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The Alentejano pig (Sus ibericus) is an autochthonous breed of swine from Portugal phylogenetically close to the Iberian breed that is known to develop melanocytic lesions. In this study, 34 melanocytic skin lesions were identified and collected from Alentejano pigs slaughtered for human consumption for further routine histologic assessment. The samples were classified into 4 age ranges: 1 (1 to 6 months), 2 (7 to 12 months) 3 (13 to 24 months), and 4 (more than 25 months). All the lesions were considered benign after the histopathological assessment, of which 52.9% and 47.1%, were classified as melanosis and melanocytomas, respectively. Regarding the age ranges, a statistical difference between the groups was observed, indicating that the probability of melanosis presentation was higher at the age range 4 and for melanocytomas at the age range 3. While no malignant lesions were observed in this study, it was concluded that benign melanocytic lesions are commonly found in Alentejano pig carcasses. Further research is necessary to accurately distinguish between malignant and benign lesions, which is crucial for official veterinarians to make decisions regarding meat approval or condemnation.

Fractures of long bones in limbs are rare traumatic events in horses. This study investigates whether the incidence and types of fractures can be related to the histomorphometric features of the radius and tibia, which experience different biomechanical stresses and exhibit varying incidences and types of fractures. Clinical observations suggest that, in adults, slightly transverse and comminuted fractures are present in the radius, while the tibia shows a higher frequency of longitudinal and spiral fractures. Microscopic observations reveal no apparent distinctive characteristics between the radius and tibia, whereas the histomorphometric data highlight differences in the osteon density, eccentricity, and diameters of the osteons and Haversian canals. To sum up, tibial osteons are more numerous and smaller than those in the radius, resulting in a 15% higher total extension of the cement line in the tibia compared to the radius. These histomorphometric differences are an evolutionary adaptation to the different biomechanical stresses that involve the thoracic and pelvic limbs. Our results could help better understand numerous clinical realities detectable through retrospective analyses and aid in evaluating a specific bone’s predisposition towards traumatic events in all mammals, including humans.

Cadmium is one of the most important environmental contaminants. Animals grazing on natural pastures are particularly exposed to cadmium. Sheep are mostly reared in extensive and grazing systems. Therefore, sheep may accumulate larger amounts of cadmium compared to other ruminant species and are a good indicator of exposure to cadmium contamination in a given area. The determination of cadmium concentrations in the muscles, livers and kidneys of lambs and sheep was carried out in the Czech Republic during the period 2001–2022. The average cadmium content in the livers and kidneys of all the lambs was 0.037 ± 0.006 and 0.061 ± 0.013 mg.kg^–1, respectively. The average cadmium content in the livers and kidneys of all the sheep was 0.319 ± 0.047 and 1.255 ± 0.204 mg.kg^–1, respectively. The maximum limit for human consumption was not exceeded in any of the 24 samples in the lambs but was exceeded in 5 of 33 liver samples and 12 of 33 kidney samples in the adult sheep. The average value of cadmium in the muscles of the lambs and sheep was 0.004 ± 0.001 mg.kg^–1. The maximum limit for human consumption was not exceeded in any muscle sample. The cadmium content in both the liver and in the kidney differs significantly between the lambs and sheep, being higher in the sheep (P < 0.001 for both comparisons). No statistically significant trend of a decrease in the cadmium content in the lamb and sheep tissues was found during the observed time (P > 0.05). We can sum up that there is an evident need for further monitoring of the cadmium concentration in lamb and sheep tissues in the Czech Republic.

Haemotropic mycoplasmas (haemoplasmas) are obligate epierythrocytic bacteria that infect a wide range of vertebrate hosts. The molecular characterisation of Mycoplasma organisms in dogs has not previously been attempted from India. Hence, in the present study, the molecular characterisation of Mycoplasma spp. in dogs of different zones of Kerala was attempted using 16S rRNA gene. An overall prevalence of 18% for M. haemocanis was detected. The NCBI-BLAST analysis of all the selected sequences revealed > 99% identity with the sequences of M. haemocanis. The phylogenetic analysis revealed clustering of M. haemocanis and M. haemofelis in a single clade indicating low genetic variability. It was further supported by the genetic distance data and haplotype analysis.

