Erythrocyte sedimentation rate in heartworm naturally infected dogs "with or without" Leishmania infantum seropositivity: an observational prospective study

Canine heartworm disease by Dirofilaria immitis and canine leishmaniosis by Leishmania infantum (CanL) are both vector-borne diseases with frequently overlapping endemicity and able to trigger the acute phase response, being characterized by variations in acute phase proteins (APP). Recently, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), an indicator of inflammation, has gained attention in veterinary medicine, proving useful in several conditions that include CanL active forms in dogs. This study aims to evaluate ESR in heartworm-infected dogs, compare levels with heartworm-infected and L. infantum seropositive dogs as well as clinically healthy dogs, and assess correlations with other laboratory parameters. From October 2022 to January 2023, a prospective observational study was conducted enrolling heartworm-infected (Dirofilaria group) and heartworm-infected L. infantum seropositive (Dirofilaria/Leishmania group) animals subgrouped according to the CanL clinical form (Dirofilaria/Leishmania active and non-active groups). A group of clinically healthy dogs (control group) was also included. For each dog enrolled physical examination and laboratory tests (complete blood count, biochemical panel including APP, serum protein electrophoresis) were performed. Dirofilaria and Dirofilaria/Leishmania groups presented a significantly higher ESR level compared to healthy dogs. Dirofilaria/Leishmania active group had the highest ESR level among the groups considered. Dirofilaria/Leishmania non-active group had an ESR similar to the Dirofilaria group, but significantly higher and lower compared to the control and the Dirofilaria/Leishmania active group, respectively. A significant positive correlation between ESR and C-Reactive Protein has been found in all groups except for the Dirofilaria/Leishmania non-active group. In Dirofilaria/Leishmania active group a strong positive correlation between ESR and gamma globulins percentage as well as a strong negative correlation between ESR and albumin, albumin/globulins ratio were found. Overall, the ESR was confirmed to be an inflammation marker as well as a helpful disease index, being notably increased in heartworm-infected dogs affected by an active form of CanL.

Rickettsia conorii Subspecies israelensis in Captive Baboons

Hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas) may transmit zoonotic vector-borne pathogens to visitors and workers frequenting zoological parks. We molecularly screened 33 baboons for vector-borne pathogens. Three (9.1%) of 33 animals tested positive for Rickettsia conorii subspecies israelensis. Clinicians should be aware of potential health risks from spatial overlapping between baboons and humans.

Use of Laryngeal Mask and Anesthetic Management in Hamadryas Baboons (Papio hamadryas) Undergoing Laparoscopic Salpingectomy-A Case Series

The study aims to describe the anesthetic and airway management of baboons (Papio hamadryas) undergoing laparoscopic salpingectomy with a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) device. Eleven baboons received tiletamine-zolazepam and medetomidine; anesthesia was induced with propofol. An LMA was positioned for oxygen and isoflurane administration in spontaneous respiration. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), respiratory rate (RR), end tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO₂), minute volume (MV), and peripheral hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO₂) were recorded before (PREPP) and immediately after abdomen insufflation (PP1), at 10 (PP2), 20 (PP3), and 30 (PP4) minutes during pneumoperitoneum, and after (POSTPP) pneumoperitoneum. The respiratory rate was significantly higher at all times compared to PREPP. The end tidal carbon dioxide concentration was significantly higher at PP2, PP3, PP4, and POSTPP, compared to the previous times. The higher values for RR and EtCO₂ were registered at PP4: 22.7 (95% CI 17.6-27.8) breaths/min and 57.9 (95% CI 51.9-63.8) mmHg, respectively. The minute volume was significantly higher at PP4 and POSTPP compared to the other times. The higher value for MV was registered at POSTPP (269.1 (95% CI 206.1-331.8) mL/kg/min). This protocol is suitable for baboons undergoing laparoscopic salpingectomy. The LMA was easy to insert and allowed for good ventilation, gas exchange, and delivery of the anesthetic in spontaneous breathing baboons.

