Strongyloides stercoralis is a soil-transmitted helminth that is increasingly reported in dogs across Europe. While most infections are subclinical, hyperinfection syndrome, marked by excessive larval proliferation and systemic spread, can occur in immunocompromised hosts. An 11-year-old male Boston Terrier dog, originating from southern France with a history of chronic diarrhoea and recent splenectomy was presented with severe regenerative anaemia, thrombocytopenia, and a degenerative left shift. Haemotropic Mycoplasma haemocanis infection was diagnosed, and doxycycline therapy was initiated. During hospitalisation, the dog developed dyspnoea, pneumonia, and progressive pleural effusion containing motile nematode larvae. Strongyloides stercoralis infection was diagnosed by morphological identification of larvae in pleural effusion (third-stage larvae) and faeces (first- and third-stage larvae) and confirmed by PCR targeting mitochondrial cox1 and nuclear 18S rDNA hypervariable regions (HVR) I and IV), followed by sequencing, which revealed the haplotypes HP16 (cox1), VI (HVR-I) and A (HVR-IV). The HVR-IV haplotype A is found in both dogs and humans, characterizing the zoonotic population of S. stercoralis. Respiratory signs worsened despite combined fenbendazole and escalating ivermectin treatment, requiring euthanasia. Post-mortem examination revealed chronic granulomatous pneumonia, a pulmonary carcinomatous nodule, lymphoplasmacytic enterocolitis, and glomerulonephritis. This case represents the first report of S. stercoralis hyperinfection in an adult splenectomised dog. It highlights the importance of including strongyloidiasis in differential diagnoses of dogs with respiratory and gastrointestinal signs, particularly in animals with compromised immunity or relevant travel history.

OBJECTIVES:Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) represent a serious health care concern and their spread in animals has become alarming. Following several cases of CPE infections in a companion animal clinic, the role of the clinic backyard lawn used for dog relief walks of hospitalized dogs as a CPE reservoir has been investigated over a 4-year period (2020-2023). METHODS:Soil surface samples were taken through application of sterile wipes. After enrichment in Mueller-Hinton broth and selection on CHROMID® (OXA-48, CARBA) agar plates, isolates were identified by MALDI-TOF MS. CPE isolates were submitted to microdilution antimicrobial susceptibility testing and sequenced with short (Illumina) and long (ONT) read technologies to obtain complete circular genomes to perform antimicrobial resistance gene screening, phylogenetic (cgMLST, cgSNPs) and plasmid analyses. RESULTS:A total of 32 CPE representing eight different species were isolated, with E. coli (n = 15) and E. hormaechei (n = 7) being predominant. Genome-wide typing identified 11 different subtypes of E. coli and three of E. hormaechei, highlighting bacterial diversity. Thirty CPE contained an identical 63 589-bp IncL plasmid only differing by inversion of the blaOXA-48-containing transposon (Tn1999.2, invTn1999.2), and two CPE contained a 51 479-bp blaOXA-181-containing IncX3 plasmid. Strains associated with infections or carriage in hospitalized pets were also present in the lawn. CONCLUSIONS:The canine relief area of a veterinary clinic was identified as a long-term environmental reservoir for CPE, mainly due to the hyperepidemic blaOXA-48-positive IncL plasmid spreading between various bacterial species, emphasizing the urgent need for an extended hygiene concept including the outdoor environment.