This study describes a case of poisoning by pyrrolizidine alkaloids in a horse. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first confirmed case of Senecio ovatus poisoning. A six-year-old 450-kg Irish cob mare was presented to the Equine Clinic of the University of Veterinary Sciences Brno (Czechia) with symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy, which progressively worsened with time despite intensive therapy and led to euthanasia. A complex diagnostic and therapeutic approach including the post-mortem patoanatomical and histopathological examination is described here. Regarding the histopathology of the liver, there was necrosis with haemorrhage, fatty changes and inflammation. A later inspection of the grazing area revealed the presence of Senecio ovatus (wood ragwort). A sensitive chromatographic method was used to determine the pyrrolizidine alkaloids and their metabolites in the plasma and the liver. In both of the samples, metabolites of pyrrolizidine alkaloids were detected. Although pyrrolizidine alkaloid poisoning was proven, the histopathological findings typical for this disease were absent. It is clear from our case that the histopathology in cases of poisoning by pyrrolizidine alkaloids may not always be conclusive.

Canine parvoviral enteritis (CPE) has a high mortality rate in untreated dogs due to systemic inflammation and multi-organ dysfunction. The inflammatory process can lead to coagulation abnormalities. This study aimed to evaluate the coagulation status using thromboelastography (TEG) and assess the thrombin generation (TG) and clot dissolution using TEG-derived velocity curve (v-curve) parameters in dogs with CPE. It included 21 dogs with CPE and five healthy dogs. In addition to the clinico-haemato-biochemical examinations, the coagulation status was analysed using citrated venous blood samples with TEG. All the dogs with CPE met at least two criteria for systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). The comparison to healthy controls showed a statistically significant prolongation of reaction times (R time; P = 0.005) and times to the maximum rate of thrombus generation (TMRTG; P = 0.003). However, the times to the maximum rate of lysis (TMRL; P = 0.041) and total lysis (L; P = 0.024) decreased significantly. The TEG tracings showed coagulation states varying from hypocoagulation to hypercoagulation in dogs with CPE. These results showed that the v-curve derivate can be used to evaluate the coagulation in dogs with CPE, and it could be superior to the standard TEG variables for determining the low fibrinolytic activity. Thus, the v-curve parameters may provide a novel insight into the underlying mechanism and clinical treatment strategy of CPE-induced inflammation.

Urinary N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAG) activity is associated with kidney disease. In our study, we focused on evaluating the ratio of NAG to the urinary creatinine concentration (NAG/Cr) in the German Shepherd breed. Sixty-two healthy dogs and thirteen dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD) were examined. The healthy dogs were divided into groups based on their sex and age (puppies and adolescent dogs under 2 years, adult dogs from 2 to 6 years and seniors over 6 years), while the dogs with CKD were divided based on the disease stage (CKD stage 1 and 2). No significant difference was detected between the males and females. Regarding the age dependence, significantly higher values were found in dogs older than 6 years (P = 0.020 3) compared to dogs aged 2–6 years. When comparing the healthy dogs to the dogs with CKD, the lowest NAG/Cr ratio was observed in the dogs with CKD stage 2. The reference interval for NAG/Cr in the German Shepherd was established in the range of 0.78–7.86 U/gCr. We observed no correlations with the commonly used markers of kidney disease such as creatinine, urea, or symmetrical dimethylarginine. Nevertheless, we encourage the further investigation of NAG in relation to CKD, taking the breed, sex and age of the patients into account.

