Polish journal of veterinary sciences最新文献

Diet has emerged as a key modulator of the gut microbiota, offering a potential strategy for disease prevention and management. This study investigated the effects of the Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome (GB) on 7 healthy dogs and 16 dogs with chronic gastrointestinal diseases (GI dogs). Our investigation monitored changes in body weight and the Canine Inflammatory Bowel Disease Activity Index (CIBDAI) in 16 GI dogs fed a GB diet. Additionally, we assessed the gut microbiota using 16S rRNA sequencing pre- (GI dogs) and post- (healthy dogs and GI dogs) administration of GB diet. In dogs with GI, a significant improvement in the severity of CIBDAI was observed post-feeding with the GB diet compared to the period pre-feeding, without any changes in body weight. Primary changes in the gut microbiome were marked by significant differences between healthy and GI dogs. However, post-feeding the GB diet in GI dogs, resulted in an increase in Turicibacter and a decrease in Escherichia-Shigella linked with gastrointestinal inflammation. In conclusion, the GB diet appears to positively influence the gut microbiota and clinical outcomes in dogs with GI. Future studies should explore these relationships by focusing on the long-term effects of diet on the gut health and disease management.

This is the first study aimed to investigate the innervation of the internal genital organs in 12-week-old female pig foetuses using single and double-labelling immunofluorescence methods. Immunostaining for protein gene product 9.5 (PGP, general neural marker) revealed that the most numerous PGP-positive nerve fibres were found in the mesenchyme of the uterovaginal canal height. Numerous nerve fibres were distributed in the uterine segment, less in the tubal segment of paramesonephric ducts (PD), and they usually occurred at the edge of the mesenchyme. A low number of fibres was visible in the developing ovary cortex and medulla. Many fibres expressed dopamine β-hydroxylase (DβH) and/or vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) in the studied period. Most DβH-positive nerve fibres were observed in all segments of PD. VAChT-positive were mainly distributed in the uterovaginal canal of PD. DβH/VAChT-positive nerve fibres were observed in the mesenchyme of all segments of the PD, but they were most common in the uterovaginal canal and the uterine segment of PD. In the ovary, nerves were mainly DβH-positive and single nerve fibres containing VAChT. Few DβH/VAChT-positive nerve fibres were observed in the ovary.

The aim of the study was to find out whether carriers of new genetic defect Muscle Weakness (MW) occur in the population of Polish Holstein-Friesian bulls. Fifty bulls were included in the analysis. Bulls were selected as having in the pedigree known carrier of MW. All bulls were diagnosed by DNA sequencing of CACNA1S gene containing single nucleotide substitution (rs3423414874) responsible for 97% of MW cases. Among 50 bulls, 19 MW carriers were found. Our results show that causal mutation for MW is already transmitted to Polish Holstein-Friesian cattle which is sufficient ground to take practical action in order to avoid further spreading of mutation causing MW.

The effects of T4 are mainly manifested by positive ino- and chronotropism. The syndrome accompanying hypothyroidism in rabbits (impaired myocardial contractility and reduced ejection capacity) is caused by a deficiency of thyroid hormones - especially T4. The study group consisted of a total of 41 animals: 15 males and 26 females, ranging in age from 2 months to 8 years, with echocardiogram showing reduced fractional shortening (<30%), with normal results of heamatological and biochemical tests. Blood was collected in order to measure T4 level. Echocardiographic examinations were performed with two-dimensional (2D) imaging, M-mode measurements and the pulsed/colour-labelled Doppler technique. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica 13.0. Correlations were determined: between serum thyroxine concentration and the value of the fraction of shortening in the groups: young animals (up to 5 years of age) and older animals, females and males, and sterilised and non-sterilised animals. Statistical analysis showed a positive correlation between T4 levels in the blood of the test animals and myocardial fractional shortening and heart rate and left-atrial to aortic ratio (LA/Ao) in the pre-treatment period. A positive correlation was also shown after dividing the patients into 2 groups based on their age (below 5 years vs. 5 years and over), sex (male and female rabbits) and fact of sterilization (yes/no). Our study unequivocally confirmed a positive correlation between the decreased serum T4 concentration and reduced fractional shortening, indicating decreased cardiac systolic function in hypothyroid rabbits.

