Search

To determine the influence of skin preparations before application of an alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) on bacterial counts before and after elective surgery.Clinical prospective study.Veterinary students (n = 103) performing ovariohysterectomies on 140 dogs.Participants were randomly assigned to 1 initial surgical preparation on the day of surgery: A - hand preparation with medicated solution (4% w/v chlorhexidine bigluconate followed by an ABHR; B - application of a medication solution (benzalkonium chloride 0.1%-1% and polymeric biguanide hydrochloride 0.01%-0.1%) followed by an ABHR; C - nonmedicated pH-neutral soap hand wash followed by ABHR, and D - direct application of an ABHR. Samples were taken by pressing the distal finger tips to an agar plate before the hand preparation, after the hand preparation (n = 3), after ABHR application, and 120 minutes later. Colony-forming units (CFUs) for samples were determined. Total log CFU and CFU log10 reduction were calculated and used for comparison with P .05.Two hours after surgery commenced, the participants of groups that performed a hand preparation had lower total CFUs than those that did not perform a hand preparation (P = .001). In particular, the number of CFUs was lower when ABHR was performed after application of pHN compared to direct ABHR (P = .001).In this population, performing a hand preparation with pHN prior to applying an ABHR had better antimicrobial effect for the duration of surgery than not performing a hand preparation.Surgeons should wash their hands prior to ABHR before starting their first surgery of the day, even when hands appear clean.

BackgroundBabesia rossiis a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among the canine population of sub-Saharan Africa, but pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Previous studies ofB. rossiinfection were derived from clinical cases, in which neither the onset of infection nor the infectious inoculum was known. Here, we performed controlledB. rossiinoculations in canines and evaluated disease progression through clinical tests and whole blood transcriptomic profiling.ResultsTwo subjects were administered a low inoculum (104parasites) while three received a high (108parasites). Subjects were monitored for 8 consecutive days; anti-parasite treatment with diminazene aceturate was administered on day 4. Blood was drawn prior to inoculation as well as every experimental day for assessment of clinical parameters and transcriptomic profiles. The model recapitulated natural disease manifestations including anemia, acidosis, inflammation and behavioral changes. Rate of disease onset and clinical severity were proportional to the inoculum. To analyze the temporal dynamics of the transcriptomic host response, we sequenced mRNA extracted from whole blood drawn on days 0, 1, 3, 4, 6, and 8. Differential gene expression, hierarchical clustering, and pathway enrichment analyses identified genes and pathways involved in response to hemolysis, metabolic changes, and several arms of the immune response including innate immunity, adaptive immunity, and response to viral infection.ConclusionsThis work comprehensively characterizes the clinical and transcriptomic progression ofB. rossiinfection in canines, thus establishing a large mammalian model of severe hemoprotozoal disease to facilitate the study of host-parasite biology and in which to test novel anti-disease therapeutics. The knowledge gained from the study ofB. rossiin canines will not only improve our understanding of this emerging infectious disease threat in domestic dogs, but also provide insight into the pathobiology of human diseases caused byBabesiaandPlasmodiumspecies.

Dogs with babesiosis can present with multiple complications, including acute kidney injury (AKI). The objective of this study was to characterize AKI in dogs with babesiosis caused by Babesia rossi at presentation and after treatment. Thirty-five client-owned dogs with B. rossi infection and 10 control dogs were included in this prospective observational study. Blood and urine were collected in Babesia-infected dogs at presentation (T-0, n = 35), after 24 h (T-24h, n = 11), and after 1 month (T-1m, n = 9). The following urinary kidney injury biomarkers were assessed: urinary protein to creatinine ratio (UPC), urinary glomerular injury biomarkers (immunoglobulin G (uIgG) and C-reactive protein (uCRP)), and urinary tubular injury biomarkers (retinol-binding protein (uRBP) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL)). Serum functional renal biomarkers were creatinine (sCr) and symmetric dimethylarginine (sSDMA). Post-mortem kidney biopsies were analyzed by light and transmission electron microscopy. At T-0, all kidney injury biomarkers were significantly higher in Babesia-infected dogs compared to healthy controls (P < 0.001), while functional renal biomarkers were not significantly different (P > 0.05). At T-24h, all urinary tubular injury biomarkers and UPC decreased significantly (P < 0.01), while glomerular injury biomarkers did not (P = 0.084). At T-1m, all urinary kidney injury biomarkers decreased to values not significantly different from healthy controls (P > 0.5). Significant changes in functional renal biomarkers were not seen after treatment (P > 0.05). Dogs with complicated babesiosis had significantly higher glomerular injury biomarkers, UPC, and sSDMA compared to uncomplicated cases (P < 0.05), while all tubular injury biomarkers and sCr were not significantly different (P > 0.1). Dogs with babesiosis caused by B. rossi showed transient kidney injury, which was detected by all kidney injury biomarkers, but remained undetected by functional biomarkers. All infected dogs, irrespective of disease severity, suffered comparable kidney injury based on tubular injury biomarker concentrations, while loss of function was seen more often in dogs with complicated babesiosis based on sSDMA results.

Babesia rossi is an important, tick-borne intraerythrocytic protozoan parasite; however, its natural history and epidemiology is poorly understood. Babesia rossi is the most virulent Babesia sp. in domestic dogs and is generally considered to cause severe babesiosis, which is fatal if left untreated. However, subclinical infections and mild disease from B. rossi have been reported, although the clinical progression of these cases was not reported. Therefore, to better understand B. rossi under field conditions, we evaluated its clinical progression and seroprevalence in an owned, free-roaming dog population in Zenzele, South Africa, where the parasite is endemic and prevention is not routine. The entire dog population in Zenzele was monitored intensively at the individual level from March 2008 until April 2014, primarily for a longitudinal study on rabies control. Subsequent evaluation of B. rossi comprised analyses of clinical and laboratory data collected from the Zenzele dog population during the 6 year study period. A substantial proportion (31% (n = 34)) of 109 dogs (randomly selected from every available dog in February/March 2010 older than ~6–8 weeks (n = 246)) tested by Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test had seroconverted strongly to B. rossi. All 34 dogs were generally consistently healthy adults, determined from regular clinical examinations between March 2008 and April 2014. Blood smear examinations at multiple time points between July 2009 and February 2011 were also undertaken for almost all of these (34) seropositive dogs and all those tested were consistently negative for Babesia spp. Subclinical infections and mild disease were also the main findings for a separate group of 18 dogs positive for Babesia spp. on blood smear examination and confirmed to be infected with B. rossi by Polymerase Chain Reaction – Reverse Line Blot. Almost all of these dogs were positive at only one time point from repeat blood smear examinations between July 2009 and February 2011. We suggest that these observations are consistent with immunity acquired from repeated, low-level exposure to the parasite, generating transient subclinical infections or mild disease. Should this be the case, the use of tick control, particularly in adult dogs in free-roaming populations in B. rossi endemic regions, should be carefully considered.

