Advances in Companion Animal Clinical Pathology

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Companion Animals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2024 | Viewed by 17553

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
Interests: immunology; veterinary immunology; veterinary pathology; small animal internal medicine
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Guest Editor
Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Nowoursynowska 159c Street, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
Interests: horses; exercise; race; reproduction; immunology; sport; welfare
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

‘One Health’ is an integrated, unified approach to balancing and optimizing the health of people, animals and the environment. Thus, companion animal clinical pathology is a rapidly evolving field of knowledge, where clinical research is focused on important topics in companion animal medicine. Frequent access to the latest diagnostic techniques, analogously to human medicine, contributes to the development of this field of expertise.

In addition, this progress is enabled by improvements to the quality of life of companion animal patients. According to the ‘One Health’ concept, results obtained in clinical pathology are increasingly being used in translational medicine (mostly in oncology).

This Special Issue is devoted to the latest reports in the area of pathological changes in companion animals and dedicated to providing practitioners with the most recent advances in companion animal medicine.

We encourage the submission of original research and literature reviews focusing on companion animals (dogs, cats and horses) in veterinary pathology diagnostics, molecular pathology and the assessment of new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in companion animal diseases.

Dr. Magdalena Żmigrodzka
Dr. Olga Witkowska-Pilaszewicz
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • pathology
  • diagnostics
  • biomarkers
  • pathogenesis
  • veterinary oncology
  • One Health
  • translational medicine

Published Papers (13 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 584 KiB  
Article
A Pilot Study of the Role of Selected Biomarkers of Kidney Injury in Dogs with Dilated Cardiomyopathy
by Karolina Wrześniewska, Jacek Madany, Dawid Tobolski, Beata Żylińska, Andrzej Milczak and Aleksandra Sobczyńska-Rak
Animals 2024, 14(9), 1305; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14091305 - 26 Apr 2024
Viewed by 391
Abstract
Heart and kidney diseases are among the most frequent medical conditions diagnosed in small animals. Due to the functional interconnection between these organs, the concept of the cardio–renal axis has been developed. In this context, renal disease or dysfunction often occurs secondary to [...] Read more.
Heart and kidney diseases are among the most frequent medical conditions diagnosed in small animals. Due to the functional interconnection between these organs, the concept of the cardio–renal axis has been developed. In this context, renal disease or dysfunction often occurs secondary to heart diseases, such as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). DCM is the most common cardiomyopathy and a leading cause of mortality in large-breed dogs. Traditional biomarkers like creatinine or symmetric dimethylarginine concentration are not always effective, especially in the early stages of the disease, underscoring the need for more sensitive markers of renal impairment during heart failure (HF). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of selected biomarkers as indicators for early kidney damage in dogs with stage B2 DCM. We measured serum concentrations of cystatin C, KIM-1 (kidney injury molecule-1), and NGAL (neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin) and their ratios to creatinine, analyzing their diagnostic values. Cystatin C was quantified using a sandwich enzyme immunoassay, while KIM-1 and NGAL were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits designed for canine diagnostics. The concentrations were indexed against serum creatinine. The study included 26 dogs: 9 with HF and 17 healthy controls. The mean ± standard deviation for healthy dogs for cystatin C, cystatin C/creatinine ratio, KIM-1, KIM-1/creatinine ratio, NGAL, and NGAL/creatinine ratio were 0.24 ± 0.04, 0.26 ± 0.07, 0.61 ± 0.07, 0.67 ± 0.13, 2.76 ± 1.8, and 2.79 ± 1.81, respectively. For DCM dogs, these values were 0.27 ± 0.1, 0.32 ± 0.12, 0.61 ± 0.08, 0.69 ± 0.17, 6.46 ± 5.22 (p = 0.02), and 7.99 ± 6.53 (p = 0.04). This study’s findings suggest that during the asymptomatic phase of DCM, only NGAL concentration and the NGAL/creatinine ratio may serve as diagnostic markers for early-stage kidney injury. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Companion Animal Clinical Pathology)
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13 pages, 1174 KiB  
Article
Clinicopathologic Characterization of Prostatic Cancer in Dogs
by Demitria M. Vasilatis and Paramita M. Ghosh
Animals 2024, 14(4), 588; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14040588 - 10 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1077
Abstract
Clinicopathologic data in dogs with prostate cancer (PCa) may aid in the differentiation between tumor types and subsequent treatment decisions; however, these data are often unreported. Demographic, clinicopathologic, cytologic, histologic and survival data from dogs with primary prostatic adenocarcinoma (PRAD) (n = [...] Read more.
