Veterinary Sciences最新文献

Porcine rotavirus (PoRV) is a significant enteric pathogen causing gastroenteritis in piglets, which causes huge economic loss to the Chinese pig industry. In this study, six porcine rotavirus A strains were isolated from three adjacent sow farms belonging to the same company within one year, which suffered severe diarrhea outbreaks. AHBZ2303 (G11P[7]) and AHBZ2305 (G9P[23]), AHBZ2304 (G9P[23]) and AHBZ2312 (G4P[6]), AHBZ2310 (G9P[23]) and AHBZ2402 (G5P[23]) were isolated from Farm A, B and C, respectively. All six isolates were related to human rotavirus through complete genome analysis, suggesting the potential cross-species infection between humans and pigs. Evolutionary analysis revealed that AHBZ2303 and AHBZ2304 likely emerged simultaneously in Farm A and B, and then AHBZ2304 was introduced to Farm A and C, leading to the emergence of AHBZ2305 and AHBZ2310. Recombination and large variation were identified for AHBZ2312 and AHBZ2402. These findings provided insights into the transmission and evolution of PoRV among farms and underscored the need for enhanced monitoring to mitigate the risk of outbreaks from novel variants.

MTs are prevalent in dogs, representing the most frequent oral malignancy, compared to cats, in which ocular melanomas predominate. This study investigates the canine and feline MT epidemiology (2005-2024) of cases submitted to the Veterinary Pathology Service (University of Perugia). Among the canine neoplasms, 845 (4%) were melanocytic: 329 (39%) melanocytomas; 512 (61%) melanomas. Of these, 485 (57%) were cutaneous (4% of canine cutaneous neoplasms), 193 (23%) were oral (50% of oral canine neoplasms), and 104 (12%) were mucocutaneous. The average age of affected dogs was 10 years. Older dogs were more likely to have melanomas compared to melanocytomas (p < 0.001). There were 60 (1%) feline MTs: 6 (10%) melanocytomas; 53 (88%) melanomas. Of these, 29 (48%) were cutaneous (1% of feline cutaneous tumors), 18 (30%) were ocular, and 9 (15%) were oral (22% of feline oral tumors). The average age of affected cats was 11 years. In dogs, mucocutaneous melanomas were more common compared to cutaneous ones (p < 0.05); oral melanomas were more common compared to all other sites (p < 0.001). In cats, ocular melanomas were more common compared to cutaneous ones (p < 0.05). Our study provides the MT prevalence in a selected canine and feline population, revealing MT epidemiological patterns, highlighting species-specific differences in the tumor prevalence, localization, and age distribution.

As part of the spine, the vertebral canal represents a central structure protecting the spinal cord running within it. Since alterations to the spinal canal and adjacent structures can have a significant impact on the spinal cord, knowledge of the physiological vertebral canal dimensions is essential. Compression of spinal nerves at the lumbosacral junction is the primary cause of cauda equina syndrome (CES). Although CES is common in dogs, it is rarely documented in cats. Given the lack of information on normal vertebral canal dimensions in cats, it is necessary to collect data and verify currently used measurements, to determine if and to what extent comparisons with dogs are valid. In 50 cats, interpedicular (ID) and midsagittal (SD) diameters were examined from the first thoracic (Th1) to the first sacral vertebra (S1). In 28 of these animals, the intervertebral disc width (IVDW) was measured. All data were gathered through gross anatomical dissection of the cats. Significant lumen reduction was evident in all cats from L6 to S1 with the narrowest point at S1. Narrowings were also found in the thoracic spine. The widest points coincide with the spinal cord enlargements. IVDW shows relatively constant values up to Th10-Th11 and peaks at L7-S1 in 95.65% of cats. While distinct similarities to dogs were observed, differences exist. The findings allow conclusions as to whether relations between the parameters and resulting predispositions to pathological changes can be derived. This could help the understanding of the pathogenesis of feline spinal diseases, particularly compressive myelopathies. Further studies are necessary to investigate the impact of age, sex and breed.

