Veterinary Research Articles

Haematological and Biochemical Profiles, Including Vitamin A and Zinc Status, in Clinical and Subclinical Oriental Theileriosis in Cattle

Aim: The present study investigated the clinical, haematological and biochemical profiles in cattle infected with Theileria orientalis, correlating disease severity with various parameters. Study Design: A total of 32 clinically ill, 10 subclinically infected, and 10 healthy control animals were included. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala, between November 2023 to September 2024. Methodology: Theileria piroplasms, observed via Giemsa staining, appeared as thick and thin rods with trailing cytoplasm and annular, pyriform, garland, and signet-ring shapes. PCR amplification of the T. orientalis major piroplasm surface protein (MPSP) yielded a specific 776 bp product in clinically and subclinically infected animals. Results: Haematological analysis revealed significant anaemia and thrombocytopenia in infected groups, without notable changes in leukocyte counts. Serum protein analysis indicated hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia, while liver enzymes, particularly AST, were elevated in clinically infected cattle, suggesting hepatic involvement. Additionally, serum vitamin A and zinc concentrations were significantly lower in infected cattle, underscoring a possible role for oxidative stress in disease pathogenesis. Conclusion: These findings suggest that T. orientalis infection is associated with multi-systemic impacts, including haematological abnormalities, liver damage, and nutrient deficiencies, which are crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management strategies.

Beyond single-use: a systematic review of environmental, economic, and clinical impacts of endoscopic surgical instrumentation

Background: The evolution of endoscopic surgery has introduced a multitude of instruments, available in both disposable and reusable variants, influencing practices across various surgical specialties. Instrument selection is complex, considering individual preferences and institutional factors such as costs, instrument performance, and factors related to cleaning and sterilization. Notably, environmental sustainability has gained prominence due to the threat of climate change. This review assessed the existing literature to facilitate evidence-informed decision-making, encompassing clinical and economic efficacy, environmental friendliness, and other important criteria. Materials and Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, searches were conducted in Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library for studies comparing the environmental impact, costs, instrument performance, and contamination risk of disposable versus reusable instruments or new versus reprocessed disposables in endoscopic surgery. Life-Cycle Assessments (LCAs) were included to quantify the climate impact. Exclusions included veterinary studies, general endoscopic procedures, and novel instruments. Conclusion: The search yielded 15,809 studies, 53 studies meeting the inclusion criteria: 38 compared disposable versus reusable instruments and 15 examined new versus reprocessed disposables. Reusables and/or reprocessed disposables showed favorable environmental and economic outcomes compared to new disposables. Instrument performance was comparable between the two groups. No studies were identified that investigated the clinical implications of contamination risk of disposables versus reusables. Six studies evaluating contamination risk of reusables and reprocessed disposables showed residual pollution after cleaning and sterilization, although data on clinical outcome lacked. Interpretation: This review underscores the environmental benefits of reusables and favors both reusable and reprocessed disposables for their economic advantages. The lack of clear evidence favoring one type over the other in instrument performance necessitates further research. Addressing contamination risks requires additional studies on the clinical impact of residual substances. Future research should report outcomes on environmental sustainability, costs, instrument performance, and contamination risk.

Phage-Derived Endolysins Against Resistant Staphylococcus spp.: A Review of Features, Antibacterial Activities, and Recent Applications.

Antimicrobial resistance is a significant global public health issue, and the dissemination of antibiotic resistance in Gram-positive bacterial pathogens has significantly increased morbidity, mortality rates, and healthcare costs. Among them, Staphylococcus, especially methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), causes a wide range of diseases due to its diverse pathogenic factors and infection strategies. These bacteria also present significant issues in veterinary medicine and food safety. Effectively managing staphylococci-related problems necessitates a concerted effort to implement preventive measures, rapidly detect the pathogen, and develop new and safe antimicrobial therapies. In recent years, there has been growing interest in using endolysins to combat bacterial infections. These enzymes, which are also referred to as lysins, are a unique class of hydrolytic enzymes synthesized by double-stranded DNA bacteriophages. They possess glycosidase, lytic transglycosylase, amidase, and endopeptidase activities, effectively destroying the peptidoglycan layer and resulting in bacterial lysis. This unique property makes endolysins powerful antimicrobial agents, particularly against Gram-positive organisms with more accessible peptidoglycan layers. Therefore, considering the potential benefits of endolysins compared to conventional antibiotics, we have endeavored to gather and review the characteristics and uses of endolysins derived from staphylococcal bacteriophages, as well as their antibacterial effectiveness against Staphylococcus spp. based on conducted experiments and trials.

