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Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive hematopoietic neoplasm that affects humans as well as dogs. While previous studies on canine DLBCL (cDLBCL) have significantly advanced our understanding of the disease, the majority of this research has relied on whole-exome sequencing, which is limited in its ability to detect copy number aberrations and other genomic changes beyond coding regions. Furthermore, many of these studies lack sufficient clinical follow-up data, making it difficult to draw meaningful associations between genetic variants and patient outcomes. Our study aimed to characterize the mutational landscape of cDLBCL using whole-genome sequencing of matched tumor-normal samples obtained from a cohort of 43 dogs previously enrolled in a clinical trial for which longitudinal follow-up was available. We focused on identifying genes that were significantly or recurrently mutated with coding point mutations, copy number aberrations, and their associations with patient outcomes. We identified 26 recurrently mutated genes, 18 copy number gains, and 8 copy number losses. Consistent with prior studies, the most commonly mutated genes included TRAF3, FBXW7, POT1, TP53, SETD2, DDX3X and TBL1XR1. The most prominent copy number gain occurred on chromosome 13, overlapping key oncogenes such as MYC and KIT, while the most frequent deletion was a focal loss on chromosome 26, encompassing IGL, PRAME, GNAZ, RAB36, RSPH14, and ZNF280B. Notably, our set of recurrently mutated genes was significantly enriched with genes involved in epigenetic regulation. In particular, we identified hotspot mutations in two histone genes, H3C8, and LOC119877878, resulting in H3K27M alterations predicted to dysregulate gene expression. Finally, a survival analysis revealed that H3K27M mutations in H3C8 were associated with increased hazard ratios for progression-free survival. No copy number aberrations were associated with survival. These findings underscore the critical role of epigenetic dysregulation in cDLBCL and affirm the dog as a relevant large animal model for interrogating the biological activity of novel histone-modifying treatment strategies., Competing Interests: Ethics declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2025. The Author(s).)

Background: From smallpox to poliomyelitis, halting contagion transmission through simultaneous mass vaccination is ubiquitous and often perceived as the only possible solution. But implementing mass vaccination campaigns in large populations within a short period poses many challenges. For example, in Arequipa, Peru, sweeping mass vaccination campaigns conducted yearly over a single weekend have failed to achieve the required 'herd immunity' to halt canine rabies transmission. Contrary to the global paradigm of a simultaneous campaign, the 2022 Arequipa rabies campaign was implemented at the sub-district level (patches), with dates of the campaign staggered across 6 months., Methods: We constructed a stochastic, metapopulation model to examine how the timing of pulsed vaccination campaigns across patches can affect metapopulation dynamics. We explore general metapopulation dynamics for pulsed vaccinations as well as parameterizing the model for canine rabies in Arequipa, Peru. We simulated how the timing of the planned vaccination campaign, staggered over 6 months versus a single yearly pulse, affected the prospects for regional rabies elimination., Results: Metapopulation dynamics can affect the efficacy of pulsed vaccination campaigns. In the case of Arequipa, Peru, the planned staggered mass dog vaccination campaign has the potential for local elimination with the tradeoffs of increased time to elimination and increased outbreak size due to metapopulation dynamics., Conclusions: Heterogeneities caused by control strategies enactment at sub-population scales should be accounted for when modeling transmission dynamics. In Arequipa, Peru, although metapopulation dynamics may allow for re-introduction of canine rabies in previously vaccinated patches when mass dog vaccination campaigns are staggered temporally over 6 months, continuous mass vaccination reaching recommended vaccination coverage levels is sufficient to eliminate canine rabies., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2025 Bellotti et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

The presence of a supernumerary root is an uncommon dental condition in canine patients, referring to an extra root that forms in a tooth beyond the standard number of roots that are typically expected for that specific tooth. It is a developmental anomaly most commonly observed in large-breed dogs, often as an incidental finding. These supernumerary roots may result from a disruption of the Hertwig's epithelial root sheath, which is responsible for root formation. A 3-year-old Staffordshire terrier presented for a complete oral examination under general anesthesia. The initial intraoral radiographic examination revealed a suspected crown-root fracture of the right mandibular second molar tooth (410). A radiographic examination using the parallel technique, a supernumerary root was identified ruling out the suspected crown-root fracture of 410. The supernumerary root did not require treatment as it was not associated with any pathology or clinical signs. This case report highlights the importance of full-mouth intraoral radiography in the diagnosis of unusual dental conditions, such as supernumerary roots, whose presence may become clinically relevant especially if treatment of a particular tooth becomes necessary. Radiographic technique, positioning and interpretation are essential to avoid misdiagnosis and potential negative consequences for the patient as well as guiding the clinician in making appropriate treatment choices. To the best of the authors' knowledge, the presence of a supernumerary root in a mandibular second molar in a dog has not been previously reported in the veterinary dental literature., Competing Interests: Declarations. Animal ethics: The owner has provided consent for the necessary surgical intervention at the Veterinary Hospital Veterios and for the publication of his pet’s data. No approval of research ethics committees was required. Consent to participate: A written inform consent was signed by the owners of the patients. Consent to publish: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Extended reality includes both virtual and augmented realities. In virtual reality objects are rendered in an artificial environment where the user can move and interact with a head mounted display. In augmented reality virtual objects are superimposed to real environment enriching it via a head mounted display. In human medicine these technologies have been already used for educational surgical purposes, but remain relatively unknown in veterinary medicine. We report a case of a 1-year-old, female, French bulldog presented for exercise intolerance and dyspnea. Echocardiography showed signs of left ventricular enlargement with reduced fractional shortening and turbulent flow distal to the pulmonary artery bifurcation. Computed tomography revealed a complex vascular network comprising the descending aorta and left pulmonary artery resembling a patent ductus arteriosus. Virtual reality was used for the surgical planning and a left thoracotomy was performed to close the abnormal vessel at the level of the entrance in the left pulmonary artery with augmented reality assistance. No complications were reported during or after the surgery and the dog completely recovered. Echocardiographic findings 3 days, 1 month and 18 months after the surgery demonstrated absence of residual flow and improving ventricular dimensions. To our knowledge this report documents the first use of extended reality for the visualization, planning and execution of the surgical correction of a complex vascular defect in veterinary medicine., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethics approval: Ethical review and approval were waived for this study because, being a case report derived from clinical practice, all medical procedures were performed after obtaining written consent from the owner. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2025. The Author(s).)

Cryptosporidium spp. are common causes of gastrointestinal disease in both humans and animals. This was a cross-sectional study conducted to determine the infection rate and genetic characteristics of Cryptosporidium infecting dogs in Jordan. A total of 249 faecal samples were collected from stray, pet, and breeding dogs from kennels (independent of their clinical condition) across three governorates in Jordan (Amman and Zarqa in Central Jordan and Irbid in Northern Jordan). Faecal samples were screened for Cryptosporidium using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the 18S rRNA gene, revealing an overall infection rate of 18.9% (47 out of 249). Cryptosporidiosis was significantly associated with indoor dogs, dogs cohabiting with other animals, and consuming raw food. Among the successfully sequenced samples, 25 (58.1%) were Cryptosporidium canis, 15 (34.9%) were Cryptosporidium parvum, and three (7.0%) were Cryptosporidium baileyi. Multiple diversity tests were employed, indicating low genetic differentiation between the studied populations of C. parvum and C. canis. Stability was observed for C. parvum, with minimal expansion observed for C. canis. Notably, each species exhibited a single dominant haplotype, consistent with the AMOVA results, where most of the variability occurred within populations. Further genotyping of C. parvum and C. canis was conducted by sequencing the gp60 gene. C. parvum isolates worldwide displayed solely the zoonotic IId genotypes, namely, IIdA20G1, IIdA22G1, IIdA18G1, and IIdA19G1. In contrast, the C. canis isolates exhibited the animal subtypes XXe and XXd. Consequently, dogs may serve as a source of infection with C. parvum and pose a public health risk in Jordan., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2025 Mukbel et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

This report describes an atypical case of canine acanthomatous ameloblastoma (CAA) with mucinous glandular differentiation in a 12-year-old male Chihuahua with a right mandibular mass. Initially diagnosed as CAA by biopsy, computed tomography revealed bone lysis, prompting surgical excision. Histological examination showed lobular growth with two distinct neoplastic cell populations: typical CAA-like cells and a minor glandular structure population. Mucinous glandular differentiation in CAA is undocumented in veterinary literature. Immunohistochemistry showed positivity for cytokeratin AE1/AE3 in all tumor cells, and cytokeratin CAM5.2 and Alcian blue staining confirmed glandular cells and mucin. A low mitotic and K-i67 proliferation index suggested low-grade malignancy. This rare case highlights the need for comprehensive histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis to distinguish CAA from other oral tumors.

