Feral dogs in Chitral gol national park, Pakistan: a potential threat to the future of threatened Kashmir Markhor (Capra falconeri cashmiriensis) / Cães ferozes no parque nacional Chitral gol, Paquistão: uma ameaça potencial para o futuro do Markhor da Caxemira ameaçado (Capra falconeri cashmiriensis)

Feral dogs are well-organized hunters of ungulates in many parts of the world, causing great damage to wildlife populations and ultimately to the ecosystem. In Pakistan, the impacts of feral dogs on the wildlife have not been documented yet. In a period of fifteen years (2006-2020), feral dogs have killed hundreds of threatened markhor in Chitral gol national park (CGNP), Pakistan. Despite direct predation other impacts including disturbance and competition with other natural predators, could compromise conservation and management efforts. The population of feral dogs seems to have been increased with the increase of dumping sites by communities. Our findings suggest that there are pressing needs of controlling the feral dogs population and eradicating them from the core zone of CGNP and surrounding buffer communities. Conventional culling of dogs should be coupled with modern techniques like castration and sterilization. Communities should be educated regarding the clean environment, proper disposal of home wastes and, biodiversity conservation.

Os cães ferozes são caçadores bem organizados de ungulados em muitas partes do mundo, causando grandes danos à população de animais selvagens e, em última instância, ao ecossistema. No Paquistão, os impactos dos cães selvagens na vida selvagem ainda não foram documentados. Em um período de 15 anos (2006-2020), cães selvagens mataram centenas de markhor ameaçados no parque nacional Chitral gol (CGNP), Paquistão. Apesar da predação direta, outros impactos, incluindo distúrbios e competições com outros predadores naturais podem comprometer os esforços de conservação e manejo. A população de cães selvagens parece ter aumentado com o aumento dos locais de despejo pelas comunidades. Nossas descobertas sugerem que há necessidades urgentes para controlar a população de cães selvagens e erradicá-los da zona central do CGNP e das comunidades-tampão vizinhas. O abate convencional de cães deve ser combinado com técnicas modernas como castração e esterilização. As comunidades devem ser educadas sobre o meio ambiente limpo, o descarte adequado de resíduos domésticos e a conservação da biodiversidade.

Feral dogs in Chitral gol national park, Pakistan: a potential threat to the future of threatened Kashmir Markhor (Capra falconeri cashmiriensis)

Abstract Feral dogs are well-organized hunters of ungulates in many parts of the world, causing great damage to wildlife populations and ultimately to the ecosystem. In Pakistan, the impacts of feral dogs on the wildlife have not been documented yet. In a period of fifteen years (2006-2020), feral dogs have killed hundreds of threatened markhor in Chitral gol national park (CGNP), Pakistan. Despite direct predation other impacts including disturbance and competition with other natural predators, could compromise conservation and management efforts. The population of feral dogs seems to have been increased with the increase of dumping sites by communities. Our findings suggest that there are pressing needs of controlling the feral dogs population and eradicating them from the core zone of CGNP and surrounding buffer communities. Conventional culling of dogs should be coupled with modern techniques like castration and sterilization. Communities should be educated regarding the clean environment, proper disposal of home wastes and, biodiversity conservation.

Resumo Os cães ferozes são caçadores bem organizados de ungulados em muitas partes do mundo, causando grandes danos à população de animais selvagens e, em última instância, ao ecossistema. No Paquistão, os impactos dos cães selvagens na vida selvagem ainda não foram documentados. Em um período de 15 anos (2006-2020), cães selvagens mataram centenas de markhor ameaçados no parque nacional Chitral gol (CGNP), Paquistão. Apesar da predação direta, outros impactos, incluindo distúrbios e competições com outros predadores naturais podem comprometer os esforços de conservação e manejo. A população de cães selvagens parece ter aumentado com o aumento dos locais de despejo pelas comunidades. Nossas descobertas sugerem que há necessidades urgentes para controlar a população de cães selvagens e erradicá-los da zona central do CGNP e das comunidades-tampão vizinhas. O abate convencional de cães deve ser combinado com técnicas modernas como castração e esterilização. As comunidades devem ser educadas sobre o meio ambiente limpo, o descarte adequado de resíduos domésticos e a conservação da biodiversidade.

Feral dogs in Chitral gol national park, Pakistan: a potential threat to the future of threatened Kashmir Markhor (Capra falconeri cashmiriensis) / Cães ferozes no parque nacional Chitral gol, Paquistão: uma ameaça potencial para o futuro do Markhor da Caxemira ameaçado (Capra falconeri cashmiriensis)

Abstract Feral dogs are well-organized hunters of ungulates in many parts of the world, causing great damage to wildlife populations and ultimately to the ecosystem. In Pakistan, the impacts of feral dogs on the wildlife have not been documented yet. In a period of fifteen years (2006-2020), feral dogs have killed hundreds of threatened markhor in Chitral gol national park (CGNP), Pakistan. Despite direct predation other impacts including disturbance and competition with other natural predators, could compromise conservation and management efforts. The population of feral dogs seems to have been increased with the increase of dumping sites by communities. Our findings suggest that there are pressing needs of controlling the feral dogs population and eradicating them from the core zone of CGNP and surrounding buffer communities. Conventional culling of dogs should be coupled with modern techniques like castration and sterilization. Communities should be educated regarding the clean environment, proper disposal of home wastes and, biodiversity conservation.