Aims Babesia rossi causes severe disease in dogs. Here, we describe the association between serum cytokine concentrations and disease severity. Methods Seventeen controls and 55 PCR confirmed B rossi-infected dogs were included. Diseased dogs were subdivided into 23 critically ill and 32 relatively well cases. Serum concentrations of 11 cytokines and biochemical markers of disease severity were determined. Results Significant differences were detected for IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, MCP-1 and TNF-α between the groups. Generally, the more complicated the disease, the more pro-inflammatory the cytokine milieu. IL-8 showed a reverse trend and was negatively correlated with disease severity. IL-6, MCP-1 and TNF-α were also significantly higher in the dogs that died (n = 9) compared to the dogs that survived (n = 46). IL-8 showed the opposite. MCP-1 and TNF-α were negatively correlated with biochemical markers of severity. Glucose was negatively correlated with IL-6. Cortisol, peripheral parasite density and band neutrophil count were positively correlated, whilst thyroid hormone was negatively correlated with IL-6, MCP-1 and TNF-α. Conclusions As in malaria and sepsis, B rossi infection induces a pro-inflammatory cytokine storm that correlates with disease severity and adverse outcome. The multiplicity of cytokines involved argues for redundancy in the system once the disease is established.

Canine babesiosis is a virulent infection of dogs in South Africa caused principally by Babesia rossi. Hypovitaminosis D has been reported in a wide range of infectious diseases in humans and dogs, and low vitamin D status has been associated with poor clinical outcomes. However, the relationship between vitamin D status and canine babesiosis has not been investigated. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between the presence and severity of B. rossi infection and vitamin D status of infected dogs. Owners with dogs with a confirmed diagnosis of B. rossi infection and of healthy control dogs were invited to enrol onto the study. Vitamin D status was assessed by measurement of serum concentrations of the major circulating vitamin D metabolite, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D). Dogs with babesiosis (n = 34) had significantly lower mean serum 25(OH)D concentrations than healthy dogs (n = 24) (37.76 ± 21.25 vs. 74.2 ± 20.28 nmol/L). The effect of babesiosis on serum 25(OH)D concentrations was still significant after adjusting for any effect of age, body weight and sex. There was a negative relationship between serum 25(OH)D concentrations and disease severity in dogs with babesiosis. Serum concentrations of creatinine and alanine aminotransferase and time to last meal were not associated with serum 25(OH)D concentrations in dogs with babesiosis. In conclusion, dogs with Babesia rossi infections had lower serum 25(OH)D concentrations than healthy dogs. The inverse correlation between 25(OH)D concentrations and the clinical severity score indicate that hypovitaminosis D might be a helpful additional indicator of disease severity. Keywords vitamin D; 25-hydroxyvitamin D; babesiosis; dog; Babesia rossi.

Babesia rossi causes the most severe clinical disease in dogs of all the babesia parasites. We included 320 naturally-infected dogs that presented for care at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital between 2006 and 2016. All dogs had mono-infections confirmed by multiplex PCR. The data allowed more accurate clinical classification of the disease and identified parameters that were associated with disease severity and death. Odds ratios for dying were significant (P

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is used as an early biomarker of renal injury in people. In dogs, increases in urinary NGAL (uNGAL) precede increases in serum creatinine (sCr) in experimental and clinical evaluations of acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease. This study compared uNGAL in two subsets of dogs with AKI and their respective controls. One set included dogs with snake-envenomation at risk for or presenting with International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) grade I AKI; the other group included dogs with AKI, where renal injury was the result of various causes, and IRIS grade was ≥II. Additionally, this study evaluated haemoglobin (Hb) interference during NGAL analysis in Hb spiked urine and plasma from healthy dogs. In both AKI groups, uNGAL was significantly higher than in matched healthy control dogs (P

Canine babesiosis and ehrlichiosis are important tick-borne infections in South Africa. Many South African general veterinary practitioners perceive co-infection with Ehrlichia spp. as a common occurrence in dogs with babesiosis. Studies about the prevalence of co-infection in South African dogs are lacking. This retrospective study aimed to determine the prevalence of Ehrlichia co-infection in dogs with babesiosis. Additionally, the predicative value of specific haematological variables for co-infection was evaluated. The study population consisted of 205 dogs diagnosed with canine babesiosis presented to the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital (OVAH) in 2006 and between 2011 and 2013. The Babesia-infected dogs were grouped based on presence or absence of an Ehrlichia spp. co-infection. Ehrlichia spp. co-infection was confirmed using polymerase chain reaction. Positive and negative predictive values (PPVs and NPVs) of leukopenia or thrombocytopenia for co-infection were also calculated. The prevalence of Babesia spp. and Ehrlichia spp. co-infection in this cohort of dogs was 2%. In the babesiosis dogs, the PPV of leukopenia for co-infection with Ehrlichia spp. was 1.3%, and the NPV 97.4%. Similarly, the PPV and NPVs of thrombocytopenia for co-infection were 2.1% and 100%, respectively. Co-infection with Ehrlichia spp. was a rare occurrence in dogs with babesiosis presented to the OVAH. Normal leukocyte or platelet counts confidently ruled out the presence of concurrent ehrlichiosis in this cohort of dogs. However, the diagnosis of Ehrlichia co-infection based on the presence of thrombocytopenia or leukopenia would have been associated with false positive results in more than 97.4% of cases.

The occurrence of acute kidney injury in canine babesiosis is not well documented. Furthermore, interpretation of urine specific gravity (USG) to assess renal concentrating ability is hampered by the frequent presence of hemoglobinuria in this disease. This cross-sectional study aimed to test the hypothesis that renal azotemia (RA) is underdiagnosed according to current canine babesiosis literature by determining its occurrence at presentation, using urine osmolality instead of USG to measure urinary concentration. The second objective was to examine potential associations between the presence of RA and selected clinical and laboratory variables at presentation. Medical records available from 3 previously performed prospective data collections were reviewed retrospectively. Client-owned dogs that were diagnosed with babesiosis caused by Babesia rossi, were included if a complete blood count, biochemistry profile, and urinalysis was performed at admission. Urine osmolality was measured to identify dogs with RA. Differences between dogs with RA and dogs without RA were assessed by nonparametric statistics. One hundred and fifty-two dogs were included, of which 26 (17%) were azotemic at admission. The occurrence of RA was 14% (21/152), hence 81% (21/26) of all azotemic dogs were diagnosed with RA. In contrast, when diagnosis of RA was based on an admission USG 1.030, only 23% (6/26) of the azotemic dogs would have been considered to have RA. Several signalment and clinicopathological findings were found to be associated with the presence of RA, including older age, and the presence of collapse, hypoglycemia, hyperphosphatemia, cerebral babesiosis, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Lastly, survival at discharge was significantly lower in dogs diagnosed with RA at presentation. Our results clarified that RA is more common than previously reported in B. rossi. This study also demonstrated that USG determination is not a reliable method to evaluate renal concentrating ability in azotemic dogs with babesiosis. Thus, if available, urine osmolality should be part of the diagnostic work-up of dogs infected with B. rossi to avoid misclassification of dogs with RA as having prerenal azotemia. If urine osmolality cannot be measured, clinicians should realize that most azotemic dogs with B. rossi infection have RA.

