Veterinární medicína - In Press
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.
Impact of preanalytical sample handling on GLP-1 measurement in porcine plasma: A pilot ELISA-based studyOriginal Paper
L Culka, J Novotny, L Leskova, Z Krepelkova, V Karaffova, M Madarova, P Schusterova
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone that plays a key role in the regulation of glucose metabolism; however, it is highly sensitive to biological sample handling conditions. The aim of this pilot study, conducted in two piglets and two adult finishing pigs, was to compare the effects of selected preanalytical factors on measured GLP-1 concentrations in porcine plasma and to identify conditions suitable for its reliable determination using ELISA. The evaluated factors included the type of blood collection tubes (EDTA vs. EDTA with a DPP-4 inhibitor), centrifugation temperature (4 °C vs. room temperature), and sample processing conditions (fresh vs. frozen samples). In addition, the influence of the physiological status of the animals (fasting vs. post-glucose administration) was assessed. Samples collected into tubes containing a DPP-4 inhibitor showed higher measured GLP-1 concentrations compared to standard EDTA samples. Samples processed at room temperature showed higher GLP-1 concentrations compared to samples centrifuged at 4 °C. The obtained results suggest that sample handling conditions may significantly influence GLP-1 determination by ELISA. The use of EDTA tubes containing a DPP-4 inhibitor combined with rapid sample processing and centrifugation at 4 °C may represent a suitable procedure for standardized GLP-1 measurement.
Aetiological spectrum and diagnostic practices in cats with abdominal manifestations: A retrospective study of 290 casesOriginal Paper
Hayet Remichi, Sofiane Boudjellaba, Fairouz Haddadj, Myriem Rebouh, Chabha Benmohand, Nora Mimoune
Feline abdominal manifestations represent a common yet clinically non-specific presentation associated with a broad differential diagnosis. This retrospective study, conducted between 2022 and 2024 at a national veterinary teaching hospital, aimed to characterise the aetiological spectrum and describe the diagnostic practices employed in cats presenting with abdominal signs. A total of 290 cats were included in the analysis. In this cohort, intestinal parasitism was the most frequently identified cause (40.9%), demonstrating a significant association with young age (OR = 4.65) and male sex. Other diagnoses comprised infectious diseases (19.6%), feline lower urinary tract disease (9.7%), and suspected intoxications (9.3%). Diagnostic investigations followed a structured clinical protocol and included systematic coprological examination using flotation and concentration techniques, supplemented by routine laboratory testing for protozoan infections, all of which yielded negative results. Pancreatic assessment was performed via serum amylase and trypsin-like immunoreactivity (TLI) measurements, and no cases consistent with pancreatitis were identified. In cats with suspected urinary tract disease, a complete urinalysis incorporating urine specific gravity, sediment examination, and bacteriological culture was undertaken alongside abdominal ultrasonography. Abdominal ultrasonography demonstrated high diagnostic agreement for urinary tract disorders (κ = 0.88) and substantial agreement for effusions associated with feline infectious peritonitis (κ = 0.75). Among the 145 cases with available follow-up data, 94.5% achieved complete resolution of clinical signs. Collectively, these findings provide descriptive clinical data on the distribution of abdominal diseases in this population and underscore the contribution of parasitological and imaging investigations to routine veterinary practice.
Camel milk restores redox balance and reduces inflammation to promote wound healing in diabetic ratsOriginal Paper
S Albarrak, F Alshanbari, AK Zaki, M Sadan, Z Ibrahim, Y Alharbi, Tariq Almundarij, Saleh Altuwaijri, Mohie Haridy
Diabetes mellitus markedly disrupts wound healing through persistent hyperglycaemia-induced macrophage dysfunction, oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of daily oral camel milk supplementation, which is rich in insulin‑like peptides and antioxidant enzymes, for enhancing wound repair in streptozotocin (STZ)‑induced diabetic rats. Type 1 diabetes was induced using STZ (55 mg/kg), followed by the creation of standardized 8‑mm full‑thickness excisional wounds. Animals received camel milk (5 ml/kg/day), and systemic and local responses were evaluated on days 14 and 28. Antioxidant status (catalase [CAT], superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione peroxidase [GPx]), lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde [MDA]), inflammatory biomarkers (C‑reactive protein [CRP], amyloid A [AA], tumour necrosis factor‑α [TNF‑α]), and reparative mediators (transforming growth factor‑β [TGF‑β], connective tissue growth factor [CTGF]) were assessed alongside histopathological examination. Diabetes significantly reduced antioxidant defences while enhancing oxidative damage and inflammation. Camel milk supplementation restored systemic antioxidant capacity by increasing CAT and GPx activities and reducing MDA levels (P < 0.05). It also significantly lowered circulating CRP and AA levels at both time points. Locally, camel milk reduced TNF‑α expression and partially restored CAT activity in wound tissues. These findings suggest that camel milk improves diabetic wound healing by strengthening antioxidant defences and suppressing systemic and local inflammation, thereby supporting its potential as a natural therapeutic adjunct.
