Veterinární medicína - In Press
The safety of fermented milk as a feedback method to reduce diarrhoea in newborn pigletsOriginal Paper
J Matiasovic, M Zouharova, P Strakova, L Kavanova, D Karasova, J Gebauer, A Csorgo, I Rychlik
Diarrhoea in newborn piglets represents a significant challenge to pig production. Controlled oral exposure, also known as ‘feedback’, whereby sows are exposed at least two weeks before farrowing to pathogens that cause health problems in piglets, is a traditional method of diarrhoea prevention. One type of feedback involves cow’s milk fermented with faeces of piglets suffering diarrhoea, administered to sows before farrowing. The bacterial composition of the faecal inoculum and fermented milk was compared in this study, and the safety of administering it to pregnant sows was evaluated. Using microbiota characterisation by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the genera Acetobacter, Lactobacillus and Lactococcus formed the core microbiota of the fermented milk. However, Clostridium perfringens was able to form up to 33% of the total microbiota in some fermented milk samples. Interestingly, the drop in pH during the later stages of fermentation inactivated C. perfringens and the samples were thus enriched for inactivated C. perfringens antigen. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the mode of action of fermented milk when used as a form of feedback.
Dairy bull sperm subpopulations behavior in frozen-thawed semen across breed, temperature, and thawing timeOriginal Paper
F Sevilla, I Araya-Zuniga, JM Solis, C Corcini, P Cervantes-Acosta, A Hernandez-Beltran, R Molina-Montero, D Pichardo-Matamoros, A Valverde
To optimise dairy cattle reproduction with assisted reproductive technologies such as artificial insemination requires standardised semen handling and analysis. This study evaluated the kinematic spermatozoan subpopulation structure in frozen-thawed Holstein and Jersey bull semen doses across different thawing protocols. We used frozen semen doses taken from four bulls of each breed. Nine semen doses were collected from each animal, for a total of 72 cryopreserved doses. Straw thawing was performed at three temperatures (35 °C, 37 °C, and 40 °C) and three times (30 s, 40 s, and 45 s). Sperm kinematic patterns were evaluated using a CASA-mot system (ISAS®v1). Sperm kinematic variables for each breed, temperature, and thawing time identified four subpopulations. The analysis revealed an effect of breed and semen thawing protocols (P < 0.05) on sperm subpopulation distribution, sperm movement, and swimming patterns. Subpopulation analyses based on semen assessment are needed to further interpret the relevance and effect on fertility.
Pulsed electromagnetic fields vs. NSAID therapy in canine osteoarthritis: A randomised comparative pilot studyOriginal Paper
S Sassaroli, F Dini, V Sisti, V Riccio, S Meggiolaro, L Bellodi, A Palumbo Piccionello
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a cornerstone in the management of canine osteoarthritis (OA), despite concerns regarding their long-term safety. Among non-pharmacological alternatives, pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy has gained attention for its potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, although veterinary-specific evidence remains limited.This randomised, controlled pilot study compared the clinical efficacy of PEMF therapy versus NSAID treatment (Mavacoxib) in 16 dogs with clinically and radiographically confirmed OA. Dogs were randomly assigned to receive either a 12-session PEMF protocol over 45 days or a standard Mavacoxib regimen. Clinical evaluations included pain scores (VAS), pain on palpation, lameness severity (NRS), gait analysis (GLS and TPI), muscle circumference, and radiographic progression. Assessments were performed at baseline (T0), 30 days (T1), and 60 days (T2).PEMF therapy showed earlier improvements in pain, lameness, and muscle mass, and a favourable trend in joint mobility. No significant differences were detected in gait or radiographic parameters between groups. These preliminary findings suggest the non-inferiority of PEMF compared to NSAIDs and highlight its potential role in multimodal OA management. Limitations include small sample size and short follow-up. Further studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results in larger cohorts.
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.
The inhibition of deep peritoneal endometriosis by andrographolide through macrophage M1 activity in an endometriosis mice modelOriginal Paper
IA Susianto, N Susilaningsih, ST Hidayat, Hardian, RR Tjandrawinata, B Rachmawati
This study aims to demonstrate that andrographolide, an herbal immunostimulant, can influence M1 macrophages to inhibit inflammation, including the growth of endometriosis caused by inflammation. This study evaluates the effects of andrographolide on suppressing endometriosis through M1 macrophage activity. This post-test-only experimental study involved 42 female Balb/C mice, which were divided into six groups: Group N, KN (endometriosis without therapy), and KP (endometriosis + dienogest), P1 (endometriosis with 0.05 mg/kg), P2 (endometriosis + 0.1 mg/kg andrographolide), and P3 (endometriosis + 0.2 mg/kg andrographolide). Peritoneal fluid was aspirated, and the peritoneum was cut and stretched to observe the extent of endometriosis. This study compared the formation of ectopic endometrial lesions and analysed the ratio of M1 to M2 in each group that received standard therapy versus andrographolide therapy. The results from peritoneal fluid flow cytometry indicated that M1 was more dominant than M2 in comparison to KP. The levels of M2 in the P2 and P3 groups were also significantly lower than in the KN group. This study demonstrated that andrographolide may enhance the regulation of M1 macrophage differentiation, acting as a precursor to endometriosis growth by suppressing M2 phenotypes that promote the condition.
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.
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.
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.
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.