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Article
Medicine and Pharmacology
Veterinary Medicine

Karelma Frontera-Acevedo

,

Alanis Boodram

,

Xaria Luke

,

Emily Rose Phillip

,

Rod Suepaul

,

Lana Gyan

Abstract: Forensic veterinary pathology is becoming increasingly important in investigation sit-uations of suspected animal abuse. A search for owner (private) or law-enforcement suspected animal abuse necropsy cases submitted at either the University of West In-dies Veterinary Hospital (UWI-SVM) or the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Vet-erinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MAF-VDL) for the period of 2008-2025 was performed. Based on pathology records and submission information, cases were categorized by signalment and cause of death (COD) or manner of injury (MOI) if the animal was eu-thanized. A total of 113 cases of suspected animal abuse were submitted in the years 2008-2025. The submission of these cases reached a peak in 2015 (n = 23) and has re-mained around 5 cases per year since then. The most commonly submitted animal species were dogs (77%) and birds (7%). Of the 113 cases, only 23 (20%) had a con-firmed COD/MOI. The most common confirmed COD/MOI was trauma. The majority of the unconfirmed COD/MOI involve suspected poisoning. The few confirmed cases of poisoning (n = 6) include carbamate, warfarin, malathion, and ethylene glycol. Owners are aware of the importance of pathology to help diagnose suspected animal abuse cases and are becoming more interested in trying to prosecute those suspected of harming their pets. One major limitation in advancing forensic veterinary pathology in the island, and prosecution of suspected animal abuse cases is the lack of a toxico-logical laboratory capable of handling animal samples.
Review
Medicine and Pharmacology
Veterinary Medicine

Margot Morel

,

Michaela Gumpenberger

,

Hermann Kempf

,

Sarah Green

,

Remco A. Nederlof

,

Jaco Bakker

Abstract: Dystocia represents a multifactorial and clinically significant reproductive disorder af-fecting a broad spectrum of reptilian species. Commonly resulting from prolonged vitellogenesis, endocrine disruption, or hepatic lipidosis, dystocia is often exacerbated by suboptimal husbandry or concurrent disease. This review critically evaluates the etiology, diagnostic criteria, and therapeutic interventions associated with this condition. Emphasis is placed on the interplay between metabolic exhaustion and hepatic compromise, which may lower the threshold for surgical intervention. The efficacy and limitations of oxytocin-based protocols are discussed in the context of hormonal receptor variability and response attenuation. Advanced diagnostic modalities, including ultrasonography, radiography/CT, and biochemical profiling, are reviewed for their utility in case stratification. Finally, surgical management options are considered for cases refractory to medical treatment, with attention to timing, anaesthetic risk, and postoperative care. Collectively, this synthesis aims to inform evidence-based clinical decision-making and promote improved standards of care in reptile reproductive medicine.
Concept Paper
Medicine and Pharmacology
Veterinary Medicine

Charles Cummings

Abstract: While essential for the ethical practice of veterinary medicine, euthanasia profoundly complicates research with a survival outcome. In particular, euthanasia can make it difficult to determine the extent to which a certain clinical sign, laboratory, or imaging finding is associated with poor prognosis since animals that die while receiving veterinary care are often euthanized rather than dying naturally. The reasons for euthanasia, however, could be dramatically different. Some are euthanized due to perceived poor prognosis, others due to client financial limitations, and others for multifactorial reasons. In addition, when a clinician-scientist veterinarian believes a clinical finding is associated with poor survival, they might consciously or unconsciously influence clients to euthanize their animals. In effect, this could create – or artificially inflate the strength of – an association between that finding and animal survival. In this viewpoint, I will discuss the use of causal inference tools like directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) to identify the treating veterinarian’s belief about prognosis as a variable that mediates the effect of clinical findings on the probability of survival. Then, I briefly discuss some statistical methods already in use to account for euthanasia in veterinary research and their limitations. Lastly, I speculatively propose the use of expert elicitation to estimate counterfactual survival probability distributions (CSPD) for euthanized animals. By using these CSPDs to weight survival probability in euthanized animals and DAGs to identify and adjust for potential confounding, investigators might be able to estimate the direct causal effects of different clinical findings on probability of animal survival.
Article
Medicine and Pharmacology
Veterinary Medicine