Resumo Os cães ferozes são caçadores bem organizados de ungulados em muitas partes do mundo, causando grandes danos à população de animais selvagens e, em última instância, ao ecossistema. No Paquistão, os impactos dos cães selvagens na vida selvagem ainda não foram documentados. Em um período de 15 anos (2006-2020), cães selvagens mataram centenas de markhor ameaçados no parque nacional Chitral gol (CGNP), Paquistão. Apesar da predação direta, outros impactos, incluindo distúrbios e competições com outros predadores naturais podem comprometer os esforços de conservação e manejo. A população de cães selvagens parece ter aumentado com o aumento dos locais de despejo pelas comunidades. Nossas descobertas sugerem que há necessidades urgentes para controlar a população de cães selvagens e erradicá-los da zona central do CGNP e das comunidades-tampão vizinhas. O abate convencional de cães deve ser combinado com técnicas modernas como castração e esterilização. As comunidades devem ser educadas sobre o meio ambiente limpo, o descarte adequado de resíduos domésticos e a conservação da biodiversidade.

Profile of natural Trypanosoma cruzi infection among dogs from rural areas of southern Espírito Santo, Brazil

ABSTRACT Background: The emergence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection via oral transmission has a habitual character in its primitive endemic cycle. Recent findings revealed the first death by oral transmission of T. cruzi in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil, in 2012, which was recorded in the rural area of Guarapari. This study evaluated the characteristics related to the occurrence of natural T. cruzi infection among dogs from the rural areas of Alegre and Iconha, municipalities of Espírito Santo. Methods: Logistic regression analysis of factors contributing to serological detection of T. cruzi in dogs was performed in environments where Espírito Santo's Department of Health Surveillance had previously notified triatomines positive for Trypanosoma spp. from 2014 to 2017. Results: A total of 36 dogs were analyzed, of which 10 (27.77%) tested positive, one was borderline (2.79%), and 25 tested negative (69.44%) for T. cruzi infection. São Caetano, a district from the Iconha municipality, presented a 25 times greater chance for the detection of positive tests (OR:25; 95% CI; 2.37->100). Dogs with updated mandatory vaccination presented with a lower risk of positive serodiagnosis (OR:0.12; 95% CI: 0.02-0.63). Conclusions: Our results highlight for the first time the occurrence of natural T. cruzi canine infection, detected in the municipality of Iconha, mainly among dogs with un-updated mandatory vaccines in the district of São Caetano.

Comparison of serological and molecular tests to investigate Leishmania spp. infections in stray dogs from an area of intense visceral leishmaniasis transmission in Brazil / Comparação de testes sorológicos e moleculares para investigar infecções por Leishmania spp. em cães errantes de uma área de intensa transmissão de leishmaniose visceral no Brasil

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the level of exposure to Leishmania infection in stray dogs in an area of intense visceral leishmaniasis transmission in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Blood samples from 178 dogs were analyzed using serological and molecular assays: rapid immunochromatographic test (ICT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT), and conventional and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (cPCR and qPCR). Positivity values obtained with serological tests were 71.4% (127/178), 70.2% (125/178), and 50.6% (90/178) using ICT, ELISA, and IFAT, respectively, with 38.8% (69/178) of the dogs were simultaneously positive for all three tests. The positivity values obtained with cPCR and qPCR were 20.2% (36/178) and 38.8% (69/178), respectively, with 11.8% (21/178) testing positive in both molecular assays. Overall, 87.1% (155/178) were positive for anti-Leishmania spp. antibodies and/or Leishmania spp. DNA. Positivity to one or more tests was statistically associated with lymphadenomegaly, skin lesions, lymphocytosis, anemia and hyperproteinemia. The results of this study revealed a high level of exposure to Leishmania in stray dogs in an area of intense human visceral leishmaniasis transmission, suggesting that dogs play a role as reservoirs in the transmission cycle of this zoonosis.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o nível de exposição à infecção por Leishmania em cães errantes de uma área de transmissão intensa de leishmaniose visceral no estado de Pernambuco. Amostras de sangue de 178 cães foram avaliadas por testes sorológicos e moleculares: teste imunocromatográfico (IC), ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA), teste de imunofluorescência de anticorpos (RIFI), reação em cadeia da polimerase convencional e quantitativa (cPCR e qPCR). Os valores de positividade obtidos com os testes sorológicos foram 71,4% (127/178), 70,2% (125/178) e 50,6% (90/178) com IC, ELISA e RIFI, respectivamente. E com 38,8% (69/178) dos cães mostraram-se simultaneamente positivos aos três testes. Os valores de positividade obtidos por cPCR e qPCR foram 20,2% (36/178) e 38,8% (69/178), respectivamente. E com 11,8% (21/178) dos cães foram positivos em ambos os testes moleculares. No geral, 87,1% (155/178) foram positivos para anticorpos anti-Leishmania spp. e/ou material genético de Leishmania spp. A positividade a um ou mais testes foi estatisticamente associada à linfonodomegalia, lesões cutâneas, linfocitose, anemia e hiperproteinemia. Os resultados do estudo revelam um alto nível de exposição à Leishmania spp. em cães errantes em uma área de transmissão intensa de leishmaniose visceral humana, sugerindo que eles podem desempenhar um papel como reservatórios no ciclo de transmissão dessa zoonose.

