Mycoplasma in canine reproduction

MGDr. Miroslav Genov, DVM, PhD student

EVSSAR member

“Multidisciplinary Veterinary Clinic BULGARIA”

Sofia, Bulgaria

 

 

 

 

 

MMMirela Marinova ,Vet student

“Multidisciplinary Veterinary Clinic BULGARIA”

Sofia, Bulgaria

 

Mycoplasmas are bacterial organisms that have been placed in a separate class because of their small size. The lack of a rigid, protective cell wall makes them fragile outside the host but confers resistance to antibacterials that act by invoking cell wall damage.

They live on urogenital and respiratory mucosal surfaces in their hosts because they need a nutrient-rich environment. Their fastidious growth requirements and sensitivity to adverse environmental conditions, such as dryness and heat, complicate their diagnosis. They are difficult to culture without special media.

Several mycoplasma species have been found to be normal inhabitants of the upper respiratory and genital tracts of the dogs and cats and can be routinely isolated.

The diseases they cause involve inflammation of mucosal or serosal surfaces of the respiratory and urogenital tracts, joints, mammary glands and conjunctiva. Systemic spread often involves immunosuppression.  Some mycoplasmas may become intracellular, resulting in chronic persistent infections.

Same species of mycoplasmas have been isolated from the upper and lower respiratory tracts of healthy dogs, lower respiratory tract of pneumonic dogs, from the genital tracts and urine of the dog: M. bovigenitalium, M. canis, M. cynos, M. edwardii, M. arginini, M. spumans, M. molare, M. maculosum, M. opalescens.

 

 

Mycoplasma and genitourinary infections in the dog

Isolating mycoplasmas in large numbers from the urine of dogs with urinary tract infection is not uncommon – most times mixed with bacteria, but also occasionally isolated in pure culture.

Mycoplasmas of the reproductive tract are considered to be opportunistic- they have been implicated in causing reproductive disease in the bitch, although they are also frequently isolated on clinically normal animals with no evidence of reproductive tract disease. The establishment of mycoplasma from vaginal swab or semen does not always correlate to reproductive disease. Clinical manifestation often results when an animal is under stress or exposed to high numbers of organisms. Clinical findings often are diversified and nonspecific. Mycoplasma spp. Infections should be considered a potential differential diagnosis for dogs presented for evaluation of coughing, dyspnea, fever, pollakiuria, hematuria, azotemia, lameness, mucopurulent vaginal discharge or infertility.

There are two ways of transmission for mycoplasma- aerosol, since they live in the respiratory tract, and venereal transmission.

Mycoplasma colonization of the vagina has been demonstrated following prolonged treatment of bitches with oral ampicillin and sulfonamides- this suggests that the wide-spread use of antimicrobial agents in healthy bitches should be avoided.

Samples in bitches must be obtained from the vaginal area close to the cervix and semen from stud dogs must be collected using a sterile technique, avoiding urethral contaminants. The samples should be sent to competent laboratories since mycoplasmas require special techniques for successful growth in cultures. PCR assays are also available for amplification of mycoplasmal DNA. Interpretation of positive culture results in sick animals is difficult.

Mycoplasmas are generally susceptible to the macrolides, pleuromutilins, tretacycline, chloramphenicol, spyramycin, clindamycin, fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides. Doxycycline administered orally at 5-10 mg/kg q12-24h is generally effective in animals with a competent immune system. Erythromycin administered orally at 20 mg/kg q8-12h or lincomycin administered orally at 22 mg/kg q12h should be used in pregnant animals.

 

Clinical cases

Case I

Patient history:

A 6-year-old  female Giant Schnauzer had one normal pregnancy and parturition in the past.

The second pregnancy of the bitch was detected at day 30.  A week later the dog was lethargic and had vaginal discharge. Embryo resorption was confirmed by ultrasound. No tests were done.

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The dog visited the clinic for artificial insemination with fresh semen. A vaginal swab was collected and sent for PCR testing for genital mycoplasma, brucella, herpes and chlamydia. The results came back positive for Mycoplasma spp.

Doxycycline treatment was initiated 10 mg/kg once daily for three weeks.

