Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a myocardial disease of dogs and humans characterized by progressive ventricular dilation and depressed contractility and it is a frequent cause of heart failure. Conventional pharmacological therapy cannot reverse the progression of the disease and, in humans, cardiac transplantation remains the only option during the final stages of cardiac failure. Cytoprotective gene therapy with the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-B167 (VEGF-B167) has proved an effective alternative therapy, halting the progression of the disease in experimental studies on dogs [1,2]. The aim of this work was to test the tolerability and feasibility of intracoronary inoculation under fluoroscopic guidance of VEGF-B167 carried by adeno-associated viral vectors in canine DCM patients. Ten patients underwent the gene delivery procedure. The intraoperative phase was well tolerated by all dogs. Clinical and echocardiographic assessment at 7 days post-procedure in all dogs showed stable clinical conditions that could be superimposed to those pre-procedure. The results of this work indicate that intracoronary gene delivery is feasible and tolerated in dogs with DCM. Further monitoring/investigations are ongoing to evaluate the effects of this procedure on disease progre

Following a fatal attack by dogs toward an old lady, the victim’s relatives tried to attribute the event to unknown stray dogs in order to offload the civil and penal responsibility on the Municipality and LSA (Local Sanitary Agency) of the territory in which the tragedy took place. The Public Prosecutor in charge did not believe that version and arranged appropriate investigations. It was therefore inspected the place theatre of the event and the commercial farm of the relatives where many dogs were held. Particularly a careful millimetric and tridimensional survey of their dental arches was made . Later dental arches were compared with the marks of the wounds on the dead body of the victim. Following this investigation, which was for the first time experimented, the Public Prosecutor was able to indentify the civil and criminal responsibility of the dogs’ owner

The aim of this study was to compare intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA) and brachial plexus block (BPB) for intra-operative analgesia in dogs undergoing pancarpal arthrodesis (PA). Twenty dogs scheduled for PA were intramuscularly sedated with acepromazine (0.03mg/kg), general anesthesia was intravenously (IV) induced with thiopental (10mg/kg) and, after intubation, maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. In 10 dogs (GIVRA) IVRA was performed on the injured limb administering 0.6ml/kg of 0.5% lidocaine. In 10 dogs (GBPB) the BPB was performed at the axillary level with the help of a nerve stimulator and 0.3ml/kg of a 1:1 solution of 2% lidocaine and 1% ropivacaine was injected. During surgery fentanyl (0.002mg/kg IV) was administered if there was a 15% increase of HR and/or MAP compared to the values before surgical stimulation. All the standard cardiovascular and respiratory parameters were continuously monitored during surgery. The duration of surgery and the time of extubation were recorded. Data were compared with a 1-way ANOVA test (P<0.05). No patients required fentanyl administration during surgery. All the recorded parameters were similar in the two groups. The two techniques were similar in providing intra-operative analgesia in dogs undergoing orthopaedic surgery.

