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Sylvie Chastantmaillard - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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birth weight as a risk factor for neonatal mortality breed specific approach to identify at risk Puppies
Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 2019Co-Authors: Amelie Mugnier, Hanna Mila, Sylvie Chastantmaillard, Florine Guiraud, Julie Brevaux, Manon Lecarpentier, Clara Martinez, Claire Mariani, Achraf Adiblesaux, Claude SaegermanAbstract:Abstract In numerous species, low birth weight is a risk factor for neonatal mortality. In the canine species, definition of a low birth weight is complex due to the huge interbreed variability in size. To identify Puppies at higher risk of neonatal death, data from 6,694 Puppies were analysed. The data were collected from 75 French breeding kennels, examining 27 breeds and totaling 1,202 litters of Puppies. Generalised linear mixed models allowed to identify birth weight, birth weight heterogeneity within the litter, and size of the breeding kennel as significant risk factors for neonatal mortality. Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) and classification and regression tree (CART) analyses were combined to define breed specific thresholds for birth weight allowing the identification of Puppies at higher risk of neonatal mortality. Due to differences in birth weights between breeds, including when belonging to the same breed size, analyses were conducted at the breed level. First, ROC analysis thresholds were successfully established for 12 breeds (area under the ROC ≥ 0.70; sensitivity ≥ 75%; specificity: 45–68%) and they ranged from 162 g in the Maltese to 480 g in the Bernese Mountain dog. Secondly, CART analysis thresholds from 22 breeds ranged from 105 g in the Maltese and 436 g in the Boxer. Puppies were grouped into three categories according to birth weight: low, moderate and high risk of neonatal mortality (higher than the ROC threshold, between ROC and CART thresholds, and lower than the CART threshold respectively). In the current study, 44% of the Puppies were classified as at moderate risk and 5.3% for a high risk of neonatal mortality. Thresholds defined by CART analysis (and not ROC analysis) were used to define low birth weight Puppies and were sometimes quite different between breeds with similar birth weight distributions suggesting a variable relationship between birth weight reduction and neonatal death. These results allow the identification of Puppies at an increased risk of neonatal death, thus requiring specific nursing to improve their chances of survival. With these high risk Puppies identified, both animal welfare and kennel productivity is predicted to improve.
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characterization of the fecal microbiome during neonatal and early pediatric development in Puppies
PLOS ONE, 2017Co-Authors: Blake C Guard, Jan S. Suchodolski, Hanna Mila, Claire Mariani, Jorg M Steiner, Sylvie ChastantmaillardAbstract:Limited information is available describing the development of the neonatal fecal microbiome in dogs. Feces from Puppies were collected at 2, 21, 42, and 56 days after birth. Feces were also collected from the Puppies' mothers at a single time point within 24 hours after parturition. DNA was extracted from fecal samples and 454-pyrosequencing was used to profile 16S rRNA genes. Species richness continued to increase significantly from 2 days of age until 42 days of age in Puppies. Furthermore, microbial communities clustered separately from each other at 2, 21, and 42 days of age. The microbial communities belonging to dams clustered separately from that of Puppies at any given time point. Major phylogenetic changes were noted at all taxonomic levels with the most profound changes being a shift from primarily Firmicutes in Puppies at 2 days of age to a co-dominance of Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteria, and Firmicutes by 21 days of age. Further studies are needed to elucidate the relationship between puppy microbiota development, physiological growth, neonatal survival, and morbidity.
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natural and artificial hyperimmune solutions impact on health in Puppies
Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 2017Co-Authors: Hanna Mila, Alexandre Feugier, Aurélien Grellet, Jan S. Suchodolski, Claire Mariani, Blake C Guard, Jorg M Steiner, Sylvie ChastantmaillardAbstract:Contents Colostrum and milk are complex mammary secretions providing the puppy with many nutritional and immunological factors, which play a crucial role for its correct development and survival. In the case of colostrum and/or milk intake deficiency, Puppies are at increased risk of infectious diseases. This work reviews the various nutritional hyperimmune supplementations proposed to provide a passive immune protection and to positively impact Puppies’ health. Some strategies rely on canine immunoglobulins: canine colostrum banking and canine serum/plasma supplementation. Others involve heterologous sources of antibodies and other immune factors: bovine colostrum or hyperimmune egg powder. Among the different solutions evaluated from birth to weaning, canine plasma and hyperimmune egg powder showed promising beneficial effect on Puppies’ health. Canine plasma seems to positively impact not only growth (increased growth during the neonatal period), but also digestive health (higher species richness of intestinal microbiota) and the general health (tendency of lower morbidity). Puppies supplemented with hyperimmune egg powder presented increased neonatal growth and decreased risk of canine parvovirus infection. Nevertheless, natural canine maternal colostrum and milk ingestion remains the optimal guarantee for Puppies’ health and survival, as a source of immunity, energy and growth factors.
