Characterising the expression of the organic cation transporter OCT3 in cutaneous papillomas of dogs.

BACKGROUND: The identification of the activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway as a frequent molecular event in canine cutaneous papillomas (CPs) has provided the rational foundation to explore novel molecular-targeted therapies. Recent evidence indicates that metformin reduces the size of CPs in mice by inhibiting the mTOR signalling pathway. These effects require the expression of the organic cation transporter 3 (OCT3/SLC22A3), a well-known metformin uptake transporter. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to characterise the expression pattern of the metformin uptake transporter OCT3 in canine samples of CP that have shown activation of the mTOR signalling pathway in order to predict if this hyperplastic epidermal lesion is potentially sensitive to metformin. METHODS: The expression of OCT3 was evaluated by immunohistochemical investigation in sections of a previously constructed tissue microarray containing 28 samples of canine CP and compared with that previously evaluated for the mTOR activation marker pS6. RESULTS: OCT3 was highly expressed in the membrane and cytoplasm of the basal and suprabasal epidermal cells in all samples of canine CP. This OCT3 expression was localised at similar epidermal compartments to those observed for pS6. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These results show that canine CPs exhibit the expression of surrogate markers that suggest sensitivity to metformin, such as upregulated OCT3 and pS6 expression. Taken together, these findings provide the rationale for the early assessment of the use of metformin as a mechanism-based therapeutic approach for treating canine patients with persistent or multiple CPs.

Breast carcinoma in a dog: sensitivity and specificity between cytopathology and histopathology.

This study evaluated the accuracy of mammary carcinoma diagnoses in female dogs through cytological exams (FNA) compared to histopathological diagnoses. The presence of neoplasia and the effectiveness of procedures at the Pathology Laboratory of the Veterinary Hospital of the FMVZ of Unesp Botucatu, were analyzed. Between 2015 and 2020, a total of 1100 mammary neoplasms were identified, of which 569 were mammary carcinomas. Fifty cytological samples were selected and analyzed to determine occurrence, age at presentation, and the most affected breeds, as well as to verify the obtained diagnoses. Mammary carcinoma constituted for 51.72% of the registered cases. A higher occurrence was observed in mixed-breed female dogs, at 40.42%, followed by Poodles at 17%. The most common age at diagnosis was 10 years, and in 65.55% of cases, the dogs had not been previously spayed. 9.31% of the animals had received contraceptives, while 14% had given birth and 14.58% had presented symptoms of pseudopregnancy at some point in their lives. In the test results, a 70% agreement between cytology and histology was observed, with a 30% disagreement between them. Statistically, a sensitivity of 79.32% and a specificity of 57.14% were reflected. Intact and older female dogs represent a significant risk of developing mammary carcinoma. Although the protocol for processing and interpreting cytological samples is well established, the results do not reach the level of excellence observed in previous studies.

O estudo avaliou a precisão dos diagnósticos de carcinoma mamário em cadelas por meio de exames citológicos (PAAF) em comparação com diagnósticos histopatológicos. Foi analisada a presencia da neoplasia e a eficácia dos procedimentos no Laboratório de Patologia do Hospital Veterinário da FMVZ da Unesp, Botucatu. Foram registradas 1100 neoplasias mamárias entre 2015 e 2020, das quais 569 foram carcinomas mamários. Cinquenta amostras citopatológicas foram selecionadas e analisadas para determinar a ocorrência, idade de apresentação e raças mais afetadas, além de verificar os diagnósticos obtidos. O carcinoma mamário representou 51,72% dos casos registrados. Observou-se maior ocorrência em cadelas SRD, com 40,42%, seguidas por Poodles com 17%. A idade mais comum de diagnóstico foi de 10 anos, e em 65,55% dos casos as cadelas não haviam sido castradas previamente. 9,31% dos animais haviam recebido contraceptivos, enquanto 14% já haviam dado à luz e 14,58% apresentaram sintomas de pseudociese em algum momento de suas vidas. Nos resultados dos exames, foi observada uma concordância de 70% entre citologia e histologia, com 30% de discordância entre eles. Estatisticamente, foi refletida uma sensibilidade de 79,32% e uma especificidade de 57,14%. Cadelas intactas e mais velhas representam um risco significativo no desenvolvimento de carcinoma mamário. Embora o protocolo de processamento e interpretação de amostras citopatológicas esteja bem estabelecido, os resultados não alcançam o nível de excelência observado em estudos anteriores.

