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Abstract Background Although regular health screening is recommended, long‐term follow‐up data in healthy aged cats are lacking. Objectives Determine the most common conditions in a large group of apparently healthy older cats and which diseases are manifested within 2 years in cats confirmed to be healthy based on extensive health screening. Animals Client‐owned cats. Methods Prospective study. Thorough history, physical examination, blood tests, and urinalysis were performed in 259 apparently healthy mature adult (7‐10 years) and senior (>10 years) cats. Semi‐annual follow‐up examinations were performed in 201 confirmed healthy cats. Results At baseline, 21% of apparently healthy cats were not considered healthy but were diagnosed with International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) ≥ stage 2 chronic kidney disease (CKD; 7.7%) or hyperthyroidism (4.6%), among other disorders. Disease occurred significantly more frequently in senior cats compared with mature adult cats. In addition, 40% cats were overweight, 35% had moderate to severe dental disease, and 22% had abnormal cardiac auscultation findings. Within 2 years, 28% of mature adult and 54% of senior cats that were confirmed healthy at inclusion developed new diseases, most commonly IRIS ≥ stage 2 CKD (cumulative incidence, 13.4%), hyperthyroidism (8.5%), chronic enteropathy, hepatopathy or pancreatitis (7.5%), or neoplasia (7%). Conclusions and Clinical Importance The high prevalence and 2‐year incidence of physical examination abnormalities and systemic diseases in apparently healthy older cats argue for regular health screening in cats ≥7 years of age. Although more common in senior cats, occult disease also occurs in mature adult cats, and owners should be informed accordingly.

Abstract Background The high doses of radioiodine‐131 (131I) and, subsequently, the high radioactive burden for dog and environment warrants optimization of 131I therapy in dogs with thyroid carcinoma (TC). Hypothesis/Objectives To evaluate the effect of a revised protocol with recombinant human thyroid stimulating hormone (rhTSH) on tumor radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) in dogs with TC. Animals Nine client‐owned dogs diagnosed with TC. Methods A prospective cross‐over study in which tumor RAIU was calculated and compared at 8 hours (8h‐RAIU) and 24 hours (24h‐RAIU) after injection of radioactive iodine‐123 (123I), once with and once without rhTSH (ie, 250 μg, IM, 24 and 12 hours before 123I) in each dog. Simultaneously, serum total thyroxine (TT4) and TSH were measured at baseline (T0), and 6 (T6), 12 (T12), 24 (T24), and 48 hours (T48) after the first rhTSH administration. Results Tumor RAIU was significantly higher at 24 hours with rhTSH compared to no rhTSH (mean difference = 8.85%, 95% CI of [1.56; 16.14]; P = .03), while this was non‐significant at 8 hours (mean difference = 4.54%, 95% CI of [0.35; 8.73]; P = .05). A significant change of serum TT4 (median difference T24 − T0 = 35.86 nmol/L, interquartile range [IQR] = 15.74 nmol/L) and TSH (median difference T24 − T0 = 1.20 ng/mL, IQR = 1.55 ng/mL) concentrations occurred after administration of rhTSH (P

Abstract Background Hyperthyroid cats commonly have systemic hypertension, with a reported prevalence of 7% to 48%. Although hypertension might be expected to resolve once treatment restores euthyroidism, it can persist or only first develop after treatment. Objectives To determine the proportion of hyperthyroid cats with hypertension (systolic blood pressure [SBP] ≥160 mm Hg), persistence or first development of hypertension after successful radioiodine treatment, and correlation of post‐treatment hypertension with azotemia or hypothyroidism. Animals Four hundred one hyperthyroid nonazotemic cats were included in the study. Methods Prospective, cross‐sectional and before‐and‐after studies. All hyperthyroid cats had SBP measured by Doppler; 255 had SBP rechecked 6 months after successful radioiodine (131I) treatment. Results Of untreated hyperthyroid cats, 108/401 (27%) were hypertensive. A higher proportion of hypertensive cats were nervous/excited compared with normotensive cats (47% vs 12%; P

Abstract Background Serum symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) is used to screen for renal dysfunction in dogs. The gold standard technique for measuring SDMA, liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) is not widely available. Age‐specific reference intervals for SDMA in older dogs are lacking. Objectives Prospective study in older dogs to validate a commercially available LC‐MS/MS method for SDMA, compare SDMA concentrations with concentrations measured using ELISA and obtain a reference interval (RI) for older dogs using both methods. Animals Client‐owned older dogs undergoing health screening. Methods The LC‐MS/MS method was analytically validated (limit of detection, precision, and linearity). Serum was sent cooled overnight for ELISA or was frozen at −80°C until batch analysis using LC‐MS/MS. Results of LC‐MS/MS and ELISA were compared and RIs for older dogs were calculated according to international guidelines. Results The LC‐MS/MS method showed good linearity (r2 = .99) and precision (coefficient of variation

