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We report a rare and interesting case of mixed infection with Leishmania infantum and Dirofilaria immitis associated with the incidental finding of microfilariae in the bone marrow of a 9-year-old, intact, male Bullmastiff which was seropositive to L. infantum. Clinical signs showed progressive weakness, pale mucosae membranes, and a very low body condition score. Laboratory abnormalities included moderate, normocytic, normochromic, non-regenerative anemia; mild leukocytosis, neutrophilia, monocytosis, and eosinopenia; low platelet count; elevated C reactive protein; mild hyperkalemia, hypoalbuminemia, and hyperbeta-2-globulinemia; and a low A/G ratio. Hypoadrenocorticism, euthyroid sick syndrome, and alteration in the fibrinolytic phase of hemostasis were also detected. Microfilariae were incidentally found in bone marrow cytology aspirate in the absence of clinical features indicative of co-infection with D. immitis. PCR confirmed the identification of the Dirofilaria species. It is assumed that the microfilariae may have left the microcirculation and migrated to bone marrow tissues by crossing the vessel wall. To the best of our knowledge, only one such case has been previously reported in dogs.

The application of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in feline medicine is currently unavailable, while in canine medicine it has been rediscovered due to the introduction of an automated ESR device. Our aims were to (1) define the reference interval (RI) of the ESR in healthy cats, (2) evaluate the ESR values between healthy and ill cats, (3) evaluate relationships between the ESR and some inflammatory markers, and (4) assess ESR changes in different durations of illness (acute, chronic, or acute-on-chronic). A prospective multicentric cohort study on 200 client-owned cats: 57 healthy cats and 143 ill cats for the other aims. Healthy cats were blood donors, or young cats underwent desexing procedures. Ill cats with full clinical medical records, hematobiochemical profiles, and diagnostic procedures to reach a final diagnosis were included. The ESR was performed with MINI-PET using the same K3-EDTA tubes used for CBC, with no additional sample required. The total leukocyte count (WBC), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), fibrinogen, serum amyloid A, and albumin/globulin ratio (A/G) were concurrently measured. Based on the clinical presentation and the final diagnosis, cats were classified as having the following: acute, chronic, and acute-on-chronic conditions. The RI of the ESR ranged between 1 and 23 mm/h. Ill cats showed a significantly higher ESR (median 29 mm/h; range 12–46 mm/h) than healthy cats (median 10 mm/h; range 1–12 mm/h; p

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) has been used in canine medicine in several disorders, above all, to evaluate levels of inflammation. This study evaluated the ESR in canine leishmaniosis (CanL) and other inflammatory conditions. Three groups of dogs were examined: CanL affected dogs without clinical signs (INFECTED group, #25) or with clinical signs (SICK group, #43) and dogs affected by acute or acute-on-chronic conditions (OTHER DISEASE group, #65). The ESR was compared with acute phase proteins or reactants either positive or negative (leukogram, fibrinogen, iron, unsaturated iron binding capacity, ferritin, haptoglobin, and albumin) and immunological markers (gamma-globulins, IgG, and IgM). The ESR was higher in the SICK group than in the INFECTED group (median 39 vs. 11 mm/h; p < 0.0001), as well as in the OTHER DISEASE than in the INFECTED groups (median 41 vs. 11 mm/h; p < 0.0001). The ESR appeared outside the reference range for all dogs in the SICK and OTHER DISEASE groups and almost with similar values (mm/h; median 39, 95% CI 31–51 vs. 41, 95% CI 12–87; p > 0.05). The extent of changes in ESR can help to establish the severity of CanL and other inflammatory disorders. As a point-of-care test, the ESR can be used to screen dogs for unhealthy conditions, and its values correlate with the severity of any disease, including CanL.

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a widely used diagnostic assay in human medicine but nowadays poorly applied in veterinary medicine. This test measures the speed (millimeters per hour) at which red blood cells settle in a whole anticoagulated blood tube. In human medicine, high ESR values are associated with various disorders, including infections, rheumatoid arthritis, oncologic diseases, and other inflammatory conditions. The ESR can also be influenced by some factors such as age and gender. In veterinary medicine, the ESR with the Westergren manual method was almost forgotten over the years due to blood consumption and long turn-around time. The instrument MINI-PET, using a modified Westergren method, does not require blood consumption or release waste product and recently has been applied in canine medicine. The aims of the study in the horse were as follows: to establish the appropriate time to read the ESR with the Westergren reference method; to compare the MINI-PET ESR results with the reference technique; to assess the ESR reference intervals with MINI-PET; and to establish the ESR stability from collection at different time points by MINI-PET. Using 150 horses, we established 60 minutes as the appropriate time for ESR reading with the Westergren method. Moreover, ESR results obtained in 8 minutes with MINI-PET showed a good correlation with the Westergren ESR. Reference intervals (RIs) with MINI-PET were established in mm/h for the healthy horses (geldings 18.6–100.1; stallions, 13.8–55.7; and mares 1–73.7) according to the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology guidelines. In addition, the ESR stability from the blood collection time was evaluated in the MINI-PET on 15 horses: at room temperature, ESR is stable up to 8 hours and at 4°C up to 24 hours. In conclusion, MINI-PET represents a rapid and reliable tool for measuring ESR in horses, offering a valid option to replace the traditional manual technique.

