Investigation of canine parvovirus occurrence in cats with clinical signs of feline panleukopenia in Slovakia - pilot study.

Introduction: Feline panleukopenia is a contagious viral disease caused by the feline panleukopenia virus (FPV). A closely related pathogen is canine parvovirus (CPV), and amino acid substitutions in this virus allow it to acquire a feline host range. In feline hosts, the disease induced by CPV manifests with similar symptoms to those caused by FPV or milder ones, leading to its underdiagnosis. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of CPV type 2 (CPV-2) in cats with clinical symptoms of panleukopenia and to assess the use of commercial CPV antigen tests for the clinical diagnosis of FPV. Material and Methods: Samples from 59 cats from central Slovakia were included in the study. Rectal swabs were collected and clinically tested for parvovirus infection using a commercial antigen test. Antigen-positive samples were confirmed by PCR targeting the viral VP2 gene. The sequences of the PCR products were established with the Sanger method. Results: Of 59 samples, 23 were revealed to be positive for parvovirus infection by both antigen and PCR test (38.9%). Analysis with the National Center for Biotechnology Information BLASTn application showed 99.78-100% pairwise identity with FPV. The mortality rate of parvovirus-infected cats included in this study was 8.69% (2/23). Conclusion: Although feline disease with CPV-2 was not confirmed, the CPV antigen test was able to detect FPV infection.

Candida albicans in the oral cavities of pets: biofilm formation, putative virulence, antifungal resistance profiles and classification of the isolates.

The study aimed to investigate Candida albicans presence, antifungal resistance, biofilm formation, putative virulence genes, and molecular characterization in oral samples of dogs and cats. A total of 239 oral samples were collected from cats and dogs of various breeds and ages at Erciyes University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Clinics, between May 2017 and April 2018. Among 216 isolates obtained, 15 (6.95%) were identified as C. albicans, while 8 (3.7%) were non-albicans Candida species. Antifungal susceptibility testing revealed sensitivities to caspofungin, fluconazole, and flucytosine in varying proportions. Molecular analysis indicated the presence of fluconazole and caspofungin resistance genes in all C. albicans isolates. Additionally, virulence genes ALS1, HWP1, and HSP90 showed variable presence. Biofilm formation varied among isolates, with 46.7% strong, 33.3% moderate, and 20% weak producers. PCA analysis categorized isolates into two main clusters, with some dog isolates grouped separately. The findings underscore the significance of oral care and protective measures in pets due to C. albicans prevalence, biofilm formation, virulence factors, and antifungal resistance in their oral cavity, thereby aiding clinical diagnosis and treatment in veterinary medicine.

Investigation of coagulation and proteomics profiles in symptomatic feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and healthy control cats.

BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a crucial heart disease in cats. The clinical manifestations of HCM comprise pulmonary edema, dyspnea, syncope, arterial thromboembolism (ATE), and sudden cardiac death. D-dimer and prothrombin time (PT) are powerful biomarkers used to assess coagulation function. Dysregulation in these two biomarkers may be associated with HCM in cats. This study aims to assess D-dimer levels, PT, and proteomic profiling in healthy cats in comparison to cats with symptomatic HCM. RESULTS: Twenty-nine client-owned cats with HCM were enrolled, including 15 healthy control and 14 symptomatic HCM cats. The D-dimer concentration and PT were examined. Proteomic analysis was conducted by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). In symptomatic cats, D-dimer levels were statistically significantly higher (mean ± SEM: 372.19 ng/ml ± 58.28) than in healthy cats (mean ± SEM: 208.54 ng/ml ± 10.92) with P-value of less than 0.01, while PT was statistically significantly lower in symptomatic cats (mean ± SEM: 9.8 s ± 0.15) compared to healthy cats (mean ± SEM: 11.08 s ± 0.23) with P-value of less than 0.0001. The proteomics analysis revealed upregulation of integrin subunit alpha M (ITGAM), elongin B (ELOB), and fibrillin 2 (FBN2) and downregulation of zinc finger protein 316 (ZNF316) and ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 8 (ENTPD8) in symptomatic HCM cats. In addition, protein-drug interaction analysis identified the Ras signaling pathway and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Cats with symptomatic HCM have higher D-dimer and lower PT than healthy cats. Proteomic profiles may be used as potential biomarkers for the detection and management of HCM in cats. The use of D-dimer as a biomarker for HCM detection and the use of proteomic profiling for a better understanding of disease mechanisms remain to be further studied in cats.

