Veterinární medicína - In Press
Femoral impingement after pelvic fracture in a dogCase Report
H-S Joh, K Kim, H-M Woo, J Kim
A 4-year-old intact male mixed-breed dog was evaluated for persistent pelvic limb pain and worsening weight-bearing after a road traffic accident that caused multiple pelvic fractures. Initial surgical stabilisation of the right iliac body was performed; however, pain and mechanical restriction of hip motion became more evident during early recovery. Follow-up computed tomography (CT) with three-dimensional reconstruction demonstrated direct contact between a laterally displaced ischial bone fragment and the femoral neck and proximal femur. Revision surgery was performed to remove the interfering bone while preserving pelvic stability. Through a lateral approach to the hip with greater trochanter osteotomy, the prominent ischial edge was contoured until impingement was no longer detected intraoperatively. Postoperative CT confirmed increased clearance between the pelvis and the proximal femur. Serial radiography showed maintained implant stability and progressive healing, and pressure-sensing walkway analysis at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after the revision demonstrated progressive improvements in limb loading and kinetic symmetry. This case report identifies post-traumatic femoral impingement caused by a displaced ischial bone fragment as a clinically relevant source of pain after pelvic fracture and highlights the value of repeat cross-sectional imaging and targeted osteoplasty in selected dogs.
The occurrence of minor mastitis pathogens in dairy cows in SlovakiaOriginal Paper
K Tvarozkova, B Gancarova, L Cernek, L Macuhova, M Uhrincat, M Vrskova, V Tancin
Udder health in the dairy industry is one of the main factors influencing the production of high-quality and safe dairy products. In dairy practice the udder is exposed to the presence of microorganisms, which, after penetration through the teat canal into tissue, cause the main health problem – mastitis. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of the minor pathogens in the milk of dairy cows with suspected udder health problems under the conditions of Slovak dairy farms in 2017-2023. A total of 47 dairy farms were involved, and of 2236, the quarter milk samples were collected from dairy cows. The minor pathogens accounted for 11.38% of identified pathogens from milk samples, which indicates their low incidence in dairy practice. In total, the most frequent minor pathogens were Enterococcus spp. (2.65%), Serratia marcescens (1.77%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (1.41%), with differences in occurrence in the studied years. In conclusion, the occurrence of minor mastitis in milk samples indicates less importance causing mastitis problems, but their identification is also necessary for the application of preventive anti-mastitis programs and treatment of mastitis.
Effects of vitamins A and E on eprinomectin transport in Caco-2 cellsOriginal Paper
Y Gunes, Y Gultekin, O Dogan, C Anlas, O Ustuner, N Yilmaz, T Bakirel
Eprinomectin (EPR) is a macrocyclic lactone antiparasitic widely used in veterinary medicine. Although the off-label oral use of the pour-on formulation of EPR is known to be effective and practical, data regarding its interactions with foods or vitamin supplements that may affect intestinal absorption remain limited. This study investigated the effects of vitamin A (VA) and vitamin E (VE) on the transepithelial permeability of EPR using the Caco-2 cell monolayer model. An analytical method for EPR quantification was developed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The integrity of tight junction dynamics in epithelial monolayers was monitored using transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) throughout the 21-day differentiation protocol. Apparent permeability coefficients (Papp) were calculated in both apical-to-basolateral and basolateral-to-apical directions and compared between EPR alone and EPR combined with the vitamins. EPR alone exhibited moderate permeability across Caco-2 monolayers (7.64 ± 2.27 × 10-6 cm/s). Notably, our results demonstrate that co-treatment of EPR with VA alone, as well as co-treatment with the combination of VA and VE, significantly reduced EPR permeability in vitro (P < 0.001). These findings highlight possible food/nutrient-drug interactions relevant to veterinary oral drug administration, and additional mechanistic and in vivo studies will be necessary to clarify the underlying pathways.