The application of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in feline medicine is currently unavailable, while in canine medicine it has been rediscovered due to the introduction of an automated ESR device. Our aims were to (1) define the reference interval (RI) of the ESR in healthy cats, (2) evaluate the ESR values between healthy and ill cats, (3) evaluate relationships between the ESR and some inflammatory markers, and (4) assess ESR changes in different durations of illness (acute, chronic, or acute-on-chronic). A prospective multicentric cohort study on 200 client-owned cats: 57 healthy cats and 143 ill cats for the other aims. Healthy cats were blood donors, or young cats underwent desexing procedures. Ill cats with full clinical medical records, hematobiochemical profiles, and diagnostic procedures to reach a final diagnosis were included. The ESR was performed with MINI-PET using the same K3-EDTA tubes used for CBC, with no additional sample required. The total leukocyte count (WBC), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), fibrinogen, serum amyloid A, and albumin/globulin ratio (A/G) were concurrently measured. Based on the clinical presentation and the final diagnosis, cats were classified as having the following: acute, chronic, and acute-on-chronic conditions. The RI of the ESR ranged between 1 and 23 mm/h. Ill cats showed a significantly higher ESR (median 29 mm/h; range 12–46 mm/h) than healthy cats (median 10 mm/h; range 1–12 mm/h; p < 0.0001). The ESR was positively correlated only with fibrinogen (p < 0.001 ; r = 0.43). Cats with acute-on-chronic diseases had the highest ESR (median 47 mm/h; range 35–56 mm/h) compared with acute (median 16 mm/h; range 14–42 mm/h; p = 0.003) and chronic cats (median 14 mm/h; range 10–31 mm/h; p < 0.0001). Although further studies are needed, the ESR could be a useful ancillary inflammatory marker in cats, specifically in cats with acute diseases, with or without an underlying chronic condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Dal, and DEA 1, 4, 7 blood types, in a population of canine blood donors from Italy and Spain. Three hundred and twenty blood donor dogs receiving an annual health evaluation were included in the study. DEA 1 blood type was determined using an immunochromatographic strip technique while Dal, DEA 4 and 7 blood types were determined with polyclonal antisera using agglutination on gel columns. Results Out of 320 dogs blood typed 7 (2 Cane Corso and 5 Doberman Pinschers) (2.2%) were Dal negative; 137 (42.8%) were positive for DEA 1; 320 (100%) were positive for DEA 4 and 43 (13.4%) were positive for DEA 7. Conclusion This study showed a similar prevalence of DEA 1, 7 and 4 to that reported in previous studies in the same, and in different, geographic areas, and provides new data on the prevalence of the Dal blood group in Italy and Spain. There was no significant difference (P = 0.8409) between prevalence of Dal negative blood types found in our population (2.2%) and the prevalence reported in a canine blood donor population from the USA (2.5%). Our study identified Dal negative dogs in a previously tested breed i.e. Doberman Pinschers, but also the Cane Corso breed was found to have Dal negative dogs.

Veterinary facility admissions of wild animals are increasing alongside the interest in wildlife diseases. To improve animal welfare, it is therefore important to increase veterinarians’ knowledge of wild animal medicine and to improve the clinical and diagnostic procedures, especially in the case of patients affected by trauma or multiple traumas. Blood analysis can be a quick and minimally invasive way of gathering useful clinical information for adequate treatment and management, and, together with a good clinical examination, to help predict hospitalisation outcomes. Few papers have reported reference ranges for the haematological and biochemical parameters of roe deer. This study evaluates the haematological and biochemical parameters in traumatised roe deer in relation to animal hospitalisation outcomes. The study was carried out on a cohort of 98 roe deer divided into groups according to their age and hospitalisation outcome. For each animal, a panel of haematological and biochemical parameters was performed. Significant differences were found between unweaned (4 months old) groups for total bilirubin. Creatine kinase, creatinine, and bilirubin may be useful indicators to correlate with the severity of trauma and help predict prognosis.