After attending this presentation, attendees will understand the concerns in a case of a fatal Rottweiler dog attack on a 52-year-old man who was found dead on a farm where he worked. This presentation will impact the forensic science community by showing how the evaluation of fatal dog attacks requires an integrated approach in association with veterinary pathologists and forensic geneticists, involving review of the circumstance of death, examination of the death scene, CT analysis and autopsy examination of the victim and the histological and immunohistochemical examination (IL-15, CD15 and tryptase). The cases were all characterized by extensive and mutilative stripping of soft tissues from the upper limbs, face, and scalp, progressing to decapitation in the man. Investigators found the entire skull, completely skeletonized, of about 800 meters away from the decapitated body. A complete methodological forensic approach by means of autopsy, histological and immunohistochemical examinations and an integrated study in association with a veterinary doctor and forensic genetics is an important part of such investigations. It may provide information helping to establish the identity and ownership of the animal, along with trace evidence confirming that the dog was involved in the attack with ccomparison of the bitemarks on the victim and the dentition of suspected dog. Deaths due to animal attacks are rare. Deaths caused by dog attacks appear to be growing as the population of both humans and dogs has increased. Many types of dogs have been involved in fatal attacks on humans, with at least 25 different breeds reported in 238 deaths in the United States over a 20-year period. The majority of cases (60%) have, however, involved pit bull-type dog, rottweiler, and german shepherds, most of whom were unrestrained on their owner’ property. Diagnosis of a wound as a bitemark is generally not difficult considering the rather pathognomonic wound pattern of “a hole-and-a-tear” together with skin abrasions and claw marks. Any part of the body can be the site of a dog attack. An unusual concentration of severe injuries to the head and neck regions is typically reported in the literature. Bites to the forearms are also common as the limbs are generally raised in an attempt to protect the face. Dog attack deaths usually result from exsanguinations through opened body cavities and/or large vessels and/or asphyxia. Case: A 52-year-old Caucasian man was found dead on the sidewalk in front of his home on the farm where he worked. A multidisciplinary forensic approach, including CT analysis, autopsy findings, histological and immunohistochemical examination, and bitemark analysis was performed. A complete autopsy was performed 48-hours after death. The external examination revealed the presence of multiple and coarse lacerations of the skin in the upper limbs and clusters of superficial, linear, parallel abrasion from a dog’s claws were present in the skin adjacent to bitemarks. In the thorax, cluster of ribbon and parallel abrasions with the same trend were observed bilaterally. The most striking finding was represented by decapitation, characterized by a laceration of the circumference of neck exposed second thoracic vertebra, the trachea completely dissected, the vessels of the neck and the paravertebral muscles and shoulders, strong friction and hemorrhagic. The CT analysis of the skull demonstrated small scratches at the neurocranium made by the canine teeth and/or paws. There were no other injuries on the body. The internal examination revealed a hemorrhagic area around the neck vessels that appeared frayed. Histological study of tissue samples confirmed the vitality of the skin lesions. The immunohistochemical examination of the bitemark specimens revealed a positive reaction for antibodies anti CD15, IL-15 and tryptase. The death was a

Field immobilization of captive antelope may be required for medical examination, blood sample collection, and animal identification. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a combination of butorphanol, detomidine, and midazolam (BDM) and its partial reversibility in Nile Lechwe antelope (NLA; Kobus megaceros). Nine captive NLAs, weighing 28-64 kg, were immobilized, in February 2011, with butorphanol 0.20±0.05 (meanSD) mg/kg, detomidine 0.20±0.05 mg/kg and midazolam 0.31±0.08 mg/kg administered intramuscularly (IM) with a blowpipe. Physiologic parameters and depth of anesthesia were recorded when the animals became recumbent at 19.55±8.36 min after darting (T0) and after 10 (T10), 20 (T20) and 30 (T30) min. An arterial blood sample was collected at T20. At the end of the procedures, immobilization was partially reversed with atipamezole 0.25 mg/kg IM. Quality of induction, immobilization, and recovery were scored. The BDM combination induced immobilization and lateral recumbency in 13.44±5.61 min. Median induction score [scored 1 (excellent) to 4 (poor)] was 1 (range 1–2). Heart rate varied 40–104 beats/min, respiratory rate 16–108 breaths/min and rectal temperature 36.5–40.3 C. Hyperthermia observed and rapidly treated in three animals that demonstrated insufficient immobilization after darting. Arterial blood gas analyses revealed a mean pH of 7.43±0.07, PaCO2 of 44.1±6.0 mmHg, PaO2 of 74.0±13.5 and a SaO2 of 94.77±3.96 mmHg. Recovery was smooth and animals were walking in 13.44±7.85 min. Median recovery score [scored 1 (excellent) to 4 (poor)] was 1 (range 1–2). The BDM was effective in immobilizing captive healthy NLAs with minimal cardiorespiratory changes.

Anaplasmosis, babesiosis and theileriosis are the major tick-borne diseases in cattle (TBDs). TBDs are widespread in tropical and temperate regions and are responsible for important economic losses in those areas. In this last part of the review on TBDs of cattle we report the translation of a work of the authors about an epidemiological investigation conducted on 1,500 cattle in three regions of southern Italy in order to assess the presence and prevalence of various pathogens responsible for these diseases and an appendix with additional data on the detection of Theileria bicornis, Theileria sp. Buffalo, Babesia rossi and Ehrlichia spp. Omatjenne, never reported before in Italy.

