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Acantocheilonema reconditum is a parasite transmitted by fleas, lice and ticks and is included among the filaroid species infecting dogs. Contrary to the more well-studied Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens, A. reconditum is believed to be less pathogenic, as adult worms are localized in the subcutaneous tissues and in the perirenal fat. Although previous studies reported the absence of clinical symptoms in infected dogs, there are few data regarding the haematological and biochemical changes that could be potentially caused by this parasite. Because hunting dogs are frequently exposed to vector-borne pathogens, the aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence, risk factors and potential hematobiochemical abnormalities associated with A. reconditum infection in this specific canine population. Blood samples were collected from 3,020 hunting dogs living in Campania region, and were tested by a modified Knott technique to count and identify microfilariae. Out of 3,020 dogs tested, 84 were positive to A. reconditum, with an overall prevalence of 2.78% (95% CI: 2.19– 3.37%). The number of microfilariae/ml ranged from 1 to 442. After excluding dogs co-infected by different filarial worm species and/or other vector-borne pathogens common in Southern Italy, n. 74 dogs showed A. reconditum single infection. The main clinical features observed were dehydration (n. 1), fever (n. 1), congested mucous membranes (n. 2) and exercise intolerance (n. 2). Complete blood cell count results revealed leukocytosis (n. 16), anaemia (n. 2), thrombocytopenia (n. 8), eosinophilia (n. 1). Biochemical data showed increased serum values of total globulins (n. 14), albumins (n. 9), gamma glutamyl transferase (n. 2) and alkaline phosphate (n. 1), hypoalbuminemia was observed in one dog. Dogs co-infected with other vector-borne pathogens were not included in the statistical analysis. The living area (p

In these last years, the increasing obesity incidence in canine species has enshrined its relevance as an important worldwide disease. Recently, obesity has been associated with impaired immunity and chronic low-grade inflammation in humans as well as mouse models. Increased concentration of leptin and other pro-inflammatory cytokines have been described in obese dogs. A reduced number of T regulatory cells (Treg) has been reported in visceral adipose tissue and blood of obese humans, and recently also in Labrador retriever obese dogs. Moreover, some evidences addressed the possible impact of obesity on cardiovascular apparatus in dogs. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a weight loss program on metabolic and immunological profile, blood leptin level and cardiovascular parameters in obese dogs. Ten overweight dogs (OB) (BCS>7/9) were recruited into the study, and they underwent blood testing (complete blood count, serum biochemistry, blood level assay of CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+T cells, CD4/CD8 ratio, CD21+B cells, Treg cells by immune-fluorescence and flow cytometry and measurement of serum leptin by species-specific ELISA kit) and assessment of cardiovascular function (blood pressure measurement, electrocardiography and echocardiography) before (T0) and after five months (T1) of commercially available weight loss diet. Ten normal weight (BCS 4–5) healthy dogs represented a control group (CTR). Regarding metabolic profile, a mild no significant decrease in total cholesterol but a significant decrease in triglycerides serum levels (p

One hundred and twenty dogs were enrolled to value the effect of loading condition changes on left ventricular volumes before and 24 hours after the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occlusion by ACDO using standard echocardiography. The animals were divided in pure breed (n=94) and mixed breed (n=26); subsequently, the pure-breed dogs were divided on the basis of the size of the breed of belonging in 3 groups (small size n=36; medium size n=8; large size n=50). Moreover, the animals were divided in three classes based on their age: until 6 months; 6–12 months; over 12 months. A significant reduction of all the examined parameters (LVIDd, LVIDs, EDV, ESV, EDVI, ESVI, FS) was observed after ductal closure. The evaluation of the relative percentage difference (RDP) of the echocardiographic parameters showed at 24 hours after the closure, a significant reduction higher in small size breed than in large size breed dogs. No significant difference related to breed size was observed only for RPD_FS variable. A significant interaction effect, between breed size and age classes, was observed only for RPD_EDVI (F=3.4; p=0.039). Until six months of age there was no significant difference in RPD_EDVI reduction, but over 6 months a significant reduction between small size and large size breed dogs at 24 hours from the occlusion was observed. In conclusion, our data seem to indicate that small-breed dogs show a greater tolerance to congenital volume overload, and for this reason it could be possible to delay the PDA closure of a few months, allowing weight gain that makes easier the interventional procedure. On the other hand, the large-breed dogs should be submitted to ductal closure as soon as possible, in order to avoid an excessive LV wall stress.

Mycoplasma haemocanis (Mhc) and Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum (CMhp) are two species of canine hemoplasma that may cause hemolytic anemia and chronic disease in canine species. While understanding is limited, blood transfusions, bloodsucking arthropods, biting and fighting are suspected routes of hemoplasma transmission in dogs. The aim of the present survey was to determine the prevalence of hemotropic mycoplasma infections in hunting dogs from Southern Italy and assess related risk factors. Blood samples were collected from 1433 hunting dogs in the Napoli, Avellino and Salerno provinces of Campania region of Southern Italy, and tested by real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays for amplification of Mhc and CMhp DNA. The dogs had no clinical signs at the time of sampling. The overall PCR-positive rates were13.1% for Mhc and 11.4% for CMhp. Coinfection with both hemoplasma species was found in 4% of animals. Statistical analysis revealed living in Salerno province (Mhc: OR=2.94, 95% CI: 2.10–4.11; CMhp: OR=2.27, 95% CI: 1.61–3.20), hound breeds (Mhc: OR=4.0, 95% CI: 2.86–5.59; CMhp: OR=1.61, 95% CI: 1.16–2.24) , pack size more than 10 animals (Mhc: OR=1.67, 95% CI: 1.14–2.47; CMhp: OR=1.61, 95% CI: 1.06–2.44) and wild mammals hunting (Mhc: OR= 3.53, 95% CI: 2.51–4.98; CMhp: OR= 15.7, 95% CI: 8.83–28.0) as associated risk factors for both canine hemoplasma infection. Adult age was a variable significantly associated only to infection by CMhp (OR=1.93, 95% CI: 1.25–2.97). To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first large-scale molecular survey on Mhc and CMhp infections in dogs living in Southern Italy. The obtained data confirm the circulation of these two species of canine hemoplasma within the hunting dog population of Southern Italy, although their pathogenic potential and the possible epidemiological relationships between hunting dogs and sympatric wild animal populations are still unclear.