During the next heat a retest was done and the results were negative.3

Transcervical insemination was performed using fresh semen from a male Giant Schnauzer who was also positive for Mycoplasma spp. and treated with doxycycline.

 

 

Case II

Patient history:

A 2-year-old female Caucasian shepherd was diagnosed pregnant 30 days after natural mating.

On the 53 day of pregnancy the puppies were stillborn and the bitch ate them.

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A complete blood cell count (CBC) revealed leucocytosis. Аbdominal ultrasonography confirmed no foetuses and  excess fluid in the uterus.

PCR testing of vaginal swab was positive for Mycoplasma spp.

Doxycycline treatment was initiated 10 mg/kg once daily for three weeks.

It was recommended to the owners to do a retest during next estrous.

 

 

 

 

Case III

Patient history:

A 2-year-old  female Giant Schnauzer failed to get pregnant after the first mating. The reproductive cycle after that was normal.

 

We recommended PCR testing for genital mycoplasma, brucella, herpes and chlamydia.

The results came back positive for Mycoplasma spp. after the dog was inseminated. The treatment of choice  was enrofloxacin for 10 days. AI was unsuccessful.4

The male that had direct sexual contact  with the Schnauzer was also positive for Mycoplasma spp.- after administration of  doxycycline 10 mg/kg once daily for three weeks his second test was negative.

3.4.2

 

Case  IV

Patient history:

A Cane Corso in heat was admitted for monitoring of estrous.

She was bred by artificial insemination at her last season  but failed to conceive.

 

The owners shared they had other bitches that mated, but did not get pregnant. The PCR test was positive for Mycoplasma spp..

Therapy with marbofloxacin for 21 days was recommended and also PCR test for the other dogs, isolation and antibiogram.

 

 

 

 

Summary

When a bitch’s past medical history includes failure to conceive and resorption of fetuses, especially when the estrous cycle was normal, a test for sexually transmitted diseases should be done. It’s recommended to identify the microorganism and do a sensitivity test.

Mycoplasma spp. Is just one of the many factors that affect canine reproduction.

 

ecipa

 

Uterine prolapse in cats – tips & tricks

YordanovStoyanovYavor Stoyanov, DVM

Yordan Yordanov, DVM

Bomed Veterinary Clinic – Sofia

Uterine prolapse is a relatively uncommon complication of parturition, occurring infrequently in cats. Ekstrand and Linde-Forsberg reported it as accounting for 0.6% of the maternal causes of dystocia. The etiology of uterine prolapse is unknown in queens. The prolapse can be complete, with both horns protruding from the vulva, or limited to the uterine body and one horn. Uterine prolapse requires immediate attention. It is an obstetric emergency.

A 1-year-old female European Shorthair outdoor cat weighing 2.5 kg was presented to our clinic with 96h after parturition. Two days before presentation his caretaker saw “something like placenta to hanging behind the cat”.

On physical examination, the animal was alert, 38.3 °C and slightly dehydrated. The pulse and respiratory rate were both within normal ranges. The prolapse of the uterus was complete, with both horns protruding from the vulva. The exposed tissue was congested and slightly edematous with a few small areas of necrosis, and was covered with debris.

The exposed uterus was palpated to rule out the possible presence within it of any abdominal organs such as the urinary bladder.

Tips & Tricks. Ultrasound examination of the abdomen and the uterine prolapse can be performed to reveal the position of the urinary bladder and the intestine.

Tips & Tricks. Topical application of Manitol 10% can be performed to reduce the oedema in prolapsed tissue.

CBC and biochemical analysis were performed. CBC showed WBC 38.8 x109/l, HGB 89 g/l, HCT 0.265 l/l.  Other parameters of the biochemical analysis and packed cell volume were all normal in range.

After premedication with domitor/buprenorphine/ketamine, anesthesia was induced with propofol after preoxygenation. An endotracheal tube was inserted and anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane. Preoperative antibiotics: Cefazoline i.v. and enrofloxacine s.c.

The surgery was performed in two steps: first the replacement of the prolapsed horns and uterus and then ovariohysterectomy.Uterine prolaps Cat

Tips & Tricks. If the prolapsed organ is in very good condition and the cat is a valuable breeding animal you can try conservative treatment. Replacement, following by medical treatment Oxitocin (0.5-1.0 UI) and antibiotics. Complications may develop from minor laceration of the uterus to septicemia or uterine rupture.

