Search Results (3,740)

This study evaluated dietary inclusion of tannin-based feed additives on heifer performance and physiological measures associated with fescue toxicosis and vaccine response. Forty-five yearling beef heifers (292.6 ± 29.0 kg) grazing toxic, endophyte-infected (E+) tall fescue pastures were assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: (1) soybean hulls (SH; n = 3 pastures), (2) SH and BX tannin-saponin additive (BX; 10.0 g heifer⁻¹ d⁻¹; n = 3 pastures), and (3) SH and ATX tannin-polyphenol additive (ATX; 5.0 g heifer⁻¹ d⁻¹; n = 3 pastures). Treatments were administered over an 84 d period. Data were analyzed using R and SAS 9.4 with treatment as a fixed effect, block as a random effect, and pasture as the experimental unit. Treatment effects were assessed at the pasture level. Average daily gain (ADG) of heifers receiving ATX (0.53 kg/d) and BX (0.49 kg/d) were increased relative to heifers receiving SH only (0.23 kg/d) between D56 and D84 (p = 0.07). There was no impact of treatment on other performance measures (p > 0.15) or on serum metabolite responses including bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1) titers (p > 0.15), prolactin (p = 0.97), haptoglobin (p = 0.26), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN; p = 0.38). Preliminary results show the potential for improved weight gain, suggesting further investigation with more experimental units is warranted. Full article

Feline panleukopenia virus (FPLV) is a significant causative agent of disease in both domestic cats and wild carnivores that poses a considerable threat to their health. Despite its clinical importance, the mechanisms underlying FPLV–host interactions remain poorly understood. In this study, we conducted a systematic analysis of transcriptomic changes in feline kidney cells (F81) infected with a Chinese FPLV strain using RNA-seq. The down-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were majorly enriched in the regulation of the cell cycle, cell growth, or cell senescence, while the up-regulated DEGs were found to be significantly associated with cellular pathways involved in cell cycle regulation, extrinsic apoptotic signaling, and key host immune responses, including Toll-like receptor, JAK-STAT, IL-17, and TNF signaling pathways. By validating the RNA-seq data with RT-qPCR (real-time quantitative PCR) results, we identified potentially important immune-associated genes involved in the host immune response to feline panleukopenia virus, including IGSF6, IFI44L, IFI6, IFITM10, IL1R1, and JAK3. Overall, our results provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying feline panleukopenia virus and its interactions with its host, laying the foundation for future research on this significant virus and its impact on feline health. Full article

The transition from a normal to a cancerous cell involves a multistep process driven by genetic alterations. Malignant cells progressively acquire traits that enhance their survival within the host, including the ability to evade apoptosis, stimulate neovascularization, and escape immune surveillance. These adaptations allow cancer to grow uncontrollably, invade adjacent tissues, and metastasize to distant organs, ultimately impairing normal physiological functions and complicating treatment efforts. Among the most significant clinical challenges is chemotherapy resistance, which diminishes the effectiveness of conventional therapies and contributes to disease progression. Addressing this issue requires integrated and multidisciplinary approaches. This review investigates and compares the mechanisms of chemotherapy resistance identified in humans and companion animals. By examining both shared and species-specific features, this analysis aims to support the development of more effective and translational treatment strategies. Full article

Hip dysplasia (HD) is an orthopaedic condition of the hip joints with a complex mode of inheritance that has proven difficult to address through traditional breeding practices in dogs, particularly the most common method, which is the selection by individual phenotype. Employing estimated breeding values (EBVs) into the selection would be a more effective method to reduce the prevalence of HD and would also enable the genetic trends to be monitored. The Golden Retriever is a popular large breed in Brazil, with a reported HD prevalence of up to 19.6%. This study aimed to estimate the breeding values (EBVs) of a sample of Golden Retrievers from Brazilian kennels using Bayesian analysis on a pedigree sample of 1686 dogs, 951 of them with known phenotypes. The posterior means of heritability estimated for hip score through the lowest deviance information criterion value model was 0.15 (posterior standard deviation of 0.08). The EBVs ranged from −0.299 to 0.368, with the average accuracy of 39% with values up to 67%. As expected by simple phenotypic selection, the genetic trend concerning hip scores has been stable since 1975. The study provides breeders with a valuable tool to make informed decisions about selecting sires and dams and contribute to long-term genetic improvement in reducing the prevalence of HD in Golden Retrievers. Full article

