Open Veterinary Journal最新文献

Background: Reproductive tract disorders are increasingly recognized in aging captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), a species listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Pyometra is commonly reported in felids under human care; however, open ovariohysterectomy has traditionally been used for surgical treatment.

Case description: We describe the first documented case of laparoscopic-assisted ovariohysterectomy for pyometra in a cheetah, with the incidental histopathological identification of endometriosis-a condition rarely reported in non-primate species and never before in wild felids. A captive female cheetah aged 9 years presented with progressive weight loss, inappetence, and mild polydipsia. Hematology revealed mild neutrophilia and azotemia. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed an enlarged, fluid-filled uterine horn suggestive of closed pyometra. Stabilization was achieved using sedation-assisted fluid therapy and antibiotic treatment. Laparoscopic-assisted ovariohysterectomy was performed using a three-port approach and a ring wound retractor for organ exteriorization. The procedure was completed uneventfully in 60 minutes. The postoperative recovery was rapid, with minimal complications.Gross and microscopic examination confirmed pyometra with suppurative endometritis. Additionally, we observed multifocal foci of ectopic endometrial glands within the mesometrium and mesosalpinx, consistent with endometriosis-marking the first report of this lesion in a cheetah. This case highlights the technical feasibility, safety, and postoperative advantages of laparoscopy for managing pyometra in large exotic felids. The use of a wound retraction system enabled atraumatic exteriorization of a moderately dilated uterine horn (diameter ~4 cm), a factor that typically limits laparoscopic intervention. Furthermore, the incidental finding of endometriosis expands the spectrum of known reproductive pathology in this species and prompts further investigation into its prevalence and pathogenesis in non-primate mammals.

Conclusion: This report supports the application of minimally invasive techniques in wildlife medicine and contributes novel insights into the reproductive pathology of cheetahs, reinforcing the value of integrative surgical and histopathological approaches in the healthcare of exotic species.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), has posed a significant challenge to global health care. The increasing ineffectiveness of conventional antibiotics has driven the need for alternative antimicrobial agents. Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary) is known for its diverse biological properties, including antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate and compare the antibacterial and anti-biofilm effects of different R. officinalis L. solvent extracts against MRSA.

Methods: Antibacterial efficacy was determined using the well-diffusion method, followed by the assessment of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against 10 MRSA strains. The antibiofilm potential was analyzed using a crystal violet assay. In addition, cytotoxicity was evaluated using an MTT assay on HCT-116 colorectal carcinoma cells.

Results: Methanol demonstrated the highest antibacterial activity among the tested extracts. The MIC values ranged between 0.108 and 0.320 mg/ml, with corresponding MBC results confirming strong bactericidal effects. The anti-biofilm analysis indicated that the ethyl acetate extract exhibited the greatest inhibition of MRSA biofilm formation, followed by the dichloromethane and methanol extracts.

Conclusion: Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary) extracts, particularly those extracted with methanol and ethyl acetate, exhibited strong antibacterial and anti-biofilm effects against MRSA.

The rapid growth of the global population, urbanization, and intensive livestock production has led to a surge in organic waste generation and an increasing demand for sustainable feed sources. Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens, BSF) larvae have emerged as a promising solution for converting organic waste into valuable biomass. These larvae efficiently degrade a variety of substrates-such as food waste, agricultural by-products, and animal manure-transforming them into protein- and fat-rich biomass suitable for animal feed, biofertilizers, and other applications. This review summarizes recent developments in the use of BSF larvae for waste-to-feed bioconversion. It explores larval growth performance, feed substrate characteristics, biomass nutritional composition, processing advancements, and safety considerations. BSF larvae consistently demonstrate high conversion rates and generate biomass rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds, making them ideal feed ingredients for poultry, pigs, aquaculture species, and pets. Research has advanced in optimizing rearing conditions and postprocessing methods to improve efficiency and product quality. Nonetheless, substrate standardization, microbial risk control, cost reduction, and the development of scalable systems for industrial adoption remain challenges. The review also addresses regulatory frameworks and social acceptance issues that influence BSF-based product commercialization. Hermetia illucens larvae offer an environmentally sound and innovative approach to organic waste management while contributing to sustainable protein production. Their successful integration into Circular Economy Models depends on further technological improvements, supportive policies, and stakeholder collaboration. With continued efforts from researchers, industry, and regulators, BSF bioconversion can revolutionize waste treatment and animal nutrition, thereby supporting a more resilient and resource-efficient food system.

