In 2015, the LeishVet group published a comprehensive review on feline leishmaniosis (FeL) caused by Leishmania infantum, highlighting the growing interest in the disease despite the limited availability of evidence-based studies at the time. Over the past decade, considerable advances have been made in various aspects of animal leishmaniosis, including FeL. Veterinary awareness has increased, and diagnostic support is more widely available. However, current knowledge on FeL still largely comes from case reports and small case series studies, with fewer analytical studies and a lower evidence level compared to canine leishmaniosis. In response, the LeishVet group reviewed recent progress and provided updated recommendations based on key international publications, clinical expertise and expert consensus. A series of questions was formulated to address the main aspects of FeL most relevant for veterinary practitioners, including etiology, transmission, epidemiology (including geographical distribution and risk factors), immunology, clinical presentations and clinicopathological findings, the role of coinfections and/or comorbidities, diagnosis, prognosis formulation based on clinical staging, treatment, monitoring and prevention of FeL. The answers are largely supported by visual aids (tables, figures, and algorithms). This updated review paper focuses mainly on L. infantum infection and disease in domestic cats as it is the species of Leishmania most frequently diagnosed in cats. Two specific questions have also been dedicated to infection in wild felids and Leishmania spp. other than L. infantum, for supporting veterinary specialists in wildlife and zoo medicine and taking in consideration that globalization opens new challenges to practitioners.

Abstract Background Visceral leishmaniosis (VL) is the most severe form of human leishmaniosis, with an estimated 95% case fatality if left untreated. Dogs act as peridomestic reservoir hosts for the protozoan parasite Leishmania infantum, a causative agent for human leishmaniosis, endemic throughout the Mediterranean basin. To assure consistent and accurate surveillance of canine infection and prevent transmission to people, consistent diagnosis of canine L. infantum infection across this region is essential for protecting both human and animal health. Our goal was to compare the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and immunofluorescence antibody tests (IFAT), performed at seven academic veterinary diagnostic centres across southern Europe and Israel. Methods We performed a known sample “ring” trial to compare L. infantum quantitative serological tests. Two hundred seventy-two (n = 272) canine serum samples of known serological status were chosen from these sites, representative of the region. In-house or commercial ELISA and IFAT were performed according to each laboratory’s specifications. Latent Class Analysis (LCA) was used to determine sensitivity and specificity of each test. True and false positives were calculated to determine the probability of identifying samples. Results Sensitivity and specificity for ELISA ranged from 95 to 99% and 92% to 97%, respectively, with moderate variability from one site. Sensitivity and specificity for IFAT ranged from 89 to 99% and 83% to 94%, respectively, with increased variability compared to ELISA. Overall test agreement was 78% with a pair-wise agreement between 65 and 89%. Conclusions All sites demonstrated substantial comparative diagnostic accuracy, with good agreement based on known seropositive and seronegative samples. Studies and interventional trials that use these tests will remain valid because of high diagnostic agreement between sites. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Background The local distribution of helminths in dogs and cats and the evaluation of risk of contamination represent an important challenge for veterinarians due to their effects on animal health and their potential zoonotic risk. The overall goal of this study was to estimate the prevalence of the digestive and respiratory helminths infecting client-owned dogs and cats in France. Methods Faecal samples were collected from 414 pet dogs and 425 pet cats at 20 study sites during 2017–2018 and analysed by coproscopy. The samples included specimens collected from animals of both genders and various breeds and ages from a variety of living environments, and with different lifestyles and feeding regimes. Associations between parasitic infection and qualitative factors were explored. Results Overall, 125 (14.9%) samples (15.2% in dogs and 14.6% in cats) were positive for at least one of the species of helminths identified. Infection rates were highest for Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati (8.5% and 11.3%, respectively), while Toxascaris leonina was found only in one cat (0.2%). The apparent prevalence of Ancylostoma caninum and Uncinaria stenocephala in dogs was 1.7% and 4.3%, respectively. No hookworms were found in cats. Whipworms (Trichuris vulpis) were identified in 2.7% of the dogs. Tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum and Taeniidae) were rarely found (< 1% in dogs and < 3% in cats). The prevalence of Angiostrongylus vasorum Crenosoma vulpis, and Strongyloides stercoralis in dogs, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in cats and Eucoleus spp. / Capillaria spp. in both dogs and cats was < 1%. Significantly higher fecal parasite emission rates were identified in young individuals, in animals with outdoor access, in animals living in the countryside and in intact animals (especially in cats). In addition, cats not fed exclusively with commercial diets and living with other animals (dogs and/or cats) were at higher risk for parasites. For dogs, hunting/herding and walking off-leash were found to be additional risk factors. Furthermore, pets with no reported history of deworming or dewormed > 1 year before the study were positive for parasites significantly more often than pets dewormed < 1 year before study participation. Conclusions The overall prevalence of helminths (some of which are zoonotic), the risk factors and the reportedly low deworming frequencies identified in this study (20.5% animals having never been dewormed and only 26.4% dewormed ≥ 3 times/year) illustrate the need for improving pet owners’ adherence to anthelmintic guidelines in France. Graphical Abstract

