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Equine laryngeal dysplasia (ELD) is the umbrella term for various malformations of laryngeal structures that arise from the 4th and 6th branchial arches during embryogenesis. The disease is rare and may be subclinical. In symptomatic patients with clinical signs, the clinical presentation is highly variable and is the result of functional limitations of the larynx as well as of the esophageal sphincter. The spectrum of signs may range from respiratory changes such as abnormal respiratory noise, coughing, and at times dyspnea all the way to poor performance, dysphagia, aerophagia, and colic. The most common reason for presentation is abnormal respiratory noise. In the following case series, the clinical signs of 6 affected horses are described and discussed in context with the literature. Furthermore, it is highlighted that the approach to diagnosis is primarily based on clinical examination, endoscopic inspection of the upper airways, and radiography of the laryngeal region. The most common endoscopic findings include right (HLD) and/or left laryngeal hemiplegia (HLS), rostral displacement of the palatopharyngeal arch (RDPA) and dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP). In ELD, these findings may occur on their own or in combination. Since the findings may also be signs of further, more common disorders, misdiagnosis does occur. In the following article, the clinically relevant therapeutic and prognostic key points as well as important aspects on how to avoid common diagnostic pitfalls are discussed.

The present study examined the occurrence of the 3 major genotypes of porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2a, PCV2b, PCV2d) in tissue samples from fetuses origination from litters suspicious for stillbirth, mummification, embryonic death, and infertility syndrome (SMEDI) affected litters from Germany.A total of 53 litters suspicious for SMEDI of 27 farms with a total of 469 fetuses sent in for diagnostic purposes between 2021-2023 from veterinarians in the field were available for the present examination. Veterinarians were asked to submit all dead piglets of SMEDI-litters to allow random sampling. Four fetuses per litter were randomly selected for the study. In total, 209 fetuses were examined by qPCR for PCV2 DNA and in case of a positive result, further genotyped by PCV2 genotype-specific qPCR or sequencing of the open reading frame 2. Farm specific data was collected on a voluntary base and included in the analyses.In total 40.7% (11/27) of farms, 37.7% of litters (20/53) and 21.1% (44/209) of fetuses were positive for PCV2 DNA. Genotyping by qPCR was successful in 37 PCV2 positive tissue samples. For 4 additional samples, sequencing of PCV2 DNA was performed to support the genotype assignment. After all, 29.6% (8/27) of farms, 30.2% (16/53) of litters and 19.1% (40/209) of fetuses were positive for PCV2d. One farm (3.7%) had a PCV2a+PCV2d positive fetus (0.5%) in one litter (1.9%).PCV2d could be identified as the main PCV2 genotype in SMEDI-associated fetuses. This finding is in line with the overall observed genotype shift toward PCV2d as the predominating PCV2 genotype in the domestic pig population not only in Germany but also in most all relevant pig producing countries worldwide. Moreover, these findings also indicate that diaplacental transmission may play a major role in the spread of PCV2 to downstream pig populations and thus, also for the observed genotype shift. The high Cq-values in tissue samples indicated that PCV2 was not the etiological pathogen in most cases.The occurrence of SMEDI in a piglet producing herd needs diagnostic attention and may also include PCV2 diagnostics including genotyping in PCV2 associated cases. This approach could enable adjustment of the vaccination protocol on farm level and early detection of newly introduced PCV2 genotype in a pig herd.

