To evaluate the clinical and analytical accuracy of two portable blood glucose meters (PBGM) in c... more To evaluate the clinical and analytical accuracy of two portable blood glucose meters (PBGM) in cats and dogs. Samples were obtained from 30 cats and 30 dogs divided in three glycemic ranges (high, medium and low). Each device was tested on: (1) capillary blood; (2) fresh whole venous blood; (3) blood containing EDTA; (4) fluoridated blood and (5) serum. PBGM readings were compared with results of a hexokinase reference method. Influence of hematocrit, 2 different anticoagulants and type of blood (capillary and venous) was also investigated. In both cats and dogs, PBGM readings of capillary blood, whole blood and blood with an anticoagulant tended to underestimate while readings of serum tended to overestimate the results obtained by the reference method. These differences were more distinct in the high glycemic range. Evaluation of the mean differences between readings of a PBGM on whole blood and values measured by the reference method in the three glycemic ranges revealed that these differences would not cause any incorrect clinical decisions. Differences between capillary and whole blood were not significant in dogs whilst in cats capillary blood showed lower results when compared with whole blood. With low hematocrit both PBGM overestimated glucose concentrations. Both PBGM showed lower results when tested on blood containing an anticoagulant compared to fresh whole blood. Conclusions and clinical relevance: Our study found both PBGM, despite clear variations of performance, to be sufficiently accurate and safe for clinical use in both cats and dogs
A MUSCLE function disorder was observed in 11 Chianina cattle (six males and five females), and w... more A MUSCLE function disorder was observed in 11 Chianina cattle (six males and five females), and was brought to the attention of the authors because of difficulties in locomotion that had been present since birth. Clinical observations of these animals began during the first month of life and were
A case of surgical resolution of type I or "sliding" hiatal hernia is reported. A seven-month-old... more A case of surgical resolution of type I or "sliding" hiatal hernia is reported. A seven-month-old kitten was presented because of abdominal discomfort, accelerated breathing after eating and chronic vomiting. The clinical examination was unremarkable. Thoracic radiographs and gastroscopy led to the diagnosis of type I hiatal hernia. The surgical resolution consisted of hiatal plication, oesophagopexy and left-flank incisional gastropexy. All procedures were carried out using a 6 mm videoendoscope positioned in the stomach to evaluate the right oesophago-gastric junction reduction. One week after surgery there was a recurrence of symptoms and a second laparotomy was performed. During the second surgery additional hiatal plication was necessary and an oesophagopexy was repeated after dissection of the phrenico-oesophageal ligament. Moreover, a new incisional gastropexy was carried out after resolution of the first one. The cat recovered without complications and at oneyear follow-up did show no signs related to the hiatal hernia. This communication reports on possible additional surgical techniques in cases of type I hiatal hernia and contributes to an understanding of the importance of oesophagopexy in cases of hiatus malformation.
