Canine Upper Digestive Tract 3D Model: Assessing Its Utility for Anatomy and Upper Endoscopy Learning

A teaching strategy using 3D-printed models of the canine upper digestive tract (UDT) for anatomy demonstration and upper endoscopy instruction was evaluated. The canine UDT (esophagus-stomach-duodenum) was scanned and 3D-printed molds were manufactured using silicone casting. First-year students were introduced to these 3D models in practical sessions alongside real specimens. Simultaneously, fifth-year students were trained in endoscope handling and anatomical recognition using 3D specimens. Both groups completed an anonymous survey. Results showed that overall, first-year (n = 93) and fifth-year (n = 45) students agreed or strongly agreed that the 3D-printed model was effective for learning purposes. In summary, first-year students highlighted an improved understanding of size, volume, topography, and easier manipulation of the 3D model compared to fresh specimens. Fifth-year students were more enthusiastic, finding the 3D model valuable for spatial vision and clinical training. While both groups were against completely replacing the natural UDT with the 3D model, first-year students were more hesitant. These findings suggest that the 3D model of the canine UDT is an effective tool for hands-on training in clinical endoscopy and a valuable, albeit complementary, resource for teaching anatomy and topography.

Peripheral and intestinal T lymphocyte subsets in dogs with chronic inflammatory enteropathy

BACKGROUND

Dysregulated T lymphocyte response is thought to play a key role in chronic intestinal inflammation (CIE).

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the presence of changes in peripheral and intestinal T lymphocyte subsets and to describe potential immune and inflammatory biomarkers in dogs with CIE.

ANIMALS

Sixteen healthy dogs and 26 dogs were diagnosed with CIE.

METHODS

Prospective case-control study evaluating peripheral and intestinal T lymphocytes using flow cytometry and inflammatory markers obtained from complete blood cell counts.

RESULTS

Dogs with CIE had higher peripheral activated T helper (Th) lymphocytes (87/μL [18-273] CIE, 44/μL [16-162] healthy control (HC, P = .013) and regulatory T cells (Treg; 108/μL [2-257] CIE, 34/μL [1-114] HC, P = .004). In the intestinal epithelium, CIE dogs presented lower percentages of Th (4.55% [1.75-18.67] CIE, 8.77% [3.79-25.03] HC, P = .002), activated Th cells (0.16% [0.02-0.83] CIE, 0.33% [0.05-0.57] HC, P = .03) and CD4/CD8 ratio (0.08 [0.02-0.39] CIE, 0.21 [0.07-0.85] HC, P = .003). Conversely, higher percentage of activated T cytotoxic cells (20.24% [3.12-77.12] CIE, 12.32% [1.21-39.22] HC, P = .04) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) producing T lymphocytes (7.36% [0.63-55.83] CIE, 1.44% [0.00-10.56] HC, P = .01) within the epithelium was observed. In the lamina propria the percentage of Treg lymphocytes was higher (6.02% [1.00-21.48] CIE, 3.52% [0.18-10.52] HC, P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Systemic and intestinal immune alterations occur in dogs with CIE suggesting that blood IFN-γ producing T lymphocytes and the systemic immune-inflamation index (SII) could potentially serve as biomarkers for the disease.

Analysis of the culturable gut yeast microbiota of dogs with digestive disorders

Despite the increasing interest in studying the gut mycobiota of dogs, the association between fungal colonization and the development of digestive disorders in this species remains largely understudied. On the other hand, the high prevalence of antifungal-resistant yeasts detected in previous studies in samples from animals represents a major threat to public health. We analyzed the presence of culturable yeasts in 112 rectal swab samples obtained from dogs with digestive disorders attended in a veterinary teaching hospital. Our results revealed that Malassezia pachydermatis was frequently isolated from the studied dog population (33.9% of samples), and that the isolation of this yeast was significantly associated to the age of animals, but not to their sex, disease group, or the presence of vomits and/or diarrhea. In contrast, other yeast species were less prevalent (17.9% of samples in total), and their isolation was not significantly associated to any variable included in the analysis. Additionally, we observed that 97.5% of the studied M. pachydermatis isolates (n = 158, 1-6 per positive episode) displayed a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value >4 μg/ml to nystatin, 31.6% had a MIC ≥32 μg/ml to fluconazole, and 27.2% had a MIC >4 μg/ml to amphotericin B. The antifungal susceptibility profiles of non-Malassezia (n = 43, 1-7 per episode) were more variable and included elevated MIC values for some antifungal-species combinations. These results confirm that the intestine of dogs is a reservoir of opportunistic pathogenic yeasts and suggest that the prevalence of M. pachydermatis colonization depends more on the age of animals than on any specific digestive disorder.