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differential impact of birth weight and early growth on neonatal mortality in Puppies
Journal of Animal Science, 2015Co-Authors: Hanna Mila, Alexandre Feugier, Aurélien Grellet, Sylvie ChastantmaillardAbstract:Breeding kennels face a high rate of neonatal mortality, on which the impact of nutrition remains to be determined. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of birth weight (reflecting intrauterine growth) and early growth rate (reflecting colostrum intake) on risk of neonatal mortality in Puppies and to determine the critical thresholds of both parameters. Puppies from various breeds were weighed at birth ( = 514) and at 2 d of age, and the growth rate over that period (early growth rate) was calculated for all survivors ( = 477). Linear mixed models evaluated the effect of birth weight on mortality between birth and 2 d of age and the effect of both birth weight and early growth rate on mortality between 2 and 21 d of age. Birth weight was influenced by litter size ( = 0.003), with more low-birth-weight Puppies (the lightest 25% within a breed size) in large litters compared with smaller litters. Mortality over the first 2 d after birth was associated with birth weight ( < 0.001), with 81.1% of dying Puppies characterized by a low birth weight. Mortality between 2 and 21 d of age was not related to birth weight but was found to be associated with early growth rate ( < 0.001), with higher risk of death in Puppies with growth rate at or below -4% after the first 2 d of life. This study demonstrates the differential effect of intrauterine nutrition impacting mortality during the first 2 d of life and that of colostrum intake impacting mortality until 21 d of life. Birth weight and early growth rate thresholds provided in this study allow identification of Puppies at risk, whereby provision can be made for adequate nursing to increase their chances to survive.
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protection against canine parvovirus type 2 infection in Puppies by colostrum derived antibodies
Journal of Nutritional Science, 2014Co-Authors: Hanna Mila, Alexandre Feugier, Aurélien Grellet, Canio Buonavoglia, Costantina Desario, Nicola Decaro, Sylvie ChastantmaillardAbstract:During the first weeks of life Puppies remain protected against canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV2) infection thanks to maternally derived antibodies (MDA) absorbed with colostrum after birth. The objective of the present study was to present the variability in CPV2-specific passive immune transfer and its consequences in Puppies naturally exposed to the parvovirus. Seventy-nine Puppies from one breeding kennel were included in the study at birth and followed until 56 d of age. Once per week the MDA titre for CPV2 specific antibodies was determined in blood. Viral excretion was also evaluated on a rectal swab by CPV2 PCR assay and Puppies were weighed to determine growth rate. At 2 d of age, thirty-four out of seventy-nine Puppies (43 %) had MDA ≤1:160 (designed group A) and forty-five Puppies (57 %) had greater MDA titres (designed group B). The level of absorbed maternal antibodies was shown to be associated with breed size and growth rate during the first 48 h of life. The MDA level declined with age in all cases; however, the proportion of Puppies with the antibody level considered as protective against CPV2 infection was significantly higher in group B compared with A from day 2 until 42. Among all Puppies surviving until 56 d of age, sixty-seven out of seventy (95·7 %) underwent CPV2 infection. However, Puppies from group A excreted CPV2 significantly earlier than Puppies from group B. The present study demonstrates the link between passive immune transfer, in terms of level of specific MDA absorbed, and length of the protection period against parvovirus infection in weaning Puppies.
Aurélien Grellet - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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natural and artificial hyperimmune solutions impact on health in Puppies
Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 2017Co-Authors: Hanna Mila, Alexandre Feugier, Aurélien Grellet, Jan S. Suchodolski, Claire Mariani, Blake C Guard, Jorg M Steiner, Sylvie ChastantmaillardAbstract:Contents Colostrum and milk are complex mammary secretions providing the puppy with many nutritional and immunological factors, which play a crucial role for its correct development and survival. In the case of colostrum and/or milk intake deficiency, Puppies are at increased risk of infectious diseases. This work reviews the various nutritional hyperimmune supplementations proposed to provide a passive immune protection and to positively impact Puppies’ health. Some strategies rely on canine immunoglobulins: canine colostrum banking and canine serum/plasma supplementation. Others involve heterologous sources of antibodies and other immune factors: bovine colostrum or hyperimmune egg powder. Among the different solutions evaluated from birth to weaning, canine plasma and hyperimmune egg powder showed promising beneficial effect on Puppies’ health. Canine plasma seems to positively impact not only growth (increased growth during the neonatal period), but also digestive health (higher species richness of intestinal microbiota) and the general health (tendency of lower morbidity). Puppies supplemented with hyperimmune egg powder presented increased neonatal growth and decreased risk of canine parvovirus infection. Nevertheless, natural canine maternal colostrum and milk ingestion remains the optimal guarantee for Puppies’ health and survival, as a source of immunity, energy and growth factors.
