thus reducing their usability in the veterinary practice. Cell subsets with stable mean FI (MFI) within the population have been proposed as acceptable surrogates in human medicine. In veterinary medicine, no data exist about stability of antigen expression among different subjects or upon sample storage. The aim of the present study was to evaluate MFI variability of main lymphocytes antigens among the lymphoid cells within each subject, among different subjects, and upon 24-h storage, in order to identify the antigen most suitable as stable internal control in MFI analyses. Peripheral blood samples from 18 healthy dogs were analysed by FC within 3h from sampling to assess the expression of CD3, CD5, CD4, CD8, CD21 and cyCD79b using conjugated monoclonal antibodies. Analyses were restricted to the lymphoid population. Fluorescent microbeads were added to each tube, and antigen MFI was calculated as Relative Fluorescence Intensity RFI (CD/beads). Fluorescence histogram CV (fhCV) for each CD was regarded as an index of the variability of expression among lymphocytes within each subject (cell-to-cell variability); whereas the CV of RFI was regarded as an index of inter-subjects variability (dog-to-dog variability). In 11 cases, FC analyses were repeated after 24h storage at 4°C and RFI and CVs of fresh and stored samples were compared to assess variability linked to storage. CD4 was identified as the best antigen to be used as an internal control for MFI analyses in canine peripheral blood samples because of low cell-to-cell and dog-to-dog variability, and optimal stability upon 24-h storage. Blood samples from a second group of 21 healthy dogs were labelled only with CD4, in order to assess the influence of breed, sex and age on the expression of CD4 in a larger case series. Based on univariate GLMs, none of these variables influenced CD4 RFI. Normalizing fluorescence data using lymphoid CD4 MFI as a reference would improve the comparison of results obtained by different laboratories, patients or times in diagnostic and research analyses of FI. Further studies are needed to confirm our results with different FC approaches.

Priapism Following hCG Administration In A Cat

Priapism, defined as a persistent and painful penile erection in the absence of sexual excitation, is an uncommon disorder of cats that usually requires penile amputation and perineal urethrostomy. This report describes a case of priapism in a short-haired Persian male cat aged 3 years. The condition had appeared after attempted mating with a female at the end of oestrus and the time of referral to the authors was 10 days after onset. Previous treatment had consisted of corticosteroids and local lubricants. On physical examination, the cat appeared bright and alert; the penis was erect but the colour was normal; blood analysis excluded viral pathologies. The cat history revealed that he had been treated with 500 IU hCG i.m. because he had to mate with three queens in a short period of time. In consideration of the mild symptoms, conservative treatment was adopted. The condition resolved in about 40 days. This is the first report of priapism following hCG administration in a cat and indicates that the misuse of this gonadotropin might cause potentially harmful side effects.

Laboratory and Clinical Evaluation of a Feia Method for Canine Serum Progesterone Assay

The evaluation of progesterone (P4) concentration is a valuable tool in assessing physiological reproductive events and reproductive disorders in bitches. A reliable and rapid (preferable, point of care) determination of P4 is advisable in most cases. Aims of this study were to evaluate a fluorescence enzyme immunoassay (FEIA) for canine serum P4 concentration by (i) the agreement with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), (ii) the association with vaginal cytology and (iii) the accuracy in the prediction of the parturition date calculated from the estimated day of ovulation. Serum samples were collected from client-owned bitches presented between 2011 and 2014 for the evaluation of their oestrous cycle, pregnancy or reproductive disorders. The agreement between FEIA and LC/MS/MS, evaluated on 19 samples, was statistically significant (R(2) = 95.7%, p < 0.001), although FEIA showed significantly higher values than LC/MS/MS (p < 0.05). In the different phases of oestrous cycle, as determined by vaginal cytology, P4 concentrations (by FEIA) were statistically different (p < 0.05): anoestrus (n = 7) 0.38 ± 0.14 ng/ml, proestrus (n = 14) 1.04 ± 0.67 ng/ml and oestrus (n = 72) 6.8 ± 7.26 ng/ml. Mean pregnancy length from the estimated day of ovulation was 62.9 ± 1.8 days. In 13 of 22 (59.1%), 19 of 22 (86.3%) and 21 of 22 (95.5%) bitches pregnancy lasted 63 ± 1, 63 ± 2 and 63 ± 3 days, respectively. Three pregnancies were outside the 61-65 days range (60, 60 and 67 days). In conclusion, the FEIA method employed can be considered reliable and, in association with vaginal cytology, effective in evaluating the canine oestrous cycle.