This study aims to evaluate the morpho-functional changes in the patellar ligament in dogs undergoing tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) during the first six months of the postoperative follow-up and correlate the radiographic and conventional ultrasonography changes in the patellar ligament with its elastic properties. Dogs with a unilateral cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture who underwent TPLO were enrolled. The patients were subjected to radiographic, ultrasonographic and elastosonographic evaluations of the patellar ligament before surgery (T0) and 1 month (T1), 2 months (T2) and 6 months (T3) after surgery. The radiographic and ultrasound thicknesses of the patellar ligament were recorded at three points: proximal, central and distal. A color map of strain elastosonography with superimposed B-mode images was used to evaluate the elasticity (hardness and softness) of the ligament. Twenty-two dogs completed the trial. At T0, the patellar ligament showed statistically reduced radiographic and ultrasonographic thicknesses compared to those at T1, T2 and T3. Additionally, the patellar ligament in the distal portion was statistically thicker in comparison to the proximal and central points at T2 and T3. At T1, T2 and T3, there was an increase in hardness and a reduction in softness of the patellar ligament compared to that at T0. The elastosonographic analysis and the radiographic and ultrasonographic thicknesses of the patellar ligament showed no correlation. The patellar ligament showed structural and mechanical alterations in the dogs undergoing TPLO, even six months after surgery. Full article

The objective of this work was to deliver a comprehensive genetic characterization of a collection of E. coli strains isolated from raw sheep milk. To complete our purpose, the technique of whole-genome sequencing, coupled with bioinformatics and phenotypic characterization of antimicrobial resistance, was performed. These Gram-negative, facultative anaerobic bacteria belong to the family Enterobacteriaceae, together with other intestinal pathogens, such as Shigella spp. and Salmonella spp. Genetic analysis was carried out on all strains (phylogram, sequence types, VFs, AMR genes, and pangenome). The results showed the presence of various genetic traits that are related to virulence factors contributing to their pathogenic potential. In addition, genes conferring resistance to antibiotics were also detected and confirmed using phenotypic tests. Finally, the genome of the E. coli strains was characterized by the presence of several mobile genetic elements, thus facilitating the exchange of various genetic elements, associated with virulence and antimicrobial resistance, within and beyond the species, through horizontal gene transfer. Contaminated raw sheep milk with pathogenic E. coli strains is particularly alarming for cheese production in artisan dairies. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance is an increasing concern in companion animal practice; however, effective mitigation strategies in veterinary referral hospitals remain underexplored. This study investigated whether antimicrobial stewardship interventions guided by hospital-specific resistance patterns and prescribing data could improve resistance outcomes in a secondary care veterinary setting. Using data from 2016 to 2018 at the University of Tokyo Veterinary Medical Center, a targeted intervention was developed and implemented in early 2019, and its impact was evaluated until 2024. The intervention included Gram staining-based presumptive pathogen estimation, antibiogram-guided antimicrobial selection, clinician education, and regular feedback on prescribing practices. By 2020, overall antimicrobial use had reduced by over 50%, with marked reductions in the use of carbapenems and fluoroquinolones. By 2022, the prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. decreased from 53% to 24% and 78% to 7%, respectively. However, methicillin-resistant staphylococci remained prevalent in approximately 50% of cases. These findings suggest that hospital-tailored antimicrobial stewardship programs may be associated with meaningful reductions in resistance among gram-negative pathogens, although causality cannot be confirmed due to the observational study design. Moreover, additional strategies are necessary to address persistent resistance in gram-positive organisms. Full article

Group A rotavirus (RVA) is a leading causative agent of diarrhea in both young animals and humans. In China, multiple genotypes are commonly found within the bovine population. In this study, we investigated 1917 fecal samples from calves with diarrhea between 2022 and 2025, with 695 testing positive for RVA, yielding an overall detection rate of 36.25%. The highest positivity rate was observed in Hohhot (38.98%), and annual detection rates ranged from 26.75% in 2022 to 42.22% in 2025. A bovine rotavirus (BRV) strain, designated 0205HG, was successfully isolated from a fecal sample of a newborn calf. Its presence was confirmed through cytopathic effects (CPEs), the indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), electron microscopy (EM), and high-throughput sequencing. Genomic characterization identified the strain as having the G6-P[1]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A3-N2-T6-E2-H3 genotype constellation. The structural proteins VP2 and VP7, along with nonstructural genes NSP1–NSP4, shared high sequence identity with Chinese bovine strains, whereas VP1, VP4, and NSP5 clustered more closely with human rotaviruses, and VP3 was related to feline strains. These findings highlight the genetic diversity and interspecies reassortment of BRVs in China, underlining the importance of continued surveillance and evolutionary analysis. Full article

Mycoplasmal pneumonia of sheep (MPS), caused by Mesomycoplasma (Mycoplasma) ovipneumoniae, profoundly impacts ovine productivity and survival. Although gut–lung microbiota interactions are increasingly recognized in respiratory diseases, whether similar crosstalk occurs between the lung and rumen microbiota in MPS-affected sheep remains unknown. To investigate alterations in the lung and rumen microbiota of sheep with MPS, the crosstalk between these microbial communities, and their impacts on growth phenotypes. From a cohort of 414 naturally infected six-month-old male Hu sheep, we selected 10 individuals with severe pulmonary pathology and 10 healthy controls for detailed phenotypic and microbiome analyses. Assessment of 359 phenotypic traits revealed that MPS significantly impairs feed efficiency and growth rate (p < 0.05). Through 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we found that MPS significantly altered the pulmonary microbiota community structure (p < 0.01), with a noticeable impact on the rumen microbiota composition (p = 0.059). Succinivibrionaceae_UCG-001 was significantly depleted in both the rumen and lungs of diseased sheep (p < 0.05) and strongly associated with reduced average daily feed intake (p < 0.05). In addition, pulmonary Pasteurella and ruminal Succinivibrionaceae_UCG-002 were significantly enriched in MPS-affected sheep, showed a strong positive correlation (p < 0.05), and were both negatively associated with feed efficiency (p < 0.05). Notably, Pasteurella multocida subsp. gallicida may act as a keystone species influencing feed efficiency. These findings point to a previously unrecognized rumen-lung microbial axis that may modulate host productivity in sheep affected by MPS. This work provides new insights into the pathogenesis of MPS and offers potential targets for therapeutic intervention and management. Full article

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Bangladesh from January 2023 to December 2024 to assess the prevalence of BVDV antibodies and associated risk factors in dairy herds. Initially, 138 bulk milk samples were collected from herds across 14 districts and screened using a commercial ELISA for BVDV antibodies. Subsequently, 767 individual milk samples were tested from cows in herds that screened positive. The overall herd-level seroprevalence was 72.5% (95% CI: 64.1–79.6), while the cow-level seroprevalence was 93.3% (95% CI: 91.3–94.9%). Within-herd seroprevalence varied from 81.8% to 100%. Herds with more than 70 cows had 31.95 times higher odds of BVDV seropositivity than those with 13–23 cows. BVD seroprevalence was significantly higher in the third, fifth, and eighth semen sources compared to the reference source. Cows older than 8 years had 4.53 times higher odds of seropositivity than those aged up to 4 years. Cows in thin physical condition had 13.02 times higher odds of seropositivity than those in normal condition. Conversely, cows producing over 8.8 kg of milk daily had a significantly lower seroprevalence of BVDV compared to those producing less than 8.8 kg, with an odds ratio of 0.41 (95% CI: 0.17–0.98). These findings suggest that BVDV exposure is widespread in dairy herds in Bangladesh. Regular serological screening, the use of semen from BVD-free bulls, and prioritizing surveillance for thin cows and low milk producers are essential. Improving nutrition, herd management, and targeted monitoring may help reduce BVDV transmission and improve herd productivity. Full article