Susceptibility of different rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) genetic lines to infectious diseaseOriginal Paper
I Papezikova, V Vaibarova, L Pojezdal, K Matejickova, J Blahova, J Mendel, E Maresova, I Mikulikova, M Palikova, I Toulova
This study assessed the resistance of three rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) genetic lines to three pathogens, the bacterium Flavobacterium psychrophilum and the parasites Ichthyophthirius multifiliis and Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae, by monitoring mortality, immune parameters (leukocyte count and phagocytic activity) and pathogen load. Two of the fish lines tested carried quantitative trait loci associated with resistance to the selected pathogens. Unexpectedly, the line with declared genetic resistance exhibited the highest mortality rate following F. psychrophilum infection, suggesting the influence of additional factors such as differences in strain virulence or interactions between genetic background and environmental conditions. Following I. multifiliis infection, the resistant line initially exhibited a higher parasite load but later achieved more efficient parasite clearance. Overall, the findings suggest that disease resistance in trout is a complex trait influenced by interactions between genotype, pathogen and environment. Consequently, resistant lines must always be tested under specific conditions of the target aquaculture facility before implementation.
An experimental challenge model for infecting African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) with Edwardsiella tardaOriginal Paper
I Toulova, V Vaibarova, I Papezikova, K Matejickova, I Mikulikova, H Novotna, M Palikova
Edwardsiella tarda is an important fish pathogen that causes outbreaks leading to significant losses in aquacultural species such as African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). In order to study host-pathogen interactions and design preventive strategies, it is essential to prepare a reliable experimental infection model. The aim of this study was to develop a reproducible immersion challenge model for E. tarda infection in C. gariepinus. The present study consisted of preliminary experiments and a main experiment evaluating the different routes of infection and the bacterial concentrations and exposure durations in an immersion bath. Preliminary experiments demonstrated that infection could be induced by either intraperitoneal injection or immersion bath, and that infection was more successful at higher concentrations. The main experiment involved two concentrations (10⁸ and 2×10⁸ CFU/ml) of immersion bath and two immersion durations (1 and 2 hrs), each repeated twice. The fish were monitored for clinical signs and mortality throughout the experiment and samples were collected on day 10 post-infection for haematological, immunological, and pathological assessment. High-dose immersion reliably induced infection, with disease progression depending on bacterial concentration and exposure duration. This established model is a practical and reproducible tool for future studies on the pathogenesis and immunity of C. gariepinus, as well as the use of immunostimulants and therapeutics.
Efficacy of five peroral therapeutics against multiple phases of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis infestation in brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)Original Paper
K Matejickova, J Motlova, H Novotna, Z Mikulkova, P Ginterova, M Jerabek, L Pojezdal
Ichthyophthirius multifiliis is a widespread parasitic ciliate causing significant losses in intensive freshwater aquaculture. This study evaluated the efficacy of medicated feed containing amprolium hydrochloride (2 mg/kg bw/day), clopidol (2 mg/kg bw/day), praziquantel (20 mg/kg bw/day), toltrazuril (50 mg/kg bw/day), and doxycycline (40 mg/kg bw/day) administered at different stages of infection in experimentally infected brook trout fingerlings. Doxycycline and praziquantel demonstrated high protective efficacy (0‑5% mortality) when applied during parasite exposure or the preclinical stage of infection. In contrast, amprolium hydrochloride, toltrazuril, and clopidol showed limited or no protective effect. The timing of administration was critical, and prophylactic use of effective compounds via feed may offer a practical strategy for controlling I. multifiliis outbreaks. These findings support the potential of doxycycline and praziquantel as oral chemotherapeutics in aquaculture, warranting further investigation for therapeutic use in advanced infection stages.
