Journal of Veterinary Medical Science最新文献

ELISA antibody titers against Rhodococcus equi strain ATCC 6939 were measured in serum samples collected from 644 horses aged 1-21 years at 13 provinces and the capital of Mongolia, of which 631 (98%) samples showed values of approximately zero. The mean antibody titers in the 14 areas ranged from -0.08 to -0.01. Nine samples (1.4%) exhibited titers of 0.1-0.2, and surprisingly, four horses (0.6%) each aged 2, 5, 8, and 9 years demonstrated positive values in the range of 0.3-0.8. Considering the age resistance characteristic of this disease, the positive horses were hypothesized to exhibit nonspecific reactions against R. equi antigens, potentially attributable to underlying infections, such as Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection, or others as unidentified factors. Further investigation of these positive sera could potentially reveal previously unknown infectious diseases.

Influenza D virus (IDV), a respiratory pathogen primarily affecting cattle, is known to have the potential to infect a wide range of animal species. In this study, a novel IDV strain, designated D/JLSL and belonging to the D/Yama2019 lineage, was isolated from a stillborn bovine fetus. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all 7 genomic segments of the D/JLSL cluster within the D/Yama2019 lineage. Notably, the hemagglutinin-esterase-fusion (HEF) protein of D/JLSL exhibits 7 amino acid substitutions compared with the 3 previously characterized D/Yama2019 strains. These findings suggest that D/JLSL may represent a distinct variant within the D/Yama2019 lineage. This study marks the first identification and genetic characterization of IDV from the D/Yama2019 lineage in a stillborn bovine fetus, highlighting the need for further surveillance to elucidate its prevalence and biological properties.

Coxiella-like endosymbionts (CLEs) are obligate nutritional mutualists of ticks that are thought to supplement B vitamins and other essential metabolites that are deficient in the tick's blood meal. Extensive colonization of CLEs has been observed in the ovaries and Malpighian tubules of several tick species, including Haemaphysalis longicornis. Despite experimental evidence linking symbionts to host fitness, their roles in blood feeding remain poorly understood. Here, we conducted a comparative transcriptomic analysis of CLE genes in adult female H. longicornis ticks before and two days after feeding. CLE genes were identified by mapping RNA-seq data onto the putative CLE genomes derived from the draft genome assembly of H. longicornis. Our analysis explored the potential function of CLEs during the early stage of blood feeding. The results revealed abundant expression of genes involved in B vitamin biosynthesis and enrichment of Gene Ontology terms associated with biotin and ubiquinone biosynthesis. Although most expressed CLE genes were shared between the two organs, gene expression patterns in response to blood feeding differed between the Malpighian tubules and ovaries. These findings suggest that CLEs in the Malpighian tubules and ovaries exhibit distinct functions during the early stage of blood feeding. Overall, this study provides a fundamental basis for identifying potential targets in anti-tick control strategies and enhances our understanding of how blood feeding impacts tick physiology.

Domestic cat hepatitis B virus (DCHBV), shares similarities with human hepatitis B virus (HBV) which is associated with liver disease. We report the first case of cholangiocarcinoma in a 17-year-old spayed female cat infected with DCHBV and positive for feline immunodeficiency virus. The patient presented with vomiting, anorexia, and an elevated globulin level. Ultrasonography revealed multiple hypoechoic hepatic lesions, and histopathology confirmed cholangiocarcinoma. The tumor exhibited CK7 positivity and HepPar-1 negativity, confirming biliary origin. Quantitative PCR detected DCHBV in the spleen and ascitic fluid, while immunohistochemistry and RNA in situ hybridization revealed viral antigen and mRNA in both tumor and non-tumor liver. The presence of a viral antigen and mRNA in neoplastic tissue suggests a potential role for DCHBV in hepatobiliary carcinogenesis.

This retrospective study evaluated 83 cats with a single extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (PSS)-Portocaval (n=1), Left gastroazygos (n=2), Left gastrocaval (n=9), Left gastrophrenic (n=24), and Splenosystemic (n=47)-to evaluate whether the prevalence and severity of renomegaly in cats with extrahepatic PSS differ by shunt type, and to assess associations with computed tomography (CT)-based portal perfusion, and serum biochemical parameters. Renal size was quantified using the kidney length-to-the second lumbar vertebral length ratio (K/L2 ratio), and portal perfusion by the portal vein diameter-to-aortic diameter ratio (PV/Ao ratio). These indices were compared between shunt types and correlated with biochemical parameters. The Left gastrocaval group showed the highest mean K/L2 ratio (2.88 ± 0.24) and 100% prevalence of renomegaly, compared to the Left gastrophrenic (2.39 ± 0.23; 37.5%) and Splenosystemic groups (2.21 ± 0.16; 12.8%). Conversely, the median PV/Ao ratio was the lowest in the Left gastrocaval group (0.56 [0.47-0.61]), intermediate in the Left gastrophrenic group (0.89 [0.60-0.95]), and highest in the Splenosystemic group (1.12 [0.90-1.15]), indicating varied severity of portal hypoperfusion. Renal size and portal perfusion showed a significant inverse correlation (r_s=-0.521, P<0.001). Renomegaly was also associated with higher ammonia and lower blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine concentrations. In conclusion, renomegaly severity is inversely correlated with portal perfusion and varies significantly among shunt types. These findings, combined with associations with hepatic dysfunction markers, suggest that renomegaly may serve as a clinically relevant indicator of disease severity in cats with extrahepatic PSS.

