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This article provides an overview of the clinically relevant functions and metabolic processes of selenium. Especially equine and bovine neonates are affected by selenium deficiency leading to serious consequences. Severe selenium deficiency may especially result in skeletal and/or heart muscles damage, which can result in serious illness and death of the animal. The typical clinical picture is known under various names and is often referred to as rhabdomyolysis, or more precisely as nutritional muscular dystrophy (NMD) and in the past usually as white muscle disease. Early recognition of nutritional muscular dystrophy (NMD) is crucial for prognosis. The typical clinical signs and treatment options are described in this summary. A single selenium injection can raise deficient selenium concentrations in calves and foals preventing serious illness. As Germany is widely regarded as a selenium deficiency area, a single selenium injection can be given to the affected calf or foal in case a selenium deficiency is suspected based on the history and clinical signs, in order to avert serious health consequences due to NMD. The suspicion should be verified by serum selenium analysis so that further appropriate measures are implemented. In calves, a manufacturer-compliant dosage of 5.5 mg sodium selenite and 750 mg vitamin E (all-rac-alpha-tocopherolacetat) did not result in an oversupply of selenium. Particular importance should be granted to the adequate supply of selenium to the dam during pregnancy and is more important than selenium intake via the colostrum.

The aim of this study was to evaluate pathological findings in New World camels (NWC) with regard to possible effects on veterinary management.As part of this retrospective study, 598 necropsy findings of 70 llamas and 521 alpacas from the years 2019-2023 were analysed, 7 findings were classified as New World camelids. The findings were provided anonymously by 13 pathological examination institutes in Germany.Of the animals examined, 35.7% were found to be in a cachectic nutritional status, and in 27.4%, nutritional status was labelled as poor or moderate.Pathological findings in the gastrointestinal tract were most frequent, being observed in 49.5% of the animals. Of these cases, 59.8% showed enteritis, 33.1% gastritis and 22.6% gastric ulceration. Endoparasite infestation was the second most common finding (44.7%). Statistical analysis showed that alpacas were significantly more likely to have poor nutritional status than llamas (p<0.05). The presence of dental abnormalities (p<0.01) or inflammation in the oral area (p=0,01) had a significant effect on the nutritional status. The presence of endoparasite infestation also exerted a significant influence (p=0.001). In the current study, llamas exhibited enteritis more frequently than alpacas and adult and geriatric animals were more frequently affected than younger animals (juvenile, neonate, foetus) (p<0.05). A significant correlation was found between the occurrence of ulceration and the presence of skin lesions (p<0.05).The study shows that a variety of diseases may be the cause of death in llamas and alpacas. The challenges in the areas of parasite management, dental health and nutritional status should be emphasised. These could be mitigated by proper veterinary health monitoring as part of herd management.

The female German Holstein calf presented here was born with a complete additional forelimb. The forelimb's attachment point was between the shoulder blades. This is referred to as notomelia, a form of polymelia. On the 15^th day of the calf's life, the additional limb was removed surgically. The surgery and wound healing progressed in a satisfactory manner. The cytogenetic tests did not reveal any chromosomal abnormalities. Genetic testing showed no indication of presence of a chimera that could be the cause of the anomaly. Antigens of the Schmallenberg virus were not detected, an antibody titer against the virus was present at birth and on the 15^th day of life.

Escherichia (E.) coli is one of the most important environmentally associated mastitis pathogens worldwide. Gram-negative bacteria can cause numerous clinical symptoms. Lipopolysaccharide (cell wall component of gram-negative bacteria) triggers an immune reaction in the mammary gland. Individual cow-associated factors such as lactation stage and age also play a major role. Due to the different forms of mastitis, there are also different therapeutic approaches. Severe cases of mastitis are treated with systemic antimicrobial therapy. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing in compliance with international standards is essential for this approach. One major focus is a more targeted use of antimicrobials and a reduction of critically important antimicrobials in practice to avoid development of multidrug resistant bacteria.To determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of mastitis-associated E. coli, isolates originating from quarter milk samples of cows with mastitis were tested using different phenotypic methods. The antimicrobial resistance was tested using agar disk diffusion test (ADD, ampicillin, cefoperazone, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, kanamycin/cefalexin, ciprofloxacin, cefepime, gentamicin, kanamycin, tetracycline, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) and a commercially available broth microdilution method (MICRONAUT-S Mastitis 3, Bruker Corporation, Billerica, Massachusetts, USA) for determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC, ampicillin, cefazolin, cefoperazone, cefquinom, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, kanamycin/cefalexin, and marbofloxacin). To investigate extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production and AmpC-producing the Mast D68C test (D68C MASTDISCS, Mast Group Ltd, UK) was used.In both methods isolates showed a high in vitro susceptibility to quinolones and fluoroquinolones, 3^rd and 4^th generation cephalosporins and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. In contrast, high resistance rates were found against trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (24.0%), tetracycline (17.5%) and ampicillin (ADD 19.5%). Four isolates were phenotypically ESBL positive; none of the isolates showed phenotypically AmpC β-lactamase activity.Based on the results, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid can be considered an alternative option for antimicrobial treatment of E. coli mastitis in bovines. However, further studies are necessary to confirm in vivo efficacy. The targeted use of antimicrobial substances in human and veterinary medicine is essential to restrain the development of ESBL -producing bacteria.