Los tipos craneométricos caninos aparecen bien expresados a nivel de conformación del arco cigomático / Craneometric canine types are well expressed at the level of the zygomatic arch conformation

Dentro del espectro de conformación del cráneo, se reconocen generalmente tres amplias categorías que se corresponden con el concepto de biotipo cefálico, determinado por el Índice Cefálico. El Estos tres biotipos cefálicos son: el braquiocefálico, mesaticefálico y dolicocefálico, pero están basados en medidas lineales. A fin de revisar esta clasificación en base a su geometría, se estudiaron 53 cráneos de perros adultos, correspondientes a los tres grupos craneométricos descritos: 16 braquicéfalos, 20 mesaticéfalos y 17 dolicocéfalos. Para ello se obtuvieron fotografías en el plano ventral, en las que posteriormente se ubicaron 17 hitos anatómicos que se analizaron mediante técnicas de morfometría geométrica. De estos hitos, 5 correspondían a la zona neurocraneal y el resto al esplacnocráneo. Los tres grupos craneométricos mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre ellos tanto por el tamaño como por la forma. Las variables que contribuyeron más a explicar la diferenciación fueron las ubicadas en el margen más lateral de los arcos cigomáticos y en la base de este mismo arco. Las variables esplacnocraneales presentaban una alometría mucho más marcada que las neurocráneos. Puesto que el arco cigomático debe ser considerado como parte del esplacnocráneo, sugerimos que es tan importante el índice cefálico (que tiene en cuenta la máxima anchura de la cabeza) como el facial (que tiene en cuenta la máxima anchura de la cara). La conformación neurocraneal sería mucho más conservativa y por ende el índice craneal, de mucho menor poder discriminatorio entre grupos. El cambio entre tipos se debería a los músculos masetero y temporal, que tienen su inserción en el arco.

Within the wide conformation of skull spectrum, there are generally three recognized broad categories that correspond to the concept of cephalic biotype, determined by the cephalic index. The three cephalic biotypes are: brachiocephalic, mesaticephalic and dolichocephalic, which are based on linear measures. In order to revise this classification based on its geometry, we studied 53 skulls of adult dogs, corresponding to the three craneometric groups previously described: 16 brachycephalic, 20 mesaticephalic and 17 dolichocephalic. Images on ventral plane were obtained and 17 anatomical landmarks were subsequently located and analyzed by means of geometric morphometric techniques. Five of those landmarks corresponded to the neurocraneal area and the rest of the splanchnocranium. The three craneometric groups showed statistically significant differences between them for both size and shape. The variables that contributed to the differentiation between them were located along the edge of the zygomatic arches and on the basis of this arch. Splanchnocranial variables also presented a much more marked allometry than the neurocraneal variables. Since the zygomatic arch should be considered as part of the splanchnocranium, we suggest that the cephalic index (which takes into account the maximum width of the head) is as important as the facial index (which takes into account the maximum width of the face). The neurocraneal index would be much more conservative, and therefore less discriminatory between the groups.

Molecular detection of Bartonella, Ehrlichia and Mycoplasma in feral dogs of El Pedregal de San Angel Ecological Reserve in Mexico City / Detecção molecular de Bartonella, Ehrlichia e Mycoplasma em cães selvagens da Reserva Ecológica El Pedregal de San Angel, na Cidade do México

Abstract Free-ranging and feral dogs represent a group of unattended companion animals. They impact wild animal populations by predating native species, displacing predators and introducing exotic pathogens. The aim of this work was to describe the molecular occurrence of Rickettsia, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Mycoplasma and Bartonella in feral dogs. The study was carried out in the last relict of a protected area in Mexico City. Blood clots samples from 19 dogs were obtained and analyzed for detection of specific fragments of the 16S-rRNA gene for Anaplasma, Ehrlichia and Mycoplasma and citrate synthase (gltA) for Bartonella and Rickettsia. Our results showed that DNA from three bacteria species (Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii, Ehrlichia canis and Mycoplasma haemocanis) was present with frequencies ranging from 5.3 to 15.8%. This is the first record of B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii and M. haemocanis in dogs from México, and also the first finding of Ehrlichia canis in Mexico City. It is important to perform surveillance of feral dog populations in order to identify the impact of these pathogens on wild animal populations and Public Health in order to establish prevention and protection programs.

Resumo Cães errantes e selvagens representam um grupo de animais de companhia livres. Eles impactam as populações de animais selvagens pela predação de espécies nativas, deslocando predadores e introduzindo patógenos exóticos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever a ocorrência molecular de Rickettsia, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Mycoplasma e Bartonella em cães selvagens. O estudo foi realizado no último ecossistema de uma área protegida na Cidade do México. Amostras de coágulos sanguíneos de 19 cães foram obtidas e analisadas para detecção de fragmentos específicos do gene 16S-rRNA para Anaplasma, Ehrlichia e Mycoplasma e citrato sintase (gltA) para Bartonella e Rickettsia. Nossos resultados mostraram que o DNA de três espécies de bactérias (Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii, Ehrlichia canis e Mycoplasma haemocanis) estava presente com frequências variando de 5,3 a 15,8%. Este é o primeiro registro de B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii e M. haemocanis em cães do México, e também a primeira descrição de Ehrlichia canis na Cidade do México. É importante realizar a vigilância das populações de cães selvagens para identificar o impacto desses patógenos nas populações de animais silvestres e na Saúde Pública, a fim de estabelecer programas de prevenção e proteção.

