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Urinary tract infections are defined as the adherence, multiplication, and persistence of an infectious agent within the urogenital system, causing an associated inflammatory response and clinical signs; instead, the presence of bacteria in urine as determined by positive bacterial culture (PUC) from a properly collected urine specimen, in the absence of clinical signs, is defined subclinical bacteriuria. Limited information on the prevalence of PUC in spinal cord injury cats affected by neurogenic bladder (NB) is available. On contrary, in NB dogs and humans the prevalence of bacteriuria is well documented. Moreover, while in humans information about bacteriemia associated with NB is already available, this aspect has never been studied in NB cats. The aim of this prospective study was to determine the prevalence of PUC in cats with NB, compared to animals affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD) and healthy cats. Furthermore, the prevalence of bacteriemia in cats with NB was evaluated. Fifty-one cats met the inclusion criteria: 12 cats were affected by NB, 22 had CKD and 17 were healthy. The prevalence of PUC was 58.33% and 18% in NB and CKD cat populations, respectively. All blood cultures were negative. The incomplete bladder emptying and the decreased resistance in the bladder wall could be considered predisposing elements to PUC in the NB feline population. The results of this study highlight, for the first time, an high prevalence of PUC in cats affected by NB, which was not found to be associated with bacteriemia.

This article discusses the current knowledge on the role of the neurological structures, especially the cerebellum and the hypothalamus, and compares the information with human medicine. Micturition is a complex voluntary and involuntarily mechanism. Its physiological completion strictly depends on the hierarchical organisation of the central nervous system pathways in the peripheral nervous system. Although the role of the peripheral nervous system and subcortical areas, such as brainstem centres, are well established in veterinary medicine, the role of the cerebellum and hypothalamus have been poorly investigated and understood. Lower urinary tract dysfunction is often associated with neurological diseases that cause neurogenic bladder (NB). The neuroplasticity of the nervous system in the developmental changes of the mechanism of micturition during the prenatal and postnatal periods is also analysed.

Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) by Leishmania infantum (L.i.) and heartworm disease by Dirofilaria immitis (D.i.) are common zoonotic vector-borne diseases (VBDs) characterized by a variety of pathological and clinical signs. The immunopathology in both VBDs is extremely complex, and their clinical manifestations are strongly dependent on the type of immune response elicited by the parasites. In particular, the formation of circulating immune complexes (CICs) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of these VBDs. Based on the international guidelines, dogs with high anti-L. infantum antibody titres and one or more clinical and/or laboratory signs related to CanL require anti-Leishmania treatment. Consequently, the CICs measurement could be used for improving the clinical staging process of CanL. The aim of the study was to assess the CICs level by a competitive inhibition enzyme immunoassay, in healthy or sick dogs seropositive to L.i. and in healthy dogs positive to D.i.. Out of 51 enrolled dogs, 11 were included in Group A (seronegative to L.i., D.i. negative and healthy), 15 in Group B (exposed to L.i., D.i. negative and healthy), 12 in Group C (seropositive to L.i., D.i. negative and sick) and 13 in Group D (seronegative to L.i, D.i. positive and healthy). The comparison of CIC level in canine sera revealed a significant difference among groups (P 0.001), with the highest concentration (i.e., median = 104.6 µg/mL) in dogs with CanL. The findings of the study highlight the CICs measurement as a useful tool in the clinical staging of CanL for avoiding misclassification of dogs as leishmaniotic, thus not requiring anti-Leishmania therapy, as well as the possibility of results misuse in geographical areas where both leishmaniosis and heart-worm disease are endemic.

