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Background Proximal renal tubulopathy was reported in Australian dogs with markedly increased frequency from September 2007. Methods Two veterinarian-completed surveys were launched in response to an increased incidence of acquired proximal renal tubulopathy in dogs. The selection criterion for inclusion was glucosuria with blood glucose <10 mmol/L. Data collected included signalment, presenting signs, history of feeding treats, results of urinalysis and blood tests, treatment and time to resolution of clinical signs. Results A total of 108 affected dogs were studied. All had been fed the same brand of dried chicken treats, made in China, for a median of 12 weeks (range, 0.3-78 weeks). Small breeds (<10 kg) accounted for 88% of cases. Common presenting signs included polyuria/polydipsia (76%), lethargy (73%), inappetence (65%) and vomiting (54%). Common biochemical findings included euglycaemia (74%; 71/96), hypoglycaemia (23%; 22/96), acidosis (77%; 20/26), hypokalaemia (45%; 38/84), hypophosphataemia (37%; 28/75) and azotaemia (27%; 23/85). In addition to discontinuation of treats, 64 dogs received medical treatment, including intravenous fluids (52%) and oral electrolyte, amino acid or vitamin supplements. Six dogs died or were euthanased. Two dogs were necropsied. Histopathological findings consisted of proximal tubular necrosis accompanied by regeneration. Time to resolution of clinical signs in 35 survivors available for follow-up was <2 weeks (n = 8), 2-4 weeks (n = 2), 5-7 weeks (n = 5) and 2-6 months (n = 10). Conclusion Of the 108 dogs with acquired proximal renal tubulopathy contemporaneous with chicken treat consumption, most survived but many required aggressive supportive care. The treats likely contained a toxin targeting the proximal renal tubules. Diet history and urinalysis were vital for diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To estimate the proportion of canine tick-borne disease ( CTBD) pathogens in dogs from northern states of Australia presenting with and without clinical signs/laboratory abnormalities suggestive of CTBD and to evaluate associated risk factors. Design Client-owned dogs presented to a general practice clinic in the Northern Territory ( NT; n = 138) and five referral hospitals in south-east Queensland ( SEQ; n = 100) were grouped into CTBD-suspect and -control groups based on clinical and laboratory criteria. Blood and sera were screened for haemotropic Mycoplasma spp., B abesia spp., A naplasma spp., E hrlichia spp. and H epatozoon spp. using microscopic examination, in-clinic ELISA testing and PCR assays. Dog-specific risk factors associated with the presence of CTBD pathogens were evaluated. Results Overall, 24.4% of the suspect group and 12.2% of the control group dogs were infected. The proportions of M. haemocanis, B . vogeli, A . platys, C andidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum, and C. Mycoplasma haemobos were 7.1%, 5.0%, 3.8%, 1.7% and 0.4%, respectively. Dogs originating from the NT were 3.6-fold (95% confidence interval ( CI) 1.51-8.62; P = 0.004) more likely to be infected with CTBD pathogens than those from SEQ. Male dogs were 2.3-fold (95% CI 1.17-4.80, P = 0.024) more likely to be PCR-positive to CTBD pathogens than female dogs. Dogs presenting with clinical signs consistent with CTBD and thrombocytopenia were more likely to be infected by CTBD pathogens (odds ratio 2.85; 95% CI 1.16, 7.02; P = 0.019). Conclusions Haemotropic mycoplasmas were the most common tick-borne pathogen infecting client-owned dogs. Subclinical cases were common in dogs from the NT. Veterinary practitioners should be aware of the proportion of CTBD pathogens and the presenting features of clinical and subclinical disease in their area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To determine the prevalence of canine vector-borne diseases (CVBD: Babesia spp., Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., haemotropic mycoplasmas and Hepatozoon) in Australian dogs; namely, dogs from pounds in south-east Queensland and an indigenous Aboriginal community in the north-east of the Northern Territory. Design and procedure Blood samples were collected from 100 pound dogs and 130 Aboriginal community dogs and screened for the CVBD pathogens using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All positive PCR products were sequenced for species confirmation. Results In total, 3 pound dogs and 64 Aboriginal community dogs were infected with at least one CVBD pathogen. Overall, B. vogeli was detected in 13 dogs, A. platys in 49, M. haemocanis in 23, Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum in 3 and C. M. haemobos in 1 dog. Co-infections were detected in 22 Aboriginal community dogs. Conclusions This study found B. vogeli, A. platys and haemotropic mycoplasma infections to be common in dogs in subtropical and tropical areas of Australia. This study also reports for the first time the prevalence and genetic characterisation of haemotropic mycoplasmas in dogs in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]