BACKGROUND:Serial measurements of acute-phase proteins help monitor the development of and recovery from sepsis in people and dogs. To date, the kinetics of regenerating protein (REG) 3E, a novel biomarker for inflammation in dogs, are unknown. OBJECTIVES:The goal of our study was to assess changes in the concentrations of REG3E and compare these to C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations over 48-72 h in different cohorts of dogs. METHODS:Plasma REG3E concentrations were measured using an ELISA on 3-4 consecutive days from 43 dogs, including 12 healthy controls, 17 undergoing tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO), and 14 with sepsis. Canine CRP was measured using a turbidimetric immunoassay. RESULTS:REG3E concentrations were low in control and TPLO dogs throughout all time points. In the TPLO group, there was a mild but significant increase in CRP over time. REG3E and CRP concentrations were higher in septic dogs at admission compared to the other groups and progressively decreased after initiation of treatment to 14% and 28% of initial levels, respectively, within 72 h. REG3E, but not CRP concentrations, stayed high in two dogs, one of which developed recurrent sepsis. There was a significant moderate correlation between both acute-phase proteins among all groups and within the sepsis group, but not within the TPLO group. CONCLUSIONS:In conclusion, based on this cohort of dogs, CRP appears to be more sensitive to detect minor postsurgical inflammation, but the potential of REG3E to predict developing or recurrent sepsis deserves further investigation.

OBJECTIVES:The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for pandemic preparedness, including the establishment of cohorts allowing for the rapid collection of data and biological specimens. We investigated the feasibility of performing self-sampling for respiratory viruses, online questionnaires, and telemedicine in the "Bern, get ready" (BEready) household-based cohort in Switzerland. METHODS:In this pilot study, we enrolled 108 households: 161 adults, 32 children, 29 cats and 15 dogs. We instructed participants to collect a nasal swab if they experienced symptoms of a respiratory infection. Household members of index cases collected swabs, including from their pets, a week later to identify secondary cases. Samples were tested for 13 respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, RSV, and rhinovirus, using a commercially available multiplex PCR. RESULTS:From May 26, 2023 to September 16, 2024, 78 households reported 152 disease events. We obtained valid results from 131/188 (70%) expected samples from index cases, 105/152 (69%) from household contacts, and 24/47 (51%) from pets. Positivity from swabs was 82/131 (63%) among index cases and 24/105 (23%) among human household contacts. CONCLUSION:Decentralized respiratory virus surveillance was feasible in our household-based cohort. Our study will inform the investigation of future emerging diseases, such as an H5N1 pandemic.

Many veterinary staff are dog owners, and the opportunity to bring their dog to work may influence their choice of workplace. This qualitative study assessed the benefits and risks for employees who bring their dogs to work in small animal clinics and aimed to develop guidelines to maximize benefits and minimize risks. The study explored the perspectives of employees at four small animal clinics in Switzerland who brought their own dogs to work. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using an interview guide informed by an ecological model encompassing individual, social, community, and societal aspects. In total, 29 interviews were conducted across various job roles and analyzed. Perceived benefits were consistent across the four clinics, whereas the associated risks varied according to organizational structures. Common benefits for the dog-owning staff included reduced stress, increased social interaction, and improved work-life balance. Identified risks included added stress due to care demands of the dog, additional cleaning demands, potential disease transmission, distractions, and organizational challenges related to spatial arrangements for staff-owned dogs. These findings informed the development of practical guidelines for managing staff-owned dogs in the workplace. Key recommendations include clear and consistent communication of rules, the provision of suitable spaces, and structured integration of dogs into the workplace. From a dog-owner perspective, the opportunity to bring dogs to work has the potential to be an important contributor to employee well-being in veterinary settings. The implementation of formalized guidelines may help to create a positive environment for staff, staff-owned dogs, and employers.