Background: Toxocara canis and Ancylostoma caninum are soil-transmitted helminths of public health concern, particularly in urban areas contaminated with canine feces. Their presence in Peru's high-altitude regions remains poorly documented despite zoonotic risks.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and larval stages of T. canis and A. caninum eggs in dog feces collected from public parks in Puno during the dry season.

Methods: A total of 300 fecal samples were randomly collected from nine parks in Puno. The samples were processed using centrifugal flotation. To evaluate differences in prevalence and larval stages among the different zones, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used. Additionally, Principal component analysis (PCA) and clustering analysis were performed to explore spatial patterns and associations among variables.

Results: The highest prevalence of T. canis was recorded in the southern zone of Puno (9%), with Chanu Chanu Park standing out at 12.1% of positive samples. Ancylostoma caninum showed a very low prevalence, being detected in only two parks. The dendrograms revealed clustered spatial patterns, with a higher parasitic burden concentrated in the southern zone. PCA explained 71.6% of the variability in embryonic development, associating A. caninum eggs with semi-solid feces and T. canis eggs with hard feces.

Conclusion: Toxocara canis is the most common parasite. However, although rare, the presence of fully larvated A. caninum eggs signals a high risk of environmental transmission. Improved sanitation and canine deworming strategies are required in high-altitude urban settings.

Background: Pasteurella multocida is a significant pathogen that affects various domestic and feral animals, causing substantial economic losses in livestock production worldwide.

Aim: This study aimed to develop and characterize specific antibodies against P. multocida through active vaccination in rabbits, with potential applications in vaccine development and diagnostic testing.

Methods: New Zealand White rabbits were used in a systematic immunization protocol using heat-inactivated P. multocida adjusted to McFarland 4 concentration. The vaccination schedule implemented a graduated dosing approach consisting of three weekly administrations, beginning with 0.5 ml in the first week and increasing to 1.0 ml in weeks two and three. Serum samples were collected at weekly intervals and evaluated using the Agar Gel Precipitation Test (AGPT). Initial precipitin lines were detected 14 days after the first vaccination, with antibody responses peaking by week three.

Results: Vaccinated rabbits demonstrated positive AGPT results by the third week, maintaining stable precipitin lines through the six-week study period. The antibodies produced showed consistent specificity against both laboratory reference strains and P. multocida field isolates.

Conclusion: This study establishes an effective protocol for generating specific anti-P. multocida antibodies in rabbits, providing valuable resources for the development of diagnostic tools and vaccines against P. multocida infections in livestock.

Background: In the autumn of 2024, an outbreak of Maedi-visna (MV) was identified in Bulgaria in the village of Sigmen, Burgas district. The disease is a slowly progressive, persistent, usually subclinical viral infection in sheep, distributed worldwide. Difficulties in early diagnosis are the long period between infection and the dynamics of the antibody titer (seroconversion), the emission of an infectious onset without clinical signs, the lack of vaccines, as well as some ongoing misunderstandings in the epidemiology and the transmission mechanisms, which determine the complex nature of the disease.

Aim: The aim of our study is to follow the development of the outbreak, clinical and pathological findings.

Methods: The Number and Surveillance Data of Small Ruminants in Bulgaria. We used data from agro-statistics of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Register of animals for 2023. To visualize the data, we constructed a map and a chart.Clinical examination of the herd. Necropsy. In total, 5 fresh carcasses were submitted for necropsy. Carcasses were necropsied according to standard guidelines for post mortem examination at the National Research Diagnostic Veterinary Medical Institute. Samples were collected in sterile containers in compliance with all biosafety and biosecurity requirements.