Dog ectoparasites as sentinels for pathogenic Rickettsia and Bartonella in rural Guatemala.

Fleas and ticks serve as vectors of multiple pathogens in the genera Rickettsia and Bartonella that cause diseases in humans and other animals. Although human rickettsiosis and bartonellosis have been reported in all countries in Central America, limited research has been conducted to investigate the natural cycles of flea- and tick-borne rickettsiosis and bartonellosis, especially in Guatemala. We evaluated dog parasites as sentinels for zoonotic disease risk in rural Guatemala by sampling ticks and fleas from dogs, which were then identified and individually screened for Rickettsia and Bartonella. A total of 77 households were surveyed and 80.5 % of them had dogs. Overall, 133 dogs were examined for fleas and ticks, of which 68.4 % had fleas and 35.3 % had ticks. A total of 433 fleas and 181 ticks were collected from the infested dogs, with an additional 33 ticks collected from house walls. Three flea species were identified: Ctenocephalides felis (70.0 %), Echidnophaga gallinacea (11.8 %), and Pulex sp. (17.8 %). Among the collected ticks, 97 % were identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato with the rest being Amblyomma cajennense, A. auricularium, and A. ovale. Rickettsia felis were detected in six C. felis, in one Pulex sp., and in two R. sanguineus sensu lato, while Candidatus R. senegalensis was detected in one C. felis. Bartonella was detected only in fleas, including three Pulex sp. infected with B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii, B. henselae, and Bartonella sp., respectively, and 11 C. felis infected with B. henselae. This study reports Candidatus R. senegalensis and B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii in Guatemala for the first time, and indicates the potential risk of human and dog exposure to Rickettsia and Bartonella species. These results show that dogs provide critical information relevant to managing human potential exposure to flea- and tick-borne pathogens in rural Guatemala. This approach can potentially be expanded to other regions in Central America where domestic dogs are abundant and suffer from ectoparasite infestation.

Fatal case of imported visceral leishmaniasis in a dog caused by Leishmania infantum in French Guiana.

Here we described a case of fatal canine visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in French Guiana, a non-endemic VL Amazonian area. The dog was a 2-year-old pug imported from Brazil to French Guiana. Initially seen for a pruriginous lesion on the muzzle which healed after treatment, the dog was in a deteriorated condition and had sublingual, foreleg and eye ulcers, one month later. A visceral leishmaniasis was suspected by the veterinarian. The dog was hospitalized awaiting results, which revealed the presence of L. infantum. However, the dog succumbed suddenly before the results were returned. Few imported and scarce autochthonous canine VL cases have been previously reported in French Guiana, raising the need for local epidemiological surveillance, considering the possibility of unusual transmission routes of the parasite.

Spatiotemporal analysis of a population management intervention for dogs and cats in a municipality in central Mexico.

Background and Aim: The overpopulation of dogs and cats has generated socioeconomic, political, and animal welfare problems, in addition to an important public health problem, due to the risk of zoonotic diseases. This study aimed to analyze the spatiotemporal coverage of canine and feline sterilization services provided by a governmental agency in the rural and urban areas of the municipality of Tequisquiapan, Querétaro. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Tequisquiapan's municipality, Querétaro, Mexico, from July 2019 to September 2022. The total number of sterilized dogs and cats was obtained from the monthly records of the Tequisquiapan Animal Health and Welfare Services Center (CESSBA, by its Spanish acronym). The collected information was related to the sterilized animals (species and sex) and their responsible guardians (sex and address). Access to dog and cat sterilization services was assessed using a geographic information system. Kernel density and directional ellipse tools were used to analyze the CESSBA coverage of care. Indicators were estimated to compare magnitudes and changes at the census tract level. Results: A total of 4,489 animals were sterilized, with n = 2,611 (58%) dogs, of which 1,939 were female and 672 were male. The remaining n = 1,878 animals were cats, representing 42% of the total, with 1,257 females and 621 males. Up to 73% of the sterilized animals were owned by women. The population management of dogs and cats allowed us to increase the territorial coverage from 71.8% in 2019 to 92.3% in 2022. According to the temporal analysis (2019-2022), there was an annual upward trend in the number of sterilizations performed by CESSBA, with a rate of between 55.6 and 94.3 registered sterilizations per 100 inhabited dwellings and between 166.4 and 302.8 registered sterilizations per 1000 inhabitants. Conclusion: The analysis of the dog and cat sterilization service coverage revealed an upward trend, consisting of an increase in accessibility and participation of responsible caregivers who resided in both urban and rural areas of Tequisquiapan. Although it was not possible to evaluate the impact of the program, the use of georeferenced data and geospatial analysis showed that it can support the control of animal overpopulation.