The broad trans-sectoral (humans, animals, environment) dissemination potential of OXA-48 carbapenemase-producing Escherichia coli (OXA-48-Ec) and OXA-48-harboring plasmids represent a major One-Health concern. A whole-genome sequence analysis was conducted with 75 OXA-48-Ec isolated between 2018 and 2022 from dogs (n = 13) and cats (n = 4) hospitalized in a veterinary clinic, the environment of another veterinary clinic (n = 2), humans (n = 55), and river water (n = 1). Strain sequence types (ST), core-genome MLST-based complex type (CT), antimicrobial resistance genes, plasmid incompatibility (Inc) groups were determined by Illumina sequence analysis. Animal OXA-48-Ec and their respective plasmids as well as representative human strains harboring similar OXA-48 plasmids as those from animals were also sequenced using Oxford Nanopore Technologies for comparative analysis of complete plasmids. The 19 veterinary strains belonged to 13 STs, and the 55 human strains to 25 different STs. Only two animal strains shared the same ST as the human strains (ST58, ST405), but with different CTs. Strains carried blaOXA-48 mainly on IncL-type plasmids (n = 35), except some non-veterinary strains, where the gene was located on Col156-like plasmids (human, n = 14; water, n = 1), on the chromosome (n = 7) or onto yet-uncharacterized elements (n = 18) (humans). Two ST58 animal strains harbored blaOXA-48 onto a novel 76-kb IncL-type plasmid also harboring the sul1 and blaDHA-1 resistance genes. Our analysis showed a high genetic diversity between OXA-48-Ec deriving from the human and small animal clinical settings. However, diverse strains from all isolation sources harbored highly similar blaOXA-48-carrying IncL plasmids, underscoring the potential contribution of shared ecological niches in the spread of this hyperepidemic plasmid.

Procalcitonin is a well-established biomarker of bacterial infections in human medicine, used to guide initiation and duration of antimicrobial treatment. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a frequently used marker of inflammation in dogs, but is not specific for bacterial infection. The main objective of this study was to determine kinetics of plasma PCT (pPCT) and CRP in dogs with sepsis, non-infectious systemic inflammatory response syndrome (nSIRS) and healthy dogs. This prospective, observational study included 17 dogs with sepsis, 16 with nSIRS and 15 healthy dogs. Hematologic parameters, pPCT and CRP were assessed on days 1, 2 and 3 in healthy dogs and on days 1, 2, 3 and 4 in dogs with nSIRS or sepsis. The shortened Acute Patient Physiologic and Laboratory Evaluation (APPLE(fast)) score was calculated for dogs with sepsis and nSIRS. Plasma PCT was measured using a validated canine PCT ELISA. There was no significant difference in median pPCT between healthy dogs (110.3 pg/mL; IQR 74.7-138) and dogs with sepsis (81.6 pg/mL; IQR 50.1-157.1) or nSIRS (105.3 pg/mL; IQR 87.6-164.7). Prior antimicrobial treatment was not associated with a decrease in pPCT concentration in septic dogs. In the sepsis group, day 1 pPCT concentrations were significantly higher in non-survivors than in survivors (p < 0.05). In contrast, median CRP was above the reference range (<10.5 mg/L) in dogs with nSIRS (100.7 mg/L; IQR 67-141.9) or sepsis (131.9 mg/L; IQR 75.7-194.8) and significantly decreased within the first 4 days of successful antimicrobial treatment of sepsis. In conclusion, while plasma PCT showed some prognostic value, it was not a useful biomarker for assessing the efficacy of the chosen antimicrobial treatment in dogs with sepsis.

In the past 20 years in Switzerland, dogs with suspect acute leptospirosis frequently showed severe glomerular changes that had not been previously reported. These features were characterized by abundant extravasated erythrocytes and fewer neutrophils accompanied by marked fibrin exudation into the urinary space that was interpreted as an exudative glomerulonephritis (GN). This retrospective study describes this significant glomerular pathological change and investigates the association with leptospirosis. Tissues from 50 dogs with exudative GN, retrieved from 2 pathology archives in Switzerland were reviewed using hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, phosphotungstic acid-hematoxylin, and Warthin and Starry stains. Clinical and postmortem data were collected for each case. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and/or polymerase chain reactions were used as confirmatory tests for leptospirosis. While all 50 cases had clinical and pathological features supporting a diagnosis of leptospirosis, 37 cases were confirmed for the disease. Using a LipL32 antibody in addition to the OMV2177 antibody raised against the lipopolysaccharide of Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni increased the detection rate of Leptospira by IHC in exudative GN from 24% to 62%. Signalment, seasonality, clinical signs, blood results, and pathological changes in dogs with exudative GN were similar to those reported for dogs without GN and confirmed infection by Leptospira spp.. Exudative GN was common among Swiss dogs with leptospirosis where it caused acute severe disease. Leptospirosis should be considered as a cause of this new pathologic feature by the pathologist. The pathogenesis remains unclear, but involvement of a geographic-specific serovar with unique virulence factors is suspected and warrants further investigation.