Abstract Background Laboratory results are influenced by presence and severity of disease, as well as preanalytical factors, analytical variation, and biological variation. Biological variation data for urinary protein: creatinine ratio (UPC) and urine specific gravity (USG) in cats are lacking. Objectives Determine the biological variation of UPC and USG in cats. Animals Eighty healthy client‐owned cats. Methods Prospective study. Urine was collected on days 0, 14, and 56 from all 80 cats to investigate the persistence of borderline or overt proteinuria or suboptimal urine concentration. In 15 of these cats, urine was collected weekly from day 0 to 42 to calculate the index of individuality (II) and reference change value (RCV), and on days 56 and 57 to evaluate day‐to‐day variability of UPC and USG. Results Borderline or overt proteinuria (UPC ≥0.2) was present in 18/80 (23%) cats at baseline and persisted on 3 occasions in 2 months in 8/18 (44%) cats. Urine concentration was suboptimal at inclusion (USG 82% increase in UPC in a healthy cat is not solely attributable to physiological and analytical variation. For USG, a decrease of >36% is considered clinically relevant.

Abstract Background Stability of serum symmetric dimethylarginine (sSDMA) during short‐ and long‐term storage has not been assessed for the immunoassay of the Point‐of‐Care IDEXX Catalyst DX (POC) analyzer and the Enzyme Multiplied Immunoassay Technique of IDEXX commercial laboratory (CL). Also, the agreement between both analyzers is questioned. Objectives To determine (a) the effect of storage time and temperature on sSDMA measured by POC and CL; (b) the agreement between sSDMA measured by POC and CL; and (c) the imprecision of the POC. Animals Serum of cats (n = 17) and dogs (n = 18) with a range of SDMA concentrations (6 to >100 μg/dL). Methods Based on an equivalence trial with predefined equivalence range (−3.0 to +3.0 μg/dL) and using T0 as baseline, stability was evaluated after 24 hours at 22°C and 4°C (POC); after 7 days at 4°C (POC and CL) and after 10 and 24 months at −24°C and −80°C (CL). Bland‐Altman plots enabled method comparison. Imprecision of the POC was assessed by duplicate sSDMA measurements at T0. Results The POC analyzer produced equivalent sSDMA measurements if samples were stored for 24 hours at 4°C (95% confidence interval [CI]: −2.5‐2.0 μg/dL), but not when stored for 24 hours at room temperature (RT; 95% CI: −4.1 to 0.5 μg/dL) or after 7 days at 4°C (95% CI: −3.6‐1.0 μg/dL). The CL analyzer was less affected by preanalytical variation with clinically similar results obtained when samples were stored for 7 days at 4°C (95% CI: −2.2 to 2.4 μg/dL) and for at least 24 months at −24°C (95% CI: −1.7 to 2.9 μg/dL) and −80°C (95% CI: −1.5 to 3 μg/dL). A relevant mean difference of −2.3 μg/dL between both analyzers was found. Duplicate POC measurements were equivalent (95% CI: −2.6 to 2.0 μg/dL). Conclusions Delayed analysis may significantly change sSDMA depending on storage and measurement conditions. Interchangeable use of assays should be done with caution because analytical variation could be interpreted as clinically relevant change.

Abstract Background Activated clotting times (ACTs) are used to screen for coagulopathies and monitor heparin therapy. Objectives To determine a reference interval (RI) for ACT in dogs using a point‐of‐care analyser, to quantify intra‐subject within‐ and between‐day variability, to quantify analyser reliability and inter‐analyser agreement and to study the influence of a delay in measurement. Methods Forty‐two healthy dogs were included. Measurements were performed on fresh venous blood using the i‐STAT 1 analyser. The RI was determined using the Robust method. Intra‐subject within‐day variability and between‐day variability were quantified between baseline and 2 h (n = 8) or 48 h (n = 10) later. Analyser reliability and inter‐analyser agreement were studied by duplicate measurements (n = 8) on identical analysers. The influence of measurement delay was studied before and after a delay of one analytical run (n = 6). Results Mean, lower and upper reference limits for ACT were 92.9 ± 9.1, 74.4 and 111.2 s, respectively. Coefficients of variation of intra‐subject within‐ and between‐day variability were 8.1% and 10.4%, respectively, resulting in a significant between‐day measurement difference. Analyser reliability assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient and coefficient of variation were 0.87% and 3.3%, respectively. Significantly lower ACT values were observed after a measurement delay compared to direct analysis. Conclusions Our study provides an RI for ACT in healthy dogs using the i‐STAT 1 and suggests low intra‐subject within‐ and between‐day variability. Analyser reliability and inter‐analyser agreement were good; however, analysis delay and between‐day differences could significantly influence ACT results.

