Abstract Aspergillus species are known to be very important in human and domestic animal health. Aspergillus species commonly cause severe systemic and skin infections, as well as allergic lung diseases. With the development of PCR techniques, these methods are used to identify and diagnose fungi. DNA extraction from Aspergillus species is difficult because the fungal cell wall structure is very durable and complex. Fungal DNA extraction methods containing proteinase K and liquid nitrogen are widely used to break down the cell wall. However, these methods cause DNA loss during the extraction in Aspergillus species. In this study, on the contrary, the commonly used DNA extraction by means of ammonium hydroxide, which is generally used to break down chitin in DNA extraction of ticks and plants, is used. The efficiency of the cell wall lysis method from A. flavus with ammonium hydroxide was compared with methods containing proteinase K and liquid nitrogen. For this purpose, DNA extraction of A. flavus was tried using three different methods. As a result, the cell wall of A. flavus was lysed using ammonium hydroxide in this study. The obtained DNA’s quality, concentration, and PCR performance were sufficient. This method has been evaluated as a faster, more straightforward, and more economical alternative.

Abstract Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a serious, transboundary disease that affects cattle all over the world and results in considerable productivity losses. Although Türkiye’s first outbreak of LSD was reported in August 2013, there is very little information available about the outbreak’s spatiotemporal distribution or severity. GIS-based data analysis provides crucial tools for describing the spatial epidemiology of the disease by assessing the spatial distribution of LSD across time. This study used information on outbreaks reported to the the World Animal Health Organization (WOAH-OIE) between 2013 and 2021 to conduct a retrospective study on the epidemiology of LSD in Türkiye. Differences in the number of reported outbreaks and cases across different regions, provinces, months, and years were evaluated and descriptive statistics were calculated. In addition, spatial statistical tests (Local Moran’s I and Getis-Ord Gi*) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) were used to assess LSD outbreaks that had taken place at the province level in Türkiye. Possible epidemiological clusters of LSD were identified. A total of 1787 outbreaks and 10109 cases of LSD were reported from 75 out of 81 provinces of Türkiye during the course of the nine-year period. Hotspots for the circulation of LSD were identified in the Aegean, Southeastern and Eastern regions using spatial cluster analyses and it was observed that the spatial autocorrelation of LSD cases is positive across the country. The findings from this study, it may help us comprehend the disease’s spatial character and offer authorities the beneficial information for surveillance efforts.

Abstract Osteoarthritis (OA) in horses often affects the metacarpal/metatarsophalangeal (MCP/MTP) joints and its detection in the early stages is crucial for effective management. I t was hypothesized that the extent of cartilage damage positively correlates with synovial membrane (SM) and synovial fluid (SF) pathological findings in the MCP/MTP joints of Serbian mountain horses that transported heavy loads but did not show signs of lameness. The study was conducted on 32 MCP/MTP joints of eight horses between seven to 12 years of age. Horse limbs were transferred from the abattoir to the necropsy room and SF was sampled. Its appearance, total nucleated cell count (TNCC), mononuclear cell count (MNC), total proteins (TP), and haptoglobin (Hp) were determined. Samples of SM were collected from the dorsal palmar/plantar pouch for histology. A macroscopic examination of gross condylar pathology of the third metacarpal/metatarsal bone was performed with Indian Ink staining. Scoring was done based on Osteoarthritis Research Society International recommendations. SF was clear, pale yellow, and mostly fairly viscous. Half of the samples had TNCC above, and all had TP within the reference range. Hp values were below the reference range and were omitted from further analyses. TNCC correlated with MNC (ρs=0.81, P<0.001), microscopic (ρs=0.62, P=0.003) and macroscopic scores (ρs=0.47, P=0.008). In addition, MNC correlated with macroscopic scores (ρs=0.40, P=0.03). All pathological findings were mild and their correlation indicated that these processes are interrelated and that could be ascribed to early OA.

Abstract The carcasses of ten great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) found in one colony in the province of Vojvodina were necropsied and examined for parasites. The study aimed to identify helminths and histopathologically evaluate the associated tissue damage. Numerous nematodes were observed, either free in the the lumen of the ventriculus or deeply embedded in the ventricular mucosa of all the cormorants examined. The collected parasite samples were morphologically identified as Contracaecum rudolphii sensu lato. The main pathological findings included a thickening of the ventricular wall, while histopathology revealed a mild inflammatory infiltrate in the adjacent tissue and a connective tissue capsule around the parasite. Given that the parasites in this bird species still need to be thoroughly studied in our country, particularly the pathomorphological changes they cause, this study represents the first attempt to obtain a comprehensive understanding picture of the nematode infection and the pathological changes resulting from the presence of this parasite.

