Veterinární medicína - Latest articles

Impact of preanalytical sample handling on GLP-1 measurement in porcine plasma: A pilot ELISA-based study

L Culka, J Novotny, L Leskova, Z Krepelkova, V Karaffova, M Madarova, P Schusterova

Vet Med - Czech, 2026, 71(10):415-421 | DOI: 10.17221/34/2026-VETMED  

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 blood collection tube type (EDTA vs EDTA with a DPP-4 inhibitor), centrifugation temperature (4 °C vs room temperature), and sample processing conditions (fresh...

Heartworm removal using the basket catheter technique in a 1.85 kg cat with pulmonary hypertension and right-sided heart failure: A case report

S-Y Park, W-K Yoon, Y Oh

Vet Med - Czech, 2026, 71(10):434-439 | DOI: 10.17221/91/2025-VETMED  

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...

The impact of 5% flaxseed supplementation on sex hormones, antioxidant status, and blood profile in female spotted deer during the breeding season

Y Mesfer Alharbi, A Ibraheem Alnuqaydan, AKA Zaki

Vet Med - Czech, 2026, 71(10):399-414 | DOI: 10.17221/78/2025-VETMED  

Phytoestrogens, such as those found in flaxseed, can mimic oestrogen and influence animal physiology. For spotted deer, an economically significant species in Saudi Arabia, information on how phytoestrogen-rich diets affect reproductive health and overall physiology is limited, 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...

Salmonella enterica isolates from poultry in North-Central Nigeria reveal multidrug-resistant patterns and risk of contamination to the human food chain

AO Sanni, AH Jibril, A Jonker, FO Fasina

Vet Med - Czech, 2026, 71(10):422-433 | DOI: 10.17221/76/2025-VETMED  

Non-typhoidal (NT) salmonellosis is a major poultry-associated bacterial zoonosis. We undertook environmental sampling (poultry faeces and dust, n = 600) to evaluate the prevalence of NT Salmonella in poultry farms in North-Central Nigeria (NCN). Samples from five NCN states and Abuja were processed using standard bacterial culture and the invA-based PCR method, and isolates were tested against the 11 most used poultry antimicrobials by means of the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. We measured inhibition zones using WHONET to classify resistance patterns. The overall prevalence rate was 18.7%, and prevalence rates in dust...

The occurrence of minor mastitis pathogens in dairy cows in Slovakia

K Tvarozkova, B Gancarova, L Cernek, L Macuhova, M Uhrincat, M Vrskova, V Tancin

Vet Med - Czech, 2026, 71(9):349-353 | DOI: 10.17221/14/2026-VETMED  

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 the tissue, cause the main health problem – mastitis. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of 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 2 236 udder quarter milk samples were collected from dairy cows. Minor pathogens accounted...

Evaluation of organ visualisation and biopsy quality during left-sided coelioscopy in rescued Northern boobooks (Ninox japonica)

J-H Han, S-E Ryu, H-W An, HJ Son, SY Ahn, J Kim, JW Park, S-C Yeon

Vet Med - Czech, 2026, 71(9):387-397 | DOI: 10.17221/9/2026-VETMED  

 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,...

Guided tissue regeneration for severe periodontal disease in dogs: A retrospective study

C Park, MM Rahman, K Han, I Jeong, NS Kim

Vet Med - Czech, 2026, 71(9):373-386 | DOI: 10.17221/96/2025-VETMED  

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...

Origin and composition of the brachial plexus in the alpaca (Vicugna pacos)

N Mutschler, J Maierl

Vet Med - Czech, 2026, 71(9):354-372 | DOI: 10.17221/94/2025-VETMED  

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...

Effects of vitamins A and E on eprinomectin transport in Caco-2 cells

Y Gunes, Y Gultekin, O Dogan, C Anlas, O Ustuner, N Yilmaz, T Bakirel

Vet Med - Czech, 2026, 71(8):337-347 | DOI: 10.17221/8/2026-VETMED  

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...

Susceptibility of different rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) genetic lines to infectious disease

I Papezikova, V Vaibarova, L Pojezdal, K Matejickova, J Blahova, J Mendel, E Maresova, I Mikulikova, M Palikova, I Toulova

Vet Med - Czech, 2026, 71(8):310-321 | DOI: 10.17221/100/2025-VETMED  

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...

