Orientador: Stélio Pacca Loureiro Luna / Resumo: A parvovirose canina destaca-se como um dos principais agentes etiológicos nas gastroenterites infecciosas em cães jovens, apresentando alta virulência e mortalidade em decorrência da gravidade do estado clínico geral dos pacientes. Seu tratamento clínico é sintomático, principalmente através da reposição eletrolítica e do controle do vômito e diarreia. Este fato aliado ao aumento crescente do índice de óbitos, estimulou o estudo de novas abordagens terapêuticas para o desenvolvimento de novos protocolos. A Ozonioterapia se destaca neste cenário em decorrência de suas múltiplas propriedades farmacológicas, atuando como antiviral, imunoestimulatório, anti-inflamatório, analgésico, dentre outros. Neste estudo, objetivou-se avaliar a Ozonioterapia como tratamento complementar em cães que apresentaram PCR positivo de fezes para parvovirose. Para isso, 25 animais aleatoriamente divididos em 2 grupos por meio de sorteio foram avaliados, sendo 7 animais do grupo controle (GC=7) e 18 animais do grupo ozônio (GO=18). Os animais tinham até dois anos de idade, vacinados e não vacinados contra parvovirose, machos ou fêmeas, sem distinção de raça ou porte. Durante o período de tratamento, os animais tiveram o hemograma, consistência das fezes, presença ou ausência de sangue nas fezes, presença ou ausência de êmese e o desfecho, com a alta ou óbito, como parâmetros. O desfecho pode ser considerado a variável de maior relevância clínica, demonstrando diferença significativa entre os grupos,... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Canine parvovirosis stands out as one of the main etiological agents in infectious gastroenteritis in young dogs, presenting high virulence and mortality due to the severity of the patient’s general clinical condition. Its clinical treatment is symptomatic, mainly through electrolyte replacement and control of vomiting and diarrhea. This fact, combined with the increasing death rate, has stimulated the study of new therapeutic approaches for the development of new protocols. Ozone therapy stands out in this scenario due to its multiple pharmacological properties, acting as an antiviral, immunostimulatory, anti-inflammatory, analgesic agent, among others. The aim of this study was to evaluate ozone therapy as a complementary treatment in dogs with positive stool PCR for parvovirus. For this, 25 animals randomly divided into 2 groups by lot were evaluated, being 7 animals from the control group (CG = 7) and 18 animals from the ozone group (GO = 18). The animals were up to two years old, vaccinated and unvaccinated against parvovirus, male or female, regardless of breed or size. During the treatment period, the animals had blood count, stool consistency, presence or absence of blood in the stool, presence or absence of emesis and the outcome, with discharge or death, as parameters. The outcome can be considered the most clinically relevant variable, demonstrating a significant difference between the groups, where the animals in the control group were 20 times (95% CI 2.2 - 180.9... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Studies comparing canine distemper virus (CDV) strains from Africa with that of previously described lineages have been hampered due to a lack of field strains for in vitro experiments. There are no reports of CDV isolations in southern Africa, and although CDV is said to have geographically distinct lineages, molecular information of African strains has not yet been documented. Clinical specimens consisting of whole blood, spleen, lungs, brain and cerebrospinal fluid from dogs with clinical signs suggestive of distemper were obtained from private veterinary practices and diagnostic laboratories in Gauteng province, South Africa. One hundred and sixty two specimens from 124 dogs were inoculated into Vero cells expressing canine signalling lymphocyte activation molecule (Vero.DogSLAM). Cytopathic effects (CPE) in the form of syncytia formation and cell necrosis were observed in 33 (20.4%) specimens within 24 hours of inoculation and the presence of CDV was confirmed with the aid of the direct fluorescent antibody test and electronmicroscopy (EM). Viruses isolated in cell cultures were subjected to reverse transcription – polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and the complete H gene was sequenced and phylogenetically analysed with other strains from GenBank. The animals all displayed the catarrhal, systemic, or nervous signs of the disease. Four of the dogs positive for CDV by viral isolation had a history of prior vaccinations to canine distemper. Seventy three percent of all positive dogs were less than 12 months old. There was no breed or sex predisposition to CDV infection in domestic dogs. Phylogenetic comparisons of the complete H gene of CDV isolates from different parts of the world (available in GenBank) with wild-type South African isolates revealed nine clades. All South African isolates form a separate African clade of their own and thus are clearly separated from the American, European, Asian, Arctic and vaccine virus clades. It is likely that only the ‘African lineage’ of CDV may be circulating in South Africa currently, and the viruses isolated from dogs vaccinated against CDV are not the result of reversion to virulence of vaccine strains, but infection with wild-type strains. Copyright / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Veterinary Tropical Diseases / unrestricted