The study aim was to assess the success of a novel adhesive technique in piglets with umbilical herniation in comparison to standard surgical procedure as well as no treatment.In a pilot phase, piglets with umbilical hernias were observed up to weaning and remained either untreated, underwent surgery or were treated by application of a 2.5 cm wide adhesive tape diagonally across the hernial orifice following the reposition of the umbilical protrusion. In accordance to the success rate, an appropriate sample size was calculated for a subsequent study, in which 50 affected piglets were systematically treated with the new taping technique and compared with 50 affected piglets remaining untreated. Mortality, daily weight gains, widths of hernia orifices and hernia sac sizes were recorded.In the pilot phase, mortality in untreated animals was 24%. In 52% of the surviving animals the umbilical hernias resolved spontaneously by weaning. In the taped piglet group 9% of the animals died and 90% of hernias resolved by weaning. Following umbilical hernia surgery the mortality rate amounted to 35% and the recurrence rate was 63%. For this reason, surgery was not performed in the subsequent main study.The systematic comparison of the taping technique with an untreated control group in the main study resulted in a mortality rate of 20% in the control group and 8% in the experimental group up to week 15 of life. The healing rate up to fattening (survived and without umbilical hernia) was 50% in the control group and 84% in the experimental group (p=0.01). Animals that were included in the trial with a two-finger wide hernia orifice or / and a walnut sized hernia sac were significantly more likely to have to be taped up to three times. The size of the hernia orifice had a negative influence on the daily weight gain during the suckling period (p=0.02).Approximately half of all umbilical hernias resolve spontaneously. The loss and recurrence rate after umbilical hernia surgery is high. A taping technique for reposition of the hernia sac in the early suckling piglet period can significantly improve the healing rate of umbilical hernias.A taping technique for treating umbilical hernias during the suckling piglet period can significantly reduce losses due to this condition.

The nasal vestibule of numerous horses is pigmented. In the ventral part of the nasal vestibule, this pigmentation is often disturbed resulting in a clearly depigmented area. As nasal discharge passes this area, our study aimed at the practical quantification of the depigmented area in the nasal vestibule of horses and the analysis of its relation to nasal discharge and other parameters.This study included 74 horses (59 warmblood horses, 15 ponies) with pigmented nasal vestibule. When a depigmentation was found to be present in the ventral part, this area was photographed and quantified by use of a software. In addition, we recorded the horses' general parameters including the presence of nasal discharge (amount, consistency, basal microbiology).The median area of depigmentation was found to be larger in warmblood horses than in ponies (1.6 cm² in total for both nasal vestibules vs. 0.5 cm²). Separate evaluations of the warmblood horses indicated a clear association with age and presence of nasal discharge at the time of inspection. In this regard, the depigmentation was increased with higher age and with the presence of nasal discharge (1.4 cm² in horses without nasal discharge vs. 2.5 cm² in horses with nasal discharge, each with a positive age correlation). Ponies only showed a clear dependency on nasal discharge (0.1 cm² in ponies without nasal discharge vs. 1.3 cm² in ponies with nasal discharge, and no age correlation). Further dependencies could not be identified.Increasing age of horses and nasal discharge contribute the depigmentation in the ventral part of the nasal vestibule. Therefore, an estimation of the degree of dermal depigmentation in this area seems to be useful to acquire further information concerning airway disorders with nasal discharge.

Alpacas' welfare needs a multidisciplinary approach, combining applied ethology, animal husbandry and veterinary science. This article reviews issues such as key sources of alpacas' stress, their responses in stressful situations from behavioral and physiological perspectives and possibilities to develop positive human-animal relationships as well as improve well-being of alpacas kept in the European conditions and used for fiber production and tourism. The review was divided into 3 main areas: (i) stress regulation and assessment in alpacas, (ii) alpacas' welfare and Five Freedoms, (iii) the importance of behavioral knowledge to improve alpacas' welfare. Besides many potential factors inducing alpacas' stress response and decreasing quality of life in these animals, there is a number of possibilities to optimize their welfare and increase behavioral comfort. Proper alpaca care should be based on knowledge about this species' behavioral repertoire and rules of animal management practice as they could help optimize their welfare level. Keeping the duration of routine husbandry procedures short, ensuring sufficient space in the area with access to species-appropriate feed and contact with conspecifics, as well as using positive training techniques can significantly benefit animals. It can improve the quality of their life.

In October 2022, an increased incidence of anorectal abscesses occurred within a few days in finishing pigs on a pig fattening farm in north-western Germany. The farm keeps approx. 3000 pigs. Only finishing pigs (approx. 100 kg) in various stall compartments and pens were affected. The affected pigs developed purulent-inflammatory changes in the region between rectum, anus, and base of the tail. Signs of mechanical injuries or cannibalism were not evident. The owner reported a sudden refusal to feed about two weeks prior to the appearance of the abscesses. A new batch of corn-cob-mix was used from this point onwards. The animals were given liquid feed consisting of grain (barley, wheat), corn-cob-mix and supplementary feed. Atypical black particles the size of a pinhead were found in the mixing container of the liquid feed. After consultation with the farmer who had grown the maize used for the corn-cob mix, common datura (Datura stramonium) was identified as a contaminant. Pigs are known to be susceptible to the antinutritive effects of datura. In addition to feed refusal, this also induces a reduction of gastrointestinal peristaltic movement. In the present case, constipation was not directly observed in the affected pigs by the farmer, however, this nevertheless appears to represent the likely cause of the dermal changes. Subsequently, the datura contamination could be involved in the pathogenesis of the described anorectal abscesses.

