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A calf should receive 10–12 % of its bodyweight in high quality colostrum ( >50 g/L immunoglobulin) shortly after birth in order to confer passive immunity, with calves ideally receiving their first feed of colostrum in the first 1–2 hours of life (Godden et al., 2019). It is recommended (not validated) that total counts for bacteria and coliforms in colostrum should not exceed 100,000 colony forming units per mL (CFU/mL) and 10,000 CFU/mL, respectively. This study was conducted between March and September 2023. Eighty-five colostrum samples from 5 commerical dairy farms in Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland were purposively selected. Samples were collected from various stages during the colostrum harvest, storage and feeding process to provide multiple samples with variable (low, medium and high) bacterial contamination. The objective of this study was to validate the diagnostic accuracy of the 3 M Petrifilm™ Coliform Count Plate (CCP) and Aerobic Count Plate (ACP) for colostrum bacteriology. The Petrifilm™ Aerobic Count Plates were compared to 5 % sheep blood agar (SBA) (total bacteria counts, TBC), and the Petrifilm™ Coliform Count Plates were compared to MacConkey plates (MAC) (total coliform counts, TCC) and test sensitivity and specificity were calculated.

Colostrum bacterial contamination was highly variable between farms (TBC median and interquartile range= 50,000CFU/mL and 546000CFU/mL; TCC median and interquartile range=100,750CFU/mL and 188,500CFU/mL). Overall correlation between the Petrifilms™ and reference plate measures was moderate (Spearman rho=0.38–0.47). The statistical accuracy of the Petrifilm™ systems and the test sensitivity were improved by lowering the bacterial cutpoint from 100,000CFU/mL to 91,000 CFU/mL for the aerobic counts plates and from 10,000CFU/mL to 1500 CFU/mL for the coliform count plates. The Petrifilm™ system could be used as a monitoring tool to provide quick and statistically accurate results for TBC and TCC but should not be seen as a comprehensive solution for poor colostrum hygiene.

Canine distemper virus (CDV) triggers a severe, often fatal disease in dogs and wildlife known as canine distemper (CD). Prior research has noted significant genetic diversity and recombination among CDV isolates from different geographical regions, potentially contributing to vaccine failures. Despite this, no genetic characterization of Mongolian CDVs has been conducted. This study, isolated CDVs from three unvaccinated dogs: two 10-month-old mixed-breeds and an 18-month-old Samoyed. All exhibited CD symptoms and subsequently died. Virus isolation was conducted using Vero/dog SLAM cells, with genome sequencing performed via nanopore technology. The mixed-breed dogs were infected with non-recombinant CDV isolates, forming a sister clade to the Asia-1 lineage prevalent in Asia. The Samoyed was infected with a non-recombinant CDV isolate, classifying as Asia-4 lineage sporadically reported in some Asian countries. This sequencing data offers foundational information on genetic diversity, aiding CD control measure development and benefiting future Eurasia and Asian studies.

Coxiella burnetii infection is an emerging/re-emerging public health problem affecting several countries worldwide. In India, the disease is mainly underdiagnosed, creating hindrances in its effective control. This study investigated the occurrence of C. burnetii among apparently healthy cattle and cattle with a history of reproductive disorders by both PCR and indirect-ELISA. A total of 731 clinical samples (serum: 531, and vaginal swabs as well as blood: 100 each) from 531 cattle were screened for coxiellosis. The serum, blood, and vaginal swabs each collected from 100 cattle with a history of reproductive disorders were screened using Com1-PCR, Trans-PCR, and indirect-ELISA. Conversely, serum samples obtained from apparently healthy cattle were exclusively screened using indirect ELISA. None of the samples tested could detect C. burnetii in PCR assays, while 13.37 % of serum samples were found to be seropositive in i-ELISA. Seropositivity noted among clinically healthy and those suffering from reproductive disorders were 12.76 % and 16 %, respectively, exhibiting a non-significant difference observed between these two categories. The obtained results suggested that the occurrence of coxiellosis did not differ significantly between clinically healthy animals and those with reproductive disorders; hence, in farms affected with C. burnetii infection, screening healthy and symptomatic animals is crucial to implement appropriate preventive measures.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common orthopedic disorder characterized by chronic inflammation and pain in dogs and cats. Cannabis spp. contains cannabidiol (CBD), a substance with pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties in different animals including dogs with OA. The use of CBD supplements has been increasingly intertwining in veterinary medicine. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of CBD + krill oil-supplemented biscuit against canine OA. In total, 30 dogs with stifle OA were randomized and divided into the placebo, krill oil, and CBD + krill oil groups. The Canine Brief Pain Inventory questionnaire was used to evaluate the efficacy of each treatment against pain. Stifle temperature was monitored to identify degrees of stifle inflammation. Two and one dogs in the placebo group were excluded from the study due to worsening lameness and increased pain interference score (PIS) and pain severity score (PSS) at days 14 and 28, respectively.

