Search Results (639)

Antibody titer testing can be useful in controlling successful puppy immunization and can reduce unnecessary vaccinations in adult dogs. We evaluated three commercially available point-of-care tests (POCTs) for detecting antibodies against canine parvovirus (CPV-2), canine distemper virus (CDV) and canine adenovirus (CAV-1 and/or -2), comparing them to the reference virus neutralization (VN) assay. Sera from 200 client-owned dogs (13 healthy, 63 chronically diseased, 124 acute) and 60 specific pathogen-free (SPF) dogs, including 20 sera with maternally derived antibodies (MDA), were tested. All three POCTs demonstrated high sensitivity (79.0–100%) and specificity (97.8–100%) for CPV-2. In contrast, specificity for CDV and CAV was lower with POCT-1 (43.5% and 55.3%) and POCT-2 (42.4% and 79.2%), despite high sensitivity (CDV in both POCTs 98.7%; CAV POCT-1: 99.4%, POCT-2: 90.8%). POCT-3, by comparison, showed high specificity (CDV: 94.1%; CAV: 84.4%) but very low sensitivity (CDV: 17.4%; CAV: 33.1%). Only POCT-1 for CPV-2 detected MDA reliably, whereas the other two POCTs, and POCT-1 for CDV and CAV, did not. When compared to VN, the agreement in vaccination recommendations was 82% for POCT-1 and POCT-2, and 62% for POCT-3. In conclusion, all three POCTs reliably detected antibodies against CPV-2, including MDA with POCT-1. However, the lower specificity for CDV and CAV antibody detection in POCT-1 and POCT-2 raises concerns about misclassifying unprotected dogs as immune, while false-negatives with POCT-3 could lead to unnecessary vaccinations. Further optimization of all three POCTs for CDV and CAV is recommended. Full article

Mast cell tumours (MCT) are the most common cutaneous neoplasms in dogs, with variable behaviours and patient survival time. Both indolent and aggressive forms have been described, but much remains to be explored regarding prognosis and therapy. Evidence has highlighted the influence of microbiota on multiple health and disease processes, including certain types of cancer in humans. However, knowledge remains scarce regarding microbiota biology and its interactions in both humans and canine cancer patients. This study aimed to characterise the faecal microbiota of dogs with MCT and compare it with that of healthy individuals. Twenty-eight dogs diagnosed with MCT and twenty-eight healthy dogs were enrolled in the study. Faecal samples were collected and analysed by Illumina sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. Alpha diversity was significantly lower in dogs with cancer, and the species diversity InvSimpson Indexwas reduced (p = 0.019). Principal coordinate analysis showed significant differences in the bacterial profile of the two groups: there was a significant lower abundance of the genera Alloprevotella, Holdemanella, Erysipelotrichaceae_UCG-003, and Anaerobiospirillum and, conversely, a significant increase in the genera Escherichia-Shigella and Clostridium sensu stricto 1 in diseased dogs. At the phylum level, Bacteroidota was significantly reduced in diseased dogs (25% in controls vs. 19% in MCT dogs). In conclusion, sequencing analysis provided an overview of the bacterial profile and showed statistical differences in the microbial communities of dogs with MCT compared with healthy dogs, suggesting a link between the gut microbiota and MCT in this species. Full article

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is known to increase in human cardiovascular, metabolic, and renal diseases. In human medicine, TMAO has recently been utilized as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for renal dysfunction, and research is ongoing regarding its potential as a therapeutic target. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic potential of TMAO as a supportive biomarker in dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD). To assess its diagnostic utility, TMAO concentrations were compared between a CKD group (n = 32) and a healthy control group (n = 32). In addition, patients with CKD were subdivided into stages 2 (n = 12), 3 (n = 11), and 4 (n = 9) and compared individually with the healthy controls. For prognostic evaluation, the CKD group was monitored over six months, and the TMAO levels were compared between survivors (n = 18) and non-survivors (n = 14). The TMAO concentrations showed a highly significant difference between patients with CKD and healthy controls (p < 0.0001). Patients with each different CKD stage exhibited statistically significant differences compared with the healthy controls (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the median TMAO levels tended to increase with advancing CKD stage; however, the differences among stages were not statistically significant. In addition, within the CKD group, TMAO concentrations were significantly higher in non-survivors than in survivors at the six-month follow-up (p = 0.0142). This pilot study highlights the potential of TMAO as a supportive renal biomarker for diagnostic and prognostic evaluation in canine CKD. Full article

