The aim of the study is to describe the ultrasound (US) findings associated to canine leishmaniasis (CVL) in dogs from an endemic area. Thirty-four dogs naturally infected by Leishmania Infantum were enrolled. Morphologic changes of abdominal parenchymatous organs, including size, change in echogenicity and echo-texture and the presence of focal or diffused lesions were recorded. When possible the return to normal of US changes after treatment were monitored, in order to further confirm the association with the disease. The most common pathological findings were: spleen from mild to severely enlarged, hyperechogenicity of renal cortex and hepatomegaly. Interesting findings were: the honey-comb splenic parenchymal pattern (2 dogs), the cirrhotic/fibrotic aspect of the liver (2 dogs) and the abdominal lymphadenopathy in absence of peripheral lymphadenopathy (2 dogs). Focal macro nodular lesions in spleen and liver, as described in some human cases, were not registered. Results of this study suggest the ultrasonography could contribute to define the systemic involvement of dogs with leishmaniasis and to monitor the response to treatment. Canine leishmnaiasis need to be included in the differential diagnosis of the US honey-comb appearance of the spleen.

Canine leishmaniasis (CanL) by Leishmania infantum is a polysystemic disease widely distributed in many Mediterranean countries which can be fatal if left untreated. In endemic areas a high percentage of asymptomatic/pauci‐symptomatic dogs have been registered1,2. In human patients with visceral leishmaniasis the state of parenchymatous organs have been investigated using ultrasounds in one study3 and interesting focal macronodular lesions in the liver and/or spleen have been described in single cases4,5,6,7. Differently no data are actually available on abdominal ultrasonographic findings registered in CanL except for a single case8. The aim of the present study is to characterize the state of abdominal parenchymatous organs of dogs affected by leishmaniasis using ultrasonography. Thirty‐one dogs naturally infected by L. infantum were retrospectively enrolled in the study. Inclusion criteria were the manifestation of at least one clinical‐pathological sign referred to CanL associated to the presence of amastigotes in the lymph‐node smears, no evidence of other diseses and the presence of an ultrasound examination at diagnosis and eventually in follow up. Morphologic changes of abdominal organs, including size, focal or diffused lesions and change in echogenicity and echo‐texture were recorded. The most common pathological findings were: spleen from mild to severely enlarged registered in 15 dogs appearing hypoecoic or with a coarse hypoechoic parenchimal pattern; hyperechogenicity of renal cortex revealed in 13 dogs and hepatomegaly in 5. Interesting findings were: enlarged abdominal lymph‐nodes described in two dogs, a honeycomb splenic parenchimal pattern described in two dogs and a small liver with irregular margins suggestive of a chronic process revealed in other two dogs. The echographic followup post treatment was available only in 9 dogs showing a reverse to normal of ultrasound pathologic findings (i.e: honeycomb aspect of the spleen disappeared; enlarged organs reverse to normal size). Pathological findings are discussed. Results of this study suggest that ultrasonography could represent a further means in the diagnosis and monitoring of dogs affected by leishmaniosis; in particular it could contribute to increase the suspicion of infection in pauci‐symptomatic dogs and be useful to monitor the efficacy ot treatment. Focal macronodular lesions in spleen and liver (as described in humans) were not registered but the study is ongoing to collect data on an enlarged population.

Canine angiostrongylosis is a cardiopulmonary disease emerging in Europe which can be fatal if left untreated. The aim of the present study is to report the laboratory and imaging findings of 5 asymptomatic cases of canine angiostrongylosis and to report the results of faecal monitoring by Baermann test during therapy. The occasional detection of L1 in the faeces of dogs referred for routinary visit suggests that faecal samples can reveal asymptomatic subjects allowing to establish an appropriate treatment before the onset of potentially lethal lesions. A highly variable response was registered at fecal monitoring during treatment in the dogs probably associated to the host and/or to the parasite. To monitor the response to treatment serial tests are needed; the limits of Baermann test are known and a single negative result does not mean control of infection confirming the importance to develop new tests to reach diagnosis and improve monitoring after treatment.