Using applied social science disciplines to implement creative outdoor cat management solutions and avoid the trap of one-size-fits-all policies.

In the United States, policy conflicts have prevented successful population-level management of outdoor cats for decades. Wildlife conservation professionals have sought widespread use of humane dispatch (i.e., lethal culling applied humanely), whereas cat welfare professionals have promoted trap-neuter-return (TNR) (cats are trapped, neutered, and returned to the outdoors). These conflicts represent a policy panacea trap, which we argue drives many conservation conflicts. In these situations, the focus on defending a one-size-fits-all policy fails to account for the value differences that shape the different understandings of the problem and desired outcomes associated with each policy, as well as complexities in the social-ecological system. Over the past 5 years, a group of wildlife conservation and cat welfare professionals codeveloped a set of products that have started to be used to help organizations break out of the policy panacea trap. We used a case study to illustrate how efforts grounded in applied social science disciplines, such as science communication, social-ecological systems, and conservation marketing, can help identify a more robust set of policy options tailored to local management and cultural contexts for successful implementation. Shifting the focus to embrace a shared understanding of the broader system helped us identify areas for collaboration, broaden the policy toolbox, and allow space for policy tools originally framed as opposing panaceas. This work helped prepare all parties to have difficult but productive discussions and address shared policy needs. We suggest that many value-based conservation conflicts would benefit from similar efforts that use applied social science to transform how conflict is addressed, moving beyond policy panaceas that end in stalemate to develop shared understandings of context-specific policies, and to identify opportunities for creative cooperation that yield real conservation progress.

Uso de las disciplinas aplicadas de las ciencias sociales para implementar soluciones creativas de manejo de gatos callejeros y evitar la trampa de las políticas universales Resumen Durante décadas, los conflictos entre políticas han evitado un manejo exitoso a nivel poblacional de los gatos callejeros en los Estados Unidos. Los profesionales de la conservación silvestre han buscado el uso extenso de los sacrificios con humanidad, mientras que los profesionales del bienestar felino han promovido la captura­esterilización­liberación (CEL) de los gatos. Estos conflictos representan una trampa panacea de políticas, la cual argumentamos causa muchos conflictos de conservación. En estas situaciones, el enfoque en defender una política universal no logra considerar la diferencia de valores que forman los diferentes entendimientos del problema y los resultados deseados que se asocian con cada política, así como las complejidades dentro del sistema socio­ecológico. A lo largo de los últimos cinco años, un grupo de profesionales de la conservación silvestre y del bienestar felino desarrollaron en conjunto una serie de productos que han comenzado a ayudar a las organizaciones a salir de la trampa panacea de políticas. Usamos un estudio de caso para ilustrar cómo los esfuerzos cimentados en las disciplinas aplicadas de las ciencias sociales (p. ej.: las ciencias de la comunicación, los sistemas socio­ecológicos y el marketing de la conservación) pueden ayudar a identificar un conjunto más sólido de opciones de políticas personalizadas para el manejo local y los contextos culturales para tener una implementación exitosa. El cambio de enfoque para aceptar el entendimiento compartido del sistema más amplio nos ayudó a identificar áreas de colaboración, a ampliar las herramientas para las políticas y a permitirle espacio a las herramientas formuladas originalmente como panaceas contrarias. Este trabajo ayudó a que todas las partes se prepararan para tener discusiones difíciles pero productivas y para abordar las necesidades compartidas de las políticas. Sugerimos que muchos conflictos de conservación basados en los valores se beneficiarían de un esfuerzo similar que use las ciencias sociales aplicadas para transformar cómo se aborda el conflicto, llegando más allá de las panaceas de políticas que terminan en un punto muerto para el desarrollo del entendimiento compartido de políticas específicas al contexto, y para identificar las oportunidades de cooperación creativa que producen un progreso real de la conservación.

Retrospective evaluation of the agreement between thoracic point-of-care ultrasound and thoracic radiographs in cats with recent trauma: 111 cats.

