Veterinary Sciences最新文献

Histomonosis, caused by Histomonas meleagridis, leads to economic losses in the poultry and livestock industry. In recent years, studies on the role of intestinal microbiota in host physiological health have attracted growing attention. Understanding the changes in gut bacterial communities of chickens is crucial for improving poultry and livestock production. This study investigated the impact of Histomonas meleagridis infection on the growth performance, overall health, and cecal microbiota composition of chickens. Body weight changes and pathological alterations were assessed at different time points post-infection through animal experiments, with 7 days post-infection defined as the early stage and 14 days as the peak stage of infection. Cecal content samples were collected from the 7-day control group (G1), 7-day infected group (G2), 14-day control group (G3), and 14-day infected group (G4) for 16S rRNA sequencing analysis. The microbial diversity analysis revealed that H. meleagridis infection altered the number of microbial species in the cecal microbiota of chickens. The alpha diversity index was significantly reduced (p < 0.05), and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) revealed significant structural differences between infected and control groups (p = 0.001). Taxonomic composition analysis showed that beneficial gut bacteria, such as Firmicutes and Lactobacillus spp., decreased in abundance, whereas Bacteroidota, Proteobacteria, Escherichia spp., and Fusobacterium mortiferum were enriched in the infected group. LEfSe analysis indicated that G1 was enriched with Oscillospiraceae and Blautia; G2 with Christensenellaceae; G3 with Verrucomicrobia and Lactobacillus aviarius; and G4 with Proteobacteria and Fusobacteria. In conclusion, H. meleagridis infection markedly altered the cecal microbiota composition by shifting the relative abundances of beneficial and pathogenic bacteria, resulting in reduced microbial diversity.

Maintaining cardiovascular stability during anesthesia is essential, yet the routine use of atropine to prevent vagally induced low heart rate may impose additional stress on the heart. This randomized, controlled, observer-blinded, clinical study aimed to evaluate whether ondansetron, a selective 5-HT₃ receptor antagonist, could serve as an alternative anesthetic adjuvant to modulate autonomic activity while maintaining cardiovascular stability in dogs. A total of 66 female dogs, with a mean age of 1.5 years and a mean weight of 16-18 kg ASA I, undergoing elective surgery were assigned to three study groups to receive atropine, ondansetron, or no autonomic-modulating drug. Heart rate, arterial pressure, respiratory rate, and NT-proBNP were recorded before, during, and after anesthesia. Dogs treated with ondansetron maintained stable cardiovascular values throughout the procedure, with no episodes of low heart rate or excessive increases in heart rate. In contrast, atropine induced marked and sustained elevation in heart rate and higher arterial pressures. Concentrations of the cardiac biomarker NT-proBNP increased significantly 48 h after surgery in the atropine group but remained unchanged in the ondansetron group, indicating the absence of additional myocardial stress. These findings suggest that ondansetron may help preserve autonomic balance during anesthesia while minimizing myocardial stress. Ondansetron could represent a useful component of multimodal anesthetic protocols, particularly in dogs in which excessive cardiac stimulation should be avoided.

Cryopreservation of preantral follicles (PAFs) is a promising tool for gene conservation and fertility preservation. However, standardized protocols for the cryopreservation and in vitro culture of isolated follicles-particularly in pigs-are still lacking. This study aimed to analyze the survival and developmental potential of porcine PAFs vitrified using two different methods: open pulled straw (OPS) and cryotube (CT). Ovaries of Hungarian Large White sows were collected from a local slaughterhouse and enzymatically digested to isolate preantral follicles. Morphologically normal follicles were assigned to three groups: fresh control, OPS-vitrified, and CT-vitrified. All follicles were cultured for 10 days in FSH-supplemented medium, with growth, survival, and estradiol (E2) production monitored. Survival rate was lower in the CT group (83.3%) than that of the control and OPS (97.4% and 94.4%, respectively). The follicular area was consistently larger in control than in CT and OPS, with no difference between vitrified groups. E2 production varied among treatments: OPS follicles showed lower E2 levels on Day 2, no differences were detected on Day 7, and CT follicles produced less E2 on Day 10. These results indicate that OPS is the more suitable vitrification method for porcine PAFs and that the culture system supports hormone production; however, it may require refinement to provide long-term follicle maintenance.