Pregnancy diagnosis in South American camelids (SAC) is commonly performed in early pregnancy about 30 to 45 days after mating. Due to embryonic mortality, it is advisable to confirm the pregnancy later. A laboratory analysis would be ideal for this confirmative test using samples which can be obtained by the breeders. Sampling of feces from the ground immediately after defecation would be both simple and convenient for the animal and breeder. Estrone sulfate which is synthetized by the placenta indicating pregnancy has been found in feces and used as marker for pregnancy in various animal species (e. g. pigs, primates).The objective of this study was to measure estrone sulfate concentrations in feces of SAC and assess if the fecal estrone sulfate concentrations are suitable for non-invasive pregnancy detection.Eighty-six mares (81 alpacas and 5 llamas) from different herds in Germany and Austria were sampled over a period of one year. The mares were selected by the breeders regardless the age, nutritional status or number of previous pregnancies. Of the 86 mares, 83.72% (72 mares) became pregnant and 16.28% (14 mares) remained non-pregnant despite being mated. All mares were sampled monthly. The fecal samples were analyzed in the laboratory using a commercial Estrone-3-Sulfate (E1S) Competitive Elisa Kit.The estrone sulfate concentrations in feces showed a wide variation over the entire sampling period and between individual animals. There was a significant difference in concentration at the end of pregnancy (14 d before parturition). Additionally, wide variations in estrone sulfate concentrations were also observed in the feces of non-pregnant mares. Consequently, the AUC characterizing the diagnostic value of fecal estrone sulfate concentration to detect pregnancy between days 60 and 150 was very low (0.455).It must be concluded that estrone sulfate analysis in feces as collected post defecation in this study failed to demonstrate any potential as a confirmatory method for pregnancy diagnosis in SAC. The increase at the end of pregnancy is unimportant for practical diagnostic procedures.

This article provides information and recommendations for the pre-purchase physical and laboratory examinations of South American camelids (SAC). It is strongly recommended to have a written contract between the potential buyer and the veterinarian before the examination detailing its form and focus including any tests. The pre-purchase examination subsequently leads to the production of a report describing the animal's signalment, history and the results of the examinations following the contract description. It may be necessary to involve the seller in this contract (e. g. if the animal is to be subjected to an examination that may put it at risk).SACs are used for various purposes (e. g. wool, tourism, animal assisted therapy) and the purpose desired by the purchaser will determine the scope of the pre-purchase examination. To allow this, a modular system is proposed so that, in addition to the general examinations (physical and laboratory) the appropriate clinical and laboratory findings can be compiled from various "special" examinations. Thus, in addition to the obligatory general physical and laboratory diagnostic examination, special examination protocols e. g. skin examination for animals that are primarily used for fleece production, full scale orthopedic examination in animals that will be used for hiking or examination for infectious diseases in animals that have close contact with humans can be chosen as part of the pre-purchase examination. The last mentioned may be of general importance depending on the signalment and history. Diagnoses can then be made in accordance with the proposed main use(s) of the animal.When taking on the assignment of a pre-purchase examination, the veterinarians have to guarantee that they possess the appropriate skills and experience and that the required equipment and laboratory access is available. Finally, the veterinarians must document the findings precisely in the final report and maintain absolute confidentiality.The authors of the present article have compiled recommendations on pre-purchase examinations and developed examination protocols. These protocols are made available for download as PDF files in German and English (https://www.vetmeduni.ac.at./ankaufsuntersuchung-neuweltkamele).