Angiostrongylus vasorum has been recently reported in central and southern Italy. Although a wide range of clinical signs have been described in association with A. vasorum, respiratory disease and haemorrhagic diatheses predominate. The aim of the present study is to report the different clinical presentations, laboratory and imaging findings of 8 cases of angiostrongilosis. Diagnosis was made by means of larval morphological identification; faecal samples were analysed by the Baermann test and direct microscopic observation. Different treatment protocols were used, and animals were weekly monitored by larval detection in faecal samples. The reported cases showed different clinical presentations associated with the presence of A. vasorum in dogs, and suggest that angiostrongylosis should be considered as a possible etiological cause of several clinical conditions. Although A. vasorum can be fatal, an early diagnosis and appropriate treatment may lead to a complete clinical resolution, as it was in the cases described herein.

Canine angiostrongylosis is an increasingly reported disease in Europe which can be fatal if left untreated. The wide range of clinical presentation along with the absence of pathognomonic alterations can make the diagnosis challenging; thus any additional information that may provide clues to an early diagnosis may be of value, in order to ensure adequate anthelmintic treatment. Aim of the study was to assess a clinicopathological scoring systemassociated with natural Angiostrongylus vasorum infection diagnosed in canine patients during clinical practice, to clinically and paraclinically monitor infected dogs after treatment, and to monitor the presence of L1 larvae in faecal samples by Baermann’s test.Of the total 210 enrolled animals A. vasoruminfection was diagnosed in 7 dogs.These dogs were clinically and paraclinically investigated andmonitored after specific treatment. Further 3 symptomatic dogs were retrospectively included in the monitoring. Results suggest that the computed scoring system can help to increase the clinical suspicion of infection particularly in asymptomatic dogs before the onset of potentially lethal lesions. Data of faecal monitoring suggested that treatment may control parasite burden but be unable to eradicate infection. Thus, a continued faecal monitoring after treatment is advisable for identification of still infected or reinfected dogs.

General anesthesia impairs respiratory functionby the development of atelectasis in association with alteredventilation at pulmonary bases1. Applying Continuous Positive Airways Pressure (CPAP) in spontaneously breathing patients reduce the work of breathing, increases functional residualcapacity and is often recommended to prevent orreduce alveolar collapse1. In human medicine it has been widely recognized that an increase in intra-thoracic pressure is associated with a decrease in cardiac outputbecause of the reduction of venous return2. Nevertheless, conflictingresults (increases, decreases, or no change) in CO have beenreported and it was studied that the effects of CPAP on cardiac function were influenced by increasing CPAP levels. Doppler echocardiography represents a way to investigate how cardiac parameters can be affected and can change during CPAP application. What about CPAP application and its cardiovascular consequences in dogs? Aim of the study The aim of this study is to investigate by Doppler echocardiographythe cardiovascular effects of a low level of CPAP(5 cm H2O) in dogs under anesthesia. Materials and Methods 20 dogs have been enrolled in the study and divided into two groups. Both groups underwent anesthesia with a standard protocol and in Group A (10 dogs) CPAP was administered (5 cmH2O). Group B (10 dogs) served as control group and did not receive CPAP. Cardiovascular parameters (heart rate, mean arterial pressure and echocardiographic indices) were registered before (T0) and 15 minutes after anesthesia induction (T1), during anesthesia with or without CPAP(T2) and during recovery (T3).All patients were anesthetizedwith acepromazine (20 µg/kg), morphine (0.3 mg/kg), propofol (4 mg/kg) and isoflurane (end-tidal concentration 1.3 %)in spontaneous ventilation. Standard echocardiography (Esaote ultrasound system MyLab30) was performed usinga 2.5 MHz transducer. The following parameters were calculated as indicators of cardiovascular function: ejection fraction (EF%), left and right cardiac index (CI), left ventricle end diastolic volume index (LV-EDVI ml/m2), ratio of isovolumetric contraction time to ejection time (IVCT/ET), ratio of early rapid filling peak to atrial peak filling of transatrioventricular inflow (E/A), time velocity integral of atrioventricular inflow (TVI), aortic max velocity (AoVmax) and pulmonary max velocity (P Vmax). Results and Conclusions On the whole no statistical differences have been revealed in cardiovascular parameters at T2 compared to T1 in both groups.Interestingly a significant difference was revealed in EF between CPAP group and control group at T2. Myocardial diastolic properties remained unchanged. The right cardiac index do not change.Results of this study suggest not only that application of low levels of CPAP during anesthesia of healthy dogs does not negatively affect cardiac function and hemodynamic parameters, but also that it could positivelyinfluence the global left ventricular systolic function. In conclusion the application of this level of CPAP during anesthesia in healthy dogs could be considered safe. References 1Russo et al, 2013. J. CLIN. ANESTH. 25, 314-320.2Huemer et al, 1994. CHEST 106, 67-73