The efficacy of sap obtained from Commiphora gileadensis against cadmium-induced hepatorenal toxicity in male rats

ASM Aljohani, S Al Dakhil, AS Soliman, M El-Alreshoodi, IM El-Ashmawy

Vet Med - Czech, 2026, 71(8):322-336 | DOI: 10.17221/86/2025-VETMED  

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 the 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...

Microplastic-induced changes in the rainbow trout gut: Insights from transcriptomic, proteomic, and microbial approaches

N Hodkovicova, A Hollerova, J Gebauer, M Crhanova, K Stastny, Z Svobodova, M Faldyna

Vet Med - Czech, 2026, 71(8):295-309 | DOI: 10.17221/85/2025-VETMED  

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,...

Editorial for the Thematic Issue on Fish Health and Disease Management II

M Faldyna

Vet Med - Czech, 2026, 71(7)  

An experimental challenge model for infecting African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) with Edwardsiella tarda

I Toulova, V Vaibarova, I Papezikova, K Matejickova, I Mikulikova, H Novotna, M Palikova

Vet Med - Czech, 2026, 71(7):263-270 | DOI: 10.17221/102/2025-VETMED  

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...

Efficacy of five peroral therapeutics against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis infestation in salmonids

K Matejickova, J Motlova, H Novotna, Z Mikulkova, P Ginterova, M Jerabek, L Pojezdal

Vet Med - Czech, 2026, 71(7):255-262 | DOI: 10.17221/99/2025-VETMED  

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 b.w./day), clopidol (2 mg/kg b.w./day), praziquantel (20 mg/kg b.w./day), toltrazuril (50 mg/kg b.w./day), and doxycycline (40 mg/kg b.w./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,...

The contribution of polymer additives to microplastic toxicity: A long-term study with Oncorhynchus mykiss exposed to polystyrene microparticles with different hexabromocyclododecane content

N Hodkovicova, J Blahova, K Stastny, M Charvatova, A Franc, F Tichy, L Sedlackova, J Mares, M Faldyna, Z Svobodova

Vet Med - Czech, 2026, 71(7):280-294 | DOI: 10.17221/95/2025-VETMED  

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-HBCD_free, 0.2 mg/g – PS-HBCD_low, 1.0 mg/g – PS-HBCD_high) or to HBCD alone (HBCD_only). The combination of PS and HBCD induced the most...

Rearing system type affects baseline and post-vaccination immune gene expression in Atlantic salmon gills during smoltification

D Mudronova, A Lagesen, E Pilipcinec, N Chomova, M Ratvaj

Vet Med - Czech, 2026, 71(7):271-279 | DOI: 10.17221/93/2025-VETMED  

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), interleukin-1β...

A reproducible rat model for warfarin studies: Prothrombin time assessment with minimal blood using the CoaguChek XS and determination of an effective warfarin dosage

ET Akyol, MT Hekim, M Erol

Vet Med - Czech, 2026, 71(6):245-253 | DOI: 10.17221/4/2026-VETMED  

Warfarin research in rats is often challenged by methodological inconsistencies and large blood volume requirements. This study aimed to validate a refined, reproducible rat model for serial prothrombin time (PT) monitoring using the CoaguChek XS, in alignment with the 3R principles, and to determine an effective warfarin sodium dosage. Male Wistar albino rats received daily oral warfarin (0.125–0.750 mg/kg) for 5 days. PT was measured using the whole-blood CoaguChek XS and two laboratory plasma assays (Innovin, Thromborel S). Agreement was assessed using Bland–Altman and Passing–Bablok regression. The CoaguChek XS consistently yielded...

Antimicrobial resistance in veterinary medicine: Mechanisms, regulation and control strategies

P Matlakova, K Nedbalcova

Vet Med - Czech, 2026, 71(6):209-221 | DOI: 10.17221/2/2026-VETMED  

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a major global threat to both human and animal health. Within the One Health framework, farm and wild animals serve as critical reservoirs of resistant bacteria and resistance genes, which can disseminate through food, water, and the environment. The excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics in veterinary medicine exerts selection pressure that fosters the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance. Current mitigation strategies aim to reduce antibiotic consumption and promote prudent use through hygiene measures, vaccination, individualised therapy, pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK/PD)...