Introduction: Motor vehicular trauma, bite wounds, high-rise syndrome, and trauma of unknown origin are common reasons cats present to the emergency service. In small animals, thoracic injuries are often associated with trauma. The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate limits of agreement (LOA) between thoracic point-of-care ultrasound (thoracic POCUS) and thoracic radiography (TXR), and to correlate thoracic POCUS findings to animal trauma triage (ATT) scores and subscores in a population of cats suffering from recent trauma. Methods: Cats that had thoracic POCUS and TXR performed within 24 h of admission for suspected/witnessed trauma were retrospectively included. Thoracic POCUS and TXR findings were assessed as "positive" or "negative" based on the presence or absence of injuries. Cats positive on thoracic POCUS and TXR were assigned 1 to 5 tentative diagnoses: pulmonary contusions/hemorrhage, pneumothorax, pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, and diaphragmatic hernia. When available ATT scores were calculated. To express LOA between the two imaging modalities a kappa coefficient and 95% CI were calculated. Interpretation of kappa was based on Cohen values. Results: One hundred and eleven cats were included. 83/111 (74.4%) cats were assessed as positive based on thoracic POCUS and/or TXR. Pulmonary contusion was the most frequent diagnosis. The LOA between thoracic POCUS and TXR were moderate for all combined injuries, moderate for pulmonary contusions/hemorrhage, pneumothorax, diaphragmatic hernia, and fair for pleural effusion. Cats with positive thoracic POCUS had significantly higher median ATT scores and respiratory subscores compared to negative thoracic POCUS cats. Discussion: The frequency of detecting intrathoracic lesions in cats was similar between thoracic POCUS and TXR with fair to moderate LOA, suggesting thoracic POCUS is useful in cats suffering from trauma. Thoracic POCUS may be more beneficial in cats with higher ATT scores, particularly the respiratory score.

High prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and low prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in cats recently exposed to human cases.

BACKGROUND: The primary objective of this cross-sectional study, conducted in Québec and Bristish Columbia (Canada) between February 2021 and January 2022, was to measure the prevalence of viral RNA in oronasal and rectal swabs and serum antibodies to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) amongst cats living in households with at least one confirmed human case. Secondary objectives included a description of potential risk factors for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and an estimation of the association between the presence of viral RNA in swabs as well as SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and clinical signs. Oronasal and rectal swabs and sera were collected from 55 cats from 40 households at most 15 days after a human case confirmation, and at up to two follow-up visits. A RT-qPCR assay and an ELISA were used to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in swabs and serum SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies, respectively. Prevalence and 95% Bayesian credibility intervals (BCI) were calculated, and associations were evaluated using prevalence ratio and 95% BCI obtained from Bayesian mixed log-binomial models. RESULTS: Nine (0.16; 95% BCI = 0.08-0.28) and 38 (0.69; 95% BCI = 0.56-0.80) cats had at least one positive RT-qPCR and at least one positive serological test result, respectively. No risk factor was associated with the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 serum antibodies. The prevalence of clinical signs suggestive of COVID-19 in cats, mainly sneezing, was 2.12 (95% BCI = 1.03-3.98) times higher amongst cats with detectable viral RNA compared to those without. CONCLUSIONS: We showed that cats develop antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 when exposed to recent human cases, but detection of viral RNA on swabs is rare, even when sampling occurs soon after confirmation of a human case. Moreover, cats with detectable levels of virus showed clinical signs more often than cats without signs, which can be useful for the management of such cases.

Hemogram-Derived Inflammatory Markers in Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by chronic inflammation, which mediates the progressive replacement of functional nephrons by fibrotic tissue. Hemogram-derived inflammatory markers are known to serve as markers of pathological conditions; however, their diagnostic value in feline CKD is still unknown. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate selected hemogram-derived inflammatory markers (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and the systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII)) in cats at different clinical stages of CKD. Eighty-eight client-owned cats with CKD and thirty-two healthy control cats were included. Cats with CKD were divided into two groups: early CKD (IRIS stage 1 and 2; 62 cats) and progressed CKD (IRIS stage 3 and 4; 26 cats). The values of inflammatory markers were compared between the two CKD groups and the control group. All investigated hemogram-derived inflammatory markers were significantly (p < 0.05) greater in cats with advanced CKD than in those in the other two groups. Additionally, we demonstrated a statistically significant weak to moderate correlation between serum urea, creatinine, selected hematologic and urinary parameters, and the investigated inflammatory markers in cats with CKD. Chronic inflammation can be easily and inexpensively assessed with hemogram-derived markers.

Genetic characterization and evidence for multiple reassortments of rotavirus A G3P[3] in dogs and cats in Thailand.