The breed can influence the results of haematological and biochemical blood tests, with sighthounds traditionally mentioned. It may also affect certain urinary parameters. This study aimed to compare urinary protein and creatinine concentrations and their ratio (UPC, urine protein to creatinine ratio) between sighthounds and non-sighthounds and to evaluate these parameters in various sighthound breeds. Urine samples from clinically healthy dogs were collected via normal voiding, representing both sighthound and non-sighthound breeds. The protein and creatinine concentrations in the urine samples were determined, and their ratio was subsequently calculated. A total of 191 urine samples from sighthounds and 90 urine samples from non-sighthound breeds used as a control group were evaluated in the study. In sighthounds, significantly lower urinary protein concentration (248.8 mg/l and 299.8 mg/l, respectively; P = 0.045) and significantly higher urinary creatinine concentration (23.0 mmol/l and 17.5 mmol/l, respectively; P = 0.000) and lower UPC values (0.13 and 0.18, respectively; P = 0.000) were observed in comparison to the entire control group. The UPC values were found to be significantly lower in Greyhounds and Spanish Greyhounds compared with non-sighthounds. Although statistically significant changes were identified, they are unlikely to be of great clinical importance.

The aim of this study was to determine the reference values of cartilage damage biomarkers in the blood and urine in 76 clinically healthy German Shepherd dogs. We grouped the dogs into 4 groups by age. All the groups were consistently made up of 19 dogs. The mean age and average body weight were established for all the dog groups. The blood was collected from the vena cephalica antebrachii or the vena saphena medialis and the urine sample was taken by us-guided cystocenthesis. The biomarkers were determined using quantitative sandwich ELISA kits. The mean values of the biomarkers ± SD were, for the urine biomarkers, CTX-I 3.29 ± 1.16 ng/ml, CTX-II 1 993.95 ± 777.04 ng/ml, and TIMP-I 392.80 ± 160.56 ng/ml, and for the blood biomarkers, MMP-9 89.85 ± 50.21 ng/ml and PIICP 19.19 ± 7.33 ng/ml. Based on the obtained values of the mean 95%, we expect a standard for CTX-I 5.05 ng/ml, CTX-II 3 204.26 ng/ml, TIMP-I 606.64 ng/ml, MMP-9 187.93 ng/ml, and PIICP 31.71 ng/ml.

Peripheral nerve sheath tumours (PNSTs) are rare in the mammary glands of dogs. Here, we report a case of a schwannoma, composed of two parts, of the mammary gland of a dog. The first part consists of clusters of uncircumscribed, alternating, more concentrated and looser regions. In the more concentrated parts, typical fascicularly arranged schwannoma intermingle in plexiform arrangement, more subtle in appearance than in neuronal tumour areas. The second part undergoes regression consisting predominantly of residual shorter rosettes of cells with the presence of a peculiar variably sized swirling of target-like formations consisting of compact, thicker, pinkish lamellae also with occasional adjacent cells. Immunohistochemically, the tumour cells are positive for evidence of vimentin and neuro-specific enolase. They exhibit the variable expression of the S-100 protein, show mild CD56 positivity, and focally mildly accentuated proliferative activity as assessed by Ki-67. The tumour elements are negative for evidence of cytokeratin 7, cytokeratin 20, and oestrogen receptors. Hybrid tumours may change their morphology in combination with atypical localisation and may be underdiagnosed in veterinary biopsy practice. They differ from epithelial tumours prognostically, as well as in their development and behaviour, therefore it is essential to clearly differentiate them.

This study aimed to measure the whole blood viscosity (WBV) in racehorses using a new viscometer and establish reference values, as well as to investigate the correlation between the WBV and the haematological parameters and serum chemistry. WBV measurements were conducted on 51 Thoroughbred horses using a novel U-shaped scanning capillary-tube viscometer. The reference values for the WBV were determined at various shear rates ranging from 1 s^–1 to 1 000 s^–1. Correlation analyses were performed to examine the correlation between the WBV and the haematological and serum chemistry parameters. The findings provide valuable reference data for the WBV in Thoroughbred horses and enhance understanding of the relationship between the WBV and routine blood tests in equine health assessment.

