Veterinary Quarterly最新文献

The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the significance of the human-animal interface in the emergence of zoonotic diseases, with wildlife serving as an important source of infection. A better understanding of the specific pathogens and mechanisms involved is vital to prepare against future outbreaks, especially in Southeast Asia, a hotspot for zoonotic diseases. This paper reviews the published literature on wildlife zoonoses in this region from 2012 to 2022. The results show a diverse range of potential zoonotic pathogens and the widespread occurrence of zoonotic diseases from wildlife. Drivers of zoonotic pathogen spillover include (i) environmental factors (e.g. animal habitat disruption, environmental conditions, exposure to contaminated water/food/soil), (ii) animal factors (e.g. movement patterns, age-related susceptibility), (iii) human factors (e.g. lack of awareness, poor hygiene practices, age, gender and income) and (iv) human-animal-environmental interface factors (e.g. close contact between humans and animals, exposure through visiting animals and presence of vectors). The diverse drivers of zoonoses in Southeast Asia put its communities at risk for infection. To mitigate these risks, global health efforts should consider adopting a One Health approach to foster collaboration across human, animal, and wildlife health sectors. This could involve educating communities on safe animal interactions and improving disease surveillance.

The diagnosis and management of lumbosacral pain in dogs is challenging, requiring thorough examination, with MRI playing a crucial diagnostic role. This retrospective study investigates the presence of high-intensity zones (HIZ) in the dorsal annulus fibrosus (AF) of the lumbosacral region on MRI and describes the corresponding histopathological features in dogs with intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. T2-weighted (T2W) and T1-weighted (T1W) sagittal MRI scans were evaluated using a classification system developed in human medicine to analyze HIZ characteristics. Among 836 dogs with IVD degeneration, 57 (6.8%) exhibited T2W HIZ, with a median age of 7 years and median weight of 33.7 kg. All cases with HIZ consistently exhibited radiological degenerative lumbosacral stenosis. The most common T2W HIZ shape was round (43%), while 14% of lesions also appeared hyperintense on T1W. Histopathological analysis of 11 dorsal AF samples collected during standard-of-care decompressive surgery revealed two patterns: reactive cystic structures (3/11) and granulation tissue (8/11), with differential MRI presentation. This is the first study to document HIZ in the lumbosacral level of dogs with IVD degeneration. With this recognition, prospective analyses and their correlation with clinical presentations will be essential in determining the role and prognostic significance of HIZ.

Developing a reliable, field ready estrus detection method is crucial for improving buffalo reproduction due to their subtle and poorly expressed estrus signs. This study investigated estrus phase-specific urinary metabolites in cyclic Murrah buffaloes (n=6) using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR). A total of 90 urinary metabolites were identified, with 15 consistently detected across all animals during the estrus phases (proestrus, estrus and diestrus). PCA highlighted p-cresol, ornithine, phenol, chlorogenate, quinolinate, hippurate and 2-hydroxyisobutyrate as key metabolites differentiating the estrus phases. PLS-DA identified p-cresol and phenol for estrus; chlorogenate and o-acetylcholine for proestrus and ornithine in diestrus as the potential urinary markers for detection of estrus phases based on their VIP scores greater than 1.5. Metabolic pathway analysis revealed that the glycerophospholipid pathway, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, aspartate and aldarate metabolism, and starch and sucrose metabolism were the major metabolic pathways involved in regulating and controlling estrus cycle. Notably, p-cresol and phenol exhibited significant abundance during estrus (over 9-fold and 5-fold, respectively), suggesting their potential as putative estrus detection biomarkers. However, given the limited sample size (n = 6), these findings should be considered preliminary, and independent validation in larger, well-characterized cohorts is needed to confirm diagnostic utility.

