Search Results (22)

Zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis is caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum and dogs are the main domestic reservoir. This study compared the performance of parasitological tests using semi-automatic needle puncture (SANP) for collecting popliteal lymph node samples with samples collected from the same lymph node by fine needle aspiration puncture (FNAP) and by necropsy for the diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL). Popliteal lymph node samples were collected from 30 CVL-seropositive dogs from an endemic region in Brazil. After clinical examination and euthanasia, samples were collected from the same lymph node by SANP, FNAP, and necropsy. The reference tests were culture, immunohistochemistry, and histopathology. Positivity for Leishmania spp. was 70% for immunohistochemistry and 33.3% for histopathology. Culture positivity using the different sampling techniques was 77% for necropsy (87% in the first week), 73% for FNAP (82% in the first week), and 63% for SANP (95% in the first week). The combination of SANP and culture proved to be an alternative for the diagnosis of Leishmania spp. in the lymph node samples of dogs because of its high positivity rate and because it is more practical and faster and has a shorter time to positivity by culture when compared to FNAP and necropsy sampling. Full article

Background: L. Australis is one of the most prevalent Leptospira strains infecting dogs, leading, in natural conditions, to severe life-threatening cases. Objective: The objective was to evaluate the onset and duration of immunity (OOI and DOI) induced by a new licensed quadrivalent antileptospiral vaccine (EURICAN^® L4) including four Leptospira components (Canicola, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Grippotyphosa and Australis) against L. Australis. To this end, a severe L. Australis challenge model was developed, using a canine strain recently isolated from the field. Material and Methods: Seven- to ten-week-old puppies received two doses of the vaccine four weeks apart and were challenged with an L. Australis isolate two weeks (OOI) and 12 months (DOI) later. Mortality, clinical signs, leptospiremia, leptospiruria, renal carriage, and renal lesions were assessed after challenge. Results: The challenge induced multiple severe clinical signs in controls, leading to the death or euthanasia of 83% of puppies and 57% of adults. In controls, leptospiremia was detected in all dogs, leptospiruria in 67% of puppies and 86% of adults, kidneys tested positive for Leptospira in 83% of puppies and 71% of adults, and kidney lesions were observed in 100% of puppies and 86% of adults. In addition, thrombocytopenia associated with increased concentrations of urea, creatinine, and aspartate aminotransferase was recorded in controls displaying severe clinical signs. In both OOI and DOI studies, none of the vaccinates had clinical signs, no Leptospira was detected in blood, urine, and kidney samples, and no kidney lesions were observed in vaccinates. No significant changes in hematological and biochemical parameters in vaccinates were recorded. Conclusion: EURICAN^® L4 was shown to induce quick and long-lasting protection against a severe L. Australis infectious challenge, preventing mortality, clinical signs, infection, bacterial excretion, renal lesions, and renal carriage. Full article

This study explores kidney disease in young dogs, focusing on early diagnosis, management, and the importance of staging for effective treatment. Highlighting mineral metabolism imbalances and complications such as nephrocalcinosis, the study presents a case of severe renal failure with uremic syndrome and bilateral nephrocalcinosis in a 50-day-old puppy. Despite intensive care, the puppy’s condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to euthanasia. The study underscores the challenges in diagnosing and managing canine nephrocalcinosis in young animals. It emphasizes the need for further research to improve the understanding and treatment outcomes in such cases, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for animals suffering from this rare condition. Full article

This study aimed to investigate changes in the number of, and reasons for, requests for dogs’ euthanasia over the last thirty years. Data (breed, age, gender, neuter status, manner, and cause of death) from dogs’ euthanasia registered between 1990 and 2020 in a small animals’ veterinary hospital were analyzed. The overall period examined has been split into two terms (T1 = 1990–2004 and T2 = 2005–2020) considering the introduction and enforcement of Law 189/2004. During the whole period examined, a significant increasing trend in euthanasia cases has been recorded (p = 0.027). Comparing the two terms, we observed significant differences regarding variables such as age, breed, reproductive status, and ownership. The number of euthanized dogs was significantly higher in T1 than in T2. Dogs euthanized in T2 were older than dogs in T1. A high percentage of the euthanized dogs were crossbred and stray dogs. Additionally, the number of neutered/spayed dogs was significantly higher. Regarding the cause of death, a significantly higher percentage of neoplastic processes was detected in T2. The data here reported suggest a potential influence of Law 189/2004. This law in Italy has proven to be a legal milestone that has influenced the decision-making process between euthanasia and natural death. Full article