Pigeon paramyxovirus type-1 (PPMV-1) is the causative agent of pigeon Newcastle disease (ND), which has caused huge losses to the pigeon industry. In this study, a PPMV-1 strain, PPMV-1/QH-01/CH/23, was isolated from a sick racing pigeon in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, China in 2023. The mean death time of chicken embryos and the intracerebral pathogenicity index (ICPI) were 76.8 h and 1.25, indicating a mesogenic strain. Pigeon morbidity and mortality were 100% and 80%, respectively, and both were 80% in chickens; therefore, this isolate was velogenic for both pigeons and chickens. The fusion gene was amplified and sequenced for phylogenetic analysis, and the results indicated that the isolated strain possessed a virulent fusion protein cleavage site motif, ¹¹²R-R-Q-K-R-F¹¹⁷, and belonged to genotype XX (former sub-genotype VIc) of class II; this was different from the predominant sub-genotype, VI.2.1.1.2.2, which is prevalent in pigeons. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a novel genotype XX isolate possessing high virulence for both chickens and pigeons in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, China.

This case report describes the poisoning of two mares from the same paddock with Robinia pseudoacacia (Black locust) bark. The poisoning manifested itself by the sudden onset of weakness and fever with transient improvement after the administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and fluids. After the initial stabilisation, the mares were left unattended overnight. One of them was found dead in the morning. The surviving mare developed colic and severe encephalopathy and had to be referred to the clinic. Blood tests revealed severe hyperammonaemia. After four days of symptomatic treatment, she fully recovered. Robinia pseudoacacia with bark freshly bitten off was found in the paddock. The necropsy of the dead mare revealed oedema of the brain and lungs, pleural haemorrhages, and hyperaemia and haemorrhages of the glandular mucosa of the stomach. The intestinal content was watery, without macroscopic findings of the bark. Due to the peracute onset in both mares at the same time, hyperammonaemia and paralytic ileus in the surviving mare, and the presence of Robinia pseudoacacia in the paddock, poisoning with this tree was highly suspected. The diagnosis was confirmed by the microscopic findings of Robinia pseudoacacia bark tissue in the gastric content of the dead mare.

After administration of the serotonergic antidepressant citalopram (CIT) to beagle dogs, they may experience severe convulsive attacks in relation with considerably higher plasma concentrations of the metabolite didesmethyl-CIT (DDCIT), when compared to those in humans medicated with CIT. This pilot study aimed at determining the role of cytochrome P-450 (CYP450) isozymes in the in vitro metabolism of CIT to desmethyl-CIT (DCIT), and of DCIT to DDCIT in the liver microsomes of a single beagle dog. The incubations with racemic CIT or DCIT reveal a high affinity enzyme with Km between 0.3 µM and 1.4 µM for S- and R-DCIT and S- and R-DDCIT productions, respectively. In comparison to human enzymes, the intrinsic clearance values of this high affinity enzyme are between 15 µL/(min x mg of protein) and 52 µL/(min x mg of protein), i.e. very high. In vitro experiments with inhibitors suggest that CYP2D15, which shows analogy with human CYP2D6, is by far the main CYP450 isozyme involved in the production of DCIT and DDCIT whereas CYP3A12 and CYP2C21/41 showed a weak implication. These observations partly explain why in humans, plasma concentrations of the toxic DDCIT are considerably lower than those observed in dogs, after administration of CIT.

Quantitative bacterial culture (QBC) is the gold standard for determining urinary tract infections. However, the majority of urine samples were sent to a lab for further bacterial culture. Therefore, the storage condition was vital to maintain the quality and accuracy of the urine samples. The main objective of our study was to examine the urine QBC outcomes of (1) immediate culture, (2) culture after urine sample storage at ambient temperature for 24 h, and (3) culture after urine sample storage at 4 °C for 24 hours. There were 49 feline samples and 30 canine samples included in this study. All QBC samples kept at ambient temperature and refrigerator were consistent with immediate QBC in cats. Eight positive results from immediate QBC were in accordance with refrigerated results in dogs. There were ten positive results in the room-temperature sample with two false-positive results. Our study showed that storing conditions at room temperature or refrigeration for 24 h does not impact the results of QBC in cat urine samples. For dog samples, chilled samples have a higher accuracy rate than room temperature samples, although the overall agreement was still satisfactory.

