This study aimed to scrutinize variations in the intestinal microbiota of neonatal dogs born through natural birth versus elective cesarean section, focusing on evaluating the influence of vaginal seeding on the microbiota of cesarean-born neonates. Samples were collected from cesarean-sectioned females before anesthesia and from naturally birthing females during prodrome signs, along with neonates at eight time points from birth to 15 days of age. In the cesarean section group, seeding was performed in half of the neonates (cesarean section seeding group; seeding consisted of gently rubbing the gauze, obtained from the mother’s vagina, onto the mouths, faces, and bodies of the newborns), while the other half underwent microbiological sample collection without seeding (cesarean section group). Another group (normal birth group) consisted of naturally born neonates. Microbiota analysis included counting for enterobacteria, Staphylococcus spp., and Streptococcus spp. The results suggested that vertical transmission played a crucial role, but the method of birth did not emerge as the primary determinant of observed differences. Under study conditions, vaginal seeding failed to effectively modulate the microbiota of neonates born through elective cesarean section. Further investigations into the gut–brain axis are suggested for understanding factors influencing the initial development of the canine intestinal microbiota in neonates born through different delivery routes.

Eosinophilic granuloma is a lesion commonly found in cats but is rare in dogs, manifesting as nodules or plaques in the oral cavity, especially on the soft palate and tongue, with possible genetic potential involved. Due to the scarcity of descriptions of this oral lesion in dogs, especially in Brazil, the present report aimed to describe it in a Siberian Husky, treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Franca, presenting an adherent and ulcerated plaque on the soft palate. Histopathological examination detected intense eosinophilic infiltrate associated with areas of collagenolysis, absence of neoplastic cells and negative PAS staining. Corticosteroid therapy with prednisolone (2mg/kg, every 24 hours, 7 days) was instituted, with gradual weaning of 0.5mg/kg, every 7 days. Given the excellent therapeutic response, this medication was maintained as monotherapy and, within 90 days of the end of treatment, there were no signs of relapse, without the need for association with complementary therapies or other therapeutic modalities, which could cause adverse effects and additional costs. It is admitted that, despite being uncommon, due to its similar clinical appearance, eosinophilic granuloma should be included in the differential diagnosis of neoplasms and infections, aiming at appropriate therapeutic institution.

In this study, thirty female dogs, aged one to five years and varying in weight, in the last week of gestation were evaluated. The animals were divided into two groups: GC, which comprised twenty-two bitches undergoing elective cesarean section, and GD, which consisted of eight dogs requiring therapeutic cesarean section as a treatment to dystocia. We found that cortisol levels in the amniotic fluid were significantly higher in pups delivered via elective cesareans (mean: 9.86 ng/mL) compared to those from therapeutic c-sections (mean: 4.11 ng/mL). This observation contrasted with previous studies that reported lower cortisol levels in elective procedures, suggesting complexities in the physiological responses to different delivery methods that warrant further investigation. Notably, our study observed no significant association between amniotic fluid meconium presence and other distress markers, indicating that meconium may be more closely associated with fetal maturation rather than distress (p > 0.05). Neonatal viability (Apgar score) revealed that 92.86% of the neonates from elective procedures demonstrated no distress shortly after delivery, contrasting with 56.25% in therapeutic c-section. Fetal distress can be a direct consequence of dystocia caused by various stressors, such as pain and hypoxia. These factors can impair the fetus’ ability to adapt to extrauterine life, often leading to lower Apgar scores. Notably, neonatal weight was directly related to fetal cortisol levels, while no significant associations were noted between the litter size or birth order and cortisol concentrations, irrespective of the delivery type. These findings underscore the need for ongoing investigation into the relationships between cesarean delivery types, maternal and neonatal stress markers, and resultant health outcomes, aiming to enhance care strategies for expectant canine mothers and their puppies.

Background: Osteomyelitis caused by Aspergillus sp. is uncommon in dogs and cats and may occur in cases of disseminated aspergillosis, a rare and poorly described condition in veterinary medicine. Case Description: Due to the scarcity of reports documenting this disease, particularly with localized involvement of the pelvic bones, the present case report aimed to describe the condition in an eight-year-old mixed-breed dog presenting with severe pain and lameness of the right pelvic limb. Radiographic examination revealed marked periosteal bone proliferation and areas of osteolysis extending from the right wing of the ilium to the acetabulum. Incisional biopsy demonstrated a dense inflammatory infiltrate consistent with chronic osteitis and myositis. Samples were submitted for bacterial and fungal cultures, with growth observed only in the fungal culture, identifying Aspergillus species. Treatment with itraconazole at 10 mg/kg every 24 hours was initiated, and therapeutic response was monitored through periodic radiographs, which showed gradual regression of the initial lesions. Conclusion: At the time of this report, 16 months after treatment initiation, the patient exhibited continuous clinical improvement without systemic signs of disease, indicating therapeutic success and a longer survival expectancy.