Using flow cytometry, platelet–leukocyte aggregate (PLA) formation has previously been documented in dogs with a variety of systemic inflammatory disorders and immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia. Platelet activation and subsequent interaction between platelets and leukocytes are important for regulating innate immunity and systemic inflammation. The objective of this study was to investigate PLA formation in canine babesiosis and to determine whether it was associated with outcome. Blood was collected from 36 client-owned dogs diagnosed with Babesia rossi infection and 15 healthy controls using EDTA as anticoagulant. Activated platelets and PLA formation were detected by measuring surface expression of P-selectin (CD62P) on platelets, monocytes and neutrophils. Of the Babesia -infected dogs, 29 survived and seven died. The percentage of CD62P-positive monocytes was significantly higher ( P = 0.036) in the Babesia -infected dogs (54%) than in healthy control dogs (35.3%). However, there were no significant differences between the Babesia -infected and control groups for CD62P-positive platelets (4.9% and 1.2%, respectively) and CD62P-positive neutrophils (28.3% and 17.9%, respectively). The percentage of CD62P-positive monocytes was significantly higher ( P = 0.019) in the survivors (58.9%) than in healthy control dogs; however, there were no significant differences between the non-survivors (39.2%) and the controls or between survivors and non-survivors. There were no significant differences between groups for the percentage of CD62P-positive platelets (survivors 4.8%; non-survivors 5.3%; controls 1.2%) or CD62P-positive neutrophils (survivors 31.6%; non-survivors 5.6%; controls 17.9%). In conclusion, Babesia -infected dogs, specifically dogs that survived, had a significantly increased percentage of platelet–monocyte aggregates compared to healthy control dogs.

BACKGROUND Dogs with Babesia rossi infection display a normocoagulable thromboelastogram, despite being markedly thrombocytopenic, which is purportedly due to large-scale platelet activation. Thromboelastographic platelet mapping (TEG-PM) evaluates individual contributions of thrombin, fibrinogen, and platelets to clot formation, and may elucidate some of the pathomechanisms of thrombocytopenia-associated hemostatic alterations. OBJECTIVE This study investigated potential differences in TEG-PM variables in dogs with complicated B rossi infection compared with healthy controls, and whether these variables correlated with platelet activation indices. METHODS The maximum amplitude (MA) following thrombin generation (MAThrombin ) was determined using kaolin-activated TEG. The TEG-PM variables included MA following the addition of platelet agonists arachidonic acid (MAAA ) and adenosine diphosphate (MAADP ), and MA due to fibrin alone (MAFibrin ). In addition, platelet indices and fibrinogen concentrations were determined. RESULTS Thirteen dogs with complicated B rossi infection and five healthy controls were included. The median MAFibrin and fibrinogen concentrations were significantly higher (P

Dogs with naturally occurring canine parvovirus (CPV) infection are at risk of developing acute kidney injury (AKI) due to several factors, including severe dehydration, hypotension and sepsis. Serum creatinine (sCr) and serum urea are insensitive markers for the assessment of early kidney injury. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate potential kidney injury in dogs with CPV infection using both routine renal functional parameters and several kidney injury biomarkers. Twenty-two dogs with CPV infection were prospectively enrolled and compared with eight clinically healthy control dogs. Urinary immunoglobulin G (uIgG) and C-reactive protein (uCRP) were measured to document glomerular injury, whereas urinary retinol-binding protein (uRBP) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) served as markers for tubular injury. These biomarkers were compared to routine renal functional parameters, including sCr, serum urea, urinary protein:creatinine ratio (UPC) and urine specific gravity (USG). Dogs with CPV infection had significantly higher concentrations of uIgG, uCRP, uRBP and uNGAL compared to healthy dogs. In contrast, sCr was significantly lower in dogs with CPV infection compared to controls, while serum urea was not significantly different. UPC and USG were both significantly higher in CPV-infected dogs. This study demonstrated that dogs with CPV infection had evidence of AKI, which remained undetected by the routine functional markers sCr and serum urea, but was revealed by UPC, uIgG, uCRP, uRBP and uNGAL. These results emphasize the added value of novel urinary kidney injury biomarkers to detect canine patients at risk of developing AKI.

Urine biomarkers are sensitive indicators of early-stage renal injury, consequently, research in this area is expanding in both human and veterinary medicine. However, studies investigating the impact of preanalytical factors, such as storage conditions, on urine biomarker concentrations are largely lacking in veterinary medicine. Therefore, we evaluated the stability of several renal injury biomarkers in canine urine after storage for 4 y at −72°C. Urine samples were collected from 26 dogs: 18 dogs with babesiosis and 8 healthy dogs. Concentrations of urine immunoglobulin G (uIgG), urine C-reactive protein (uCRP), and urine retinol-binding protein (uRBP) were measured, using validated commercial immunoassays, at the start of the study and 4 y later. To investigate the effect of long-term storage, absolute and relative differences between both measurements were compared. Additionally, dogs with babesiosis were compared with the healthy controls at both time points. Storage caused significant absolute and relative decreases in concentrations of all 3 biomarkers. Significant differences between dogs with babesiosis and healthy dogs were found in uIgG and uRBP at both times; however, the difference in uCRP between both groups lost significance after storage. Because the main goal of these urine biomarkers is to detect early-stage renal injury, the statistically significant decrease in their concentrations will be clinically relevant when a mild degree of renal injury is present. Our data indicate that the investigated urine biomarkers show significant decay after 4 y of storage at −72°C, adversely affecting their diagnostic utility.

The acid–base disturbances in canine parvoviral (CPV) enteritis are not well described. In addition, the mechanisms causing these perturbations have not been fully elucidated. The purpose of the present study was to assess acid–base changes in puppies suffering from CPV enteritis, using a modified strong ion model (SIM). The hypothesis of the study was that severe acid–base disturbances would be present and that the SIM would provide insights into pathological mechanisms, which have not been fully appreciated by the Henderson–Hasselbalch model. The study analysed retrospective data, obtained from 42 puppies with confirmed CPV enteritis and 10 healthy control dogs. The CPV-enteritis group had been allocated a clinical score, to allow classification of the data according to clinical severity. The effects of changes in free water, chloride, l-lactate, albumin and phosphate were calculated, using a modification of the base excess algorithm. When the data were summated for each patient, and correlated to each individual component, the most important contributor to the metabolic acid–base changes, according to the SIM, was chloride (P

Canine parvovirus (CPV) enteritis has, since its emergence in 1978, remained a common and important cause of morbidity and mortality in young dogs. The continued incidence of parvoviral enteritis is partly due to the virus' capability to evolve into more virulent and resistant variants with significant local gastrointestinal and systemic inflammatory sequelae. This paper reviews current knowledge on historical-, signalment-, and clinical factors as well as several haematological-, biochemical- and endocrine parameters that can be used as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in CPV enteritis. These factors include season of presentation, purebred nature, bodyweight, vomiting, leukopaenia, lymphopaenia, thrombocytopaenia, hypercoagulability, hypercortisolaemia, hypothyroxinaemia, hypoalbuminaemia, elevated C-reactive protein and tumour necrosis factor, hypocholesterolaemia and hypocitrullinaemia. Factors contributing to the manifestations of CPV infection are multiple with elements of host, pathogen, secondary infections, underlying stressors and environment affecting severity and outcome. The availability of several prognosticators has made identification of patients at high risk of death and their subsequent targeted management more rewarding.

