Journal of Veterinary Science最新文献

Importance: The feline calicivirus (FCV) is globally prevalent with regional specificity in its distribution, but the significant differences among strains limit the efficacy of vaccines. Therefore, understanding the prevalence and biological characteristics of FCV holds immense significance in facilitating the development of novel vaccines and targeted pharmaceuticals.

Objective: This study aimed to understand the epidemiological status of the FCV in the Shandong region and identify candidate strains for vaccine development.

Methods: In this study, 41 FCV strains were obtained from Shandong province in China. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted based on the VP1. The FCV023 strain was selected for pathogenicity and immunogenicity analysis.

Results: Forty-one FCV strains were isolated from cats with a suspected FCV infection in Shandong province. The phylogenetic tree showed that the FCV isolates could be divided into three gene Clusters: Clusters I-III. Clusters I and II have a higher prevalence in Shandong province than Cluster III. The challenge experimental results showed that FCV023 could cause typical upper respiratory infections in cats. The in vitro neutralization assay showed that FCV023 positive serum could produce a neutralizing titer against FCV isolates distributed in different branches of phylogenetic trees.

Conclusions and relevance: The FCV detection rate in Shandong Province was 70.69%, significantly higher than in other regions. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that FCV strains exhibit characteristic regional prevalence in Shandong Province. As a representative strain, FCV023 infections can cause typical upper respiratory symptoms in cats. The preliminarily screened FCV023 immune serum showed good neutralizing activity and can be considered a candidate strain for vaccine development.

Importance: Understanding the susceptibility of native Korean dogs to genetic diseases is important for animal welfare and breeding. However, little is known regarding the segregation of genetic variations associated with genetic diseases among native Korean dog breeds, highlighting the need for further research in this area.

Objective: A genome-wide analysis was conducted using the available whole genome sequencing (WGS) results of DongGyeongi, Sapsaree, and Jindo dogs to evaluate the presence of disease-associated mutations and develop polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based typing methods.

Methods: Using WGS data from 32 individuals of DongGyeongi, Sapsaree, and Jindo dogs, variant calling was used to identify variants associated with canine genetic diseases in Online Mendelian Inheritance in Animals. Additionally, allele-specific PCR-based typing methods for the identified mutations were developed.

Results: Four different variants were identified: NC_006583.3:g.54192143C>G in the T gene associated with the bobtail phenotype, NC_006585.3:g.69456869G>T in SLC2A9 associated with urolithiasis, NC_006591.3:g.6048201_6048202insG in BTBD17 associated with abortion, and NC_006607.3:g.48121642G>A in MLPH associated with coat color dilution. The BTBD17 mutant allele was present in all breeds (frequency = 0.33), whereas the MLPH mutant allele was found only in DongGyeongi (0.18) and Sapsaree breeds (0.20). The T and SLC2A9 mutant alleles were specific to DongGyeongi (0.20 and 0.18, respectively).

Conclusions and relevance: Genome-wide analysis was conducted to identify the causative mutations of genetic diseases in native Korean dogs. The observed frequencies of the identified variants differed among native Korean dog breeds. The typing methods used to detect variant alleles in this study will contribute to improving the genetic robustness of native Korean dog breeds.

Importance: Pandemics involving the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) impact swine health and productivity, causing economic devastation, especially in large-scale feeding areas.

Objective: This study examined the prevalence and genetic variations of PRRSV in Chengdu, China, a vital transportation hub and the main area of pig breeding in southwest China, between January 2021 and December 2022.

Methods: The samples were collected from 13 key pig-feeding areas in Chengdu. The positive PRRSV samples were detected using a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The genetic variations of the PRRSV were analyzed by amplifying the open reading frame 5 (ORF5) gene and comparing it with relevant reference sequences.

Results: The PRRSV positive rate in Chengdu was 11.42% (276/2,416), including sublines 8.7, 5.1, 3.0, and 1.8. The ORF5 gene sequences in the samples had no insertion or deletion of amino acids but widespread variations, including the 13th and 151st positions, which were associated with viral virulence.

Conclusions and relevance: The PRRSV pandemic in Chengdu was relevant, and recombination between vaccine strains and field strains can contribute to vaccine immune failure.

Importance: Indirect blood pressure monitoring is used frequently in veterinary medicine. Blood pressure cuff looseness has not been investigated as a cause of erroneous measurements.

Objective: To determine if cuff looseness affects blood pressure measurements in healthy anesthetized dogs.