Abstract Background Urinalysis is necessary for the diagnostic evaluation of chronic kidney disease in cats. Performing cystocentesis is not always feasible, but data comparing urine obtained by cystocentesis in the clinic with voided samples collected at home are lacking in cats. Objectives To compare urinary protein:creatinine ratio (UPC) and urine specific gravity (USG) and to detect clinically relevant changes in proteinuria substage or urine concentration between urine collected at home and in‐clinic by cystocentesis in cats. Animals Ninety‐two healthy and diseased client‐owned cats. Methods Prospective study. Owners collected voided urine at home and within 1 to 15 hours, cystocentesis was performed in the clinic. Results In a subset of motivated owners, 55% succeeded in collecting urine at home. Overall, UPC was higher (mean ±SD difference = 0.09 ±0.22; P 0.4) was present in paired urine samples from 28% of cats. In 18% of cats, urine concentrating ability (USG

Abstract Background Urinary protein:creatinine ratio (UPC) results affect the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of chronic kidney disease in cats. Objectives To investigate the interlaboratory and intralaboratory variability and the effect of storage on UPC and International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) proteinuria substaging in cats. Animals Healthy and diseased client‐owned cats. Methods Prospective study. Urine of 60 cats was randomly sent to 4 (of 9) participating laboratories (to assess interlaboratory variability) and per cat, 2 laboratories each received 2 aliquots (to determine intralaboratory variability). Samples of 23 cats were analyzed in the same laboratory the day of collection, after preservation at 22°C for 1 day and at 4°C during 1‐7 days (short‐term storage) and at −24°C and −80°C for 6‐12 months (long‐term storage). Storage conditions were compared by equivalence testing. Results UPCs showed good interclass correlation (ICC‐inter, 0.90) and excellent intraclass correlation (ICC‐intra, 0.99). However, in 30/60 (50%) cats at least 1 of 4 laboratories assigned a different IRIS proteinuria substage. Urinary protein:creatinine ratio remained stable with short‐term storage, but not after 6 months storage at −24°C and after 12 months storage at −24°C or −80°C. Long‐term storage caused a change in IRIS proteinuria substage in 27% of cats, whereas a shift occurred only in 4% of cats during short‐term storage. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Laboratory choice for UPC measurement can result in different IRIS substaging for the same cat, whereas urine storage at room temperature for 1 day or in the refrigerator for up to 7 days does not clinically affect UPC.

Abstract Background Urinary liver‐type fatty acid‐binding protein (uL‐FABP) is a promising biomarker to detect early chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats. Few healthy cats show increased uL‐FABP for unknown reasons. Objectives The objective of this study was to evaluate uL‐FABP in a large healthy elderly cat population comparing cats with and without International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) stage 1 CKD and with and without borderline proteinuria. Methods This was a cross‐sectional study. One hundred ninety‐six clinically healthy client‐owned cats of ≥7 years old were subdivided based on two criteria: (1) having either IRIS stage 1 CKD or no evidence of CKD and (2) having borderline proteinuria or no proteinuria. Urinary L‐FABP was measured using a validated commercially available feline L‐FABP ELISA. Results Overall, uL‐FABP was detectable in 6/196 (3%) healthy elderly cats. For the first subdivision, nine (5%) cats had IRIS stage 1 CKD, 184 cats had no evidence CKD and three cats were excluded. All cats with IRIS stage 1 CKD had uL‐FABP concentrations below the detection limit, whereas 6/184 (3%) cats without IRIS stage 1 CKD had detectable uL‐FABP concentrations (median 1.79 ng/ml, range 0.79–3.66 ng/ml). For the second subdivision, 47 (24%) cats had borderline proteinuria, 147 cats had no proteinuria and two cats were excluded. One of the borderline proteinuric cats had a detectable uL‐FABP concentration, whereas the other five cats with detectable uL‐FABP concentrations were non‐proteinuric. Conclusion With the current assay, the screening potential of uL‐FABP as an early biomarker for feline CKD is limited as uL‐FABP was rarely detected in clinically healthy elderly cats independently of the presence of either IRIS stage 1 CKD or borderline proteinuria.

Abstract Background Primary congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is a rare endocrine disorder in cats with a largely unknown genetic cause. Objectives Describe the clinical presentation of CH in 11 affected cats and identify the causal genetic variant. Animals Eleven CH‐cats from 10 unrelated families, 11 CH‐free family members, 21 unrelated CH‐free cats, and 155 unrelated nondiagnosed cats from different breeds. Methods Case control study of CH‐cats and their siblings (2019‐2021). Diagnosis was based on low to low‐normal serum thyroxine (T4) concentrations, high thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations and clinical signs compatible with CH. We identified the causal variant using Sanger sequencing, genotyping via PCR‐RFLP and variant interpretation using ACMG/AMP guidelines. Results All CH‐cats (5 weeks‐8 years) had disproportionate dwarfism. A goiter was not palpable in all. Thyroid scintigraphy with radiopertechnetate showed abnormally high uptake by thyroid glands, whereas scintigraphy with radioiodine showed abnormally low uptake, compatible with a defect in iodine organification by thyroid peroxidase (TPO). All cases were homozygous for TPO variant XM_006930524.4:c.430G>A(p.(Gly144Arg)), while none of the CH‐free cats were. All sampled parents were heterozygous for this recessive variant. This variant was found in 15 cat breeds with an estimated allele frequency of 9%. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Disproportionate dwarfism, abnormally high TSH and abnormally low to low‐normal T4 concentrations are diagnostic for CH in cats. All cases had dyshormonogenesis demonstrated by thyroid scintigraphy. This novel TPO missense variant (not described in humans) causes CH in cats and awareness of it can assist in diagnosis and breeding.