To investigate the bacterial composition of infected and non-infected dog bite wounds (DBW), a prospective study was performed on dogs with various grades of bite wounds presenting at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital, University of Pretoria, and a nearby animal shelter. Fifty dogs with bite wounds inflicted within the previous 72 hours were selected. This represented 104 wounds. Wounds were clinically graded according to severity. Swabs were collected from all wounds for bacterial culture and cytology. Infection was diagnosed if 2 of the following 3 criteria were met: macroscopic purulence, microscopic presence of phagocytosed bacteria, or pyrexia. Non-infected wounds were either classed as sterile (established by culture) or contaminated (culture positive but bacteria not phagocytosed on cytology). To determine the origin of the bacteria, swabs were collected from the skin near the wounds and gingiva of 15 bite victims. All swabs were cultured aerobically and anaerobically and all aerobic cultures were evaluated for antimicrobial susceptibility using the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion test. The victims were predominately male, uncastrated, small-breed dogs. Of the 104 wounds studied, 21 were judged to be infected and 83 non-infected. Infected wounds were significantly more likely to culture positive (Fisher's exact test: p = 0.02). Sixteen per cent of wounds did not culture bacteria, 67% grew aerobes only, 1% anaerobes only and 67% a mixture of aerobes and anaerobes. A total of 213 isolates were cultured representing a mean of 2 isolates per wound. Of the aerobe species cultured, 22%, 19% and 17% belonged to the genera of Pasteurella, Streptococcus and Staphylococcus respectively. The species of Pasteurella multocida (66%) and Staphylococcus intermedius (70%) were predominant. Pasteurella canis and pyogenic streptococci were common in infected wounds, whereas Bacillus spp., Actinomyces spp. and oral streptococci were usually found in contaminated wounds. Three anaerobic genera were cultured, namely, Prevotella, Clostridium and Peptostreptococcus, and were usually associated with wounds with dead space. This study also describes the first documented case of Capnocytophaga canimorsus in an infected dog bite wound. Notably clinical and cytological assessment was capable of establishing whether antimicrobials were required or not. Although no single antimicrobials was considered to be effective against all the bacteria, amoxycillin plus clavulanic acid, 1st and 3rd generation cephalosporins, ampicillin or amoxycillin and potentiated sulphonamides gave the best in vitro sensitivity results. / Dissertation (MMedVet(Surgery) Small Animal Surgery)--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Companion Animal Clinical Studies / unrestricted

Thoracic injuries caused by blunt trauma are commonly encountered emergencies in veterinary medicine. However, no literature exists comparing radiography to computed tomography (CT) in blunt thoracic trauma caused by motor vehicle accidents in canine patients. The aim of this prospective case series was to estimate the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of thoracic radiography relative to CT for detecting lung contusions, pneumothorax, pleural effusion and rib fractures. The study further aimed to establish a severity scoring system for radiography and CT and to compare the findings between the two modalities. The hypothesis was that radiography would be less sensitive than CT at detecting these injuries and that radiography would underestimate the severity of lung contusions compared to CT. Fifty-nine patients met the inclusion criteria. Radiography underestimated the presence of lung contusions (Se = 69%, 95% Confidence interval (CI)) and overestimated the severity of the contusions relative to CT. There was also high interobserver variability in evaluating lung contusion severity (coefficient of variation = 91%). Both the three-view thoracic and horizontal beam radiography had poor sensitivities for the detection of pneumothorax (Se = 19% and 63% respectively) and pleural effusions (Se = 43% and 71% respectively). Similarly, the sensitivity (56%) of three-view thoracic radiographs for the detection of rib fractures was poor relative to CT. To conclude, three-view thoracic radiography had low sensitivity for pathology related to blunt thoracic trauma caused by motor vehicle accidents and CT could be considered as an additional diagnostic imaging modality in these patients. / Dissertation (MMedVet (Diagnostic Imaging))--University of Pretoria, 2019. / Companion Animal Clinical Studies / MMedVet (Diagnostic Imaging) / Unrestricted