Caroline Melis

,

Claire Wade

,

Claudia Rozendom

,

Frank G. Van Steenbeek

,

Niek J. Beijerink

Abstract: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS) exhibits an unusually high prevalence of myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). A potential link to MMVD for allele risk variants near the heart specific nebulette (NEBL) gene has been identified. Although these allele risk variants seemed fixed in the CKCS, wild-type (healthy) allele variants at NEBL1-3 have likewise been found in a larger cohort, in which it was associated with less severe heart enlargement. The frequency of the healthy wild-type allele var-iants in the asymptomatic breeding population is unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the wild-type allele frequency through prospective genetic testing in a large sample of CKCS that were intended for breeding in both the Nether-lands and Australia. Blood samples of 371 CKCS with an unknown genetic status were collected, of which 175 from the Netherlands, and 196 from Australia. Deoxyribonu-cleic acid (DNA) was extracted for genotyping of NEBL allele variants. No dog was homozygous for the wild-type allele variants. Only 1 dog from the Netherlands was heterozygous, while 9 dogs from Australia were heterozygous for the wild-type allele variants. The prevalence of heterozygous dogs in the Australian breeding population was low (4.6%), but significantly higher compared to the prevalence in the Dutch breeding population (0.57%). In conclusion, selective breeding for the wild-type NEBL allele in the CKCS is nearly impossible, as it will result in the formation of a severe genetic bottleneck. Selection of breeding CKCS on wildtype NEBL variants should not be used on its own due to the low prevalence in this breed and due to the polygenic character of the disease.
Article
Medicine and Pharmacology
Veterinary Medicine

Jarosław Sobolewski

Abstract: The article discusses the post-World War II activities of UNRRA (United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration) in supporting Polish veterinary medicine and ag-riculture. The program's primary objective was to restore the devastated livestock population, crucial for rebuilding the country and ensuring food security. The author examines the challenges of transporting animals from the USA and Europe to Poland, focusing on health issues resulting from harsh travel conditions. The text details vet-erinary procedures in loading ports and Polish clinics, outlining the extent of medical support, treatments used, and animal mortality rates. It also highlights UNRRA's con-tributions to strengthening Polish veterinary infrastructure through medical supplies, equipment deliveries, and training programs for veterinarians.
Article
Medicine and Pharmacology
Veterinary Medicine

Piret Hussar

,

Katerina Blagoevska

,

Monika Dovenska

,

Lazo Pendovski

,

Florina Popovska-Percinic

Abstract: T-2 mycotoxins are known to induce toxic effects in animals. Kidneys are highly susceptible to oxidative stress caused by toxins, leading to cellular injury, apoptosis, and altered cell cycle regulation. Critical regulators of these processes include tumor suppressor protein p53 and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21. As up to now knowledeges on immunolocalization of p53 and p21 during T-2 mycotoxicosis in avian kidney are limited, the study aims to investigate immunolocalization of two critical apoptosis regulatory proteins - p53 and p21 - in kidneys of broiler chickens exposed to T-2 mycotoxin. In the study ten 7-day-old female layer-type Ross chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) were divided into control and T-2 toxin groups. For T-2 toxin group T-2 toxin was administered orally for three days. 24 hours after last dose, chickens were sacrificed, kidney tissues were collected and fixed for immunohistochemical staining. Immunohis-tochemical study using polyclonal primary antibodies p21 and p53 (Abcam, UK) revealed stronger expression of p53 and p21 in kidneys of T-2-treated chickens than in healthy chicken of control group. Both proteins localized mainly in renal proximal tubules’ epithelial cells. Increased expression of p53 and p21 highlights their role in T-2-induced renal toxicity and suggests potential biomarkers for early nephrotoxicity detection.
Article
Medicine and Pharmacology
Veterinary Medicine

