Survey of Animal Neoplastic Cases Diagnosed in Nigerian Veterinary Teaching Hospitals, 2000-2017.

Incidence data from 17-year veterinary neoplasm surveillance and registration were reviewed. Most of the neoplastic cases diagnosed in Nigerian veterinary teaching hospitals (VTHs) were in the avian (49%) and canine species (44%). Fewer cases were recorded in the equine (3.2%), bovine (2.4%), ovine (1.5%), caprine (0.3%) and porcine (0.15%) species. Marek's disease was the most prevalently diagnosed neoplastic disease of domestic animals in Nigerian VTHs from 2000-2017. Also, the Nigerian local breed had a higher mean distribution than any other dog breed and this was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Nearly all of the neoplastic cases diagnosed, were found in females (60.4%) and so the mean distribution of sex was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The digestive system, with 296 (46.25%) cases, was the anatomic location where the majority of the neoplastic cases were found. However, the mean distribution of different neoplastic anatomic sites was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). In conclusion, little emphasis is given to the appropriate diagnosis and recording of neoplastic cases that are diagnosed. The study provides information regarding the prevalence and distribution of tumours in different animal species consulted in Nigeria veterinary teaching hospitals. To illustrate all of this, ArcGIS software was used. Veterinary clinicians, pathologists and epidemiologists from Nigeria may benefit from the results of this study by freely accessing some specific data regarding the breed, the age group or the gender of some animal species diagnosed with different tumours.

Characterization of the Tongue Worm, Linguatula serrata (Pentastomida), Identified from Hares (Lepus europaeus) in Romania.

Linguatula serrata (Frölich, 1789) is a widespread parasite known as the tongue worm belonging to the family Linguatulidae. The adult form of the parasite is usually located in the upper respiratory tract of domestic and wild carnivores while the larval forms are located in the visceral organs of intermediate hosts (various herbivorous mammals). Twenty-four European brown hares (Lepus europaeus) were examined in this study, of which two were positive with L. serrata nymphs. The collected nymphs were examined morphologically using electron-microscopic analysis and molecularly by amplification of 18S rRNA and COX1 genes. Lung tissue samples were also collected and histopathological examination was performed. Histopathological examination revealed the following lesions: generalized inflammatory oedema, granulomas with necrosis, calcification and fibrosis in the bronchial tree. The results of molecular sequencing for L. serrata specimens collected from the European brown hares are deposited in GenBank. This study presents the first report on Linguatula serrata nymphs collected from L. europaeus in Romania, using molecular and morphological characterization simultaneously.

Unusual Canine Distemper Virus Infection in Captive Raccoons (Procyon lotor).

Canine morbillivirus, also known as canine distemper virus (CDV), is the causative agent of canine distemper (CD), which is a serious contagious disease of canines, large felids, and, occasionally, raccoons. This study included seven raccoons from the Timisoara Zoological Garden, Romania. CDV was detected using RT-qPCR on blood samples, but several other exams were also performed-clinical, bacteriological, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and histopathology, toxicological screening, and necropsy-which confirmed CDV infection. Severe digestive disorders (diarrhea and frequent hematemesis) were observed. The necropsy findings included pseudo membranous gastroenteritis, congestion, and pulmonary edema in two raccoons. Immunohistochemistry showed immunolabeled CDV antigenantibodies on the viral nucleocapsid. Histopathology revealed lymphocyte depletion in mesenteric lymphnodes and intranuclear and intracytoplasmic inclusions in the enterocytes of the small intestine. Based on the RT-qPCR assay, laboratory tests, and the lesions observed, it was established that the raccoons were infected with CDV, which was the cause of death in two cases. The results from the necropsy, histology, and immunohistochemistry in the raccoons are comparable with reported CDV lesions in dogs. In conclusion, several exams may be performed to establish the etiology of possible interspecific viral infection, but only very specific exams can identify aCDV infection. Laboratory analyses must be completed by RT-qPCR assay or IHC to establish infection with uncommon viruses in raccoons with high accuracy.

Important Mycoses of Wildlife: Emphasis on Etiology, Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Pathology-A Review: PART 1.

In the past few years, there has been a spurred tripling in the figures of fungal diseases leading to one of the most alarming rates of extinction ever reported in wild species. Some of these fungal diseases are capable of virulent infections and are now considered emerging diseases due to the extremely high number of cases diagnosed with fungal infections in the last few decades. Most of these mycotic diseases in wildlife are zoonotic, and with the emergence and re-emergence of viral and bacterial zoonotic diseases originating from wildlife, which are causing devastating effects on the human population, it is important to pay attention to these wildlife-borne mycotic diseases with zoonotic capabilities. Several diagnostic techniques such as fungal isolation, gross pathology, histopathology, histochemistry, cytology, immunohistochemistry, radiography, CT, and molecular methods such as PCR or ELISA have been invaluable in the diagnosis of wildlife mycoses. The most important data used in the diagnosis of these wildlife mycoses with a zoonotic potential have been re-emphasized. This will have implications for forestalling future epidemics of these potential zoonotic mycotic diseases originating from wildlife. In conclusion, this review will highlight the etiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, pathogenesis, pathogenicity, pathology, and hematological/serum biochemical findings of five important mycoses found in wild animals.

Important Mycosis of Wildlife: Emphasis on Etiology, Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Pathology-A Review: PART 2.