Tips & Tricks. Do OHE! It is the safest option in this situation.

Tips & Tricks. OHE can be performed before reduction if the uterus is too contaminated or necrotic or ruptured.

In this reported case the uterus looked in good condition.

Gross debris was removed gently from the prolapsed organ by irrigation with hypertonic solution.

Then the uterus was reponeted carefully, starting from tip of the horns, one by one.

Tips & Tricks. Use some type of lubricant, like Vaseline.

Tips & Tricks. Oxytocin 0.5 IU can be administered directly in prolapsed tissue to facilitate uterine involution prior to replacement. Attention! Oxitocin make uterine tissue fragile.

Tips & Tricks. An episiotomy may be performed to assist uterine replacement.

Tips & Tricks. Cystocentesis may be performed before attempting to reposition the uterus.

Tips & Tricks. Use monofilament suture material, like PDS 2-0 for cervix ligatures. Polyfilament suture can cut the weakened uterine tissues like saw.

Apposition of vulvar lips was performed with a horizontal mattress pattern without tightening to allow vulvar discharge and normal urination.

This suture was removed after 24 h.

 

The queen recovered well. Postoperative treatment included the use of an Elizabethan collar and intravenous fluid therapy.

The day after surgery, the cat was alert, urinated normally and there was mild discharge from the vulva.

Antibiotic treatment for 5d amoxicillin/clavulanic acid -Synulox and Enrofloxacin.

Tips & Tricks. Postoperatively, urination should be monitored as swelling and pain can lead to urethral obstruction.

Conclusions

Although rare, uterine prolapse should be managed as an emergency. The treatment for uterine prolapse depends upon the severity of damage to the uterus. The prognosis following treatment for a uterine prolapse is guarded to good, depending on the timing of veterinary intervention.

 

Panda mouse- case presentation

67668506_2745972975432468_1475995593221341184_nDr Spas Spasov

Veterinary Center Dr Antonov

Varna, Bulgaria

Case presentation

Whole family of Panda mice (two adults and 12 babies) were presented at the clinic with acute and severe Pruritus and progressive history of hair loss for the past two weeks.894602907_220806952540902_4939403224386895872_n

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clinical signs:

Severe Pruritus, Hypotrichosis, Seborrhea and secondary scratch wounds.

These symptoms are presented in all of the 14 mice.

Diagnostics:

1 4 7

Scotch tape samples from two of the babies and both adults.

All samples were positive for the parasite Myocoptes musculinus (dozens – male, female and eggs).

copro 1

Coproparazitologic sample

copro 2

Coproparazitologic sample

Fecal samples (native and flotation) were done – both were negative for endoparasites and positive for mites (adults and eggs).

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Treatment:

Once a week – Ivermectine spot on and disinfection of the enclosure.

 

Data:

Myocoptes musculinus is the most common parasite in mice.

Typical affected areas are the neck, the head and the shoulders.

Oral Ivermectin doesn’t seem to be very effective. Environmental sanitation is vital.

There’s no data of zoonotic aspect .

REFERENCES:

Small Animal Dermatology 7th edition

“We are all together”- such a beautiful initiative and wonderful vets from 12 countries share their love, because sharing is carying

10334323_1650417485231859_7490271749546982451_nVeterinarians from 12 countries have shown their concern for the veterinary world in time of Pandemic and social isolation.

We would like to express our gratitude to all of them:

Romania: Dr Robert Popa, Dr Constantin Ifteme, Dr Florin Delureanu, Dr Raluca Zvorasteanu, Dr Lucian Fodor, Dr Diana Soare, Dr Giulia Nadasan, Dr Alexandra Curac, Dr Alexandru Vitalaru, Vet student Ilinca Zarinschi

Bulgaria: Dr Yovko Haralanov, Dr Spas Spasov. Dr Luba Gancheva, Dr Todor Kalinov, Dr Sofia Sinadinova, Dr Yavor Stoyanov

Serbia: Dr Andrija Dakovic, Dr Zoran Loncar, Dr Nikola Katic, Dr Goran Cvetkovic, Dr Ivana Jovandine

