Canine vector borne diseases of zoonotic concern in three dog shelters in Peninsular Malaysia: the importance of preventive measures

This study investigated canine vector borne diseases (CVBDs) of zoonotic significance in three major shelters in Peninsular Malaysia in order to highlight the importance of shelter management in diseases prevention. Since crowded housing has the potential to bring vectors and infected dogs into close proximity, the prevalence of CVBDs infection is always higher in sheltered dogs in comparison to pet dogs. Serum was collected from 90 adult dogs (30 from each shelter) from three shelters in different regions of Peninsular Malaysia (Shelter A, B and C). The prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis, Ehrlichia canis, E. ewingii, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, A. platys and Borrelia burgdorferi in dogs residing in three shelters with different management protocols was investigated by using rapid clinical test kits, SNAP® 4Dx® Plus (IDEXX Laboratories, Westbrook, ME). The most common pathogen detected was Ehrlichia spp. (55.6%, 50 out of 90 dogs), followed by Anaplasma spp. (16.7%; 15 out of 90 dogs). Dirofilaria immitis could only be detected in one of the shelters (10.0%; nine out of 90 dogs). No evidence of B. burgdorferi was detected in all three shelters. Forty one out of 90 dogs (45.6%) were infected with at least one pathogen meanwhile 14 out of 90 dogs (15.6%) were infected with more than one pathogen. It is of crucial importance to practice preventive measures during the admission of the new animals into the facilities. Occasional treatment of the dogs (as practiced in Shelter B) was not effective when compared to scheduled preventive measures. Future studies should emphasize the isolation and additional molecular characterization of vector borne pathogens in Peninsular Malaysia. In addition, studies that define the tick species that infest dogs in this region would help to elucidate their role as vectors for disease transmission

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pet and stray cats in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Toxoplasma gondii, a zoonotic protozoan that has a worldwide distribution, is known to infect many warm-blooded vertebrates. The feline species including domestic cats are the definitive hosts for Toxoplama gondii and shed the infective oocyst. There is lack of information on the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in cats in Malaysia. The objective of this study was to determine both the seroprevalence of T. gondii and the prevalence of T. gondii DNA in cats’ feces in Klang Valley, Malaysia. 198 blood and 201 fecal samples were collected from pet and stray cats from the local council, Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) and University Veterinary Hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia respectively. The overall seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in cats in the Klang Valley was found to be 5.5%. There was a high prevalence (10.5%) of T. gondii DNA detected in the cat fecal samples in both pet and stray cats suggestive of T. gondii oocyst shedding. Stray cats showed a higher seroprevalence and molecular prevalence of T. gondii than the pet cats. However, comparative analysis using Chi-square test showed no significant difference between both groups (P>0.05). Higher prevalence (10.5%) of cats shedding T. gondii DNA as compared to the seroprevalence (5.5%) was found in the cat population in the Klang Valley. The high prevalence of cats shedding T. gondii DNA is alarming as this may directly reflect the number of oocysts excreted into the environment posing a significant public health hazard

The past and current updates on diagnostic aspects of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive joint disease leading to the destruction of joint structures, which in turn causes severe and chronic pain to the patient. Since OA is a troubling and disruptive disease, numerous researches have been done into diagnosing this disease, both in the early and the late stages of the disease. Diagnostic modalities such as radiography, computed-tomography (CT), micro-computed tomography (μ-CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been used in OA research. Not only that, more advance measurements and criteria have been established to standardize OA research. Currently, the OA research has been delving into proteomic studies to search for potential disease biomarkers. Biomarkers such as urinary C-terminal telopeptide of collagen type 2 (uCTX-II) and cartilage oligometric protein (COMP) have shown potential to be both diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. For this review paper, the developments in diagnostic modalities are discussed focusing more on proteomic and biomarker studies

Serological detection of anti-leptospira antibodies among animal caretakers, dogs and cats housed in animal shelters in Peninsular Malaysia

Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease caused by Leptospira spp. and it has emerged as one of the major public health issues worldwide. Despite extensive studies, information regarding leptospirosis in animal shelters in Malaysia is still scarce. The aim of this study was to determine anti-Leptospira antibodies and the most common circulating serogroups among humans and animals in animal shelters in west and south parts of Peninsular Malaysia. Blood samples were obtained from 58 humans, 127 dogs, and 47 cats, that were recruited from two shelters. All humans and dogs appeared healthy, except few cats showed clinical signs of mild feline upper respiratory disease. Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) was used to detect anti-Leptospira antibodies against 20 pathogenic serovars. Based on the cut-off antibody titre ≥ 1:100, the sero-detection of Leptospira spp. in human, dogs, and cats were as 8.62%, 20.47%, and 14.89%, respectively. Serogroup Bataviae was found in human, dogs and cats, whereas Bataviae, Javanica, and Ballum were the common serogroups among dogs and cats. Anti-Leptospira antibodies titres were in the range from 1:100 to 1:200 in human and 1:100 to 1:400 in sheltered animals. Sero-detection studies of anti-Leptospira antibodies in shelters environment worldwide and regionally is necessary to increase the public health awareness and to understand the risk of this zoonotic disease. Furthermore, data regarding the predominant serogroups is needed in a local setting for further vaccination development studies. More studies are warranted to investigate the role of sheltered animals in leptospiral transmission in its environment

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in stray dogs from various locations in West and East Malaysia

Toxoplasmosis is caused by an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite; Toxoplasma gondii, which is one of the most important zoonotic parasite worldwide. In dogs, the sexual reproductive cycle of T. gondii is lacking, and the animals are not widely consumed as food, but they are vital in the mechanical transmission of the parasite. However, there is no present data on the exposure of stray dogs to T. gondii in Malaysia. The objective of this serological survey was to determine the prevalence of T. gondii antibodies (IgG) and associated factors in stray dogs in East and West Malaysia. Antibodies to T. gondii were determined in serum samples from 222 stray dogs from 6 different states in East and West Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia) using an Indirect ELISA. The seroprevalence for T. gondii was 23.4% (Confidence interval: CI 17.8–29.2%). Stray dogs from Selangor and Kuala Lumpur had the highest seroprevalence (32.4%; CI 13.2–45.5%) and lowest in those from Penang and Kedah (12.5%; CI 1.3–23.5%). Gender and breed were not associated with T. gondii seropositivity. However, adult dogs were more likely to be seropositive for T. gondii (OR=2.89; CI 1.1–7.7) compared with younger dogs. These results revealed that T. gondii is prevalent in stray dogs in the studied areas in Malaysia, and indicative of the level of environmental contamination of this parasite especially in urban areas

Determination of nutrient composition and presence of bacteria in raw versus boiled chicken liver diet

The purpose of this study was to determine the nutrient composition and presence of bacteria in both raw and boiled chicken livers. A total of six samples for each raw and boiled chicken livers, were prepared for the nutrient composition analysis. Both samples were also prepared for bacteria isolation and identification. All samples were cultured on the blood agar and tryptic soy agar for bacteria isolation. The isolated bacteria were identified using biochemical tests. Result shows that all proximate analysis for moisture content, dry matter, crude fat and crude protein, were statistically difference between raw and boiled chicken liver, except for ash content percentage. The bacteria species isolated from raw chicken livers were Aeromonas species, Streptococcus species, Actinomyces species, Proteus mirabilis and Salmonella species. There was absence of viable bacteria isolated from boiled chicken livers. Thus, it can be concluded that the raw chicken liver contains higher nutrients composition but harbours numerous opportunistic bacteria that might compromise the general health in pets as well as to the public

