A Prospective, Blinded, Open-Label Clinical Trial to Assess the Ability of Fluorescent Light Energy to Enhance Wound Healing after Mastectomy in Female Dogs.

Mammary gland tumors represent the most frequently diagnosed malignant neoplasm in intact female dogs, and surgical removal represents the current gold standard treatment. To promote wound healing and prevent possible bacterial contamination, perioperative antimicrobials are commonly used in clinical practice, even though there are no publications establishing guidelines for the use of such drugs in canine mastectomy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the ameliorative effect of fluorescent light energy on the quality of the healing process after mastectomy surgery in female dogs, in the absence of perioperative antimicrobial administration.

Exploring fluorescent light energy as management option for canine superficial bacterial folliculitis.

Superficial bacterial folliculitis (SBF) represents a common dermatological diagnosis in dogs that can be successfully managed with either topical and/or systemic treatments. In the present study we evaluated the efficacy of a fluorescent light energy (FLE) device as sole management for SBF. The same FLE device has been shown, as adjunct therapy to systemic antibiotic or alone, to effectively control clinical manifestation of interdigital furunculosis.

Toxin B Induced Senescence: A New Pathologic Player for Colorectal Cancer?

() is responsible for a high percentage of gastrointestinal infections and its pathological activity is due to toxins A and B. infection (CDI) is increasing worldwide due to the unstoppable spread of in the anthropized environment and the progressive human colonization. The ability of toxin B to induce senescent cells and the direct correlation between CDI, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) could cause an accumulation of senescent cells with important functional consequences.

Cytotoxic synergism of toxin B with proinflammatory cytokines in subjects with inflammatory bowel diseases.

() is progressively colonizing humans and animals living with humans. During this process, hypervirulent strains and mutated toxin A and B of (TcdA and TcdB) are originating and developing. While in healthy subjects colonization by becomes a risk after the use of antibiotics that alter the microbiome, other categories of people are more susceptible to infection and at risk of relapse, such as those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Fluorescent Light Energy in the Management of Multi Drug Resistant Canine Pyoderma: A Prospective Exploratory Study.

The increase in prevalence of staphylococcal antimicrobial resistance has been also associated with pyoderma in dogs, and prolonged antibiotic treatment, as often needed in severe cases of pyoderma, has been related to influencing possible development of multidrug resistance (MDR). Fluorescent light energy (FLE) has been indicated to improve pyoderma lesions as adjunct therapy to systemic antibiotics. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of FLE on clinical signs of MDR canine deep pyoderma (CDP) and interdigital furunculosis (CIF) when administered as solely management.

Clostridioides difficile toxin B alone and with pro-inflammatory cytokines induces apoptosis in enteric glial cells by activating three different signalling pathways mediated by caspases, calpains and cathepsin B.

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) causes nosocomial/antibiotic-associated gastrointestinal diseases with dramatically increasing global incidence and mortality rates. The main C. difficile virulence factors, toxins A and B (TcdA/TcdB), cause cytopathic/cytotoxic effects and inflammation.

Supravalvular mitral stenosis in a cat: clinical, diagnostic and pathologic findings.

The present case report describes a rare case of a cardiac abnormality diagnosed as Supravalvular Mitral Stenosis in an asymptomatic cat. An 11-years old cat was presented for orthopedic evaluation, and during general clinical examination a heart rate of 180 bpm and left diastolic cardiac murmur grade III-IV/VI, between the mitral and aortic foci, were found. Radiographic, echocardiographic, angiocardiographic and post-mortem (the patient died during anesthesia performed to diagnose the orthopedic condition) magnetic resonance and pathologic findings are reported herein.

Fluorescence Biomodulation for Canine Interdigital Furunculosis: Updates for Once-Weekly Schedule.

Interdigital furunculosis is a common multifactorial, inflammatory disease of the canine interdigital skin in which lesions commonly become secondarily infected. Fluorescence biomodulation (FBM) administered twice weekly has shown to effectively control clinical manifestation as adjunct therapy to systemic antibiotic. Since twice weekly regimen could be unaffordable for some pet owners, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of once weekly application of FBM in combination with systemic antibiotic on clinical manifestations of canine interdigital pyoderma, comparing the results to those present in literature.

