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Objectives Anaplasma phagocytophilum is considered the most significant rickettsial pathogen affecting cats. The organism is transmitted by ticks of the species Ixodes ricinus in Central Europe and can cause granulocytic anaplasmosis in pets, wildlife and humans. The aims of this study were to assess the frequency of positive test results for A phagocytophilum in cats in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, as well as to evaluate clinical and laboratory findings in cats with positive PCR results. Methods This study included the results of direct (PCR) and indirect detection methods (immunofluorescence antibody tests [IFAT]) requested by veterinarians in Germany, Austria and Switzerland between 2008 and 2020 from the LABOKLIN laboratory (Bad Kissingen, Germany). The veterinarians treating the PCR-positive cats were contacted by telephone to enquire about their clinical signs, laboratory findings, management and outcomes. Results In total, 244/1636 cats (15%) tested positive by direct (PCR: n = 27/725 [4%]) and/or indirect detection methods (IFAT: n = 221/956 [23%]). In 18/26 cats with PCR results positive for A phagocytophilum, additional information about clinical signs, laboratory findings, treatment and outcome was obtained. Of these 18 cats, five had comorbidities independent of their infection with A phagocytophilum. The most common clinical signs in PCR-positive cats (total/without comorbidities) were lethargy (83%/92%), fever (83%/85%) and thrombocytopenia (61%/62%). Overall, more than half (57%) of the cats with and without comorbidities recovered clinically. Conclusions and relevance Infections with A phagocytophilum should be considered as differential diagnoses in cats with tick infestation, lethargy, fever and thrombocytopenia. The clinical signs and laboratory findings are consistent with published case reports in cats. Ectoparasite prophylaxis in cats is recommended throughout the entire year.

Practical relevance: Granulocytic anaplasmosis is a disease in humans and animals caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum within the family Anaplasmataceae. The pathogen is transmitted by ticks of the Ixodes species. Infections with A phagocytophilum have often been described in dogs but reports on natural infections in cats are rare. An infection with A phagocytophilum should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cats if the history reveals tick infestation and/or outdoor access in combination with the relevant clinical signs. Global importance: A phagocytophilum is also important in human medicine because of its zoonotic potential. Due to the risk of vector-borne infections for both feline and public health, cats should be protected with ectoparasiticides, especially in endemic areas. Aim: The aim of this review is to give an overview of the published data and summarise the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, clinical signs and therapy of feline granulocytic anaplasmosis. As clinical signs are vague and non-specific, this review aims to raise awareness of A phagocytophilum infection, both among clinicians, so that they consider testing potentially exposed cats, and scientists, in order to prompt further research. Evidence base: Sixteen publications describing 55 cats have been reviewed. Thirty-four cats were well diagnosed based on guidelines of the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases and blood analyses were performed to varying extents for these cats. Because of the limited number of studies and a lack of knowledge in cats, clinical signs and blood analyses are compared with available data in dogs.

Summary The canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC) is an endemic worldwide syndrome involving multiple viral and bacterial pathogens. Traditionally, Bordetella bronchiseptica (Bb), canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2), canine distemper virus (CDV), canine herpesvirus (CHV) and canine parainfluenza virus (CPiV) were considered the major causative agents. Lately, new pathogens have been implicated in the development of CIRDC, namely canine influenza virus (CIV), canine respiratory coronavirus (CRCoV), canine pneumovirus (CnPnV), Mycoplasma cynos and Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus. To better understand the role of the different pathogens in the development of CIRDC and their epidemiological relevance in Europe, prevalence data were collected from peer-reviewed publications and summarized. Evidence of exposure to Bb is frequently found in healthy and diseased dogs and client-owned dogs are as likely to be infected as kennelled dogs. Co-infections with viral pathogens are common. The findings confirm that Bb is an important cause of CIRDC in Europe. CAV-2 and CDV recovery rates from healthy and diseased dogs are low and the most likely explanation for this is control through vaccination. Seroconversion to CHV can be demonstrated following CIRDC outbreaks and CHV has been detected in the lower respiratory tract of diseased dogs. There is some evidence that CHV is not a primary cause of CIRDC, but opportunistically re-activates at the time of infection and exacerbates the disease. The currently available data suggest that CIV is, at present, neither a prevalent nor a significant pathogen in Europe. CPiV remains an important pathogen in CIRDC and facilitates co-infection with other viral and bacterial pathogens. CnPnV and CRCoV are important new elements in the aetiology of CIRDC and spread particularly well in multi-dog establishments. M. cynos is common in Europe and is more likely to occur in younger and kennelled dogs. This organism is frequently found together with other CIRDC pathogens and is significantly associated with more severe respiratory signs. S. zooepidemicus infection is not common and appears to be a particular problem in kennels. Protective immunity against respiratory diseases is rarely complete, and generally only a reduction in clinical signs and excretion of pathogen can be achieved through vaccination. However, even vaccines that only reduce and do not prevent infection carry epidemiological advantages. They reduce spread, increase herd immunity and decrease usage of antimicrobials. Recommending vaccination of dogs against pathogens of CIRDC will directly provide epidemiological advantages to the population and the individual dog.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is an important cause of morbidity in Irish Wolfhounds (IW), a breed also predisposed to neoplastic and orthopedic diseases that shorten life expectancy. The objective of this study was to investigate survival and causes of death in IW with DCM and to characterise the clinical findings of DCM over time. Data from cardiovascular examinations performed in 1591 IW, including echocardiography and electrocardiography, were retrospectively evaluated. IW with DCM on medical therapy with long term longitudinal follow-up were included in this study (n=151; 95 males, 56 females). Based on their clinical status at initial diagnosis, IW were classified into one of three groups: preclinical DCM with sinus rhythm (PC-DCM-SR, n=35), preclinical DCM with atrial fibrillation (PC-DCM-AF, n=87), and congestive heart failure with DCM and AF (CHF-DCM-AF, n=29). Survival data were analyzed using cumulative incidence functions, Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression. CHF was predominantly characterized by chylous pleural and mild pericardial effusions. Causes of death were cardiac (CD) in 73/151 and non-cardiac (non-CD) in 62/151; 16 dogs remained alive at study end. The majority of deaths in both preclinical DCM groups were non-CD (PC-DCM-AF=51.9% non-CD, 48.1% CD; PC-DCM-SR, 65.5% non-CD, 34.5% CD). In the CHF-DCM-AF group most dogs (89.6%) experienced a CD. Median survival of the CHF-DCM-AF group (7.3 months) was significantly shorter than in the PC-DCM-AF group (21.9 months) or PC-DCM-SR group (29.1 months, P=0.001). CHF-DCM-AF in IW was associated with reduced life expectancy and CD, while most IW with preclinical DCM died from non-cardiac causes.

Objectives To describe the clinical signs, laboratory results, therapy and course of disease in dogs with canine granulocytic anaplasmosis in which co-infections had been excluded. Methods Medical records of dogs naturally infected with Anaplasma phagocytophilum were retrospectively evaluated with regard to clinical signs and laboratory abnormalities at the time of presentation, therapy and course of disease. Results Nine hundred and seventy-four dogs with clinical signs suspicious for canine granulocytic anaplasmosis were tested for A. phagocytophilum DNA by modified real-time PCR; 72 dogs had a positive result. Nine of the positive dogs were excluded from further evaluation due to other diseases or lack of data. The most common clinical signs in the 63 A. phagocytophilum-positive dogs included in the study were lethargy and reduced activity (83%), fever (67%) and inappetence (63%). Thrombocytopenia was the most common laboratory abnormality (86%), followed by increased liver enzyme activities and hyperbilirubinaemia (77%), anaemia (70%), hypoalbuminaemia (62%) and leucocytosis (27%). Of 36 thrombocytopenic dogs tested for platelet-bound antibodies, 44% were positive. Of the 63 infected dogs, 59 (97%) recovered, two dogs died (epileptic seizures and immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia) and two were lost to follow-up. Clinical significance In areas where it is endemic, canine granulocytic anaplasmosis should be considered as a potential cause of acute nonspecific clinical signs or immune-mediated disease if tick exposure cannot be excluded.