Methods: Between December 2020 and May 2022 at an institutional practice, 62 anesthetized healthy dogs were separated into two groups: ≤ 20 kg and > 20 kg. Tail base circumference of each dog was measured, and baseline was defined as ideal (0% looseness factor). The cuff was manually loosened sequentially from 0% to 2%, 5%, 8%, 10% and 15% looseness factors. High definition oscillometry was used to measure systolic (SAP), mean (MAP) and diastolic (DAP) arterial blood pressures. Bland and Altman for repeated measures was used to analyze SAP, MAP and DAP measurements of baseline and each looseness factor. Acceptable bias and limits of agreement (LoA) were set using American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine guidelines.

Results: All biases were acceptable. In dogs ≤ 20 kg, LoA for all SAP looseness factors and MAP looseness factors of 10% and 15% did not fall within the guidelines. In dogs > 20 kg, LoA for all measurements except SAP 5%, 8% and 10% looseness factors fell within the guidelines.

Conclusions and relevance: Loosening a cuff up to 15% did not result in significant changes to blood pressure measurements of healthy anesthetized dogs using high definition oscillometry.

Importance: Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a major metabolic disorder in poultry, leading to gout and kidney damage, which affects farm productivity. Accordingly, understanding the pharmacodynamics (PD) and pharmacokinetics (PK) of uric acid-lowering drugs is essential for improving the treatment strategies in poultry.

Objective: This study examined the PD and PK characteristics of allopurinol and benzbromarone, two uric acid-lowering drugs, in a quail model of HUA.

Methods: A hyperuricemic quail model was established using a high-purine diet. Allopurinol and benzbromarone were administered orally. Blood samples were taken and analyzed for the drug concentrations using high-performance liquid chromatography. Pathological examinations were conducted to assess kidney damage.

Results: Both drugs lowered the serum uric acid levels. On the other hand, the allopurinol treatment exhibited lower urea and creatinine levels than benzbromarone, indicating potential advantages in reducing kidney damage. Consistent with these findings, the pathological examinations revealed more pronounced kidney damage in the benzbromarone-treated group than in the allopurinol group. PK analysis showed that allopurinol exhibited faster absorption and elimination kinetics than benzbromarone. Both drugs showed a wide distribution in various tissues, with allopurinol and its active metabolite displaying higher excretion levels.

Conclusions and relevance: This paper reports the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion processes of allopurinol and benzbromarone in a quail model of HUA. These findings help better understand the PK characteristics of these drugs and promote the use of high uric acid therapy in poultry. In addition, this quail model is a valuable tool for future research on HUA and drug interventions.

Importance: Shear wave elastography (SWE) is a non-invasive ultrasound technique for assessing tissue stiffness. This study examined the clinical utility of two-dimensional SWE (2D-SWE) in two dogs diagnosed with presumptive toxic hepatopathy.

Case presentation: The first case involved a 9-year-old Pompitz that presented with anorexia, vomiting, and diarrhea following garlic and onion ingestion. Laboratory tests revealed anemia, elevated liver enzyme levels, and diabetic ketoacidosis. Ultrasonography demonstrated increased hepatic echogenicity and elevated SWE values. Despite intensive treatment, the dog's condition deteriorated, with progressive increases in liver enzyme levels and SWE values, resulting in euthanasia. The second case involved a 1-year-old Maltipoo that presented vomiting, depression, and abdominal pain, with no reported history. Laboratory findings indicated elevated liver enzyme and bile acid levels. Ultrasonography revealed increased hepatic echogenicity and SWE values. Following treatment for acute toxic hepatopathy, the dog exhibited significant improvement within 3 days, with normalization of hepatic echogenicity, SWE values, and liver enzyme levels.

Conclusions and relevance: These cases demonstrate the clinical relevance of 2D-SWE in assessing hepatic damage, tracking therapeutic response, and informing prognosis in presumptive toxic hepatopathy.

Importance: African swine fever (ASF) is a significant transboundary disease with profound global economic impacts. ASF, caused by the Asfarviridae virus, is highly resilient and has caused substantial economic losses in affected regions, with no available vaccination or treatment. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the spatial clusters and potential factors contributing to the ASF epidemic in China from August 2018 to April 2021.

Objective: The study aimed to trace ASF transmission, map the spatial distribution and spread dynamics, and model the spread to evaluate the potential control strategies.

Methods: Standardized deviational ellipse analysis was used to identify the directionality and distribution of ASF outbreaks. Ordinary least squares regression and geographically weighted regression were applied to account for spatial heterogeneity and explore the localized relationships within the data set.