The clinical evolution of Leishmania infantum infection in dogs is largely influenced by the host's individual immune response. Few studies have investigated the time course and clinical evolution of the infection both under experimental and natural conditions. In the present investigation, the time course of L. infantum infection was studied by monitoring clinical and laboratory features in naturally infected dogs sheltered in southern Italy. Twenty-three dogs that had one or more positive diagnostic tests for L. infantum were enrolled in the study and followed up every 4. months. A clinical score was assigned at each visit after assessing the presence of clinical signs suggestive of leishmaniosis. L. infantum-infected dogs were classified into three different categories based on their clinical score and serological and parasitological test results. Based on data from diagnostic tests and clinical scores, the time course of infection was defined as transient asymptomatic infection (11 dogs), persistent asymptomatic infection (2 dogs), and symptomatic infection (8 dogs). Two dogs were lost after the first sand fly season. The results of the present study provide a framework for assessing the clinical status of L. infantum infection in dogs and suggest that infected animals should be monitored over time to expedite therapeutic decisions and plan appropriate control interventions. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd.

angiostrongylosis is an emerging potentially fatal disease in Europe. Aim of the study- clinical monitoring of twelve naturally Angiostrongylus vasorum naturally infected dogs under treatment. Materials and methods- twelve dogs referred to the Clinical Unit of the Veterinary Faculty of Bari (Italy) were enrolled in the study. Diagnosis was made by means of larval morphological identification on faecal samples analysed by Baermann test and/or direct microscopic observation. A blood sample was collected for haematology, biochemical analysis, serum protein electrophoresis and coagulation profile. Thoracic radiographs and echocardiography was performed. Specific therapy was administered choosing fenbendazole (Panacur Ò, Intervet, Animal Health) and/or Im/Mox (AdvocateÒ spot-on, Bayer) based on the severity of symptoms. The study monitoring was stopped at normalization of clinico-pathological alterations and/or at the end of treatment. During monitoring clinical examination was performed once a week in symptomatic dogs, while laboratory and radiographic controls were performed according to owner availability. Results-the owner complaint was heterogeneous: dyspnea, polypnea and hemoptysis, gradual distension of the abdomen, epistaxis and acute unilateral hyphema, severe coughing. Five cases were presented for routine control visit and one case for ocular specialistic examination. Thoracic auscultation was normal in seven cases, while in the other animals rales, wheezing, muffling of heart sounds and loud bronchovescicular sounds were registered. Thoracic radiographs showed pathological findings in all dogs except for one. Circular areas of radiopacity were observed in four cases. The complete blood count showed anemia from mild to moderate in five cases, leucocytosis in four cases and eosinophilia in six cases. The biochemical examination showed non-specific and non-uniform alterations. Primary hemostasis disorders characterized by thrombocytopenia were detected in three cases, associated or not to alterations of clotting profile. Serum protein electrophoresis showed a variable increase in β globulin fraction in all animals except for two asymptomatic dogs. In general clinical pictures significantly improved in all symptomatic dogs after 1-2 weeks from treatment starting. The reverse to normal of clinico-pathological findings and radiographic abnormalities were variable. Fenbendazole was given in monotherapy in five cases for 21 days. The Im/Mox was administered in monotherapy in five cases and in combination with fenbendazole in two other cases. Conclusions - The reported cases show different clinical presentations associated with the presence of A. vasorum in dogs suggesting that angiostrongylosis should be considered as a possible etiological cause of several clinical conditions. Moreover the occasional detectionof L1 in the feces of five dogs referred for a routine control visit suggest that fecal samples (direct or Baermann test) can reveal asymptomatic subjects (Koch et al., 2009). The detection of L1 in a dog of 12 years reveals the receptivity to infection also in old dogs, although a greater risk of infection is reported in young subjects (Chapman et al., 2004; Barutzki and Schaper, 2009). Thoracic radiographic findings are described in the course of angiostrongylosis with the possibility of abnormalities also in asymptomatic dogs (Boag et al., 2004) as it was in the cases described herein.. The particular aspect of the circular/serpiginous radiopacity described in four cases have not been previously reported; these lesions could be attributed to fistulas created during larval migration from the pulmonary capillaries into the alveoli or to bronchoectasiae. A. vasorum infection can be fatal, thus an early diagnosis and appropriate treatment is auspicable. Although none of clinico-pathological findings are specific, a combination of these findings should increase the index of suspicion also in asymptomatic dogs.