Guided tissue regeneration for severe periodontal disease in dogs: A retrospective studyOriginal Paper
C Park, MM Rahman, K Han, I Jeong, N-S Kim
Clinical evidence on guided tissue regeneration (GTR) in dogs with advanced periodontal defects is limited. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes and tooth survival after GTR in dogs with severe periodontal disease. The medical records of 67 dogs with 129 treated teeth/sites in total were reviewed. The regenerative treatment consisted of an enamel matrix derivative or bovine-derived xenograft in combination with a collagen membrane, which was selected based on the clinical characteristics of each case. Periodontal outcomes were assessed based on probing depth, clinical attachment level, radiographic bone defect size, and tooth survival at postoperative follow-up examinations. Significant postoperative improvements were observed in the clinical and radiographic parameters. The tooth survival rates were 97.67% at 3–5 months, 96.12% at 10–13 months, and 93.02% at 18–24 months. These findings suggest that GTR is a tooth-preserving treatment option for selected dogs with severe periodontal defects. However, the long-term outcomes should be interpreted cautiously because the follow-up was incomplete and variable, the number of cases decreased over time, and no control group was included.
Origin and composition of the brachial plexus in the alpaca (Vicugna pacos)Original Paper
NK Mutschler, J Maierl
Alpacas (Vicugna pacos), members of the family Camelidae, are gaining popularity in Europe and worldwide. This study describes the origin and composition of the brachial plexus in alpacas and compares them with those of selected mammals. Six alpacas, aged one day to 16 years, were examined. In five animals, the plexus was formed by the ventral branches of C7, C8, and T1; in one specimen, T2 also contributed. After passing through the scalenus muscles - with C7 traversing separately from the caudal roots (C8, T1) - the roots continued as trunks toward the forelimb. Fibre exchange resulted in the formation of two cords. Nerves to the shoulder girdle muscles, except for the caudal pectoral nerve, contained only C8 fibre bundles. The suprascapular, subscapular, and axillary nerves arose from the cranial cord (C7, C8), which continued distally as the radial nerve (C8, T1). The caudal cord first gave rise to the cranial pectoral nerve (C8), followed by the caudal pectoral nerve (C8, T1) and the ulnar nerve (C8, T1), and then continued as the median nerve. The musculocutaneous nerve (C7, C8) originated at the trunk level, coursed caudally, and joined the median nerve in the ansa axillaris, resulting in the median nerve containing fibre bundles from all three spinal nerves. The reduced number of contributing spinal nerves and the distinctive arrangement of the plexus may be related to the elongated cervical vertebrae of alpacas. These findings support clinical applications, particularly in forelimb surgery and nerve block techniques, and provide comparative insights into the morphological adaptation of the brachial plexus among mammals.
The contribution of polymer additives to microplastic toxicity: A long-term study with Oncorhynchus mykiss exposed to polystyrene microparticles with different hexabromocyclododecane contentOriginal Paper
N Hodkovicova, J Blahova, K Stastny, M Charvatova, A Franc, F Tichy, L Sedlackova, J Mares, M Faldyna, Z Svobodova
Although microplastic toxicity in fish has been extensively studied, the role of polymer additives remains insufficiently understood. This study investigated the combined effects of polystyrene (PS) microplastics and the brominated flame retardant hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) on the health of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) following six weeks of dietary exposure. Fish were exposed to PS particles with varying HBCD content (0.0 mg/g – PS-HBCDfree, 0.2 mg/g – PS-HBCDlow, 1.0 mg/g – PS-HBCDhigh) or to HBCD alone (HBCDonly). The combination of PS and HBCD induced the most pronounced biological responses at molecular, biochemical and histological levels. In the liver, oxidative stress and upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (il8, il2) were observed, together with decreased glutathione reductase activity and increased catalase expression, indicating an imbalance in antioxidant defence. Histopathology confirmed liver dystrophy and renal lesions, while elevated vitellogenin expression suggested endocrine disruption. Although HBCD accumulation was confirmed only in the HBCDonly group, the polymer-bound form caused comparable physiological alterations, supporting its contribution to combined toxicity. Overall, the study demonstrates that PS microparticles can act as vectors enhancing the bioactivity of embedded additives such as HBCD, resulting in complex multi-organ effects and emphasising the importance of assessing additive–polymer interactions when evaluating the environmental risks of microplastics.