Annika Spitzer

,

Heike Aupperle-Lellbach

,

Martin Spitzer

,

Silvia Weidle

,

Leonore Aeschlimann

,

Robert Klopfleisch

,

Simone de Brot

Abstract: The chromatin remodelling proteins DAXX and ATRX are key regulators of ge-nome stability and epigenetic processes. Alterations in their expression have been as-sociated with tumour stage and prognostic outcomes in various humane cancer types, whereas their role in veterinary oncology has received little investigation to date. We analysed canine prostate and urinary bladder samples, including 18 prostate carcino-mas (12 adenocarcinomas, 6 prostatic urothelial carcinomas), 10 non-malignant pros-tate tissues, 22 carcinomas of the urinary bladder and 6 non-malignant bladder tissues. Nuclear expression of DAXX and ATRX was assessed using fully quantitative digital immunohistochemistry. Overall, DAXX exhibited consistently higher expression than ATRX across benign and malignant samples from the prostate and bladder. DAXX and ATRX expression demonstrated a positive correlation across all prostate (ρ = 0.692, p < 0.05) and bladder (ρ = 0.488, p < 0.05) samples, suggesting coordinated regulation. They displayed organ-specific expression patterns: prostate carcinomas showed increased expression of both proteins compared with non-malignant prostate tissues. In contrast, in the bladder, expression declined with increasing tumour aggressiveness (p < 0.05). Our findings provide new insights into the potential of DAXX and ATRX as bi-omarkers, offering new insights into their clinical relevance in dogs.
Case Report
Medicine and Pharmacology
Veterinary Medicine

Francisco Gomora

,

Mish Castillo

,

Flor Ortiz

Abstract: Feather-plucking is a behavioral disorder considered one of the most frequent syndromes in Psittacines under human care. The patient described here was a male 15-year-old green macaw which presented chronic severe feather-plucking, affecting several regions of his body, leaving him practically devoid of ventral feathers. At initial consultation, there was an active therapeutic plan that included non-pharmacological treatment with improvements in diet, environmental, and social enrichment. The goal of incorporating cannabidiol (CBD) treatment was to reduce or eliminate plucking and whether it reduced skin inflammation in the affected areas. CBD is one of most abundant and studied phytocannabinoids and has shown anxiolytic effects in humans and animals by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The patient remained behaviorally stable and without feather-plucking at an oral dose of 3 mg/kg every 24 hours. Although definitive plumage growth was not achieved, great improvement was observed in his mood, his behaviors relating to his macaw partner and chicks, and the staff who took care of him. Additionally, improvement was observed by decreased skin inflammation. There is evidence of the absence of CB2 receptors in Psittacines, which could signify that these species require higher doses of cannabinoids such as CBD to obtain positive results, and the responses related to this receptor may be more modest. This is the first case report of therapeutic CBD use in a green macaw and appears to support that these species require higher doses of cannabinoids to see clinical improvement. More research is required in these avians to better understand their ECS, as well as dosage ranges, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of cannabinoids in the Psittacidae family.
Article
Medicine and Pharmacology
Veterinary Medicine

Aleksandra Studzińska

,

Marek Pieczka

,

Angelika Kruszyńska

,

Leszek Moniakowski

,

Anna Urbaniak

,

Andrzej Rapak

,

Arkadiusz Miążek

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Canine Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (cDLBCL) is characterized by a high prevalence of MHC II DR (DLA-DR) antigen overexpression. Murine anti-pan-DLA-DR monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) B5 and E11 have been previously shown to induce cDLBCL cell death in vitro and in vivo. Consequently, DLA-DR antigens are considered a promising alternative target to CD20 for passive immunotherapy. While infusion of anti-pan MHC II mAbs has demonstrated tumor suppression in cDLBCL xenografted immunodeficient mice, the relative contributions of direct cellular versus immune-mediated mechanisms to this therapeutic effect remain undefined. This study aimed to dissect these potential mechanisms of mAb E11.Methods: Canine lymphoma and leukemia cell lines CLBL1 and CLB70 were incubated with full E11 antibody or its F(ab’)2 and Fab fragments and cell viability was assessed with sub-G1 assay then, NOD-SCID mice were xenotransplanted with 15×106 canine CLBL1 cells expressing nanoluciferase and were infused either with mAb E11 or its fragments, each at 1 mg/kg body mass, twice weekly for three consecutive weeks. Tumor burden was monitored by assessing body weight, nanoluciferase activity in blood, and by flow cytometric analyses of bone marrow tumor cell content. Time to tumor progression (TTP) was calculated based on weight loss and luminescence measurements. Results: We observed cytotoxic activity of monovalent E11-Fab fragments in vitro and in vivo. The mean TTP for mice treated with irrelevant mouse IgG antibodies was 9.8±4.65 days. In contrast, treatment with E11 Fab fragments resulted in a TTP of 19.1±2.67 days, which was similar to that achieved with the full E11 mAb (19.5±1.73 days) and E11 F(ab')2 fragments (18.1±2.9 days). Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate a potent antibody cytotoxicity mechanism that operates in vivo and is independent of cell surface MHC II crosslinking or Fc engagement. These data support the promising potential of E11-Fab fragments for further clinical development as a therapeutic agent in canine lymphoma.
Article
Medicine and Pharmacology
Veterinary Medicine