According to the main Guidelines on canine heartworm disease (HWD) by the American and European Societies (i.e., AHS, ESDA, and ESCCAP), a correct diagnosis of Dirofilaria immitis infection should include the detection of circulating microfilariae in the whole blood and the adult antigens in serum or plasma sample. So far, scant data are available on laboratory abnormalities in dogs affected by HWD, although techniques including serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) have proved to be useful for the diagnosis and monitoring of other vector-borne diseases, such as the canine leishmaniosis. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the SPEP pattern in dogs naturally infected by D. immitis. Furthermore, a systematic review of the literature on this topic was carried out. Medical records from heartworm-positive dogs, of any sex, age, and breed and with available clinical examination and laboratory test results (i.e., complete blood count, serum biochemical profile, and SPEP) were retrospectively collected. If available, laboratory results obtained from dogs after treatment for HWD were also evaluated. When compared with the reference intervals, out of 30 dogs infected by D. immitis and enrolled, 63.3% (n = 19) had a lower percentage of albumin, and 80.0% (n = 24) had higher percentages of beta globulins, with beta-2, and especially beta-3 globulins the most frequently altered fractions. In terms of absolute values (g/dL), the proportion of dogs with hypoalbuminemia, and increased total globulin, alpha, beta- and gamma globulins were 4/30 (13.3%), 6/30 (20.0%), 2/30 (6.7%), 16/30 (53.3%) and 8/30 (26.7%), respectively. For 7 dogs, SPEP results evaluated three and six months after treatment with doxycycline (10 mg/kg BID for 4 weeks) were available. In these dogs a significant post-treatment increase in the percentage of albumin, alpha-2 globulin, and albumin/globulins ratio was observed, as well as a significant decrease both in the percentage and in the absolute value of total-, beta-, and beta-3 globulins. The systematic review of literature databases yielded a total of three studies that were considered eligible and included in the qualitative synthesis. This study provides novel information on SPEP alterations in dogs naturally infected by D. immitis. The evaluation of serum proteins and their electrophoretic pattern may represent an important diagnostic tool for a prompt and accurate diagnosis (e.g., differentiating infections in dogs sharing similar clinical signs and endemic in the same geographical area) and monitoring of HWD.

Conjunctival swabs (CS) are the most promising non-invasive samples for the diagnosis and the regular screening of

Since domestic dogs are the main reservoir hosts of Leishmania infantum throughout the world, they are the main focus in terms of controlling zoonotic visceral leishmaniosis. To protect dogs from leishmaniosis, chemical repellents of durable efficacy are available in the form of collars, spot-on and sprays. However, the negative effects of chemical pesticides on the environment are well established as they affect animals and plants. This phenomenon has created the need for safer and more environmentally friendly substitutes. Plant extract-based insecticides and/or repellents have therefore been increasingly used by pet owners and veterinarians. Several botanical products have been tested as insecticides and/or repellents against a variety of bloodsucking arthropods that transmit human diseases. Among the products tested against Leishmania vectors, neem oil containing azadirachtin is the most studied. This study reviews the scientific literature concerning the efficacy of neem oil (azadirachtin-based products) against phlebotomine sand fly bites. A questionnaire was also administered to assess Italian veterinarians' attitudes to the use of neem oil. The survey was anonymous and consisted of three closed-ended questions. According to the data reported in the literature, the efficacy of neem oil in reducing the risk of sand fly bites has been tested against Phlebotomus papatasi, Phlebotomus perniciosus, Phlebotomus argentipes, Phlebotomus orientalis and Phlebotomus bergeroti. The efficacy of the products tested was expressed in percentages, ranging from 74.9% to 100%. The protection time was only available for six out of eight studies, ranging from "only during the first hour" (minimum protection time) to "all night" (expected maximum protection time). As regards the attitude to recommending the use of neem oil, 208 veterinarians participated in the online survey. Of the 126 veterinarians who recommended natural products, 119 (94.44%) reported that they recommended the use of neem oil-based products. Considering the limited data on the duration of protection and the dose of the active ingredient, more studies are required on the efficacy of neem oil-based products in reducing the risk of contracting canine leishmaniosis. These studies should also refer specifically to the concentration of the active ingredient as well as the interval of administration. Until such results are available, the use of azadirachtin-based products as the only topical products for the prevention of leishmaniosis in dogs is not recommended.

Two cats infected by Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens, respectively, were taken to two different private practitioners for a clinical examination. The analyses conducted on the first cat revealed a microfilaraemia due to D. repens of 66 mfs/mL by a modified Knott's test. No clinical signs of D. repens infection were observed in the cat. The animal was euthanised because of a lymphoma condition, and two adult females of D. repens were found in the subcutaneous tissue of the lumbar and left scapular regions at the post-mortem examination. The second cat showed severe abnormalities in the white blood cells, including eosinophil count. Microfilariae of D. immitis were detected in the blood smear, with an average length (n = 2) of 296.2 μm. These clinical cases represent the first reports of feline dirofilarioses in southern Italy and are indicative of a common occurrence of dirofilarial infection in the local canine population.