Angiostrongylus vasorum has been recently reported in central and southern Italy. Although a wide range of clinical signs have been described in association with A. vasorum respiratory disease and the haemorrhagic diatheses predominate. The aim of the present study is to report the different clinical presentations, laboratory and imaging findings of 8 cases of angiostrongilosis. Diagnosis was made by means of larval morphological identification; faecal samples were analysed by the Baermann test and direct microscopic observation. Different treatment protocols were used, and animals weekly monitored by larval detection in faecal samples. These case reports associate different clinical presentations with the presence of A. vasorum infection in dogs and also suggest that angiostrongylosis should be considered as a possible aetiological cause of several clinical conditions. Although A. vasorum can be fatal a prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment may lead to a complete clinical resolution, as it was in the cases described herein

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) decreases resistance to fatigue and life expectancy. The aim of this study was to correlate some indirect Doppler indices of PH with tricuspid and pulmonary regurgitation criteria and to relate PH on different indices with the severity of clinical signs. Furthermore the pathogenetic mechanisms associated to PH development were discussed. Dogs with Doppler echocardiographic evidence of PH diagnosed by assessment of pulmonary and tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity were selected, their clinical records were reviewed and a clinical score was computed. Seventeen cases of PH were identified. The degree of PH was assessed based on systolic or diastolic pulmonary pressure and the indirect Doppler indices (AT/ET and Tei Index) were calculated; data were statistically evaluated. Indirect Doppler indices were calculated also in a control group of seven healthy dogs. The most common clinical signs were coughing, dyspnea and syncope; the most common condition associated to PH development was the left-sided valvular heart disease. A significant positive correlation was found between Tei Index and both the systolic pressure and the severity of PH while no correlations were found between PH on different indices and clinical score and/or severity of clinical signs. Results of this study suggest that tei-index could be an useful support not only to reveal PH but also to give information on the severity of PH. The clinical picture in dogs with PH is apparently unpredictable and not strictly correlated with the severity of PH.

Ten symptomatic dogs naturally infected by Leishmania infantum were examined by means of doppler echocardiography in order to identify the presence of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The presence of 2-dimensional features of PAH and the presence of tricuspid and/or pulmonic valve regurgitation for pulmonary artery pressure quantification were investigated and standard echo-doppler variables (AT, AT/ET, Tei) were calculated. None of the examined dogs showed 2-dimensional features of PAH. In only one dog, having also mitral endocardiosis, PAH was diagnosed by tricuspid jet velocity. Echo-doppler variables resulted not indicative of PAH in all dogs except one having a Tei index value predictive of PAH, but normal AT and AT/ET. Our preliminary data do not support the presence of PAH in canine leishmaniasis, anyway study population need to be enlarged to give conclusions.

The efficacy of imidocarb dipropionate for the treatment of Hepatozoon canis infection was studied in three naturally infected asymptomatic dogs followed longitudinally over 8 months. Response to treatment was followed by monitoring blood counts, parasitemia levels in blood, parasite in concentrated buffy-coat smears and by PCR. The dogs were initially treated with a low dose of 3. mg/kg imidocarb dipropionate twice a month and when parasitemia persisted after five treatments, with the regular dose of 6. mg/kg. In one dog, H. canis gamonts were no longer detectable by blood and buffy-coat microscopy after 2 months of therapy with 6. mg/kg while in the two other dogs gamonts were intermittently found in blood but persistently detectable in buffy-coat smears during the whole study period. Furthermore, combined therapy with doxycycline monohydrate administered at 10. mg/kg/day PO for 4 weeks also failed to eliminate H. canis. PCR revealed that parasite DNA was present in the blood of all dogs at all sampling dates regardless of treatment refuting the effectiveness of treatment suggested by negative blood microscopy. Detection of H. canis in buffy coat was found to be twice as sensitive than by blood smear and detection by PCR was even more sensitive revealing infection in eight samples (16% of total samples) negative by blood and buffy-coat microscopy. In conclusion, imidocarb dipropionate was not effective in eliminating H. canis from dogs treated repeatedly over 8 months. Microscopical detection is not sufficient for the evaluation of treatment response in H. canis infection and follow up by molecular techniques is recommended.