Slovenia: Dr Ana Nemec

Croatia: Dr Lea Kreszinger

North Macedonia: Dr Svetla Drakulovska

Turkey: Dr Murat Saroglu

Italy: Dr Luca Formaggini

UK: Dr Luca Ferasin

Belgium: Dr Ann Criel

Switzerland: Dr Katharina Brunner

Portugal: Dr Dr Goncalo Da Garca Periera

 

Here you can watch all of them here in our channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj3rBMaB1sD1hXHWIhcrkmw/videos

 

 

 

 

The power of local therapy in superficial bacterial infections- part 2

67668506_2745972975432468_1475995593221341184_nDr Spas Spasov

Veterinary Center Dr Antonov

Varna, Bulgaria

 

Sandra is a French bulldog whose case I have been following  for 2 years.

Sandra is regularly vaccinated and with regular tick and flea treatmen and dewormig as well .

 

When we first met, Sandra  was prescribed 2 mg of Prednisolone per kg in the morning and evening.

There were already 2-3 diets with hypoallergenic food with no results .

When the dog is on Prednisolone is very good, with no symptoms.

 

Sandra has been on immunotherapy for two years and during this time there are a total of 3-4 exacerbated periods with superficial bacterial infection.86731524_2593062557606841_6481170903102128128_n 86796564_540897716551707_1088806477625294848_n

To control these infections we tried various antibacterial shampoos and the ONLY systemic antibiotic we used was amoxicillin with clavulonic acid (at least one month ingestion)86654192_3849015221805694_8360675259283668992_n 86671200_2685748064865626_3817080252207726592_n 86696362_2218223128473460_5054249941212332032_n 86697202_485388832135765_3554367668330954752_n

86648294_214183006375305_3623894315450761216_nDuring immunotherapy, Sandra takes 1/4 of Prednisolone at 5 mg every 36 hours (Sandra weights about 15 kg throughout the therapy).

For two years, Sandra was very good, and controlling the pyoderma was relatively easy without changing the doses of immunotherapy and without changing the dose of Prednisolone.

The last case of bacterial infection was the beginning of November 2019.86696316_183578386233461_4810920583397113856_n 86702696_191563688606644_4592023430513033216_n

We began the scheme with Chloroxiderm and Amoxicillin with clavulonic acid.

10 days later, it had no effect, even the opposite.

Sandra’s skin was flushed with pustules, color and intense itching.

 

We did cytology, bacteriology and antibiogram.

The results (Staph. intermedius ) were completely resistant to 15 types of antibiotic from different groups.

The only antibiotic that worked was Rifampim, which is a strategic antibiotic in human medicine and we decided not to use.

Sandra’s improvement has been much slower and in the last few months we have changed several different regimens of local therapy.

Peptive Shampoo & Foam, Duoxo tampons & duoxo spo on  (First Month Every Day)

Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, Chloroxiderm shampoo, Duxo pyo shampoo and foam (second month every day)

Since the beginning of January, Sandra has been on Peptive again with a bath twice a week and a hermitra spray.

The itching has decreased to normal, there are no new pustules and the hair is gradually recovering.

In conclusion, every time we use an antibiotic for systemic therapy or topical therapy, we should think very carefully about all the possible options because resistance is one of the greatest problems of our future.

Diagnosis :

Atopic dermatitis

Superfitial pyodermia

The power of local therapy in superficial bacterial infections- part 1

67668506_2745972975432468_1475995593221341184_nDr Spas Spasov

Veterinary center Dr Antonov

Varna, Bulgaria

 

 

A topic not only for dermatologists.

“Recent high-profile reports warn of the dangers of not taking action. A bleak report by economist Jim O’Neill, commissioned by the British government and released in May, estimates that 700 000 deaths globally could be attributed to AMR this year and that the annual toll would climb to 10 million deaths in the next 35 years. The report projects US$ 100 trillion in losses by 2050 if nothing is done to reverse the trend.”

Aa quote from the World Health Association website.

1.Clinical case of Azar .86809005_225664251788761_2987290882698379264_n

*HISTORY

 

Azar is a 3 years old cane corso dog.