Avaliação clínica, endoscópica e histopatológica de cães com doença inflamatória intestinal / Clinical, endoscopic and histopathological evaluation of dogs with inflammatory bowel disease

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar macro e microscopicamente a mucosa gastrintestinal de cães domiciliados, que apresentaram sinais gastrintestinais crônicos, por meio de exame endoscópico e da avaliação histopatológica. Os sinais clínicos, a macro e a microscopia das mucosas gástrica e duodenal foram correlacionados. Foram avaliados 20 cães de diferentes raças, sendo 7 machos e 13 fêmeas, com idade variando entre 1,7 a 15,8 anos, que apresentavam cronicidade dos sinais característicos da Doença Inflamatória Intestinal (DII). O estudo foi prospectivo e transversal, realizado em cães atendidos no Hospital Universitário de Medicina Veterinária da Universidade Federal Fluminense (HUVET - UFF) e em clínicas privadas do município do Rio de Janeiro. Amostras de mucosa gastroduodenal foram obtidas por meio de biópsia endoscópica e foram processadas por técnica histológica de rotina e coradas por Hematoxilina-Eosina e Giemsa. As amostras foram submetidas à análise histopatológica para pesquisa de bactérias espiraladas sugestivas de Helicobacter spp. O teste rápido da urease também foi realizado. Os sinais clínicos, e os achados macro e microscópicos foram confrontados e correlacionados. Neste estudo, foi possível estabelecer correlação positiva entre a perda de peso e a presença de enantema no antro, no corpo e no duodeno além de correlação entre alteração do apetite, a presença de infiltrado inflamatório gástrico e a positividade no teste da urease. Este estudo demonstrou a importância da observação de alguns sinais clínicos como a perda de peso e alterações do apetite no curso da Doença Inflamatória Intestinal. Desta forma, enfatiza-se que cães que apresentem tais sinais clínicos devem ter a Doença Inflamatória Intestinal incluída no grupo de diagnósticos diferenciais evitando, com isso, negligenciar uma enfermidade que, cada vez mais, acomete animais de pequeno porte.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate macro and microscopic gastrointestinal mucosa of domiciled dogs, with chronic gastrointestinal symptoms by endoscopy and histopathological evaluation, correlating clinical signs, macro and microscopy characteristics/aspects/changes of duodenal and gastric mucosa. Twenty dogs of different breeds were evaluated with with chronic characteristic signs of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), being 7 males and 13 females, with ages ranging from 1.7 to 15.8 years old. The study was prospective and cross-sectional, conducted in dogs treated at the Teaching Veterinary Medicine Hospital of the Universidade Federal Fluminense (HUVET-UFF) and private clinics in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Gastroduodenal mucosal samples were obtained by endoscopic biopsy and were processed by routine histological technique and stained with hematoxylin- eosin and Giemsa. The samples were submitted to histopathological analysis for the detection of spiral bacteria suggestive of Helicobacter spp. The rapid urease test was also performed. The clinical signs, the macro and microscopic findings were compared and correlated. In this study, we established a positive correlation between weight loss and the presence of erythema in the antrum, body and duodenum as well as correlation between change in appetite and the presence of gastric inflammatory infiltrate and positivity in the urease test. This study demonstrated the importance of the observation of some clinical signs such as weight loss and appetite changes in the course of IBD. Thus, it is emphasized that dogs showing these clinical signs should have the IBD included in the differential diagnoses group avoiding thereby neglecting a disease that increasingly affects small animals.(AU)

Antibacterial action of geopropolis of Melipona quadrifaciata in cultivation of secretion of otitis in dogs / Acción antibacteriana de geopropolis de Melipona quadrifaciata en cultivo de secreción de otitis en perros

ABSTRACT Objective. The objective of the present paper was to test the in vitro antibacterial activity of the Mandaçaia (Melipona quadrifaciata) bee's geopropolis. Materials and methods. The experiment was carried out with secretion samples collected from animals with ear diseases evaluated at Unifeso's Clinic School of Veterinary Medicine, where in vitro tests took place, antibiograns with alcoholic extract of geopropolis were made 10 test tubes (two tubes for each concentration of 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%). Results. Were not identified microorganisms at concentrations of 70, 80 and 90%. Conclusions. The geopropolis of Melipona quadrifasciata showed antibacterial activity in vitro against microorganisms from ear secretion of dogs with otitis externa.

RESUMEN Objetivo. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue probar la actividad antibacteriana in vitro de la geopropólea de la abeja Mandaçaia (Melipona quadrifasciata). Materiales y métodos. Se realizó el experimento con muestras de secreciones obtenidas de animales con enfermedades del oído evaluados en la Clínica Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria de Unifeso, donde tuvieron lugar las pruebas in vitro, antibiograns con extracto alcohólico de geopropolis fueron realizados 10 tubos de ensayo (dos tubos para cada concentración del 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%). Resultados. No se identificaron los microorganismos a concentraciones de 70, 80% y 90%. Conclusiones. La geopropolis de Melipona quadrifasciata mostró actividad antibacteriana, in vitro, frente a microorganismos de la secreción del oído de los perros con otitis externa.

Risk factors for gastrointestinal parasite infections of dogs living around protected areas of the Atlantic Forest: implications for human and wildlife health / Fatores de risco para infecções parasitárias gastrointestinais em cães do entorno de áreas protegidas da Mata Atlântica: implicações para a saúde humana e da vida selvagem