Mastitis is an important factor affecting the health of cows that leads to elevated somatic cell counts in milk, which can seriously affect milk quality and result in huge economic losses for the livestock industry. Therefore, the aim of this trial was to investigate the effect of melatonin on performance and mastitis in dairy cows. Forty-eight Holstein cows with a similar body weight (470 ± 10 kg), parity (2.75 ± 1.23), number of lactation days (143 ± 43 days), BCS (3.0-3.5), milk yield (36.80 ± 4.18 kg), and somatic cell count (300,000-500,000 cells/mL) were selected and randomly divided into four groups: control (CON group), trial Ⅰ (T80 group), trial Ⅱ (T120 group), and trial Ⅲ (T160 group). Twelve cows in trial groups I, II, and III were pre-dispensed 80, 120, and 160 mg of melatonin in edible glutinous rice capsules along with the basal ration, respectively, while the control group was fed an empty glutinous rice capsule along with the ration. The trial period was 37 days, which included a 7-day adaptive phase followed by a 30-day experimental period. At the end of the trial period, feeding was ended and the cows were observed for 7 days. Milk samples were collected on days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 37 to determine the somatic cell number and milk composition. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 15, 30, and 37 of the trial to determine the serum biochemical indicators, antioxidant and immune indicators, and the amount of melatonin in the blood. The results showed that the somatic cell counts of lactating cows in the CON group were lower than those in the T120 group on days 14 (p < 0.05) and 28 (p < 0.01) at 1 week after melatonin cessation. The milk protein percentage and milk fat percentage of cows in the T120 group were higher than those in the CON group (p < 0.01). The total protein and globulin content in the T120 group were higher than those in the CON group (p < 0.01). In terms of antioxidant capacity and immunity, the cows 1 week after melatonin cessation showed higher superoxide dismutase activity and interleukin-10 contents (p < 0.01) compared with the CON group and lower malondialdehyde and tumor necrosis factor-alpha contents (p < 0.01) compared with the T120 group. The melatonin content in the T120 group was increased relative to that in the other groups. In conclusion, exogenous melatonin can increase the content of milk components, reduce the somatic cell count, and improve the antioxidant capacity and immune responses to a certain extent. Under the experimental conditions, 120 mg/day melatonin is recommended for mid- to late-lactation cows.

As a cornerstone of higher education in China, the quality of undergraduate teaching is crucial for nurturing high-caliber innovative talents that meet the needs of national and social development. Small-class teaching has emerged as a focal point in the reform of undergraduate education and represents an important approach to cultivating top-notch innovative talents. Veterinary medicine is a scientific discipline that encompasses the prevention, control, diagnosis, and treatment of animal diseases. It also involves efforts to prevent the transmission of animal diseases to humans. The training of professionals in this field should emphasize the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Therefore, small-class teaching facilitates open communication between educators and students, which is instrumental in fostering a new generation of veterinarians equipped with robust professional knowledge, excellent practical abilities, and strong scientific literacy. This paper provides a preliminary exploration into the strategy and direction of small-class teaching within China's veterinary medicine undergraduate programs by summarizing its characteristics, advantages, and existing challenges. The unique traits of veterinary medicine are also taken into consideration during this analysis.

Effective clinical reasoning is essential for veterinary medical education, particularly in managing complex cases. This review explores strategies for learning clinical reasoning by veterinary medical learners, using a case example of mastitis to illustrate key concepts. Clinical reasoning encompasses cognitive, metacognitive, social, and situational activities, yet the literature on practical applications in veterinary education remains limited. The review discusses various stages of clinical reasoning, including data collection, problem representation, differential diagnosis, and management planning. It emphasizes the importance of integrating client-centered care and iterative evaluation into the clinical decision-making process. Key learning strategies include facilitation in using the domains of clinical reasoning-concepts, data collection, and analysis, taking action, and reflection on encounters. This review highlights best practices such as forward and backward reasoning, reflective practice, and the use of practical examples to enhance learners' diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes. The insights provided aim to enhance the training of veterinary learners, ensuring they can navigate day 1 as well as complex cases with improved diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.

