No abstract

We examined the presence of antibodies against the parasites Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, and Leishmania spp., as well the presence of DNA from Leishmania spp., in dogs from Pirassununga -SP. The seropositivity rate was compared with the animals' originating location. Three hundred seventy-three blood samples from the county's kennel and local veterinary clinics were collected and analyzed. A total of 300 samples were tested for T. gondii and N. caninum using an indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT); 45% (135/300) were positive for T. gondii and 24.3% (73/300) were positive for N. caninum. Three hundred seventy-three samples were tested for Leishmania spp. using the IFAT. Of these, 4.6% (17/373) were positive. Additionally, 145 samples were tested using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR); of these samples, 0.7% (1/145) was positive. Considering the results, we conclude that these parasites are present in the city of Pirassununga -SP and that the animals have contact with the protozoan. It is therefore necessary to create methods for disease prevention to maintain both animal and human health in regard to leishmaniasis and toxoplasmosis.Keywords: IFAT, PCR, dogs, epidemiology, Leishmania spp., Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii. ResumoAvaliou-se a presença de anticorpos contra Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum e Leishmania spp.; assim como a presença de DNA de Leishmania spp. em cães de Pirassununga-SP, e associou-se sua soropositividade ao local de origem dos animais. Foram coletadas 373 amostras de sangue do canil municipal e de clínicas veterinárias locais, que foram analisadas pelo teste de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI). Do total, 300 amostras foram testadas para T. gondii e N. caninum, das quais 45% (135/300) foram positivas para T. gondii e 24,3% (73/300) para N. caninum. Para Leishmania spp. foram avaliadas 373 amostras pela RIFI, sendo 4,6% (17/373) positivas. Adicionalmente, 145 amostras foram testadas utilizando-se a PCR e, dessas amostras, 0,7% (1/145) foi positiva. Considerando-se os resultados, pode-se concluir que esses parasitos estão presentes na cidade de Pirassununga -SP e que os animais tiveram contato com os protozoários. Faz-se, dessa forma, necessária a divulgação de meios de prevenção às doenças, com o intuito de manter o controle sobre as mesmas, tanto na saúde animal quanto na saúde humana, em relação à leishmaniose e à toxoplasmose.

Objective To assess the efficacy of 0.1% oclacitinib as a single agent, and in combination with tacrolimus 0.01%, for the control of ophthalmic signs of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) in dogs. Animals studied Thirty‐two dogs (57 eyes) diagnosed with idiopathic KCS were included. Inclusion criteria were Schirmer Tear Test 1 (STT‐1) values <15 mm/min and concurrent clinical signs such as ocular hyperemia and discharge. Procedures The animals were submitted to a randomized, open‐label, 5‐week study and divided into 3 treatment groups treated with the following ophthalmic solutions: (a) 0.1% oclacitinib, (b) 0.1% oclacitinib +0.01% tacrolimus, and (c) 0.01% tacrolimus. Eye drops were instilled twice daily (12‐hour intervals). At each follow‐up examination, STT‐1, clinical signs, and potential drug side effects were assessed. Results Oclacitinib did not significantly improve STT‐1 values or clinical scores. Tacrolimus alone and in combination with oclacitinib increased mean STT‐1 values by 11.84 ± 5.2 and 12.46 ± 5.3 mm/min, respectively (P = 0.0001). Clinical scores of ocular discharge and hyperemia also improved significantly in both groups receiving treatment with tacrolimus (P < 0.05). However, addition of oclacitinib to tacrolimus provided no additional improvement over tacrolimus alone. Conclusions Topical 0.1% oclacitinib twice daily is not effective in controlling the ocular signs of KCS in dogs. 0.01% tacrolimus increased STT‐1 values significantly and could potentially be used as a treatment for mild‐to‐moderate cases of KCS. Synergism between drugs did not occur, and therefore the use of oclacitinib is not justified in cases of canine KCS.

The purpose of this study was to carry out a descriptive investigation of the Azara's agouti ( Dasyprocta azarae) eye and to establish reference values of select ophthalmic diagnostic tests and physiologic parameters. A total of 19 healthy agoutis were used. Select ophthalmic diagnostic tests were performed, including Schirmer tear test type I (STTI), analysis of the conjunctival bacterial microflora, corneal esthesiometry, and tonometry. B-mode ultrasonic biometry, fundus photography, optical coherence tomography, and gross and histologic analysis of two eyes were also performed. Reference range parameters found for the ocular diagnostic tests were esthesiometry, 4.50 ± 0.36 cm (0.7 ± 0.01 g/mm); tonometry, 11.61 ± 0.44 mm Hg; palpebral fissure length, 1.70 ± 0.25 mm; STTI, 9.73 ± 0.47 mm/min; corneal thickness, 0.8 ± 0.003 mm; anterior chamber depth, 1.71 ± 0.07 mm; lens thickness, 5.03 ± 0.05 mm; vitreous chamber depth, 5.12 ± 0.01 mm; and globe axial length, 14.02 ± 0.01 mm. A paurangiotic, retinal, vascular pattern with a conspicuous pigment-laden optic disc was observed. The most frequent bacteria isolated were nonhemolytic Streptococcus sp. (36.84%), followed by Enterobacter harfinia (31.58%) and Escherichia coli (28.95%). No significant differences between genders or between left and right eyes were found for any of the results. Gross and histologic evaluation of two eyes confirmed the presence of melanocytic pigment granules between optic nerve fibers. The diagnostic values and the morphologic observations described here provide a reference to veterinarians to aid in the diagnosis of ocular disease.