There is a regular   vaccination  and tick and flea teratments  with tablets (isoxazolines).

Case history .

A month and a half ago, the owner has taken Azar to another clinic because of the many  pustules on the dog’s chin.

Clinical symptoms include itching in the facial area, redness, and many of about 0.5 cm pustules all over the chin.86720876_1100028783670155_9119763329592590336_n
Systemic antibiotic therapy and topical once-daily chloroxidine therapy were prescribed for Azar.

Two weeks later there was no change in the condition  of the dog.

Bacteriology and antibiogram were performed( Staph. Aureus ) , a second systemic antibiotic was added after the result (the first antibiotic was discontinued).

Staphyococcus aureus is extracted from the antibiogram.

Both antibiotics show the sensitivity of the causative agent.

Two weeks after the second antibiotic, there was no change in Azar’s condition.

  1. Clinical presentation

At the initial examination, Azar was in good general condition, but there were numerous pimples throughout the chin area, which were very easily bleeding and pussing.

In addition, Azar defecates 3-5 times a day and most times the stools are not well formed.

  1. We did cytology and deep scraping of the skin.

Cytology:
Mass neutrophils, macrophages, and cocci bacteria.

84223870_659853468118050_7209325832966242304_n85199680_200298631039436_2333131612209807360_n86702132_1496491853857452_6623962133149253632_n

Skin scraping
No demodex or other parasites of deep skin scraping.

 

Initial therapy:

Local therapy with daily chloroxiderm shampoo, duxo pio tampons and duxo seb spot form and Diprogenta 0.5 mg / 1 mg / g cream

betamethasone / gentamicin for 10 days.

The effect after the first 10 days is significant and more than satisfactory, so the therapy prescribed after day 10 was changed only with shampoo with peptide.

10 days later, there were almost no signs of infection.

10 days later, Azar’s therapy was limited to once daily administration of the duxo self-tampons and once a week the duxo-seb spot form, as well as a curative diet with the Analergenic diet.

86262184_184910839401369_1308086097347084288_n86754901_594896047756071_3207263053011746816_n

There are no signs of bacterial infection now, gastrointestinal symptoms are no longer observed, and therapy is just cleansing with duxo swabs (suitable for daily use).

 

 

Diagnosis:

Chin furunculosis and suspected food allergy.

Tension pneumoperitoneum due to spontaneous gastric perforation in cat

MetodievStoyanovBorislav Metodiev, DVM       Yavor Stoyanov, DVM

Bomed Veternary Clinic, Sofia

Pneumoperitoneum refers to accumulation of gas within abdominal cavity, resulting from a perforated hollow viscus, penetrating wounds or bacterial peritonitis. Emergency condition of massive pneumoperitoneum compromise cardiorespiratory function, known as pneumoperitoneum, has been reported in humans. In veterinary medicine, there are also a few similar cases.

This study reports a case of a cat that developed tension pneumoperitoneum secondary to gastric perforation. The cat was treated with emergency abdominocentesis, followed by laparotomy.Pneumoperitoneum

A 10 years old British shorthair spayed female cat Tara (2.8 kg) was presented with a remarkable abdominal distention. Three months ago, the cat was operated because of suspected alimentary lymphoma. A part of small intestine and caecum was removed. Histology confirmed large cell lymphoma. Tara was started on chlorambucil and prednisolone protocol. Regular control examinations showed only decreased appetite and one or two times weekly vomiting. The last examination was two days before pneumoperitoneum, and ultrasonography was unremarkable.

At the time of admission, the cat was in good condition except respiratory distress, with huge ballooned, tympanic abdomen. Abdominal US showed only gas. Emergency needle abdominocentesis was performed, and about 300 ml air was aspirated. Than was performed X-ray. The abdominal radiograph showed distended by air abdominal wall, compressed viscus, displaced to thoracic cavity diaphragm. There was no evidence for free fluid in abdominal cavity. Subcutaneously was small amount of air, leaked after the needle aspiration. Second abdominocentesis was performed, and about 400 ml air was aspirated. The aspirated gas had no odor or admixtures.

