Molecular prevalence of trichomonad species from pet shop puppies and kittens in Japan / Molecular prevalência de espécies trichomonas em filhotes de cães e gatos de pet shop no Japão

Abstract Pentatrichomonas hominis and Tritrichomonas foetus (cat genotype) have been commonly identified as intestinal trichomonads in both dogs and cats. Although P. hominis is considered as non-pathogenic protozoa in many kinds of mammals, it has the potential for zoonotic transmission. T. foetus has been recognized as the emerging causative agent of diarrhea in cats without the risk of zoonotic transmission. As pet shops are the major source of young companion animals, the present study discusses the molecular prevalence of P. hominis and T. foetus from 544 pet shop puppies and 409 kittens. The results suggest that the prevalence of P. hominis (puppies: 7.0%; kittens: 0.5%) and T. foetus (puppies: 0%; kittens: 2.4%) in pet shop young animals are low. In addition, the infections of P. hominis and T. foetus are not always associated with the clinical signs (soft or diarrhea feces).

Resumo Pentatrichomonas hominis e Tritrichomonas foetus (genótipo de gato) têm sido comumente identificados como trichomonas intestinais em cães e gatos. Apesar de P. hominis ser considerado como protozoário não patogênico em muitos tipos de mamíferos, tem potencial para transmissão zoonótica. Enquanto o T. fetus foi reconhecido como o agente causador emergente de diarreia em gatos sem o risco de transmissão zoonótica. Devido às lojas de animais serem as principais fontes de filhotes de animais domésticos, o presente estudo discute a prevalência molecular e/ou o potencial zoonótico de P. hominis e T. foetus em 544 filhotes de cachorro e 409 gatos de "pet shop". Os resultados sugerem que a prevalência de P. hominis (cães: 7,0%; gatos: 0,5%) e T. foetus (cães: 0%; gatos: 2,4%) em animais jovens de "pet shop" é baixa. Além disso, as infecções de P. hominis e T. foetus nem sempre estão associadas aos sinais clínicos (fezes moles ou diarreia).

Pineal gland plays a role in gonadal development after eyelids separation in puppies / La glándula pineal juega un rol en el desarrollo gonadal luego de la separación de los párpados en cachorros

Several functional and morphological studies have been conducted on the pineal gland in many mammalian species; however, no published reports are available on the role of pineal gland on the gonadal development before and after eyelids separation in puppies. Therefore, this study aimed to trace the postnatal histo-morphological changes in the pineal gland and gonads of puppies before (2, 10 and 11 days old) and after (25, 35 and 40 days old) eyelids separation in an attempt to investigate the possible role of pineal gland on the gonadal development. In general, the differentiation of pineal cells, interstitial endocrine cells of testes and stromal ovarian cells coincides with the start of eyelids separation in puppies. Histological examination of stained pineal and gonadal slices of puppies after eyelids separation revealed a remarkable differentiation of pinealocytes and testicular interstitial endocrine cells, as well as presence of some evidence of folliculogenesis in ovary. Surprisingly, melatonin receptor (MT1) protein expression levels were significantly increased in the ovaries and testes of puppies after eyelids separation. Moreover, the mRNA and protein expression of AANAT, a rate-limiting enzyme in melatonin biosynthesis, was notably increased in the pineal gland of opened eyes puppies. Our results suggest an increase of melatonin production from the pineal gland of opened eyes puppies and this could play a vital role in the developmental changes observed in the gonads of these puppies.

