Spontaneous remission and relapse of diabetes mellitus in a male dog

An 8-year-old male neutered Miniature Schnauzer was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus based on fasting hyperglycemia and glucosuria after a 2-week history of polydipsia and periuria, in line with the Agreeing Language in Veterinary Endocrinology consensus definition. Treatment of insulin and dietary management was initiated. The insulin dose was gradually reduced and eventually discontinued over the next year based on spot blood glucose concentrations that revealed euglycemia or hypoglycemia. After discontinuation, the dog remained free of clinical signs for 1 year until it was again presented for polyuria/polydipsia with fasting hyperglycemia and glucosuria. Insulin therapy was resumed and continued for the remainder of the dog's life. Although diabetic remission often occurs in cats and humans, the presumed etiopathogenesis of pancreatic beta cell loss makes remission rare in dogs, except for cases occurring with diestrus or pregnancy. This case demonstrates that diabetic remission is possible in dogs, even in cases without an identifiable reversible trigger

Demography, common disorders and mortality of Shih Tzu dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK

Background Shih Tzus are a popular dog breed in the UK although there is relatively little reported informationon their health. This study aimed to characterise the demography, common disorders and mortality of Shih Tzusunder primary veterinary care during 2016 in the UK using de-identified clinical records from the VetCompass™Programme.Results The study population of 336,865 dogs under veterinary care during 2016 included 11,082 Shih Tzus (3.3%).The median age was 4.1 years (IQR: 2.1–7.1, range: 0.3–20.4) and mean adult bodyweight was 7.9 kg (SD: 1.9 kg).Annual proportional births increased from 2.2% of all dog births in 2005 to 3.8% in 2013, dropping to 3.3% by 2016.From a random subset of 2,423 Shih Tzus that had information extracted on disorders diagnosed during 2016,the most prevalent fine-level precision disorders were periodontal disease (n = 229, prevalence 9.5%, 95% CI: 8.4–10.7),anal sac impaction (180, 7.4%, 95% CI: 6.5–8.5) and ear disorders (134, 5.5%, 95% CI: 4.7–6.5). The most prevalentgrouped-level precision disorders were cutaneous (n = 402, prevalence: 16.6%, 95% CI: 15.2–18.1), dental (322, 13.3%,95% CI: 12.0–14.7), and ophthalmological (289, 11.9%, 95% CI: 10.7–13.3). Males were more likely than females to bediagnosed with skin disorders (P = 0.007) and musculoskeletal disorders (P = 0.010) while females were more likelythan males to be diagnosed with hernias (P = 0.005). The median age of death was 12.7 years (IQR 8.7–14.3, range2.0–19.9) and did not differ statistically between males and females. The most common grouped causes of deathwere enteropathy (7.9%, 95% CI: 3.9–15.4), heart disease (7.9%, 95% CI: 3.9–15.4) and poor quality of life (7.9%, 95% CI:3.9–15.4).Conclusions Periodontal disease, anal sac impaction and ear disorders were identified as common health issues.Shih Tzus had higher prevalence of anal sac impaction, umbilical hernias and eye problems than reported previouslyin dogs overall, suggesting potential predispositions. Shih Tzus appear to be relatively long-lived compared to previousreports of lifespan in dogs overall. The results can inform veterinarians and owners on priority disorders for monitoringto protect welfare. Oral hygiene was highlighted as a healthcare priority

Prejudicial findings regarding suitability for intended purpose during pre-purchase examinations in a mixed horse population-A retrospective observational study in the United Kingdom

BackgroundPre-purchase examinations (PPEs) are performed for prospective purchasers of horses to identify prejudicial findings that could make animals unsuitable for an intended use. Although this examination process is often standardised, PPEs remain, in large parts, a subjective procedure. In the United Kingdom, PPEs generally consist of either a two stage (two stage vetting [2SV], i.e., general physical examination at rest and basic trot in-hand) or a five stage-examination (five stage vetting [5SV], i.e., general physical exam at rest and after exercise, lameness evaluation including strenuous exercise with re-evaluation after a period of recovery).ObjectivesTo identify the proportion of PPEs with prejudicial findings in a mixed horse population in the United Kingdom and to determine those findings.Study designRetrospective observational study.MethodsPPE certificates from three first opinion equine practices were reviewed. Data collected included practice identity, examination format (i.e., 2SV or 5SV), PPE outcome, radiographs obtained (yes/no), purchase price, animal signalment, intended use and prejudicial PPE findings, if indicated. Prejudicial findings were grouped in 10 subcategories. Descriptive statistics were obtained for all parameters. Non-normally distributed numeric data between groups were compared using Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Categorical data were compared between groups using Pearson's chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test.ResultsOverall, 133 pre-purchase examination certificates were analysed. Seventy-six horses (57.1%) had prejudicial findings: Sixty-one (68.5%) horses undergoing 5SV and 15 (34.1%) of horses undergoing 2SV. Most horses had lameness as the primary prejudicial finding. Horses with a higher purchase price were more likely to undergo 5SV, undergo pre-purchase radiography, and were more likely to have prejudicial findings identified.Main limitationsData were obtained retrospectively from PPE certificates from a single mixed horse population and different results may have been obtained by analysing a larger number of animals or PPEs of horses intended for different uses, from different geographical regions or undergoing a different PPE format. The level of competition in the intended discipline for horses was not recorded. Analysed data were limited to the information recorded on the PPE certificates, and the original radiographs, ultrasonography images and other additional diagnostic data were not reviewed.ConclusionsLameness was the most common prejudicial PPE finding. More expensive horses were more likely to undergo a 5SV, have pre-purchase radiographs obtained and have prejudicial findings identified. These results may help inform prospective studies examining the merits of 5SV versus 2SV formats and the value of inclusion of additional diagnostic imaging in PPEs in the general horse population