Pruritus is a common clinical sign in many skin disorders and is currently the main complaint in canine dermatology. Pruritic skin diseases can affect the quality of life of dogs and their owners. Several families of antipruritic drugs are available to help control pruritus in dogs. The aim of this review is to help practitioners select the most appropriate symptomatic treatment in the most frequent situations of dermatological pruritus in dogs. The molecules reviewed here are systemic and topical glucocorticoids, antihistamines, ciclosporin, oclacitinib and lokivetmab. A level of evidence (1, 2 or 3) has been established according to a detailed algorithm for each individual study in the literature published between 1990 and March 2021. The guidelines result from evidence grading using the strength of recommendation taxonomy (SoRT) and clinical recommendations using a thorough methodology.

Large populations of unowned cats constitute an animal welfare, ecological, societal and public health issue worldwide. Their relocation and homing are currently carried out in many parts of the world with the intention of relieving suffering and social problems, while contributing to ethical and humane population control in these cat populations. An understanding of an individual cat's lifestyle and disease status by veterinary team professionals and those working with cat charities can help to prevent severe cat stress and the spread of feline pathogens, especially vector-borne pathogens, which can be overlooked in cats. In this article, we discuss the issue of relocation and homing of unowned cats from a global perspective. We also review zoonotic and non-zoonotic infectious agents of cats and give a list of practical recommendations for veterinary team professionals dealing with homing cats. Finally, we present a consensus statement consolidated at the 15th Symposium of the Companion Vector-Borne Diseases (CVBD) World Forum in 2020, ultimately to help veterinary team professionals understand the problem and the role they have in helping to prevent and manage vector-borne and other pathogens in relocated cats.

The animal leishmaniosis community came together for their 1st congress on animal leishmaniosis (Animal Leishmaniosis International Veterinary Event, ALIVE) in Malaga, Spain, from 31 March 2022 to 2 April 2022. In this TrendsTalk, the organizers discuss the most recent advances on animal leishmaniosis presented during this hybrid meeting.

A survey of mycology laboratories for antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) was undertaken in France in 2018, to better understand the difference in practices between the participating centers and to identify the difficulties they may encounter as well as eventual gaps with published standards and guidelines. The survey captured information from 45 mycology laboratories in France on how they perform AFST (number of strains tested, preferred method, technical and quality aspects, interpretation of the MIC values, reading and interpretation difficulties). Results indicated that 86% of respondents used Etest as AFST method, with a combination of one to seven antifungal agents tested. Most of the participating laboratories used similar technical parameters to perform their AFST method and a large majority used, as recommended, internal and external quality assessments. Almost all the participating mycology laboratories (98%) reported difficulties to interpret the MIC values, especially when no clinical breakpoints are available. The survey highlighted that the current AFST practices in France need homogenization, particularly for MIC reading and interpretation.

Prevention of canine Leishmania infantum infection is critical to management of visceral leishmaniasis in people living in endemic areas of Brazil. A bill (PL 1738/11), currently under consideration, proposes to establish a national vaccination policy against canine leishmaniasis in Brazil. However, there is no solid scientific evidence supporting the idea that this could reduce transmission from infected vaccinated dogs to sand flies to a level that would significantly reduce the risk of L. infantum infection or visceral leishmaniasis in humans. Thus, we advocate that insecticide-impregnated collars should the first line protective measure for public health purposes and that vaccines are applied on a case-by-case, optional basis for individual dog protection.