Abstract Serum creatinine concentration, the classical biomarker of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats, has important limitations that decrease its value as a biomarker of early CKD. Recently, serum symmetric dimethylarginine concentration was introduced as a novel glomerular filtration rate biomarker for the early detection of CKD in cats. However, data on its specificity are still limited. The limitations of conventional biomarkers and the desire for early therapeutic intervention in cats with CKD to improve outcomes have prompted the discovery and validation of novel renal biomarkers to detect glomerular or tubular dysfunction. Changes in the serum or urinary concentrations of these biomarkers may indicate early kidney damage or predict the progression of kidney before changes in conventional biomarkers are detectable. This review summarizes current knowledge on renal biomarkers in CKD in cats, a field that has progressed substantially over the last 5 years.

Abstract Background Liver‐type fatty acid‐binding protein (L‐FABP) and neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) are candidate biomarkers for the detection of early chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats. Objective To evaluate urinary and serum L‐FABP and NGAL concentrations in CKD cats and in hyperthyroid cats before and after radioiodine (131I) treatment. Animals Nine CKD cats, 45 healthy cats and hyperthyroid cats at 3 time points including before (T0, n = 49), 1 month (T1, n = 49), and 11 to 29 months after (T2, n = 26) 131I treatment. Methods Cross‐sectional and longitudinal study. Serum L‐FABP (sL‐FABP), serum NGAL (sNGAL), urinary L‐FABP (uL‐FABP), and urinary NGAL (uNGAL) were compared between the 3 groups and between hyperthyroid cats before and after treatment. Data are reported as median (min‐max). Results CKD cats had significantly higher sL‐FABP (13.50 [3.40‐75.60] ng/ml) and uL‐FABP/Cr (4.90 [0.97‐2139.44] µg/g) than healthy cats (4.25 [1.34‐23.25] ng/ml; P = .01 and 0.46 [0.18‐9.13] µg/g; P < .001, respectively). Hyperthyroid cats at T0 had significantly higher uL‐FABP/Cr (0.94 [0.15‐896.00] µg/g) than healthy cats (P < .001), thereafter uL‐FABP/Cr significantly decreased at T2 (0.54 [0.10‐76.41] µg/g, P = .002). For the detection of CKD, uL‐FABP/Cr had 100% (95% confidence interval [CI], 66.4‐100.0) sensitivity and 93.2% (95% CI, 81.3‐98.6) specificity. There were no significant differences in sNGAL and uNGAL/Cr between the 3 groups. Conclusions and Clinical Importance L‐FABP, but not NGAL, is a potential biomarker for the detection of early CKD in cats. Utility of uL‐FABP to predict azotemia after treatment in hyperthyroid cats remains unknown.

Abstract Background Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the gold standard in assessing renal function but is impractical. Serum creatinine (sCr) has limited sensitivity in identifying early chronic kidney disease (CKD), whereas symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) has been commercialized as more accurate biomarker. Studies comparing SDMA and sCr with GFR in cats are limited. Objectives To further investigate the diagnostic performance of SDMA in nonazotemic and azotemic cats. Animals Forty‐nine client‐owned cats: 17 cats with CKD, 15 cats with diabetes mellitus (DM), and 17 healthy cats. Methods Retrospective study using spare blood samples from cats with documented sCr and GFR results for SDMA analysis. Diagnostic performances of SDMA and sCr were evaluated using correlation coefficients, sensitivities, specificities, and receiver operator characteristic curves. Results Compared to healthy cats and cats with DM, CKD cats had significantly higher SDMAplasma (26.7 ± 9.9 μg/dL) and sCr (249.7 ± 71.6 μmol/L [2.8 ± 0.8 mg/dL]; both P

Multidrug sensitivity is an autosomal recessive disorder in dogs caused by a 4-bp deletion in the ABCB1 gene, often referred to as the ABCB1-1Δ variant. This disease has a high prevalence in some breeds and causes adverse reactions to certain drugs when given in normal doses. Though most dogs known to be at risk are of the collie lineage or were traced back to it, the variant has also been described in several seemingly unrelated breeds. It is generally advised to genotype dogs at risk before treating them. However, there seems to be a discrepancy between the advice and current veterinary practices, as a recent study in Belgium and the Netherlands showed that most veterinarians never order a DNA test. To assess the possible risk of not testing for multidrug sensitivity in a clinical setting, the ABCB1-1Δ variant allele frequency was established in a sample of 286 dogs from a veterinary clinic. This frequency was compared to the allelic frequency in 599 samples specifically sent for genetic testing. While the allelic frequency in the sample for genetic testing was high (21.6%) and in line with the general reports, the allelic frequency in the clinical setting was low (0.2%), demonstrating an enormous difference between laboratory and clinical frequencies. Because of the low frequency of the disease-causing variant in the general clinical population, the risk of encountering a dog displaying multidrug sensitivity despite not genotyping seems to be low. As the variant was only found in an at-risk breed, the current recommendation of routinely genotyping at-risk breeds before treatment seems justified.