The PIS and PSS scores of the krill oil and CBD + krill oil groups gradually and significantly improved after two weeks of treatment. The CBD + krill oil group had better PIS and PSS scores than the placebo and krill oil groups. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the PIS and PSS scores between the krill oil and CBD + krill oil groups. The stifle temperature of the three groups at different periods did not significantly differ. In conclusion, CBD + krill oil supplements are safe against canine OA. CBD can reduce pain and inflammation.

To investigate whether the incidence of postoperative hemorrhage in greyhounds was reduced when a standardized protocol for prophylactic tranexamic acid (TXA) administration to greyhounds undergoing surgery was followed, a retrospective clinical study at a private referral and first opinion hospital group was performed. Patient records of client-owned greyhounds undergoing elective surgery or dental procedures involving extractions were examined retrospectively, and 58 incidents of surgery considered eligible were documented, along with any subsequent reports of hemorrhage and whether the TXA protocol was followed.

The use of TXA was not associated with a reduction in the incidence of postoperative hemorrhage in this population of greyhounds. In the group that did not receive TXA, post-operative hemorrhage was reported in 7/37 (18.9 %) cases and in the prophylactic TXA group, post-operative hemorrhage was reported in 11/21 (52.4 %) cases, a significantly higher number than in the group that did not receive TXA. Interestingly, in our population, prophylactic administration of TXA was not associated with a reduction in post-operative hemorrhage, but with a higher incidence of hemorrhage. We belief that descrepencies in our dataset may explain these findings, and a prospective randomized-controlled trial should be performed to further investigate the efficacy of TXA as an antifibrinolytic agent in greyhounds.

Endometrial health is vital for the reproductive efficiency of broodmares and accurate diagnostic testing is crucial for directing the best treatment options and outcomes. Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) is an endoscopic technique for obtaining in-vivo, real-time microscopic imaging of tissues using a fiber optic probe. CLE relies on induced tissue fluorescence and fluorescein sodium, given intravenously, is the contrast agent most used in human medicine. This study aimed to determine the feasibility of CLE for imaging equine endometrium and determine a standard dose of fluorescein sodium to achieve optimal cellular imaging. In-vivo CLE was performed on 44 mares, and the images were compared with routine histopathological analysis of endometrial biopsies. No adverse reactions occurred after IV fluorescein sodium administration and a dose of 4 mg/kg was established (0.04 mL/kg of 10 % fluorescein sodium solution) to achieve optimal image contrast. CLE enabled multiple regions of the endometrium to be assessed quickly. Distinct tissue architecture patterns could be appreciated using CLE, and the luminal epithelium could be assessed for integrity (ulceration) and exocytosed inflammatory cells. Endometrial gland distribution, density, shape, and epithelial height were evaluated. Blood vessels were clearly outlined, and inflammatory cells and fibrosis were discernable within the interstitium. Image quality varied between mares, and the stage of oestrous cycle may have been a factor of influence. This novel imaging modality enables collection of “virtual” biopsies and facilitates critical assessment of multiple regions of the uterus compared with the standard histopathologic assessment of a single random tissue biopsy.

Transcriptome analysis was performed on the thymus of Japanese Black calves that were necropsied due to poor prognosis, to characterize changes associated with acute thymic involution. Gene expression profiles obtained by DNA microarray analysis of eight calf thymuses were classified into three patterns that correlated with the histopathological stage of acute thymic involution. Using principal component analysis, the first principal component of the global gene expression levels in the calf thymus was associated with the stage of acute thymic involution, suggesting that histopathological changes greatly influence the gene expression profile. Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed that genes related to cell proliferation, wound healing, and inflammatory responses were the main contributors to the first principal component. Real-time RT-PCR showed that the thymus had lower expression of PCNA, KIFC1, and HES6, and higher expression of SYNPO2, PDGFRB, and TWIST1 during acute thymic involution. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated a decrease in the rate of Ki67-positive cells in the thymic cortex during the late stage of acute thymic involution. The rate of cleaved caspase-1-positive cells increased in the thymic cortex at an earlier stage than the increase in the rate of cleaved caspase-3-positive cells. Vimentin, which was almost absent in the non-involuted thymic cortex, appeared in the thymic cortex during acute thymic involution. These results suggest that in farmed calves with a poor prognosis, inflammatory responses and impaired thymocyte proliferation are primarily involved in acute thymic involution.

A prospective, randomized, blinded experiment was conducted to compare the effects of intranasal (IN) dexmedetomidine (Dex, 10 µg/kg; n=12) alone or combined with midazolam (DexM, 0.3 mg/kg; n=12) or ketamine (DexK, 2 mg/kg; n=12) in healthy dogs. Ease of administration (EA1), total administration time (TAT), time for first (TA1) and second nostril administration (TA2), and adverse events during atomization were recorded. Two days later, EA2 was assessed by IN atomization of injectable water as an additional outcome variable. Onset of sedation was evaluated, along with behavioral scores and physiological parameters from T0 (baseline) to T120. Statistical analyses included Chi-square, one-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis, repeated measures or Friedman’s ANOVA, and Wilcoxon’s tests. Significance was p≤0.05.

