Advances in Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches for Companion and Exotic Animals

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Veterinary Clinical Studies".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2026 | Viewed by 1218

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy
Interests: exotic animal medicine and surgery; diagnostic imaging; cardiology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Companion and exotic animals play an increasingly significant role in human society—not only as pets but also as therapy animals, educational ambassadors, and integral parts of ecosystems. With this growing importance comes the need for improved healthcare standards tailored to their unique physiological, behavioral, and environmental requirements.

This Special Issue aims to highlight recent progress and innovative strategies in the diagnosis, treatment, and overall medical management of a wide range of species beyond traditional livestock and laboratory animals. From novel imaging techniques and point-of-care diagnostics to cutting-edge pharmacological therapies and minimally invasive surgical interventions, the articles in this Issue will address both clinical and research advancements.

We invite contributions that explore new technologies, comparative medicine insights, case studies, and interdisciplinary approaches that enhance the ability to accurately diagnose and effectively treat diseases in companion animals, including dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, rodents, reptiles, amphibians, and a diverse range of exotic species. Submissions may include original research articles, reviews, and short communications in the fields of veterinary medicine, pathology, pharmacology, surgery, diagnostic imaging, laboratory medicine, and related fields.

By bringing together contemporary knowledge and practical innovations, this Special Issue seeks to serve as a valuable resource for veterinarians, researchers, and professionals dedicated to improving animal health and welfare.

Dr. Margherita De Silva
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • companion animals
  • exotic pets
  • diagnostics
  • therapeutics
  • pharmacology
  • surgery
  • pathology
  • diagnostic imaging

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

16 pages, 3364 KB  
Article
The Avian-RUM Block: A Locoregional Technique for Distal Wing Procedures in Birds—An Anatomical Cadaveric Feasibility Study with a Clinical Illustration
by Matteo Serpieri, Giuseppe Bonaffini, Elena Passarino, Margherita de Silva, Giuseppe Quaranta and Mitzy Mauthe von Degerfeld
Animals 2026, 16(2), 211; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16020211 - 10 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 735
Abstract
Anaesthesia in avian species presents significant challenges due to high peri-anaesthetic mortality rates and marked anatomical variability. Multimodal anaesthetic protocols incorporating locoregional techniques are advocated to improve analgesia and minimise systemic drug requirements. While brachial plexus blocks are described for avian wing surgery, [...] Read more.
Anaesthesia in avian species presents significant challenges due to high peri-anaesthetic mortality rates and marked anatomical variability. Multimodal anaesthetic protocols incorporating locoregional techniques are advocated to improve analgesia and minimise systemic drug requirements. While brachial plexus blocks are described for avian wing surgery, the proximity to major vessels and air sacs increases the risk of complications. This study introduces the “Avian-RUM block,” a novel locoregional technique for the distal wing, adapted from the mammalian RUMM block but modified to reflect avian neuroanatomy, which lacks a distinct musculocutaneous nerve. Twelve rock doves (Columba livia) and twelve hooded crows (Corvus cornix) received transcutaneous injections of a dye solution targeting the radial and median-ulnar nerves at two volumes (0.15 and 0.3 mL/kg). Both species demonstrated high rates of nerve staining and procedural feasibility, with no significant difference in staining length between volumes. An illustrative clinical application of the Avian-RUM block in a domestic goose is also reported to contextualise the cadaveric findings within a multimodal perioperative setting. The results confirm the feasibility of the Avian-RUM block and its potential as a simple, equipment-free technique for regional anaesthesia of the avian wing. These findings provide a foundation for future clinical validation across bird species. Full article
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