Veterinary Research Communications最新文献

Florfenicol (FF) is a widely used antimicrobial in veterinary medicine because of its broad antimicrobial activity, although it has certain limitations and raises concerns about the development of antimicrobial resistance genes. These limitations highlight the need to explore novel drug with controlled release systems to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of FF, while minimizing the potential for resistance development. This study introduces an innovative approach for the design, synthesis, and evaluation of lignin-poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA)-FF nanoparticles. By leveraging the properties of PLGA and lignin, this study aimed to augment the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of FF, thereby enabling dosage reduction and consequently diminishing the likelihood of resistance emergence and other limitations. Lignin-PLGA nanoparticles encapsulating FF were synthesized and characterized to assess their physicochemical properties, such as particle size, zeta potential, and drug loading efficiency. The release profile, antimicrobial efficacy, and cytotoxicity were evaluated. Comparative analyses with standard FF formulations were performed to ascertain the superior performance and potential benefits of the nanoparticle-based antimicrobials. Our findings indicate that the synthesized lignin-PLGA nanoparticles exhibited favorable drug delivery attributes, including a controlled and sustained release mechanism, significantly enhanced antimicrobial activity at reduced concentrations relative to free FF, with minimal cytotoxic effects. Importantly, the nanoparticle system inhibited bacterial biofilm formation, which is a key factor in the onset and spread of antimicrobial resistance. These findings underscore the potential of integrating biodegradable polymers with natural compounds to forge innovative pathways in drug delivery, addressing critical challenges in veterinary medicine.

Wild animals host a wide variety of parasites, and the disorders caused by these parasites are among the most prevalent and significant infectious diseases affecting wildlife. The investigation of parasitic fauna is crucial for the conservation of wild animals, domestic populations, and humans. Therefore, the aim of the study was to survey endo- and ectoparasites in free-living wildlife in southern Brazil. Carcasses of road-killed wildlife were collected from highways in the Pelotas microregion, Rio Grande do Sul. All carcasses were necropsied, and endo- and ectoparasites were collected and identified. A total of 82 animals were examined; 87.80% were infected by helminths, 51.21% infested by ectoparasites, and 48.78% were affected by both types of parasites. This study presents the first records of parasitism by Rhipicephalus microplus in Ozotoceros bezoarticus in southern Brazil, and by Ancylostoma caninum in Leopardus geoffroyi worldwide. The study contributes to the knowledge about the parasitic fauna in wild animals of the Pampa biome. The presence of parasites in these threatened species underscores the need for further research into parasitism, which is crucial for their effective management and conservation.

Ultrasound is a valuable, non-invasive technique. It allows for detailed examination, precise measurement, and effective monitoring of teats in dairy cows. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of ultrasound measurements of teats in dairy cows, specifically focusing on intra- and inter-rater agreement between operators with different levels of experience. The study included 51 healthy Holstein cows, with two operators (experienced and inexperienced) performing measurements on ultrasound images obtained before and after milking. The parameters analyzed were teat-canal length (TCL), teat-end width (TEW), teat-wall thickness (TWT), and teat-cistern width (TCW). Differences in teat measurements before and after milking, as well as between operators, were assessed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test and the Mann-Whitney U test, respectively. Intra- and inter-rater agreement was calculated using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. A total of 402 ultrasound images were analyzed. Significant differences were found in TCL, TWT, and TCW before and after milking, while TEW remained unaffected. Statistically significant differences in TWT and TCW were observed between the two operators, while TCL and TEW did not show significant differences. Intra-rater agreement for the experienced operator was excellent, and for the inexperienced operator, it was good. Inter-rater agreement ranged from good to excellent for most parameters, except for TWT, where it was poor. The study confirms that both milking and operator experience influence teat measurements. However, with proper training, ultrasonography can be a reliable tool for assessing udder health in dairy cows, supporting its use in field conditions.