Neurogenic Bladder in Dogs, Cats and Humans: A Comparative Review of Neurological Diseases

Lower urinary tract disease (LUTD) includes abnormalities in the structure and function of the bladder and the urethra. LUTD caused by neurological disease is defined neurogenic bladder (NB). The integrity of the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) is required to explicate normal micturition, maintaining the proper function of bladder and urethra. The location and type of neurological lesions influence the pattern of clinical manifestations, potential treatment, and prognosis. Though, in dogs and cats, spinal cord injury is considered mainly responsible for bladder and/or urethra incompetence, other disorders, congenital or acquired, involving CNS or PNS, could play a role in NB. In veterinary medicine, the information about the epidemiology, prevalence, etiopathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of NB are scattered. The aim of this study is to provide an overview of the epidemiology, prevalence, clinical findings, diagnosis and prognosis for NB in dogs and cats compared with humans.

Efficacy of domperidone plus renal diet in slowing the progression of chronic kidney disease in dogs with leishmaniosis

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents the main cause of mortality in dogs with leishmaniosis. Domperidone has recently been reported to improve kidney function in leishmaniotic dogs affected by CKD. Serum symmetric dimethylarginine (sSDMA) has also been shown to be a useful biomarker for earlier detection of decreased kidney function when compared to serum creatinine (sCr). This study aimed to assess the efficacy of domperidone plus renal diet in slowing the progression of nephropathy in leishmaniotic dogs with CKD, evaluating sSDMA and sCr as markers of kidney function.

METHODS

This study was a therapeutic, prospective, randomized, controlled, 11-month-long field trial. Dogs were recruited if classified as "exposed" to or "infected" with Leishmania infantum and affected by CKD at early stages. After enrolment (T0), dogs were randomized into groups T (treatment) and C (control). All dogs were fed a renal diet and then followed up at 90 (T1), 210 (T2), and 330 (T3) days after inclusion in the study. At T1 and T2, dogs in group T received an oral suspension of domperidone (1 ml/10 kg once a day for up to 28 days).

RESULTS

Twenty-two dogs (i.e., n = 12 in group T and n = 10 in group C) completed the study. At T0, the entire population of enrolled dogs presented a mean sSDMA value of 16.5 ± 3.4 μg/dl. At T1 (i.e., after 3 months of renal diet), sSDMA was significantly decreased in both groups, with an sSDMA of 13.1 ± 4.4 μg/dl for the entire population involved. From T1 to T3, sSDMA gradually increased in group C, while remaining stable in group T, which continued to show a significantly lower value of sSDMA at T3 than at T0. Regarding sCr, at T0 and T1, the mean values of the entire population of dogs were 1.1 ± 0.3 and 1.0 ± 0.4 mg/dl, respectively, with no statistical differences between groups T and C. In group T, sCr decreased significantly from T0 to T1, while returning at T3 to values similar to T0.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, domperidone plus renal diet reduced the progression of kidney disease in leishmaniotic dogs affected by CKD.

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate in canine leishmaniosis diagnosis: A new resource