Canine angiostrongylosis is a cardiopulmonary disease emerging in Europe which can be fatal if left untreated. An early diagnosis and appropriate treatment is auspicable not only in symptomatic dogs because it may lead to a complete clinical resolution but also in asymptomatic dogs to reduce the risk of parasite importation in new areas suitable for parasite establishment. The aim of the present work is to investigate the different clinical and paraclinical findings in both symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs naturally infected by Angiostrongylus vasorum. Twelve dogs were included in the study. Diagnosis was made by means of larval morphological identification on faecal samples. Pathological paraclinical findings were registered both in symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs. In particular, the increase in b globulin fraction at serum protein electrophoresis and radiographic alterations were reported as usefull findings to increase the suspicion of infection in asymptomatic dogs.

In medicina umana è ben nota l’associazione tra obesità e alcune malattie croniche che definiscono la c.d. sindrome metabolica (SM). Il fattore riconosciuto come determinante nella SM è il grasso intra addominale ed è stata proposta l’ecografia per ottenere una misurazione pratica e diretta dello spessore del grasso regionale a questo livello. Sebbene studi recenti hanno dimostrato che l’obesità è associata con l’insulino-resistenza e la dislipidemia anche nel cane, in questa specie non è attualmente disponibile un metodo semplice e immediato per determinare la distribuzione regionale del grasso corporeo. Scopo del lavoro è di valutare la possibile applicazione dell’ecografia per quantificare il grasso addominale viscerale e per predire le alterazioni metaboliche nei cani obesi. In questo studio prospettico sono stati arruolati 54 cani di proprietà presentati per visita clinica di routine. Il metodo del body condition score (BCS) è stato utilizzato per definire i cani obesi, sovrappeso o normali. Differenti misure ecografiche del tessuto adiposo sono state effettuate; in particolare sono state proposte misure ecografiche dello stato di obesità basandosi su metodiche già accreditate in campo umano e confrontate con le misure ecografiche precedentemente proposte nel cane. Sono state dunque valutate l’adiposità addominale viscerale,, l’adiposità addominale sottocutanea e preperitoneale ed infine quella sottocutanea lombare. Le misure ecografiche così ottenute sono state comparate con i parametri morfometrici (BCS, circonferenza pelvica, % Body Fat) e metabolici (glucosio, colesterolo totale, HDL, LDL, trigliceridi, leptina e proteina C reattiva) di obesità. I dati sono stati analizzati statisticamente. L’analisi della correlazione tra le nuove misure ecografiche proposte e le misure cliniche del peso corporeo ha dimostrato una correlazione significativa sia del grasso viscerale che preperitoneale avevano con tutte le misure cliniche fatta eccezione per il peso. In particolare la misura ecografica del grasso viscerale era correlata positivamente n solo con il BCS e gli altri parametri morfometrici di obesità, ma anche con la concentrazione sierica del colesterolo totale, dell’HDL e della leptina. I risultati di questo studio suggeriscono che l’ecografia può essere un metodo utile pratico e non invasivo per quantificare i depositi di grasso regionale nei cani. In particolare la misura del grasso viscerale può essere utile nella diagnosi di obesità nella clinica pratica e può fornire utili informazioni sul rischio di disfunzione metabolica associata all’obesità nel cane (DMAO). Infatti fra le misure ecografiche testate in questo studio la misura del grasso viscerale sembra essere quella che meglio correla con i parametri metabolici come già dimostrato in campo umano suggerendo che questa misura ecografica potrebbe rappresentare un marker di rischio di DMAO.