Assessing the Quality of Life of Dogs with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Their Owners

The aim of the study was to assess the quality of life (QoL) of dogs with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and the impact on the life and relationship of the owner. An online questionnaire based on a Likert scale score (1-10) was designed to assess items related to dog QoL, owner QoL, and the owner-dog relationship. Responses from 110 dog owners (30 with IBD and 80 healthy dogs) were included in the study. IBD dogs had significantly lower overall QoL (p < 0.001), health (p < 0.0001), and level of activity (p = 0.049). Owners of dogs with IBD reported lower overall QoL (p < 0.001). The scores for how their dog's QoL might affect their own QoL (p = 0.028), how much their dog limited their social life, leisure time, or daily activities (p = 0.015), and how often they felt burdened by caring for their dog (p = 0.006) were significantly higher in the IBD group when compared to the healthy group. In addition, IBD dog owners were more likely to see their dogs as children (p = 0.0004). IBD has a negative impact on affected dogs and their owners regardless of the severity of the disease.

Changes in Faecal and Plasma Amino Acid Profile in Dogs with Food-Responsive Enteropathy as Indicators of Gut Homeostasis Disruption: A Pilot Study

Dogs suffering from food-responsive enteropathy (FRE) respond to an elimination diet based on hydrolysed protein or novel protein; however, studies regarding the amino acid profile in FRE dogs are lacking. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate whether the plasma and faecal amino acid profiles differed between control and FRE dogs and whether these could serve as indicators of severity of illness. Blood, faecal samples, body condition score, and severity of clinical signs based on the canine inflammatory bowel disease activity index were collected before starting the elimination diet. FRE dogs had lower proportions of plasma Asparagine, Histidine, Glycine, Cystine, Leucine, and branched-chain/aromatic amino acids; however, Phenylalanine increased. In faecal samples, Cystine was greater whereas Phenylalanine was lesser in sick dogs compared to control. Leucine correlated negatively with faecal humidity (r = -0.66), and Leucine and Phenylalanine with faecal fat (r = -0.57 and r = -0.62, respectively). Faecal Phenylalanine (r = 0.80), Isoleucine (r = 0.75), and Leucine (r = 0.92) also correlated positively with total short-chain fatty acids, whereas a negative correlation was found with Glycine (r = -0.85) and Cystine (r = -0.61). This study demonstrates the importance of Leucine and Phenylalanine amino acids as indicators of the disease severity in FRE dogs.

First detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia divergens and high infection rates of Anaplasma marginale and Babesia bigemina in cattle in extensive grazing systems of Central Spain

Bovine vector-borne diseases have a considerable economic impact worldwide and affect health of humans and animals. However, different aspects of their epidemiology and their pathogenesis remain unclear. Despite the frequent description of clinical cases reported by practitioners attending cattle from Madrid, Central Spain, molecular prevalence of Anaplasma spp. and Babesia spp. has not been described. The aim of this study was to assess the positivity rate of A. phagocytophilum, A. marginale, A. centrale, B. bigemina and B. divergens in livestock of this area and to evaluate the existence of associations between these pathogens and haematological, biochemical and epidemiological data. Babesia divergens and A. phagocytophilum were detected for the first time in cattle from Madrid. Their positivity percentages were low (2.2% ± 1.4% and 1.8% ± 1.2%, respectively), but this description is of special interest, as these agents are potentially zoonotic. Both agents were found in areas of higher altitude and relative humidity and lower temperature. The detection of ticks in livestock during the moment of sampling was confirmed as a risk factor for these infections. Anaplasma marginale showed the highest molecular infection rate (30% ± 4.1%) in this study, followed by B. bigemina (21.9% ± 3.7%). Higher positivity rates of A. marginale and B. bigemina were found in the areas of mountain climate and warm-summer continental Mediterranean climate. The use of ectoparasiticide treatment was found as a risk factor for infection by A. marginale and B. bigemina. This finding could lead to reconsider the ectoparasiticide protocols that are used nowadays. Grazing on pastures with domestic or wild ruminants and the presence of wild carnivores were associated with higher rates of infection by these four agents and coinfections were frequently found.