Simple Summary: The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) has been increasingly used in canine medicine to assess inflammation levels. In this study, the ESR was compared to several inflammatory and immune response markers, typically investigated in dogs with canine leishmaniasis (CanL) and in dogs affected by other inflammatory conditions. Three groups of dogs were included in the study: CanL affected dogs without clinical signs (INFECTED, #25) or with clinical signs (SICK, #43), and dogs affected by acute or acute-on-chronic conditions (OTHER DISEASE, #65). The ESR and several inflammatory (i.e., C reactive protein, fibrinogen, haptoglobin, and ferritin,) or immunological parameters (i.e., total proteins, gamma-globulins, IgG, and IgM) were compared between groups and correlated. The ESR was statistically higher in the SICK group and in the OTHER DISEASE group than in the INFECTED group. ESR values may therefore help to stage the severity of CanL. In addition, as a point-of-care assay, the ESR could be used to screen the health status of dogs with its values being related to the severity of any disease. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) has been used in canine medicine in several disorders, above all, to evaluate levels of inflammation. This study evaluated the ESR in canine leishmaniosis (CanL) and other inflammatory conditions. Three groups of dogs were examined: CanL affected dogs without clinical signs (INFECTED group, #25) or with clinical signs (SICK group, #43) and dogs affected by acute or acute-on-chronic conditions (OTHER DISEASE group, #65). The ESR was compared with acute phase proteins or reactants either positive or negative (leukogram, fibrinogen, iron, unsaturated iron binding capacity, ferritin, haptoglobin, and albumin) and immunological markers (gamma-globulins, IgG, and IgM). The ESR was higher in the SICK group than in the INFECTED group (median 39 vs. 11 mm/h; p < 0.0001), as well as in the OTHER DISEASE than in the INFECTED groups (median 41 vs. 11 mm/h; p < 0.0001). The ESR appeared outside the reference range for all dogs in the SICK and OTHER DISEASE groups and almost with similar values (mm/h; median 39, 95% CI 31–51 vs. 41, 95% CI 12–87; p > 0.05). The extent of changes in ESR can help to establish the severity of CanL and other inflammatory disorders. As a point-of-care test, the ESR can be used to screen dogs for unhealthy conditions, and its values correlate with the severity of any disease, including CanL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background we have recently shown that Tel-eVax, a genetic vaccine targeting dog telomerase (dTERT) and based on Adenovirus (Ad)/DNA Electro-Gene-Transfer (DNA–EGT) technology can induce strong immune response and increase overall survival (OS) of dogs affected by multicentric Diffuse Large B cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) when combined to COP therapy in a double-arm study. Here, we have utilized a clinically validated device for veterinary electroporation called Vet-ePorator™, based on Cliniporator™ technology currently utilized and approved in Europe for electrochemotherapy applications and adapted to electrogenetransfer (EGT). Methods 17 dogs affected by DLBCL were vaccinated using two Ad vector injections (Prime phase) followed by DNA–EGT (Boost phase) by means of a Vet-ePorator™ device and treated in the same time with a 27-week Madison Wisconsin CHOP protocol. The immune response was measured by ELISA assays using pool of peptides. Results No significant adverse effects were observed. The OS of vaccine/CHOP animals was 64.5 weeks, in line with the previous study. Dogs developed antibodies against the immunizing antigen. Conclusions Tel-eVax in combination with CHOP is safe and immunogenic in lymphoma canine patients. These data confirm the therapeutic efficacy of dTERT vaccine and hold promise for the treatment of dogs affected by other cancer types. More importantly, our findings may translate to human clinical trials and represent new strategies for cancer treatment.

This paper reports the occurrence for the first time in Italy of autochthonous Onchocerca infection in donkeys. Four jennies, bred on the same farm, were referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Pisa for a check-up on ovarian activity (n = 3) or for veterinary support during the delivery (n = 1). Microfilariae were incidentally detected during the blood smear examination of one jenny. Peripheral blood samples were then collected from the other three jennies and the presence of microfilariae was investigated by Knott's test. Circulating unsheathed microfilariae were identified in all the animals. The level of microfilaraemia was between 1 and 31 microfilariae in 2 mL of blood. Hematological changes showed moderate eosinophilia in one case or both remarkable eosinophilia and basophilia in another case. Based on molecular findings by PCR and sequencing, the microfilariae showed 98% sequence similarity with Onchocerca sp. in the NCBI GenBank database (Accession No.: MK541848.1). The present report provides evidence that Onchocerca is an etiological agent of parasitic infection in donkeys in Italy. Our findings highlight the importance of screening in donkeys for Onchocerca even in the absence of clinical indications.