Rotavirus A (RVA) causes gastroenteritis in humans and animals. The zoonotic potential of RVA has been reported and raises major concerns, especially in animal-human interface settings. The study aimed to characterize and investigate the genetic diversity among RVAs in dogs and cats in Thailand. We collected 572 rectal swab samples from dogs and cats in Bangkok animal hospitals from January 2020 to June 2021. The one-step RT-PCR assay detected RVAs in 1.92% (11/572) of the samples, with 2.75% (8/290) in dogs and 1.06% (3/282) in cats. Two canine RVA and one feline RVA were subjected to whole genome sequencing. Our results showed that all three viruses were identified as RVA genotype G3P[3]. The genetic constellation of RVAs is unique for different species. For canine RVAs is G3-P [3]-I3-R3-C3-M3-A9-N2-T3-E3-H6, while Feline RVA is G3-P [3]-I8-R3-C3-M3-A9-N3-T3-E3-H6. Notably, both canine and feline RVAs contained the AU-1 genetic constellation with multiple reassortments. The results of phylogenetic, genetic, and bootscan analyses showed that canine RVAs may have reassorted from dog, human, and cat RVAs. While feline RVA was closely related to RVAs in humans, bats, and simians. This study provided genetic characteristics and diversity of RVAs in dogs and cats and suggested possible multiple reassortments, suggesting the zoonotic potential of the viruses. Thus, public health awareness should be raised regarding the zoonotic potential of RVAs in dogs and cats. Further studies on RVAs on a larger scale in dogs and cats in Thailand are needed.

High flow oxygen therapy versus conventional oxygen therapy in dogs and cats undergoing bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage: a pilot study.

Objectives: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of high flow oxygen therapy (HFOT), and to record SpO2 and desaturation episodes in dogs and cats receiving HFOT or conventional oxygen therapy (COT) during bronchoscopy ± bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Materials and methods: Dogs and cats undergoing bronchoscopy ± BAL between January and May 2023 were included in the study. Patients were randomly allocated to two groups: HFOT (HFOT group; two cats and four dogs) and COT (COT group; one cat and five dogs). HFOT and COT were started at the beginning of the bronchoscopy. HFOT was delivered with a gas flow rate of 1 L/kg/min at an FiO2 of 100% and a temperature of 34°C (pediatric mode) or 37°C (adult mode). COT was delivered through the working channel of the bronchoscope at a rate of 1.5 L/min. The safety and feasibility of HFOT were assessed, and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) was measured by pulse oximetry every 30 s throughout the procedure. Measurements and main results: HFOT was feasible and safe in both dogs and cats with no complications reported. While there was no significant difference in the number of desaturation episodes (SpO2 < 94%) between the two groups, none of the patients in the HFOT group experienced severe desaturation (SpO2 < 90%). In contrast, two patients in the COT group had an SpO2 < 90%. Mean SpO2 was significantly higher in the HFOT group compared to the COT group at T0 (98% ± 2% vs. 94 ± 2%), T0.5 (98% ± 2% vs. 94% ± 3%) and T1 (98% ± 2% vs. 94% ± 4%). Conclusion: To the authors' knowledge, this is the largest study conducted to date using HFOT during bronchoscopy in dogs and cats. Our results suggest that HFOT is feasible and safe during bronchoscopy ± BAL. Furthermore, HFOT may reduce the risk of desaturation episodes in dogs and cats undergoing bronchoscopy and BAL.

