Veterinary Treatment Research Articles

Diversity of Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin genes and its potential impact on severity of mastitis in dairy cows.

Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins (SEs) can lead to food poisoning and appear to play a pivotal role in the development and severity of mastitis. This study aimed to evaluate whether the presence and diversity of S. aureus Enterotoxin genes mastitis-causing are associated with the development and severity of mastitis in dairy cows. Comparative analysis of S. aureus isolates from cows with clinical and subclinical mastitis (103 isolates each, CM and SM respectively) was conducted, examining the occurrence of enterotoxins (sea-see, seg-sez, sel26, sel27, sel01 and se02). Clinical isolates exhibited greater diversity, with 14 genes compared to four in subclinical isolates, and higher gene frequency (100% vs. 86.4%). Among the classical SEs, only sec (1%) and sed (4.9%) were detected in clinical isolates, suggesting a potential insignificance in the development of mastitis. Conversely, the selw and selx genes were among the most prevalent in both clinical and subclinical mastitis isolates. While their role in human food poisoning has not been definitively established, they appear to influence mastitis development. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in clinical isolates carrying seg, seh, sei, seo, seul1, seul2, selw, and selx genes compared to subclinical isolates, suggesting their potential involvement in the severity of mastitis. Determining the frequency of SE gene and its role in mastitis establishment and in clinical mastitis severity, as well as understanding how enterotoxins contribute to pathogenicity in clinical and subclinical mastitis, is crucial for guiding optimal medical therapy for animals and establishing effective veterinary treatments to mitigate economic losses in the dairy industry.

Canine atopic dermatitis and recurrent otitis

The development of canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) and recurrent otitis are frequently interrelated conditions in dogs, representing a significant challenge in veterinary diagnosis and treatment. This case study details the experience of the dog crossbred (SRD), adopted with year of age, who suffers from CAD and frequent episodes of recurrent otitis caused by Malassezia sp. The objectives of this study were to investigate the relationship between CAD and recurrent otitis, as well as to develop an integrated approach for the effective management of these conditions. The dog underwent a comprehensive clinical evaluation, which included a detailed history, observation of symptoms, and allergy testing. Treatment consisted of the use of antihistamines, corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, in addition to the application of monoclonal antibodies every four weeks to control itching. Immunotherapy has been introduced to modulate the long-term immune response. Recurrent otitis was managed with regular cleaning and topical treatments with Chlorhexidine; miconazole and omega 3,6 and 9, applied three times a week, complemented by a restrictive diet to minimize food allergens. The results showed that the combination of these strategies provided significant relief from dog symptoms, improving their quality of life. The integrated approach, including environmental control, drug therapy and dietary management, proved effective in controlling CAD and recurrent otitis. This study highlights the importance of personalized and ongoing management, as well as suggesting the need for more research into new therapeutic approaches for these chronic conditions. It is concluded that coordination between veterinarians and owners is essential for the success of treatment and the well-being of affected dogs.

Antimicrobial Prescription Practices and Stewardship in Washington State Small and Mixed Animal Veterinary Medicine.

Judicious antimicrobial use is essential for the continued treatment of infections in small and mixed animal veterinary medicine. To better support Washington (WA) State veterinarians in antimicrobial stewardship, we surveyed licensed small and mixed animal veterinarians and led group conversations regarding antimicrobial prescription practices. Survey questions included demographic information, factors influencing prescription practices and clinical cases. Responses were summarised and logistic regressions were performed to identify factors associated with antibiotic treatment choices. Group conversations, led by a licensed veterinarian, focused on resource gaps for veterinarians, management of clinical scenarios and interpretation of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and breakpoints. A systematic qualitative analysis of conversation transcripts identified key themes such as common barriers to stewardship. Among 53 responses to clinical scenarios, veterinarians selected the most appropriate treatment choice, according to a veterinary microbiologist, 62% of the time. Variability was observed in culture and susceptibility practices and antibiotic choices. Survey respondents reported an influence of the client ability to medicate (92%), considerations of resistance (91%), client finances (75%) and availability of antimicrobials (75%) on their prescription decisions. There were no significant associations between opinions about contributing factors to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) or guidelines used and treatment choices in clinical scenarios. Among 15 veterinarians interviewed in group conversations, a systematic qualitative analysis of conversation transcripts revealed key themes, including reliance on human medicine as a resource and a lack of support for veterinarians in interpreting MICs and breakpoints. The variability in veterinary antibiotic treatment decisions in this study suggests a need for further dissemination of standardised antimicrobial stewardship resources for veterinarians. Client-related challenges and the cost of culture and susceptibility are major barriers to stewardship. To address these barriers, it is necessary to provide standardised, easy-to-access guidance for veterinarians in interpreting MICs and breakpoints, as well as develop antimicrobial use resources for clients.