This study aims to report a case of sexual ambiguity in a 3-yr mongrel dog and its respective etiological approach. There was a complaint of trauma and pinpoint bleeding in a chronical exposed structure, which examination indicated to be penis-like with perineoscrotal insertion and ventral hypospadia, surrounded by skin folds that resembled vulvar labia majora or hypoplastic prepuce. No evident scrotum and testicles were noted. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed ectopic testicles and an undefined structure filled with high-cellularity content in close contact with the prostate dorsal wall. The dog underwent exploratory laparotomy, revealing structures morphologically compatible with testicles and epididymides, connected by a tubular structure macroscopically resembling uterine horns, which was subjected to histopathological analysis and genotyping. For the external genitalia, penectomy was performed, followed by lateral mucosa reinsertion of the urethra, remaining a skin extension with vulvar-lips appearance. Histopathological examination revealed testicular hypoplasia and bilateral epididymal dysplasia and confirmed that the tubular structure was indeed an excessive distended epididymal duct. Blood sample was collected for cytogenetic analysis, which revealed variations in the diploid number (2n = 78, XY) due to addition (2n = 79) or absence of acrocentric autosomal chromosomes (2n < 78). Sex genotyping confirmed a male sex (XY). In conclusion, this clinical case demonstrated a XY disorder of sexual development (male pseudohermaphroditism) due to phenotypic sex ambiguity (ambiguous external genitalia), yet with a non-function degenerated testes and hypertrophic dilation of the epididymides, suggesting a disorder of male hormonal biosynthesis., Competing Interests: Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Ethics approval: The study was in adherence to best practice procedures of veterinary care. The animal was privately owned and for ethical reasons signed all written informed consent and was aware of the analysis and tests performed, as well as the surgical and anesthetic risks and agreed with all the procedures. Consent to participate: The owner signed a written informed consent prior to entering the study. Consent to publish: The owner signed a written informed consent for publication., (© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Limited data are available on the causes of hydrops fetalis in dogs. Congenital heart defects may be an important contributing factor. Standard autopsy often fails to provide a comprehensive and accurate diagnosis on very small hearts. This study was carried out on five French bulldog puppies all presenting with advanced hydrops fetalis and four diagnosed with pulmonary hypoplasia at autopsy. The body weight of the dogs ranged from 142 to 687 g and the heart with lungs weighed from 4.5 to 23.6 g. The hearts and pulmonary vessels were filled with barium contrast, and micro-CT scans of the physiologically connected heart and lungs were performed. In all five puppies, we confirmed congenital heart defects including: Puppy #1. Perimembranous ventricular septal defect and aortic dextroposition; Puppy #2. Interrupted aortic arch with aortic valve dysplasia and aortic stenosis; Puppy #3. Tricuspid valve dysplasia and bicuspid pulmonary trunk valve; Puppy #4. Aortic stenosis and ventricular septal defect; Puppy #5. Tricuspid valve dysplasia. Additionally, four puppies had pulmonary vascular hypoplasia. Contrast-enhanced micro-CT can provide highly accurate diagnosis of complex congenital heart and lung defects. Examination of the heart in conjunction with the lungs appears to be a rational approach in animals with hydrops fetalis., Competing Interests: Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Ethics declarations: All procedures were in line with Polish law regulations. Written permission for all examination was granted by participating owners. The study was carried out in accordance with the standards recommended by the EU Directive 2010/63/EU for animal experiments and Good Laboratory Practice and The Act of the Polish Parliament of 15 January 2015 on the Protection of Animals Used for Scientific or Educational Purposes (Journal of Laws 2015, item 266). According to Polish legal regulations (The Act of the Polish Parliament of 15 January 2015 on the Protection of Animals Used for Scientific or Educational Purposes, Journal of Laws 2015, item 266) no formal ethics consent was required for this study except for the informed consent of participants. Therefore, the written informed consent for participation in the study was obtained by us from all owners who decided to participate in the study. Not a single animal was euthanized for the purpose of the above study., (© 2025. The Author(s).)

Aim: The interlacing interaction between proto-oncoproteins and tumor-suppressing proteins in malignant canine mammary tumors (mCMT) microenvironment remains largely unexplored. The present study intended to decipher the i) association between the intratumoral expression of ERα, HER-2, pan-RAS, p53 and aromatase, ii) their relationship with the clinicohistological parameters and serum sex hormones, and iii) their prognostic relevance in mCMT., Materials and Methods: Tumor samples from animals with mCMT (n = 27) were subjected to histopathology and immunohistochemistry for ERα, HER-2, pan-RAS, p53, and aromatase. Serum estradiol and progesterone levels from dogs with mCMT and healthy dogs (n = 10) were estimated using chemiluminescence immunoassay. Kaplan-Meier analysis (log-rank test), univariable and multivariable Cox regression, and Mann-Whitney U test were employed for statistical analysis., Results: The expression of aromatase, ERα, pan-RAS, p53, and HER-2 were detected in 100 %, 88 %, 67 %, 12 % and 11 % of mCMT cases, respectively. Serum estradiol and progesterone were significantly higher in mCMT-affiliated patients than healthy dogs. Also, a positive association of ERα expression with aromatase (stromal component) and HER2 expression in mCMT patients was detected. Furthermore, intratumoral aromatase expression and p53 overexpression were correlated with tumor size and angiogenesis, respectively. No relationship was detected between other tumor markers, serum steroid hormones and clinicohistological parameters. P53 overexpression was associated with poor survival in mCMT patients., Conclusion: Overexpression of aromatase and p53 overexpression has clinical relevance in mCMT, and an intratumoral ERα expression is positively associated with HER-2 expression and aromatase production by stromal components., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this article., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Prostatopathies are common in adult and elderly intact male dogs. Prostatic abscesses may develop secondary to bacterial prostatitis or due to contamination of prostatic retention cysts or paraprostatic cysts. The objective of this report is to describe a case of prostatic and paraprostatic abscesses in a 13-year-old male dachshund in which surgical resolution was achieved by prostatic omentalization through exploratory laparotomy and pubic osteotomies. The dog was presented with apathy, anorexia, dyschezia, dysuria, and vomiting. Abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed an amorphous, heterogeneous structure with hypoechoic content and prostatic communication, displacing the urethra and colon, suggesting prostatic and paraprostatic abscesses or cysts. Omentalization of the abscesses was completed, recovery was rapid, and the dog was reported to be doing very well 1 y later. Most lesions were located in the intrapelvic region, and pubic osteotomies provided adequate working space and visualization, with rapid recovery. Key clinical message: Carrying out pubic osteotomies facilitated the approach to an intrapelvic prostatic abscess and paraprostatic infected cysts. Furthermore, hospitalization was of short duration and recovery was rapid and complete., (Copyright and/or publishing rights held by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.)

Adult dogs and cats in overweight or obese condition are common, but prevalence data for different life stages, especially growth, are limited, and may help inform when preventative measures may be most effective. In this retrospective observational study, prevalences of overweight and obese condition were determined from the electronic medical records of dogs and cats of all life stages visiting Banfield Pet Hospital in the USA between 2020 and 2023. Animals were identified either by body condition score (BCS; overweight 6-7; obese 8-9) or from a clinical diagnosis of overweight condition or obesity when recorded. Life stages (early growth, late growth, young adult, adult, mature, and senior) were defined by age range, adjusted for species and breed size in dogs. Individuals could only be included once within each life stage, with the maximum BCS used. Prevalence was determined for the 4-year period and for each calendar year. The evolution of BCS was also assessed for animals with multiple records. In total, 4933,916 unique dogs and 1341,118 unique cats were included. In dogs, prevalences of overweight or obese condition were: 0.9 % and < 0.0 % (early growth), 9.5 % and 0.3 % (late growth), 24.4 % and 1.9 % (young adult); 44.5 % and 8.4 % (adult), 50.1 % and 12.6 % (mature); 46.4 % and 11.3 % (senior). In cats, prevalences of overweight or obese condition were: 0.8 % and < 0.0 % (early growth); 10.7 % and 0.4 % (late growth); 36.2 % and 3.6 % (young adult); 47.2 % and 13.9 % (adult); 44.8 % and 21.7 % (mature); and 32.0 % and 12.6 % (senior). From 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 prevalences of overweight and obese condition in dogs and overweight condition in cats increased in most life stages. The prevalence of overweight condition in dogs and obese condition in cats and dogs significantly decreased between 2022 and 2023 for some life stages. The odds ratio of an overweight or obese condition in adulthood was 1.85 (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.81, 1.86); P ≤ 0.001) for dogs and 1.52 (95 % CI: 1.48, 1.56; P ≤ 0.001) for cats where an overweight or obese condition was recorded during growth. In conclusion, both overweight and obese condition are prevalent throughout adult life, peaking during the mature life stage in dogs and cats, with overweight or obese condition during growth persisting into adulthood in most affected animals. Veterinarian-led prevention strategies are recommended from growth onwards, including the use of growth standard charts., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests. Alex J German reports financial support was provided by Royal Canin. JF, MM, TH, FP and VG are employees of Royal Canin SAS. JM is an employee Mars Veterinary Health. AJG is an employee of the University of Liverpool, but his post is financially supported by Royal Canin. AJG has also received financial remuneration for providing educational material, speaking at conferences, and consultancy work from Royal Canin. Royal Canin SAS and Mars Veterinary Health are subsidiaries of Mars Inc. If there are other authors, they declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper, (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