A commercial whole blood polymerase chain reaction assay failed to diagnose histoplasmosis in cats confirmed by cytology or urine antigen detection.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of a commercial whole blood real-time PCR assay (RT-PCR) for the diagnosis of histoplasmosis when compared to direct organism identification and/or urine antigen quantification by enzyme immunoassay (UA-EIA). A secondary objective was to compare the sensitivity and specificity of RT-PCR to anti-Histoplasma immunoglobulin G antibody detection by enzyme immunoassay (IgG-EIA) and IgG-EIA to UA-EIA. ANIMALS: Cats presented to the Kansas State University Veterinary Health Center from February through September of 2023 in which histoplasmosis was diagnosed or suspected. METHODS: From February through September of 2023, cats were tested by RT-PCR, IgG-EIA, and UA-EIA if histoplasmosis was diagnosed cytologically or was a differential diagnosis for the presenting clinical signs. Cats were excluded if all 3 tests were not submitted or if the diagnosis of histoplasmosis could not be excluded despite a negative UA-EIA result. Cats with cytologically or histologically confirmed histoplasmosis were designated as proven histoplasmosis cases, and cats with a positive UA-EIA result without cytological or histological confirmation were designated as probable histoplasmosis cases. RESULTS: 10 cats were diagnosed with either proven (n = 6) or probable (4) histoplasmosis, and 10 cats were considered true negatives. Whole blood RT-PCR results were negative in all 20 cats (sensitivity, 0%; 95% CI, 0% to 30.85%). The IgG-EIA was 90% sensitive (95% CI, 55.50% to 99.75%) and 70% specific (95% CI, 34.75% to 93.33%). The UA-EIA results were positive in all cats with proven histoplasmosis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This commercial RT-PCR is insensitive when used on whole blood collected in EDTA and should not be used to diagnose feline histoplasmosis. Further studies are required to determine whether alternate RT-PCR protocols for EDTA-collected whole blood could be useful for diagnosing histoplasmosis in cats.

Feline sarcoptic mange in Poland: A case series of three cats.

BACKGROUND: Sarcoptic mange is rare in cats. The main symptoms reported in cases of feline sarcoptic mange include crusty lesions and pruritus, although these may vary in severity among individuals. OBJECTIVES: This report describes three cats infested with Sarcoptes scabiei, all presenting with pruritus and excoriation. METHODS: The diagnosis was confirmed by microscopic observation of skin scrape samples. RESULTS: All three cats were treated successfully using moxidectin and imidacloprid, selamectin and ivermectin, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical presentation of feline scabies appears to be more variable in cats than in dogs. Infestation with S. scabiei should be considered a differential diagnosis for cats presenting with pruritic inflammatory skin disease.

Multidrug resistance of Escherichia coli isolated from the urinary bladder of dogs and cats with suspected urinary tract infections.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Escherichia coli is one of the most common bacteria isolated from urine samples collected from dogs and cats with urinary tract infection (UTI). Uncomplicated UTIs in dogs and cats can be treated with short courses of first-line antimicrobial drugs, e.g. amoxicillin, amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, or trimethoprim/sulfonamide. Recurrent or complicated UTIs often require long-term treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics. However, the choice of drug should be based on antimicrobial susceptibility. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between March - September 2022, E. coli isolates cultured from the urine of 66 dogs and 41 cats with UTI symptoms were tested for antimicrobial resistance by using Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested for ampicillin, ampicillin/sulbactam, cefazolin, cefuroxime, aztreonam, gentamycin, amikacin, colistin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol and tetracycline. RESULTS: The highest prevalence of resistance was documented for ampicillin (68% in dogs, 100% in cats) and ampicillin with sulbactam (59% in dogs, 54% in cats). The most common antimicrobial resistance patterns of E. coli were ampicillin alone (12 isolates, 29.3% in cats) and beta-lactams, including aztreonam (14 isolates, 21.2% in dogs). CONCLUSIONS: High resistance to aztreonam (61% and 32% of isolates from dogs and cats, respectively), other beta-lactams, and fluoroquinolones should cause be alarm due to zoonotic potential and cross-transmission of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms between animals and humans.

Study of Macrophage Activity in Cats with FIP and Naturally FCoV-Shedding Healthy Cats.

Coronavirus frequently infects humans and animals, showing the ability to recombine and cross over to different species. Cats can be considered a model for studying coronavirus infection, in which feline coronavirus (FCoV) represents a major enteric pathogen related to gastroenteric disease. In this animal, the virus can acquire tropism for macrophage cells, leading to a deadly disease called feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). In this study, monocyte-derived macrophages were isolated by CD14-positive selection in venous whole blood from 26 cats with FIP and 32 FCoV-positive healthy cats. Phagocytosis and respiratory burst activities were investigated and compared between the groups. This is the first study comparing macrophage activity in cats affected by FIP and healthy cats positive for FCoV infection. Our results showed that in cats with FIP, the phagocytic and respiratory burst activities were significantly lower. Our results support the possible role of host immunity in Coronaviridae pathogenesis in cats, supporting future research on the immune defense against this systemic disease.

Molecular Detection and Genetic Characterization of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) in Seropositive Cats in Northern Italy.