Detection of antibiotic residues by a novel rapid test in cow’s milk from north Algeria

Detection of antibiotic residues by a novel rapid test in cow’s milk from north Algeria Veterinary treatments, particularly antibiotics used for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes in dairy cattle, can be the cause of antibiotic residues in raw milk. The aim of this study is to investigate the use of antibiotics in the dairy cattle industry and to detect the presence of antibiotic residues in raw milk at collection centers using the SNAPduo ST Plus Test in the Bouira and Bordj Bou Arreridj (BBA) regions of Algeria. The results of the survey of 114 breeders showed that the Montbeliarde and Holstein breeds are the most dominant in the farms studied, the frequency of veterinary interventions in cattle farming is always, the curative veterinary intervention represents the highest rate and the beta-lactam is the most family used with 46.25% in Bouira and 85% in BBA, then the oxytetracycline was 22.5% and 15% respectively. Regarding the use of antibiotics by breeders, the majority of them use antibiotics for their animals, with 76.25% in the region of Bouira and 91% in the province of BBA. The antibiotic test of 122 samples of raw milk showed that 19.67% (24/122) of the samples were positive for antibiotic residues with the beta-lactam showing the highest value (79.16%) followed by tetracycline residues with 20.83%. This study showed the presence of antibiotic residues in raw milk in the study area, which may affect the health of dairy consumers.

Isolated and multiple causes of equine dystocia

BackgroundDystocia is rare in horses, but is life-threatening for mares and foals. Therefore, veterinary research depends on up-to-date data to optimise equine dystocia management. In addition, knowledge of the prognosis of equine dystocia is necessary to advise animal owners. This retrospective study of equine dystocia aimed to enrich existing datasets with up-to-date information. For the first time, the focus was on the causes of dystocia that occurred alone or in combination. Over a period of 10 years, 72 cases of dystocia were analysed using a standardised, predetermined diagnosis code.ResultsOf the 72 cases of dystocia, an isolated cause of dystocia was identified in 37 cases (51.4%) and 35 mares showed a combination of two or more causes (48.6%). Foetal causes were significantly more frequent origin of dystocia (66/69) than maternal causes (3/66) (P < 0.0001). Incorrect posture of the foetal forelimbs and head was the most common combination at 25.7%. The most common isolated cause of dystocia was incorrect posture of the foetal forelimbs (18.9%). A foetotomy was performed in 68% of cases. A caesarean section or an extraction was performed in 13.9% of the cases. Three mares died before any obstetric care was provided. Nine mares (12.5%) were not discharged alive. 73 foals were delivered of which 55 were already dead before veterinary treatment began. In relation to the total number of births in which the foetus was alive at the start of obstetric care, the foetal mortality rate was 61.1% and 88.9% by the time the mare was discharged.ConclusionsIt has been demonstrated for the first time that multiple causes of dystocia in horses are almost as common as isolated causes of dystocia. Neonatal mortality remains high, indicating that the timely detection and treatment of dystocia has the highest priority.

Short communication: Do veterinary diagnoses coming from electronic recording system of veterinary treatments have the potential to be used for breeding in small populations? The case of the dual-purpose Alpine Grey cattle breed

