Veterinární medicína - In Press
Effect of vatinoxan co-administered with medetomidine on intraocular pressure and pupil diameter in healthy dogsOriginal Paper
P Rauser, M Mrazova, A Sabatova, K Jiraskova
Medetomidine, an alpha-2 adrenoreceptor agonist, is used for sedation. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of alpha-2 adrenoreceptor antagonist vatinoxan co-administered with medetomidine on intraocular pressure (IOP) and pupil diameter (PD) in healthy dogs. Prospective, randomised, masked clinical study was performed. A total of 40 conscious dogs were allocated to one of two groups – medetomidine 0.01 mg/kg with vatinoxan 0.2 mg/kg intravenously (MV-group, n = 20) or medetomidine 0.01 mg/kg intravenously (M-group, n = 20). The IOP, PD, heart rate and mean arterial pressure were measured prior to (baseline) and 5, 10 and 20 minutes after drug administration. Data were analysed using one and two-way repeated measures ANOVA or their non-parametric equivalents (P < 0.05). No significant differences in IOP within or between groups were recorded. In the MV-group, PD remained unchanged compared to baseline. In the M-group, PD significantly decreased compared to baseline at all observation times. In the M-group, PD was significantly smaller at all observation times compared to MV-group. Vatinoxan co-administered with medetomidine, as well as medetomidine alone, did not significantly influence IOP. Vatinoxan with medetomidine did not affect PD, while medetomidine alone significantly reduced it.
Seasonal dynamics and nutritional risk factors of gastric ulcers in fattening pigs: Results from a one-year field study in SlovakiaOriginal Paper
Z Krepelkova, K Bardova, F Zigo, A Csorgo, J Novotny
This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the prevalence, severity, and risk factors associated with gastric lesions in fattening pigs across all four seasons in Slovakia. A total of 1 944 porcine stomachs were examined post-mortem at commercial slaughterhouses, focusing on the non-glandular region (pars esophagea). A macroscopic evaluation was conducted using a standardised scoring system (0 – 3), in which gastric lesions, including parakeratosis, erosions, and ulcerations, were observed in 48% of the examined stomachs. Significant seasonal variation was detected, with the highest lesion prevalence recorded during the summer months, likely due to heat stress and reduced feed intake, and the lowest incidence of pathological changes seen in autumn. The gastric fullness had a notable impact: empty and liquid-filled stomachs were more frequently associated with severe mucosal damage, while full stomachs exhibited a protective effect. Furthermore, the feeding regimen played a crucial role: the pigs receiving wet feed had a significantly lower incidence of gastric lesions compared to those on a dry feeding regimen. These results underscore the multifactorial nature of gastric ulceration in pigs and highlight the importance of nutritional and environmental management strategies in intensive production systems.
Experimental ultrasound stimulator for improving diffusion of exosomes and drugs into lung tissueOriginal Paper
J Prucha, J Skopalik, T Parak, P Bratka, J Cuprova
Pulmonary fibrosis is not only a consequence of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, but is increasingly recognised by both human and veterinary healthcare providers. Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive condition that leads to a decline in respiratory function and even death. In this work, we compared MSC-derived exosomes with conventional anti-inflammatory drug treatments. Exosomes from stimulated MSCs displayed higher miRNA concentrations (in particular, miRNA-30b was significantly increased). A set of rats with induced lung fibrosis were divided into four groups: NC (control – no treatment), A2 (exosome infusion), A3 (exosome infusion combined with ultrasound stimulation), and F1 (tamoxifen/metformin drug treatment). The rats’ lungs were subjected to histological analysis; the fibrosis scores for groups F1 and A3 were very similar and decreased significantly in comparison with group NC. Ultrasound-facilitated diffusion of exosomes from the capillaries into the lung tissue could represent an innovative therapeutic approach for slowing fibrosis and prolonging the active life of the organism.