Abstract Despite the ubiquity of domestic dogs, their role as zoonotic reservoirs and the large number of studies concerning parasites in urban dogs, rural areas in Brazil, especially those at the wildlife-domestic animal-human interface, have received little attention from scientists and public health managers. This paper reports a cross-sectional epidemiological survey of gastrointestinal parasites of rural dogs living in farms around Atlantic Forest fragments. Through standard parasitological methods (flotation and sedimentation), 13 parasite taxa (11 helminths and two protozoans) were found in feces samples from dogs. The most prevalent were the nematode Ancylostoma (47%) followed by Toxocara (18%) and Trichuris (8%). Other less prevalent (<2%) parasites found were Capillaria, Ascaridia, Spirocerca, Taeniidae, Acantocephala, Ascaris, Dipylidium caninum, Toxascaris, and the protozoans Cystoisospora and Eimeria. Mixed infections were found in 36% of samples, mostly by Ancylostoma and Toxocara. Previous deworming had no association with infections, meaning that this preventive measure is being incorrectly performed by owners. Regarding risk factors, dogs younger than one year were more likely to be infected with Toxocara, and purebred dogs with Trichuris. The number of cats in the households was positively associated with Trichuris infection, while male dogs and low body scores were associated with mixed infections. The lack of associations with dog free-ranging behavior and access to forest or villages indicates that infections are mostly acquired around the households. The results highlight the risk of zoonotic and wildlife parasite infections from dogs and the need for monitoring and controlling parasites of domestic animals in human-wildlife interface areas.

Resumo Apesar da ubiquidade dos cães domésticos, de seu papel como reservatório de doenças, e do grande número de estudos sobre parasitas de cães urbanos, as áreas rurais no Brasil, especialmente aquelas na interface entre animais silvestres - animais domésticos - humanos, tem recebido pouca atenção de cientistas e gestores de saúde pública. Este artigo relata um estudo epidemiológico seccional de parasitas gastrointestinais de cães rurais em propriedades no entorno de fragmentos de Mata Atlântica. Através de métodos parasitológicos como flutuação e sedimentação, 13 táxons de parasitas (11 helmintos e dois protozoários) foram encontrados em amostras de fezes dos cães. O mais prevalente foi o nematóide Ancylostoma (47%), seguido por Toxocara (18%) e Trichuris (8%). Outros parasitas menos prevalentes (<2%) encontrados foram Capillaria, Ascaridia, Spirocerca, Taeniidae, Acantocephala, Ascaris, Dipylidium caninum, Toxascaris, e os protozoários Cystoisospora and Eimeria. Infecções mistas foram detectadas em 36% das amostras, a maioria por Ancylostoma e Toxocara. Vermifugações prévias não foram associadas a infecções, indicando que esta medida preventiva está sendo realizada incorretamente pelos proprietários. Com relação aos fatores de risco, cães com menos de um ano tiveram maior probabilidade de infecção por Toxocara, e os cães de raça pura por Trichuris. O número de gatos na propriedade foi associado positivamente com a infecção por Trichuris, enquanto cães machos e baixos escores corporais foram associados a infecções mistas. A ausência de associações com comportamento de vida livre e acesso a florestas ou vilas pelos cães indica que as infecções estão sendo predominantemente adquiridas nas propriedades. Os resultados destacam o risco de infecções parasitárias zoonóticas e para animais silvestres a partir dos cães, e a necessidade de monitorar e controlar os parasitas de animais domésticos em áreas de interface entre humanos e a vida selvagem.

Dog sperm head morphometry: Its diversity and evolution / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Dogs have been under strong artificial selection as a consequence of their relationship with man. Differences between breeds are evident that could be reflected in seminal characteristics. The present study was to evaluate differences in sperm head morphometry between seven well-defined breeds of dog: the British Bulldog, Chihuahua, German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Spanish Mastiff, Staffordshire Terrier, and Valencian Rat Hunting dog. Semen samples were obtained by masturbation and smears stained with Diff-Quik. Morphometric analysis (CASA-Morph) produced four size and four shape parameters. Length, Ellipticity, and Elongation showed higher differences between breeds. MANOVA revealed differences among all breeds. Considering the whole dataset, principal component analysis (PCA) showed that PC1 was related to head shape and PC2 to size. Procluster analysis showed the British Bulldog to be the most isolated breed, followed by the German Shepherd. The PCA breed by breed showed the Chihuahua, Labrador Retriever, Spanish Mastiff, and Staffordshire Terrier to have PC1 related to shape and PC2 to size, whereas the British Bulldog, Valencia Rat Hunting dog, and German Shepherd had PC1 related to size and PC2 to shape. The dendrogram for cluster groupings and the distance between them showed the British Bulldog to be separated from the rest of the breeds. Future work on dog semen must take into account the large differences in the breeds' sperm characteristics. The results provide a base for future work on phylogenetic and evolutionary studies of dogs, based on their seminal characteristics.

Canine juvenile cellulitis: a retrospective study (2009-2016) / Celulite juvenil canina: Estudo retrospectivo (2009-2016)

Juvenile cellulitis (JC) is an uncommon vesiculopustular disease that affects dogs, especially those under four months of age. The aim of the present study was to characterize the epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic profile of JC based on clinical records of canine patients treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, between the years 2009 and 2016. A total of five cases were diagnosed. Four dogs presented at an average age of two months and 22 days and were crossbred; the other dog was a rottweiler aged 38 weeks. The average time of evolution of the disease was 16 days, and the main clinical signs were edema, papules, pustules, and bilateral ocular discharge. The diagnosis was confirmed by cytology in four animals and by histopathology in only one patient. For all dogs, the treatment was based on cephalexin, administered for 30 days, and prednisolone for three weeks. Otological therapy was included when necessary. Four cases had a favorable outcome. JC is a rare dermatopathy that deserves special attention from veterinary practitioners.(AU)