Background/Objectives: Obesity is increasingly recognized as a global health concern due to its association with metabolic disorders and gut microbiota dysbiosis. While probiotics offer promise in regulating gut microbiota and improving host metabolism, strain-specific effects remain underexplored, particularly for canine-derived probiotics. This study aimed to isolate and characterize a novel probiotic strain, Ligilactobacillus animalis LA-1, and evaluate its anti-obesity effects and underlying mechanisms using a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mouse model. Methods: LA-1 was isolated from the feces of a healthy dog and assessed for probiotic potential in vitro, including gastrointestinal tolerance, bile salt hydrolase activity, cholesterol-lowering capacity, and fatty acid absorption. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed either a standard chow diet or an HFD for 16 weeks, with HFD mice receiving oral LA-1 supplementation (2 × 10⁹ CFU/day). Multi-omics analyses, including 16S rRNA gene sequencing, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) quantification, and untargeted liver metabolomics, were employed to investigate the effects of LA-1 on gut microbiota composition, metabolic pathways, and obesity-related phenotypes. Results: LA-1 supplementation significantly alleviated HFD-induced weight gain, hepatic lipid accumulation, and adipose tissue hypertrophy, without affecting food intake. It improved serum lipid profiles, reduced liver injury markers, and partially restored gut microbiota composition, decreasing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and enriching SCFA-producing genera. Total SCFA levels, particularly acetate, propionate, and butyrate, increased following LA-1 treatment. Liver metabolomics revealed that LA-1 modulated pathways involved in lipid and amino acid metabolism, resulting in decreased levels of acetyl-CoA, triglycerides, and bile acids. Conclusions: L. animalis LA-1 exerts anti-obesity effects via gut microbiota modulation, enhanced SCFA production, and hepatic metabolic reprogramming. These findings highlight its potential as a targeted probiotic intervention for obesity and metabolic disorders. Full article

This study investigated the functional potential of Campomanesia xanthocarpa leaf and fruit infusions through phytochemical profiling, simulated gastrointestinal digestion, enzyme inhibition assays, and in vivo evaluation of glycemic markers. Leaf infusions exhibited a more diverse phenolic profile, higher total phenolic content, and greater antioxidant capacity compared to fruit infusions. Simulated digestion confirmed the bioaccessibility of key phenolic compounds, particularly glycosylated flavonoids such as quercetin-3-glucoside and kaempferol derivatives, with leaf extracts showing superior gastrointestinal stability. In vitro assays revealed a strong inhibitory activity of leaf infusions against α-amylase and β-glucosidase. In a 32-day trial with healthy dogs, the consumption of biscuits enriched with leaf infusion did not alter fasting glucose or amylase levels but resulted in a significant treatment × time interaction for serum fructosamine, indicating a delayed modulation of glycemic control, potentially associated with antioxidant or anti-glycation activity. These findings highlight the potential of C. xanthocarpa leaves as a functional ingredient in foods aimed at supporting glycemic regulation and metabolic health. Full article

Many dogs suffer from pruritus, which is commonly caused by atopic dermatitis and associated with skin inflammation. The immune system and inflammatory response, and in particular the gut–skin axis, are central to the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. Managing atopic dermatitis involves complex, iterative treatment plans; early strategies supporting gut–skin health are needed to prevent elevated itching from progressing toward a disease condition requiring drug therapy. This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial evaluated the ability of a novel, indole-rich canine immune health postbiotic (CIHP) to reduce itching and promote a healthy gut microbiome in dogs with subclinical, but elevated itching behavior. Thirty dogs were stratified into two groups based on baseline scratching frequency, receiving either CIHP or placebo as a powder topper for 28 days. Canine itching was evaluated through accelerometer-based tracking and the Pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS) score on Days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28. Skin and coat health was assessed on Days 0, 14, and 28, and the gut microbiome was sequenced from fecal samples on Days 0 and 28. CIHP reduced scratching by 20% relative to the baseline (p = 0.032) and PVAS score by 27% compared to the placebo (p = 0.02). CIHP improved skin and coat quality compared to the placebo at Day 14 (p = 0.01) and increased Shannon diversity by 4.6% (p = 0.043), shifting gut microbiome composition. These findings validate this postbiotic’s ability to reduce itching in dogs with subclinical, but elevated itching behavior, provide evidence of promoting a healthy gut–skin axis, and suggest potential as an early intervention in the context of pruritic conditions, as well as for broader immune-related benefits. Full article