On the next day, the cat was rehydrated, and a laparotomy was performed. Mild peritonitis was found with a small almond of yellowish ascites. The small intestines were empty, in the large intestines there were some faeces. The site of previously enter anastomosis was perfect. There was no evidence of leaking from the gut or any visible evidence of recurrence of lymphoma. A 6-8 mm perforation was found at the gastric fundus. The stomach, liver margin and omentum were mildly adhered. Other portions of stomach wall looked visually and palpably normal. After blunt dissection of the adhered liver and omentum, the gastric perforation was closed with interrupted sutures. Materials from stomach wall for cytology and from free fluid for microbiology were taken. Abdominal cavity was flushed with 0.9% warm saline and closed in a routine manner. Cytology did not show atypical cells, or any suspect for alimentary lymphoma. Microbiology was unremarkable.

Reported common causes for pneumoperitoneum in small animals include abdominal surgery, gastrointestinal perforation and bacterial peritonitis. In cats pneumoperitoneum also has been reported as complication after endoscopic biopsy or gastrostomy tube replacement. Most of these cases have not shown severe abdominal distention, necessitating emergency decompression.

The exact cause of gastric perforation in this cat is unknown. We suspect local weakness of gastric wall due to iatrogenic factors. Chlorambucil or prednisolone, or combination of these two medicaments may cause damage of mucosa and weakness in the walls of GI tract.

Necessity of therapeutic emergency abdominocentesis due to spontaneous pneumoperitoneum in cats has been emphasized only in few previous reports.

 

Paradoxical Vestibular Syndrome

61902515_2345560455717555_5482604974015774720_o

Dr Svetoslav Penchev

Dr Svetoslav Penchev

United Veterinary Clinic

Varna, Bulgaria

 

 

 

Paradoxical Vestibular Syndrome is a condition that affects flocculonodular lobe or the caudal cerebellar peduncle of the cerebellum and causes vestibular signs. These parts of the cerebellum participate in central components of vestibular apparatus and are responsible for the maintenance of equilibrium and coordination of head and eye movements;
This syndrome is called paradoxical vestibular disease because the head tilt and circling occur contralateral to the lesion. There is usually some evidence of cerebellar disease on neurological examination, such as ipsilateral dysmetria and head tremor.

Signalment: 8 years old, male, not castrated French bulldog

History: The owner noticed that the head of his dog is not in normal position and is tilt to the left. The dog was carried to its personal doctor, and the doctor had doubts that the dog was having problem with the inner ear . The doctor refer the dog to me for computer tomography, and for approval of the diagnosis.

Case presenting signs: Left head tilt, progressive vestibular signs

Clinical examination: Internal body temperature 38,1 ; Respiratory rate: 36 breaths per minute ; Color of mucous membranes – pink; CRT – 1,5 sec.
Puls 110 bpm ; The overall condition of the dog was normal and there was no no signs of pain.

Neurological examination:
Mentation and behavior-normal; Posture – Left head tilt; Gait – Vestibular ataxia, increase muscle tone and dysmetria of right fore and hind limbs The dog react with cranial and spinal normoreflexia. Menace response reaction of right eye was a little bit reduced. There was no change in conscious proprioception and bladder function was normal. The owners report for intention tremor of the head when the dog is waiting to be fed.

Neuroanatomic localisation: Central Vestibular ; Right Cerebellar Flocculonodular lobe; Paradoxical Vestibular Syndrome

Differential diagnosis:

Neoplastic/Degenerative

Case work-up:
CBC and Biochemistry were normal. Magnetic resonance of the head was performed with GE MRI 1.5 Tesla.

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Image 1

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Image 3

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Image 5

MRI images : Image 1
Image 2
Image 3 –
Image 4-
Image 5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MRI findings :
A single oval T1-hypo and T2, T2 FLAIR-hyperintensive intra-axial mass is observed, leading out of the cerebellar vermis and affecting the both cerebellar hemispheres. The mass is well circumscribed by the surrounding tissues, with extracapsular expansion and diffuse infiltration into the the gray matter. There is a significant mass effect that reveals compression of the flocculonodular lobe and reveals obstruction to the flow of cerebrospinal fluid with secondary dilatation of the quarter ventricle and central canal with subsequent syringohydromyelia.
Diagnosis: Cerebellar neoplasia
Treatment:
The clinical condition of the dog did improved after i.v
infusion with Mannitol (0.25g/kg bolus 3 times over 20 minutes) , Harmann`s solution 20ml/kg and Prednisolone p.o 0.5mg/kg – 2 times daily – for 3 days . Next 10 days the dog take Prednisolone 0.5 mg/kg 2 times daily at home.
Control visiting on the 14th day -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRyp9sgqCjE