Mastocytosis in the skin in dogs: A multicentric case series

Canine cutaneous mastocytosis (CM) is rare in contrast to canine mast cell tumours. In humans, CM commonly affects children and is usually indolent with possible spontaneous resolution. Systemic mastocytosis (SM) with bone marrow involvement typically affects adults, can have a poor outcome, and often includes skin lesions. 'Mastocytosis in the skin' (MIS) is the preferred term of skin lesions, if bone marrow evaluations are not available, which is often the cases in dogs. In human SM and CM, KIT mutations are often detected. The veterinary literature suggests clinical resemblances between human and canine MIS, but data is limited, and KIT mutations are rarely assessed. This retrospective study describes clinicopathological findings, treatment and outcome of 11 dogs with suspected MIS. Dogs with multiple mast cell tumours were excluded. Histopathology reports (n = 5) or slides (n = 6) were reviewed. KIT mutation analysis including exons 8, 9, 11, 14 and 17 were analysed in eight dogs. Median age at diagnosis was 4 years (range, 1-12). Typical clinical signs included multifocal to generalised nodules and papules. Histologically, skin lesions were characterised by dermal infiltration of well-differentiated mast cells. KIT mutations were detected in 3/8 dogs (exon 9: n = 2; exon 11: n = 1). One dog had mastocytaemia suggesting possible SM. Glucocorticoids were mostly successful with lesion improvement in all treated dogs (n = 8). This cohort highlights resemblances between human and canine MIS. Further studies are required to confirm these findings and establish diagnostic criteria for CM and MIS associated with SM in dogs

Rapid typing of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by Fourier-transform Infrared spectroscopy informs infection control in veterinary settings

Introduction: The emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens linked to healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) is an increasing concern in modern veterinary practice. Thus, rapid bacterial typing for real-time tracking of MDR hospital dissemination is still much needed to inform best infection control practices in a clinically relevant timeframe. To this end, the IR Biotyper using Fourier-Transform InfraRed (FTIR) spectroscopy has the potential to provide fast cluster analysis of potentially related organisms with substantial cost and turnaround time benefits. Materials and methods: A collection of MDR bacterial isolates (n = 199, comprising 92 Klebsiella pneumoniae and 107 Pseudomonas aeruginosa) obtained from companion animal (i.e., dogs, cats and horses) clinical investigations, faecal and environmental screening from four veterinary facilities between 2012 and 2019 was analysed retrospectively by FTIR spectroscopy. Its performance was compared against MLST extracted from whole genomes of a subset of clustering isolates (proportionally to cluster size) for investigation of potential nosocomial transmission between patients and the surrounding hospital environments. Results: Concordance between the FTIR and MLST types was overall high for K. pneumoniae (Adjusted Rand Index [ARI] of 0.958) and poor for P. aeruginosa (ARI of 0.313). FTIR K. pneumoniae clusters (n = 7) accurately segregated into their respective veterinary facility with evidence of intra-hospital spread of K. pneumoniae between patients and environmental surfaces. Notably, K. pneumoniae ST147 intensely circulated at one Small Animal Hospital ICU. Conversely, Pseudomonas aeruginosa FTIR clusters (n = 18) commonly contained isolates of diversified hospital source and heterogeneous genetic background (as also genetically related isolates spread across different clusters); nonetheless, Frontiers in Microbiology 02 frontiersin.org dissemination of some clones, such as P. aeruginosa ST2644 in the equine hospital, was apparent. Importantly, FTIR clustering of clinical, colonisation and/ or environmental isolates sharing genomically similar backgrounds was seen for both MDR organisms, highlighting likely cross-contamination events that led to clonal dissemination within settings. Conclusion: FTIR spectroscopy has high discriminatory power for hospital epidemiological surveillance of veterinary K. pneumoniae and could provide sufficient information to support early detection of clonal dissemination, facilitating implementation of appropriate infection control measures. Further work and careful optimisation need to be carried out to improve its performance for typing of P. aeruginosa veterinary isolates