Strongyloidiosis by Strongyloides stercoralis is a disease of increasing interest in human and animal medicine. The scientific knowledge on canine strongyloidiosis is hindered by the poor diagnostics available. To assess the most sensitive and specific diagnostic method, feces and blood from 100 shelter dogs were screened for S. stercoralis by coprological, molecular and serological tests. Thirty-six dogs (36%) scored positive to S. stercoralis by coprology (22.3% to Baermann) and/or 30% to real time-polymerase chain reaction (rt-PCR). According to two composite reference standards (CRS) based on all coprological methods and rt-PCR (first CRS) or in combination with serology (second CRS), the most sensitive test was IFAT (93.8%; CI 82.8-98.7), followed by rt-PCR (80.6%; 95% CI 64-91.8) and Baermann (60.6%; 95% CI 42.1-77.1). The inconsistent shedding of L1 during the 4-week follow-up in infected dogs suggests the importance of multiple faecal collections for a reliable diagnosis. A combination of serological and coprological tests is recommended for the surveillance and diagnosis of S. stercoralis infection in dogs.

Tick-borne diseases are widespread in tropical and temperate regions and are responsible for important economic losses in those areas. In order to assess the presence and prevalence of various pathogens in southern Italy, we retrospectively analyzed cattle blood samples collected for a previous study in 2000 using reverse line blot (RLB) hybridization. The study had been carried out in three regions of southern Italy on 1,500 randomly selected and apparently healthy adult cattle. RLB showed that 43.7% of the cattle were positive for nine different species of hemoparasites with either a single infection or a mixed infection. Theileria buffeli was the most common species found, being present in 27.3% of the animals, followed by Anaplasma marginale in 18.1%, Anaplasma centrale in 13.8%, Babesia bigemina and Anaplasma bovis in 4.2%, Anaplasma phagocytophilum in 1.7%, Babesia bovis in 1.6%, Babesia major in 0.2% and Babesia divergens in 0.1%. Complete blood counts showed different degrees of anemia in 363 animals (24.2%) and of these, 169 were RLB-positive for at least one pathogen. Among the ticks that were collected from the cattle, the following species were identified: Rhipicephalus bursa, Ixodes ricinus, Hyalomma marginatum, Boophilus annulatus, Dermacentor marginatus and Haemaphysalis (sulcata, parva, inermis and punctata). The results obtained confirmed the spread of endemic tick-borne pathogens in the regions studied.

The present study aims to identify short peptide sequences characterized by a low level of similarity to the canine proteome, and responsible for autoimmune response that characterizes canine pemphigus foliaceous (cPF). As already demonstrated by several authors, in the human model of pemphigus foliaceous and pemphigus vulgaris short peptide sequences from the two antigens of PF and PV (Dsg1 and Dsg3 respectively) with low similarity to the host proteome (mouse and human), are endowed with a high epitopic power (Kanduc, 2009; Kanduc, 2008; Lucchese et al., 2006; Angelini et al.,2006). Five sera from dogs affected by PF were tested with Dot‐blot Immunoassay to evaluate the presence of autoantibodies against two peptides with low similarity to the dog proteome (Canfa, Canis Familiaris): Dsg1_CANFA49‐60 and Dsg3_CANFA48‐59. Two peptides with high similarity to the dog proteome were employed as negative controls : Dsg3_CANFA189‐203 and Dsg3_CANFA372‐379. The same peptide platform was used to test sera from healthy dogs. All the dogs with PF showed antibody reactivity to the low similarity peptide Dsg3_CANFA48‐59. No positivity was detected against the low similarity peptide Dsg1_CANFA49‐60 and the two high‐similarity peptides Dsg3_CANFA189‐203 and Dsg3_CANFA372‐379. No sera belonging to healthy dogs has recognized the two peptide sequences with low similarity neither the two high‐similarity peptides. The data presented in this study should be interpreted as preliminary results of a larger research project which is still in progress. In fact, thanks to the collaboration of many dermatologists throughout the country we are expanding our study to obtain a statistically significant number of samples. However, to date, we report the evidence that circulating antibodies present in the sera of dogs with PF recognize the Dsg3_CANFA48‐59 low similarity peptide sequence. Further studies need to confirm our data and give us a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms at the basis of the PF.

Strongyloides stercoralis can cause severe infection both in humans and dogs. Coproparasitological examination has low sensitivity for the diagnosis of this parasite; hence, different diagnostic techniques have been implemented. However, serology and molecular methods have been assessed almost exclusively in humans. In this study, two serologic assays and a real-time PCR (RT-PCR), routinely used for the diagnosis of strongyloidiasis in humans, have been tested for the diagnosis in dogs. Five dogs living in the same kennel in Bari, southern Italy, were diagnosed with S. stercoralis infection by detection of larvae in fecal samples processed by the Baermann method. Serum, fecal, and tissue (lungs, scraping of intestinal tract) samples from the same dogs were tested with two serologic assays (commercial ELISA, in-house IFAT) and with an in-house RT-PCR, routinely used for diagnosis in humans. IFAT was positive in all serum samples, ELISA in 3/7 (42.8%) samples. RT-PCR was positive in all pre-treatment fecal samples, in all fecal debris, and in intestinal scraping (three samples from the same deceased dog). The results suggest that IFAT and RT-PCR techniques routinely used for S. stercoralis diagnosis in humans could be useful for the diagnosis of the infection in dogs.