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a clinical syndrome exhibiting elevation of expired carbon dioxide, hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, rhabdomyolysis, acidosis and hyperkalaemia, as well as cardiac dysrhythmia and renal failure. The syndrome manifests itself as a response to anaesthetic agents, such as e.g., halothane, desflurane, and succinylcholine. Depending on the animal species, MH is characterised by autosomal dominant or recessive inheritance, and so far two genes have been identified whose mutations can be linked to MH: RYR1 and CACNA1S. In different species, various mutations of the RYR1 gene have been described which may underlie MH. One of these mutations in dogs is T1640C, which results in the substitution of alanine for valine of the amino acid 547 (V547A) in the RYR1 protein. In our work, we aimed to investigate MH at the DNA level by identifying the T1640C mutation in a group of 50 dogs. For this purpose we used the PCR-RFLP technique, and in six dogs also direct sequencing of PCR products and subsequent comparison of their sequences with the RYR1 gene sequence in an online database. The results of our study show that none of the dogs analysed had any mutant allele of the RYR1 gene, indicating that none should be affected by MH.

Coxiella burnetii is the aetiological agent of Q fever, which is highly prevalent in Turkiye, but information on the genetic profiles of the bacterium is limited. This study aimed to investigate the presence of C. burnetii in bovine bulk tank milk (BTM) samples by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and to investigate the genotypes by means of multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA). A total of 25 markets that sold raw cow’s milk were analysed by conventional PCR analysis. An MLVA analysis was performed at six loci, namely MS23, MS24, MS27, MS28, MS33, and MS34, to determine the genotypic variations of C. burnetii found in the positive DNA samples. The DNA of C. burnetii was detected in 16% of the BTM samples. The C. burnetii strains identified in the bovine milk samples collected in this study were found to belong to the same genotypic group as those detected in the bovine milk samples gathered in Greece. As a result, both the presence and genotyping studies of C. burnetii on the BTM samples in Turkiye will contribute to the determination of the geographical distribution of the agent.

This study aimed to use lactic acid bacteria isolated from piglet faeces to develop probiotics, allowing for the effective control of Escherichia coli and Salmonella. Lactic acid bacteria were isolated from the faeces of suckling piglets and identified by 16S rRNA sequencing, then examined for haemolysis; gelatinase activity; and resistance to acid, bile, and pancreatin. The antimicrobial activity of selected lactic acid bacteria isolates was examined for 8 E. coli and 7 Salmonella strains. One-hundred and sixty-four lactic acid bacteria isolates were identified from 118 piglet faecal samples, and 13 lactic acid bacteria isolates were selected from analyses of haemolysis; gelatinase activity; and resistance to acid, bile, and pancreatin. Of the selected 13 lactic acid bacteria isolates, Limosilactobacillus reuteri PF20-3 and PF30-3 strains had the highest antibacterial activity against E. coli and Salmonella.

In veterinary medicine, natural products provide an alternative to chemical agents for mite management. In the present study, the acaricidal efficacy of Urtica fissa leaf ethyl acetate extract against Sarcoptes scabiei mites was examined. The chemical composition of the extract was determined using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. The ethyl acetate extract was found to be extremely toxic to mites at a concentration of 100 mg/ml (m/v), killing all S. scabiei within two hours. The median lethal time (LT50) values for ethyl acetate extract concentrations of 25, 50, and 100 mg/ml against S. scabiei were 1.706, 1.204, and 0.750 h, respectively. The median lethal dosage (LC50) for S. scabiei was 19.14 mg/ml at two hours. The chemical composition of the ethyl acetate extract was evaluated using LC-MS, showing that the major components were schaftoside (8.259%), carnosol (6.736%), prostaglandin A2 (5.94%), 13(S)-HpOTrE (4.624%), nandrolone (4.264%), 1H-indole-3-carboxaldehyde (4.138%), 9-oxoODE (3.206%), and stearidonic acid (2.891%). In conclusion, these findings indicate that Urtica fissa contains promising new acaricidal compounds capable of successfully controlling animal mites.