Onset of sedation was 12.9 ± 4.1, 18.2 ± 7.5, and 9.9 ± 4.3 mins (mean ± SD) for Dex, DexM, and DexK, respectively. Onset was shorter in DexK compared to DexM (p=0.002), explaining the lower behavioral scores in DexM at T15. All dogs in Dex and DexK reached adequate sedation, with peak sedation occurring at T30, while some dogs in DexM never reached adequate sedation and this group peaked at T45. Adverse events such as saliva drooling and pawing at the nose were significantly higher in DexM and DexK, explaining their differences in TA2, TAT, and EA1 comparing to Dex. EA2 was also higher in Dex compared to DexM and DexK. In conclusion, Dex was better tolerated in dogs and DexK showed faster and more profound sedative effects. Due to paradoxical excitement, unpredictable sedation, and nasal irritation, DexM is not recommended.

The use of grimace scales enables the clinical identification of changes in the facial expressions of animals caused by pain. The Horse Grimace Scale (HGS) is one such tool, comprising a pain coding system based on facial expressions and assessing six Facial Action Units (FAUs). Each FAU is accompanied by descriptions and anatomical details to assist the evaluator. However, the morphological descriptions for certain FAUs in the HGS are not sufficiently detailed, potentially hindering accurate interpretation. This study is an analytical investigation aimed at enhancing the morphoanatomical details in the HGS and providing raters with more comprehensive materials for pain evaluation in horses using this scale.

To achieve this, detailed anatomical analyses were conducted using established references in veterinary anatomy. Initially, we propose substituting the term 'ear' with 'auricle' or 'pinna' and replacing 'area above the eye' with 'supraorbital region' for anatomical accuracy. Additionally, we introduce detailed morphoanatomical descriptions that identify specific landmarks, with the goal of ensuring more consistent application of the HGS and reducing interpretation variability. Furthermore, this study provides an explanation of the muscles involved in the investigated FAUs. These adjustments on the descriptions and evaluations remain unverified, however it is anticipated that the descriptive enhancements lead us to understand that higher interobserver reliability can be achieved for each of the FAUs.

Hemorrhagic shock and subsequent resuscitation can cause significant dysregulation of critical systems, including the vascular endothelium. Following hemorrhage, the endothelial lining (glycocalyx) can shed, causing release of glycocalyx components, endothelial activation, and systemic inflammation. A canine model of hemorrhagic shock was used to evaluate five resuscitation fluids, including Lactated Ringers+Hetastarch, Whole Blood (WB), Fresh Frozen Plasma+packed Red Blood Cells (FFP+pRBC), and two hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier (HBOC) fluids, for their impact on glycocalyx shedding. Under anesthesia, purpose-bred adult canines were instrumented and subjected to a controlled hemorrhage with blood being drawn until a mean arterial pressure of <50 mmHg was reached or 40 % of the estimated blood volume was removed. Canines were left in shock for 45 mins before being resuscitated with one of the resuscitation fluids over 30 mins. Following resuscitation, the dogs were monitored up to 2 weeks. Following an additional 3–4 weeks for washout, the canines repeated the protocol, undergoing each resuscitation fluid individually. Blood samples were collected during each round at various timepoints for serum isolation, which was used for detection of glycocalyx biomarker. Comparison of baseline and post-hemorrhage alone showed a significant reduction in serum protein (p<0.0001), heparan sulfate (p<0.001), and syndecan-1 (p<0.0001) concentrations, and a significant increase in hyaluronan (p<0.0001) concentration. Intercomparisons of resuscitation fluids indicated minimal differences in glycocalyx markers over time. Comparisons within each fluid showed dynamic responses in glycocalyx biomarkers over time. Relative to individual baselines, syndecan-1 was significantly reduced after resuscitation in most cases (p<0.0001), excluding WB and FFP+pRBC. In all cases, VE-cadherin was significantly elevated at 24 hr compared to baseline (p<0.001). Hyaluronan was significantly elevated by 3 hr in all cases (p<0.01), except for HBOC fluids. Total glycosaminoglycans were significantly reduced only at 3 hr (p<0.001) for non-HBOC fluids. Similarly, heparan sulfate was significantly reduced with all fluids between resuscitation and 24 hr (p<0.01), except WB. The temporal changes in canine glycocalyx biomarkers were atypical of hemorrhage response in other species. This suggests that the hemorrhage lacked severity and/or typical glycocalyx biomarkers do not reflect the canine endothelium compared to other species. Further research is needed to characterize the canine endothelium and the response to resuscitation fluids.