In cattle breeding, emphasis has historically been placed on productive traits, so-called primary traits, while health and fitness traits have been overlooked due to their low heritability and partly negative genetic correlations with productivity. In addition, the recording of phenotypes caused problems due to a lack of high-quality information and / or high costs of recording. This oversight has additionally led to increased incidences of fertility issues and health problems in cattle populations, resulting in economic losses and consumer concerns regarding animal welfare and food safety. This study investigates the potential use of veterinary diagnoses, collected via the Italian electronic recording system of veterinary treatments, for breeding decisions in the local dual-purpose Alpine Grey cattle breed for which the consideration of functional traits in breeding has also become imperative over the last years. The dataset comprised 97 821 records spanning from 2021 to 2023, representing 8 273 individuals and 18 110 lactations of the Alpine Grey breed. Each record documented the administration of treatments for mammary, respiratory, and urogenital pathologies. After data editing and model development, heritability estimates were obtained for each pathology using univariate linear animal models and gibbs sampling algorithms. Results indicate that mammary pathologies affected the highest number of cows (11%), followed by respiratory (4%) and urogenital (5%) pathologies. Heritability estimates ranged from 0.01 to 0.04 across all traits, confirming generally low heritability values. Respiratory pathologies exhibited the highest heritability (0.04; sd 0.04), followed by mammary (0.03; sd 0.01) and urogenital (0.01; sd 0.01) pathologies. This study, although preliminary, provides valuable insights into the health status of local dual-purpose Alpine Grey cattle and highlights the potential of considering veterinary diagnoses for improving animal health and welfare in dairy cattle breeding. However, the low heritability of these traits, which is consistent with literature data, clearly shows the current limitations of using them for breeding. Further, the diagnostic key of the Italian electronic recording system of veterinary treatments should be specified for the use of health data for breeding purposes, as it is formulated in too general manner in its current form. Nevertheless, their significance for animal welfare and economic sustainability underlines the need for their consideration in dairy cattle breeding. Therefore, further research with larger sample sizes and consideration of additional indicators, such as somatic cell counts, is recommended to enhance the accuracy of genetic evaluations and improve breeding strategies for sustainable cattle production.

Residue Depletion of Nitrofurazone Metabolites, Semicarbazide and 5-Nitro-2-Furaldehyde, in Broiler Chickens After Oral Administration.

Nitrofurazone (NFZ) antibiotic is banned in food-producing animals, and its metabolite, semicarbazide (SEM), is used as a marker residue for nitrofurazone abuse. However, SEM can also be generated during food processing without veterinary treatment. Therefore, SEM cannot be considered an unequivocal marker of NFZ. This study investigates the use of 5-nitro-2-furaldehyde (5-NF) as an additional marker for nitrofurazone in broiler chickens. After oral administration of NFZ and 5-NF at 25 mg·kg-1 BW for 10 days, tissues (muscle and liver) and plasma samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. In NFZ-treated chickens, 5-NF was detected within 1 h in plasma at a peak concentration of 1.4 ± 0.25 μg·kg-1, while in 5-NF-treated ones, the maximum concentration was 0.85 ± 0.06 μg·kg-1 after 2 h. 5-NF was not detected in muscle and liver for both treated groups from 0 to 21 days. However, SEM persisted for up to 3 weeks in muscle (0.3 ± 0.018 μg·kg-1), 2 weeks in liver (0.16 ± 0.008 μg·kg-1), and 1 week in plasma (0.4 ± 0.05 μg·kg-1) with a faster elimination rate in liver tissues (half-life of 4.6 days) compared to muscle tissues (half-life of 6.5 days). These findings suggest that SEM remains a better marker for detecting nitrofurazone abuse in chickens compared to 5-NF.

Homeopathy, Acupuncture and Phytotherapy in the Veterinary Treatment or Prophylaxis of Diseases in Animals: An Overview of Systematic Reviews.

Complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM) has been intensively used, and there is currently an increasing demand for a more rigorous approach regarding its clinical effectiveness. The objectives of this overview were: first, to identify systematic reviews on homeopathy, acupuncture and phytotherapy in veterinary medicine and assess their methodological quality; and second, to map interventions and findings in the treatment or prophylaxis of any medical conditions in any animal species for which high-quality systematic reviews had identified reliable evidence of efficacy or effectiveness in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or controlled clinical trials (CCTs). The study was an overview of systematic reviews published in the years 2000 to 2022 inclusive. The following databases were used: CAB Abstracts, PubMed and Vet Index, from which the abstracts of 173 articles were extracted, 22 of which were initially included for complete analysis. After excluding 15 studies according to the exclusion/inclusion criteria, 7 review papers were comprehensively analyzed. The review quality was assessed by the Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR 2) method. The reported RCTs/CCTs in these reviews were analyzed for their reliability, and the results were classified according to statistical significance and risk of bias. Seven eligible systematic reviews reported studies on dogs, horses, cats, cattle, sheep, goats, swine, rabbits and poultry. The number of primary RCTs/CCTs was 38 for homeopathy, 35 for acupuncture, and 171 for phytotherapy. The AMSTAR 2 evaluation ranked two reviews of veterinary homeopathy as high-quality, in which two placebo-controlled RCTs comprised reliable evidence, one of which reported efficacy of homeopathy as prophylaxis for diarrhea in pigs. The systematic reviews of acupuncture and phytotherapy were all of low quality, preventing formal assessment of their reviewed RCTs/CCTs. Only the systematic reviews of homeopathy were rated of sufficient quality to enable the assessment of reliable evidence within their reviewed RCTs. Contemporary high-quality systematic reviews of clinical trials in each of the three areas of CAVM are required.