Canine Cushing's syndrome (hypercortisolism) can be caused by a pituitary tumor (pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism; PDH) or a cortisol-secreting adrenocortical tumor (csACT). For both cases, non-invasive biomarkers that could pre-operatively predict the risk of recurrence after surgery would greatly impact clinical decision making. The aim of this study was to determine whether circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) can be used as diagnostic (presence of PDH or csACT) and/or prognostic (disease recurrence, histological grade) non-invasive biomarkers for canine Cushing's syndrome. After a pilot study with 40 miRNAs in blood samples of healthy dogs (n = 3), dogs with PDH (n = 3) and dogs with a csACT (n = 4), we selected a total of 20 miRNAs for the definitive study. In the definitive study, these 20 miRNAs were analyzed in blood samples of healthy dogs (n = 6), dogs with PDH (n = 19, pre- and post-operative samples) and dogs with a csACT (n = 26, pre-operative samples). In dogs with PDH, six miRNAs (miR-122-5p, miR-126-5p, miR-141-3p, miR-222-3p, miR-375-3p and miR-483-3p) were differentially expressed compared to healthy dogs. Of one miRNA, miR-122-5p, the expression levels did not overlap between healthy dogs and dogs with PDH (p = 2.9x10−4), significantly decreased after hypophysectomy (p = 0.013), and were significantly higher (p = 0.017) in dogs with recurrence (n = 3) than in dogs without recurrence for at least one year after hypophysectomy (n = 7). In dogs with csACTs, two miRNAs (miR-483-3p and miR-223-3p) were differentially expressed compared to healthy dogs. Additionally, miR-141-3p was expressed significantly lower (p = 0.009) in dogs with csACTs that had a histopathological Utrecht score of ≥ 11 compared to those with a score of

Combretastatin A4-phosphate (CA4P) is a vascular disrupting agent that was recently described for the treatment of solid canine tumors. Conventional echocardiography and pulsed wave tissue Doppler imaging did not reveal cardiotoxicity in dogs, however, the gold standard for assessing myocardial damage in humans receiving cardiotoxic chemotherapeutics is two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. The current study evaluated the cardiotoxic effect of a single dose of CA4P in dogs using peak systolic strain measurements and the variability of these measurements. Echocardiographic examinations of seven healthy beagles and five canine cancer patients that received CA4P were retrospectively reviewed. Peak systolic regional longitudinal strain (LSt), peak systolic regional circumferential strain (CSt), and peak systolic regional radial strain (RSt) were measured before and 24 h after administration of CA4P. Peak systolic strain measurements were compared to serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI). To quantify intra- and inter-observer measurement variability, seven echocardiographic examinations were selected and each strain parameter was measured by three observers on three consecutive days. After CA4P administration, the median LSt and CSt values decreased by 21.8% (p = 0.0005) and 12.3% (p = 0.002), respectively, whereas the median RSt values were not significantly different (p = 0.70). The decrease in LSt was correlated with increased serum cTnI values (Spearman rho = −0.64, p = 0.02). The intra-observer coefficients of variation (CV) were 9%, 4%, and 13% for LSt, CSt, and RSt, respectively, while the corresponding interobserver CVs were 11%, 12%, and 20%. Our results suggest that regional peak systolic strain measurements may be useful for the early detection of cardiotoxicity that is caused by vascular disrupting agents and that LSt may be promising for the follow-up of canine cancer patients.

Anaplasma phagocytophilum is a worldwide emerging zoonotic tick-borne pathogen transmitted by Ixodid ticks and naturally maintained in complex and incompletely assessed enzootic cycles. Several studies have demonstrated an extensive genetic variability with variable host tropisms and pathogenicity. However, the relationship between genetic diversity and modified pathogenicity is not yet understood. Because of their proximity to humans, dogs are potential sentinels for the transmission of vector-borne pathogens. Furthermore, the strong molecular similarity between human and canine isolates of A. phagocytophilum in Europe and the USA and the positive association in the distribution of human and canine cases in the USA emphasizes the epidemiological role of dogs. Anaplasma phagocytophilum infects and survives within neutrophils by disregulating neutrophil functions and evading specific immune responses. Moreover, the complex interaction between the bacterium and the infected host immune system contribute to induce inflammatory injuries. Canine granulocytic anaplasmosis is an acute febrile illness characterized by lethargy, inappetence, weight loss and musculoskeletal pain. Hematological and biochemistry profile modifications associated with this disease are unspecific and include thrombocytopenia, anemia, morulae within neutrophils and increased liver enzymes activity. Coinfections with other tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) may occur, especially with Borrelia burgdorferi, complicating the clinical presentation, diagnosis and response to treatment. Although clinical studies have been published in dogs, it remains unclear if several clinical signs and clinicopathological abnormalities can be related to this infection.

Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) is a promising renal marker that correlates well with the glomerular filtration rate and could allow earlier detection of impaired renal function. The main objectives of this study were to assess the long-term variability of SDMA in healthy dogs and examine the influence of an increased body fat percentage on the level of SDMA. Sixteen lean Beagles were randomly assigned to the control group or weight-change group in age- and gender-matched pairs. The energy intake of the control group (n = 8) was strictly regulated to maintain an ideal body weight for 83 weeks, while the weight-change group (n = 8) was fed to induce weight gain (week 0-47), to maintain stable excessive body weight (week 47-56) and to lose weight (week 56-83), consecutively. At 8 specified time points, the body condition score, body composition, glomerular filtration rate, serum concentration of SDMA and creatinine were analyzed. In the control group, the within-subject coefficient of variation, between-subject coefficient of variation, reference change value (type I error = 5%) and index of individuality were 0.16, 0.22, 0.43 and 0.73, respectively. The control group and weight-change group did not differ significantly in SDMA concentration. SDMA showed a significant negative association (coefficient = -0.07) with body fat percentage (p

Canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is a zoonotic vector-borne disease that is endemic in the Mediterranean Basin including Morocco. Dogs play a major epidemiological role in this zoonosis as reservoir hosts. This study investigated the clinical manifestations of CanL in dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum. A total of 96 dogs presented to the Small Animal Clinic of the Hassan II Agronomy and Veterinary Institute (IAV Hassan II) of Rabat, Morocco, and were tested by RT-PCR and/or serology. Among them, 32 (33.3%) were positive to Leishmania infantum infection. The majority of the positive dogs (93.7%) came from urban areas. Most of them were male (62.5%) and purebreds (65.6%), were aged between 3 and 7 years (71.8%), and had outside activities (guarding, hunting, livestock guarding, and service activities) (71.8%) and all of them were living exclusively outdoor or had free access to the outdoor environment. Lymphadenomegaly (81.2%), dermatological disorders (65.6%) (mostly exfoliative dermatitis), weight loss (59.3%), exercise intolerance (56.2%), anorexia (28.1%), hyporexia (15.6%), and ocular lesions (28.1%) were the most frequent clinical signs and complaints recorded. Anemia and hyperproteinemia due to hyperglobulinemia were observed in 68.7% and 72.7% of the cases, respectively. These results suggest that CanL leads to various nonspecific clinical signs as described previously, making the diagnosis challenging. Since CanL is endemic in Morocco, it should be recommended to systematically test dogs displaying clinical signs compatible with this disease and to regularly screen asymptomatic at-risk dogs. It is also crucial to educate dog owners about the zoonotic aspect of the disease and to encourage intersectorial collaboration following the “One Health” concept, in order to contribute to a more effective control/prevention of human and canine leishmaniasis.

Background Thyroid hormone supplementation anecdotally has been described as a valid treatment option for dogs with aggression‐related problems. However, prospective, controlled, and blinded trials evaluating behavior and neurohormonal status in hypothyroid dogs during treatment with levothyroxine are lacking. Objective Levothyroxine supplementation will have a significant influence on the behavior and neurohormonal status of dogs with spontaneous hypothyroidism. Animals Twenty client‐owned dogs diagnosed with spontaneous hypothyroidism. Methods This prospective study was to evaluate the behavior of dogs, which was screened at initial presentation, and after 6 weeks, and 6 months of treatment with levothyroxine (starting dosage 10 μg/kg PO q12h) using the standardized Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C‐BARQ). At each time period, circulating serotonin and prolactin (PRL) concentrations were evaluated using a commercially validated ELISA kit and heterologous radioimmunoassay, respectively. Results After 6 weeks of thyroid hormone supplementation, C‐BARQ scores demonstrated a significant increase in activity of hypothyroid dogs (P .99 and P = .46) and PRL (P = .99 and P = .37) were noted between the 6‐week and 6‐month periods compared with baseline. Conclusions and Clinical Importance The results of this study indicate increased activity of hypothyroid dogs after 6 weeks of thyroid hormone supplementation. None of the hypothyroid dogs in this cohort showed a significant change in any of the evaluated behavioral signs and neurohormonal status after 6 months of thyroid hormone supplementation.

Tick-borne pathogens cause the majority of diseases in the cattle population in Morocco. In this study, ticks were collected from cattle in the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra region of Morocco and identified morphologically, while tick-borne pathogens were detected in cattle blood samples via polymerase chain reaction assay and sequencing. A total of 3394 adult ixodid ticks were collected from cattle and identified as eight different tick species representing two genera, Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus. The collected ticks consisted of Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, Rhipicephalus bursa, Hyalomma detritum, Hyalomma lusitanicum, Hyalomma dromedarii, and Hyalomma impeltatum. The overall prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in blood samples was 63.8%, with 29.3% positive for Babesia/Theileria spp., 51.2% for Anaplasma/Ehrlichia spp., and none of the samples positive for Rickettsia spp. Sequencing results revealed the presence of Theileria annulata, Babesia bovis, Anaplasma marginale, Theileria buffeli, Theileria orientalis, Babesia occultans, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma capra, Anaplasma platys, Anaplasma bovis, Ehrlichia minasensis, and one isolate of an unknown bovine Anaplasma sp. Crossbreeds, females, older age, and high tick infestation were the most important risk factors for the abundance of tick-borne pathogens, which occurred most frequently in Jorf El Melha, Sidi Yahya Zaer, Ait Ichou, and Arbaoua locations.