The size of the aortic root (ARS) is of clinical relevance particularly in cats with suspected systemic hypertension and in the echocardiographic diagnosis of left atrial (LA) enlargement using the LA dimension to aortic annulus ratio. There are no prospective data on ARS in healthy cats. The study objective was to determine reference values and 95% prediction intervals for two-dimensional (2D) echocardiographic variables of ARS in cats. We hypothesized that ARS in healthy cats is primarily dependent on body weight (BW) and age. Study type was retrospective, cross-sectional, observational, and clinical cohort. 220 apparently healthy client-owned adult cats were enrolled and 2D echocardiograms analyzed. Systolic and diastolic dimensions of the aortic valve, the sinus of Valsalva, the sinotubular junction, the ascending aorta, and sinus height were evaluated. Reference values and 95% prediction intervals were determined using raw data and values after allometric transformation (Y=a x M^b). The effect of BW, sex, breed, and age was determined. Proportionality constants (α) and allometric scaling exponents (b) were computed for all variables and reference values and 95% prediction intervals for the study sample determined. BW and age, but not sex and breed, were independent predictors of ARS. Cats >12 years old had significantly (adjusted P<0.05) larger ARS compared to cats 1-2, >2-6, and >6-12 years old. The effects of BW and age must be considered for decision-making when using echocardiographic ARS variables in clinical practice.

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a progressive inflammatory disorder characterized by pancreatic fibrosis and loss of exocrine function. Interleukin-19 (IL-19) is an anti-inflammatory cytokine, but its role in the pathogenesis of CP remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the protective function of IL-19 using an ethanol/lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced murine CP. CP was induced in wild-type (WT) and IL-19 knockout (KO) mice by administration of ethanol in drinking water combined with repeated intraperitoneal injections of LPS (3 mg/kg) for 10 weeks. Pancreatic injury, inflammation, and fibrosis were assessed histologically and molecularly. IL-19 KO mice developed markedly more severe pancreatitis than WT mice, as evidenced by elevated serum amylase levels, extensive fibrosis, acinar cell necrosis, loss of pancreatic architecture, and prominent inflammatory infiltration. In contrast, WT mice exhibited only mild pancreatic injury with largely preserved acinar structure. mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and transforming growth factor-β in the pancreas were significantly higher in IL-19 KO mice, consistent with enhanced inflammatory and fibrotic responses. Notably, pancreatic IL-19 mRNA expression was significantly upregulated in CP, suggesting an endogenous compensatory mechanism. IL-19 deficiency worsens ethanol/LPS-induced chronic pancreatitis, indicating that endogenous IL-19 protects against inflammation and fibrosis and may serve as a therapeutic target.

Canine obesity-related metabolic disorder (ORMD) is a condition derived from human metabolic syndrome. Although there are several indicators shared between both species, such as obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia, the repercussions of canine ORMD are not clearly established. This study aimed to evaluate the suitability of canine ORMD indicators and their association with other paraclinical parameters. Obese dogs (body condition score 7-9, n=39) were included in this study and classified according to the literature in ORMD-positive or negative. Subsequently, they were evaluated for blood pressure, hematological, biochemical, hormonal and urine analysis. Discriminant capacity and cut-off values were determined for systolic blood pressure, glycemia, serum triglycerides and cholesterol. All ORMD-positive dogs showed hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia, with a homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance mean value above the reference interval, which could reflect a certain insulin resistance status. Total cholesterol did not differ between groups, but serum triglycerides, as well as systolic blood pressure, tended to be higher in ORMD-positive dogs. Leukocyte count, lymphocyte count, total proteins and globulins were higher in ORMD-positive dogs, which could suggest an immune-inflammatory disorder in this group of patients. In conclusion, ORMD positive dogs developed insulin resistance and alterations in their hematological and protein profile towards a pro-inflammatory state. Total cholesterol concentration should be revised as a marker for ORMD.

This longitudinal study evaluated whether an introductory laboratory animal science lecture changes first-year veterinary students' compassion toward laboratory animals. A pre- and post-lecture survey revealed a significant increase in total compassion scores. The educational impact varied based on students' backgrounds; for instance, significant score increases were observed in students with prior pet ownership and those without experience in animal protection activities. Improvements were notable in attitudes toward allowing natural behaviors and the importance of legal regulations. A slight decrease in some anti-compassion item scores was also observed, potentially indicating the early formation of a professional utilitarian perspective. These findings suggest that foundational education is effective in enhancing compassion, suggesting that science-based knowledge is crucial for developing the professional ethical framework essential for a "culture of care".

Acceptable euthanasia methods must rapidly induce unconsciousness and death without pain or distress. We evaluated intraperitoneal thiamylal sodium (TM; 150 mg/kg; hereafter TM150) in male Sprague-Dawley, Wistar, and Fischer 344 rats. TM produced immobilization, loss of righting reflex, respiratory arrest, and cardiac arrest in all strains, with the shortest latencies in Fischer 344. Plasma chemistry showed strain-dependent shifts, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST) increases and variable alanine aminotransferase (ALT) responses; chloride and calcium showed small, non-uniform changes across strains, and most values remained within commonly cited reference ranges. These findings most likely reflect perimortem physiology and methodological factors superimposed on strain baselines rather than primary organ injury. TM150 is therefore effective for rat euthanasia, although post-TM plasma biochemistry should be interpreted cautiously.