Cats with diabetic ketosis or ketoacidosis DK(A) require intensive glucose monitoring. The aim of this study was to assess the agreement between a portable blood glucose meter (PBGM) and a flash glucose monitoring system (FGMS; FreeStyle Libre 2.0 Abbott®) measuring interstitial glucose in cats with DK(A). Ten client-owned cats with naturally occurring DK(A) were prospectively enrolled. Glucose concentrations were assessed with both methods every 1–3 h until resolution of DK(A), and every 4–8 h thereafter. While the median FGMS measured glucose concentration (14.3 mmol/L) was significantly lower than the median PBGM measured glucose concentration (19 mmol/L) (p < 0.001), the overall correlation between the FGMS and PBGM was high (r = 0.88; p < 0.001). In the Parkes error grid analysis, 98.3% of measurements fell in zones A and B. Bland–Altman plot analysis demonstrated that in the low glycaemic range (BG < 5.5 mmol/L), 50% of FGMS measurements deviated more than ±0.83 mmol/L, and in the high glycaemic range (BG > 5.5 mmol/L), 81% of results deviated >15% from the PBGM measurements. There was significant inter-individual variation in the difference between glucose concentrations measured by the FGMS and PBGM (p < 0.001). In spite of being more easily tolerated and easier to use, currently this method cannot be recommended for routine monitoring of cats with DK(A).

Case summary A 7-year-old domestic shorthair cat was presented for periuria, apathy, fever, inappetence, diarrhoea and vomiting. A complete blood count and biochemistry analysis revealed severe thrombocytopenia, severe azotaemia, moderate panhypoproteinemia, mildly elevated DGGR lipase activity and mildly elevated liver enzyme activity. Abdominal ultrasound showed a hypoechoic pancreas with surrounding hyperechoic fat demonstrating dirty shadowing and ascites (protein-poor transudate). The cat was treated medically for pancreatitis with fluid therapy, antiemetics and pain medication. During the hospitalisation period, the cat developed severe anaemia and received multiple whole blood transfusions yet showed no signs of clinical improvement. A repeat ultrasound examination performed after 8 days showed progressive pancreatic lesions and ongoing ascites. Analysis of the free abdominal fluid revealed neutrophilic inflammation despite low protein and cell concentration, with the presence of numerous very small, coccoid, basophilic inclusions within neutrophils, raising the concern for a septic peritonitis due to Mycoplasma species. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) confirmed the presence of Mycoplasma felis . After 10 days of hospitalisation, the cat developed refractory septic shock and was euthanased. Necropsy revealed severe necrotising pancreatitis with systemic changes consistent with sepsis and microthrombi. qPCR testing for M felis in pancreatic tissue also yielded a positive result. Relevance and novel information Although pancreatitis is a common disease in cats, this case report presents the first documented occurrence of M felis as the suspected primary pathogen causing pancreatitis in a cat.

Case summary A 7-year-old domestic shorthair cat was presented for periuria, apathy, fever, inappetence, diarrhoea and vomiting. A complete blood count and biochemistry analysis revealed severe thrombocytopenia, severe azotaemia, moderate panhypoproteinemia, mildly elevated DGGR lipase activity and mildly elevated liver enzyme activity. Abdominal ultrasound showed a hypoechoic pancreas with surrounding hyperechoic fat demonstrating dirty shadowing and ascites (protein-poor transudate). The cat was treated medically for pancreatitis with fluid therapy, antiemetics and pain medication. During the hospitalisation period, the cat developed severe anaemia and received multiple whole blood transfusions yet showed no signs of clinical improvement. A repeat ultrasound examination performed after 8 days showed progressive pancreatic lesions and ongoing ascites. Analysis of the free abdominal fluid revealed neutrophilic inflammation despite low protein and cell concentration, with the presence of numerous very small, coccoid, basophilic inclusions within neutrophils, raising the concern for a septic peritonitis due to Mycoplasma species. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) confirmed the presence of Mycoplasma felis. After 10 days of hospitalisation, the cat developed refractory septic shock and was euthanased. Necropsy revealed severe necrotising pancreatitis with systemic changes consistent with sepsis and microthrombi. qPCR testing for M felis in pancreatic tissue also yielded a positive result. Relevance and novel information Although pancreatitis is a common disease in cats, this case report presents the first documented occurrence of M felis as the suspected primary pathogen causing pancreatitis in a cat.

