Veterinary Research Communications最新文献

Nickel (Ni) as a waterborne metal pollutant is widespread and harms fish health. In this study, the effects of fortifying diets with 0.1% Melaleuca alternifolia (MO) and 0.1% Ocimum basilicum (BO) essential oils on behaviors, neurotransmitters, liver and kidney functions, biochemical indices, and tissue histological features were studied in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) under Ni exposure conditions. A total of 240 fish (27.92 ± 0.22 g) were equally classified into six groups, each with four replicates of 10 fish. The control, MO, and BO groups were fed basal control, 0.1% MO, and 0.1% BO diets, respectively, and reared in Ni-free water. The Ni, Ni + MO, and Ni + BO groups were reared in Ni-medium at a concentration of 3.6 mg/L and fed the same feeding regime as the control, MO, and BO groups, respectively. Ni exposure induced behavioral alterations, including lowered foraging (coefficients of variation, CV = 2.73-14.29%), swimming (CV = 2.95-19.23%), mouth pushing (CV = 9.12-29.37%), spreading of the tail (CV = 3.13-17.32%), and approach (CV = 3.53-11.27%) patterns but increased surfacing (CV = 11.39-23.33%) and resting (CV = 7.14-25%) behaviors. Increased mortality (CV > 30%) and hepato-renal indicators were consequences of Ni exposure. The Ni exposure also depressed brain acetylcholine esterase (AChE) (CV = 0.54-1.10), blood total protein (CV = 3.23-21.87%), albumin (CV = 1.62-13.47%), and globulin (CV = 1.91-24.72%). Histopathological changes were observed in the brain, gills, liver, kidney, and muscle, with detectable Ni residues in the muscle of Nile tilapia. Dietary supplementation with 0.1% MO and/or 0.1% BO significantly improved behavior patterns, blood proteins, and AChE levels under Ni exposure conditions. Hepato-renal indicators and the histology of the studied organs were enhanced, and the residual Ni level was reduced by feeding on the tested diets. Based on the current results, it was concluded that essential oils (0.1% BO and/or 0.1% MO) diets could mitigate the harmful effects caused by Ni exposure in Nile tilapia, which might enhance their future application as effective feed additive candidates in aquaculture.

In horses, basal cell neoplasms are uncommon benign tumors with slow growth mostly reported in the skin and eyelid. Malignant presentation is even more uncommon. This report describes a basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in the periocular region of a 10-year-old donkey. The animal presented good body condition and a neoformation in the right eye, noted 3 months prior to hospital admission. At the ophthalmological examination, the mass was identified above and adhered to the cornea, measuring 3.0 × 2.5 × 1.5 cm. Cytology revealed a suspicion of a malignant epithelial neoplasm, characterized by groups of cohesive cells that occasionally exhibited a palisade arrangement. Due to financial limitations, and advised of the higher risk of recurrence, the owner did not approve the tumor excision in association with chemotherapy and opted for exenteration of the globe. The procedure was performed under general anesthesia without complications, and with an appropriate surgical margin. On histopathology, the tumor was characterized by infiltrative, non-encapsulated neoplastic proliferation supported by thin fibrovascular stroma and organized into islands and nests, occasionally exhibiting a palisade pattern and delimiting spaces containing homogeneous eosinophilic material. The cells were polygonal with indistinct cell borders, eosinophilic cytoplasm, round to oval nucleus with a single, prominent nucleolus. On immunohistochemistry, the tumor was positive only for pan cytokeratin and negative for vimentin, Sox-10 and Melan-A. After 12 months of surgical excision, no recurrence or complications were related. This report emphasizes that in spite very uncommon, basal cell carcinoma may be included in current differential diagnoses of periocular neoplasms in horses and donkeys.

Novel and natural alternative feed ingredients are essential for sustainable aquaculture sector. For a period of 60 days, this study examined the effects of incorporating Hollyhock (Alcea rosea) powder into the diet on gene expressions, growth parameters, serum biochemical and innate immune parameters, as well as antioxidant capacity in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Fish, with an initial weight of (302.66 ± 3.75) mg, were seperated into four groups. Each group was fed a diet containing varying percentages of Hollyhock: 0% (AR0), 0.5% (AR05), 1% (AR1), and 2% (AR2). Growth performance was significantly enhanced in the AR2 group, with no significant differences observed in the other groups. The supplementation of Hollyhock led to significant alterations in the serum biochemical parameters, specifically alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), resulting in notably lower levels compared to the AR0 group. The Hollyhock-supplemented diet led to a significant increase in both total protein and total immunoglobulin levels, as compared to the AR0 group. There were no changes observed in CAT activity related to antioxidant defense, while exclusive to the AR05 group, a substantial elevation was observed in SOD activity compared to the AR0 group. The results shown that the expression levels of growth-related genes, such as GH and IGF-1, showed an increase in all diets supplemented with Hollyhock. Growth exhibited a statistically significant difference in group AR2, while no significant difference was observed in the other groups. The Heat Shock Protein 70 gene (HSP70) was downregulated specifically in the AR1 group. Immune-related genes, including LYZ, IL-1β, and TNF, were significantly upregulated with Hollyhock supplementation. Both LYZ and TNF showed the highest expression in the AR1 and AR2 groups, while IL-1β peaked in the AR1 group. In terms of antioxidant-related genes, Antioxidant-related genes, SOD and CAT, were significantly upregulated in Hollyhock-treated groups. SOD expression peaked in the AR1 group, and CAT was most upregulated in the AR1 and AR2 groups. Overall, these results suggest that supplementation with 1-2% Hollyhock in the diet of zebrafish positively influenced growth, immunity, antioxidant defense, and serum biochemical parameters, making it a promising feed additive for enhancing aquaculture productivity and fish health.