Meloxicam blood levels are not affected by sex-related hormones in male and female goats

A Gokceoglu, Z Ozdemir Kutahya, GF Yarim, P Piner Benli, C Gokbulut

Vet Med - Czech, 2026, 71(6):222-229 | DOI: 10.17221/103/2025-VETMED  

The present study aims to investigate the interaction between the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug meloxicam and sex hormones in seasonal polyoestrous male and female Saanen goats. It was hypothesised that sex hormones, both steroidal and peptide hormones, may influence the serum concentration of the lipophilic drug meloxicam. In the study, the relationship between plasma meloxicam concentration (μg/ml) and the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), testosterone, oestradiol (E2), and progesterone (P4) was evaluated. For this purpose, six male and six female Saanen goats aged one year were...

Impact of histological and molecular subtype on the potential therapeutic effect of buparlisib in canine mammary gland tumours

A Baykal Ugur, G Guney Eskiler, O Turna

Vet Med - Czech, 2026, 71(6):230-244 | DOI: 10.17221/48/2025-VETMED  

This study aims to evaluate the response of primary cells to buparlisib, a PI3K inhibitor, at varying concentrations and exposure durations across different histological and molecular subtypes of CMGTs, and to assess PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway activity by measuring Akt and mTOR expression. Three carcinomas (C), three sarcomas (S), and two carcinosarcomas (CS) tumours were collected from the dogs. The primary cells were produced from tissues and treated with buparlisib at different doses. Subsequently, the WST-1 assay, Annexin V, and AO/PI staining were performed sequentially to evaluate the effects of buparlisib. PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway inhibition...

Drugs and products in beekeeping: Efficacy and perspectives of natural alternatives

I Szabo, L Sabova, R Sabo, M Sucik

Vet Med - Czech, 2026, 71(5):169-179 | DOI: 10.17221/88/2025-VETMED  

Honeybee health is a key factor in sustainable apiculture, with the most significant colony losses attributed to the mite Varroa destructor and microsporidia of the genus Nosema spp. The aim of this review article is to summarise current knowledge on the use of pharmaceuticals and preparations in the prevention and treatment of these diseases and to highlight promising alternatives to synthetic acaricides. Commonly used active substances such as amitraz and pyrethroids show decreased efficacy in many countries due to the development of resistance. Therefore, organic acids (formic, oxalic, and lactic), essential oils, and plant extracts...

Protective effect of Loranthus tanakae Franch. & Sav. on allergic asthma induced by ovalbumin

S-H Park, S-W Pak, W-I Kim, B-R Jin, Y-K Cho, T-W Kim, J-W Ko, J-S Kim, J-C Kim, AY Lee, I-S Shin

Vet Med - Czech, 2026, 71(5):190-200 | DOI: 10.17221/77/2025-VETMED  

 Allergic asthma is a widespread disease with elevated eosinophil levels. Although corticosteroids are widely prescribed for allergic asthma, numerous patients experience limited sensitivity and side effects. Loranthus tanakae Franch. & Sav., a traditional herbal plant, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in pulmonary inflammation caused by Asian sand dust and cigarette smoke condensate. To assess the protective effects of L. tanakae, we examined the influence of an L. tanakae ethanol extract (LTE) in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma. Mice received intraperitoneal sensitisation with OVA, and challenged...

From grain to forage: A decade of mycotoxin contamination in ruminant feed in the Czech Republic (2013–2023)

J Cahova, L Kvasnickova, J Illek, T Palenik, A Staffa, V Vlasakova, Z Svobodova, L Ravonjison, M Svoboda

Vet Med - Czech, 2026, 71(5):180-189 | DOI: 10.17221/74/2025-VETMED  

This study is based on analytical data on mycotoxin contamination in ruminant feeds in the Czech Republic over a ten-year period (2013–2023), specifically deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEN), T-2 toxin (T-2/HT-2), and ochratoxin A (OTA). Analyses were performed in accredited State Veterinary Institutes using validated immunochemical and chromatographic methods. Samples included forage and concentrate feeds for dairy cows, calf feed, and fattening cattle feed. During the monitoring period, DON was detected at higher concentrations, reflecting the susceptibility of field crops to Fusarium infection under local environmental conditions....