The Anatomy, Histology, and Function of the Major Pelvic Ganglion.

This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the pelvic plexus and its regulation across various mammalian species, including rats, cats, dogs, and pigs. The pelvic and hypogastric nerves play crucial roles in regulating pelvic functions such as micturition, defecation, and erection. The anatomical organization of these nerves varies, forming either well-defined ganglia or complex plexuses. Despite these variations, the neurons within these structures are consistently regulated by key neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and acetylcholine. These neurons also possess receptors for testosterone and prolactin, particularly in rats, indicating the significant role of these hormones in neuronal function and development. Moreover, neuropeptides such as vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), substance P, neuropeptide Y (NPY), somatostatin (SOM), galanin (GAL), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) are co-released with neurotransmitters to modulate pelvic functions. This review highlights the complex interplay between neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and hormones in regulating pelvic physiology and emphasizes the importance of hormonal regulation in maintaining the functionality and health of the pelvic plexus across different species.

Physiotherapy in the Recovery of Paraplegic Dogs without Nociception Due to Thoracolumbar Intervertebral Disc Extrusion Treated Surgically.

Several authors have advocated for the role of physiotherapy in canine intervertebral disc extrusion, and it is routinely recommended by various veterinary neurologists. However, veterinary literature does not unanimously support the routine use of physiotherapy to ensure an increase in locomotor return in dogs with IVDE. The aim of the study was to investigate whether physiotherapy can influence the functional recovery of paraplegic dogs with loss of nociception (LN) affected by thoracolumbar IVDE (Hansen type I) and treated surgically. The animals were divided into two groups: the physiotherapy group (PG), which included those that underwent decompressive surgery and postoperative physiotherapy; and the control group (CG), which included dogs that did not undergo any physiotherapy after surgery. A total of 51 dogs were included, with 30 in the PG and 21 in the CG. The number of physiotherapy sessions ranged from 6 to 60. The rate of functional recovery in dogs within 21 days postoperatively (PO) was 10% (3/30) in the PG and 19% (4/21) in the CG. After 21 days PO, the recovery rate was 43.33% (13/30) in the PG and 61.9% (13/21) in the CG, with no significant difference observed between the groups (p = 0.258). Based on the findings of this study, it was concluded that physiotherapy in paraplegic dogs with LN due to thoracolumbar IVDE does not appear to influence functional recovery compared to the group without physiotherapy.

Dog ectoparasites as sentinels for pathogenic Rickettsia and Bartonella in rural Guatemala.

