ATIMANA

International Scientific Conference

– Germany – 25 September 1999

PREMISE
The enormous development of the techniques of image has given a particular imprint to the history of medicine in these last ten years and has furnished an immense contribution to the medical diagnostics.
In cardiology, particularly, the employment of the ultrasounds has marked an epoch, so much that the echocardiography seems by now irreplaceable, as it was for the electrocardiography up to some time ago.

In every laboratory something new is acquired in the interpretation of images and the several clinical pictures get more and more rich of elements that characterize them, not only in the morphological and evolutive aspects, but also and above all in the functional behavior, so much that is by now natural to get functional data from the vision of an image in movement. Our survey has been alleged by the necessity of disposing of echo and electrocardiographical parameters, usable in clinical diagnostics of cardiac pathology of Neapolitan Mastiff, in which said affections recur more and more frequently, either in primary or in secondary form.

In 1992 Morrison marked an important difference among the values of the main echocardiographical parameters in subjects belonging to different breeds. So, it is incorrect to calculate the standard values just on the basis of mathematical equation which consider as a unique variable the body weight. Considering the lack of surveys on the determination of standard values in giant breeds, we deemed it interesting to make an analysis of the echocardiographical standard values on a sample of adult Neapolitan Mastiff, considering the particular frequency with which we notice cardiac pathologies and particularly the [miocardiopatia dilatativa].

Goding and coil. (1986) researches about cocker spaniel show how the main echocardiographical measurement are completely superimposable to the ones given by the post-mortem examination. That shows the extreme reliability of the [ecotomografico] examination as done by Lombard (1984), previously. This Author established the standard values for the main echocardiographical linear parameters in dogs in relation to the weight. During the last years we've noticed a considerable difference in the cardiac linear measurements and in the [idici di funzionalita ventricolare] in relation to the breed. As a matter of fact, Morrison and coil. (1991). showed the short correlation between some echocardiographical parameters and the body weight, for some breeds (i.e. IVSD in the Afghan greyhound, LVIDD in the Afghan greyhound and in the welsh corgi); that has pushed some Authors to study such parameters in the different breeds. Particularly Snyder and coil. (1993) made an echocardiographicalfical evaluation in the greyhound, this breed has got a very high relation cardiac weight/body weight, so they inferred that LVIDD values, LVIDS, IVSD and IVSS in this breed are much higher than the standard ones in connection with the body weight. This kind of surveys have been made by Calvert and coil. (1986) in the doberman pincher, too. As already said, the studies on standard echocardiographical values in giant breed are scarce, among these we have to remember Kock's one (1995) made comparatively on three breeds (Newfoundlands, Irish wolfhounds, they Haul German) and the more recent ones by Italian Authors in the haul German (De Majo M. [et] al.1997; Tarducci A., [et] al. 1997).

It seemed, therefore, interesting to us to undertake a study on a giant breed which presents structural characteristics completely different from those of breeds studied by these last Authors, considering the fact that, as Brambilla and coil. showed (1997) the behaviour of some [indici di efficienza cardiaca] may depend on the thoracic conformation; particularly such authors have noticed that some parameters increase meaningfully in dogs with wide thorax (frazione di eiezione, frazione di accorciamento) and some others in dogs with narrow thorax (volume del ventricolo sx. , etc.).

However a correct interpretation of echocardiographical images could not put aside from an accurate electrocardiographical examination, which is an essential component of the heart examination and contributes to the formulation of the diagnosis, above all whether the echographical images are not evidently important. Though the [tecnica di registrazione elettrocardiografica] is by now standardized in dogs, the relative acquaintances to the normal parameters in the circle of the single races are rather inexact, since many investigations have been carried out considering half-breed dogs and not considering the sex and the age of the animals. To the actual situation there are no electrocardiographical studies on Molossian breeds, except for the Spanish mastiff (Bernal [et] al., 1995). We have decided, therefore, to make an experimental investigation on the electrocardiographical values of the adult Neapolitan mastiff, in order to supply the clinical with further information about the cardiac function in this breed.


EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATIONS

We made electrocardiographical and echocardiographical examination on 20 adult Neapolitan mastiffs previuosly selected in breedings nearby Naples; 13 female and 7 males, aged between 2 and 4 with bodily oscillating weight between 55 and 65 Kg, formed our sample.

Every subject studied have been judged sound on the base of the clinical examination and of laboratory screening, including the most common hematological and hematochemical parameters [esame emocromocitometrico, glicemia, azotemia, creatininemia, ALT, QPE, K+, Na+, CK, AST). In order to exclude any possible respiratory pathology in progress or previous we did [radiogrammi del torace in proiezione latero-laterale e dorso-ventrale]. Besides we made serologic examinations, in order to exclude the most common infections present in the territory (E. [canis], L. [infantum], T. [gondii]), and microscopical investigations, for the research of [emoparassiti], as D. [immitis] and H. [canis].

ECG examination
For the electrocardiographical investigation we used an instrument Hellige Simpliscriptor EK 31, [monocanale], portable. The examinations have been Made in subject not soothed, placed in side right decubitus and with the limbs perpendicular to the trunk. The electrocardiographical layout included the standard bipolar derivations (1, II, III) and the unipolar derivations increased of the limbs ([aVR], [aVL], [aVF]). The electrodes, of the type of crocodile pincer have been applied, upon cleaning of the skin with alcohol, in front up to level of the olecrani and in the back to the fold of the [grassella]. We've made a 10 seconds registration for each derivation, to the speed of slide of the paper of 25 [mm]/ s and, within the limits of the II derivation, to the speed of the paper of 50 [mm]/ s. We've analyzed the following electrocardiographical parameters: cardiac frequency, electric axle and, in II derivation (50mm/ s; 1 cm= 1 mV), we've calculated the length of time and the voltage of the P-Q-R-S-T waves, as well as the duration of the QRS and of the PQ interval and QT. We've evaluated state, besides, the alignment of the St segment with the isoelectrical line, the morphology and the polarity of the complex QRS in I, II, Ill, [aVR], [aVL] and [aVF], and, finally, the polarity of the P deflections and T in the different recorded derivations ([vel]. 50mm/ s; 1cm= 1mV).

For the ecocardiographical examination we used an apparatus ESAOTE Biomedica SIM 5000, provided of sectorial mechanics probes to fixed fire of 5 and 2.5 Mhz. On the screen of the instrument we simultaneously recorded the II electrocardiographical derivation in order to allow the synchronization of the echocardiographical images with the cardiac revolution phases, for the measurements in mono and bidimensional. In order to minimize the interference of the pulmonary [parenchima], the animals, not soothed, have been placed in side right decubitus, on a table in which we practiced a hole. For visualize the heart we used the [finestra acustica] right [parasternale], to the level of the 4°-5° intercostal space. Beginning from the bidimensional images obtained from a projection in short axle to the level of the muscles [papillari], we performed the following measurements in M-mode:

1) diameter of the hollow left ventricular in diastole (VSd)

2) and in systole (VDs): we measured the distance between the [endocardio settale] and that of the free back wall. For the systole we took the Q wave of the ECG for reference, while for the diastole the point of maximum anterior excursion of the [setto];

3) thickness of the [setto interventricolare] in diastole (SIVd) and

4) in systole (SIVs): the [setto] has been measured from the edge of connection of the [endocardio] right [settale] to the edge of connection of the left [settale] [endocardio]. The measure of the thickness in diastole corresponded to the Q wave of the ECG, while for the systole has been considered the point of maximum back excursion of the [setto];

5) thickness of the back wall of the left ventricle in diastole (PPd) and

6) in systole (PPs): the wall has stayed measured from the edge of attack of the [endocardio] left [parietale] to the [epicardio]. Also for this measure the diastole corresponded to the Q wave of the ECG, while the systole was calculated in the point of maximum frontly excursion of the back wall of the left ventricle;

7) fraction of shortening (FS): this index has been deliberate through the FS formula%=[ LVId- LVIs/ LVId] x 100;

8) fraction of ejection (FE): this parameter had gotten through the FE formula %= diastolic volume of the left ventricle - volume [sistolico] of the left ventricle/ diastolic volume of the [ventricolo] x [sx] 100 (WSdWSs/ WSd x 100). The ventricula volumes in diastole and in systole were calculated directly from the cardiological software of the instrument, using formula to the correct cube of Teichholz (WSd= 7 (VSd3)/ 2.4+ VSd; VVSs= 7 (VSs3)/ 2.4+ VSs). The registrations and the measurements in M-mode have been made following the recommendations of the American Society of Ecocardiografia, according to the methodology of the "[leading edge]"; that is considering the distance that intervenes between the first part of his initial echo and the first part of his final echo].

Beginning from a piano of section in short axle to the basis of the heart we made the following measurements on a bidimensional image:

1) diameter of the left atrium (AS);

2) diameter of the aorta (Ao);

3) relationship atrium/ aorta (AS/ Ao).

Finally, beginning from a bidimensional scanning in long axle we measured in M-mode the distance between the point of maximum opening of the anterior [mitralico] edge. And the point of maximum back excursion of the [setto interventricolare] (EPSS). Each parameter has stayed measured on three cardiac different cycles (of which then has been made an average, from two different operators, in order to minimalize the error tied up to the operator.

RESULTS

Electrocardiographical values. The values of the several electrocardiographical parameters, recorded in D 11(50 [mm]/ [sec]), are resumed in the charts n.1 and n.2. In the Figure n. 5, instead, there's an electrocardiographical layout recorded in the derivations D standard The, D II, D III, [aVR], [aVL], [aVF].

Frequency and Rhythm. The cardiac frequency average was 101 (17,1, with a minimum of 60 and a maximum of 120 [b.p.m]. In the 75% of the subjects was present a respiratory [aritmia] and in the 60% [wandering pacemaker].

Electric axle. The average value of the electric cardiac axle, calculated on the frontal base, was of 80.55 +11,08, with oscillations that went from+ 60° to+ 90°.

P wave. In II D the P wave has presented an average voltage of 0.165 (0,060 [mV], with a range between 0.1 and 0.3 [mV]. The average duration was of 0.037 (0,006 [sec] ([min]. 0,02- [max]. 0,05). The activation [atriale], besides, was expressed with a deflection to polarity prevalently positive in D The, D II, D III, [aVL] and [aVF], and to polarity prevalently negative in [aVR] and [aVL].

P-Q interval. The time of [conduzione] atrio-ventricolare made it record an average value of 0.104 (0,029 [sec] ([min]. 0,08- [max]. 0,14).

Q wave. In D lI the Q wave has resulted absent in the 20% of the examined subjects. She has presented an average voltage of 0.15 (0,147 [mV] ([min]. 0-[max]. 0,6) and average duration of 0.014 (0,008 [sec] (min.0- [max]. 0,02).

R wave. This deflection has presented average voltage of 1.26 (0,498 [mV] ([min]. 0,5- [max]. 2,2) and average duration of 0.027 (0,010 [sec] ([min]. 0,02- [max]. 0,06).

S wave. The S wave has resulted absent in D II in the majority of the examined animals (75%). She has presented average voltage of 0.05 (0,1 [mV] ([min]. 0-[max]. 0,4), and, when present, a middle duration of 0.005 (0,009 ([min]. 0-[max]. 0,03).

QRS Complex. The algebraic sum of the negative and positive deflections has underlined an average voltage of 1.065 (0,512 [mV] (min.0,1- [max]. 2). The middle duration of the ventricular depolarization was of 0.047 (0,011 [sec], with a minimum of 0.03 [sec] and a maximum of 0.06 [sec]. We observed 13 different morphologies of the QRS Complex, which distribution percentage in the circle of the single recordedderivations, is illustrated in the figures. N 6 and n 7. The [difasico] pattern (QR, [rs], [qR], [qr], Rs, RS, [rS]) has resulted predominant (53,8%), as regards the [trifasico] ([qrs], [qRs]) (15,3%) and the [monofasico] (R, QS, r, [qs]) (30,7%). The QRS complexes, besides, have been characterized in the almost totality of the subjects by positive polarity in D The, D II, D III and [aVF], and by negative polarity in [aVR] and [aVL].

S-T Line. It presented itself almost [isoelettrica] like a line, without suffering difference of level up or down> 0.1 [mV].