Angiostrongylus vasorum is a nematode which causes a potentially fatal chronic parasitic pneumonia in dogs. A. vasorum infection is considered endemic in various parts of Europe (Koch and Willesen, 2009) and in Italy it is recently assumig increasing importance. Aim- To monitor A. vasorum natural infection in dogs under treatment by direct microscopy and modified Baermann technique on faecal samples. Materials and methods- Owned dogs presented at the Clinical Unit of the Veterinary Faculty of Bari, Italy, and positive to A. vasorum infection were included in the study. The diagnosis was reached by means of L1 detection on direct faecal smear and/or using the modified Baermann technique. Faecal samples positive to nematodes mobile larvae were sent to the Parasitology Unit for morphological identification. The animals were treated and clinically and parasitologically monitored. Asymptomatic dogs were treated with an imidacloprid/moxidectin spot-on formulation (Im/Mox) at T0, T+15,T+30. Symptomatic dogs were treated with fenbendazole 25 mg/kg/ bid/os for 21 days. Treatment was weekly monitored using Baermann test on three days faecal pool both in symptomatic and asymptomatic animals for one month, than once a month till possible. When infection persisted a second-line treatment was considered. In symptomatic animals clinical examination was performed once a week till clinical recovery than twice a month, while asymptomatic animals were revaluated only after the third spot-on treatment. Results- Ten dogs were enrolled in the study. Signalment, clinical signs at presentation, therapy, clinical remission time and results of faecal monitoring are reported in table. Briefly 5 dogs were treated with fenbendazole and the others with Im/Mox. In three dogs a second-line treatment was needed and fenbendazole 25 mg/kg/die for 21 days associated to Im/Mox was used. In these three dogs a long term monitoring was possible. Conclusions- Given its proven efficacy (Chapman et al., 2004) fenbendazole has been used in symptomatic patients, whereas Im/Mox, more recently proposed (Willesen et al., 2007) was used for asymptomatic dogs. All dogs treated with fenbendazole (dog 6-10) resulted negative at Baermann after 1-2 weeks of treatment but a long term monitoring was available only in two dogs (dog 6,7) showing negative results. A highly variable response was registered in dogs treated with Im/Mox (dog 1-5). Two dogs (dog 1 and 4) reached negative results 1-2 weeks after first spot-on administration and persisted negative for 16 and 20 weeks respectively. It is reported that larval excretion may continue for over 3 weeks, even if anthelmintic treatment was successful (Schnyder et al., 2010). Differently one case (dog 5) slowly reached negative results (8 weeks after the first spot-on) but it reverse newly positive two times during monitoring. Other two cases (dog 2 and 3) resulted persistently positive for 12 weeks. The last three dogs were treated with the second-line treatment. Cases 2 and 3 achieved negative results so slowly (8 and 20 weeks after second-line treatment) to make difficult a direct association with treatment efficacy, anyway they persisted negative in a long term follow up. Case 5 showed negative results 4 weeks after second-line treatment but unexpectedly it reverse positive a second time. Reinfection or infection not controlled? The question is open, we can only make assumptions. It is already known that anthelmintic treatments may not completely eliminate adult worms but be able to sterilise them leading to a reduced pathogenicity of A. vasorum infection (in: Schnyder et al., 2010). In experimental studies (Schnyder et al., 2010) on dogs treated with Im/Mox spot-on and untreated, eggs and larvae were only present in untreated dogs. The highly variable response registered in this study suggests that in natural conditions several factors could affect the response to treatment probably associated to the host and/or to the parasite

Twenty-four dogs naturally infected by Leishmania spp. were treated with four different protocols using meglumine antimoniate (aNm) and allopurinol in combination or in monotherapy. Aiming to compare the efficacy of the different treatments the reverse to normal of clinico-pathological findings and the disease free interval time (DFIT) were evaluated. Treated dogs were monitored for one year and, in absence of relapses, the DFIT was postponed to the last available follow-up. Seven dogs treated with aNm alone showed relapses during the year of observation. In the group of dogs treated with the combination of aNm (50 mg/kg/SC 12 hourly up to clinico-pathological recovery) and allopurinol (15 mg/kg/PO 12 hourly administered for 6 months) no relapses were registered in the year of monitoring and the DFIT reached up to 65 months. Our results showed that this combination represents the best choice to treat canine leishmaniosis compared to other protocols.

