Veterinary Sciences最新文献

Feline chronic kidney disease is a leading cause of mortality in geriatric cats, characterized by a progressive and irreversible loss of renal function. Despite its high prevalence, early diagnosis remains challenging due to nephron compensatory mechanisms and the limited sensitivity of traditional biomarkers, creating a diagnostic gap that necessitates the exploration of novel biomarkers for earlier detection. This review examines the complex pathophysiology of the disease, including renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and mineral metabolism disturbances. By analyzing recent scientific literature, this work evaluates current diagnostic landscape and clinical relevance of emerging biomarkers. Evidence indicates that symmetric dimethylarginine and fibroblast growth factor-23 improve detection of early metabolic and filtration changes, while urinary biomarkers like cystatin B and retinol-binding protein provide specific insights into tubular injury. Bridging the diagnostic gap requires a transition from a reactive, azotemia-based framework to a multi-parametric diagnostic approach that integrates novel biomarkers with serial clinical and laboratory monitoring. Although financial constraints and limited availability restrict widespread clinical implementation, incorporating these advances is essential for earlier prognostic stratification and timely therapeutic decision-making. This integrated strategy has the potential to slow disease progression and improve survival and quality of life in cats with chronic kidney disease.

Canine mast cell tumours (MCTs) show highly variable behaviour, and Ki-67 is an established prognostic indicator. Conventional Ki-67 assessment is manual and restricted to small hotspot areas, limiting reliability. This study presents a semi-automated whole-tumour tissue section (global) Ki-67 analysis workflow, outlines its limitations, and examines correlations with hotspot counts and clinical outcome. A total of 309 canine MCTs were assessed using a deep-learning-assisted quantification with commercial software. Global Ki-67 metrics were correlated with hotspot Ki-67 counts and histomorphologic tumour grades, as supported by clinical follow-up data from 68 dogs. The defined analytic workflow enabled an overall feasible global Ki-67 assessment in canine MCTs. The region-of-interest (ROI) definition required frequent manual adjustments, whereas Ki-67 quantification was fully automated and rapid. Global Ki-67 metrics correlated with manual hotspot counts, with Ki-67-positive cell density on average twice as high in tumour hotspots compared with whole tumour sections, with differences ranging up to 38-fold. Exploratory survival analyses suggested promising predictive power, warranting validation in a robust survival study. With established digital pathology tools, global whole-tumour assessment of Ki-67 and other biomarkers is feasible. It should become the new standard for defining robust prognostic and predictive markers in canine mast cell and other tumours.

Senecavirus A (SVA) is a picornavirus that causes vesicular disease in swine and has been associated with increased neonatal mortality. Although SVA had only been detected sporadically in the United States since the 1980s, there was a sharp increase in cases in the United States and around the world starting in 2015. The cause of this shift in SVA epidemiology remains unknown; however, changes in the virus that have resulted in enhanced infectivity may have contributed. The aim of this research was to establish the infectious dose of a post-2015 SVA isolate in neonatal pigs and compare its infectivity to previous work with a 2011 SVA isolate. A 2018 SVA isolate (SVA/KS/2018) was serially 10-fold diluted to generate six inoculums. Animals were individually housed with four pigs inoculated with 2 mL orally per dilution. Detection of SVA RNA in serum and swabs, as well as the presence of neutralizing antibodies, were used to classify the infection status of animals. The minimum infectious dose for SVA/KS/2018 in neonates was 10^2.5 TCID₅₀/mL (2 × 10^2.5 or 632 TCID₅₀/pig). This value is similar to the infectious dose determined for SVA/CAN/2011, thus providing evidence that the increase in SVA detections was not due to increases in infectivity of contemporary isolates. Neonatal mortality has not been experimentally reproduced; however, pigs inoculated with higher doses of SVA/KS/2018 developed diarrhea and mortality, suggesting increased virulence, which should be investigated further.