Isolation and immunophenotyping by flow cytometry of canine peripheral blood and intraepithelial and lamina propria duodenal T lymphocytes

The gut associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) effector sites play a crucial role on the pathogenesis of many immune-mediated gastrointestinal diseases. The lymphocytes at these effector sites are principally T cells which present important morphological, phenotypical and functional differences. Flow cytometry (FC) is one of the most commonly used techniques to characterize intestinal lymphocytes in human and animal models. Published studies with a focus on dogs for intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) immunophenotyping exist in very limited numbers. Moreover, no lamina propria lymphocytes (LPL) isolation protocols in the canine species have been described for FC evaluation. In addition to immune intestinal dysregulation, imbalances in the peripheral blood immune system have been described in both human and animal gastrointestinal disorders. The aim of this study was to provide a protocol for canine IEL and LPL isolation for FC immunophenotyping of T cells subsets. Specifically, T helper, T cytotoxic, activated Th and Tc lymphocytes, regulatory, double negative, double positive, IFN-γ and IL-4 producing T cells, and to compare their respective populations between these effector sites and with the blood stream compartment in healthy dogs. The potential relationship of these cells distributions with age, sex and breed was also evaluated. This study included sixteen healthy dogs of different sexes and breeds with a mean age of 4.55 ± 2.93 years old. The selected protocols for the three immune compartments showed proper cell yield, purity, viability, and the absence of phenotypic and functional disturbances. Histologically, an adequate separation of the duodenal epithelium from the lamina propria was also observed. All the proposed T cells subsets were identified in the three immune compartments studied, showing some statistically significant differences in their distributions at these locations that highlight the importance of their individual evaluation. This study provides an adequate method for canine small intestine IEL and LPL isolation for FC immunophenotyping and is key for future studies on the gastrointestinal immune system associated with different canine diseases.

Pharmacokinetics of doxycycline after oral administration of multiple doses in dogs

The aim of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetic parameters of doxycycline in dogs and assess the efficacy of an oral drug dosage regimen of 10 mg/kg daily for 28 days through Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) target analysis based on Monte Carlo simulation, using previously published data for the zoonotic pathogen Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. After a multiple-dosage regimen, the accumulation index was 1.88 ± 0.82. The Cmax_ss and Cmin_ss values were 5.18 ± 1.81 µg/ml and 1.91 ± 1.35 µg/ml, respectively. There were statistically significant differences for Cmax, Cmin at 24 hr, MRTt, AUCt and AUC∞ between days 1 and 28. The Cmin_ss value was over the MIC of the principal pathogens, and Cmax_ss was higher than the resistance values (>2 μg/ml). For AUC/MIC indices of 12, 25 and 40, the cumulative fraction responses (CFR) were 94.01%, 69.55% and 60.86%, respectively; for an MIC value of 2 µg/ml, the corresponding probability of target attainment (PTA) was 99.94%, 84.78% and 45.16%, respectively. Doxycycline was used against numerous localized infections in different organs and tissues. For the strains with MIC < 1 μg/mL, PTA was close to 100%, even for the most demanding ones, specifically 94.98% for an index of 40% and 99.9% for an index of 25.

Proposal for rational antibacterial use in the diagnosis and treatment of dogs with chronic diarrhoea

Chronic diarrhoea is a frequent complaint in canine practice and the diagnostic path is often characterised by numerous diagnostic tests and stepwise empirical treatments, often applied before gastrointestinal endoscopy/mucosal biopsies. These include dietary interventions (novel protein, hydrolysed protein diet), parasiticides and still, in many cases, antibacterials. Indiscriminate use of antibacterial drugs risks detrimental consequences for both the individual patient (antimicrobial resistance, long‐term disruption of intestinal bacterial populations, potential worsening of gastrointestinal signs) and the general public. For that reason, in this Perspective essay we advocate use of antibacterials only after histopathologic evaluation of gastrointestinal biopsies or, for those cases in which endoscopy is not possible, after other therapeutic trials, such as diet/pre‐probiotics or anti‐inflammatory drugs have proven unsuccessful. They should be reserved, after appropriate dietary trials, for those canine chronic diarrhoeic patients with signs of true primary infection (i.e. signs of systemic inflammatory response syndrome or evidence of adherent‐invasive bacteria) that justify antibacterial use.