Background: Sepsis is a common disease in which early diagnosis and prognosis assessment are the main aims in order to arrange a prompt and effective treatment.Objectives: (1) To compare leukogram parameters (WBC, segmented and band neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes), platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), and some leukocyte/platelet ratio such as NLR, NBNLR, PLR, and MLR between dogs with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and sepsis. (2) To investigate any difference in the trend of these latter parameters between survivors and non-survivors septic dogs.Animals: 57 dogs with confirmed sepsis and 57 dogs with non-septic SIRS.Methods: A review of the medical records was conducted in order to find dogs with sepsis. Sepsis was defined as the presence of an infectious focus with fulfillment of systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria (SIRS). Septic dogs had to have a CBC at admission and another CBC within 48 h from the previous timepoint. Purebreds with CBC breed-related abnormalities were excluded, together with dogs without confirmed sepsis and dogs with only a single CBC. NLR, NBNLR, PLR, and MLR were calculated. Univariate analysis of all blood parameters studied was assessed between SIRS and septic dogs. Generalized Estimating Equations models for repeated measures were used to test if the blood parameters studied were modified between survivors and non-survivors in the septic group.Results: Septic dogs had lower median segmented neutrophils count and NLR compared to SIRS dogs (p = 0.02 and p = 0.04, respectively). Lastly, septic dogs had a higher prevalence of toxic neutrophil than SIRS dogs (p = 0.01). We found that for a 1-unit increase of PLR and MLR, the risk of death increased by 50.5 and 60%, respectively.Conclusion and Clinical Importance: Evaluation of NLR at hospital admission may be a useful marker of inflammation, although it showed low sensitivity in differentiating SIRS and septic dogs. The monitoring of some CBC parameters, especially PLR and MLR may be useful in the establishment of prognosis in septic dogs.

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in canine medicine has been replaced by the evaluation of a few sensitive markers of the acute-phase proteins. The aim of the study was to evaluate the ESR using a point-of-care (MINIPET, DIESSE Diagnostica Senese S.p.A.) device (ESR-MP) and to compare the results with the gold standard Westergren method (ESR-W) in dogs. One hundred and nineteen K3-EDTA blood samples for complete blood count were randomly selected and assayed for ESR. The reference interval (RI) was established using the percentile method. The coefficient of variation (CV) in intra-assay and interassay precision of ESR-MP was calculated. The analytical sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), positive predictive values (PPVs), and negative predictive values (NPVs) were calculated. Agreement between ESR-MP and ESR-W was assessed with Pearson correlation coefficient (r), Cohen concordance test (K), Passing-Bablok regression, and Bland–Altman plots. Ten canine samples (8.4%) were ruled out because of flag-error by the MINIPET instrument (4.2%) or because they showed the diphasic pattern in ESR-W (4.2%). The canine RI of ESR-MP was 0–10 mm/h. Precision was excellent in intra-assay (CV = 0.02) and interassay (CV = 0.32). The analytical characteristics of ESR-MP in nonanemic samples were as follows: Se = 0.82, Sp = 0.95, PPV = 0.82, and NPV = 0.95. The accuracy of ESR-MP was better than ESR-W in nonanemic samples (r = 0.87; K = 0.77) and lower in anemic subjects (Hct

Several extra-intestinal manifestations, including immune-mediated cytopenias, are reported in human inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), whereas they are poorly documented in dogs. Hypothesizing that immune-mediated subclinical anemia can occur in canine IBD, the study aim was to evaluate the erythrogram and the presence of anti-RBC antibodies in dogs with IBD. IBD was diagnosed according to the following criteria: chronic gastrointestinal signs, ruling out of extra-intestinal diseases, no improvement with diet trial, histological evidence of inflammatory infiltration, and improvement after immunosuppressant therapy. Canine Chronic Enteropathy Clinical Activity Index (CCECAI) endoscopic and histopathological scores were assessed for each dog. Twenty-five dogs were enrolled, and each dog had a CBC evaluation prior to endoscopy. The CBC was performed using laser hematology analyzer and blood smears were carefully reviewed for the presence of nucleated RBC, anisocytosis, polychromasia, and Howell–Jolly bodies. IgG and IgM anti-RBC antibodies were evaluated with flow cytometry. A high frequency of positive cases for anti-RBC antibodies in dogs with IBD (17/25 dogs) was ascertained. Approximatively 50% of dogs showed some hematologic features of RBC regeneration in addition to hematologic findings consistent with chronic inflammation. Anti-RBC antibodies and signs of erythroid regeneration may suggest possible subclinical chronic immune-mediated hemolysis that can cause anemia in dogs with IBD, together with the chronic inflammation.