This study aims to evaluate the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in Leishmania infantum-seropositive dogs compared with healthy dogs and to assess the existence of a correlation between ESR and clinical form of Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) as well as acute phase proteins (APPs). From October 2021 to January 2022, dogs were recruited in this study if L. infantum-seropositive by enzyme-linked immunoassay and classified as exposed or affected by a CanL active form based on physical examination, clinical score, and laboratory results [i.e., complete blood count, biochemical panel such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum ferritin, serum protein electrophoresis, and fibrinogen concentration measurement]. To evaluate the ESR of the dogs, a point-of-care device was used with a reference interval of 0–10 mm/h. Moreover, the ESR evaluation has been also performed in clinically healthy dogs, as control group. Thirty-six L. infantum-seropositive dogs [i.e., exposed (n = 10) and affected by CanL active form (n = 26)] were included in the study. Twenty-two healthy dogs were also enrolled. The mean value of ESR in dogs affected by a CanL active form was significantly higher than in exposed and healthy dogs (p < 0.0001). The ESR level was increased in 92% of dogs with CanL active form while positive APPs such as CRP, fibrinogen, and serum ferritin were increased only in 46, 48, and 58% of the animals, respectively. In exposed dogs, the ESR level was increased in 40% of cases. In dogs with active form, a significant positive correlation between ESR and total proteins, globulins, CRP, and fibrinogen, as well as a significant negative correlation between ESR and hematocrit, hemoglobin, and albumin/globulin ratio were detected. This study provides for the first-time data on ESR in L. infantum-seropositive dogs demonstrating dogs affected by a CanL active form have the highest ESR level and the majority of these dogs presented an increased ESR compared with exposed and healthy dogs. The evaluation of ESR by a point-of-care device proved to be a simple, inexpensive, and ready-to-use benchtop tool and ESR can be considered a helpful and timely inflammatory biomarker for the diagnosis of a CanL active form.

Acquired partial lower urinary tract obstruction caused by intravesical ureterocele in an adult dog

Ureterocele is an uncommon condition in dogs characterised by a cystic dilation of the submucosal portion of the distal ureter. A 4‐year‐old intact male Siberian husky with a 4‐month previous diagnosis of ureterocele was presented for pollakiuria. Abdominal ultrasound showed increased dimensions of the ureterocele, and a retrograde positive contrast urethrocystography detected a filling defect of the bladder neck lumen. The position of ureterocele was considered responsible for the partial urinary obstruction. This hypothesis is supported by the resolution of pollakiuria after surgical ureterocele resection. Based on a literature search, this is the first case of an intravesical ureterocele causing partial urinary obstruction in dogs. Ureterocele should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with pollakiuria.

Myocardial Injury Complicated by Systolic Dysfunction in a COVID-19-Positive Dog

Simple Summary

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, is continuing to spread worldwide. As with many emerging infectious diseases, COVID-19 is of zoonotic origin, meaning that animals are susceptible to infection, including domestic pets such as dogs. Despite epidemiological surveys conducted in dogs living either in SARS-CoV-2-positive households or in geographic areas affected by COVID-19 steadily increasing, clinical reports aimed at characterising disease manifestation are currently scant in this species. This case report accurately describes the development of myocardial injury complicated by left ventricular systolic dysfunction in a SARS-CoV-2-positive dog. Interestingly, the clinical picture described herein closely resembles the cardiological compromise documented in SARS-CoV-2-positive humans and can therefore contribute to filling the current knowledge gap that exists between human and veterinary medicine concerning COVID-19.

Abstract

A six-year-old Cavalier King Charles spaniel was referred with a two-month history of severe exercise intolerance and syncope. Clinical signs had developed during a local wave of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) two weeks after its family members had manifested symptoms of this viral disease and their positivity to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was confirmed. Cardiologic assessment documented myocardial injury complicated by systolic dysfunction. An extensive diagnostic work-up allowed us to rule out common causes of myocardial compromise, both infective and not. Accordingly, serological and molecular tests aimed at diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 infection were subsequently performed, especially in light of the dog’s peculiar history. Results of such tests, interpreted in the light of previous findings and current knowledge from human medicine, supported a presumptive diagnosis of COVID-19-associated myocardial injury, a clinical entity hitherto poorly described in this species.

Effect of domperidone (leisguard®) on antibody titers, inflammatory markers and creatinine in dogs with leishmaniosis and chronic kidney disease

Background

Immunotherapeutic drugs, such as domperidone, have been shown to be promising treatments against canine leishmaniosis (CanL), but limited data are available. The aim of this pilot study (therapeutic, prospective and non-controlled) was to evaluate the effect of domperidone on serum antibody titers of Leishmania infantum, globulins, gamma globulins, acute-phase proteins (e.g. C-reactive protein [CRP]), big endothelin-1 (big ET-1), serum creatinine (SC) and proteinuria in dogs with leishmaniosis affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

Dogs were recruited if “exposed” to or “infected” with L. infantum and affected by CKD (IRIS stage 1 [proteinuric] or IRIS stage 2–3a [SC < 3.5 mg/dl; proteinuric or non-proteinuric]). After inclusion, an oral suspension of domperidone was administered, and the dogs were followed up for 180 days, with checks at 30, 60, 90 and 180 days after initial treatment.