Additive effects of Ceftiofur-Neomycin combination against multidrug-resistant pathogenic Escherichia coli in a murine infection modelOriginal Paper
K-H Do, M-G Kim, D-H Ryu, H-J Ahn, S-B Kim, Y-K Go, SY Kim, S Kim, S-H Lee, D-K Kim, Y-E Cho, J Kim, YK Park, K Youn, H Oh, K-W Seo
The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of a ceftiofur–neomycin combination against a pathogenic multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli strain, KECS-0513, isolated from pigs, using a combination of genomic, in vitro, and in vivo approaches. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration, and checkerboard assays were performed. Time–kill assays were used to assess bactericidal activity over time, and a murine intraperitoneal infection model was used to evaluate survival outcomes following treatment with monotherapies or combination regimens. Whole genome sequencing indicated that KECS-0513 harboured multiple resistance genes, including blaTEM-1B, sul3, aadA12, aad(3)-IVa, aph(3’)-Ia, and aph(4)-Ia. The resistance genes were localised within a mobile, element-rich plasmid. In vitro checkerboard assays indicated an additive interaction between ceftiofur and neomycin (fractional inhibitory concentration index = 1.0), and time–kill experiments showed enhanced sustained bacterial clearance with combination therapy. In vivo infection studies in mice demonstrated that the dual treatment resulted in a substantially higher survival rate (66.7%) than treatment with either agent alone (33.3% each). These results support the practical application of ceftiofur–neomycin combination therapy for controlling swine-associated multidrug-resistant E. coli while minimising the risk of resistance emergence.
Impact of prebiotic supplementation on zootechnical and health performance in broiler chickensOriginal Paper
M Mansouri, N Hammami, A Yahia, K Saidani, Z Boumahdi, D Tarzaali, N Mimoune
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) in broiler chickens feed over a complete rearing cycle, focusing on zootechnical performance and lactic acid bacteria. Over a period of 49 days, a total of one thousand and eighty-one-day-old ISA 15 chicks were divided into two (control and experimental) groups of 540 subjects each (9 replicates of 60 chicks per treatment). They were fed by the same basic diet, but only the experimental group received a yeast cell wall extract-based prebiotic (AGRIMOS®, France), administered continuously at a dose of 2 g/kg throughout the different rearing phases. Under our local conditions, prebiotic supplementation resulted in a significant increase in body weight gain (P < 0.01), reaching 1 559.82 ± 41.47 g during the growth phase and 913.20 ± 72.58 g during the finishing phase. Moreover, a significant reduction in feed conversion ratio was observed throughout the rearing cycle (P < 0.05). Across all segments of the intestinal tract analysed (duodenum, ileum, and cecum), data showed that chickens supplemented with prebiotic had significantly higher number of lactic acid bacteria compared to the control group during the start, growth, and finishing phases (P < 0.01). Our findings demonstrated a clear impact of the prebiotic on feed utilization under our rearing conditions, which required further studies to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action.
Evaluation of hydroalcoholic extract of Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) root on treatment of experimentally induced peritonitis in New Zealand male rabbitsOriginal Paper
M Ahmadi, I Nowrouzian, M Norbakhsh, M Yadegari, M Jafarian Dehkordi
This experimental study evaluated the therapeutic potential of a liquorice-derived hydroalcoholic extract in managing experimentally induced peritonitis in New Zealand rabbits. The animals were randomly divided into six groups (n = 6): one control group, one negative control group (infected but untreated), three treatment groups receiving liquorice-derived extract at 0.5, 1, and 2 g/kg, and one positive control group treated with enrofloxacin., Peritoneal infection confirmation relied on histopathological and radiographic tests. The effect of the liquorice extract on peritoneal infection was evaluated using biochemical, haematological, and ultrasound analyses across groups. The ultrasound examination along with haematological and biochemical evaluation on the 20th day after induction showed significant differences between groups. The results demonstrated that higher doses of 1 g/kg and 2 g/kg were more effective than the lower dose of 0.5 g/kg. The haematological and biochemical analyses revealed significant differences in several parameters (including WBC, neutrophils, fibrinogen, and liver enzymes) between the treated and control groups, with the most pronounced improvements observed in the group receiving 2 g/kg of liquorice extract, suggesting a dose-dependent therapeutic effect. Administration of hydroalcoholic extract of liquorice at different doses and standard treatment with enrofloxacin affected different haematological and biochemical parameters in the context of peritoneal infection management. In conclusion, the effectiveness of liquorice-derived extract is dose-dependent and could be used as an effective therapeutic agent in peritoneal infection in New Zealand rabbits. These findings showed that the liquorice-derived extract effectively improves local inflammatory and structural changes associated with peritoneal infection without adversely affecting systemic biochemical homeostasis.