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a widely used diagnostic assay in human medicine but nowadays poorly applied in veterinary medicine. This test measures the speed (millimeters per hour) at which red blood cells settle in a whole anticoagulated blood tube. In human medicine, high ESR values are associated with various disorders, including infections, rheumatoid arthritis, oncologic diseases, and other inflammatory conditions. The ESR can also be influenced by some factors such as age and gender. In veterinary medicine, the ESR with the Westergren manual method was almost forgotten over the years due to blood consumption and long turn-around time. The instrument MINI-PET, using a modified Westergren method, does not require blood consumption or release waste product and recently has been applied in canine medicine. The aims of the study in the horse were as follows: to establish the appropriate time to read the ESR with the Westergren reference method; to compare the MINI-PET ESR results with the reference technique; to assess the ESR reference intervals with MINI-PET; and to establish the ESR stability from collection at different time points by MINI-PET. Using 150 horses, we established 60 minutes as the appropriate time for ESR reading with the Westergren method. Moreover, ESR results obtained in 8 minutes with MINI-PET showed a good correlation with the Westergren ESR. Reference intervals (RIs) with MINI-PET were established in mm/h for the healthy horses (geldings 18.6–100.1; stallions, 13.8–55.7; and mares 1–73.7) according to the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology guidelines. In addition, the ESR stability from the blood collection time was evaluated in the MINI-PET on 15 horses: at room temperature, ESR is stable up to 8 hours and at 4°C up to 24 hours. In conclusion, MINI-PET represents a rapid and reliable tool for measuring ESR in horses, offering a valid option to replace the traditional manual technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sepsis is a challenging condition in which hematological prognostic and diagnostic markers in cats are limited. The aims of this study were to test if there are any differences in leukocyte ratios (NLR, BLR and BNLR) between healthy, SIRS and septic cats (sick cats), and if, within sick cats, NLR, BLR and BNLR may be prognostic markers. A retrospective medical database study included 76 healthy cats (blood-donors), 54 SIRS and 79 septic cats. SIRS group was defined if cats fulfilled SIRS criteria. Sepsis was confirmed with an infectious focus on cytology or a positive culture for bacterial infection. Leukocyte ratios were compared among the three study groups and between survivors and non-survivors in sick cats. NLR resulted significantly higher in the sick group compared to healthy cats (p < 0.0001), although NLR was not different between SIRS and sepsis. An NLR > 4.53 had a sensitivity of 76% and a specificity of 93.4% to detect SIRS/sepsis (OR 44.8 95%CI 17–107). Only BLR and BNLR were significantly different between SIRS and sepsis. NLR was associated with mortality in the sick group (p = 0.04). Although NLR resulted higher in sick cats than healthy, BLR and BNLR demonstrated as promising tools in differentiating SIRS from sepsis. NLR was associated with mortality in sick cats.

Anemia is considered a common finding in dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD), typically as normochromic, normocytic, and non-regenerative. Although anemia can occur at any CKD IRIS (International Renal Interest Society) stage, its severity is related with the loss of kidney function. The aim of the present study was to retrospectively evaluate quantitative and morphological abnormalities of the erythrogram in dogs at different CKD IRIS stages. A total of 482 CBCs from 3648 initially screened were included in the study. Anemia was present in 302/482 (63%) dogs, in the majority of which it was normochromic, normocytic, and non-regenerative (295/302; 98%). The number of reticulocytes was p = 0.0001). The frequency of anemia significantly differed (p = 0.0001) among the IRIS stages: 108/231 (47%) in IRIS 2, 77/109 (71%) in IRIS 3, and 117/142 (82%) in IRIS 4. Dogs at IRIS stages 3 and 4 were more likely to have moderate to severe anemia, compared to dogs at IRIS stage 2 (p = 0.0001). Anisocytosis was the most frequent morphological abnormality (291/482; 60%), whereas the presence of poikilocytosis showed an association with progression of IRIS stages (p = 0.009). Among different morphological abnormalities, the frequency of fragmented red blood cells and Howell–Jolly bodies showed a significant association with the progression of CKD. Anemia was a frequent finding in CKD dogs, mostly associated with none to poor regeneration rate. Similar to human medicine, advanced CKD stages are more frequently characterized by morphological alterations, such as fragmented red blood cells and Howell–Jolly bodies, which may suggest a more severe condition of reduced bone marrow activity and microangiopathy.

The vaccine Canileish® is distributed in Europe to reduce the risk of developing an active infection and clinical leishmaniosis. An English Setter dog vaccinated with Canileish® and treated with anti-feeding and repellent medications showed typical clinical signs of leishmaniosis. The dog was presented with dysorexia, weight loss, fever and forelimb lameness. The physical exam revealed moderate generalized external lymph node enlargement, sero-purulent ocular discharge, photophobia, and swollen and painful right carpal joint. Clinico-pathological findings revealed moderate microcytic-hypochromic non-regenerative anemia, mild neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, hyperglobulinemia, hematuria and mild elevation of urine protein-to-creatinine ratio, polyclonal peak in the gamma globulins, Leishmania spp. amastigotes in lymph nodes and bone marrow, and immunofluorescence antibody titer (IFAT) of 1:5120. The successful treatment included meglumine antimonate and allopurinol for 40 days, and metronidazole-spyramicin for 24 days. The dog was monitored up to 9 months and normalization of most hemato-biochemical abnormalities was achieved. The bone marrow qPCR for Leishmania infantum was negative, while IFAT was 1:160. Despite the systematic leishmaniosis prevention, the typical clinical disease can occur.