Background: For long time, canine leishmaniosis (CanL) was considered endemic in the southern, central, and insular regions of Italy, whereas heartworm disease (HW) by Dirofilaria immitis in the northern region and in the swampy Po valley. Following the reports of new foci of both diseases, in this study we update the distribution patterns and occurrence of new foci of CanL and HW discussing the main drivers for the changes in the epidemiology of these two important zoonotic canine vector-borne diseases.Methods: Based on the statistical analyses of serological assays (n=90,633) on CanL and HW performed by reference diagnostic centres in Italy over a ten-year period (2009–2019), the distribution patterns of both diseases were herein presented along with the occurrence of new foci.Results: Results highlighted the changing distribution patterns of CanL vs HW disease in Italy. CanL is now also endemic in the northern regions and HW has endemic foci in central and southern regions and islands. Significant differences in CanL and HW prevalence among the study macroareas were detected. The overall prevalence of CanL was 28.2% in Southern Italy and Islands, 29.6% in Central Italy and 21.6% in Northern Italy and that of HW of 2.83% in northern Italy, 7.75% in central Italy and 4.97% in southern Italy and islands. HW prevalence significantly varied over years (χ2=108.401, d.f.=10, pConclusions: The new epidemiological scenarios have been discussed according to a range of factors (e.g. environmental modifications, occurrence of competent insect vectors, transportation of infected animals to non-endemic areas, chemoprophylaxis or vector preventative measures), which may affect the current distribution. Overall, results advocate for epidemiological surveillance programs, more focussed preventative and control measures even in areas where few or none cases of both diseases have been diagnosed.

Even though proteinuria is related to different causes, when it is persistent and associated with inactive urinary sediment, it is primarily due to kidney disease. Early detection of proteinuria allows us to identify several pathological conditions. The aim of the study was screening a canine population not known as being proteinuric, by the urinary dipstick. The study was carried out in seven Italian veterinary clinics during a period of six weeks. Dogs were enrolled with no restriction of sex or age. Females in estrus, dogs with signs of genitourinary diseases, or those previously diagnosed with proteinuric nephropathy were excluded. Dogs were considered “nonproteinuric” (NP) in case of negative dipstick test or “suspected proteinuric” (SP), if positive at the dipstick. When possible, proteinuria was confirmed by UPC ratio. A total of 1156 dogs were evaluated: 414 were from northern Italy and 742 from southern Italy. Based on dipstick test, 655 (56.6%) dogs were NP, while 501 (43.3%) were SP. Among the NP dogs 225 out of 414 (54.3%) were in northern Italy and 430 of 742 (57.9%) in southern Italy. One hundred eighty-nine of 414 (45.7%) SP dogs were identified in northern Italy and 312 of 742 (42.1%) in southern Italy. No statistical difference was found between the North and the South of Italy. UPC was available in 412 out of 501 SP samples: proteinuria was confirmed in 263 (63.86%) samples. Results from our study showed a high percentage of suspected proteinuric dogs, apparently not affected by renal diseases, together with the absence of statistically significant differences based on geographical area.

BACKGROUND The dipstick is a first-line and inexpensive test that can exclude the presence of proteinuria in dogs. However, no information is available about the analytical variability of canine urine dipstick analysis. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess the analytical variability in 2 dipsticks and the inter-operator variability in dipstick interpretation. METHODS Canine urine supernatants (n = 174) were analyzed with 2 commercially available dipsticks. Two observers evaluated each result blinded to the other observer and to the results of the other dipstick. Intra- and inter-assay variability was assessed in 5 samples (corresponding to the 5 different semi-quantitative results) tested 10 consecutive times over 5 consecutive days. The agreement between observers and between dipsticks was evaluated with Cohen's k test. RESULTS Intra-assay repeatability was good (≤3/10 errors), whereas inter-assay variability was higher (from 1/5 to 4/5 discordant results). The concordance between the operators (k = 0.68 and 0.79 for the 2 dipsticks) and that of the dipsticks (k = 0.66 and 0.74 for the 2 operators) was good. However, 1 observer and 1 dipstick overestimated the results compared with the second observer or dipstick. In any case, discordant results accounted for a single unit of the semi-quantitative scale. CONCLUSIONS As for any other method, analytic variability may affect the semi-quantitation of urinary proteins when using the dipstick method. Subjective interpretation of the pad and, to a lesser extent, intrinsic staining properties of the pads could affect the results. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the effect of this variability on clinical decisions.

