Potential role of Alternaria and Cladosporium species in canine lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis

in Journal of Small Animal Practice (2013), 54 (4)

Salmeterol or doxycycline do not inhibit acute bronchospasm and airway inflammation in cats with experimentally-induced asthma

in Veterinary Journal (2011)

The objective of this study was to determine if inhaled salmeterol, a long-acting β2-adrenergic agonist, and oral doxycycline, a tetracycline antibiotic displaying matrix metalloproteinase (MMP ... [more ▼]

The objective of this study was to determine if inhaled salmeterol, a long-acting β2-adrenergic agonist, and oral doxycycline, a tetracycline antibiotic displaying matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitory activity, reduce airway inflammation and obstruction in cats with experimentally-induced asthma. Eight Ascaris suum (AS)-sensitised cats were enrolled in a prospective study in which they underwent four AS-challenges at 1 month intervals. The challenged animals were given no treatment or were treated on 4 consecutive days with either: (1) oral prednisolone (1 mg/kg twice daily), (2) inhaled salmeterol (50 μg twice daily), or (3) oral doxycycline (5 mg/kg twice daily), according to a randomised cross-over design. Inhibition of allergen-induced early (EAR) and late (LAR) asthmatic reactions were assessed by barometric whole-body plethysmography. Cytology and measurement of MMP-2 and -9 activities were carried out on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Although none of the treatments prevented the EAR, prednisolone treatment inhibited the LAR. Relative to untreated cats, the eosinophil percentage and MMP-2 activity in BALF were significantly reduced following prednisolone treatment (P < 0.05). Short-term therapy with either salmeterol or doxycycline had no effect on the EAR or LAR or on airway inflammation. Given the chronic nature of this disease in cats, long-term therapy may be required to produce more favourable functional and clinical outcomes. [less ▲]

CCDC39 is required for assembly of inner dynein arms and the dynein regulatory complex and for normal ciliary motility in humans and dogs.

in Nature Genetics (2011), 43(1), 72-8

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is an inherited disorder characterized by recurrent infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract, reduced fertility in males and situs inversus in about 50% of ... [more ▼]

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is an inherited disorder characterized by recurrent infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract, reduced fertility in males and situs inversus in about 50% of affected individuals (Kartagener syndrome). It is caused by motility defects in the respiratory cilia that are responsible for airway clearance, the flagella that propel sperm cells and the nodal monocilia that determine left-right asymmetry. Recessive mutations that cause PCD have been identified in genes encoding components of the outer dynein arms, radial spokes and cytoplasmic pre-assembly factors of axonemal dyneins, but these mutations account for only about 50% of cases of PCD. We exploited the unique properties of dog populations to positionally clone a new PCD gene, CCDC39. We found that loss-of-function mutations in the human ortholog underlie a substantial fraction of PCD cases with axonemal disorganization and abnormal ciliary beating. Functional analyses indicated that CCDC39 localizes to ciliary axonemes and is essential for assembly of inner dynein arms and the dynein regulatory complex. [less ▲]

Computed Tomographic Features of Choanal Atresia in a Friesian Foal

in Journal of Equine Veterinary Science (2010), 30(8), 436-440

A 3 week old Friesian foal colt was presented with a history of respiratory distress since birth. Endoscopy showed obstruction of the right nasal passage to the nasopharynx. Computed tomography (CT) was ... [more ▼]

A 3 week old Friesian foal colt was presented with a history of respiratory distress since birth. Endoscopy showed obstruction of the right nasal passage to the nasopharynx. Computed tomography (CT) was performed to further characterize this unilateral blockage: images showed demonstrated a complete membranous obstruction of the ventral meatus, together with a deviation of the vomer bone to the left. The diagnosis of unilateral choanal atresia was confirmed. This is the first report describing CT features of choanal atresia in a foal. [less ▲]

Prophylactic effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and luteolin on airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation in cats with experimentally-induced asthma.

in Veterinary Journal (2010)

The aim of this study was to assess the preventive effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega3 PUFA) and luteolin supplementation on allergen-induced inflammation in eight Ascaris suum (AS ... [more ▼]

The aim of this study was to assess the preventive effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega3 PUFA) and luteolin supplementation on allergen-induced inflammation in eight Ascaris suum (AS)-sensitised cats. Airway responsiveness (AR) tests were performed and venous blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) collected before and following a single (AS-stimulated) allergen exposure, as well as at the end of a 4-week treatment period, which was followed by a second AS-challenge. The omega6/omega3 fatty acid ratio in erythrocyte membranes, BALF cytology, AR to carbachol, and BALF lipoxin A(4) (LXA(4)), an endogenous inhibitor of inflammation, were assessed at each time point. Compared to respective unstimulated values, AS-challenged cats exhibited a significant rise in BALF eosinophil percentage and there was a trend to increased BALF total cell counts, increased AR and reduced BALF LXA(4) concentrations. The significant decrease in the blood omega6/omega3 ratio seen after supplementation demonstrated that omega3 PUFA were efficiently absorbed. No changes in BALF cytology were found between untreated and treated AS-stimulated cats, but BALF LXA(4) levels were significantly elevated and AR significantly decreased following supplement intake. The study suggests that omega3-luteolin supplementation may have some beneficial effects on AR through a LXA(4)-dependent pathway in cats with experimentally-induced asthma. [less ▲]

Evaluation of oscillometric devices for detection of hypotension in anaesthetized dogs.

in Proceedings of the 9th EVECCS Annual meeting (2010)

Cytokine expression by Aspergillus fumigatus stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from dogs with sino-nasal aspergillosis.

in Proceedings of the 20th Annual Congress of the ECVIM-CA (2010)

Detection of a new mutation responsible for primary ciliary dyskinesia in a pedigree of old English Sheepdogs

in 19h ECVIM Meeting - Porto, Portugal - 8-10 septembre 2009 (2009, September)

Effect of sampling method and incubation temperature on fungal culture in canine sino-nasal aspergillosis

in Journal of Small Animal Practice (2009), 50(2), 67-72

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the most appropriate sampling procedure and the effect of incubation temperature on fungal culture in the diagnosis of canine sinonasal aspergillosis (SNA). METHODS: Sixteen dogs ... [more ▼]

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the most appropriate sampling procedure and the effect of incubation temperature on fungal culture in the diagnosis of canine sinonasal aspergillosis (SNA). METHODS: Sixteen dogs with SNA and 20 dogs with non-fungal nasal disease entered a prospective study. Nasal secretions and mucosal biopsies were collected in all dogs. Fungal plaques were also sampled in dogs with SNA. Each specimen was taken in duplicate from each dog and incubated at room temperature and 37 degrees C. RESULTS: In dogs with SNA, nasal secretions, mucosal biopsies and fungal plaques yielded fungal growth at room temperature in one, one and seven dogs, respectively, whereas fungal growth was obtained at 37 degrees C in three, 12 and 14 dogs, respectively. No specimen collected from any dog with non-fungal nasal disease yielded fungal growth at room temperature or at 37 degrees C. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The diagnosis of canine SNA is more likely to be confirmed following culture of mucosal biopsies or fungal plaques than nasal secretions sampled blindly with swabs. Incubating cultures at 37 degrees C is more likely to provide a diagnostic outcome than when samples are cultured at room temperature. Fungal culture of nasal specimens has good specificity for the diagnosis of SNA in dogs. [less ▲]

Comparison of three serological tests for the diagnosis of canine sino-nasal aspergillosis.

in Proceedings of the 18th ECVIM-CA Congress (2008, September)