Rearing system type affects baseline and post-vaccination immune gene expression in Atlantic salmon gills during smoltificationOriginal Paper
D Mudronova, A Lagesen, N Chomova, E Pilipcinec, M Ratvaj
Atlantic salmon undergo critical development before sea transfer, and vaccination during this stage is routine to build protective immunity. This study compared immune responses to vaccination in smolt-stage salmon reared in flow-through (FT) versus recirculating (REC) aquaculture systems. Ten clinically healthy fish per facility were collected one week before and two weeks after intraperitoneal vaccination with commercial multivalent vaccines. Using qPCR, we compared immune gene expression in the fish gills. Before the vaccination, REC fish exhibited higher relative expression of genes coding cathelicidin-1 (cath 1), interlekin-1β (il 1β), and tumour necrosis factor-α (tnf α) than FT fish. Fourteen days after vaccination, REC fish showed increased expression of gene coding defensin (def) and decreased expression of gene for transforming growth factor β (tgf β), while in FT fish, vaccination was associated with increased relative gene expression of tnf α, tgf β, and il 10. Within REC, cath 1 expression declined post vaccination, concurrent with an increase in il 10, suggesting a possible counter-regulatory response; in FT, the coordinated rise of pro-inflammatory (tnf α) and anti-inflammatory (tgf β, il 10) transcripts is consistent with an activation followed by regulatory signalling. These transcriptomic patterns imply that baseline immune gene expression and post-vaccination gill transcriptomic responses differ between rearing water systems used during smoltification in Atlantic salmon.
Heartworm removal using basket catheter technique in a 1.8-kg cat with pulmonary hypertension and right-sided heart failure: A case reportCase Report
S-Y Park, W-K Yoon, Y Oh
Feline heartworm infection poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges owing to its distinct clinical features compared to canine cases. Even a single worm can cause life-threatening complications, including pulmonary hypertension and right-sided heart failure. There is no definitive treatment available at present. A 5-month-old intact male domestic shorthair cat (1.85 kg) exhibited respiratory distress, pleural effusion and ascites. Clinical examination revealed a grade 4/6 systolic murmur, jugular vein distension and 7% dehydration. Despite negative antigen and antibody tests for heartworm, echocardiography revealed hyperechoic structures in the right atrium consistent with Dirofilaria immitis, alongside pulmonary hypertension and right-sided heart failure. A 10-cm-long immature female heartworm was surgically removed through jugular venotomy using a basket device under fluoroscopic guidance. Postoperatively, the cat developed persistent pulmonary hypertension, tricuspid regurgitation and refractory hypotension, leading to death on day five. Necropsy confirmed no residual heartworms and showed eosinophilic arteritis, pulmonary oedema, alveolar histiocytosis and thrombus formation, all of which are consistent with heartworm-associated pulmonary vascular disease. Although basket device-assisted removal is feasible, existing vascular damage and postoperative complications significantly affect prognosis. This case report describes a patient managed for clinical diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. All procedures were performed as part of standard veterinary clinical care, and informed consent for publication was obtained from the rescuer. Since this report did not involve experimental interventions, approval from an institutional animal ethics committee was unnecessary.