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. Full article

Problem behaviours are a leading cause of relinquishment and euthanasia of young dogs. Previous research has identified associations between owner-reported problem behaviours and risk factors, including how dogs were acquired as puppies, early socialisation experiences, and owners’ experience levels. Puppies acquired during the 2020 phase of the UK COVID-19 pandemic (“Pandemic Puppies”) were more likely to be exposed to many of these risk factors compared to puppies acquired in 2019; however, consequences for their adult behaviour are, as yet, unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the impact of these early-life and provenance-based risk factors, in addition to owner management strategies (including training methods) into early adulthood, upon adult dog behaviour aged 21 months. An online longitudinal cohort study of n = 985 Pandemic Puppies was conducted, recruited from a cohort of n = 4369 puppies originally surveyed in November–December 2020, which included data on how and why they were acquired and their socialisation/habituation experiences <16 weeks of age. Nearly all owners (96.7%) reported that their dog had exhibited at least one problem behaviour up to 21 months of age (median: 5; IQR: 3–7). Almost one third of dogs (30.9%) were reported to have displayed separation-related behaviours. Multivariable linear regression modelling revealed that owners reporting more problem behaviours were more likely to use multiple aversive training techniques (e.g., physical punishment), the use of which was notably high in this population (82.3%) compared to previous studies. Attendance at online puppy classes was the sole protective factor against owner use of aversive training methods. Almost one third of owners had underestimated how hard training their dog would be; this view was more likely among first-time owners. Urgent efforts are required to support this vulnerable population of dogs, including providing owner education regarding humane training techniques, to improve canine emotional health and avoid future relinquishment and/or behavioural euthanasia. Full article

Detailed knowledge related to the morphology, anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the canine mammary gland is scarce. Mammary tissue undergoes massive changes instructed by hormones multiple times within the lifespan of every bitch, affecting its appearance. To address the ductal system’s appearance and to present how different our findings regarding the canine mammary gland are in comparison with the available literature, we obtained cadaveric specimens after euthanasia and mastectomy. All bitches were euthanised due to poor prognosis for their recovery from maladies unrelated to mammae. Using intraductal cannulation ex vivo, milk- or fluid-yielding ducts were perfused using VasQtec (polyurethane resin), which revealed casts, i.e., imprints of ducts and glandular structures in situ. We observed primary, vertically positioned ducts that ascended throughout the teat and continued branching to secondary, tertiary, etc., horizontally positioned ducts, which drained mammary gland lobes under the skin located close to the abdominal wall. The ascendant teat canal could be split into two and could be connected to gland alveoli or end blind. Alveolar formations were located along ducts and ductules in bigger and/or smaller clusters. This study is the first to generate a 3D image of canine ducts and glandular tissue using an intraductal approach. Full article

Background: Porteirinha is endemic for visceral leishmaniasis (VL), with intense disease transmission of the disease. We evaluated the impact of canine euthanasia as a single control measure on the incidence of VL in humans and canines. Methods: A prospective observational cohort study was carried out over four years (1998–2002) in 8 of the 12 neighborhoods of the city. The dynamics of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) transmission were evaluated for 2 years, before beginning the screening–culling intervention. The comparative morbidity index (CMI) was used to stratify areas with the greatest risk of CVL, and the spatial distribution of human and canine VL cases was compared using univariate and bivariate K-functions. Results: Human cases conglomerated in three neighborhoods. Spatial clusters were detected for CVL in 1998, 2000, and 2001, but not in 1999, when greater spatial dispersion occurred. The screening and culling intervention reduced the number of human VL cases and decreased the incidence of CVL, mainly in neighborhoods with a high CMI. Conclusions: The systematic euthanasia of seropositive dogs was shown to be an effective control action of the Program for Control of Visceral Leishmaniasis (PCLV) in Brazil. The fundamental role of domestic dogs in the epidemiological chain of VL was reaffirmed. Full article