There is increasing concern that reproductive isolation related to breed specifications in dogs, while maintaining genetic differences among breeds, is likely to promote breed-specific genetic disorders. This study examined genetic diversity among 13 popular dog breed groups in the UK. Most breeds showed high levels of homozygosity when compared with crossbred animals. The Boxer and West Highland white terrier showed the lowest heterozygosity, while the Jack Russell terrier group (not a registered breed in the UK) had a level of heterozygosity comparable to crossbred dogs. Analysis of genetic distance between breeds showed significantly different inbreeding coefficients for pairwise comparisons among registered breeds, with the most divergent breeds being the Boxer and West Highland white terrier. The Rottweiler and Golden retriever showed the highest levels of inbreeding. The least distinct group contained crossbred dogs. The results show that the registered breeds are subject to a 'breed barrier' which promotes reduction in genetic diversity.

Renal damage is deemed a common, yet poorly documented, complication in canine babesiosis. Serum urea and creatinine are insensitive and non-specific markers of early renal dysfunction and their measurements are influenced by hemolysis caused by babesiosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to use urinary markers to assess the localization and degree of renal dysfunction in dogs with Babesia rossi infection. Urinary immunoglobulin G (uIgG) and urinary C-reactive protein (uCRP) were measured as markers for glomerular dysfunction, while urinary retinol-binding protein (uRBP) was used as a marker for tubular dysfunction. Eighteen dogs presenting with uncomplicated babesiosis were included and compared with eight clinically healthy dogs. Previously validated commercial ELISA kits were used for the measurement of uIgG, uCRP, and uRBP. Results were related to urinary creatinine concentrations (c). Dogs with babesiosis had significantly higher concentrations of all three measured urinary markers compared to healthy dogs. Except for urinary protein/c ratio (UPC), routine urinary and serum markers for renal function (urine specific gravity (USG), serum urea and creatinine (sCr)) were not significantly different between dogs with babesiosis and healthy dogs. All three urinary markers were positively correlated with each other and with UPC. The data supports the presence of both glomerular and tubular dysfunction in dogs suffering from uncomplicated B. rossi infection. Urinary markers were superior to USG, serum urea and creatinine concentrations for the early detection of renal dysfunction in dogs with babesiosis.

Hypoglycaemia has been identified as a life-threatening metabolic complication in almost 20% of severely ill dogs suffering from babesiosis due to Babesia canis rossi infection, and has been correlated with mortality. Hyperinsulinaemia as a result of inappropriate insulin secretion may precipitate hypoglycaemia, and has been suggested as a possible cause of hypoglycaemia in human and murine malaria. This prospective, cross-sectional, observational study, including 94 dogs with naturally occurring virulent babesiosis, sought to identify the presence of inappropriate insulin secretion in hypoglycaemic canine babesiosis. Pre-treatment jugular blood samples were collected for simultaneous determination of plasma glucose and insulin concentrations. Animals were retrospectively divided into three groups: hypoglycaemic (BG3.3 mmol/L; n=16), normoglycaemic (BG 3.3-5.5 mmol/L; n=62), and hyperglycaemic (BG5.5 mmol/L; n=16). The median insulin concentrations for the hypoglycaemic, normoglycaemic, and hyperglycaemic groups were 10.7 pmol/L, 10.7 pmol/L, and 21.7 pmol/L, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in insulin concentration between the three groups. Additionally, the median insulin concentration in the hypoglycaemic and normoglycaemic groups was below the detection limit of the assay, suggesting that insulin secretion was appropriately low (i.e. undetectable) in these cases. Only two dogs had inappropriately elevated insulin concentrations. One of these dogs was hypoglycaemic. We conclude that hyperinsulinaemia is an infrequent cause of hypoglycaemia in virulent canine babesiosis. Other causes of hypoglycaemia, such as increased glucose consumption, depletion of hepatic glycogen stores, and hepatic dysfunction with impaired gluconeogenesis, are speculated to play more important roles in the pathophysiology of hypoglycaemia in canine babesiosis.

Babesia rossi infection causes a severe inflammatory response in the dog, which is the result of the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine secretion. The aim of this study was to determine whether changes in cytokine concentrations were present in dogs with babesiosis and whether it was associated with disease outcome. Ninety-seven dogs naturally infected with B. rossi were studied and fifteen healthy dogs were included as controls. Diagnosis of babesiosis was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction and reverse line blot. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein at admission, prior to any treatment. Cytokine concentrations were assessed using a canine-specific multiplex assay on an automated analyser. Serum concentrations of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-18, granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) were measured. Twelve of the Babesia-infected dogs died (12%) and 85 survived (88%). Babesia-infected dogs were also divided into those that presented within 48 hours from displaying clinical signs, and those that presented more than 48 hours after displaying clinical signs. Cytokine concentrations were compared between the different groups using the Mann-Whitney U test. IL-10 and MCP-1 concentrations were significantly elevated for the Babesia-infected dogs compared to the healthy controls. In contrast, the IL-8 concentration was significantly decreased in the Babesia-infected dogs compared to the controls. Concentrations of IL-6 and MCP-1 were significantly increased in the non-survivors compared to the survivors. Concentrations for IL-2, IL-6, IL-18 and GM-CSF were significantly higher in those cases that presented during the more acute stage of the disease. These findings suggest that a mixed cytokine response is present in dogs with babesiosis caused by B. rossi, and that an excessive pro-inflammatory response may result in a poor outcome.