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in dogs. Glycated albumin (GA), a biomarker of short-term glycemia, may offer a valuable tool for assessing glycemic control in dogs with DM. This pilot study evaluated the correlation between GA and conventional glycemic markers and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)-derived metrics in dogs. A total of 30 dogs were included in this prospective pilot study, comprising dogs with diabetes mellitus (n = 10) and healthy controls (n = 20). Of these, 11 dogs that lacked anemia, hypoalbuminemia, or azotemia and whose owners consented to 14-day CGM were analyzed for sensor-based metrics (dogs with diabetes, n = 7; controls, n = 4). Across the full cohort, GA showed significant correlations with fructosamine and HbA1c, while within the CGM subset, GA was significantly associated with mean glucose level, TIR2, and TAR2. These findings suggest that GA, in conjunction with fructosamine and HbA1c, offers valuable insights into glycemic control over a 2-week period and could serve as a reliable biomarker for glucose monitoring in dogs with diabetes. Full article

Thirty-two healthy adult dogs (16 males and 16 females) were fed control kibble diets for one month, followed by six months (Weeks 0 to 25) of diets containing either 0, 4, 6, or 8% cultured protein derived from Methylococcus capsulatus (FeedKind Pet^®, FK), then they were fed control diets (0% FK) for a further two months (Weeks 25 to 34). The diets were isonitrogenous, isolipidic, and isocaloric and stage- and age-specific. The dogs were assessed for overall health, weight gain, and body condition score (BCS). Blood samples were collected 1 week prior to randomization, during acclimation, then in Weeks 5, 13, 25, 30, 32, and 34 for hematology, coagulation, and clinical chemistry; urine was collected according to the same time schedule for urinalysis. Feces were assessed for parasite load and presence of occult blood during Weeks 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, and 25. Fecal samples were collected during acclimation and Weeks 25 and 34 for fecal microbiome analysis and in Week 25 for apparent total gastrointestinal tract digestibility (ATTD). All dogs maintained a healthy weight and BCS throughout the study. Hematology parameters were within normal limits at the end of each phase of the study. With the exception of a decrease in serum phosphorus level and in urine pH in all groups at the end of the study, urine and serum chemistry results were within normal limits at the end of each phase. ATTD values for organic matter, protein, and energy exceeded 80%, whilst digestibility values for copper were around 20%. The fecal microbiome was dominated by Firmicutes. Alpha diversity increased during the safety phase before returning to baseline levels during the washout phase. The dominant genera in all groups were Megamonas, Peptoclostridium, Turicibacter, Catenibacterium, Fusobacterium, Romboutsia, and Blautia. The study has shown that the inclusion of cultured protein at up to 8% of the total diet of adult dogs can provide sufficient nutrition and is safe with no long-term effects on a range of health parameters. Full article

Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder in aging dogs and serves as a natural model for Alzheimer’s disease in humans. This study evaluated blood biomarkers—amyloid-beta (Aβ40, Aβ42), neurofilament light chain (NfL), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)—for diagnosing and staging CDS and assessed whether combining biomarkers with behavioral questionnaires improves diagnostic reliability. Seventy-seven dogs, including healthy controls and CDS cases, were assessed using the Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Rating Scale (CCDR), Canine Dementia Scale (CADES), and Canine Cognitive Assessment Scale (CCAS). Plasma Aβ40, Aβ42, GFAP, and serum NfL levels were measured via ELISA. While Aβ40, Aβ42, and GFAP were not significantly associated with CDS stage, serum NfL levels were elevated (p < 0.05) across all questionnaires. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses showed areas under the curve (AUCs) of 0.763 (CCDR), 0.722 (CADES), and 0.777 (CCAS), with cut-off values around 18.28–43.13 pg/mL. NfL shows promise as a blood biomarker correlated with CDS severity. Combining serum NfL measurements with questionnaire assessments may enhance diagnostic accuracy for CDS in veterinary practice. Full article