The Companion Vector-Borne Diseases (CVBD) World Forum is a working group of leading international experts who meet annually to evaluate current scientific findings and future trends concerning the distribution, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis and prevention of vector-borne infections of dogs and cats. At the 14th Symposium of the CVBD World Forum in Trieste, Italy (March 25-28, 2019), we identified the need to (i) bring attention to the potential spread of parasites and vectors with relocated dogs, and (ii) provide advice to the veterinary profession regarding the importance of surveillance and treatment for parasites and vector-borne infections when rehoming dogs. This letter shares a consensus statement from the CVBD World Forum as well as a summary of the problem faced, including the role of veterinary professionals in parasite surveillance, causal issues, and the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation in addressing the problem. To limit opportunities for dissemination of parasites and vectors, whenever possible, underlying problems creating the need for dog rehoming should be addressed. However, when it is necessary to rehome dogs, this should ideally take place in the country and national region of origin. When geographically distant relocation occurs, veterinary professionals have a vital role to play in public education, vigilance for detection of exotic vectors and infections, and alerting the medical community to the risk(s) for pathogen spread. With appropriate veterinary intervention, dog welfare needs can be met without inadvertently allowing global spread of parasites and their vectors.

Leishmania has biologically adapted to specific phlebotomine sand flies through long co-evolution. The ability of Leishmania spp. to bind to sand fly midgut allows each Leishmania species to propagate and differentiate into infectious promastigotes and be transmitted. Sand fly feeding upon a mammalian host is the first step towards being infected and a host of Leishmania. Once deposited into the skin, host susceptibility to infection vs. ability to mount a sterilizing immune response predicts which hosts could be reservoirs of different Leishmania spp. Materials, in addition to parasites, are expelled during sand fly during feeding, including salivary antigens and other factors that promote local inflammatory responses. These factors aid visceralization of infection increasing the likelihood that systemic infection is established. Any environmental factor that increases sand fly biting of a particular host increases that host's role in Leishmania transmission. First descriptions of reservoir species were based on association with local human disease and ability to observe infected leukocytes on cytology. This approach was one pathogen for one reservoir host. Advances in sensitive molecular tools greatly increased the breadth of mammals found to host Leishmania infection. Visceralizing species of Leishmania, particularly L. infantum, are now known to have multiple mammalian hosts. L. donovani, long been described as an anthroponotic parasite, was recently identified through molecular and serologic surveys to have additional mammalian hosts. The epidemiological role of these animals as a source of parasites to additional hosts via vector transmission is not known. Current evidence suggests that dogs and other domestic animals either control infection or do not have sufficient skin parasitemia to be a source of L. donovani to P. argentipes. Further xenodiagnosis and characterization of skin parasitemia in these different hosts is required to more broadly understand which Leishmania spp. hosts can be a source of parasites to sand flies and which ones are dead-end hosts.

Feline sarcoptic mange is a rare, contagious, variably pruritic and zoonotic skin condition of cats, infrequently reported in either the UK or the worldwide veterinary literature. The last report in the UK dates from 2012 and since 1973, only 40 cases have been described worldwide. Currently, there are no veterinary-licensed products for the treatment of feline sarcoptic mange; previously described cases were all treated with a range of unlicensed, systemic and topical acaricidal products, with varying success. The novel isoxazoline compound, fluralaner, was licensed in the UK in 2016, for the treatment of feline flea and tick infestations (Bravecto Spot-On Solution for Cats; MSD Animal Health). The purpose of this article is to describe the use of the feline topical fluralaner formulation for the successful treatment of feline sarcoptic mange.

BackgroundThe diagnosis of otoacariasis due to Otodectes cynotis is based on the visualization of the parasite, either directly by otoscopy or indirectly after microscopic examination of cerumen collected by several methods.ObjectivesTo compare the sensitivity of three techniques: conventional handheld otoscopy, Volkmann's curette sampling and cotton‐tipped swabbing.AnimalsFive dogs and 12 cats (30 naturally infested ears).Methods and materialsFor each case, following otoscopy, the order of examinations (swab or curette) was chosen randomly and the samples were observed on a slide mixed with lactophenol and covered with a coverslip. Parasite detection was noted as positive or negative and parasitic stages were counted separately.ResultsThe diagnostic sensitivity of otoscopy alone was 67% (positive in 20 of 30 cases), using the curette sampling it was 93% (28/30) and 57% (17/30) for the swabbing. The curette technique had a significantly higher sensitivity than classic ear‐swabbing (P = 0.001) or otoscopy alone (P = 0.02). Combining otoscopy and the curette, we obtained a sensitivity of 100% compared to 86% when otoscopy and swabbing were combined. Moreover, the parasite count in the curette samples (average 25 ± 30 SD) was significantly higher than the swab samples (4.5 ± 11) (P < 0.001).Conclusions and clinical importanceWhen suspecting O. cynotis infestation, otoscopic examination should be performed. To confirm the nature of the parasites observed or whenever this examination result is negative, doubtful or cannot be performed, the curettage sampling method for microscopic cerumen examination is recommended.