This report describes a case of disseminated proliferative mesocestoidosis in a French bulldog from Aichi, Japan. In July 2023, the dog presented with chronic enteritis, and histological examination of the endoscopic biopsy specimen revealed parasites with suckers. Three months later, numerous tetrathyridia were detected in the inguinal mass. In April 2024, polymorphic tetrathyridia were detected on the visceral organs. These parasites were identified as Mesocestoides vogae (Cyclophylidea: Mesocestoididae) based on morphological features and sequence analyses. In Japan, M. vogae has only been reported in domestic dogs, with five cases of intestinal infection and one case of abdominal infection. This report is the first case of both intestinal and extraintestinal infections in the westernmost region of Japan.

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is an important pathogen of dogs and wild carnivores. It is a single-stranded DNA virus with a high mutation frequency and antigenic drift. To research the prevalence and genetic variation of CPV in Shandong, 62 samples from diseased dogs were collected and examined by using PCR for parvovirus. Our results showed that the positivity was 62.9% (n = 39), VP2 gene were sequenced and compared with reference strains. For the parvovirus subtype prevalence, 7 strains were CPV-2a (17.9%) and 32 strains were CPV-2c (82.1%). The results of phylogenetic analysis of VP2 gene of the CPVs showed all 39 isolates formed a major clade and were distantly related to the commercial vaccine strains. By comparing amino acid (aa) sequences, this study discovered new mutations not previously reported which may be related to host range and antigenicity. Moreover, one CPV-2c strain (QN-55) was isolated and cultured on F81 cells, and characterized by whole-genome sequencing. The TCID 50 of this strain was 10 -3.2 /0.1 mL and animal tests have shown that the strain is fatal to infected dogs., Competing Interests: Declarations. Conflict of interest: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest. Ethical approval: This work was approved by the Ethics Committee of Qingdao Agricultural University (Approval Number: 2021008; approval date: 20 May 2021) and carried out in accordance with the “Guidelines for Experimental Animals” of the Ministry of Science and Technology (Beijing, PR China)., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Canine uveodermatologic syndrome (UDS) resembles human Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome but typically lacks associated neurological signs. We report a 3-year-old Australian shepherd dog diagnosed with UDS following bilateral enucleation and histopathology. Twelve days postoperatively, neurological symptoms developed, including head tilt, circling, and deafness. Brain MRI and CSF analyses were consistent with meningoencephalitis of unknown etiology (MUE). Oral immunosuppressive therapy (prednisone and cyclosporine) resulted in substantial improvement. Eight months later, during gradual dose reduction, MUE relapsed, prompting an increase in dose to immunosuppressive levels. The dog's death due to an unrelated cause 4 mo later prompted postmortem evaluation. This report adds to the limited literature on MUE associated with UDS in dogs and underscores challenges in diagnosis and management. Literature review suggests this is the second reported case of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-like meningoencephalitis in a dog and the first reported case with a confirmed diagnosis via MRI and CSF analyses. Key clinical message: It is important to include UDS as a differential diagnosis for dogs that present with MUE with concurrent ocular and cutaneous signs. For dogs diagnosed with UDS on histology after enucleation, more aggressive immunosuppressive treatment or vigilant monitoring for neurological signs may help prevent or slow progression to neurological involvement., (Copyright and/or publishing rights held by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.)

A six-year-old atopic boxer presented with pigmented viral plaques on the interdigital spaces and pinnae following treatment with potent topical glucocorticoids. The lesions regressed after treatment was discontinued, and recurred each time a topical glucocorticoid was resumed. A Chipapillomavirus was amplified from lesional tissue., (© 2024 ESVD and ACVD.)

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (S. pseudintermedius) is a significant cause of pyoderma, soft tissue, urinary tract, and ear infections in cats and dogs. Bacterial culture and biochemical phenotypic assays are the gold standards for clinical diagnosis of bacteria but molecular methods have now been developed to identify and differentiate S. pseudintermedius. However, these methods require complex and expensive equipment, restricting usage in many laboratories. This study developed a rapid, specific, and sensitive detection method for S. pseudintermedius based on recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) combined with hydroxy naphthol blue (HNB) dye. The RPA primer was designed, optimized, and subjected to amplify the spsL gene as the molecular diagnostic target. HNB dye was added to the reaction, successfully enabling the development of a colorimetric detection method for S. pseudintermedius. This RPA-HNB assay completed amplification at 37 °C within 20 min, with results visualized by the naked eye as a color change. All processes were completed within an hour. The assay showed the limit of detection at 1 copy per reaction, with sensitivity and specificity against S. pseudintermedius 0.98 and 1.00, respectively. Results indicated that our assay provided high sensitivity and specificity for detecting S. pseudintermedius with reduced detection time., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Programmed cell death plays a relevant role in the pathogenesis of visceral Leishmaniasis. Apoptosis selects suitable parasites, regulating parasite density, whereas autophagy eliminates pathogens. This study aimed to assess the inflammation and apoptosis in inflammatory cells and presents a unique description of the presence of autophagic and apoptotic Leishmania amastigotes in naturally Leishmania-infected dogs. Fragments from seemingly undamaged ear skin of sixteen Leishmania-infected dogs and seven uninfected dogs were evaluated through histomorphometry, ultrastructural, immunohistochemical and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses. Leishmania amastigotes were present on seemingly undamaged ear skin only in clinically affected dogs. Parasite load, morphometrical parameters of inflammation and apoptotic index of inflammatory cells were higher in clinically affected animals and were related to clinical manifestations. Apoptotic index and morphometric parameters of the inflammatory infiltrate in undamaged ear skin were positively correlated with parasite load. Apoptotic and non-apoptotic Leishmania amastigotes were observed within neutrophils and macrophages. Leishmania amastigotes were positive for Bax, a marker for apoptosis, by immunohistochemistry. Morphological characteristics of apoptosis and autophagy in Leishmania amastigotes were observed only in phagocytes of clinically affected dogs. Positive correlations were found between histomorphometry and clinical manifestations. Our results showed that apoptosis and autophagy in Leishmania amastigotes may be related to both the increase in parasite load and apoptotic index in inflammatory cells, and with the intensity of the inflammatory response in clinically affected dogs. Thus, our study suggests that apoptotic and autophagy Leishmania within phagocytes may have facilitate the survival of the parasite and it appears to play an important role in the process of Leishmania infection., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Anilton Cesar Vasconcelos reports financial support and equipment, drugs, or supplies were provided by Minas Gerais State Foundation of Support to the Research (FAPEMIG). All authors read and approved the manuscript., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) is a common skin disorder in dogs, wherein allergens are presumed to exert a significant influence. The prevalence of allergen sensitisation in dogs with suspected cAD remains inadequately investigated in France., Hypothesis/objectives: This study aimed to analyse allergen-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E test results from French dogs with suspected cAD, exploring potential risk factors influencing sensitisation., Animals: The study included 25,451 client-owned dogs presented with clinical signs of cAD between January 2016 and December 2022. The study population consisted of 226 pure breeds and 915 cross-bred dogs of both sexes, with a mean age of 4.4 (±2.8) years., Materials and Methods: Data collection involved the compilation of results from canine serological allergen-specific IgE ELISA tests, using a 23 allergen composite panel. The influence of breed, sex, age, geographical area and sampling season on IgE test outcomes subsequently was analysed., Results: Of the 25,451 analysed samples, 75.6% exhibited significant serum IgE concentrations in response to at least one of the tested allergens, with 67.9% testing positive for mites and 39.8% for pollens. Breed, sex, age, geographical area and sampling season were identified as significant risk factors influencing sensitisation patterns., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: This study provides insights into the prevalence and risk factors associated with allergen sensitisation in dogs with suspected cAD. Understanding these factors is crucial for effective diagnosis and tailored management strategies in veterinary practice. The findings underscore the need for personalised approaches in addressing cAD, considering individual patient characteristics., (© 2024 ESVD and ACVD.)