The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is a vulnerable species that is threatened mostly due to anthropogenic pressure. The anteater is a highly specialized insectivore, challenging the species' ex situ maintenance and conservation efforts. Several dietary-associated health issues have been reported in captive anteaters, including heart conditions such as dilated cardiomyopathy. On the other hand, cardiopathy is mainly diagnosed only on necropsy, and lack of clinical reference is one of the constraints. This work describes electrocardiographic parameters in twelve zoo-kept giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla). The giant anteaters were evaluated after chemical immobilization. Surface electrocardiography using a digital electrocardiograph was performed to acquire data on the six frontal plane leads. Four animals were placed in both left and right recumbencies to assess changes in waveforms. Nine anteaters were considered healthy and included in the statistics. The mean heart rate and electrical axis were 37.8 bpm ± 3.45 and 75.6º ± 11.43, respectively. ECG parameters results were P wave duration (ms) 89.7 ± 9.2, P wave amplitude (mV) 0.14 ± 0.05, PR segment duration (ms) 148.6 ± 23, R wave amplitude (mV) 1.55 ± 0.56, QRS complex duration (ms) 88.6 ± 12.0, QT interval duration (ms) 529.6 ± 71.2, and T wave amplitude (mV) 0.76 ± 0.21. There was no difference between left or right recumbency. Heart parameters of giant anteaters are similar to other mammals and seem to be influenced both by size and metabolic rate when comparing with other species. This is the first description of ECG parameters in giant anteaters.

Aeromonas veronii has emerged as a significant pathogen that impacts both fish and mammals. Recently, an infectious disease characterized by multiple ulcers on the body surface with a high mortality rate occurred in Channa argus cultured in Jiangsu Province, China. A Gram-negative bacterial strain (Aer12) was isolated from the body surface of the diseased fish and identified as A. veronii by the physiological, biochemical, and 16 S rRNA gene analysis. Intra-peritoneal injection of Aer12 into the healthy C. argus resulted in the development of multiple ulcers on the body surface, and the histopathological results showed that muscle tissue rupture was the most severe symptom. Aer12 showed both protease and lipase activities with no β-hemolytic activity. Furthermore, Aer12 contained seven virulence genes (aer, act, alt, fla, ascV, aexT, and ela) and one antibiotic resistance gene (qnrS) identified by the PCR assay. The results of whole genome sequencing revealed that Aer12 had a circular chromosome that measured 4,719,428 bp. It comprised 4301 predicted protein-coding sequences (CDS) in addition to 31 rRNA, 124 tRNA, and 49 sRNA genes. Furthermore, a total of 676 virulence genes and 216 antibiotic resistance genes have been predicted. Aer12 was susceptible to 21 antibiotics, including ampicillin and erythromycin. The results of Chinese herbs susceptibility assay showed that Aer12 was highly susceptible to Sanguisorba officinalis, Galla chinensis, and Schisandra chinensis. The results of this study will serve as a reference for future research on the pathogenic mechanism of A. veronii and the prevention and control of bacterial diseases in C. argus farming.

The significance of plant-derived products in aquaculture lies in their potential to offer sustainable alternatives, promoting eco-friendly practices. This study investigated the impact of nettle (Urtica dioica) leaves powder on the growth efficiency, hemato-biochemical variables and non-specific immune system of rohu, Labeo rohita fingerlings. To achieve this objective, sample average weight (5.23 ± 0.34 g) were categorized into four groups, namely control, T1, T2 and T3 in triplicate and administered diets fortified with nettle in amounts of 0, 1, 3 and 5% respectively for a duration of 60 days. After 60 days of fortified diet, the fish underwent intraperitoneal injection with bacteria (Aeromonas hydrophila), and subsequent relative percentage survival (RPS) was observed. The growth performance, including "weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and feed efficiency ratio (FER)", were notably higher in the T3 group (5%) than in others. The hematological values of White blood cell, hematocrit, and hemoglobin revealed higher levels with a fortified diet. The dietary supplementation of nettle reduced serum cholesterol and glucose concentration, whereas it increased albumin, globulin, and total protein in the fish blood. Enhancements in lysozyme and myeloperoxidase activity were observed in the intervention groups with feed containing nettle supplementation. The nettle diet at a 5% concentration demonstrated a higher RPS than the others following injection with A. hydrophila. The findings indicate the potential of nettle as a valuable nutritional supplement for increasing fish immunological reaction and bolstering pathogen resistance.

