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A 4 yr old castrated male greyhound presented with a history of chronic (>3 wk) intermittent diarrhea. Initial fecal analysis identified infection with Ancylostoma caninum. Despite treatment with routine anthelmintics, the dog remained persistently A caninum positive for several months. A novel fecal gastrointestinal real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) parasite panel detected A caninum and the genetic benzimidazole (BZ) F167Y resistance marker in multiple samplings over 48 hr. This finding, together with the dog's clinical signs (diarrhea) and lack of response to routine anthelmintics, prompted treatment with cyclooctadepsipeptide emodepside, a drug currently not registered for dogs in the United States. The dog's clinical signs resolved and post-treatment fecal qPCR testing was negative. However, 5 mo later, retesting with fecal qPCR detected A caninum and concurrent BZ resistance marker, as well as Giardia. A presumptive diagnosis of re-infection was made and the emodepside treatment was continued. The dog again reverted to undetected (A caninum and the 167 resistance marker) on reassessment fecal qPCR. This case report describes the use of a novel fecal qPCR panel for gastrointestinal parasites, persistent hookworm and BZ F167Y resistance marker detection in a dog, and highlights the importance of a stepwise approach to clinical management, treatment, and retesting., (© 2024 by American Animal Hospital Association.)

The relationship between veterinary colleges (VCs), associated veterinary teaching hospital referral centers (VTHs), and referring veterinarians (rVets) is important and complex. Despite this, there has been minimal research on rVets with respect to their regional VC and VTH. Our objectives were to evaluate rVets' attitudes and self-reported needs on their regional VC's VTH surrounding (a) continuing education, (b) collaborative research, and (c) referrals for specialty consultation and care. Participants (rVets) were invited to complete an online questionnaire (2018-2019). Respondents ( n = 56) indicated multiple (24) unmet continuing education topic needs, of which dermatology and behavior were most selected. Many rVets (70%) reported an interest in collaborative research participation. Communication was frequently selected by respondents when asked what could be improved with respect to the VTH referral center process. Our work provides a benchmark attitudes and needs assessment, identifies areas for improvement, and may aid initiatives regionally, and likely externally, as adapted to other rVet-VC-VTH relationships.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate initial antimicrobial therapy in cats diagnosed with upper or lower bacterial urinary tract infections at veterinary practices in the USA and Canada., Methods: Electronic medical records from a veterinary practice corporation with clinics in the USA and Canada were queried between 2 January 2016 and 3 December 2018. Feline patient visits with a diagnosis field entry of urinary tract infection, cystitis and pyelonephritis, as well as variation of those names and more colloquial diagnoses such as kidney and bladder infection, and where an antimicrobial was prescribed, were retrieved., Results: Prescription data for 5724 visits were identified. Sporadic cystitis was the most common diagnosis (n = 5051 [88%]), with 491 (8.6%) cats diagnosed with pyelonephritis and 182 (3.2%) with chronic or recurrent cystitis. Cefovecin was the most commonly prescribed antimicrobial for all conditions, followed by amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. Significant differences in antimicrobial drug class prescribing were noted between practice types and countries, and over the 3-year study period. For sporadic cystitis, prescription of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid increased significantly and cefovecin decreased between 2016 and 2018, and 2017 and 2018, while fluoroquinolone use increased between 2017 and 2018., Conclusions and Relevance: The results indicate targets for intervention and some encouraging trends. Understanding how antimicrobials are used is a key component of antimicrobial stewardship and is required to establish benchmarks, identify areas for improvement, aid in the development of interventions and evaluate the impact of interventions or other changes.

Over the past decade, there has been an apparent increased frequency and widened distribution of canine leptospirosis in Canada, however, this has been minimally investigated. Availability and clinical uptake of Leptospira polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based testing of dogs in Canada may provide important insight into the epidemiology of this canine and zoonotic infectious disease. Study objectives were to evaluate clinical canine Leptospira PCR test results from a large commercial laboratory to determine temporal and spatial distribution in Canada and identify dog, geographic and temporal risk factors for test-positive dogs. This cross-sectional study analyzed data obtained from IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. on 10,437 canine Leptospira PCR tests (blood and/or urine) submitted by Canada-based veterinarians (July 2009 to May 2018). Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for test-positive dogs. Test-positive proportion varied widely annually (4.8-14.0%) and by location. Provinces with the highest test-positive proportion over the study period were Nova Scotia (18.5%) and Ontario (9.6%), with the prairie provinces (Manitoba and Alberta combined) having the lowest proportion (1.0%); the northern territories could not be evaluated due to limited testing. In the final model, dog age, sex, breed, month, and year test performed, and location (urban/rural, province) of the practice submitting the sample were significant predictors of a positive Leptospira PCR test. Dogs less than one year of age (OR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.6-2.9), male sex (OR = 1.3; 1.1-1.5), toy breed (OR = 3.3; 2.5-4.4), and samples submitted from an urban practice (OR = 1.3; 1.0-1.8) had the greatest odds of a positive Leptospira PCR test as compared to referent groups. Significant two-way interactions between province-month and year-month highlight the complex spatial and temporal influences on leptospirosis occurrence in this region. Our work suggests a high incidence of canine leptospirosis regionally within Canada. Identifiable dog and location factors may assist in future targeted prevention efforts., Competing Interests: Donald Szlosek is an employee of IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. Michelle Evason is a consultant for IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. UK. This does not alter our adherence to PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials.