Wild animals are an important component of the ecosystem, and play a major role in it. However, in recent years, there has been an astronomical increase in the incidence of wildlife mycotic diseases leading to wildlife extermination. It is important to note that most of these mycotic diseases are zoonotic, and since there is a lot of attention given to zoonosis of a bacterial or viral origin in recent times, it is important to look into the mycotic diseases which may have zoonotic potential. Previously, the authors expatiated on some major wildlife mycotic diseases. In this review, we shed light on the etiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, pathogenesis, pathogenicity, macroscopic and microscopic pathology, and hematological and serum biochemical findings of dermatophytosis, coccidioidomycosis, blastomycosis, and sporotrichosis, which are very important mycoses of wildlife.

Seroprevalence of Anti-Theileria equi Antibodies in Horses from Three Geographically Distinct Areas of Romania.

Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is an endemic tick-borne disease found in most countries around the world. It affects all species of Equidae, and it is caused by Theileria equi, Babesia caballi and T. haneyi. The research herein is the second study on the prevalence of piroplasms in Romania conducted in the past two decades. The aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of anti-Theileria equi antibodies and the geographical distribution of this disease in the southwest, west, and northwest regions of Romania in order to obtain a more thorough understanding of the parasitological status of horses in this country. This study included 522 apparently healthy, mixed-breed horses from three different counties. The serum samples were analysed using the cELISA Theileria equi Antibody Test Kit. The overall seroprevalence rate was 12.84%. From the total number of positive horses, 13.96% were females and 11.21% were males. Based on the distribution of positive cases into age groups, the following values were obtained: 0−60 months: 16.26%, 60−180 months: 10.03%, and >180 months: 15.83%. There was no statistically significant difference between samples, based on age or gender. The positivity percentage in the localities included in the study ranged from 8.33 to 100%. In the population under study, the seroprevalence rate was high, indicating a possible exposure risk in this area of Romania, which could have severe effects on equids in the case of clinical manifestations of the disease. EP represents a serious threat for equine health in Romania; therefore, close and continuous monitoring of the situation is required.

The Use of Pythium oligandrum in the Biological Control of Roundworm Infection in Dogs and Cats.

Pythium oligandrum is an oomycete used in veterinary medicine to treat dermatophytosis in animals. The ovicidal potential against various types of parasite eggs has not been investigated. Ascarids are very common in young animals and the resistance of eggs in the external environment is very high. A commercial product containing P. oligandrum was used in the present study. Its ovicidal action against Toxocara spp. eggs was investigated. Thus, two categories of media (soil and sandstone) were used, on which the ascarid eggs were dispersed. The commercial product was prepared as a solution and was applied according to the manufacturer. The treatment scheme indicated in case of animals with dermatophytosis was used. Thus, the external natural conditions were recreated in the laboratory, in order to establish whether there is any applicability for this oomycete in the biological control of some parasitic diseases. The results indicated an ovicidal action of Pythium oligandrum, supporting the prospects of its use in the decontamination methods of various surfaces or environments where ascarid eggs from carnivores are found.

Identity of Microfilariae Circulating in Dogs from Western and South-Western Romania in the Last Decade.

Dirofilaria infections in dogs are recognized as widespread mosquito-borne diseases with zoonotic potential, that are caused by the filarioid nematode (Onchocercidae) species Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens. The long-term survey conducted in western and south-western Romania was undertaken in order to provide valuable data on the occurrence of Dirofilaria infections in dogs. Blood samples from 1088 dogs, originating from 73 localities of 11 western and south-western counties in Romania, were collected and examined using the modified Knott test. Subsequently, all of the microscopically positive samples were subjected to molecular analysis for confirmation. Altogether, the data obtained showed the percentage of dogs with circulating microfilariae to be 21.42% (233/1088) of dogs tested in the investigated region. The identified species, in cases of monoinfections, were D. immitis, D. repens, and Acanthocheilonema reconditum in 106 (9.74%) samples, 102 (9.38%) samples, and 1 (0.09%) sample, respectively. Twenty-four (2.21%) samples were simultaneously positive for D. immitis and D. repens. There was no association (p > 0.05) between infection status and breed; however, sex and lifestyle were positively associated (p < 0.05) with the percentage of dogs with circulating microfilariae and might be regarded as risk factors for infection. The results of the present investigation indicate potential zoonotic risks for humans living in the screened area and support the imperative to increase awareness among both veterinarians and physicians, regarding the continuous spread of these zoonotic filariae.

Feline Demodicosis Case Report-First Molecular Characterization of Demodex Mites in Romania.

Cat demodicosis is uncommon to rare, and is caused by Demodex cati, Demodex gatoi and another unnamed species. The investigated patient was a mix-breed, 10-year-old feline with no dermatological history. Alopecia, erythema, minor erosions and ulcerations and crusts, associated with pruritus and self-trauma, were observed on the head. Dark, agglutinated cerumen was also present in the external ear canal. The agent causing the skin condition in the feline patient was identified as being a Demodex genus mite, based on the specific, morphological characteristics noticed upon the microscopic examination of deep skin scrapes. Biological samples were collected from the patient with to perform a PCR assay for clear species-determination and morphological assessment. PCR amplification of DNA extracted from the Demodex mites produced a single band of ~330 bp, indicating the presence of the D. cati species. The acaricidal treatment consisted of topical treatment using a fluralaner and moxidectin-based spot-on. Upon follow-up appointments, scheduled three times at a monthly interval, the patient failed to provide a positive result upon deep skin scrapes. The negative scrapes were also accompanied by the complete resolution of the existing lesions. In conclusion, this is the first molecular study to highlight the presence of Demodex cati within the feline population of Romania, and the fluralaner-moxidectin spot-on therapy has led to a complete recovery of the feline patient affected by feline demodicosis.