Clinicopathologic data in dogs with prostate cancer (PCa) may aid in the differentiation between tumor types and subsequent treatment decisions; however, these data are often unreported. Demographic, clinicopathologic, cytologic, histologic and survival data from dogs with primary prostatic adenocarcinoma (PRAD) (n = 56) and primary prostatic transitional cell carcinoma (P-TCC) (n = 74) were acquired from a tertiary veterinary teaching hospital from 1992 to 2022. Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) to albumin ratio (RAR) was evaluated for diagnostic utility in differentiating between PRAD and P-TCC. Sections from PRAD tumors (n = 50) were stained for androgen receptor (AR) expression, and laboratory data were compared between AR positive (AR+) and AR negative (AR−) groups. RDW was increased in PRAD, while albumin was decreased (p < 0.05). P-TCC was associated with Melamed-Wolinska bodies (MWB) and necrosis on cytology (p < 0.05). RAR had acceptable diagnostic utility in the differentiation of PCa tumors (AUC = 0.7; p < 0.05). Survival rates and metastases were equivocal. AR+ and AR− PRAD tumors did not differ in clinicopathologic data or survival (p > 0.05). In conclusion, hypoalbuminemia was significantly associated with PRAD and decreased survival, while MWB and necrosis were significantly associated with P-TCC on cytology. These clinicopathologic data may help clinicians differentiate between these tumors ante mortem to guide appropriate treatment and intervention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Companion Animal Clinical Pathology)
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20 pages, 1593 KiB  
Article
Validation of the Sysmex XN-V Automated Nucleated Red Blood Cell Enumeration for Canine and Feline EDTA-Anticoagulated Blood
by Julia Ginders, Martina Stirn, Marilisa Novacco, Regina Hofmann-Lehmann and Barbara Riond
Animals 2024, 14(3), 455; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14030455 - 30 Jan 2024
Viewed by 735
Abstract
The enumeration of nRBCs (nucleated red blood cells) by manual counting is time-consuming and imprecise. As the first veterinary hematology analyzer, Sysmex XN-V provides automated nRBC counts. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of Sysmex XN-V in the enumeration of nRBCs for [...] Read more.