Diversos estudios morfológicos y funcionales han sido realizados sobre la glándula pineal en distintas especies de mamíferos. Sin embargo, no hay informes publicados acerca del rol de la glándula pineal en el desarrollo gonadal antes y después de la separación de los párpados en cachorros. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo trazar los cambios histo-morfológicos postnatales en la glándula pineal y las gónadas de los cachorros antes (2, 10 y 11 días de edad) y después (25, 35 y 40 días de edad) de la separación de los párpados, en un intento por investigar el posible rol de la glándula pineal en el desarrollo gonadal. En general, la diferenciación de los pinealocitos, células intersticiales endocrinas de los testículos y las células estromales del ovario coincide con el inicio de la separación de los párpados en cachorros. El examen histológico de glándula pineal y los cortes gonadales de los cachorros, después de la separación de los párpados, reveló una notable diferenciación de los pinealocitos y las células intersticiales endocrinas testiculares, así como la posible evidencia de foliculogénesis en el ovario. Sorprendentemente, en el receptor de melatonina (MT1) los niveles de expresión de proteínas fueron significativamente superiores en los ovarios y los testículos de los cachorros después de la separación de los párpados. Además, el ARNm y la expresión de la proteína AANAT, una enzima limitante de la velocidad en la biosíntesis de la melatonina, aumentaron notablemente en la glándula pineal de los cachorros con los ojos abiertos. Nuestros resultados sugieren que existe un aumento de la producción de melatonina por parte de la glándula pineal en los cachorros con los ojos abiertos, lo que podría jugar un rol vital en los cambios evolutivos observados enlas gónadas de estos cachorros.

Evaluación de l conducta de cachorros durante a primera consulta clínica: esttudio piloto en la ciudad de corrientes, Argentina / Puppy behaviora evaluation durng the first clinical consultation: a pilot stuudy at corrientes city, Argentina

Con el objeto de identificar signos precursores de alteraciones del comportamiento en cachorros, se evaluaron respuestas conductuales durante la primera consulta clínica, coincidiendo con la primo vacunación. Se trabajó con caninos de ambos sexos (n = 31), entre 30 y 60 días de edad, tanto mestizos como de razas puras. Siguiendo la secuencia en la exploración clínica de rutina, al ingresar se recolectaron datos sobre exploración ambiental (Exp) sobre el suelo y luego las respuestas a maniobras sobre la camilla (Mc) y de sujeción y sumisión forzadas (Sf) efectuadas por el profesional. Durante la anamnesis se realizaron preguntas referentes a miedo frente a estímulos novedosos, tiempo de descanso y actitudes durante el juego. El 74% de los cachorros regresó junto al humano conocido (propietario) luego de explorar el ambiente en el suelo. En la camilla, el 81% aceptó el contacto físico iniciado por el veterinario y un 84% aceptó la sumisión forzada. Ningún cachorro intentó escapar y sólo uno presentó reacciones neurovegetativas. Frente a estímulos novedosos, el 61% no presentó miedo y, cuando se presentó la respuesta, el orden de susceptibilidad fue a ruidos, objetos móviles y personas desconocidas. Frente al descanso, 71% de los propietarios no los escuchó llorar durante la noche y durante el juego, 61% de los cachorros dejó de morder ante la solicitud del propietario. En la primera consulta la mayoría de los cachorros no presentó signos precursores de alteraciones de la conducta. La aplicación de maniobras semiológicas sencillas -observación del comportamiento exploratorio, posición de sumisión, reacción a la palpación y auscultación- brindó información sobre hiperactividad, miedo, ansiedad o socialización inadecuada. Esta información fue utilizada como base para hacer modificación de la conducta. Con intervenciones tempranas el veterinario puede, no sólo mejorar la relación humano/animal, sino también el bienestar de los perros urbanos.

With the object of identify early precursors of any conduct disorder on puppies' behaviour when they assisted to the primo vaccination. Thirty one (n = 31) puppies with 30 and 60 days of age, belonging to both sexes and several breeds were observed. According to the clinical examination routine sequence, data from the floor environmental exploration (Exp), stretcher manipulation (Sm), subjection and forced submission (Fs) by the professional were registered. In addition, data from oral responses by owners regarding puppy reaction to novel stimuli, resting, and play episodes were evaluated. 74% percent of puppies returned to the well-know human (owner) after the floor environmental exploration. At the stretcher phase, 81% did accept physical contact initiated and the 84% did accept the forced submission initiated by the professional. None puppy attempt to run away and only one showed neurovegetative responses. Regarding to novel stimuli reaction, 61% of puppies did no display any fear signals and for the rest, the susceptibility ranking was: noises, mobile objects and the unfamiliar human items. Regarding to resting episodes, 71% of the owners did not listened their puppies weep at nights, and for the play episodes 61% of puppies stopped biting at the owner request. During the first consultation, most of the dogs did not present any precursor sign of behavior alteration. The appliance of easy semiologic procedures -observation of the exploratory behaviour, submission position, answer to the palpation and auscultation- give information about hyperactivity, fear, anxiety and inadequate socialization. This information was used to made behaviour modification. With early intervention, the veterinary can improve the human/animal relationship and the urban dogs welfare.