Canine exfoliative cutaneous lupus erythematosus (ECLE) is the rarest variant of cutaneous lupus in dogs and has strong breed predilections. This report presents the clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical features of two ECLE cases in mixed breed littermates and confirms the expected genetic mutation. A therapeutic response to oclacitinib also is documented., (© 2024 ESVD and ACVD.)

Background: Hospital-related dermatological conditions are well-studied and reported in human medicine. However, studies about these dermatological disorders in veterinary medicine are lacking., Objectives: To report the incidence, type and distribution of hospital-acquired skin lesions (HASL) in dogs, and to investigate risk factors that may be associated with their development., Animals: Hospitalised client-owned dogs with HASL and a control group of hospitalised dogs without skin lesions., Materials and Methods: Prospective clinical evaluation of all HASL and dermatological tests, when indicated, were performed, over 6 months. A variety of potentially predisposing factors also were recorded., Results: Thirty-one dogs with HASL and a matched control group of 60 hospitalised dogs without skin lesions were included. The incidence of HASL was 11.2% (31 of 278). The most common lesion was erythema in 74.2% of dogs (23 of 31) and the most affected area was the abdomen in 58.1% (18 of 31) of dogs. Faecal and/or urinary incontinence was identified as an important risk factor for the development of skin lesions during hospitalisation (odds ratio 14.445, 95% confidence interval 1.444-144.479, p = 0.023). Immobilisation and changes in body temperature also may play a role in the development of such lesions in dogs., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Faecal and/or urinary incontinence was found to be an important factor in the development of HASL. The impact of HASL on patient outcomes and the prevention of these lesions requires further investigation., (© 2024 ESVD and ACVD.)

Canine oral squamous cell carcinoma (CoSCC) is often associated with suppurative inflammation. Metastasis of malignant tumors is one of the signs of major interest in oncology because it speaks of disease progression, where the involvement of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in cancer progression is so far unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was the determination of the role of IL-6 in metastasis in CoSCC cells model through expression analysis of mRNA and protein using real-time PCR and western blotting and assessment of cell migration and invasion. The messenger RNA (mRNA) expression level of IL-6 was elevated in CoSCC tissues, and the IL-6 receptor protein was expressed in CoSCC cell lines. Furthermore, IL-6 levels were associated and showed negative correlation with survival time (rs = -0.92857) in dogs with tonsillar SCC. Recombinant canine IL-6 (rcIL-6) treatment promoted migration and invasion, in addition to increasing the viable cell number of the tonsillar SCC cell line (TSCCLN#6). Consistently, the protein expression of phosphorylated ERK1/2 and STAT3 and Fascin1 (FSCN1) was upregulated by treatment with rcIL-6 in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with ERK or STAT3 inhibitors abolished the effects of rcIL-6, and the ERK inhibitor successfully downregulated the expression of FSCN1. In conclusion, IL-6 may be involved in tonsillar CoSCC invasion and metastasis through the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase and Janus tyrosine kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None declared., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Canine hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum) are highly prevalent in pet dogs in the United States of America (U.S.). They pose a significant health risk to infected dogs and are also a potential risk to humans as zoonotic agents. Veterinarians play a crucial role in managing this threat through the diagnosis and treatment of infections in pet dogs. However, the rising incidence of anthelmintic resistance in U.S. hookworm populations necessitates increased awareness among veterinarians. To determine U.S. veterinarian's knowledge, perceptions and practices about canine hookworms, a cross-sectional online survey was administered between February and December 2022. 208 veterinarians from 43 states participated in the study. Only 65 % of veterinarians reported awareness of hookworm prevalence. Hookworm infected dogs were encountered more frequently in the South than in Western states. Veterinarians perceived that hookworms were present in all breeds without breed predilection followed by mixed breeds, pit bulls and hound breeds. Most respondents reported that infections were rarely symptomatic, highlighting the importance of diagnostic testing. In-clinic diagnostic modalities were most preferred. Fenbendazole and pyrantel pamoate were the most commonly used anthelmintics. Most veterinarians followed up on infected dogs but retesting time after treatment varied. Awareness of multi-drug resistant hookworms was high but encountering persistent hookworm cases was lower. Veterinarians frequently educated clients about hookworms and prevention, but less about the zoonotic potential. This study provides insights for improving awareness, diagnostics, treatment protocols, and client education regarding canine hookworms in the U.S.. Overall, veterinarians play an active role in hookworm prevention and control., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest JJC and GH are diagnostic faculty at the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Lab. Authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Companion animals, like household dogs, are an overlooked transmission point for zoonotic pathogens such as nontyphoidal Salmonella (NTS). Given the proximity of dogs to humans and the use of critically important antibiotics in companion animal medicine, household dogs represent a risk for the spread of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) Salmonella., Methods and Results: To this end, we aimed to leverage existing biosurveillance infrastructure to investigate AMR and the zoonotic potential of NTS isolated from dogs and humans. We identified all NTS strains isolated from domestic dogs via the Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network between May 2017 and March 2023 (N = 87), and spatiotemporally matched strains isolated from humans in the NCBI Pathogen Isolate Browser (N = 77). These 164 strains, collected from 17 states in the United States, formed the basis of our analysis. Strains isolated from dogs comprised diverse serovars, with most being clinically relevant to human health. All strains possessed AMR determinants for drug classes deemed critically or highly important by the World Health Organization. We identified sixteen NTS isolates from humans closely related to ≥1 of six dog-associated strains., Conclusions: Collectively, our data emphasize the importance of antimicrobial stewardship and sustained biosurveillance beyond human- and agriculture-associated veterinary medicine, using a One-Health framework that accounts for all transmission points including companion animals., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

The analysis of the volatile compounds released by biological samples represents a promising approach for the non-invasive diagnosis of a disease. The present study, focused on a population of dogs infected with canine leishmaniasis, aimed to decipher the volatolomic profile associated with this disease in dogs, which represent the main animal reservoir for Leishmania pathogen transmission to humans. The volatiles emitted by the breath and hair of dogs were analysed employing the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique. The acquired chromatograms were investigated using a novel algorithm developed in this study for automated chromatographic peak detection and matching in untargeted GC-MS analysis, which includes various steps that comprise noise reduction, m/z filtering, background subtraction, peak detection, peak matching, and generation of a peak table for compounds identification. The results revealed one tentative breath volatile biomarker and five tentative hair volatile biomarkers for the cutaneous form of the disease, which is characterised by skin ulcerations. Additionally, nine tentative breath volatile biomarkers and four tentative hair volatile biomarkers were found for the visceral form of the disease, which affects internal organs such as spleen, liver and bone marrow. All tentative biomarkers identified in this study were upregulated in cutaneous leishmaniasis, while in visceral leishmaniasis, all tentative biomarkers were upregulated in the breath and only one out of four in the hair. Only one compound (glyceryl monooleate) was identified as tentative volatile biomarker for both forms of the disease, in the hair of dogs., Competing Interests: Declarations. Animal welfare statement: Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Committee for Ethics and Environmental Impact in Research of University of Pamplona, Colombia (Approval Certificate No. 002 from April 14, 2021). Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH, DE part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Bordetella bronchiseptica is a primary pathogen in canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD), or kennel cough, capable of independently causing respiratory illness and contributing significantly to co-infections with other viral and bacterial agents. Despite its critical role in disease transmission and persistence, the epidemiology of B. bronchiseptica in CIRD remains poorly understood. Limited data on co-infection prevalence and associated risk factors hinder effective management and control of this pathogen., Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to clarify the prevalence and risk factors of co-infections with B. bronchiseptica in dogs., Methods: A comprehensive bibliographic search was conducted across four databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. Data extraction included the number of co-infected cases among those with B. bronchiseptica, the identified co-infecting pathogens, study period, geographical location, shelter type, and age., Results: From 3994 identified articles, 26 studies were included. The overall prevalence of B. bronchiseptica co-infection was 47 % (95 % CI: 37 %-57 %). Significant differences were observed only in the study period, with co-infection rates higher in the 1900s (77 %) compared to the 2000s (45 %). No significant differences were found for other factors. Frequently co-infecting pathogens included Mycoplasma and canine respiratory coronavirus (CRCoV)., Conclusion: Co-infections with B. bronchiseptica are common in CIRD, indicating a need for the development of combined vaccines targeting co-infecting pathogens. Furthermore, the establishment of effective prevention and control strategies can be universally applied across different geographical locations, shelter types, and ages. This study provides valuable insights that can inform future research and enhance the overall management and treatment of CIRD in dogs., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2025 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Canine Malassezia dermatitis (CMD) and otitis externa are generally treated by antifungal drugs. However, azole-resistant strains have been isolated from canine skin and ear canals worldwide. Phytochemicals isolated from essential oils are effective alternatives for inhibiting Malassezia pachydermatis. To evaluate the usefulness of phytochemicals against azole-resistant isolates, we performed in vitro susceptibility testing using the phytochemicals carvacrol, citral, and thymol. Eight antifungal-resistant isolates were obtained from 7 cases of dermatitis and 1 case of otitis externa during 2022 and 2023 from dogs in Tokyo and Kanagawa, Japan. Fungal susceptibility to carvacrol, citral, and thymol were assessed using the modified broth microdilution method. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the phytochemicals in all isolates were as follows: 0.03 to 0.125% for carvacrol; 0.03 to 0.125% for thymol; and 0.03% to 0.125% for citral. Based on these results, carvacrol, citral, and thymol appear to be effective against azole-resistant strains. The phytochemicals appear to be effective for treating antifungal-resistant cases of CMD and otitis externa.

Ketoprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain and inflammation in dogs. Despite having effective analgesic efficacy, prolonged oral administration has been associated with adverse effects. Transdermal delivery of ketoprofen has reduced the incidence of adverse effects in humans and could potentially be used in veterinary clinical medicine. A transdermal (TD) ketoprofen formulation was recently developed for use in dogs and this study aimed to determine the pharmacodynamic activity of this formulation using surgical castration as an acute inflammatory model. Twelve dogs were randomly assigned to either a Control group (n = 6) or a TD group (n = 6). All dogs were castrated using standard surgical protocols, administered with pre-medication, consisting of acepromazine (0.055 mg/kg) and methadone (0.5 mg/kg) intramuscularly (IM) 30 min prior to induction of general anaesthesia. All dogs were then anaesthetised by injecting alfaxalone (2 mg/kg IV) via a 20 G 3 cm catheter in the left cephalic vein and subsequently maintained using isoflurane. Along with that TD group dogs also received TD ketoprofen (10 mg/kg) 1 h before pre-medication. Bloods were collected at 0 - hour (pre-surgery), and 1 and 2-h post-surgery and analysed for circulating eicosanoids using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS) methods. Measured levels of Thromboxane B 2 (TXB 2 ) at both 1 and 2 h and Prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) at 2 h post-surgery were higher in the Control group compared to the TD group, suggesting pre-operative application of TD ketoprofen has a possible inhibitory effect on systemic inflammation and could be used to treat pain and inflammation in dogs., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None of the authors has any financial or personal relationships that could inappropriately influence or bias the content of the paper., (Crown Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing is an important step in timely therapeutic decisions for canine superficial bacterial folliculitis (SBF), commonly caused by Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) offers the appeal of potentially expedited results with complete detection of bacterial organisms and associated resistance genes compared to culture. Limited studies exist comparing the two methodologies for clinical samples., Hypothesis/objectives: To compare and contrast genotypic and phenotypic methods for bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility from cases of canine SBF., Animals: Twenty-four client-owned dogs with lesions consistent with SBF were enrolled., Materials and Methods: A sterile culturette swab was used to sample dogs with SBF lesions. The swab was rinsed in 0.9 mL of sterile phosphate-buffered saline and vortexed to create a homogenous solution. Two swabs for NGS laboratories (Labs) and one swab for culture (Culture Lab) were randomly sampled from this solution and submitted for bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility., Results: No statistical difference regarding turnaround time for NGS Labs compared to Culture Lab was found. NGS Lab 1 identified more organisms than NGS Lab 2 and Culture Lab, which were both statistically significant. There was no statistical difference in detection frequency for Staphylococcus spp. among all laboratories. There was poor agreement for the presence of meticillin resistance and most antimicrobials among all laboratories., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Utilisation of NGS as a replacement for traditional culture when sampling canine SBF lesions is not supported at this time., (© 2024 The Author(s). Veterinary Dermatology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of ESVD and ACVD.)

Background: Demodicosis is common in dogs and is caused by proliferation of commensal Demodex canis mites., Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of sarolaner in combination with moxidectin and pyrantel (SMP) for the treatment of generalised demodicosis in dogs., Animals: One hundred and thirty dogs with generalised demodicosis., Materials and Methods: In two separate randomised masked studies (laboratory and field studies), dogs received monthly oral SMP or afoxolaner + milbemycin oxime (AM). In the laboratory study, dogs received three monthly treatments with biweekly mite counts and clinical evaluations. In the field study, mite counts and clinical evaluations were performed monthly and treatments were administered until two consecutive skin scrapings were negative., Results: Both products were tolerated well. In the laboratory study, mite counts for SMP were significantly (p < 0.001) reduced by 88.8% on Day (D)14, by 99.2% on D29, and no live mites were detected thereafter with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.96) between the two treatment groups. In the field study, SMP provided 92.4%, 98.1%, 100% and 100% reduction in arithmetic mean live mite counts on D30, D60, D90 and D120, and was non-inferior to the control product on D30 and D60. Clinical signs of demodicosis improved in all dogs., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Monthly administration of SMP was effective for the treatment of generalised demodicosis in dogs as it eliminated Demodex mites after two monthly treatments in the laboratory study, and at most after three monthly treatments in the field study., (© 2024 Zoetis. Veterinary Dermatology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of ESVD and ACVD.)

Background: Researchers paid more attention to nosocomial Acinetobacter baumannii in veterinary hospitals worldwide; however, the research scope toward community-acquired A. baumannii infections among animals is largely ignored. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the role of diseased dogs and cats suffering from respiratory illness in transmission of community-acquired A. baumannii infection and its public health threat. Materials and methods: Oral swabs were collected from 154 pet animals with respiratory signs, including 80 cats and 74 dogs (outpatient visits). The obtained swabs were cultured on CHROMagar™ MH Orientation media for isolation of A. baumannii , and identification of suspected isolates was conducted via Gram staining, conventional biochemical tests, and molecular detection of the bla OXA-51-like gene. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of A. baumannii isolates was carried out using the disc diffusion method. Results: , where 6 (8.1%) and 4 (5%) dogs and cats were positive, respectively. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) A. baumannii was found in 3.9% of the examined animals. The phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that the obtained sequences from dogs and cats were closely related to human and animal sequences. A. baumannii was found in 3.9% of the examined animals. The phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that the obtained sequences from dogs and cats were closely related to human and animal sequences. Conclusion: among dogs and cats suffering from respiratory illness highlights the potential role of pet animals in the dissemination of MDR A. baumannii among dogs and cats suffering from respiratory illness highlights the potential role of pet animals in the dissemination of MDR A. baumannii in the community.

In this review, we summarize the findings of several pre-clinical studies in the canine BEST1 disease model. To this end, client-owned and purpose bred dogs that were compound heterozygotes or homozygotes, respectively, for two or one of 3 different mutations in BEST1 were evaluated by ophthalmic examination, cSLO/sdOCT imaging, and retinal immunohistochemistry to characterize the clinical and microanatomic features of the disease. Subsequently AAV-mediated gene therapy was done to transfer the BEST1 transgene to the RPE under control of a hVMD2 promoter. We demonstrated that canine bestrophinopathies are an RPE-photoreceptor interface disease with underdeveloped RPE apical microvilli that invest rod and cone outer segments. This leads to microdetachments which later progress to clinically evident RPE-retinal separation and a spectrum of disease stages, ranging from vitelliform to vitelliruptive/atrophic lesions, similar to Best Vitelliform Macular Dystrophy (BVMD). Gene therapy corrects the microdetachments and reverses large lesions when delivered at the pseudohypopyon stage of disease. Because of the similar clinical and microstructural abnormalities between the canine model and BVMD, and positive response to gene therapy, the canine model is a valuable translational model for developing gene and other therapies for BVMD., Competing Interests: Competing interests: The University of Pennsylvania has pending patent applications for Best Disease gene therapy and the two co-authors are among the co-inventors listed in the patent applications; the technology has been licensed to Opus Genetics, Inc. by the University of Pennsylvania. This work was supported by the Foundation Fighting Blindness Large Animal Model Translational & Research Center grant; NEI/NIH grants EY006855, EY017549; Van Sloun Fund for Canine Genetic Research; and the Sanford and Susan Greenberg End Blindness Outstanding Achievement Prize (GDA)., (© 2025. The Author(s).)