All of previous clinical signs were more severe present. There was no more improvement with this therapy and the owners chose to euthanize the dog.
With both central and peripheral Vestibular syndorme, the head tilt, circling and nystagmus typically occur ipsilateral to the side of the lesion. Less frequently, lesions affecting the caudal cerebellar peduncle, the fastigial nucleus, or the flocculonodular lobes of the cerebellum can cause central Vestibular disease with a resulting paradoxical head tilt. Bilateral Vestibular disease is characterized by head sway from side to side, loss of balance on both sides and symmetrical ataxia with a wide-based stance.  A physiological nystagmus usually cannot be elicited and a head tilt is not observed.

NEW Hill’s ActivBiome+ Technology in Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome Manages Gastrointestinal Health in Cats and Dogs

Clinical Evidence Reporthills

 

The gastrointestinal tract is inhabited by communities of microorganisms essential to host health. These microorganisms, including desirable and undesirable bacteria, are referred to as the micriobiome and the exact population of micoorganisms is unique to each host.

Bacteria in the microbiome are functionally and compositionally diverse, allowing contribution to energy homeostasis, metabolism, gut epithelial cell health, and immunologic activity. This population is not static and can change to due to medications, such as antibiotics, environmental factors, disease states and dietary influences. Additionally, it is common to see dysbiosis (imbalance in the gastrointestinal microbiome) in chronic GI disease in cats and dogs.

Over the past several years, Hill’s has focused heavily on studying the microbiome, characterising bacterial populations of the gastrointestinal tract of cats and dogs. Most critically, Hill’s has performed analyses to understand the functions of those bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.

 

 

Hill’s has found that a pet’s gastrointestinal health can be impacted by ActivBiome+ Technology, a blend of synergistic prebiotic fibres that works with with each pet’s unique gastrointestinal microbiome.

 

 

1WHAT IS ACTIVBIOME+ TECHNOLOGY?

Hill’s Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome contains ActivBiome+ Technology. This is a proprietary blend of synergistic prebiotic fibres that works with, and is utilised by, each pet’s unique bacteria in the large intestine allowing the beneficial bacteria to flourish and produce postbiotics (metabolic products of microbial metabolism) to help the host. By promoting the growth of desirable bacteria, it also helps to reduce the growth of potentially undesirable bacteria and their metabolites. The fibre sources in ActivBiome+ Technology were selected because they have multiple functions and have fibre bound polyphenols. The bacteria ferment the fibres and produce gut-nourishing compounds, as well as release and activate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory polyphenols. These postbiotics benefit the gut, as well as other organs and tissues.

How does ActivBiome+ Technology improve Gastrointestinal Health?

A series of studies at Hill’s Pet Nutrition Center (PNC) were conducted demonstrating how ActivBiome+ Technology works and clinically showed improvements when this synergistic blend of prebiotic fibres was added to certain foods. Both dogs and cats showed improvements in markers of gastrointestinal microbiome health. Dogs also showed improvements in stool quality.1,2

One canine feeding study evaluated the benefits of the ActivBiome+ Technology in healthy dogs (n=16) and in dogs with chronic, recurrent enteritis or gastroenteritis (n=16) in a randomised, cross-over design study. ActivBiome+ Technology was added to either a hydrolysed meat food (Food A, Fig 1) or grain-rich food (Food B, Fig 2) and fed over a 56 day period. All dogs had significant improvements in stool quality, including those with chronic enteritis/gastroenteritis, when given food that included the ActivBiome+ Technology fibre blend.2 ™

Shemi 1

Active Biome+ Technology Improved Stool Quality in All Dogs

 

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the changes in stool quality among all dogs consuming this fibre blend. By the end of 4 weeks, the stool quality score of the dogs with chronic enteritis/ gastroenteritis had improved to the point that they were no longer significantly different from the healthy dogs.