The efficacy of sap obtained from Commiphora gileadensis against Cadmium-induced liver toxicity in ratsOriginal Paper
AS Aljohani, S Al Dakhil, AS Soliman, M El-Alreshoodi, IM El-Ashmawy
Cadmium (Cd), a toxic heavy metal, ranks among the top ten environmental threats to human health, adversely affecting vital organs such as the central nervous system, kidneys, liver, pancreas, lungs, and testes. The antioxidant potentials of Commiphora gileadensis (CG) sap in vitro were estimated by total phenolic and flavonoid content, DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging activity) and ABTS (2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) free radical scavenging. The reducing activities were also assessed using copper (cupric reducing antioxidant capacity, CUPRAC) and ferric (ferric reducing antioxidant power, FRAP). The protective effects of CG sap against Cd-induced liver and kidney damage in male rats were investigated in vivo. Forty-two healthy adult male albino rats were randomly divided into seven groups and treated for 60 days as follows: G1 (negative control), G2 (50 mg/l cadmium chloride in drinking water), G3 and G4 (100 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg CG sap, respectively), G5 (50 mg/l cadmium chloride + 100 mg/kg CG sap), G6 (50 mg/l cadmium chloride + 400 mg/kg CG sap), and G7 (1 % Tween 80, 1 ml/rat as a vehicle). The in vitro investigation revealed a potential antioxidant (DPPH, APTS) and reducing (CUPRAC, FRAP) activities of sap obtained from Commiphora gileadensis. Additionally, the in vivo experiment showed cadmium exposure resulted in a significantly increased malondialdehyde, reduced catalase and antioxidant capacity, and impaired liver and kidney functions. However, co-administration of CG sap markedly ameliorated these adverse effects in a dose-dependent manner, improving antioxidant capacity and restoring hepato-renal function by improving biochemical parameters and histological structure. It could be concluded that CG sap has potential as a natural therapeutic agent to mitigate cadmium toxicity and its associated environmental hazards.
Microplastic-induced changes in the rainbow trout gut: Insights from transcriptomic, proteomic, and microbial approachesOriginal Paper
N Hodkovicova, A Hollerova, J Gebauer, M Crhanova, K Stastny, Z Svobodova, M Faldyna
This study examined the intestinal effects of polyethylene (PE; size 46.6 ± 11.3 µm) and polystyrene (PS; size 52.5 ± 11.5 µm) microparticles at three different concentrations (0.5%, 2%, and 5%) on juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) using an integrative approach combining transcriptomics, proteomics, and microbiome analysis. After a six-week experiment, molecular analyses identified concentration-dependent transcriptional responses, including downregulation of genes involved in ion exchange (slc9a1b) and appetite regulation (ghrl), alongside upregulation of immune- and stress-related genes (il10, tfa), particularly at higher concentrations. Proteomic profiling showed a more pronounced effect of PS compared to PE, including suppression of digestive enzymes, disruption of lipid and energy metabolism, and activation of proteins associated with oxidative stress and immune responses. Microbiome analysis confirmed plastic-induced dysbiosis, characterized by reduced microbial diversity, depletion of beneficial taxa (e.g., Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteriota), and shifts in short-chain fatty acid–producing bacteria. By integrating multiple levels of biological organization, this study provides new insights into how microplastics interfere with intestinal physiology, beyond acute toxicity. The findings emphasize the relevance of polymer type and exposure concentration in shaping biological responses and highlight the vulnerability of freshwater species to environmental microplastics.
The impact of 5% flaxseed supplementation on sex hormones, antioxidant status, and blood parameters in female spotted deer during the breeding seasonOriginal Paper
Y Mesfer Alharbi, A Ibraheem Alnuqaydan, A Zaki
Phytoestrogens, such as those found in flaxseed, can mimic estrogen and influence animal physiology. For spotted deer, an economically significant species in Saudi Arabia, there is a lack of information on how diets phytoestrogens affect reproductive health and overall physiology, particularly in captive zoo settings. This work aimed to clarify the effects of a 5% flaxseed dietary supplement on the sex hormone profile, antioxidant capacity, haematological parameters, and histological features of female spotted deer during the onset of the breeding season. Twelve female deer were separated into two groups: a control group fed a standard diet of alfalfa and pellets, and an experimental group receiving the same diet supplemented with 5% flaxseed for six weeks. Weekly measurements included body weight and feed intake. Blood samples were analysed for sex hormones (oestradiol, testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), antioxidant enzymes, oxidative stress markers, complete blood count (CBC), and biochemical parameters. Ovarian and reproductive tract histology was also examined. Flaxseed supplementation significantly increased serum oestradiol (E2) levels and SHBG (P < 0.05), leading to a reduced Free Androgen Index (FAI). It also significantly enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD and CAT). Haematologically, it increased red blood cell count but induced microcytic hypochromic erythropoiesis, suggesting possible iron chelation. A notable increase in eosinophils was observed. Histologically, reproductive tissues showed enhanced development in the flaxseed group. Incorporating 5% flaxseed into the diet of female spotted deer induces a significant ooestrogenic shift, improves antioxidant defense, and enhances reproductive tissue morphology. However, it may also cause iron deficiency-like haematological changes and a potential allergic response. This suggests flaxseed is a potent dietary tool for modulating reproduction in captive deer, but its application requires careful management to mitigate adverse effects.