The Dutch Land Goat (Nederlandse Landgeit) is one of Europe's oldest goat breeds, originally developed as a resilient smallholder's livestock in the Netherlands. Today, it plays an increasingly important role in conservation grazing projects, particularly on small-scale and structurally complex sites where traditional grazing animals such as sheep are of limited use. The breed is characterized by high robustness, adaptability, and a distinct browsing behavior with a preference for shrubs and woody vegetation. This makes it especially effective in controlling invasive or competitive plant species such as blackberry (Rubus sect. Rubus), holly (Ilex), and late-flowering black cherry (Prunus serotina).By browsing and bark-stripping, Dutch Land Goats contribute not only to maintaining open cultural landscapes but also to a long-term reduction of undesirable vegetation. Their relatively low tendency to jump, protective long coat, and strong keeper orientation facilitate practical management. Nevertheless, small-scale projects and specific conservation goals require close monitoring of health and nutrition. Key aspects include adequate mineral supplementation (e. g., selenium), claw health on moist soils, and prudent parasite management to minimize adverse effects on dung fauna.Experiences at Tierpark Nordhorn demonstrate that male groups are particularly suitable for seasonal use, as they remain more manageable than females with offspring. Mobile handling and restraining systems adapted to the goats' physical abilities are essential, while regular interactions at feeding and watering points enhance trust and facilitate veterinary care.Dutch Land Goats thus represent a valuable component of conservation grazing systems. Their specialized browsing behavior enables effective management of shrub-encroached habitats on small areas. Moreover, as a rare heritage livestock breed, they provide an important contribution to the preservation of genetic diversity.

Sonographically measured back muscle (RMD) and back fat thickness (RFD) is used in some animal species to assess body condition as part of breeding value estimation and individual animal evaluation. Reference values are not available for domestic animal breeds that exist only in small populations, limiting the applicability of this parameter. The aims of this study are to present the method of measuring back fat and back muscle thickness in the peacock goat, analyze factors influencing these measurements and to publish initial values for this breed.The RFD and RMD as well as the body condition score (BCS) of peacock goats were determined ultrasonographically on 2 farms over a period of 3 years. Additional, data on pregnancy and lactation status as well as gastrointestinal strongyles were recorded.458 examinations were performed on 84 goats (4.1±3.1 years). The RFD is significantly (p<0.05) higher in male animals than in female animals. A similar trend was also observed for RMD (p<0.05). Animals under 2 years of age have significantly lower RMD and RFD compared older animals (p<0.05). The higher the BCS of the animals, the higher the RFD (p<0.05) and RMD (p<0.05), with the exception of BCS 1.0. Farm (Management) (p<0.05), lactation status (p<0.05) and duration (p<0.05) as well as the time interval since the last lambing (p<0.05) also exerted a significant influence on RFD. Gestation (p<0.05) had a significant influence on RMD. Neither the presence of a clinically relevant strongyle infestation nor the intensity of infestation had any impact on RFD or RMD. However, BCS was significantly lower (p<0.05) in animals with a treatment-worthy infestation (2.4±0.1) compared to those without (2.5±0.1). As orientation values for the peacock goat (from 2 years of age), an RMD of 20.5±3.8 mm and an RFD of 3.3±0.8 mm can be given for females. For males, the RMD is 24.4±4.8 mm and the RFD is 3.8±0.7 mm.It was possible to determine guideline values for RFD and RMD in the peacock goat and to analyze factors influencing these, so that these parameters may be used for this goat breed.The measurement of RFD and RMD provides a quick and objective method for evaluating body condition, which can be used for breeding value estimation and individual animal assessment.