Canine otitis externa, characterized by the involvement of diverse bacterial species, notably Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, necessitates antibiotic administration as the primary therapeutic approach; however, prolonged treatment often precipitates antibiotic resistance. Therefore, the application of bacteriophages as antimicrobial agents has been of interest recently. However, phage therapy has limitations; its efficacy depends on the lytic capacity of the phage and the emergence of phage resistance, which can be overcome by using phage cocktails. This study aimed to enhance the therapeutic potential of bacteriophages by supplementing additional materials to hinder the pathogens and combining different viruses to broaden the lytic spectrum. The therapeutic potential of the phage cocktail, consisting of Pseudomonas phage pPa&#95;SNUABM&#95;DT01 and Staphylococcus phage pSp&#95;SNUABM-J, was evaluated using an in vitro planktonic bacterial cell lysis assay and a biofilm degradation assay. Additionally, its efficacy was assessed using an in vivo mouse otitis externa model and clinical administration in five dogs with chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius otitis externa. The phage cocktail with formulation, including glycerol, glycine, and Tween 20, as additional components resulted in a significant reduction in bacterial counts and clinical improvements, including odor, discharge type and amount, and inflammatory symptoms. The results suggest that administering a phage cocktail solution with additional components could make phage therapy a more efficient treatment for otitis externa in dogs. This offers a practical alternative to traditional antibiotic treatments and could help mitigate antibiotic resistance in veterinary medicine., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper. The author is an Editorial Board Member/Editor-in-Chief/Associate Editor/Guest Editor for Veterinary Microbiology and was not involved in the editorial review or the decision to publish this article., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: While alopecia associated with hair cycle arrest (HCA, Alopecia X) is well-recognised in Pomeranian dogs, the authors are unaware of reports of concurrent hair fragility., Hypothesis/objectives: Following the observation of frequent hair shaft abnormalities in alopecic Pomeranians, we hypothesised that hair fragility events would be more frequent in dogs with a phenotype of HCA when compared to dogs with normal coats., Animals: Eight alopecic Pomeranian dogs or crosses with a phenotype of HCA and 36 unaffected Pomeranians with owner-reported normal hair coats., Materials and Methods: All affected dogs underwent dermatological examination and clinicopathological evaluations. Hair samples, plucked from affected areas or obtained by brushing from unaffected dogs, were examined microscopically for structural abnormalities. Hair fragility events were characterised as trichorrhexis nodosa (TN) or longitudinal splits and were expressed per 10 mg of hair. A reference interval was calculated from the number of hair fragility events in the samples from unaffected dogs., Results: The upper reference limit (with 90% confidence) from samples of 35 unaffected Pomeranians (one outlier excluded) was 9.75 hair fragility events per 10 mg of hair. The median (range) of fragility events in eight dogs with a phenotype of HCA was 66.0 (30.2-166.7) per 10 mg of hair., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Clinicians should routinely perform trichography in Pomeranians with HCA because abundant hair abnormalities, particularly TN, may contribute to poor hair coat quality. Further studies are required to establish the pathophysiology of and treatments for these fragility events and to determine their predictive value for HCA., (© 2024 The Author(s). Veterinary Dermatology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of ESVD and ACVD.)

Objective: This retrospective study investigated the palliative efficacy of endoscopic diode laser and forceps debulking (EDLFD) for managing nasal carcinoma in dogs., Animals and Procedure: Thirty-five dogs with histopathological diagnosis of nasal carcinoma that underwent EDLFD treatment were included. Descriptive statistics were reported regarding age, sex, neutering status, weight, body condition score, epistaxis, sneezing, stertor, reverse sneezing, nasal discharge, facial deformity, tumor laterality, modified Adams staging, quality of life at presentation, histotypes, EDLFD duration, adjuvant metronomic chemotherapy, and survival time., Results: Eighteen (51%) dogs exhibited clinical signs persisting for > 3 mo, with 80% failing to respond to previous medical treatments. Unilateral discharge was the most common complaint. Tumor location was categorized as nasal in 43% of cases (unilateral: 37% and bilateral: 6%) and as nasal and nasopharyngeal in 57%. No major intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed associated with EDLFD. The median survival time was 336 d. A clinical benefit > 50% was observed 3 mo after EDLFD., Conclusion and Clinical Relevance: We concluded that EDLFD was a viable palliative approach for nasal carcinoma in dogs, offering promising results in improving quality of life., (Copyright and/or publishing rights held by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.)

NDM-5-producing Escherichia coli are the predominant carbapenemase producers of medical and public health importance. The global spread of bla NDM-5 -containing plasmids in high-risk E. coli clones has been primarily documented in humans and increasingly reported in animals and the environment. Here, we used whole-genome sequence analysis to describe the genetic diversity of 16 high-risk NDM-5-producing E. coli strains, with a variety of NDM-5 plasmids, isolated from dogs and cats with extraintestinal infections in Thailand between 2017 and 2021. The strains belonged to sequence type (ST) 410 (n = 8), ST354 (n = 3), ST648 (n = 2), ST361 (n = 1), ST617 (n = 1), and ST641 (n = 1). The ST641 strain carried bla NDM-5 on an IncX3 plasmid, while bla NDM-5 was localized on single-replicon or multi-replicon IncF plasmids in other STs. Non-conjugative F1:A1:B49 NDM-5 plasmids were limited to ST410 strains. They contained bla NDM-5 associated with the IS26-bounded complex class 1 integron (Int1) with dfrA17-aadA5-qacEΔ1-sul1 cassette array that shared similarities to nearly identical structures with the plasmids of ST410 strains from humans in Thailand and Myanmar. Conjugative IncFII (F2:A-:B-) NDM-5 plasmids containing Int1 with dfrA12-aadA2-qacEΔ1-sul1 cassette array were present in ST354 and ST648, and heterogeneous plasmid STs of conjugative multi-replicon IncF NDM-5 plasmids were found in ST361, ST410, ST617, and ST648. The bla NDM-5 elements mobilized by IS26 were shared among various IncF plasmids in high-risk E. coli clones but were conserved within the endemic E. coli ST410, representing the predominant lineage in Southeast Asian countries. Dogs and cats can develop infections with NDM-5-producing E. coli, posing the risk of further disseminating carbapenemase in veterinary settings and the community. This emphasizes the need to implement infection control and antimicrobial resistance surveillance programs in veterinary settings., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Anal sac impaction is common in dogs. Manual expression may be effective, yet recurrence can be problematic. To facilitate physiological emptying of the sacs, it is important to maintain bulky stool consistency., Objectives: The study evaluated if supplementation with a complementary feed product formulated as a chew containing Bacillus velezensis C-3102 and fibre sources, reduced anal sac impaction recurrence., Animals: Thirty-five client-owned dogs with anal sac impaction were enrolled., Materials and Methods: Prospective, randomised, negative controlled field clinical trial with 22 dogs receiving the chew orally for 90 consecutive days and 13 dogs with no treatment. Dogs were evaluated on Day (D) 30, 60, 90 and 120 for the presence of clinical signs of anal sac impaction and the need to empty the sacs. Any animal that required manual expression of the sacs was classified as a failure and was withdrawn from the study., Results: The cumulative percentage of failures in the untreated group increased steadily from the first follow-up visit on D30 (15%) to the last visit on D120 (61.5%). However, in the group receiving the chew the cumulative percentage of failures increased at a much slower rate and stabilised at 19% from the D90 visit (last administration day) until the end of the study on D120, with statistically significant differences (p = 0.025). Animals receiving the chew also showed reduction in clinical signs., Conclusion and Clinical Relevance: The probiotic and fibre chew was a safe and effective management option for recurrent anal sac impaction in dogs., (© 2024 The Author(s). Veterinary Dermatology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of ESVD and ACVD.)