Abstract Background Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an emerging tick-borne zoonotic pathogen of increased interest worldwide which has been detected in northern Africa. Anaplasma platys is also present in this region and could possibly have a zoonotic potential. However, only one recent article reports on the human esposure to A. phagocytophilum in Morocco and no data are available on canine exposure to both bacteria. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional epidemiological study aiming to assess both canine and human exposure to Anaplasma spp. in Morocco. A total of 425 dogs (95 urban, 160 rural and 175 working dogs) and 11 dog owners were sampled from four cities of Morocco. Canine blood samples were screened for Anaplasma spp. antibodies by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and for A. phagocytophilum and A. platys DNA by a real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) targeting the msp2 gene. Human sera were tested for specific A. phagocytophilum immunoglobulin G (IgG) using a commercial immunofluorescence assay (IFA) kit. Results Anaplasma spp. antibodies and A. platys DNA were detected in 21.9 and 7.5% of the dogs, respectively. Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA was not amplified. Anaplasma platys DNA was significantly more frequently amplified for working dogs. No statistically significant differences in the prevalence of Anaplasma spp. antibodies or A. platys DNA detection were observed between sexes, age classes or in relation to exposure to ticks. A total of 348 Rhipicephalus sanguineus (sensu lato) ticks were removed from 35 urban and working dogs. The majority of dog owners (7/10) were seroreactive to A. phagoyctophilum IgG (one sample was excluded because of hemolysis). Conclusions This study demonstrates the occurrence of Anaplasma spp. exposure and A. platys infection in dogs, and A. phagocytophilum exposure in humans in Morocco.

Early detection of obesity-related glomerulopathy in humans is challenging as it might not be detected by routine biomarkers of kidney function. This study's aim was to use novel kidney biomarkers and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to evaluate the effect of obesity development and weight-loss on kidney function, perfusion, and injury in dogs. Sixteen healthy lean adult beagles were assigned randomly but age-matched to a control group (CG) (n = 8) fed to maintain a lean body weight (BW) for 83 weeks; or to a weight-change group (WCG) (n = 8) fed the same diet to induce obesity (week 0-47), to maintain stable obese weight (week 47-56) and to lose BW (week 56-83). At 8 time points, values of systolic blood pressure (sBP); serum creatinine (sCr); blood urea nitrogen (BUN); serum cystatin C (sCysC); urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPC); and urinary biomarkers of glomerular and tubular injury were measured. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal perfusion using CEUS were assayed (except for week 68). For CEUS, intensity- and time-related parameters representing blood volume and velocity were derived from imaging data, respectively. At 12-22% weight-gain, cortical time-to-peak, representing blood velocity, was shorter in the WCG vs. the CG. After 37% weight-gain, sCysC, UPC, glomerular and tubular biomarkers of injury, urinary immunoglobulin G and urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, respectively, were higher in the WCG. sBP, sCr, BUN and GFR were not significantly different. After 23% weight-loss, all alterations were attenuated. Early weight-gain in dogs induced renal perfusion changes measured with CEUS, without hyperfiltration, preceding increased urinary protein excretion with potential glomerular and tubular injury. The combined use of routine biomarkers of kidney function, CEUS and site-specific urinary biomarkers might be valuable in assessing kidney health of individuals at risk for obesity-related glomerulopathy in a non-invasive manner.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is one of the most common conditions affecting felines, yet the metabolic alterations underlying its pathophysiology remain poorly understood, hindering progress in identifying biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive view of metabolic changes in feline CKD across conserved biochemical pathways and evaluate their progression throughout the disease continuum. Using a multi-biomatrix high-throughput metabolomics approach, serum and urine samples from CKD-affected cats (n = 94) and healthy controls (n = 84) were analyzed with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry. Significant disruptions were detected in tryptophan (indole, kynurenine, serotonin), tyrosine, and carnitine metabolism, as well as in the urea cycle. Circulating gut-derived uremic toxins, including indoxyl-sulfate, p-cresyl-sulfate, and trimethylamine-N-oxide, were markedly increased, primarily due to impaired renal excretion. However, alternative mechanisms, such as enhanced bacterial formation from dietary precursors like tryptophan, tyrosine, carnitine, and betaine, could not be ruled out. Overall, the findings suggest that metabolic disturbances in feline CKD are largely driven by the accumulation of gut-derived uremic toxins derived from precursors highly abundant in the feline diet. These insights may link the strict carnivorous nature of felines to CKD pathophysiology and highlight potential avenues for studying preventive or therapeutic interventions.

Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an emerging tick-borne zoonosis with extensive increased interest. Epidemiological data are available in several regions of the USA, Europe and Asia in contrast to other parts of the world such as North Africa. Blood samples of 261 healthy individuals divided in two groups i.e., dog handlers and blood donors were analysed. Indirect immunofluorescent assay using a commercial kit was performed to detect specific A. phagocytophilum IgG. Two dilutions were used to assess the prevalence of seroreactive samples. Demographic variables were assessed as potential risk factors using exact logistic regression. Seropositivity rates reached 37% and 27% in dog handlers and 36% and 22% in blood donors. No statistically significant differences were found in the prevalence rates between the two groups. Analysis of risk factors such as gender, age groups, outdoor activities, self-reported previous exposure to ticks, or contact with domestic animals (dogs, cats, ruminants and horses) did not shown any significant difference. A. phagocytophilum exposure was common in both high-risk population and blood donors in Morocco.