Prevalence of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae and association with hip dysplasia in Rhodesian Ridgebacks in GermanyOriginal Paper
S Slunsky, P Slunsky, E Fort, L Brunnberg
Congenital anomalies affecting the spinal column are frequently observed in certain dog breeds. One such condition occurs at the junction between the lower back and the sacrum, where vertebrae exhibit mixed structural characteristics. This retrospective study assessed imaging records of Rhodesian Ridgebacks collected over a 28-year period, selecting only those meeting strict positioning standards for evaluation. A total of 2 012 cases were analysed using established classification methods, identifying three distinct structural variations: a typical junction, a bilaterally altered morphology, and an asymmetrical form affecting one side. The prevalence of these variations was 7.4%, with symmetrical alterations found in 5 % of cases and asymmetrical alterations in 2.4%. Statistical analysis did not reveal a significant association between these anatomical variations and canine hip dysplasia (CHD) (P = 0.1700). These findings support previous research indicating no direct link between these structural variations and joint disorders in this breed. The study represents the most extensive investigation of its kind in this canine population, highlighting that such vertebral variations are frequently observed in routine radiographic screenings, but despite decades of research, consistent clinical correlations remain elusive — underscoring the need for further systematic investigation.
Cerebellar hypoplasia in an Amur leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilura) with feline panleukopenia virus infectionCase Report
JH Han, JS Oh, SY Ahn, J Kim, DN Lee, YD Suh, K Dae-Yong, J Yoon, SC Yeon
Cerebellar hypoplasia caused by feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) is a well-documented condition in domestic cats but remains unreported in wild felid species, including the Amur leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilura). Understanding the impact of such viral diseases on wild populations is crucial for advancing conservation efforts and protecting wildlife. An orphaned Amur leopard cat exhibiting idiopathic ataxia was rescued. Initial diagnostics, including physical examination, radiography, and blood analysis, yielded no remarkable findings, though its clinical signs indicated an underlying neurological problem. Subsequent real-time polymerase chain reaction tests detected FPV. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed brain lesions, including reduced cerebellar parenchyma and the cerebrospinal fluid occupying the resulting space, where the cerebellum should be located. These findings suggested cerebellar hypoplasia caused by in utero FPV infection. The Amur leopard cat was euthanised owing to its permanent disability, and the necropsy confirmed a markedly shrunken cerebellum, while histopathology identified decreased cellularity of the molecular and granular layers of the cerebellar cortex. These results coincided with the MRI findings. This report suggests that cerebellar hypoplasia caused by FPV can occur in wild felid species.
Effect of trace mineral injection on serum trace mineral levels and reproductive parameters in sheep synchronised during anoestrus periodOriginal Paper
A Cortu, O Gungor
Sheep production represents an important source of income for farmers in Türkiye; however, reproductive inefficiencies during the anoestrus period pose a major challenge to productivity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of injectable trace minerals (copper, selenium, manganese, and zinc) on the reproductive performance of Awassi ewes synchronised during the anoestrous period. A total of 200 clinically healthy ewes were randomly allocated to two groups: the trace mineral group (TRACE, n = 100), which received 2 ml of a trace mineral solution 14 days before oestrus synchronisation, and the control group (CON, n = 100), which received 2 ml of 0.9% NaCl. Oestrus was synchronised using intravaginal sponges containing 60 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate for 12 days, followed by administration of 500 IU equine chorionic gonadotrophin at sponge removal. Ewes were hand-mated for five days synchronisation. Parameters assessed included serum trace mineral concentrations, response to synchronisation, and reproductive outcomes (oestrus rate, pregnancy rate, lambing rate, incidence of multiple births, and dystocia). No significant differences (P > 0.05) were found between groups in serum copper, zinc, or manganese levels. Although the duration of oestrus was significantly longer in the TRACE group compared to control (29.66 ± 0.96 h vs. 26.09 ± 0.89 h; P = 0.006), all other reproductive parameters were similar between groups. These findings suggest that a single pre-synchronisation injection of trace minerals does not significantly improve reproductive performance or mineral status in anoestrous Awassi ewes. Further research is needed to determine the optimal timing and dosing strategies for trace mineral supplementation in sheep.