Comparison of timing of relapse in dogs with non-associative immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, or polyarthritis

AbstractBackground: Relapse is a clinical concern in dogs diagnosed with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), thrombocytopenia (ITP), or polyarthritis (IMPA). The average time to relapse is unknown, and evidence that vaccination is associated with disease relapse is lacking. Hypothesis/Objectives: To compare the incidence of relapse in groups of dogs with IMHA, ITP, or IMPA over a 24-month period after diagnosis, and to compare proportions of dogs that received vaccines in those dogs that did and did not relapse. Animals: One hundred and sixty client-owned dogs (73 with IMHA, 55 with ITP, 32 with IMPA).Methods: Medical records of dogs were reviewed, with the goal of following cases for a minimum of 2 years. Incidence of relapse was calculated for each disease, and relapse rates in dogs that were or were not vaccinated after diagnosis were compared. Results: Relapse rates at 12 months differed significantly among disease groups (P = .02), with a higher rate for IMPA (35%) compared to IMHA (11%) or ITP (11%). Relapse rate at 24 months was 41% for IMPA, 18% for IMHA, and 23% for ITP. Ninety percent of IMPA relapses occurred in the first 12 months after diagnosis, compared to 56% for IMHA and 50% for ITP. Vaccine administration after diagnosis was not associated with relapse (P = .78). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Risk of disease relapse in IMPA is highest in the first year after diagnosis, with higher relapse rates compared to IMHA and ITP. The role of vaccination in disease relapse remains unclear

Connected impacts: combining migration tracking data with species distribution models reveals the complex potential impacts of climate change on European Bee-eaters

Climate change is a key driver of biodiversity loss in multiple ecosystems, which can act at multiple stages of a species life and annual cycle. Identifying where, when, and how these impacts may happen is key to understanding, and planning for, the population-level effects of climate change. This study assesses how climate change will impact the breeding and nonbreeding areas of the European Bee-eater Merops apiaster, a long-distance migratory bird, by combining correlative species distribution models with recent tracking data to account for population connectivity between breeding and non-breeding sites. The three populations studied (Iberian, German, and Bulgarian) demonstrated different levels of exposure to climate change, as well as different patterns of connectivity. The Iberian breeding population showed high exposure to climate change in both its breeding and non-breeding sites, which may result in significant, interacting impacts on this population. In contrast, breeding populations in Germany are likely to benefit from climate change, both in their breeding and non-breeding range. Connectivity also varied; while most populations demonstrated extremely high connectivity between breeding and nonbreeding sites, the Iberian population was substantially more behaviourally flexible, indicating there may be some adaptive capacity of this population to change non-breeding sites if some become less suitable due to climate change. Incorporating breeding and non-breeding areas into species distribution modelling highlights how the impacts of climate change may combine into multiplicative impacts across a species’ annual cycle, and how combining methodologies and data sources can provide greater insight into the impact of climate change on migratory species and, in turn, inform conservation action

Synchrony of Bird Migration with Global Dispersal of Avian Influenza Reveals Exposed Bird Orders

Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) A H5, particularly clade 2.3.4.4, has caused worldwide outbreaks in domestic poultry, occasional spillover to humans, and increasing deaths of diverse species of wild birds since 2014. Wild bird migration is currently acknowledged as an important ecological process contributing to the global dispersal of HPAIV H5. However, this mechanism has not been quantified using bird movement data from different species, and the timing and location of exposure of different species is unclear. We sought to explore these questions through phylodynamic analyses based on empirical data of bird movement tracking and virus genome sequences of clade 2.3.4.4 and 2.3.2.1. First, we demonstrate that seasonal bird migration can explain salient features of the global dispersal of clade 2.3.4.4. Second, we detect synchrony between the seasonality of bird annual cycle phases and virus lineage movements. We reveal the differing exposed bird orders at geographical origins and destinations of HPAIV H5 clade 2.3.4.4 lineage movements, including relatively under-discussed orders. Our study provides a phylodynamic framework that links the bird movement ecology and genomic epidemiology of avian influenza; it highlights the importance of integrating bird behavior and life history in avian influenza studies. Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus subtype H5 is an important pathogen of wild birds and poultry that has also caused infection in humans and other mammals. Here the authors use wild bird movement tracking data and virus genome sequences to quantify how seasonal bird migration facilitates global dispersal of the virus