Veterinary Medicine International最新文献

The Ecuadorian highlands provide favourable climate conditions for bovine milk production, where small- and medium-sized farms represent over 80% of dairy producers. However, in communities with limited technological resources, both clinical (CM) and subclinical mastitis (SM) pose significant challenges to productivity. This study surveyed a dairy-producing community in the central Ecuadorian highlands to evaluate risk factors associated with bovine mastitis and to analyse milk quality parameters. The prevalence of SM and CM at the animal level was 34.8% (130/374) and 1.9% (7/374), respectively, and at the farm level, it was 34.1% (29/85) for SM and 7.0% (6/85) for CM. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with the presence of SM and CM. An associated factor with the presence of SM (p < 0.05) was the non-compliance with time medication withdrawal (odds ratio [OR] = 3.88; 95% CI: 1.31-13.0). In contrast, performing the California mastitis test was a protective factor (OR = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.10-0.93). At animal level, the use of crossbreeds increased the probability of SM (OR = 2.64; 95% CI: 1.58-4.41). The presence of SM in the herd significantly increased the risk of CM (OR = 12.47; 95% CI: 1.30-119.31). Milk samples positive for mastitis showed changes in density, added water, and freezing point. These findings highlight the need for farmer training and strict adherence to diagnostic and preventive protocols for bovine mastitis in order to improve herd health and milk quality.

Infectious diarrhea is one of the most serious health threats to camel calves, causing death and substantial loss. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of bacterial pathogens causing diarrhea in camel calves and identify the associated risk factors in the Shabeley and Kebribayah Districts of the Fafan zone, Eastern Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2022 to January 2023 to isolate and identify bacteriological infections of camel calf diarrhea and their associated risk factors in selected districts of the Fafen zone of the Somali region, Eastern Ethiopia. In total, 384 fecal swabs were collected from diarrheal, convalescent, and healthy camel calves. Using pure culture and bacteriological isolation, the overall prevalence of a bacterial infection was 66 (17.2%; 95% Cl: 0.13-0.21). Similarly, the distribution of the identified bacterial species was as follows: Escherichia coli (58%), Salmonella spp. (30%), and Enterococcus spp. (12%). The prevalence of camel calf infections in Kebribayah (9.0%) was higher than that in Shabeley (8.3%). Similarly, calves aged 7-12 months and diarrheal calves showed higher infection rates (7.6% and 8.6%, respectively). However, younger calves aged 0-3 months and apparently healthy calves had the lowest prevalence (4.7% and 3.4%, respectively). In the univariate logistic regression analysis, calves aged 7-12 months and calves with diarrhea showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the incidence of diarrhea in camel calves was statistically significant (p > 0.05) in the multivariable logistic analysis. However, convalescent calves (OR = 1.79, 95% Cl: 0.38-1.64) were 1.79 times more likely to be infected with bacterial species than apparently healthy camel calves. This study indicated the presence of enteric bacteria in the study areas; therefore, further epidemiological investigations on other species of enteric bacteria and the implementation of public health education are warranted.

The role of testosterone in regulating the antler cycle and sexual behavior in temperate cervids is well documented. However, studies on tropical cervids, such as the sambar deer (Rusa unicolor), remain limited. This study aimed to measure testosterone levels and investigate their relationship with sexual behavior across different antler stages using a noninvasive approach. Eight sambar deer stags aged 3-5 years, housed in the Taman Rusa Zoo, Aceh, Indonesia, were observed. Fecal samples were collected 1-3 times per week from each individual, along with the behavior observation and antler stage assessments. Sexual behaviors were carried out using focal animal sampling and recorded using the all-occurrence sampling method. Levels of testosterone in feces were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Data were analyzed using a linear mixed-effects model with antler stage as a fixed effect and individual identity as a random factor. Spearman's rank correlation test was used to examine the relationship between testosterone levels and sexual behavior. The results revealed a clear association between testosterone levels, antler stages, and male sexual behaviors. Levels of testosterone varied significantly among antler stages, with higher levels found during the hard and velvet stages compared to the casting stage (p < 0.01). Moreover, a strong positive correlation was found between testosterone levels and male sexual behavior during the hard antler stage (rs = 0.763, p < 0.01). Despite high testosterone levels during the velvet stage, male sexual behaviors, such as anogenital sniffing, anogenital licking, and flehmen, were significantly lower compared to the hard antler stage. These results suggest that testosterone may play additional roles beyond those related to male competition or mating during the velvet stage, which warrants further investigation. Understanding the dynamics of testosterone and male sexual behavior is crucial for the effective management and conservation of sambar deer populations in captivity.

Background: Reproductive efficiency is a key economic trait in sheep production, with litter size being a major determinant of productivity. Genetic polymorphisms in candidate genes such as BRCA1, PPAP2B, and KCNN3 may influence fecundity, but their association with sheep prolificacy remains to be fully elucidated. Identifying genetic markers linked to high litter size could enhance breeding strategies for improved reproductive performance.