Intra-vitam diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a challenge for veterinary diagnosticians, since there are no highly specific and sensitive assays currently available. With the aim to contribute to fill this diagnostic gap, a total of 61 effusions from cats with suspected effusive FIP were collected intra-vitam for detection of feline coronavirus (FCoV) antibodies and RNA by means of indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) assay and real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), respectively. In 5 effusions there was no evidence for either FCoV RNA or antibodies, 51 and 52 specimens tested positive by IIF and qRT-PCR, respectively, although antibody titres ≥ 1:1600, which are considered highly suggestive of FIP, were detected only in 37 effusions. Three samples with high antibody levels tested negative by qRT-PCR, whereas 18 qRT-PCR positive effusions contained no or low-titre antibodies. qRT-PCR positive samples with low antibody titres mostly contained low FCoV RNA loads, although the highest antibody titres were detected in effusions with CT values > 30. In conclusion, combining the two methods, i.e., antibody and RNA detection would help improving the intra-vitam diagnosis of effusive FIP., Highlights • Effusions from cats with suspected FIP were analysed for detection of feline coronavirus (FCoV) antibodies and RNA. • Using a cut-off of 1:1600 for FCoV antibodies, only 40/61 samples were in agreement between the two tests. • Most effusions with low FCoV loads were found to contain low specific antibody titres. • Combining serological and molecular methods results in an increase of the diagnostic efficiency.

This retrospective study investigated the impact of amino acid supplementation on body weight, serum albumin, creatinine and urea concentrations, and urine protein-to-creatinine (UPC) ratio in proteinuric dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Forty-six client-owned azotemic dogs with spontaneous proteinuric CKD already on a renal diet and in therapy with enalapril were included. After approximately 1 month of treatment (baseline), 29 dogs received oral amino acid supplementation daily (group A) and 17 dogs did not (group B). The parameters under investigation were determined at baseline and after 4 to 8 weeks in both groups. Compared to baseline, body weight and serum albumin increased (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, respectively) at follow-up in group A, but did not change in group B. Serum creatinine concentration did not change in both groups; urea concentration (P < 0.05) and UPC ratio (P < 0.01) decreased in group B, but not in group A. Supplementation with amino acids increased body weight and serum albumin concentration in these dogs but it might have prevented a decrease in proteinuria and urea concentration.

This study was aimed at determining the serum concentration of homocysteine (Hcy) and big endothelin-1 (big ET-1, the precursor of endothelin) in dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD) with and without hypertension, proteinuria and inflammation, in order to explore their role as biomarkers of hypertension associated with CKD. Hcy and big ET-1 were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and an enzymatic cyclic reaction, respectively, in dogs with CKD staged, as proposed by the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS), using serum creatinine, urinary protein to creatinine (UPC) ratio and systolic blood pressure, and classified as affected or not by inflammation based on the serum concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP). Serum Hcy was significantly higher in dogs of IRIS stages II, III and IV compared with controls and in proteinuric compared with non-proteinuric dogs. No differences relating to the degree of hypertension or to the CRP concentration were found. Serum big ET-1 significantly increased in dogs of IRIS stage IV compared with controls, in proteinuric compared with non-proteinuric dogs, in dogs with severe hypertension compared with those without hypertension, and in dogs with increased CRP compared to those with normal CRP concentrations. Hcy only correlated with serum creatinine but big ET-1 significantly correlated with serum creatinine, UPC ratio, systolic blood pressure, and increased CRP. In conclusion, both Hcy and big ET-1 increase in dogs with CKD. Although further research is needed, big ET-1, but not Hcy, may also be considered as a biomarker of hypertension.

Treating proteinuria in dogs reduces the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD); renal diets and angiotensin -converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitors are cornerstones of treatment. Whether different ACE-inhibitors have distinct kidney protective effects is unknown; it is therefore hypothesized that renal diets and enalapril or benazepril have different beneficial effects in proteinuric CKD dogs. Forty-four dogs with proteinuric CKD (IRIS stages 1-4) were enrolled in the study and were fed renal diet for 30 days. Thereafter, they were randomly assigned to one of 2 groups. Dogs in group A (n=22) received enalapril (0.5 mg/kg, q12h) and in group B (n=22) benazepril (0.5 mg/kg, q24h); in both groups, dogs were fed the same renal diet. After randomization, dogs were monitored for 120 days. Body weight and body condition score (BCS), serum concentrations of creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), albumin and total proteins, and urine protein-to creatinine (UPC) ratio were compared at different time-points. After 30 days of renal diet, creatinine, BUN and UPC ratio decreased significantly (p