Objective—To evaluate the role of adrenal and thyroid hormones in the prediction of death in a population of critically ill puppies with parvoviral diarrhea by measuring serial daily serum concentrations of cortisol and thyroxine. Design—Prospective case-control study Animals—57 critically ill puppies with parvoviral diarrhea admitted to the hospital and 17 clinically normal control puppies. Procedures—Basal serum cortisol and thyroxine concentrations were measured for each dog with parvoviral diarrhea at admission (prior to treatment) and daily until death, euthanasia, or discharge. Results—Median time between admission and death was 48 hours (ie, on day 3). Median serum cortisol concentration on day 1 (admission) in all dogs with parvoviral diarrhea (248 nmol/L) was significantly higher than in control dogs (77 nmol/L). No significant difference was found in the day 1 median serum cortisol concentration of 11 dogs that died (302 nmol/L) and 46 dogs that survived (238 nmol/L). A significantly higher median serum cortisol concentration was, however, found in nonsurvivor group dogs, compared with survivor group dogs, on days 2 and 3. Median serum thyroxine concentration on day 1 in dogs with parvoviral diarrhea was significantly lower than in control dogs (8.12 nmol/L vs 35 nmol/L, respectively). Median serum thyroxine concentration of nonsurvivor group dogs (4.4 nmol/L) was significantly lower than that of survivor group dogs (9.2 nmol/L) at admission and became even lower on days 2 and 3. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—High serum cortisol and low serum thyroxine concentrations at 24 and 48 hours after admission were associated with death in dogs with parvoviral diarrhea.

This prospective, cross-sectional, observational study was designed to determine the association between the hormones of the pituitary-adrenal and pituitary-thyroid axes and outcome in dogs with naturally occurring Babesia canis rossi babesiosis. Ninety-five dogs with canine babesiosis were studied and blood samples were obtained from the jugular vein in each dog prior to treatment at admission to hospital. Serum cortisol, adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), thyroxine, free thyroxine and thyrotropin (TSH) concentrations were measured. Diagnosis was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction and reverse line blot and dogs infected with Babesia canis vogeli or Ehrlichia canis were excluded. Three outcomes were defined: hospitalization with subsequent death (n=7); hospitalization followed by recovery (n=56); and treatment as an outpatient (n=32). Serum cortisol and ACTH concentrations were significantly higher in the dogs that died, compared to hospitalized dogs that survived and compared to dogs treated as outpatients. Serum T4 and free T4 concentrations were significantly lower in the dogs that died, compared to the hospitalized dogs that survived and compared to dogs treated as outpatients. Serum TSH concentrations were not significantly different between any of the groups. Mortality was significantly associated with high cortisol and high ACTH concentrations and with low T4 and fT4 concentrations in dogs suffering from B. canis rossi babesiosis.

This prospective, cross-sectional, interventional study was designed to determine the association between the hormones of the pituitary-adrenal and pituitary-thyroid axes and other clinical parameters with the blood glucose perturbations in dogs with naturally occurring Babesia canis rossi babesiosis. Thirty-six dogs with canine babesiosis were studied. Blood samples were obtained from the jugular vein in each dog prior to treatment at admission to hospital and serum endogenous adrenocorticotrophic hormone(ACTH), pre-ACTH cortisol, thyroxine, free thyroxine and TSH concentrations were measured. Immediately thereafter each dog was injected intravenously with 5 µg/kg of ACTH (tetracosactrin). A 2nd blood sample was taken 1 hour later for serumpost-ACTHcortisol measurement. Three patient groups were recruited: hypoglycaemic dogs (glucose 3.3 mmol/ℓ, n = 12); normoglycaemic dogs (glucose 3.3–5.5 mmol/ℓ, n = 12); hyperglycaemic dogs (glucose 5.5 mmol/ℓ, n = 12). Basal and post-ACTH serum cortisol concentrations were significantly higher in hypoglycaemic dogs, whereas body temperature, serum thyroxine and free thyroxine were significantly lower in hypoglycaemic dogs. Haematocrit was significantly lower in both hypo-and hyperglycaemic dogs compared with normoglycaemic dogs. Low blood glucose concentrations were significantly associated with high basal and post-ACTH cortisol concentrations and with low serum thyroxine and free thyroxine concentrations in dogs suffering from B. canis rossi babesiosis.

In rabies endemic regions, a proportionally higher incidence of rabies is often reported in dogs younger than 12 months of age, which includes puppies less than 3 months of age; this presents a serious risk to public health. The higher incidence of rabies in young dogs may be the effect of low vaccination coverage in this age class, partly as a result of the perception that immature immune systems and maternal antibodies inhibit seroconversion to rabies vaccine in puppies less than three months of age. Therefore, to test this perception, the authors report the virus neutralising antibody titres from 27 dogs that were vaccinated with high quality, inactivated rabies vaccine aged three months of age and under as part of larger serological studies undertaken in Gauteng Province, South Africa, and the Serengeti District, Tanzania. All of these dogs seroconverted to a single dose of vaccine with no adverse reactions reported and with postvaccinal peak titres ranging from 2.0 IU/ml to 90.5 IU/ml. In light of these results, and the risk of human beings contracting rabies from close contact with puppies, the authors recommend that all dogs in rabies endemic regions, including those less than three months of age, are vaccinated with high quality, inactivated vaccine.

Babesia rossi is the cause of a highly virulent multisystemic disease with a variable outcome, which is a reliable model of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). The objective of this study was to determine the concentration of canine pancreatic-specific lipase (cPL) in a population of dogs with naturally acquired B. rossi infection. In addition, the associations between serum cPL and death and SIRS status were examined. An observational study recruited 87 dogs diagnosed with B. rossi infection and serum cPL concentrations were measured daily until discharge or death. The median concentration of serum cPL was 124.0 µg/L (interquartile range: 51.0 µg/L - 475.5 µg/L) on admission (n = 87) and 145.5 µg/L (62.3 µg/L - 434.0 µg/L) on day two of hospitalisation (n = 40). Twenty-four dogs (28%) had a serum cPL concentration within the diagnostic range for pancreatitis (gt; 400 µg/L) at admission with 13 dogs (32.5%) presenting as such on the second day of hospitalisation. The median concentration of serum cPL in dogs with SIRS was 158 µg/L (interquartile range: 52.5 µg/L - 571.5 µg/L; n = 53), which was significantly higher than in those without SIRS (75 µg/L; 50.3 µg/L - 131.8 µg/L; n = 32) (P = 0.018). This study demonstrated that an unexpectedly high number of dogs diagnosed with naturally acquired canine babesiosis had a serum cPL concentration within the diagnostic range for acute pancreatitis and a significantly higher serum cPL concentration was found in dogs that were classified as having SIRS.

A nine-year-old dog was presented with sudden-onset ascites and a history of two previous syncopal episodes. Diagnostic tests pointed to a Budd-Chiari-like syndrome, with obstruction of the caudal vena cava between the liver and heart. The ascites was refractory to treatment and the dog was euthanased. On postmortem examination, a phaeochromocytoma of the left adrenal gland was present, with contiguous invasions into the caudal vena cava, extending cranially as far as the cavoatrial junction. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of a Budd-Chiari-like syndrome associated with a phaeochromocytoma in a dog.