Salmonella enterica isolates from poultry, North-Central Nigeria, reveal multi-drug resistant patterns and risk of contamination to the human food chainOriginal Paper
AO Sanni, AH Jibril, A Jonker, FO Fasina
The non-typhoidal salmonellosis (NTS) is a significant poultry-associated bacterial zoonosis. We undertook environmental sampling (poultry faeces and dust, n = 600) to evaluate the prevalence of NT Salmonella spp. in poultry farms, North-Central Nigeria (NCN). Samples from five NCN’s states and Abuja were processed using standard bacterial culture and invA-based PCR method, and isolates were tested against 11 most used poultry antimicrobials using Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion methods. Inhibition zones were measured using WHONET to classify resistance patterns. An overall prevalence rate was 18.7%, and prevalence in dust and faeces were 20.5% and 17.1% respectively. Prevalence was lower in battery caged birds, in flock > 1 000 birds, in older birds (> 52 weeks), and in layer farms. The odds of infection with NT Salmonella spp. was ≥ two-fold in younger birds. Isolates were most resistant to tetracycline (73.8%), nalidixic acid (59.5%), and sulphonamides (54.8%), and most susceptible to ceftazidime (88.1%) and cefotaxime (78.6%). Single-resistant, multidrug-resistant, extensively drug-resistant and pandrug-resistant isolates were obtained, indicating abuse of antimicrobials in the poultry industry. Stricter control on access to antimicrobials will mitigate AMR pathogens, and inaction will complicate AMR in human food chain with health and economic implications.
A systematic review on pathological effects and occurrence of Mycobacterium marinum bacteria in clinically diseased fishes reared in aquaculture systemReview
M Ayehu, B Admasu, A Mulaw
Mycobacterium marinum (M. marinum) is a slow-growing, zoonotic, acid-fast, non-tuberculous mycobacterium that causes chronic granulomatous infections in fish, resulting in increased mortality, reduced productivity, and substantial economic losses in aquaculture. Despite numerous regional reports, no comprehensive synthesis has integrated evidence on the occurrence and pathological characteristics of M. marinum infection in clinically diseased aquaculture fish. This systematic review therefore aimed to synthesise global evidence on the occurrence and pathological effects of M. marinum in clinically diseased fish reared in aquaculture systems between 2000 and 2023. Studies were selected according to predefined inclusion criteria, including observational studies or case reports conducted in aquaculture settings, reports describing pathological findings associated with confirmed M. marinum infection, the use of standardised diagnostic methods, and publication in English during the study period. A total of 15 studies were included in the final synthesis. The highest occurrence of M. marinum infection was reported in meagre (Argyrosomus regius) and Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) (100% each), whereas the lowest occurrence was observed in reared mullets (8.5%) and rabbitfish (Siganus rivulatus) (9%). The cumulative occurrence of M. marinum among clinically diseased aquaculture fish was 36.5%. Temporal analysis showed that occurrence increased from 45.5% before 2007 to 78% during 2008–2015, followed by a decline to 54.4% from 2016 onwards. Clinically, skin ulceration and lethargy/cachexia were the most frequently reported signs, whilst granulomatous nodules were the predominant gross lesions. Histopathologically, granuloma formation, intralesional Mycobacterium colonies, and mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltration were the most common findings. Lesions were most frequently detected in the liver, kidney, and spleen. In conclusion, M. marinum remains an important and widely distributed pathogen in aquaculture. Future studies should adopt standardised diagnostic approaches, integrate molecular methods, and provide detailed reporting on farm management, hygiene, and biosecurity practices to improve disease prevention and control.