Infection in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease May be Favoured by the Effects of Proinflammatory Cytokines on the Enteroglial Network.

infection is widespread throughout countries and represents an important cause of nosocomial diarrhoea, with relatively high morbidity. This infection often occurs in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases and may complicate their clinical picture. Here, we propose, on the basis of evidence from basic science studies, that in patients affected by inflammatory bowel diseases, this infection might be facilitated by a derangement of the enteric glial cell (EGC) network caused by the effects of proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumour necrosis factor alpha and interferon gamma, which enhance the cytotoxic effects of toxin B on EGCs.

Invisible steps for a global endemy: molecular strategies adopted by .

infection (CDI) is on the rise worldwide and is associated with an increase in deaths and socio-health burden. has become ubiquitous in anthropized environments because of the extreme resistance of its spores. Based on the epidemiological data and knowledge of molecular pathogenesis of , it is possible to predict its progressive colonization of the human population for the following reasons: first, its global spread is unstoppable; second, the toxins (Tcds) produced by , TcdA and TcdB, mainly cause cell death by apoptosis, but the surviving cells acquire a senescence state that favours persistence of in the intestine; third, proinflammatory cytokines, tumour necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ, induced during CDI, enhance the cytotoxicity of Tcds and can increase the survival of senescent cells; fourth, Tcds block mobility and induce apoptosis in immune cells recruited at the infection site; and finally, after remission from primary infection or relapse, causes functional abnormalities in the enteric glial cell (EGC) network that can result in irritable bowel syndrome, characterized by a latent inflammatory response that contributes to survival and enhances the cytotoxic activity of low doses of TcdB, thus favouring further relapses.

The Effectiveness of Fluorescent Light Energy as Adjunct Therapy in Canine Deep Pyoderma: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

A single centre, single-blinded, prospective, randomized, controlled clinical study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of twice weekly fluorescent light energy therapy (Phovia™) as adjunct to systemic antibiotics in the management of deep pyoderma in dogs. Dogs with clinical lesions consistent with deep pyoderma, positive bacterial culture, and showing neutrophil engulfing bacteria at cytology were included in the study. Assessments were undertaken weekly for 8 weeks and every 2 weeks thereafter until 12 weeks after enrolment.

Proinflammatory Cytokines: Possible Accomplices for the Systemic Effects of Toxin B.

infection (CDI) has a serious impact on the healthcare system, and most of its pathogenic effects are mainly due to the activity of toxins A and B (TcdA and TcdB, respectively). The molecular mechanisms of their cytotoxic activity are well known, especially in the colon, where the infection occurs and normally remains localized. However, the mechanisms causing toxic effects on various systemic organs (extraintestinal manifestations) with frequent lethal outcomes in some patients affected by CDI are still poorly understood.

Management of canine perianal fistula with fluorescence light energy: preliminary findings.

Background: Canine perianal fistula (CPF) is a severe, painful, debilitating skin condition affecting the perianal skin. It often interferes with the quality of life of both dog and owner. Conventional medical treatment involves the use of immunosuppressive therapy; however, the successful resolution of lesions can be limited by poor owner compliance, adverse drug effects and dependence on costly therapies.

Canine Traditional Laboratory Tests and Cardiac Biomarkers.

In small animals, cardiac disease evaluation through laboratory tests can be a challenge. This review will present both historical and updated perspectives on the clinical pathology of cardiac diseases in dogs and demonstrate that laboratory tests are useful tools for the management of patients with cardiac diseases.

Evidences on Molecules Most Frequently Included in Canine and Feline Complementary Feed to Support Liver Function.

