Journal of Veterinary Medical Science最新文献

This report describes two dogs with high-grade multicentric B-cell lymphoma that relapsed 3 months after completing a 6-month-long chemotherapy regimen with L-asparaginase, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone (L-CHOP). Both were re-treated with L-CHOP, achieving complete remission (CR) before undergoing sequential half-body irradiation (HBI; 6 Gy per fraction to cranial and caudal body, 2 weeks apart). Caudal HBI caused grade 3 gastrointestinal toxicity in both dogs and grade 3 thrombocytopenia in one; however, both remain in CR at the time of writing this report (i.e., 483 and 490 days post-relapse). These findings suggest that combining HBI with chemotherapy may offer benefits in relapsed canine lymphoma, especially when dogs are in CR at the time of HBI.

This study investigated the relationship between herd average annual somatic cell count (Herd SCC) and epidemiological indicators of intramammary infection (IMI) in the nonlactating period. We also aimed to establish a predictive model and benchmark based on epidemiological indicators of non-lactating IMI (IMI indicators) for a dairy herd in Hokkaido, Japan. Individual SCC data were extracted from 3 years of dairy herd improvement (DHI) data from 3,173 dairy farms in Hokkaido, and three IMI indicators were calculated: first-calving cow infection rate (FCIR) from first-time DHI results, dry cow cure rate (DCR), and dry cow new infection rate (DNIR) based on pre- and postpartum DHI results. A SCC of ≥200,000 cells/mL in individual cows was defined as IMI, and IMI indicators were then calculated. Dairy farms were classified into five levels based on the Herd SCC shown in the DHI data. Significant correlations were observed between Herd SCC and all IMI indicators ( ρ =0.37-0.44). The correlations suggested significant positive relationships between Herd SCC, and average FCIR and average DNIR, respectively, and a significant negative relationship between Herd SCC and average DCR. Generalized linear model analysis confirmed the significance of the correlation between Herd SCC and IMI indicators, even after adjusting for environmental and management factors, such as housing system (P<0.01). By comparing the benchmarks obtained in this study, dairy farmers can achieve IMI control through appropriate management in the non-lactating period based on target values for improvement, depending on Herd SCC.

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a hypersensitivity lung disorder caused by chronic exposure to Aspergillus fumigatus (Af). Existing mouse models do not fully capture the severity of ABPA. This study developed a novel murine model of ABPA using the spontaneously eosinophilic Yama mouse. Female Yama and BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged with Asp f1, a major allergen derived from Af. Peripheral eosinophil counts, serum IgE levels, and histopathological changes in the lungs, including goblet cell hyperplasia, mucus plugging, collagen deposition, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and CD117/c-kit expression, were assessed. Cytokine and fibrosis-related gene mRNA expression of interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and Col1a1 was also measured. Compared to BALB/c mice, Asp f1-challenged Yama mice exhibited sustained eosinophilia, increased IgE, pronounced goblet cell hyperplasia with mucus plugging, collagen deposition, and elevated eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) expression. Yama mice also showed more significant peribronchial inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis. RT-PCR analysis demonstrated substantial increases in IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, and Col1a1 transcripts, indicating a Th2-dominant immune profile and enhanced fibrotic activity. The minimal differences in TGF-β expression between Asp f1- and saline-treated mice indicate that fibrosis in Yama mice may proceed via a TGF-β-independent pathway. These findings establish the Yama mouse as a novel model for ABPA research, closely replicating the immunopathological features of severe human ABPA. This model provides a reliable platform to investigate eosinophil-driven lung fibrosis mechanisms and evaluate hypersensitivity responses contributing to human ABPA onset and progression.

We examined the orbicularis oculi (OC) muscle and its innervation among the markedly modified facial muscles of odontocetes, clarifying features related to secondary adaptations to aquatic life. The OC muscle has been described as a well-developed sphincter encircling the eye in cetaceans; however, this study revealed two distinct types of OC morphology among odontocetes. In specimens from the families Kogiidae and Ziphiidae, the muscle bundles of the OC completely encircled the palpebral fissure in concentric circles, similar to that of Bovidae specimens. However, in specimens from Phocoenidae and Delphinidae, the OC featured a muscular area with muscle fibers and an aponeurotic area comprising collagen fibers lacking facial nerve distribution. Our results suggest that this aponeurotic area was acquired in the common ancestor of species within the Delphinoidea superfamily, and that the upper eyelid is less mobile than the lower eyelid. The palpebral branches, which originate from the facial nerve, extend from the lower to the upper palpebral regions in the examined odontocetes, showing a clear difference from the entry course seen at the lateral canthus in artiodactyls. The proximal palpebral branches diverged directly from the facial nerve trunk, forming a characteristic diverging point distal to that of artiodactyls. These branches probably correspond to the auriculopalpebral nerve, which has lost the rostral auricular branch component. The morphological changes in cetacean heads also led to changes in the branching pattern and pathway of the facial nerve.