Comparison of the effect of Mospilan SP and its active substance on Artemia franciscana

M Falis, K Benova, M Spalkova, L Leskova

Vet Med - Czech, 2026, 71(5):201-208 | DOI: 10.17221/73/2025-VETMED  

Contaminants formed after the use of pesticides raise concerns for human health and aquatic ecosystems, i. a., due to their high persistence in surface waters and their further migration to other components of the environment. In our study, we compared the effect of the insecticide Mospilan SP and its active substance acetamiprid on the aquatic crustacean Artemia franciscana. The concentration was 367.44 mg/l for Mospilan SP LC₅₀ after 120 h, and 102.82 mg/l after 144 hours. The concentration was 148.04 mg/l for the active substance acetamiprid LC₂₀ after 144 h and 28.84 mg/l after 168 hours. The commercial insecticide...

Editorial for the Thematic Issue on Fish Health and Disease Management

M Faldyna

Vet Med - Czech, 2026, 71(4)  

Oral efficacy of controlled-release doxycycline against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis infestation in salmonids

Z Mikulkova, K Matejickova, J Motlova, P Ginterova, M Jerabek, L Pojezdal

Vet Med - Czech, 2026, 71(4):139-146 | DOI: 10.17221/104/2025-VETMED  

Ichthyophthiriosis, caused by Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, is a major threat in salmonid aquaculture. This study evaluated the efficacy of orally administered standard doxycycline and controlled-release doxycycline formulations in experimentally infected brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). Fish received medicated feed for 10 days starting seven days post-infection. Controlled-release doxycycline achieved the highest survival rate (84.2%), followed by standard doxycycline (73.7%), while no control fish survived after day 25 post-infection. Both drug formulations eliminated trophonts from...

The effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum probiotic supplement on rainbow trout challenged with Aeromonas salmonicida

I Mikulikova, Z Lepkova, H Bandouchova, J Blahova, I Papezikova, H Novotna, I Toulova, K Kobelkova, K Odehnalova, E Postulkova, M Radojicic, J Mares, D Mudronova, M Palikova

Vet Med - Czech, 2026, 71(4):156-168 | DOI: 10.17221/101/2025-VETMED  

Two probiotic (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum) supplementation strategies (continuous and cyclic) were evaluated for their ability to enhance resistance of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) to Aeromonas salmonicida infection. Neither of these strategies improved post-challenge survival. Instead, cyclic administration resulted in a significantly higher mortality rate (73%) compared with continuous supplementation (52%) and the control group (46%). One week post-challenge, most haematological, plasma biochemical, and immune parameters showed no significant difference between treatments, though fish receiving cyclic supplementation...

Effect of a 24-hour praziquantel bath on the haematological and biochemical profile and selected parameters of oxidative stress in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

R Dobsikova, P Marsalek, J Velisek, J Blahova

Vet Med - Czech, 2026, 71(4):147-155 | DOI: 10.17221/89/2025-VETMED  

This study assessed the effect of a 24-hour bath with praziquantel (2 and 4 mg/l) on grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) by monitoring the haematological parameters, plasma biochemical profile, and oxidative stress indices. Fish were sampled at 24-, 48-, 72-, and 96-hours post-exposure (hpe). The haematological analysis revealed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the white blood cell count immediately after treatment at both concentrations, with no subsequent changes. Within the plasma biochemical profile, a significant decrease (P < 0.05)...

In vitro comparison of anthelmintic efficacy across Gyrodactylus species

M Ondrackova, J Kolarova, K Skocovska

Vet Med - Czech, 2026, 71(4):129-138 | DOI: 10.17221/79/2025-VETMED  

Gyrodactylosis, caused by monogenean parasites of the genus Gyrodactylus, poses a significant threat to aquaculture, particularly under intensive farming conditions. This study evaluated the in vitro effectiveness of three veterinary anthelmintics – fenbendazole (FBZ), levamisole hydrochloride (LHC), and ivermectin (IVM) – against four Gyrodactylus species collected from wild cyprinid hosts. Parasite survival was monitored over 48 h at 6–7 °C. LHC showed the highest efficacy at both tested concentrations (30 and 50 mg/l), achieving near-complete mortality within 8 hours. FBZ and IVM were significantly...