Successful treatment of canine pyoderma has become increasingly difficult due to the development of antimicrobial resistance and recurrence of infection. The development and spread of antimicrobial resistance has major implications because treatment failures have been associated with increased mortality, morbidity and costs related to disease. All canine skin samples submitted to Vetdiagnostix Veterinary Pathology Services for microbiological culture and sensitivity between January 2007 and June 2010, from which Staphylococcus intermedius was isolated, were selected for this investigation. A total of 319 samples from dogs of various ages, sexes and breeds from various locations throughout South Africa were obtained. In addition to the antimicrobial susceptibility data, data relating to dog signalment (age, gender, breed), case history and any other aspects of the history provided e.g. diagnosis, sample type and geographical location of the patient were collected. The number of skin samples yielding Staphylococcus intermedius was high in dogs up to the age of 6 years and, then decreased with only a few cases in dogs aged 11 years or older. The distribution of samples collected in 2010 was unusual in that there were two peaks, one in dogs two years old or less and one in 6 to 9-year-old dogs. With the exception of skin samples taken in 2008, a high percentage of dogs were under the age of one year old. 2008 had a lower percentage of affected dogs less than one year of age compared to the other years. Staphylococcal pyoderma is more common in dogs below the age of five years. Dogs above this age are less likely to contract this condition. The genders tended to be equally distributed throughout the years, with almost equal proportions of affected males and females present. The Bull Terrier types and Shepherd types were grouped separately as they were over-represented and are known to be prone to pyoderma. Large short haired dogs were consistently worse affected throughout the years sampled, followed by the Bull Terrier types. In 2010, small short haired breeds were worse affected compared to the numbers between 2007 and 2009. The monthly distribution, with the exception of 2009, tended to be consistent throughout the years. The unusual temporal distribution in 2009 could be associated with a general distribution in the number of samples compared to the other years sampled. Samples tended to be mainly from practices located in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. This is most likely due to the fact that the laboratory is located in this province, with a courier network that arranges collection from these practices. Practices in other regions send their samples to the laboratory via private courier companies and the South African Post Office. Antimicrobial resistance of S. intermedius was greatest to ampicillin followed by tetracycline and then potentiated sulphonamides. The results also showed that, in general, antimicrobial resistance was low. Very few methicillin resistant isolates were detected. Temporal trends were not noted, with the exception of ampicillin where isolates became more susceptible and potentiated sulphonamides (co-trimoxazole) where isolates were becoming more resistant. Staphylococcus intermedius is significantly less resistant to erythromycin, clindamycin, cephalexin, oxacillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, enrofloxacin, marbofloxacin and gentamicin, with most strains being susceptible to these drugs. Resistance to penicillin and tetracycline is frequently found in Staphylococcus intermedius and is on the increase. Resistance to most other antimicrobials, particularly newer generation antimicrobial agents such as the fluoroquinolones, is still comparatively low. In general, both the Kirby-Bauer and broth dilution MIC tests yielded similar results for the antimicrobial agents tested. The main difference between the two tests was evident in the over-estimation of resistance by the Kirby-Bauer test in the cases of ampicillin, co-trimoxazole, penicillin and doxycycline. This could be related to the instability of these particular drugs in vitro. Inoculum densities may also have played a role, with denser inocula producing smaller zone sizes for the drugs tested. Using the MIC method, all of the isolates tested were found to be completely sensitive to ticarcillin, oxacillin, amoxicillinclavulanic acid, imipenem, ceftiofur, chloramphenicol, doxycycline, gentamicin, amikacin and co-trimoxazole. Of the isolates tested using the MIC method, between 2-40% showed some level of resistance to the following antimicrobials: erythromycin, penicillin, ampicillin, enrofloxacin, clindamycin and marbofloxacin. The highest level of resistance observed was shown to erythromycin. The increase in resistance to the lincosamides, lincomycin, clindamycin and erythromycin may be attributed to the increased use of these drugs in the last decade. Knowledge of trends in bacterial resistance is important for veterinarians when determining treatment for canine skin infections. The information obtained from the analysis of the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of Staphylococcus intermedius isolated from canine pyoderma cases will provide veterinarians with valuable information on choosing the most appropriate drug to treat S. intermedius skin infections as well as re-enforcing the need for the prudent use of antimicrobial drugs in companion animals. Copyright / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Veterinary Tropical Diseases / unrestricted

No description available.