Although several reviews on canine leishmaniasis have been published, none thoroughly described clinicopathologic abnormalities and their clinical usefulness. The aim of this review was to provide information concerning current diagnostic tests relevant for clinical pathologists and from a practical perspective. Specifically, in canine leishmaniasis, nonregenerative normocytic normochromic anemia, thrombocytopenia, or leukogram changes may be present. Clinical chemistry and urinalysis may indicate renal dysfunction (azotemia, decreased urine specific gravity, proteinuria) and an inflammatory/immune response (increased acute phase proteins [APP] or α2 - and/or γ-globulins). Although a potential gammopathy is usually polyclonal, it may also appear oligo- or monoclonal, especially in dogs coinfected by other vector-borne pathogens. When lesions are accessible to fine-needle aspiration (lymphoadenomegaly, nodular lesions, joint swelling), cytology is strongly advised, as the presence of Leishmania amastigotes in a pattern of pyogranulomatous inflammation or lymphoplasmacytic hyperplasia is diagnostic. If the cytologic pattern is inconclusive, the parasite should be identified by histology/immunohistochemistry or PCR on surgical biopsies. Alternatively, cytology and PCR may be performed on bone marrow samples where amastigotes, along with erythroid hypoplasia, myeloid hyperplasia, plasmacytosis, or secondary dysmyelopoiesis can be observed. Dogs with overt leishmaniasis generally have high antibody titers, while low titers predominate in immunologically resistant infected dogs or in exposed dogs with no parasite confirmation. Quantitative serology is recommended in clinically suspect dogs as high-titer antibodies titers may confirm the clinical diagnosis. In confirmed and treated dogs, renal function and inflammatory/immune response variables should be periodically monitored.

The aims of the current study were to assess whether sodium dodecyl sulphate–agarose gel electrophoresis (SDS-AGE) and high-resolution electrophoresis (HRE) can identify dogs with a urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPC ratio) >0.2 and whether HRE can provide preliminary information about the type of proteinuria, using SDS-AGE as a reference method. HRE and SDS-AGE were conducted on 87 urine samples classified according to the International Renal Interest Society as non-proteinuric (NP; UPC ratio: 0.51; 40/87). SDS-AGE and HRE were positive in 14 out of 32 and 3 out of 32 NP samples and in 52 out of 55 and 40 out of 55 samples with a UPC ratio >0.20, respectively. The concordance between HRE or SDS and UPC ratio was comparable (κ = 0.59; κ = 0.55). However, specificity (90%) and positive likelihood ratio (7.76) were higher for HRE than for SDS-AGE (56% and 2.16) while sensitivity was lower (73% vs. 94%). The analysis of HRE results revealed that a percentage of albumin >41.4% and an albumin/α1-globulin ratio (alb/α1 ratio) >1.46 can identify samples classified by SDS-AGE as affected by glomerular proteinuria while a percentage of α1-globulin >40.8% and an alb/α1 ratio 1-globulin or the alb/α1 ratio determined by HRE can provide preliminary information about the origin of proteinuria.

The fatigue life of a structure is also influenced by its size. Statistically, a bone from a large animal is expected to bear a higher risk of stress fracture if compared to the same bone from a small animal of the same species. This is not documented in the dog, where individuals can have a 40 times difference in body mass. We investigated the effect of body size on cortical bone microdamage accumulation, cortical microstructural organization (porosity, osteon area, and osteocyte lacunar density), and turnover in dogs with a wide body mass range. The aim was to understand and mathematically model how the bone tissue copes with the microdamage accumulation linked to body mass increase. Calcified transverse cortical sections of 18 canine radii of remarkably different size were examined by means of a standard bulk-staining technique and histomorphometric standard algorithms. Relationships between the investigated histomorphometric variables age, sex and mass were analyzed by general linear multivariate models and exponential equations. Type and location of microdamage and bone turnover were not influenced by body mass. Gender did not influence any parameter. Age influenced bone turnover and activation frequency. Microcrack density was influenced by bone mass. Bones had a similar microstructural organization within the same species regardless of the subject's dimension. Microdamage accumulation is inversely related to bone mass, whereas bone turnover is mass-invariant. We theorize a mass-related change in the bone fracture toughness targeted to reach an optimal unique dimensionless curve for fatigue life.