We isolated 6,561 Salmonella strains from food animals, cattle (n = 217), pigs (n = 1526), chickens (n = 3942), and ducks (n = 876). Isolates were evaluated for antimicrobial sensitivity, mutations in quinolone resistance determination regions (QRDRs), and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes. Clonal relationship and genetic diversity were assessed by multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Overall, 3.1% of isolates exhibited resistance to ciprofloxacin. Commonly identified mutations in QRDRs were S83F, D87N, and D87G in gyrA; T57S and S80I in parC; and L416F in parE. Furthermore, mutations differed by serotypes. In S. Albany, S83F mutation in gyrA and T57S in parC were prevalent, while in S. Kentucky, S83F and D87N in gyrA, T57S and S80I in parC; and in S. Indiana, S83F and D87G in gyrA, T57S and S80R in parC, and L416F in parE were common. Amongst PMQRs, qnrS was mainly observed in S. Albany, aac(6')-Ib-cr in S. Indiana, and qnrB1 in S. Albany. Among STs, ST198 S. Kentucky was predominant, followed by ST292 S. Albany and ST17 S. Indiana. Of 26 pulsotypes, KX1KA1 was mainly identified in S. Kentucky, AX1AA1 in S. Albany, and IX1IA1 in S. Indiana. Taken together, ciprofloxacin-resistant Salmonella can pose health hazards to humans and other animals.

SARS-CoV-2 infection susceptibility in dogs and cats has been documented, with identified risk factors contributing to transmission dynamics. Understanding viral prevalence and the evolution of emerging variants across pandemic waves can clarify the potential role of pets as reservoirs. This study evaluated 3298 serum samples (1921 dogs, 1377 cats) collected from 2020 to 2024. Samples were analyzed using ELISA and viral neutralization assays, revealing a positivity rate of 2.7%. We assessed neutralizing antibody titers (nAbs) against the Wuhan-Hu-1 and Omicron BA.1 strains, finding higher titers in felines compared to canines. A marked reduction in samples exceeding the detection limit was observed after November 2022. Longitudinal data from up to 30 months in a dog and 15 months in two cats demonstrated sustained antibody responses, with increased nAb titers in 7 of 14 monitored animals. Multivariable logistic regression of 275 samples indicated that a pet's vaccination status was associated with an increased risk of infection, while spring season, the owner's number of COVID-19 vaccinations, and the owner's vaccination status were protective factors. These results emphasize the significance of vaccination strategies for both human and animal health, supporting the One Health approach.

Canine respiratory coronavirus (CRCoV) is a prevalent pathogen implicated in canine infectious respiratory disease, yet information on its genomic characteristics and pathogenicity remains scarce. To address this situation, we investigated the genetic evolution and pathogenic potential of CRCoV strains circulating in China. Five complete CRCoV genomes (GenBank: PQ725948-PQ725952) were obtained from clinical samples, and phylogenetic analysis showed these strains formed a distinct genetic branch. The evolutionary trees for ORF1ab, HE, and S genes closely mirrored the full genome tree, indicating key roles for these genes in CRCoV evolution. Multiple unique amino acid mutations were identified in the ORF1ab, HE, S, M, and N proteins. Notably, molecular docking analysis suggests that mutations S158F and L161F in the HE lectin domain are associated with improved docking scores, indicating a potential increase in receptor-binding affinity. Consecutive nucleotide deletions in two non-coding regions between non-structural protein genes-which were also identified in strains of a Thai lineage (OQ621707.1-OQ621727.1)-were observed. A CRCoV strain (10⁶ TCID₅₀/mL) was isolated, and experimental infection confirmed its ability to induce pneumonia and tracheal cilia loss in dogs. These findings reveal the emergence and unique genetic diversity of a novel CRCoV variant in China, highlighting the need for ongoing epidemiological surveillance.