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.
Evaluation of organ visualisation and biopsy quality during diagnostic coelioscopy in rescued Northern boobooks (Ninox japonica)Original Paper
J-H Han, S-E Ryu, H-W An, HJ Son, SY Ahn, J Kim, JW Park, S-C Yeon
Intra-vital diagnosis in wild raptors can be confounded by their stoic nature, often leading to cryptic morbidity. While coelioscopy offers a minimally invasive alternative, its performance regarding diagnostic utility and biopsy quality remains uncharacterised in small owls. Eight Northern boobooks (Ninox japonica) underwent diagnostic coelioscopy using a 2.7 mm rigid endoscope. Ease of coelomic entry was scored on a predefined scale, followed by a clockwise systematic survey of the anterior, dorsal, and caudal quadrants, during which organ visibility was graded. Lung, liver, and kidney biopsies were acquired; for four euthanised owls, these were compared with necropsy tissues to assess diagnostic concordance. Two-thirds of the biopsy specimens were considered identifiable as the target organ based on characteristic histological features. Kidney samples were of excellent diagnostic quality, and liver samples were of fair quality, with both demonstrating high consistency with post-mortem findings. In contrast, lung biopsies were frequently compromised by severe iatrogenic artefacts, such as parenchymal collapse and fragmentation, rendering their histopathological value poor. Coelioscopy affords reliable intra-vital access to liver and kidney tissue in Northern boobooks, supporting clinical evaluation of hepatorenal disease. Given the frequent artefact burden, pulmonary specimens should be interpreted cautiously and supplemented by alternative sampling strategies.
Molecular epidemiology of porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus in southern China from 2024 to 2025Original Paper
HJ Fang, YC Zhou, X Yang, S Li
Porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PEDV) continues to cause substantial economic losses to the global swine industry, with its evolutionary dynamics posing ongoing challenges for control. To investigate the current molecular epidemiology of PEDV in southern China, surveillance was conducted from 2024 to 2025. A total of 261 clinical samples were collected from diarrhoeic pigs in the provinces of Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, and Guangxi. The overall PEDV positive rate was 23% (60/261), as determined by RT-qPCR. Genetic evolutionary analysis based on the complete spike (S) gene revealed that the GIIb genotype was overwhelmingly predominant, accounting for 93.3% (56/60) of the positive samples, while GIc and GIIa accounted for only 5% (3/60) and 1.7% (1/60), respectively. Analysis of the S protein sequence identified six amino acid residue sites under diversifying positive selection, including positions 10, 363, 566, 697, 749, and 941. Amino acid homology of the S protein between these circulating strains and the classical vaccine strains CV777 and DR13 ranged from 90.1% to 94.9%. This highlights the distinct genetic characteristics and ongoing evolution of PEDV field strains in southern China, underscoring the necessity for regular surveys and updated vaccines based on genotype prevalence to boost disease control.
Usefulness of thermography for early detection of dorsal metacarpal disease in young thoroughbredsOriginal Paper
K Sniegucka, M Soroko-Dubrovina, P Zielińska, K Dudek
Dorsal metacarpal disease (DMD) commonly affects young Thoroughbreds during early intensive training, making the early detection of subclinical inflammation essential. In this study, eighteen 2-year-old Thoroughbreds underwent repeated thermographic, radiographic, and palpation examinations over a six-month period, together with blood sampling for the assessment of inflammatory markers. Seven horses developed DMD, whereas the remaining eleven served as controls. Thermography detected an increase in the skin surface temperature over the third metacarpal bone before the onset of clinical signs, which were confirmed by palpation approximately one week later. Radiographic abnormalities became evident only after thermographic changes and clinical signs had been detected. Blood inflammatory markers showed no significant correlation with imaging findings and demonstrated limited diagnostic value. Overall, thermography proved to be an effective tool for the early detection of DMD.
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 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.