Results

Of the 14 recruited dogs, nine showed a statistically significant reduction in SC (χ² = 9.1, df = 3, P = 0.028), but not in the urine protein/creatinine ratio (χ² = 6.43, df = 3, P = 0.092). All dogs showed a significant reduction in antibody titers for L. infantum (χ² = 9.56, df = 2, P = 0.008), globulins (χ² = 11.08, df = 3, P = 0.011) and gamma globulins (χ² = 12.38, df = 3, P = 0.006) during the study period. There was also a statistically significant reduction in CRP (χ² = 16.7, df = 3, P = 0.001), but not in big ET-1 (χ² = 2.04, df = 3, P = 0.563).

Conclusions

This study provides preliminary results on the ability of domperidone to improve SC and reduce anti-L. infantum antibody titers, globulins, gamma globulins and CRP in dogs with leishmaniosis and CKD.

Graphical abstract

Clinical and Histopathological Features of Renal Maldevelopment in Boxer Dogs: A Retrospective Case Series (1999-2018)

Simple Summary

This study describes clinical findings in Boxer dogs with renal maldevelopment and proposes a possible mode of inheritance. Medical records of 9 female Boxer dogs, older than 5 months and with a clinical diagnosis of proteinuric chronic kidney disease prior to one year of age, showed the presence of polyuria and polydipsia, decreased appetite, weight loss, lethargy and weakness in all affected dogs. Common laboratory findings were proteinuria and diluted urine, non-regenerative anemia, azotemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypoalbuminemia and hypercholesterolemia. Histopathology of the kidneys identified the presence of immature glomeruli in all dogs. In 7 out of 9 related dogs, the pedigree analysis showed that a simple autosomal recessive trait may be a possible mode of inheritance. Renal glomerular immaturity should be suspected in Boxer dogs with a history of polyuria, polydipsia, decreased appetite, weight loss, lethargy, weakness and proteinuria. A prompt diagnosis of renal maldevelopment, potentially hereditary, may help to evaluate if relatives of the affected dogs might be at risk, thus assisting clinicians in reaching an early diagnosis. A routine clinical renal screening evaluation in this breed, especially when this disease is suspected, should be strongly recommended.

Abstract

Renal maldevelopment (RM) has been proposed to replace the old and sometimes misused term “renal dysplasia” in dogs. Although renal dysplasia has been described in Boxers, hereditary transmission has only been hypothesized. This study reports clinical and renal histological findings in Boxer dogs with RM, proposing a possible mode of inheritance. Medical records of 9 female Boxer dogs, older than 5 months and with a clinical diagnosis of chronic kidney disease prior to one year of age, were retrospectively reviewed. Polyuria and polydipsia (PU/PD), decreased appetite, weight loss, lethargy and weakness were described in all affected dogs. Common laboratory findings were proteinuria, diluted urine, non-regenerative anemia, azotemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypoalbuminemia and hypercholesterolemia. Histopathology of the kidneys revealed the presence of immature glomeruli in all dogs, which is consistent with RM. In 7 related dogs, the pedigree analysis showed that a simple autosomal recessive trait may be a possible mode of inheritance. Renal maldevelopment should be suspected in young Boxer dogs with a history of PU/PD, decreased appetite, weight loss, lethargy, weakness and proteinuria. Due to its possible inheritance, an early diagnosis of RM may allow clinicians to promptly identify other potentially affected dogs among the relatives of the diagnosed case.