Urothelial carcinoma (UC) is one of the most frequent tumors in dogs. Besides cytology, histology, and testing for a BRAF mutation, non-invasive biomarkers would benefit the early detection and therapy of UC. This study aimed to compare the detectability of miRNAs in urine sediment and supernatant and to assess their potential as biomarkers for UC. The study involved two phases with 47 canine samples in total; in a pilot trial, ten different miRNAs (miR-16, 21, 103b, 106b, 146, 155, 182, 221, 222, and 375) were isolated from the urine sediments and supernatants from seven healthy control dogs and seven dogs with UC. In a further step, eight miRNAs were isolated from urine sediments from 18 healthy dogs, 11 dogs with purulent cystitis, and 18 dogs with UC. The detectability of miRNAs was improved when isolated from the urine sediment compared with the supernatant. MiR-16 was not deregulated, and miR-106b showed significantly lower expression in cystitis compared with the control. Lower copy numbers were seen for miR-21, 182, 221, and 222 in cystitis cases compared with the controls and UC, respectively. Deregulation was observed for miR-155 and miR-375 between all three groups. A panel including miR-182, 221, 222, 155, and 375 has the potential to discriminate among all three groups in a two-step approach. Full article

Considering the controversial findings in the existing literature, this study aimed to deepen the knowledge about Hair Cortisol Concentration (HCC) in dogs by evaluating the influence on HCC of some factors related to dogs and guardians. Hair was collected from two groups: 128 Healthy Dogs (HD) and 25 dogs with a primary Chronic Gastroenteric Disease (CGD). Guardians of HD filled in a questionnaire, including dogs and respondents’ demographic information, and the perceived welfare and behaviour of the dog. HCC were measured with an enzyme immunoassay kit. A Wilcoxon rank-sum test was conducted to compare HCC in HD and CGD. For HD, a multiple linear regression and an ordinary logistic regression were performed with the dependent variable being HCC and the independent variables being dog and guardian characteristics and the questionnaire evaluations. HCC was statistically lower in CGD (medians: 4.79 versus 6.41 pg cortisol/mg hair; W = 961, p < 0.001). A positive association between HCC and guardian’s age was found (β: 0.012; t-value = 3.205; p < 0.01). Previous literature has shown that several factors can affect HCC in dogs; however, given the controversial results, a large sample and a multiparametric analysis, as in this study, can advance knowledge and highlight newly investigated factors. This study revealed the importance of also considering factors related to the guardian and the possibility that multiple factors interact and collectively influence HCC. Full article

Vertebral Heart Score (VHS) is one of the commonly used methods for detecting cardiomegaly in dogs. However, this method has diagnostic limitations due to factors such as breed variations, orthopedic disorders, anatomical anomalies, and operator-dependent subjectivity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic utility of the Manubrium Heart Score (MHS) as an alternative to VHS in the assessment of cardiomegaly in dogs. A total of 490 dogs were classified and grouped based on body weight and cardiac health status. On the right lateral thoracic radiographs, MHS was calculated as the ratio of manubrium length (ML) to the sum of the long-axis heart length (cLAL) and short-axis heart length (cSAL). Similarly, VHS was determined. A positive correlation between VHS and MHS, as well as between ML and cSAL/cLAL, were observed in all groups except for the group of medium sized dogs with heart diseases. No correlations were found between MHS and LA or the LA/Ao ratio. In pairwise comparisons of VHS and MHS between heart-diseased and healthy dogs, the mean VHS showed a statistically significant difference in heart-diseased dogs (p < 0.001), and not across all groups (p > 0.05). MHS may not consider a useful method as an alternative to VHS. Full article