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an infectious disease affecting large ruminants, caused by the lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV). It is characterized by symptoms such as hyperthermia, emaciation, lymphadenopathy, and skin nodules. Pregnant animals affected by LSD often experience abortions and may develop infertility syndrome, while affected males can become sterile. A live attenuated goat pox virus vaccine (GTPV) was administered to various groups of crossbred buffaloes. After vaccination, blood samples were collected from each group to analyze post-vaccination antibody titers. Additionally, vaccinated calves and buffaloes were monitored for growth, body temperature, blood profile, milk production and quality, and reproductive parameters. The study revealed an increase in antibody titer in the weeks following vaccination, with sustained levels for over 150 days before declining by 300 days. During the 7-day observational phase, the vaccinated calves and replacement heifers exhibited significant growth. There were no notable changes in body temperature or milk production in lactating buffaloes within 7 days post-vaccination. However, the buffalo category affected all blood profile indicators significantly (P < 0.05) except for MCHC (P > 0.05) after LSD vaccination. An interaction (P < 0.05) was observed between buffalo categories and days post-exposure for RBCs, HGB, HCT, and MCV values in vaccinated buffaloes. Reproductive parameters, including ovarian resumption, uterine involution rates, and synchronization rate, remained similar in both vaccinated and unvaccinated buffaloes. Overall, the use of the attenuated GTPV vaccine induces a considerable antibody titer without influencing general health or productive parameters, making it a safe and economical method for preventing LSD in buffaloes.

The Great Shearwater, Ardenna gravis, is the largest and most abundant species of procellarid seabirds in the South Atlantic. A specimen of this shearwater was found dead and parasitized by a hard tick on Cima Beach, Santa Catarina State, southern Brazil. Morphological and molecular analyses confirmed the tick's identity as Ixodes uriae. Molecular screening for Rickettsiales and Piroplasmida was conducted, and all results were negative, suggesting no immediate health threats. This study reports the first occurrence of this hard tick species parasitizing A. gravis in southern Brazil, highlighting the ecological and epidemiological implications of this finding. This record contributes to the understanding of tick-host interactions in migratory seabirds and emphasizes the need for further research on the ecological roles and health implications of ectoparasites in these avian populations.

Phytochemicals and essential oils have been widely used as growth promoters in aquaculture. However, the optimal dose of a blend of essential oils for promoting the growth and health of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) remains largely unknown. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the dose-response effects of dietary supplementation with a blend of clove and peppermint oils (CPO) on growth indices, feed utilization, physio-metabolic responses, immunity, and organ histology in African catfish. Catfish (105.1 ± 0.5 g) were fed diets containing 0.0 (control; CPO0), 1.0 (CPO1), 2.0 (CPO2), or 3.0 mL CPO/kg diet for two months. The results displayed that fish performance and feed intake significantly improved with increasing CPO levels in a linear manner (P < 0.01). Additionally, the specific growth rate and hemoglobin (R² = 84.6%) levels showed quadratic improvements with the optimal doses at 1.12 mL and 1.6 mL/kg diet, respectively. The inclusion of dietary CPO linearly affected aspartate aminotransferase (AST; R² = 93.1%), alanine aminotransferase (ALT; R² = 97.7%), alkaline phosphatase (ALP; R² = 97.0%), and glucose (R² = 85.9%) levels in the plasma of catfish (P < 0.001). Increasing the concentrations of dietary CPO led to a quadratic decrease in creatinine (R² = 98.7%), uric acid (R² = 94.8%), and cortisol (R² = 87.1%; P < 0.001), with optimal doses confirmed at 1.75, 2.7, and 1.3-mL CPO per kg of diet, respectively. Dietary CPO has a significant modulatory impact on immune-antioxidant variables in African catfish in a dose-dependent manner. Increasing CPO in the fish diets resulted in a quadratic increase in the levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG; R² = 98.8%), lysozyme activity (R² = 93.9%), and total antioxidant capacity (R² = 84.9%). The corresponding dose-response curves displayed that the optimal doses were at 1.85, 2.1, and 1.8 mL/kg of diet. Furthermore, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were significantly improved in all CPO-treated groups in a quadratic manner, with optimal doses at 1.25 mL (R² = 90.6%) and 1.55 mL (R² = 89.7%) per kg of diet. Catfish fed diets supplemented with CPO showed gradual improvements in hepatocytes (HP), and blood vessels (BV) with an increased number of binucleated cells. Moreover, catfish fed diets containing CPO had improvement in the tubular epithelium, Bowman's capsule, and a few melanomacrophage areas. This study revealed that CPO supplementation at an optimal dose of 1-2 mL/kg of diet significantly improved growth performance, feed utilization, metabolic processes, and immune and antioxidant functions in African catfish.