Oxidative Stress in Canine Diseases: A Comprehensive Review

Oxidative stress (OS), defined as a disruption in redox balance favoring oxidants, has emerged as a major contributor to numerous diseases in human and veterinary medicine. While several reviews have explored the implication of OS in human pathology, an exhaustive review of the canine species is lacking. This comprehensive review aims to summarize the existing literature on the role of OS in canine diseases, highlighting its potentially detrimental effect on various organs and systems. Some inconsistencies among studies exist, likely due to varying biomarkers and sample types. However, there is substantial evidence supporting the involvement of OS in the development or progression of numerous canine disorders, such as cardiovascular, oncologic, endocrine, gastrointestinal, hematologic, renal, neurologic, infectious, and parasitic diseases, among others. Additionally, this review discusses the efficacy of antioxidant and pro-oxidant therapeutic agents for these conditions. Dietary interventions to counteract OS in dogs have gained significant attention in recent years, although further research on the topic is needed. This review aims to serve as a foundational resource for future investigations in this promising field.

OS IMPACTOS DA TERAPIA ASSISTIDA POR ANIMAIS (TAA) NA IMUNIDADE DOS CÃES: BENEFÍCIOS E DESAFIOS

Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a specific type of intervention or treatment, working with the contribution of Veterinary Medicine, with the aim of promoting the social, cognitive, physical or emotional development of human beings who interact with animals. However, there is still no Federal Law in Brazil that regulates Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT), with certification to ensure the health and well-being of the animals involved. This article intends to have a scoping review of the literature, with the aim of contributing to new theoretical knowledge on the topic. Therefore, this research will demonstrate a brief report on therapeutic practice and the objective of this study is to identify the direct impacts that Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) causes on the immunity of the dogs involved, highlighting benefits and challenges that this activity can bring into active practice. In view of the above, the practical performance of the Golden retriever therapy dog ​​called “Beacon Miller” and affectionately nicknamed “Goodest Boy” was reflected worldwide at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, with a notable role of emotional and psychological support, which benefited not just the athletes, but also the coaches and family members, demonstrating the post-therapy challenges for the therapy dog. Thus, this present study aims to update future Veterinarians on the importance of the therapeutic practice carried out through dogs called Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT), demonstrating the essential role that the Veterinarian has in supervising and monitoring the animal. It is essential that this activity also benefits therapy dogs, preserving the health and well-being of the animal that contributed to a social and humanitarian activity. Therefore, the Veterinarian's frequent observation of dogs in therapeutic activity, before, during and after activities, is extremely important to detect impacts or extreme situations early, thus ensuring that the animal acts comfortably in this therapeutic practice.

Antimicrobial Resistance and Zoonotic Potential of Nontyphoidal Salmonella From Household Dogs.

Companion animals, like household dogs, are an overlooked transmission point for zoonotic pathogens such as nontyphoidal Salmonella (NTS). Given the proximity of dogs to humans and the use of critically important antibiotics in companion animal medicine, household dogs represent a risk for the spread of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) Salmonella. To this end, we aimed to leverage existing biosurveillance infrastructure to investigate AMR and the zoonotic potential of NTS isolated from dogs and humans. We identified all NTS strains isolated from domestic dogs via the Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network between May 2017 and March 2023 (N = 87), and spatiotemporally matched strains isolated from humans in the NCBI Pathogen Isolate Browser (N = 77). These 164 strains, collected from 17 states in the United States, formed the basis of our analysis. Strains isolated from dogs comprised diverse serovars, with most being clinically relevant to human health. All strains possessed AMR determinants for drug classes deemed critically or highly important by the World Health Organization. We identified sixteen NTS isolates from humans closely related to ≥1 of six dog-associated strains. Collectively, our data emphasize the importance of antimicrobial stewardship and sustained biosurveillance beyond human- and agriculture-associated veterinary medicine, using a One-Health framework that accounts for all transmission points including companion animals.