Objective To report clinical, laboratory and diagnostic imaging features and prognostic factors in dogs with leptospirosis from North-East Germany. Materials and Methods Medical records of dogs diagnosed with leptospirosis from 2006 to 2013 were evaluated retrospectively. Results The study included 99 dogs. At initial presentation, the most common clinical signs were lethargy (96%), anorexia (88%), vomiting (85%), painful abdomen (39%), diarrhoea (38%), oliguria (27%) and tachypnoea (26%). Abnormal laboratory findings included anaemia (63%), thrombocytopenia (63%), leucocytosis (57%), increase of plasma urea (84%) and creatinine concentrations (81%), increased liver enzyme activities (80%), hyperbilirubinaemia (69%), hyperphosphataemia (67%), hyponatraemia (64%), hypoalbuminaemia (55%) and hypokalaemia (29%). Radiological pulmonary changes were detected in 57% of the dogs initially or during the course of disease. Severe dyspnoea, oliguria, azotaemia, hyperbilirubinaemia and severe radiological pulmonary changes were more often found in dogs that did not survive. There was renal, hepatic and pulmonary involvement in 95, 92 and 58% of the dogs, respectively, and multi-organ lesions in 98 dogs (98%); 32 dogs died or were euthanased. Conclusion Several clinical and laboratory abnormalities were associated with a negative outcome; severe lung involvement was specifically associated with high mortality.

Background Chronic diarrhea (CD) is common in dogs, and information on frequency and distribution of primary and secondary causes is lacking. Objectives To evaluate underlying causes and predictors of outcome in dogs with CD. Animals One hundred and thirty-six client-owned dogs with CD (≥3 weeks duration). Methods Retrospective review of medical records (Small Animal Clinic, Freie Universitat Berlin, Germany, 09/2009-07/2011). Quantification of final diagnoses and comparison of clinical aspects including disease severity and clinicopathological abnormalities among dogs with clinical remission (either complete [gastrointestinal signs absent] or partial [clinical improvement of gastrointestinal signs and reduced episodes with shortened duration]), and those without recovery. Results Ninety percent of dogs were diagnosed with a primary enteropathy: inflammatory (71%; of those 66% dietary responsive, 23% idiopathic, 11% antibiotic responsive), infectious (13%), neoplastic (4%), and in one dog each mechanical disease or systemic vasculitis. Secondary causes were diagnosed in 10% of dogs: exocrine pancreatic (6%), endocrine (2%), and in one dog each hepatic, renal, and cardiac disease. In total, 87% of dogs had clinical remission, whereas 13% died or did not respond to treatment: Lack of recovery was frequently recorded for dogs with primary inflammatory (idiopathic) or neoplastic disease and was significantly associated with increased disease severity scores (P = .005), anemia (hematocrit < 40%, P < .001), severe hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin

A 2-year-old, 12 kg, intact male crossbreed dog was presented with respiratory distress, exercise intolerance, and gagging. Plain thoracic radiographs revealed severe pleural effusion. Although bilateral needle thoracocentesis and chest tube placement were performed, no re-expansion of the lung lobes occurred. Pleural effusion was of chylous quality and led to lung entrapment. Computer tomography revealed a highly atrophic and atelectatic right middle lung lobe. The remaining lung lobes were only expanded to ~40%. Visceral pleura and pericardium showed a heterogeneous thickening consistent with pleural fibrosis. Partial pericardiectomy with resection of the middle lung lobe through a right lateral thoracotomy was performed. Ligation of the thoracic duct and ablation of the cisterna chyli was achieved through a single paracostal approach. Histopathology revealed chronic-active proliferative beginning granulomatous pleuritis, fibrotic pericarditis, and partial coagulative necrosis with incomplete granulomatous sequestration in the resected middle lung lobe. Chylothorax resolved after surgical intervention. Active pleural effusion resolved, and lung entrapment changed to trapped lung disease. The remaining lung lobes re-expanded to ~80% over the following 6 days. The dog was discharged 10 days later. Mild to moderate pleural effusion of non-chylic quality was present during the following 4 months. Meloxicam was administered for 4 months because of its anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Fifteen months later, thoracic radiographs revealed full radiologic expansion of the lungs with persistent mild pleural fibrosis. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case report of pneumothorax due pleural fibrosis caused by chylothorax in a dog with an excellent clinical outcome.

Background: Dogs with hypoadrenocorticism (HA) frequently show gastrointestinal signs of gastrointestinal disease (SGD). The prevalence of dogs presented for chronic SGD with HA is unknown. Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of HA in dogs with chronic SGD and to identify clinical and laboratory variables for HA in this population. Animals: 151 dogs with chronic SGD Methods: In this multi-centered prevalence study a standardized work-up was performed in prospectively enrolled dogs. Basal serum cortisol concentration was measured in every dog with SGD >3 weeks, followed by an ACTH stimulation test (ACTHST) if basal serum cortisol concentration was