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the most common cardiovascular disease in small-breed dogs, and some affected dogs develop congestive heart failure (CHF). Although pimobendan is recommended to delay the onset of CHF, its effect on survival following CHF onset development remains unclear. This retrospective study evaluated the survival prognosis of 143 small-breed dogs diagnosed with first-time CHF due to MMVD, comparing pretreated (n = 54) and untreated (n = 89) groups. Pretreated dogs received cardiac medications including pimobendan for at least five weeks before CHF onset. Pretreated dogs had a significantly larger normalized left ventricular internal diameter (LVIDDN; p = 0.002) and higher left atrium-to-aortic root ratio (LA/Ao; p = 0.044) at CHF onset than untreated dogs. The median survival time after CHF onset was significantly longer in untreated dogs (481 days, 95% confidence interval (CI) 393-569 days) than in pretreated dogs (212 days, 95% CI 73-351 days; p = 0.028). Univariable Cox proportional hazards analysis identified pretreatment (p = 0.031), chordae tendineae rupture (p = 0.011), and the LA/Ao (p < 0.001) as significant predictors of survival. Our findings suggest that the administration of cardiac medications, including pimobendan, prior to the onset of CHF was not independently associated with improved survival following CHF.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) causes a highly contagious disease in pigs, and the intricacies of its host-pathogen interactions require further elucidation. Chinese Min piglets, known for their superior resistance to stress and disease, were compared with Yorkshire piglets to investigate breed-specific resistance mechanisms. We established PEDV infection models in both breeds and analyzed differences by assessing cytokine levels, viral loads, and histological changes in jejunal tissues. Transcriptomic analysis of jejunal tissues identified 5422 differentially expressed (DE) protein-coding genes (PCGs) and 1999 DE long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) between the two pig breeds. Functional annotation revealed that Yorkshire piglets exhibited upregulation of inflammatory and apoptotic pathways, whereas Chinese Min piglets displayed strong inflammatory responses and enhanced mucosal immunity. Notably, glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit 3 (G6PC3) expression was significantly higher in Chinese Min piglets than in Yorkshire piglets. Knockdown of G6PC3 in the intestinal porcine epithelial cell line J2 (IPEC-J2) resulted in increased PEDV replication and decreased expression of immune-related genes involved in the glycolysis/gluconeogenesis metabolism pathway. These findings highlight the distinct immune responses of Chinese Min and Yorkshire piglets to PEDV infection, and identify key PCGs and lncRNAs associated with PEDV immunity.

Cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) destruction is a hallmark of femoral head necrosis (FHN) in broilers. Chondrocytes undergo metabolic reprogramming under stress to maintain function. However, the metabolic alterations in FHN chondrocytes remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the overall changes of metabolic state in FHN chondrocytes and its functions. Femoral head cartilage of healthy and FHN broilers was collected for non-targeted metabolome and transcriptome analyses. Additionally, primary chondrocytes were isolated from femoral head cartilage of control (CON) and FHN broilers for bioenergetic analysis and mechanistic investigation. Multi-omics profiling revealed significant enrichment of the glycolysis pathway, decreased levels of tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolites (citrate and malate), upregulation of the lactate dehydrogenase A (Ldha) gene, and downregulation of genes encoding mitochondrial complexes in cartilage from FHN broilers. Compared with primary chondrocytes isolated from CON broilers, FHN primary chondrocytes exhibited elevated basal extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) and increased lactate production. Concurrently, the basal respiration of FHN chondrocytes was decreased, accompanied by unbalanced mitochondrial dynamics and decreased ATP production. Furthermore, fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FBP) or rotenone treatment was used to mimic the metabolic shift from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis, resulting in downregulation of matrix synthesis genes and upregulation of matrix degradation genes in CON primary chondrocytes. Glycolysis inhibition suppressed matrix degradation gene expression in FHN chondrocytes. These findings suggest that glycolytic reprogramming occurs in FHN chondrocytes, and targeting glycolysis may alleviate ECM destruction in FHN broilers, providing a novel insight into the pathological mechanisms of FHN.

Canine osteosarcoma (OSA) represents a highly aggressive malignancy known for its high rates of recurrence and metastatic potential. This study establishes and characterizes two novel OSA cell lines, OSA-424 and OSA-55, derived from osteoblastic and chondroblastic subtypes, respectively. We conducted a comparative analysis against the established canine chondrosarcoma line Mango. Comprehensive characterization included primary tumor imaging using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as histopathological evaluation and immunohistochemical (IHC) profiling. In vitro, functional analyses assessed cellular morphology, karyotypic stability, proliferative capacity, extracellular matrix (ECM) composition, proteomic profiling, migratory potential, invasive behavior, and in vivo tumorigenicity. Both cell lines demonstrated stable propagation beyond 40 passages while maintaining subtype-specific characteristics, with distinct ECM protein expression patterns identified. These validated cellular models provide essential resources for investigating the OSA heterogeneity and advancing the development of subtype-targeted therapeutics.