The enumeration of nRBCs (nucleated red blood cells) by manual counting is time-consuming and imprecise. As the first veterinary hematology analyzer, Sysmex XN-V provides automated nRBC counts. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of Sysmex XN-V in the enumeration of nRBCs for cats and dogs by comparing automated nRBC counts to manual counts from a total of 3810 canine and 2844 feline specimens. Repeatability, reproducibility, stability, carry-over, and linearity were assessed. The repeatability and reproducibility of Sysmex XN-V were good, with mean coefficients of variation (CV) of 4.5% and 5.4%, respectively. Bland–Altman difference analysis revealed mean biases shown as nRBCs/100 WBCs of 0.01 in dogs and 0.11 in cats with low nRBCs (<5/100 WBCs), mean biases of −1.27 in dogs and −0.24 in cats with moderate nRBC counts (5–20 nRBCs/100 WBCs), and mean biases of −7.76 in dogs and −1.31 in cats with high nRBC counts (>20 nRBCs/100 WBCs). The total observable error was below 9% in both species and at all ranges. Overall concordance between methods was high (91% in canine and 93% in feline samples). The automated nRBC count by Sysmex XN-V was found to be accurate and precise and can replace manual counts for cat and dog samples. Non-statistical quality assurance by scattergram evaluation, re-gating, and confirmation by blood smear evaluation is, however, recommended, especially in cases with severe normoblastosis. This advancement will save time, reduce errors, and add prognostic value to hematological results for animal patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Companion Animal Clinical Pathology)
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13 pages, 2160 KiB  
Article
The Immature Reticulocyte Fraction (IRF) in the Sysmex XN-1000V Analyzer Can Differentiate between Causes of Regenerative and Non-Regenerative Anemia in Dogs and Cats
by Alejandro Perez-Ecija, Carmen Martinez, Julio Fernandez-Castañer and Francisco J. Mendoza
Animals 2024, 14(2), 349; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14020349 - 22 Jan 2024
Viewed by 927
Abstract
The Sysmex XN-1000V analyzer can identify those reticulocytes with high RNA content and fluorescence, providing the immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF). While this parameter has been used in human medicine to identify the cause of anemia, few studies have focused on its use in [...] Read more.
The Sysmex XN-1000V analyzer can identify those reticulocytes with high RNA content and fluorescence, providing the immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF). While this parameter has been used in human medicine to identify the cause of anemia, few studies have focused on its use in veterinary medicine. In this study, we determined the IRF and related reticulocyte parameters in a large population of non-anemic and anemic dogs and cats (subclassified depending on the origin of their anemia). The IRF was significantly higher in hemolytic anemias compared to hemorrhagic ones in both species. Moreover, the IRF was significantly lower in dogs and cats with bone marrow failure than in other non-regenerative anemias and in both groups compared to pre-regenerative anemias. The accurate cut-off values for the differential in regenerative anemias and reference ranges for both species using the Sysmex XN-1000V are also reported. The measurement of the IRF in this analyzer can help clinicians to further classify the type of anemia in both species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Companion Animal Clinical Pathology)
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12 pages, 2158 KiB  
Article
LINE-1 Methylation Status in Canine Splenic Hemangiosarcoma Tissue and Cell-Free DNA
by Hiroki Sato, Ken-Ichi Watanabe, Yoshiyasu Kobayashi, Mizuki Tomihari, Akiko Uemura and Michihito Tagawa
Animals 2023, 13(18), 2987; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13182987 - 21 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1640
Abstract
Splenic hemangiosarcoma is one of the most common malignant tumors in dogs, and early diagnosis is of great importance for achieving a good prognosis. DNA methylation plays an important role in cancer development. Long interspersed nuclear element 1 (LINE-1) is the [...] Read more.
Splenic hemangiosarcoma is one of the most common malignant tumors in dogs, and early diagnosis is of great importance for achieving a good prognosis. DNA methylation plays an important role in cancer development. Long interspersed nuclear element 1 (LINE-1) is the most abundant repetitive element in the genome. LINE-1 hypomethylation has been shown to be related to carcinogenesis in humans, and it has been used as a novel cancer biomarker. This study aimed to evaluate the methylation status of LINE-1 in tumor tissue and circulating cell-free DNA and assess its clinical significance in canine splenic hemangiosarcoma. Genomic DNA was isolated from splenic masses of 13 dogs with hemangiosarcoma, 11 with other malignant tumors, and 15 with benign lesions. LINE-1 methylation was quantified using methylation-sensitive and -insensitive restriction enzyme digestion followed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Additionally, blood samples were collected from eight patients to isolate cell-free DNA to determine LINE-1 methylation status changes during the treatment course. LINE-1 methylation in tumor samples was significantly lower in patients with hemangiosarcoma than in those with other malignant tumors and benign lesions. Non-significant but similar results were observed for the cell-free DNA samples. Our results demonstrate that LINE-1 methylation status is a potential biomarker for splenic hemangiosarcoma. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Companion Animal Clinical Pathology)
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17 pages, 1875 KiB  
Article
Fecal Concentrations of Long-Chain Fatty Acids, Sterols, and Unconjugated Bile Acids in Cats with Chronic Enteropathy
by Chi-Hsuan Sung, Rachel Pilla, Sina Marsilio, Betty Chow, Kailee A. Zornow, Jennifer E. Slovak, Jonathan A. Lidbury, Joerg M. Steiner, Steve L. Hill and Jan S. Suchodolski
Animals 2023, 13(17), 2753; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13172753 - 30 Aug 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1230
Abstract
Chronic enteropathy (CE) in cats encompasses food-responsive enteropathy, chronic inflammatory enteropathy (or inflammatory bowel disease), and low-grade intestinal T-cell lymphoma. While alterations in the gut metabolome have been extensively studied in humans and dogs with gastrointestinal disorders, little is known about the specific [...] Read more.