Fascioloides magna, an invasive trematode introduced to Europe in the 19th century, persists in two main foci: the Danube basin and La Mandria Natural Park (LMNP) in northern Italy. This study assessed whether the parasite has spread beyond LMNP and evaluated environmental and host-related risk factors. Between 2012 and 2023, 331 wild ruminant livers were examined, and faecal samples were analysed for fluke eggs. Gastropods from the LMNP were sampled using a predictive habitat suitability model and screened for F. magna DNA. Camera traps monitored ungulate movements across LMNP boundaries. Results confirmed the parasite's presence in red and fallow deer within LMNP and sporadic cases in roe deer, but no evidence of infection in wildlife or gastropods outside the park. Molecular screening detected F. magna DNA in 9.2%% of snails inside LMNP only. Despite occasional crossings by potential definitive hosts, ecological conditions outside LMNP appear unsuitable for sustaining the parasite's life cycle. These findings suggest a low current risk of spread but highlight the need for continued surveillance and barrier reinforcement. The integrated approach combining parasitology, molecular diagnostics, and GIS-based risk mapping provides a valuable framework for managing invasive parasitic diseases in wildlife.

Increased international trade and tourist flows are key factors in the introduction of transboundary animal diseases such as African swine fever (ASF). Despite the availability of sufficiently detailed data on legal commercial trade, the movement of pork products intended for personal consumption is insufficiently reported and difficult to track when carried in passenger luggage, and may act as an introduction pathway. In this study, we analyze the risk of ASF reintroduction in Sardinia, an island that has recently achieved disease-free status after a long epidemic. An anonymous questionnaire on travelers' awareness of ASF and their food transportation habits was administered at the main Sardinian airports between July and December 2025, and a total of 6525 responses were received. The results show a low level of knowledge regarding ASF, with approximately 95% of respondents stating they were unaware of the disease, while almost 10% of travelers reported having transported meat or other pork products, often originating from countries where the virus is circulating. Our investigation highlights how passenger flows, especially during the seasonal peak, could act as a vector for potential disease reintroduction through the transport of pork products. The results stress that the adoption of behavioral survey tools is essential to supplement traditional surveillance systems, highlighting the need to improve targeted communication strategies at both ports and airports in order to reduce the risk of virus reintroduction and protect regional livestock.

Left dorsal displacement of the large colon (LDDLC) is a common cause of colic in horses and it is frequently associated with recurrent episodes, with significant implications for horse management, athletic performance, and owner satisfaction. Laparoscopic nephrosplenic space (NSS) ablation is a preventive surgical technique aimed at reducing recurrence in horses with a history of medically or surgically treated LDDLC. This retrospective study evaluated 48 horses that underwent laparoscopic NSS ablation in two Italian Veterinary Teaching Hospitals between 2016 and 2024. Short-term outcomes, including immediate postoperative complications and discharge status, were assessed. Long-term follow-up data were collected via owner questionnaires, focusing on survival, recurrence of colic, post-surgical complications, return to athletic or breeding activity, and owner satisfaction. Most horses were discharged without complications (91.7%), while postoperative colic occurred in 8.3%. Kaplan-Meier estimated one-year post-discharge survival was 83.3%, and 81.3% of horses were alive at last follow-up (range 0.7 months to 8.8 years). Post-discharge complications were reported in 31.2% of horses, most commonly recurrent LDDLC. Return to preoperative athletic or breeding activity was reported in 70.8% of cases, and owner satisfaction was high (83.3%). Time-to-event analysis indicated markedly reduced survival in horses requiring laparotomy during follow-up. Bayesian logistic models suggested lower mortality and fewer post-discharge complications in horses with prior colic surgery, whereas a history of recurrent colic and laparotomy during follow-up was associated with higher mortality and complications. These results indicate that laparoscopic NSS ablation is an effective and safe procedure for long-term management of horses at risk of LDDLC, allowing a high rate of survival, functional recovery, and owner satisfaction, despite the persistence of occasional colic episodes.