rug treatment of leishmaniasis in dogs is a chal-lenge for veterinary practitioners. Because of its complex pathogenesis, leishmaniasis may manifest with various clinical signs, ranging from mild and nonspe-cific to those reflecting severe involvement of several organs. The immune response plays an important role in the development, outcome, and response to treat-ment of

Objective—To evaluate a urine dipstick test as a possible replacement for urine protein-tocreatinine (UPC) ratio for identifying proteinuria in dogs. Sample Population—507 urine samples from adult dogs. Procedures—Urine dipstick, UPC ratio, specific gravity (USG), and sediment testing were performed on 507 samples. With UPC ratio as the reference criterion, diagnostic accuracy of the urine dipstick test was calculated for the entire data set and for urine samples grouped by USG (≤ 1.012 or > 1.012; < 1.030 or ≥ 1.030). A UPC ratio < 0.2 was used to indicate absence of proteinuria. Results—The sensitivity of the urine dipstick test for detection of proteinuria was > 90% when 0 mg of protein/dL (a 0+ result) was used to indicate a negative test result, and the specificity ranged from 40% to 60%, depending on the USG. Sensitivity decreased to a range of 56% to 81% when 30 mg of protein/dL (a 1+ result) was used as the cutoff, depending on the USG, but the specificity increased to > 90%. The likelihood of correctly identifying nonproteinuric dogs was low when the USG was ≤ 1.012, particularly when samples with a 1+ result were considered negative. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—For dogs with a dipstick-test result of 1+ and USG ≤ 1.012, proteinuria should be assessed by use of the UPC ratio; dogs with a USG value > 1.012 are likely nonproteinuric. When used together, the urine dipstick test and USG measurement were reliable as a rapid alternative to UPC ratio determination in dogs in this study.

A 2-month-old, female cat was presented for abdomen dilation. The patient was undernourished, and severe left hydronephrosis was diagnosed after clinical, ultrasonographical and radiographical examination. Although pyelography was performed in order to visualise the ureteral course, surgery was necessary to reach a final aetiological diagnosis and treatment. At gross examination, the left ureter crossed the renal capsula at the level of the caudal renal pole, and the subcapsular ureteral segment was markedly dilated. Distal to the renal capsula, the left ureter was very thin when compared to the right. The parenchyma of the left kidney, as suggested by ultrasonographical evaluation, was extremely reduced in thickness. An ureteronephrectomy was performed. Histopathological evaluation revealed glomerular sclerosis and diffuse parenchymal fibrosis. Severe hydronephrosis derived from an altered renal pelvic anatomy and abnormal ureteral course determining functional stenosis. Diagnosis of congenital anomaly before development of complications such as hydronephrosis could have allowed a surgical renal capsulectomy and obstruction relief. To the author's knowledge, this is the first report of severe hydronephrosis associated to altered renal pelvic anatomy and proximal ureteral ectopia in cat.

The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the relationship among proteinuria consisting of immunoglobulin free light chains (FLCs), renal histopathologic findings, and routine markers of renal function in 11 dogs exposed to Leishmania infantum (n = 8), Ehrlichia canis (n = 2), and Babesia canis (n = 1). FLC proteinuria was suspected based on identification of a 22- to 27-kDa band by sodium dodecyl sulfate-agarose gel electrophoresis (SDS-AGE) and later confirmed by immunofixation electrophoresis. SDS-AGE identified an isolated band of 22-27 kDa in 8 dogs, whereas the remaining 3 had a 22- to 27-kDa band and an additional band of 67-72 kDa. The median urine protein-to-urine creatinine ratio was 0.37 (range, 0.11-2.24) and increased ratios were found in 6 dogs (54.5%) (reference value

Percutaneous fine-needle biopsy was used to investigate thoracic and abdominal masses in the dog and cat. One hundred and thirty-two cases were included in the study; 20 cases were excluded from the comparative study due to poor cellularity or blood contamination (retrieval rate 86.8 per cent). One hundred samples (56 dogs and 44 cats) were classified by cytology as neoplastic. All the cytological diagnoses of neoplasia were confirmed by histological samples obtained either by non-surgical methods, at surgery or during postmortem examination. No false positive diagnoses of neoplasia were made. Thirty-two samples were cytologically classified as ‘negative for neoplasia’. Subsequent histological examination revealed 18 true negative and 14 false negative results. The procedure had an overall 89.4 per cent (118 cases out of 132) agreement between the diagnosis of inflammatory disease versus neoplasia, with a sensitivity of 87.8 per cent, a specificity of 100 per cent, a predictive value of a positive test of 100 per cent and a predictive value of a negative test of 56.3 per cent.

