Polish journal of veterinary sciences最新文献

This study aimed to determine species-specific echocardiographic parameters in rehabilitated and clinically healthy white storks (Ciconia ciconia) using transcoelomic echocardiography, providing essential reference values for avian cardiovascular assessment. Thirty-seven white storks admitted to the Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa Veterinary Faculty Rehabilitation Center were evaluated after a 3-month observation period. Only clinically healthy individuals were included. Echocardiographic measurements were performed using a transcoelomic approach without anesthesia. Cardiac parameters, including interventricular septal thickness (IVSd, IVSs), left ventricular dimensions (LVIDd, LVIDs, LVPWd, LVPWs), functional indices (fractional shortening, ejection fraction), and Doppler-derived hemodynamic values, were recorded and analyzed statistically. All individuals exhibited normal cardiac morphology and hemodynamics. No significant differences were observed between male and female storks (p>0.05). The ejection fraction ranged from 23% to 97%, and interventricular septal thickness in diastole (IVSd) was between 0.27 and 0.86 cm. Fractional shortening varied from 14% to 75%. Hemodynamic measurements, including mitral valve inflow velocities and aortic flow parameters, were comparable to values reported in other large avian species. No pathological jet flow or valvular regurgitation was detected via color Doppler imaging. This study establishes the first echocardiographic reference ranges for white storks, offering valuable insights into avian cardiac physiology. The findings contribute to wildlife rehabilitation, providing a diagnostic baseline for assessing cardiovascular health in migratory birds. Future studies incorporating larger sample sizes and age-based comparisons will enhance our understanding of species-specific cardiac adaptations.

Working dogs are professionally trained canines that assist humans in various tasks, with a long-standing history. Their traditional roles primarily include military dogs, police dogs, herding dogs, and guide dogs. With societal progress and the diversification of human needs, working dogs have emerged in roles and applications far beyond the traditional fields they have historically been associated with. This review describes and analyzes these developing roles and explores the scientific basis, outcomes, and trends behind them. Common non-traditional areas of working dog applications include animal-assisted therapy (AAT), biological disease detection, and animal-assisted education (AAE). Additionally, working dogs may be used in interventions such as prison and drug rehabilitation centers, wildlife protection, and special odor search and location. These roles not only broaden the scope of working dog use and increase their economic value, but also show potential for significant societal benefits.

The aim of this study was to develop a PCR-RFLP diagnostic test to detect the causal mutation for Bovine Lymphocyte Intestinal Retention Deficiency (BLIRD). A total of 217 bulls were tested, including 112 bulls being sons of a known BLIRD-carrier sire and 105 bulls used in insemination from 2020 - 2024 with no indication of BLIRD in their pedigree data. Genomic DNA was isolated from the commercial semen straw. The method developed for identifying the causative BLIRD mutation involved PCR amplification of a 412 base pair fragment of the ITGB7 gene and its digestion with the restriction enzyme Ssi I, which allowed for the clear and cost-effective genotyping of BLIRD. In the first group of 112 bulls, 60 BLIRD carriers and 2 BLIRD-affected bulls were identified. They were sons of internationally known top sires, Manfred (US2183007), Convincer (US2249055) and Justice (US22358313). In the second group of 105 bulls, 7 BLIRD carriers were found, giving a frequency of 6.67% among bulls born within the last five years. Further research should be conducted on a larger number of bulls, particularly those for which there is a risk of carrier status based on the bull's pedigree.

Semen extenders are pivotal in maintaining the integrity and quality of avian sperm throughout the storage period. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of three commonly used extenders, Lake (LAKE), Beltsville Poultry Semen Extender (BPSE), and EK extender, in the storage of Aseel rooster semen at 5°C for 48 hours. The control group was provided with Lactated Ringer's solution. Spermatological analyses were conducted at 0, 24, and 48 hours to evaluate the time-dependent effects of these extenders on sperm motility, viability, morphological changes, mitochondrial function, membrane functionality, and both acrosome and plasma membrane integrity in sperm cells. The results indicated that the BPSE and EK extenders exhibited higher total and progressive motility rates compared to the control and LAKE extenders at 24 and 48 hours. Additionally, morphological damage rates were lower in the EK and BPSE extenders than in the LAKE extender at these time points. Mitochondrial activity was higher in the EK extender than in the LAKE extender at 24 hours. Acrosome integrity and plasma membrane integrity rates declined over time; however, they remained similar among all groups at corresponding time points. In conclusion, BPSE and EK extenders, characterized by higher fructose content and greater osmolality, were found to be more effective in preserving the sperm quality of Aseel rooster semen during cold storage compared to the LAKE extender.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) causes serious reproductive and respiratory effects in pig populations worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence and phylogenetic relationships of field isolates of the PRRS virus (PRRSV) in pig populations in four regions of Kazakhstan. A representative sample of 323 pigs was selected to establish the seroprevalence of PRRSV in the study area. A serological test for detecting antibodies (ELISA) was performed, and the genetic characteristics of the virus were examined using the PCR method. Virus isolation from the blood sample, MARC-145, cell cultures were used. In total, 13.93% of the tested serum samples (n=45) revealed seropositivity against PRRSV antibodies. The genetic sequencing of the isolated strains indicated the widespread circulation of the North American genotype in the Almaty region. These results were confirmed by the cytopathic effects observed in cell cultures. Molecular analysis showed that the local strains have undergone significant genetic drift from the sequenced European strains and are phylogenetically more closely related to strains originating from North American. The results of genetic analyses indicate that the North American genotype has become established in Kazakhstan. This situation requires increased use of biosecurity systems and vaccines specific for this genotype. Our results highlight the importance of continuous monitoring and an active adaptive management system in controlling the spread of PRRS in regional pig populations.

