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An eleven-year-old, 3-kg, intact female Maltese was presented for depression, anorexia and dyspnoea. Thoracic radiographs showed right-side pleural effusion, a vesicular emphysema pattern and consolidation of the right middle lung lobe. A presumptive diagnosis of lung lobe torsion (LLT) in the right middle lobe was made using a computed tomography scan. Thoracoscopic exploration was performed without one-lung ventilation in the right hemithorax. Pleural fluid and engorgement of the torsed lung lobe were observed. A total lung lobectomy of the right middle lung lobe was performed with a thoracoscopic-assisted procedure using hem-o-lok clips applied to the hilus. The dog was discharged three days after surgery, and no recurrence of the clinical signs of disease related to the respiratory system was observed during the follow-up time period of six months. Based on these findings, we conclude that thoracoscopic-assisted lung lobectomy using hem-o-lok clips is a minimally invasive surgical alternative to thoracotomy and successful operative intervention for lung lesions in small breed dogs.

The prepubic urethrostomy procedure has been shown to be a long-term diversion technique in dogs with intrapelvic urethral damage. This case report describes the clinical presentation and successful surgical management of an intrapelvic urethral stricture in a four month old male intact Labrador Retriever with hypospadias. The dog was presented for assessment of dysuria, stranguria, urinary incontinence, and urethrocutaneous fistula. After the diagnosis of perineal hypospadias with intrapelvic urethral stricture was made, surgery was performed to relieve the urethral obstruction and repair the urethrocutaneous fistula. A prepubic urethrostomy was made and the transected urethra was pulled through the inguinal canal into the prepuce. The postoperative recovery was uneventful. This technique can reduce postoperative peristomal skin irritation and leads to better cosmetic appearance than the standard technique.

A study was conducted of the kidneys of adult mole rats (Spalax leucodon) to describe the macro- and mesoscopic morphology of the renal arterial distribution and some additional anatomical features. The kidneys of the mole rat lay alongside the vertebral column in the abdominal region, the right kidney situated more cranial than the left. Covered by a thin connective tissue capsule, the kidney was bean-shaped, smooth, and reddish-brown. The mean live weight of the studied mole rats was 203.6 ± 15.05 g. The mean kidney weight was 0.636 ± 0.048 g. The mean weight of the right kidney (0.641± 0.039 g) was significantly (P < 0.01) heavier than that of the left one (0.630 ± 0.057g). Sixteen three-dimensional endocasts of the renal artery and intrarenal arteries were prepared using standard injection-corrosion techniques and examined. A single renal artery was observed in 100% of the specimens. The renal arteries divided, forming a dorsal and a ventral branch; these bifurcated forming cranial and caudal segmental branches. No anastomoses were observed between any of these branches.

A six-year-old intact female Lagotto Romagnolo was referred with a two-day history of purulent vulvar discharge associated with fever, lethargy, polyuria, polydipsia and signs of abdominal pain. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a grass awn foreign body in the vaginal fornix. Culture swabs obtained from the vagina revealed the presence of Staphylococcus epidermidis as the preponderant organism. Ovariohysterectomy was performed, and the presence of the grass awn was confirmed. A chronic-active vaginitis was found at histological examination. The dog recovered with resolution of all clinical signs. Differential diagnoses for acute vulvar discharge in bitches should include retention of vaginal foreign bodies. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of a grass awn foreign body in the vaginal fornix of a dog.

This study describes a case of a six-year-old female crossbreed dog that had a three months history of progressive right thoracic limb lameness. Palpation revealed muscle atrophy of the scapular and humeral area and painfulness in this region. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in T1- and T2-weighted and STIR (short inversion recovery) sequences in sagittal and transverse planes. The masses around the scapula and humerus were heterogeneously hyper-intense in STIR and measured about 9 cm. The tumour was heterogeneously iso-intense relatively to the surrounding tissues in T-2 weighted Gradient Echo and Spin Echo sequences. After MRI fine needle aspiration of a central part of the tumour was performed. The biopsy revealed multiple round cells with very little cytoplasm and fusiform cells in which the cytoplasm created protrusions. Cells were arranged in rows or formed a homogeneous cell mass. A malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour was diagnosed cytologically.