This study investigates whether fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) can alleviate gut microbiota dysbiosis induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) through modulation of fatty acid metabolism, competition for nutrients, production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and restoration of mucus layer integrity. To elucidate the mechanisms by which FMT regulates colonic microbial function and host metabolic responses, 80 male Bal b/c mice were randomly assigned to four experimental groups (n = 20 per group): Normal Diet Group (NDG), High-Fat Diet Group (HDG), Restrictive Diet Group (RDG), and HDG recipients of NDG-derived fecal microbiota (FMT group). The intervention lasted for 12 weeks, during which body weight was monitored biweekly. At the end of the experiment, tissue and fecal samples were collected to assess digestive enzyme activities, intestinal histomorphology, gene expression related to gut barrier function, and gut microbiota composition via 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results showed that mice in the HDG exhibited significantly higher final body weight and greater weight gain compared to those in the NDG and RDG (p < 0.05). Notably, FMT treatment markedly attenuated HFD-induced weight gain (p < 0.05), reducing it to levels comparable with the NDG (p > 0.05). While HFD significantly elevated the activities of α-amylase and trypsin (p < 0.05), FMT supplementation effectively suppressed these enzymatic activities (p < 0.05). Moreover, FMT ameliorated HFD-induced intestinal architectural damage, as evidenced by significant increases in villus height and the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio (V/C) (p < 0.05). At the molecular level, FMT significantly downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-1α, TNF-α) and upregulated key tight junction proteins (Occludin, Claudin-1, ZO-1) and mucin-2 (MUC2) relative to the HDG (p < 0.05). 16S rRNA analysis demonstrated that FMT substantially increased the abundance of beneficial genera such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium while reducing opportunistic pathogens including Romboutsia (p < 0.05). Furthermore, alpha diversity indices (Chao1 and ACE) were significantly higher in the FMT group than in all other groups (p < 0.05), indicating enhanced microbial richness and community stability. Functional prediction using PICRUSt2 revealed that FMT-enriched metabolic pathways (particularly those associated with SCFA production) and enhanced gut barrier-related functions. Collectively, this study deepens our understanding of host-microbe interactions under HFD-induced metabolic stress and provides mechanistic insights into how FMT restores gut homeostasis, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic strategy for diet-induced dysbiosis and associated metabolic disorders.

Clinical rotations are an integral part of the veterinary curriculum. Their effect on knowledge, skills and self-perception, however, has been poorly investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a structured small animal clinical rotation on veterinary students in these three areas. Participating students were asked to complete an online questionnaire with questions assessing knowledge, skills and self-perception before and after their clinical rotation. A total of 61 students completed the questionnaire before and 43 after the clinical rotation, leading to 41 pre-post matches for self-assessment of skills and self-perception and 39 pairs for knowledge-based questions. The percentage of correctly answered knowledge-based questions increased statistically significantly but only by one correct answer on average. Participants rated their skills in performing specific tasks significantly higher after the clinical rotation compared to before. All participants assessed themselves as competent at history taking, performing a general examination and endotracheal intubation after the clinical rotation. However, 30-40% of participants disagreed at least partly with the sentence that they can perform neurological and ophthalmological examinations as well as interpret blood results on their own after the clinical rotation. Participants rated themselves significantly higher regarding their self-perception in the role of small animal practitioner after the clinical rotation than at the start of the rotation. The study indicated that the clinical rotation improved students' self-assessment of their skills and attitude but did not lead to a significant improvement in knowledge.

Nail clipping can cause fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) in dogs and cats and possibly long-term aversion to veterinary care. We conducted an anonymous, online, mixed-methods survey to characterise the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Australian veterinary nurses, technicians, and other veterinary staff regarding nail clipping in dogs and cats. Among 242 valid responses, 71.9% (n = 174/242) performed nail clipping multiple times per week. Dogs (72.4%, n = 165/228) and cats (59%, n = 134/227) frequently displayed FAS (score > 2/5) during nail clipping. Most respondents (79.8%, n = 193/242) reported being injured while performing nail clipping. Respondents reporting a negative attitude towards nail clipping were 5.5 times (95% CI = 1.7-17.8) more likely to report being injured during a nail clip compared to those with a positive attitude. Respondents reported feeling pressure to persevere with nail clipping when it was unnecessary or when animals exhibited severe FAS. Where used, pre-visit pharmaceuticals and sedation were reported to effectively reduce FAS (dog: p = 0.015; cat: p = 0.152), along with non-pharmaceutical interventions such as gentle handling and counter-conditioning. Respondents perceived nail-clipping to be a difficult, undervalued task. Increased training of veterinary team members regarding nail clipping could improve animal welfare and the safety of veterinary team members.

This study aims to investigate the prevalence and risk factors associated with canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) in the Aegean Region of Türkiye. Using a questionnaire-based approach, this study intends to fill the gaps in existing knowledge regarding the prevalence and determinants of these infections. A retrospective analysis of 781 dogs presented to Aydın Adnan Menderes University Small Animal Clinic from 2019 to 2024 was conducted. Among these, 205 dogs were confirmed to have at least one CVBD using rapid diagnostic tests (SNAP 4DX PLUS and SNAP Leishmania) with confirmatory methods. Data on dog demographics, lifestyle, and environmental exposure were collected using structured questionnaires. Prevalence rates were calculated based on the at-risk population, and logistic regression determined associations between risk factors and disease occurrence. Overall CVBD prevalence was 26.3%, with Ehrlichiosis (9.9%) and Leishmaniasis (7.4%) being the most common infections. Co-infections were present in 8.3% of cases. Geographical factors significantly influenced infection rates, particularly in Aydın compared to İzmir and Muğla, while demographics like age, breed size, gender, and outdoor activity had no significant impact. This highlights the necessity for region-specific control measures and the need for consistent adherence to preventive protocols to mitigate CVBD prevalence in high-risk areas.