Comparação da digestibilidade de um alimento seco extrusado entre cães adultos e filhotes / Digestibility of dry extruded food in adult dogs and puppies

Os diversos alimentos completos para cães existentes no mercado objetivam atender as necessidades nutricionais do animal quanto ao estádio fisiológico, conforme as alterações que possam ocorrer no aproveitamento dos nutrientes. Com a finalidade de comparar os coeficientes de digestibilidade aparente (CDA) e as características das fezes de um alimento seco extrusado de cães adultos e filhotes, foram utilizados 12 cães da raça Beagle, sendo seis adultos, cinco anos, e seis filhotes, cinco-seis meses, mantidos em gaiolas metabólicas e distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso. Os animais foram alimentados duas vezes ao dia com um alimento completo seco extrusado para filhotes, por um período de adaptação de cinco dias seguidos por cinco dias de coleta total de fezes. Houve diferença apenas para o CDA do extrato etéreo em hidrólise ácida, sendo maior para os filhotes - 95,3 vs 89,5 por cento. Em relação às características das fezes, os filhotes apresentaram pior escore fecal, devido às fezes terem se mostrado mais úmidas, além de maior pH em fezes secas e maior teor de amônia, culminando em pior qualidade. Conclui-se que filhotes de 5-6 meses de idade apresentam maior digestibilidade da gordura quando comparado a cães adultos, porém defecam fezes com pior escore fecal.

Application of a temporary palatal prosthesis in a puppy suffering from cleft palate

A 3-month-old Schnauzer was presented with congenital defects of the secondary palate. On the clinical examination, coughing, sneezing, drainage of nasal discharge from the external nares and poor growth were found. Vital signs and results of blood examination were within normal ranges. Thoracic radiography revealed mild pneumonia in the right lung lobes. In a puppy suffering from cleft palates, a palatal prosthesis was applied to the hard palate in order to protect the surgical wound, because a routine surgery was not successful. A palatal prosthesis was applied and held in place using the instant glue and plastic bands to protect the surgical wound following the third repeated surgery. Although a small oronasal fistula still remained, there was no functional defect. This prosthesis was easy to apply and helpful to protect the surgical wound. In addition, this implant could be placed or adjusted without or sedation/anesthesia.

Experimental Study of Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head in the Puppy / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To observe the morphological changes of the femoral head following vascular infarct produced by surgical devascularization of the capital femoral epiphysis in a mongrel puppy model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-six mongrel, weaned puppies, 7 to 9 weeks old, and between 1.5 to 2.5 kg in weight, were experimentedupon. They were divided into three groups: 12 underwent only simple capsular incision (Group A), 18 underwent ligamentum teres disruptionwith temporary subluxation of the hip joint (Group B), and 16 underwent both ligamentum teres and posterior retinacular arterydisruption (Group C). Three to five puppies in each experimental group were periodically sacrificed at 2 weeks and at 1, 2, 5 months, postoperatively. Both femurs, extracted from the sacrificed puppies, were studied by eye, radiographically and histologically. RESULTS: Puppies from the single (Group B) and double devascularization groups (Group C) showed definite findings of vascular infarct macroscopically, radiologically, and histologically. These findings were more frequent and severe in the group with the double infarct thanthe single infarct. CONCLUSION: Morphological changes similar to those seen in human Legg-Calve-Perthes' disease (LCPD) were observed in puppy specimens. This puppy model of LCPD may be useful for experimental studies.