Feline squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is currently treated with surgery, radiation therapy and electrochemotherapy (ECT). Both the efficacy and/or safety of ECT were evaluated as a sole therapy with bleomycin to treat feline nasal planum SCC (npSCC). Sixty-one cats were enrolled. Local treatment response was evaluated as complete remission (CR), partial remission (PR) or stable disease (SD). Recurrence rate (RR), disease-free interval (DFI) and progression free survival (PFS) were calculated. A six-point scale was used for ECT toxicity. The median tumor size was 1.5 cm. CR was achieved in 65.6% of cases, PR in 31.1% and SD in 3.3%. The overall response rate was 96.7%, RR was 22.5%, median DFI was 136 days, and median PFS was 65.5 days. ECT toxicity was ≤2 in 51% of cats. Tumor recurrence/progression (p = 0.014) and local treatment response (PR: p < 0.001; SD: p < 0.001) influenced survival time. Cats with toxicity >2 showed a higher probability of tumor recurrence/progression. Tumor-related death was higher in cats with PR (p < 0.001) and recurrence/progression (p = 0.002), in ECT treatment with 1 Hz (p = 0.035) and 1200 V/cm (p = 0.011) or 1300 V/cm (p = 0.016). Tumor size influenced local treatment response (p = 0.008) and toxicity (p < 0.001). ECT is an effective treatment for feline npSCCs and should be considered as the first-line procedure for low-stage tumors.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a multifactorial chronic inflammatory disorder leading to structural changes in the intestinal wall. In humans, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been proposed as a promising marker of IBD. This study evaluated the possible clinical and prognostic significance of the NLR in dogs with IBD. This retrospective study enrolled 41 dogs diagnosed with IBD presented to University of Pisa from January 2017 to January 2018. For each dog, age, sex, canine chronic enteropathy clinical activity index (CCECAI), endoscopic and histopathological grading were recorded. Complete blood count, serum total protein, albumin, cholesterol, and C-reactive protein at the time of endoscopy were recorded. A control group (CG) of healthy dogs from a blood donor database was built. NLR was calculated for both IBD and CG as the ratio between absolute neutrophils and lymphocytes. Presence of crypt distension, lacteal dilation (LD), mucosal fibrosis, intraepithelial lymphocytes was recorded. Follow-up information was obtained from electronic medical records and dogs were classified as responders and non-responders based on CCECAI variation between admission and the first recheck. IRE dogs showed higher NLR compared to healthy dogs. NLR correlated negatively with total protein, albumin, and cholesterol and correlated positively with CCECAI. Dogs with LD showed higher NLR than dogs without LD. Non-responders showed higher NLR compared to responders. In conclusion, as in IBD human patients, the NLR acts as an inflammatory marker providing further information on severity of the disease and could be useful in predicting treatment response.

In human medicine, procalcitonin (PCT), the precursor of calcitonin, is used for the rapid identification of the origin and severity of sepsis. In veterinary medicine, PCT has been studied in horses, cattle, and dogs, but the use of PCT in diagnostic and/or prognostic settings is not possible because of the lack of validated assays to obtain reference ranges. The aim of the present study was the investigation of commercially available ELISA kits for the detection of canine and equine PCT in plasma samples. Validation of the ELISA kits was performed by using species-specific recombinant proteins spiked both in plasma and buffer samples; linearity, limit of detection (LOD), recovery, and intra-assay and inter-assay variability were calculated. Moreover, clinical samples obtained from sick and healthy animals were also analyzed with the tested kits. Canine PCT was measured with a recombinant canine and a canine PCT ELISA kit. Equine PCT was measured with an equine and a human ELISA PCT kit. Our data demonstrate that the canine recombinant PCT ELISA kit can be used to measure canine PCT in plasma samples, showing an intra-assay and inter-assay coefficient of variation less than 20% and a LOD of 11 pg/mL, whereas the present results do not support the use of the canine PCT ELISA kit. The human PCT ELISA kit is suitable to detect equine PCT with a LOD of 56 ng/mL, whereas the equine PCT ELISA kit did not detect recombinant equine PCT.

Simple Summary: Canine leishmaniasis and cardiopulmonary dirofilariasis are common parasitoses in dogs and are endemic in various regions of Italy. Although Leishmania infantum and Dirofilaria immitis have commonly been reported as single infections in dogs in Italy, mixed infection with both parasites is seldom reported. This case report describes a very rarely reported localization of Dirofilaria immitis microfilariae in the bone marrow of an adult dog, which was serologically and PCR-positive for Leishmania infantum. This is the second reported case of the localization of D. immitis microfilariae in the bone marrow of a Leishmania-infected dog. We report a rare and interesting case of mixed infection with Leishmania infantum and Dirofilaria immitis associated with the incidental finding of microfilariae in the bone marrow of a 9-year-old, intact, male Bullmastiff which was seropositive to L. infantum. Clinical signs showed progressive weakness, pale mucosae membranes, and a very low body condition score. Laboratory abnormalities included moderate, normocytic, normochromic, non-regenerative anemia; mild leukocytosis, neutrophilia, monocytosis, and eosinopenia; low platelet count; elevated C reactive protein; mild hyperkalemia, hypoalbuminemia, and hyperbeta-2-globulinemia; and a low A/G ratio. Hypoadrenocorticism, euthyroid sick syndrome, and alteration in the fibrinolytic phase of hemostasis were also detected. Microfilariae were incidentally found in bone marrow cytology aspirate in the absence of clinical features indicative of co-infection with D. immitis. PCR confirmed the identification of the Dirofilaria species. It is assumed that the microfilariae may have left the microcirculation and migrated to bone marrow tissues by crossing the vessel wall. To the best of our knowledge, only one such case has been previously reported in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aim was to establish the prevalence of DEA 1, the most immunogenic and clinically important blood group in canine blood transfusion, in 7,414 dogs from Italy. The potential sensitization risk following a first transfusion and the acute reaction risk following a second transfusion given without a cross-matching and blood typing test were also calculated. Dogs tested were purebred (4,798) and mongrel (2,616); 38.8% were DEA 1 negative and 61.2% were DEA 1 positive. High prevalence for DEA 1 positive blood type was found in Ariegeois and English Setter, whereas German Shepherd and Boxer had higher DEA 1 negative blood type. Breeds with blood type never reported before included French Brittany Spaniel and Pug showing a high prevalence of DEA 1 positive type, while French Bulldog and West Highland White Terrier were more often DEA 1 negative. Just 48.8% of purebred and 13.9% of mongrel dogs were considered as prospective blood donors based upon their blood type. Most of the breeds had a sensitization risk of 20.0–25.0%. Rottweiler and Ariegeois had less risk of sensitization (9.4 and 4.2%) and the minor risk of an acute transfusional reaction (0.9–0.2%). The prevalence of DEA 1 positive and negative dogs in Italy agrees with most of the data already reported in the literature.

Canine mast cell tumours (MCTs) present a wide variety of challenging clinical behaviours in terms of predicting the prognosis and choosing appropriate treatment. This study investigated the frequency, risk, and prognostic factors of MCTs in dogs admitted to a single veterinary teaching hospital (VTH). Breed, age, sex, and sexual status in ninety-eight dogs with MCTs (MCT-group) were compared with a control group of 13,077 dogs (VTH-group) obtained from the VTH clinical database from January 2010 to January 2016. Within the MCT-group, signalment, location, size, mass number, ulceration, histopathological grading, presence of lymph node, or distant metastases were compared with each other and with the outcome. Boxers (OR 7.2), American Pit Bull Terriers (OR 5.4), French Bulldogs (OR 4.4) and Labrador Retrievers (OR 2.6) were overrepresented. The MCT-group was significantly older than the VTH-group (p < 0.0001). In comparison with the VTH group, in the MCT-group neutered dogs (OR 2.1) and spayed females (OR 2.3) were predominant compared to intact dogs and intact females, respectively. Ulceration (OR 5.2) and lymph node metastasis (OR 7.1) occurred more frequently in larger MCTs. Both ulceration and MCTs > 3 cm were highly associated with lymph node metastasis (OR 24.8). Recurrence was associated with MCT-related death (OR 10.50, p = 0.0040), and the latter was associated with shorter survival times (p = 0.0115). Dogs with MCTs > 3 cm (p = 0.0040), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.0234), or elevated WHO stage (p = 0.0158) had shorter survival times. A significantly higher frequency of MCTs was found in specific breeds, and in older and neutered dogs. MCTs > 3 cm and lymph node or distant metastases were associated with shorter survival times.