L\u2019ostruzione ricorrente delle vie aeree (RAO) del cavallo rappresenta una patologia comune n... more L\u2019ostruzione ricorrente delle vie aeree (RAO) del cavallo rappresenta una patologia comune nell\u2019emisfero settentrionale, caratterizzata da infiammazione e ostruzione bronchiolare conseguente a ripetuti contatti con allergeni ed endotossine. La patologia, pur conosciuta dal 17\ub0 secolo, \ue8 stata recentemente oggetto di numerosi studi finalizzati a definire la responsabilit\ue0 delle differenti citochine nello sviluppo della malattia, senza per\uf2 consentire il raggiungimento di una univoca convergenza patogenetica. In particolare nella immunopatologia della RAO sono state riconosciute due differenti fasi, di cui la prima \ue8 riferibile ad un\u2019ipersensibilit\ue0 di I tipo conseguente al contatto dell\u2019allergene con le IgE legate ai mastociti, mentre la seconda dipende dalla produzione da parte di linfociti Th1, Th2, macrofagi, neutrofili e cellule della parete bronchiolare di differenti citochine (1,6). Scopo del presente lavoro \ue8 stato quello di valutare la cinetica di un ampio profilo di citochine (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, INF-γ) espresse nel BAL di cavalli portatori di RAO prima e durante lo sviluppo della forma clinica, e nella fase di desensibilizzazione
Impact of Heat Stress, such as high temperature and humidity, on the immune system is reported in... more Impact of Heat Stress, such as high temperature and humidity, on the immune system is reported in animals. The pivotal role of cytokines in modulating the immune response is well established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum levels of 4 major cytokines (IL-4, IFN-, TNF-, IL-6) in 21 Holstein stabled calves (age, 2-16 months) prior to and 4 days after exposure to a heat stress condition. Furthermore, clinicopathological variables potentially influenced by the latter condition, such as white blood cells count (WBC), plasma muscular enzymes (AST, LDH, CK), serum glucose and β-hydroxybutyrate, were evaluated as well. A condition of heat stress was defined by a mean daily value of Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) higher than 74 for 3 consecutive days. Serum cytokines concentrations were determined using a multiplex sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on chemioluminescent detection of the analytes (SearchLight Multiplex Immunoassay Kits, Aushon Biosystem). Following one week of normal climatic parameters (mean daily THI  68), a Heat Stress condition (mean daily THI = 76) was detected for 4 days in our population. In response to Heat Wave, serum concentrations of IL-4 significantly increased (P<0,01), whilst IFN- decreased (P<0,05). On the other hand, a significant change of serum concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF- and IL-6 was not found. These modifications in cytokines profiles were accompanied by a significant increase of WBC and a significant decrease of plasma muscular enzymes (P<0.01 and P<0,05, respectively). Significant changes in serum glucose and β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations was not found. Our results suggest that a Heat Wave of at least 3-4 days of length is effective to impact on the immune system function of intensively farmed calves, shifting the immune response from a Th1-type (IFN- driven) to Th2-type (IL-4 driven). These immunological variations could reflect a depression of the cell-mediated immunity in spite of the increase of circulating leukocytes in the blood stream. WBC and plasma muscular enzymes modifications in our population are in agreement with data previously reported in the literature. Further studies to better define the role of cytokines in response to Heat Stress in a wider population of animals are warranted
Equine Asthma Syndrome (EAS) is a common respiratory problem that affects horses of any age. In t... more Equine Asthma Syndrome (EAS) is a common respiratory problem that affects horses of any age. In the severe EAS form (historically referred to as recurrent airway obstruction or RAO) the diagnosis, based mainly on history and clinical signs, it is definitively confirmed by the cytological examination of the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), also very useful in monitoring lower airway inflammation in response to environmental management and medication. Cytocentrifugated preparation is usually the staging method for the BAL cytological interpretation. To evaluate whether the BAL cytology in horses with severe EAS under different environmental conditions and before and after treatment can undergo significant changes, and at the same time to investigate whether in the cytological evaluation of the BAL there are interpretative differences between two methods of smear preparation of the collected fluid, a study was carried out on a series of BAL samples (n=48) collected in 8 withdrawals from 6 EAS-affected horses subjected to process exacerbation through environmental stimuli and then to pharmacological treatment. Each BAL fluid collected was equally divided into duplicate portions: one set up by cytocentrifugation and one by sediment from simple centrifugation. The cytological examination revealed any significant difference between the EAS-affected horses in all experimental phases (asymptomatic, early exacerbation phase, late exacerbation phase, and remission phase). Diagnostic interpretive comparison between the two BAL preparations then showed no significant differences in results, suggesting how they can be used indifferently in the evaluation of BAL under conditions of airway inflammation in the horse. Thus, the concentrated smear preparation appears to be an equally diagnostically useful method in conditions where there is no possibility of using an appropriate cytocentrifuge.