Epidemiological study of hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) in cats from central Spain

Background

Hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) have been found infecting cats worldwide. However, studies about feline hemoplasma infections in Spain are scarce. Therefore, the purpose of the research was to evaluate the prevalence of feline hemotropic mycoplasmas and to characterize risk factors and clinical findings associated with these infections in a cat population from the Madrid area, Spain.

Methods

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to detect Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), “Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum” (CMhm) and “Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis” (CMt) in blood samples from 456 client-owned and 138 stray cats from Madrid. In order to assess associations between these hemoplasma infections and epidemiological parameters, data regarding signalment, environment, prophylaxis measures, retrovirus status, clinical signs and laboratory findings were compiled, whenever possible.

Results

DNA of feline hemoplasmas was detected from the blood of 63 out of 594 cats (10.6%), with a prevalence of 3.7% (22/594) for Mhf, 8.1% (48/594) for CMhm and 0.5% (3/594) for CMt. Stray cats had statistically higher prevalences of feline hemoplasmas (15.9%) and, specifically, of Mhf (8.7%) than client-owned cats (9 and 2.2%, respectively). A total of seven cats (1.17%) were co-infected with “Candidatus M. haemominutum” and M. haemofelis, two (0.33%) with “Candidatus M. haemominutum” and “Candidatus M. turicensis” and another one (0.17%) with M. haemofelis and Candidatus “M. turicensis”. Male gender, collection of blood during warm months and FeLV/FIV positivity status were associated with hemotropic mycoplasma infection in cats from Madrid. Additionally, within the group of client-owned cats, hemoplasma infection was associated with adult age, outdoor access, and the existence of low haematocrit, erythrocyte count and haemoglobin concentration values.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first epidemiological survey of feline hemoplasmas performed in central Spain (Madrid). Our study confirms that “Ca. Mycoplasma haemominutum”, Mycoplasma haemofelis and “Ca. Mycoplasma turicensis” are infecting client-owned and stray cats in this region of Spain, “Ca. Mycoplasma haemominutum” being the most prevalent species. More studies are necessary to help understand the role of the natural infection by these species of hemoplasma in cats.

Molecular, epidemiological, haematological and biochemical evaluation in asymptomatic Theileria annulata infected cattle from an endemic region in Spain

Mediterranean theileriosis is one of the most fatal theilerioses, with considerable economic impact on livestock production. The potential consequences of asymptomatic infection on the animal's health and on the epidemiology in endemic regions are still unclear. The objectives of this study were to determine the molecular prevalence of T. annulata in a representative population of asymptomatic cattle in extensive management in Madrid, Central Spain, an area where practitioners frequently report cases of clinical theileriosis, and to evaluate the existence of associations between infection by this pathogen and haematological, biochemical and epidemiological data. T. annulata DNA was detected in 22.4% of the study population. The age was statistically associated with T. annulata prevalence rates, with a higher prevalence in cows older than 8 years (26.1%). Introduction of new cattle to the farm, grazing on pastures with other herds of cattle and previous history of clinical cases were statistically related to a higher prevalence of T. annulata infection. Herds with more than one ectoparasiticide treatment per year and that used more than one drug had significantly lower prevalences of infection with T. annulata. The location of farms in areas with a mean temperature higher than 17.1°C and mean altitude lower than 962m was statistically associated with the presence of T. annulata. In our study, the mean values of haematological parameters were within the normal adult range, but it is noteworthy that some T. annulata-infected animals presented low values for red blood cell parameters.

Molecular detection of Hepatozoon spp. and Cytauxzoon sp. in domestic and stray cats from Madrid, Spain

Background

Different species of apicomplexan protozoans of the genera Hepatozoon and Cytauxzoon can infect domestic cats, but their epidemiology and clinical relevance are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to assess the molecular prevalence of Hepatozoon spp. and Cytauxzoon spp. and to identify associated risk factors and clinical and laboratory abnormalities in a population of cats from Madrid, Spain.

Methods

Six hundred and forty-four client-owned and stray cats from Madrid, Spain, were included in this study. DNA samples were analyzed by two polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests to detect a partial sequence of the 18S rRNA gene of Hepatozoon spp. and Cytauxzoon spp. In order to evaluate possible associations between infection by these protozoans and epidemiological or clinical parameters, data were collected related to: the season of sample collection, age, gender, spayed/neutered status, breed, living area, lifestyle, outdoor access, contact with other animals, prey on wild animals, history of tick or flea infestation, travel history, ectoparasiticide treatment, previous blood transfusion, previous tetracycline administration in the last 60 days, Feline Leukemia virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency virus (FIV) status, positivity to other vector-borne diseases, the presence or absence of clinical signs and hematological or biochemical alterations.