Background: Fleas and ticks serve as vectors of multiple pathogens in the genera Rickettsia and Bartonellathat cause diseases in humans and other animals. Although human rickettsiosis and bartonellosis have been reported in all countries in Central America, limited research has been conducted to investigate the natural cycles of flea- and tick-borne rickettsiosis and bartonellosis, especially in Guatemala. Methods: We evaluated dog parasites as sentinels for zoonotic disease risk in rural Guatemala by sampling ticks and fleas from dogs, which were then identified and individually screened for Rickettsia and Bartonella. Results: A total of 77 households were surveyed and 80.52% of them had dogs. Overall, 133 dogs were examined for fleas and ticks, of which 68.42% had fleas and 35.34% had ticks. A total of 433 fleas and 181 ticks were collected from the infested dogs, with an additional 33 ticks collected from house walls. Three flea species were identified: Ctenocephalides felis (70%), Echidnophaga gallinacea(11.8%), and Pulex sp. (17.8%). Among the collected ticks, 97% were Rhipicephalus sanguineus with the rest being Amyblyomma cajennense, A. auricularium, and A. ovale. Rickettsia felis were detected in six C. felis, in one Pulex sp., and in two R. sanguineus, while Candidatus R. senegalensis was detected in one C. felis. Bartonella was detected only in fleas, including three Pulexsp. infected with B. vinsonii subsp. Berkhoffii, B. henselae, and Bartonella sp., respectively, and 11 C. felis infected with B. henselae. Conclusions: This study reports Candidatus R. senegalensis and B. vinsonii subsp. Berkhoffiiin Guatemala for the first time, and indicates the potential risk of human and dog exposure to Rickettsia and Bartonella species. These results show that dogs provide critical information relevant to managing human potential exposure to flea- and tick-borne pathogens in rural Guatemala.

Spatial distribution and population dynamics of free-roaming (stray and semi-domiciled) dogs in a major Brazilian city.

Introduction: Although estimate models have been proposed to determine free-roaming (both stray and semi-domiciled) dog populations, to date, no study has focused on the three major border areas of Brazil. Therefore, the present study assessed the free-roaming dog population of Foz do Iguaçu, a major far-west Brazilian city located in a three-border area (Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay), which is considered among the top five Brazilian tourist destinations. Methods: Capture-release sampling was performed in three phases with a 6-month interval and 10-day duration of each phase, totaling 18 months, between 2018 and 2019. Results: A total of 1,273 dogs were estimated in the first [95% confidence interval (CI), 468-2,078 dogs], 904 in the second (95%CI, 452-1,355 dogs), and 1,564 in the third (95%CI, 521-2,607 dogs) capture phases in this area, suggesting a population density of 18.4 dogs/km2 (6.1-30.6 dogs/km2, 95% CI). Of all free-roaming dogs, 452/1,125 (40.2%) were stray with no confirmed ownership or household, whereas 672/1,125 (59.8%) had a known origin, among which 625/1,125 (55.6%) were semi-domiciled with ownership or a household, 36/1,125 (3.2%) were neighborhood dogs with maintainers, and 11/1,125 (1.0%) were owned by recycling material collectors and homeless individuals. The majority of the 1,125 dogs (862/1,125; 76.6%) had an ideal body condition score. The high outdoor access of owned dogs is likely caused by cultural behavior. However, because 533/1,125 (47.4%) of the free-roaming dogs presented with clinical abnormalities, irresponsible ownership may have negatively impacted dog health and welfare. Discussion: This study was the first to establish the density of free-roaming dogs, the ratio of stray and semi-domiciled dogs, and their dynamics over time in Foz do Iguaçu. The findings may serve as a warning for the high level of dog outdoor access and irresponsible guardianship, which may negatively affect animal health and welfare, leading to diseases, accidents, trauma, and animal cruelty.

Microbiota in Mild Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Can Be Modulated by Beta-Glucans and Mannanoligosaccharides: A Randomized, Double-Blinded Study in Dogs.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in dogs is the most common chronic gastrointestinal disease in dogs. Its etiology evolves an aberrant immunological response towards food antigens and indigenous bacteria in the gut bacteria and, consequently, dysbiosis. Prebiotics provide substrates for the growth of beneficial bacteria and promote the production of beneficial fermentation products. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of oral supplementations of beta-glucans and mannanoligosaccharides (MOSs) over 60 days in fecal microbiota and fecal concentrations of fermentation products in dogs with mild IBD. Eighteen dogs with mild IBD were divided into three experimental groups in a blinded and randomized manner: A-dogs received 0.1% of a beta-glucan-based prebiotic, B-dogs received 0.1% of a MOS + beta-glucan-based prebiotic, and C-dogs received 0.1% of a placebo. Fecal microbiota was analyzed using the latest generation 16S rRNA sequencing (Illumina®). Relative abundances of each taxon were analyzed using a generalized linear model, and fermentation products using a mixed model. A significance level of p was used. The prebiotics positively modulated the bacterial population of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. Treatment A improved alpha diversity and populations of beneficial bacteria. Beta-glucan supplementation for 60 days had beneficial effects on modulating intestinal microbiota in dogs with mild IBD.