Canine squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common cutaneous neoplasm in dogs. Treatment options are limited. Electrochemotherapy (ECT) has been proposed as an alternative treatment for many types of tumours. To describe the use of ECT as treatment for generalised cSCC. An adult dog (four years old) was diagnosed with generalised cSCC. There were 24 tumours with the size range of 0.3–3 cm. The biopsy revealed an infiltrate rich in epithelial squamous cells, associated with pyogranulomatous inflammation. ECT was elected as treatment of choice. Cisplatin was injected intratumorously. After five minutes, the electric pulses were applied. The complete tumour regression was noted four weeks after. The dog was still in complete remission, 20 months later. This is the first case reporting a complete long‐term remission using ECT for generalised cSCC.

Dogs are the main reservoir of Leishmania infantum and in some countries have been regularly culled as part of government policy to control visceral leishmaniasis. At the 13th Symposium of the Companion Vector-Borne Diseases World Forum in Windsor, UK, March 19-22, 2018, we consolidated a consensus statement regarding the usefulness of dog culling as a means of controlling visceral leishmaniasis. The statement highlighted the futility of culling infected dogs, whether healthy or sick, as a measure to control the domestic reservoir of L. infantum and reduce the risk for visceral leishmaniasis.

Actinic and photo-aggravated dermatoses have been described in domestic species, particularly in dogs and horses. Their control and prevention include the use of sunscreens. Very little information if any is available on the real effectiveness of products launched or used in veterinary medicine. The aim of the study was to evaluate the real UV protective index (SFP) using an in vitro method based on the transmittance measurement carried out using a spectrophotometer equipped with integrating sphere after spreading of products tested on polymethylmetacrylate plates. Six topical preparations were tested: creams (4), stick (1) and wipe (I) with announced protective index ranging from 15 to 30 for 4 of them and containing organic filters (octylmethoxycinnamate, benzophenones) and or inorganic titanium dioxide (TiO2). The results show that only one product Ecran solaire chien chat (R) SPF 30+ (Dermoscent) really afford experimentally the claimed protective index (SPF determined in vitro is equal to 29.30). Another product Doggy sunwipes (R) SPF 15 shows a low activity (SPF close to 6) instead of announced 15, finally the 4 other products are completely devoid of any UV protective effect (values obtained between 1 and 2). The authors conclude in the necessary improvement of validation of photo-protective products used in veterinary medicine similarly to the procedures used for humans.

Otoscope cones (OCs) are used in veterinary medical practices to examine healthy or infected ears in dogs and cats. Since OCs are reusable equipment, they can be vectors of cross contamination/infection between patients. The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of different disinfection procedures applied on OCs contaminated by Malassezia pachydermatis. OCs were soaked for 10 min in a suspension of yeasts 2.5 McFarland and then allowed to air dry. OCs were soaked for 10 min either in ethanol, chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid disinfectant, enilconazole or water (positive control). They were then paper wiped or left to air dry. Each OC was sampled with two swabs that were inoculated on modified Dixon's agar and incubated at 32 °C. On day 3, the number of Colony Forming Unit (CFU) was counted. Ninety-six cultures were performed and the growth of Malassezia could be seen in all cultures from positive controls/water (over 200 CFU in 6 from 12 tests). Similar results were observed when enilconazole was used at 0.2% concentration (over 200 CFU in 3 from 12 tests). In rest, all the cultures were negative. Enilconazole should be used at minimal concentration of 0.4%. Les spéculums d’otoscope sont utilisés en médecine vétérinaire au quotidien pour l’examen des conduits auditifs sains ou infectés chez le chien et le chat. Dès lors qu’ils sont réutilisés régulièrement, ils sont susceptibles d’assurer des infections/contaminations croisées entre animaux au cours d’examens successifs. L’objectif de cette étude a été d’évaluer l’efficacité de diverses procédures de désinfection sur des spéculums expérimentalement contaminés par Malassezia pachydermatis. Des spéculums ont été contaminés par trempage pendant 10 minutes dans une suspension de Malassezia concentrée à 2,5 McFarland. Par la suite, il ont été placés soit dans l’éthanol, la chlorhexidine, l’eau oxygénée, l’acide peracétique, l’énilconazole (0,2 et 0,4 %) ou l’eau (contrôle positif) pendant 10 minutes. Ils ont été ensuite été essuyés par du papier ou laissés sécher à l’air libre. Chaque spéculum a été prélevé par deux écouvillons qui ont été ensuite utilisés pour ensemencer des géloses de milieu de Dixon modifié incubées ensuite à 32 °C. Au troisième jour de culture, le nombre d’unités formant colonies (UFC) a été déterminé. Quatre-vingt-seize cultures ont été réalisées et la croissance des Malassezia obtenue sur toutes les cultures des contrôles positifs (plus de 200 UFC sur 6 des 12 cultures). Des résultats similaires ont été obtenus avec l’énilconazole à 0,2 % (plus de 200 UFC sur 3 des 13 tests) tous les autres désinfectants ayant été totalement actifs. L’énilconazole doit être employé à la concentration de 0,4 % et les autres désinfectants et procédures se sont avérées efficaces.