Results: During our examination, we have observed neurological symptoms including a head tilt, shaking their head back and forth, altered mentation, they eat their fur, do not chew with their mouth full, or chew with their mouth empty; poor quality of the wool. Atypically emaciated, especially those of the Ile de France breed. Many of the animals are lethargic, depressed, lying down, have difficulty standing up and moving. The necropsy shows bilateral hemorrhagic pneumonia, an enlarged heart, with gelatinous edema of the pericardium. Macroscopic lesions of progressive pneumonia are confined to the lungs.

Conclusion: Maedi-visna infection in sheep is widespread throughout the world. The occurrence of this outbreak in our country shows that the virus is present in the field. The lack of a national program obliging farmers to test their animals leads to a high risk of the spread of MV in Bulgaria. Our investigation highlights the need for more systematic studies using a consecutive testing strategy.

Background: Recently, the usefulness of triple-phase contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scans for liver tumors in canines has been reported. However, detailed information on the CT findings of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) remains limited.

Aim: This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate triple-phase contrast-enhanced CT findings in canine CCA and cHCC-CCA using objective parameters, such as CT values and morphological characteristics.

Methods: This study included eight dogs that underwent triple-phase contrast-enhanced CT scans and surgical removal and were pathologically diagnosed. Three CCA cases and five cHCC-CCA cases were analyzed. Parameters included CT values and mass sizes, CT values and lymph node sizes, and rim enhancement. "Rim enhancement" was defined as the contrast enhancement effect at the liver parenchyma-mass boundary.

Results: CT values for CCA were as follows: pre-contrast: 43.9 ± 3.6 Hounsfield units (HUs); arterial phase: 76.9 ± 22.5 HU; portal phase: 98.8 ± 37.7 HU; equilibrium phase: 90.9 ± 27.1 HU. For cHCC-CCA, the mean CT values were as follows: pre-contrast: 50.7 ± 6.1 HU; arterial phase: 80.2 ± 19.2 HU; portal phase: 95.0 ± 21.3 HU; equilibrium phase: 86.1 ± 13.4 HU. The peak contrast enhancement for both CCA and cHCC-CCA was in the portal phase. Rim enhancement appeared in the arterial phase in all CCA cases, whereas it appeared in the portal phase in 80% of cHCC-CCA cases, indicating a significant difference.

Conclusion: Rim enhancement may help distinguish between CCA and cHCC-CCA. However, this study has a limited number of cases, and future large-scale, multicenter studies are warranted.

Background: The incidence of bacterial resistance is a serious global health concern because it reduces the effectiveness of antibiotics and complicates the treatment of infectious diseases. Mastitis is one of the most common and economically significant diseases in the dairy industry, leading to reduced milk yield, altered milk quality, and financial losses for farmers. Antibiotics are commonly used for mastitis treatment, but their excessive or inappropriate use can accelerate the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Escherichia coli, a major foodborne pathogen, is also recognized as an important causative agent of bovine mastitis, with contamination often originating from milk and dairy products.

Aim: This study investigated the antimicrobial resistance of E. coli isolated from dairy cows with subclinical mastitis in the Licin Subdistrictto provide information on suitable antimicrobial treatment for mastitis.

Methods: Exploratory laboratory research was conducted using purposive sampling. Milk samples from lactating Holstein Friesian dairy cows were screened for subclinical mastitis using the California mastitis test (CMT). Samples with CMT scores of +++ and ++++ were processed for E. coli isolation using eosin methylene blue agar, Gram staining, and Indole, Methyl Red, Voges Proskauer, and Citrate biochemical tests. Resistance testing against different antibiotics was conducted using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique.

Results: A total of 29 milk samples were examined; 17 (58.6%) samples tested positive for subclinical mastitis. Among the 17 subclinical mastitis-positive samples, 4 (23.5%) were positive for E. coli. Antibiotic resistance testing of the E. coli isolates showed 100%, 25%, and 25% resistance to erythromycin, tetracycline, and streptomycin, respectively. All E. coli isolates (100%) were sensitive to aztreonam, chloramphenicol, trimethoprim, and ciprofloxacin.

Conclusion: The antibiotic resistance patterns observed in E. coli isolates pose significant challenges for mastitis treatment in dairy farms. Although complete resistance to erythromycin limits therapeutic options, the maintained sensitivity to aztreonam, chloramphenicol, trimethoprim, and ciprofloxacin provides viable alternatives. These findings emphasize the importance of antimicrobial stewardship and routine resistance monitoring to preserve effective treatment options and ensure sustainable dairy production.