T wave. This wave in D II has presented voltage of 0.217 in average (0,116 [mV] and average duration of 0.047 (0,016 [sec] ([min]. 0,05- [max]. 0.6 [mV]; [min]. 0,02-[max]. 0.08 [sec], respectively). It was characterized besides by the positive polarity, sometimes [difasica], in D The, D II, D III and [aVF]; it has presented, instead, negative polarity and sometimes [difasica] in [aVR] and [aVL].

Q-T interval. The middle duration of the Q-T interval in II D has been of 0.20 (0,02 [sec] ([min].
0,18- [max]. 0,24).

[ecotomografici] Values. The single values, the average and the standard deviation for each linear measurement effected and for the parameters of [funzionalita ventricolare] are reported in chart 3. From the examination of this one we notice how the thickness of the [setto interventricolare] in varied diastole varies from 9 to 18.75 [mm], with an average value of 10.76 [mm], while in systole from 12 to 22 [mm], with a middle value of 15.06 [mm]. For what concerns the thickness of the ventricular free wall, diastole we've brought in relief varying values between 9 and 15.5 [mm], with a middle value of 11.04 [mm], while in systole the thickness has varied from 12.5 to 21 [mm], with a middle value of 16.29 [mm]. The diameter of left ventricle in [telediastole] and in [telesistole], instead, has oscillated, respectively, between 45 to 54 [mm], with a middle value of 48.61 [mm], and from 27 to 41 [mm], with a middle value of 33.69 [mm]. The E [point septal separation] (EPSS), that quantifies the possible expansion of the left ventricle, in our samples has risulted to have a middle value of 6.48 [mm], oscillating between 2 and 9 [mm]; the relationship left atrium/ root of the aorta, that quantifies the entity of a possible expansion of the left atrium or of the root of the aorta, has presented a middle value of 0,98, with varying values between 0.77 and 1,2. In our sample the average value of diameter] of the left atrium was of 32.03 [mm], with a minimum of 25 and a maximum of 43 [mm]. The diameter of the root [aortica], instead, has oscillated between 23 and 42 [mm], with a middle value of 31.23 [mm]. For what concerns the fraction of shortening, that is considered one of most important indexes of [funzionalita ventricolare], allowing of appraise either the contractible ability or the entity of the excursion of the cardiac walls, this has presented a middle value of 30,7%, with oscillating values between 24 and 46,3%. Finally, the fraction of ejection, calculated automatically by the instrument, beginning from the volume obtained according to the formula of cubic method], has shown a middle value of 55,8%, with variations between 45 to 77%.

CONCLUSIONS
From the analysis of the electrocardiographical layouts it appears evident that the middle value of the electric axle (+80,5°) is almost superimposable to that verified by Rezakhani and [coil]. (+81,9°) (1990) in the German Shepherd, but it results superior to that verified in dogs of Dalmata race (+68,7°) and Beagle (+72,2°) by Mazue and [coil]. (1975; 1976). The group of Neapolitan mastiffs examined by us, besides, has presented an average cardiac frequency (101 [b.p.m].), inferior as regards the one recorded in the Dalmata (137 [b.p.m].) and in the Beagle (131 [b.p.m].) (Mazue [et] al., 1975; Mazue [et] al., 1976). The respiratory [aritmial and the wandering pacemaker represent, o the basis of our reliefs, a common find in the Neapolitan mastiff, so we have to consider, also in this breed, a physiological variation of the [sinusale] rhythm. The voltage and the duration of the various deflections and examined intervals, in general they don't diverge substantially from the standard values given by Tilley (1992) and Bernal and [coil]. for the adult Spanish mastiff (1995). The duration of the P-Q intervals and Q-T has, in the Neapolitan mastiff an average value close to [limite superiore] considered normal for the dog (Tilley, 1992), probably in relation to the value not very elevated of the cardiac frequency. The middle voltage of the R wave (1,26 [mV]) results, besides, rather low considering the big ransom of these subjects. This relief could be tied up to the very wide thorax conformation and to the presence of a thick and weary skin. The ventricular depolarization is expressed with a complex which morphology results extremely variable, as we can distinguish 13 different types of QRS.

In accordance with the reliefs of other authors (Rezakhani [et] al., 1990; Bernal [et] al., 1995) in the circle of the recorded derivations the [difasica] morphology prevails (53,8%): particularly, in D II the majority of the complexes is represented [qR] by the type (60%). Finally, it is characteristic in D I the prevalence of the morphologies point out with lower case, such to make appear this derivation like a line [pressoche] in many subjects [isoelettrica].

The T wave appeared like a negative deflection in D II only in one animal examined by us, contrary to what we verified in the Spanish mastiff, in the Dalmata and in the Beagle, where the percentage of animals with negative T wave was respectively of the 41%, of the 13% and of the 31%.

For what concerns the echocardiographical data, we have to underline that in dogs, as well as in men, exist numerous variable that involve a variation of the echocardiographical parameters in the circle of the range of normality; among, these the bodily weight, the sex, the age and the attitude we mostly studied. In the canine kind, besides, we have to consider a further element of variability represented by the race. Some studies (Morrison [et] al., 1992; Snyder [et] al.1995) in the last years have underlined how the physical conformation can strongly influence the behavior of some indexes of cardiac efficiency (FS, FE, [ecc]) (chart [n°] 4). Considering the notable [morfometrica] difference existing among the numerous canine races, seems to be clear how the use of values related to other races, to clinical purpose could induce in error in the diagnosis of illness, above all in the case of hidden [cardiopatie] or in precocious phase. In these last cases, in fact, it is possible to notice the border line values, so it is very useful to dispose of echocardiographical data. We with these investigations we tried to establish, though in a preliminary way, the range of physiological variability of the echocardiographical parameters in the Neapolitan mastiff, in order to dispose of base data usable to diagnostics goals.

As concerns the cardiac linear measures(diameter of the left ventricle], thickness of the [setto interventricolare] and of the left ventricular free wall, they are similar to those recovered in the haul (De Majo [et] al., 1997; Tarducci [et] al., 1997). Likewise, the value of the As relationship/ Ao results almost superimposable to that compared in the haul by the qouted above authors.

In the Neapolitan mastiff, in fact, this value wanders around the unity, in accordance to what normally noticed in the other canine races (Nyland& Mattoon, 1992). The average value of the EPSS is much more elevated as regards those recovered in studies made in the Beagle and in the German Shepherd (3.27 (1.29 [mm]) (Kirberger [et] to the., 1991).

A particularly interesting datum concerns the fraction of shortening, which has resulted of intermediary value between that of races of better massive structure, like the haul, and that of races of small ransom. That confirms how this parameter is indirectly proportional to the bodily weight of the subject and it also partly depends on the thoracic conformation, engaging a better value in the subjects with wide thorax.

In conclusion, we can assert that the data by us recorded are in good accordance with what has been noticed by other authors in other canine races, showing analogies or evident differences in the morpho-functional parameters, according to the similarity or of the morphological difference between the races. Our study sets, besides, the scientific base for a more deepened echocardiographical examination in this breed, either considering the age of the subjects, or for a more deepened functional examination, through the study of the doppler and color doppler system intracardiac flows.

ATIMANA

International Scientific Conference

– Mexico – 24 May 2007

When asked about the background and history of the Mastino Napoletano, the common response is that it can be traced back more than 3,000 years in time. It is an ancient breed we way, steeped in tradition and many a romantic folklore tale has been written containing battles with the Gladiators in the arenas of Rome. There is indeed much evidence within the walls of various Museums of the world to support the fact that a large canine exisited all those years ago, that was longer than he was tall, of feline gait, yet heavy boned and bodied with a dewlap formed under his chin.



 Ancient artefacts, paintings, bas reliefs adorning buildings and public monuments in the cities of Italy bear testimony that this canine was an important figure in this part of the world, but was he anything like what we associate today as the Mastino Napoletano?





We do know as a fact that following the second World War, numbers of Mastini in Italy became seriously depleted and that author Piero Scanziani made it his personal mission to resurrect the breed and protect it for the future. Scanziani was son a journalist, born in 1908 and spent his childhood in Lausanne, Switzerland, Lake Como and Milan. He studied the classics at University and completed his degree in 1928, going on to emulate his father and become a journalist, but also between 1941 and 1980, he published more than twenty literary works and was nominated twice for the Nobel Prize. He became an expert on all breeds of dog, studied animal psychology and produced a popular dog magazine of the time 'Cane'.

In 1946, the plight of the Mastino Napoletano came to his attention and so began an extremely important time in its modern day history.    

Well known Italian Breed judge and long time Mastino fancier Marissa Chellini was a small girl in 1947. Her father was a shipping company owner, originally from the North of Italy but moved with his family back to the South following the end of the war to resume his business. The young Marissa, who had had a lifetimes fascination with dogs, lived in a Villa on the outskirts of the city and clearly recalls a groundsman called Gianni from the neighbouring Villa and his constant companion, a Mastino Napoletano male who was joined one day by a smaller female. They would pay regular visits house owners and small shops in the vicinity asking for any leftover food, which was in short supply at the time, so that the dogs could be fed. The names of this genial pair of Mastini were Guaglione and Pacchiana and it was not until many decades later that Marissa, on reading an article on Mastino history, realised that this pair from her childhood were the famous foundation Mastini belonging eventually to Scanziani!


Guaglione


Pacchiana

Marissa says ' I can clearly remember Gianni calling to the kitchen of my home and taking away old bread and scraps for his dogs. The male Guaglione was quite enormous, with height and length similar to the dogs of today. He had a very outgoing character and the children had no fear to pet him. The black female Pacchiana came later and she was a lot smaller in size and bones in particular, but she too was very friendly and it became a familiar sight in the neighbourhood, this man and the two strange canine companions at his side.'

There is no doubt that Scanziani is rightly attributed as the man who rescued the Mastino at this time in its recent history and without his timely intervention, highly probable that the breed would have died out completely. Scanziani was the person who planned and carried out its reconstruction in the late 1940s and 50s and it is no secret that this included a large injection of blood from other breeds, which accounted for the inconsistency in type of the eras following. It was noted by Dr Ruggero Soldati, a young veterinarian from Treviso in the North of Italy who had moved South and noticed the difference in appearance between dogs in Naples in particular when compared with the dogs in the North, although they shared the same genetic make up. This inspired him at the same time as Scanziani began his work, to make a statistical study which provided the necessary information to write the first breed standard.   

But the Mastino of that time was still a completely rustic animal. He lived on farms and large rural estates and he worked hard. Maybe Scanziani's breeding selections were based around function as much as or indeed even more than appearance to begin with, but we have through his writing, an insight into his vision for not only the Mastino, but all breeds. In 'Il Cane Utile' (The Useful dog) published in 1952, Scanziani writes:

“ Dog show’s primary fault is that it is based on a man’s judgments. The Judge in the Court makes mistakes, so can our judge on the ring. There are some incompetent judges, who are a plague for cynophily and that should be kicked out. What is more, there are some judges who have no manners at all, who ill-treat the new expositors because they present ‘average’ dogs. They should be expelled for unworthiness from the show, which are the places where zootechnics and sport’s cordiality meet …”.

The second fault of the shows is that the lovers are too much worried about beauty and peculiarity, forgetting the practical duty of a dog breed. On this subject, the English have reached degeneration making very beautiful Setters but unable to point, made stupid and just able to stand on a ring. I know some Boxer and Alsatians breeders as bewildered by the shows as to believe that their dogs live just to posture to a judge. This is very dangerous, we must defend our dog from this attitude as it has destroyed many breeds …”.



So, we can assume that although Scanziani made his Guaglione the first Mastino Napoletano Italian Champion  in 1949 after the breed was officially recognised by the ENCI, his aim was not simply to produce a beautiful dog for the show ring, but seriously consider his heritage. Scanzianis work, eventually produced seven Champions, including his first Champion under his own Allevamento, ' Villanova' in 1951



 and the obvious breed progression he achieved with Ch Ursus in 1954,

Ch Ursus

was vital for the breeds very survival and so, we can confirm that Piero Scanziani was our first major influence on what we know today as a Mastino Napoletano.

Kim Slater Kim Slater 2009

ATIMANA

International Scientific Conference

– Spain – 14 October 2006

II Neapolitan mastiff is broadly to canine diffused race in Campania, but also well represented on the whole national territory, that has dark gone dark and also affirming to the foreign countries to the last years, in countries as Germany, France, the United States, Brazil, etc.

To the peer of other giant races also the Neapolitan mastiff introduces to certain genetic predisposition to primitive the cardiac pathologies and particularly to the cardiomiopatia dilatativa for whose clinical-prognostic definition there him had the, as you/he/she is known, of essential instrumental examinations, among which the examination elettrocardiografico and that ecocardiografico.

These examinations allow to often notice meaningful differences among the different races and, sometimes, within the the same race, between subject and subject. Said variations assume, besides, particular importance when for to quantification of the systolic dysfunction is asked in initial phase. L ipocinesia, in fact, misu Khan be valued rando the fraction of shortening (FS) that, as it is known, you/he/she Khan broadly vary in the different races. Such differences have pushed for to long time different authors to effect evaluations morfo-functional cardiologiche in canine various races: in the greyhound, in the irish wolfhound, in the dobermann pinscher, in the cocker spaniel, in they haul him German and in the whippet. Also the evaluations elettrocardiografiche performed in the German shepherd, in the Dalmatian one, in the beagle, in the Spanish mastiff, in -the sleigh dog of the Alaska you/they have allowed to sometimes notice meaningful differences in the morphology, in the duration and in the voltage of the single de bending tied only not to the race but above all to the the age and to the position used for recording the layout. The heart installments,

*****missing line of text page one last line*****

and in the beagle. The German shepherd, introduces besides, general lies, to wave P isoelettrica in Of and to line PQ and longer QT of those of other races. You study ducts in the but Spanish stino they show as also within the same race differences meaningful elettrocardiografiches macaws found in relationship to the age and the weight of the animals.

As it regards the Neapolitan mastiff they don't exist systematic studies in these specific sectors; profit is seemed there, therefore, to perform an investigation on the cardiac electric activity and on the principal parameters ecocardiografici of this race, with the purpose to be able to have physiological values of reference, in dispensabili for to correct diagnostic evaluation of the pictures elettrocardiografici and in partnership ecocardiografici to cardiac, primitive and secondary pathologies.

MATERIALS IT IS METHODS

The investigations macaws been performed on 20 adults dogs of race Neapolitan mastiff, selected near breedings situated in the provinces in Naples.

Our champion was constituted by 13 females (not in pregnancy neither in lactation) and 7 males, inclusive of age between 2 and 4 years, with oscillating bodily weight between 55 and 65 kg.

All the subjects included in the study have been judged he/she knows ni on basic the of the clinical examination and to screening of labora torio, comprendente the most common hematological parameters and ematochimici (examination emocromocitometrico, glicemia, azo-temia, creatininemia, ALT, K +, Na+, CK, AST), the examination elet-troforetico of the proteins sieriche (QPE) and the examination of the uri-of it. To the purpose to exclude possible respiratory pathologies, in action or pregresse e/o modifications to load of the cardiac profile, radiograms of the chest have been performed in latero-side and back-ventral projection. They have been, inol three, effected examinations sierologici, to exclude the most common recurrent infections on the territory (E. canis, L. infantum, T. gondii, N. walks), and microscopic investigations for the ricer ca of emoparassiti, what D. immitis and H. canis. For esclu dere to hidden form of Dirofilariosi has been performed the de termination sierologica of the specific antigens of the macro- filarie.

Examination ECG

For the investigation elettrocardiografica has been used an instrument model Hellige Simpliscriptor EK 31, mono channel, portable. The examinations have been conducted in subjects not soothed, sets in right side decubitus and with the perpendicular limbs to the trunk. The layout elettrocardiografico included the standard bipolar derivations (The, II, III) and the derivations unipolari increased of the limbs (a VR, a VL, a VF). The electrodes, of the type to pliers of crocodile, they have been ap plicati, previous cleaning of the skin with alcohol, anteriorly to level of the olecrano and subsequently to the fold of the grassella. To recording of 10 secondses has been effected for every derivation, to the speed of slide of the paper of 25 mm/seses and, limited to the II derivation, to the speed of 50 mm/seses.

The following parameters have been analyzed elet trocardiografici: heart installments, electric axle and,as well as the duration of the QRS and the interval PQ (R) and QT. The middle electric axle has been gotten using the algebraic sum of the voltage of the QRS calculated in D I and D III. The values have been gotten with sultando the charts of reference. The measurement of the vol taggio of the wave P has been performed, because of the presence of respiratory arrhythmia, on the waves with greater voltage. The measurement of the voltage of the wave T with morphology difa sica has been performed calculating the algebraic sum of the positive de negative and bending. You/he/she has been valued, besides, the alli neamento of the segment PQ and St with the line isoelettrica, the morphology and the polarity of the complex QRS in The, II, III, aVR, aVL and aVF and, finally, the polarity of the deflections P and T in the different recorded derivations.

Examination ecocardiografico

For the examination ecocardiografico has been used an instrument ESAOTE Biomedical SIM 5000, provided of probes sectorial fire mechanics The fix from 5 and 2,5 MHz. In the measurements in mono formed and bi-dimensional the II derivation graphic elettrocardio has been recorded, simultaneously on the screen of the instrument, to allow needle the synchronization of the images ecocardiografiche with her him of the cardiac revolution. To minimize the interference of the pulmonary parenchima the animals, soothed not, I/you/they have been set in right side decubitus, on to table in which to hole had been practiced, through which pas was made sare the trasduttore that arrived I know in contact with the wall thoracic right, in such way that the scanning came effet tuata from the lower part. To visualize the heart has been used the acoustic window light parastemale, to level of the 4°_5° spas intercostal uncle.

Beginning from the bidimensional images to held by to projection in short axle to level of the muscles papillari, the following measurements macaws been performed in M-fashions: diameter of the hollow left ventricolare in diastole (LVIDD) and in sistole (L VIDS) (distance among the endocardium settale and that of the back free wall); for the diastole as reference the wave Q of the ECG is taken, while for the sistole the point by and large back excursion of the setto; thickness ofthe setto interventricolare in diastole (IYSD) and in sistole (IYSS): the setto has been measured from the edge of attack of the endocardium light settale to the edge of attack of the endo cardio left settale. The measure of the thickness in diastole corresponded Q of the ECG to the wave, while for the sistole the point back excursion of the setto is considered; by and large thickness of the back wall of the left ventricle in diastole (PWD) and in sistole (PWS): the wall has been measure ta from the edge of attack of the left wall endocardium to the the epicardium. Also for this measure the diastole corrispon deva to the wave the ECG's Q, while the sistole was calculated by and large in the point anterior excursion of the wall set riore of the left ventricle; fraction of shortening (FS): this index has been calculated through the formulates:

FS%=[LVIDD-LVIDS/LVIDD] X 100;

fraction of ejection (EF): this parameter has been otte nuto through the formulas:

EF%=[LVEDV-LVESV/LVEDV x 1--].

The volumes ventricolari in diastole (LVEDV) and in sistole (LVESV) I/youlthey have directly been calculated by the software car diologico of the instrument, using the formulas to the cube corrected of Teichholz:

[LVEDV=7(LVIDD3)/2.4+LVIDD;LVESV=7(LVIDS3)/2.4 +LVIDS].

The recordings and the measurements in M-fashions have been ef fettuate in accord with the guidelines of the American Society of Echocardiography, according to the methodology of the" leading edge", considering for the measurements of the structures in examination the distance that intervenes between the first part of its initial echo and the first part of its echo finale15.

Beginning from to plan of section in short axle at basic the of the heart the following measurements have been effected on im bidimensional magine: diameter of the left atrium (Her); diameter of the aorta (Ao), and calculated the relationship ,atrium since-stro/aorta (LA! Ao). Finally, beginning from to scanning bidi mensionale in axle along you/he/she has been measured by and large in M-fashions the distance among the point opening of the anterior edge mitralico (And) and the point by and large back excursion of the setto interventricolare (EPSS). Every parameter has been misu rato on three different cardiac cycles at two different operators, to legionary to the least one the dependent error from the operator. The techniques used to such intention made reference to the indications suggested by Thomas and coll.

Parameters elettrocardiografici

The values of the various parameters elettrocardiografici, recorded in D II (50 mm/secses), they macaws summaries in the Charts 1 and 2.

Frequency and rhythm

The middle heart installments has been of 101 ±ses 17,1, with to minimum of 60 and to maximum of 120 b.p.mses. In the 75% of the subjects it was present the respiratory arrhythmia and in 60% the wan-dering pacemaker.

Electric axle

II middle value of the cardiac electric axle, calculated on the frontal plan, you/he/she has been of 80,55 ±ses 11,08, with oscillations among + 60° and + 90°.

Wave P

In D II the wave P has introduced in average the voltage of 0,165 ±ses 0,061 mVses, with inclusive an range between 0,1 and 0,3 mVses. The middle duration has been of 0,038 ±ses 0,007 sec (min 0,02 - max 0,05). The activation atriale, was expressed besides with to deflection polarity monofasica, primarily placed tiva in D I (95%), D II (100%), D III (95%) and aVF (100%), and to negative predominantly polarity in a VR

The alternate P-Qs

II time of management atrium-ventricolare you/he/she has done regal strare to middle value of 0,105 ±ses 0,030 sec (min 0,08 - max 0,14).

Wave Q

In D II the wave Q results absent in the 20% of the examined subjects. It has introduced middle voltage of 0,15 ±ses 0,148 mVses (min Or - max 0,6) and lasted average of 0,014 ±ses 0,008 sec (min Or - max 0,02).

WaveR

This deflection has introduced middle voltage of 1,26 ±ses 0,498 m V ses (min 0,5 - max 2,2) and lasted average of 0,028 ±ses 0,010 sec (min 0,02 - max 0,06).

WaveS

The wave S results absent in D II in the most greater part of the examined animals (75%). It has introduced middle voltage of 0,05 ±O,1ses mV (min Or - max 0,3) and, when pre feels, to middle duration of 0,005 ±ses 0,009 (min Or - max 0,03).

Complex QRS

The algebraic sum of negative the positive and deflections in D II has underlined to middle voltage of 1,065 ±ses 0,512 mVses (min 0,1 - max 2). The middle duration of the depolarizes zione ventricolare you/he/she has been of 0,046 ±ses 0,009 sec, with to mini mo of 0,03 sec and to maximum of 0,06 sec. In the 6 derivazioses ni is been observed 13 different morphologies of the comples The know QRS. The pattern difasico (QR rs, qR qr, Rs, RS, rS) dominant pre results (53,8%), in comparison to that trifasico (qrs, qRs) (15,3%) and to that monofasico (RQS, r, qs) (30,7%). The complex QRSs, have been characterized besides in the, almost totality of positive the polarity subjects in D I (75%), D II (100%), D III (95%) and aVF (100%), and negative from polarity inaVR(95%) eaVL(90%).

Draws P-Q (R) and S-T

You/he/she is nearly introduced as to line isoelettrica, sen za never to suffer aloft slivellamenti or in low> 0,1 mVses.

Wave T

This wave in D II has introduced to middle voltage of 0,217 ±ses 0,116 m V ses and middle duration of 0,048 ±ses 0,016 sec (min 0,05 - max 0,6 m V ses; min 0,02 - max 0,08 sec, rispettivamen you). It was characterized besides by positive the polarity in D I (5%), DII (95%), DIll (85%), aVR (10%) and aVF%), sometimes difasica, in D I (35%), D II (25%), D III (5%), aVR (15%), aVL (10%) and a VF (25%); you/he/she has introduced, instead, negative predominantly polarity in D I (60%), aVR(75%) eaVL(90%).

The alternate Q-T

The middle duration of the interval Q-T in D II has been of 0,20 ±ses 0,02 sec (min 0,18 - max 0,24).

Values ecocardiografici

The single values, the average and standard the deviation for cia scuna effected linear measurement and for the parameters of functionality ventricolare is brought in the Chart 3. The thickness of the setto interventricolare in diastole varied from 8 to 15 mmses, with to middle value of 10,35 ±ses 2,83·mmses and in sistole from 10,5 to 19 mmses, with to middle value of 14,66 ±ses 2,33 mmses. As it regards the thickness of the free wall ventrico lare sx, in diastole varying values macaws noticed between 9 and 15,5 mmses, with to middle value of 10,86 ±ses 1,83 mmses, while in him stoles the thickness varied between 12,5 and 20 mmses, with to middle value of 15,99 ±ses 2,06 mmses. The diameter of the ventricle sini stro in telediastole and in telesistole, oscillated instead respects vamente between 43 and 54 mmses, with to middle value of 48,56 ±ses 2,78 mmses, and between 27 and 41 mmses, with to middle value of 33,97 ±ses 3,66 mmses. Point septal separation is him (EPSS), that is an it negatively protects coarsely proportional meter to the dimensions of the left and correlated ventricle to the fraction of ejection, in our champion results to have to middle value of 6,58 ±ses 2,18 mmses, oscillating between 2 and 9 mmses; the rap The bring atrium sinistro/radice of the aorta, that quantifies the entity of to possible expansion of the left atrium, you/he/she has introduced to middle value of 1,04 ±ses 0,12, with varying values among 0,83 and 1,29. In our champion the middle value of the diameter of the left atrium has been of 32,23 ±ses 4,75 mmses, with to mini mo of 25 and to maximum of 43 mmses. The diameter of the root aortica, has oscillated instead between 23 and 42 mmses, with to middle value of 31,23 ±ses 4,92 mmses. The fraction of shortening, considered among the most important indexes of functionality abdomens to strain, has introduced to middle value of the 30 ±s calculated by the car beginning from the volumes ventricolari gotten according to the formulas of the" cubic method" correct of Teichholz, youlhe/she has shown to middle value of 54,4 ±ses 6,35%, with variations among 45 and 66%.

Conclusions

The analysis of the results sprung by the present investigations, also if conducted on to rather limited number of animals, with it feels to draw burdens preliminary considerations.

From the analysis of the layouts elettrocardiografici notices him first of all that the middle value of the electric axle (+80,5°) it is sovrapponibile to that found in the German shepherd (+81,9°), but it results superior to that in relief in dogs of Dalmatian race (+68,7°) and beagle (+72,2°).- The group of Neapolitan mastiffs from us examined, has introduced besides to middle heart installments, (101 b.p.mses.) inferior to that the recorded one in the Dalmatian one (137 b.p.mses.) and in the beagle (131 b.p.mses.), but analogous to that of the German shepherd.

The respiratory arrhythmia and the wandering pacemaker rappres feel, in basic to our reliefs, to common find in the but Neapolitan Mastino, for which I/youithey macaws to consider, also in que race is, to physiological variation of the rhythm sinusale. II voltage and the duration of the various deflections and the inter valleys considered in general not him discostano sostanzial it lies from . standard the values brought from Tilley or from those kings lativi to the adult Spanish mastiff. The duration of alternate you him P-Q and Q- T it assumes in the Neapolitan mastiff to middle value next to the superscript held normal for the dog, you rosimilmente in relationship to the very elevated values not of the heart installments. The middle voltage of the wave P (0,165 mVses) and R (1,26 mVses) it results, besides, rather low consi derando the big ransom of these subjects. This relief Khan be tied up to the very wide thoracic conformation and the presence of an enough thick and weary skin.

The depolarization ventricolare is expressed with to com plesso whose morphology results extremely varying, po tendosi to distinguish well 13 different types ofQRS. In accord with how much noticed by other authors, within the deris recorded vazioni prevails the morphology difasica (53,8%): particularly, in D II the most greater part of the complexes macaws rappre sentata from the type qR (60%). Finally, in D I the morphologies then cates with lower houses letters make to appear this derivazio of it in many subjects (40%) as to line nearly isoelet trica.

The wave T is introduced as to negative deflection in D II in to alone of the animals from us examined (5%), contrarily than in relief in the Spanish mastiff, in the from the mata and in the beagle, where the percentage of animals with wave T negative you/he/she has respectively been of 41 % of 13% and of 31%.

For how much concem the dates ecocardiografici, goes it underlines to that in the dog, as in the hand, they exist numerous riabili goes that to variation of the parameters they involve ecocar diografici within the range of normalcy; among these the bodily weight, the sex, the age and the attitude have mostly been those investigated you.

In the canine specie, needs besides to consider to further elemen to of variability that is represented by the race. Burdens studies in the last years have underlined as this ul tima you influence in conclusive way the behavior of burdens indexes of cardiac efficiency (FS, EF, etc). In the beautiful Ta 4 macaws illustrated to such intention the parameters in relief graphic ecocardio in races of different ransom and conformation. Gives the notable difference present morfometrica among the nus canine merose races, it appears clear as the use to clinical purpose of reported values to other races Khan induces to wrong diagnosis, especially in the houses of hidden cardiopathies or in needle if precocious. In these last cases, in fact, it is possible to notice values border line, for which it results how much never profit power of sporre of precise date ecocardiografici basic of, within to range of physiological variability, usable to the thin diagnostici.

As it regards the linear cardiac measures (diametro of the left ventricle, thickness of the setto interventricolare and of the free wall left ventricolare), they results similar to those recovered in they haul him.

Under our experimental conditions you/he/she has not been riscon trata, to the analysis of the linear regression, to meaningful correlation among the considered parameters and the weight and super the bodily ficie of the animals and this in accord with how much brought by Tarducci and you strain. in . they haul him German. Our results him discostano, however, from those in relief in the irish wolfhound, that an ample individual variability of these parameters introduces; this makes to supposed that, also in presence of to weak correlation among the weight and the studied parameters, the bodily weight halo as sure point of reference cannot be taken for going up again to the measures ecocardiografi-that you consider.

ATIMANA

International Scientific Conference

 – Spain – 14 October 2006

The cardiovascular apparatus is formed from the heart and from the vases (arteries, capillary, veins) in which flows the blood according to one determined direction. The movement of the blood is due to the function of pump of the heart, which contracts him and he releases aritmicamente pushing the blood in the arteries, that branch him reaching the whole organism.

The arteries finish in the capillaries to level of which you/they end all the metabolic and respiratory exchanges, between blood and fabrics; from the capillaries they take origin the veins that return to the heart constituting the so-called circle back.

The circulatory apparatus divides him in two sections, the great one and the small circulation. The great circulation departs from the heart and reaches all the districts of the organism for then to return to the heart; it has the function to bring oxygen and nourishments, and to remove the refusals from the organism.

The small circulation departs from the heart, it reaches the bellows and it returns to the heart; it has the function to oxygenate the blood that he was desossigenato in the great circulation and to eliminate the carbonic anhydride.

The heart is found in thoracic hollow, wound by a sort of called pouch pericardio, almost totally covered by the bellows. And divided in four compartments that contract him and they release him with an orderly succession and with a ritmicita dictated by a particular muscular fabric (miocardio) modulated by the nervous system.

The cardiac rooms are the atria right, the right ventricle (right heart), the left atrium and the left ventricle (left heart). Does her inside of the cardiac rooms you/he/she is dressed again by a membrane said endocardium, that refolds him to form cardiac valves in some zones.

Right heart and left heart are separate from a setto, while the atria are in communication with the respective ventricle through of the valves atrium ventricolari (tricuspid valve between right atrium and right ventricle, mitral valve between left atrium and left ventricle).

From the ventricles him dipartono of the big vasi( aortas and pulmonary tnlnk) that they introduce the blood in the vases of the great and small circle, these two vases are in communication with the ventricles through of the valves, valve aortica and pulmonary valve.

How long ago the owner of a dog to suspect a cardiac problem in his/her own dog?

The anamnesis and the clinical examination furnish important information related to the illness and to its stadium.

It owes the age of an animal to be valued,

• the young subjects introduces congenital cardiac pathologies (learned arterial pervio P.D.A.)
• in the dog elderly frequent comparison is the Cardiomiopatia dilatativa,
• in the mastiff the congenital cardiopathies found more frequently are: the stenosis sub aortica (S.A.S.) the pulmonary stenosis (S.P.) in the evaluation of a cardiac pathology it needs to hold under control the following parameters:

• Appetite

• Urination poliuria/polidipsia (PU/PD) increase of the thirst and the in partnership quantity of the urines to nephropathy

• Intestinal Motilita, the heart failure can provoke interstitial edema of the bowel with diarrhea

• Vomit and regurgitation, tied up to the presence of anomalous vascular rings

• Cough is the symptom most common of cardiac pathology. He/she usually introduces him sour and less noisy of the pulmonary cough. You often underlines after the assumption of liquids or without a cause scatenante.

• Dispnea, is a difficult breath, hard-working, painful, that is accompanied to noises of screeching rochi and rebels you/he/she must be differentiated by the polipnea (increase of the due respiratory frequency to fever fear or excitement). Causes of dispnea can be tied up to the reduction of the environmental oxygen (elevated altitudes) intense physical activity, primary and secondary heart disease

• Emottisi, cough with expectorated sanguinolento tied to lungworms.

Clinical examination

To appraise the attitudes and the behaviors of the subj ect differentiating the physiological attitudes from those pathological: he performs an evaluation beginning from the head him < they seek possible asymmetries and swellings of the head in progress of cardiac illness the ears doesn't introduce characteristic signs but the cyanosis you/he/she can be found in the tents.

L' examination of the oral cable allows to appraise the time of capillary filling and the color of the mucous ones the cyanosis it is tied up to ipoventilazione or to a reduction of the diffusion of the oxygen through the respiratory membrane. The examination of the oral cable allows to notice besides the presence of dental tartar, gengiviti, piorrea that can be the point of departure for a batteriemia vvith possible development of an endocardite.

The examination of the neck has to appraise the presence of edemas along the run of the jugular veins.

Other examinations that can be performed for appraising cardiac pathologies are the palpation of the trachea and the chest, in this case it needs to appraise" the itto", that represents the point where the cardiac pulsation is warned under the hands, generally between the IV and the I space.

You intercostal The wrist: it owes the wrist to be valued femorale,esso it has to have a frequency betvveen 70 and 180 pulsations to the minute, greater frequency it is had in the pups.

Cogenital Illnesses

Pulmonary stenosis

• And' a congenital pathology, is distinguished:

• Valvular stenosis with removal of the pulmonary valve

• Stenosis sottovalvolare

• Stenosis sopravalvolare

The last two are very rare to see him in the dogs, the clinical symptomatology you/he/she is compared to the gravity of the obstruction. The more evident clinical symptom is the insufficiency of the secondary right ventricle to an increase of the pressure, the valvular vice it determines an increase of the resistance to the exit of the blood from the '. right ventricle, and therefore an. increase of the systemic pressure through the valve stenosata. The subjects that introduce a light stenosis are lanthanic and they live an enough· normal life, those people that instead have a serious pulmonary stenosis introduce serious dispnea, intolerance to the activity physical and frequent episodes of syncopation.

The diagnosis happens through an exmnination radiografico performed in . latero-side- and ventro-dorsal projection, he underlines the ispessimento of the right heart and some vases and the diminution of diameter of other vases. With the eletrocardiogramma he underlines the ispessimento of the right ventricle and cardiac arrhythmias. The ecodoppler allows to measure the speed of the blood through the line stenotico and to appraise the line of stenosis.

Prognosis and therapy are in relationship to the gravity of the stenosis. This pathology is recognized on genetic base, for which the subjects affections from pulmonary stenosis, are to appraise to the goals of the reproduction.

Therapy

To the actual state it is to the study the employment ofvalvuloplastica, with toy balloons and applications of stent endovasali. Profit the employment of inhibiting ACE results, betabloccanti, diruetic.

Cardiomiopatie di The Dog

The cardiomiopaties are illnesses to unknown eziologia that interests the cardiac muscle. They distinguishes:

CARDIOMIOPATIA DILATATIVE: (CMD) characterized by the slow and progressive expansion ventricolare with reduction of the contractility .

CARDIOMIOPATIA IPERTROFICA: (CMI) characterized by ipertrofia progressive ventriyolare and trom diastolic dysfunction with absence of expansion ventricolare. The 50% of the dogs cut from such pathology they are of race dobermann, this pathology it recognizes a factor hereditary studies of the university of the Ontario in Canada you/they have individualized a hereditary generic defect.In the subjects affections -from CMD the lack of the aminoacido LLCarnitina has been found.

The CMD he underlines with an elapsed slow and progressive, you/he/she is defined dilated you in how much the expansion represents the more evident morphological aspect of the final phases of the illness. It is characterized with deterioration of the systolic function that determines a first phase of remuneration in which the patient remains lanthanic this for the activation of compensatory mechanisms neuro- \unorali with the time.

Subsequently with the scompenso it is created the development of reactions that you/they alter the nice-mimetic system and the system renina-angiotenzina, regulators of the cardiac pulsatilita. Because of the alteration of such mechanisms in the phase of scompenso they increase both the precarico, is the degree of vasocostrizione with the increase of the peripheral vascular resistances. In progress of CMD the heart doesn't perform its normal function of pomp. In the phase compensatoria the animal if it doesn't develop physical activity doesn't introduce evident clinical signs, in the case in which the damage is superore to the 30% of the fraction of ejection, he underlines a dispnea. The fraction of ej ection is the phase of opening of the atria and in the ventricles.

Phases of the Illness Asintmatica

In the first phases the illness elapses in lanthanic way and only the application of a Holter cnnsente to observe tachiaritmie ventricolari. In some cases it is possible the to verify him of episodes of syncopation, besides the sudden death is frequent with the direct passage to the cardiac scompenso. A symptom evidenziabile is the systolic cardiac puff.

In the phase of insufficiency cardiac congestizias are underlined the symptoms what cough, dispnea and lungworm, in partnership with epatomegalia( fegato increased of volume) ascite( aumento of the liquids in abdomen).

Diagnosis:

In case of lanthanic illness and when he knows of subjects that has a family history of CMD, esguire of the examinations of screening is opportune:

1. Echocardiography: alterazone of the diameter of the left ventricle, of the fraction of shortening, of the distance between the mitral valve and the setto interventricolare and the dimensions of the left atrium

2. Monitoring of Holter: profit for the individualization of the arrhythmias

3. Electrocardiogram: employed for excluding other causes of , arrhythmia .

4. Radiography:)t is not useful there is not a next situation to the cardiac scompenso.

If the illness is symptomatic, the symptoms can be appreciated in progress of visit clinic with the ascultazione: puffs, trouble of rhythm, tachiaritmie.

The mean of diagnosis mostly employee is the radiography. The heart assumes aspect globoide, he underlines the lungworm and often a payment pleurico. With the electrocardiogram they are underlined different alterrazioni of the trials in progress of heart failure scompensata. The echocardiography puts in evidence of the valves, the passage ematico through of the enlargement of the hollow and they ventri co lare.

Therapy

All the medicines must be used under narrow control veterinary physician. The medicines most employed are:

Digoxin

Diruetic

Inhibiting Ace

L-Camitina

Taurine

Coenzima Q 1 0

Permission use granted to NeapolitanWorld Copyright ©All rights reserved A.T.I.MA.NA.

ATIMANA

7th International Scientific Conference

Villefranche Sour Saone – France – 15 September 2001

HISTORY

MORPHOLOGY

The Leishmanie belong to the order of Kinetoplasti Tripanosomatide Family and has characterized from the presence of a little organ containing extra nuclear DNA said Kinetoplasto.  For the presence of a basal corpus joint to the Kinetoplasto we can observe three morphological types of Leishmanie: Amastigote, Promastigote and Paramastigote.  
Amastigote: it is the form that we observed in the vertebrate guest and in endocellular center and this shows a roundish shape contained inside of macrofagi.  Promastigote: it is the typical shape found in the vector insect.  It is characterized the presence of a long free tail.  Paramastigote: recent studies have individualized that during the cycle in the invertebrate guest, the Leishmanie present themselves in a more globular form with the tail that bathes in the citoplasma of the cell having an inflated appearance.

BIOLOGICAL CYCLE

The Leishmanie are organism’s dixeni that complete their vital cycle between two guests, an invertebrate that represents the vector, and a vertebrate that constitutes the reservoir of the illness.  The man has the role of occasional guest while the dog represents the main reservoir of Leishmanie.

CYCLE IN THE GUEST VECTOR

The cycle begins when a female of Phlebotomist feeds upon an infected vertebrate (dog, man, rat).  The ingested amastigoti are those freed from the cells during the suction and their number can also be very low.  The forms of amastigoti ingested with macrophage are released in the bowel of the vector insect where they start a transformation in promastigoti.  Here begins a transformation in promastigoti attached to the walls of the bowel of the phlebotomist, or there is a migration of the parasites with a shape of free promastigoti to the oral apparatus ready to be introduced in a vertebrate guest.  The cycle last from four to twenty days and could be influenced form the temperature: it is inhibited to temps of 10 degree C while it is accelerated to temperatures superior 20 degrees C.

CYCLE IN THE VERTEBRATE GUEST

One hypotheses of transmission of free promastigoti to the vertebrate guest are tied up the immission of the trunk in the skin and the penetration happens through the flow of saliva.  Once introduced the circulatory stream the cells are fagocitated by elements of the cells macrofagiche, to the inside of which the promastigoti divide for binary division, in the vacuole parassitofori until they reach such a number to break the macrofago, the freed amastigoti are fagocitated from the other macrofagi, repeating the cycle more times, In each case a part of them goes toward the skin and peripheric haematic circle become available to the repetition of the cycle.

THE VECTOR

Several hypotheses have been considered during the years before identifying the vector insect of the pathology.  The responsible has been identified in a bug of the Phlebotomist  kind.  The phlebotomists are bugs of small 2-3 mm of yellow pale or yellow rust color, the body and wings are covered by a dense down.

The female of phlebotomist require a meal of blood for the maturation of the eggs and the cycle foresees four larval forms and a pupale.  The development is influenced by the temperature and during the cold season, the larval forms could be in a phase of diapauses. 
During June to September period the larva’s are able to overcome till two generations of adult.  The phlebotomists are nighttime bugs that begin their activity at night fall with peaks of maximum activity around Midnight.  Their activity is disturbed by the meteorological conditions: lowering of temperature, wind and damp.

In Italy, the species of more diffused phlebotomists are the Perniciosus, the Perfiliewi and the Sergentomyna Minuta.

In Campania the most diffused species is the Perniciosus, while Perfiliewi has resulted almost completely absent and the Sergentomyna minuta is more diffused than the Perfiliewi.

In Tuscany is diffused the Phlebotomus Perfiliewi and the Sergentomyna minuta, while the Perniciosus is the less diffused.  (Maroli and other).

Other mammals have resulted positive of Leishmaniosis in other parts of the Mediterranean: the fox has resulted infected in Italy, France and Portugal, the black rat (Rattus rattus) has resulted positive in Italy, Jugoslavia and Spain.

The fox presents a chronic viscera-cutaneous infection similar to the dog.  The rat doesn’t present any symptom logy of the illness but this rodent is highly infectious for the phlebotomists vectors This shows that the pathology could be transmitted, also in absence of the canine guest, to the man and dog.

INTERACTION PARASITE GUEST AND PATHOGENESYS

An active role in the pathogenesis of the Leishmaniosi is constituted by the presented macrofago, that’s why it becomes important to individualize the mechanisms involved in the induction of the pathology.  Different structural factors, biochemical, immunological intervene either in the phase of initial bond or in the intercellular one of the parasite.

THE BOND LEISHMANIA-MACROFAGO

On the membrane of the parasite are present receptors of glicolipidic nature, two forms of glicoconiugati have been individualized: one cellular, tied up to the lipids of membrane, the other extracellular, constituted from hydrophile molecules which itself exclusively to the macrofagi and no to the other linfoid cells.  To the phase of binding (bond) follows the phagocitosys of the parasite that is englobed, at first in a fagosoma and therefore in the complex fagolisosoma.

The ability of survival of the Leishmaniia in the macrofago could be tied up to the oxidative activity of the fagocita: we have seen that the macrofagi parassitati, are able to kill and digest in vitro of the amastigoti only if continually stimulated by the linfochine (LK), substances that increase the phagocitative activity, lisosomiale and oxidative.  The production of linfochine is one of the points hinge of the immune answer, their deficiency of their could therefore be the base of the immunological dysfunction that is compared in case of Leishmaniosi.

PATHOGENESYS OF LEISHMANIOSI IN DOG

One of the possible cellular reactions to the entrance and to the persistence of the parasite in the susceptible cell is that of signal the immune system, through the exteriorization of the antigen leishmania, the infection in act. Therefore a resolution of the aggressive event from part of the immunocompetent system or a situation of quiescence could be.
In  the case of unfavorable eventuality, of organic subjugation of the guest, the parasite colonizes all the structures of the system phagocitosys mononuclear (SPM). Though being the macrofagi appointed to destroy them, they accept the plasmidi in their citoplasma. The slow permanence of the antigen parassitario with the immunocompetent cells is the base of the pathogenic evolution of the illness. The immunitary system of the organ parassitato blocks irrimediabyli, with a depth unbalance in the humoral answer from hyperfunzionality and quali-quantitative anomalies the answer given by the cell.

From the reactions that develop an immunophatology underlines could explicate under different forms that varioly are combined between them, and that we can divided as follow:

• Disprotidemia
• Pathology from immunocomplexes
• Pathology from immunoantibody
• Diffused Granulomatosi
• Amiloidosi
• Immunodepression

• Disprotidemia

Is one of most important aspect of the humoral unbalances that come true in case of Leishmaniosi, and is characterized by a total increase of the protidemia with ipoalbuminemia and ipergammaglobulinemia. The relationship Albumins/Globulins in the ill animals is inclusive between 0.10 and 0.40 ,while the normal value draws near to the unity.

• Pathology by immunocomplexes

This immunopathology has caused from the union of a soluble antigen with an precipitant antibody: the complexes that occur could fall headlong in the site of formation or they could circulate and precipitate in the various organs. In the formation of the [immunocomplexes ]soluble antigens and precipitant antibodies and only the classes immunoglobulinic IgG and IgM are able to do it. During of Leishmania the ipergammaglobulinemia is characterized by an increase of the IgG of which best part is not direct against the leishmanie.

• Pathology of autoantibodies

The selfimmunity could be definite like a immunological reactivity against the own parts that is revealed in circle with the appearance of selfantibodies. But the presence of selfantibodies does not mean that they are involved in the pathogenesis of the illness in matter.

In dogs afflicted whit Leishmaniosi smooth anti-muscle and cardiac anti-muscle antibodies have been underlined through immunofluorescence on tissue (Ceci, et all). It is probable that some substances present in the Leishmanie could induce a cruciform reactivity toward organic components. The actina and the tubulina are present in preparations of membrane of Leishmanie. Donovani, Pateraki and other have signaled the presence of antibodies antiactina and antitubulina in 263 dogs feigns from Leishmaniosi.

• Diffused granulomatosi

Many authors have signaled the presence of granulomi in several organs and tissues. Their composition is a focal accumulation of macrofagi parassitati and not surrounded by linfociti and plasmacellule in varying number, generally they are missing giant cells, necrosis central and connett ivai proliferations.

• Amiloidosi

The deposition of Amiloide is verified in the illnesses linfoproliferative, selfimmune and infectious chronic. This immunophatology is characterized amiloide substance in tissues. The Amiloide is made of proteic fibrilles that deposite in rigid structures tightly united of feltrlook. Two types of Amiloide are known: Amiloide L that is verified in illnesses linfoproliferative and Amiloide A that is verified in the infectious chronic illness and in selfimmune illness.

• Immunodepression

A depth state of immunodepression has been underlined in the course of Leishmaniosi, in particular has been underlined that, the immune answer of cellular type (Linfociti T) comes to be compromised either as quantity of active cells or as activity of the present cells in circle. Some jobs are at the moment in course to underline the reason of the block of membrane of the parasite as regards the cells linfoid.

CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS

Many clinical demonstrations of the Leishmaniosi are tied up more to the immune answer than to a precise direct action of the parasite. Often two forms of illness are quoted: they have brought again two forms of illness often: the acute form and the chronic form. The distinction between the two forms and the confinements between them are not so clean and precise and close to subacute forms, that evolve in the turn of weeks, time and chronic forms, with long lapses of months, chronic forms exist that become acute suddenly whose symptoms are tied up more to the secondary immunitary answer than to the primary infection.

A clinical acute form has been underlined in association with fever with nervous symptoms and rapid death, which on the base of the result is confused often with the nervous distemper. It could be limitative and superficial to define the canine Leishmaniosi as a chronic form since the chronic forms could be different and not all the symptoms, revealed are present contemporally.

• Fever

In the dog fever is signaled frequently and with elevated temperatures. But there could be periods of intermittent fever that can not be however appreciated.

• Skin

Four types of cutaneous macroscopic and microscopic lesions are described:

• Dry exfoliative not suppurative dermatitis

• Ulcerative dermatosis

• Nodular dermatitis

• Pimply sterile dermatitis

Common characteristic of these forms is the absence of itch. The cutaneous interest has resulted present in the 72% of the sick subjects and the more common form is the not suppurative dermatitis. This is revealed with rarefaction of the hair and seborrea dry, with symmetrical areas of alopecia: the lesions on the head are characterized by the classical "lunette" glasses in the periocular zone.Olso the limbs have to level of the bony prominences are often with a characteristic presence of furfuriformi flakes. The ulcerative form strikes the 20% around of the subjects with localizations on the legs and to level of the bony prominences. The growth of the fingernails, ornicogrifosi, in some cases is considered an inflammatory expression of the ungueal matrix provoked by the action of parasites. The immunodepression caused by Leishmaniosi could favor the coming demodicosi also in adult dogs.

• Eye

The ocular symptomatology could accompany the infection from Leishmanie or the immunologic reactions to it tied up, and sometimes is the only symptom for which the dog is led to the veterinarian. The lesions could-be primary- directly got by the parasite or secondary- tied up to the immunitary answer. In the Mastiff we have observed a few times a palpebral interest with exfoliation, thath causes the classical lunette, it is much more frequent a palpebral interest with suppurative dermatitis of the eyelids. Very frequent the cheratocongiuntiviti dry from Leishmania, in case of which a lesion could be underlined to change of the retina with separation.

• Reticoloendoteliale system

The limph nodes result thickened in almost all the subjects, while in those that they do not present cutaneous interest, but only renal involvement, the adenomegalia is absent. The [linfonodi prescapolari] is generally more increased of the poplitei. The spleenomegalia is not a constant report.

• Skeletal apparatus

The symptom limp have been many times observed in positive subjects. The pain is associated to the articular regions with edema and intraarticolare pouring.

• Blood

The anemia is a clinical frequent sign in course of canine Leishmaniosi (in the Mastiff it is present in the 80% of the positive subjects). The piastrinopenia is present but the number of the trombociti circolanti doesn't goes down to the 40000* mm3, value that explains the nasal hemorrhages (epistassi); of the observed subjects only the 20% has presented phenomenons of epistassi.

• Bowel

Often between the symptoms ofLeishmaniosi are signaled diarroic phenomenons tied up to parasite infiltrations of the foil to level of the small and big bowel.

• Kidney

The renal damages are frequent and visible either from the chemical point of view or the anatomopathological one. The proteinuria is a present clinical sign, and also if not accompanied by increases of the urea and of creatinina it is index of renal damage. Best loss of proteins is tied up to phenomenons of glomerulonefrite membrane proliferative. The proteinuria could be as massive to provoke a ipoprotinemia with abdominal edema, to the limbs and with retinic separation.

ASPECIFIC EXAMINATIONS

Emocromocitometrico examination
It is the most aspecific examination than those in course of Leishmaniosi and it is done in all the laboratory proofs. In course ofLeishmaniosi anemias normocitarie and normocromiche have been underlined (53% of cases Lubas and others). The typical tricitopenia of the visceral human forms is missing and there is a leucocitosi of secondary cutaneous lesions:' renal or of other organs. At the hematic graze there is a frequent microagglutinazione.

Eritrosedimentation speed (VES)
The eritrosedimentation speed is a very generic aspecific test which is based on the measurement of the rapidity with which the emazie sedimentano in the plasma in a taking made with anticoagulante (citrato). In course of inflammatory, infectious, tumoral processes, the speed of fall in the plasma increases.

The normal value in a subject is of2-4 mm in the first hour. In course ofLeishmaniosi it arrives to 50-100 mm.

Formogelificazione or reaction of Gate

It is a proof of colloidal weakness of the serum and therefore his positiveness depends on an altered distribution and quantity of the seric proteins. The serum of weakness animals put into contact of formalina at 40% in the 70% of the cases assumes a milky color and gels so turning 30 minutes for which turning upside-down the test-tube does not escape material.

Total proteins and elettroforesi of serum

The total proteins in course of Leishmaniosi appear greater than 8 gldl and such increase concerns the globulinic fraction exclusively. The relationship Albumins/ Gobuline lowers notably and descends under the 0.5, in course of amiloidosi the quantity of total proteins is under the norm (less then 6 gldl).

The albumin is limited either relatively to the globulinic increase and of total proteins or in absolute sense, tied up either to the reduced enteric absorption or to do decreased hepatic synthesis.

Urines of examination

The more evident characteristic in case ofLeishmaniosi in the examination of the urines is the strong proteinuria that is underlined in the best part of the cases (in around the 80% of positive subjects).

The examination of urines has a clinical importance and it has no indications on the renal damage itself.

Azotemia and creatininemia

The serologic dosing of urea and creatinina offers information on the renal conditions of the patient and must never be separated from the examination of the urines, of the determination of the total proteins, of the elettroforesi of the serum and of the proof of formalgelificazione.

SPECIFIC EXAMINATION

Serologic examinations

They are examinations based on the ability of the soluble antigen to react to the presence of antibodies present in the serum. The reaction is put into evidence through various laboratory methodics: indirect emoagglutinazione, E.L.LS.A, indirect immunofluorescenza. Some of these methodics must be performed necessarily in laboratories equipped with fluorescence microscopes, with microtester readers whose cost is not within all surgeries reach. In commerce there are some tests exploit the E.L.L S.A. methodic and of serum migration on supports of nitrocellulosa, which allow to underline the pathology. An other methodic used in the diagnosis is the P.c.R. (polimerase chain reaction) she exploits a method of amplification of the DNA. By withdrawing small quantity of organic material specific antibodies are underlined.

Biological examinations

They are easy to execute and in case of positiveness they constitute the only examination that reveals the absolute safety of the infection.

The biological examinations easier manuality are the aspiration of linfonodi through thin needle, the direct impression or for curettage from ulcerative lesions, the impression of the derma cutaneous after taking with scissors and the medullae biopsy.

All the methodics foresee the colouring of the withdrawn material crawled on slied, with t.1CG or NBM and the reading to the optic microscope to 1000 enlargements with visualization ofLeishmanie.

Cultural examinations

They foresee the growth of material withdrawn from some subjects on cultural ground maintained at a temperature between 22 and 28 degrees centigrade and numerous passages on cool grounds with optimum at 25°C.

LEISHMANIOSI THERAPY

In the last years the development of new therapeutic protocols for the treatment of the Lishmaniosi has been ofthe most interesting sectors of search of either human or vrterinary medicine. The main targets which the new medicines must aim in order to fight the Lishmaniosi are the study of the physiological,biochemistral aspects, and the parasite guest interaction with the relative immunitaria answer.

At the beginning of the third millennium an effective inexpensive medicine doesn't exist, without collateral effects and easy to administer.

ALLOPURINOLO

• Mechanism of action
Similar to ipoxantina, it is the idrolizatall of allopurinolo riboside. As such it is incorporated into R.N.A. of parasite interfering with the proteinic synthesis.

• Advantages
Sinergy of action with the antimoniato ofn-metilglucamina (Glucantim). The association is commonly used and seems to take to a better therapeutic effectiveness.

• Disadvantages
Collateral effects: diarrhea, anemia

Therapeutic protocols

* 20-30 [mg kg]/ Bid in association with the Glucantim then for 12 months as therapy of maintenance (Ferrer, 1999)

* 20 [mg kg] for a week per month as therapy of maintenance * 10 [mg kg]/ SID for 2-4 months (Cavaliero, 1999)

* 15 [mg kg]/ BID for 8 months in association with AnM 100 mg SID kg for subcutaneous way for 4 weeks (Demerolle, 1999)

ANFOTERRAMICINIA B (Amb)

• Mechanism of action 

Lipofilic macrolide, it is able to alter the ergosteroli of the membranes of the Leishmania modifyng its permeability.

• Advantages

It is possible to associate it with solutions of lipids in order to reduce its toxicity.

• Disadvantages

Administration intravenous nefrotossrca

Collateral effects fever vomits, anorexia, periflebiti

• Therapeutic protocol

* 0.5 mg/kg in solution of dextrose 5% three times a week until a maximum of9-12 mg kg (Noxon 1989)

* 0,5-0,8 mg kg within 15-45 seconds 3 times a week for a total dose of 8-15 mg kg. The therapies must be stopped if creatinina overcomes the 2.5 mg/dl (Lamothe, 1977).

ANFOTERRAMICINA B MICROCAPSULED IN LIPOSOMI

• Advantages

Preferred to the AmB not micro capsuled because it keeps plasmatic taller levels, the hepatic and splenic concentrations are elevated.

• Disadvantages Expensive

• Therapeutic protocol

* 3 mg SID kg for intravenous way for 5 days to repeat at 10° a day from the beginning of the therapy (Olive 1995)

AMMINOSIDINA

• Mechanism of action

Amino glucoside that reaches intracellular concentrations by interacting with the subunities ribosomali provoking an anomalous proteic synthesis.

• Advantages

Sinergy of action if associated with the stibiogluconato of sodium (Thakur, 1995) or with AnM (Belloli 1995)

• Disadvantages

Nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity (reversing).

• Therapeutic protocol

• 5,25-10,5 BID mg-kg subcutaneus for 3 weeks (Persechino 1994-1995).

• 10 SID mg-kg subcutaneus for 4 weeks (poles 1995).

• 3.5 BID mg-kg subcutaneus for 3 weeks in association with AnM (20 SID mg-kg) (Oliva 1998).

• 3 SID mg-kg for 4 weeks in association with Allopurinolo (Albanese, Crimaldi 2000).

ANTIMONIALI

The most used medicine for the therapy in commerce the stibiogluconato of sodium and the antimoniato of n-metilglucamina (AnM).

• Mechanism of action

They inihbit some enzymes giving place to a highly toxic form in the body of the Leishmania.

• Advantages

Rapid clinical improvement, sinergy of action with other medicines.

• Disadvantages

Duration of the prolonged treatment because brief periods or insufficient dosing could give forms of Leishmania resistant to the therapies.

• Collateral effects

Pain in the point of inoculation and local tissue reactions.

• Therapeutic protocol

• 75 SID mg-kg for subcutaneous way in association with the allopurinolo for 20 days. (Ferrer 1997).

• 50 BID mg-kg to repeat for 4 weeks up to the normalization of the clinical chart (Oliva 1998).

• 75-100 BID mg-kg for 60-90 days (pennisi 2000).

• 100mg-kg SID for 4 weeks in association with Allopurinolo 15 BID mg-kg to continue for 8 months after the suspension of AnM.

ATOVAQUONE

• Mechanism of action

Endowed with antiprotozoaria activity prohibitipg the mitocondTiale activity of the parasite.

• Advantages

Oral administration; scarce toxicity; carried with the liposomi

• Disadvantages Expensive

• Therapeutic protocol

Experimental' in the hamster 100 mg-kg for oral way for 3 weeks Experimental' in the mouse 0,04-0,32 mg-kg for intravenous way

AZOLI AND ALLILAMINE

• Mechanism of action

They interfere in the biosynthesis of parts of the parasitic cells.

• Advantages

Oral administration;sinergy of action between azoli and allilamine.

• Disadvantages

Hepatotoxicity in the dog different sensibility between the various kind ofLeishmanie.

• Therapeutic protocol

• Terbifamina: 500 mg a day for 4 weeks with parasite nagativity in the 80% of the cases

• Ketoconazolo (dog): 7 mg-kg oral way for 40/90 days

CHINOLONICI

• Mechanism of action

They inhibit DNA-girasi

• Advantages

Facility of administration; sinergy of action with the IFN-gamma (g interferone)

• Disadvantages

Anecdotal signaling

• Therapeutic protocol

Enrofloxacina: lOmg-kg SID for oral way

METRONIDAZOLO

• Mechanism of action

Arrest of the synthesis of the nucleic acids.

• Advantages

Oral administration

• Disadvantages

Anecdotal signaling (Pennisi)

• Therapeutic protocol

25 SID mg-kg in association with spiramicina 150,000 Ur. Ikg for 3 months.

MILTEFOSINA

• Mechanism of action

Similar to the fosfocolina. Experimental in the man and in the mouse

• Advantages

Oral administration

• Disadvantages

Collateral effects (gastroenteriti); expensive

• Therapeutic protocol

. 100- 150 mg to the of for oral street for 4 weeks (Sundar, 1999; Murray 2000) clinical recovery and [parassitologia] in the 97% of the cases.

PENTAMIDINA

• Mechanism of action

It damages the DNA of the Leishmania

• Advantages

Used in patients with resistance to the AnM

• Disadvantages

Hematic transitorytakes, slow elimination; istolesiva if administered for by intramuscolare

• Therapeutic protocol

. 4mg-kg for by intramuscolare at alternate days for 15 administrations in total. (Lamothe)

PHITOTERAPICI

In many African countries and Asians have been used plants whose active principle have been effective in course of Leishmania.

The amarogentina is a glucoside isolated in India and have been used in association with the liposomi giving leishmanicida action.

The garlic in association with AnM in experimental seem gave positive results in mice, besides garlic gave an immune answer. (Ghazanfari, 2000)

IMMUNOTHERAPY

• Vaccination

Experiments of vaccinations have been made in associatin with parasitic antigens with IFN in the mouse have proven the validity and provoked an effective protection in course of

experimental infection in the mouse., "

Vaccination proofs have been done by using Leishmania infantum sterilized at 100% antigens, in association with AnM which have been used as vectors in dogs therapy.

Permission use granted to NeapolitanWorld Copyright ©All rights reserved A.T.I.MA.NA.

 

 Graph 1 annual registration bysex (74-2001)

 Graph 3 coat colour

 Graph 5 puppies distribution for kennels registrating more than 50 puppies (92-2001)

Graph 7 dams per year (74-2001)

Graph 9 litters per dam: percentage (74-97)

Graph 11 litter size per year (74-2001)

Graph 13 population ditribution (77-2001)

Graph 15 sires per year of age: percentage (74-97)

Graph 17 total amount, mean F, maximum F (77-2001)

Graph 19 number and mean F in kennels with more than 50 puppies (92-2001)

Graph 21 kennel B: total amount, mean F, maximum F

Graph 23 kennel D: total amount, mean F, maximum F

Permission use granted to NeapolitanWorld Copyright ©All rights reserved A.T.I.MA.NA.

Why I Decided to Crop

Crop by Robin Waldvogel White DVM

I did not take my decision to crop ears lightly. Having been raised in the West Coast of the United States, a hotbed for animal rights, and having studied in the United Kingdom, the birthplace of animal rights, I have been more then exposed to the other viewpoints concerning cosmetic surgery in animals. During veterinary school many of my classmates quickly decided against the procedure, siding with many other graduating 21st century veterinarians. Many of my veterinary colleges state that: the dogs are in pain from the cropping procedure, they miss their ears, or that ear cropping is not medically indicated. I hesitated to condemn the practice. After great consideration I have decided to crop the ears of some of my Neapolitan Mastiff puppies because I feel that when done correctly the procedure is safe and I want to maintain the historic look of the Neapolitan Mastiff.

When the procedures are performed under general anesthesia with appropriate analgesia the dogs are not in excessive discomfort. If the procedure is done early, between 2 to 4 months the puppy heals quickly. Dysphoria alone is often the only response and this discomfort and anxiety is common after any anesthetic procedure such as a spay or neuter. These common well-accepted procedures hold similar surgical risks as ear cropping in regards to the inherent risks of anesthesia, blood loss, and infection. Preoperative multimodal pain control that blocks the pain pathway in multiple locations, followed by a couple of days of basic analgesia can more than adequately control any pain or discomfort. With appropriate antibiotics to prevent infection and appropriate post-op hygiene, the aftercare also creates little discomfort.. The extra attention needed for appropriate aftercare also has the side benefit of helping the puppy become accustomed to being touched and treated; in a breed that, when unruly, often has to be sedated or anesthetized to be examined or treated, this conditioning can be invaluable.

Puppies do not miss their ears, tails or dew claws any more then they miss their uterus, ovaries or testicles. This is simply an example of anthropomorphism, an endearing human habit, but not a serious cause for concern. Removal of the ears can affect the non-verbal signals in dogs, but this trait is desired in the guard dog that often has to obscure its intentions and educated owners can easily compensate for this minor change in non-verbal behavior.  
    One of the last points concerning ear cropping is the belief that the procedure is not medically necessary. Typically, like the spay or neuter, cropping ears is done before health issues arise and not always in the face of disease. Cropping the ears changes the morphology of the ear and increases airflow to the deeper canals; this open type of morphology has been shown to help prevent otitis externa1. Chronic ear infections can create a longstanding painful medical condition, where surgery is often required to open up the ear canal and improve the condition. In addition to ear infections, ear hematomas are another painful condition of the ear. Removal of a large portion of the pinna helps prevent ear hematoma formation. Although I am not advocating cropping all dogs’ ears to prevent disease, dogs that are cropped as per the breed standard, can have these beneficial medical side effects.
    

After considering these concerns and concluding they did not provide enough reason not to crop, I had to address the reasons why I wanted to crop, because in some ways I do enjoy those big floppy ears. I eventually decided to crop because I did not want the tradition and heritage encompassing a cropped animal to be lost forever. I am a big fan of natural history and native cultures; many indigenous peoples practice self-modification using neck rings, lip plates and earpieces that distort their physiques. Many of these cultures begin these practices early, long before consent is possible. While I cannot condone all body modification acts, to me it would be wrong to ban practices such as nose piercing or lip plates; every culture has it’s own set of beauty standards and many North Americans practice similar, socially accepted, methods of body modification. Even though I may not choose these practices for myself, I know these modifications represent an important aspect of the cultural heritage and tradition of many cultures.
    For me ear cropping and tail docking holds the same traditional context. I recently watched the 1995 TV miniseries "Pride and Prejudice" and I could not help but feel disappointed upon seeing the English Springer Spaniels with tails and the Great Dane with floppy uncropped ears. The two dogs were present simply to stage the scene, but knowing that in the early 1800’s dogs were cropped and docked I felt let down with the portrayal. The obvious anachronisms were perhaps no more serious then hearing the phone ring or seeing a modern doorbell but they left me thinking about what was lost. In the same note, that loss of tradition was seen in other places. Sure there is something to be said about the practicality of Catholic Mass being done in English, but one of the most moving moments of my life was experiencing Mass in Latin, even if I only understood half of what was being said. Every mass does not need to be done in Latin, but we will have lost something wonderful if one day that custom can no longer be found somewhere on this planet.
    

That same sentiment occurs to me as I think about ear cropping. Many breeds are currently modified so that they can more closely adhere to the traditional breed profile. Cropping may no longer be necessary for breed functionality as many working breeds no longer perform their breed intended job but maintaining the look of the breed by cropping is just as important as maintaining the phenotype assessed by conformation. Many opponents of cropping feel that breeding dogs with long backs, which are prone to disc disease, or bracycephalic heads, which can lead to breathing problems, are equally wrong and these breeds should be altered or abolished. Many of these very same opponents of cropping even oppose dog ownership itself, believing that it is cruel to own another living thing. As a veterinarian, dog breed fancier and loving pet owner I simply cannot subscribe to those trains of thought. What I do support is continued breeder and owner education to improve the health, welfare and understanding of the pure bred dog. Many national clubs are working with breeders to help improve the general health of their breed while maintaining the correct breed phenotype and I feel this same energy should be directed towards cropping procedures. By encouraging appropriate cropping procedures for show dogs and owners interested in preserving the cultural heritage, the health and welfare of the puppies can be maintained. Although not common, the practice of cropping by non-veterinarians should be discouraged to ensure the health and welfare of the puppy; only a licensed veterinarian can administer the appropriate multimodal pain medication and supportive anesthetic protocol that are essential for pain control. The veterinarian and breed fancier must be willing to work together to ensure that the appropriate style is achieved and that adequate post-surgical care is maintained. Only when breeders, veterinarians and fanciers stand together, condemning inadequate backyard practices and encouraging appropriate anesthesia and pain control, can the opposition take us seriously.
    

With appropriate surgical technique, anesthesia, analgesia and post-operative care the ear cropping procedure can be performed with little discomfort.  Not every puppy will be cropped but those that are will help maintain the historic look of the breed so that when they are brought into the ring or shown to other fanciers the full impact of the Neapolitan Mastiff can be appreciated. To me, the beauty of a Neapolitan Mastiff’s square head, cropped ears and piercing gaze is like hearing a beautiful hymn, sung in Latin, resonating through a grand European cathedral.

Written by Robin Waldvogel White DVM
Permission to publish and cross-post in entirety only is granted. ©November 2008

References
1.    Hayes HM Jr, Pickle LW, Wilson GP. Effects of ear type and weather on the hospital prevalence of canine otitis externa. Res Vet Sci. 1987 May;42(3):294-8.

Il Segno e il Colore,

The Sign and Color

 

Viva Napoli !!

by C Habig

In a recent travel report the port of Mombasa in Kenya was called the town of "traders, heroes and rascals". Would that not be a suitable description of Naples, too? Their cultures might be different but they are both ancient trading centers with long established traditions and customs peculiar only to themselves. Unlike Naples, Mombasa does not have an Island like Capri to look across to, steeped in legend and now overrun with tourists, but its sunsets are equally appealing to courting couples - as far as I was told!

Both ports also have long histories of being at the center of power struggles and 'adventure' is still on offer today as I should imagine the sort of busy nightlife I found in Naples resembles African cities, though I have unfortunately never been.

Most Europeans are a bit familar with some 'dimensions' of Naples, as there are occasional reports about life in the city. These are usually concerned with the 'Camorra' who are partly responsible for the fact that Naples has become the most violent city in Europe with 300 deaths a year. Then we hear about the traffic chaos, the masses of unemployed people without equal in Europe and child labour. Or, not to forget, the romantic aura of Naples springs to our minds, which for some of us is enough to make our hearts beat faster. If you ever go there you will find some truth in all of this and probably leave with the feeling that nowhere in the world is there quite so much vitality", as another magazine, STERN put it in April this year.

What about the Mastini? Is it right to say Naples has little to do with them? No, it is not! The Mastino belongs to Naples and all 'dimensions' of it. It is rightly called 'mastino Napoletano'. Yet, a lot of Mastino fanciers and breeders no longer learn to associate Napoli with their Mastini. But what is the reason?

There are in fact several good ones. For instance, you can only get a Mastino in Naples if you have connections to insiders, unless you are willing to pay extortionate prices, Sometimes it is even the other way round: without excellent Connection, you will never have the privilege to buy the expensive dogs as these are the superb ones you just get the poor ones for a normal price.

At present there are only two breeders in Germany and only a few in America and France who knows the ropes there and without local help it is virtually impossible as I found out. In other words it is easier and safer to get hold of a sound Mastino pup elsewhere. Naples nevertheless remains the "Mastino Capital" and a visit there, of more than one or two days of course, is a question of honour for Mastino friends! You cannot understand a Mastino unless you understand its culture and social scene he originated in, hence Naples!

In April I went to Naples again for few busy Mastino days. On this occasion I was lucky enough to see Masaniello, who Jurgen Didion also writes about. He was sitting in the garden kennels overlooking the street at the back of a house in the upper part of Ottaviano, near Naples. Ottaviano is of course "sacred Mastino country", where the Mastini survived at Vesuvius. This is also where CH FALCO lived, who we have often written about and whose picture you can find in our calendar for 1984.

The same applies to Raffaele Scognamieglo's kennels in San Anastasia who has been breeding for 30 years, like his father and father's father before him, generations of living with this tremendous breed' Pedigrees and family trees are quite new to this area. Mastino chaps like Raffaele will think: "Is there much point in them here anyway?" A Mastino is a Mastino and that is obvious whether you have a piece of paper, which you cannot trust anyway, to prove it or not. A genuine Mastino expresses its breed in type and character: not hectic but alert when need to, as shown by these two males in the pictures. They only attacked when I was "impolite" enough to get too close. Otherwise they were completely relaxed. Indeed, there was no reason to panic and dogs can often tell that. And qualities like self-confidence and emotional security must not be bred "out" of a breed.

Raffaele has specialized in 'mogano' coloured dogs. Just prior to my visit his young bitch had won at an exhibitions in Naples, which, incidentally, is probably why he wanted DM 60.000 for this fifteen month old dog. Prices there are not what they used to be!

Once a feature has completely vanished, once a type has completely been lost there is no renaissance! That is a point that some of our judges in particular, but also in Italy do not realize.

Umberto Miranda showed me his TORNESINA, a very heavy bitch, still of good lines, although pregnant on the photo. She is an Italian Championess.