Actinobacillosis usually is a sporadic infection that affects the tongue in cattle (“wooden tongue”) with possible spread to the digestive tract. Two 4-year-old Rouge-des-Prés cows from a single French beef herd were referred for chronic (2-6 months) swelling and cutaneous nodules in the distal hind limbs. In addition to cutaneous signs, physical examination disclosed cachexia, lameness, lymphadenitis of the hind limbs, and pneumonia in both cows. Cytologic examination of direct skin smears was inconclusive, and no parasites were observed in examination of multiple skin scrapings. Histopathological examination of skin and lung biopsy specimens identified chronic, diffuse, severe pyogranulomatous dermatitis, associated with Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon and intralesional Gram-negative bacteria. Cultures from skin, lymph nodes, and lungs (both cows were euthanized for welfare reasons) identified a Pasteurellaceae organism, confirmed as Actinobacillus lignieresii by partial sequencing of the rpoB gene. This report emphasizes that actinobacillosis can appear as a small outbreak in cattle with cutaneous and respiratory signs.

Adipokines are biologically active cytokines that are mainly produced in adipose tissue. There is evidence, in man and mice, that some adipokines may be secreted in other tissues including the vascular endothelium, epithelia and sebaceous glands. Moreover, modified serum levels of adipokines have been detected in people with acne vulgaris or psoriasis; it is suspected that adipokines could contribute to local and systemic inflammatory conditions. We aimed to evaluate the expression of three adipokines (i.e. leptin, adiponectin and resistin) in normal canine skin. Formalin-fixed, paraffin wax-embedded punch biopsy samples were obtained from the sparsely-haired skin of the caudal ventral abdomen of a single clinically healthy dog with no history of skin disease. Immunohistochemistry was applied, using rabbit polyclonal primary antibodies specific for leptin, adiponectin and resistin. Adipokines were not expressed in normal canine dermis or hypodermis. In contrast, they were detected in the keratinocytes of all epidermal layers and hair follicle segments, sebocytes, apocrine gland cells and in the vascular endothelium. This is the first report on the expression of adipokines in normal canine skin, a first step in studying their role in the skin physiology and inflammatory skin diseases of dogs.

SummaryCutaneous expression of behavioural processes remains unexplored in donkeys. This case report describes a case of traumatic alopecia in two donkeys secondary to mutual hair plucking behaviour. Two genetically unrelated, male castrated, 4‐year‐old Cotentin donkeys living together were presented for a 2‐year history of alopecic, mainly nummular, nonpruritic lesions developing on the back, loin and croup. The general physical examination and behavioural assessment were unremarkable. Trichoscopy, scrapings and cytology were performed. Superficial bacterial infection was diagnosed but a 2‐week course of antibacterial treatment showed no improvement. Histopathological examination showed features compatible with traumatic alopecia and consistent with several behavioural causes of alopecia resembling human trichotillomania or acute traction alopecia, canine traction alopecia, feline self‐induced alopecia and murine barbering. Separation of the donkeys led to complete long‐term remission. Clinical and histopathological findings in our case share lots of similar features with the different mechanical traumatic alopecic disorders mentioned above, making it impossible to simply classify the described affection. Whether alopecic lesions resulted from an exclusive behavioural process (either abnormal excessive mutual grooming or other social interactions) or were associated with underlying causes of pruritus is uncertain. Mechanical alopecia secondary to a behavioural process should therefore be suspected in cases of permanent patchy alopecic nummular lesions on donkeys living in groups.