This study was designed to determine how veterinarians define a good euthanasia experience. This information is used to generate a working definition of companion animal euthanasia that aligns with animal welfare standards and pet owners’ expectations. An electronic survey distributed via veterinary-related social media (Facebook, Instagram) and listservs were completed by 249 veterinarians who perform feline and/or canine euthanasia. Our results suggest that very few veterinarians feel their veterinary school training adequately prepared them for euthanasia. When veterinarians were asked to rank a list of physiologic conditions and anatomical traits in order of euthanasia-related concerns, respiratory distress was ranked the highest, while the most concerning physical changes were reported to be indications or impressions of seizures or pain. The most commonly reported euthanasia injection technique performed by participants was intravenous administration of pentobarbital sodium (97%), and most veterinarians preferred having owners present (57%) or having no preference (38%) during euthanasia. Results suggest that veterinarians want a pain-free, anxiety-free experience for the patient, appreciate the use of sedatives before euthanasia, and feel that when available and appropriate, home euthanasia offers several benefits. This understanding of the numerous aspects involved in a good euthanasia experience can help inform the creation of an updated definition of companion animal euthanasia that strives to prioritize the welfare of the patient as well as the needs and expectations of the pet owner. Full article

Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a standard of care in veterinary and human oncology. The treatment induces a well-characterized local immune response which is not able to induce a systemic response. In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated the addition of gene electrotransfer (GET) of canine IL-2 peritumorally and IL-12 intramuscularly to enhance the immune response. Thirty canine patients with inoperable oral malignant melanoma were included. Ten patients received ECT+GET as the treatment group, while twenty patients received ECT as the control group. Intravenous bleomycin for the ECT was used in both groups. All patients had compromised lymph nodes which were surgically removed. Plasma levels of interleukins, local response rate, overall survival, and progression-free survival were evaluated. The results show that IL-2 and IL-12 expression peaked around days 7–14 after transfection. Both groups showed similar local response rates and overall survival times. However, progression-free survival resulted significantly better in the ECT+GET group, which is a better indicator than overall survival, as it is not influenced by the criterion used for performing euthanasia. We can conclude that the combination of ECT+GET using IL-2 and IL-12 improves treatment outcomes by slowing down tumoral progression in stage III–IV inoperable canine oral malignant melanoma. Full article

Euthanasia techniques utilised by veterinarians impact the welfare of many dogs in their final moments. Despite euthanasia guidelines, little is known about euthanasia techniques used in practice. We administered an online survey of Australian veterinarians who had euthanised at least one dog in the previous 12 months. We found that 668 (96.8%) had euthanised a dog in the previous 12 months, almost all using intravenous pentobarbitone sodium (n = 651, 99.7%). For non-emergency euthanasia (n = 653), the majority (n = 442, 67.7%) administered a premedication or sedation prior to euthanasia versus less than half for emergency euthanasia (n = 286, 46.4%). Practices and views about euthanasia varied. Female veterinarians and veterinarians located in metropolitan regions were more likely to administer a premedication or sedation prior to non-emergency euthanasia (p < 0.05). Veterinarians in private mixed animal practices were less likely to administer a premedication or sedation prior to a non-emergency euthanasia (p < 0.05). For non-emergency and emergency euthanasia, veterinarians who worked in “other” practice types were more likely to administer a premedication or sedation than private companion animal practices (p < 0.05). The possible reasons for differences in euthanasia practices are explored, and scope for refinement is identified. Full article

Euthanasia is commonly performed in veterinary medicine to humanely induce the death of an animal when its quality of life is affected by pain or chronic degenerative diseases. The choice of euthanasia is a bilateral decision that represents a challenge for both the veterinarian and the owner of the animal due to the close emotional human–animal bond. Currently, there is legislation that can orient veterinarians concerning euthanasia and the causes that would justify this resolution. However, it is still controversial, and deciding it as the last available resort requires considering it from a medical, legal, and moral perspective. Therefore, this review aims to explore the ethical and legal implications of euthanasia in canine patients. It will analyze the reason that can justify euthanasia in animals with pain or terminal and chronic degenerative diseases, highlighting the importance of effective communication, ethical knowledge, and consideration of euthanasia as a multimodal resolution. Full article

