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Grass awn in the urinary bladder of a 5-months old mixed-breed dog – a case report
Grass awn foreign body-related disease is common in dogs throughout Poland, typically affecting the ears and subcutaneous tissue, but the presence of grass awns in the urinary bladder is a rare pathology in veterinary medicine. The diagnosis of foreign bodies in the urinary tract is challenging because their signs overlap with those of urinary tract infections. Hence, patients with grass awns in the urethra or urinary bladder can easily be misdiagnosed and mistreated. It is worth considering the potential presence of a plant foreign body in the urinary tract in the case of sudden hematuria and abdominal discomfort, especially in the spring and summer. Quick diagnosis and surgery treatment are essential to protect the patient from severe complications. The purpose of this report is to present the diagnosis and treatment of a dog with hematuria and abdominal discomfort which was diagnosed with a foreign body (a grass awn) in the urinary bladder.
The first serological survey of C. Burnetii in domestic animals in Poland
Abstract Background • Q fever, known as coxiellosis in animals, represents a global zoonotic threat caused by the intracellular bacterium Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii). The disease affects many animal species, including those considered significant reservoirs, such as cattle, sheep and goats. Transmission of the pathogen to other domestic animals, including companion animals, and then to humans has also been observed, highlighting the importance of understanding the epidemiology and prevalence of C. burnetii among companion animals. The present study aimed to determine the frequency of seroreagents for C. burnetii within pet dogs, cats and rabbits from urban Poland areas and identify possible risk factors for these animals. Results • In total, serum samples from 491 dogs, 427 cats and 93 rabbits were used in the study. The seroprevalence of anti-C. burnetii antibodies in dogs and cats reached 0.61% (3/491; 95% CI: 0.21–1.78) and 0.23% (1/427; 95% CI: 0.04–1.31), respectively. No significant differences in seroprevalence across species and different subpopulations (age group, gender, exhibited symptoms, or sampling location) were found. All 93 samples from rabbits were negative for anti-C.burnetii antibodies. Conclusions • The seroprevalence rates of C. burnetii in dogs and cats were low; however, our results confirm that pet dogs and cats in Poland can be exposed to C. burnetii and may exhibit serological reactions. It has been reported that people who come into contact with secretions and excretions from the reproductive systems of dogs and cats (such as breeders, veterinarians, and veterinary clinic staff) may be at risk of contracting C. burnetii. Based on the findings, it is advised to be particularly cautious, especially when assisting with dogs and cats giving birth. Coxiellosis should be considered a potential cause of reproductive disorders in these animals. The results indicate that rabbits are probably less important in the circulation of the C. burnetii in the present study. This is the first serological survey of C. burnetii in pet dogs, cats and rabbits in Poland.