Detection of Cercopithifilaria bainae infection in shelter dogs and ticks in Oklahoma, USA

Abstract Background Cercopithifilaria bainae is a filarioid nematode of dogs. Infection with the parasite was not reported in the USA until 2017, when a dog with skin lesions in Florida was diagnosed. Brown dog ticks, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, are the purported tick vectors, and are widespread in the USA. Therefore, C. bainae is likely present in additional states. Here, we tested dogs and ticks in Oklahoma for evidence of C. bainae infection. Methods Dermal punch biopsies were opportunistically collected from municipal shelter and client-owned dogs. Multiple skin samples collected from interscapular and head regions were tested by saline sedimentation to recover live microfilariae for morphometric identification and by PCR to amplify a 330 bp region of the filarioid 12S rRNA gene. Also, ticks observed on surveyed dogs were collected, identified to species level, and tested for filarioid DNA. Results A total of 496 saline sedimentations were performed on 230 shelter and 20 client-owned dogs. Cercopithifilaria bainae infections were identified in 2.6% (6/230) of shelter dogs by morphometry of microfilariae in sedimentations and/or amplification of DNA from skin. DNA sequences amplified from PCR positive skin samples were 99–100% identical to C. bainae reported in Italy. All skin samples from client-owned dogs were negative for filarioid infection by saline sedimentation and PCR. A total of 112 ticks, comprised of four species, were collected. Two of 72 R. sanguineus s.l., both engorged females found attached to a C. bainae infected dog, harbored C. bainae DNA (99–100% identity). One attached R. sanguineus s.l. male on the same dog harbored filarioid DNA sequence which was difficult to interpret at numerous base-pair locations, but was closest in identity (~80%) to C. bainae . Conclusions The distribution of C. bainae is more widespread than previously known. Here, we document C. bainae infections in dogs and DNA in brown dog ticks in Oklahoma for the first time. As brown dog ticks are commonly found throughout the USA, veterinarians in this region should consider C. bainae infection as a differential diagnosis in canine patients with dermatitis or polyarthritis.

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Detection and prevalence of Cercopithifilaria bainae infection in shelter dogs in Oklahoma, USA

10.21203/rs.2.18980/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Megan W. Lineberry ◽

Kellee D. Sundstrom ◽

Susan E. Little ◽

Erin M. Stayton ◽

Kelly E. Allen

Keyword(s):

Dna Sequences ◽

Rhipicephalus Sanguineus ◽

Skin Lesions ◽

Positive Skin ◽

Cercopithifilaria Bainae ◽

Rhipicephalus Sanguineus Sensu Lato ◽

The Usa ◽

Shelter Dogs ◽

Tick Vectors ◽

Skin Samples

Abstract Background Cercopithifilaria bainae is a filarioid nematode of dogs. Infection with the parasite was not reported in the USA until 2017, when a dog with skin lesions in Florida was diagnosed. Brown dog ticks, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, are the purported tick vectors, and are widespread in the USA. Therefore, C. bainae is likely present in additional states. Here, we tested dogs and ticks in Oklahoma for evidence of C. bainae infection.Methods Dermal punch biopsies were opportunistically collected from municipal shelter and client-owned dogs. Multiple skin samples collected from interscapular and head regions were tested by saline sedimentation to recover live microfilariae for morphometric identification and by PCR to amplify a 330 bp region of 12S filarioid rDNA. Also, ticks observed on surveyed dogs were collected, identified to species level, and tested for filarioid DNA.Results A total of 1,521 biopsy samples were collected from 230 shelter and 20 client-owned dogs. Cercopithifilaria bainae infections were identified in 2.6% (6/230) of shelter dogs by morphometry of microfilariae in sedimentations and/or amplification of DNA from skin. DNA sequences amplified from PCR positive skin samples were 99–100% identical to C. bainae reported in Italy. All skin samples from client-owned dogs were negative for filarioid infection by saline sedimentation and PCR. A total of 112 ticks, comprised of four species, were collected. Two of 72 R. sanguineus s.l., both replete females found attached to a C. bainae infected dog, harbored C. bainae DNA (99–100% identity). One attached R. sanguineus s.l. male on the same dog harbored filarioid DNA sequence which was difficult to interpret at numerous base-pair locations, but was closest in identity (~80%) to C. bainae.Conclusions The distribution of C. bainae is more widespread than previously known. Here, we document C. bainae infections in dogs and DNA in brown dog ticks in Oklahoma for the first time. As brown dog ticks are commonly found throughout the USA, veterinarians in this region should consider C. bainae infection as a differential diagnosis in canine patients with dermatitis or polyarthritis.