Ljubiša Veljović

,

Milan Paunović

,

Dimitrije Glisic

,

Sofija Šolaja

,

Zorana Zurovac Sapundžić

,

Jelena Maletić

,

Bojan Milovanović

,

Vesna Milićević

Abstract: West Nile fever is a mosquito-borne zoonotic disease caused by West Nile virus (WNV), maintained in an enzootic cycle between avian hosts and Culex mosquitoes. While birds are the principal reservoirs, WNV also infects a wide range of mammals, including humans, horses, and wildlife species. In this study, we assessed WNV seroprevalence in wild ungulates, wild boars, golden jackals, and the invasive rodent nutria in Serbia. Antibodies against WNV were detected across all tested species, with seroprevalence rates of 37% in wild boars, 11.9% in nutrias, 32.4% in golden jackals, 50.6 % in red deer, and 9.1% in roe deer. Detection of antibodies in both adults and juveniles provides evidence of recent transmission during the study period. These findings confirm widespread circulation WNV in Serbian wildlife and suggest that wild ungulates, carnivores, and invasive rodents may serve as useful sentinel species for monitoring WNV prevalence and geographic spread in natural ecosystems.
Review
Medicine and Pharmacology
Veterinary Medicine

Léa Mornard

,

Anna Brasileiro

,

Mário Marcondes-Santos

Abstract: In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported cases of dilated cardiomyo-pathy (DCM) in dogs, including breeds without known genetic predisposition, fed diets containing a high proportion of legumes or potatoes, many labelled grain-free. Despite concerns, grain-free diets remain increasingly popular. This review summarizes recent studies on the effects of grain-free diets on cardiac health in dogs, exploring taurine deficiency, metabolic data, and emerging hypotheses beyond nutritional deficiency. These findings suggest a strong link between diet and DCM, particularly regarding legumes. Dogs of various breeds, show larger left ventricular diameters, reduced systolic function, and increased premature ventricular complexes when fed non-traditional, grain-free, legume-rich diets compared to those on traditional, low-legume diets. Many affected dogs improve clinically and functionally with dietary changes and treatment, suggesting nutritional DCM may be reversible. Though mechanisms remain unclear, research results highlight the role of legumes, especially peas, gut microbiota, and fiber-related bile acid metabolism. The review also distinguishes taurine-deficiency-related DCM as a separate form, with certain breeds, notably Golden Retrievers, being more susceptible. Overall, the analysis underscores the vital role of nutrition in canine cardiac health and calls for further studies.
Article
Medicine and Pharmacology
Veterinary Medicine

Juline Stoffel

,

Thomas Mercky

,

Ana Paiva

,

Anna Brasileiro

Abstract:

The Moon is at the centre of many popular beliefs including that the number of births increases during Full Moon days, followed by many breeders to anticipate calving periods. However, it has been rarely explored in dairy cattle farming. This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the association of lunar cycles on calving distribution, with particular focus on a potential increase during full-moon nights. Data from 383,926 calvings of Montbéliard breed that occurred between March 2022, and January 2025, mostly in Franche-Comté (98.2%), France were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using the Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM). Results revealed significant association of the lunar cycle on calving distribution, it was observed a higher calving probability than the average (p < 0.001, +15%) during the New Moon, and a lower calving probability than the average during the First Quarter and Full Moon phases (p < 0.001 for both and -1.5% and -11%, respectively) in all groups, primiparous, multiparous, male and female. The observed patterns may have practical implications for veterinarians and breeders, particularly in ensuring adequate colostrum intake, thereby supporting improved management of parturition periods.