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Influence of Breed Size, Age, Fecal Quality, and Enteropathogen Shedding on Fecal Calprotectin and Immunoglobulin A Concentrations in Puppies During the Weaning Period
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016Co-Authors: Aurélien Grellet, Bruno Polack, Alexandre Feugier, Corine Boucraut-baralon, J. M. Steiner, Romy M. Heilmann, Niels Grützner, Jan S. Suchodolski, Didier Grandjean, Sylvie Chastant-maillardAbstract:BackgroundFecal calprotectin and immunoglobulin A (IgA) are markers of intestinal inflammation and immunity in adult dogs. HypothesisFecal calprotectin and IgA concentrations in Puppies are not influenced by fecal moisture in Puppies but by enteropathogen shedding. AnimalsThree hundred and twenty-four Puppies. MethodsFecal consistency was assessed by gross examination. Fecal moisture was evaluated before and after lyophilization. Canine parvovirus and coronavirus were detected in feces by qPCR and qRT-PCR respectively. Giardia intestinalis antigen was quantified by ELISA. The standard McMaster flotation technique was used to detect eggs and oocysts in feces. Fecal calprotectin and IgA concentrations were quantified by in-house radioimmunoassays. ResultsFor each marker (IgA and calprotectin), a strong positive correlation was observed between concentration in fresh feces and concentration in fecal dry matter. 75.6% of the Puppies were found to be infected by at 1 of the enteropathogens evaluated. Fecal calprotectin concentration was significantly influenced by age (P = .001), with higher concentrations in younger Puppies, but not by viral (P = .863) or parasitic infection (P = .791). Fecal IgA concentration was significantly influenced by enteropathogen shedding (P = .01), with a lower fecal IgA concentration in Puppies shedding at 1 enteropathogen compared to Puppies without any enteropathogen shedding, but not by age. ConclusionsFecal calprotectin and IgA are of no diagnostic value to detect presence of enteropathogens in clinically healthy Puppies or Puppies with abnormal feces, but could help to better understand the maturation of digestive tract.
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differential impact of birth weight and early growth on neonatal mortality in Puppies
Journal of Animal Science, 2015Co-Authors: Hanna Mila, Alexandre Feugier, Aurélien Grellet, Sylvie ChastantmaillardAbstract:Breeding kennels face a high rate of neonatal mortality, on which the impact of nutrition remains to be determined. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of birth weight (reflecting intrauterine growth) and early growth rate (reflecting colostrum intake) on risk of neonatal mortality in Puppies and to determine the critical thresholds of both parameters. Puppies from various breeds were weighed at birth ( = 514) and at 2 d of age, and the growth rate over that period (early growth rate) was calculated for all survivors ( = 477). Linear mixed models evaluated the effect of birth weight on mortality between birth and 2 d of age and the effect of both birth weight and early growth rate on mortality between 2 and 21 d of age. Birth weight was influenced by litter size ( = 0.003), with more low-birth-weight Puppies (the lightest 25% within a breed size) in large litters compared with smaller litters. Mortality over the first 2 d after birth was associated with birth weight ( < 0.001), with 81.1% of dying Puppies characterized by a low birth weight. Mortality between 2 and 21 d of age was not related to birth weight but was found to be associated with early growth rate ( < 0.001), with higher risk of death in Puppies with growth rate at or below -4% after the first 2 d of life. This study demonstrates the differential effect of intrauterine nutrition impacting mortality during the first 2 d of life and that of colostrum intake impacting mortality until 21 d of life. Birth weight and early growth rate thresholds provided in this study allow identification of Puppies at risk, whereby provision can be made for adequate nursing to increase their chances to survive.
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protection against canine parvovirus type 2 infection in Puppies by colostrum derived antibodies
Journal of Nutritional Science, 2014Co-Authors: Hanna Mila, Alexandre Feugier, Aurélien Grellet, Canio Buonavoglia, Costantina Desario, Nicola Decaro, Sylvie ChastantmaillardAbstract:During the first weeks of life Puppies remain protected against canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV2) infection thanks to maternally derived antibodies (MDA) absorbed with colostrum after birth. The objective of the present study was to present the variability in CPV2-specific passive immune transfer and its consequences in Puppies naturally exposed to the parvovirus. Seventy-nine Puppies from one breeding kennel were included in the study at birth and followed until 56 d of age. Once per week the MDA titre for CPV2 specific antibodies was determined in blood. Viral excretion was also evaluated on a rectal swab by CPV2 PCR assay and Puppies were weighed to determine growth rate. At 2 d of age, thirty-four out of seventy-nine Puppies (43 %) had MDA ≤1:160 (designed group A) and forty-five Puppies (57 %) had greater MDA titres (designed group B). The level of absorbed maternal antibodies was shown to be associated with breed size and growth rate during the first 48 h of life. The MDA level declined with age in all cases; however, the proportion of Puppies with the antibody level considered as protective against CPV2 infection was significantly higher in group B compared with A from day 2 until 42. Among all Puppies surviving until 56 d of age, sixty-seven out of seventy (95·7 %) underwent CPV2 infection. However, Puppies from group A excreted CPV2 significantly earlier than Puppies from group B. The present study demonstrates the link between passive immune transfer, in terms of level of specific MDA absorbed, and length of the protection period against parvovirus infection in weaning Puppies.