A celulite juvenil (CJ) é uma doença vesiculopustular incomum que acomete cães principalmente na faixa etária inferior aos quatro meses. Este trabalho analisou o perfil epidemiológico, clínico e terapêutico da CJ em cães a partir da casuística do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, referente aos anos de 2009 a 2016. Cinco casos foram diagnosticados, incluindo quatro cães (80%), sem raça definida e com idade média de dois meses e 22 dias, e um da raça Rottweiler (20%) com 38 meses de idade. O período evolutivo médio das lesões foi de 16 dias e os principais sinais clínicos observados foram edema, pápulas, pústulas e secreção ótica bilateral. O diagnóstico foi confirmado por citologia (80%) e histopatologia (20%). Em todos os animais, o tratamento consistiu de cefalexina, administrada por 30 dias, e prednisolona, por três semanas. A terapia otológica tópica foi incluída quando necessária. Em quatro casos o desfecho clínico foi favorável. A CJ é uma dermatopatia rara que merece atenção especial dos clínicos veterinários.(AU)

Molecular diagnosis of Hepatozoon canis in symptomatic dogs in the city of Goiania, Goiás, Brazil / Diagnóstico molecular de Hepatozoon canis em cães sintomáticos do município de Goiânia, Goiás, Brasil

More than 300 species have been described in the genus Hepatozoon, occurring in different vertebrates. Among these, only Hepatozoon canis and Hepatozoon americanum are seen in dogs. Different methods may be used for laboratory diagnosis. The most common of these is direct parasitological examination of parasite stages in blood smears. The aim of this investigation was to conduct a phylogenetic study on Hepatozoon isolates from symptomatic dogs in the city of Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil. Blood samples were obtained from 40 symptomatic dogs that had been referred to the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Goiás. Among these, only two samples were positive for Hepatozoon spp. using the direct parasitological method. These samples were then subjected to a DNA extraction process and amplification of a fragment of the 18S rRNA by means of PCR. Subsequently, the PCR products from each sample were purified and sequenced. The sequences obtained were then analyzed using the BLASTn algorithm, which identified both sequences of this study as Hepatozoon canis. By applying the Mega4 software, it was confirmed that these isolates of H. canis from dogs in Goiânia are similar to other reference isolates of the same species from other regions of Brazil and worldwide.(AU)

São descritas mais de 300 espécies do gênero Hepatozoon que acometem diferentes vertebrados. Entre estas, apenas Hepatozoon canis e Hepatozoon americanum são descritas em cães. Diferentes métodos podem ser utilizados para o diagnóstico laboratorial. O mais empregado é o exame parasitológico direto do parasito em esfregaços sanguíneos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar um estudo filogenético em Hepatozoon isolados de cães sintomáticos de Goiânia, Goiás. As amostras de sangue foram obtidas de 40 cães sintomáticos encaminhados ao Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Goiás. Entre essas, duas únicas amostras foram positivas para Hepatozoon spp. pelo método parasitológico direto. Estas amostras foram, então, submetidas ao processo de extração de DNA e de amplificação de um fragmento de 18S rRNA por PCR. Ambas as amostras foram positivas na PCR. Posteriormente, os produtos de PCR de cada amostra foram purificados e sequenciados. As sequências obtidas foram analisadas pelo algoritmo BLASTn, sendo identificadas como Hepatozoon canis. Por meio do software Mega4 foi confirmado que estes isolados de H. canis de cães de Goiânia são semelhantes a outros isolados de referência da mesma espécie de outras regiões do Brasil e do mundo.(AU)

Evaluation of techniques for recovery of Angiostrongylus vasorum from Achatina fulica, a potential intermediate host

Mollusks are intermediate hosts of Angiostrongylus vasorum, which is a parasite with zoonotic potential for which canids are the definitive host. In this study, 180 specimens of Achatina fulica that had been experimentally infected with 1,000 L1 of A. vasorum were finely chopped to evaluate four tissue digestion techniques: 1% potassium hydroxide (group I); 3% hydrochloric acid (group II); 1% hydrochloric acid and pepsin (group III) with procedures at 37 ºC in a double boiler; and Baermann at 42 °C (group IV). On the first, eighth and thirtieth days after infection, L1, L2 and L3 were obtained, and 240 L3 recovered from group III were offered to a dog. The results were the following: group I: 59% L1, 7% L2, 13% L3; group II: 31% L1, 13% L2, 27% L3; group III: 23% L1, 22% L2, 30% L3; and group IV: 0.3% L1, 0.02% L2, 5% L3. Live larvae wereobserved in group III: 15.5% L1, 8.22% L3; group II: 9.8% L3; and group IV: 100% L1, L2 and L3. Larvae were detected 56 days after the dog became infected. All larvae stages of A. vasorum were recovered and identified through the techniques evaluated, thus confirming the potential of A. fulica as an intermediate host of the nematode

Risk factors associated with Trypanosoma cruziexposure in domestic dogs from a rural community in Panama

Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruziinfection, is a zoonosis of humans, wild and domestic mammals, including dogs. In Panama, the main T. cruzivector is Rhodnius pallescens, a triatomine bug whose main natural habitat is the royal palm, Attalea butyracea. In this paper, we present results from three T. cruziserological tests (immunochromatographic dipstick, indirect immunofluorescence and ELISA) performed in 51 dogs from 24 houses in Trinidad de Las Minas, western Panama. We found that nine dogs were seropositive (17.6% prevalence). Dogs were 1.6 times more likely to become T. cruziseropositive with each year of age and 11.6 times if royal palms where present in the peridomiciliary area of the dog’s household or its two nearest neighbours. Mouse-baited-adhesive traps were employed to evaluate 12 peridomestic royal palms. All palms were found infested with R. pallescenswith an average of 25.50 triatomines captured per palm. Of 35 adult bugs analysed, 88.6% showed protozoa flagellates in their intestinal contents. In addition, dogs were five times more likely to be infected by the presence of an additional domestic animal species in the dog’s peridomiciliary environment. Our results suggest that interventions focused on royal palms might reduce the exposure to T. cruzi infection.