Nicotine, the main toxic component of tobacco, directly or indirectly causes adverse effects on the liver metabolism. Melatonin, secreted by the pineal gland, has anti-apoptotic activity as well as antioxidant activity. The aim of this study was to reveal the antiapoptotic effects of melatonin in rats with experimentally induced chronic liver damage with nicotine. In this study, 32 male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: control, melatonin, nicotine and nicotine+melatonin. During the experiment, nicotine (1 mg/kg) and melatonin (10 mg/kg) were administered daily intraperitoneally for 56 days. At the end of the study, the liver tissues were taken for histopathological, immunohistochemical and molecular analysis. The administration of melatonin was determined to partially alleviate histopathological changes in the liver tissue induced by nicotine, such as hepatocyte degeneration, vascular dilatation and congestion, and leukocyte infiltration. It was observed that there was a significant decrease in Bax expression levels and a significant increase in Bcl-2 expression levels in the nicotine+melatonin group when compared to the injury group. On the other hand, it was determined that melatonin administration reduced the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, which was significantly higher in the nicotine group compared to the other groups, to a level close to the control group. Additionally, as a result of immunohistochemical evaluation, it was observed that decreased Bax expression and increased Bcl-2 expression in hepatocytes in the nicotine+melatonin group were at a level close to the control group. Our results revealed that melatonin is a hepatoprotective and effective antioxidant by suppressing cell apoptosis and increasing the rate of healing after damage at both the immunohistochemical and molecular levels.

Mupirocin is an effective antibiotic for infectious skin diseases. However, mupirocin is formulated as an ointment and is difficult to apply in canine systemic pyoderma. Therefore, many clinicians reformulate mupirocin off-label ointment into a spray. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial and antibiofilm effects of different concentrations of mupirocin spray (2%, 1%, and 0.5%) on Staphylococcus pseudintermedius over 21 days. Mupirocin spray was prepared by mixing mupirocin ointment and distilled water. The antibacterial effects were evaluated by measuring the optical density using broth microdilution assay and by live/dead staining. The antibiofilm activity of mupirocin spray was measured using a crystal violet staining method. All concentrations of mupirocin spray inhibited the growth of S. pseudintermedius. Mupirocin spray also inhibited biofilm formation of each isolate, although the degree of inhibition was influenced by the mupirocin concentration. The antibacterial and antibiofilm effects of mupirocin spray were maintained for 21 days. The 2% and 1% mupirocin sprays exhibited significantly better antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacy than the 0.5% mupirocin spray. Thus, 1-2% mupirocin spray may be effective for clinical use. Mupirocin spray is convenient and effective for the treatment of canine systemic pyoderma caused by S. pseudintermedius infection.

Constant antigenic changes, new variants and easy transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus should acquire greater zoonotic attention and need to remain alert. In this retrospective study the aim was to analyze seropositivity to SARS-CoV-2 in dogs by commercial ELISA. The Virus neutralization test (VNT) was modified for the purpose of confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in ELISA-positive dog sera. The sera were collected from 204 dogs from different veterinary clinics across Vojvodina Province, Serbia, during COVID-19 pandemic. For the screening of antibodies a commercial double multi-species antigen ELISA was used, followed by the VNT modified with SARS-CoV-2 as a confirmatory test. VNT was modified as "one step" test using local isolate of SARS-CoV-2 and the results were checked by cytopathic effect in cell culture on the 96-well microtiter plate. Obtained data have shown that 9 out of 204 dogs were positive by ELISA (4.4%), while 2 (0.97%) sera were doubtful. VNT confirmed 9 positive dogs, but 2 doubtful samples were negative, exhibiting the seroconversion to SARS-CoV-2 in 4.4% dogs from Vojvodina region during pandemic of COVID-19. VNT with SARS-CoV-2 helped to elucidate ELISA ambiguous results. The occurrence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in dogs in this study during COVID-19 pandemic suggested the possibility of viral transmission to dogs, implicating the potential for zoonotic transmission. This was the first research on seroconversion to SARS-CoV-2 in dogs from the Province of Vojvodina, the northernmost part of Serbia.