Blepharitis is a common finding in many dogs with various skin diseases.To establish a definition for canine blepharitis versus periocular dermatitis (POD), to evaluate the clinical findings and underlying skin diseases of blepharitis, and to document the effects of blepharitis on tear production in dogs.One hundred and two privately owned dogs with clinical signs of blepharitis and a definitive diagnosis of skin disease.Prospective evaluation of clinical signs and underlying diseases in dogs with blepharitis alone compared to dogs with blepharitis and POD.Brachycephalic dogs were significantly more likely to present with blepharitis than other breeds. Twenty five dogs had blepharitis alone [three dogs (2.9%) without and 22 dogs (21.5%) with cutaneous lesion beyond the periocular skin]. Seventy one of 102 (69%) presented with POD in addition to blepharitis. In six cases a differentiation between blepharitis and POD was not possible. Typical lesions included alopecia/hypotrichosis (97%), erythema (93%), eyelid oedema (50%) and crusts (39.2%). Allergic skin disease (52%) was the most common underlying cause of blepharitis, followed by infectious/parasitic diseases (21.5%), autoimmune disorders (17.7%) and neoplasia (4.9%). Four dogs could not be allocated to any of these disease groups. A diagnosis of parasitism was always accompanied by POD. Reduced tear production was detected in ten of the 53 dogs tested (18.8%).Blepharitis occurring in the absence of other skin lesions is rare. The most common underlying cause of blepharitis is allergic dermatitis. Measurement of tear production should be recommended in all cases of blepharitis.La blépharite est fréquente chez de nombreux chiens présentant des dermatoses.Déterminer une définition de la blépharite canine versus la dermatite périoculaire (POD), évaluer les données clinique et les dermatoses sous jacentes des blépharites et de documenter les effets de la blépharite sur la production de larmes chez le chien.Cent deux chiens de propriétaires avec e signes cliniques de blépharite et un diagnostic définitif de dermatose. MATÉRIEL ET MÉTHODE: Une évaluation prospective des signes cliniques et des dermatoses sous jacentes chez les chiens avec une blépharite seule comparé aux chiens avec blépharite et POD. RÉSULTATS: Les chiens brachycéphales est significativement plus représentés que les autres races pour la blépharite. Vingt cinq chiens avaient une blépharite seule [trois chiens (2.9%) sans et 22 chiens (21.5%) avec des lésions cutanées dont la peau périoculaire]. soixante et onze sur 102 (69%) présentaient une POD en plus de la blépharite. Dans six cas une différentiation entre la blépharite et la POD n’était pas possible. Les lésions typiques incluaient alopécie/hypothrichose (97%), érythème (93%), œdème des paupières (50%) et croutes (39,2%). La dermatose allergique (52%) était la cause sous jacente la plus fréquente de la blépharite, suivie des dermatoses parasitaires/infectieuses (21,5%), les troubles auto-immuns (17,7%) et néoplasie (4,9%). Quatre chiens n'ont pas pu être alloué à un de ces groupes. Un diagnostic de parasitisme a toujours est accompagné de POD. Une diminution e la production des larmes a été détectée pour dix des 53 chiens testés (18,8%).La blépharite sans autre lésions cutanée est rare. La cause sousjacente la plu fréquente de blépharite est la dermatite allergique. La mesure de la production de larme devrait être recommandée dans tous les cas de blépharite.INTRODUCCIÓN: la blefaritis es un hallazgo común en muchos perros con diversas enfermedades de la piel. OBJETIVOS: establecer una definición de blefaritis canina frente a dermatitis periocular (POD), evaluar los hallazgos clínicos y las enfermedades subyacentes de la blefaritis y documentar los efectos de la blefaritis en la producción de lágrimas en perros. ANIMALES: Ciento dos perros de propietarios particulares con signos clínicos de blefaritis y un diagnóstico definitivo de enfermedad de la piel. MÉTODOS Y MATERIALES: EVALUACIÓN PROSPECTIVA DE SIGNOS CLÍNICOS Y ENFERMEDADES SUBYACENTES EN PERROS CON: blefaritis sola en comparación con perros con blefaritis y POD. RESULTADOS: los perros braquicefálicos fueron significativamente más propensos a presentar blefaritis que otras razas. Veinticinco perros tenían blefaritis sola [tres perros (2,9%) sin y 22 perros (21,5%) con lesión cutánea más allá de la piel periocular]. Setenta y uno de 102 (69%) presentó POD además de blefaritis. En seis casos no fue posible una diferenciación entre blefaritis y POD. Las lesiones típicas incluyeron alopecia/hipotricosis (97%), eritema (93%), edema del párpado (50%) y costras (39,2%). La enfermedad alérgica de la piel (52%) fue la causa subyacente más común de la blefaritis, seguida de enfermedades infecciosas/parasitarias (21,5%), los trastornos autoinmunes (17,7%) y la neoplasia (4,9%). Cuatro perros no pudieron ser asignados a ninguno de estos grupos de enfermedades. Un diagnóstico de parasitismo siempre estuvo acompañado de POD. Se detectó una reducción en la producción de lágrimas en diez de los 53 perros analizados (18,8%). CONCLUSIÓN: la blefaritis que ocurre en ausencia de otras lesiones cutáneas es rara. La causa subyacente más común de blefaritis es una dermatitis alérgica. La medición de la producción de lágrimas debe recomendarse en todos los casos de blefaritis.Eine Blepharitis tritt häufig bei vielen Hunden mit verschiedenen Hauterkrankungen auf.Eine Definition für die Blepharitis des Hundes zu erstellen im Kontrast zu einer periokulären Dermatitis (POD), eine Evaluierung der klinischen Befunde und der zugrundeliegenden Hauterkrankungen einer Blepahritis, und eine Dokumentation der Auswirkungen einer Blepharitis auf die Tränenproduktion bei Hunden.Einhundertzwei Hunde in Privatbesitz mit klinischen Anzeichen einer Blepharitis und einer definitiven Diagnose einer Hauterkrankung.Eine prospektive Evaluierung der klinischen Zeichen und der zugrundeliegenden Erkrankungen bei Hunden mit einer Blepharitis alleine im Vergleich zu Hunden mit Blepharitis und POD.Brachycephale Hunde wurden signifikant häufiger mit einer Blepharitis präsentiert als andere Rassen. Fünfundzwanzig Hunde zeigten nur eine Blepharitis [drei Hunde (2,9%) ohne und 22 Hunde(21,5%) mit Hautveränderungen über die periokuläre Haut hinaus]. Einundsiebzig von 102 (69%) wurden mit POD zusätzlich zur Blepharitis präsentiert. Bei sechs Fällen war eine Unterscheidung zwischen Blepharitis und POD nicht möglich. Typische Veränderungen waren Alopezie/Hypotrichose (97%), Erythem (93%), Ödem des Augenlids (50%) und Krusten (39,2%). Eine allergische Hauterkrankung war die häufigste Ursache für eine Blepharitis, gefolgt von infektiösen/parasitären Erkrankungen (21,5%), Autoimmunerkrankungen (17,7%) und Neoplasie (4,9%). Vier Hunde konnten keiner dieser Krankheitsgruppen zugeordnet werden. Die Diagnose eines Parasitenbefalls war immer von einer POD begleitet. Eine reduzierte Tränenproduktion wurde in zehn von den 53 getesteten Hunden festgestellt (18,8%).Das Auftreten einer Blepharitis in Abwesenheit anderer Hautveränderungen ist selten. Die häufigste zugrundeliegende Ursache für eine Blepharitis ist eine allergische Dermatitis. Eine Messung der Tränenproduktion sollte in allen Fällen von Blepharitis empfohlen werden.背景: 睑缘炎在许多患有各种皮肤病的犬身上常见。 目的: 建立犬睑缘炎与眼周皮炎(POD)的定义,评估睑缘炎的临床发现和潜在皮肤病,并记录睑缘炎对犬眼泪量的影响。 动物: 一百二十只有睑缘炎临床症状和明确皮肤病诊断的私家犬,。 方法和材料: 对患有睑缘炎,与同时患有睑缘炎和POD犬的临床症状和潜在疾病进行前瞻性评估。 结果: 短头犬比其他品种更容易出现睑缘炎。仅有25只犬患有睑缘炎[三只犬(2.9%)没有,22只犬(21.5%)有眼周皮肤以外的皮肤病变]。 102例中有71例(69%)除睑缘炎外还有POD。有6例无法区别睑缘炎和POD。典型病变包括脱毛/ 少毛(97%)、红斑(93%)、眼睑水肿(50%)和结痂(39.2%)。过敏性皮肤病(52%)是睑缘炎最常见的根本原因,其次是传染病/寄生虫病(21.5%)、自身免疫性疾病(17.7%)和肿瘤(4.9%)。四只犬无任何疾病。寄生虫的诊断总是伴随着POD。在测试的53只犬中有10只检测到泪液量减少(18.8%)。 结论: 睑缘炎在没有其他皮肤病变时单独出现是罕见的。睑缘炎最常见的潜在原因是过敏性皮炎。在所有睑缘炎病例中都建议测泪液量。.背景: 眼瞼炎は、さまざまな皮膚疾患を持つ多くの犬において一般的な所見である。 目的: 本研究の目的は、犬の眼瞼炎および眼周囲炎(POD)の定義を確立し、眼瞼炎の臨床所見と根底にある皮膚疾患を評価し、犬の涙液産生に対する眼瞼炎の影響を詳細に記録することである。 被検動物: 眼瞼炎の臨床症状および皮膚疾患の確定診断を受けた飼育犬122頭。 材料と方法: 眼瞼炎およびPODを有する犬と比較した、眼瞼炎のみを有する犬の臨床的徴候と基礎疾患の前向き評価。 結果: 短頭種は、他の犬種よりも眼瞼炎を呈する可能性が有意に高かった。 25頭の犬が眼瞼炎のみを患っていた[眼周囲の皮膚を越えて皮膚病変を有する犬22頭(21.5%)と3頭有していない犬(2.9%)]。眼瞼炎に加えてPODを呈した犬は102頭中71頭(69%)であった。 6頭で眼瞼炎とPODの鑑別は不可能であった。典型的な病変には、脱毛症/貧毛症(97%)、紅斑(93%)、まぶた浮腫(50%)および痂皮(39.2%)が含まれていた。アレルギー性皮膚疾患(52%)が眼瞼炎の最も一般的な根本的原因であり、続いて感染症/寄生虫症(21.5%)、自己免疫疾患(17.7%)および腫瘍(4.9%)が続いた。 4頭の犬をこれらの病気のグループに割り当てることはできなかった。寄生虫症の診断は常にPODを伴っていた。試験した53頭の犬のうち10頭(18.8%)において涙液産生の減少が検出された。 結論: 他の皮膚病変がない場合に起こる眼瞼炎はまれである。眼瞼炎の最も一般的な根本的な原因は、アレルギー性皮膚炎である。すべて眼瞼炎の症例に涙の産生量を測定することを推奨すべきである。.Blefarite é um achado comum em muitos cães com diversas doenças de pele.Estabelecer uma definição para blefarite canina versus dermatite periocular (POD), avaliar os achados clínicos e as doenças de pele primárias de blefarite, e documentar os efeitos da blefarite na produção de lágrima.Cento e dois cães de proprietários com sinais clínicos de blefarite e com diagnóstico definitivo de doença de pele. MÉTODOS E MATERIAIS: Avaliação prospectiva dos sinais clínicos e doenças primárias em cães com somente com blefarite comparado a cães com blefarite e POD.Os cães braquicefálicos foram significativamente mais predispostos a apresentar blefarite que outras raças. Vinte e cinco cães tiveram somente blefarite [três cães (2,9%) sem e 22 cães (21,5%) com lesões cutâneas além da pele periocular]. Setenta e um de 102 (69%) apresentaram POD concomitantemente à blefarite. Em seis casos não foi possível a diferenciação entre blefarite e POD. As lesões típicas incluíram alopecia/hipotricose (97%), eritema (93%), edema palpebral (50%) e crostas (39,2%). As alergopatias (52%) foram as causas primárias mais comuns de blefarite, seguido por doenças infecciosas e parasitárias (21,5%), doenças autoimunes (17,7%) e neoplasia (4,9%). Quatro cães não puderam ser agrupados em nenhum destes grupos de doenças. Um diagnóstico de parasitismo foi acompanhado de POD. Redução da produção de lágrimas foi detectada em dez dos 53 cães testados (18,8%). CONCLUSÕES: A ocorrência de blefarite na ausência de outras lesões cutâneas é rara. As doenças primárias de blefarite mais comuns foram as alergopatias. A mensuração da produção de lágrimas deve ser recomendada em todos os casos de blefarite.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-30T21:05:45Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-01-01 Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior Dogs are the main reservoir of Leishmania infantum and in some countries have been regularly culled as part of government policy to control visceral leishmaniasis. At the 13th Symposium of the Companion Vector-Borne Diseases World Forum in Windsor, UK, March 19-22, 2018, we consolidated a consensus statement regarding the usefulness of dog culling as a means of controlling visceral leishmaniasis. The statement highlighted the futility of culling infected dogs, whether healthy or sick, as a measure to control the domestic reservoir of L. infantum and reduce the risk for visceral leishmaniasis. Aggeu Magalhães Institute Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz) Universidad Complutense de Madrid Hebrew University of Jerusalem Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire North Carolina State University Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD) Murdoch University Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona Utrecht University Goethe-University Freie Universität Berlin Colorado State University Oklahoma State University Clinglobal Universidade NOVA de Lisboa São Paulo State University LABOKLIN GmbH University of Naples Federico II University of Messina University of Pretoria University of Guelph Universität Leipzig Chonnam National University Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München University of Bristol University of Melbourne Mount Veterinary Practice Cornell University Istituto Superiore di Sanità University of Bari Aldo Moro São Paulo State University CNPq: 313118/2018-3 Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior: IF/01302/2015