Echocardiographic Documentation of Dilated Cardiomyopathy Development in Dogs Naturally Infected with Trypanosoma cruzi.

We aimed to characterize the echocardiographic alterations in dogs from an endemic region that were naturally infected with T. cruzi. Dogs (n = 130) seropositive for antibodies against T. cruzi and/or with acute parasitemia were enrolled in the study. Indicators of changes in the structure and systolic and diastolic functions of the left ventricle (LV) and blood flow patterns were evaluated by echocardiography. The frequency and extent of alterations in these indicators were associated with the severity of the disease. Briefly, 15 (11.54%) dogs were diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and 115 (88.46%) dogs were diagnosed as being without DCM. Infected dogs with DCM exhibited structural features of LV dysfunction, e.g., a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the LV internal diameter at systole and diastole (LVID-s, LVID-d) and a decline in the LV posterior wall (LVPW-d) thickness at diastole. Despite an increase in stroke volume and cardiac output indicating contraction force, DCM resulted in a decreased ejection fraction, affecting systolic function. Dogs that were diagnosed as DCM-negative but were positive for T. cruzi by PCR exhibited a high frequency of an increase in the thickness of the interventricular septum in systole (IVS-s) and the LV posterior wall in diastole (LVPW-d), a decline in the LV inner diameter (LVID-d, LVID-s), and fractional shortening (FS). The thinning of the LVPW at systole was the most defining feature observed in chronically infected dogs. In summary, this is the first study reporting the echocardiographic changes occurring in dogs naturally infected with T. cruzi and developing DCM. Our data suggest that changes in LVID are a major indicator of risk of cardiac involvement, and the observation of changes in the IVS, LVPW, and FS have predictive value in determining the risk of DCM development in infected dogs.

American mitogenome reference for the tropical brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus linnaei (Audouin, 1826).

The brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus linnaei (Audouin, 1826), is distributed across the American continent and is formerly known as the "tropical lineage". It belongs to the Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1806) species complex, referred to as R. sanguineus (sensu lato). Mitochondrial genome sequences are frequently used for the identification and represent reference material for field studies. In the present study, the entire mitochondrial genomes of R. linnaei (∼15 kb) collected from dogs in Mexico were sequenced and compared with available mitogenomes of R. sanguineus (s.l.). The mitochondrial genome is ∼90% identical to the reference genome of R. sanguineus (sensu stricto, former "temperate lineage") and > 99% identical to R. linnaei mitogenome derived from the neotype. Two additional mitogenomes were obtained and described as R. linnaei and R. turanicus from dogs in Saudi Arabia. The present study delivers a molecular reference for R. linnaei from America and complements R. linnaei mitogenomes from Africa, Asia and Australia. We propose to consider the complete mitogenome, as the reference for American R. linnaei, even when partial mitochondrial cox1, 12S rRNA or 16S rRNA genes are characterised.

Review of leptospirosis in dogs from Mexico: Epidemiology, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.

Leptospirosis, classified by the World Health Organization as an emerging and neglected disease, is caused by the zoonotic pathogen Leptospira interrogans. This review aims to outline the Mexican epidemic of L. interrogans in dogs, including diagnosis and prevention methods. This review article searched articles from the publishers Wiley, Springer, PubMed, Redalyc, SciElo, and Elsevier. Among the 200 Mexican articles concerning Leptospira epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and vaccination, those that failed to meet the set inclusion criteria were excluded. The worldwide study of L. interrogans has focused on this bacterium. In Mexico, up-to-date information on canine prevalence, diagnosis, and vaccine use is scarce. Flow cytometrically detected Salmonella serovars differ from those in current vaccines, emphasizing the importance of broadening vaccine serovar coverage.

Infection and re-infection of Leptospira spp. in stray dogs and cats from Bogota, Colombia.