Results

DNA of Hepatozoon spp. and Cytauxzoon sp. was amplified from the blood of 10 (1.6%) and 8 (1.2%) cats, respectively. Previous treatment with tetracyclines in the last 60 days, previous administration of blood transfusion, a decrease in haematocrit and an increase in creatinine were associated with Hepatozoon spp. infection. Cytauxzoon sp. infection was more frequent in samples collected during the winter months and in cats living in rural areas. This infection was associated with a FIV-positive status. Some of the cats that were positive for Hepatozoon spp. or Cytauxzoon sp. had been exposed to other vector-borne pathogens, such as Ehrlichia canis and Bartonella henselae.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that cats from Madrid, central Spain, are infected with Hepatozoon spp. and Cytauxzoon sp., although with a low prevalence. Further studies are needed to determine the virulence of these agents in Spanish cats.

Oral chondroitin sulfate and prebiotics for the treatment of canine Inflammatory Bowel Disease: a randomized, controlled clinical trial

Background

Canine inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic enteropathy of unknown etiology, although microbiome dysbiosis, genetic susceptibility, and dietary and/or environmental factors are hypothesized to be involved in its pathogenesis. Since some of the current therapies are associated with severe side effects, novel therapeutic modalities are needed. A new oral supplement for long-term management of canine IBD containing chondroitin sulfate (CS) and prebiotics (resistant starch, β-glucans and mannaoligosaccharides) was developed to target intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress, and restore normobiosis, without exhibiting any side effects. This double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in dogs with IBD aims to evaluate the effects of 180 days administration of this supplement together with a hydrolyzed diet on clinical signs, intestinal histology, gut microbiota, and serum biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Results

Twenty-seven client-owned biopsy-confirmed IBD dogs were included in the study, switched to the same hydrolyzed diet and classified into one of two groups: supplement and placebo. Initially, there were no significant differences between groups (p > 0.05) for any of the studied parameters. Final data analysis (supplement: n = 9; placebo: n = 10) showed a significant decrease in canine IBD activity index (CIBDAI) score in both groups after treatment (p < 0.001). After treatment, a significant decrease (1.53-fold; p < 0.01) in histologic score was seen only in the supplement group. When groups were compared, the supplement group showed significantly higher serum cholesterol (p < 0.05) and paraoxonase-1 (PON1) levels after 60 days of treatment (p < 0.01), and the placebo group showed significantly reduced serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels after 120 days (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found between groups at any time point for CIBDAI, WSAVA histologic score and fecal microbiota evaluated by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). No side effects were reported in any group.

Conclusions

The combined administration of the supplement with hydrolyzed diet over 180 days was safe and induced improvements in selected serum biomarkers, possibly suggesting a reduction in disease activity. This study was likely underpowered, therefore larger studies are warranted in order to demonstrate a supplemental effect to dietary treatment of this supplement on intestinal histology and CIBDAI.

Effects of doxycycline on haematology, blood chemistry and peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets of healthy dogs and dogs naturally infected with Ehrlichia canis

Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME), caused by Ehrlichia canis, is a vector-borne disease with a worldwide distribution. It has been proposed that the pathogenesis, clinical severity and outcome of disease caused by Ehrlichia spp. can be attributed to the immune response rather than to any direct rickettsial effect. Moreover, doxycycline, the antimicrobial of choice for the treatment of CME, has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties associated with blood leukocyte proliferation function, cytokine synthesis, and matrix metalloproteinase activity. In order to assess the potential effects of doxycycline, dependent and independent of its antimicrobial activity, the present study compared changes in haematology, blood chemistry and circulating lymphocyte subpopulations in 12 healthy dogs and 20 dogs with CME after doxycycline therapy. Some changes were recorded only in the CME affected dogs, probably due to the antimicrobial effect of doxycycline. However, increases in mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, platelet count and α2-globulins, and decreased plasma creatinine were observed in both healthy and CME affected dogs. The absolute count of B lymphocytes (CD21(+)) increased initially, but then decreased until the end of the study period in both groups. A potential effect of doxycycline unrelated to its antimicrobial activity against E. canis is suggested, taking into account the results observed both in healthy dogs and in dogs with CME.