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risk factors of weaning diarrhea in Puppies housed in breeding kennels
Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 2014Co-Authors: Aurélien Grellet, Alexandre Feugier, Didier Grandjean, Sylvie Chastantmaillard, Coralie Robin, Cassandre Boogaerts, Corine Boucrautbaralon, Bruno PolackAbstract:Abstract Diarrhea represents one of the most frequent disorders in dogs. In Puppies, degradation of feces quality is associated with a reduced daily weight gain and an increased risk of death. Prevention of diarrhea in Puppies requires a global approach encompassing enteropathogens, environment and management practices especially when housed in groups. The purpose of this study was to determine prevalence of enteropathogens in Puppies in breeding kennels and to identify risk factors of diarrhea. Two hundred and sixty six Puppies (between 5 and 14 weeks of age) from 29 French breeding kennels were included. For each kennel, data about environment, management of the kennel and Puppies’ characteristics (age, sex and breed) were collected. For each puppy, fecal consistency and fecal excretion of enteropathogens (viruses and parasites) was evaluated. At least one enteropathogen was identified in 77.1% of Puppies and 24.8% of Puppies presented abnormal feces. The main risk factor of weaning diarrhea was fecal excretion of canine parvovirus type 2 (odds ratio = 5; confidence interval 95%: 1.7–14.7). A targeted sanitary and medical prophylaxis against canine parvovirus type 2 should be implemented to decrease risk of weaning diarrhea.
Alexandre Feugier - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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natural and artificial hyperimmune solutions impact on health in Puppies
Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 2017Co-Authors: Hanna Mila, Alexandre Feugier, Aurélien Grellet, Jan S. Suchodolski, Claire Mariani, Blake C Guard, Jorg M Steiner, Sylvie ChastantmaillardAbstract:Contents Colostrum and milk are complex mammary secretions providing the puppy with many nutritional and immunological factors, which play a crucial role for its correct development and survival. In the case of colostrum and/or milk intake deficiency, Puppies are at increased risk of infectious diseases. This work reviews the various nutritional hyperimmune supplementations proposed to provide a passive immune protection and to positively impact Puppies’ health. Some strategies rely on canine immunoglobulins: canine colostrum banking and canine serum/plasma supplementation. Others involve heterologous sources of antibodies and other immune factors: bovine colostrum or hyperimmune egg powder. Among the different solutions evaluated from birth to weaning, canine plasma and hyperimmune egg powder showed promising beneficial effect on Puppies’ health. Canine plasma seems to positively impact not only growth (increased growth during the neonatal period), but also digestive health (higher species richness of intestinal microbiota) and the general health (tendency of lower morbidity). Puppies supplemented with hyperimmune egg powder presented increased neonatal growth and decreased risk of canine parvovirus infection. Nevertheless, natural canine maternal colostrum and milk ingestion remains the optimal guarantee for Puppies’ health and survival, as a source of immunity, energy and growth factors.
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Influence of Breed Size, Age, Fecal Quality, and Enteropathogen Shedding on Fecal Calprotectin and Immunoglobulin A Concentrations in Puppies During the Weaning Period
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016Co-Authors: Aurélien Grellet, Bruno Polack, Alexandre Feugier, Corine Boucraut-baralon, J. M. Steiner, Romy M. Heilmann, Niels Grützner, Jan S. Suchodolski, Didier Grandjean, Sylvie Chastant-maillardAbstract:BackgroundFecal calprotectin and immunoglobulin A (IgA) are markers of intestinal inflammation and immunity in adult dogs. HypothesisFecal calprotectin and IgA concentrations in Puppies are not influenced by fecal moisture in Puppies but by enteropathogen shedding. AnimalsThree hundred and twenty-four Puppies. MethodsFecal consistency was assessed by gross examination. Fecal moisture was evaluated before and after lyophilization. Canine parvovirus and coronavirus were detected in feces by qPCR and qRT-PCR respectively. Giardia intestinalis antigen was quantified by ELISA. The standard McMaster flotation technique was used to detect eggs and oocysts in feces. Fecal calprotectin and IgA concentrations were quantified by in-house radioimmunoassays. ResultsFor each marker (IgA and calprotectin), a strong positive correlation was observed between concentration in fresh feces and concentration in fecal dry matter. 75.6% of the Puppies were found to be infected by at 1 of the enteropathogens evaluated. Fecal calprotectin concentration was significantly influenced by age (P = .001), with higher concentrations in younger Puppies, but not by viral (P = .863) or parasitic infection (P = .791). Fecal IgA concentration was significantly influenced by enteropathogen shedding (P = .01), with a lower fecal IgA concentration in Puppies shedding at 1 enteropathogen compared to Puppies without any enteropathogen shedding, but not by age. ConclusionsFecal calprotectin and IgA are of no diagnostic value to detect presence of enteropathogens in clinically healthy Puppies or Puppies with abnormal feces, but could help to better understand the maturation of digestive tract.