Osteosarcoma (OSA) is the most common malignant bone tumour in dogs; however, OSA of the maxilla is uncommon compared to appendicular OSA. Oral melanoma also commonly occurs in dogs with frequent distant metastasis. The role of adjuvant chemotherapy has been questioned in maxillary OSA and melanoma. A 17-year-old English Cocker Spaniel was referred with a growing mass on the right maxilla and a right lower lip mass. Osteosarcoma was diagnosed after partial maxillectomy, and the right lower lip mass was diagnosed as oral melanoma. Metronomic chemotherapy (MC) was performed, and the number of doses was tapered due to side effects at 5 weeks after initiation of MC. After 130 weeks of MC, chemotherapy was suspended due to kidney disease. After the suspension of chemotherapy, findings suggesting recurrence and metastasis were detected. The dog suddenly died 193 weeks after surgery, which was 8–14 times longer than the expected survival time. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of successful long-term combination therapy, including surgery and MC, in a dog with maxillary OSA and lip melanoma. Our results show that the survival time can be greatly extended if MC is performed with proper management.

The purpose of the study was to examine the prevalence of Escherichia coli in shrimps and mussels, and to determine the distribution of β-lactam, aminoglycoside, quinolone, and multi-drug resistance phenotypically and genotypically in E. coli isolates obtained from mussels and shrimps in Istanbul. Faecal samples were collected from mussels (n = 96) and shrimps (n = 96) from the Marmara Sea coastline and fish markets in Istanbul. For the detection of antibiotic susceptibilities, seven antibiotic groups were used. β-lactamase, aminoglycoside, and quinolone genes were also determined. A total of 34 (17.7%, 15 shrimps, and 19 mussels) E. coli were isolated, and 17 (50%) were found to be resistant to one or more antimicrobials. The highest resistance was seen against aminoglycosides with 11 isolates (32.35%), followed by quinolones with 10 isolates (29.41%) and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) with 4 isolates (11.76%). Multi-drug resistance was detected in 5 isolates (14.7%) from 3 shrimp and 2 mussel samples. The prevalence of ESBL genes was demonstrated at 3.84% in mussels and shrimp samples. There were no AmpC and carbapenemase-producing genes. These samples harbored bla_CTX-M-1 (n = 3) and bla_TEM (n = 4). Ten isolates were resistant to aminoglycosides genotypically. Resistance genes detected were strB in 2 isolates, aadA in 5, strB and aadA together in 3, ANT('')-Ia, aphA1 and aphA2 simultaneously in 3, aphA1 in 1, aac(3)-IIa in 1 isolate. aac(6')-Ib-cr gene was detected in only one of 10 phenotypically resistant isolates to quinolones.

The present study was aimed at measuring the concentration of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in the milk of Holstein Friesian cows, its effect on the milk quality and seasonal trends, as well as to investigate the efficacy of a commercial clay-based toxin binder. For this purpose, milk samples from dairy cows (n = 72) were collected and assayed for AFM1 before employing a clay-based toxin binder. The milk samples (n = 72) were collected from selected animals, revealing that 69.4% of the milk samples had AFM1 levels above the United States permissible limit (0.5 µg/kg). The incidence of AFM1 in milk during the winter and summer was 82.5% and 53.1%, respectively. Owing to the presence of AFM1, the level of milk fat, solids-not-fat, and protein were found to be low. Subsequently, the affected animals were divided into two groups, i.e., AFM1 positive control (n = 10) and the experimental group (n = 40). The experimental group of animals were fed the clay-based toxin binder at 25 g/animal/day. A progressive decrease of 19.8% in the AFM1 levels was observed on day 4 and on day 7 (53.6%) in the treatment group. Furthermore, the fat, solids-non-fat and protein increased significantly in the milk. In conclusion, a high level of AFM1 contamination occurs in the milk in Pakistan, affecting the quality of the milk production. Clay-based toxin binders may be used to ensure the milk quality and to protect the animal and consumer health.