Comparative Analysis of the Distribution of the Main Helminthiasis Causative Agents in the Absheron Peninsula and Khizi Region

The research was conducted on sheep farms located in the Absheron region in 2015-2020. The major helminth fauna in sheep in the private and farmer farms of the Absheron region was found to consist of helminth species: Fasciola hepatica, F. gigantica, Dicrocoelium lanceatum, Paramphistomum cervi, Moniezia expansa, M. benedeni, Taenia hydatigena, T. ovis, Multiceps multiceps, Echinococcus granulosus, Protostrongylus hobmaieri, P. kochi, P. railleti, Muellerius capillaris, Trichocephalus ovis, Chabertia ovina, Haemonchus contortus, Dictyocaulus filaria. The extensiveness and intensity of the distribution of the 18 main helminths detected in the region by the complete helminthological dissection method in 19 research areas (14 in the Absheron peninsula: Zire, Hovsan, Mashtagha, Mehdiabad, Gobu, Sulutepe, Z. Taghiyev, Fatmayi, Novkhani, Mammadli, Khirdalan, Jeyranbatan, Mushvigabad, Guzdek; 5 in the Khizi region: Yeni Yashma, Shorabad, Altiaghaj, Gizilgazma, Tudar) are described in tables. Higher invasion levels were identifi­ed for T. ovis(43.2%, 1-53 samples), E. granulosus (39.2%, 1-18 samples), H. contortus (35.0%, 2-56 samp­les), and they we­re con­si­de­red the do­mi­nant hel­minth spe­ci­es of the re­gi­on. Ba­sed on the complete helminthological dissection, in the Absheron peninsula, IE was 17.7% and II was 1-64 samples, and in the Khizi district, IE was 29.0% and II was 1-83 samples. Thus, complete helminthological examination methods allowed us to conclude that the infection rate in the Khizi region is higher than in the Absheron Peninsula. This makes it necessary for farmers and veterinarians to start veterinary sanitary measures, both prophylactic and treatment measures against helminths in the Khizi district.

A new protocol for the induction of chronic mastitis with intramammary infusion of lipopolysaccharide in Balb/c mice

Mastitis is the inflammation of the mammary tissue and is commonly observed in farm animals worldwide. The problem causes severe financial losses in the dairy industry in terms of veterinary costs, milk disposal, and treatment expenses. Bacteria are the main actors in the etiology and cause acute and chronic inflammatory changes in the mammary tissue. Acute inflammatory changes are easily recognized clinically, and treatment is initiated immediately, but subacute inflammation progresses insidiously and leads to chronic inflammation with irreversible fibrotic changes. Standardized experimental models for the induction of acute mastitis in laboratory animals are available, and usually, infusion of bacteria or some bacterial structural components into mammary tissue is easily applied for this purpose. However, there are few studies on the induction of chronic mastitis with fibrotic changes, and the applications are relatively complex. In the submitted study, LPS was infused through the teat duct three times on days 0, 5, and 10 to induce chronic mastitis in mice. Tissues were sampled on days 1, 6, and 15 to evaluate histopathological changes. While severe neutrophil infiltrates, a component of acute inflammation, were observed on day 1, lymphocyte infiltrates increased on day 6, consistent with subacute inflammation. On day 15, lesions representing chronic mastitis, such as fibrosis and lymphocyte infiltration, were observed. A model similar to the lesions in chronic mastitis of dairy cattle was successfully and easily established by LPS infusion in mice.