The mechanism of multi-azole antifungal resistance in the dermatophyte Microsporum canis was investigated through a transcriptome analysis of the multi-azole-resistant strain LLP25-013. Strain LLP25-013 was cultured with and without itraconazole (ITCZ), after which total RNA was extracted from mycelial samples. Whole-RNA sequencing was performed using a DNBSEQ-G400 system. A total of 8,846 expressed genes were detected in samples of both total RNAs from both ITCZ-treated and ITCZ-free samples. Genes sequenced with more than 10,000 reads were selected from ITCZ-treated and ITCZ-free samples, and the expression levels were compared. Treatment with ITCZ upregulated the expression of 63 genes compared with no ITCZ treatment. By contrast, ITCZ treatment downregulated the expression of 253 identified genes. ITCZ addition reduced the expression of many genes in M. canis, which could be related to the broad-spectrum antifungal drug resistance of this organism. Among the upregulated genes, the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter gene is involved in resistance in other dermatophytes. Co-culture of strain LLP25-013 with milbemycin and other azoles suggested that the isolate acquired azole resistance through high expression of the ABC transporter.

Arterial distribution to the tensor fasciae antebrachii (TFA) muscle is little described in the veterinary literature. In this study, we investigated TFA vascularity intra- and inter-specifically, using specimens obtained from dogs, cattle, pigs, and horses at necropsy. Canine TFA specimens showed vascularity from the collateral ulnar artery in all cases, and from the thoracodorsal artery in some cases, with no brachial or deep brachial arterial vascularity. Bovine TFA specimens showed vascularity from the thoracodorsal artery. All porcine TFA specimens showed deep brachial arterial vascularity. Equine TFA specimens showed strong subscapular arterial vascularity, as well as some supply from branches of the deep brachial artery. This article will encourage further active research.

Diaphragmatic hernia, the protrusion of abdominal organs through a congenital defect or traumatic rupture of the diaphragm, has rarely been documented in wildlife. We report a severe traumatic diaphragmatic hernia in a juvenile female raccoon dog. Postmortem examination revealed a herniation at the Bochdalek site in the right dorsolateral part of the diaphragm, with extensive intestinal and hepatic displacement into the right thoracic cavity. Rib osseous callus indicated healed fractures of the 7th and 8th right ribs. These findings provide an understanding of traumatic diaphragmatic hernias and contribute to the pathological assessment of wildlife health.

Neutrophil recruitment to inflamed tissue is mediated by adhesion molecules and chemokine signaling. Fuzapladib sodium hydrate (FZP) has been reported to reduce neutrophil infiltration, but its broader effect on adhesion molecules in dogs remains unclear. This study investigated the influence of FZP on canine aortic endothelial cells (CnAOEC) and primary neutrophils under cytokine stimulation. CnAOEC were treated with recombinant canine tumor necrosis factor alpha (rh-cTNFα) or lipopolysaccharide together with FZP, while neutrophils isolated from healthy dogs were preincubated with FZP before rh-cTNFα stimulation for gene and protein expression analyses. Expression of endothelial E-selectin, P-selectin, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) was quantified by qPCR. Neutrophil C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 2, P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1), and L-selectin were also analyzed using qPCR. In addition, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 and leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) were determined using ELISA and flow cytometry, respectively. Neutrophil adhesion to FZP-treated endothelial monolayers was evaluated under static conditions. FZP significantly downregulated endothelial P-selectin at the highest dose, whereas ICAM-1 was upregulated. In neutrophils, FZP decreased L-selectin and PSGL-1 expression at the highest concentration. These findings suggest that FZP selectively modulates early adhesion through suppression of P-selectin, L-selectin, and PSGL-1, which may weaken rolling and tethering interactions between cells. Although functional adhesion effects were limited, these molecular responses provide further insight into the anti-inflammatory effect of FZP.

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is the causative agent of enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL), a common neoplastic disease in cattle. Since animals with high BLV proviral load (PVL) pose a greater transmission risk, identifying cattle with low PVL is crucial for herd management. Certain bovine leukocyte antigen (BoLA)-DRB3 alleles- DRB3*009:02, DRB3*014:01:01, and DRB3*002:01-are strongly associated with low PVL in Holstein cattle and thus can serve as markers for genetic resistance. In this study, we developed a rapid, cost-effective allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR) assay using sequence-specific primers to detect these three alleles. The assay was validated through both synthesized DNA and genomic DNA samples from pre-genotyped cattle, showing 100% sensitivity and 94% specificity compared with PCR-sequence-based typing (SBT). The detection limit was 0.8 ng/reaction. A two-stage pooling approach allowed high-throughput screening of field samples, and analysis of 444 cattle revealed that 27.0% carried at least one target allele. Considering only standard PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis are required, this assay is accessible to basic laboratories without advanced equipment or bioinformatics expertise. Moreover, it enables rapid genotyping of BLV resistance markers, offering a practical tool for genetic selection and disease control in dairy farms, especially those in high-BLV-prevalence regions.

Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome (TNS) is a rare, fatal, autosomal recessive disease in Border Collies. A 7-month-old female Border Collie with TNS presented with fever, diarrhea, occasional vomiting, lameness, and severe neutropenia. The diagnosis was confirmed by bone marrow examination and vacuolar protein sorting-associated protein 13B (VPS13B) gene mutation analysis. Initial treatment with prednisolone improved symptoms; however, relapse occurred during tapering, and the addition of cyclosporine resolved the symptoms, allowing successful tapering of prednisolone. The dog remained symptom-free for 7.4 months and survived for 33 months. Cyclosporine may be associated with increased C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 mRNA expression, possibly reducing the risk of infection and fever. Based on these findings, a combination of cyclosporine and prednisolone may represent a potential treatment option for TNS.