The present study aimed to compare pulmonary vein (PV) diameters between Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCSs) with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and healthy CKCSs, assess correlations between PV diameters and echocardiographic parameters, and identify the optimal PV diameter cut-off value that distinguishes stage C from stage B2. CKCSs were recruited both retrospectively and prospectively and classified according to the ACVIM guidelines (stages A, B1, B2, and C). From a left apical view, the diameters of three PVs (PV1, PV2, and PV3) were measured with high reproducibility. In healthy dogs, the PV2 diameter showed no correlation with body weight. The PV2 diameter was significantly higher in stage B2 compared to B1 and in stage C compared to B2, while no difference was found between stages A and B1. The median (IQR) PV2 diameters were 4.9 mm (3.9–5.2) in stage A, 5.1 mm (4.0–6.0) in stage B1, 9.3 mm (7.3–11.1) in stage B2, and 13.7 mm (9.9–15.1) in stage C. Positive correlations were observed between the PV2 diameter and the left ventricular internal diameter normalized for body weight, the left atrium-to-aorta ratio, mitral E wave peak velocity, tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient, and regurgitant fraction. A PV2 diameter cut-off value of 12.8 mm discriminated stage C from stage B2 with 57% sensitivity and 93% specificity. The PV2 diameter is a reproducible echocardiographic measure that increases with MMVD severity and could assist in the early detection of congestive heart failure. However, the modest sensitivity observed reflects the overlap of PV2 measurements between stages B2 and C. Therefore, PV2 should be interpreted with caution and considered a supportive, rather than exclusive, tool in disease staging and therapeutic decision-making. Full article

Background: Canine oral melanoma (COM) is an aggressive and often fatal neoplasm in dogs, with clinical and molecular similarities to human melanoma. Despite its relevance as a comparative oncology model, the molecular mechanisms underlying COM remain poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize gene expression profiles in COM to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs), potential biomarkers, and therapeutic targets. Methods: In this pilot study, we performed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) on tumor and healthy oral tissue samples from dogs. Two independent analytical pipelines—Bowtie2-DESeq2 and HISAT-StringTie-Ballgown—were used to ensure robustness in DEG detection. We also conducted pathway enrichment and isoform-level analyses to investigate biological processes and alternative splicing events. Results: Both approaches identified a core set of 929 common DEGs. Key oncogenic pathways, including MAPK/ERK and cell cycle regulation, were significantly affected, with notable upregulation of BRAF, NRAS, CDK4, and MITF (log2FC = 2.86, p < 0.001). The transcription factor SOX10 and the cytokine IL-33, both previously implicated in melanoma progression, were consistently overexpressed. Additionally, NF1, a known RAS pathway inhibitor, was also upregulated. Isoform analysis revealed novel transcript variants, suggesting a complex layer of post-transcriptional regulation in COM. Many DEGs remained uncharacterized, and chromosomal distribution analysis highlighted potential genomic influences. Conclusions: Our findings provide new insights into the molecular landscape of COM, reinforcing its utility as a model for human melanoma. The identification of conserved oncogenic pathways and novel transcript variants opens avenues for further functional studies and the development of targeted therapies in both veterinary and human oncology. Full article

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the most common heart disease in small-breed dogs, and accurate assessment of the left atrial (LA) size is essential for diagnosis and management. The traditional echocardiographic method, LA-to-Aorta (LA/Ao) ratio, is widely used, but evaluates LA size in only one view. This study introduces a novel index—the modified-LA/Ao (M-LA/Ao) ratio—which combines two echocardiographic views to better reflect the true LA size. This study retrospectively analyzed thoracic radiographs and echocardiograms from 136 dogs, including healthy controls and dogs with MMVD classified into stages B1, B2, and C according to ACVIM guidelines. The ability of the M-LA/Ao ratio is compared to conventional indices using correlation analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The M-LA/Ao ratio showed a strong correlation with existing indices and slightly improved discrimination between ACVIM stages B1 and B2, although performance between stages B2 and C was similar to the LA/Ao ratio. Intra- and interobserver variability were also acceptable. Our findings suggest that the M-LA/Ao ratio may provide a practical and sensitive method to evaluate LA enlargement in early-stage MMVD, helping clinicians detect subtle cardiac remodeling before progression to advanced disease. Full article