Comparative study of peripheral blood leukocytes in healthy dogs and in dogs with cancer and inflammatory diseases

In the present study, the peripheral blood lymphocyte subset distribution was compared between healthy dogs and dogs with chronic gastrointestinal disease, dental and skin conditions, and cancer. The immunophenotype of the group with chronic gastrointestinal disease and the group with dental and skin conditions showed no statistically significant differences with other groups of healthy or diseased dogs. When compared with healthy dogs, animals with cancer showed significantly lower absolute values of T cytotoxic cells (CD3+, CD8+) and lymphocytes that express major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II (MHC-II+) in peripheral blood. The results suggest that peripheral blood immunophenotype is mainly altered in dogs with cancer but not in other diseases. Further studies are required to evaluate the clinical relevance of these findings.

Evaluation of perinuclear antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibodies in sera from dogs with inflammatory bowel disease or intestinal lymphoma

OBJECTIVE

To assess and compare the expression of perinuclear antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibodies (pANCA) in sera obtained from dogs with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and dogs with intestinal lymphoma.

ANIMALS

104 dogs with IBD and 23 dogs with intestinal lymphoma.

PROCEDURES

Each ill dog had persistent gastrointestinal signs (> 3 weeks in duration) and absence of response to diet changes or antimicrobial treatments. Gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed in ill dogs to obtain intestinal biopsy specimens for histologic confirmation of IBD or lymphoma. A serum sample was obtained from each ill dog. Neutrophils were isolated from a blood sample from the healthy dog; neutrophil-bearing slides were incubated with serum from each ill dog and examined for expression of pANCA by use of an indirect immunofluorescence technique. Detection of cells that had a perinuclear fluorescence pattern was considered a positive result.

RESULTS

The 2 groups of dogs did not differ with regard to breed and sex but did differ with regard to age. Expression of pANCA was detected in 38 of the 104 (36.5%) dogs with IBD and 4 of the 23 (17.4%) dogs with intestinal lymphoma. Although the frequency of pANCA expression was higher in dogs with IBD, compared with findings in dogs with intestinal lymphoma, the difference was not significant.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Results indicated that circulating pANCA are present in some dogs with IBD or intestinal lymphoma. However, pANCA detection does not seem to be useful for distinguishing dogs with IBD from dogs with intestinal lymphoma.

Vector-borne diseases in client-owned and stray cats from Madrid, Spain

The role of various vector-borne pathogens as a cause of disease in cats has not been clearly determined. The current study evaluated risk factors, clinical and laboratory abnormalities associated with Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., Neorickettsia spp., Leishmania spp., and Bartonella spp. infection or exposure in 680 client-owned and stray cats from Madrid, Spain. Our results indicate that a large portion (35.1%) of the cat population of Madrid, Spain, is exposed to at least one of the five vector-borne pathogens tested. We found seroreactivity to Bartonella henselae in 23.8%, to Ehrlichia canis in 9.9%, to Anaplasma phagocytophilum in 8.4%, to Leishmania infantum in 3.7%, and to Neorickettsia risticii in 1% of the feline study population. About 9.9% of cats had antibody reactivity to more than one agent. L. infantum DNA was amplified from four cats (0.6%), B. henselae DNA from one cat (0.15%), and B. clarridgeiae DNA from another cat (0.15%).

White spots on the mucosal surface of the duodenum in dogs with lymphocytic plasmacytic enteritis

Distended lacteals, described as expanded white villi in duodenum, are strongly indicative of primary intestinal lymphangiectasia. In the present study, we evaluated the significance of white spots present in the duodenal mucosa of dogs with lymphocytic plasmacytic enteritis (LPE). Fifty dogs with LPE were included in this study, and white spots were detected in the duodenal mucosa in 22 dogs during endoscopy. Hypoproteinemia was more frequent in dogs with white spots than in dogs without spots (p = 0.02). Serum protein and albumin concentration were significantly lower in LPE dogs with white spots (p = 0.038) compared to LPE dogs without white spots (p = 0.039). There was a significant correlation between white spots density and lymphatic dilatation histological scores (p = 0.023; ρ = 0.481). These results suggest that the presence of white spots in the duodenal mucosa of dogs is not a finding exclusive for intestinal lymphangiectasia. Low serum protein and albumin concentrations together with lymphatic dilatation seem to be related to the presence of white spots in the duodenal mucosa of LPE dogs.