Concordance between otic cytology and culture in diagnosis of external otitis canine by Malassezia spp / Concordancia entre citología ótica y cultivo en el diagnóstico de otitis externa canina por Malassezia spp

Objective. To determine the correlation between microbiological culture and otic cytology for diagnoses of external otitis by Malassezia in dogs. Materials and Methods. 158 ear swabs of dogs with clinical diagnosis of external otitis were analyzed by cytology, mycological culture and metabolic tests. Results. Were obtained a positive results by cytology of 62% and 75.3% by culture. The 31.1% of isolates were identified as M. pachydermatis, 12.6% as M. furfur and 56.3% were classified as Malassezia spp., because was not possible to define the species. We found a positive concordance between cytology and culture for Malassezia spp., of 0.76 with a kappa index of 0.448 (95% CI 0.30 to 0.60) which represents a moderate strength of concordance between the two techniques, without regard the identified species. Conclusions. The use of a diagnostic test is not enough to establish the participation of Malassezia spp., as a causal disease agent.

Objetivo. Determinar la concordancia entre el cultivo microbiológico y la citología ótica para el diagnóstico de otitis externa causada por Malassezia spp. en caninos. Materiales y Métodos. Se analizaron 158 muestras de hisopados de caninos con diagnóstico clínico de otitis externa, todas las muestras fueron analizadas mediante citología, cultivo micológico y pruebas metabólicas. Resultados. Se obtuvo una positividad mediante citología del 62% y por cultivo del 75.3%. El 31.1% de los aislamientos fueron identificados como M. pachydermatis, el 12.6% como M. furfur y un 56.3% se clasificó como Malassezia spp., dado que bioquímicamente no fue posible hallar su especie. Se determinó una concordancia observada entre técnicas positivas para Malassezia spp. de 0.76 con índice Kappa de 0.448 IC 95% (0.30 - 0.60) lo que representa una fuerza de concordancia moderada entre las dos técnicas, sin tener en cuenta la especie identificada. Conclusiones. El uso de una prueba diagnóstica no es suficiente para establecer la participación de Malassezia pachydermatis como agente causal de enfermedad.

Sexual dimorphism of Labrador Retriever dogs by morphometry / Dimorfismo sexual de cães da raça retriever do labrador por meio da morfometria

The domestic dog (Canis familiaris) is the species of greatest morphological diversity among mammals. Seventy-four Labrador Retriever dogs- 27 males and 47 females ­ were used in this experiment. Thirty quantitative biometric characteristics, related to morphology were measured. The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphometric traits of the Labrador Retriever breed to establish descriptive biometric attributes that may show sexual dimorphism through principal component analysis (PCA) and discriminant analysis (DA). The PCA was processed using all the variables and performing a pre-selection of the most correlated variables. The DA was performed for the 30 variables and also for the five most correlated variables with the first component (CP1), in order to classify new individuals. The PCA was able to identify sexual dimorphism in size, with both the 30 original variables as with the preselected variables, the latter optimized the reduction to two principal components. The DA was able to discriminate the two populations, both for 30 variables as for the five variables most correlated with the CP1. The functions with five variables can be used to classify other purebred dogs for sex, with an error of about 6.75%.

O cão doméstico (Canis familiaris) é a espécie de maior diversidade morfológica entre os mamíferos. Foram utilizados 74 animais da raça Retriever do Labrador, 27 machos e 47 fêmeas. Foram mensuradas 30 características biométricas quantitativas, relativas à morfologia. Objetivou-se avaliar as características morfométricas da raça Retriever do Labrador para estabelecer atributos biométricos descritivos que possam evidenciar o dimorfismo sexual por meio da análise de componentes principais (ACP) e da análise discriminante (AD). A ACP foi processada utilizando todas as variáveis e realizando uma pré-seleção das variáveis mais correlacionadas. A AD foi realizada para as 30 variáveis e também para as cinco variáveis mais correlacionadas com o primeiro componente (CP1), com intuito de classificar novos indivíduos. A ACP foi capaz de identificar o dimorfismo sexual de tamanho, tanto com as 30 variáveis originais quanto com as variáveis pré-selecionadas, esta última otimizou a redução para dois componentes principais. A AD foi capaz de discriminar as duas populações, tanto para 30 variáveis quanto para as cinco variáveis mais correlacionadas com o CP1. As funções com cinco variáveis podem ser utilizadas para classificar outros cães da raça quanto ao sexo, com um erro de aproximadamente 6,75%.

IgE Reactivity of the Dog Lipocalin Allergen Can f 4 and the Development of a Sandwich ELISA for Its Quantification

PURPOSE: Divergent results on the IgE reactivity of dog-allergic subjects to Can f 4 have been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the significance of Can f 4 in dog allergy and to develop an immunochemical method for measuring Can f 4 content in environmental samples. METHODS: We purified the natural dog allergen Can f 4 from a dog dander extract by monoclonal antibody-based affinity chromatography and generated its variant in a recombinant form. Sixty-three dog-allergic patients and 12 nonallergic control subjects were recruited in the study. The IgE-binding capacity of natural Can f 4 and its recombinant variant was assessed by ELISA, immunoblotting, and skin prick tests (SPT). RESULTS: Eighty-one percent of the dog-allergic patients showed a positive result to the immunoaffinity-purified natural Can f 4 in IgE ELISA, but only 46% in IgE immunoblotting. Respective results with the recombinant Can f 4 variant were 54% and 49%. SPT results reflected those obtained in ELISA and immunoblotting. The overall IgE reactivity of the immunoaffinity-purified natural Can f 4 was found to depend strongly on the integrity of the allergen's conformation. A sandwich ELISA based on monoclonal antibodies was found to be functional for measuring Can f 4 in environmental samples. CONCLUSIONS: Can f 4 is a major allergen of dog together with Can f 1 and Can f 5. In combination with other dog allergens, it improves the reliability of allergy tests in dog allergy.