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is responsible for immunodeficiency syndrome in cats. Several viral subtypes have been identified, each with a variable geographical distribution. To date, the subtype B is known to be the genotype spread in Italy. In this study, the genetic diversity of FIV in northern Italy was assessed by detecting proviral DNA in the blood samples of 50 cats determined to be positive through an anti-FIV antibodies test. These cats were tested using six different PCR assays, and the identified viruses were sequenced and analyzed. Forty-eight cats were confirmed positive, and several FIV subtypes were characterized. As expected, the subtype B was the most commonly observed, and the subtype A was reported for the first time in Italy. Moreover, a new taxon possibly representing an additional FIV subtype was detected, and one virus belonging to subtype B potentially had a recombinant origin. The genetic variability between the FIV viruses that emerged in this study may lead to the potential diagnostic failure of single molecular tests. Therefore, a new diagnostic strategy, which adopts different molecular tests and sequencing, is recommended to monitor the evolution and spread of FIV.

Investigation of prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella in pet dogs and cats in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Although salmonellosis is considered to be a foodborne zoonotic disease, pets can play a significant role in the dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella organisms to humans because of close contact with their owners. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence, risk factors, virulence factors, serotypes, and antimicrobial resistance profile of Salmonella in pet dogs and cats in Turkey and to assess the public health risk. Furthermore, to perform macroscopic comparison of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in Salmonella-positive and Salmonella-negative animals. METHODS: International Standards Organization (ISO) 6579-1:2017 and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) methods were used to compare the effectiveness of culture methods in the identification of Salmonella in 348 rectal swabs. Positive isolates were serotyped using the slide agglutination method according to the White-Kauffmann-Le Minor scheme and the presence of virulence genes (invA and stn) were evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Antimicrobial activity was tested by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. RESULTS: Salmonella prevalence was 5.73% (9/157) in dogs and 0.0% (0/191) in cats. Eight (8/9) isolates were cultured with the ISO method and 5 (5/9) isolates were cultured with the FDA method. Macroscopic results revealed that Salmonella agents had no effect on LAB. Three different serotypes were detected and all isolates were positive for virulence genes. Antibiotic resistance profiling indicated that 11.1% of the isolates were MDR and the highest resistance was found for ciprofloxacin. MDR-resistant S. Virchow and carbapenem-resistant S. Enteritidis were detected from dog isolates. There was a significant difference between raw meat consumption and Salmonella carriage (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Dogs could be potential carriers of Salmonella infection. The isolation of Salmonella in healthy dogs instead of dogs suffering from diarrhoea indicates that attention should be paid to asymptomatic carriage. The emergence of resistance among zoonotic Salmonella isolates poses a significant threat to public health.

Comparative analysis of the distribution and antifungal susceptibility of yeast species in cat facial hair and human nails.

Zoonotic yeast species have been implicated in disease development in both humans and cats. This study analyzed the yeast mycobiota present in feline facial hair and human nails and explored potential interspecies associations. A total of 118 biological specimens were examined, including 59 feline facial hair and 59 human nail samples. DNA extraction and DNA sequencing were performed to identify the specific yeast species. The most predominant yeast species in humans and cats were selected for antifungal susceptibility testing (itraconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, and terbinafine). The findings unveiled diverse yeast species in cats and humans. Malassezia pachydermatis (45.8%) and Malassezia furfur (30.5%) were the most common yeast species in cats and humans, respectively. However, no significant correlation was detected between the yeast species identified in cats and their owners residing in the same household (p > 0.05). Miconazole exhibited the highest minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against Malassezia pachydermatis and Malassezia furfur in both cat and human isolates, whereas terbinafine showed the lowest MICs against most Malassezia pachydermatis and Malassezia furfur in both cat and human isolates. Diverse yeast species in cat facial hair and human nails suggest possible cross-contamination among humans, pets, and environments.

Probiotics and Cat Health: A Review of Progress and Prospects.

Cats are increasingly favored as companion animals; their health has drawn widespread attention. Given the continuous improvements in the required living standards of both humans and animals, inflammatory bowel disease, allergies, diarrhea, constipation, periodontal disease, obesity, diabetes, and other health issues have become recognized as valid pet problems. Antibiotics are commonly used to treat pet diseases, greatly improving animal health. However, antibiotic abuse is common, especially when seeking to treat bacterial infections. Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that may be directly ingested in food or as feed additives; they improve the intestinal microflora balance, enhance immunity, and ensure healthy growth. However, cat data are usually inferred from reports on dogs or humans; cat research remains preliminary in nature. Therefore, we here describe the current understanding of how probiotics improve cat health, facilitating the further development and application of probiotics for cats.