A One Health Approach to Reducing Livestock Disease Prevalence in Developing Countries: Advances, Challenges, and Prospects.

Challenges in livestock production in developing countries are often linked to a high disease prevalence and may be related to poor husbandry, feeding, and nutrition practices, as well as to inadequate access to preventive veterinary care. Structural barriers including chronic poverty, gender roles, inadequate supply chains, and limitations in surveillance infrastructure further complicate progress. Despite many challenges, the livestock sector substantially contributes to agricultural GDP, and reducing livestock disease prevalence is a goal for many countries. One Health initiatives that work across disciplines and sectors to reduce livestock diseases are underway around the world and use integrated approaches that consider the connections between humans, animals, and their shared environments. The growing recognition of the role livestock play in sustainability and livelihoods, as well as their involvement in zoonotic disease transmission and global health security, has highlighted the need for disease reduction strategies as described in this review.

Regulation of Colonic Inflammation and Macrophage Homeostasis of IFN-γ-Primed Canine AMSCs in Experimental Colitis in Mice

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown potential in treating immune-mediated diseases due to their immunomodulatory properties, which can be enhanced by priming with inflammatory cytokines like interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). This study evaluates the therapeutic effects of IFN-γ-primed canine adipose tissue-derived MSCs (AMSCs) in a mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Canine AMSCs were primed with 50 ng/mL recombinant canine IFN-γ for 48 h, and the effects were compared to those seen in naïve (unprimed) AMSCs. IBD was induced in mice using dextran sodium sulfate (DSS), and AMSCs were injected intraperitoneally on days 1 and 3. The mice treated with IFN-γ-primed AMSCs showed improved clinical outcomes, including a reduced disease activity index (DAI), less body weight loss, and longer colon length compared to the mice treated with naïve AMSCs. A histological analysis revealed less damage to the intestinal structures and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. IFN-γ priming led to a shift in the immune cell balance in the gut, decreasing pro-inflammatory macrophages (Ly6Chi) and increasing anti-inflammatory macrophages (Ly6Clo/MHC-IIhi). This was associated with the reduced expression of inflammatory cytokine genes (Il-1β, Il-6, and Il-18) and increased expression of the intestinal stem cell marker Lgr5. These findings suggest that IFN-γ-primed AMSCs offer enhanced therapeutic potential for treating CE in veterinary medicine.

Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Modeling of the Immune-Enhancing Effect of Shikimic Acid in Growing Pigs.

Shikimic acid (SA), extracted from the fruit of shikimi-no-ki, is used both as a preservative in the food industry and as an intermediate for a variety of active ingredients with a wide range of pharmacological functions. A deeper understanding of the pharmacokinetic process of SA in pigs and its impact on humoral immunity could prove invaluable in facilitating its clinical application in veterinary and human medicine. The pharmacokinetic study employed a two-period, two-sequence, crossover design to animal experiments and developed a novel method of pig plasma preparation using water as an extractant and ionization promoter, followed by purification and enrichment on a MAX solid phase extraction (SPE) column. The results showed that SA is rapidly absorbed after intragastric administration (50 mg/kg BW), reaching a plasma Cmax of 10,823.44 ng/mL at 1.78 h, followed by rapid elimination, with a t1/2 of 1.81 h, consistent with a one-compartment model. The results for intravenous administration (2 mg/kg BW) were consistent with a two-compartment open model with a t1/2 of 3.66 h, with concentrations below the limit of quantification (LOQ) observed beyond 12 h postdose. The absolute bioavailability of SA in pigs was calculated to be 21.68%. Furthermore, the Pearson's correlation analysis demonstrated a strong positive correlation between SA concentration in pig plasma and the changes of C3, C4 and IgG, IgA, and IgM (0.6 < R < 1, P < 0.0001). A more detailed pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) modeling analysis of the intravenous group revealed the EC50/Cmax values of approximately 10%, with all γ values exceeding 3. This study was the inaugural investigation into the pharmacokinetics of SA in growing pigs, and it also revealed that SA has the potential to act as an immunopotentiator.