Isolation of coagulase-positive staphylococci from bitches' colostrum and milk and genetic typing of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius strains

Background

Among the coagulase-positive, potentially pathogenic staphylococci, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius has been frequently isolated from bitches’ milk. This organism colonizes the mammary gland or causes infection, while S. aureus has been only occasionally reported. The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence and persistence of coagulase-positive staphylococci in the colostrum and milk of postpartum bitches, either treated or untreated with antimicrobials, and to assess the incidence, antibiotic resistance profile and genetic type of the methicillin-resistant strains.

On postpartum D1, D7 and D15, drops of secretion were collected from the mammary glands of 27 postpartum bitches, nine of which were treated with antimicrobials. Coagulase-positive staphylococci were identified, antimicrobial susceptibility and the presence of mecA were tested and the genetic profile of methicillin-resistant strains was assessed.

Results

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius was the only coagulase-positive staphylococcus isolated, and its presence was detected in 21 out of 27 bitches and in 66 out of 145 swabs. In a single bitch, it caused puerperal mastitis. In untreated bitches, the frequency of isolation was lower in colostrum than in milk. All of the isolates except one were resistant to at least three antimicrobial classes, while 14 out of 66 S. pseudintermedius strains were methicillin-resistant mecA positive (MRSP) and were isolated from eight bitches housed in the same breeding kennel. A significant association was found between antimicrobial treatment and the presence of MRSP. Six of the 12 typed isolates belonged to spa-type t02 carrying SCCmec II/III, and another six were non-typeable with spa carrying SCCmec IV. The t02-SCCmec II/III isolates were sequence type (ST) 71; four NT-SCCmec IV isolates were ST258 and two were ST369. PFGE showed that isolates from the same dog had identical band patterns, while isolates from different dogs had unique band patterns. MRSP strains showed multidrug resistance profiles.

Conclusions

Our results confirm that S. pseudintermedius is the most frequently isolated coagulase-positive staphylococcus from bitches’ milk. The isolation of several different strains of MRSP with different genetic characteristics in the same kennel and the fact that two of the strains belonged to a sequence type (ST) described for the first time are noteworthy findings.

Coat and claws as new matrices for noninvasive long-term cortisol assessment in dogs from birth up to 30 days of age

The last stage of fetal development and the neonatal period represent the most critical phases for the mammals' offspring. In the dog, the knowledge about the final intrauterine fetal development and biology, as well as about the neonatal physiology, remains scarce. Hormonal changes occurring in the last intrauterine fetal phase and during the early neonatal age are still not completely clear, probably because of the invasiveness related to the collection of the more common biological matrix, represented by circulating blood. Toward term of pregnancy, during parturition, and after birth, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is a key system regulating several physiological processes, and its activity was previously investigated by blood analysis, considered an invasive procedure providing a single-point measurement. In respect to animal welfare, and for a more correct long-term retrospective investigation, noninvasive hormonal studies were performed firstly on the hair of humans and coat of animals and, more recently, in the nails of human beings. This study was aimed to assess cortisol (COR) in coat and claws of newborn puppies and to evaluate the possible influence of the newborn gender, breed body size, and age on coat and claws COR concentrations. The results obtained from 165 newborn puppies evidenced that coat and claws COR levels were highly correlated each other (P < 0.0001), although the COR accumulation in the two matrices was different in relation to the class of age. Moreover, the puppies age influenced both coat and claws COR concentrations (P < 0.05), with premature puppies showing higher values when compared to term born-dead puppies or puppies dead between 1 and 30 days of age. The present study reported that COR is quantifiable in coat and claws of newborn dogs. Moreover, both matrices appear as useful tools for new, noninvasive, long-term perinatal and neonatal researches also in canine species.

Chlamydia abortus in Cows Oviducts, Occasional Event or Causal Connection?

Fifty-seven genital tracts of regularly slaughtered culled Piedmontese cows, aged 7.4 ± 4.3 years (mean ± SD), range: 2.6-15.6 years, were grossly and microscopically examined. DNA extracted from oviducts was subjected to PCR to evaluate the presence of Chlamydia spp. The 15 PCR-positive oviducts were subjected to Sanger sequencing and showed the presence of Chamydia abortus, with an identity range between 99 and 100%. Nine of the PCR-positive samples belonged to the 24 animals with a normal macroscopic appearance of the whole genital tract (percentage of positive oviducts in normal genital tracts 9/24 = 37.5%), while six belonged to the 33 genital tracts with lesions in one or more organs (percentage of positive oviducts in pathological genital tracts 6/33 = 18.1%); of these, a single animal had salpingitis. The detection of C. abortus in bovine oviducts is of particular interest because it has never been previously investigated or reported.