Article
Medicine and Pharmacology
Veterinary Medicine

Catarina I. G. D. Castanheira

,

Sarah Taylor

,

Eva Skiöldebrand

,

Luis M. Rubio-Martinez

,

Matthias Hackl

,

Peter D. Clegg

,

Mandy J. Peffers

Abstract: The aim of this study was to identify differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) in serum and synovial fluid (SF) samples of control horses and those with osteoarthritis (OA), to identify potential candidates for biomarkers of disease. Total RNA was extracted from serum and SF samples of control (n=4) and OA (n=9) horses, and sequenced. Differential expression analysis, pathway analysis and miRNA target prediction were performed. A group of six miRNAs (eca-miR-199a-3p, eca-miR-148a, eca-miR-99b, eca-miR-146a, eca-miR-423-5p and eca-miR-23b) were selected for validation in an independent cohort (serum, n=46; SF, n=88). The effect of clinical variables on miRNA expression was also assessed. Sequencing analyses found 43 and 23 differentially expressed miRNAs in serum and SF samples, respectively. Pathway analysis showed miRNA were involved in inflammatory disease/response and associated with OA pathways. miRNA expression in serum was strongly associated with the horses’ workload, while age had a pronounced influence on miRNA expression in SF. Distinct patterns of miRNA differential expression were observed in serum and SF samples from horses with OA compared to controls. miR-199a-3p and miR-148a warrant further investigation as potential biomarkers of equine OA. Further characterization of these molecular changes could provide novel insights into the mechanisms of early OA.
Article
Medicine and Pharmacology
Veterinary Medicine

Anne-Christine François

,

Bernard Taminiau

,

Benoît Renaud

,

Irma Elizabeth Gonza-Quito

,

Claire Massey

,

Carolyn Hyde

,

Richard J Piercy

,

Caroline Douny

,

Marie-Louise Scippo

,

Georges Daube

+3 authors

Abstract: Hypoglycin A is a plant-derived protoxin that causes atypical myopathy in equids. Its toxic metabolites have been well characterised, but the potential contribution of the gut microbiota in its transformation remains unresolved. In atypical myopa-thy-affected-horses, metabolomic and microbiome studies have reported alterations in metabolic markers and faecal microbiota composition, pointing to a potential disruption of microbial homeostasis. However, in vivo observations are strongly confounded by host-related factors, underscoring the need for controlled in vitro approaches. To address this, we used a static batch fermentation model simulating the equine colon to investigate the direct effects of hypoglycin A on microbiota composition and activity. Faecal inocula from healthy horses were incubated in control and hypoglycin A-treated fermenters for 48 h, with serial analyses of hypoglycin A concentration, short-chain fatty acids, and 16S rRNA gene profiles. Results showed significant microbial-associated hypoglycin A degradation without evidence of toxic metabolite formation. Analysis of α- and β-diversity revealed effects of both incubation time and hypoglycin A exposure, with specific taxa such as Paraclostridium affected. This study provides the first in vitro evidence that the equine microbiota contributes to hypoglycin A degradation.
Article
Medicine and Pharmacology
Veterinary Medicine

Roberta Pizzi

,

Claudia Piemontese

,

Caterina Vicenti

,

Elena Barazia

,

Marzia Stabile

,

Claudia Acquafredda

,

Luca Lacitignola

,

Marta Guadalupi

,

Pietro Laricchiuta

,

Francesco Staffieri

Abstract:

Laparoscopic salpingectomy is a mini-invasive surgery that requires careful anaesthesiologic management due to impact of pneumoperitoneum. In this retrospective study baboons (Papio Hamadryas) were treated with two sedative protocols: medetomidine-ketamine (MK; n=14) or medetomidine-tiletamine-zolazepam (MZ; n=12) via intramuscular injection. A laryngeal mask (LMA) was used for airway management and anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane. For statistical analysis were considered and analysed via two-way ANOVA: heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure (SAP, DAP, MAP), end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO₂) and peripheral saturation (SpO₂) recorded five minutes before pneumoperitoneum (PREP), immediately after abdominal insufflation (PP1), at 10 (PP2), 20 (PP3) minutes post-insufflation and 5 minutes after pneumoperitoneum interruption (POSTP). HR and RR were statistically significantly higher (p < 0.05) in MK group compared to MZ group at all time points of the study. EtCO₂ was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in MZ group at PP2, PP3, and POSTP time points. The incidence of hypotension was significantly greater in MZ group (45.5%) compared to MK group (6.25%). Hypercapnia was observed in all baboons sedated with MZ protocol compared to 12.5% of MK group. As a result, MK protocol provides greater cardiorespiratory stability during laparoscopic surgery.