Ocular squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in a female buffaloCase Report
R Batista Viana, A Araujo Borges Lima, JM de Sousa Soares, G Meireles Borges, D Araujo Marques, SM da Silva Lobato, D de Menezes Melo, JC Melem Santos, L do Socorro Bremgarter, PE Zezema, S da Gama Barbosa Monger, G Melo Alves dos Santos, PP Maia Teixeira, G Rodrigues Galvão, J Dantas Ribeiro Filho, B Moura Monteiro
Ocular squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is an epithelial neoplasm that affects the ocular and periocular tissues, often associated with factors such as exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The disease is rarely reported in buffalo, particularly with regard to its progression and treatment. This report describes a case of a buffalo with a pink mass in the right eye showing signs of inflammation. After clinical examination and initial treatment with topical solutions and systemic drugs, the tumour continued to grow. As a result, surgery was performed to remove the mass while preserving the eyeball and third eyelid. The procedure was successful and histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of OSCC. Postoperative recovery was satisfactory. It was concluded that surgical treatment followed by medical treatment, when performed early, allowed complete recovery of the buffalo with OSCC.
Efficacy of a new ready-to-use PCV2 and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae vaccine under field conditionsOriginal Paper
P Trampus, A Csagola, T Szalai, N Palmai, A Toth, N Terenyi, Z Nagy, NA Szeplaki, G Somogyi, E Rausch, Z Penzes, R Krejci
Coinfection of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (M. hyo) cause major worldwide economic losses within the swine industry. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of a single dose of a bivalent vaccine containing PCV2d and M. hyo antigen (Cirbloc® M Hyo) under field conditions. Two studies were carried out following GCP (Good Clinical Practice) requirements on farrow-to-finish farms in Hungary and in Cyprus. On both farms presence of both PCV2 and M. hyo infection was demonstrated. For both studies safety parameters were observed and measured from inclusion at 21(±3) days of age until 14 days post vaccination. Efficacy parameters were observed and measured from inclusion until slaughter. Administration of the vaccine was safe in both studies as no general, no immediate and no local reactions were observed. The efficacy of the vaccine was confirmed in both studies as the following parameters were significantly reduced in the vaccinated groups compared to the control groups: viraemia, faecal shedding, viral load in lungs and in all collected lymphoid tissues, M. hyo specific lung lesions and average daily body weight gain. These results collectively support the vaccine's potential as an effective tool for disease control.
Coagulation profile in bitches with pyometra: standard tests and thromboelastographyOriginal Paper
A Ramesova, K Machackova, I Vanova (Uhrikova), M Lacinova, A Bartoskova, R Novotny, R Vitasek, K Rehakova, J Doubek
The aim of this study was to determine coagulation changes in bitches with pyometra based on a series of coagulation tests and thromboelastography (TEG), and to assess the incidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Eighteen bitches with pyometra and thirty-four control bitches were examined. Haematological, biochemical, and following haemostasis parameters were measured including: prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), antithrombin activity (AT), and levels of fibrinogen (FBG), D-dimers (DD), tissue factor (TF), plasminogen (PLG), tissue plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (TPAI-1) and thromboelastography. DIC was considered as present if three or more of these parameters were abnormal: platelet count (< 153 × 109/l), PT (> 8.1 s), aPTT (> 25.5 s), FBG (< 0.6 g/l), DD (> 0.2 mg/l), and AT (< 107%). Significant differences were found in the PT, aPTT, FBG, DD, TPAI-1, clotting time, α-angle and maximal amplitude. According to our scoring system, two patients were DIC positive. The study found alterations in several coagulation tests and hypercoagulable TEG tracings in bitches with pyometra, which points to excessive activation of coagulation, delayed fibrinolysis, and the presence of DIC. No patient bled abnormally, which may suggest that DIC is not overt in the majority of pyometra patients.