Understanding community resilience during the drinking water contamination event on Oahu, Hawaii, 2021-2022: a mixed mode approach.

A petroleum leak into the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam water system on Oahu, Hawaii in November 2021 contaminated the drinking water of approximately 93,000 users, causing many to relocate for months. Perceptions of health and wellbeing were captured using the Centers for Disease Control/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (CDC/ATSDR) Assessment of Chemical Exposures (ACE) cross-sectional survey in collaboration with the Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH). Responses from the ACE online survey of community members, businesses, schools, health care and veterinary care organizations during the contamination event, containing quantitative questions and qualitative information from an open text field, were analyzed. Separately, a qualitative key informant questionnaire was administered to community establishments. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze and identify prominent themes from the ACE open text field and the key informant responses that were triangulated by the quantitative data when the themes aligned. Six major themes of disruption, communication, trust, stress, support, and ongoing needs were identified. Burdensome logistics from obtaining alternate water, negative financial impacts from relocation or losing business, distrust of information, perceived lack of support from response entities and uncertainty of long-term health impact caused significant disruption, stress and mental health. Individuals reported needing water, shelter, and mental health care while establishments wanted financial reimbursement and a resolution. The findings show that environmental disasters have significant disruptive and mental health impacts from stress. Identified themes can inform and improve emergency response and communication strategies and increase trust with community members during and after large chemical exposure events.

Prospective evaluation of hospital-acquired skin lesions in dogs: A case-control study.

Hospital-related dermatological conditions are well-studied and reported in human medicine. However, studies about these dermatological disorders in veterinary medicine are lacking. To report the incidence, type and distribution of hospital-acquired skin lesions (HASL) in dogs, and to investigate risk factors that may be associated with their development. Hospitalised client-owned dogs with HASL and a control group of hospitalised dogs without skin lesions. Prospective clinical evaluation of all HASL and dermatological tests, when indicated, were performed, over 6 months. A variety of potentially predisposing factors also were recorded. Thirty-one dogs with HASL and a matched control group of 60 hospitalised dogs without skin lesions were included. The incidence of HASL was 11.2% (31 of 278). The most common lesion was erythema in 74.2% of dogs (23 of 31) and the most affected area was the abdomen in 58.1% (18 of 31) of dogs. Faecal and/or urinary incontinence was identified as an important risk factor for the development of skin lesions during hospitalisation (odds ratio 14.445, 95% confidence interval 1.444-144.479, p = 0.023). Immobilisation and changes in body temperature also may play a role in the development of such lesions in dogs. Faecal and/or urinary incontinence was found to be an important factor in the development of HASL. The impact of HASL on patient outcomes and the prevention of these lesions requires further investigation.

