Veterinary Research Communications最新文献

Vascular tumors affecting the reproductive tract in male dogs, including hemangiomas and hemangiosarcomas, are rarely reported in veterinary medicine. However, they are more frequently observed in other anatomical sites in dogs such as the skin, spleen, and the liver. Despite their low incidence in the genital region, these neoplasms should be considered when compatible clinical signs are observed. This case report describes the clinical and pathological findings of two penile vascular neoplasms in dogs, highlighting their differing prognoses. The first case was classified as hemangiosarcoma and the second case as hemangioma. The first patient was referred for hematuria and stranguria; while the second dog showed haematic preputial bleeding. In both cases, protruding masses of the penile mucosa were identified and surgically removed with an excisional surgery. Histopathological analysis confirmed their vascular origin, allowing definitive diagnosis. Given that clinical signs can be nonspecific and overlap with other urogenital disorders, histopathology plays a crucial role in guiding surgical management, establishing prognosis, and differentiating between benign and malignant vascular tumors.

Mitochondria, as central hubs of cellular metabolism and signaling, play a pivotal role in mediating the physiological response of aquatic animals to environmental stressors, largely through their involvement in oxidative stress pathway and quality control mechanism. Understanding these molecular pathways is crucial for addressing key challenges in both aquaculture and environmental toxicology. Rather than focusing on the established fact of stress induced mitochondrial damage, this review synthesizes current knowledge to highlighting the emerging role of the mitochondrial quality control (MQC) system as a decisive determinant of stress resilience. A key research evolution is documented, showing a shift from describing oxidative stress towards exploiting MQC for adaptation and performance optimization. Furthermore, a novel theoretical framework is proposed, explaining how aquatic animals perceive and respond to environmental stress through a multi-stage process: 'stress perception-metabolic reprogramming-quality control'. This framework not only integrates a wide range of existing research but also pinpoints key intervention points for enhancing stress resilience. Collectively, these findings provide a significant theoretical foundation and practical guidance for stress tolerance breeding in aquaculture, precise environmental management, and sustainable development.

Water temperature significantly influences fish behavior and physiology. Thus, the current study assessed the effects of dietary incorporation of Spirulina-co-enzyme Q10 nanoemulsion (SCN) on various health parameters in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) raised in heat stress conditions (32 °C) for 60 days. In a completely randomized design, Nile tilapia (n = 225) were divided into 5 groups (3 replicates, 15 fish per group). The first (C25) and second (SCN0) groups were fed a basal diet and reared at 25 °C and 32 °C, respectively. Groups 3-5 were reared at 32 °C and fed a diet supplemented with SCN at 10 mg/kg (SCN10), 20 mg/kg (SCN20), and 40 mg/kg (SCN40), respectively. The findings indicated that the inclusion of SCN in the diets of O. niloticus, particularly at 20 and 40 mg/ kg concentrations, significantly (P < 0.05) counteracted the heat stress (32 °C) impact on behavior, hematological parameters, stress biochemical indicators, additionally stress related genes and histopathological changes in fish, were assessed. SCN0 expressed decline in feeding frequency and mid-water swimming behavior, surfacing and high opercular movement. Cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, and cortisol levels were significantly decresead with SCN supplementation. Heat stress induced significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the hematological indices (RBCs, WBCs, Hb, and HCT%), which were ameriolated after SCN addition. SCN also significantly decreased encephalopathic alterations (vascular congestion, perivascular edema, neuronal pyknosis associated with perineuronal vacuolation, and neuropil microcavitation) in the brain of fish treated at 32 °C. The incorporation of SCN into the diet markedly prevented the abnormal expression of hsp70, tgf-β, p53, Chop, and Bip in the brain of heat-stressed fish. In conclusion, SCN at rate of 20 mg/ kg is a promising dietary supplement capable of mitigating the negative effects of heat stress in Nile tilapia.

'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemolamae' (CMhl) is a hemotropic bacterium infecting South American Camelids (SAC), whose epidemiology and clinical significance are still not fully elucidated. This study investigated CMhl by qPCR in blood samples of alpacas (Vicugna pacos) and llamas (Lama glama) in Italy in 2021-2024, characterizing CMhl haplotypes based on partial 16 S rRNA sequences and defining haematological findings in a subset of CMhl-infected animals. Statistical analysis was performed to detect potential risk factors associated with CMhl positivity. Out of 206 animals (200 alpacas and 6 llamas), CMhl was detected by qPCR in 88 (42.7%) animals. CMhl haplotype #1 and #2 were detected in 42.2% and 0.5% of the animals, respectively. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that higher CMhl positivity was significantly associated with larger herd size (P = 0.011), Northern Italy area of origin (P = 0.031) and warmer seasons (P = 0.003). The detection of two CMhl haplotypes confirms the high diffusion of CMhl in SAC farmed in Italy. Results confirm that CMhl usually causes subclinical infections, suggesting that antimicrobial treatment is likely not necessary based on qPCR positivity alone. Results focusing on the association of CMhl positivity with warm temperatures and large herd size suggest the need of further studies on the genetic features, epidemiology and immune response in CMhl-positive SAC from Italy, with emphasis on understanding potential vector transmission.

Humoral Hypercalcemia of Malignancy (HHM) is a commonly reported condition in dogs affected by several cancers, mostly T-cell lymphoma and anal sac gland carcinomas, but also other type of tumors. We report the case of a 6-years-old, female neutered Border Collie with an ulcered nodule on the right retromandibular region, that had mild serum total calcium elevation (14,1 mg/dl; reference range (RR): 8,4 to 11 mg/dl) in the absence of clinicopathological abnormalities or imaging finding suggesting any known cause of hypercalcemia. Histologically, the tumor had a tubular epithelial component, admixed with a second, dominant, myoepithelial one; immunohistochemically, the former strongly reacted with anti-Cytokeratin antibodies, while the latter had a weak and patchy immunoreactivity both to Cytokeratin and a-SMA, while Vimentin and Calponin immunostaining was strong and diffuse, suggesting the diagnosis of apocrine gland carcinoma and malignant myoepithelioma. After the excision of the tumor, calcium decreased within limits (8.8 mg/dl RR: 8.4 to 11. mg/dl). In the author's knowledge, this is the first report of HHM associated with apocrine sweat gland carcinoma in the dog.

Migrating grass awns are a rare cause of thoracic reactions in cats, resulting in pleural effusion, inflammation, infection and granulomatous responses. Diagnosis and localization are challenging, and treatment commonly requires invasive surgical intervention. We report a case of a 5-year-old, neutered male, domestic shorthair cat referred for pleural effusion and suspected intrathoracic vegetal foreign body. Thoracic ultrasonography confirmed the presence of pleural effusion and a linear hyperechoic structure within the pleural space was visualized. An ultrasound-guided minimally invasive thoracotomy was performed through the right fifth intercostal space and intraoperative ultrasonography was useful to precisely locate and remove the foreign body using a Hartmann ear forceps. Cytological analysis was performed on the pleural fluid and bacteriological analysis was performed on both the pleural fluid and the retrieved foreign body. The cytologic findings were consistent with an exudative effusion but no bacteria were isolated on both direct and enrichment bacterial cultures; empirical antibiotic treatment with marbofloxacin was continued. The patient recovered uneventfully, and follow-up revealed complete resolution of the clinical signs. This case report highlights the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided minimally invasive approach for intrathoracic vegetal foreign body removal in a cat. The transthoracic and intraoperative ultrasound can be useful for visualization and exact localization of the grass awn, minimizing surgical trauma and improving the outcome.