Background: Ethylene glycol is a colorless, odorless, sweet-tasting liquid commonly found as an industrial solvent. It is also used as an antifreeze in cooling and heating systems, hydraulic brake fluids, industrial humectants, and the paint and plastics industries, as well as an electrolytic condenser. Its sweet taste and odor make it particularly dangerous for accidental ingestion by children and pets, which may result in toxicity and death.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective or ameliorative role of Alcea rosea root extract on rats exposed to ethylene glycol (EG) toxicity.

Methods: A total of 40 male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups. The first group was kept as a control. The second and third groups were exposed to doses of 0.4% (v/v) and 0.75% (v/v) EG, respectively, for 28 days. Animals in groups IV and V, in addition to EG, were treated with 170 mg/kg/day of A. rosea root extract for 28 days. Blood and tissue samples were collected from each animal and subjected to hematological, biochemical, and histopathological investigations.

Results: There was an increase in the body weight of experimental animals on days 14 and 28 compared with the control group. On day 14, there was an increase in the Packed Corpuscular Volume and Red Blood Corpuscles values in animals exposed to EG, which was improved with the addition of A. rosea. Significant decrease in the mean corpuscular volume of animals exposed to EG, as well as those treated with A. rosea extracts. However, the values of animals in groups IV and V showed an increase compared to the values obtained from groups II and III. Kidney function tests were indicated by an increase in blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and uric acid concentrations in the serum, both at day 14 and day 28. The three analytes increased in experimental animals in groups II and III, whereas in groups IV and V, the values were lower than those in groups II and III. The same applies to the liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, which are markers for liver function. They increased in experimental animals, and the animals in groups IV and V showed values that were lower than those obtained from groups II and III. It was concluded that A. rosea root extract has an ameliorative effect on experimental animals exposed to EG toxicity for 28 days. Histopathological changes in the kidneys and livers were consistent with biochemical changes, indicating liver and kidney impairment, which improved with the addition of A. rosea in groups IV and V.

Conclusion: Ethanolic extract of A. rosea root resulted in the improvement of toxicity in rats exposed to ethylene glycol for 28 days. The improvement was indicated by hematological, biochemical, and histopathological changes.

Background: Growing populations around the world are driving up the demand for broilers, so the poultry industry must maintain standards for food safety and quality. The threat of antibiotic resistance to health has prompted the adoption of organic feed additives aimed at boosting immunity and production.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of peppermint leaf and stem powder on broiler growth, meat quality, blood biomarker indices, liver, and antioxidant enzyme activities.

Methods: At one day of age, 360 unsexed broiler chicks of the Ross 308 strain were used in the study. The birds were allocated into six groups, each with 60 birds, and each group had three replicates (20 birds per replicate). The first group served as a positive control, receiving a basal diet supplemented with antibiotics and antioxidants, and the second group was a negative control, consisting of birds that received only a basal diet. Peppermint powder (Pep) was added at four different levels (0.15%, 0.30%, 0.45%, and 0.60%) to the basal diet in the remaining four treatments.

Results: The addition of Pep improved growth performance significantly (p < 0.05), according to statistical analysis. In particular, the addition of Pep at a level of 0.60%/kg diet resulted in the highest body weight gain (2058.1g) and lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) (1.43) compared to other treatments. Moreover, Pep treatments significantly decreased (p < 0.05) total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein levels by 135.6, 116.39, and 45.03 mg/dl, respectively, whereas high-density lipoprotein levels were significantly increased (110.10 mg/dl). In addition, all Pep treatments reduced the levels of liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and alanine aminotransferase to 92.60, 2.49, and 111.21 U/dl, respectively, and led to a significant improvement (p < 0.05) in antioxidant enzymes, including catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase, especially when Pep was used at 0.45% and 0.60%.

Conclusion: Using Pep as a natural feed additive improves the growth performance traits (weight gain, FI, FCR, and carcass traits) and blood profile of broilers. In addition, it is a natural alternative to synthetic antibiotics and antioxidants.