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differential impact of birth weight and early growth on neonatal mortality in Puppies
Journal of Animal Science, 2015Co-Authors: Hanna Mila, Alexandre Feugier, Aurélien Grellet, Sylvie ChastantmaillardAbstract:Breeding kennels face a high rate of neonatal mortality, on which the impact of nutrition remains to be determined. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of birth weight (reflecting intrauterine growth) and early growth rate (reflecting colostrum intake) on risk of neonatal mortality in Puppies and to determine the critical thresholds of both parameters. Puppies from various breeds were weighed at birth ( = 514) and at 2 d of age, and the growth rate over that period (early growth rate) was calculated for all survivors ( = 477). Linear mixed models evaluated the effect of birth weight on mortality between birth and 2 d of age and the effect of both birth weight and early growth rate on mortality between 2 and 21 d of age. Birth weight was influenced by litter size ( = 0.003), with more low-birth-weight Puppies (the lightest 25% within a breed size) in large litters compared with smaller litters. Mortality over the first 2 d after birth was associated with birth weight ( < 0.001), with 81.1% of dying Puppies characterized by a low birth weight. Mortality between 2 and 21 d of age was not related to birth weight but was found to be associated with early growth rate ( < 0.001), with higher risk of death in Puppies with growth rate at or below -4% after the first 2 d of life. This study demonstrates the differential effect of intrauterine nutrition impacting mortality during the first 2 d of life and that of colostrum intake impacting mortality until 21 d of life. Birth weight and early growth rate thresholds provided in this study allow identification of Puppies at risk, whereby provision can be made for adequate nursing to increase their chances to survive.
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protection against canine parvovirus type 2 infection in Puppies by colostrum derived antibodies
Journal of Nutritional Science, 2014Co-Authors: Hanna Mila, Alexandre Feugier, Aurélien Grellet, Canio Buonavoglia, Costantina Desario, Nicola Decaro, Sylvie ChastantmaillardAbstract:During the first weeks of life Puppies remain protected against canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV2) infection thanks to maternally derived antibodies (MDA) absorbed with colostrum after birth. The objective of the present study was to present the variability in CPV2-specific passive immune transfer and its consequences in Puppies naturally exposed to the parvovirus. Seventy-nine Puppies from one breeding kennel were included in the study at birth and followed until 56 d of age. Once per week the MDA titre for CPV2 specific antibodies was determined in blood. Viral excretion was also evaluated on a rectal swab by CPV2 PCR assay and Puppies were weighed to determine growth rate. At 2 d of age, thirty-four out of seventy-nine Puppies (43 %) had MDA ≤1:160 (designed group A) and forty-five Puppies (57 %) had greater MDA titres (designed group B). The level of absorbed maternal antibodies was shown to be associated with breed size and growth rate during the first 48 h of life. The MDA level declined with age in all cases; however, the proportion of Puppies with the antibody level considered as protective against CPV2 infection was significantly higher in group B compared with A from day 2 until 42. Among all Puppies surviving until 56 d of age, sixty-seven out of seventy (95·7 %) underwent CPV2 infection. However, Puppies from group A excreted CPV2 significantly earlier than Puppies from group B. The present study demonstrates the link between passive immune transfer, in terms of level of specific MDA absorbed, and length of the protection period against parvovirus infection in weaning Puppies.
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risk factors of weaning diarrhea in Puppies housed in breeding kennels
Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 2014Co-Authors: Aurélien Grellet, Alexandre Feugier, Didier Grandjean, Sylvie Chastantmaillard, Coralie Robin, Cassandre Boogaerts, Corine Boucrautbaralon, Bruno PolackAbstract:Abstract Diarrhea represents one of the most frequent disorders in dogs. In Puppies, degradation of feces quality is associated with a reduced daily weight gain and an increased risk of death. Prevention of diarrhea in Puppies requires a global approach encompassing enteropathogens, environment and management practices especially when housed in groups. The purpose of this study was to determine prevalence of enteropathogens in Puppies in breeding kennels and to identify risk factors of diarrhea. Two hundred and sixty six Puppies (between 5 and 14 weeks of age) from 29 French breeding kennels were included. For each kennel, data about environment, management of the kennel and Puppies’ characteristics (age, sex and breed) were collected. For each puppy, fecal consistency and fecal excretion of enteropathogens (viruses and parasites) was evaluated. At least one enteropathogen was identified in 77.1% of Puppies and 24.8% of Puppies presented abnormal feces. The main risk factor of weaning diarrhea was fecal excretion of canine parvovirus type 2 (odds ratio = 5; confidence interval 95%: 1.7–14.7). A targeted sanitary and medical prophylaxis against canine parvovirus type 2 should be implemented to decrease risk of weaning diarrhea.