A two-month-old male 40 kg Korean native calf was referred to the Chonbuk Animal Medical Centre, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonbuk National University because of prolonged diarrhoea, depression, and anorexia lasting three weeks. On physical examination, abdominal distension presented in the right flank and a percussion sound was audible. A round-shaped lesion was observed in the area of the large intestine on computed tomography and ultrasonography, and a diagnosis of intestinal intussusception was made. A surgical operation was decided upon immediately to correct the intussusception. An infarct lesion was found during surgery, and the lesion was observed on the intussuscepted intestines including the cecum, ileum, and colon. The area of intussusception was excised, and an anastomosis was performed. Despite intensive and supportive care, the patient died one day after the surgery due to poor general condition. An ileocecocolic intussusception is an uncommon case compared within other intestinal intussusceptions. Most affected calves have a history of severe diarrhoea and the prognosis is guarded due to poor general condition. Good survival can be expected if patients are diagnosed quickly.

Schmallenberg virus (SBV) infection is an emerging infectious disease of ruminants first described in Germany in November, 2011. Since then it has spread very rapidly to several European countries. The disease is characterised by fever, reduced milk production and diarrhoea in cattle and abortions, stillbirths and foetal abnormalities in sheep and goats. SBV is an enveloped, negative-sense, segmented, single-stranded RNA virus, classified in the genus Orthobunyavirus of the Bunyaviridae family, and is closely related to Akabane, Ainoa and Shamonda viruses. As of now there is no vaccine available for SBV, which poses a serious threat to naive ruminant population. Owing to its recent discovery, our understanding of Schmallenberg viral disease and its pathology and pathogenesis is limited. This article reviews the data reported so far on this emerging disease with regard to aetiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, pathology, diagnosis and control and discusses the future scenario and implications of the disease.

Erythromycin-resistant Campylobacter were isolated from pig, cattle, and poultry carcasses slaughtered in Poland between 2008 and 2011. A total of 1335 strains were examined and among them 20 (1.5%) showed a high level of erythromycin resistance (≥ 32 mg/l) as determined by the microbroth dilution method. All these isolates were C. coli and mainly originated from poultry (15 strains). PCR amplification or DNA sequencing identified the mutation A2075G in the 23S rRNA gene in all strains tested. The vast majority of such C. coli were also resistant to quinolones, tetracyclines, and streptomycin whereas none of them revealed resistance to gentamycin. Furthermore, several isolates (14; 70.0%) displayed multi-resistance pattern against quinolones, aminoglycosides, and tetracyclines. PCR analysis identified several putative virulence genes such as cadF, flaA, and iam (present in all erythromycin resistant isolates) as well as the cdtA and flhA markers (19 and 16 strains, respectively) among C. coli tested. On the other hand, only two out of 20 isolates were positive for the ciaB and docA genes. Furthermore, none of the analysed strains had the virB11 and wlaN markers. A molecular relationship determination of the erythromycin-resistant C. coli performed by pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) revealed 17 different types. This reflects the high genetic diversity among the examined isolates. The results obtained suggest that erythromycin-resistant C. coli from food-producing animals may represent an underestimated potential health risk for consumers.

We describe Dirofilaria immitis occurring in the peritoneal cavity of a dog from Korea. Two worms were found in the fat of the umbrical cord area during operation for an umbrical cord hernia in a dog (four year old, female, Maltese). In gross findings, the worms were slander white and measured 132 mm (female), 111 mm (male). The tail of the male was spirally coiled. In light microscopy, the uterus was filled with not fully developed eggs. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the cuticule was smooth on the head but those of the tail exhibited complex cuticular striation in the male. Head papillae were located in a cephalic plate forming a rectangular pattern dorsoventrally, with 4 inner labial papillae and four outer cephalic papillae. The mouth opening was very small and the bursal cavity was absent. Laterally there was a pair of amphids.

Driven by a combination of pedagogical, ethical and economic factors, the use of simulation technology and other alternatives to traditional training methods has become increasingly common in veterinary education as a means to teach basic and advanced concepts along with technical skills. When paired with well-structured and supervised clinical training on animal patients, these modern methodologies help educators fill gaps left by conventional methods, reduce and replace the consumptive use of live animals, and ultimately result in the graduation of more confident and proficient veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and allied health personnel. This article surveys an array of the simulation methods currently available for veterinary education and how they integrate with and enhance standard curricula.

Mechanical load on the bone influences bone tissue and its inner tension, subsequently affecting bone formation and its histological structure. A precise understanding of this load and the development of strategies to influence it would contribute to principles of fracture management and to solving other bone pathologies of both humans and animals. The long bones of the thoracic and pelvic limb of a pig were here used as possible models to test new devices and implant materials. The purpose of this study was to investigate the thickness of compact bone of the diaphysis of porcine long bones and to establish ideal insertion points for tensometer probes, where 2.3 mm is the minimal required thickness, and to evaluate the histological structure of the compact porcine bone. A total number of 96 long bones from 12 pigs was investigated. The investigations consisted of morphometric assessment of the diaphysis of the bones by measuring thickness of the compact bone in different segments of the diaphysis and of microscopical evaluation of the compact bone. Macroscopical assessment of the bones revealed that the minimal required thickness of 2.3 mm of compact bone was found only in the middle and distal segment of the humerus, middle segment of the femur, proximally only on cranial aspect. The radius showed suitable thickness on the medial aspect of its proximal segment and on the lateral and caudal aspect of the middle segment. Tibial compact bone is suitable across the whole middle segment and on its lateral and medial aspect of the distal segment. Microscopical structure of the compact bone revealed characteristics of growing/immature bone characterised by both lamellar and osteonic bone. This study confirms the suitability of porcine radius and tibia for tensometer testing. However, one needs to take into account the different thickness of different parts of the bone planning experiments using tensometers.

In this study, the aim was to investigate the anatomy of the aortic arch arteries in mole-rats (Spalax leucodon). Six adult mole-rats were used for this purpose. Coloured latex was injected into the left ventriculus of the hearts of all animals. The materials were carefully dissected and the arterial patterns of arteries originating from the aortic arch were examined. The brachiocephalic trunk, the left common carotid and the left subclavian arteries were detached from the aortic arch. The brachiocephalic trunk separated into the right subclavian and common carotid arteries. The branches separating from the subclavian arteries were on the right, the common branch giving the profund cervical, the internal thoracic, and the costocervical trunk, and on the left the internal thoracic and the costocervical trunk were in the common root and the profund cervical artery was independent and on both sides after giving the common branch of the superficial servical and the external thoracic artery. This continued as the axillary artery which was then separated into the subscapular and the brachial arteries. Thus, the arteries originating from the aortic arch and the branches of these arteries were found to be different from other rodents and domestic mammals.

Secretion of adequate levels of progesterone from a proper corpus luteum (CL), which develops out of the cells of a healthy preovulatory follicle, is a key-factor for establishment of a pregnancy. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between morphological and secretory characteristics of preovulatory follicles and their corresponding corpus luteum with regard to the post-partum period in high-yielding dairy cows. Therefore, ultrasound-guided aspirations of preovulatory follicles were performed repeatedly, using 20 first lactating cows between 26 and 121 days after parturition. Heat was induced with a PGF analogon followed by administration of a GnRH analogon. The dominant follicle was aspirated 21 h after administration of the GnRH analogon. The diameters of the follicles were estimated at aspiration and the morphology of the resulting luteal tissue was examined on day 14 after follicle aspiration using ultrasonographic examinations. Concentrations of progesterone (P₄) and 17-beta-oestradiol (E₂) were determined in the follicular fluids (FF) and P₄ concentration was estimated at the time of CL examination in plasma. A CL development occurred in 82% after dominant follicle aspiration. The interval of time between parturition and follicle aspiration did not affect the investigated variables. The diameter of the aspirated preovulatory follicle was positively correlated to the cross-section area of the developed luteal tissue (R = 0.60; P < 0.01) as well as to the plasma P₄ concentration on day 14 after follicle aspiration (R = 0.47; P < 0.05). Also, E₂ concentrations in FF were positively correlated to cross-section area of the luteal tissue (R = 0.54; P < 0.05). Comparing the FF of the follicles that gave rise to a CL after aspiration to follicles that did not, both types had comparable P₄, but the former type harboured higher E₂ concentrations. In conclusion, preovulatory follicle diameter as well as steroid concentrations in the follicular fluid could be used prospectively to identify cows which will have well-developed CLs and high plasma P₄ levels later. On the other hand, CL development after follicle aspiration can be used as a retrospective quality parameter of dominant follicles. These results will help to identify suitable animals for breeding or recipients for embryo transfer.

Double fixed-time insemination after ovulation induction is commonly used in pigs to obtain in vivo produced embryos at defined stages of development for downstream biotechnological applications. However, variations in the time of ovulation and fertilisation of the ovulated oocytes by spermatozoa, mainly in one of the inseminations, can cause diversities in embryo development. The aim of the present study was to reduce embryo diversity and to achieve a 'uniform outcome' of porcine embryo stages using single laparoscopic fixed-time insemination (LIUI). Altogether, 48 puberal German Landrace gilts were included in the study. Estrus of gilts was synchronized by 15-day long altrenogest (Regumate^®) feeding and follicle development was stimulated with 850 IU eCG 24 h after the final altrenogest application. Ovulation was induced with 500 IU hCG 80 h after eCG. LIUI was performed 31 h after hCG treatment. Gilts under general anaesthesia were fixed in a dorsal position, a pneumoperitoneum was produced and three trocar cannulas were inserted into the abdomen for optics and instruments. Each uterine horn was carefully punctured 10-15 cm caudal from the utero-tubal junction with a 2.5 mm trocar. A 2.2 mm catheter was inserted about 3 cm into the uterine lumen and 20 ml of extended fresh boar semen (32.2 × 106 sperm cells/ml) were injected. Embryos were surgically flushed from the genital tract two (Day 2) and three (Day 3) days after insemination. Altogether, 778 oocytes/embryos were recovered (recovery rate 68 ± 17%); 45 of 48 gilts (93.8%) revealed fertilisation and 76.1% of the recovered embryos (n = 592) were at the 2- and 4-cell stage. On Day 2 (n = 22 gilts), a higher percentage of gilts (72.7%, P < 0.05) displayed only 2-cell embryos compared with gilts which had 2- and 4-cell (22.7%), or only 4-cell embryos (4.6%). On Day 3 (n = 23 gilts), the proportion of gilts with 2-cell, 2- and 4-cell, and only 4-cell embryos shifted to 4.3%, 0% and 95.7%, respectively (P < 0.05). The results of the present study demonstrate high rates of fertilisation and homogenously developed embryos after single fixed-time laparoscopic intrauterine insemination in gilts. Additionally, these results were achieved by inseminating a 60% lower number of sperm cells per insemination dose compared to usual doses used for transcervical insemination. In conclusion, LIUI can be recommended for the in vivo production of embryos in a homogeneous developmental stage, and also as an alternative method for low-dose insemination.

The transport of weaned piglets is considered an important stress factor since the conditions involved in shipping affect the animals' health and welfare. The principal stressor factors that piglets experience during transport include: mixing with unfamiliar animals, overcrowding, heat, cold, temperature fluctuations, vibrations, and noise. It is well known that all these factors contribute to raising the level of stress caused by the weaning process; however, the additional effects attributable to transport immediately after weaning impact the physiology, metabolism and behaviour of piglets, predisposing them to delayed growth. For this reason, animal transport must be well-planned and take into account such aspects as preparation of the piglets, choosing the best route and vehicle type, assuring adequate vehicle design and maintenance, and providing sufficient space. Also important for assuring the welfare of the piglets during transport are sufficient rest time, appropriate access to food and water, defined measures for monitoring the animals during the trip, implementing means of disease control, and establishing the steps to be followed in case of an emergency.

We received a malformed Messinese Black goat foetus for examination. The foetus was part of a triple gestation, from which two male kids presented no morphological abnormalities and underwent regular slaughtering. X-ray examination and necropsy were performed. On the basis of gross and radiological findings the malformation was classified as acardius acephalus. In human medicine, acardius is a rare and severe abnormality reported as a unique complication of monozygotic twin pregnancies, and is known as twin-reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP).

Arthrodesis was achieved in two foals through the placement of three 4.5 mm cortical lag screws. Two screws were placed in a standard transarticular fashion from the dorsal aspect of P1 (glide hole) to the palmar aspect of P2 (thread hole). A third transarticular lag screw was placed from the dorsal aspect of P2 (glide hole) to the palmar aspect of P1 (thread hole). Both foals were comfortable and considered suitable for light work. Crossed transarticular lag screw fixation of P1 and P2 in cases of PIPJ arthrodesis in foals is a simple and useful method offering good stability for fusion and future athletic soundness.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcome of traumatic craniodorsal hip luxation in a cat, treated with the application of a Mini TightRope (mTR) implant. A caudal approach was carried out in order to expose the hip joint and the sciatic nerve preserving the muscle masses. Clinical follow-up and radiographic recheck were performed at 10 days, one, three, six and 12 months after surgery. Orthopaedic examination was normal 1 month after surgery while the revisit radiographs showed only mild to moderate signs of osteoarthritis (OA) one year later.

Sulfonamides are widely used in treatment of animals and humans but pose a risk as environmental pollutants. An analysis of 1588 publications focused on sulfonamides is presented here. The review deals with environmental pollution with sulfonamides, described in papers indexed in the database Web of Science from 1938 to 2011. More in depth details are presented regarding publication activity during the last ten years in which 1255 papers have been published by authors from 1100 institutions. Papers, published during the last three years and mainly in 2011, are listed in comprehensive tables, sorted according to five criteria: reviews, contaminated niches, risk of contamination, sulfonamide transformation and methods of analysis. Key words and shortened abstracts direct the reader to the topics of interest. Hyperlinks to full papers, published in open access journals, are another aid in knowledge dissemination. This design of the review article allows easy navigation through vast amounts of information. Finally, a case report illustrates experiences from the author's laboratory with sulfamethazine determination in pig slurry by ELISA. The reported results highlight the need for updating the legal directives for environmental protection.

A 7-year-old female, German Shepherd with urinary and faecal voiding difficulties was admitted to the clinic. The patient was subjected to neurological, ultrasonographic and radiological examinations as well as blood and urine tests. Based on clinical observations and test results, the dog was diagnosed with detrusor-urethral dyssynergia. The prescribed pharmacological treatment consisted of alpha adrenergic receptor antagonists and skeletal muscle relaxants. The patient was catheterised daily, and Foley's catheter was temporarily inserted. Pharmacological treatment was not effective, however, and the patient was subjected to an MRI examination of the lumbosacral spine which revealed L6-L7 dyscopathy. The dog was then subjected to percutaneous laser disc decompression. Pharmacological treatment was continued, and the catheter was left in place after surgery. Active urination was restored four days after surgery despite the presence of the catheter. The catheter was subsequently removed, and pharmacological treatment was gradually discontinued. The symptoms of dyssynergia subsided completely.

A canine patient with osteosarcoma of the sacrum was subjected to low-field magnetic resonance imaging with the following sequences: FSE, SE, 3D HYCE, X BONE, Fast STIR, GE STIR and Gradient Echo. Due to the size and location of the tumour, surgery was not performed, and the patient was euthanized. A histopathological analysis of the tumour revealed telangiectatic osteosarcoma.

This paper describes the partial results of an echocardiographic study in sixty outbreed Wistar rats. Animals of parity sex ratio were chosen for the experiment. The animals were grown up during the observation period (the minimum weight was 220 g; the maximum weight was 909 g) and were then sequentially anaesthetised (2-2.5% of isoflurane, 3 l/min O₂). The second, fourth and fifth examinations were performed under anaesthesia maintained by intramuscular injections with diazepam (2 mg/kg), xylazine (5 mg/kg) and ketamine (35 mg/kg). Transthoracal examination was done using the SonoSite Titan echo system (SonoSite Ltd.) with a microconvex transducer C11 (8-5 MHz). M-mode (according to the leading-edge method of American Society of Echocardiography) echocardiography data were acquired at the papillary muscle: systolic and diastolic interventricular septum (IVSs, d) and left vetricular posterior wall (LVPWs, d) thickness, systolic and diastolic left ventricular dimension (LVDs, d), aorta (Ao) and left atrium (LA) dimensions. According to standard formulas, the following parameters were obtained: ejection fraction (EF), cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV), left ventricle end systolic volume (LVESV), left ventricle end diastolic volume (LVEDV), interventricular septum fractional thickening (IVSFT), left ventricular dimension fraction shortening (LVDFS), and left ventricle posterior wall fraction thickening (LVPWFS). In our study we performed 300 examinations both in male and female Wistar rats of various body weights and calculated regression equations to predict expected normal echocardiographic parameters for rats with arbitrary weights. The rats were examined by an echo scan. The first and third examinations were performed during mono-anaesthesia induced by inhalation of isoflurane. Correlations, with one exception (LVDs), were very close, which means that the results of the calculations based on regression equations are very reliable.

The giant liver fluke, Fascioloides magna, is of interest to wild-life managers, veterinarians and researchers, due to its unusual body size (3-10 cm), high pathogenic potential and because it is continuously spreading to new areas, especially in Europe. Annually, the number of cases of animal infections (mainly cervids and bovids) caused by this fluke is monitored in many European countries, including the Czech Republic (with some foci of prevalence over 90%). During the years 2009 and 2010, 1622 survey forms focused on monitoring of fascioloidosis were distributed in the community of "Czech Inspectors of Hunted Game" (CIHG), and 21.3% of forms containing positive or negative response about F. magna occurrence were returned. The administrative units monitored by particular CIHG, who answered the forms, were geographically equally distributed and therefore we believe that also the recorded distribution of F. magna in wild-life animals reflects the real situation in the Czech Republic. A significant number of cases of F. magna infection were repeatedly reported from areas in the south-west part of the Czech Republic. Moreover, our report contains also some unique records of several new F. magna foci in the western (close to the German border), northern (close to the Polish border) and central parts of the Czech Republic, supporting the assumption that the parasite is spreading further throughout Europe. In five game administrative units F. magna infection was directly confirmed by examination of dissected deer livers or by microscopic examination of coprological samples, followed by isolation of DNA from adults and eggs and further molecular analyses. Fascioloides magna intermediate host snails (Galba truncatula and Radix spp.) were collected during 2009 and 2010 from different localities of the Czech Republic, kept in aquaria, examined for shedding of F. magna cercariae, dissected and parasite/snail DNA was isolated. After PCR with specific primers for parasite/snail internal transcribed region number two (ITS-2) the obtained sequences confirmed identification of the following species: F. magna, G. truncatula, R. peregra, R. lagotis, R. labiata and R. auricularia. Although it has been demonstrated that the number of areas with positive cases of fascioloidosis is still growing, the risk of pathogenic impact of F. magna on populations of free-living animals and farming cervids/bovids is generally underestimated.

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.

Toxoplasma gondii is zoonotic protozoan parasite that causes infections in many vertebrate species. The present study determined the seroprevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum in goats from the Czech Republic. Serum samples were collected from 251 healthy adult goats in the Czech Republic during the years 2006 to 2009. Sera samples were tested for serum antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with cut off equal to or higher than 50% S/P. The same samples were tested for serum antibodies to Neospora caninum by a competitive-inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with cut off equal to or higher than 30% inhibition; positive sera were confirmed by an indirect fluorescent antibody test with cut-off titre equal to or higher than 40. Sera positive in both tests were marked as positive. In total, 166 (66%) and 15 (6%) goat sera reacted positively for T. gondii and N. caninum antibodies, respectively. All sera positive for N. caninum antibodies were simultaneously positive for T. gondii antibodies. This is the first detection of N. caninum antibodies in goats in the Czech Republic. Our findings indicate that goats in the Czech Republic are frequently exposed to T. gondii, but less frequently to N. caninum.

In this study, the brachial plexus in the mole-rat was investigated. Six adult mole-rats were used and the brachial plexus of each was dissected. It was found that the brachial plexus in the mole-rat was formed by the rami ventralis of C5. A single root was formed from a major part of the ramus ventralis of C5 and through the joining of the whole of the ramus ventralis of C6, C7, C8 and T1. Thus, in mole-rats, the spinal nerves forming the brachial plexus and the joining of these spinal nerves to each other differ from other rodents and mammals.

In recent years more attention has been paid to the issue of pain in animals, particularly in association with increasing awareness of animal welfare. It is therefore necessary for veterinarians to be able recognise unambiguously whether an animal suffers from pain. Adult humans suffering from pain can more or less characterise their painful experiences, including the site and intensity of the pain. However, pain in animals is in some aspects more complex and it can be rather difficult to evaluate the seriousness and impact of painful events. Therefore, in animals we have to recognise the signs of pain according to indirect markers which involve behavioural, physiological and finally clinical responses. Moreover, in particular the behavioural changes associated with pain can be along with the general signs also species-specific, and hardly recognisable (and for an inexperienced observer seemingly unimportant) which makes pain assessment even more complicated. Therefore, the current review formulates definitions of pain, its classification and is focused on methods that may facilitate pain recognition in animals, which is crucial for an effective pain assessment and consequent effective pain management. The review combines recent knowledge with well proven facts concerning pain and furthermore also highlights the author's own research on pain assessment.

Theileriosis is a serious animal disease that is transmitted by ticks. Theileria species are tick-borne obligate intracellular protozoan parasites that cause severe and mild infections in their hosts. Two of them, Theileria annulata and Theileria parva, cause lymphoproliferative disease with high mortality and morbidity in cattle commonly known as tropical theileriosis and East Coast fever, respectively. Currently available antiparasitic drugs are effective in animals but animals may remain carriers and treatment is most effective in the early stages of the disease. The isolation, cloning and analysis of lactate dehydrogenase from T. annulata was the goal of the present study with the ultimate aim of designing new antiparasitic drugs that will hopefully have a wider mode of action in animals. Blood samples were taken from a four year-old Brown Swiss cow showing signs of acute tropical theileriosis and genomic DNA was extracted following the confirmation of the clinical diagnosis. For the first time, in this study, the lactate dehydrogenase sequence was isolated from from a Theileria species. Following extraction from genomic DNA by PCR the sequence was cloned into the vector pGEM-T easy. Sequencing of the whole gene from both directions indicated that the open reading frame was interrupted by two introns. Several single nucleotide exchanges, deletions and insertions were also observed in the T. annulata lactate dehydrogenase sequence compared to the host. The most remarkable difference between the parasite and host enzyme is a five residue insertion in the active site loop region that might be an attractive target for inhibitors of the enzyme. This study opens a new route to further kinetic and structural studies towards the development of novel inhibitors of T. annulata lactate dehydrogenase.

A three-year-old intact female Great Pyrenees underwent total knee replacement for the treatment of osteoarthritis. The dog contracted septic arthritis 10 weeks following the procedure. Treatments including implant subtraction, debridement of tissue, and insertion of bone cement with antibiotics into the joint space were completed in the joint cavity. A temporary external skeletal fixator was used to stabilise the joint for four weeks. A second attempt at total knee replacement failed due to severe muscle contracture and bone loss. Therefore, it was decided to perform arthrodesis as a salvage procedure. At the 17 month follow-up examination, the patient was able to use the limb while standing and at all gait speeds. Based on these findings, two-stage arthrodesis can be a viable salvage procedure for infected total knee replacements.

The aim of our study was to compare the concentration of selenium (Se) and the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the whole blood of goats and their newborn kids. The experiment involved 25 gravid, clinically healthy goats of the white shorthaired breed. On the day of delivery, we took whole blood from the mother and her newborn kid before the kid drank the first colostrum. In mothers, the measured average concentration of Se in whole blood was 149.60 ± 45.01 μg/l, the average concentration of Se in kids was 87.91 ± 29.66 μg/l. Average activity of GSH-Px in the blood of mothers was 938.46 ± 341.09 μkat/l, and in the blood of kids 658.20 ± 339.13 μkat/l. Regression and correlation analysis produced regression line formulas and correlation coefficients that revealed a close, statistically significant relation (P < 0.01) between the concentration of Se in the blood of mothers and their kids and the activity of GSH-Px in mothers and their kids. The relation between the concentration of Se in the blood (μg/l) of mothers and kids was γ= 0.484x + 15.55; r = 0.73, the relation between the activity of GSH-Px in blood (μkat/l) of mothers and their kids was γ = 0.809x - 101.27; r = 0.80. The concentration of Se and activity of GSH-Px was lower in newborn kids than in their mothers, reaching approximately 60-70% of the mother's levels. The relation between the concentration of Se and activity of GSH-Px in the blood of goats was γ = 4.23x + 276.31; r = 0.64 (P < 0.01) and the relation between the concentration of Se and the activity of GSH-Px in the blood of kids was γ = 6.556x + 64.70; r = 0.83 (P < 0.01). It follows that a Se concentration of 100 μg/l corresponds to a GSH-Px activity of 699.51 μkat/l in the blood of mothers and 720.34 μkat/l in the blood of kids. The results show the need to provide for a sufficient Se saturation of goats with a view to preventing Se deficiency in kids and that the Se concentration in the blood of newborn kids is physiologically about 40% lower in comparison with the Se concentration in the blood of their mothers. This should be taken into account when interpreting the results and assessing the reference values of Se concentration in the blood of kids.