Participation o ticks in the infectious cycle f canine visceral leishmaniasiss, in teresina, piauí,BBrazil / Participação do Rhipicephalus sanguineus no ciclo infeccioso da leishmaniose visceral canina em Teresina, Piauí, Brasil

In this study, we detected Leishmania spp. infection in R. sanguineus collected from dogs that were naturally infected with L. (L.) infantum. We examined 35 dogs of both sexes and unknown ages. The infected dogs were serologically positive by the immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Quick Test-DPP (Dual Path Platform), as well as parasitological examination of a positive skin biopsy or sternal bone marrow aspiration. Ten negative dogs were included as controls. The ticks that infested these dogs were collected in pools of 10 adult females per animal. The PCR was performed with specific primers for Leishmania spp., which amplified a 720-bp fragment. Of the 35 analyzed samples, a product was observed in eight samples (8/35; 22.9%). We conclude that the presence of parasite DNA suggests that ticks participate in the zoonotic cycle of canine visceral leishmaniasis, in the city of Teresina, Piauí.

Neste estudo foi detectada infecção por Leishmania spp. em Rhipicephalus sanguineus (R. sanguineus) de cães naturalmente infectados por Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum = L. (L.) infantum. Foram utilizados 35 cães de ambos os sexos e idades desconhecidas, sorologicamente positivos pelas técnicas de reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) e Quick Test-DPP (Dual Path Plataform), e com exame parasitológico positivo em biópsia de pele ou punção de medula óssea esternal e 10 cães domiciliados negativos, como controle. Os carrapatos que infestavam esses cães foram coletados em pool de 10 fêmeas adultas por animal. A Reação em Cadeia pela Polimerase (PCR = Polymerase Chain Reaction) foi realizada com primers para Leishmania spp., que amplificaram 720pb. O resultado das 35 amostras processadas revelou a amplificação de oito amostras (8/35 - 22,9%). Conclui-se que a presença do DNA do parasita sugere que carrapatos podem estar participando do ciclo zoonótico da leishmaniose visceral canina na cidade de Teresina, Piauí.

Parasites of domestic and wild canids in the region of Serra do Cipó National Park, Brazil / Parasitos de canídeos domésticos e silvestres na região do Parque Nacional da Serra do Cipó - Brasil

Over recent decades, diseases have been shown to be important causes of extinctions among wild species. Greater emphasis has been given to diseases transmitted by domestic animals, which have been increasing in numbers in natural areas, along with human populations. This study had the aim of investigating the presence of intestinal helminths in wild canids (maned wolf, Chrysocyon brachyurus, and crab-eating fox, Cerdocyon thous) in the Serra do Cipó National Park (43-44º W and 19-20º S) and endo and ectoparasites of domestic dogs in the Morro da Pedreira Environmental Protection Area (an area surrounding the National Park). The Serra do Cipó is located in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Among the enteroparasites found in domestic and wild canids, the following taxons were identified: Ancylostomidae, Trichuridae, Toxocara sp., Spirocerca sp., Physaloptera sp., Strongyloides sp., Cestoda, Dipylidium caninum, Diphyllobothriidae, Hymenolepidae, Anoplocephalidae, Trematoda, Acanthocephala and Isospora sp. Domestic dogs were positive for leishmaniasis and Babesia canis in serological tests. Among the ectoparasites, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Amblyomma cajennense and Ctenocephalides felis felis were observed in domestic dogs. Variations in the chaetotaxy of the meta-episternum and posterior tibia were observed in some specimens of C. felis felis.

Nas últimas décadas, as doenças têm sido apontadas como importantes causas de extinção de espécies silvestres. Maior ênfase tem sido dada às doenças transmitidas por animais domésticos que crescem em número, bem como as populações humanas, em áreas naturais. O presente estudo objetivou verificar a presença de helmintos intestinais de canídeos silvestres (lobo-guará - Chrysocyon brachyurus e cachorro-do-mato - Cerdocyon thous) do Parque Nacional da Serra do Cipó (43-44º W e 19-20º S) e endo e ectoparasitos de cães domésticos da Área de Proteção Ambiental Morro da Pedreira (entorno do Parque Nacional). A Serra do Cipó está localizada no Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Entre os enteroparasitos encontrados em canídeos domésticos e silvestres, os táxons seguintes, Ancylostomidae, Trichuridae, Toxocara sp., Spirocerca sp., Physaloptera sp., Strongyloides sp., Cestoda, Dipylidium caninum, Diphyllobothriidae, Hymenolepidae, Anoplocephalidae, Trematoda, Acanthocephala e Isospora sp. foram identificados. Cães domésticos foram positivos para leishmaniose e Babesia canis nos testes sorológicos. Entre os ectoparasitos, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Amblyomma cajennense, Ctenocephalides felis felis foram observados em cães domésticos. Variações na quetotaxia do metepisterno e tíbia posterior foram observados em alguns espécimes de C. felis felis.