Hanna Mila - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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birth weight as a risk factor for neonatal mortality breed specific approach to identify at risk Puppies
Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 2019Co-Authors: Amelie Mugnier, Hanna Mila, Sylvie Chastantmaillard, Florine Guiraud, Julie Brevaux, Manon Lecarpentier, Clara Martinez, Claire Mariani, Achraf Adiblesaux, Claude SaegermanAbstract:Abstract In numerous species, low birth weight is a risk factor for neonatal mortality. In the canine species, definition of a low birth weight is complex due to the huge interbreed variability in size. To identify Puppies at higher risk of neonatal death, data from 6,694 Puppies were analysed. The data were collected from 75 French breeding kennels, examining 27 breeds and totaling 1,202 litters of Puppies. Generalised linear mixed models allowed to identify birth weight, birth weight heterogeneity within the litter, and size of the breeding kennel as significant risk factors for neonatal mortality. Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) and classification and regression tree (CART) analyses were combined to define breed specific thresholds for birth weight allowing the identification of Puppies at higher risk of neonatal mortality. Due to differences in birth weights between breeds, including when belonging to the same breed size, analyses were conducted at the breed level. First, ROC analysis thresholds were successfully established for 12 breeds (area under the ROC ≥ 0.70; sensitivity ≥ 75%; specificity: 45–68%) and they ranged from 162 g in the Maltese to 480 g in the Bernese Mountain dog. Secondly, CART analysis thresholds from 22 breeds ranged from 105 g in the Maltese and 436 g in the Boxer. Puppies were grouped into three categories according to birth weight: low, moderate and high risk of neonatal mortality (higher than the ROC threshold, between ROC and CART thresholds, and lower than the CART threshold respectively). In the current study, 44% of the Puppies were classified as at moderate risk and 5.3% for a high risk of neonatal mortality. Thresholds defined by CART analysis (and not ROC analysis) were used to define low birth weight Puppies and were sometimes quite different between breeds with similar birth weight distributions suggesting a variable relationship between birth weight reduction and neonatal death. These results allow the identification of Puppies at an increased risk of neonatal death, thus requiring specific nursing to improve their chances of survival. With these high risk Puppies identified, both animal welfare and kennel productivity is predicted to improve.
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characterization of the fecal microbiome during neonatal and early pediatric development in Puppies
PLOS ONE, 2017Co-Authors: Blake C Guard, Jan S. Suchodolski, Hanna Mila, Claire Mariani, Jorg M Steiner, Sylvie ChastantmaillardAbstract:Limited information is available describing the development of the neonatal fecal microbiome in dogs. Feces from Puppies were collected at 2, 21, 42, and 56 days after birth. Feces were also collected from the Puppies' mothers at a single time point within 24 hours after parturition. DNA was extracted from fecal samples and 454-pyrosequencing was used to profile 16S rRNA genes. Species richness continued to increase significantly from 2 days of age until 42 days of age in Puppies. Furthermore, microbial communities clustered separately from each other at 2, 21, and 42 days of age. The microbial communities belonging to dams clustered separately from that of Puppies at any given time point. Major phylogenetic changes were noted at all taxonomic levels with the most profound changes being a shift from primarily Firmicutes in Puppies at 2 days of age to a co-dominance of Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteria, and Firmicutes by 21 days of age. Further studies are needed to elucidate the relationship between puppy microbiota development, physiological growth, neonatal survival, and morbidity.
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natural and artificial hyperimmune solutions impact on health in Puppies
Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 2017Co-Authors: Hanna Mila, Alexandre Feugier, Aurélien Grellet, Jan S. Suchodolski, Claire Mariani, Blake C Guard, Jorg M Steiner, Sylvie ChastantmaillardAbstract:Contents Colostrum and milk are complex mammary secretions providing the puppy with many nutritional and immunological factors, which play a crucial role for its correct development and survival. In the case of colostrum and/or milk intake deficiency, Puppies are at increased risk of infectious diseases. This work reviews the various nutritional hyperimmune supplementations proposed to provide a passive immune protection and to positively impact Puppies’ health. Some strategies rely on canine immunoglobulins: canine colostrum banking and canine serum/plasma supplementation. Others involve heterologous sources of antibodies and other immune factors: bovine colostrum or hyperimmune egg powder. Among the different solutions evaluated from birth to weaning, canine plasma and hyperimmune egg powder showed promising beneficial effect on Puppies’ health. Canine plasma seems to positively impact not only growth (increased growth during the neonatal period), but also digestive health (higher species richness of intestinal microbiota) and the general health (tendency of lower morbidity). Puppies supplemented with hyperimmune egg powder presented increased neonatal growth and decreased risk of canine parvovirus infection. Nevertheless, natural canine maternal colostrum and milk ingestion remains the optimal guarantee for Puppies’ health and survival, as a source of immunity, energy and growth factors.