A 5-year old hunting dog was presented with reduced appetite, weight loss and polyuria/polydipsia. Hematology and clinical chemistry revealed anemia, leukocytosis, increased liver enzymes, hypoalbuminemia and hypercalcemia. The cytological, pathohistological and microbiological examination identified a disseminated infection with the saprophytic mould fungus Paecilomyces variotii in the biopsies of the spleen and a lymph node. Determination of vitamin D metabolites confirmed a calcitriol induced hypercalcemia. Ein 5-jähriger Jagdhund wurde wegen verminderter Futteraufnahme, Gewichtsverlust und Polyurie/Polydipsie vorgestellt. In der hämatologischen und klinisch-chemischen Blutuntersuchung wurde neben einer Anämie und Leukozytose eine Erhöhung der Leberenzyme, Hypoalbuminämie und Hyperkalzämie festgestellt. Durch zytologische, pathohistologische und mikrobiologische Untersuchungen von Biopsien aus Milz und Lymphknoten konnte eine systemische Schimmelpilzinfektion mit Paecilomyces variotii nachgewiesen werden. Die Bestimmung der Vitamin-D-Metabolite bestätigte das Vorliegen einer Hyperkalzämie infolge einer Erhöhung der Calcitriolkonzentration.

Leptospiral pulmonary haemorrhage syndrome (LPHS) is a severe form of leptospirosis. Pathogenic mechanisms are poorly understood. Lung tissues from 26 dogs with LPHS, 5 dogs with pulmonary haemorrhage due to other causes and 6 healthy lungs were labelled for IgG (n=26), IgM (n=25) and leptospiral antigens (n=26). Three general staining patterns for IgG/IgM were observed in lungs of dogs with LPHS with most tissues showing more than one staining pattern: (1) alveolar septal wall staining, (2) staining favouring alveolar surfaces and (3) staining of intra-alveolar fluid. Healthy control lung showed no staining, whereas haemorrhagic lung from dogs not infected with Leptospira showed staining of intra-alveolar fluid and occasionally alveolar septa. Leptospiral antigens were not detected. We conclude that deposition of IgG/IgM is demonstrable in the majority of canine lungs with naturally occurring LPHS, similar to what has been described in other species. Our findings suggest involvement of the host humoral immunity in the pathogenesis of LPHS and provide further evidence to support the dog as a natural disease model for human LPHS.

Ticks transmit various important pathogens to humans and animals, and dogs are frequently exposed to tick infestation. The objective of this study was to examine tick infestation and the characteristics of tick prophylaxis of dogs in the Berlin/Brandenburg area. A total of 441 dogs (392 owners) was examined from March 2010 to April 2011. The dog owners participated in the study for a period of 1-13 months (10.33±2.85; median 11.00). The prevalences of a total of 1728 ticks collected from 251 (57%) of these dogs were: 46.0% Ixodes ricinus, 45.1% Dermacentor reticulatus, 8.8% Ixodes hexagonus, and 0.1% Rhipicephalus sanguineus. The ticks were 75.2% adult females and 24.4% adult males, and 0.4% were nymphs. The average prevalence of apparent infestation of tick-positive dogs was 0.78 ticks/month (median 0.38). Tick infestation was highest in October (5.9±5.8 ticks/dog) and lowest in December (1±0 tick/dog). The highest frequency of infestation was observed during May (117 dogs). The number of ticks found on dogs by owners on a single day varied from one to 70 (median 1). The scutal index indicated that more than 60% of I. ricinus and more than 40% of D. reticulatus had been removed after they had fed for more than 2 days. The heads, necks, chests, and limbs of the dogs were the most common attachment sites. Data for tick prophylaxis with substances licensed for dogs by the Medicinal Products Act (MPA) were available for 124 dogs; a total of 1195 ticks was obtained from these dogs. About two-thirds of the ticks were collected from dogs that were treated incorrectly (n=96) or were not treated (n=60). One third of the ticks were collected from dogs (n=96) that had been treated correctly. Dog-specific characteristics such as length of coat (p=0.011) and body size (p=0.040) played significant roles in tick infestation.

Hypernatremia due to different pathophysiological mechanisms results in a rise in plasma osmolality. Dependent on its severity and on the speed of its development hyperosmolality can be life-threatening. This article describes 2 dogs and 1 cat with central nervous system disorders (adenoma of the pituitary gland, cerebral trauma). All patients developed normovolemic hypernatremia due to pituitary gland and hypothalamus dysfunction, respectively. Plasma sodium concentrations ranged from 163 to 185 mmol/l. Neurological examinations revealed lethargy, disturbances of consciousness, and ataxia, respectively. The dogs had to be euthanased due to the grave prognosis, the cat with cerebral trauma survived.

In humans, detection of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) using nucleic acid-based methods such as reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) has proven to be of prognostic relevance. However, similar procedures are still lacking in veterinary oncology. To assess the correlation of CTC markers with the metastatic potential of canine mammary tumours, 120 peripheral blood samples from bitches with mammary carcinomas with (group 1) and without (group 2) histological evidence of vascular invasion and/or presence of lymph node metastases and mammary adenomas (group 3) were analyzed. Blood samples were collected in EDTA tubes and RNA was extracted within 48 h. Subsequently, the samples were tested by RT-PCR for a panel of seven CTC mRNA markers. CRYAB was the most sensitive single marker with a sensitivity of 35% and also the most specific marker with a specificity of 100% to detect group 1 blood samples. A multimarker assay combining four genes enhanced the sensitivity up to 77.5%, but decreased the specificity to 80%. CRYAB appeared to be highly specific but only moderately sensitive at detecting blood samples from dogs with metastatic tumours and detection significantly correlated with vascular invasion of primary mammary tumours. However, a multimarker assay of four genes significantly enhanced the sensitivity of the assay and is therefore preferable for CTC detection.

Canine ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis are important tick-borne diseases with a worldwide distribution. Information has been continuously collected on these infections in Europe, and publications have increased in recent years. Prevalence rates are high for Ehrlichia and Anaplasma spp. infections in dogs from different European countries. The goal of this article was to provide a practical guideline for veterinary practitioners on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis in dogs from Europe. This guideline is intended to answer the most common questions on these diseases from a practical point of view.