Additionally, a significant increase in beneficial bacteria taxa (e.g. Lachnospira sp, Fig 3) and a decrease in harmful bacteria taxa (e.g. Desulfovibrio sp.) was observed. This positive change in the microbiome also leads to an increase in the production of helpful postbiotics. ActivBiome+ Technology significantly increased faecal levels of certain polyphenols and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA’s, Fig 4). The SCFA’s help reduce faecal pH, creating an environment that favours the growth of beneficial bacteria in the host. Potentially harmful postbiotics (faecal polyamines such as putrescine, spermidine) were also measured and were reduced by the addition of ActivBiome+ Technology2.

Shemi 2

 

Similar to studies performed with dogs, the feline research done at the PNC on 28 healthy cats showed that ActivBiome+ Technology helped create a more positive gastrointestinal microbiome environment. There was a significant increase in beneficial bacteria. There was also a significant increase in key postbiotics, such as SCFA’s (acetic & propionic acids) from fibre fermentation and a decrease in fatty acids (isobutyric, 2-methylbutyric, & isovaleric acids) from protein breakdown. Increased stool moisture and decreased pH were also achieved whilst maintaining acceptable stool scores1.

 

NEW ActivBiome+ Technology has been proven to provide

numerous benefits in cats and dogs.

  • Nourishes the pet’s individual gut microbiome and promotes beneficial bacteria
  • Activates the microbiome to release and convert fibre bound polyphenols into more potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant postbiotics
  • Increases short-chain fatty acid production to nourish colon cells
  • Promotes healthy stool quality in healthy dogs and dogs with enteritis2

MODIFIED PANCARPAL ARTHRODESIS “Dobro hrumvane” – new extreme challenge, new success

logoThis year the created 5 years ago by our team new orthopedic technique for cases with radial nerve palsy in cats (see article http://balkanvets.com/index.php/2019/03/09/main-topic-a-new-approach-to-radial-nerve-palsy-in-cats-clinical-case-series-report/) met its biggest possibe challenge and led the case to unexpected 100 % success:

Cat, M, approx 3 years old, Otelo.  The cat has survived after severe trauma which forced colleagues to amputate one front limb and to try saving the other one using standard surgical procedure.  Weeks later the cat came to us for euthanasia: lethargic, anorhexic, with decubital wounds and with very deep and extremely inflammated and painful exhoriation at the chest area due to body dragging on the floors. The not amputated leg wasn’t functional. It was swallowed, with severe purulent inflammation and permanent fistula, with evaluating maluinon (high degree rotation and mild varus) and with radial nerve paralysis, the antebrachial bones showed all radiographic signes of osteomyelitis.  The patient showed all clinical and paraclinical signs of evaluating sepsis. Additionally Otelo had also severe lungs problem. We took the risk to prepare the cat for the DH arthrodesis surgery and to test our technique in these extremest possible conditions.

Otelo’s condition 1st day in clinic:pic 1

 

It took almost 3 weeks to prepare Otelo fur surgery, lungs multimodal treatment including Opti-Airwei, treatment against the systemic and local infections and lesions, chronic pain and exhaustion.

We used the technique on its standard way, we just decreased the rerotation angle from 90-95 degrees to 80-82 degrees, because cats with only one front limb move the existing one to the median body line which leads to natural 10-12 degrees carpal rerotation.

 

Otelo 5 min post-op X-ray: pic 2

Pre- and intra-operatively we took material for bacterial identification and antibiogram. Of course we counted as usual on VetDiaLab with their unique system for automathic identification even to subtype and for authomatic machine antibiograms. The VetDiaLab fantastic work was the key for complete solving of the chronic multi-infection.

Thanks to the precise lab results, the reliable technique and the amazing post-op care of our team (even including adoption of the patient by “fallen in love” with him team member) Otelo overcame the victim pose, the decubital wounds, the chest deep exhoriation and uses its leg with full geometrical functionality. The deep antebrachial bone infection was 100 % overcome only after removing one of the screws which kept infection – after this manipulation the operative suture finally healed 100 % and we removed the collar on Christmas!

 

Otelo Christmas video: