Fulltext search in archive

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is a genuine opportunistic pathogen of the skin, especially in canids. However, characterisation of virulence, antimicrobial resistance and genotypic variability in methicillin-susceptible S. pseudintermedius isolates has not been fully explored. In this study, coagulase-positive staphylococcal isolates collected from dogs of various breeds and ages suffering from dermatitis (n = 70), pyoderma (n = 7), and otitis (n = 7), from districts of Prague (Czech Republic) and surrounding areas, were characterised using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and repetitive sequence-based PCR fingerprinting. Susceptibility to antimicrobial agents was determined, virulence factor genes for leukocidin (lukSF-I), exfoliatins (exi, expB, and siet), enterotoxin C (sec_canine) and enterotoxin-related genes (se-int and sel) were detected using multiplex PCR and the genotypes of S. pseudintermedius isolates were determined using SmaI macrorestriction analysis. The majority of the staphylococcal isolates (n = 84) were identified as S. pseudintermedius (n = 79) and all of them were susceptible to methicillin/oxacillin (MSSP). About half of the strains (n = 41) were resistant to macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B antimicrobial agents and resistance was mediated in all but one of the strains by the erm(B) gene. The genes for lukSF-I, siet, se-int, and sel were detected in the majority of the MSSP strains (96.2%, 100%, 100%, and 73.4%, respectively). Investigated canine S. pseudintermedius isolates were highly heterogeneous, which prevented the correlation of any specific lineage to a particular infection, dog breed, or region of origin.

A 2.7 kg, 11-year-old, castrated male Maltese dog was presented for evaluation of a 2-year history of intractable coughing, dyspnoea and cyanosis. A diagnosis of tracheal collapse with myxomatous mitral valve disease was made on the basis of inspiratory and expiratory thoracic radiographs, fluoroscopy and echocardiography. Measurement for stent size selection was performed on thoracic radiographs. A 10 mm (diameter) × 70 mm (length) self-expanding double-wire woven uncovered nitinol stent was used for intratracheal implantation and was deployed under fluoroscopic guidance. On thoracic radiography seven days after surgery, the position of the stent remained unchanged. On presentation six months after surgery, the owner reported that the dog was doing well without medical management. Although studies of various intraluminal stents have been reported in dogs, to the authors' knowledge, use of a double-wire woven uncovered nitinol stent has not been reported previously for the management of a dog with tracheal collapse. Since this particular type of stent with unfixed individual cells provided proper airway patency without stent fracture in the dog in this report, this stent might be used as an alternative to other commercially available nitinol stents in cases of thoracic inlet collapse.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of physical exercise (marcha gait) on heart rate variability indices in Mangalarga Marchador horses. Twenty-five animals, fourteen females and eleven males, aged 6.4 ± 2.7 years and with a mean weight of 428.3 ± 24.7 kg, were used. Electrocardiograms were recorded at two different time points: rest and immediately after exercise (40 min of aerobic exercise, marcha gait). Time domain analyses of heart rate variability were made using vasovagal tonus index (VVTI) and standard deviation of normal intervals (SDNN). Variables were analysed for normality using the Shapiro-Wilk test and comparisons were made between T0 and T1 using the paired t-test (VVTI) or Mann-Whitney (SDNN), considering P < 0.05. The Pearson coefficient was calculated to evaluate the correlation between heart rate and VVTI and the Spearman coefficient was calculated for heart rate and SDNN. There was an increase in heart rate after exercise (P < 0.0001), from 45.7 ± 12.7 to 77.3 ± 13.5 beats/min, and a reduced VVTI (P < 0.0001), from 8.66 ± 1.45 to 4.65 ± 1.25 and a reduced SDNN (P < 0.0001), from 80.09 to 11.67 ms. No correlation was observed between heart rate and VVTI or SDNN. It was possible to conclude that the physical activity carried out by Mangalarga Marchador horses influenced the autonomic response and consequently heart rate variability indexes, suggesting the possible use of these indices for the evaluation of Mangalarga Marchador performance.

Individual types of retinal dysplasia - folds, geographic and detached, have different impacts on vision ability. The purpose of this study was to undertake a qualitative and comparative evaluation of retinal activity in the individual types of the retinal dysplasia - folds, geographic and detached. Dogs (n = 24) with an ophthalmoscopic diagnosis of retinal dysplasia (rd) underwent vision testing, ophthalmologic examination and electroretinography. A three-degree scale (mild, moderate and severe) was used to describe the severity of ophthalmoscopic lesions in the rd folds and rd geographic forms. Our findings indicate that retinal folds of mild and moderate severity, and the mild geographic type of the rd, have similar effects on ERG responses, while severe retinal folds give lower ERG responses than moderately advanced geographical rd. This study confirms that electroretinography may generate a more comprehensive view of an altered retinal activity in the course of rd, which is helpful in making decisions on qualifying or excluding a given individual from the breeding program.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of curcumin, ellagic acid and methionine on sperm parameters following the freeze-thawing of Merino ram semen. Ejaculates were collected via an artificial vagina from four Merino rams, evaluated microscopically and pooled at 37 °C. The pooled semen samples were diluted in a Tris-based extender and separated into groups containing curcumin (1, 2, 4mM), ellagic acid (1, 2, 4mM), methionine (1, 2, 4mM) and no antioxidant (control). The diluted semen was cooled to 5 °C slowly and equilibrated for 3 h. After the equilibration, the samples were frozen in liquid nitrogen vapour, and plunged into liquid nitrogen (-196 °C) for storage. Frozen straws were thawed at 37 °C for 30 s in a water bath for microscopic sperm evaluation, individually. All antioxidants led to a higher percentage of sperm motility in comparison to the control group. The freezing extender supplemented with methionine (1mM), curcumin (1 and 2mM) and ellagic acid (1 and 2mM) led to higher percentage of sperm plasma membrane integrity when compared to other groups (P < 0.05). Antioxidant supplementation also resulted in a higher percentage of sperm acrosome integrity in comparison to the control. Methionine, curcumin and ellagic acid (1mM: 27.7 ± 2.4, 28.0 ± 2.1 and 26.8 ± 2.0) groups provided higher protection in terms of sperm mitochondrial activity when compared to other groups (P < 0.05). The findings of this study show that varying concentrations of curcumin, methionine and ellagic acid have markedly different effects on the spermatological variables under study.

Chronic kidney disease alters the immune response in humans and dogs and it is thought to be one of the causes of immunosuppression in cats. Haematological, biochemical, and immunological examinations were performed on blood samples obtained from 20 cats with chronic kidney disease, and were compared with the results of 18 healthy cats. In cats with chronic kidney disease, statistically significantly lower numbers of total lymphocytes (P < 0.01), especially T lymphocytes (P < 0.001), were observed. When the results were compared with the lymphocyte transformation test in healthy cats, decreased responses to phytohaemaglutinin, concanavalin A, and pokeweed mitogen were found in cats with chronic kidney disease. Our results document an alteration of counts and activity of lymphocytes in cats with chronic kidney disease. Thus, higher susceptibility to infection may be expected in these patients.

Due to the absence of literature on the brachial plexus in the Spix's yellow-toothed cavy, this study was conducted to examine the origin and neural distribution of this rodent's brachial plexus. Ten adult animals obtained from previous experiments were thawed, fixed in 10% formalin solution for 72 h and then dissected. Cotton blocks soaked in 2% hydrogen peroxide were placed on the ventral roots of the plexus. Photographs of the most representative specimens were taken and schematic sketches were prepared to illustrate the results. The Spix's yellow-toothed cavy's brachial plexus primarily originated from the ventral roots of the sixth (C₆), seventh (C₇) and eighth (C₈) cervical nerves and from the first two thoracic nerves (T₁, T₂), and less frequently from C₆-T₁ or C₆-T₃. The peripheral nerve trunks of the Spix's yellow-toothed cavy's brachial plexus are the following: suprascapularis (C₆-C₇), axillaris (C₆-C₇), subscapulares (C₆-C₇), cranial pectoral (C₆-C₇), musculocutaneous (C₇-C₈), radialis (C₇-T₂), medianus (C₇-T₂), ulnaris (C₇-T₂), pectorales caudales (C₇-C₈), thoracicus longus (C₇-C₈), thoracicus lateralis (C₇-T₂) and thoracodorsalis (C₇-T₂).

A one-month-old, Piedmontese female calf was admitted to the Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, for repair of a large ventral hernia. A large ventral hernia, approximately 20 cm long and 15 cm large was noticed extending from 3 cm caudal to the umbilicus down to the pubis. At ultrasonography the hernia content was represented by small intestine and omentum and no adhesions to the hernial sac could be detected. The hernial sac was composed by skin only. Because of the large dimensions of the defect and the economic value of the animal, surgical correction was recommended to the owner. A prosthetic implant with a polypropylene mesh was elected due to the dimension of the abdominal defect. The implant was placed intra-abdominally with the interposition of the omentum between the mesh and the underlying viscera. Two and six months after surgery follow-ups were performed and a positive outcome was confirmed. This is the first report of ventral hernia repair in large animals that combines the use of a tension-free polypropylene mesh with the interposition of the omentum between the viscera and the mesh. This procedure is safe, cost-effective and not associated with major complications.

Acute kidney injury is characterised by a sudden injury to the renal parenchyma and causes defects in its excretory, metabolic and endocrine function. Dialysis therapy has been instituted in small animal clinics with the aim of removing the metabolic waste and correcting the electrolyte disturbances stemming from renal dysfunction. Peritoneal dialysis is a therapy based on the use of the peritoneum as a semipermeable membrane through which solutes and fluids are exchanged between blood from the peritoneal capillaries and the dialysis solution. This report describes a case of acute kidney injury stemming from drug therapy in a 13-year-old female mongrel canine. The patient exhibited anorexia, emesis, prostration and anuria and had a history of prolonged treatment with meloxicam. The patient also presented with azotaemia and metabolic acidosis. When anuria continued to persist after drug therapy (volume restoration, chemical and osmotic diuresis and renal vasodilation), peritoneal dialysis was instituted. Three cycles of peritoneal dialysis were performed; during the second cycle, the patient's anuria was reversed, and at the end of the third cycle she showed a significant reduction in azotaemia, hyperkalaemia and an improved metabolic acidosis. Therefore, peritoneal dialysis showed satisfactory clinical results and reversed anuria, reduced azotaemia and electrolyte disturbances, thereby providing clinical improvement.

The aim of this study was to design and implement a Seroprevalence Map based on Business Intelligence for Mycoplasma gallisepticum (M. gallisepticum) in broilers in Comunidad Valenciana (Spain). To obtain the serological data we analysed 7363 samples from broiler farms over 30 days of age over the course of two years (3813 and 3550 samples in 2009 and 2010, respectively, from 189 and 193 broiler farms in 2009 and 2010, respectively). Data were represented on a map of Comunidad Valenciana to include geographical information of flock location and to facilitate the monitoring. Only one region presented with average ELISA titre values of over 500 in the 2009 period, indicating previous contact with M. gallisepticum in broiler flocks. None of the other regions showed any pressure of infection, indicating a low seroprevalence for M. gallisepticum. In addition, data from this study represent a novel tool for easy monitoring of the serological response that incorporates geographical information.

A 12-year-old intact female poodle was presented with a history of an acute episode of tenesmus and passage of ribbon-shaped stools. Anaemia, leucocytosis, hypoalbuminaemia, hyperglycaemia, and elevated ALP were found. Faecal floatation and wet mount preparation were negative for parasites. Anaerobic faecal culture resulted in a heavy growth of Clostridium. Survey abdominal radiographs revealed extensive intramural emphysema of colon and rectum. Ultrasonography of the abdomen revealed bright echoes within the layers of the colon wall, confirming the accumulation of intramural gas. Abdominal computed tomography revealed extraluminal gas tracking along the colon and the rectum. Based on the radiographic, ultrasonographic, and computed tomographic findings, the present case was diagnosed as pneumatosis coli with an underlying cause of bacterial overgrowth. The patient was treated with antibiotics for seventeen days. Clinical signs were resolved after three days of treatment. Decreased intramural gas accumulation was evident during radiography of the abdomen performed at fourteen days after the initial evaluation. Therefore, pneumatosis coli should be considered when a dog is presented with clinical signs of colitis.

In this study the effects of monosodium l-glutamate (MSG) administration on the reproductive parameters and serum biochemistry of male rabbits were investigated. Sixteen mature male New Zealand mixed-breed of rabbits (Oryctolagus species) weighing 1.1-1.65 kg were used for this study. They were randomised into four groups of four rabbits each. Group A which served as the untreated control, received only distilled water while Groups B, C and D which were the treated groups, received 0.25 g/kg, 0.5 g/kg and 1 g/kg body weight of MSG from a 40% MSG stock solution. The MSG was administered to the rabbits by oral gavage every forty-eight hours for a period of eight weeks. Serum levels of luteinising hormone (LH), testosterone, total cholesterol and total protein, and activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were evaluated on Days 14, 28 and 56 of MSG administration. Results showed that when compared to the untreated group (Group A), on Day 56 of MSG administration the mean serum levels of both LH and testosterone were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in Group D that received 1 g/kg body weight MSG, while the serum cholesterol levels of Group C rabbits that received 0.5 g/kg body weight MSG was significantly (P < 0.05) lower on Day 28 of MSG administration. The mean serum ALT activity of Groups B and C rabbits were significantly (P < 0.05) lower on Day 56 of MSG administration, while the mean serum AST activity of the Group D rabbits was significantly (P < 0.05) higher on Day 14 of MSG administration. There were no significant (P > 0.05) variations in the mean serum total protein between the groups. Testicular histomorphology revealed that MSG administration did not affect the testes of the rabbits as there was no obvious testicular histopathology. It was concluded that administration of MSG to male rabbits significantly lowered serum LH, testosterone and cholesterol levels and serum ALT activity without affecting testicular histomorphology.

The purpose of this study was to characterise the radiographic appearance of abomasal phytobezoars in sheep as well as to evaluate the utility of abdominal radiography to identify them. Twenty-seven fat-tailed Herrick sheep with a clinical suspicion of abomasal impaction were examined radiographically. Abdominal survey radiographs in right lateral recumbency were taken. Abomasal phytobezoars (AP) were seen in abdominal survey radiographs in 25/27 sheep (92%). Their radiographic survey appearance was round-to-oval masses with radiopaque margins and radiopacity similar to the ingesta centrally. An additional gastrographic barium study was performed in six of the sheep, followed by exploratory laparotomy where phytobezoars were removed through abomasotomy. The optimal time to visualise the APs was 48 h post-contrast. A significant correlation was noted between phytobezoars size in radiology and surgery (r = 0.651, P < 0.001). Use of the barium study can improve the phytobezoar-ingesta contrast and visibility of the phytobezoars. Plain radiography with sheep positioned in right lateral recumbency is a useful supplementary technique which can be used to evaluate abomasal phytobezoariasis. This study shows that radiography is a suitable diagnostic method for detecting the presence of, but not the number of, abomasal phytobezoars in sheep.

The aim of this investigation was the analysis of the variability within the internal and external ophthalmic artery in the chinchilla (Chinchilla laniger, Molina). The head vasculature of 65 individuals was analysed, with particular emphasis on the internal ophthalmic artery originating from the central and rostral part of the cerebral arterial circle. Head blood vessels were filled with acrylic latex for vascular corrosion casting. The results showed ten variants of blood supply for the orbit, with a predominance of the first variant (66.1%) = bilateral presence of the external ophthalmic artery originating from the maxillary artery. Other variants differed in symmetry and asymmetry, sites of origination and the coexistence of both internal and external arteries. Vascularisation of the brain in chinchillas originates mainly from the vertebra-basilar system. The observed variability seems to confirm the role of the basilar artery in the arterial blood supply of the brain in this species.

"Hyperostotic tympanic bone spicules" (HTBS), or "mucoperiosteal exostoses" (ME, syn.) are small, globular (≥ 1 mm in diameter), mostly stalked and drumstick-like, bony structures, which arise from the inner wall of the tympanic bulla and project into the middle ear cavity. HTBS present as mineral densities inside the tympanic bulla on radiographs or computed tomographic (CT) images. They have previously been referred to as "otoliths" and were thought to represent mineral concretions secondary to otitis media. Recently, it was shown that HTBS actually consist of regularly composed bone tissue, covered by normal middle ear mucosa. So far, HTBS have only extensively been described in dogs, where they occur with a prevalence of up to > 45%. A recent study detected ME, most likely representing HTBS, in the tympanic cavities of skeletonised skull bones of African lions. To estimate the occurrence of HTBS in other mammal species, the middle ears of adult animals of 78 different domestic, wild, and zoo species undergoing routine necropsy at the Institute of Veterinary Pathology of the LMU Munich, Germany were examined in the present study. HTBS were found in the tympanic bullae of carnivorous species, such as canids (wolf, fox), and in several large felid species (lion, tiger, leopard, cheetah). In contrast, HTBS were not present in domestic cats (more than to 200 cases), small carnivorous species such as mustelids, nor in any primate, ungulate, ruminant, pig, insectivore, or rodent species. The detectability of HTBS by CT of the tympanic bullae of large felids was demonstrated in an African lion. Histologically, HTBS consisted of mature lamellar bone, covered by periosteum and a partially ciliated, flat epithelium, regularly without any apparent inflammatory alterations. The present study demonstrates that HTBS may frequently occur in large felids and in different canid species. These findings should be taken into account when examining the middle ear, or interpreting bulla radiographs/CT-images of the respective species. However, the factors triggering the development of HTBS remain to be identified.

This study was conducted to evaluate the occurrence of the genus Arcobacter in cats and dogs in the Czech Republic. These animals may be carriers of the bacteria and potential sources of human infection. Oral smears were collected from animals using smear swabs and brushes. Based on previous studies, commercially available DNA kits were used for DNA isolation. Samples were analysed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and evaluated using gel electrophoresis. Overall, 178 oral smears were tested, of which 108 were from dogs and 70 were from cats. Out of all smears, five were positive, of which four samples were from dogs and one from a cat. In all five positive cases, PCR confirmed the presence of Arcobacter butzleri. In follow-up sampling, the presence of Arcobacter butzleri was demonstrated in two samples from a dog.

The objective of this review is to integrate clinical findings and laboratory analyses in such a way to improve the welfare of newborn piglets and achieve better prognoses of neonatal viability. Deaths during the intrapartum period account for a significant proportion of pre-weaning mortality in farms worldwide. Piglets which die during parturition generally have normal size and typically lack gross lesions at post-mortem examination. However, circulatory abnormalities in the umbilical cord help in assessing piglet viability. Cord lesions can be classified as normal (adhered), oedematous, congested or haemorrhagic and should always be evaluated in perinatal deaths. The likelihood of neonatal survival decreases rapidly as the severity of umbilical cord lesions increase. The physiometabolic blood profile which includes acid-base balance, degree of dehydration, mineral balance, metabolic expenditure and gas exchange are also useful clinical elements for properly assessing neonatal viability. Neonatal survival is notably reduced when the blood pH falls below 7.0, lactate rises above 90 mg/dl, bicarbonate drops below 10 mmol/l, or the pCO₂ increases above 110 mm/Hg. Blood calcium is also an excellent indicator of neonatal stress when used in combination with the other parameters mentioned above. Trembling due to an imbalance in the movement of calcium in muscle is also a factor involved in neonatal mortality. Neurological function in the newborn piglet could also be evaluated by adapting the Apgar score widely used in human perinatology. Neonates with scores lower than 6 in a 10 point scale have generally lower survival rates. The two most important indicators for this vitality score are breathing latency and bradycardia. If the neonate has apnoea for more than 5 min and the cardiac frequency does not increase to more than 110 beats per minute the prognosis for survival is rather poor.

A four-year-old, male German Shepherd dog with severe pain in the left eye following a corneal perforation with a foreign body was examined. An ophthalmic examination revealed conjunctival hyperaemia and pancorneal dense oedema, preventing a diagnosis of deeper structures of the eye and lowered IOP. Vision testing was missing or impossible to detect. Ultrasonography showed a solid hyperechoic line protruding through the iris and lens into the vitreous and minor posterior lens displacement. The dog qualified for immediate surgical treatment. Intraoperative ophthalmic examination revealed a rupture of the anterior hyaloid membrane with vitreous herniation, posterior lens subluxation, lens capsule rupture and a torn iris. Partial iridectomy and intracapsular lens extraction (ICLE) was conducted. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy revealed iridodonesis and a gradual reduction of the corneal oedema, leading to complete transparency in the bottom two-thirds of the area on Day 12 after surgery. Direct and consensual PLR was sluggish and the dazzle reflex was positive. An electroretinographic examination confirmed normal activity of the retina.

Canine aggression is a widespread problem which receives a lot of attention from the media. It has important consequences in terms of public health and animal welfare. To address this issue it is necessary to first determine its epidemiological characteristics in the target population. This study was aimed at exploring the characteristics and determining the risk factors for dog aggression in the Slovak Republic and, in particular, for aggression directed at humans. For this purpose, we used a questionnaire directed to dog owners which included information about dog and owner characteristics, housing, training and fear behaviour. From the 177 analysed questionnaires, 67% portrayed dogs with some type of aggressive behaviour. Half of the animals showed some degree of owner-directed aggression and almost 40% were aggressive towards unfamiliar people. The approach of an unfamiliar male was the situation that stimulated most dogs to behave aggressively (33.3%) and a small percentage (2.3%) of the animals always showed aggression when approached by an unfamiliar child. Multivariate logistic regression models found that "owner's age" (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.93 - 0.99) and "neuter status" (OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.13-0.98) were significantly associated (P < 0.05) with the exhibiting of aggressive behaviour in different contexts. "Dog's sex" (OR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.09-4.27) and "type of training" (OR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.19-4.80) were significantly associated (P < 0.05) with the exhibiting of aggressive behaviour towards familiar people. Younger owners were more likely to have aggressive dogs and neutered dogs were less likely to be aggressive in different contexts. Male dogs and dogs with informal training were more likely to be aggressive towards familiar people. Manifestations of fear were significantly associated with the expression of aggressive behaviour in all models. This study provides the first preliminary results on the characteristics and potential risk factors for human-directed aggression in Slovakia. The analysis of these data may help in determining which preventive measures should be given priority in this country.

This study was designed to determine the prevalence of Neospora caninum, the effect of infection on abortion and fertility parameters and the efficacy and outcomes with combination treatment in a dairy farm with high abortion rates and low fertility parameters. Four hundred and eighty-six cows were tested using the immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). The seroprevalence of N. caninum was 19%. Sulphadiazine-trimethoprim and toltrazuril were administered to the seropositive animals. The risk of abortion increased 19-fold in animals infected with N. caninum (P < 0.05), and N. caninum-induced abortions occurred more often between the fourth and the sixth months of gestation. N. caninum infection also had an adverse influence on the number of inseminations to conception (P < 0.05) and calving to conception interval (P < 0.05). The treatment protocol improved the fertility parameters. Although, it is not a radical approach, this combination therapy may be recommended as the primary treatment in neosporosis.

Forty six Holstein Friesian repeat breeding cows (the average AI/conception was 5.2 ± 0.2) were investigated using the progesterone assay after AI to determine possible differences in plasma progesterone profiles between summer and winter seasons. Twenty eight (60.9%) and 18 (39.1%) cows were followed in summer (June-August) and winter (December-February), respectively. In the summer season, the total progesterone concentrations were higher (P < 0.05) in pregnant cows with normal luteal function compared to those in non-pregnant animals with abnormal luteal function. In contrast, in the winter season, there was no difference (P = 0.12) in total progesterone concentrations between pregnant and non-pregnant cows with normal or abnormal luteal functions. When the progesterone concentrations were compared, the pregnant and non-pregnant cows with normal luteal functions exhibited no difference (P = 0.92) in summer and winter seasons. Thus, the present study indicates that there is no effect of season on plasma progesterone profiles in repeat breeding cows; however in the summer season, the total progesterone concentrations were considerably higher in pregnant cows with normal luteal function compared to non-pregnant cows with abnormal luteal function.

The aetiology of Crohn's disease and paratuberculosis are the subjects of intensive study and also frequently, of dispute. However, a number of other nosological entities have a similar history, namely type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, sarcoidosis, asthma, psoriasis, spondylarthritis, Blau syndrom etc. The zoonotic risk of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) has been discussed for more than one hundred years. "The problem remains open, further research is needed", is the sentence which seems to be obligatory in the conclusions of many scientific articles. A number of hypotheses have been suggested, all with a grain of truth in them. The infection hypothesis has many supporters and opponents, but it does not fit to all Crohn's disease cases. The contribution of the genetic factor has been admitted a long time ago and has been experimentally confirmed by recent excellent studies. An environmental factor is expected and has been often mentioned, but has yet to be discovered. Muramyl dipeptide, derived from peptidoglycans of the bacterial cell wall is one of the triggers, mentioned in connection with chronic inflammatory diseases. The immunomodulatory ability of this compound has been recognised for decades and is exploited in Freund's adjuvant. A critical amount of muramyl dipeptide can affect immunity during some bacterial infections but the long latent period between infection and onset of the clinical form of the disease could explain why a causative relationship between the primary infection and chronic inflammation is not considered. Different species of mycobacteria can be found in the environment, in water, dust, soil and aerosol. Although severe infections with mycobacteria have been described, these species are not thought to be typical zoonotic pathogens. Muramyl dipeptide derived from mycobacteria obviously plays a starring role as a bacterial trigger in the aetiology of many autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases. Paratuberculosis in cattle and other ruminants is a source of enormous contamination of the environment but also of milk and meat by MAP. Muramyl dipeptide from mycobacteria, namely MAP, and Crohn's disease as a representative of diseases often called civilization threats, are important pieces of the gigantic puzzle. Mycobacteria in the environment and foodstuffs have to be acknowledged as a public health risk, which can never be completely eliminated. There is no reason to push the panic button, but we must learn how to live together with this microorganism, how the pool of immunomodulator sources can be diminished, and how the pathogenic relationship between triggers and target tissues can be disrupted. The dissemination of knowledge, the availability of rapid and inexpensive tools for identification of mycobacteria in different matrices, and the establishment of a maximal allowed limit for mycobacteria in milk and meat should contribute to food safety and consumer protection.

Influenza is a serious infectious disease, which is life-threatening especially in children, seniors and immunocompromised patients. In addition to vaccination, the development of new anti-influenza agents represents a crucial defence strategy to combat seasonal and pandemic influenza strains. At present most attention is paid to the development of inhibitors of influenza neuraminidase, which has been established as a key drug target for the prophylaxis and treatment of influenza infections. However, the emergence of drug-resistant influenza variants highlights the need of continuously innovative strategies for the development of new drugs with improved antiviral effects, higher safety and increased tolerability. In this review article, an analysis of publications describing anti-influenza agents indexed in the Web of Science^® database has been carried out. The most important publications are presented in tables and are characterised by several key words, abstracts and references. The presented publications have been sorted according to five basic criteria: (i) review articles, (ii) design, synthesis and evaluation of new anti-influenza drugs, (iii) major classes of anti-influenza drugs, (iv) combination therapy of influenza infections and (v) influenza drug resistance. The design of this review article allows us to offer a complex overview of known antiviral agents targeting influenza viruses, facilitates easy and rapid orientation in numerous publications written on this subject, and aids the gathering of required data.

Acute colic in horses, especially presentations requiring surgical correction, such as large colon volvulus, very often involves defective or excess platelet activation. The PFA-100 is a new point-of-care analyser that evaluates platelet function by measuring closure time (CT) in the whole blood of healthy horses in a standardised manner. However, there are no reports on platelet function in horses with colic measured by the PFA-100. The aim of the present study was to investigate platelet function in a group of horses suffering ascending colon displacement (ACD) and who underwent surgery compared to a group of control (C) horses. Thirty ACD cases and twenty untreated clinically healthy control horses were included. Blood samples were collected from the ACD horses prior to and 24, 48 and 72 h after laparotomy. Red blood cell count (RBC), haematocrit (HCT), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, white blood cell count (WBC), total plasma protein (TP) concentration, platelet count (PLT), platelet volume (MPV) and ADP closure time (CT-ADP) were measured. CT was determined on a PFA-100® device using collagen/ADP cartridges. There were no significant differences in RBC, PLT and MPV between C and ACD horses pre-operatively. Reduced PLT was observed in the post-operative period. The mean CT-ADP of C horses was 96.43 ± 12.53 and 91.43 ± 2.51 seconds in the ACD group prior to surgery. CT-ADP was changed after surgery whereby CT-ADP time was more than doubled. We conclude that the PFA-100^® can be used to detect platelet function defects in horses.

This study investigated the effects of administration of monosodium l-glutamate (MSG) on serum luteinising hormone, testosterone and cholesterol levels, libido and testicular histomorphology of male West African Dwarf (WAD) goats. Thirty-two WAD goats (28 males and four females) were used for the study. The 28 males were randomly assigned to seven groups (A, B^O, B^S, C^O, C^S, D^O and D^S) of four goats each. Goats in groups B^O, C^O, and D^O were given MSG orally at doses of 0.25, 0.50 and 1 g/kg body weight respectively for 28 days, while groups B^S, C^S and D^S goats were given MSG subcutaneously at doses of 0.25, 0.50 and 1 g/kg body weight, respectively, for 28 days. Group A goats served as untreated control. The four female goats did not receive MSG, but were used to assess the levels of expression of libido by all the males. Serum luteinising hormone and testosterone were assayed prior to MSG administration (Day 0) and on Days 2, 14 and 28 of MSG administration, while serum cholesterol was assayed on Days 0, 14 and 28 of MSG administration. Libido scores and testicular histomorphology were evaluated on Days 26 and 28 of MSG administration, respectively. Results showed that on Days 14 and 28 of MSG administration the mean serum luteinising hormone, testosterone and cholesterol levels of the treated groups were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than those of the control group. The mean libido scores of all the treated groups were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than that of the control. Sections of the testes of the male WAD goats that received varying doses of MSG orally or subcutaneously showed no obvious lesions; the seminiferous tubules and interstices were normal and comparable to those of the untreated control. It was concluded that MSG administration for up to 14 and 28 days led to a significant lowering of serum luteinising hormone, testosterone and cholesterol, as well as libido scores.

Autotransplantation of teeth is the most natural technique to for replacing missing teeth in exposed parts of the dental arch. Reports from human patients indicate great progress toward successful transplantations. However, complications such as inflammation and ankylosis still occur. To understand regenerative processes after autotransplantations, several animal models have been used (monkeys, rodents, rabbits, cats and dogs) and histological/molecular methods have been established. This review aims to summarise knowledge from animal models and discuss their advantages or disadvantages with respect to possible usage in research.

Abomasal cannulation, an important research tool in experimental procedures, provides a method for the placement of an abomasal cannula in sheep. The aim of this study was to describe a technique for laparoscopic abomasal cannulation in sheep. It was performed in six anaesthetised sheep positioned in dorsal recumbency using three portals in the abdomen. The first absorbable traction suture was placed 1 cm cranial to the determined abomasal cannula site. A stab incision was made with a laparoscopic monopolar hook electrode in the middle of a purse-string suture placed around the abomasal cannula site. The T-shaped cannula was inserted into the abomasum lumen through the stab incision, and the second traction suture was then placed 1 cm caudal to the abomasal cannula site. The T-shaped abomasal cannula was pulled out of the abdominal cavity through the exit wound located 3-5 cm lateral and 10-12 cm cranial to the right side of the umbilicus. The two traction sutures were tied. The T-shaped cannula was secured to the skin with a finger-trap suture. Repeat laparoscopy was performed 1 month later. Firm adhesion between the abomasum and abdominal wall was observed in all sheep, with no evidence of leakage or peritonitis. No major intraoperative or postoperative complications were encountered. The median surgical time was 49 min, with a range from 42 to 58 min. The abomasal contents were collected easily. In conclusion, laparoscopic abomasal cannulation is safe and easy to perform. Its low complication rates and the "ideal" placement of the tube into the abomasum make it an especially attractive alternative to traditional surgical abomasal cannulation in veterinary practice.

A total of 120 weanling pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc], 21 days of age with an average initial body weight (BW) of 6.52 ± 0.22 (SE) kg were selected to investigate the effects of extruded rice product as a replacement for dried whey on growth performance, coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility (CATTD), blood profiles, faecal shedding of Lactobacillus and Escherichia coli (the microbial counts of digesta were expressed as log₁₀ colony forming units per gram), and faecal scores of weanling pigs. Pigs were randomly allocated to one of four dietary treatments, with six replicates per treatment and five pigs per pen. Pigs in the control group were fed a diet based on corn, soybean, and 20% dried whey. Experimental groups received the same diet as the control group, but dried whey was replaced by 3%, 6%, and 9% extruded rice. Throughout the experimental period (six weeks), no differences were observed in the average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and gain/feed ratio. Pigs fed 6% and 9% extruded rice had a lower (P < 0.05) CATTD than pigs fed the control diet on Day 14. The blood creatinine concentration of pigs fed 9% extruded rice was higher (P < 0.05) than that of pigs in the control group on Day 14. Pigs fed the diets containing 6% and 9% extruded rice had decreased (P < 0.05) faecal E. coli counts on Day 14 compared with pigs fed the control diet. The current results indicate that feeding extruded rice can decrease faecal E. coli counts without negative effects on growth performance in weanling pigs.

A honeybee colony, part of an apiary of nine, showed abnormalities in brood pattern and was thus presented for study. A classic veterinary medicine approach has allowed the diagnosis of a severe case of sacbrood virus (SBV) confirmed by a high viral load in affected larvae. SBV is known to infect larvae of the honeybee (Apis mellifera), resulting in failure to pupate and ultimately death of infected larvae. Several contributing factors combined, among them the parasite Varroa destructor, have been identified in this particular affected colony to explain the clinical outbreak of the disease whereas, in the majority of cases, infected colonies remain asymptomatic. As no specific cure of honeybee viruses is available, the management of these contributing factors is essential, including feeding of colonies and control of the Varroa parasite. After implementation of management solutions, the colony rapidly recovered in six weeks, but did not recommence honey production and remained at higher risk of a winter collapse. An earlier control management would have been more effective: regular visits of the colonies by the beekeepers should be the rule in order to detect abnormalities and also to detect and eliminate as early as possible the combination of factors that contribute to the proliferation of the virus.

The aim of this study was to observe the effectiveness of treatment with radical pinnectomy and investigate postoperative relapse cases in pinnal squamous cell carcinoma in cats. Twelve cats which were brought to surgery clinic of Istanbul University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine were used. Biopsies were taken from the cases in which squamous cell carcinoma was suspected following anamnesis and the clinical examination of patients that were brought to our clinic. The patients were diagnosed on the basis of histopathological analysis of biopsy samples. Haemogram and biochemical blood analysis were performed and thoracic radiographs were taken as routine in cases that a decision was made to operate. After the area was prepared for operation radical pinnectomy or total external acoustic canal ablation along with radical pinnectomy were performed in the patients that were eligible for operation. Relapses seen in the postoperative period were re-operated with the techniques selected according to invasion status. Periodic controls of the patients were made after the operations and the cats were examined for relapse. In seven out of 12 cases, only squamous cell carcinoma; in three cases, actinic dermatitis actinic dermatitis in addition to squamous cell carcinoma, and in two cases, only actinic dermatitis lesions were detected. In the postoperative period, relapse was observed in the cases in which the squamous cell carcinoma lesion reached the lower half of the pinna or the external acoustic canal while relapse was not observed in cases with actinic dermatitis lesions or when the squamous cell carcinoma lesion was on the top part of the pinna. Relapse cases were re-operated using different operative techniques. It is concluded that performing radical pinnectomy on actinic dermatitis lesions detected on the pinna before development into squamous cell carcinoma, and removing the tumour according to its localization with radical pinnectomy or total external acoustic canal ablation alongside radical pinnectomy is the most reliable treatment option in terms of relapse in cases of pinnal squamous cell carcinoma.