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Animals
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Health Topics of Current Concern for Companion Animals
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Health Topics of Current Concern for Companion Animals

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2019) | Viewed by 56321

Special Issue Editor

Dr. W. Jean Dodds

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Hemopet, 938 Stanford Street, Santa Monica, CA 90403, USA
Interests: comparative hematology; immunology; endocrinology; nutrition; diagnostic medicine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Companion animal medicine and science is facing increasing challenges today, not only in addressing the “One Health” concept but also in providing effective and affordable health care for the animals. With the ever-expanding information highway and technology, worldwide internet access, telemedicine, and the impact of corporate veterinary medicine, the private practice community is facing some daunting issues. Of concern is the rising suicide rate and mental health struggles encountered by veterinarians. More than ever, we need to work together and establish collegial bonds as we recognize and care for the animals that contribute to the health and well-being of modern society.

Specific topics to be addressed include the following:

  • The quality and ingredients of pet foods—the undeclared ingredients in many commercial foods for pets and a critical look at the role of taurine and other nutrients in the risk of chronic heart disease;
  • The safety of preventives routinely given for the control of heartworm disease, fleas, and ticks;
  • The effects of toxic and repeated exposures to herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers;
  • Adverse events reporting to the FDA and USDA for drugs and biologics. Are manufacturers in compliance? Are we doing enough to alert society?
  • Combating antimicrobial resistance;
  • The impact and importance of telemedicine, 3-D printing, and other models in veterinary medicine.

Dr. W. Jean Dodds
Guest Editor

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.