Alteration of intestinal and fecal microbiota (dysbiosis), together with changes in fecal bile ac... more Alteration of intestinal and fecal microbiota (dysbiosis), together with changes in fecal bile acid (BA) concentrations have been associated with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) in people. DM in dogs resembles human type 1 DM. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in fecal microbiota and fecal unconjugated BAs profile in dogs with naturally-occurring DM during insulin therapy and compare them to healthy control dogs (HC). To this aim, naturally-passed fecal samples and left over serum samples obtained for diagnostic proposals from 17 adult dogs with DM were collected. Fecal samples from 16 clinically healthy dogs were used as a control population. In addition, serum folate, cobalamin and cTLI were assessed in the DM group to exclude the presence of other causes of dysbiosis; for each DM dog, the fed diet was known and the use of antibiotic within the previous 12 months was excluded. DNA was extracted from each fecal sample prior to quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis. Data for 8 bacterial groups was compiled to calculate a microbiota dysbiosis index (DI). Concentrations and proportions of fecal unconjugated primary (cholic/chenodeoxycholic) and secondary (litho/deoxy/ursodeoxycholic) BAs were measured using a gas chromatography mass spectrometry platform. Unpaired t test and Mann-Whitney U test compared median values between HC and DM dogs with significance set at P < 0.05. Median DI was statistically different between HC and DM dogs (HD −5.3 vs DM-1,5; P = 0.0019;). A negative dysbiosis index (DI), indicative of normobiosis, was present in 82% of DM dogs. Four dogs in the DM were dysbiotic (DI index >0). TLI, folate and cobalamin concentrations were normal in all dogs with DM, though two dogs had cobalamin levels <350 ng/L. There was no significant difference between groups for total BAs and proportion of secondary BAs (respectively P = 0.1124 and P = 0.5814). The results of this preliminary study did not confirm the association between intestinal dysbiosis, fecal bile acids dysmetabolism and DM in dogs under insulin therapy. Fecal unconjugated BA profiles of DM dogs mimicked those seen in healthy dogs. Further studies are needed to evaluate the possible role of intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of canine DM. Disclosures No disclosures to report.
To evaluate the clinical and analytical accuracy of two portable blood glucose meters (PBGM) in c... more To evaluate the clinical and analytical accuracy of two portable blood glucose meters (PBGM) in cats and dogs. Samples were obtained from 30 cats and 30 dogs divided in three glycemic ranges (high, medium and low). Each device was tested on: (1) capillary blood; (2) fresh whole venous blood; (3) blood containing EDTA; (4) fluoridated blood and (5) serum. PBGM readings were compared with results of a hexokinase reference method. Influence of hematocrit, 2 different anticoagulants and type of blood (capillary and venous) was also investigated. In both cats and dogs, PBGM readings of capillary blood, whole blood and blood with an anticoagulant tended to underestimate while readings of serum tended to overestimate the results obtained by the reference method. These differences were more distinct in the high glycemic range. Evaluation of the mean differences between readings of a PBGM on whole blood and values measured by the reference method in the three glycemic ranges revealed that these differences would not cause any incorrect clinical decisions. Differences between capillary and whole blood were not significant in dogs whilst in cats capillary blood showed lower results when compared with whole blood. With low hematocrit both PBGM overestimated glucose concentrations. Both PBGM showed lower results when tested on blood containing an anticoagulant compared to fresh whole blood. Conclusions and clinical relevance: Our study found both PBGM, despite clear variations of performance, to be sufficiently accurate and safe for clinical use in both cats and dogs
A MUSCLE function disorder was observed in 11 Chianina cattle (six males and five females), and w... more A MUSCLE function disorder was observed in 11 Chianina cattle (six males and five females), and was brought to the attention of the authors because of difficulties in locomotion that had been present since birth. Clinical observations of these animals began during the first month of life and were
A case of surgical resolution of type I or "sliding" hiatal hernia is reported. A seven-month-old... more A case of surgical resolution of type I or "sliding" hiatal hernia is reported. A seven-month-old kitten was presented because of abdominal discomfort, accelerated breathing after eating and chronic vomiting. The clinical examination was unremarkable. Thoracic radiographs and gastroscopy led to the diagnosis of type I hiatal hernia. The surgical resolution consisted of hiatal plication, oesophagopexy and left-flank incisional gastropexy. All procedures were carried out using a 6 mm videoendoscope positioned in the stomach to evaluate the right oesophago-gastric junction reduction. One week after surgery there was a recurrence of symptoms and a second laparotomy was performed. During the second surgery additional hiatal plication was necessary and an oesophagopexy was repeated after dissection of the phrenico-oesophageal ligament. Moreover, a new incisional gastropexy was carried out after resolution of the first one. The cat recovered without complications and at oneyear follow-up did show no signs related to the hiatal hernia. This communication reports on possible additional surgical techniques in cases of type I hiatal hernia and contributes to an understanding of the importance of oesophagopexy in cases of hiatus malformation.