Canine rabies can be effectively controlled by vaccination with readily available, high-quality vaccines. These vaccines should provide protection from challenge in healthy dogs, for the claimed period, for duration of immunity, which is often two or three years. It has been suggested that, in free-roaming dog populations where rabies is endemic, vaccine-induced protection may be compromised by immuno-suppression through malnutrition, infection and other stressors. This may reduce the proportion of dogs that seroconvert to the vaccine during vaccination campaigns and the duration of immunity of those dogs that seroconvert. Vaccination coverage may also be limited through insufficient vaccine delivery during vaccination campaigns and the loss of vaccinated individuals from populations through demographic processes. This is the first longitudinal study to evaluate temporal variations in rabies vaccine-induced serological responses, and factors associated with these variations, at the individual level in previously unvaccinated free-roaming dog populations. Individual-level serological and health-based data were collected from three cohorts of dogs in regions where rabies is endemic, one in South Africa and two in Indonesia. We found that the vast majority of dogs seroconverted to the vaccine; however, there was considerable variation in titres, partly attributable to illness and lactation at the time of vaccination. Furthermore, >70% of the dogs were vaccinated through community engagement and door-to-door vaccine delivery, even in Indonesia where the majority of the dogs needed to be caught by net on successive occasions for repeat blood sampling and vaccination. This demonstrates the feasibility of achieving population-level immunity in free-roaming dog populations in rabies-endemic regions. However, attrition of immune individuals through demographic processes and waning immunity necessitates repeat vaccination of populations within at least two years to ensure communities are protected from rabies. These findings support annual mass vaccination campaigns as the most effective means to control canine rabies., Author Summary Canine-mediated rabies is a horrific disease that claims tens of thousands of human lives every year, particularly in Asia and Africa. The disease can be effectively controlled through mass vaccination of dogs with high-quality vaccines; however, questions remain over the effectiveness of vaccination where the health status of free-roaming dogs may be compromised and the life expectancy and access to these dogs may be limited. This study evaluated rabies-vaccine induced immune responses and vaccine delivery in previously unvaccinated, free-roaming dog populations in two rabies endemic regions in Asia and Africa, to better understand the effectiveness of vaccination campaigns. We found that the majority of dogs seroconverted to the vaccine regardless of health status. Excellent vaccination coverage was achieved through community engagement and door-to-door vaccine delivery, even where the majority of the dogs needed to be caught by net for vaccination. However, attrition of immune individuals through demographic processes and waning immunity reinforces the importance of frequent and regular vaccination campaigns to ensure effective vaccination coverage is maintained.

A number of key questions remain unanswered in the pathogenesis of myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). As MMVD typically afflicts small-breed dogs, a genetic basis has been implied. In addition, the fact that not all dogs within a risk group develop MMVDis still unexplained. Research into the pathogenesis of MMVD typically falls under three categorical divisions, namely genetic factors, mechanical factors of the valve and systemic factors. Genetic studies have implicated certain loci in the pathogenesis of MMVD. Of particular interest is the insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 locus, as IGF-1 is also associated with growth. The mechanical structure and function of the mitral valve have also received much attention in recent years. What has emerged is the notion of a highly complex dynamic structure, which has an uneven distribution of stress and strain according to the flow of blood. Research efforts have also identified a number of systemic factors such as cytokines and signalling pathways that may contribute to the failure of the valve. Serotonin remains an area of interest in this field. Taken together, the amalgamation of research efforts in these three areas will go a long way towards resolving the understanding of this disease.Another area of focus in MMVD has been the development of clinical tests to diagnose the onset of congestive heart failure. To this end, echocardiographic indices and biochemical markers have been investigated. Echocardiographic indices such as left atrial to aortic ratio and the N-terminal of the prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) have been identified as specific risk factors to predict progression. Advanced imaging studies such as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging have enabled investigators to determine the earliest remodelling changes that occur in MMVD.

To investigate hemostatic changes in dogs envenomed by cytotoxic (African puffadder) and neurotoxic snakes (snouted cobra) using thromboelastography (TEG) and plasma-based coagulation assays.Prospective observational clinical study.University teaching hospital.Eighteen client-owned dogs; 9 envenomed by African puffadder (Bitis arietans) and 9 by snouted cobra (Naja annulifera). Ten healthy dogs served as controls.None.Blood was collected at presentation and 24 hours post envenomation. Platelet count, TEG, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), antithrombin activity, and fibrinogen (Fib) and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were measured. Outcomes were analyzed using linear mixed models at 5% significance. At presentation, R time was significantly prolonged in the puffadder group compared to the cobra (P = 0.01) and control groups (P = 0.05). Platelet count was significantly lower in the puffadder compared to the cobra (P = 0.04) and control groups (P = 0.001), respectively. Antithrombin activity was significantly decreased in the puffadder (P = 0.002) and cobra groups (P = 0.004) compared to the control group. Both prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time were significantly prolonged in the cobra group compared to the control group (P = 0.03 for both). The TEG variables, maximum amplitude (MA) and G, were significantly increased 24 hours post envenomation in the puffadder group compared to their values at presentation (P = 0.05 for both). Fib and CRP concentrations were significantly increased 24 hours post envenomation in both snake-envenomed groups.Prolonged clot initiation was a common feature in puffadder-envenomed dogs at presentation and this was likely venom induced. Snouted cobra-envenomed dogs were normo- to hypercoagulable at presentation. Dogs from both puffadder and cobra groups progressed to a more hypercoagulable by 24 hours post envenomation, most likely due to marked inflammation as indicated by the increased Fib and CRP concentrations. TEG proved a sensitive tool for detecting abnormal hemostasis in snake-envenomed dogs.

Background Spirocercosis in dogs is characterized by esophageal nodules that can undergo neoplastic transformation. Hypovitaminosis D has been associated with neoplasia formation. We hypothesized hypovitaminosis D in neoplastic spirocercosis and that it could be a risk factor for neoplastic transformation. Objective To measure and compare vitamin D status, assessed by serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations in non-neoplastic (n = 25) and neoplastic (n = 26) spirocercosis client-owned dogs and healthy dogs (n = 24). Animals Twenty-five non-neoplastic dogs, 26 neoplastic dogs, and 24 healthy dogs. Methods Fifty-one dogs were randomly selected from 119 dogs diagnosed with spirocercosis presenting to our hospital, and further divided into non-neoplastic or neoplastic groups. Exclusion criteria included dogs less than 1 year old, with concurrent diseases, received corticosteroids, or treated prophylactically for spirocercosis. Serum 25(OH)D concentration was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Spirocercosis dogs' appetites were graded and compared. Results Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were significantly different among all groups (P

To investigate the presence of myocardial injury in dogs hospitalized for snake envenomation and to examine its relationship with systemic inflammation.Prospective case-control study.University teaching hospital and small animal referral hospital.Dogs naturally envenomed by the European viper (Vipera berus; n = 24), African puff adder (Bitis arietans; n = 5), or snouted cobra (Naja annulifera; n = 9).Blood was collected from dogs envenomed by V. berus at admission, 12-24 hours postadmission, and 5-10 days postadmission. Blood was collected from dogs envenomed by B. arietans or N. annulifera at admission, and 12, 24, and 36 hours postadmission.Concentrations of cardiac troponin I (cTnI), a marker of myocardial injury, and C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of systemic inflammation, were measured in each blood sample. Evidence of myocardial injury was found in 58% of dogs envenomed by V. berus at one or more time points. A significant correlation between cTnI and CRP concentrations was found at all time points. Evidence of myocardial injury was found in 80% of dogs envenomed by B. arietans at one or more time points; however, no correlation was found between cTnI and CRP concentrations. Evidence of myocardial injury was found in 67% of dogs envenomed by N. annulifera at one or more time points. A significant correlation between cTnI and CRP concentrations was found at admission, but not at other time points.Myocardial injury frequently occurred in dogs with snake envenomation. While the degree of systemic inflammation was significantly correlated with degree of myocardial injury in V. berus envenomation at all time points, this was not the case in dogs envenomed by N. annulifera or B. arietans. This could be due to differences in the toxic substances of the snake venoms or to differences in the cytokines induced by the venom toxins.