Twenty-four dogs naturally infected by Leishmania spp. were treated with 4 different protocols using meglumine antimoniate and allopurinol. One of the protocols was never proposed previously. Aiming to compare the efficacy of the different treatments the clinical-pathological remission and the disease free interval time (TLR) were evaluated. Treated dogs were monitored for 1 year and, in absence of relapses, the disease free interval time was postponed to the last available follow up. Seven dogs showed relapses during the year, all of them were treated with meglumine antimoniate alone. In the group of dogs treated with the combination of drugs no relapses were registered in the year of monitoring and the TLR reached up to 65 months. Our results showed that this combination represents the best choice to treat canine leishmaniosis compared to the other protocols.

Strongyloidiasis caused by Strongyloides stercoralis is a zoonotic disease potentially fatal to dogs and humans. Data on the epidemiology of canine strongyloidasis is scant, likely because of inadeguate diagnostics currently employed for the detection of dog infections by Strongyloides. To our knowledge, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has not been applied to dogs either for epidemiological surveys or for comparison of diagnostic methods. We reported the clinical presentation and outcome of 5 dogs with S. stercoralis infection diagnosed by the detection of larvae in fecal samples. In addition, a qPCR routinely used in human medicine has been used for the diagnosis of canine strongyloidasis. Dogs were hosted in a single shelter in the province of Bari in which a history of diarrhea, weight loss, reduced appetite and respiratory symptoms was reported. The five dogs were positive for S. stercoralis by coproscopy on direct faecal smears and via the Baermann method. All of them, but one, were treated with fenbendazole (Panacur®, Intervet, Animal Health, 50mg/kg, PO daily for five days), or with a combination of fenbendazole and moxidectin plus imidacloprid spot-on (Im/Mox; Advocate® spot-on, Bayer). Following treatment all dogs resulted negative at Baermann in at least 12 days. Anyway, failure of treatment was documented in two dogs by means of reverted Baermann positive results throughout the study and/or post-mortem detection of adult parasites. PCR was positive in all pre-treatment fecal samples and in all fecal debris. One dog resulted negative at Baermann test one week after treatment and showed positive PCR results. This study documents, for the first time, the presence of S. stercoralis infection in sheltered dogs from southern Italy. Treatment with fenbendazole alone or combined with moxidectin plus imidacloprid could be not effective against the infection. PCR routinely used for S. stercoralis diagnosis in humans showed good performance in dog and could be important not only for diagnostic purpose but also to evaluate the efficacy of treatments. Finally, data indicate that S. stercoralis infection may represent an issue for sheltered animals and a potential risk for personnel working in the large number of municipal shelters present in Southern European countries.

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.

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.

Ten symptomatic dogs naturally infected by Leishmania infantum were examined by means of doppler echocardiography in order to identify the presence of pulmonary hypertension (HP). The presence of 2-dimensional features of PH and the presence of tricuspid and/or pulmonic valve regurgitation for pulmonary artery pressure quantification were investigated and standard echo-doppler variables (AT, AT/ET, Tei) were calculated. None of the examined dogs showed 2-dimensional features of PH. In only one dog, having also mitral endocardiosis, HP was diagnosed by tricuspid jet velocity. Echo-doppler variables resulted not indicative of HP in all dogs except one having a Tei index value predictive of HP, but normal AT and AT/ET. Our preliminary data do not support the presence of HP in canine leishmaniasis, anyway study population need to be enlarged to give conclusions.

Introduction and aim of the study - The clinical evolution of Leishmania infantum infection in dogs is largely influenced by the host's individual immune response. Few studies have investigated the time-course and clinical evolution of the infection both under experimental and natural conditions. In the present investigation, the time-course of L infantum infection was studied by monitoring clinical and laboratory features in naturally infected animals. Material and methods - The study starts from 218 dogs resulted negative to diagnostic tests for L infantum on March 2005, of which 23 dogs positivized to one or more diagnostic tests between November 2005 and March 2006.The infected animals were monitored serologically (IFAT), parasitologically (lymph-node smear microscopical examination, PCR on dermal tissue) and clinically, through a clinical-pathological score, every 4 months till March 2007. Results - After assessing the diagnostic tests over time and the clinical scores, the time course of infection was defined as transient asymptomatic infection (II dogs), persistent asymptomatic infection (2 dogs), patent symptomatic infection (8 dogs). Discussion -The results of this study confirm the high variability of the L infantum infection progression in endemic areas and underline the difficulty to propose a clear method to define the clinical status of the infection with single-time samples. So it's advisable to monitor infected animals over time in order to make easier any clinical interpretation or the beginning of a possible therapy.