Microelement deficiencies are a current problem in horse breeding, causing infertility and fetal development disorders. The aim of the study was to control the concentration of zinc, copper and selenium in the blood serum of pregnant herd mares. The study included 154 mares in the second half of pregnancy, kept in five regions of south-eastern Poland: Łęczyńsko-Włodawska Plain, Chełmskie Hills, Łukowska Plain, Beskid Niski and Działy Grabowieckie. The concentration of zinc, copper and selenium in the obtained blood serum was determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The serum zinc concentration in all studied mares did not exceed 10.7 μmol/l, while the adopted reference range is 14.9 - 29.2 μmol/l. The lowest concentration of copper and selenium was found in mares from Beskid Niski. In all the studied regions, herd mares had zinc deficiency, and in Beskid Niski additionally copper and selenium deficiency. Despite the identified deficiencies, all the studied mares gave birth on time and registered newborn foals. Since no clinical symptoms of deficiencies of the tested trace elements were observed, it can be assumed that if occurred, they were subclinical.

During cardiopulmonary resuscitation, securing intravenous access for medication delivery can be problematic due to the size of the patient and vasoconstriction due to hypotension. The osseous route is a promising alternative to the intravenous route. The proximal humerus and proximal tibia are two commonly utilized sites in dogs. While some studies have reported the superiority of the proximal humerus route over the proximal tibia route for drug delivery in humans, there is a lack of knowledge on this topic in dogs. This study evaluated the difference in intraosseous vasopressin effect between the proximal humerus and proximal tibia in dogs. Seven healthy dogs were under general isoflurane anesthesia and intraosseous access was achieved in a crossover design. 0.05 U/kg vasopressin was administered and perfusion index (PI), heart rate (HR), and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) were recorded. PI and HR decreased more dramatically when vasopressin was injected into the proximal humerus than into the proximal tibia, and MAP increased more distinctly when vasopressin was injected into the proximal humerus than into the proximal tibia. These results suggest that vasopressin is more effectively delivered when injected into the proximal humerus than into the proximal tibia. We performed histopathologic exploration of the humerus and tibia and found the difference in the distribution of vessels with cell composition of the bone marrow, and this would be a factor to affect the drug absorption of the each site. These results support the opinion that humerus is a superior intraosseous route for the administration of vasopressin.

Feline hepatozoonosis, caused by Hepatozoon felis and occasionally other Hepatozoon species, is a vector-borne disease transmitted through the ingestion of infected arthropods, primarily ticks. This study investigates serum amyloid A, a major acute-phase protein, in cats naturally infected with H. felis or co-infected with other vector-borne pathogens. A total of 41 asymptomatic, infected cats were categorized into single or co-infection groups, alongside 12 healthy controls. Serum amyloid A levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and analyzed statistically. Results showed no significant association between serum amyloid A concentrations and variables such as co-infection status or pathogen load. Although levels of this acute phase protein were slightly lower in co-infected cats, findings suggest that serum amyloid A alone may have limited diagnostic utility in distinguishing these co-infections.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between acyclia and subclinical endometritis (SE) and their combined effect on fertility performance in dairy cows. The study was performed on 449 Holstein Friesian cows. The cows were examined in the 4th week postpartum by ultrasound and endometrial samples were collected by cytobrush. Acyclia was defined as the absence of the corpus luteum and follicles > 5 mm on the ovaries. The threshold for SE was set at ≥ 5% of polymorphonuclear neutrophils in endometrial cytology. Intervals calving to estrus and calving to conception, first artificial insemination (AI) pregnancy rate, pregnancy rate 200 days postpartum, pregnancy loss and culling rate were calculated. Acyclia was found in 144 (32.1%) of 449 examined cows. The incidence of SE in acyclic cows was significantly (p≤0.05) higher than in cyclic cows (52.8% vs 36.7%). The intervals calving to estrus and calving to conception were significantly (p≤0.05) longer in acyclic cows with SE than in cyclic cows with SE (99.1 ± 28.9 days vs 77.4 ± 24.3 days and 160.2 ± 60.9 days vs 131.6 ± 46.6 days, respectively). The first AI conception rate was significantly (p≤0.05) lower in acyclic cows with SE than in cyclic cows with SE (17.1% vs 34.8%). The pregnancy loss was significantly (p≤0.05) higher in acyclic cows with SE than in cyclic cows with SE (11.8% vs 5.3%). In conclusion, the study showed that acyclia and SE were associated and had an additive negative effect on reproductive performance in dairy cows.

Knowledge of the molecular background of hereditary diseases facilitates the unambiguous diagnosis of affected animals and the identification of healthy carriers, which is particularly important from a breeding perspective. To date 330 canine diseases with at least one known causative variant have been described. Degenerative myelopathy (DM), caused by a mutation in the SOD1 gene; progressive rod-cone degeneration (PRCD), caused by a mutation in the PRCD gene; and hyperuricosuria (HUU), caused by a mutation in the SLC2A9 gene, are among the most common monogenic autosomal recessive diseases identified in numerous dog breeds; however, their incidence varies significantly among breeds. The Labrador Retriever is a popular breed in Poland, and it was assumed that the known causative DNA variants for these three diseases are also present in its gene pool. The aim of this study was to analyze the distribution of these causal mutations in the Polish population of this breed. In total, 200 dogs were studied using Sanger sequencing. Among them, 32 carriers (16%) and 4 affected individuals (2%) were identified for PRCD, and 2 carriers (1%) were identified for HUU, while all studied dogs were free of the SOD1 mutation. The results obtained were compared with data for over 16,800 Labrador Retrievers published by Donner et al. (2023). We concluded that the frequency of the causal mutation responsible for DM in the Polish population is lower, while the frequencies of the causative variants for PRCD (0.01) and HUU (0.005) are slightly higher.