An under-sized three-month-old female bull terrier was referred with a history of regurgitation since three days of age. Thoracic radiographs were unremarkable, while abdominal radiographs showed a distended stomach, despite a 12 hour fast. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed gastric outflow obstruction of unclear aetiology. Coeliotomy was performed, during which an excessive mucosal fold at the pyloric antrum was excised. Histopathology of the pyloric fold revealed mild oedema and fibrosis of the mucosal tissue. The dog made a complete recovery, with resolution of regurgitation and grew to within the expected breed size. In the authors' opinion, this is the first canine report of congenital antral mucosal valve resulting in gastric outflow obstruction, and only the second report in any species.

Background Babesiosis in dogs is associated with severe thrombocytopenia; yet infected dogs rarely show clinical signs of hemorrhage. Hypothesis Dogs with uncomplicated babesiosis have normal hemostatic capacity despite severe thrombocytopenia. Animals Nineteen client-owned dogs with uncomplicated babesiosis; 10 healthy controls. Methods A prospective, cross-sectional, observational study. Thromboelastography (TEG), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), fibrinogen, D-dimers, and antithrombin (AT) measured in both groups. Statistical significance set at P

The inflammatory response to infection can activate the coagulation system via complex interactions. If uncontrolled, this may lead to a consumptive coagulopathy, a major risk factor for a poor clinical outcome. This prospective observational study was conducted to determine whether consumptive coagulopathy in dogs with Babesia rossi infection is related to mortality. Seventy-two client-owned dogs diagnosed with canine babesiosis were included. Diagnosis was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction and reverse line blot and dogs co-infected with Babesia vogeli or Ehrlichia canis were excluded. Blood samples were collected at admission. Coagulation factor-, antithrombin (AT)-, and protein C (PC)-activity, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), fibrinogen and D-dimer concentrations were measured. The mortality rate was 18% (13/72 dogs) and the median activities of all the coagulation factors were significantly lower in the non-survivors compared to the survivors. Median PT and aPTT were significantly longer in the non-survivors compared to the survivors. Median AT activity was not significantly different but median PC activity was significantly decreased in the non-survivors. Median D-dimer concentrations were significantly higher in non-survivors compared to survivors. This study showed that dogs that died from B. rossi infection had a more severe consumptive coagulopathy compared to survivors, characterized by procoagulant activation, inhibitor consumption, and increased fibrinolytic activity.

Objective To determine the effects of intravenous (IV) magnesium sulphate (MgSO 4 ) as a bolus followed by a constant rate infusion (CRI) on anaesthetic requirements, neuroendocrine stress response to surgery, haemostasis and postoperative analgesia in healthy dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Study design Blinded randomized clinical trial. Animals Sixteen female dogs. Methods After intramuscular premedication with acepromazine (0.05 mg kg −1 ) and morphine (0.3 mg kg −1 ), anaesthesia was induced with diazepam (0.2 mg kg −1 ) and propofol (2 mg kg −1 ) intravenously and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen in all dogs. Dogs were randomly assigned to two groups, M and C. Group M received MgSO 4 (50 mg kg −1 over 15 minutes, followed by a 15 mg kg −1 hour −1 CRI). Group C received an equivalent bolus and CRI of lactated Ringer's solution. In addition, all dogs received lactated Ringer's solution (10 mL kg −1 over 15 minutes followed by 10 mL kg −1 hour −1 ). End-tidal isoflurane and carbon dioxide tensions, cardio-respiratory variables, arterial blood gases, electrolytes, ACTH and cortisol concentrations were measured at different time points. Thromboelastography (TEG) was performed pre- and post-anaesthesia. Postoperative pain was evaluated using the short form of the Glasgow Composite Pain Scale. Data were analysed with repeated measures anova and Mann–Whitney U tests ( p Results No statistically significant differences between groups were found in any of the measured variables. However, the alpha angle and maximal amplitude recorded by TEG in group M were significantly increased post-anaesthesia, but remained within the reference interval. One dog in Group M and two in Group C received rescue analgesia during recovery. Conclusions and clinical relevance As used in this study, MgSO 4 failed to decrease isoflurane requirements, postoperative pain and stress hormone concentrations; however, it did not produce any cardio-respiratory or major haemostatic side effects. Administration of intravenous MgSO 4 together with an opioid during ovariohysterectomy in dogs does not seem to provide any clinical advantage.

The nematode Spirocerca lupi (S. lupi) induces sarcoma in the dog oesophagus in about 25% of cases. The aim of this study was to compare the differences in the cytokine milieu between dogs with neoplastic (n=29) and non-neoplastic disease (n=49) and age- and gender-matched healthy controls (n=25). We measured IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-18, GM-CSF and MCP-1 in a specific canine multiplex immunoassay kit. Cytokine concentrations were compared between the different groups using the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn's test. Only IL-8 and IL-18 showed significant differences in their plasma concentration among the three groups. Kruskal-Wallis test revealed a significant (p=0.001) difference in IL-8 concentration between the neoplastic group (634pg/ml), the non-neoplastic (429 pg/ml) and the control groups (150 pg/ml). Post-test analysis revealed a significance difference between the two S. lupi groups and the control group (p0.01). The highest IL-18 concentration was found in the non-neoplastic group (53 pg/ml), followed by the control group (46 pg/ml) and finally the neoplastic group (33 pg/ml). IL-18 concentrations were significantly higher in the non-neoplastic group than in the neoplastic group (p=0.05). The increased IL-8 in the spirocercosis groups is consistent with the neutrophilic infiltrate in spirocercosis lesions and in those of other inflammatory-induced neoplasias such as Barret's oesophagus and Helicobacter gastritis. IL-18 showed negative regulatory effect in several worm infections and it is possible that it plays the same role in spirocercosis, allowing the worm to evade the host response and to induce neoplastic transformation.