Objectives: The primary aims of this study were to determine preferences of North American cat owners when they are prescribed an antimicrobial for their cat with regard to cost, method of administration and the importance of antibiotics for treating infections in people, and to establish baseline knowledge, attitudes and influencers of cat owners on antimicrobial resistance and stewardship., Methods: An online questionnaire was used for data collection from two cat-owner groups: US cat owners and Canadian cat owners. Participants were queried on antimicrobial resistance and stewardship, and their preferences for their own cat when prescribed an antimicrobial, with respect to cost, method of drug administration and the importance of a drug for treating infections in people. Responses were evaluated through conjoint analysis and Likert-type questions. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytic statistics., Results: A total of 630 complete responses were included in the final analysis. Cost (37%) and method of administration (38%) were of similar participant preference when assessed using conjoint analysis. The importance of a drug for treating infections in people was lower priority (21%). The majority of cat owners preferred an antimicrobial that was 'very important' in treating human infections. A low proportion (21%) of participants responded that antimicrobial use in pets posed a risk to humans. Participants with a university education were more likely to respond that antimicrobial use in pets was a concern for people (31%; P <0.001)., Conclusions and Relevance: Cat owners prioritize antimicrobial cost and method of administration equally. Few cat owners recognized the human antimicrobial resistance risks associated with antimicrobial use in pets.

Preventive care is the cornerstone of health. However, veterinary staff to client (pet owner) communication of disease prevention may be limited resulting in increased pet risk. Our objectives were to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices of clients regarding vaccination and parasite control and describe information sources influencing client preventive care. Over a 6-week period, clients visiting a veterinary teaching hospital in Prince Edward Island, Canada, were invited to complete a written questionnaire. Of those invited, 81% (105/129) completed the questionnaire. Respondents reported low (19 to 33%) to moderate (66 to 79%) coverage for canine "lifestyle" and core vaccines, respectively. Half of the participants reported that they had concern for their pet's health from endo/ectoparasites compared to concern for their/household member's health (27%), despite 45% reporting a person at increased zoonotic risk in their household. Veterinarians (89 to 92%) and online information (39 to 51%) were the highest client-reported resources for vaccine and parasite education. Our work provides a baseline for preventive care practices and highlights a need for improvement., (Copyright and/or publishing rights held by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.)

Background: The blacklegged tick (BLT) is a vector for the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb), which causes Lyme disease. Range expansion of the BLT in Canada is related to an increased risk of Lyme disease in many regions. Current literature, such as the 2018 American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine consensus statement, suggests that there may be differences in the approaches of veterinarians who encounter dogs exposed to Bb and dogs with Lyme disease., Objectives: To determine current knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Canadian veterinarians regarding Lyme disease in dogs., Animals: None., Methods: An online survey was distributed to Canadian veterinarians through veterinary associations and industries. Survey responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, spatial analysis, Fisher's exact tests, and univariable logistic regression., Results: At the completion of the survey, 192 responses were received from veterinarians practicing in all 10 Canadian provinces. Answers to short scenario and treatment questions reflected a wide variety of clinical approaches taken by veterinarians. Regional differences were seen in reported tick distribution and clinical approaches., Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Regional differences and generalized differences were found in approaches used by responding Canadian veterinarians with regard to managing Bb exposure and Lyme disease in dogs. We identified areas for future research and knowledge mobilization for veterinarians., (© 2021 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. on behalf of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.)

Background: Lyme disease is an emerging vector-borne zoonotic disease of increasing public health importance in Canada. As part of its mandate, the Canadian Lyme Disease Research Network (CLyDRN) launched a pan-Canadian sentinel surveillance initiative, the Canadian Lyme Sentinel Network (CaLSeN), in 2019., Objectives: To create a standardized, national sentinel surveillance network providing a real-time portrait of the evolving environmental risk of Lyme disease in each province., Methods: A multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) approach was used in the selection of sentinel regions. Within each sentinel region, a systematic drag sampling protocol was performed in selected sampling sites. Ticks collected during these active surveillance visits were identified to species, and Ixodes spp. ticks were tested for infection with Borrelia burgdorferi , Borrelia miyamotoi , Anaplasma phagocytophilum , Babesia microti and Powassan virus., Results: In 2019, a total of 567 Ixodes spp. ticks ( I. scapularis [n=550]; I. pacificus [n=10]; and I. angustus [n=7]) were collected in seven provinces: British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Québec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. The highest mean tick densities (nymphs/100 m 2 ) were found in sentinel regions of Lunenburg (0.45), Montréal (0.43) and Granby (0.38). Overall, the Borrelia burgdorferi prevalence in ticks was 25.2% (0%-45.0%). One I. angustus nymph from British Columbia was positive for Babesia microti , a first for the province. The deer tick lineage of Powassan virus was detected in one adult I. scapularis in Nova Scotia., Conclusion: CaLSeN provides the first coordinated national active surveillance initiative for tick-borne disease in Canada. Through multidisciplinary collaborations between experts in each province, the pilot year was successful in establishing a baseline for Lyme disease risk across the country, allowing future trends to be detected and studied., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None.