Objective: This study aimed to (1) investigate the relationship between BRCA1, PPAP2B, and KCNN3 gene polymorphisms and sheep litter size and (2) identify potential genetic markers for high fecundity in sheep.

Methods: Whole-genome resequencing combined with Sequenom MassARRAY SNP genotyping was used to analyze five polymorphic loci in BRCA1, PPAP2B, and KCNN3 across five sheep breeds, including high-prolificacy breeds (Small-Tailed Han sheep, Hu Sheep, and Cele Black Sheep) and low-prolificacy breeds (Sunite sheep and Bamei mutton sheep). Small-Tailed Han sheep were selected for association analysis with litter size. Chi-square tests assessed Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE), and association studies evaluated genotype effects on reproductive traits.

Results: BRCA1 gene polymorphisms (g.42581575 T > C, g.42560830 A > T, g.42548851 C > T) exhibited significant differences (p < 0.01) in genotype and allele frequencies between high- and low-prolificacy breeds. All three loci were in HWE (p > 0.05) except in Hu sheep. The KCNN3 g.103522805 C > A locus also showed significant frequency differences (p < 0.01) between breeds but deviated from HWE in Bamei mutton sheep (p < 0.05).Only the PPAP2B g.77092130 G> A locus demonstrated a significant association (p > 0.05) with litter size in Small-Tailed Han sheep, where the GG genotype was more frequent than the AA genotype in the second parity.

Conclusion: This study identified BRCA1, PPAP2B, and KCNN3 as potential genetic markers influencing sheep litter size. The BRCA1 and KCNN3 polymorphisms showed strong breed-specific associations, while the PPAP2B GG genotype may favor higher fecundity in Small-Tailed Han sheep. These findings provide valuable insights for marker-assisted selection in sheep breeding programs aimed at improving reproductive efficiency. Further functional studies are needed to validate the biological mechanisms underlying these genetic associations.

Background: The ocular microbiome of cats infected with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) or feline leukemia virus (FeLV) might differ from that of healthy cats. This study aimed to examine and compare the conjunctival bacterial and fungal flora in these groups.

Methods: Bacterial and fungal cultures were conducted from the conjunctiva of 80 Persian cats, categorized into four groups: normal, FIV-infected, FeLV-infected, and co-infected with both FIV and FeLV. PCR assays confirmed the presence of FIV, FeLV, Chlamydia, and Mycoplasma. The microbiological analysis was compared across the different.

Results: The conjunctival bacterial flora of normal cats was predominantly Gram-positive, with Staphylococcus species as the most common isolates. Escherichia coli was absent in the normal group but present in all infected groups, with the highest prevalence in the co-infected group (17.5%). Co-infection with FIV and FeLV led to a distinct microbiota with Streptococcus agalactiae, Corynebacterium renale, Fusarium, and Aspergillus brasiliensis exclusively found in this group.

Conclusions: The co-infection of FIV and FeLV significantly alters the conjunctival microbiome, promoting the colonization of specific opportunistic pathogens. These findings may influence the clinical management of cats with these viral infections, especially in combination, and may create a more favorable environment for the growth of certain bacteria and fungi in the conjunctiva.

Background and aims: Circovirus parrot and Gammapolyomavirus avis are two clinically important viruses affecting psittacine birds. Although several studies have investigated their genomic variability, pathogenesis and associated pathological features individually, understanding of the effects and pathogenesis of Circovirus parrot and Gammapolyomavirus avis coinfection remains limited. This study was designed to investigate the molecular characteristics of Circovirus parrot and Gammapolyomavirus avis, tissue distribution of the viruses and histopathology during the course of the disease in naturally infected birds.

Methods: A total of 16 Circovirus parrot and Gammapolyomavirus avis polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) were euthanised, including six without clinical signs and 10 with clinical signs. Ten types of tissue samples were screened using real-time PCR to detect viruses. Molecular characterisation of the viruses was determined using partial genome sequencing. Additionally, histopathological examination was performed to investigate cellular changes.

Results: Viral distribution varied significantly between tissues (p < 0.001) with proportionately higher detection rates in bone marrow (16/16, 100%), cloacal swab (16/16, 100%), feather (15/16, 93.75%) and oral swab (16/16, 100%) for Circovirus parrot and in bone marrow (16/16, 100%) and feather (9/16, 56.25%) for Gammapolyomavirus avis, than in other tissue types. No significant variation was observed in detection rate between birds with and without clinical signs for both Circovirus parrot (p = 0.86) and Gammapolyomavirus avis (p = 0.55). Cellular necrosis and degenerative changes were observed in different tissues, with or without the presence of viral DNA. Molecular analysis suggests that the Circovirus parrot circulating in Bangladesh may represent a unique genotype and shares an ancestral relationship with currently circulating strains, whereas Gammapolyomavirus avis appears to be less diverse and shares an ancestral relationship with both local and global isolates.

Conclusion: Findings of this study will be useful in understanding the molecular aspects of pathogenesis and disease epidemiology, thus aiding in the design of effective control measures of these diseases.

3D printing technology offers innovative and precise solutions for the fabrication of prosthetic devices for pets, leveraging its capabilities in personalized customization, swift response to production demands, and economic viability. This study explores the potential of 3D printing technology in creating customized pet prosthetics, offering an innovative solution for pets experiencing limb loss. A Chihuahua with severe left-front limb loss was selected as the research subject. After taking precise measurements of its body dimensions, a 3D model of the prosthetic limb was created using 3D Max software, and a full-limb prosthetic was printed using polylactic acid (PLA) as the material. The prosthetic was then fitted to the canine's body, and its efficacy was evaluated in detail. The evaluation of the efficacy of the prosthesis used in this study mainly involves observing its adaptability and comfort, functional recovery, durability, and economy. The results indicate that the prosthetic model, designed based on key body size data such as chest circumference, not only conformed to the canine's physiological characteristics in terms of structure but also effectively supported its body weight, facilitating a recovery to near-normal ambulatory and locomotor functions. This study demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of 3D printing technology in pet prosthetics, providing valuable technical insights for similar clinical cases. In summary, 3D printing technology has shown significant potential in developing customized pet prosthetics. Its personalized design approach can substantially enhance the mobility of injured canines, improve their quality of life, and provide an innovative and efficient solution in the pet medical field.

This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of PCSO-524, a natural supplement containing omega-3 fatty acids, as an adjunctive therapy for noninfectious pododermatitis (Grades 1-2) in rabbits. In a randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded trial, 23 rabbits with noninfectious pododermatitis received either PCSO-524 or a placebo along with standard treatments for 56 days. PCSO-524 supplementation led to a statistically significant reduction in the mean lesion size of both hind limbs within the PCSO group compared to baseline (Day 0: 98.55 ± 52.75 mm², Day 56: 53.18 ± 21.54 mm²; p = 0.002), while the placebo group did not show significant changes (Day 0: 93.98 ± 43.88 mm², Day 56: 75.61 ± 115.68 mm²; p = 0.58). Both groups exhibited alterations in white blood cell populations (increased monocytes, decreased eosinophils) within normal ranges, and a consistently elevated heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (HLR; > 1:1). No adverse events were associated with PCSO-524. This study provides initial evidence for the safety and potential efficacy of a natural supplement containing omega-3 fatty acids as an adjunctive therapy for noninfectious pododermatitis in rabbits.

Platinum derivatives have been used in cancer treatment for several decades. However, the clinical effectiveness of these drugs is significantly hindered by their toxicity, resulting from accumulation in healthy cells and by the development of resistance in specific cancer cells. Previous research has successfully explored cisplatin's mechanisms of cell transport, its antineoplastic effects, and its toxicity. Nevertheless, quantifying platinum uptake in individual cells posed a technological challenge until recent advancements. The single-cell inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SC ICP-MS) method utilized in this study addresses this challenge. In our experiments, we used two murine carcinoma cell lines, C26 (colorectal carcinoma) and 4T1 (mammary carcinoma), along with a healthy epithelial cell line (MDCK) derived from a canine kidney. The cell cultures were exposed to various concentrations of cisplatin (10, 20, and 40 μM) for 24 h, followed by three washing steps and centrifugation. We monitored morphological changes in the cell cultures using an Olympus IX70 inverted phase-contrast microscope, while cell counts were measured with a Merck Scepter 3.0 cell counter. The uptake of platinum and its intercellular distribution were assessed using a PerkinElmer NexION2000 ICP-MS. Different cell lines absorbed platinum to varying degrees when exposed to the same cisplatin concentrations. Higher drug concentrations corresponded to increased amounts of platinum measured within all cell cultures. This relationship was directly proportional for several cell lines within specific concentration ranges. Notable cell death occurred in all cell line cultures when exposure exceeded a particular concentration, resulting in cell fragmentation. The SC ICP-MS technique detected this as an increase in cell number. Our findings corroborate several previous studies and highlight the applicability of the SC ICP-MS method in both human and animal cancer research.

It is necessary to produce basic anatomical information for clinical examinations and necessary surgeries owing to the presence of the red fox in the wild and the health risks for these animals. In addition to being important in diagnosing animal injuries, imaging techniques provide the usual anatomical view of different body structures used in many studies. This study investigated the typical morphological and morphometric characteristics of normal, immature, and healthy male fox cervical vertebrae using a CT scan. A CT scanner with two detectors was used in the study. Several parameters were measured in five normal immature male and healthy foxes, and the results were evaluated. Some parameters, including vertebral body height (VBH) and vertebral body length (VBL), did not show any significant difference (p > 0.05) in the cervical site, but some parameters, including spinous process height (SPH), transverse process length (TPL), and transverse process width (TPW), had significant differences (p < 0.05) in the cervical site. VBH had a constant measure from the second cervical vertebra to the seventh vertebra. The value of TPL varied from the first to the seventh cervical vertebra, and the highest measure was observed in the first vertebra. This study presents a complete and precise description and morphometric evaluation of cervical vertebrae in immature male red foxes using a CT scan. No specimen was killed, and anatomical studies were conducted through a CT scan technique as an essential feature of this study.