An exploratory study of cervical disc degeneration model and mechanism of acupuncture therapy in rabbits

Acupuncture is an important therapy method in traditional Chinese medicine for treating intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD), offering a wide range of applications. It is based on the theory of Chinese veterinary medicine and combines the stage of the disease course and individual differences for syndrome differentiation and treatment. However, there are few studies on the acupuncture treatment of cervical disc degeneration (CDD) in rabbits. Treatment based on syndrome differentiation is the basic principle of Chinese veterinary treatment. The selection of acupoints for external treatment should be based on individual etiology and pathogenesis. Nevertheless, most current studies do not follow this guideline. In this study, we established the CDD model and explored the mechanism of acupuncture treatment in alleviating CDD in rabbits by selecting a group of main acupoints including cervical Jiaji, Fengchi, Tianzhu, Naohu, Dazhui, and Houxi acupoints, combined with Western medicine's understanding of the pathogenesis of cervical spondylosis, from the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and tissue-repairing perspectives. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed the successful establishment of the rabbit CDD model. Acupuncture stimulation reduced the increase of average and maximum neck temperature due to CDD in rabbits. The acupuncture treatment relieved the spinal disc damage in the neck of the rabbit, which also decreased the expression level of pro-apoptotic factor Bax and increased the expression level of anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2. In addition, it can alleviate the abnormal apoptosis of rabbit intervertebral disc, decrease the expression level of inflammatory factors such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-2, and PGE2α, and alleviate the intense inflammation and pain response caused by CDD in rabbits. In conclusion, Acupuncture treatment can slow down the CDD of rabbits by regulating the inflammatory response and abnormal apoptosis of intervertebral disc tissue.

Innervation of the muscles of the pelvic limb of the nutria (Myocastor coypus) by nerves originating from the lumbosacral plexus

Abstract Knowledge about the innervation of the pelvic limb is crucial in veterinary sciences, particularly in anesthesiology, diagnostics, and veterinary surgery, where precise knowledge of the nervous system enables effective treatment and interventions. With the growing interest of veterinarians in studies of the rodent, expanding knowledge of the neuroanatomy of these animals is key to improving veterinary care and treatment efficacy. The aim of our study was to analyze the innervation of the pelvic limb muscles in the nutria (Myocastor coypus). Our research demonstrated that these muscles are innervated by motor fibers from nerves such as the femoral nerve, the obturator nerve, the sciatic nerve, and the cranial and caudal gluteal nerves. We also determined the origin of these nerves, indicating that they stem from the ventral roots of the spinal nerves from L3 to S1, knowing that the nutria has six lumbar vertebrae. Conclusions from such analyses can contribute to a deeper understanding of the evolutionary anatomy of the nervous system in various mammal groups and the development of more precise diagnostic and therapeutic methods in veterinary medicine.

A Suite of Pathogens Detected in Ticks Sampled From Wildlife Hosts in Central Kenya

ABSTRACTOpportunistic sampling of ticks from animals during veterinary treatment offers important insights about wildlife exposure to pathogens. Here, we report pathogens and other tick‐borne organisms detected in ticks sampled from 10 animal species in and near Laikipia County, Kenya, in 2014–2016. Pathogen analysis was performed using a combination of Fluidigm PCR and Illumina sequencing. We detected a suite of important pathogens affecting human and domestic and wild animal health, including Anaplasma marginale, Rickettsia africae and Theileria parva. These findings expand our limited understanding of wildlife exposure to tick‐borne pathogens and potential ramifications for animal health and conservation.

Electrochemical Aptasensor with Antifouling Properties for Label-Free Detection of Oxytetracycline.

Oxytetracycline (OTC) is a widely employed antibiotic in veterinary treatment and in the prevention of infections, potentially leaving residues in animal-derived food products, such as milk, that are consumed by humans. Given the detrimental effects of prolonged human exposure to antibiotics, it has become imperative to develop precise and sensitive methods for monitoring the presence of OTC in food. Herein, we describe the development and results of a preliminary label-free electrochemical aptasensor with antifouling properties designed to detect OTC in milk samples. The sensor was realized by modifying a gold screen-printed electrode with α-lipoic acid-NHS and an amine-terminated aptamer. Different electrochemical techniques were used to study the steps of the fabrication process and to quantify OTC in the presence of the Fe(CN)64-/Fe(CN)63- redox couple The detectable range of concentrations satisfy the maximum residue limits set by the European Union, with an limit of detection (LOD) of 14 ng/mL in phosphate buffer (BP) and 10 ng/mL in the milk matrix, and a dynamic range of up to 500 ng/mL This study is a steppingstone towards the implementation of a sensitive monitoring method for OTC in dairy products.