BACKGROUND:Enterobacter hormaechei producing the carbapenemase OXA-48 was identified repeatedly in infections in companion animals hospitalized at a Swiss veterinary clinic where OXA-48-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae was previously reported.OBJECTIVES:To determine the genetic relatedness of animal and human E. hormaechei strains collected in Switzerland during 2017-22 and their mobile genetic elements.METHODS:Hybrid assemblies for phylogenetic and comparative analysis of animal (n = 9) and human (n = 25) isolates were obtained by sequencing with Illumina, PacBio and Oxford Nanopore Technologies. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested by broth microdilution.RESULTS:The animal strains were identified as E. hormaechei subsp. xiangfangensis ST114 (n = 6) and ST418 (n = 2), and E. hormaechei subsp. hoffmannii ST78 (n = 1). Human E. hormaechei belonged to subspecies steigerwaltii (n = 10), xiangfangensis (n = 13), hoffmannii (n = 1) and hormaechei (n = 1), with a heterogeneous ST distribution differing from the animal strains, except for two ST114. Core-gene SNP analysis confirmed the clonality of the animal ST114 and ST418 isolates (0 to 10 SNPs), and close relatedness of animal and human ST114 strains (80-120 SNPs). The strains harboured the blaOXA-48 gene on ca. 63 kb IncL-type plasmids (n = 27); on ca. 72 kb IncL plasmids co-harbouring blaCTX-M-14 (n = 2); and on ca. 150-180 kb IncFIB (n = 4) or hybrid IncFIB/IncL (n = 1) plasmids. The blaOXA-48-harbouring plasmids and the blaDHA-1-carrying ISCR1 element in one animal ST114 and both ST418 clones were likely acquired from previously spreading K. pneumoniae strains.CONCLUSIONS:Common ecological niches favour the spread of plasmid-borne carbapenemases among Enterobacterales and the emergence of MDR E. hormaechei clones.

BACKGROUND Procalcitonin (PCT) is a well-established biomarker for bacterial infection in human patients. OBJECTIVES We aimed to analyze the kinetics of plasma PCT (pPCT) in healthy dogs and dogs with canine cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture undergoing tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO). METHODS This prospective, longitudinal study included 15 healthy dogs and 25 dogs undergoing TPLO. Hematology, pPCT, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were assessed on 3 consecutive days in healthy dogs and 1 day preoperatively and days 1, 2, 10, and 56 postoperatively. Inter- and intraindividual variability of pPCT were assessed in healthy dogs. Median pPCT concentrations of dogs with CCL rupture preoperatively were compared with healthy controls, and median pPCT concentrations, as well as percentage change post anesthesia, arthroscopy, and TPLO, were compared with baseline. For the correlation analysis, the Spearman rank correlation test was used. RESULTS Inter- and intraindividual variabilities of pPCT in healthy dogs were 36% and 15%, respectively. Median baseline pPCT concentrations were not significantly different between healthy dogs (118.9 pg/mL; IQR: 75.3-157.3 pg/mL) and dogs undergoing TPLO (95.9 pg/mL; IQR: 63.8-117.0 pg/mL). Plasma PCT concentrations were significantly lower immediately post- than preoperatively (P < 0.001). CRP, WBC, and neutrophil concentrations increased significantly on post-OP day 2 and had normalized by day 10. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that CCL rupture, as well as anesthesia, arthroscopy, and TPLO combined, are not associated with increased pPCT concentrations in dogs with uncomplicated recovery. Considering the high intraindividual variability, individual serial measurements rather than a population-based reference interval should be considered.