Detection of Perinuclear Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies and Antinuclear Antibodies in the Diagnosis of Canine Inflammatory Bowel Diseas

In recent years, serologic markers for diagnosis and classification of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have been used in human medicine. Perinuclear, antineutrophil, cytoplasmic antibodies (p-ANCA) are the most important of these markers. Because of their similar pattern of fluorescence, antinuclear antibodies (ANA) could cause misleading interpretations. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the use of an indirect fluorescent antibody test to detect p-ANCA in dogs with IBD, to compare the presence of p-ANCA in dogs with IBD with the presence of the same antibodies in other dogs, and to analyze the presence of ANAs in the p-ANCA-positive samples. Using a 1:10 dilution as a cutoff point, a sensitivity of 0.34 and a specificity of 0.86 was obtained when dogs with IBD were compared with the other groups as a whole, and specificity increased to 0.94 when dogs with IBD were compared with animals with other chronic gastrointestinal disorders. The lowest specificity value, 0.76, was obtained when the group of dogs with IBD was compared with that of dogs with different inflammatory and infectious disorders. Globally, 78 dogs were positive for p-ANCA when the cutoff was 1:10. Only 1 dog from these 78 animals was also seropositive to ANA. The results suggest that 1) detection of p-ANCA might be included in the IBD diagnostic protocol as another test to differentiate between this disease and other digestive diseases with similar clinical signs, and 2) most p-ANCA- positive dogs are not ANA positive.

Canine gastric carcinoma: immunohistochemical expression of cell cycle proteins (p53, p21, and p16) and heat shock proteins (Hsp27 and Hsp70)

Immunohistochemical staining for cell cycle proteins and heat shock proteins was performed on 17 canine gastric carcinomas. The immunoexpression of p53, p21, p16, Hsp27, and Hsp70 was investigated. A study was conducted to determine the histological type and parameters related to tumor malignancy. Possible associations and trends were assessed between the immunoexpression of each protein and tumor type as well as specific parameters of malignancy. High intratumor frequency of cellular p53 immunostaining was observed (61.96% average), but lower frequencies of p21 and p16 expression were present (34.65% and 10.41%, respectively). The p53 overexpression was associated with tumor infiltration (P = .0258). Expression of p21 was lower in undifferentiated carcinomas, and the loss of expression was associated with histopathological parameters characteristic of a poor prognosis such as lymphatic vessel invasion (P = .0258). The lack of p16 immunoreactivity was related to histopathological characteristics of malignancy such as the presence of evident and multiple nucleoli (P = .0475). In contrast, deep tumor infiltration was observed in those carcinomas with a high p16 index (P = .0475). Hsp70 appeared to be overexpressed in all gastric neoplasms included in this study. This is in contrast to Hsp27, because a group of tumors showed complete lack of Hsp27 immunoexpression, whereas the others displayed extensive Hsp27 immunostaining. The differences in Hsp27 did not correlate with any of the histopathological parameters, but Hsp27 immunoexpression was higher in the undifferentiated carcinoma. No significant differences in the expression of the proteins were found in canine gastric carcinomas according to their histological type. These findings may be useful for establishing a prognosis for canine gastric carcinoma.

Comparison between different polymerase chain reaction methods for the diagnosis of Ehrlichia canis infection

The aim of this study was to compare different polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods for the detection of Ehrlichia canis in blood samples and to relate these results to clinical findings and serology to E. canis using the indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test. Nine seropositive and nine seronegative dogs were included in this study. DNA was extracted once and used in one simple PCR and five nested PCR protocols previously described. In selected dogs (three seropositive and one seronegative) blood samples were aseptically collected in order to attempt the isolation of E. canis in the DH82 cell line. Results show that nested PCR protocols seem to be more sensitive than the simple PCR. Considering only nested PCR protocols, 33% of the IFA-positive samples were PCR positive using the five different protocols. The rest of the IFA-positive samples were PCR positive or negative depending on the protocol used. Clinical signs and laboratory findings compatible with canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) were found in 67% of dogs positive by the IFA test. All samples positive by both techniques (IFA test and PCR) were from dogs suffering from clinical CME. IFA-negative samples were PCR negative, except 22% that were PCR positive when using only one of the nested PCR protocols. Isolation of the agent was exclusively achieved in the only case in which the IFA test and all the PCR protocols were also positive.

Evaluation of Clinical, Macroscopic, and Histopathologic Response to Treatment in Nonhypoproteinemic Dogs with Lymphocytic-Plasmacytic Enteritis

BACKGROUND

Lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis (LPE) is a common cause of chronic vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. However, little information is available about endoscopic or histopathologic improvement after therapy in dogs with LPE.