The present study aims to evaluate the prevalence and antimicrobial sensitivity of Staphylococcus aureus associated with bovine mastitis to selected antibiotics and plant extracts. In the current study, 140 milk samples were collected from cows and buffaloes. Among the 140 samples, 93 samples were positive for sub-clinical mastitis based on the California Mastitis Test (CMT). Out of the total positive samples, 45 were confirmed for S. aureus on a Mannitol salt agar media. The antimicrobial susceptibility test revealed that 44.82% of the isolates were resistant to cefoxitin (oxacillin) confirming methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) with a higher percentage (51.61%) in the buffalo than in the cow samples. Furthermore, the PCR assay confirmed the presence of the mecA gene in all the MRSA isolates. Among the seven tested antibiotics, sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim showed high efficacy (71.1%) against methicillin-susceptible S. aureus isolates (MSSA). Oxytetracycline and sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim showed 20% efficacy against MRSA followed by enrofloxacin (10%). On the other hand, the tested samples from Pistacia chinensis revealed that the ethyl acetate extract of bark showed a maximum zone of inhibition of 21.3 mm against MSSA and MRSA isolates at 3 000 µg/disc. Moreover, the methanol extract of Cotoneaster microphyllus formed a 12.3 mm and 9.1 mm zone of inhibition against the MSSA and MRSA isolates, respectively.

Optimising diagnostic methods in shelters so that they are as economical as possible for the shelter is especially important because shelters often have a significant lack of funds and so usually do not carry out preventive screening of cats. Dermatophyte fungi spread quickly and can infect shelter staff. The aim of our work was to identify the occurrence of Microsporum canis in shelter cats. It aimed to determine the prevalence of M. canis in cats at the selected shelter and compare the efficiency of detection using a Wood’s lamp and culturing on Sabouraud’s agar. All cats present in the shelter at the time of the study (n = 70) were examined with Wood’s lamp and hair sampling followed by subsequent culturing on Sabouraud’s agar. Identification of fungi was based on microscopic proof of macroconidia and microconidia. The prevalence of M. canis by diagnosis on Sabouraud’s agar was 64.29% of cats, with the help of Wood’s lamp 48.57% of cats showed positive fluorescence. The sensitivity of the Wood lamp examination was 71% and the specificity was 92%. Our study suggests that Wood’s lamp could be used by trained shelter personnel for the first examination of cats at reception and could significantly reduce the risk of spreading M. canis in shelters.

The present review deals with a particularly important topic: the use of functional amino acids in different categories of pigs. It is especially relevant in the context of the current efforts to reduce the use of antibiotics in pig farming and the search for possible alternatives to replace them. The review is based on the definition that functional amino acids (FAAs) are classified as dispensable amino acids, but with additional biological functions, i.e., not only are they used for protein formation, but they are also involved in regulating essential metabolic pathways to improve health, survival, growth, and development. We describe the mechanism of action of individual FAAs and their potential use in pigs, including glutamate, glutamine, arginine, branched-chain amino acids (i.e., leucine, isoleucine, and valine), tryptophan and glycine. The work is divided into three parts. The first part deals with the FAAs and their role in the overall health of sows and their offspring. The second part describes the use of functional amino acids in piglets after weaning. Part three examines the use of functional amino acids in growing and fattening pigs and their impact on meat quality.