Numerous complementary feeds to support liver function are commercially available for small animals. Aiming to furnish a scientific support for clinicians/nutritionists that necessitate a complementary feed to support liver function in dogs and cats, with the present paper, we analyzed scientific evidences supporting the use, for this purpose, of ingredients/additives such as artichoke (), curcumin, dandelion (), milk thistle (), phosphatidylcholine, and S-adenosylmethionine. Although sustained by significant results, our review found only few scientific papers, and albeit we believe that they represent a significant aid in handling hepatopathies, in the authors' opinion, this topic probably deserves, and would benefit of, further studies.

Effects of L. Seeds and Juice on Liver Steatosis in an Animal Model of Diet-Induced Obesity.

The accumulation of adipose tissue increases the risk of several diseases. The fruits-intake, containing phytochemicals, is inversely correlated with their development. This study evaluated the effects of anthocyanin-rich tart cherries in diet-induced obese (DIO) rats.

Impact of Nutritional Supplementation on Canine Dermatological Disorders.

Nutritional supplements, also known as complementary feeds, are products administered with the aim of furnishing health benefits, regardless of nutritional needs. They have been used since ancient times in veterinary dermatology, and a number of studies have focused on investigating the health benefits of some ingredients found in commercially available complementary feed for dogs. The aim of this paper is to review the literature available on the use of nutritional supplementation for the management of canine skin diseases, critically appraising the clinical efficacy of such interventions and summarizing the current state of knowledge.

Management of otitis externa with an led-illuminated gel: a randomized controlled clinical trial in dogs.

Background: Canine otitis externa is a painful condition which can be challenging to treat due to difficulties in the administration of otic medication. This can be due to lack of owner compliance in the application of ear drops or due to the resentment that some dogs demonstrate when attempts are made to administer topical medication into a sensitive ear canal. The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of a topical LED-illuminated gel (LIG) in canine otitis externa in comparison to standard of care therapy.

Fluorescence biomodulation in the management of canine interdigital pyoderma cases: a prospective, single-blinded, randomized and controlled clinical study.

Background: Interdigital pyoderma is a common multifactorial, inflammatory disease of the canine interdigital skin. Lesions commonly become infected secondarily. In addition to management of the underlying cause, management of the chronic inflammatory changes in the interdigital skin created by secondary infection and by the release of keratin into deep tissues is required.

A survey of ocular ultrasound abnormalities in horse: 145 cases.

Purpose: To describe the association of clinical and ultrasonographic (US) findings in horses affected by visual impairments, to estimate the most frequent ultrasonographic alteration as well importance and limits of US as a part of ophthalmic evaluation in equine patients.

Methods: One-hundred-forty-five horses referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospitals of the University of Perugia and Camerino for ocular problems were submitted to ophthalmic examination and ocular ultrasound. The following group of abnormalities was established: corneal alteration, cataract, synechiae, iris prolapse, anterior chamber alterations, vitreous opacities, globe reduction, globe enlargement, retinal detachment, lens subluxation/luxation, lens rupture, intraocular masses, retrobulbar masses.

Bilateral cervical ribs in a mixed breed dog.

A 4-year-old intact female, mixed breed dog was presented with a complaint of dyspnea. Clinical examination revealed symptoms related to disease of the upper airways. Radiographic findings were consistent with tracheal collapse associated with anomalies involving the seventh cervical vertebra and the first ribs bilaterally.

Penetrating palpebral grass awn in a dog: Unusual case of a penetrating grass awn in an eyelid.

An unusual case of a penetrating grass awn in an eyelid of a dog is reported. A 6-month-old mixed breed dog was referred to the Ophthalmology Unit of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Camerino University for anorexia, lethargy, left monolateral ocular swelling and pain to the left eye, present from 1 month. Ophthalmic examination of the left eye showed copious and purulent discharge, and ultrasonography revealed the presence of an abscess containing a grass foreign body.

Transthoracic echocardiographically-guided interventional cardiac procedures in the dog.

Objectives: Interventional cardiac procedures are traditionally performed using fluoroscopy, or, more recently, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Neither modality is widely available to practicing cardiologists worldwide. We examined whether balloon valvuloplasty of pulmonic stenosis (PS) and transarterial occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in dogs could be performed safely with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE).