Veterinary journal最新文献

{"title":"Congenital anomalies in sheep and goats in Iran over ten years","authors":"Hossein Esmaeili ,&nbsp;Seyed Mahdi Joghataei ,&nbsp;Mona Hamedi ,&nbsp;Delia Lacasta","doi":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106533","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106533","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Iran ranks among the world’s leading producers of small ruminants, with over 53 million sheep and 25 million goats. Despite this prominence, congenital defects in these animals remain under-documented, presenting a major gap in veterinary epidemiology and herd health management. This study represents the first nationwide effort to systematically classify and analyze congenital anomalies in Iranian sheep and goats.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Over 10 years (2014–2024), cases of congenital anomalies were recorded across all 31 provinces of Iran. Data were collected through farm-level clinical evaluations and necropsies. Cases were categorized into 10 anatomical classifications based on internationally recognized veterinary criteria. Statistical analysis, including Chi-square and Poisson regression tests, assessed interspecies differences and incidence patterns.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 7038 congenital disorder cases were documented in sheep and goats across Iran during the 10-year study period, with 3578 cases (50.84 %) observed in sheep and 3460 cases (49.16 %) in goats, reflecting a nearly equal distribution of anomalies between the two species. Craniofacial anomalies were the most prevalent, comprising 2796 cases (39.53 %), followed by reproductive (1509 cases, 21.24 %) and digestive system defects (831 cases, 11.57 %). Other observed categories included locomotor system (11.2 %), eye and attached structures (4.09 %), urinary system (1.86 %), cardiovascular (1.7 %), fetal diseases (3.71 %), skin defects (1.92 %), and total body malformations (3.18 %). Notably, no cases of entropion were recorded in goats during the entire study period. The Chi-square test showed that the types of congenital disorders differed significantly between sheep and goats (p &lt; 0.001), indicating species-specific predispositions. but the Poisson regression analysis found no significant difference in the overall number of cases between the two species (p = 0.16), a finding confirmed by the negative binomial model (p = 0.18), meaning that while sheep and goats tend to develop different kinds of defects, they are affected by them in similar overall numbers.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study provides the first large-scale, structured account of congenital anomalies in small ruminants in Iran, identifying major categories and their relative frequencies. Craniofacial and reproductive anomalies were the most frequent. The data offer a valuable model for countries with similar livestock systems, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. This foundational dataset is expected to catalyze further research into the genetic, infectious, and environmental drivers of congenital defects and support targeted breeding, prevention, and diagnostic strategies throughout the region.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23505,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary journal","volume":"315 ","pages":"Article 106533"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145726115","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"First evidence of Lawsonia intracellularis detection in air from commercial swine farms","authors":"G. López-Lorenzo ,&nbsp;A. Carvajal ,&nbsp;A.A. Benito ,&nbsp;A. Prieto ,&nbsp;M. Melero ,&nbsp;G. Fernández ,&nbsp;J.M. Díaz-Cao","doi":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106529","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106529","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Lawsonia intracellularis</em> is the etiological agent of porcine proliferative enteropathy (PPE), a major enteric disease present in most swine herds worldwide. PPE expression is influenced by several factors, making continuous surveillance essential to minimize its impact. This study evaluated the feasibility and diagnostic performance of environmental sampling for the detection of <em>L. intracellularis</em> in commercial swine farms with subclinical and PPE infections. Three farms (A–C) were included: Farms A and B exhibited subclinical infection, while Farm C was affected by a PPE outbreak. Longitudinal sampling included serum, fecal swabs, air and surface samples from 10 to 11 to 17–18 weeks of age. Serology and quantitative PCR (qPCR) were used to monitor infection and quantify <em>L. intracellularis</em> loads. <em>L. intracellularis</em> infection was confirmed in all three farms using standard diagnostic methods. DNA of <em>L. intracellularis</em> was consistently detected in air and surface samples, with distinct temporal patterns across farms. In subclinical infected herds, early low-level detection in air and surface samples preceded widespread shedding, which was subsequently reflected in increased seroprevalence. In the PPE affected farm, high seropositivity and fecal shedding were observed during the outbreak, followed by a gradual decline. These dynamics were also mirrored by the quantity of <em>L. intracellularis</em> DNA detected both in air and surfaces over time. These findings demonstrate that environmental monitoring via air and surface sampling is might be a possible tool in the future to predict infection dynamic under both subclinical and clinical PPE conditions, providing a complementary method for the early detection and surveillance <em>of L. intracellularis</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23505,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary journal","volume":"315 ","pages":"Article 106529"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145709636","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development and field evaluation of a competitive ELISA to detect specific antibodies against Anaplasma marginale","authors":"Julio Bellezze ,&nbsp;Beatriz Susana Valentini ,&nbsp;Anabela Silvina Bosio,&nbsp;Carolina Soledad Thompson,&nbsp;María Evangelina Primo","doi":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106528","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106528","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A species-specific competitive ELISA for <em>Anaplasma marginale</em> antibodies detection (cELISA-sAm) was developed by using both a monoclonal antibody specific to an epitope of MSP5 of <em>A. marginale</em> (Am6-mAb) and adding a pre-incubation phase with the truncated MSP5 of <em>A. centrale</em> (tMSP5c). For the determination of the cutoff value, diagnostic sensitivity (DSe) and specificity (DSp) of cELISA-sAm, 382 samples from cattle not infected with <em>Anaplasma</em> spp., 237 samples from cattle naturally infected with <em>A. marginale,</em> and 102 samples from cattle vaccinated with <em>A. centrale</em> were analyzed. The infection status was established using nested PCR (nPCR) or nPCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay (nPCR-RFLP) as reference technique. In a field evaluation, cELISA-sAm and nPCR-RFLP were used on <em>Anaplasma</em> spp. positive samples by double-antigen sandwich ELISA (dasELISA) from 2 herds to confirm the <em>A. marginale</em> infection. The cELISA-sAm optimal cutoff value was ≥ 18 %I, with a DSe of 89.9 % and a DSp of 99.0 %. In a field evaluation, concordance between cELISA-sAm and nPCR-RFLP was 93.0 % with κ = 0.81 (95 % CI = 0.56–1.00) for <em>A. marginale</em>-infected cattle detection. In countries in which prevention is based on vaccination with <em>A. centrale</em>, the replacement of current ELISAs by this cELISA-sAm would decrease the false positive results and avoid the need of species confirmation by molecular techniques when disease control programs are performed to monitor the prevalence of <em>A. marginale</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23505,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary journal","volume":"315 ","pages":"Article 106528"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145702066","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Megacolon in cats: Current insights and future directions","authors":"Mohammad Raguib Munif ,&nbsp;Rachel W. Williams ,&nbsp;Tanjin Tamanna Mumu","doi":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106531","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106531","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Feline megacolon represents a critical manifestation of severe and intractable constipation, resulting in persistent colonic dilation and hypomotility. It is commonly observed in middle-aged to older male domestic shorthair cats; however, cats of any age, sex, or breed may present with this condition. Idiopathic megacolon remains the most common form. Other primary factors contributing to megacolon involve untreated long-term constipation stemming from pelvic fractures, spinal cord injuries, or congenital deformities. Clinical presentation includes dehydration, weight loss, chronic constipation (obstipation), and periodic abdominal straining. Physical examination often reveals a dilated and firm colon upon abdominal palpation. Diagnosis mainly relies on abdominal radiography, occasionally supplemented by additional imaging modalities. Traditional medical treatment comprising laxatives, enemas, prokinetic drugs, and rehydration therapy with dietary fibers proves effective in early or reversible cases, while novel cellular and gene-based therapies warrant investigation. Chronic irreversible cases, however, necessitate surgical management. Subtotal colectomy remains the treatment of choice for megacolon refractory to medical management. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can reasonably improve prognosis, but delayed interventions may result in suboptimal outcomes. In cases where treatment proves ineffective and the condition deteriorates, euthanasia is considered. Currently, there is a lack of specific biomarkers for diagnosing and predicting the pathogenesis and progression of the disease. While effective drug combinations remain challenging, surgery can potentially lead to postoperative complications, indicating the requirement for more specific treatment and management. This narrative review summarizes current knowledge of feline megacolon and highlights future research avenues.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23505,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary journal","volume":"315 ","pages":"Article 106531"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145702053","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The influence of colostrum-derived maternal cells on neonatal lamb immune responses to routine management practices","authors":"Mohamed A. Donia ,&nbsp;James F. Lowe ,&nbsp;Federico A. Zuckermann ,&nbsp;Brian M. Aldridge","doi":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106527","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106527","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Colostrum is essential for newborn ruminants because it delivers vital nutrients, boosts immune function, and promotes growth. Studies suggest that maternal cells found in colostrum enhance the immune development of newborns, resulting in lasting health benefits. This study examines the impact of maternal colostral cells on lamb growth and husbandry-related mucosal health challenges. Initial assessments of ovine colostrum samples (n = 9) identified an effective method for removing maternal cells from colostrum. This method was utilized in an ewe-twin lamb model across two lambing seasons during which 78 lambs were involved. Twin lambs were randomly assigned to receive either cell-rich (CRC) or cell-free (CFC) colostrum within 12 h of birth. Lamb body weight gain, intestinal shedding of coccidia and strongyloids, peri-scrotal inflammation, and wound healing post-castration dynamics were monitored over the first two months of life. CRC lambs showed a consistent but statistically insignificant increase in body weight over time compared to CFC lambs. The parasitic burden varied by season and the coccidia oocyst counts were significantly lower (<em>p</em> = 0.04) in the CRC than in CFC-fed lambs. Additionally, CRC lambs had better post-castration healing scores at days 7 (<em>p</em> = 0.001), 35 (<em>p</em> = 0.005), and 42 (<em>p</em> = 0.04), and lower swelling scores at days 7 (<em>p</em> = 0.002) and 35 (<em>p</em> = 0.04). Overall, CRC-fed lambs demonstrated reduced intestinal parasitic shedding and improved peri-scrotal healing post-castration. Although the basis of these cellular mechanisms is still unknown, the results highlight practical health benefits of colostral cells and implications for colostrum management in livestock systems that preserve these cells viable.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23505,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary journal","volume":"315 ","pages":"Article 106527"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145696353","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Investigation of infection, genetic evolution and structural characteristics of bovine coronavirus in dairy farms in Hebei, China","authors":"Zheng Niu ,&nbsp;Xinfeng Hou ,&nbsp;Yaqing Liu ,&nbsp;Liu Yang ,&nbsp;Lichen Nie ,&nbsp;Changlei Zhu ,&nbsp;Yong Huang ,&nbsp;Qian Du ,&nbsp;Dewen Tong","doi":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106526","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106526","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) is a significant pathogen in dairy cattle, but its strain-specific adaptation and antigenic variability in China are poorly understood. This study investigated the prevalence, genetic evolution, and structural-functional characteristics of the BCoV S1 protein across three large-scale farms over four seasons and five growth stages. A seasonal pattern was observed, with the highest prevalence in autumn, potentially linked to temperature effects on host immunity and viral stability. Infection rates varied by farm, underscoring the influence of management practices. BCoV infection was associated with increased morbidity and mortality in milk-fed calves, resulting in an average weight reduction of 7.2 kg and an additional $30 in feeding costs per calf by 60 days, imposing substantial economic losses. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Chinese BCoV strains form a distinct lineage, indicating regional adaptation. Variations in the S1 protein, particularly within predicted antigenic epitopes, suggest potential antigenic changes that could impact immune recognition and vaccine efficacy. Structural and physicochemical analyses revealed strain-specific differences in charge and hydrophobicity, which may alter immune recognition affinity. These findings highlight the need for ongoing genomic surveillance, enhanced biosecurity, and tailored vaccination strategies to mitigate the economic and health impacts of BCoV.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23505,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary journal","volume":"315 ","pages":"Article 106526"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145688474","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative study of three anaesthetic protocols (dexmedetomidine/ketamine, dexmedetomidine/midazolam, midazolam/ketamine) in dwarf rabbits undergoing elective orchiectomy","authors":"Alessio Angorini ,&nbsp;Carlotta Cacchiani ,&nbsp;Luca Pennasilico ,&nbsp;Margherita Galosi ,&nbsp;Adolfo Maria Tambella ,&nbsp;Romina Marcoccia ,&nbsp;Fabrizio Dini ,&nbsp;Caterina Di Bella","doi":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106525","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106525","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This prospective clinical study aimed to compare three different anaesthetic protocols in dwarf rabbits and analyse the effects of these pharmacological combinations from premedication to complete recovery. Twenty-one pet rabbits were randomly allocated in study groups – MKM (7 rabbits): midazolam (0.2 mg/kg), ketamine (20 mg/kg), and methadone (0.3 mg/kg) were administered subcutaneously (SC); DKM (7 rabbits): received dexmedetomidine (25 µg/kg), ketamine (20 mg/kg), and methadone (0.3 mg/kg) SC; MDM (7 rabbits): received midazolam (0.2 mg/kg), dexmedetomidine (25 µg/kg), and methadone (0.3 mg/kg) SC. Ten minutes before premedication and every 5 min for 20 min (T5, T10, T15, and T20, respectively), heart rate, respiratory rate, and sedation score (SS) were recorded. Cases of ataxia/incoordination were also reported. After induction of general anaesthesia, main cardiovascular and respiratory parameters were monitored during skin incision, testicular traction, and suture placement. At the end of the procedure, extubation time, recovery of sternal recumbency and quadrupedal stance, and quality of recovery (QR) were recorded. The DKM group showed higher SS at T10 than the other two groups; however, 4 out of 7 subjects manifested ataxia and incoordination, compared to the MDM, in which no episodes occurred. Time to extubation in the MKM was longer (6.8 ± 3.5 min) compared to the MDM (2.6 ± 2.07 min); moreover, QR was worse in the DKM and MKM groups compared to MDM. The combination of dexmedetomidine/ketamine provides better sedation; however, it frequently induces ataxia/incoordination. The further addition of midazolam could promote muscle relaxation and tranquillisation, reducing handling stress in pet rabbits.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23505,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary journal","volume":"315 ","pages":"Article 106525"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145679086","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Utility of an automated analyzer for cytological analysis of bovine cerebrospinal fluid","authors":"Sara Ferrini ,&nbsp;Giuliano Borriello ,&nbsp;Giulia Cagnotti ,&nbsp;Ugo Ala ,&nbsp;Claudio Bellino ,&nbsp;Elena Bozzetta ,&nbsp;Giorgia Di Muro ,&nbsp;Barbara Miniscalco ,&nbsp;Samuel-Philips Nobs ,&nbsp;Antonio D’Angelo","doi":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106434","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106434","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytological analysis is essential for diagnosing central nervous system (CNS) disorders in cattle, yet conventional methods rely on manual cell counting and microscopic evaluation, which can be time-consuming. Automated CSF analysis offers the potential for significantly faster results, a major advantage in emergency settings. In this study, we assessed the utility of a hematology analyzer (Procyte Dx®, IDEXX Laboratories) as a tool for CSF cytological analysis in cattle, aiming to support automated diagnosis of CNS disorders. A total of 131 cattle—24 healthy and 107 referred for neurological signs—were evaluated, with CSF samples analyzed in parallel using the automated analyzer and conventional laboratory methods within one hour of collection. The analyzer demonstrated good diagnostic performance for detecting CSF pleocytosis (AUC = 0.94), with a sensitivity of 97 % and specificity of 81 % at a total nucleated cell count (TNCC) cutoff of 20 cells/μL. This threshold is higher than the reported 10 cells/μL and may reflect both the analyzer’s tendency to overestimate TNCC and its limited resolution at low cellularity, as it reports in increments of 10 cells/μL. Furthermore, the automated analyzer demonstrated limitations in performing differential cell counts on samples with TNCC ≤ 1000 cells/μL. While automated CSF analysis proved rapid and effective in identifying moderate to severe pleocytosis, software improvements are needed to enhance the accuracy of differential cell counts and to ensure reliable TNCC estimation in cases of mild pleocytosis. Nonetheless, it can serve as a valuable tool in emergency settings when cytological evaluation is unavailable.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23505,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary journal","volume":"314 ","pages":"Article 106434"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145678132","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Recombinant GnRH6-kisspeptin-CRM197 vaccine inhibits reproductive function in male rats and dogs","authors":"Yanyun Zhu ,&nbsp;Mengxian Li ,&nbsp;Xiangyang Jiang ,&nbsp;Dongyuan Fu ,&nbsp;Zhihao Pan ,&nbsp;Zhuoya Wu ,&nbsp;Kejian Han ,&nbsp;Ya Liu ,&nbsp;Yunsheng Li ,&nbsp;Tong Yu ,&nbsp;Kaiyuan Ji ,&nbsp;Mengling Peng ,&nbsp;Hongmei Liu ,&nbsp;Fugui Fang","doi":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106501","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106501","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Immunocastration vaccines, as an alternative to surgical castration, have gained prominence for improving meat quality in livestock by suppressing reproductive functions. Central to this process is gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), a pivotal regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis whose secretion is modulated by the upstream neuropeptide kisspeptin. Building upon this regulatory hierarchy, we developed a novel GnRH6-kisspeptin-CRM197 conjugate vaccine targeting both signals simultaneously. This study systematically evaluated the vaccine's effects: First, by assessing its inhibitory impact on testicular development, reproduction-related gene level and hormonal secretion in thirty male rats through ELISA, RT-qPCR and histological analyses; Second, by conducting translational validation through preliminary field trials in ten male dogs to determine its practical efficacy for non-surgical castration. In male rats, the vaccine significantly increased anti-GnRH and anti-kisspeptin antibodies (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01), reduced serum testosterone levels (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01), decreased testicular size (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01), and suppressed spermatogenesis, with fewer germ cells across developmental stages. Hypothalamic <em>GPR54</em> and <em>GnRH</em> mRNA and pituitary <em>FSHβ</em>, <em>LHβ</em>, and <em>GnRHR</em> mRNA levels were significantly reduced (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). In male dogs, serum testosterone levels decreased by approximately 40–65 % in three immunized individuals, decreased slightly in two, and increased slightly in three. Four dogs showed complete absence of sperm, and four others showed markedly reduced sperm counts. These results indicate that the dual-target vaccine effectively suppresses reproductive function in rats and shows partial efficacy in dogs, supporting its potential as a non-surgical castration tool. Variability in canine responses highlights species-specific optimization needs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23505,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary journal","volume":"314 ","pages":"Article 106501"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145574693","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The impact of cumulative bone fatigue on musculoskeletal injury risk in racing Thoroughbreds","authors":"Ashleigh V. Morrice-West ,&nbsp;Adelene S.M. Wong ,&nbsp;Peta L. Hitchens ,&nbsp;R. Chris Whitton","doi":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106502","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106502","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) in racehorses are not typically spontaneous events, but develop gradually through cumulative cycles of loading over time. Stride characteristics can now be recorded with wearable technology, providing opportunity to quantify the skeletal impact of galloping over time. We estimated bone fatigue accumulation based on speed (m/s) and number of strides from n = 3168 race starts by n = 405 Thoroughbreds commencing racing in Tasmania, Australia between 2011 and 2016. The percentage bone fatigue accumulated was divided by various time periods (career, active career, preparation, 1–5 start windows) to generate rates (workloads). Cox proportional-hazard models were used to determine effects of workloads on time to MSI (n = 71 first MSI events), presented as Hazard Ratios (HR); 95 % Confidence Intervals. Horses with higher rates of bone fatigue accumulation over a one start period (HR 3.37; 1.01, 11.22; p = 0.048) and over their career (HR 1.80; 1.53, 2.11; p &lt; 0.001) had a greater risk of MSI. For workloads over an intermediate time period (previous four starts), low (&lt;0.25) workloads resulted in restricted mean survival time (RMST) to MSI of 760 days and a 2.89-fold greater risk (p = 0.005), and high workloads (≥0.75) a 405-day RMST and 8.51-fold greater risk compared to medium (0.25–0.75) workloads with a 1027-day RMST. These findings suggest monitoring skeletal fatigue with wearable technology may allow early identification of horses at increased risk of lameness and injury, timely modification of workloads, and inform safer training practices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23505,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary journal","volume":"314 ","pages":"Article 106502"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145574633","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}