HYPOTHESIS

The objective was to study the clinical, endoscopic, and histopathologic evolution of LPE during and after immunosuppressive treatment with prednisone and metronidazole. Most dogs also were treated symptomatically with metoclopramide and cimetidine.

ANIMALS

Sixteen dogs with LPE and normal serum protein concentrations diagnosed at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of the Complutense University of Madrid were monitored during and after drug treatment. The control group consisted of 9 dogs that had no gastrointestinal signs for the preceding 12 months.

METHODS

In this prospective clinical treatment trial, clinical, endoscopic, and histopathologic scores were evaluated to describe disease evolution during conventional therapy. Dogs with LPE were monitored for 120 days from the start of treatment. Re-evaluation was performed on post-treatment days 30, 60, 90 (end of treatment), and 120.

RESULTS

The average disease activity index observed in our study fell progressively from its initial value, and the decrease between consecutive re-evaluations was statistically significant until day 60 (P = .04). Our results indicate that 75% of the animals revealed improvement of endoscopic gastric lesions (defined as a reduction of the endoscopic score) after treatment, and 75% exhibited improvement of endoscopic duodenal lesions. Statistical analysis of the data revealed significant differences between pre- and post-treatment gastric and duodenal macroscopic endoscopic lesions (P < .05). On the other hand, treatment did not lead to any significant changes in the severity of the gastric and duodenal histopathologic lesions of the affected dogs.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Treatment of nonhypoproteinemic dogs with LPE led to clinical and endoscopic improvement, but histopathologic lesions were unchanged during therapy.

Serum gastrin in canine chronic lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis

This study evaluates serum gastrin concentrations in dogs with chronic lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis, as well as its possible relationship with the severity of lesions present in the stomach. To achieve this aim, 5 dogs without gastrointestinal disease and 15 dogs with chronic lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis were included. Serum gastrin concentrations were significantly increased in dogs with chronic lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis compared with those in dogs without gastrointestinal disease. Also, there was a positive correlation between the severity of the gastric lesion and the serum gastrin concentration. Our findings indicate the possibility that gastrin plays a role in the etiology of an accompanying chronic antral gastritis in canine chronic lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis.

First isolation and molecular characterization of Ehrlichia canis in Spain

This paper reports the first isolation and culture of Ehrlichia canis in Spain from a naturally infected dog using the DH82 cell line. After DNA extraction and PCR amplification, a nearly complete (1412bp) sequence of the 16S rRNA gene of the new E. canis strain was obtained. The GenBank accession number for the nucleotide sequence of this strain is AY394465. This sequence was aligned with the 16S rRNA gene sequences of other Ehrlichia strains accessible in GenBank. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of the E. canis strain reported here showed a high percentage of similarity with the 16S rRNA gene sequence of E. canis from different geographic areas including Japan, Venezuela and Israel. These data confirm the presence of E. canis in Spain.

Assessment of Feline Ehrlichiosis in Central Spain Using Serology and a Polymerase Chain Reaction Technique

Antibodies to Ehrlichia spp. and inclusion bodies compatible with Ehrlichia spp. in feline blood cells have been previously detected in Spain. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of antibodies to E. canis, N. risticii, and A. phagocytophilum in 122 feline serum samples from Madrid (central Spain). In addition, Ehrlichia genus-specific, one-tube, nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed from blood samples from these cats. Of the cats, 10.6% were seropositive for E. canis, 2.4% were positive for N. risticii, and 4.9% were seropositive for A. phagocytophilum. Two N. risticii-positive cats and one animal seropositive to A. phagocytophilum were also seropositive for E. canis. Despite these seropositive results, all the blood samples analyzed by PCR were negative. Our results demonstrate reactivity against agents implicated in feline ehrlichiosis in Spain. Further studies should be performed in order to clarify the significance of serology and PCR in the diagnosis of feline ehrlichiosis.

Pharmacological and dietary treatment of canine malabsorption syndrome: a retrospective study of 17 clinical cases

The present study deals with the symptomatology, diagnosis (by means of gastroduodenoscopy and biopsy) and response to a combined dietary/immunosuppressive pharmacological treatment of 17 dogs with malabsorption syndrome. Clinical signs, body weight and serum protein levels evolved favourably in all individuals included in this study during the 150 days following initiation of treatment.