MANEJO DE FERIDAS EM COELHO ATRAVÉS DO USO DA PELE DE TILÁPIA LIOFILIZADA

The study addresses the importance of treating skin lesions in veterinary medicine, with an emphasis on wound healing in rabbits with pododermatitis, including the use of Nile tilapia skin as a therapeutic alternative for grafting after debridement of necrotic ulcers. Skin lesions can be caused by trauma, bites or other causes, compromising vital skin functions, such as protection and defense against infections. Tilapia skin is rich in type I collagen and has been highlighted as an accessible and effective biomaterial in the treatment of wounds, stimulating cell regeneration and healing. The work reports the case of a rabbit, named Paçoca, diagnosed with ulcerative pododermatitis in the left pelvic limb, a chronic condition that can lead to serious complications. The clinical signs of the pathology are pain, abdominal and limb alopecia, edema, ulcerative lesions, loss of joint mobility with the presence of osteolytic reactions. Pododermatitis in rabbits is often related to factors such as cage floor quality, excess weight, and sedentary lifestyle. The rabbit’s treatment included debridement of necrotic tissue and the application of tilapia skin as a graft. The tilapia skin was prepared through a rigorous sterilization and preservation process, involving immersion in specific solutions and the application of antibiotics. The use of this skin as an occlusive dressing helped stimulate growth factors essential for skin regeneration, such as fibroblasts and keratinocytes. The use of this biomaterial proved effective in the treatment of wounds with significant tissue loss, avoiding the need for sutures and promoting healing through the formation of new tissue. Postoperative follow-up included the use of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories, and treatment with tilapia skin contributed to the successful recovery. The study highlights the effectiveness of the biomaterial in the management of skin wounds in rabbits, especially in the recovery of lesions caused by ulcerative pododermatitis. Therefore, after treatment, the rabbit presented good healing, the wound evolved positively, with formation of granulation tissue and epithelialization.

Climate Change and Veterinary Medicine: A Call to Action for a Healthier Planet

Abstract Climate change is rapidly transforming ecosystems and reshaping the landscapes of animal health, with profound consequences for public health, food security, and biodiversity. Rising temperatures, shifting weather patterns, and increased frequency of natural disasters are driving the emergence and spread of infectious diseases, particularly zoonotic and vector-borne diseases. These environmental shifts endanger the health and welfare of animals and the delicate balance between human populations, livestock, and wildlife. As the stewards of animal health, veterinarians are uniquely positioned to lead the change in addressing these complex challenges at the nexus of human, animal, and environmental health and well-being. This article calls for urgent actions to integrate climate adaptation and mitigation strategies into veterinary practice and education. It underscores the critical need for veterinarians to embrace the One Health approach to tackle climate-driven disease outbreaks and the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance to safeguard human and animal populations while protecting natural ecosystems. The article further explores the role of veterinarians in fostering sustainable agricultural practices, reducing the environmental impact of livestock production, conserving biodiversity and advocating for policy reforms that protect both animal and planetary health. As we face an era of unprecedented climate disruption, this call to action aims to inspire the global veterinary community to actively get involved in combating climate change and its worst impacts. By building climate-resilient practices, enhancing disease surveillance, and championing environmental stewardship, veterinarians can contribute significantly to a healthier, more sustainable future for all species on Earth.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis Effusion Index: A Novel Diagnostic Method and Validation of Flow Cytometry-Based Delta Total Nucleated Cells Analysis on the Sysmex XN-1000V®

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led the medical and scientific community to explore the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of coronaviruses. In felines, a widespread coronavirus known as feline coronavirus (FCoV) can lead to feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a highly fatal disease characterised by severe systemic inflammation. Diagnosing FCoV remains challenging due to the limited accuracy of the available methods. The present study introduces the FIP Effusion Index, a novel diagnostic method that combines the albumin-to-globulin (ALB/GLOB) ratio with the delta total nucleated cell (∆TNC) count obtained via flow cytometry using the Sysmex XN-1000V® analyser in effusions. Samples from cats (n = 50) with suspected FIP were analysed for ∆TNC, with findings showing that a ∆TNC ≥ 2.1 is highly indicative of FIP and a ∆TNC ≥ 4.9 can be considered diagnostic. The FIP Effusion Index enhanced diagnostic precision in our group of samples, achieving 96.3% sensitivity and 95.7% specificity for values ≥ 5.06, and reaching perfect specificity (100%) with 96.3% sensitivity for values ≥ 7.54. This combined approach surpasses the accuracy of individual parameters, establishing the FIP Effusion Index as a superior diagnostic tool for FIP, with potential applications in both veterinary and human medicine for related coronavirus diseases.