Background and Aim: Leptospirosis is a re-emerging zoonosis that is under-reported in tropical countries, and canines can be a potential reservoir of the disease. The objective of this study was to diagnose Leptospira spp. that is actively infected and re-infected in stray dogs and cats from Bogota, D.C., Colombia. Materials and Methods: A sample of 200 animals, including dogs and cats from the animal protection programs of Bogota, Colombia, were used in this study. Blood was collected from these animals for serum and DNA analysis. Conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed using the 16s rRNA primer set, and higher-quality amplification products were sequenced by Sanger. For serodiagnosis, a group of PCR-positive samples was tested using the microagglutination test (MAT). Results: The overall PCR positivity of stray dogs and cats was 56%, 52.9%, and 65.3% in dogs and cats, respectively. The MAT seropositivity was 77.3%, and only dogs showed titers higher than 1:400. Canicola, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Pomona, Hardjo Prajitno, and Canicola and Hardjo prajitno were the serogroups associated with dogs and cats, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the strains belonging to Leptospira interrogans serovars related to isolated samples of American, European, and Asian bats (Myotis myotis), dogs, and bovines of American origin. Conclusion: These results showed that stray dogs and cats were previously exposed to different serovars of Leptospira spp. and re-infected with other serovars that actively participated in the transmission cycle. These findings highlight the importance of actively diagnosing infectious animals to design effective intervention strategies.

Short-Term Effects of Two COX-2 Selective Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs on the Release of Growth Factors and Cytokines from Canine Platelet-Rich Gel Supernatants.

(1) Background: There is a lack of knowledge about how a single dose of COX-2 selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) might affect the release of growth factors (GFs) and cytokines from canine platelet-rich gels (PRGs) and other hemocomponents. (2) Methods: A crossover study was conducted in six adult mongrel dogs. Animals were randomized to receive a single dose of either carprofen or firocoxib. PRG, temperature-induced platelet lysate (TIPL), chemically induced PL (CIPL), and plasma hemocomponents were obtained from each dog before (1 h) and after (6 h) the treatments. Platelet and leukocyte counts and determination of the concentrations of platelet-derived growth factor-BB, (PDGF-BB), transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-ß1), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and IL-10 concentrations were assayed by ELISA in all hemocomponents. (3) Results: Both platelet and leukocyte counts and PDGF-BB concentrations were not affected by NSAIDs and time. Total TGF-ß1 concentrations were not affected by NSAIDs; however, the release of this GF was increased in PRG supernatants (PRGS) at 6 h. IL-1ß and TNF-α concentrations were significantly (p < 0.001) lower in both firocoxib PRGS and plasma at 6 h, respectively. IL-10 concentrations were significantly (p < 0.001) lower at 6 h in all hemocomponents treated with both NSAIDs. (4) Conclusions: The clinical implications of our findings could indicate that these drugs should be withdrawn from patients to allow their clearance before the clinical use of PRP/PRG. On the other hand, the prophylactic use of NSAIDs to avoid the inflammatory reactions that some patients might have after PRP/PRG treatment should be performed only in those animals with severe reactive inflammation to the treatment.

Assessment and validation of the pet-owner relationship scale for Brazil.

Introduction: This study aimed to perform a cross-cultural adaptation of the cat-owner/dog-owner relationship scales. The method involved several stages: conceptual, item, semantic, operational, measurement, and functional equivalence. Procedures included translation, synthesis of translations, back-translation, consensus on the English versions, external evaluation by the original authors, expert committee evaluation, and pre-tests. Methods: The study surveyed 234 pet owners across Brazil using a 20-item questionnaire. Data analysis utilized confirmatory factor analysis, covariance-based modeling, and multigroup analysis. Results: The study confirmed the content and construct validity of the model, demonstrating good convergent validity. Hypotheses testing revealed significant inverse relationships between Perceived Cost and Perceived Emotional Closeness, and between Perceived Cost and Pet-Owner Interactions. A positive correlation was found between Perceived Emotional Closeness and Pet-Owner Interactions, with Perceived Emotional Closeness also mediating the relationship between Perceived Cost and Pet-Owner Interactions. No significant differences were found across different pet owner groups, indicating the scale's invariance and reliability across various demographics. Discussion: The study significantly expands understanding of the complex dynamics in pet-owner relationships and emphasizes the interplay between emotional and practical factors. It offers valuable insights for future research and practices in animal and human welfare.

Molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of Borrelia Spp. In blood samples of cats and dogs by the nested-PCR method in West Azerbaijan Province, Iran.

The objective of this study was to investigate the presence and genetic attributes of Borrelia spp. in cats and dogs from the West Azerbaijan Province, located in the northwest of Iran. A total of 250 blood samples from cats and 300 blood samples from dogs were collected, and information regarding their age, sex, breed, ownership status, sampling time and region was recorded. The identification of positive samples was accomplished through nested-PCR and sequencing, with subsequent analysis of the gene sequences conducted using BioEdit software. The gene sequences for Borrelia spp. in this study showed 100% similarity to reference sequences in the GenBank® database. Phylogenetic trees were built using MEGA11. The outcomes indicated that among 250 blood samples from cats, 48 (19.2%) tested positive for Borrelia spp. gene, with a CI from 14.8 to 24.53% for cats. Similarly, out of 300 blood samples from dogs, 45 (15%) tested positive for the Borrelia spp. gene, with a CI from 11.4 to 19.48% for dogs.

Finding Priority Areas in the Evaluation of Strategies for the Prevention of Leishmaniasis in an Endemic Municipality of Brazil.

Visceral leishmaniasis is a zoonotic disease that affects humans and dogs. The infection is endemic in the municipality of Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil. Given the role of dogs in the epidemiology of leishmaniasis, strategies to enhance surveillance and reduce transmission are focused on dogs. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed records of canine visceral leishmaniasis from 2013 to 2022. According to this database, the prevalence of dogs testing positive for leishmaniasis fluctuated, with an average of 65.04% (6590/10,133). Cases were clustered in 10 statistically significant areas. Environmental analyses identified a significant geographical association between animals testing positive and higher vegetation density rates compared with animals testing negative. The period from sample collection to diagnosis and euthanasia, as recommended by the Brazilian Ministry, correlated with disease prevalence and decreased over time. These findings serve to implement different action plans against leishmaniasis for each geographic region and to understand the impact and efforts of strategies in an endemic area.

Neonatal hypoglycemia in dogs-pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment.

Hypoglycemia is the most common metabolic alteration in the clinical routine of newborn dogs, acting as a predictor of mortality in these patients. The neonatal dog shows hepatic insufficiency and homeostatic mechanisms not yet fully developed, with limited glycogen reserves and limited capacity to perform glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. These physiological particularities make newborn dogs particularly susceptible to hypoglycemia when of fasting, even for short periods. Several maternal and neonatal factors may be related to a higher risk of developing hypoglycemia in neonates. This paper reviews glycemic homeostasis, the pathophysiology of neonatal hypoglycemia, the main causes involved and the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to this condition.

Epidemiological analysis of Dirofilaria immitis (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) infecting pet dogs (Canis lupus familiaris, Linnaeus, 1758) in Baixada Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro.

Dirofilaria immitis infection is routinely detected in dogs during veterinary care in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Parasitological tests for the detection of this infection are routinely performed only in areas with a high prevalence. Baixada Fluminense, a region in Rio de Janeiro, was considered heartworm-free until local veterinarians began to receive blood exams results indicating the presence of microfilariae (MF). A laboratory database was hence used to collect data from 2017 to 2020 to understand the extent of spread of the parasite in this area. The results of complete blood count analysis and MF or heartworm antigen detection tests conducted on canine samples sent from veterinary clinics in Baixada Fluminense (Magé, Duque de Caxias, Guapimirim, Nova Iguaçu, and São João de Meriti municipalities) were included. In total, the results of 16,314 hematological tests were considered. The overall prevalence of D. immitis was 3.4% (554/16,314), considering that only one test result was obtained per animal on the same day. This study is highly relevant because it indicates the spreading geographic distribution of the worms, heightens awareness among local health professionals and the general population, and encourages compliance with prophylactic measures to prevent further spread of parasite.