In contrast to human medicine, thymic disorders receive little attention as differential diagnoses in veterinary medicine. The aim of this overview is to provide information on the current state of knowledge concerning the topographical anatomy, physiological development, and involution, function, and diseases of the thymus as well as the diagnosis of thymic disorders in various domestic mammals. Therefore, literature on this topic was searched and summarized. The anatomical extent and developmental/involutionary processes differ significantly from species to species. The thymus reaches its maximum size at the beginning of sexual maturity whereas it is largely absent or persists in mere residual form in adult animals. Dogs and goats represent an exception, as functional thymus tissue may also be found in adults. Imaging is often difficult, depending on the size of the animal and the location of the organ. Due to the poor visualization and mostly unspecific clinical signs, disorders of the thymus pose a diagnostic challenge. The thymus may change in size and structure in response to stress or disease. This can lead to impaired immune function and subsequently to infectious diseases. Neoplasia of the thymus has been widely described in domestic mammals. Most reports are found for dogs and goats. Clinical signs usually appear when the tumor becomes space-occupying due to its size or they become apparent in consequence to the occurrence of paraneoplastic syndromes. These may for example include myasthenia gravis. More than 50% of dogs with a thymoma develop a paraneoplastic syndrome. With the availability of modern imaging, assessing the thymus may in future become simpler and may prove useful in evaluating the health status of young animals.

There is an increasing interest in, and demand for, care of the geriatric veterinary patient, and New World camelids are no exception. Rather than using an absolute age to define 'geriatric', behavioural, physiological and clinical signs are more useful, such as ability to maintain body condition and status in herd hierarchy. This article offers guidance on approach to geriatric care in llamas and alpacas, considering husbandry, routine management and common clinical problems.

A 19-year-old Oldenburg stallion was presented multiple times over the course of several months with recurrent colic signs. At each examination, an enlargement of the scrotum was noted, which could not be further specified by palpation and ultrasonographic examination. The increase in circumference was noted both on palpation and on inspection and the size remained unchanged throughout. No special findings were noted during the general examination and the special examination of the colic patient. A few months after the first onset of symptoms, a chicken egg-sized mass was palpated on the right testicle, extending dorso-laterally in the direction of the inguinal cleft. Due to the recurring signs and the loss of sperm quality (pathospermia), the stallion was hemicastrated with subsequent histopathological and immunohistological examination of the circumferential proliferation including the testicles and epididymis.

In South American Camelids (SAC), determining a suitable time point for mating poses challenges as females ready for conception do not show estrus signs or behavioral changes. Therefore, the applicability of measuring sex steroids in milk and vaginal cytology as non-invasive methods for monitoring ovarian activity was investigated.Samples were collected from a total of 10 alpacas (A) and 9 llamas (L) over a period of 4 weeks following parturition. The concentrations of progesterone (P4), estradiol-17β (E2) and total estrogens (GOE) in blood and milk were measured using radioimmunoassays after sample extraction. Vaginal swabs were prepared and evaluated according to the procedure routinely used in dogs.In A and L, the estrogen concentrations in milk were significantly lower than those in blood (E2 in blood: A: 11.1±2.9 pg/ml, L: 14.6±5.0 pg/ml; E2 in milk: A: 6.2±3.1 pg/ml, L: 7.9±5.8 pg/ml; GOE in blood: A: 120. 2±26.9 pg/ml, L: 143.7±45 pg/ml; GOE in milk: A: 57.1±16.1, L: 75.9±34.6 pg/ml), while the differences between the two species were not significant. The correlations between steroid concentrations in blood and milk were statistically significant in L, but not in A. While in L, correlations between estrogen concentrations and vaginal cytological parameters showed several statistical significances with p-values partly <0.01, in A only GOE in the blood was negatively correlated with the proportion of basal-/parabasal cells.P4 measurement in milk allows the detection of luteal phases in SAC with high reliability. Despite statistical significance, the correlations between estrogen concentrations in blood and milk were also too weak in L to estimate blood concentrations with acceptable accuracy based on estrogen concentrations in milk at the level of the individual animal. Vaginal cytology could in principle be suitable for the identification of the maturation phase of follicular waves in L. However, improvements of the methodology and further validation are warranted before its routine use.