Canine inflammatory mammary carcinoma (IMC) is an aggressive and rare type of mammary gland cancer in dogs where vascular endothelial growth factor and cyclooxigenase-2 overexpression usually occur, which contribute to its invasive and angiogenic nature. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combined treatment regimen of toceranib phosphate and carprofen in dogs with measurable IMC. Fifteen female dogs with histopathologically confirmed IMC were included, undergoing a regimen of toceranib (2.4-2.75 mg/kg PO, three times weekly) and carprofen (4.4 mg/kg/24 h PO). Initial evaluations included physical exams, tumor measurements, complete blood count, biochemistry, urinalysis, three view thoracic radiographs, and abdominal ultrasound. Follow-up assessments of physical condition and quality of life (QOL) were conducted bi-weekly, with tumor response evaluations monthly, using RECIST v1.0 criteria. While no complete or partial responses were observed, 60% of the dogs maintained stable disease, with a median progression-free survival of 76 days and an overall survival of 90 days. Notably, 60% of the dogs showed clinical benefit through improved QOL and disease stabilization. The treatment was well-tolerated, with only grade I/II toxicities reported. Despite limited biological activity against the cancer, this protocol may enhance QOL in dogs with IMC, offering a valuable palliative option.

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a very common cause of spinal cord compression in dogs. The errors of human surgeons operating on the wrong level or wrong side is a recognized problem and has been largely analyzed. To date, little information is available regarding these errors in dogs. The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of disc localization prior to possible surgery for IVDD to ensure the surgeon begins their incision directly over the extruded disc. Eighty-five chondrodystrophic or brachycephalic dogs that presented with IVDD confirmed by CT or MRI scan were included in the study. Two small Backhaus clamps were placed cranial and caudal to the lesion site and a control clamp placed at the wing of the ilium. The main interest was whether the surgeon was able to preoperatively pinpoint the correct site for the surgery. Dorsoventral radiographs were taken to verify by another person if the clamps had been placed in the correct position. If the result was incorrect, the surgeon was asked to try again without knowing that the clamps were incorrect, and another radiograph was taken. This was repeated until the position was correct. The results were recorded as correct or incorrect and the number of attempts were registered. The results suggested no significant trend over time for any of the outcomes examined. There were some slight improvements over time, but none of the results was close to statistical significance. The findings of the study showed that in the thoracolumbar region the surgeon has a higher chance of incorrectly marking the exact site for surgery.

In this study, genome-wide association analysis was performed on the growth traits (body height, body length, chest circumference, chest depth, chest width, tube circumference, and body weight) of Inner Mongolian cashmere goats (Erlangshan type) based on resequencing data. The population genetic parameters were estimated, haplotypes were constructed for the significant sites, and association analysis was conducted between the haplotypes and phenotypes. A total of two hundred and eighty-four SNPs and eight candidate genes were identified by genome-wide association analysis, gene annotation, and enrichment analysis. The phenotypes of 16 haplotype combinations were significantly different by haplotype analysis. Combined with the above results, the TGFB2, BAG3, ZEB2, KCNJ12, MIF, MAP2K3, HACD3, and MEGF11 functional candidate genes and the haplotype combinations A2A2, C2C2, E2E2, F2F2, I2I2, J2J2, K2K2, N2N2, O2O2, P2P2, R1R1, T1T1, W1W1, X1X1, Y1Y1, and Z1Z1 affected the growth traits of the cashmere goats and could be used as molecular markers to improve the accuracy of early selection and the economic benefits of breeding.

Plant extracts, derived from various natural sources, encompass primary and secondary metabolites, which include plant polysaccharides, polyphenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, terpenes, and volatile oils. These compounds exhibit a range of biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial functions. Currently, polyphenols and other bioactive compounds are being incorporated into the diets of farm animals, fish, and pets to promote health benefits. Despite this, the application and potential of plant extracts in canine and feline nutrition have not been comprehensively explored. Many aspects of the mechanisms underlying the action of these plant metabolites remain to be analyzed and elucidated. Furthermore, leveraging natural plant extracts for the treatment of clinical conditions in dogs and cats is a crucial component of clinical nutrition. Consequently, this review aims to highlight the impact of plant extracts on overall health, gastrointestinal health, immune health, cardiovascular health, redox balance, and pathology in dogs and cats.