Control of residues of non-authorized pharmacologically active substance in food of animal origin. Results of a proficiency test for determination of chloramphenicol in honey organized by the Italian National Reference Laboratory for Residues

Chloramphenicol is a non-authorized substance for veterinary treatments. The Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/1871 set a Reference Point of Action (RPA) equal to 0.15 µg/kg in force from 28 November 2022, lowering the Minimum Required Performance Limit set in the Commission Decision 2002/657/CE. A Proficiency testing (PT) for the determination of chloramphenicol in honey was organized by the Italian National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for Residues to check the capability of official laboratories (OfLs) to enforce the new RPA. Six Italian OfLs and five European laboratories joined PT and received a blank and two spiked samples. The reference values (0.17 µg/kg and 0.34 µg/kg) were established as consensus from expert laboratories (the European Union Reference Laboratory and some NRLs). The PT was organized before the enforcement of the new RPA giving the OfLs the chance to test their methods in an early stage. Six participants sent results using both screening and confirmatory methods, two submitted only confirmatory data and three performed exclusively screening analysis. For screening methods all laboratories discriminated between blank and contaminated samples. The z scores were calculated only for confirmatory data and all laboratories got a |z|< 2 corresponding to a satisfactory performance.

Owner-reported health and disease in U.S. senior horses.

Information on health care and health status of U.S. senior horses (≥15 years of age) is currently sparse. (A) Provide an overview of owner-reported (1) medical conditions, (2) management/treatment practices for equine metabolic syndrome and pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), (3) frequencies of routine health care practices and (4) supplement and pharmaceutical use in U.S. senior horses (≥15 years of age). (B) Evaluate potential risk factors for certain medical conditions and for low routine health care. Online survey. Descriptive and inferential analysis (binomial logistic regression and ANOVA) of 2717 questionnaires from owners of U.S. senior horses. The most common owner-reported veterinary-diagnosed medical conditions were osteoarthritis (30%), dental disorders (15%), lameness (14%), PPID (12%) and ocular disorders (6%). Advancing age was found to be a risk factor for PPID (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval, CI] = 1.14 [1.10-1.18]), dental (OR [95% CI] = 1.18 [1.15-1.22]) and ocular (OR [95% CI] = 1.05 [1.01-1.10]) disorders. Only 36% of horses were free of owner-reported veterinary-diagnosed medical conditions at the time of the survey. During the year prior to the survey, most routine healthcare practices (i.e., veterinary health care, dental care and anthelmintic treatment) were typically undertaken one to two times per year, while farrier visits occurred mostly every 5-6 weeks. Retired senior horses had a higher risk of no health care visits (OR [95% CI] = 2.1 [1.38-3.06]), no dental care (OR [95% CI] = 2.0 [1.31-3.00]) and low farrier attendance (i.e., ≤4 times/year) (OR [95% CI] = 2.4 [1.57-3.63]) compared with senior horses used for pleasure riding. The most frequently administered drug was firocoxib (18%) and joint supplements were the most provided supplements (41%). Potential recall, response and sampling bias. Risk factor analyses do not establish causal relationships. Medical conditions are highly prevalent in U.S. senior horses. Retired senior horses have an increased risk of low routine health care.

Future research avenues for the study of fibropapillomatosis in sea turtles

Fibropapillomatosis (FP) is a debilitating tumoral disease affecting sea turtles worldwide. While mainly afflicting immature individuals and potentially altering vital functions, the precise impact of this panzootic on turtle health and survival remains unclear. Moreover, the etiological factors implicated in the FP emergence, development and transmission are not yet definitively identified. Among them, an infection by a spreading herpesvirus and the contamination by pollutants (either organic pollutants and trace elements) are suspected. Here, we provide an overview of discoveries, knowledge and propose hypotheses related to FP within five key FP research areas, i.e., virology studies, transmission studies, contamination studies, host genomic studies, and veterinary treatment assays. Moreover, we recommend urgent research avenues to develop at the interface of virology, epidemiology, ecotoxicology, oncology, physiology, immunology, cellular and evolutionary biology, in order to characterize the dynamics of FP and to predict its consequences on sea turtle populations. Importantly, extending the implementation and development of strong collaborations between rehabilitation centers, field biologists and research laboratories at large geographical scale is required to rapidly increase our knowledge on FP and work towards its effective management.