Case Report
Medicine and Pharmacology
Veterinary Medicine

Noriko Isayama

,

Yusuke Uchimura

,

Kenta Sasaki

,

Erika Maeda

,

Toshihisa Takahashi

,

Megumi Watanabe

,

Yuji Hamamoto

,

Takeshi Mizuno

,

Sayaka Suzuki

Abstract: A 3-year-old West Highland White Terrier was presented to our hospital with dyspnoea following aspiration of barium contrast medium during diagnostic imaging for a suspected oesophageal foreign body (day 0). Barium contrast radiography had revealed a foreign body in the lower oesophagus. During anaesthesia, the patient regurgitated and developed respiratory failure and cyanosis. Despite immediate intubation, suction, and ventilatory management, the respiratory parameters remained poor. Respiratory support with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) allowed to control blood gas parameters, and tracheobronchial lavage with temporary complete airway occlusion was performed. ECMO was withdrawn once the respiratory status normalised. The total support time was 3 h. Considering the possibility of hypoxia-induced brain damage, the patient was extubated on day 1. The dog was alert, changed positions, and drank water independently 5 h after extubation. However, neurological symptoms were observed 1 h later. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging was performed on day 6 because of persistent neurological symptoms. Although no ECMO-related complications, such as cerebral infarction, haemorrhage, or herniation, were observed, the white matter showed hyposignal, indicating hypoxic encephalopathy. The patient died on day 8, without improvement in neurological symptoms. ECMO is an effective treatment option for dogs with respiratory failure, and its prompt introduction could improve survival in applicable cases.
Article
Medicine and Pharmacology
Veterinary Medicine

Angélica María Zuluaga-Cabrera

,

Guilherme Barbosa da Costa

,

Iván Darío Martinez

,

María Patricia Arias

Abstract: Colombian Paso Horses (CPH) excel in gait competitions due to their endurance, speed, and precision, which demand a high level of cardiorespiratory fitness. However, their training often lacks scientific support, and few studies have linked physiological pa-rameters to optimal training zones. This study aimed to estimate the aerobic lactate threshold (LTaer) using non-invasive methods and to correlate it with heart rate (HR) zones. Eighteen CPH were evaluated and classified into trained (GT) and untrained (GD) groups. All animals underwent a field-based incremental exercise test (IET) with con-tinuous HR monitoring and serial blood sampling for lactate, creatinine, urea, AST, and CK analysis. LTaer was estimated using three methods: visual inspection, fixed thresholds at 2 mmol/L (ZL2), and 4 mmol/L (ZL4). HR zones corresponding to each threshold were then calculated based on a maximum estimated HR of 220 bpm. The visual method placed LTaer in zone 2 for both groups. ZL2 located the threshold in zone 2 for GT and in zone 3 for GD, whereas ZL4 placed the threshold in zone 4 for both groups. Although no intergroup differences in lactate or HR were observed, intragroup differences emerged above 75% of HRmax, indicating exponential lactate accumulation. Biomarker analysis revealed significant pre- to post-exercise changes, but no differences between groups, suggesting a standardized workload. This is the first study to propose field-based pre-diction of LTaer in CPH using HR derived from wearable technologies and a standardized exercise test. Correlating HR zones with lactate thresholds facilitates workload analysis in the field when blood biomarkers are not available. Future studies should investigate the maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) in this breed.
Article
Medicine and Pharmacology
Veterinary Medicine

Inês Tomé

,

Sofia Alves-Pimenta

,

Bruno Colaço

,

Mário Ginja

Abstract: Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is a common orthopedic condition characterized by joint laxity, abnormal femoral head development, and osteoarthritis. Radiography remains the gold standard in diagnosis; however, ultrasonography (US) can detect bone and additional periarticular and soft tissue changes earlier in CHD progression. Forty-four hips from twenty-two adult dogs of various breeds were graded according to the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and grouped as: normal (A, B) and dys-plastic (C, D, E) hips. Canine hip US evaluation, using the ventral femoral head–neck approach, included: capsule thickness at the femoral head index (CTFHi) and capsular-synovial fold thickness index (CSFTi) both measured in mm/body weight*100; femoral head shape score (FHSs), femoral head–neck transition score (FHNTs), and osteophyte score (Os), were evaluated qualitatively and then converted into a numerical score. Twenty-three hips were FCI scored as normal and twenty-one as dysplastic. The US pa-rameters medians, CTFHi, CSFTi, FHSs, FHNTs and Os, were 2.02, 7.79, 1.00, 1.00, 0.00 in normal hips group and 3.11, 9.32, 3.00, 2.00, 1.00 in dysplastic hips group. Sig-nificant differences were observed in most US parameters evaluated. Strong associa-tions were found between CTFHi, FHNTs, and Os, indicating progressive bone remod-elling. These findings support the US use as an alternative tool for CHD diagnosis and monitoring.
Review
Medicine and Pharmacology
Veterinary Medicine