Diagnosis and medical management of oesophageal penetration in an abused dog

An adult male local breed dog was referred with the signs of haematemesis, haemoptysis and swelling at the ventral neck region. History revealed removal of a wooden stick from the oral cavity a day before presentation. Physical examination revealed a sublingual hematoma. Complete blood count revealed marked neutrophilic leucocytosis with left shift and low thrombocyte count. Serum biochemistry profile showed marked hyperglobulinaemia, elevated alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase. Radiographic examination revealed presence of a round soft tissue or fluid opacity structure just ventral to the larynx and multiple small rounded air opacities coalescing to linear gas opacities in bilateral fascial planes of the neck. Computed tomography (CT) scan revealed multiple small rounded air densities coalescing to form linear gas–attenuating density in the periphery of oesophagus, indicating cervical soft tissues emphysema. The dog was managed medically and regained appetite four days after hospitalisation. The dog was discharged after five days of hospitalization. No recurrence of clinical signs was reported

Molecular detection of tick-borne haemopathogens in shelter dogs and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (sensu lato) ticks from Peninsular Malaysia

Ticks are important vectors in transmitting various pathogens and they could jeopardize the health and welfare of humans and animals worldwide. The present study aimed to investigate the presence of important tick-borne haemopathogens (TBH) in dogs and ticks via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. A total of 220 blood samples and 140 ticks were collected from 10 animal shelters in Peninsular Malaysia. Of 220 blood samples, 77 (35 %) were positive to TBH, of which 20 % were E. canis, 12 % were A. platys, 7 % were B. gibsoni and 7 % were B. vogeli. All ticks were identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus with five samples (3.57 %) positive with TBH. Co-infections of TBH (0.45–9.55 %) in dogs were also observed in this study

Prevalence and types of cardiovascular disease in Cocker Spaniels presented to University Veterinary Hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia (2012–2014)

Acquired valvular disease is the most commonly encountered cardiovascular disease in veterinary practice, followed by myocardial diseases. Cocker Spaniels are known to be predisposed to chronic degenerative valvular disease (CDVD) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence and types of cardiovascular disease in Cocker Spaniels presented to University Veterinary Hospital (UVH), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) from 2012–2014. A total of 98 Cocker Spaniels were presented to the hospital, and 20 dogs had confirmed cardiac disease, while 5 cases had potential cardiac disease. Among the confirmed cases, the most common diagnosis was acquired valvular disease (52%), followed by myocardial disease (12.72%) by a large margin. One dog was diagnosed with DCM and concomitant CDVD; while only one dog was diagnosed with DCM. Another dog was diagnosed with a heart-base tumour. The average age at diagnosis was 9.4 years (range: 3–15 years old), while the youngest age at diagnosis was 3 years old. Interestingly, 55% of the confirmed cases were female, while only 45% were males. Dogs having cardiac disease may be asymptomatic; therefore the prevalence rate could be under-represented. Thus, an early screening for cardiac disease at young age is recommended

Risk factors and prediction of leptospiral seropositivity among dogs and dog handlers in Malaysia

This study determined the potential risk factors that may contribute to seropositivity among dogs and dog handlers from working dog and dog shelter institutions. Data was collected from dogs (n = 266) and dog handlers (n = 161) using a standardised guided questionnaire. Serum obtained from the dogs and dog handlers was tested using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). A logistic regression analysis was used to predict leptospiral seropositivity of dogs and dog handlers based on potential risk factors. A total of 22.2% of dogs and 21.7% of dog handlers were seropositive. The significant predictors for the dogs’ seropositivity were presence of rats (OR = 4.61 (95% CI: 1.05, 20.33), p = 0.043) and shared common area (OR = 5.12 (95% CI: 1.94, 13.46), p = 0.001) within the organisation. Significant predictor for dog handler seropositivity was contact time with the dogs of more than six hours/day (OR = 3.28 (95% CI: 1.28, 8.40), p = 0.013) after controlling for the effect of other risk factors such as small mammal contact, rat infestation at home, flooding at housing area (within three months) and urban locality. The exposure to various disease sources identified poses risk to dogs and dog handlers. Risk could be reduced with adequate application of protection at work while handling dogs and thus limiting contact with these sources and reducing exposure to infection