With dogs being the most commonly owned companion animal in the United Kingdom, knowledge about dog demographics is important in understanding the impact of dogs on society. Furthermore, understanding the demography of dog owners is also important to better target support to dogs and their owners to achieve optimal welfare in the canine population. Combining natural fluctuations in the population and unprecedented events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for an up-to-date large-scale dataset is even more paramount. In order to address this, Dogs Trust launched the ‘National Dog Survey’ to provide a large population-level dataset that will help identify key areas of concern and needs of owners and their dogs. The online survey was completed by a total of 354,046 respondents owning dogs in the UK, providing data for 440,423 dogs. The results of this study highlight dog demographics, including acquisition and veterinary factors, as well as owner demographic and household information. Finally, general trends in ownership, and more specifically those following the COVID-19 pandemic, are described. This paper’s findings provide valuable insight into the current population of dogs and their owners in the UK, allowing for the most appropriate products, services, interventions and regulations to be developed, reducing the likelihood of negative welfare outcomes such as health and behaviour issues, relinquishment or euthanasia. Furthermore, with significant changes to the dog population following the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted, this dataset serves as an up-to-date baseline for future study comparisons to continue to monitor trends and patterns of the dog population and dog owners going forwards. Full article

Tissue fragility, skin hyperextensibility and joint hypermobility are defining characteristics of Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS). Human EDS is subclassified into fourteen types including dermatosparactic EDS, characterized by extreme skin fragility and caused by biallelic ADAMTS2 mutations. We report two novel, ADAMTS2 variants in DNA from EDS-affected dogs. Separate whole-genome sequences from a Pit Bull Terrier and an Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog each contained a rare, homozygous variant (11:2280117delC, CanFam3.1), predicted to produce a frameshift in the transcript from the first coding ADAMTS2 exon (c.10delC) and a severely truncated protein product, p.(Pro4ArgfsTer175). The clinical features of these dogs and 4 others with the same homozygous deletion included multifocal wounds, atrophic scars, joint hypermobility, narrowed palpebral fissures, skin hyperextensibility, and joint-associated swellings. Due to severe skin fragility, the owners of all 6 dogs elected euthanasia before the dogs reached 13 weeks of age. Cross sections of collagen fibrils in post-mortem dermal tissues from 2 of these dogs showed hieroglyphic-like figures similar to those from cases of severe dermatosparaxis in other species. The whole-genome sequence from an adult Catahoula Leopard Dog contained a homozygous ADAMTS2 missense mutation, [11:2491238G>A; p.(Arg966His)]. This dog exhibited multifocal wounds, atrophic scars, and joint hypermobility, but has survived for at least 9 years. This report expands the spectrum of clinical features of the canine dermatosparactic subtype of EDS and illustrates the potential utility of subclassifying canine EDS by the identity of gene harboring the causal variant. Full article

The decision to request and proceed with euthanasia in a dog is complex and predictors of such decisions are important. This study investigates the risk factors (demographic and clinical) associated with the main clinical causes and methods of death (euthanasia or unassisted death) in a population of dogs. By comparing euthanasia to unassisted deaths, the authors assess causes of death to evaluate their relative impacts on decision-making to choose euthanasia compared with an unassisted death. For this, goal data from electronic medical records of dogs who had died (unassisted death and euthanasia), obtained from an Italian referral veterinary teaching hospital from 2010 to 2020, were analyzed. The causes of death were categorized by pathophysiological process and the organ system. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the factors that significantly affect the probability of undergoing euthanasia and to individuate independent significant predictors of euthanasia and unassisted death, respectively. Death rate by euthanasia was 40.7% (125/307), by died unassisted 50.8% (156/307), whilst only 8.5% of dogs (26/307) died accidentally. The main causes of death for euthanasia were due to neoplastic (75.6%), degenerative (64.3%), and congenital (60%) diseases. Furthermore, the findings reveal that in deaths by euthanasia, the significant risk predictors were female gender, age, and neoplastic and degenerative processes; while in unassisted deaths, the significant risk predictors were male gender, age, and infection/inflammatory conditions. These preliminary outcomes highlight the information of this study which may be used to evaluate strategic interventions and health promotion strategies to be implemented, with consequent welfare gains for the canine population. Full article