Results: The ASF transmission in China was delineated across three phases, characterized by an initial rapid spread, a subsequent westward expansion, and a final plateau phase with a southwestward trend. The key factors influencing ASF transmission included the pig population density, wind speeds, altitude, and the presence of high-risk roads, with seasonality also playing a significant role in the disease incidence.

Conclusions and relevance: This research highlights the significant impact of small-scale farming practices and the live pig transportation network on ASF spread. In addition, it identifies key epidemiological factors, including the pig density and seasonal variations, which are crucial for developing effective disease control strategies.

Importance: Transient receptor potential canonical 6 (TRPC6) and TRPC3 are involved in bone remodeling and other biological processes.

Objective: To investigate the effects of TRPC6 activator, flufenamic acid (FFA), and TRPC3 inhibitor, pyrazole 3 (PYR), in human periodontal ligament (hPDL) cells and periodontitis mice.

Methods: The effects of FFA and PYR on osteoblastogenesis were evaluated in hPDL cells. To investigate periodontitis induction, mice were randomized to control (C), periodontitis (P), and FFA-treated periodontitis (P+FFA) groups. To investigate periodontitis recovery, mice were randomized to day 0 C (D0C), D0P, D3P, D3P+PYR, D7P, and D7P+PYR groups. Alveolar bone (AB) area, osteoclast formation, osteoid area, and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) expression were evaluated.

Results: AB area was greater in the P+FFA group than in the P group, whereas the number of osteoclasts and RANKL expression were lower. AB and osteoid areas were larger in the D7P+PYR group than in the D7P group. RUNX2-positive osteoblasts were elevated in the D3P+PYR group compared to the D0C and D0P groups. Osteocalcin expression was significantly greater on D28 of osteoblast differentiation in hPDL cells in the PYR group compared to the differentiation group.

Conclusions and relevance: These results suggest that FFA attenuates AB loss by inhibiting RANKL expression and osteoclast formation and that PYR contributes to AB recovery by enhancing new bone formation.

Importance: Mycoplasma bovis is the major pathogen of bovine mycoplasmosis, such as mastitis, pneumonia, otitis media, and arthritis. Understanding the pathophysiology of mycoplasmal infections from the pathogen-side is as important as elucidating the host-side effects; however, few studies have focused on the variations in the expression of M. bovis genes.

Objective: In this study, we performed RNA sequencing of M. bovis infecting bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMECs) and mononuclear cells (MNCs) to elucidate pathogen-side factors involved in the pathophysiology of M. bovis mastitis.

Methods: M. bovis was cocultured with bMEC and MNC using a transwell system, and total RNA was extracted for RNA sequencing analysis.

Results: We identified 162 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 104 upregulated and 58 downregulated, in M. bovis infecting bMEC, whereas 220 DEGs, 154 upregulated and 66 downregulated, in M. bovis infecting MNC. Enrichment analysis of upregulated DEGs in M. bovis infecting bMEC revealed multiple pathways with overlapping genes involved in lipid metabolism. The expression of six virulence genes were significantly upregulated in M. bovis infecting bMEC and MNC, whereas the expression of three virulence genes were significantly downregulated in M. bovis infecting MNC.

Conclusions and relevance: Our findings indicate that M. bovis exhibits infecting cell-specific gene expression, and its virulence varies with the infecting cell type.

Importance: Interdigital dermatitis represents a significant clinical manifestation in dogs with atopic dermatitis. Given the refractory nature of these lesions to conventional therapies, there is an increasing demand for novel treatment modalities for atopic interdigital dermatitis.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel focal cryotherapy device in improving lesions and clinical symptoms in dogs with atopic interdigital dermatitis.

Methods: Twenty dogs diagnosed with atopic interdigital dermatitis were enrolled in this study. Cryotherapy was applied at -5°C for 10 sec to the interdigital spaces. The treatment protocol consisted of three sessions, with 9 dogs receiving weekly treatments and 11 dogs receiving treatments twice weekly. At each visit, a modified Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (m-CADESI) and a modified Pruritus Visual Analog Scale (m-PVAS) were employed. Moreover, owner satisfaction and potential adverse effects were evaluated.

Results: Both treatment groups showed improvement in erythema and m-CADESI scores post-treatment. However, a statistically significant reduction in m-PVAS was only observed in treatment group 2. Remarkably, patients with baseline m-CADESI scores ≤ 12 showed significantly greater improvement in m-PVAS compared to those with scores > 12. No significant adverse effects were observed in any of the patients, and owner satisfaction was reported as good to excellent.

Conclusions and relevance: Focal cryotherapy for atopic interdigital dermatitis, when properly indicated, may be considered a novel, safe, and effective treatment option for reducing lesions and pruritus in affected dogs.