The occurrence of ochratoxin A (OTA) in canned (26 samples) as well as dry pet foods (17 samples) for cats and dogs was investigated. In addition, 26 feline kidney samples with or without kidney alterations were surveyed for OTA-residues. The separation and detection of OTA was carried out by an isocratic high-performance liquid chromatography system based on reversed phase with fluorescence detection. After homogenization and extraction steps, immuno-affinity columns were applied for sample clean up. OTA could be detected in 47% (n=40) of the pet food samples. Those found positive contained generally low amounts of OTA (0.1-0.8 microg/kg original substance). Higher levels were only detected in two pet food samples (3.2 and 13.1 microg/kg toxin, respectively). Low concentrations of ochratoxin A could also be found iIn tissue of cat kidneys, with 16 of the analysed kidneys (n=26) being positive. The concentration levels were between 0.35 and 1.5 microg/kg OTA in tissue. No relation between pathological findings and ochratoxin levels in feline kidneys could be assessed.

BackgroundSeveral species of trichomonads are intestinal or urogenital parasites of humans and animals, with only a few species typically being located in the oral cavity. The prevalence of oral trichomoniasis in dogs is approximately 15–25 %, although the prevalence varies among different populations and depends on age, sex and the health of the oral cavity.Case presentationA case of mandibular gland infestation by trichomonads in a 13-year-old female Dachshund with advanced periodontal disease and oral trichomoniasis is reported. The dog was referred due to a history of a painless swelling over the left submandibular region that increased in size over time. Based on physical and ultrasound examinations, a final diagnosis of mandibular gland cyst was established and transcutaneous needle aspiration was carried out. Numerous mobile trophozoites of trichomonads were found by microscopy and culturing for trichomonas was performed. The species was finally characterized as Trichomonas tenax by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing.ConclusionsStudies have shown that T. tenax can be found in humans in atypical locations such as the salivary glands and upper and lower respiratory tracts. According to our knowledge this is the first report of T. tenax being present in the salivary glands of a dog. Because of the relatively high prevalence of trichomoniasis in dogs with periodontal diseases, these parasites should be considered together with bacterial and viral agents in salivary gland infections, especially in individuals with compromised oral health.

Small mammals are suspected of contributing to the dissemination of Toxocara canis and helping with the parasite survival during periods when there is a temporary absence of suitable definitive hosts. While the primary aim of the current study was the assessment of seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. infections in wild rodents in Poland, we also explored the role of intrinsic (sex, age) and extrinsic factors (study site) influencing dynamics of this infection to ascertain whether grassland versus forest rodents play a greater role as indicators of environmental contamination with T. canis. We trapped 577 rodents belonging to four species (Myodes glareolus, Microtus arvalis, Microtus agrestis, Alexandromys oeconomus) in north-eastern Poland. Blood was collected during the parasitological examination, and serum was frozen at − 80 °C until further analyses. A bespoke enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect antibodies against Toxocara spp. We found Toxocara spp. antibodies in the sera of all four rodent species with an overall seroprevalence of 2.8% [1.9–4.1%]. There was a significant difference in seroprevalence between vole species, with the grassland species (M. arvalis, M. agrestis and A. oeconomus) showing a 16-fold higher seroprevalence (15.7% [8.7–25.9%]) than the forest-dwelling M. glareolus (0.98% [0.5–1.8%]). We hypothesise that the seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. differs between forest and grassland rodents because of the higher contamination of grasslands by domestic dogs and wild canids. Our results underline the need for wide biomonitoring of both types of ecosystems to assess the role of rodents as indicators of environmental contamination with zoonotic pathogens.

The paper presents a case of leiomyosarcoma of the gastrointestinal tract in a bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) with an ultrasound and histopathological description of pathological changes. According to our knowledge, leiomyosarcoma of the gastrointestinal tract and its ultrasound features have not been reported in lizards yet. A male bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps), aged 4 years, was referred for radiological and ultrasound examination with a history of apathy and loss of appetite. A preliminary diagnosis of an advanced neoplasia process in the caudal coelomic cavity was established by diagnostic imaging methods. The owner decided to euthanize the animal and agreed to a post-mortem examination. After euthanasia, a histopathological examination was performed. In a radiological examination, an irregularly marginated radiopacity measuring 5.8 x 4.0 cm was visible in the central part of the coelom. Serosal margin details in the coelomic cavity were decreased, and differentiation of coelomic organs was impossible. An ultrasound examination confirmed a large amount of free echogenic fluid in the coelomic cavity. The liver had increased echogenicity, and a hypoechoic focal lesion was found in the right lobe. Mixed echogenicity masses were visible in the caudal coelom adjacent to the small intestinal loops. In one of the adjacent intestinal loops, a focal thickening of the small intestinal wall was observed with loss of the normal layered architecture. The mass had complex and mostly low echogenicity with a cystic lesion present in the centre. Necropsy confirmed the presence of proliferative lesions in the body cavity, originating from the intestine and infiltrating the mesentery and the lumbar spine area as well as the gonads located at this site. On the basis of the histological structure of the intestinal tumour, the neoplastic proliferation was classified, according to the WHO classification, to a group of malignant tumours with characteristics of leiomyosarcoma and arising from the smooth muscles. The ultrasonographic features of gastrointestinal leiomyosarcoma in that lizard corresponded to features found in dogs, in which such tumours occur as eccentric, poorly echogenic masses with anechoic cavities in large changes. Leiomyosarcoma in reptiles can be locally invasive as well. Metastatic foci are also possible, especially in the liver.

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