Chronic enteropathy (CE) in cats encompasses food-responsive enteropathy, chronic inflammatory enteropathy (or inflammatory bowel disease), and low-grade intestinal T-cell lymphoma. While alterations in the gut metabolome have been extensively studied in humans and dogs with gastrointestinal disorders, little is known about the specific metabolic profile of cats with CE. As lipids take part in energy storage, inflammation, and cellular structure, investigating the lipid profile in cats with CE is crucial. This study aimed to measure fecal concentrations of various fatty acids, sterols, and bile acids. Fecal samples from 56 cats with CE and 77 healthy control cats were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, targeting 12 fatty acids, 10 sterols, and 5 unconjugated bile acids. Fecal concentrations of nine targeted fatty acids and animal-derived sterols were significantly increased in cats with CE. However, fecal concentrations of plant-derived sterols were significantly decreased in cats with CE. Additionally, an increased percentage of primary bile acids was observed in a subset of cats with CE. These findings suggest the presence of lipid maldigestion, malabsorption, and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract of cats with CE. Understanding the lipid alterations in cats with CE can provide insights into the disease mechanisms and potential future therapeutic strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Companion Animal Clinical Pathology)
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11 pages, 769 KiB  
Article
Predictive Factors for Two-Year Survival in Dogs with Hepatobiliary Diseases: Importance of Clinical and Laboratory Monitoring
by Sathidpak Nantasanti Assawarachan, Thodsapol Ongvisespaibool, Benjang Hakhen, Piyathip Chuchalermporn, Phudit Maneesaay and Naris Thengchaisri
Animals 2023, 13(16), 2677; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13162677 - 20 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2036
Abstract
Long-term outcomes and survival predictors for different clinicopathologies (idiopathic chronic hepatitis, liver fibrosis, vacuolar hepatopathy) in dogs with hepatobiliary diseases are poorly described. In this study, ninety dogs were followed up for up to five years to investigate clinical factors that predict two-year [...] Read more.
Long-term outcomes and survival predictors for different clinicopathologies (idiopathic chronic hepatitis, liver fibrosis, vacuolar hepatopathy) in dogs with hepatobiliary diseases are poorly described. In this study, ninety dogs were followed up for up to five years to investigate clinical factors that predict two-year survival in canine patients after liver biopsy. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed based on clinical and laboratory data to determine the association between clinical and laboratory data and mortality rates. Overall, the one-, two-, and five-year mortality rates were 28.9%, 45.6%, and 78.9%, respectively. Univariate analysis indicated that male gender, ascites, elevated serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), hypercholesterolemia, hypoalbuminemia, prolonged activated partial thromboplastin clotting time (aPTT), and prolonged thrombin clotting time (TT) were associated with an increased two-year mortality rate. Results from multivariate analysis demonstrated a significant association between male gender (p = 0.022), elevated serum GGT (p < 0.001), hypoalbuminemia (p < 0.001), and prolonged aPTT (p < 0.001) and an increased two-year mortality rate, regardless of the specific type of liver pathology. Elevated GGT was associated with the highest risk for increased two-year mortality (95% CI: hazard ratio 6.02–41.21). In conclusion, various clinical factors in dogs with liver diseases are useful for prognosis prediction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Companion Animal Clinical Pathology)
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9 pages, 1712 KiB  
Article
Morphometrical and Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Kidney as an Indirect Parameter to Estimate Age in Puppies in Veterinary Forensic Pathology
by Ilaria d’Aquino, Giuseppe Piegari, Gianluca Miletti, Emanuela Sannino, Dario Costanza, Leonardo Meomartino, Rosario Fico, Lorenzo Riccio, Emanuela Vaccaro, Davide De Biase and Orlando Paciello
Animals 2023, 13(16), 2665; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13162665 - 18 Aug 2023
Viewed by 920
Abstract
Estimation of age represents a central focus in the veterinary forensic pathology field. Currently, the visual examination of the dentition and the skeletal age are the main methods to estimate the age of puppies. Nevertheless, these methods are affected by a broad range [...] Read more.
