Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant public health concern in companion animals, yet systematic surveillance in North Macedonia is lacking. This study investigated the prevalence of resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from 112 fecal samples from dogs in six shelters in North Macedonia and evaluated the associated risk factors, providing the first baseline dataset for this population. High resistance was observed for sulfamethoxazole (68.75%), ampicillin (52.68%), and ciprofloxacin (41.07%). Multidrug resistance was present in 50% of the isolates, with 17 (15.17%) confirmed as ESBL producers. Additionally, 18 isolates (16.1%) were identified as AmpC producers, 16 of which carried the blaCMY-2 gene. Notably, 72.2% of ESBL/AmpC isolates were resistant to ertapenem despite the absence of carbapenemase genes, a finding that warrants further investigation. Risk factors such as shared housing, longer shelter stays, and frequent empirical antimicrobial use were identified as probable contributors to the carriage of ESBL-/AmpC-producing E. coli. None of the shelters had antimicrobial stewardship protocols or routine diagnostic testing, revealing critical gaps in infection control and antimicrobial practices. These findings underscore the urgent need for antimicrobial stewardship and surveillance in North Macedonia’s companion animal populations within the One Health framework.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease in dogs, characterized by progressive cartilage deterioration, chronic pain, and reduced mobility. This prospective, cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of OA-associated pain and identify key risk factors in a cohort of 259 dogs through an owner-completed online survey. The survey incorporated three validated pain and mobility assessment tools: the Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD), the Helsinki Chronic Pain Index (HCPI), and the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI). Dogs exhibiting consistent signs of pain across all three tools (n=56) were selected for a full clinical evaluation, and diagnostic imaging. Most dogs were purebred (80.7%), male (61.8%), overweight (61.0%), and 3-9 years old (57.5%). Pain scores from all three assessment tools revealed significant associations between severity of OA and age, weight category, and body condition score (BCS). Notably, BCS was the strongest predictor of moderate to severe OA, followed by weight category and age. Notably, a discrepancy was observed between owner-reported mobility concerns (28.6%) and the clinical findings, highlighting the limitations of subjective assessment. These findings confirm that advanced age and, more significantly, excess body weight are primary contributors to the severity of canine OA. Furthermore, the study underscores the importance of objective diagnostic tools and owner education in the early identification and management of OA. Preventive strategies, including weight control, regular monitoring, and timely interventions, are crucial for improving outcomes in affected dogs.