Background Good hand hygiene adherence is a key factor in the prevention of hospital-acquired infections. The guidelines offered by the World Health Organization for interventions to improve hand hygiene adherence in human health care can only in part be applied to veterinary medicine, and current observations of hygiene adherence in veterinary environments stress a need for decisive action. There is great potential for improvement, especially in situations in which people act habitually. Focus of the Article The focus of this article is to identify the barriers and benefits that influence hand hygiene habits in veterinary care facilities and to derive intervention strategies to promote hand hygiene habits informed by theory and formative research. Research Question This article examines two research questions. What contextual, social, and personal factors promote (benefits) and hinder (barriers) hand hygiene habits in veterinary care facilities? Which intervention strategies can be derived from the identified barriers and benefits to foster hand hygiene habits? Approach The identification of the target behavior and group was based on the literature, talks within the author team, and daily observations. Barriers and benefits were identified by means of qualitative focus groups. The focus group interview schedule was informed by the risks, attitudes, norms, abilities, and self-regulation (RANAS) approach. The intervention strategy was based on the elicited barriers and benefits and guided by the framework of habit formation. Importance to the Social Marketing Field For the first time, barriers and benefits regarding hand hygiene habits were systematically elicited in a small animal clinic in Switzerland. The article focuses on hand hygiene as a habit and offers evidence-based and behavior-oriented intervention strategies. Our findings can thus be used as a basis for developing a theoretically sound intervention to promote hand hygiene habits in veterinary clinics and practices and serve as a springboard for future social marketing research, especially with a focus on habit formation. Methods Primary data were gathered using eight structured in-depth focus group interviews (N = 32 participants) in a small animal clinic in Switzerland. Two focus groups each were conducted with the following professional groups: veterinary assistants, students, residents and interns, and senior clinicians. Results The overarching theme across the participants' talk was that building habits is promising but challenging to implement. In examining the key barriers and benefits, five themes were discussed: (1) animal welfare as a reason to act, (2) not about the why but about the how, (3) clash of generations, (4) lack of feedback mechanisms, and (5) the invisible enemy. Strategies were derived based on these findings and the theoretical framework of a habit formation intervention. Recommendations for Practice and Research The themes that emerged in the focus groups are connected to the theoretical framework of habit formation to derive possible intervention strategies. The supplemental material delves into these strategies and provides implementation steps for practitioners facing a similar challenge. Further research is needed to experimentally test the effect of the intervention strategies and to validate the results for other clinics.

Abstract Since publication of the last consensus statement on leptospirosis in dogs, there has been revision of leptospiral taxonomy and advancements in typing methods, widespread use of new diagnostic tests and vaccines, and improved understanding of the epidemiology and pathophysiology of the disease. Leptospirosis continues to be prevalent in dogs, including in small breed dogs from urban areas, puppies as young as 11 weeks of age, geriatric dogs, dogs in rural areas, and dogs that have been inadequately vaccinated for leptospirosis (including dogs vaccinated with 2‐serovar Leptospira vaccines in some regions). In 2021, the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Board of Regents voted to approve the topic for a revised Consensus Statement. After identification of core panelists, a multidisciplinary group of 6 experts from the fields of veterinary medicine, human medicine, and public health was assembled to vote on the recommendations using the Delphi method. A draft was presented at the 2023 ACVIM Forum, and a written draft posted on the ACVIM website for comment by the membership before submission to the editors of the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. This revised document provides guidance for veterinary practitioners on disease in dogs as well as cats. The level of agreement among the 12 voting members (including core panelists) is provided in association with each recommendation. A denominator lower than 12 reflects abstention of ≥1 panelists either because they considered the recommendation to be outside their scope of expertise or because there was a perceived conflict of interest.