This study was carried out to determine the usefulness of standard electrocardiography for the diagnosis of early canine heartworm disease. Baseline electrocardiograms were recorded in 12 dogs. Thirty artificial Dirofilaria immitis worms were inserted in the pulmonary artery of each dog. New electrocardiograms were recorded on days 1-4, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 after insertion of worms. A significant attenuation of amplitude of Q wave in lead I was recorded on days 1-4, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35; of R wave in lead II on days 21, 28 and 35; and of S wave in lead aVR on days 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35. Duration of the QRS complex in lead AVF was significantly prolonged on day 14. In 41.6% of the dogs, right axis deviation was recorded. These results suggest that for a dog whose normal baseline standard electrocardiogram is known, a comparison of the QRS complex of the baseline with those of subsequent standard electrocardiograms may suggest early canine heartworm disease when there is an attenuation of amplitude of Q wave in lead I, R wave in lead II and S wave in lead aVR. An additional indication can be right axis deviation.

This study compared uncomplicated canine babesiosis (CB) with various grades of experimentally induced normovolaemic anaemia (EA) and the physiological state (controls) in the dog using Doppler variables of the abdominal aorta and splanchnic vessels. There were 14 cases of uncomplicated CB, and each EA and control group had 11 Beagles. There were significant increases in the abdominal aorta, cranial mesenteric artery, coeliac artery and main portal vein blood flow velocities, and in portal blood flow during EA when compared with the physiological state. There were significant reductions in resistance indices of the same vessels, and those of the hilar splenic artery. Changes were most notable during severe EA and less consistent during lower grades of anaemia. Significant changes in renal haemodynamics were found only during severe acute EA. In contrast to other abdominal vessels, left renal artery pulsatility and resistive indices increased significantly during EA while those of the interlobar artery remained unchanged. There was a significant increase in peak systolic velocity and significant decrease in end diastolic velocity. Renal artery time-averaged mean velocity (TAVmean) (P < 0.008) and end diastolic velocity (P = 0.041) were significantly lower than the corresponding variables of the aorta, cranial mesenteric and coeliac arteries during the EA but not the physiological state. The TAVmean ratio was significantly (P< 0.014) lower during EA when compared to the physiological state, and significantly (P< 0.004) lower than the corresponding variables of cranial mesenteric or coeliac artery during the EA but not the physiological state. There was a striking similarity between CB and EA regarding haemodynamic change patterns of Doppler variables in all vessels. In spite of this, renal resistive indices during CB were significantly higher than during EA and the physiological state. The similarity between CB and EA haemodynamic patterns is attributed to anaemia while significant differences between them may be attributable to pathophysiological factors peculiar to CB. This observation supports the view that CB impairs renal circulation through certain mechanisms such as capillary blockage with sequestered red blood cells. Doppler ultrasonography is a useful technique for clinical investigation of haemodynamics in CB and related diseases. / Thesis (PhD (Veterinary Science))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Companion Animal Clinical Studies / unrestricted

The role of histamine in chronic gastrointestinal diseases has been increasingly recognized in humans, but the role of histamine in the canine gastrointestinal tract has not been thoroughly investigated. The presence and distribution of all 4 histamine receptors (H1, H2, H3, and H4) in the stomach, duodenum, ileum, jejunum, and colon of healthy dogs were evaluated with a commonly employed immunohistochemistry technique using antibodies predicted to cross react with canine histamine receptors. All 4 histamine receptors were identified in the canine gastrointestinal tract, and differed in location and density within sections of the canine gastrointestinal tract. Antibody specificity was evaluated with Western blot. With the establishment of a method to study histamine receptors in the canine gastrointestinal tract, additional research to evaluate histamine receptors in dogs is warranted to further understand the pathophysiology and treatment of chronic canine enteropathies.

Respiratory complications in dogs with cervical myelopathies can be life-threatening and are attributed to spinal cord morbidity secondary to cervical disease or decompressive surgery causing diaphragmatic dysfunction. However, diaphragmatic dysfunction in these dogs has not been described. Thirtyive client-owned dogs were recruited with 14 control and 21 test dogs. Dogs were evaluated for the presence of diaphragmatic dysfunction using radiography, M-mode ultrasonography, and fluoroscopy (gold standard) before and after an anesthetic or surgical event. Diaphragmatic dysfunction was observed more frequently in dogs with cervical disease prior to surgery (8/21 dogs, 38.1%) compared to control dogs (3/14 dogs, 21.4%) but was not statistically significant (odds ratio, 2.3; 95% confidence interval, 0.48-10.6; P = 0.30). Further, the frequency of diaphragmatic dysfunction did not significantly increase following surgical decompression in either group. Thus, dogs in this study with cervical disease and undergoing decompressive surgery were not considered to have a higher probability of diaphragmatic dysfunction compared to the control dogs.