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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7 pages, 448 KiB  
Article
The Occurrence of Multidrug Resistant Bacteria in the Urine of Healthy Dogs and Dogs with Cystitis
by Andreia R. Yamanaka, Alessandra T. Hayakawa, Ícaro S. M. Rocha, Valéria Dutra, Valeria R. F. Souza, José N. Cruz, Lázaro M. Camargo and Luciano Nakazato
Animals 2019, 9(12), 1087; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9121087 - 05 Dec 2019
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3754
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to evaluate the occurrence of microorganisms, the antimicrobial susceptibility profile, and the presence of multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria in the urine of clinically healthy dogs and dogs with cystitis. The urine was collected through cystocentesis. Subsequently, culture [...] Read more.
The objectives of this study were to evaluate the occurrence of microorganisms, the antimicrobial susceptibility profile, and the presence of multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria in the urine of clinically healthy dogs and dogs with cystitis. The urine was collected through cystocentesis. Subsequently, culture and antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed. The isolates were classified based on their resistance profile, to evaluate the presence of MDR bacteria. Statistical analyses were performed using the chi-squared or Fisher’s exact tests. Bacterial isolates were present in 24.39% of the dogs in the control group, and 60.27% of the dogs in the cystitis group. The cystitis group was associated with a higher risk of bacterial isolates than the control group (odds ratio = 7.5; 95% confidence interval = 2.81–22.40). The main isolates were Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia coli, Proteus spp., and Enterobacter spp. in both groups. A high percentage of isolates were resistant to ampicillin in both groups. The lowest resistance presented by the isolates in both groups was to meropenem. Only the resistance to quinolones was different between the groups. The proportions of MDR isolates were 70% (7/10) and 65.91% (29/44) in the control and cystitis groups, respectively. The results showed the presence of MDR bacteria in the urine of both the healthy dogs, and the dogs with cystitis. The drug resistance was high, reinforcing the importance of establishing an effective treatment approach against urinary tract infections in pets, to minimize the spread of bacterial resistance and its impact on public health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Topics of Current Concern for Companion Animals)
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8 pages, 954 KiB  
Article
Allele Frequency of the C.5G>A Mutation in the PRCD Gene Responsible for Progressive Retinal Atrophy in English Cocker Spaniel Dogs
by Larissa R. Andrade, Amanda M. Caceres, Anelize S. Trecenti, Claudia Valeria S. Brandão, Micaella G. Gandolfi, Evian V. Aguiar, Danilo G.A. Andrade, Alexandre S. Borges and Jose P. Oliveira-Filho
Animals 2019, 9(10), 844; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9100844 - 21 Oct 2019
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3758
Abstract
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) due to the c.5G>A mutation in the progressive rod–cone degeneration (PRCD) gene is an important genetic disease in English cocker spaniel (ECS) dogs. Because the prevalence of this disease has not been verified in Brazil, this study [...] Read more.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) due to the c.5G>A mutation in the progressive rod–cone degeneration (PRCD) gene is an important genetic disease in English cocker spaniel (ECS) dogs. Because the prevalence of this disease has not been verified in Brazil, this study aimed to evaluate the allele frequency of the c.5G>A mutation in the PRCD gene. Purified DNA from 220 ECS dogs was used for genotyping, of which 131 were registered from 18 different kennels and 89 were unregistered. A clinical eye examination was performed in 28 of the genotyped animals; 10 were homozygous mutants. DNA fragments containing the mutation region were amplified by PCR and subjected to direct genomic sequencing. The prcd-PRA allele frequency was 25.5%. Among the registered dogs, the allele frequency was 14.9%; among the dogs with no history of registration, the allele frequency was 41%. Visual impairment was observed in 80% (8/10) of the homozygous mutant animals that underwent clinical eye examination. The high mutation frequency found in this study emphasizes the importance of genotyping ECSs as an early diagnostic test, especially as part of an informed breeding program, to avoid clinical cases of PRA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Topics of Current Concern for Companion Animals)
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12 pages, 835 KiB  
Article
Risk of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) Infection in Pet Cats in Australia is Higher in Areas of Lower Socioeconomic Status
by Vivian Tran, Mark Kelman, Michael Ward and Mark Westman
Animals 2019, 9(9), 592; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9090592 - 21 Aug 2019
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3973
Abstract
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline calicivirus (FCV), and feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) are common viral infections of domestic cats in Australia. A study was performed to investigate the possible effect of area-based socioeconomic factors on the occurrence of FIV, FCV, and FHV-1 infection in [...] Read more.
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline calicivirus (FCV), and feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) are common viral infections of domestic cats in Australia. A study was performed to investigate the possible effect of area-based socioeconomic factors on the occurrence of FIV, FCV, and FHV-1 infection in Australian client-owned cats. A total of 1044 cases, reported to a voluntary Australian online disease surveillance system between January 2010 and July 2017, were analysed with respect to their postcode-related socioeconomic factors using the Socio-Economic Indexes For Areas (SEIFA). SEIFA consists of four different indexes which describe different aspects of socioeconomic advantage and disadvantage. Signalment details including age, sex, neuter status, and breed were also considered. A significant correlation was observed between areas of lower socioeconomic status and a higher number of reported cases of FIV infection for all four SEIFA indexes (p ≤ 0.0002). Postcodes with SEIFA indexes below the Australian median (“disadvantaged” areas) were 1.6–2.3 times more likely to have reported cases of FIV infection than postcodes with SEIFA indexes above the median (“advantaged” areas). In contrast, no correlation was observed between the number of reported cases of FCV or FHV-1 infection and any of the four SEIFA indexes (p > 0.05). When signalment data were analysed for the three infections, FIV-infected cats were more likely to be older (p < 0.00001), male (p < 0.0001), neutered (p = 0.03), and non-pedigree (p < 0.0001) compared to FCV and FHV-1 infected cats. Results from this study suggest that area-based disease control strategies, particularly in areas of social disadvantage, might be effective in reducing the prevalence of FIV infection in pet cats in Australia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Topics of Current Concern for Companion Animals)
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7 pages, 676 KiB  
Article
Diagnosis of Feline Food Sensitivity and Intolerance Using Saliva: 1000 Cases
by W. Jean Dodds
Animals 2019, 9(8), 534; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9080534 - 06 Aug 2019
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 6468