The effects of zinc oxide nanoparticle on oxidative stress, caspase 3, cytokine and immunity in ratsOriginal Paper
M Senturk, M Eren, F Dogan Koca, CK Bozbek, N Develi
This study was conducted to examine the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, super oxidase dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and caspase-3 (CASP3) activities, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), immunoglobulin (Ig) E, G, M and zinc (Zn) levels in serum/plasma and liver tissues of rats. Forty Wistar Albino rats were separated into five equal groups as control, 5 and 10 mg/kg, b.w./day ZnO, 5 and 10 mg/kg b.w/day ZnO NPs were administered i.p. every other day for 14 days. Plasma MDA and plasma/liver TNF-α levels increased in the 10 mg/kg ZnO, 5 and 10 mg/kg ZnO NPs groups. Plasma SOD, CASP3, plasma/liver GPx activities and serum Zn levels increased in all the Zn groups. The highest SOD, GPx and CASP3 activities were detected in the 5 mg/kg ZnO NPs group. Plasma IgG levels increased, especially in the ZnO NPs groups. The study findings suggest that 5 mg/kg ZnO NPs could potentially have ameliorative effect on possible adverse effects of oxidative stress. These nanoparticles demonstrate their ability to combat oxidative stress by increasing plasma/tissue SOD, GPx and CASP3 activities, TNF-α, and IgG levels. However, the effectiveness of nanoparticles may vary depending on the synthesis method, application time and concentration.
Effect of bacteriophages on growth performance and health indicators in broiler chickens in the absence of bacterial challenge – A reviewReview
MA Mohd Shaufi, SL Chia, H Abu Hassim, MT Yusof, MA Akbar, AAL Song, S Mustafa
This review examines bacteriophages as alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in broiler chickens, uniquely focusing on effects in studies without experimental bacterial challenges. Driven by global antimicrobial resistance (AMR) concerns and sustainable poultry production demands, phage supplementation, a targeted strategy, potentially improves growth performance and gut health by preserving beneficial microbiota. This literature analysis assesses phage efficacy in healthy broilers under these non-challenge conditions, evaluating key variables like phage concentration, delivery, and targets, plus outcomes like feed conversion ratio (FCR) and gut health markers. Crucially, this review extends beyond efficacy to explore phage immunomodulatory capabilities, outlines optimisation strategies, and addresses risks and mitigation. Key findings show mixed efficacy of phages in non-challenged broilers: significant FCR and gut health improvements were generally observed with high phage concentrations (e.g., ≥108 PFU/g) and continuous delivery protocols, while inconsistent or lower doses yielded minimal benefits. Furthermore, choosing which bacteria phages target—for example, aiming at pathogens like Salmonella or managing common gut bacteria such as E. coli—greatly impacts outcomes. While phages show considerable potential as AGP alternatives, the review highlights that further research is vital for resolving inconsistencies, standardizing protocols, and understanding host genetic and environmental influences to optimise commercial application.
Epidemiological insights into bovine helminthiasis in Upper Egypt: Prevalence, risk factors, and pathological findingsOriginal Paper
A.A. Khedr, S.M. AbdelRaheem, M.M. Farghaly, S.I. Alsultan, M. Abdulmohsen, S. Fathi El-Hawarif, W.G. Mahmouda
This study examines the prevalence of helminthic infections, risk factors, and odds ratios in 1 300 cattle, revealing significant patterns in parasite distribution and influencing factors. Overall, 60.3% of cattle were infected with one or more types of parasites, with Moniezia spp. being the most prevalent (46.9%), followed by Fasciola spp. (36.9%), Paramphistomum spp. (26.8%), and Avitellina spp. (10.8%). Among the seasons, winter exhibited the highest infection rate (66.1%), and calves under one year of age were more commonly infected (64.2%) than older cattle (over three years: 51.1%, OR = 0.5841). Distinct seasonal and age-related patterns were observed for specific parasites. Fasciola spp. was most prevalent in winter (45.09%) and among the youngest cattle (47.87%), while Paramphistomum spp. and Moniezia spp. showed less variation across seasons. Avitellina spp. had the lowest infection rates in the spring, and cattle older than three years were affected. Co-infections were common, notably between Fasciola and other parasites, with the highest co-infection rate observed between Avitellina spp. and Moniezia spp. Analysis of deworming efficacy indicated higher treatment success for Fasciola spp. and Paramphistomum spp., lower odds of response for Avitellina spp., and no significant treatment effect for Moniezia spp. Microscopic and pathological examinations were also conducted. These results highlight the necessity of thorough deworming procedures along with targeted parasite control to reduce significant health hazards in cattle populations.