Khattab, M. R., Shaymaa I Salem, A. A. Kubesy, and M. E. Ali,
"Trans-tracheal wash analysis of canine distemper infected dogs.",
Journal by Innovative Scientific Information & Services Network, vol. 14, issue 4, pp. 1128-1135, 2017.
AbstractCanine distemper (CD) is a highly contagious disease in non-vaccinated puppies. The symptoms vary
among respiratory, gastrointestinal or neurological signs and these symptoms are often exaggerated by
secondary infections. This study was designed to analyze the various components of trans-tracheal
wash (TTW) of canine distemper infected dogs. Twenty five dogs were chosen randomly from animals
presented to teaching veterinary hospital, Cairo University, Egypt. Diagnosis is made by immunechromatographic
assay, cytological, biochemical and microbiological examinations of TTW as well as
hematological examination. Canine distemper infected dogs without secondary infections revealed
significant monocytosis, while canine distemper infected dogs with secondary infections showed
neutrophilia and monocytosis. Canine distemper inclusion bodies were noticed in blood smears of both
groups. Cytological findings revealed significant decrease of alveolar macrophages, lymphocyte and
epithelial cells with significant increase in reactive macrophages and degenerated neutrophils in both
canine distemper infected dogs with and without secondary infections. Total nucleated cell count
showed significant increase only in canine distemper infected dogs with secondary infections. Intracellular
bacteria, Pnuemocystis carinii and Toxoplasma gondii were noticed microscopically.
Biochemically, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)
especially MMP-2 and total gelatinases were increased in TTW of both diseased groups. In conclusion,
cytological preparations were supportive for differentiation of some complicating agents. Matrix
metalloproteinases, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase were the most sensitive
constituent in trans-tracheal wash for detecting inflammation