Evaluation of fecal calprotectin levels in neonatal calves with diarrhea

This study aimed to determine the levels of fecal calprotectin in calves that had diarrhea in the neonatal period. The study was carried out on a total of 52 calves, 42 with diarrhea (diarrhea group) brought to the Animal Hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Balikesir University, for diagnosis and treatment, and 10 healthy (control group). The diarrhea-afflicted calves ranged in age from 3 to 30 days and included a variety of races and sexes. For blood gases, hematological, and biochemical analyses, ten milliliters of blood were collected from each calf’s jugular vein. To determine the levels of calprotectin, stool samples were gathered and stored in sterile containers. The heart rate and capillary refill time (CRT) of the calves with diarrhea were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher than the control group. The calves who had diarrhea also had increased potassium (K) and creatinine levels in addition to metabolic acidosis and hyponatremia. Furthermore, the serum albumin and oxygen saturation values of the diarrheal calves were found to be significantly lower than those of the control group. Fecal calprotectin levels were found to be significantly higher in the calves with diarrhea compared to the control group. When fecal calprotectin levels were examined in terms of etiological factors, no statistical difference was detected between the groups. Consequently, it was determined that fecal calprotectin levels in calves with diarrhea could be a potential biomarker for enteritis.

Multilocus sequence typing of pathogenic treponemes isolated from contagious ovine digital dermatitis stage five lesions: Implications for disease transmission dynamics

Contagious ovine digital dermatitis (CODD) causes a severe, infectious foot disease and lameness of sheep, is common within the UK and is now also emerging in other countries. As well as causing severe animal welfare issues, huge economic losses emerge from the disease due to weight loss/lack of weight gain, and veterinary treatments. CODD lesion progress is measured, with a scoring system from 1 (early lesions) to 5 (healed). Here, using samples from an experimental flock infected by natural means, samples were taken from CODD stage 5 lesions, post treatment, and subjected to bacterial isolation and MLST using previously published methods. Sequences were compared to others from the same flock, and those from previous studies.All CODD 5 lesions produced viable Treponema spp. bacteria. High levels of variation of bacteria were seen, with 12 sequence types (STs) for T. medium phylogroup (11 new), 15 STs for T. phagedenis phylogroup (9 new) and six T. pedis STs, of which two were new. This study shows that CODD stage 5 lesions still contain viable bacteria, representing all three known pathogenic Treponema spp. phylogroups, and these may thus play a role in disease transmission and epidemiology despite appearing healed after treatment. The high level CODD treponeme variability within an infected flock where sheep were bought from different sources, as might occur in common agricultural practice, may suggest reasons as to why the bacterial disease is difficult to treat, control and eradicate, and adds further complexity to the polybacterial pathogenesis of these lesions.

Owner-Reported Health Events in Australian Farm Working Dogs.

Working farm dogs are an integral part of livestock farming in Australia but, currently, no studies have investigated their overall health. This study aimed to identify the prevalent diseases and injuries among these dogs, offering a baseline dataset. A total of 125 farm dog owners were recruited at a public working dog event and interviewed about the health of their dogs in the preceding 12 months. Information was provided about 526 dogs. Most dogs were Kelpies, and not neutered. Nine percent of the dogs had been sold, 6% had died, and 1% had been retired. Of the 444 remaining dogs, 24% had a health event in the past 12 months, while 13% had a health event that affected their work. The injuries (11%) mostly involved the musculoskeletal system or skin, while the non-traumatic illnesses (13%) commonly included arthritis. Forty-five percent of the injured dogs and 26% of the ill ones received veterinary treatment. The results indicate similarities to previous studies into working farm dogs. Given their unique challenges, further research is needed to ensure optimal care for farm dogs in Australia.