Don Carlo in 1950s  

Without Don Carlo Simeoli, the world of the Neapolitan Mastiff would be unimaginable. He is the principle figure, at least in the scene of the Mastino from its roots in Napoli and all aspects that are associated with it. Don Carlo repesents the prototype, a 'rock'.

In his book from 1975, 'Il Molosso', Felice Cesarino has dedicated the first chapter to Don Carlo, who he describes as his master and teacher who introduced him to the world of Mastino around Vesuvius. He says that it is the case in the scene of Mastino, to learn about the people, to experience, discuss and observe them. Otherwise one can never discover the magic of this Neapolitan breed. And if one looks at the photo of Don Carlo in Cesarinos book, one sees the same Italian world of 'strong men'.

Liliana Denger has provided this picture of Don Carlo, with a Mastino of slender construction and angular structure of the head. In the 50's when this was taken, this is how it was with Mastino at that time.

I (Christofer Habig) met with Don Carlo in Marano, Napoli. One of the famous areas for Mastino and also the world of poor rural people, of small, sometimes great dealers and smugglers. The world of simple living conditions for humans and their dogs, but also the world of respect and love towards this ancient breed of the Mastino Napoletano.

Another Neapolitan character is known as the 'scamp with the big dog' Just as Don Carlo, another prototype and living example of a long established Mastinaro. Giachettella and Masaniello are exactly as described above, simple inhabitants of Napoli, only one is a dog, Masaniello.

Nicola Imbimbo relates something of this pair in his book 'Il Mastino Napoletano', that Giachettella is a typical Neapolitan figure, with the basic body structure, cunning eyes, original personality and living colourful face which is shaped equally by joy and sorrow. Giachettella is of such stately appearance and powerful bone structure that his companion could be nothing other than a Mastino, because undoubtably similar blood flows through both Master and Mastino, are related somehow in their descendants.

Giachettella and his Masaniello were together a very special team. Although they were of opposite personality characteristics, they drew themselves together like magnets. This Mastino followed his Master everywhere and without anger. If Giachettella were absent for a long time and then, on his reappearance was asked where he had been, he would laugh, and murmur about foreign business, the hands crossed over each other!

When Imbimbo reports on the Neapolitan scrap dealers and their dogs, then I (Habig) can confirm such spectacles. I have observed them. Typically these dogs are not in the greatest of condition, but are Mastini without problems of health! Their ferocity is terrifying, the rage directed at strangers is richly stamped in the character. They sit under small huts, in troughs of earth and enjoy the life of chained dogs, which is known among other things as not 'rosy'. But this is not only in Napoli.

The Mastini which we show in the photographs have been made in diverse kennels around Napoli. They show the average type, which are to be found in the homeland of the breed. Many are standard and not especially good. Neither are these dogs for export nor for improvement of the breed. But they do their work, fulfil their function and are guard dogs. Because in Napoli, in the first place is the Mastino as a guard dog and in the second, in the sense of 'hobby breeding' which will bring forth splendid examples of the breed.

From this, you can establish how difficult it is to find a typical and beautiful dog, let alone buy one! You must have long time established good contacts and insider knowledge, because as shown in the last edition of Molosser Magazine, there are in Napoli, always splendid dogs.

In this article, it is important to show good and bad, the amusing and saddening aspects are all part of fascinating Napoli, where the Mastino has been embedded for years and years. The Mastino is admired there by all as the ultimate guard and not so much as a pedigree dog or show dog. This is the life in Napoli. Napoli Lives!

Christofer Habig, Molosser Magazine 1983

A collection of perspective papers about various issues regarding the Neapolitan Mastiff. 

• Ear Cropping by JC with earcrop photo gallery
• Taming the Mastini by Douglas Oliff
• Staderini Il Sgno e il Colore art by Pier Giovanni Staderini
• Why I Decided to Crop by Robin Waldvogel White DVM
• Influence on the Mastino Napoletano - Part 1 by Kim Slater

A partir de marzo de 2008, el primer proyecto de investigación formal para el Mastín napolitano en los Estados Unidos comenzó! Leishmaniasis (LES-ma-nia-sis) es una enfermedad que se identificó por primera vez en Italia en 1903 y en 1940 se determinó que el 40% de todos los perros en Roma fueron positivos para la leishmaniasis. Un estudio de 2007 de perros en el sur de Italia reveló 29.9% de perros en criaderos seropositivos con Leishmaniasis. Los estudios actuales indican un aumento de la leishmaniasis en Sud América también. Dado que un número significativo de mastines Napolitanos entran en los Estados Unidos por Italia es importante para criaderos y propietarios ser conscientes de esta enfermedad y participar en los estudios!

Las muestras recogidas para el estudio también se mantendrá durante un segundo y posible tercer proyecto de investigación en busca de la función de las celulas T’s en el Mastín Napolitano! Lea el artículo aquí y Por favor, tómese el tiempo para presentar muestras a el estudio!

Si tienes un sitio web y desea ayudar a difundir la palabra por favor pongan un enlace del studio en su pagia web:

http://www.everythingneo.com/Leish_Study.pdf

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Tenemos una gran oportunidad de contribuir en investigaciones que se realizan en la Universidad Estatal de Iowa mediante la presentación de muestras a el studio de Leishmaniasis en el Mastín Napolitano.

Yo entiendo que muchos de ustedes sienten que no hay beneficio en presentar muestras en este estudio para su Napolitano sobre la leishmaniasis, este puede ser el caso, pero la presentación de muestras a este proyecto significa un beneficio más que solo para su Napolitano.
Las muestras previstas para la Universidad Estatal de Iowa tienen muchas aplicaciones útiles para futuros estudios pero primero tenemos que establecer en los Estados Unidos una comunidad, una comunidad que está preocupada y activa en la promoción de la investigación y lo que es más importante que PARTICIPAMOS en la investigación y estudios de la raza.

Uno de los aspectos más significativos de este estudio y la razón por la que han dedicado tanto tiempo y esfuerzo a ella, no es para determinar la presencia de Leishmaniasis en la población de los EE.UU. (a pesar de que es importante tanto para mí y la raza como a un todo ), Es establecer el Mastín Napolitano como un tema de investigación y studio viable.

Razas que se establezcan como participantes activos serán elegidos / incluidos en futuras investigaciones.

Si nosotros, como una comunidad queremos ser incluidos en estudios con los investigadores de las razas, tenemos que crear nosotros mismos participantes activos. La investigación va más allá de políticas y más allá de nosotros como individuos, lo que hacemos hoy puede ayudar a nuestra raza para las generaciones futuras. Espero sinceramente que nuestra comunidad va a intensificar y apoyar la investigación no importando quien lo recomienda o qué club esta involucrado en el projecto.

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a regal and noble dog with a rich history.  All who consider undertaking reproduction of this breed should pause and consider your motives and desired outcomes.  We do not need any more "pet quality" Neapolitans in the world, a female does not "need" to have a litter of puppies.  If you are convinced that your female and male are healthy and have somethine unique to contribute to the breed then perhaps breeding is the choice.  If you are looking to simply experience a litter of puppies then perhaps you should contact a breeder and see if you can volunteer to assist them with whelping. 

The Neapolitan Mastiff is frequently a difficult to breed and whelp dog.  Your first step is to locate a veterinarian who is an animal reproduction specialist referred to as a "theriogenologist".  Many general practice veterinarians enjoy reproduction and may consider themselves as having special interest in reproduction but a true reproduction specialist is a theriogenologist and will be registered with the Society of Theriogenology.  You can visit the Society site and search for a Certified Reproduction Specialist in your area.

Beginning with a Certified reproduction veterinarian from the start will cost you more in the beginning but will save you tons in the end.  Your reproduction veterinarian will do a pre-breeding exam on both the male and female and discuss timing and insemination options with you.

A few considerations prior to breeding are:

• Thyroid panel(s) on both male and female
• Leishmaniasis screening for both male and female
• Vaginal cytology for female
• Semen evaluation for male
• Heart Screen for both male and female

Rearing Neapolitan Mastiff Puppies

Neapolitan Mastiff mothers are frequently reluctant to undertake the task and even enthusiastic mothers can accidently kill or injure puppies if left unsupervised.  During the first 3 weeks, Neapolitan newborns require 24 hour supervision and frequently will require supplemental feeding.  It is critical that you research canine husbandry and understand the basic fundementals of rearing newborn puppies.  Puppies can die so very easily from simple environmental influences such as a draft in the room, too hot or too cold, or drops in blood sugar from lack of feeding or insufficient feeding.   The risk of death to the mother are also great; c-section deliveries are most common, mastitis, post uterine infection, milk fever, etc.

Research Resources

 ATIMANA 2002 Neapolitan Mastiff selection: inbreeding and fertility analysis of the Italian Registry from 1974 to 2001.

BREEDING A LITTER by Beth Harris
Complete guide to pre and post natal care. Learn what is needed to produce puppies who are physically and temperamentally sound.

CANINE REPRODUCTION by Phyllis Holst
Anatomy, breeding behavior, genetics, pregnancy, whelping, rearing a litter, reproductive problems, even artificial insemination. A must-have for breeders!

PUPPY INTENSIVE CARE: A BREEDER'S GUIDE TO CARE OF NEWBORN PUPPIES by Myra Savant-Harris
If puppies are on the way, you want those newborns to have the best possible chance of survival and good health by being prepared. You can’t count on a vet being available, so breeders need to learn these skills. Learn how to administer simple but effective measures to help puppies in distress. Described in friendly, non-technical terms from a long-time breeder. BONUS! Comes with a 32 minute DVD to better illustrate the techniques recommended.

The Neapolitan is considered a high risk induction patient. Your veterinarian should follow high risk procedures when inducing a Neapolitan. Pre-anesthetic should be given lightly and only to effect – just enough “to get the tube down”. We recommend that all Neapolitans be on supportive fluids during surgery and receive pre-anesthetic blood work/exam. Our veterinarian uses Oxymorphone/ Diazapam (Valium) LIGHTLY, Isoflurone or Sevoflurone via mask to effect and maintenance during surgery. Another veterinarian we use prefers Propofol to effect and Isoflurone during surgery. We have noticed that the Neapolitan’s anesthetized with Oxymorhone/Diazapam (Valium) with Isoflurone maintain better heart rate, are less depressed and recover faster. Chilling to shock is common post-op be prepared with warm blankets and maintain fluid therapy until recovery. Do not feed at least 12 hour pre surgery and 12 -24 hours post.

~ Use of Ketamine/Valium mix is a reasonable alternative as an induction agent but half the calculated dosage is often all that is needed

~ Use of Acepromazine, Xylazine(Rompun) are NOT recommended for our breed

~ Research is desperately needed to address Anesthesia and the Neapolitan Mastiff

• Puppy Coat

6 - 18 months of age, circular patches, blotchy coat appearance, different shades of hair color, sometimes accompanied by dry, flaky skin. It is simply shedding its puppy coat or "blowing its puppy coat". Easily confused with Seborrhea or Demodex.  The best thing to do with Puppy coat is to find a good groomer, ask her/him to use a tar and/or oatmeal shampoo or 'Furminator' and "blow the coat".  A good groomer will need perhaps two visits to "blow the coat" and presto your baby will have a healthy shiny coat again !  Supplements of Omega 3 fatty acids are also good at this time.

• Demodex

Canine Demodicosis
Caused by a small mite which always lives on the dog but when  the immune system becomes comprised the mite population overpowers.  Symptoms include;  Hair loss with redness and rash like\ pimples\pustules.  Demodex comes in two forms; Localized and Generalized.  Localized usually occurs at puppyhood and self resolves, localized is also found on adults usually around the lips, feet and forearms.  Generalized tends to not self resolve and needs treatment and is found by hairloss all over the body.  Treatment options vary depending on severity, usually antibiotics are needed for secondary bacterial infections.  All treatment options should be discussed with your vet, below are some common treatment options:

• Ivomec given orally and on a daily basis usually resolves demodex within 29 days and will usually require treatment for 52 days
• Advantage Multi given every two weeks for 4 treatments followed by monthly topical treatment See Advantage Multi study
• Promeris given bi-weekly 3-4 treatments followed by monthly topical treatment See ProMeris study
• Demodex is secondary to a low functioning immune system, discuss ways to improve immune function with your breeder and vet