Estimation of age represents a central focus in the veterinary forensic pathology field. Currently, the visual examination of the dentition and the skeletal age are the main methods to estimate the age of puppies. Nevertheless, these methods are affected by a broad range of variables. In contrast, the kidney is characterized by a specific postnatal development. In human glomerulogenesis, fetal mesangial cells change their immunohistochemical phenotypes with maturation. Therefore, we hypothesized that histological and immunohistochemical examinations of the kidney can be used together as an indirect parameter for age determination in puppies’ cadavers. Forty-five puppies’ cadavers were divided into five groups defined by age (Group A= 0–15 days, Group B = 16–45 days, Group C = 46–85 days, Group D = 86–105 days, Group E= 105–365 days). For each case, kidney samples were collected and processed for histopathological (for morphometrical study of the glomerulus) and immunohistochemical (for the immunolocalization of the α-SMA protein) studies. Morphometrical study allowed us to observe statistical differences in the mean glomerulus numbers per field among assessed groups. Similarly, immunohistochemical examination showed differences in SMA expression among groups. Our findings suggest a potential use of kidney morphometrical and immunohistochemical examinations together as an indirect parameter to assess the age of illegally imported puppies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Companion Animal Clinical Pathology)
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14 pages, 1727 KiB  
Article
A Retrospective Comparative Evaluation of Selected Blood Cell Ratios, Acute Phase Proteins, and Leukocyte Changes Suggestive of Inflammation in Cats
by Giulia Donato, Maria Grazia Pennisi, Maria Flaminia Persichetti, Joy Archer and Marisa Masucci
Animals 2023, 13(16), 2579; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13162579 - 10 Aug 2023
Viewed by 1312
Abstract
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte (MLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR) ratios have been proposed as diagnostic and prognostic markers for neoplastic and inflammatory diseases in dogs and cats. The aim of this retrospective preliminary study was to evaluate the relationship between these ratios and markers of [...] Read more.