An undescribed relapsing fever group Borrelia species was detected in a male Haemaphysalis semermis tick infesting a rural cat in an indigenous population in Pahang National Park, Peninsular Malaysia. The 16 S rRNA gene sequence revealed close similarity of this variant to several undescribed Borrelia species and Borrelia theileri, with genetic distances ranging from 0.58 to 0.72%. Furthermore, the flaB, gyrB, and the concatenated 16 S rRNA + flaB + gyrB sequence analyses demonstrated that this variant is distinctly separated from multiple undescribed Borrelia species, Borrelia miyamotoi, and B. theileri, with genetic distances ranging from 3.41 to 7.00%. This study not only reports the first Borrelia found in H. semermis but also suggests that it forms a distinct clade within the relapsing fever group in Peninsular Malaysia.

Vascular hamartoma is an abnormal development of endothelial tissue that rarely affects horses. Histopathological examination remains the gold standard for definitive diagnosis, yet the presence of abnormal vascular structures must be carefully differentiated from other vascular anomalies and neoplasms. This report describes two cases of vascular proliferation affecting the skin on the lateral side over the left tarsus and the dorsolateral region over the fetlock joint of two fillies. The clinical history, presentation, and radiographic and sonographic findings in both patients suggested a neoplasm of unknown origin. Surgical excision of the mass was successfully performed in both patients. In one patient, a second surgery was performed six months after the first surgery because of the recurrence of the mass. Histopathological examination revealed a disorganized proliferation of well-differentiated, tortuous, and varied-sized blood vessels hemmed in myxoid tissue with abundant fibrocollagenous bands. Immunohistochemical examination of the endothelium markers factor VIII and ERG revealed positive staining of the mass samples in both cases, confirming their vascular origin. The combination of these markers was effective, providing a reliable option for differentiating vascular proliferation in horses. To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first report applying the ERG endothelial marker to horse vascular malformations.

Esophageal diseases include esophageal obstruction, esophagitis, esophageal stricture, and esophageal diverticulum. Imaging can facilitate the selection of appropriate treatment options and assist in differential diagnosis. Esophageal obstruction in cattle is generally caused by greedy nature of chewing and swallowing of food and foreign structures, including stones, potatoes, trichobezoar, carrots, foodstuffs (i.e., hay), and rice chaff. Esophageal obstruction in cattle can also be caused by artificial procedures, and early detection and treatment are important to avoid severe esophageal injury and its associated risks. Herein, an 11-month-old Japanese black heifer presented with swelling and induration of the neck and snowball crepitation in the subcutaneous area of the left shoulder. Radiography and endoscopy revealed a spring-like foreign body in the esophagus and a cervical esophageal obstruction. Esophageal surgery confirmed that the foreign body was a ruminal mechanical stimulating brush (RB). The case died on day 8 after the initial examination. Pathological necropsy revealed that the RB had entered the esophageal diverticulum and caused esophageal obstruction. This case provides a valuable reminder about the risk of esophageal disease with oral administration procedures.

There have been report of possible food poisoning in Lithuania following the consumption of raw steaks from a roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). Two people experienced symptoms of abdominal pain, watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, and nausea. The parasitological examination of the roe deer revealed macrocysts of Sarcocystis sp. to the naked eye. Microscopic sarcocysts of Sarcocystis spp. were detected in different muscles, and a high sarcocyst load was observed in the roe deer muscles by a light microscope. Based on molecular results, S. capreolicanis, S. gracilis, S. linearis, S. oviformis, and S. silva were identified in meat samples of the roe deer. This is the first report of a possible link between venison poisoning and Sarcocystis spp. infection in Lithuania.