The objective of this study was to describe the changes in plasma glucose concentration in 20 severely injured dogs suffering from dog bite wounds over a period of 72 hours from the initiation of trauma. Historical, signalment, clinical and haematological factors were investigated for their possible effect on plasma glucose concentration. Haematology was repeated every 24 hours and plasma glucose concentrations were measured at 8-hourly intervals post-trauma. On admission, 1 dog was hypoglycaemic, 8 were normoglycaemic and 11 were hyperglycaemic. No dogs showed hypoglycaemia at any other stage during the study period. The median blood glucose concentrations at each of the 10 collection points, excluding the 56-hour and 64-hour collection points, were in the hyperglycaemic range (5.8– 6.2 mmol/ ). Puppies and thin dogs had significantly higher median plasma glucose concentrations than adult and fat dogs respectively (P 0.05 for both). Fifteen dogs survived the 72-hour study period. Overall 13 dogs (81.3 %) made a full recovery after treatment. Three of 4 dogs that presented in a collapsed state died, whereas all dogs admitted as merely depressed or alert survived (P = 0.004). The high incidence of hyperglycaemia can possibly be explained by the ’diabetes of injury“ phenomenon. However, hyperglycaemia in this group of dogs was marginal and potential benefits of insulin therapy are unlikely to outweigh the risk of adverse effects such as hypoglycaemia.

Background:In South Africa, canine babesiosis typically is an acute disease in susceptible individuals and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Despite the importance of the disease, there have been no large studies that have examined the influence of breed and sex on disease susceptibility. Hypothesis:Toy breeds have a lower risk of babesiosis than working dogs. Animals:A total of 1,222 dogs diagnosed with canine babesiosis and 11,484 noninfected dogs presented to the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital’s small animal outpatient clinic between 2004 and 2010. Methods:Retrospective study. Results:Intact male, neutered male, and neutered female dogs had a significantly higher odds of being diagnosed with canine babesiosis compared to intact female dogs. Five of the 6 Toy breeds had significantly lower odds of being diagnosed with canine babesiosis than did the reference breed, Labrador Retrievers. In contrast, none of the 8 working dog breeds had significantly lower odds compared to the reference breed. Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Intact male, neutered male, and neutered female dogs were at increased risk of canine babesiosis compared to intact female dogs. Several dog breeds, notably Toy breeds, had a lower risk of babesiosis in a hospital population of dogs in South Africa. The mechanism or mechanisms by which Toy breeds are protected from developing canine babesiosis may be related to genetic background or environmental exposure and deserves further study.

This prospective, interventional, case-controlled study sought to determine the association between adrenocortical function and mortality in dogs with naturally occurring Babesia rossi babesiosis. Sixty-eight dogs with canine babesiosis were studied and fifteen normal dogs were used as controls. Blood samples were obtained from the jugular vein in each dog prior to treatment, at admission to hospital, for the measurement of basal plasma ACTH (adrenocorticotrophic hormone) and serum cortisol concentrations. Immediately thereafter, each dog was injected intravenously with 5 μg/kg of ACTH (tetracosactrin). A second blood sample was taken 1 h later for serum ACTH-stimulated cortisol measurement and the resultant calculation of delta cortisol by subtracting basal from ACTH-stimulated cortisol. Diagnosis of babesiosis was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse line blot (RLB). Three outcomes were defined: hospitalization with subsequent death (n = 4); hospitalization followed by recovery (n = 48); and treatment as an outpatient (n = 16). Basal cortisol, but not ACTH-stimulated cortisol, was significantly higher in patients compared to control dogs. Basal- and ACTH-stimulated serum cortisol concentrations were significantly higher in the dogs that died, compared to hospitalized dogs that survived and compared to dogs treated as outpatients. There was no significant difference in delta cortisol concentrations or cortisol to ACTH ratios across outcome groups in dogs suffering from B. rossi babesiosis However, dogs with delta cortisol concentrations below 83 nmol/l had significantly higher cortisol to ACTH ratios compared to dogs with delta cortisol concentrations above 83 nmol/l. These findings of increased basal- and ACTH-stimulated cortisol and increased cortisol to ACTH ratios confirm the absence of adrenal insufficiency and concur with those in human malaria.

Dog bite wounds are a common reason for dogs requiring veterinary care, but there is surprisingly little data on the bacteriology of bite wounds. A prospective study was performed on dogs with various grades of bite wound to identify the bacteria present in these wounds. Swabs were collected from all wounds for bacterial culture and cytology. All swabs were cultured aerobically and anaerobically and all aerobic cultures were evaluated for antibiotic susceptibility using the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion test. Fifty dogs with 104 bite wounds, inflicted within the previous 72h, were included. The victims were predominately intact male small breed dogs. Of the 104 wounds, 21 were judged by cytology to be infected and 83 non-infected. Infected wounds were significantly more likely to culture positive (p=0.02). Sixteen percent of wounds showed no growth. Sixteen percent grew aerobes, 1% anaerobes and 67% a mixture of aerobes and anaerobes. Pasteurella canis and pyogenic streptococci were common in infected wounds, whereas Bacillus spp., Actinomyces spp. and the oral streptococci were usually found in contaminated wounds. Three anaerobic genera were cultured, namely, Prevotella, Clostridium and Peptostreptococcus. One case represented the first isolation of Capnocytophaga canimorsus in an infected dog bite wound. Although no single antibiotic therapy was considered to be effective against all the bacteria, amoxycillin plus clavulanic acid, 1st and 3rd generation cephalosporins ampicillin or amoxycillin and potentiated sulphonamides gave the best in vitro sensitivity results.

Hypoglycemia is a common complication of virulent canine babesiosis. A study was conducted to determine the prevalence of and potential risk factors for hypoglycemia in canine babesiosis from Babesia canis rossi. Plasma glucose concentration was measured at presentation in 250 dogs with babesiosis, of which 111 were admitted to hospital. The prevalence of hypoglycemia (60 mg/dL) was 9% (23/250). Twenty-two hypoglycemic dogs required admission, making the prevalence of hypoglycemia in admitted dogs 19.8%. Sixteen dogs had severe hypoglycemia (40 mg/dL), of which 5 had glucose18 mg/dL. Hyperglycemia (100 mg/dL) was present in 38 dogs, of which 21 were admitted. Risk factors for hypoglycemia identified by univariate analysis were collapsed state (P.00001), severe anemia (P = .0002), icterus (P = .003), age6 months (P = .02), and vomiting (P = .03). After logistic regression analysis, collapsed state (odds ratio [OR] = 18; 95% CI, 1.9-171; P = .01) and young age (OR = 2.8; 95% CI, 0.8-9.7; P = .1) remained significantly associated with hypoglycemia. Toy breeds and pregnant bitches were not at higher risk for hypoglycemia than other dogs. Blood glucose concentration should ideally be measured in all dogs requiring inpatient treatment for babesiosis but is mandatory in collapsed dogs; puppies; and dogs with severe anemia, vomiting, or icterus. Many dogs have probably been misdiagnosed with cerebral babesiosis in the past, and hypoglycemia should be suspected in any dog with coma or other neurological signs.