INVESTIGATION OF THE PREVALENCE OF ROTAVIRUS INFECTION IN CALVES USING POLYACRYLAMIDE GEL ELECTROPHORESIS

Bovine rotaviruses cause loss of calves and cause great financial losses to breeders. Bovine rotaviruses, which are classified in the Reovirales order, Sedoreoviridae family and Rotavirus genus, are mostly classified as G and P genotypes according to VP7 and VP4 gene regions. In addition, 10 different species (group A-J) have been identified according to genetic and antigenic properties of another major antigen, VP6. Group A rotaviruses are the most common cause of diarrhea in calves, while group B and C infections are also known. For the protection of calves, rotavirus screening should be performed on a herd basis and the infection status of cattle should be revealed. For this purpose, stool samples of 100 calves with diarrhea symptoms in the inventory of XXXXX University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Virology were used. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), which allows the examination of segments of the genome, was used to check for the presence of the virus. Nucleic acid extraction was performed on the stool samples before electrophoresis and then extracts were loaded into the prepared polyacrylamide gel and run. The samples were stained with silver nitrate stain, segment patterns were determined and the presence of rotavirus was analyzed. While 27 of the analyzed samples were positive, 5 samples were suspicious and 68 samples were negative. The segment pattern of the positive samples was compatible with group A and all of them were classified in this group. Although they were in the same group, it was determined that the positive samples had 3 different electrophoretypes. As a result, it was determined that rotaviruses still have an important role in the etiology of calf diarrhea. Besides, the detected rotaviruses showed variation, although they were in group A, and breeders in the region should pay attention to control and hygiene measures.

Random forest models reveal academic and financial factors outweigh demographics in predicting completion of a year-round veterinary program.

The purpose of this study was to develop random forest classifier models (a type of supervised machine learning algorithm) that could (1) predict students who will or will not complete the DVM degree requirements and (2) identify the top predictors for academic success and completion of the DVM degree. The study utilized Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine student records from 2013 to 2022. Twenty-four variables encompassing demographic (eg, age, race), academic (eg, grade point average), and financial aid (eg, outstanding balances) data were assessed in 11 cross-validated random forest machine learning models. One model was built assessing all years of data and 10 individual models were developed for each enrollment year to compare how the top predictors of success varied among the years. Consistently, only academic and financial factors were identified as being features of importance (predictors) in all models. Demographic factors such as race were not important for predicting student success. All models performed very well to excellently based on multiple performance metrics including accuracy, ranging from 96.1% to 99%, and the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves, ranging from 98.1% to 99.9%. The random forest algorithm is a powerful machine learning prediction model that performs well with veterinary student academic records and is customizable such that variables important to each veterinary school's student population can be assessed. Identifying predictors of success as well as at-risk students is essential for providing targeted curricular interventions to increase retention and achieve timely completion of a DVM degree.

High incidence of complications following intraoral extractions and treatment of periapical infections in the management of domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) dental disease (51 cases).

To describe the outcome of common medical therapies, intraoral dental procedures, extraoral surgical interventions, and resulting complications of treatment in client-owned rabbits diagnosed with dental disease. The medical records of 51 client-owned domestic rabbits presenting for veterinary care and management of dental disease from 2013 to 2023 at 2 veterinary teaching hospitals were reviewed. Of the patients managed with coronal reduction and occlusal adjustment, none developed significant complications. Of the patients that required intraoral dental extractions, 41% developed postprocedural complications, including incomplete tooth extraction. Following periapical infection and the formation of an odontogenic abscess for which surgical intervention was implemented, 25% of patients developed complications, including abscess recurrence and sepsis. Meloxicam was the most frequently prescribed analgesic medication for all procedures reviewed. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole combination oral suspension was the most frequently prescribed antibiotic following coronal reduction, occlusal adjustment, and dental extractions, and parenteral penicillin G procaine was the most frequently prescribed antibiotic following periapical infection-related interventions. Seven patients had documentation of natural death or humane euthanasia secondary to progressive dental disease. The risk of postprocedural complications during the management of dental disease must be considered and discussed given the high rate of potential complications. With the increasing popularity of rabbits as companion animals, dental disease is considered one of the most common reasons for veterinary care in this species. Rabbits undergoing intraoral dental procedures and extraoral surgical interventions for the treatment of acquired and progressive dental disease are at risk of developing adverse postprocedural sequelae that must be considered before attempting intervention. This report adds to the growing body of scientific literature related to the management of this challenging disease process.