Emergency Approach to Acute Seizures in Dogs and Cats.

Seizures are a common presentation seen in small animal practices. Seizures require prompt management including initial interventions for triage, stabilization, and treatment with first-line anticonvulsant (AC) drugs like benzodiazepines. Concurrently, ruling out metabolic or extracranial causes with point-of-care diagnostics can help guide further diagnostics and treatments. Analysis of the history and a physical exam are also necessary to rule out common "look-alikes" that require specific diagnostic workup and treatments. Typically, causes of seizures can be grouped into intracranial and extracranial causes, with the latter being easier to diagnose with commonly available tests. This review presents a systematic approach to the diagnosis and treatment of single seizures, cluster seizures, and status epilepticus in dogs and cats.

Retrospective Evaluation of Clinical and Clinicopathologic Findings, Case Management, and Outcome for Dogs and Cats Exposed to Micrurus fulvius (Eastern Coral Snake): 92 Cases (2021-2022).

This retrospective, observational study describes the clinical findings, case management trends, and outcomes of 83 dogs and nine cats exposed to eastern coral snakes in a university teaching hospital setting. The medical records of dogs and cats that received antivenom following coral snake exposure were reviewed. Data collected included signalment, time to antivenom administration, physical and laboratory characteristics at presentation, clinical course during hospitalization, length of hospitalization, and survival to discharge. The mean time from presentation to coral snake antivenom administration was 2.26 ± 1.46 h. Excluding cases where the owner declined in-hospital care, the mean hospitalization time for dogs and cats was 50.8 h and 34 h, respectively. The mean number of antivenom vials was 1.29 (1-4). Gastrointestinal signs (vomiting and ptyalism) occurred in 42.2% (35/83) of dogs and 33.3% (3/9) of cats. Peripheral neurologic system deficits (ataxia, paresis to plegia, absent reflexes, and hypoventilation) were noted in 19.6% (18/92) of dogs and cats. Hemolysis was also common in 37.9% (25/66) of dogs but was not observed in cats. Mechanical ventilation (MV) was indicated in 12% (10/83) of dogs but no cats. Acute kidney injury (AKI), while rare, was a common cause of euthanasia at 20% (2/5) and was the most common complication during MV at 44.4% (4/9). Pigmenturia/hemolysis occurred in 88.9% (8/9) of MV cases and in all cases with AKI. Despite delays in antivenom administration by several hours, dogs and cats with coral snake exposure have low mortality rates (6% of dogs (5/83) and 0% of cats). Gastrointestinal signs were common but were not predictive of progression to neurological signs. Thus, differentiating between coral snake exposure and envenomation before the onset of neurological signs remains challenging.

Immunophenotype investigation in feline intestinal non-B-cell lymphoma.

Lymphoma is the most common tumour of domestic cats, developing most frequently in the small intestine. Feline small intestinal lymphoma predominantly demonstrates a T-cell immunophenotype identified by standard immunopositivity for T cells with CD3 or immunopositivity for B cells with CD20. In contrast, a wide spectrum of immunohistochemical antibodies are applied in humans to diagnose the various specific lymphoma subtypes according to the WHO classification. Our aim was to augment our knowledge of immunophenotypes in feline non-B-cell lymphomas forming macroscopic masses in the intestinal tract. We evaluated the combined immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry findings from 15 cases. Neoplastic lymphoid cells were immunopositive for CD3 in 93% (14/15), granzyme B in 87% (13/15), CD5 in 20% (3/15), CD8 in 13% (2/15), CD4 in 7% (1/15) and CD56 in 7% (1/15) of cases. Cytotoxic granules indicating a cytotoxic origin of the neoplastic cells were identified by histopathology only in 13% (2/15) and by cytology in 47% (7/15) of the cases. Without immunohistochemical labelling of the cytotoxic protein granzyme B, the cytotoxic status would have been missed in 46% (6/13) of the cytological and in 85% (11/13) of the histopathological slides. These findings suggest that more complex immunophenotyping may advance our understanding and help prognosticate small intestinal T-cell lymphoma in cats.