Dogue de Bordeaux dog has been reported to be predisposed to a familial glomerulonephropathy that displays some morphological modifications reported in focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis. Prevalence of quantitatively abnormal renal proteinuria was recently reported to be 33% in this breed. The nature of the proteinuria was assessed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-agarose gel electrophoresis and determinations of urinary markers (urinary retinol-binding protein, urinary N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase, urinary albumin and urinary immunoglobulin G) on stored specimens. Diagnostic performances of sodium dodecyl sulfate-agarose gel electrophoresis to identify dogs with elevated urinary biomarkers were assessed. Samples from 102 adult Dogue de Bordeaux dogs (47 non-proteinuric [urine protein-to-creatinine ratio ≤ 0.2], 20 borderline-proteinuric [0.2< urine protein-to-creatinine ratio ≤ 0.5] and 35 proteinuric dogs [urine protein-to-creatinine ratio >0.5]) were used, of which 2 were suffering from familial glomerulonephropathy. The electrophoretic protein patterns, for all but one proteinuric dog, were indicative of a glomerular origin and, in all dogs, the urinary albumin concentration related to creatinine concentration and the urinary immunoglobulin G concentration related to creatinine concentration were above the upper limit of the reference interval established for the breed. Sensitivity and specificity of sodium dodecyl sulfate-agarose gel electrophoresis identifying dogs with elevated urinary albumin concentration were 94% and 92%, respectively, while diagnostic performance of sodium dodecyl sulfate-agarose gel electrophoresis in detecting dogs with elevated urinary immunoglobulin G concentration yielded sensitivity and specificity of 90% and 74%, respectively. These results suggest that all proteinuric and some borderline-proteinuric Dogue de Bordeaux dogs likely have underlying glomerular lesions and that sodium dodecyl sulfate-agarose gel electrophoresis and urinary markers might be useful to screen dogs with borderline-proteinuria. Additional investigations are warranted to assess if these findings are related to the familial glomerulonephropathy.

In humans, recombinant human thyrotropin (rhTSH) enhances radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer. No studies have been performed in veterinary medicine to optimize radioiodine treatment of thyroid cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of rhTSH on the uptake of radioiodine-123 ((123)I) in dogs with thyroid tumors. Nine dogs with thyroid neoplasia were included in this prospective cross-over study. The dogs were divided in 2 groups. In one group, (123)I was administered for a baseline RAIU determination in week 1. In week 2 (after a washout period of 2 weeks), these dogs received rhTSH (100 μg IV) 24 h before (123)I injection. In the other group the order of the protocol was reversed. For each scan, the dogs received 37 MBq (1 mCi) of (123)I intravenously (IV) and planar scintigraphy was performed after 8 and 24 h for tumor RAIU calculation. Overall, rhTSH administration caused no statistically significant change on thyroid tumor RAIU at 8 h (p = 0.89) or at 24 h (p = 0.98). A significant positive correlation was found between the effect of rhTSH on tumor 8h-RAIU and rhTSH serum concentrations at 6 h (τ = 0.68; p = 0.03), at 12 h (τ = 0.68; p = 0.03) and at 24 h (τ = 0.78; p = 0.02) after rhTSH injection. This study suggests that IV administration of 100 μg rhTSH 24 h before (123)I has an inconsistent effect on thyroid tumor RAIU. Further studies are necessary to determine the best protocol of rhTSH administration to optimize thyroid tumor RAIU.

Objectives of this study were to evaluate glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal structural changes and proteinuria in aged Beagle dogs before and after hydrocortisone (HC) administration. Eleven Beagle dogs ≥10 years old were treated with either hydrocortisone (HC group, n = 6) or placebo (control group, n = 5). Urinary markers, GFR and kidney biopsies were evaluated before (T0), during (T16 wks) and after discontinuing HC administration (T24 wks). Results indicate that HC administration causes a significant increase in GFR. At all time points except T16 wks, proteinuria was higher in the control group than in the HC group, and there was no significant difference in urinary markers between groups. At T16 wks, proteinuria, urinary albumin-to-creatinine (c) ratio, immunoglobulin G/c and retinol-binding protein/c were higher compared to baseline in the HC group. At T0, rare to mild renal lesions were detected in all HC dogs and rare to moderate changes in all control dogs. Glomerulosclerosis progressed in both groups until T24 wks. Tubular atrophy was detected in three HC dogs at T16 wks and T24 wks, but also in five control dogs throughout the study. At every time point, five HC dogs and all control dogs had rare to moderate interstitial inflammation. Rare to mild interstitial fibrosis was found in up to three HC dogs at T16 wks and T24 wks, and severe fibrosis in one HC dog at T24 wks. Up to four control dogs had rare to mild fibrosis at all time points. These findings indicate that clinically healthy, aged Beagle dogs may have considerable renal lesions and proteinuria, which could have implications for experimental or toxicological studies. Additional research is needed to elucidate glucocorticoid effects on renal structure, but functional changes such as hyperfiltration and proteinuria warrant attention to kidney function of canine patients with Cushing's syndrome or receiving exogenous glucocorticoids.