Indigenous communities are reportedly among the most vulnerable populations exposed to rabies worldwide. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess rabies serum titers from healthy Indigenous individuals, their dogs, and healthcare professionals of four Indigenous communities from São Paulo state, southeastern Brazil. Blood samples were collected, and an epidemiological questionnaire applied. The samples were processed by Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization (FAVN) method. Overall, 35/299 (11.7%) individuals and 22/166 (13.2%) dogs without prior vaccination were seropositive. Furthermore, 4/18 (16.7%) healthcare professionals were seropositive, with only one reporting prior rabies vaccination. The lack of rabies titers in the remaining 14/18 (77.8%) healthcare professionals indicates no immune protection. Seropositivity was associated with being from the Kopenoty community (p = 0.026) and with owners reporting seeing their dogs in contact with bats (p = 0.022). In summary, these results should be considered as a warning for the risk of human-dog rabies exposure and infection, mainly due to bat contact., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2025 Ribeiro et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Introduction: Aortic stenosis (AS) and pulmonic stenosis (PS) are two of the most common canine congenital heart diseases (CHD), with a high relative risk for Newfoundland dogs to develop inherited subvalvular AS. For this reason, a cardiovascular screening program has been set up by the French Newfoundland kennel club in order to manage mattings and reduce AS prevalence., Materials and Methods: The records of untreated and non-anesthetized adult Newfoundland dogs screened between 2010 and 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. All dogs underwent physical examination and standard transthoracic echocardiography with concomitant ECG tracing. All examinations were reviewed by one single board-certified specialist in cardiology., Results: A total of 921 dogs were screened during the study period (female:male sex ratio = 1.94, median age [IQR] = 1.9 years [1.6-2.7], body weight = 55.0 kg [50-60]). For most dogs (90.6% for AS and 91% PS), a single examination was required to obtain a definitive cardiac status, although most operators (122/133 = 91.7%) were non-specialist general practitioners. Out of the 921 screened dogs, 913/921 (99.1%) and 919/921 (99.8%) were respectively free of AS and PS, with no AS and PS detection during the last 3 years of the program. The inbreeding coefficient, which was assessed from the pedigree analysis of all screened dogs except one, was not significantly different between dogs with either AS (0.59%; P = 0.86) or PS (0.39%; P = 0.72) and those without any arterial stenosis (0.39%)., Conclusion: This 14-year cardiovascular screening program has experienced a strong involvement of veterinarians, breeders, and owners throughout France. Unlike reports from other European and North American countries, this program suggests the low and decreasing prevalence of both AS and PS in the Newfoundland breed in France., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2025 Chetboul et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Canine leishmaniosis (CanL), caused by Leishmania infantum, is a widespread vector-borne disease. In Italy, an endemic region for CanL, overlapping transmission of L. infantum and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) like Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia canis is increasingly reported. Dogs with clinical leishmaniosis often show higher co-infection rates and pronounced clinicopathological abnormalities. This study presents a systematic literature review and new findings from southern Italy, focusing on co-infections with E. canis and A. phagocytophilum in clinically healthy L. infantum seropositive and seronegative dogs. The systematic review identified two eligible studies. The first reported 34/488 (7%) dogs L. infantum seropositive, with 11.8% also seropositive for A. phagocytophilum. Among 454 seronegative dogs, 3% were seropositive for A. phagocytophilum and 2.4% for E. canis. The second study identified 154/1260 (12.2%) dogs L. infantum seropositive, with co-infection rates of 0.6% and 1.9% for A. phagocytophilum and E. canis, respectively. Among 1106 seronegative dogs, 1.3% were seropositive for A. phagocytophilum and 2.3% for E. canis. In the retrospective study from southern Italy, 90/154 (58.4%) dogs were L. infantum seropositive, with co-infection rates of 4.4% for A. phagocytophilum and 2.2% for A. phagocytophilum and E. canis. Among 64 seronegative dogs, 1.6% showed similar co-infections. This is the first systematic review in Italy, documenting low and comparable co-infection rates with A. phagocytophilum and E. canis in clinically healthy dogs, regardless of L. infantum serostatus. These findings suggest that co-infections may occur independently, offering insights into vector-borne disease dynamics in endemic areas., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethics approval: Not applicable. Clinical trial number: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2025. The Author(s).)

Objective: Canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is an important veterinary and public health problem in Mediterranean countries. Although CanL and vector sandflies are widespread in the study area, there are no standardized diagnostic and treatment methods followed by private clinics. This study aimed to survey (i) the treatment, diagnosis, and control measures preferred by veterinarians, (ii) compare the differences in the first-step diagnostic tests applied, and (iii) identify differences in the guidance for CanL., Methods: This study was conducted between August 2017 and 2019, and an accessible weblink was distributed to veterinary clinics that were registered with the Veterinary Affairs of İzmir. The questionnaire was prepared by following published guidelines and several CanL guidelines and comprised 13 questions. A total of 103 veterinarians voluntarily participated in the study and completed the questionnaire., Results: Most of the clinicians (n=99; 96.1%) reported that localized alopecia was one of the most common clinical findings in the suspicion of CanL, while only four clinician did not consider this finding in the suspicion of CanL. According to the answers received, 41 clinician (39.8%) frequently observed this finding in CanL-suspected cases, 49 clinician (47.6%) observed it occasionally, and nine clinician (8.7%) rarely observed this finding. The findings of the study indicate that a minority of clinicians employ advanced diagnostic techniques., Conclusion: The results demonstrate that veterinarians play a unifying role in the fight against CanL. However, the preference for less advanced diagnostic methods over those employed by their European counterparts may result in insufficient detection of particularly asymptomatic patients. It is therefore necessary to validate rapid diagnostic tests, which are the most used method for diagnosing the disease. Furthermore, there is a need to increase awareness of the disease among patient owners and veterinarians in regions where it is endemic, and to recognise it as a notifiable disease in Türkiye., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: No conflict of interest was declared by the authors.

Protothecosis is a severe, emerging opportunistic infection caused by the saprophytic, achlorophyllous microalgae of the genus Prototheca. Though uncommon, human and animal cases are increasing worldwide, making awareness of this fungal-like pathogen important in both human and veterinary medicine. We report a fatal case of disseminated protothecosis caused by P. wickherhamii in a 10-year-old, spayed, female, mixed-breed collie dog. Clinical signs included uveitis, ulcerated cutaneous nodules on the limbs and face, pododermatitis with nail loss and, lymphadenomegaly in the prescapular and popliteal lymph nodes. The cytology of enlarged lymph nodes, subcutaneous nodules, and bone marrow revealed oval yeast-like organisms, while the histopathology showed granulomatous inflammation with structures consistent with Prototheca spp. The serum chemistry panel indicated azotemia. P. wickerhamii was cultured from urine sediment and tissue smears. Co-infection with Hepatozoon canis and Ehrlichia canis was also detected. Despite rapid diagnosis following the initial consultation, the dog's condition worsened, and euthanasia was performed at the owner's request. Postmortem examination was declined. Disseminated protothecosis has a poor prognosis due to its insidious nature and the lack of effective treatments. Co-infection with hemoparasites complicated the case, contributing to the chronic progression of the disease. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges and poor outcome associated with disseminated protothecosis, particularly when complicated by other infections., Competing Interests: Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Ethics approval: This is an observational study. The Research Ethics Committee at University of Buenos Aires has confirmed that no ethical approval is required. Consent to publish: The authors affirm that human research participants provided informed consent for publication of the images in Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4., (© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Insulinoma is the most common pancreatic tumor diagnosed in dogs. This study aimed to report incidence risk, breed predispositions and other demographic risk factors for insulinoma diagnosed in dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK. The VetCompass Program supports research on anonymized electronic health records (EHRs) from dogs under UK veterinary care. This study included all VetCompass EHRs from dogs under primary veterinary care during 2019. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate demographic risk factors for insulinoma diagnosis. Of 2,250,741 study dogs, 278 were confirmed as insulinoma cases at any date. The estimated 2019 incidence risk was 0.003% (95% CI 0.002-0.004%). Compared to crossbreeds, predisposed breeds included Dogue de Bordeaux, German Pointer, Flat Coated Retriever, Boxer and West Highland White Terrier. The Labrador Retriever showed decreased odds for insulinoma diagnosis. Additionally, being a terrier breed and being a breed predisposed to other endocrine cancers were associated with increased odds for insulinoma diagnosis. Other risk factors associated with increased odds for insulinoma diagnosis included being female neutered, being 9 - <15 years of age, having an adult median bodyweight of 20 - <30 kg and having a bodyweight above the median for the sex/breed. This is the first study to report the epidemiology of canine insulinoma in dogs under primary veterinary care, resulting in crucial leads for further research in the epidemiology and etiology of canine insulinoma and possible links of canine insulinoma with other canine endocrine cancers. Additionally, the results can aid veterinarians to identify dogs at greater risk of insulinoma., Competing Interests: Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2025. The Author(s).)

Astroviruses and caliciviruses are important causative agents of gastroenteritis in humans worldwide. They have been detected in a variety of animal species, including dogs, but their role in the induction of disease in animals remains uncertain. In a molecular study that was conducted in Greece, including healthy and gastroenteritis-affected dogs of different ages, astrovirus (AstV) and sapovirus (SaV) were detected in 15% and 26% of the examined animals, respectively. A specialized questionnaire was filled out for each of the dogs participating in the study, including information about different characteristics and risk factors that could possibly affect their health status. This information was analyzed with the use of two innovative statistical methods, i.e., a Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) and the Ascending Hierarchical Classification (AHC). Based on their results, it was possible to define various groups of dogs based on their characteristics. AstV seems to occur more often in low-health-status dogs, usually mongrels, living in rural areas, showing vomit, diarrhea, and diet changes. Dogs of this group usually live with other pets in the same household and have frequent contact with stray animals. The presence of SaV does not seem to be associated with any of the examined factors.