Acute ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease of the colon that is becoming increasingly prevalent. Yet, a growing body of evidence supports the efficacy of dietary interventions in preventing acute ulcerative colitis. Fermented beverages have been the focus of research in humans and animals for several years due to their potential to influence overall health functions with an emphasis on gut health. This research comprehensively explores the preventive effect of three fermented beverages (water kefir, dairy kefir, and kombucha) on acute ulcerative colitis in a CD-1 mouse model. Histopathological evaluation of the colon samples indicated that consumption of kombucha led to increased alleviation of the gross and histopathological lesions. Oral administration of kombucha positively affected overall intestinal microecological homeostasis by decreasing the coliform counts in this group contrasting the water and milk kefir groups. Moreover, physicochemical evaluation of the fermented beverages was conducted covering key parameters such as pH, acidity, total solids, radical scavenging activity and total phenolic content. Kombucha had the highest radical scavenging activity (85.61), total phenolic content (5.04 mg GAE/ mL), and total solids (0.70%), but the lowest pH (3.1) values. The findings from this research offer valuable insights into the distinct contribution of different fermented beverages on prevention of acute ulcerative colitis. Kombucha unravels a promising natural prevention approach for acute colitis, opening new perspectives for future research.

Poultry scientists are constantly studying different breeds of cockerels that would be suitable for capon meat production. Capon meat, although not yet very popular, is characterized by exceptional taste qualities that could appeal to many customers. Obtaining the appropriate palatability, structure and tenderness of capon meat is possible thanks to the reduction in androgen levels following the castration of roosters. Surgical or chemical castration affects the metabolism of fats, thus increasing their accumulation in the abdominal cavity, subcutaneous tissue and muscles. The main aim of our research was histological evaluation and analysis of the concentration and distribution of adipose tissue in muscles in Rhode Island Red cockerels and capons. In addition, we analysed the diameter of the pectoral muscle fibre. The experiment was performed on 200 Rhode Island Red cockerels; the testes were removed at 8 weeks of age. At 12, 16, 20, 24 and 28 weeks of age, 6 cockerels and 6 capons were slaughtered, and samples from the pectoral and thigh muscles were evaluated. Differences in the accumulation of adipose tissue with muscular atrophy (p<0.05) were observed in thigh muscles, with higher amounts in capons than in cockerels. All examined locations in the pectoral and thigh muscles of capons (around the blood vessels, in the perimysium, in the endomysium, and in the sarcoplasm) showed much higher concentrations of lipids compared to the levels in cockerels. The diameters of the pectoral muscle fibres were different (p<0.05) at 12 and 16 weeks of age, and the diameters of the giant fibres were different (p<0.05) at 12 and 20 weeks of age, with higher values in cockerels. The high concentration of lipids in the skeletal muscles of Rhode Island Red capons is impressive. These dual-purpose cockerel breeds can be a source of high-quality meat.

Proper management of cattle reproduction has a major impact on the efficiency and profitability of dairy production. Ultrasound examination and transrectal palpation or the pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) test are currently the most commonly used methods for pregnancy diagnosis. However, alternative methods to those mentioned above are constantly being sought in order to minimise stress during the examination, the cost of veterinary services and to reduce the rate of errors in pregnancy diagnosis. Non-invasive methods of pregnancy diagnosis in cows are being improved, which include the barium chloride test, sulphuric acid, seed germination test, measurement of progesterone, interferon-tau or interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), PAG, early pregnancy factor (EPF), estrone sulphate, thermography and electrocardiography. Over the past few decades, these methods have been extensively described. Some of these tests require blood, milk or urine for the diagnosis of pregnancy, while others require prolonged contact with the animal in order to take the appropriate measurements. Despite their advantages in terms of simplicity and lower cost compared with traditional methods of pregnancy diagnosis, they are sometimes problematic because of the difficulty of collecting material for testing. They allow the determination of a pregnancy without determining its age or pathology on the part of the development of the fetus and the reproductive system. They are also generally characterised by lower accuracy, sensitivity and specificity, which can have a negative impact on reproductive management and translate into the economics of dairy production. In the context of the above information, it appears that non-invasive methods of pregnancy diagnosis need to be further improved to minimise or eliminate the disadvantages cited.