Abstract The goal of this study was to evaluate sensitivity of intraoperative Computed Tomography (iCT) imaging for the detection of orbital foreign bodies (OFBs) in an in vitro model and evaluate iCT efficacy for surgical planning of OFB detection and removal in veterinary patients. Three canine patients were presented to our hospital for potential orbital foreign body removal. In vitro studies were conducted using a canine skull model with placement of various OFBs. Four different examiners utilized CT imaging to evaluate the detection of OFBs. A surgical navigation system was employed to assess the feasibility of stereotactic orbital foreign body retrieval in vitro. iCT imaging was applied for surgical planning and guidance of orbital surgery for the removal of OFBs in three clinical patients. In vitro experiments revealed a high detection rate for objects with high radiopacity such as metal and glass. The detection rate for organic foreign bodies such as wood was moderate, while for plastic foreign bodies ranged from moderate to low. Navigation was successfully used for OFB retrieval. iCT was effectively employed for detecting OFBs in clinical patients. However, porcupine quills were better detected using standard ultrasound imaging. The use of iCT potentially represents an evolving technological practice that enables real-time imaging to improve the precision of surgical procedures.

Abstract Bee venom (BV) and its components, secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) and Apis cerana secapin-1 (AcSecapin-1), have potential effects on wound healing. This study aims to evaluate impact of BV, sPLA2, and AcSecapin-1 on full-thickness wound healing in male Wistar Albino rats over a 7-day period. Various morphometric (body weight, wound contraction), biochemical (hydroxyproline, oleic acid, IL-8, TGF-β1, redox parameters), and histopathological markers (reepithelialization, inflammatory cells, angiogenesis, fibroblast activation, and collagen density) were assessed. Treatment with sPLA2 and AcSecapin-1 increased oleic acid levels. IL-8 levels increased with sPLA2 treatment, and TGF-β1 levels increased with AcSecapin-1 treatment. BV and its components led to a decrease in FRAP levels. Additionally, BV treatment resulted in reduced angiogenesis, and both BV and sPLA2 treatments reduced inflammatory cells. All groups exhibited wound contraction without delay or regression. sPLA2 and AcSecapin-1 induced alterations in the wound healing milieu, without systemic changes. The treatment groups, except for the AcSecapin-1 group, showed an anti-inflammatory effect, identified by reduced inflammatory cell accumulation. Only the BV treatment suppressed angiogenesis. In conclusion, BV, sPLA2, and AcSecapin-1 demonstrate distinct effects on wound healing, with BV showing notable anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic properties, while sPLA2 and AcSecapin-1 influenced cytokine and oleic acid levels.

Abstract A Shorthair castrated 8-year-old tomcat was brought to a veterinary hospital for slowly progressive onset of tetraplegia developing within last 14 days. The clinical and blood examinations at admission showed no abnormalities, the neurological examination showed severe cervical pain and tetraplegia with lower motor neuron deficits on thoracic limbs and normal withdrawal with increased patellar reflexes on pelvic limbs. Deep pain perception was present on all four limbs. The neuroanatomic localisation was C6-T2 lesion. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine demonstrated severe spondylosis deformans, degeneration of multiple IVD, and ventral extradural right sided spinal cord compression at the level C7-T1. Mildly hyperintense on T2-weighted and STIR, mildly hypointense on T1-weighted pre-contrast, and homogeneously contrast-enhancing mass on T1-weighted post-contrast images was observed at this area. This article describes an interesting case of a tumor in a cat localised in the cervicothoracic spinal segment extradurally compressing the spinal cord and causing severe neurological dysfunction. These clinical symptoms were successfully treated through a ventral slot surgery, the tumor was well circumscribed and comfortably removable through this approach. This rare tumor is considered benign and prognosis is favourable after surgical removal due to its non-invasive growth pattern. After surgery, the cat was observed continuously for a few months and the recovery was sufficient with no recurrence of neurological symptoms by now. This case is worth attention mainly because, despite the serious clinical presentation, it has a good long term prognosis and does not require a complex surgical approach.