Mandalena Markou

,

Eleftheria Dermisiadou

,

Konstantina Karagianni

,

Eugenia Flouraki

,

Vassiliki Tsioli

Abstract: The objective of the present study is to review the anatomical considerations, surgical techniques, clinical applications, and outcomes of myocutaneous and muscle flaps used in the reconstruction of limb defects in dogs and cats. Limb wounds in small animals often result from trauma, neoplasia, or infection and can involve significant soft tissue loss. Reconstruction of these defects is challenging due to limited local skin availability, particularly in distal regions, and the need to preserve function while preventing complications. Muscle and myocutaneous flaps provide well-vascularized tissue suitable for covering complex wounds, especially those with exposed bone, joints, or tendons. This review synthesizes current literature on commonly used flaps—including latissi-mus dorsi, cutaneous trunci, trapezius, sartorius, semitendinosus, and flexor carpi ul-naris; focusing on their anatomical basis, vascular supply, arc of rotation, surgical technique, indications, and complication rates. Comparative data between dogs and cats are highlighted, and experimental as well as clinical applications are discussed. Myocutaneous flaps offer durable and reliable coverage with lower infection and ne-crosis rates compared to skin grafts, particularly in contaminated or poorly vascular-ized wounds. Common complications include distal flap necrosis, wound dehiscence, seroma, and, occasionally, functional deficits. Muscle and myocutaneous flaps remain essential tools in limb reconstruction. Suc-cessful outcomes require careful flap planning, surgical expertise, and vigilant postop-erative care. Further prospective studies are needed to optimize flap selection and re-duce complication rates in both species.
Article
Medicine and Pharmacology
Veterinary Medicine

Ukamaka U. Eze

,

Rethabile Mokoena

,

Kenneth I. Ogbu

,

Sinegugu Dubazana

,

Ernest C. Ngoepe

,

Mparamoto Munangatire

,

Romanus C. Ezeokonkwo

,

Boniface M. Anene

,

Sindisiwe G. Buthelezi

,

Claude T. Sabeta

Abstract:

Background: Rabies is among the oldest known zoonotic viral diseases and is caused by members of the Lyssavirus genus. The prototype species, Lyssavirus rabies, effectively evades the host immune response, allowing the infection to progress unnoticed until the onset of clinical signs. At this stage, the disease is irreversible and invariably fatal, with definitive diagnosis possible only post-mortem. Given the advances in modern proteomics, this study aimed to identify potential protein biomarkers for antemortem diagnosis of rabies in dogs, which are the principal reservoir hosts of the rabies virus. Methods: Two hundred and thirty-one samples (brain tissues (BT), cerebrospinal fluids (CSF), and serum (SR) samples) were collected from apparently healthy dogs brought for slaughter for human consumption in South-East and North-Central Nigeria. All the BT were subjected to a direct fluorescent antibody test to confirm the presence of lyssavirus antigen, and 8.7% (n = 20) were positive. Protein extraction, quantification, reduction, and alkylation were followed by on-bead (HILIC) cleanup and tryptic digestion. The resulting peptides from each sample were injected into the Evosep One LC system, coupled to the timsTOF HT MS, using the standard dia-PASEF short gradient data acquisition method. Data was processed using SpectronautTM (v19). An unpaired t-test was performed to compare identified protein groups (proteins and their isoforms) between the rabies-infected and uninfected BT, CSF, and SR samples. Results: The study yielded 54 significantly differentially abundant proteins for the BT group, 299 for the CSF group, and 280 for the SrRgroup. Forty-five overlapping differentially abundant proteins were identified between CSF and SR, one between BT and CSF, and two between BT and SR; none were found that overlapped all three groups. Within the BT group, 33 proteins showed increased abundance, while 21 showed decreased abundance in the rabies-positive samples. In the CSF group, 159 proteins had increased abundance and 140 had decreased abundance in the rabies-positive samples. For the SR group, 215 proteins showed increased abundance, and 65 showed decreased abundance in the rabies-positive samples. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that pathways associated with CSF, spinocerebellar ataxia, and neurodegeneration were among the significant findings. Conclusion: This study identified canonical proteins in CSF and SR that serve as candidate biomarkers for rabies infection, offering insights into neuronal dysfunction and potential tools for early diagnosis.

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