Streptococcus (S.) species are important pathogens that cause mastitis in sheep. The study aimed to examine Streptococcus species in sheep milk with subclinical mastitis, assessing their prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence genes. A total of 200 milk samples were collected from sheep farms in İzmir’s five districts. Out of 32 (28.6%) Streptococcus isolates identified by phenotypic methods, 25 were genotypically identified as S. uberis, 5 as S. agalactiae, and 2 as S. dysgalactiae. Disk diffusion was used to determine the antimicrobial resistance of the isolates. PCR was employed to identify antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes in the isolates. The highest resistance was found for cloxacillin (100%), and the highest sensitivity was found for florfenicol (84%). The most common resistance gene combination was tetM+tetS (3/32) for S. uberis in 9.4%. A total of five virulence genes were detected. GapC+sua (56.2%) constituted the most common gene pattern. The highest virulence gene gapC was detected in 78.1% (25/32) of the isolates. The cylE gene was not detected (0%) in the isolates. Streptococcus species may play a role in mastitis in sheep, emphasising the need for meticulous hygienic milking practices.

The aim of this study was to map the spectrum of microorganisms belonging to the genus Acinetobacter in domestic animals with a specific focus on the prevalence of Acinetobacter pseudolwoffii. Additionally, the susceptibility of isolates to antimicrobial agents was determined. In the period from January 1, 2014, to August 31, 2015, a total of 9 544 samples originating from gross lesions and pathological processes of animals exhibiting clinical symptoms of the disease were examined across 41 districts in the Czech Republic. The examinations were carried out using culture methods involving meat-peptone blood agar and Endo agar under aerobic conditions at a temperature of 37 ± 1 °C for 18–24 hours. Isolates were confirmed using molecular phenotypic method MALDI–TOF MS with the MBT Compass Library Revision L 2020 covering 3 239 species/entries (9 607 MSP) from Bruker Daltonics company. Out of the 108 isolates (prevalence 1.13%), 14 species of Acinetobacter spp. were identified, with 5 isolates remaining unclassified as species. A. pseudolwoffii was the predominant species isolated in 25 cases (prevalence 0.26%). Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined for 12 antimicrobials by the disc diffusion method, with A. pseudolwoffii isolates exhibiting the lowest susceptibility to ceftazidime (32%) and co-trimoxazole (60%).

Enzootic bovine leucosis is caused by bovine leukaemia virus (BLV), a Deltaretrovirus belonging to the family Retroviridae. BLV causes huge economic losses to the dairy industry in the form of decreased milk production, premature culling, and poor reproductive performance of the animals. The aim of the present study was to determine the seroprevalence of BLV infection in buffalo in two districts of Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 384 samples were collected and analysed using a commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to investigate the seroprevalence of BLV through the detection of the anti-BLV gp51 antibody. A predesigned data questionnaire proforma was employed to find out the association of risk factors with disease. Overall, 18.2% of buffaloes were seropositive for BLV in the study population. The results revealed a significant association (P < 0.05) of age with BLV infection. Furthermore, milk yield and pregnancy had a significant association with the seroprevalence of BLV infection in buffalo whereas no significant association was found with sex, breeding, and health status. Biochemical and oxidative stress markers revealed a significant decrease in liver enzymes alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in seropositive animals as compared to healthy animals. It is concluded that BLV has a considerable prevalence in buffalo in Punjab, Pakistan and there is a dire need to investigate the disease epidemiology at both national and international levels and strategies should be developed to implement an effective control program.

An eleven-year-old Pit Bull Terrier was presented to the veterinary practice with an acute onset of whole-body seizures. The clinical signs developed in a garden where the dog was kept that morning. There was a suspicion of tremorgenic mycotoxin poisoning by compost as the dog had vomited parts of compost right before the onset of the seizures and there was a pile of compost located in the garden. The dog underwent immediate decontamination following supportive treatment and recovered fully within 24 h of intensive care. The samples of the vomit and parts of the compost were cultivated. In the sample of the vomit, Penicillium sp. was found. Subsequently, tremorgenic mycotoxins paxilline, penitrem A and roquefortine C were determined chromatographically at significant concentrations in the vomit and a growth medium with cultivated Penicillium sp. The aim of this work is to describe the complex therapeutic and diagnostic approach to the patient with a suspected tremorgenic mycotoxin poisoning where a combination of mycological and chromatographic analyses was used to confirm the diagnosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first confirmed case of canine tremorgenic mycotoxicosis in the Czech Republic and the first reported case of paxilline poisoning in a dog.