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Detection of Cercopithifilaria bainae infection in shelter dogs and ticks in Oklahoma, USA

10.21203/rs.2.18980/v3 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Megan W. Lineberry ◽

Kellee D. Sundstrom ◽

Susan E. Little ◽

Erin M. Stayton ◽

Kelly E. Allen

Keyword(s):

Dna Sequences ◽

Rhipicephalus Sanguineus ◽

Skin Lesions ◽

12S Rrna ◽

Rrna Gene ◽

Positive Skin ◽

Cercopithifilaria Bainae ◽

The Usa ◽

Shelter Dogs ◽

Skin Samples

Abstract Background Cercopithifilaria bainae is a filarioid nematode of dogs. Infection with the parasite was not reported in the USA until 2017, when a dog with skin lesions in Florida was diagnosed. Brown dog ticks, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, are the purported tick vectors, and are widespread in the USA. Therefore, C. bainae is likely present in additional states. Here, we tested dogs and ticks in Oklahoma for evidence of C. bainae infection. Methods Dermal punch biopsies were opportunistically collected from municipal shelter and client-owned dogs. Multiple skin samples collected from interscapular and head regions were tested by saline sedimentation to recover live microfilariae for morphometric identification and by PCR to amplify a 330 bp region of the filarioid 12S rRNA gene. Also, ticks observed on surveyed dogs were collected, identified to species level, and tested for filarioid DNA. Results A total of 496 saline sedimentations were performed on 230 shelter and 20 client-owned dogs. Cercopithifilaria bainae infections were identified in 2.6% (6/230) of shelter dogs by morphometry of microfilariae in sedimentations and/or amplification of DNA from skin. DNA sequences amplified from PCR positive skin samples were 99–100% identical to C. bainae reported in Italy. All skin samples from client-owned dogs were negative for filarioid infection by saline sedimentation and PCR. A total of 112 ticks, comprised of four species, were collected. Two of 72 R. sanguineus s.l., both engorged females found attached to a C. bainae infected dog, harbored C. bainae DNA (99–100% identity). One attached R. sanguineus s.l. male on the same dog harbored filarioid DNA sequence which was difficult to interpret at numerous base-pair locations, but was closest in identity (~80%) to C. bainae . Conclusions The distribution of C. bainae is more widespread than previously known. Here, we document C. bainae infections in dogs and DNA in brown dog ticks in Oklahoma for the first time. As brown dog ticks are commonly found throughout the USA, veterinarians in this region should consider C. bainae infection as a differential diagnosis in canine patients with dermatitis or polyarthritis.

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Can Dogs’ Origins and Interactions with Humans Affect Their Accomplishments? A Study on the Responses of Shelter and Companion Dogs during Vocal Cue Training

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11051360 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. 1360

Author(s):

Maria Luiza A. Fonseca ◽

Angélica S. Vasconcellos

Keyword(s):

Social Interactions ◽

Social Deprivation ◽

Behavioral Responses ◽

The Other ◽

Influential Factor ◽

Vocal Cues ◽

Companion Dogs ◽

Shelter Dogs ◽

Tone Of Voice ◽

Neutral Tone

The inclusion of life history as a possible influential factor is pivotal in studies on behavior, welfare, and cognition. Shelter dogs have usually experienced a life involving poor social interactions with humans. Thus, we aimed to investigate the behavioral responses of shelter dogs (SDs) and companion dogs (CDs) during the training of two vocal cues (“sit”, “paw”), as well as the possible associations between their responses and the behaviors of trainers. We studied 15 SDs and 15 CDs in up to eight five-minute training sessions. Dogs’ and trainers’ behaviors were recorded and analyzed (through GLM, GLMM, correlation and Mann–Whitney tests). Shelter dogs responded to more cues per session, with shorter latencies and fewer repetitions of cues. Moreover, SDs spent more time wagging their tails. Dogs’ sex and trainers’ behaviors were also associated with differences in dogs’ responses. The use of a reproachful tone of voice was associated with a greater number of cues responded to, shorter latencies, and fewer repetitions of cues. However, this type voice/discourse was also linked to a greater exhibition of non-training behaviors (e.g., exploring the room or jumping on the trainer), and to dogs spending less time next to the trainer and wagging their tails. On the other hand, the use of a neutral tone of voice and laughter, besides being linked to performance, was also associated with longer durations of tail wagging. Furthermore, the duration of the trainers’ orientation to dogs was correlated with the orientation of the dogs to the trainers. Our data suggest that, even when having experienced social deprivation from humans, SDs’ capacities to learn vocal cues were preserved, possibly due to ontogenic homeostasis processes. Shelter dogs’ greater interest in the sessions may be also credited to their socially-deprived routine. Our outcomes also point to an association between friendly interactions during training and dog performance and excitement, which suggests that such interactions may have the potential to improve SD welfare.