Cancer is a common disease in humans and in companion animals and treatment is challenging. The aim of this systematic review was to identify and assess the potential use of Viscum album L. extracts (VAE) for treatment of neoplastic diseases in companion animals. Peer-reviewed animal, in vivo and in vitro studies were included, considering the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement and A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR). Overall, 6,148 references were identified. Following a predefined protocol, 114 full-text references were assessed. Ultimately, 61 references were included for further assessment, 25 references included in vitro experiments, 26 included in vivo and clinical experiments, and 10 references included both in vitro and in vivo experiments. These 61 references comprised data of 193 in vitro and 67 in vivo and clinical experiments. Most of the 67 in vivo and clinical experiments were conducted with mice (59), followed by rats (4), dogs (3), and horses (1). So far, oral melanomas, mammary tumors, and sticker sarcomas in dogs, as well as sarcoids in horses, have been investigated in controlled clinical trials. A scoring system was established to evaluate the outcomes of each study based on defined effect levels. The efficacy of VAE treatment was most pronounced for melanomas, sarcomas, mammary carcinoma, and equine sarcoids. The limited number and quality of published studies on VAE treatment in companion animals impede drawing definitive conclusions regarding the efficacy of VAE in the treatment of cancer. Thus, further research is needed to elucidate the impact of VAE on the treatment of cancer in companion animals and possible underlying mechanisms.

OBJECTIVES Infections with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) are an emerging problem in pets and a major threat to public health. We determined the genetic relationships among carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (CPKp) strains causing infections in hospitalized pets in a veterinary clinic and those found in the environment. METHODS WGS was performed with both the Illumina and Nanopore platforms. Searches of genetic features were performed using several databases and bioinformatics tools, and phylogeny was assessed by whole-genome MLST (wgMLST) using SeqSphere and SNP calling with Snippy. RESULTS WGS analysis of the CPKp strains identified all environmental and almost all animal strains as the high-risk clone ST11, with the exception of two strains that belonged to ST307. All CPKp belonged to novel complex types (CTs) and carried a conjugative 63 kb IncL plasmid encoding the carbapenemase gene blaOXA-48, yersiniabactin and other virulence factors. Although all CPKp ST11 strains carried additional similar IncR plasmids harbouring multiple antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), such as the plasmid-mediated blaDHA-1 AmpC gene, some structural variations were observed. The two ST307 strains carried identical 156 kb MDR IncFIB(K) plasmids with several ARGs, including the blaCTX-M-15 ESBL gene. Both wgMLST and cgSNP analysis confirmed that CPKp strains of the same ST were genetically highly related independent of the source of isolation. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that the clinical CPKp strains were highly related to those contaminating the clinical environment. These findings confirmed nosocomial spread and highlight veterinary hospitals as a source of CPKp, which may further spread to animals, the environment and humans.

Background: The emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) represent a threat to human and animal health. Objectives: To assess duration of carriage of MDROs in dogs and cats presented to veterinary clinics/hospitals in Switzerland. To estimate prevalence, duration of and risk factors for MDRO carriage in their owners and the occurrence of co-carriage in owner-pet pairs. Methods: Prospective, longitudinal, observational study. Nasal swabs and fecal samples were collected from 50 owners of dogs and cats presented to 3 large veterinary hospitals, 1 medium-sized clinic and 1 practice. If pet or owner tested positive for a MDRO, follow-up samples were collected for up to 8 months. Methicillin-resistant (MR) Staphylococcus aureus, MR S. pseudintermedius, MR coagulase-negative staphylococci (MRCoNS), MR Macrococcus spp., cephalosporinase-and carbapenemase-producing (CP) Enterobacterales were isolated and further characterized by MALDI-TOF MS, microdilution, beta-lactam resistance gene detection, REP/ERIC-PCR, multilocus sequence typing or whole-genome sequencing. Risk factors for MDRO carriage in owners were explored based on questionnaire-derived data. Results: Five out of 50 owners carried 3rd generation cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales (3GC-R-Ent.), and 5/50 MRCoNS. In 3 dogs and 4 cats carriage of 3GC-R-Ent. persisted for up to 136 days after discharge (median 99 days, IQR 83 days, range 36-136 days), in two cats isolates were carbapenem-resistant. Owner-pet co-carriage was not observed. No specific risk factors for MDRO carriage in owners were identified. Conclusions: After discharge from veterinary care, dogs and cats may carry 3GC-R-Ent. for prolonged time periods. Carriage of MDROs was common in owners, but pet-owner co-carriage of the same MDRO was not observed.

The emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) present a threat to human and animal health. To assess acquisition, prevalence of and risk factors for MDRO carriage in dogs and cats presented to veterinary clinics or practices in Switzerland. Privately owned dogs (n = 183) and cats (n = 88) presented to 4 veterinary hospitals and 1 practice. Prospective, longitudinal, observational study. Oronasal and rectal swabs were collected at presentation and 69% of animals were sampled again at discharge. Methicillin-resistant (MR) staphylococci and macrococci, cephalosporinase-, and carbapenemase-producing (CP) Enterobacterales were isolated. Genetic relatedness of isolates was assessed by repetitive sequence-based polymerase chain reaction and multilocus sequence typing. Risk factors for MDRO acquisition and carriage were analyzed based on questionnaire-derived and hospitalization data. Admission prevalence of MDRO carriage in pets was 15.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 11.4-20.4). The discharge prevalence and acquisition rates were 32.1% (95% CI, 25.5-39.3) and 28.3% (95% CI, 22-35.4), respectively. Predominant hospital-acquired isolates were extended spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL -E coli ; 17.3%) and β-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (13.7%). At 1 institution, a cluster of 24 highly genetically related CP (bla oxa181 and bla oxa48 ) was identified. Multivariate analysis identified hospitalization at clinic 1 (odds ratio [OR], 5.1; 95% CI, 1.6-16.8) and days of hospitalization (OR 3-5 days, 4.4; 95% CI, 1.8-10.9; OR > 5 days, 6.2; 95% CI, 1.3-28.8) as risk factors for MDRO acquisition in dogs. Veterinary hospitals play an important role in the selection and transmission of MDRO among veterinary patients.

Abstract Background The emergence and spread of multidrug‐resistant organisms (MDRO) present a threat to human and animal health. Objectives To assess acquisition, prevalence of and risk factors for MDRO carriage in dogs and cats presented to veterinary clinics or practices in Switzerland. Animals Privately owned dogs (n = 183) and cats (n = 88) presented to 4 veterinary hospitals and 1 practice. Methods Prospective, longitudinal, observational study. Oronasal and rectal swabs were collected at presentation and 69% of animals were sampled again at discharge. Methicillin‐resistant (MR) staphylococci and macrococci, cephalosporinase‐, and carbapenemase‐producing (CP) Enterobacterales were isolated. Genetic relatedness of isolates was assessed by repetitive sequence‐based polymerase chain reaction and multilocus sequence typing. Risk factors for MDRO acquisition and carriage were analyzed based on questionnaire‐derived and hospitalization data. Results Admission prevalence of MDRO carriage in pets was 15.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 11.4‐20.4). The discharge prevalence and acquisition rates were 32.1% (95% CI, 25.5‐39.3) and 28.3% (95% CI, 22‐35.4), respectively. Predominant hospital‐acquired isolates were extended spectrum β‐lactamase‐producing Escherichia coli (ESBL‐E coli; 17.3%) and β‐lactamase‐producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (13.7%). At 1 institution, a cluster of 24 highly genetically related CP (blaoxa181 and blaoxa48) was identified. Multivariate analysis identified hospitalization at clinic 1 (odds ratio [OR], 5.1; 95% CI, 1.6‐16.8) and days of hospitalization (OR 3‐5 days, 4.4; 95% CI, 1.8‐10.9; OR > 5 days, 6.2; 95% CI, 1.3‐28.8) as risk factors for MDRO acquisition in dogs. Conclusions Veterinary hospitals play an important role in the selection and transmission of MDRO among veterinary patients.