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte (MLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR) ratios have been proposed as diagnostic and prognostic markers for neoplastic and inflammatory diseases in dogs and cats. The aim of this retrospective preliminary study was to evaluate the relationship between these ratios and markers of inflammation routinely measured in cats. A total of 275 cats were enrolled. Complete blood count, serum amyloid A (SAA), albumin, globulin, and albumin-to-globulin ratio (AGR) data were analyzed, as well as the presence of leukocyte alterations considered suggestive of inflammation (LAI: neutrophils left shift, toxic neutrophils, and reactive lymphocytes) evaluated in blood smears. The NLR and MLR correlated positively with SAA and globulins and negatively with albumin and AGR. Higher NLR and MLR were found in cats with increased SAA and globulins and decreased albumin and AGR. The PLR correlated negatively with albumin and AGR. A higher PLR was found in cats with hypoalbuminemia. Cats with LAI had higher NLR, MLR, and PLR. In cats with no changes in parameters indicative of inflammation, 11.25, 0.42, and 528.3 were identified as upper limits for NLR, MLR, and PLR, respectively. In conclusion, the NLR, MLR, and PLR act as good inflammatory markers easily evaluated by routine hematology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Companion Animal Clinical Pathology)
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15 pages, 2563 KiB  
Article
Fecal Proteome Profile in Dogs Suffering from Different Hepatobiliary Disorders and Comparison with Controls
by Matteo Cerquetella, Sara Mangiaterra, Francesco Pinnella, Giacomo Rossi, Andrea Marchegiani, Alessandra Gavazza, Evelina Serri, Alessandro Di Cerbo, Carlotta Marini, Daniela Cecconi, Daniela Sorio, Veronica Marchetti and Silvia Vincenzetti
Animals 2023, 13(14), 2343; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13142343 - 18 Jul 2023
Viewed by 990
Abstract
In the present study, the fecal proteomes of clinically healthy dogs (HD = n. 10), of dogs showing clinical, ultrasonographic, and/or laboratory evidence of different hepatobiliary dysfunction (DHD = n. 10), and of dogs suffering from chronic hepatitis (CHD = n. 10) were [...] Read more.
In the present study, the fecal proteomes of clinically healthy dogs (HD = n. 10), of dogs showing clinical, ultrasonographic, and/or laboratory evidence of different hepatobiliary dysfunction (DHD = n. 10), and of dogs suffering from chronic hepatitis (CHD = n. 10) were investigated with an Ultimate 3000 nanoUPLC system, coupled to an Orbitrap Fusion Lumos Tribrid mass spectrometer. Fifty-two different proteins of canine origin were identified qualitatively in the three study groups, and quantitative differences were found in 55 proteins when comparing groups. Quantitatively, a total of 41 and 36 proteins were found differentially abundant in the DHD and CHD groups compared to the control HD, and 38 proteins resulted dysregulated in the CHD group as compared to the DHD group. Among the various proteins, differently abundant fecal fibronectin and haptoglobin were more present in the feces of healthy and DHD dogs than in chronic ones, leading us to hypothesize its possible diagnostic/monitoring role in canine chronic hepatitis. On the other hand, the trefoil factor 2 was increased in DHD dogs. Our results show that the analysis of the fecal proteome is a very promising field of study, and in the case of dogs suffering from different hepatobiliary disorders, it was able to highlight both qualitative and quantitative differences among the three groups included. Results need to be confirmed with western blotting and in further studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Companion Animal Clinical Pathology)
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11 pages, 1016 KiB  
Article
Proteinuria and Electrophoretic Pattern in Dogs with Comorbidities Associated with Chronic Kidney Disease
by Alicia Pamela Pérez-Sánchez, Sofía Perini-Perera, Javier Del-Angel-Caraza, Israel Alejandro Quijano-Hernández and Sergio Recillas-Morales
Animals 2023, 13(8), 1399; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13081399 - 19 Apr 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1871
Abstract
In animals with chronic pathologies, the detection of proteinuria via the proteinuria: creatininuria ratio (UPC) and urinary protein electrophoresis allows for the early diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The objective of this work was to identify and determine the magnitude of proteinuria [...] Read more.