Nutrition and exercise are key components of an animal's overall health; however, these topics may not be discussed with clients during veterinary visits resulting in suboptimal practices. This study sought to i) estimate small animal clientele knowledge, attitudes, and practices on nutrition and exercise; and ii) evaluate client recall of (and interest in) veterinary recommendations related to nutrition and exercise. Clients visiting the Atlantic Veterinary College Small Animal Teaching Hospital over a 1-month period were invited to complete a 5-minute written questionnaire. Of the clients invited to participate, 71% (101/143) completed the questionnaire. An unexpectedly high proportion of clients reported feeding homemade (37%) and raw meat-based diets and products (30%). Most participants indicated an interest in veterinary directed discussions on nutrition (63%) and exercise (63%). Our study provides a benchmark for needed ongoing (and targeted) client education and has led to expansion of our hospital infection control policy., (Copyright and/or publishing rights held by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.)

Background: Vector-borne pathogens are emerging concerns in multiple regions of Canada. Determining regional prevalence of canine vector-borne pathogens and documenting change will improve clinician awareness, enable targeted prevention, enhance diagnosis and ideally reduce the risk of disease. Study objectives were to: (i) estimate the prevalence of positive canine vector-borne test results from samples submitted in Canada; (ii) assess change in prevalence over time, from baseline (2008) to 2015; and (iii) estimate the prevalence of pathogen co-infections., Methods: This repeat cross-sectional study evaluated 753,468 test results for D. immitis antigen and B. burgdorferi, Ehrlichia canis/ewingii/muris serology, and 753,208 test results for Anaplasma phagocytophilum/platys serology using the SNAP® 4Dx®Test and SNAP 4Dx® Plus Test., Results: Based on all submitted samples from Canada (2008-2015), the period seroprevalence of B. burgdorferi, Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp. and D. immitis antigen were 2.0%, 0.5%, 0.4% and 0.2%, respectively. Over the 7 years (2008 compared to 2015) we observed a significant increase in seroprevalence for B. burgdorferi (144.4%) and Ehrlichia spp. (150%). Co-infections (positive for two or more pathogens on a single 4 pathogen test kit) were estimated at 5.4% (1162/21,612) of total positive tests., Conclusions: The temporal rise and geographical differences in prevalence detected for these pathogens (notably B. burgdorferi) are consistent with anecdotal information on canine illness related to tick-borne pathogen exposure in multiple regions of Canada, particularly canine Lyme disease.

Two field trials, involving 66 cats (15 trial 1; 51 trial 2) were conducted to assess the efficacy of a psyllium-enriched diet for management of constipation in cats. After investigations and faecal evacuation (by enema if required), all cats were fed on a moderate fibre, psyllium-enriched, dry extruded diet. Additional therapy was either not used (trial 1), or initially allowed but was subsequently withdrawn if possible (trial 2). The diet was well tolerated, and palatability was excellent. Most cases improved after initial therapy (at 2 months; trial 1: 14/15 [93%]; trial 2: 42/51 [82%]), and faecal consistency improved significantly in both trials (P < 0.001). Use of cisapride and lactulose decreased significantly in trial 2 (P < 0.001 for both). The diets used in these pilot studies were efficient in the management of recurrent feline constipation. Randomised control trials are now recommended to examine whether a clinical benefit can be proven., (Copyright © 2011 ISFM and AAFP. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

A hospital-based, case-control study was used to describe clinical and laboratory findings in 83 dogs diagnosed with noninfectious, nonerosive, immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA) in western Canada. Case medical records were reviewed. Cases were analyzed as total IMPA cases and as subgroups [breed, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), reactive, and idiopathic] and compared with the general canine hospital population. Dogs with IMPA differed in age (P = 0.004) and weight (P = 0.01) from other hospital admissions. Idiopathic IMPA cases were older (4-10 y; P < 0.05), compared with the general canine hospital population, and their common laboratory abnormalities included the following: leukocytosis, nonregenerative anemia, increased alkaline phosphatase, and hypoalbuminemia. The SLE cases were seen more often in summer and fall (P = 0.04), raising concern of an undiagnosed etiologic agent. The hock joint appeared to be the most reliable for diagnosis of IMPA, and arthrocentesis of both hock joints may aid in case identification.