A retrospective study on 135 cases of teat and udder surgical conditions in 129 small ruminants is described. On 19 repairs of teat lacerations, a primary- and a secondary-intention healing in 13 (68%) and in 4 (21%) cases, respectively, was observed; 2 (11%) had poor response and consequent mastitis. Good outcome and first-intention healing in 100% of the fistula repairs (2 cases), thelectomies (5 cases), teat neoplasm removals (14), and mastectomies (2 cases) were observed. Among 26 teat curettage cases, all 18 (69%) unilateral lesions treatment had a good outcome versus the 8 (31%) with bilateral lesion that suffered definitive relapse. In 67 skin udder neoplasm removals, a primary- and a secondary-intention healing in 59 (88%) and in 8 (12%) cases, respectively, was observed; however, 2 of the latter suffered mastitis. These procedures are associated with a good prognosis, and the percentage of favorable outcomes was high. Wound infections and dehiscence were the main complications observed. More interest in teat and udder surgery on small ruminants should be encouraged, and farmers should be made aware that the animal can often return into production at a reasonable cost; however, their post-operative care is the key to success.

The cornea is essential for proper ocular function, yet its histological structure varies considerably among animal species. Of particular importance are the palisades of Vogt in the limbal region, as they serve as a niche for limbal epithelial stem cells involved in corneal epithelial regeneration. This study was conducted on 73 eyeballs collected from 18 species of non-human primates originating from the Wrocław Zoological Garden (Poland). Eyeballs were fixed, processed, and embedded in paraffin. Four-micrometer sections were stained with Mayer's H&E and PAS. Microscopically, the cornea showed either a four-layered pattern (anterior corneal epithelium, corneal stroma, Descemet's membrane, posterior corneal epithelium) or a five-layered pattern when Bowman's layer was present. A four-layered cornea occurred in the ring-tailed lemur, gray mouse lemur, Guianan squirrel monkey, Angolan colobus, and L'Hoest's monkey, while the remaining species showed a five-layered structure with Bowman's layer. The anterior corneal epithelium varied between species in thickness and number of cell layers (central region: 2-3 to 10-15 layers; 11.81 ± 0.43 µm to 44.23 ± 0.69 µm; peripheral region: 4-5 to 9-11 layers; 8.63 ± 2.57 µm to 42.45 ± 8.61 µm). Bowman's layer ranged from 1.18 ± 0.01 µm to 3.22 ± 0.05 µm. The corneal stroma thickness differed markedly (237.96 ± 9.64 µm to 1438.29 ± 16.38 µm), as did Descemet's membrane (4.92 ± 0.20 µm to 43.45 ± 0.49 µm), along with PAS reaction intensity. In the limbus, palisades of Vogt ranged from weakly to clearly developed; well-defined crypt-like structures were observed in the red-bellied lemur, red ruffed lemur, black-and-white ruffed lemur, Guianan squirrel monkey, L'Hoest's monkey, Celebes crested macaque, and yellow baboon. The limbal epithelium also varied in thickness (5-6 to 15-17 cell layers). These results confirm distinct species-specific differences in corneal and limbal morphology that may reflect ecological conditions and functional adaptation. The presented data provides a comparative reference for veterinary ophthalmology and for studies on corneal epithelial regeneration involving limbal stem cells.

In Australian Cattle Dogs (AUCDs), cystinuria was reported to be an autosomal dominant trait caused by a 6 bp deletion in the SLC3A1 gene (type II-A). Here we report an androgen association in this breed. A family of 11 adult AUCDs (five intact and one neutered male and five females) was genotyped for the SLC3A1 c.1095_1100del variant, and urine was examined for concentrations of cystine, ornithine, lysine, and arginine (COLA). Among this family, three males and five females tested heterozygous for the mutation, while all other AUCDs were homozygous for the wild-type allele. The two heterozygous intact males had severe COLA-uria, which decreased markedly after castration. Neither the third heterozygous male with a history of cystine calculi but already castrated nor the five heterozygous females exhibited increased COLA-uria. Heterozygosity for the 6 bp deletion in the SLC3A1 gene was associated with cystinuria in intact male AUCDs, but not in females. Castration of the heterozygous males reduced the cystinuria. Either the type II-A cystinuria in the AUCDs is an androgen-associated dominant trait, or this family also has another type III (androgen-dependent) cystinuria. Larger surveys are needed to further define the type(s) of cystinuria and effects of castration in AUCDs.