The neonatal period represents a critical stage for the establishment and development of the gut microbiota, which profoundly influences the future health trajectory of individuals. This review examines the importance of intestinal microbiota in humans and dogs, aiming to elucidate the distinct characteristics and variations in the composition between these two species. In humans, the intestinal microbiota contributes to several crucial physiological processes, including digestion, nutrient absorption, immune system development, and modulation of host metabolism. Dysbiosis, an imbalance or disruption of the gut microbial community, has been linked to various disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, and even neurological conditions. Furthermore, recent research has unveiled the profound influence of the gut-brain axis, emphasizing the bidirectional communication between the gut microbiota and the central nervous system, impacting cognitive function and mental health. Similarly, alterations in the canine intestinal microbiota have been associated with gastrointestinal disorders, including chronic enteropathy, such as inflammatory bowel disease, food allergies, and ulcerative histiocytic colitis. However, our understanding of the intricacies and functional significance of the intestinal microbiota in dogs remains limited. Understanding the complex dynamics of the intestinal microbiota in both humans and dogs is crucial for devising effective strategies to promote health and manage disease. Moreover, exploring the similarities and differences in the gut microbial composition between these two species can facilitate translational research, potentially leading to innovative therapeutic interventions and strategies to enhance the well-being of both humans and dogs.

Investigações relativas à toxoplasmose são fundamentais, tendo em vista o seu potencial zoonótico e sua patogenicidade em animais de produção e de companhia. O cão pode estar envolvido na transmissão mecânica da infecção por Toxoplasma gondii e apesar de não ser hospedeiro definitivo, tem papel epidemiológico relevante nesta protozoose. A elevada taxa de cães naturalmente infectados por T. gondii e a grande possibilidade destes se infectarem com este protozoário, justificam a importância de se atentar para a ocorrência desta enfermidade. Objetivou-se demonstrar por meio de revisão de literatura, alguns aspectos clínicos, epidemiológicos e patológicos da toxoplasmose na espécie canina.

Blood samples from 200 female dogs divided into 6 groups (diestrus, mucometra, pyometra) were evaluated, with the pyometra group categorized according to the ASA classification (American Society of Anesthesiologists), that is, from ASA II to V, totaling six groups. Aiming to analyze the acute phase proteins (APP), hematological and serum biochemical profiles of the female dogs in the study, establishing the differential diagnosis and prognosis according to the group. The SDS-PAGE method was used for protein fractionation, complete blood count using an automated hematological analyzer and histogram, biochemical tests performed using a semi-automatic spectrophotometer and measurement of serum concentrations of sodium and ionic calcium using the selective ion method. The results showed that female dogs with pyometra categorized in the ASA II to V classification revealed biochemical alterations between the study groups, as well as the acute phase proteins, presented variations according to the systemic involvement, degree of inflammatory response and ASA classification of the female dogs with pyometra, in which ceruloplasmin (p=0.07) and transferrin (p=0.07) did not show statistical significance, but showed an increase in their concentration according to the inflammatory evolution, albumin (p<0.0001), IgGCP (p <0.0001), haptoglobin (p<0.0001), alpha acid glycoprotein (p<0.0001), IgGCL (p<0.0001) and the one identified by its atomic weight 23,000 Da (p=0.0031), enabling the assessment of the acute phase response and aiding in the early detection of the systemic inflammatory response and better therapeutic guidance for the patient.

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.

Thirty and forty days after a 50 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate injection, respectively, two mixed-breed, 7 and 8-month-old entire male cats presented diffuse enlargement of thoracic and abdominal mammary glands, with ulceration, abscessation and necrosis. One patient was treated with 10 mg/kg aglepristone, antibiotic therapy, analgesic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compound; however a worse enlargement of mammary glands, necrosis and clinical condition was noted two days after antiprogestin injection. The second patient was submitted to surgical procedure without previous medical treatment. A partial bilateral mastectomy and conventional orchiectomy were performed, and both patients presented no clinical abnormalities 10 days after surgical treatment. In the male cat, the interruption of progesterone associated mammary fibroepithelial hyperplasia cannot be based in gonadectomy, being antiprogestin treatment the primary approach. Mastectomy can be a treatment option in selected cases, such as the two cases presented here, in case of antiprogestin treatment failure or in case of extensive ulceration, necrosis and risk of sepsis.

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.