L\u2019ostruzione ricorrente delle vie aeree (RAO) del cavallo rappresenta una patologia comune n... more L\u2019ostruzione ricorrente delle vie aeree (RAO) del cavallo rappresenta una patologia comune nell\u2019emisfero settentrionale, caratterizzata da infiammazione e ostruzione bronchiolare conseguente a ripetuti contatti con allergeni ed endotossine. La patologia, pur conosciuta dal 17\ub0 secolo, \ue8 stata recentemente oggetto di numerosi studi finalizzati a definire la responsabilit\ue0 delle differenti citochine nello sviluppo della malattia, senza per\uf2 consentire il raggiungimento di una univoca convergenza patogenetica. In particolare nella immunopatologia della RAO sono state riconosciute due differenti fasi, di cui la prima \ue8 riferibile ad un\u2019ipersensibilit\ue0 di I tipo conseguente al contatto dell\u2019allergene con le IgE legate ai mastociti, mentre la seconda dipende dalla produzione da parte di linfociti Th1, Th2, macrofagi, neutrofili e cellule della parete bronchiolare di differenti citochine (1,6). Scopo del presente lavoro \ue8 stato quello di valutare la cinetica di un ampio profilo di citochine (IL-1&#946;, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-&#945;, INF-&#947;) espresse nel BAL di cavalli portatori di RAO prima e durante lo sviluppo della forma clinica, e nella fase di desensibilizzazione
Impact of Heat Stress, such as high temperature and humidity, on the immune system is reported in... more Impact of Heat Stress, such as high temperature and humidity, on the immune system is reported in animals. The pivotal role of cytokines in modulating the immune response is well established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum levels of 4 major cytokines (IL-4, IFN-&#61543;, TNF-&#61537;, IL-6) in 21 Holstein stabled calves (age, 2-16 months) prior to and 4 days after exposure to a heat stress condition. Furthermore, clinicopathological variables potentially influenced by the latter condition, such as white blood cells count (WBC), plasma muscular enzymes (AST, LDH, CK), serum glucose and &#946;-hydroxybutyrate, were evaluated as well. A condition of heat stress was defined by a mean daily value of Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) higher than 74 for 3 consecutive days. Serum cytokines concentrations were determined using a multiplex sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on chemioluminescent detection of the analytes (SearchLight Multiplex Immunoassay Kits, Aushon Biosystem). Following one week of normal climatic parameters (mean daily THI &#61603; 68), a Heat Stress condition (mean daily THI = 76) was detected for 4 days in our population. In response to Heat Wave, serum concentrations of IL-4 significantly increased (P&lt;0,01), whilst IFN-&#61543; decreased (P&lt;0,05). On the other hand, a significant change of serum concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-&#61537; and IL-6 was not found. These modifications in cytokines profiles were accompanied by a significant increase of WBC and a significant decrease of plasma muscular enzymes (P&lt;0.01 and P&lt;0,05, respectively). Significant changes in serum glucose and &#946;-hydroxybutyrate concentrations was not found. Our results suggest that a Heat Wave of at least 3-4 days of length is effective to impact on the immune system function of intensively farmed calves, shifting the immune response from a Th1-type (IFN-&#61543; driven) to Th2-type (IL-4 driven). These immunological variations could reflect a depression of the cell-mediated immunity in spite of the increase of circulating leukocytes in the blood stream. WBC and plasma muscular enzymes modifications in our population are in agreement with data previously reported in the literature. Further studies to better define the role of cytokines in response to Heat Stress in a wider population of animals are warranted