The aim of the study was to evaluate hematological, biochemical, and serological findings in healthy canine blood donors after the administration of CaniLeish® vaccine. Twenty-seven client-owned dogs were included in the study and arranged into 3 groups according to the vaccination stage. Complete blood count (CBC) with blood smear examination, serum biochemical profile (SBP), serum protein electrophoresis (SPE), and serological tests for L. infantum were performed at different times. Additionally, in a subgroup of dogs IgA, IgM, and IgG were quantified. No statistical significance for CBC and SBP was found. In 10.7% of cases slight hyperproteinemia occurred. In SPE absolute values β-1-globulins (Group 2 and Group 2-3) and β-2-globulins (Group 3) were found modified (P

Simple Summary: Given that wild animal hospitalisations are increasing, veterinary knowledge of wildlife medicine needs to be improved along with more effective clinical and diagnostic procedures. A blood test can be a quick and minimally invasive way of gathering useful clinical information. This study evaluates the haematological and biochemical parameters in injured roe deer and discusses their values in relation to animal hospitalisation outcomes. The study was conducted on a cohort of 98 roe deer divided into groups based on age and hospitalisation outcome. A panel of haematological and biochemical parameters was performed for each animal. Significant differences were found within both the unweaned and weaned groups. Creatine kinase, creatinine, and bilirubin may be useful indicators to correlate with the severity of trauma. Veterinary facility admissions of wild animals are increasing alongside the interest in wildlife diseases. To improve animal welfare, it is therefore important to increase veterinarians' knowledge of wild animal medicine and to improve the clinical and diagnostic procedures, especially in the case of patients affected by trauma or multiple traumas. Blood analysis can be a quick and minimally invasive way of gathering useful clinical information for adequate treatment and management, and, together with a good clinical examination, to help predict hospitalisation outcomes. Few papers have reported reference ranges for the haematological and biochemical parameters of roe deer. This study evaluates the haematological and biochemical parameters in traumatised roe deer in relation to animal hospitalisation outcomes. The study was carried out on a cohort of 98 roe deer divided into groups according to their age and hospitalisation outcome. For each animal, a panel of haematological and biochemical parameters was performed. Significant differences were found between unweaned (<4 months old) groups in terms of MCV, MCH, CK, creatinine, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and indirect bilirubin, and between weaned (>4 months old) groups for total bilirubin. Creatine kinase, creatinine, and bilirubin may be useful indicators to correlate with the severity of trauma and help predict prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of unusual two RBCs patterns (so-called “quatrefoil RBCs,” qRBCs) on canine blood smears at Optical Microscope (OM) was seen during routine evaluation of CBCs. Two consecutive retrospective investigations were arranged including about 7,000 CBCs and clinical records and laboratory data from dogs showing qRBCs. Few samples with qRBCs were prepared for Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). qRBCs were found in 6.89% (139 of 2016) and 8.47% (133 of 1569) of dogs and in 3.89% (154 of 3,958) and 4.47% (138 of 3,081) of CBCs (some dogs were tested more than once). Statistical analysis was significant for age groups (Chi squared, P

Simple Summary: Canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is a serious, zoonotic, protozoan disease. CanL is transmitted from infected dogs to other dogs and to humans after a blood meal taken by sandflies. Prevention mainly relies on the protection from sandfly bites. Many synthetic pyrethroids are commercially available as repellents. However, owners and practitioners are often interested in natural herbal products, which are considered safer and with low environmental impact. This case reports the lack of effectiveness of a commercial Neem-oil based product, which has long been used alone, for CanL prevention in a young French bulldog. Neem oil is a plant extract that repels insects due to one of its components, azadirachtin. Neem-based products are quite frequently used for prevention of CanL. However, data on their repellent efficacy against sandfly bites are scarce. Based on the findings of this case report, the topical application of a spray formulation of Neem oil as the sole product used for prevention of CanL is not recommended. As the spread of canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is increasing throughout the world, the need for effective agents to prevent its transmission has intensified. In this case report, an intact 1.5-year-old male French bulldog was presented for treatment of severe, sudden, and constant lameness on his right hindlimb, which had started approximately four months previously and was unresponsive to routine nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. A Neem oil-based product was sprayed three times a week on the dog's coat for about fourteen months as the only prophylactic measure against CanL. The orthopedic examination revealed grade 3–4 lameness and marked atrophy of the thigh muscles with swollen and painful right stifle joint. The radiological investigation showed polyostotic periosteal proliferation at both hindlimbs. The diagnosis of CanL was established by examination of fine-needle aspiration of lymph nodes (left prescapular, right and left popliteal) and immunofluorescence antibody testing. A leishmanicidal therapeutic protocol was prescribed. Within ten days of starting the therapy, the dog was significantly less lame, and eight months later radiographic examination revealed complete regression of the bone lesions. Some owners resort to a naturalistic approach for CanL prevention, also using products that have not been clinically evaluated. Neem oil is thought to prevent sandfly bites in dogs. Some laboratory and field studies have identified Neem oil as a possible alternative herbal drug that is repellent to sandflies. However, the clinical, laboratory, and radiographic findings clearly show that the Neem oil spray formulation used in this case report was not an effective means of CanL prevention. There is no clinical evidence in support of Neem oil-based products for the protection of dogs against CanL transmission. As Neem oil has previously been shown to be somewhat volatile, this case report suggests that even though it is a very effective repellent against sandflies, in practice, its effect on the dogs' coat was only short-lived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]