Feline chronic kidney disease (fCKD) is highly prevalent in geriatric cats, affecting up to 80%, and is a leading cause of morbidity in cats with a challenging diagnosis. This study aimed to characterize the clinical profiles, comorbidities, and quality of life of cats with fCKD in real-world clinical settings in Greece. Real-world data from 208 client-owned cats with fCKD were analyzed, including demographics, clinical findings, body and muscle condition scores, and practitioner-assigned stage according to International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) guidelines. Additionally, owners completed the VetMetrica™ Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL) questionnaire. Associations between comorbidities, IRIS stage, and HRQL domains were assessed using appropriate statistical analysis. At least one comorbidity was present in 66.8% of cats, with oral/dental disease (29.81%) and anemia (15.38%) being the most common. HRQL scores declined significantly with advancing IRIS stage (p < 0.001). Notably, anemia showed the strongest association with reduced HRQL across all domains, including an 18.79-point reduction in Emotional Wellbeing (p < 0.001). Oral/dental disease was also significantly associated with poorer Comfort (OR 5.16) and Emotional Wellbeing (OR 7.10). Overall, comorbidities independently contributed to impaired quality of life in cats with fCKD. These findings highlight that early detection of fCKD and targeted management of comorbidities alongside renal care may substantially improve patient welfare.

A bovine milk reference material was produced containing amoxicillin with a target concentration at the maximum residue limit. For the evaluation and characterization of the reference material, an isotope dilution-liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated. This material was prepared by collecting milk samples from cows treated with an appropriate amoxicillin injection, followed by freeze-drying, dilution, and homogenization of the authentic samples. The amoxicillin reference material, prepared in accordance with ISO Guide 35, was homogeneous and stable. It was assigned a certified value of (4.10 ± 0.13) μg/kg with a relative standard deviation between 2.93 and 5.29%, which meets the maximum residue limit (MRL) requirement of 4.0 μg/kg established by the United States, the European Union, and China. This reference material can be used for method validation and provides internal quality control assurance for the detection of amoxicillin.

Zoonotic pathogens in swine production can negatively impact both human and animal health, with the environment serving as a potential transmission vehicle. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. in the Colombian swine production chain using the One Health approach. Samples were collected from nine farms and two slaughterhouses in the departments of Antioquia, Cundinamarca, Valle del Cauca, and Meta. The analyzed samples included water, feed, pig and worker feces, organic material in treatment (manure treated and compost), and pig carcasses. These samples were analyzed using standard microbiological methods and the Molecular Detection System (MDS). The results showed Salmonella spp. prevalence rates of 15.47% in pigs, 9.4% in feed, 8.47% in water, and 2.56% in organic material. For E. coli O157, prevalence rates were 25.71% in pigs, 10% in feed, 22.22% in water, and 33.33% in organic material. The high prevalence and bacterial loads in water suggest it is a critical reservoir and a potential primary source of contamination in the production chain. Although these pathogens were not detected in workers, the zoonotic risk remains. Additionally, the prevalence of haemolytic enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), a major swine pathogen, was 40.1%. This study emphasizes the need to improve biosecurity and farm management practices to reduce the risk of environmental transmission, thereby minimizing public, occupational, and animal health risks. Implementing water treatment protocols and improving organic waste management are recommended to limit the spread of bacterial contamination. These actions are based on the 'One Health' approach, recognizing that animal health and ecosystem integrity are indivisible pillars of human health.

Brucellosis continues to pose a substantial zoonotic risk in Kazakhstan; however, evidence describing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of cattle farmers and veterinary personnel remains limited. A cross-sectional study was undertaken between May and October 2024 across twelve administrative locations nationwide. Structured questionnaires were administered to 506 cattle farmers and 33 veterinary professionals, and the data were evaluated using descriptive analyses and univariable logistic regression. Awareness of brucellosis in cattle was relatively high among farmers, yet understanding of its implications for human health was markedly lower. In contrast, animal health workers demonstrated consistently higher levels of knowledge (OR: 12.6; 95% CI: 9.88-16.34; p < 0.001). Several practices associated with zoonotic transmission were commonly reported by farmers, including handling aborted materials without protective gloves, consumption of unpasteurised milk, and leaving reproductive tissues in grazing areas. Nevertheless, most farmers expressed readiness to adopt preventive measures, particularly cattle vaccination and the use of basic protective practices. These findings reveal important gaps between awareness and behavior that may contribute to continued transmission of brucellosis. Strengthening farmer education through locally tailored, One Health-based interventions offers a practical pathway to improving brucellosis control and enhancing cattle productivity in Kazakhstan.