Abstract Colibacillosis, caused by avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), is one of the most prevalent and economically damaging bacterial diseases affecting poultry globally. Managing colibacillosis is difficult and frequently ineffective because APEC strains have developed widespread resistance to antibiotics, and the strict regulations and public concerns towards using antimicrobial agents in poultry further complicate the situation. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial properties of hydrolysable (sweet chestnut extract) and condensed (quebracho extract) tannins on Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolates from poultry, exploring their potential as antibiotic alternatives in managing colibacillosis. E. coli was isolated from the internal organs of deceased poultry across 18 farms, including layers, broilers, and broiler breeders. Each isolate was assessed for the presence of APEC strain predictors (virulence genes iutA, hlyF, iss, iroN, and ompT), antimicrobial resistance to 14 antibiotics using the disc diffusion method, and the presence of resistance genes for specific antibiotics (ampicillin, gentamicin, tetracycline, and quinolones). Out of 43 isolates, 27 (62.8%) were classified as APEC, 30 (69.8%) showed resistance to three or more antibiotic classes, and 32 (74.4%) carried at least one AMR gene. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for the hydrolysable tannins from sweet chestnut extract (Castanea sativa Mill.) (SwCh) ranged from 0.5 to 3 mg/mL, while for the condensed tannins from quebracho extract (Schinopsis lorentzii) (Que), the MICs ranged from 1.5 to 4.5 mg/mL. The results indicate that both hydrolysable and condensed tannins possess significant in vitro antimicrobial activity against APEC, offering a potentially valuable alternative for controlling colibacillosis in the poultry industry.

Abstract Although the incidence of neoplasms increases with age, some tumors occur more commonly in younger dogs. Still, little information is available on the occurrence of neoplasms in dogs up to the age of 24 months. This study is a retrospective review of histopathological diagnoses of neoplasia at our laboratory during the last seven years (2017–2023) in two groups of dogs: group up to the age of 12 months and group from 13 to 24 months. In a total of 3704 neoplasms found in different dog tissues, 74 (2.00%) were identified in dogs up to 12 months and 135 (3.64%) in dogs aged 13 to 24 months. Canine cutaneous histiocytoma was the most frequent in both groups:41 cases (54.41%) in dogs up to 12 months, followed by 39 cases (28.89%) in those up to 24 months. In the present analysis of the group up to 12 months, 82.43% of tumors (n = 61) were benign, and 17.57% (n=13) were malignant, followed by 68.15% (n=92) benign neoplasms, and 31.85% (n=43) malignant in dogs aged from 13 to 24 months. French bulldogs and mixed-breed dogs were the most frequently affected. These data provide valuable epidemiological information on neoplasms in young dogs in the Republic of Serbia.

Abstract This study examined pathomorphological changes and meat quality alterations associated with Wooden Breast Myopathy (WB) in total of 192 broiler chickens divided into Ross 308 (n=96) and Cobb 500 (n=96) heavy hybrids at ages 42, 60, and 70 days. WB occurrence remained consistently high (>73%) across periods, peaking on day 70 (83% for Ross, 90% for Cobb). Cobb broilers had better production results and carcass traits parameters after day 42 and day 60 of the experiment (p≤0.05). Genotype did not affect WB occurrence or severity, while slaughter age influenced severe cases WB occurrence, increasing from 11.67% on day 42 to 36.67% on day 70 (p=0.003). The presence of WB was associated with higher ultimate pH, lightness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness (b*) of the muscle (p<0.0001), except on day 70. Physicochemical and color parameters were also influenced by slaughter age (p<0.0001). On day 42, drip loss (p<0.0001), cooking loss (p≤0.05) and shear force (p<0.0001) were affected by genotype. On days 60 and 70, the differences in water retention capacity were observed only between normal and severely affected breasts (p<0.0001). For each slaughter age severely affected WB had higher shear force compared to normal breasts (p<0.0001). Additionally, with the increasing slaughter age of broilers, drip loss, cooking loss, and shear force of the breast meat were increased (p<0.0001). The results obtained regarding the occurrence and severity of WB and its consequent meat quality alterations suggest that extended fattening is not recommended for poultry production.