In animals with chronic pathologies, the detection of proteinuria via the proteinuria: creatininuria ratio (UPC) and urinary protein electrophoresis allows for the early diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The objective of this work was to identify and determine the magnitude of proteinuria and its electrophoretic pattern characterization in dogs with chronic diseases pathophysiologically related to proteinuria. With the studied patients, five groups were formed. The control group (CG) contained non-proteinuric cases. The cases with proteinuria were classified into four groups according to the concurrent disease: chronic inflammatory diseases (IG), neoplasms (NG), heart diseases (HG), and endocrine diseases (EG). For the statistical analysis, descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests were used. Data from 264 dogs were obtained; in the disease groups, proteinuria was observed in more than 30% as the only finding of kidney disease, evidencing a greater risk factor for proteinuria in the HG group (OR 4.047, CI 1.894–8.644, p < 0.0001). In the HG, NG, and EG groups, a higher frequency of glomerular pattern (GEP) related to glomerular hypertension was observed; in the IG, a higher frequency of mixed pattern (MEP) was observed. These findings are secondary to the hyperfiltration process that affects the glomerulus and the renal tubule. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Companion Animal Clinical Pathology)
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Review

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37 pages, 3719 KiB  
Review
Review of Molecular Technologies for Investigating Canine Cancer
by Alexandra Kehl, Heike Aupperle-Lellbach, Simone de Brot and Louise van der Weyden
Animals 2024, 14(5), 769; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14050769 - 29 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1778
Abstract
Genetic molecular testing is starting to gain traction as part of standard clinical practice for dogs with cancer due to its multi-faceted benefits, such as potentially being able to provide diagnostic, prognostic and/or therapeutic information. However, the benefits and ultimate success of genomic [...] Read more.
Genetic molecular testing is starting to gain traction as part of standard clinical practice for dogs with cancer due to its multi-faceted benefits, such as potentially being able to provide diagnostic, prognostic and/or therapeutic information. However, the benefits and ultimate success of genomic analysis in the clinical setting are reliant on the robustness of the tools used to generate the results, which continually expand as new technologies are developed. To this end, we review the different materials from which tumour cells, DNA, RNA and the relevant proteins can be isolated and what methods are available for interrogating their molecular profile, including analysis of the genetic alterations (both somatic and germline), transcriptional changes and epigenetic modifications (including DNA methylation/acetylation and microRNAs). We also look to the future and the tools that are currently being developed, such as using artificial intelligence (AI) to identify genetic mutations from histomorphological criteria. In summary, we find that the molecular genetic characterisation of canine neoplasms has made a promising start. As we understand more of the genetics underlying these tumours and more targeted therapies become available, it will no doubt become a mainstay in the delivery of precision veterinary care to dogs with cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Companion Animal Clinical Pathology)
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Other

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9 pages, 1818 KiB  
Case Report
Cleft Lip and Palate in Four Full-Sib Puppies from a Single Litter of Staffordshire Bull Terrier Dogs: An Anatomical and Genetic Study
by Jakub J. Ruszkowski, Joanna Nowacka-Woszuk, Tomasz Nowak, Jedrzej Rozynek, Katarzyna Serwanska-Leja, Maciej Gogulski, Pawel Kolodziejski, Marek Switonski, Maciej Zdun and Izabela Szczerbal
Animals 2023, 13(17), 2749; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13172749 - 29 Aug 2023
Viewed by 1489
Abstract
Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is a well-known congenital defect in dogs, characterized by abnormal communication between the oral and nasal cavities. Its incidence rate is high and affects all dog breeds. The etiology of CLP is thought to be multifactorial, caused by [...] Read more.
Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is a well-known congenital defect in dogs, characterized by abnormal communication between the oral and nasal cavities. Its incidence rate is high and affects all dog breeds. The etiology of CLP is thought to be multifactorial, caused by both genetic and environmental factors. In this study, four puppies out of seven from a single litter of Staffordshire Bull Terrier dogs with craniofacial abnormalities were anatomically and genetically examined. Classical anatomical preparation, dyed-latex-injection of the arterial vessels, and cone-beam computed tomography were used. The puppies showed variations in their observable abnormalities: three of them had a complete cleft of the palate on both sides, while one puppy had a cleft on the right side only. Cytogenetic analysis showed a normal diploid chromosome number (2n = 78,XX or 78,XY) in the studied animals. Known genomic variants of CLP were examined in the ADAMTS20, DLX6, and MYH3 genes, but no mutations were identified. Further studies are needed to identify the breed-specific genetic variants associated with canine CLP. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Companion Animal Clinical Pathology)
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