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a highly contagious and fatal transboundary viral disease of cattle and water buffaloes caused by the Lumpy Skin Disease virus (LSDV) which belongs to the genus Capripoxvirus of the Poxviridae family. The disease causes huge economic impact and has been listed as a notifiable disease by World Organization for Animal Health. We present the molecular epidemiology of an LSD outbreak, the first-ever outbreak of the disease in the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir, India; a region lying in Northern Himalayas. During the outbreak, 1661 samples were collected from clinically affected, in-contact cattle as well as apparently healthy animals and screened for LSDV by qPCR. From these 1661 samples, 643 (38.7%) were found positive. Five LSDV-positive samples were randomly selected and the GPCR gene was amplified, cloned and sequenced. A 12-nucleotide deletion was observed in the GPCR gene when compared to the 2019 Indian LSDV isolate from Odhisa, India. Based on the data obtained by qPCR analysis, the occurrence of LSD was determined with respect to the age, sex and breed of the animals. Furthermore, ticks collected from the affected animals and flies on the farm were identified and were found positive for LSDV.

Extended reality includes both virtual and augmented realities. In virtual reality objects are rendered in an artificial environment where the user can move and interact with a head mounted display. In augmented reality virtual objects are superimposed to real environment enriching it via a head mounted display. In human medicine these technologies have been already used for educational surgical purposes, but remain relatively unknown in veterinary medicine. We report a case of a 1-year-old, female, French bulldog presented for exercise intolerance and dyspnea. Echocardiography showed signs of left ventricular enlargement with reduced fractional shortening and turbulent flow distal to the pulmonary artery bifurcation. Computed tomography revealed a complex vascular network comprising the descending aorta and left pulmonary artery resembling a patent ductus arteriosus. Virtual reality was used for the surgical planning and a left thoracotomy was performed to close the abnormal vessel at the level of the entrance in the left pulmonary artery with augmented reality assistance. No complications were reported during or after the surgery and the dog completely recovered. Echocardiographic findings 3 days, 1 month and 18 months after the surgery demonstrated absence of residual flow and improving ventricular dimensions. To our knowledge this report documents the first use of extended reality for the visualization, planning and execution of the surgical correction of a complex vascular defect in veterinary medicine.

The presence of a supernumerary root is an uncommon dental condition in canine patients, referring to an extra root that forms in a tooth beyond the standard number of roots that are typically expected for that specific tooth. It is a developmental anomaly most commonly observed in large-breed dogs, often as an incidental finding. These supernumerary roots may result from a disruption of the Hertwig's epithelial root sheath, which is responsible for root formation. A 3-year-old Staffordshire terrier presented for a complete oral examination under general anesthesia. The initial intraoral radiographic examination revealed a suspected crown-root fracture of the right mandibular second molar tooth (410). A radiographic examination using the parallel technique, a supernumerary root was identified ruling out the suspected crown-root fracture of 410. The supernumerary root did not require treatment as it was not associated with any pathology or clinical signs. This case report highlights the importance of full-mouth intraoral radiography in the diagnosis of unusual dental conditions, such as supernumerary roots, whose presence may become clinically relevant especially if treatment of a particular tooth becomes necessary. Radiographic technique, positioning and interpretation are essential to avoid misdiagnosis and potential negative consequences for the patient as well as guiding the clinician in making appropriate treatment choices. To the best of the authors' knowledge, the presence of a supernumerary root in a mandibular second molar in a dog has not been previously reported in the veterinary dental literature.

Congenital tremors are neurological disorders of newborn piglets that may lead to serious health consequences, including increased mortality. Many reports have indicated that atypical porcine pestivirus (APPV), first identified in 2015, is a possible cause of this condition. In different countries, APPV was detected in farms affected by piglets' congenital tremors. There is a lack of data regarding the presence of this virus in Poland. However, swine veterinarians report outbreaks of congenital tremor with unestablished aetiology nationwide. Therefore, this study aimed to verify the presence of APPV in piglets with congenital tremors in Poland. Samples of blood (2), faecal swabs (7), brain (7), cerebellum (5), spinal cord, (7) lymph nodes (7), tonsil (7), thymus (6), tongue (7), heart (7), lung (7) and liver (7) were collected from piglets. Form sows' blood (5) and oral fluid (3, pooling samples) were collected. All samples have been derived from a commercial breeding farm reporting a case of congenital tremor and subjected to the qPCR via commercial kit (EXOone Atypical Porcine Pestivirus, Exopol, Spain). Six out of seven piglets tested positive for APPV, with the highest viral loads detected in the cerebellum and tonsils. All samples from sows were negative, emphasising the virus's specificity to piglets. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report confirming APPV's presence in Poland. Given the potentially significant impact of APPV infections on swine health and production economics, further research evaluating the epidemiology and pathogenicity of APPV, as well as identifying preventive measures, is sorely needed.