Background: Glucocorticoids have been associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus (DM) in dogs. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and serum fructosamine have been scarcely studied in dogs receiving glucocorticoid therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate HbA1c and fructosamine in non-diabetic dogs receiving oral prednisolone., Methods: This was a cross-sectional study including non-diabetic dogs receiving oral prednisolone for 2 weeks or more for a diverse range of diseases. Aliquots of blood samples collected for diagnostic purposes were used. HbA1c was measured using a previously validated capillary electrophoresis assay. Fructosamine was measured using the nitroblue tetrazolium assay., Results: Forty-three adult dogs were included. The dogs received oral prednisolone (0.1‒2.3 mg/kg daily) for a median duration of 8 weeks (range: 2‒52 weeks). The median (range) glucose, fructosamine and HbA1c were 5.3 (2.6‒9.2) mmol/L, 265 (128‒388) µmol/L and 1.6% (0.8‒2.7%), respectively. Glucose increased in nine of the 43 dogs (16.2%), while fructosamine increased in eight of the 33 dogs in which it was tested (24.2%). HbA1c did not increase in any of the 40 dogs in which it was tested., Limitations: The cross-sectional study design is a limitation, as more conclusions could be drawn in a longitudinal study., Conclusions: HbA1c does not appear to be increased in sick, non-diabetic dogs receiving oral prednisolone for 2 weeks or more at the doses used in our study, whereas increases in serum fructosamine are not uncommon., (© 2024 The Author(s). Veterinary Record published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Veterinary Association.)

Background: Lower urinary tract disease is a common clinical condition in dogs, usually presenting with dysuria, pollakiuria and haematuria. Diabetes mellitus is a predisposing factor for urinary tract infection in both humans and dogs and does not necessarily present with clinical signs. In this case report, we describe for the first time a case of cystitis glandularis in a dog with diabetes mellitus, associated with Escherichia coli urinary tract infection., Case Presentation: A 12 year old 9.2-kg (20.2-lb) castrated male Miniature Schnauzer with diabetes mellitus, was referred because of continued dysuria, pollakiuria and hematuria without a satisfactory response to treatment. The abdominal ultrasound revealed an irregular increase in mural thickness of the bladder, together with multiple immobile structures, apparently originating on the dorsal surface, of varied longitudinal diameters, with a convex hyperechogenic interface with an acoustic shadow. It was decided to perform a surgical cystotomy, which revealed that the surface of the urothelium showed dark hemorrhagic staining and multiple nodular structures, which were relatively hard to palpate. Histological examination of the bladder wall revealed hyperplastic urothelial epithelium, submucosal glandular formations with well differentiated mature cells and a chorion with signs of edema, concluding a diagnosis of cystitis glandularis. Bacteriological culture of the urothelium and urine revealed Escherichia coli infection. After initiation of antibiotic therapy and pain management, the dog's clinical signs improved markedly until complete remission of the bladder lesions., Conclusion: Although there have been few reports of this clinical presentation in veterinary medicine, two in cats and one in a female schnauzer, this is the first reported case of cystitis glandularis associated with urinary tract infection due to Escherichia coli. The importance of bacteriological and histopathological studies in the diagnosis of urinary tract pathologies should be emphasized., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: Not applicable. Consent for publication: Not aplicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2025. The Author(s).)

Domestic animals can share viral pathogens with humans, acting mainly as a bridge host. The Orthopoxvirus genus hosts important zoonotic species that have emerged in urban areas worldwide. Nevertheless, the role of companion animals, such as dogs and cats, in the circulation of orthopoxviruses in urban areas remains poorly understood. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of neutralizing anti-orthopoxvirus antibodies in serum samples from owned dogs from three municipalities in Minas Gerais, as well as the presence of the C11R and A56R orthopoxviruses genes. The presence of neutralizing antibodies was detected in 14.3% of the animals investigated. However, no sample was positive for the presence of the genes investigated. Further study of the population of dogs in urban areas may prove a valuable tool for understanding the spread of orthopoxviruses in urbanized areas of Brazil.

This case report describes the reconstruction of a rostral maxillary defect by two custom-made titanium implants following a rostral partial maxillectomy for treatment of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in a seven-year-old dog. An incisional biopsy and CT scan were performed to establish the diagnosis, to plan possible surgery, and to assess the margins of the tumour. The patient had no radiographic signs of metastasis at the time of diagnosis. An oblique rostral partial maxillectomy with two custom-made titanium plates was chosen as an effective oncological treatment and to maintain the cosmetic appearance. A first custom implant was designed to support the cheek and lips, and a second implant was designed to replace part of the hard palate and serve as a base for the palatal mucosal flap. Surgical treatment combined with toceranib phosphate and cimicoxib therapy provided a survival time of at least 1700 days, as the patient is still alive at time of publication. Further research is warranted to determine the oncological and cosmetic efficacy of this surgical technique for treatment of SCC in a larger group of dogs., Competing Interests: Declarations. Animal ethics: The owner has provided consent for the necessary surgical intervention at the Veterinary Hospital Vicalcan and for the publication of his pet’s data. No approval of research ethics committees was required. Consent to participate: A written inform consent was signed by the owner of the patient. Consent to publish: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Malignant Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor arising from the peritoneum, pleura or pericardium. It's rarely reported in dogs. Currently, there are two classifications of neoplasia: one for human medicine and other for veterinary. A 10-year-old female mixed-breed dog with bulging abdomen for 2 weeks and achesia for 1 day, was diagnosed with ascites and dirofilariasis and treated. On the first day, the animal weighed 32.5kg and, after drainage of cavity fluid, it weighed 27kg. Even after treatment, the animal's condition did not improve and euthanasia was performed. The body was sent for necroscopic evaluation. The morphological diagnosis comprises malignant mesothelioma, been with both mixed and sclerosing type. This is the first worldwide case reported with all this characteristic.

From February 2022 to April 2023, a cross-sectional study on dog gastrointestinal parasites was conducted in Bishoftu, Dukem, Addis Ababa, and Sheno, Central Ethiopia, with the aim of estimating the prevalence and evaluating risk factors. A total of 701 faecal samples were collected and processed using floatation and McMaster techniques. In dogs that were investigated, the overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 53.1% (372/701). Nematode (28.2%), cestode (8.4%), and protozoan (5.6%) parasite infections were detected in dogs in both single (42.2%) and combined (10.8%) infections. With respective prevalences of 16%, 9.8%, 5%, 3.9%, and 3.1% Ancylostoma spp., Toxocara canis, Dipylidium caninum, Giardia spp., and Taenia/Echinococcus spp. were the most common parasites. The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was significantly higher (P<0.05) in female dogs (73.8%, OR = 0.4), adult dogs (55.3%, OR = 0.4), dogs that were given raw food (57.9%, OR = 2.7), and dogs kept free outdoor (60.9%, OR = 2.4). The incidence of gastrointestinal parasites was also higher in dogs with diarrheal faecal consistency (89.1%, OR = 9.1) and dogs from highland areas (62.1%, OR = 1.8). In contrast, statistically significant variation in the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was not recorded among dogs of different breeds. The current study found that dogs in the studied locations had a high overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites. In conclusion, gastrointestinal parasites in dogs have the potential to pose a serious threat to public health, so addressing this issue requires a unified approach. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct detailed epidemiological and genetic research on dog parasites in vast study regions across various agro-ecologies zones and seasons in Ethiopia. Additionally, it is crucial to raise public awareness of the prevalence, effects on public health, and financial implications of dog gastrointestinal parasites in Ethiopia., Competing Interests: No any competing interests., (Copyright: © 2025 Bayou et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

This study evaluated dynamics of antibodies in dogs treated for canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL). Twenty-one dogs naturally infected by Leishmania spp. were grouped based on the treatment protocol: G1 (n=4) received allopurinol; G2 (n=10) allopurinol with miltefosine; and G3 (n=7) allopurinol, miltefosine and Leish-Tec® vaccine. The dogs were monitored monthly for a period of one year. To verify serum antibody titers, an indirect immunofluorescence reaction was performed. We found that dogs from G1 and G2 had lower clinical scores and antibody titers, when compared to the parameters evaluated in pre-treatment; however, clinical relapses were observed in three animals. In G3, clinical scores were lower than pre-treatment; however, they presented relatively stable antibody titers and no clinical relapse was observed. All animals submitted to the evaluated treatment protocols showed relative improvement in clinical signs. Furthermore, the immune response of animals must be considered, given the challenges of parasitic loads in infections. Therefore, it is necessary to complement the methods of clinical and therapeutic monitoring of dogs with CVL in order to establish the risk of transmissibility of the agent in infected and treated dogs.