Equine Asthma Syndrome (EAS) is a common respiratory problem that affects horses of any age. In t... more Equine Asthma Syndrome (EAS) is a common respiratory problem that affects horses of any age. In the severe EAS form (historically referred to as recurrent airway obstruction or RAO) the diagnosis, based mainly on history and clinical signs, it is definitively confirmed by the cytological examination of the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), also very useful in monitoring lower airway inflammation in response to environmental management and medication. Cytocentrifugated preparation is usually the staging method for the BAL cytological interpretation. To evaluate whether the BAL cytology in horses with severe EAS under different environmental conditions and before and after treatment can undergo significant changes, and at the same time to investigate whether in the cytological evaluation of the BAL there are interpretative differences between two methods of smear preparation of the collected fluid, a study was carried out on a series of BAL samples (n=48) collected in 8 withdrawals from 6 EAS-affected horses subjected to process exacerbation through environmental stimuli and then to pharmacological treatment. Each BAL fluid collected was equally divided into duplicate portions: one set up by cytocentrifugation and one by sediment from simple centrifugation. The cytological examination revealed any significant difference between the EAS-affected horses in all experimental phases (asymptomatic, early exacerbation phase, late exacerbation phase, and remission phase). Diagnostic interpretive comparison between the two BAL preparations then showed no significant differences in results, suggesting how they can be used indifferently in the evaluation of BAL under conditions of airway inflammation in the horse. Thus, the concentrated smear preparation appears to be an equally diagnostically useful method in conditions where there is no possibility of using an appropriate cytocentrifuge.
Alteration of intestinal and fecal microbiota (dysbiosis), together with changes in fecal bile ac... more Alteration of intestinal and fecal microbiota (dysbiosis), together with changes in fecal bile acid (BA) concentrations have been associated with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) in people. DM in dogs resembles human type 1 DM. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in fecal microbiota and fecal unconjugated BAs profile in dogs with naturally-occurring DM during insulin therapy and compare them to healthy control dogs (HC). To this aim, naturally-passed fecal samples and left over serum samples obtained for diagnostic proposals from 17 adult dogs with DM were collected. Fecal samples from 16 clinically healthy dogs were used as a control population. In addition, serum folate, cobalamin and cTLI were assessed in the DM group to exclude the presence of other causes of dysbiosis; for each DM dog, the fed diet was known and the use of antibiotic within the previous 12 months was excluded. DNA was extracted from each fecal sample prior to quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis. Data for 8 bacterial groups was compiled to calculate a microbiota dysbiosis index (DI). Concentrations and proportions of fecal unconjugated primary (cholic/chenodeoxycholic) and secondary (litho/deoxy/ursodeoxycholic) BAs were measured using a gas chromatography mass spectrometry platform. Unpaired t test and Mann-Whitney U test compared median values between HC and DM dogs with significance set at P < 0.05. Median DI was statistically different between HC and DM dogs (HD −5.3 vs DM-1,5; P = 0.0019;). A negative dysbiosis index (DI), indicative of normobiosis, was present in 82% of DM dogs. Four dogs in the DM were dysbiotic (DI index >0). TLI, folate and cobalamin concentrations were normal in all dogs with DM, though two dogs had cobalamin levels <350 ng/L. There was no significant difference between groups for total BAs and proportion of secondary BAs (respectively P = 0.1124 and P = 0.5814). The results of this preliminary study did not confirm the association between intestinal dysbiosis, fecal bile acids dysmetabolism and DM in dogs under insulin therapy. Fecal unconjugated BA profiles of DM dogs mimicked those seen in healthy dogs. Further studies are needed to evaluate the possible role of intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of canine DM. Disclosures No disclosures to report.
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Papers by Marco Pietra