Evidence of an acute phase response in dogs naturally infected with Babesia canis

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), white blood cell count (WBC), haematocrit (HCT) and platelet number (PLT) were quantified and compared with the acute phase proteins (APPs) in dogs naturally infected with Babesia canis and healthy dogs. Both groups were treated with imidocarb dipropionate on the day of admission and both groups were monitored for all parameters on the admission day and on the first, second, third, fourth and seventh days in order to determine the presence of an acute phase reaction, to assess the diagnostic value of these markers in uncomplicated canine babesiosis and to evaluate the use of APPs in treatment monitoring. It was demonstrated that an acute phase response occurs in dogs naturally infected with Babesia canis, with significant increases in the concentration of major acute phase proteins. The serum concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA) and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) decreased daily after treatment and approached reference range values by the eighth day. PLT and haematocrit (HCT) increased daily after treatment and approached reference range values by the fourth day. WBC and haptoglobin increased after treatment and then decreased from the third and fourth days, respectively, to the eighth day. The diagnostic sensitivity of CRP, SAA and PLT was significantly higher compared to haptoglobin, ESR, HCT and the WBC count. CRP and SAA were of clinical use in monitoring the response to antibabesial treatment.

A seroepidemiologic survey of canine visceral leishmaniosis among apparently healthy dogs in Croatia

Cross-sectional investigation was done on seroprevalence of Leishmania sp. infection among apparently healthy dogs in an area where canine leishmaniosis is endemic. Survey included 68 dogs living in the coastal city of Split, and 238 dogs living in 12 villages scattered in the hinterland. Each dog was clinically examined for the presence of some discrete signs compatible with leishmaniosis and by dot-ELISA modification determined the presence of anti-Leishmania antibodies. The titre 1:600 and higher was regarded as positive in the study. The seroprevalence ranged from 0 to 42.85%, depending on the location. 54.34% of the seropositive dogs had moderately enlarged lymph nodes and/or some discrete changes on the skin. In our parasitological study, Leishmania sp. was isolated from several seropositive animals that had some clinical signs and from a few which did not have any. Data analysis revealed that serological positivity to Leishmania sp. was not associated with a dog's outdoor lifestyle and utility, but was associated with the gender and age.

Statistical report from Uludag Poison Information Center--34-month experience

Management of poisoned patient requires accurate knowledge of intoxication. Uludaŏ Poison Information Center (UPIC), founded in January 1996, provides acquired information 24 hours a day 7 days a week for physicians and consultants. We received 2270 phone calls since January 1996 till October 1998 and evaluated the cases statistically regarding "distribution of age and gender", "calling time after poison exposure", "source of poisoning", "reason for intoxication" and "source of calls" to reveal the distinguishing features of intoxication. Intoxication was mostly seen between 14-25 years of age (964 cases, 42.46%) and in females (1367 cases, 60.22%). Drugs (1400 cases, 61.67%) were the main source and suicide attempts (930 cases, 40.9%) were the main reason of poisoning. Most of the calls were from healthcare professionals (1347, 59.33%).