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Diaphragmatic hernia is a relatively common disorder in routine surgical procedures for small animals. This hernia is characterized by discontinuity of the diaphragm due to a rupture or defect, which may result in the displacement of abdominal organs into the thoracic cavity. Therefore, this review aims to provide information about the anatomy of the diaphragm and associated structures, as well as the causes, clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment options for acquired diaphragmatic hernia. The diaphragm is an inspiratory muscle composed of a muscle portion that surrounds a central tendon. Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia is commonly associated with motor vehicle accidents. The diagnosis is based on clinical history and physical examination, but the final definition requires imaging studies, in which plain radiographic examination is the most frequently used. However, an ultrasound examination is necessary in some cases. Treatment involves surgical correction of the rupture, usually performed through a median celiotomy.

Abstract Canine leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease whose agents are transmitted through the bites of infected phlebotomine sand flies. This disease is endemic in tropical and subtropical regions, including Brazil. However, information on its prevalence in dogs in some Brazilian states remains limited. This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of canine leishmaniasis in Rio Branco, Brazil. Blood samples were collected from 375 dogs aged > 6 months. Two distinct serological methods, dual path platform test (DPP) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), were used to investigate the occurrence of anti-Leishmania spp. antibodies. The results showed a seroprevalence of 38.1%, indicating that the disease occurred in this region. Blood samples considered positive in at least one of the serological methods were subjected to conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which confirmed the presence of infection in 28.3% (106/375) of the total samples. This is the first study to provide detailed information on the seroprevalence of canine leishmaniasis in dogs in Rio Branco, highlighting the importance of disease surveillance and control. Effective actions, such as education campaigns on sand fly prevention and control measures, are necessary to reduce the occurrence of canine and human leishmaniasis in cities.

Abstract Wild animals and domestic dogs living in human dwellings near forested areas can share ectoparasites, including ticks. In this study, we surveyed ticks associated with dogs which tutors living in the Palmares Environmental Protection Area (EPA Palmares). Dogs were classified into three categories, domiciled, semi-domiciled and wandering dogs according to dog care/ type of dwelling. Ticks were collected monthly from January to December, 2020. Overall, 60 (33.9%) out of 177 examined dogs were infested by ticks. Six species of ticks were identified: Rhipicephalus linnaei, Amblyomma aureolatum, Amblyomma sculptum, Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma dubitatum and Rhipicephalus microplus. The overall prevalence and presence in semi-domicilied+wandering dogs was higher for A. aureolatum than for R. linnaei by the Chi-square statistic tests. A random sample of 50 ticks, collected from 22 different dogs, were processed through molecular analyses. Ticks were submitted to DNA extraction and also by PCR, using specific primers in order to pathogens monitoring. Four males of A. aureolatum yielded DNA sequences (350 bp) that were 100% identical to the type strain of Rickettsia bellii in GenBank (CP000087).

Abstract Canine dirofilariasis, caused by Dirofilaria immitis, is prevalent worldwide. However, the frequency of canine infection in the state of Alagoas, Brazil is scarcely unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of D. immitis infection in dogs from the coastal municipalities of Alagoas and analyze the risk factors associated with the infection. A cross-sectional study was performed using 426 dogs of different breeds and sex distributed across 15 coastal municipalities in the state of Alagoas. Blood samples were collected from each dog and analyzed for circulating microfilariae and free D. immitis antigens. To investigate the risk factors associated with D. immitis infection, we collected information on dog environments using an epidemiological questionnaire. The results revealed that 12.7% of dogs tested positive for D. immitis. Dogs with travel history were 3.52 times more likely to be infected. Thus, infected dogs in the coastal region of Alagoas should be regularly monitored and the public health system should plan strategies to control this zoonotic disease.

Like his mother Queen Victoria, Edward VII kept a thriving kennel at Sandringham and developed close bonds with several of his dogs. His most well-known canine companion was Caesar of Notts, a wirehaired fox terrier who entered the royal kennels in 1903. Caesar went everywhere with Edward and their travels were often recounted in the popular press. Caesar’s most famous role, however, came after Edward’s death, when Caesar was included in the king’s funeral procession on 20 May 1910. The image of the scruffy dog following the gun carriage carrying his dead master struck a poignant chord with the public and interest in Caesar exploded. Pictures and stories featuring the dog appeared in the contemporary press, and in other texts and material objects including books, paintings, and picture postcards. Using these primary sources as well as recent animal studies scholarship, this paper establishes the significance of the king’s bond with Caesar, explains how Caesar became a symbol of the nation in mourning, and discusses the dog’s part in shaping the public memory of Edward VII by highlighting the king’s domestic attachments, and his empathy for the common people of Britain.