Veterinární medicína - In Press
Diagnostic utility and method agreement of a portable analyser for haemoglobin and haematocrit testing in dogsOriginal Paper
Elmas ULUTAŞ, Çağatay SALUM
Rapid assessment of haemoglobin (Hb) and haematocrit (HCT) is important for diagnosing and monitoring anaemia in veterinary clinical practice. Conventional laboratory methods require equipment and time that may limit their accessibility, particularly in emergency and critical care settings. The aim of this study was to evaluate the analytical performance, methodological agreement, and diagnostic utility of a portable haemoglobin/haematocrit measurement device in dogs. For this purpose, haemoglobin and haematocrit measurements obtained using a portable device from blood samples collected from 55 dogs were compared with those obtained using conventional laboratory methods. Haemoglobin measurements were compared using the Drabkin’s and Sahli’s methods, while haematocrit measurements were compared using the manual microhaematocrit method. Agreement between methods was assessed using Passing–Bablok regression and Bland–Altman analysis. In the evaluation of analytical performance, the coefficient of variation (CV), bias, and total observed error (TEobs) were calculated, while diagnostic performance was evaluated using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The average difference in haemoglobin measurements between the device and the Drabkin’s method was found to be 2.7 g/l, while the average difference in haematocrit measurements compared to the manual method was calculated to be −0.0343 l/l. The ROC analysis determined that the device demonstrated significant performance in distinguishing between anaemic and non-anaemic individuals based on haemoglobin and haematocrit measurements. The AUC was calculated as 0.852 (95% CI: 0.743–0.961) for haemoglobin and 0.814 (95% CI: 0.669–0.959) for haematocrit. In conclusion, while the portable device can serve as a practical aid in the rapid assessment of haemoglobin and haematocrit levels in dogs, it is advisable to interpret the results in conjunction with conventional laboratory methods when making definitive clinical decisions.
Comparative assessment of short-term acute cyanide toxicity in selected aquatic organismsOriginal Paper
J Velisek, O Valentova, A Kouba, E Zuskova, A Stara
Cyanides are highly toxic to aquatic organisms and their release into aquatic ecosystems can result in extensive mortality.. This study aimed to assess the acute short-term toxicity of cyanide in nine selected aquatic organisms, representing three major taxonomic groups: fish (Barbus barbus, Chondrostoma nasus), crustaceans (Faxonius limosus, Gammarus fossarum, Procambarus virginalis), and insects (Baetis rhodani, Isoperla grammatica, Chironomus riparius larvae, Rhithrogena spp.). Acute toxicity tests were performed in accordance with standardized guidelines for the testing of chemicals (OECD Test No. 203), using a semi-static test system with a 24-h exposure period. The 24hLC50 values for free cyanide were 0.12 mg/l for Barbus barbus, 0.14 mg/l for Chondrostoma nasus, 0.86 mg/l for Faxonius limosus, 0.06 mg/l for Gammarus fossarum, 5.77 mg/l for adult and 1.13 mg/l for juvenile Procambarus virginalis, 0.02 mg/l for Baetis rhodani, 0.15 mg/l for Isoperla grammatica, 1.70 mg/l for Chironomus larvae, and 0.02 mg/l for Rhithrogena spp. The study demonstrated that cyanide is highly toxic to aquatic organisms, with Baetis rhodani and Rhithrogena spp. being the most sensitive, potentially serving as bioindicators of acute cyanide contamination. In contrast, adult Procambarus virginalis was the least sensitive species.Lethal toxicity data can help elucidate cyanide-induced mortality events in aquatic ecosystems and to support the assessment of illicit cyanide contamination.
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.
Course and distribution of the brachial plexus in the alpaca (Vicugna pacos)Original Paper
NK Mutschler, J Maierl
Detailed anatomical knowledge of the peripheral nerves of the thoracic limb is essential for comparative anatomy and for supporting clinical procedures in veterinary medicine. However, information on the peripheral course and distribution of the brachial plexus in the alpaca remains limited. This study investigated the course, branching pattern, and muscular and cutaneous distribution of the brachial plexus nerves in the alpaca forelimb. Twelve thoracic limbs from eight alpacas were examined by systematic anatomical dissection. The nerves were traced from their origin in the brachial plexus to their muscular entry points or cutaneous termination. Although the overall organization resembled that of other camelids and domestic ungulates, several distinctive anatomical features were identified. The n. musculocutaneus terminated within the brachial region, with its typical muscular and cutaneous territories largely assumed by the n. medianus and n. ulnaris, respectively. A n. thoracicus lateralis arising directly from the brachial plexus was absent. In addition, the superficial branch of the n. radialis exhibited a markedly reduced distal cutaneous distribution with a characteristic branching pattern, including a communication between the n. cutaneus antebrachii cranialis and the medial branch of the superficial radial nerve. These findings provide new comparative anatomical data and may facilitate neurological examination, regional anaesthesia, and surgical procedures in alpacas.
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.
Acute toxicity of oxamyl to honey bee (Apis mellifera) larvae in vitroOriginal Paper
T Majchrak, M Staron, R Sabo, L Sabova, A Sobekova
The deterioration of environmental quality and the increasing contamination of ecosystems with pesticides pose a serious threat to biodiversity, including populations of the honey bee (Apis mellifera), which plays an irreplaceable role in plant pollination and thus in ensuring food security. The negative effects of pesticides on individual developmental stages of bees require a thorough assessment of potential risks. In the present study, the acute toxicity of the pesticide oxamyl on the larval stage of the honey bee was experimentally tested using the standardised OECD 237 methodology. The lethal dose (LD₅₀) was determined after 72-hour exposure, with statistical data processing and analysis performed using ToxRat Professional software version 3.3.0, Finney’s probit analysis, and the Roth method. The results demonstrated the high toxicity of oxamyl to honey bee larvae, with LD₅₀ values ranging from 11.04 to 12.14 μg/larva. These findings highlight the necessity of restricting and regulating the use of oxamyl in areas where bees and other pollinators occur. At the same time, they contribute to a deeper understanding of the environmental risks associated with pesticide application and support the development of strategies for their sustainable use.
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.
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.