Abstract
This prospective study assessed the efficacy of a novel saliva-based immunoassay of IgA- and IgM-antibodies in predicting feline food sensitivities and intolerances. Clinical samples were obtained from 1000 cats proven or suspected to have food intolerances. Most were of domestic shorthair breed type, [...] Read more.
This prospective study assessed the efficacy of a novel saliva-based immunoassay of IgA- and IgM-antibodies in predicting feline food sensitivities and intolerances. Clinical samples were obtained from 1000 cats proven or suspected to have food intolerances. Most were of domestic shorthair breed type, over 10 years of age, and weighed around 5 kg; they were equally distributed between spayed females and neutered males. Saliva was collected after at least an 8-h fast with a dental cotton rope, placed in a double-sleeved saliva collection tube, and sent to the laboratory. Salivary antibodies elicited by 24 common foods were measured with goat anti-canine IgA and IgM. Low reacting foods were lamb, cow milk, pork, turkey, wheat (lowest) and white-colored fish, whereas high reacting foods were millet, white potato, rice (highest) and salmon. Thus, the novel salivary-based food sensitivity and intolerance test, described previously for canines, also provided a reliable and clinically predictive alternative to food elimination trials, serum-based food allergy testing, and skin patch testing in cats. Manufacturers of commercial cat foods and treats, as well as those making homemade diets and treats for cats, should consider avoiding the more highly reactive foods as determined by the present study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Topics of Current Concern for Companion Animals)
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7 pages, 1012 KiB  
Article
Genetic Diversity of Canine Babesia Species Prevalent in Pet Dogs of Punjab, Pakistan
by Muhammad Tayyub, Kamran Ashraf, Muhammad Lateef, Aftab Ahmad Anjum, Muhammad Asad Ali, Nisar Ahmad, Muhammad Nawaz and Muhammad Mudasser Nazir
Animals 2019, 9(7), 439; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9070439 - 13 Jul 2019
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2880
Abstract
Canine babesiosis is a serious threat to dogs’ health worldwide, caused by the intra-erythrocytic Babesia species. The present study was carried out in pet dogs presented at three clinics of Lahore and one of Narowal in Punjab, Pakistan. Two hundred blood samples (50 [...] Read more.
Canine babesiosis is a serious threat to dogs’ health worldwide, caused by the intra-erythrocytic Babesia species. The present study was carried out in pet dogs presented at three clinics of Lahore and one of Narowal in Punjab, Pakistan. Two hundred blood samples (50 from each clinic) were collected and screened by microscopy for Babesia spp. Out of 200 samples, 84 (42%) were found to be positive for babesiosis. The highest number of positive cases (50%) was recorded in dogs at Narowal clinic. Non-significant variation (p > 0.05) was observed in the prevalence of babesiosis in dogs in relation to sex and age. Positive samples were further confirmed by a polymerase chain reaction using 18S-rRNA genus-specific and species-specific primers. Amplicons were further analyzed by nucleotide sequencing for genetic diversity. Babesia canis and gibsoni were confirmed by genome sequencing in all diseased dogs. These isolates closely resembled each other, but differed from previous reported strains. In conclusion, pet dogs suffering from babesiosis were infected with B. canis and gibsoni, while in other countries, other Babesia species are also prevalent. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Topics of Current Concern for Companion Animals)
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11 pages, 894 KiB  
Article
Parasitic Nematode and Protozoa Status of Working Sheepdogs on the North Island of New Zealand
by Adam O’Connell, Ian Scott, Naomi Cogger, Boyd R. Jones and Kate E. Hill
Animals 2019, 9(3), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9030094 - 18 Mar 2019
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4350
Abstract
Working farm dogs in New Zealand may have a high parasitic challenge because of access to raw meat and close contact with other dogs. This cross-sectional study aimed to estimate the percentage of dogs with gastrointestinal nematode and protozoan parasite lifecycle stages present [...] Read more.
Working farm dogs in New Zealand may have a high parasitic challenge because of access to raw meat and close contact with other dogs. This cross-sectional study aimed to estimate the percentage of dogs with gastrointestinal nematode and protozoan parasite lifecycle stages present in their feces and to identify factors associated with the presence of parasites. A single researcher collected information about the dogs and their management via a questionnaire, body condition scored (BCS) the dogs, and collected fecal samples to determine the parasite burden. Fecal samples were collected from 171 dogs and 40% (95% CI 33.0% to 47.7%) contained parasite ova or (oo)cysts. There was no association between BCS and the presence of nematodes and parasites (p = 0.74) in the feces. The percentage of dogs with parasites present in their feces was not associated with BCS or the frequency with which anthelmintic drugs were reportedly administered (p = 0.61). The high percentage of dogs with parasites are of concern for the health of the dogs and their owners, given the zoonotic potential of some parasites. Further, research should also focus on understanding why reporting giving anthelmintic drugs at least every three months did not eliminate the infection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Topics of Current Concern for Companion Animals)
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15 pages, 240 KiB  
Review
The Endocannabinoid System of Animals
by Robert J. Silver
Animals 2019, 9(9), 686; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9090686 - 16 Sep 2019
Cited by 74 | Viewed by 30527
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system has been found to be pervasive in mammalian species. It has also been described in invertebrate species as primitive as the Hydra. Insects, apparently, are devoid of this, otherwise, ubiquitous system that provides homeostatic balance to the nervous and immune [...] Read more.
The endocannabinoid system has been found to be pervasive in mammalian species. It has also been described in invertebrate species as primitive as the Hydra. Insects, apparently, are devoid of this, otherwise, ubiquitous system that provides homeostatic balance to the nervous and immune systems, as well as many other organ systems. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has been defined to consist of three parts, which include (1) endogenous ligands, (2) G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), and (3) enzymes to degrade and recycle the ligands. Two endogenous molecules have been identified as ligands in the ECS to date. The endocannabinoids are anandamide (arachidonoyl ethanolamide) and 2-AG (2-arachidonoyl glycerol). Two G-coupled protein receptors (GPCR) have been described as part of this system, with other putative GPC being considered. Coincidentally, the phytochemicals produced in large quantities by the Cannabis sativa L plant, and in lesser amounts by other plants, can interact with this system as ligands. These plant-based cannabinoids are termed phytocannabinoids. The precise determination of the distribution of cannabinoid receptors in animal species is an ongoing project, with the canine cannabinoid receptor distribution currently receiving the most interest in non-human animals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Topics of Current Concern for Companion Animals)
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