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The effects of distance on pointing comprehension in shelter dogs

Animal Cognition ◽

10.1007/s10071-021-01480-w ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Heidi Lyn ◽

Megan Broadway ◽

Stephanie E. Jett ◽

Mystera M. Samuelson ◽

Jennie Christopher ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Shelter Dogs

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Serotonin and Tryptophan Serum Concentrations in Shelter Dogs Showing Different Behavioural Responses to a Potentially Stressful Procedure

Veterinary Sciences ◽

10.3390/vetsci8010001 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 1

Author(s):

Giacomo Riggio ◽

Chiara Mariti ◽

Valeria Sergi ◽

Silvana Diverio ◽

Angelo Gazzano

Keyword(s):

Behavioural Response ◽

Blood Collection ◽

Stressful Situation ◽

Serum Concentrations ◽

Chi Square ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Relaxation Stress ◽

Shelter Dogs ◽

Stress Signals ◽

The Relationship

In mammals, serotonin (5-HT) levels depend on the availability of tryptophan (TRP). Low 5-HT concentrations have been linked to behavioural disorders in dogs. This study aimed at investigating possible differences in dogs’ serum TRP and 5-HT concentrations according to their behavioural response to a potentially stressful procedure. Thirty-nine physically healthy shelter dogs, 15 females and 24 males, mean age = 5.6 years, were categorized by a certified veterinary behaviourist according to their behavioural response to medical examination and blood collection, in: relaxation, stress signals, tension without growling, tension with growling, escape attempts, and aggression attempts. Extraction and quantification of 5-HT and TRP were performed using a HLPC method. Data were statistically analysed, applying Chi-square and Spearman tests. Results showed no significant difference in TRP (χ2 = 2.084, p = 0.555) nor 5-HT (χ2 = 0.972, p = 0.808) serum concentrations among different categories of dogs; however, some categories were underrepresented (relaxation = 20.5%, stress signals = 30.8%, tension without growling = 43.6%, tension with growling = 5.1%, escape attempts = 0%, aggression attempts = 0%). No correlation between serum TRP and 5-HT concentrations was found (ρ = 0.086, p = 0.602). Serum 5-HT levels do not seem to be associated with dogs’ behavioural response to a stressful situation nor with serum TRP concentrations. The relationship between serum TRP and 5-HT concentrations and behaviour needs further research.

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Molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus in shelter dogs and cats in the Republic of Korea

Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases ◽

10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.04.008 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. 626-630 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Seung-Hun Lee ◽

Hyun-Joo Kim ◽

Jae-Won Byun ◽

Min-Jung Lee ◽

Neung-Hee Kim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Phylogenetic Analysis ◽

Molecular Detection ◽

Republic Of Korea ◽

Shelter Dogs ◽

The Republic ◽

Severe Fever

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Effects of pen size on old shelter dogs’ behavior

Journal of Veterinary Behavior ◽

10.1016/j.jveb.2008.09.066 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 4 (2) ◽

pp. 86 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Simona Normando ◽

Martina Salvadoretti ◽

Lieta Marinelli ◽

Paolo Mongillo ◽

Gabriele Bono

Keyword(s):

Shelter Dogs

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Effects of Human Presence and Voice on the Behaviour of Shelter Dogs and Cats: A Preliminary Study

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11020406 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 406

Author(s):

Adele Tuozzi ◽

Christine Arhant ◽

Kristina Anderle ◽

Jessica Backes ◽

Catherine Cords ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Animal Welfare ◽

Video Recording ◽

Auditory Stimulation ◽

Vertical Dimension ◽

Physical Contact ◽

Gaze Direction ◽

Human Presence ◽

Reading Condition ◽

Shelter Dogs ◽

Preliminary Study

Reading books to shelter animals combining auditory enrichment with human presence is increasingly used although its effects on animal welfare have not yet been investigated. This study compared the behaviour of single-housed shelter dogs and cats during a prerecorded reading condition in the absence or presence of an unfamiliar human (without direct physical contact). Fourteen dogs and twenty-one cats were observed in their enclosure in the two conditions in a counterbalanced order. Behaviours such as scratching the door, gaze direction and location in relation to the audio source/human were analysed from video recording for 10 min per condition. Dogs spent more time in their bed (p < 0.047) and looking at the auditory source (p < 0.004) when a human was present. Cats showed door scratching and rubbing when a human was present (p < 0.043), whereas they tended to spend more time in the vertical dimension (p = 0.051), where the hiding boxes were located, during auditory stimulation without a human present. These results show that the presence of a human induces greater interest compared to just audio stimulation in shelter dogs and cats but may induce frustration likely due to not being able to physically interact in some animals.

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