Dirofilaria repens is endemic in eastern and southern European regions but was recently found in Germany in dogs, mosquitoes and one human patient. Since some of the positive dog and mosquito samples were collected in Brandenburg, it was aimed to systematically assess the prevalence of D. repens and other canine vector-borne pathogens in Brandenburg. Dog owners also received a questionnaire and were asked to provide more information about the dogs including travel history. In total, 1023 dog blood samples as well as 195 fox spleen and 179 fox blood samples were collected. DNA was analysed by PCR for the presence of filariae, piroplasms, anaplasmataceae and Rickettsia spp. Filariae were detected in six dogs (0.6%), two were positive for DNA from D. repens , two from Dirofilaria immitis and two from Acanthocheilonema reconditum . One of the D. repens positive dogs originated from an animal shelter in Brandenburg, but the origin of the other one remained unknown. Interestingly, both D. repens ITS-1 sequences showed 100% identity to a D. repens sample obtained from a Japanese woman that travelled in Europe and were 97% identical to a newly proposed species Dirofilaria sp. ‘hongkongensis’ described from Hong Kong. However, identity to other D. repens sequences from Thailand was considerably lower (81%). Identity of 12S rRNA and cytochrome oxidase I to D. repens samples from southern Europe was 99%. Due to the low number of Dirofilaria spp. positive dogs and since the origin of these was unknown, endemic occurrence of Dirofilaria in Brandenburg could not be confirmed. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was found in 15 dogs (1.5%), Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis in three dogs (0.3%) and E. canis in one dog (0.1%), which was co-infected with D. repens . Rickettsia spp. were detected in 8 dogs (0.8%), seven were Rickettsia raoultii and one was Rickettsia felis . To the author’s knowledge, R. raoultii DNA was detected for the first time in dogs in Germany in this study and Candidatus N. mikurensis for the second time. In spleen samples of red foxes with 47.5% a high prevalence of piroplasms was found. Sequencing of 11 samples identified 10 as Theileria annae . Despite the high prevalence of this pathogen in its reservoir host, it was absent in dog samples. In one dog (0.1%), Babesia canis was detected but there was no further information about the dog’s origin. Evaluation of the questionnaire identified a high proportion of dogs (74.2%, n = 233) which was not protected by ectoparasiticides. Moreover, 21.2% (n = 236) of the dogs originated from inland or abroad shelters, and therefore might potentially come from areas endemic for dirofilariosis or babesiosis.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylocoocus aureus (MRSA) harboring mecA(LGA251) has been isolated from humans and ruminants. Database screening identified this MRSA variant in cats, dogs, and a guinea pig in Germany during 2008-2011. The novel MRSA variant is not restricted to ruminants or humans, and contact with companion animals might pose a zoonotic risk.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). The standard method of detection of ketone bodies is the dipstick method, which detects semiquantitatively acetoacetate, but not β-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB). The objectives of the current study were to assess the diagnostic utility of β-HB to diagnose diabetic ketosis (DK) and DKA in cats and to establish a cut-off value for the diagnosis of DKA. Sixty-two cats were included in the study. Eleven cats were healthy (group 1); in the remainder of cats (51), a diagnosis of DM was based on hyperglycemia, glucosuria, and increased fructosamine concentrations. Nineteen of 51 cats suffered from nonketotic diabetes mellitus (group 2). In 11 cats, plasma ketone bodies were detected with the dipstick method (diabetic ketosis, group 3). In 21 cats, plasma ketone bodies and metabolic acidosis were present (DKA, group 4). Plasma β-HB was measured in all cats by an enzymatic method (spectrophotometry). A cut-off value for the diagnosis of DKA was calculated based on the receiver operating characteristic curve. In healthy cats, the β-HB concentration ranged from 0 to 0.1 mmol/l; in cats of group 2, from 0 to 0.9 mmol/l (median: 0.1 mmol/l); in cats of group 3, from 0.6 to 6.8 mmol/l (median: 1.7 mmol/l); and in cats of group 4, from 3.8 to 12.2 mmol/l (median: 7.9 mmol/l). A cut-off value of 2.4 mmol/l revealed 100% sensitivity and 87% specificity to diagnose DKA. Beta-hydroxybutyrate is a useful parameter for the diagnosis of diabetic ketosis and DKA in cats.

The main objectives of this prospective study were to establish prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum infections in dogs from Northeast Germany; and to evaluate the hematological parameters of sero- or real-time PCR-positive clinically healthy dogs. The mean prevalence of A. phagocytophilum seropositivity of 522 dogs (258 suspected to have anaplasmosis, 264 healthy) was 43%. There was no difference between sick (46.9%) and healthy dogs (39.8%) (p=0.100). The PCR test was positive in 30 dogs (20 sick, 10 healthy); morulae were found in 12 of them. Twenty-six of 30 dogs tested PCR-positive between May and September (p

BACKGROUND: Leptospirosis in dogs is a multiorgan disease affecting mostly kidneys and liver. OBJECTIVES: The objective was to characterize prevalence, clinical, and radiological features and outcome of dogs with leptospirosis and pulmonary abnormalities. ANIMALS: Fifty dogs with leptospirosis. METHODS: Medical records of dogs diagnosed with leptospirosis at the Small Animal Clinic, Berlin, were reviewed. Diagnosis was based on microscopic agglutination test, blood or urine polymerase chain reaction, and histopathology. Based on clinical and/or radiological signs, patients were grouped into dogs with lung abnormalities (group 1) or without (group 2). Severity of respiratory distress was scored as mild to moderate (grade 1) or severe (grade 2). Thoracic radiographs were scored based on pulmonary changes and location as grade 1 (caudal interstitial pattern), 2 (generalized mild to moderate reticulonodular interstitial pattern), or 3 (generalized severe reticulonodular interstitial pattern with patchy alveolar consolidations). Results of CBC and biochemistry were compared between groups. RESULTS: Thirty-five dogs had radiological pulmonary changes (grade 1: 5; grade 2: 14; grade 3: 16); 31 of them had pulmonary distress (grade 1: 13, grade 2: 18). Sixty-seven percent of the dogs with dyspnea grade 2 were mainly euthanized because of respiratory distress. Fifteen percent of the dogs with dyspnea grade 1 and 21% without clinical respiratory signs were euthanized because of acute renal failure or sepsis. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: In 70% of dogs with leptospirosis pulmonary changes were detected. Lung involvement represented a severe complication causing increased case fatality depending on the severity of respiratory distress

BACKGROUND Canine primary immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is associated with a high-mortality rate. C-reactive protein (CRP) is the most important acute-phase protein in dogs and may have value as a marker of prognosis or response to treatment in IMHA. OBJECTIVE The objectives of this study were to evaluate serum CRP concentration in dogs with primary IMHA at presentation and during treatment, to assess potential differences based on survival time, and to compare CRP with other laboratory parameters of inflammation and prognosis. METHODS Inclusion criteria for primary IMHA were anemia (PCV

Background: Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the causative agent of canine granulocytic anaplasmosis (CGA), is a Gram-negative intracellular organism transmitted by ixodid ticks. Thus far, only a few clinical studies evaluating dogs with CGA have been published. Objectives: Evaluation of dogs naturally infected with A. phagocytophilum in which known co-infections were excluded. Animals: Eighteen dogs with CGA. Methods: Prospective study. The diagnosis of CGA was based on a positive PCR test result; dogs with co-infections were excluded. History, clinical findings, CBC, clinical biochemistry, infectious disease screening, diagnostic imaging, and the course of disease were evaluated. Results: CGA was diagnosed based on a positive PCR test for A. phagocytophilum; 10 dogs also had morulae in neutrophils. Six of 18 dogs were seronegative to A. phagocytophilum, the others were seropositive. All dogs were acutely ill. The most common clinical findings were lethargy, inappetence, fever, and splenomegaly. Abnormal laboratory results included thrombocytopenia, anemia, lymphopenia, hypoalbuminemia, and abnormally high plasma alkaline phosphatase activity. In 6 of 10 dogs tested, the platelet-bound antibody test was positive; Coombs' test was negative in 9 dogs. All dogs were treated with doxycycline and recovered. PCR testing as well as blood smear analysis for morulae were negative in 14 tested dogs 2–8 weeks after beginning treatment. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Clinical findings in dogs with CGA were nonspecific. Positive platelet-bound antibody test results suggest immune-mediated platelet destruction as an important pathogenic mechanism. With correct diagnosis and treatment, prognosis is good.

Lyme borreliosis is currently the most frequent tick-transmitted zoonosis in the northern hemisphere. Germany and other European countries are regarded as highly endemic areas; therefore the burden of disease and consequently the costs for the health systems are considered to be high. This report summarises the results of an interdisciplinary workshop on Lyme borreliosis which aimed to identify research deficits and to prioritise areas which need to be addressed. Research needs have been recognised for different areas: diagnosis, epidemiology, immunology, clinics, ecology and health services research. Examples of research areas which have priority are the standardisation of diagnostic tests, the development of markers to detect an active infection, the improvement of the epidemiological database and the analysis of the burden of disease.

The objective of this retrospective study was the evaluation of the administration of a haemoglobin (Hb)-based oxygen carrying solution (Oxyglobin®) to cats over a time period of 4 years. Indication, infusion volume/24 h, number of Oxyglobin® infusions/cat, Hb concentration pre- and post-infusion, adverse events, and patient outcome were evaluated. Forty-eight anaemic cats received 65 Oxyglobin® infusions. Prior to administration of Oxyglobin®, Hb concentration ranged from 2 to 7.8 g/dl (median 4.9 g/dl), the volume of Oxyglobin® administered was 4.4–25 ml/kg/24 h (median 9.8 ml/kg/24 h). An increase of Hb was noted after 41 of 49 infusion events. Severe side effects were noted in seven cats with cardiac disease, which developed pulmonary oedema (five), pleural effusion (three), and respiratory distress (one). They received 6.7–19.8 ml/kg/24 h (median 12.3 ml/kg/24 h) of Oxyglobin®. Four of these seven cats received whole blood transfusions on the same day; five cats died and one was euthanased. Overall 24-h survival rate was 77%. Administration of Oxyglobin® efficiently increased the Hb concentration. However, in cats suffering from cardiac disease, there is a high risk of life-threatening circulatory overload at the doses used in this study.

Human recombinant IL-1beta and TNFalpha have been previously used to induce a cytokine response in canine chondrocytes. In order to establish this functional relation in a homologous system in vitro, we have developed both 2D and 3D models of inflammatory arthritis using canine recombinant cytokines in canine articular chondrocytes. IL-1beta and TNFalpha were cloned and subsequently expressed in Escherichia coli. The purified recombinant canine cytokines were used to simulate inflammation in vitro and the expression of typical inflammation markers such as proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, GM-CSF and TNFalpha), enzyme mediators (MMP-3 MMP-13, iNOS, COX-2) and their catabolites (NO, PGE(2)) was measured. High expression of proinflammatory cytokines, enzyme mediators and their catabolites was only observed in IL-1beta/TNFalpha stimulated cells. We conclude that the canine IL-1beta and TNFalpha generated in this study are biologically active and equally effective in the canine cell culture systems. Inducing an inflammatory pathway by canine exogenous cytokines in canine chondrocytes provides a useful tool for the study of canine inflammatory arthritis.

Clinical specimens of small animals (n=869) were screened for the occurrence of methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA; MRSA) during routine microbiological examinations, and results were confirmed by a multiplex PCR strategy. The genetic relatedness of all mecA-positive S. aureus isolates was further investigated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), multilocus sequence typing (MLST), PCR for Panton-Valentine leukocidine genes (PVL) and staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec-typing (SCCmec). A total of 61 S. aureus isolates were found during a 20-month period of investigation, 27 (44.3%) of them harbouring the mecA gene for methicillin-resistance. The majority of MRSA were isolated in specimens from dogs (n=18) and cats (n=4). One guinea pig and one rabbit were found to be positive for an MRSA infected site. Similarly, three exotic animals, a turtle, a bat and a parrot, were found to be infected with MRSA. PFGE and MLST analysis revealed a certain genotype ("A" and "A-1") dominating the isolate collection (23 of 27). Furthermore, one isolate showed homologous PFGE pattern to the German epidemic strain Barnim ("BE") and another one ("BE-1") was considered to be closely related. A third genotype ("B") was detected in two cases. Two different sequence types (ST) were identified among the 27 MRSA isolates. PFGE type "A" and both strains related to the Barnim epidemic strain were assigned to ST22, whereas ST239 was associated to PFGE profile "B". The present data show that certain MRSA genotypes are capable of infecting a wide spectrum of small and exotic animals, especially in clinical facilities.

A 13-year-old Dalmatian dog was presented with a history of abdominal enlargement and reduced appetite for several months. Acute clinical signs were anorexia, vomiting and diarrhoea. During exploratory laparotomy, acute intestinal perforation due to a foreign body and peritonitis was diagnosed. In addition, the abdominal cavity was filled with multiple small (0.5 cm), white, cyst-like structures. Histopathology revealed typical cestode structures of the cyst walls but no protoscolices were found. PCR was performed with cestode specific primers of the mitochondrial 12S rDNA. The sequence showed a 99.75% identity with a Mesocestoides lineatus isolate published in the NCBI GenBank®. This is the first case of canine peritoneal larval cestodosis (CPLC) in Germany and the first evidence of M. lineatus as causal agent for CPLC.

A 12 yr old female neutered Carthusian crossbreed cat was presented due to progressive neurological signs. Clinical signs included dehydration, stupor, and anisocoria. Laboratory examination revealed severe hypernatremia, azotemia, hyperglobulinemia, and an erythrocytosis. Clinical signs and hypernatremia suggested an intracranial process. Imaging studies revealed a loss of structure in the cerebrum, hypothalamus, and pituitary gland. Due to a poor prognosis, the cat was euthanatized. Histopathological examination revealed a subacute granulomatous and necrotizing panencephalitis with Toxoplasma-typical protozoa. The Toxoplasma-induced dysfunction of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland led to diabetes insipidus, which was, in combination with insufficient water intake, the most likely cause for the hypernatremia.

Objectives Information regarding the clinical course of natural infection with feline haemotropic mycoplasmas (haemoplasmas) is limited. The objective of the study was to describe the clinical findings and course of disease in naturally infected cats with haemoplasmosis and anaemia. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on patient data from cats presenting with anaemia and haemoplasma infection regarding signalment, clinical signs, laboratory data and course of infection. The diagnosis was confirmed by conventional haemoplasma PCR analysis. Results Haemoplasma infection was found in 22 anaemic (haematocrit 5–25% [median 17%]; reference interval 30–44%) cats (‘ Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’, n = 12; Mycoplasma haemofelis, n = 3; ‘ Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’, n = 2; species not determined, n = 4; coinfection with all three species, n = 1) between 2005 and 2014. Thirteen of the cats had concurrent diseases. All cats underwent antibiotic treatment; 15 cats received blood products. Six cats were euthanased within 11 weeks owing to concurrent disease, persistent severe anaemia or financial constraints. Ten cats underwent follow-up for a period of 14–199 weeks (median 26 weeks). Haemoplasma PCR was negative in 5/7 cases after 3–23 weeks. PCR remained positive in two cases after 18 and 199 weeks, respectively. Reactivation of the haemoplasma infection occurred in two cats, once and three times, respectively, up to 177 weeks after initial presentation. Reactivation was suspected in two further cases. Owing to concurrent disease, four of the 10 follow-up cats were euthanased 14–180 weeks after initial presentation. Conclusion and relevance Infection with haemoplasma species is often chronic, can reactivate months later and is rarely a reason for euthanasia.

In cats, primary or secondary immune-mediated thrombocytopenia have rarely been described or characterised. The objective of this study was to determine platelet-bound antibodies (PBA) by a flow cytometric assay in both healthy and thrombocytopenic cats. Direct PBA testing was performed in 42 thrombocytopenic cats (platelet counts 6–179×109/l, median 56×109/l). Of these 42 cats, 19 had positive PBA test results, 17 of which were considered to have secondary immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (sITP). Underlying diseases included fat necroses (four cases), feline infectious peritonitis (three), feline leukaemia virus (two) or feline immunodeficiency virus (two) infections, lymphoma (two), leukaemia (one), hepatitis (one), pyelonephritis (one), or hyperthyroidism (one). In two cats, no underlying disease was found suggesting a primary immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (pITP). The PBA test was negative in 23 cats diagnosed with varying underlying diseases and in 47 healthy control cats with platelet values within the reference range. Only seven of the 42 cats with thrombocytopenia (platelet count 10–57×109/l, median 34×109/l) had spontaneous bleeding. This study suggests that immune-mediated destruction of platelets might be an important pathological mechanism for feline thrombocytopenia caused by various underlying diseases. In cats, pITP appears to be rarely diagnosed.

This survey assessed the feline transfusion practices at the University of Berlin from 1998 to 2001 in regard to patient population, indications, efficacy, and transfusion reactions. Blood was obtained from seven healthy in-house donors and 127 mostly indoor client-owned pet cats. Over a 3-year period 91 cats were transfused with blood type compatible blood. The blood was fresh (within 8 h of collection) or stored no longer than 15 days. Transfusions were required because of blood loss anaemia ( n=40), haemolytic anaemia ( n=13), ineffective erythropoiesis ( n=35), hypoproteinaemia ( n=2) or coagulopathy ( n=2). The anaemic cats had a pretransfusion haematocrit of 5–20% ( m [median]=13), and received one to six transfusions ( m=1). The survival rates of the anaemic cats at 1 and 10 days after transfusion were 84 and 64%, respectively. None of the deaths appeared to be related to transfusion reactions. The major crossmatch, undertaken before 117 transfusions, was incompatible for eight cats. All except for one had previously been transfused. Lysis of transfused cells in six cases resulted in a less than expected haematocrit rise and an increase in serum bilirubin. Transient mild transfusion reactions were only noted in two cats during the second or third transfusion. In conclusion, with proper donor selection and appropriate compatibility screening, blood transfusions are well tolerated, appear effective, and may increase chances of survival.

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to describe four dogs that developed polyarthritis (PA) shortly after vaccination.Between 1996–1999, 27 dogs were admitted to the Clinic for Small Animals, University of Berlin with clinical signs of PA. Based on the history, clinical findings, results of routine laboratory tests, radiography and ultrasonography, synovial fluid analysis, serum titers for rheumatoid factors, infectious disease and immunological serum titers nine dogs were diagnosed with idiopathic PA type I and 14 dogs with other forms of polyarthritis. Vaccine-associated PA (VAPA) was suspected in four dogs of different breeds (1.3–2.4 years old) which showed a sudden onset of lameness with several painful and swollen joints three – 15 days (mean 11) after vaccination. Synovial fluid analysis revealed nucleated cell counts ranging from 4,000-72,000/μl (mean 30,000) with 30–90% (mean 80) neutrophils. Treatment consisted of NSAIDs and doxycycline. The VAPA dogs quickly recovered in one to two days, three had not experienced a recurrent arthritic episode, one dog developed arthritic signs 12 days after revaccination. An accurate vaccination history is important on all dogs presenting with PA. In accordance with anecdotal reports the signs of disease in VAPA can spontaneously resolve.