Immunoglobulins G and lysozyme concentrations in canine fetal fluids at term of pregnancy

In the dog, the endotheliochorial placenta allows only the 5% to 10% transfer of maternal antibodies to the fetus, but the timing and the factors influencing the immunoglobulin G (IgG) transplacental transport were not fully investigated. The aims of the present study were the following: (1) to assess the presence of both IgG and lysozyme in amniotic and allantoic fluids collected from fully developed and viable newborn puppies born by elective cesarean section at term and possible correlations between amniotic and allantoic IgG and lysozyme levels; (2) to verify possible differences in IgG and lysozyme concentrations between the two fluids; and (3) to detect possible differences in IgG and lysozyme fetal fluid levels in relation to the maternal breed body size and parity, as well as to the neonatal gender. The study, performed on 41 purebred bitches submitted to elective cesarean section at term, enrolled 142 puppies, 74 males and 68 females, born mature, viable, without gross malformations, and with a normal weight. At surgery, a total of 129 amniotic and 84 allantoic samples were collected for IgG and lysozyme analysis. Class G immunoglobulins and lysozyme were detected in both fluids, but IgG concentrations were higher (P < 0.01) in amniotic fluid. Moreover, a significant positive correlation (P < 0.01) between IgG amniotic and allantoic levels, but not for lysozyme, was observed. A significant effect of the maternal parity (P < 0.05), but not of the breed body size, on the amniotic IgG concentrations was found, whereas the newborn gender was not associated to different IgG or lysozyme amniotic or allantoic levels. Given the significant contributions of fetal fluids to fetal and neonatal health, the results reported that the amniotic and allantoic fluids play a role in the immune protection of the fetus/newborn also in canine species. However, additional research is needed to better elucidate both the origin of IgG and lysozyme and the factors influencing the wide interindividual variations.

Effect of post-thaw addition of seminal plasma on motility, viability and chromatin integrity of cryopreserved donkey jack (Equus asinus) spermatozoa

Pregnancy rates in donkeys after artificial insemination with cryopreserved semen are still low, compared to the horse species. Addition of autologous seminal plasma to frozen-thawed semen appeared to improve pregnancy rates. The aims of this study were to evaluate (1) sperm motility and plasma membrane integrity after thawing (T0) and after one and 2 h (T1 and T2) of post-thaw incubation in either 0% (SP0) or 70% (SP70) autologous seminal plasma and (2) sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity and DNA quality (%COMP-αt) after thawing (T0) and after 2 and 4 h (T2 and T4) of post-thaw incubation in either 0% (SP0), 5% (SP5) or 20% (SP20) homologous seminal plasma. In experiment 1, seminal plasma decreased total and progressive sperm motility and plasma membrane intact spermatozoa immediately after dilution and at all following time points (p < 0.05). In experiment 2, total and progressive motility did not differ between treatments immediately after dilution and between SP0 and SP5 at T2, while they were lower in both SP5 and SP20 than in SP0 at T4. Plasma membrane intact sperm cells did not differ between SP0 and SP5 and were lower in SP20 at all time points. DNA quality was not affected by treatment immediately after dilution and was significantly worse for SP20 after 4 h of incubation (p < 0.05). The post-thaw addition of seminal plasma at the tested concentrations did not improve donkey frozen semen characteristics in vitro over time.

Sox9 duplications are a relevant cause of Sry-negative XX sex reversal dogs

Sexual development in mammals is based on a complicated and delicate network of genes and hormones that have to collaborate in a precise manner. The dark side of this pathway is represented by pathological conditions, wherein sexual development does not occur properly either in the XX and the XY background. Among them a conundrum is represented by the XX individuals with at least a partial testis differentiation even in absence of SRY. This particular condition is present in various mammals including the dog. Seven dogs characterized by XX karyotype, absence of SRY gene, and testicular tissue development were analysed by Array-CGH. In two cases the array-CGH analysis detected an interstitial heterozygous duplication of chromosome 9. The duplication contained the SOX9 coding region. In this work we provide for the first time a causative mutation for the XXSR condition in the dog. Moreover this report supports the idea that the dog represents a good animal model for the study of XXSR condition caused by abnormalities in the SOX9 locus.