-
differential impact of birth weight and early growth on neonatal mortality in Puppies
Journal of Animal Science, 2015Co-Authors: Hanna Mila, Alexandre Feugier, Aurélien Grellet, Sylvie ChastantmaillardAbstract:Breeding kennels face a high rate of neonatal mortality, on which the impact of nutrition remains to be determined. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of birth weight (reflecting intrauterine growth) and early growth rate (reflecting colostrum intake) on risk of neonatal mortality in Puppies and to determine the critical thresholds of both parameters. Puppies from various breeds were weighed at birth ( = 514) and at 2 d of age, and the growth rate over that period (early growth rate) was calculated for all survivors ( = 477). Linear mixed models evaluated the effect of birth weight on mortality between birth and 2 d of age and the effect of both birth weight and early growth rate on mortality between 2 and 21 d of age. Birth weight was influenced by litter size ( = 0.003), with more low-birth-weight Puppies (the lightest 25% within a breed size) in large litters compared with smaller litters. Mortality over the first 2 d after birth was associated with birth weight ( < 0.001), with 81.1% of dying Puppies characterized by a low birth weight. Mortality between 2 and 21 d of age was not related to birth weight but was found to be associated with early growth rate ( < 0.001), with higher risk of death in Puppies with growth rate at or below -4% after the first 2 d of life. This study demonstrates the differential effect of intrauterine nutrition impacting mortality during the first 2 d of life and that of colostrum intake impacting mortality until 21 d of life. Birth weight and early growth rate thresholds provided in this study allow identification of Puppies at risk, whereby provision can be made for adequate nursing to increase their chances to survive.
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protection against canine parvovirus type 2 infection in Puppies by colostrum derived antibodies
Journal of Nutritional Science, 2014Co-Authors: Hanna Mila, Alexandre Feugier, Aurélien Grellet, Canio Buonavoglia, Costantina Desario, Nicola Decaro, Sylvie ChastantmaillardAbstract:During the first weeks of life Puppies remain protected against canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV2) infection thanks to maternally derived antibodies (MDA) absorbed with colostrum after birth. The objective of the present study was to present the variability in CPV2-specific passive immune transfer and its consequences in Puppies naturally exposed to the parvovirus. Seventy-nine Puppies from one breeding kennel were included in the study at birth and followed until 56 d of age. Once per week the MDA titre for CPV2 specific antibodies was determined in blood. Viral excretion was also evaluated on a rectal swab by CPV2 PCR assay and Puppies were weighed to determine growth rate. At 2 d of age, thirty-four out of seventy-nine Puppies (43 %) had MDA ≤1:160 (designed group A) and forty-five Puppies (57 %) had greater MDA titres (designed group B). The level of absorbed maternal antibodies was shown to be associated with breed size and growth rate during the first 48 h of life. The MDA level declined with age in all cases; however, the proportion of Puppies with the antibody level considered as protective against CPV2 infection was significantly higher in group B compared with A from day 2 until 42. Among all Puppies surviving until 56 d of age, sixty-seven out of seventy (95·7 %) underwent CPV2 infection. However, Puppies from group A excreted CPV2 significantly earlier than Puppies from group B. The present study demonstrates the link between passive immune transfer, in terms of level of specific MDA absorbed, and length of the protection period against parvovirus infection in weaning Puppies.
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Influence of Breed Size, Age, Fecal Quality, and Enteropathogen Shedding on Fecal Calprotectin and Immunoglobulin A Concentrations in Puppies During the Weaning Period
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016Co-Authors: Aurélien Grellet, Bruno Polack, Alexandre Feugier, Corine Boucraut-baralon, J. M. Steiner, Romy M. Heilmann, Niels Grützner, Jan S. Suchodolski, Didier Grandjean, Sylvie Chastant-maillardAbstract:BackgroundFecal calprotectin and immunoglobulin A (IgA) are markers of intestinal inflammation and immunity in adult dogs. HypothesisFecal calprotectin and IgA concentrations in Puppies are not influenced by fecal moisture in Puppies but by enteropathogen shedding. AnimalsThree hundred and twenty-four Puppies. MethodsFecal consistency was assessed by gross examination. Fecal moisture was evaluated before and after lyophilization. Canine parvovirus and coronavirus were detected in feces by qPCR and qRT-PCR respectively. Giardia intestinalis antigen was quantified by ELISA. The standard McMaster flotation technique was used to detect eggs and oocysts in feces. Fecal calprotectin and IgA concentrations were quantified by in-house radioimmunoassays. ResultsFor each marker (IgA and calprotectin), a strong positive correlation was observed between concentration in fresh feces and concentration in fecal dry matter. 75.6% of the Puppies were found to be infected by at 1 of the enteropathogens evaluated. Fecal calprotectin concentration was significantly influenced by age (P = .001), with higher concentrations in younger Puppies, but not by viral (P = .863) or parasitic infection (P = .791). Fecal IgA concentration was significantly influenced by enteropathogen shedding (P = .01), with a lower fecal IgA concentration in Puppies shedding at 1 enteropathogen compared to Puppies without any enteropathogen shedding, but not by age. ConclusionsFecal calprotectin and IgA are of no diagnostic value to detect presence of enteropathogens in clinically healthy Puppies or Puppies with abnormal feces, but could help to better understand the maturation of digestive tract.