Strongyloides stercoralis is a worldwide zoonotic parasite, infecting men, dogs and cats (1) . It is the unique among nematodes of veterinary importance that has both a free-living cycle and a parasitic one (2). The parasitic phase is supported entirely by females, localized in the small intestine. In the dog S. stercoralis infection occurs mostly via penetration of skin and mucosal surfaces or by transmammary transmission. Autoinfection occurs as well and, if it is long-lasting in immunosuppressed hosts, massive hyperinfection and even disseminated infection by migrating larvae may occur (3). Autoinfection can induce persistent strongyloidosis in absence of reinfestation from outside. Clinical disease varies from inapparent to severe enteritis and pneumonia to sudden death (2). The in vivo diagnosis is difficult due to the low sensitivity of traditional parasitological methods and it is based on larvae detection in faecal samples collected from rectal ampulla to overcome the morphological similarities with environmental free living nematode larvae. S. stercoralis is the only Strongyloides species described in naturally infected dogs. Two clinical cases are described. Two male adult dogs from the same kennel were presented with an history of chronic severe diarrhea, weight loss, depression (dog1) and of reduced appetite, diarrhea and weight loss (dog2). At clinical examination dog1was very thin (BCS2) and depressed; in dog 2 (BCS4) a mass was clinically revealed in medium abdomen and its gastrointestinal origin at ileocecocolic junction was identified by ultrasound. A final diagnosis of linfoma was reached by cito/hystology. Dog1 naturally died after 24 hours from presentation, dog2 was treated for infection before surgery and monitored. The laboratory alterations common to both dogs at the time of presentation were: leukocytosis, mild anemia, hypoproteinemia and increase of alpha2 fraction at serum proteins electrophoresis. Eosinophilia was not detected. Diagnosis of S. stercoralis infection was performed by larvae detection and identification in faecal samples collected from ampolla (direct and/or Baermann test) and subsequently by the finding of adult females after scraping of the intestinal mucosa at post-mortem examination. The histological features showed in dog1: hemorrhagic parasitic enteritis of moderate-to-severe degree, with the presence of inflammatory linfoplasmocitic exudates in the lamina propria; several adult parasites localized in proximity of the duodenal papilla; a moderate pulmonary atelectasis associated with a moderate interstitial congestion. Dog2 was treated with febendazole 50 mg/kg/die and metronidazole (25 mg/kg/bid) for 5 consecutive days and monitored for the following ten days. Multiple fecal pool samples from dogs living in same kennel have been examined using Baermann tecnique living negative results to S. stercoralis larvae detection. The clinical cases are discussed focusing on pathogenetic hypothesis (hyperinfection vs patologia concomitante). For authors knowledge S. stercoralis infection in dogs have never been reported in Italy. S. stercoralis is a zoonotic parasite and despite natural transmission between dog and man has been rarely reported (2) the potential role of the dogs as source of human infections ha sto be taken in mind, particularly in kennel where il sovraffollamento e le ridotte condizioni igieniche risultano fattori predisponenti al perpetuarsi dell’infezione. 1Ferreira JA et al., Vet. Parasitol. 2006, 136: 137-145. 2Dillard KJ et al., Acta Vet Scan. 2007, 49:37. 3Shoop WL et al., J. Parasitol. 2002, 88: 536-539.

A stray 1 year-old male mongrel was referred to our Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Bari University. The animal exhibited severe depression, jaundice and hypothermia. Clinical findings, CBC and the biochemical profile suggested the dog had leptospirosis, which was later confirmed by positive PCR and microagglutination tests. Leptospirosis is now considered to be a “re-emerging” zoonosis in Italy given that certain Leptospira serovars, such as Leptospira Grippotyphosa and Leptospira Bratislava, are not included in current vaccine prophylaxis programs. As they are not regularly vaccinated, stray dogs are susceptible to all Leptospira serovars and thus represent a potential source of infection for humans.