Background Spotted Fever Group (SFG) Rickettsiae can cause febrile diseases with or without rash in humans worldwide. In Germany only limited data are available about their medical significance. Serological screening tests for antibodies against rickettsiae usually only distinguish between SFG and Typhus Group (TG) Rickettsiae due to the strong cross reactivities within the groups. Seroprevalence rates in dogs, as possible sentinels for tick-borne diseases, could serve as an indicator for the distribution of different Rickettsia species. Methods In this study, a micro-immunofluorescence assay (micro-IFA) was established for detection and differentiation of antibodies against five Rickettsia species in dogs (R. helvetica, R. raoultii, R. slovaca, R. monacensis and R. felis). Dogs that never left Germany (n = 605) previously investigated with an SFG-ELISA were included in this study and screened at a 1:128 dilution. Endpoint titres of fifty randomly selected seropositive samples of each of the five investigated regions in Germany were determined in order to allow a differentiation of the causative Rickettsia species. Sensitivity and specificity of the micro-IFA were compared with ELISA results of the previous study. Results A total of 93.9% of the dogs were positive for antibodies of the SFG Rickettsiae at the screening titer of 1:128. Differentiation of SFG Rickettsiae with the micro-IFA was possible in 70.4%, but in 29.6% of the cases the detected antibodies were not differentiable. Considering a clear differentiation by a twofold titre difference between observed reactions, the seroprevalence rates were 66.0% for R. helvetica, 2.8% for R. raoultii, 1.6% for R. slovaca, but no serological reaction could be clearly attributed to R. monacensis or R. felis. No statistically significant regional differences were found for R. helvetica, R. slovaca and R. raoultii comparing the five regions of Germany. Comparison of micro-IFA with ELISA revealed a sensitivity of 82.0% and a specificity of 83.8% for the Rickettsia SFG ELISA. Conclusions The micro-IFA is a useful serological tool to differentiate antibodies against different Rickettsia species in dogs. Seroprevalence rates in dogs correspond to the prevalence rates and distribution of Rickettsia-carrying tick species.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease with a worldwide distribution affecting most mammalian species. Clinical leptospirosis is common in dogs but appears to be rare in cats. Both dogs and cats, however, can shed leptospires in the urine. This is problematic as it can lead to exposure of humans. The control of leptospirosis, therefore, is important not only from an animal but also from a public health perspective. The aim of this consensus statement is to raise awareness of leptospirosis and to outline the current knowledge on the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnostic tools, prevention and treatment measures relevant to canine and feline leptospirosis in Europe.

Recently, a lateral flow assay (LFA) for detection of Leptospira-specific IgM in canine sera became commercially available in Europe. The present study aims to evaluate the diagnostic performance of this assay using canine sera from a collection of diagnostic accessions. Diagnostic sensitivity was assessed by testing 37 acute-phase and 9 corresponding convalescent-phase sera from dogs with a confirmed diagnosis of leptospirosis. Specificity was determined by testing sera from sick dogs with non-leptospiral infections (n=15) and healthy dogs with incomplete history of vaccination (n=45). During acute phase of illness, LFA scored positive for 28/37 sera with a sensitivity of 75.7 per cent while only 9/37 (24.3 per cent) samples were positive on microscopic agglutination test. The specificity of the LFA was 98.3 per cent (59/60). This test showed 89.7 and 100 per cent overall agreements with clinical diagnosis for acute-phase and convalescent-phase sera, respectively. The impact of vaccination on the LFA was also determined and vaccine-stimulated IgM responses were negative in 19/25 (76 per cent) dogs at 12 weeks post vaccination. In conclusion, the LFA is a rapid and reliable test for early detection of Leptospira-specific IgM during acute phase of canine leptospirosis. However, interpretation of a positive result must be made in the context of clinical signs and vaccination history.

Background Chronic idiopathic enteropathies (CIE) in dogs are complex diseases of unknown origin. AST-120 is a spherical carbon adsorbent preparation with a high adsorption ability for low molecular substances. Objectives Evaluation of the clinical efficacy of AST-120 in dogs with CIE. Animals Ten client-owned dogs with mild (n = 7) to moderate (n = 3) CIE. Methods Explorative, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded pilot study. Dogs with chronic diarrhea and no or insufficient response to an elimination diet were included. The dogs received either AST-120 (n = 5) or placebo (n = 5) for a duration of 21 days. The canine inflammatory bowel disease activity index (CIBDAI) was used to assess disease severity at baseline and clinical outcome after 3 weeks of treatment. Furthermore, changes in body weight and the parameters stool consistency and frequency were compared within and between groups. Results The mean CIBDAI score decreased from 5.6 (SD 1.5) to 2.0 (SD 1.2) in the AST-120 group (P = .125) and from 4.8 (SD .8) to 3.6 (SD 2.3) in the placebo group (P = .688). Compared with baseline, posttreatment CIBDAI scores decreased more than 60% in 4/5 dogs treated with AST-120 and in 1/5 dogs treated with placebo (P = .206). Changes in CIBDAI scores, body weights, stool consistency, and frequency within and between groups did not achieve statistical significance after 3 weeks of treatment. No adverse effects of AST-120 were noted. Conclusions and Clinical Importance This study investigated potential efficacy of AST-120 as an alternative therapy in dogs with mild-to-moderate CIE.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonosis in which dogs can act as a reservoir for human infection. The annual vaccination of dogs can prevent leptospirosis caused by serovars included in the vaccine. To date, all available vaccines in Germany include only the serovars Icterohaemorrhagiae and Canicola, the most commonly found serovars prior to the introduction of the leptospirosis vaccines. Yet, the involvement of additional serovars in the clinical presentation of leptospirosis in dogs has been described. The objective of this sero-epidemiological study was to examine the different Leptospira serovars currently circulating in a population of dogs suspicious for leptospirosis from Berlin. In 329 dogs presenting at the Small Animal Clinic in Berlin, the predominant serogroup was Australis (24%), followed by Grippotyphosa (20%) and Pomona (9%). A total of 18% of the dogs were diagnosed with clinical leptospirosis; here the most prevalent serogroups were also Australis (28%), Grippotyphosa (18%), and Pomona (14%). The serovar prevalence data presented here confirm that a change of pattern of infecting Leptospira serovars in dogs has taken place in Berlin. This data corresponds to further sero-epidemiological studies from other regions in Germany. To ensure human and canine health, available vaccines should be adapted to include the most important circulating serovars.

Background Urinary dipsticks are the most frequent method used for screening of ketones in animals, but this method has many drawbacks. In human medicine, portable meters that measure ketones in whole blood have largely replaced urinary dipsticks. Objective The aim of this prospective study was to validate a portable whole-blood ketone meter for use in cats. Methods Sixty-two cats (11 clinically healthy, 51 with diabetes mellitus) were included in the study. The concentration of β-hydroxybuyrate (β-HB) was measured in venous and capillary blood with a hand-held ketone meter (Precision Xceed; assay range 0–8 mmol/L) and compared with a spectrophotometric method. Precision, accuracy, and the effects of hematocrit and anticoagulants were evaluated. Results Between-run precision using low- and high-concentration control solutions was 8.1% and 2.6%, respectively; within-run coefficient of variation determined using 12 feline blood samples was 2.8%. In the 62 cats, β-HB concentrations measured with the portable ketone meter ranged from 0–7.4 mmol/L (median 0.9 mmol/L). When β-HB concentrations measured by the portable meter were 4.0 mmol/L were lower than those obtained by the reference method in 20 of 24 cats (83%). There was good correlation between capillary and venous measurements. Results were not affected by hematocrits from 0.17 to 0.50 L/L, but EDTA was not a suitable anticoagulant. Conclusion Measurement of β-HB concentration in peripheral or capillary blood by an easy-to-use portable ketone meter was suitable for detecting ketonemia in cats. Underestimation of β-HB concentration was observed at higher values, but results were sufficiently high to aid in diagnosing diabetic ketoacidosis.

BackgroundSince the relationship between dogs and their owners has changed, and dogs moved from being working dogs to family members in post-industrial countries, we hypothesized that zoonotic transmission of opportunistic pathogens like coagulase positive staphylococci (CPS) is likely between dogs and their owners.Methodology/principal findingsCPS- nasal carriage, different aspects of human-to-dog relationship as well as potential interspecies transmission risk factors were investigated by offering nasal swabs and a questionnaire to dog owners (108) and their dogs (108) at a dog show in 2009. S. aureus was found in swabs of 20 (18.5%) humans and two dogs (1.8%), and spa types which correspond to well known human S. aureus lineages dominated (e.g. CC45, CC30 and CC22). Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) of the two canine strains revealed ST72 and ST2065 (single locus variant of ST34). Fifteen dogs (13.9%) and six owners (5.6%) harboured S. pseudintermedius, including one mecA-positive human isolate (MRSP). Pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) revealed that one dog/owner pair harboured indistinguishable S. pseudintermedius- isolates of ST33. Ten (48%) of the 21 S. pseudintermedius-isolates showed resistance towards more than one antimicrobial class. 88.9% of the dog owners reported to allow at least one dog into the house, 68.5% allow the dog(s) to rest on the sofa, 39.8% allow their dogs to come onto the bed, 93.5% let them lick their hands and 52.8% let them lick their face. Bivariate analysis of putative risk factors revealed that dog owners who keep more than two dogs have a significantly higher chance of being colonized with S. pseudintermedius than those who keep 1-2 dogs (pConclusions/recommendationsIn conclusion, CPS transmission between dog owners and their dogs is possible. Further investigation regarding interspecies transmission and the diverse adaptive pathways influencing the epidemiology of CPS (including MRSA and MRSP) in different hosts is needed.