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risk factors of weaning diarrhea in Puppies housed in breeding kennels
Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 2014Co-Authors: Aurélien Grellet, Alexandre Feugier, Didier Grandjean, Sylvie Chastantmaillard, Coralie Robin, Cassandre Boogaerts, Corine Boucrautbaralon, Bruno PolackAbstract:Abstract Diarrhea represents one of the most frequent disorders in dogs. In Puppies, degradation of feces quality is associated with a reduced daily weight gain and an increased risk of death. Prevention of diarrhea in Puppies requires a global approach encompassing enteropathogens, environment and management practices especially when housed in groups. The purpose of this study was to determine prevalence of enteropathogens in Puppies in breeding kennels and to identify risk factors of diarrhea. Two hundred and sixty six Puppies (between 5 and 14 weeks of age) from 29 French breeding kennels were included. For each kennel, data about environment, management of the kennel and Puppies’ characteristics (age, sex and breed) were collected. For each puppy, fecal consistency and fecal excretion of enteropathogens (viruses and parasites) was evaluated. At least one enteropathogen was identified in 77.1% of Puppies and 24.8% of Puppies presented abnormal feces. The main risk factor of weaning diarrhea was fecal excretion of canine parvovirus type 2 (odds ratio = 5; confidence interval 95%: 1.7–14.7). A targeted sanitary and medical prophylaxis against canine parvovirus type 2 should be implemented to decrease risk of weaning diarrhea.
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prevalence risk factors of infection and molecular characterization of trichomonads in Puppies from french breeding kennels
Veterinary Parasitology, 2013Co-Authors: Aurélien Grellet, Alexandre Feugier, Didier Grandjean, Corine Boucrautbaralon, Laurine Vandewynckel, Amandine Cian, Dionigia Meloni, Eric ViscogliosiAbstract:Abstract The trichomonad species Tritrichomonas fetus and Pentatrichomonas hominis were recently identified in the feces of dogs with diarrhea. However the prevalence and pathogenicity of these parasites in the canine population still remained poorly resolved. Therefore the aim of the present study was (1) to determine the prevalence of trichomonads infecting Puppies living in French breeding kennels, (2) to confirm the predominance of P. hominis in dogs, (3) to investigate the genetic diversity of P. hominis isolates identified in the French canine population and (4) to evaluate the risk factors for infection by P. hominis and the influence of the parasite on feces consistency. A total of 215 both diarrheic and non-diarrheic Puppies from 25 French breeding kennels were included in this epidemiological survey. Fecal samples from each puppy were examined for 6 gastrointestinal pathogens: parvovirus type 2 (CPV2), coronavirus, Toxocara canis, Cystoisospora ohioensis-complex, Cystoisospora canis, and Giardia intestinalis. A part of each collected stool was also tested for the presence of motile trichomonads by microscopy after culturing. The prevalence of trichomonad infection was 15.8% (34/215) among Puppies and 20% (5/25) among breeding kennels. DNA from 26 of the 34 positive samples was successfully amplified using a trichomonad-specific primer pair. Analysis of the sequences of PCR products indicated that P. hominis was the only trichomonad infecting the canine population. All the Puppies infected with P. hominis belonged to large breed dogs. Moreover, Puppies from large breeding kennels, excreting a high level of G. intestinalis and/or excreting a high level of C. canis oocysts showed a higher probability of being positive for P. hominis infection. Univariate analysis also revealed an increased risk for P. hominis infection in Puppies with abnormal feces. However, in a multivariate analysis, CPV2 was the only gastrointestinal pathogen associated with abnormal feces. Since enteropathogens were commonly found in dogs infected by P. hominis, the pathogenic potential of this trichomonad species remained uncertain and has to be further evaluated by experimental infection studies.
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prevalence and risk factors of astrovirus infection in Puppies from french breeding kennels
Veterinary Microbiology, 2012Co-Authors: Aurélien Grellet, Alexandre Feugier, Didier Grandjean, Cristian De Battisti, Marcella Pantile, Sabrina Marciano, Giovanni CattoliAbstract:Abstract Aiming at determining the prevalence and the risk factors associated to astrovirus infection in puppy, fecal samples were collected in 316 Puppies (age from 5 to 14 weeks of age) from 33 French breeding kennels. Data were registered for each puppy, including age, breed, gender, origin of the dog, and feces quality. The samples were tested by specific RT-PCR for the presence of canine astrovirus. Astroviruses were identified in 20.9% (66/316) of the Puppies and in 42% (14/33) of the breeding kennels. Young Puppies (i.e.