Hippology Between Indic and Persianate Textual Traditions: The Śalihotra of Gulbarga

Abstract This article looks at the translation of Indian sources on horses in the Persianate culture of South Asia. Horses were an essential tool of Muslim armies and their military hegemony in South Asia. In the regional sultanates, local rulers competed in making Indian sources on hippology available in the Persian language. This contribution focuses on the Tarjoma-ye Sālutar (The Translation of Śalihotra, 1407–8), a translation of an Indian text on hippology produced in Gulbarga for Ahmad I Shāh Vali (r. 1422–35). The Tarjoma-ye Sālutar was rendered into Persian by ʿAbdollāh b. Safi via an intermediate translation in a vernacular language made by a local scholar named Durgadāsa. The use of intermediate translations has often been considered a practice that developed at the court of the Mughal emperor Akbar (r. 1556–1605). Yet the method of translation used for the Tarjoma-ye Sālutar shows that this practice goes back to the Sultanate period. This article explores the contents of the book, including sections dealing with omens taken from horses and veterinary medicine. Furthermore, it explores the way translated materials were adapted to render them more suitable for the new Muslim readership.

Utilization of Computed Tomography at the Aydin Adnan Menderes University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Research and Application Hospital: An Analysis of Preliminary Results on Patient Demographics and Case Distribution

This study examines the distribution of computed tomography (CT) usage at Aydin Adnan Menderes University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Research and Application Hospital between 2023 and 2024. CT, a widely adopted diagnostic tool in veterinary medicine, allows for detailed imaging of internal organs and anatomical structures, enhancing the diagnosis of complex cases. The study analyzed data from 143 animals, including dogs, cats, and other species, to assess the frequency of CT scans based on species, age, sex, breed, and imaged anatomical regions. A total of 350 CT scans were reviewed, with dogs (n=87) undergoing the majority of scans (200), followed by cats (n=50) with 175 scans, and other species accounting for 26 scans. Cranium, thorax, and abdomen were the most frequently imaged regions across all species. The study found that older animals, particularly large-breed dogs and male cats, required more imaging, while younger animals (0-6 months) underwent fewer CT scans. The findings emphasize the need for tailored diagnostic approaches based on species, age, and sex to improve early detection and treatment outcomes in veterinary practice. Furthermore, the study highlights the potential for expanding CT use in non-traditional veterinary species, with the goal of improving diagnostic precision. The results provide important insights for enhancing veterinary services through the strategic application of CT imaging.

The First Case of a Cat Infected with Burkholderia pseudomultivorans, a Member of the Burkholderia cepacia Complex

The Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) is a group of bacteria with similar biological properties which are an important cause of opportunistic infections. Identification of the Bcc species is important to understand clinical outcomes in human patients. However, there are few studies of Bcc species infecting companion animals such as cats. This report shows for the first time an infection with B. pseudomultivorans, a member of Bcc, in veterinary medicine. A 9-year-old, FIV-positive, mixed-breed cat was subjected to immunosuppressive therapy, developed septic shock, and died. In the bone marrow specimen collected postmortem, numerous short bacilli—some of which were phagocytosed by leukocytes—were observed. By bacteriological examination, the Bcc-like bacteria were isolated from the bone marrow sample. Genetic analysis showed that the recA gene sequence detected from the present case exhibited the highest homology (98–100%) to that of B. pseudomultivorans. Based on these examinations, the present case was diagnosed as B. pseudomultivorans infection. The findings of this study highlight the need for investigation of the Bcc species in veterinary practice to help in treatment decisions and the prognostic evaluation of Bcc infections.