Objective—To histologically identify glomerular lesions in dogs infected with Leishmania organisms. Animals—41 dogs (17 sexually intact males and 14 sexually intact and 10 ovariohysterectomized females) that had positive results when tested for leishmaniosis as determined by use of serologic evaluation (indirect fluorescent antibody test, titers of 1:80 to 1:640) and direct microscopic identification of the protozoal organisms. Procedure—Urine samples were collected by use of cystocentesis and examined by qualitative SDSagarose gel electrophoresis (AGE). All dogs had nonselective (glomerular) or mixed (glomerular and tubular) proteinemia. Specimens were obtained from each dog during ultrasound-assisted renal biopsy and used for histologic examination. Each specimen was stained with H&E, periodic acid–Schiff, Goldner's trichrome, methenamine silver, and Congo Red stains. Specimens were adequate for evaluation when they contained at least 5 glomeruli/section, except for specimens stained with Congo Red in which 1 glomerulus/section was adequate. Results—Examination of renal biopsy specimens revealed various glomerular lesions in all dogs and interstitial or tubular (or both) lesions in 23 of 41 (55%) dogs. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Glomerular lesions that develop in dogs during infection with Leishmania organisms can be classified histologically as mesangial glomerulonephritis, membranous glomerulonephritis, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, and focal segmental glomerulonephritis. Tubulointerstitial histopathologic conditions were not observed as the primary lesion, despite being evident in 23 of 41 (55%) dogs. Use of SDS-AGE for qualitative evaluation of proteinuria and successive collection of specimens during renal biopsies following diagnosis of nonselective glomerular proteinuria provides the possibility for early identification of renal lesions. (Am J Vet Res 2003;64:558–561)

Our objective was to evaluate possible differences in the number of glomeruli and length of renal biopsies collected in canine subjects by two different types of biopsy needles: a semiautomatic 18-gauge Trucut and an automated 18-gauge Jamshidi modified (Biopince). One hundred biopsy samples obtained from dogs of different ages and gender affected by different nephropathies were evaluated retrospectively. All animals were biopsied using one of the two different needles. Biopsies were performed under ultrasound guidance and evaluated by a single pathologist. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate possible differences in the number of glomeruli and length of renal biopsies collected comparisons were determined between subgroups of dogs with or without the identification of renal interstitial infiltrates and/or fibrosis. Neither the mean difference of the number of glomeruli nor the length of tissue sample collected with the different needles was significantly different. Likewise, the average biopsy length did not differ in dogs with or without renal interstitial infiltrate in animals biopsied with either biopsy needle. Both the Biopince and the Trucut devices provide diagnostically adequate biopsy renal specimens using ultrasound-guidance.

A retrospective study was performed using 53 client owned dogs with leishmaniasis to determine whether the degree of proteinuria, evaluated by the urine protein/creatinine ratio (UP/C), changes following treatment with meglumine antimoniate and allopurinol. Medical records of dogs with leishmaniasis in clinical stage C (according to the Canine Leishmaniasis Working Group staging system) and either proteinuric or borderline proteinuric (according to the International Renal Interest Society [IRIS] staging system) were reviewed. All dogs were treated with meglumine antimoniate and allopurinol for 4–8 wk. After treatment, UP/C, total protein, and total globulin significantly decreased and albumin and the albumin/globulin ratio (A/G) increased. After treatment, 7 of the 53 dogs (13.4%) became nonproteinuric following either a proteinuric or borderline proteinuric stage. Moreover, 12 of the 53 proteinuric dogs (22.6%) changed their stage to borderline proteinuric. The antileishmaniasis treatment with meglumine antimoniate in combination with allopurinol in dogs significantly reduced the degree of proteinuria in a short period of time. The results of the current study may be useful to the veterinary practitioner in the clinical management of canine leishmaniasis (CanL) in dogs with proteinuric chronic kidney disease.