In transfusion medicine, blood typing is an integral part of pretransfusion testing. The objective of the current study was the clinical evaluation of an automated canine cartridge dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) 1.1 blood-typing method (QuickVet®/RapidVet®) and comparison of the results with a gel column–based method (ID-Gel Test Canine DEA 1.1). Ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid–anticoagulated blood samples from 11 healthy and 85 sick dogs were available for typing. Before blood typing, all samples were tested for agglutination and hemolysis. All samples were tested once or multiple times with both methods according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. With the gel method, 53 dogs tested DEA 1.1 positive and 42 dogs DEA 1.1 negative; blood typing was not possible due to erythrocyte autoagglutination in 1 dog. With the cartridge test, 53 samples tested DEA 1.1 positive, 34 samples tested DEA 1.1 negative, and 6 results were inconclusive (3 samples were not included due to autoagglutination or severe hemolysis). Without taking the inconclusive samples into account, the agreement between both methods was 96.5%. The sensitivity and specificity for samples that were definitively typed by both methods were 100% and 91.9%, respectively. The cartridge test was suitable for in-clinic canine DEA 1.1 blood typing, although some discrepancies compared to the gel method existed. The cartridge test is software-directed, is easy to use, and does not require user interpretation, but preanalytical guidelines (sample evaluation for agglutination and hemolysis) have to be followed. For inconclusive results, an alternate blood-typing method should be performed.

Clinical manifestations of canine granulocytic anaplasmosis (CGA), caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum—an obligate intracellular tick-transmitted bacterium infecting neutrophilic granulocytes—range from self-limiting to severe. Commonly, lethargy, inappetence, and fever and, further, lameness

Background: Proteinuria is an established characteristic of renal disease in dogs, providing diagnostic and prognostic information. Little is known about the occurrence and severity of proteinuria in dogs with severe inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Hypothesis: The quantitative and qualitative urinary protein (UP) excretion is altered in dogs with SIRS. Animals: Thirty-nine dogs with SIRS and 15 healthy control dogs at admission. Methods: A case control study was performed. Diagnosis of SIRS was based on clinical and clinicopathological findings. Urinary protein (UP) was measured by a colorimetric assay. Urinary albumin (UAlb) and urinary retinol-binding protein (URBP) were measured by ELISA and quantified in relation to urinary creatinine (UC). Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamid-gel electrophoresis was conducted to identify the qualitative pattern of proteinuria. Mann-Whitney U-test was used to assess differences in UP/UC, UAlb/UC and URBP/UC between the groups. P-values 80 kDa). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: SIRS alters UP excretion in dogs. Further studies should evaluate whether or not the magnitude of proteinuria is predictive of the severity and outcome of dogs with SIRS.

Major discrepancies exist between histological predictions and actual metastatic potential of canine mammary tumors. Detection of circulating tumor cells (CTC) has a proven prognostic value for human breast cancer but similar markers for canine CTC are lacking. In the present study a panel of 16 human CTC markers was tested for their ability to specifically and sensitively detect canine carcinoma cells in peripheral blood. PCR assays for CK19, ERBB2, EGFR, CLDN7 and ELF3 were able to sensitively detect one carcinoma cell in up to 10(7) peripheral blood leukocytes. These CTC markers are thus candidate markers for identifying canine mammary CTC in the peripheral blood and may serve as prognostic factors for metastatic behavior in the future.

Background – There is a high mortality rate in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or sepsis. Therefore, an early diagnosis and prognostic assessment is important for optimal therapeutic intervention. The objective of the study was to evaluate if baseline values and changes in serum C-reactive protein (CRP) might predict survival in dogs with SIRS and sepsis. Design – Prospective study; July 2004 to July 2005. Setting – Small Animal Clinic, Berlin, Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Munich. Animals – Sixty-one dogs. Measurements and Main Results – For the CRP analysis blood was drawn on day 0, 1, and 2; CRP was measured using a commercial ELISA test kit. Thirteen dogs suffered from nonseptic SIRS and 48 dogs from sepsis. The 14-day survival rate was 61% (69% nonseptic SIRS, 58% sepsis). Serum CRP was higher in sick dogs compared with controls (P

To determine whether myoglobin (Mb) is a useful prognostic indicator for outcome and to investigate any relationship between Mb and mortality in dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV).Prospective study.Veterinary teaching hospital.Seventy-two dogs with GDV.Blood sampling.Mb levels were measured at the time of diagnosis (Mbt0), 24 hours (Mbt1), and 48 hours (Mbt2) after signs of GDV were recognized. Fifty-seven dogs survived (group I) and 15 dogs did not survive (group II). Mbt0 differed significantly between groups (P=0.04). Mbt0 in group I ranged from30 to700 ng/mL (n=57, median 74 ng/mL), and in group II from 34 to700 ng/mL (n=15, median 238 ng/mL). Analysis of a receiver operating characteristic curve of Mbt0 suggested that the best single cutpoint would be 168 ng/mL (sensitivity 60.0%, specificity 84.2%). Fifty percent of dogs with Mbt0168 ng/mL were euthanized, while 88.9% with Mbt0168 ng/mL survived. Mbt1 and Mbt2 differed significantly between groups I and II. Mbt1 in group I ranged from 32 to700 ng/mL (n=55, median 123 ng/mL), and Mbt1 in group II ranged from 131 to 643 ng/mL (n=7, median 343 ng/mL) (P=0.006). Mbt2 in group I ranged from 30 to 597 ng/mL (n=54, median 101 ng/mL), and in group II from 141 to700 ng/mL (n=8, median 203 ng/mL) (P=0.02).In this study, Mbt0 is a moderately sensitive and specific prognostic indicator. Almost 90% of the dogs below the cutpoint survived to discharge, whereas 50% with Mbt0 above the cutpoint did not survive.

The objective of this study was to examine clinical signs, laboratory parameters, and course of disease in Abyssinian and Somali cats with pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency. The clinical course of 25 PK-deficient cats was followed over a time period of 0.8–11.3 years (median 4.3). Eleven cats (age 0.8–7.8 years, median 4.4) did not show signs according to the owners. In 14 cats (age 0.1–5 years, median 1.7) the owners noted lethargy (10), diarrhoea (seven), pale mucous membranes (six), inappetence (six), poor coat quality (six), weight loss (four), icterus (four), and pica (two). Sixteen cats had been used for breeding at least once before diagnosis. Laboratory abnormalities included anaemia (70%), increased aggregated reticulocyte counts (94%), hyperglobulinaemia (80%), hyperbilirubinaemia (53%), and increased liver enzymes (47%). Six of 25 affected cats died (four) or were euthanased (two) at ages ranging from 1.3 to 11.3 years (median 4.1) presumably because of PK-deficiency. These findings emphasise that PK deficiency shows variation in age of onset and severity of signs. As PK-deficient cats can be asymptomatic testing for PK deficiency before breeding is strongly recommended.

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to determine the cytokine profile in 21 dogs with canine immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMA) and 15 dogs with osteoarthritis (OA) caused by cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR). The mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-18, interferon (IFN)-γ, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α were analysed in synovial fluid by semi-quantitative RT-PCR, while TNF-α protein was determined by L929 cytotoxicity assay. The frequency of lymphocytes was analysed using FACScan. Both disorders reveal a similar cytokine expression pattern, except for significant lower IL-1β expression in OA. Th1 cytokines IL-2 and IFN-γ were detected, while IL-4 was nearly absent in IMA and OA. Furthermore, the bioassay demonstrates a significantly higher production of TNF-α in synovial fluid of dogs with IMA, compared to dogs with OA (p< 0.05). The frequency of CD4+, CD8+ and MHC class II+ cells was relatively higher in synovial fluids compared to peripheral blood in IMA. These findings reveal that the difference between the cytokine pattern of canine IMA and OA seems to be rather quantitative than qualitative. Both joint disorders show predominance of pro-inflammatory cytokines and absence of TH2 cytokine expression, indicating the potential of IL-4 for a gene therapeutic approach.