Humane euthanasia is an endpoint for production animals succumbing to disease or trauma. Euthanasia performed with barbiturates or other anesthetic/sedative drugs observes zero withdrawal time, and drug residues may remain in tissues. Carcasses may be submitted for rendering, and rendered products can be used to manufacture pet foods. The purpose of this study was to determine the concentration of two drugs, xylazine and ketamine, that may be used during the euthanasia process of food animals and to determine the fate of these drugs following a simulated rendering process using a commercial autoclave. Twelve cattle were administered xylazine or xylazine and ketamine prior to euthanasia via penetrating captive bolt, and samples of muscle, fat, liver, and kidney were collected. The tissue samples were analyzed by LC-MS/MS, both raw and following rendering. The parent compounds xylazine and ketamine were detected in all tissues, both before and after rendering. The highest concentrations were found in rendered kidney for both drugs, and the lowest in rendered and raw fat for xylazine and ketamine, respectively. Full article

Thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA) is widely used in human medicine to provide effective perioperative analgesia, yet its application in veterinary species—particularly cats—remains underexplored. This retrospective case study describes the use of TEA in nine client-owned cats undergoing major surgeries. All cats received a single epidural injection of 0.2 mL/kg of 0.5% ropivacaine combined with 0.1 mg/kg morphine at the T12–T13 interspace using a 25 G × 25 mm Quincke needle. Intraoperative physiological parameters were continuously monitored, and postoperative analgesia was assessed using a validated pain scale. Only one cat exhibited inadequate analgesic coverage, likely due to TEA failure. Of the nine cats, seven required minimal to no intraoperative rescue analgesia, while five received postoperative opioids on the day following surgery. Hemodynamic stability was observed in most cases, with no significant complications reported. These findings suggest that TEA is a feasible and effective technique for perioperative pain management in cats undergoing major surgery. Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm these initial findings and investigate the safety of the technique in a larger population. Full article

Antibody titer testing can be useful in controlling successful puppy immunization and can reduce unnecessary vaccinations in adult dogs. We evaluated three commercially available point-of-care tests (POCTs) for detecting antibodies against canine parvovirus (CPV-2), canine distemper virus (CDV) and canine adenovirus (CAV-1 and/or -2), comparing them to the reference virus neutralization (VN) assay. Sera from 200 client-owned dogs (13 healthy, 63 chronically diseased, 124 acute) and 60 specific pathogen-free (SPF) dogs, including 20 sera with maternally derived antibodies (MDA), were tested. All three POCTs demonstrated high sensitivity (79.0–100%) and specificity (97.8–100%) for CPV-2. In contrast, specificity for CDV and CAV was lower with POCT-1 (43.5% and 55.3%) and POCT-2 (42.4% and 79.2%), despite high sensitivity (CDV in both POCTs 98.7%; CAV POCT-1: 99.4%, POCT-2: 90.8%). POCT-3, by comparison, showed high specificity (CDV: 94.1%; CAV: 84.4%) but very low sensitivity (CDV: 17.4%; CAV: 33.1%). Only POCT-1 for CPV-2 detected MDA reliably, whereas the other two POCTs, and POCT-1 for CDV and CAV, did not. When compared to VN, the agreement in vaccination recommendations was 82% for POCT-1 and POCT-2, and 62% for POCT-3. In conclusion, all three POCTs reliably detected antibodies against CPV-2, including MDA with POCT-1. However, the lower specificity for CDV and CAV antibody detection in POCT-1 and POCT-2 raises concerns about misclassifying unprotected dogs as immune, while false-negatives with POCT-3 could lead to unnecessary vaccinations. Further optimization of all three POCTs for CDV and CAV is recommended. Full article

As the body of knowledge on feline mammary tumors (FMTs) continues to grow, their histological classification and grading systems have undergone revisions and updates to better reflect the biological behavior of these tumors. In this review, the historical evolution of these frameworks is traced and later revisited in the context of their prognostic relevance. Numerous studies have investigated clinicopathological prognostic factors in feline mammary carcinomas (FMCs); however, the heterogeneity in assessment methods, inclusion criteria for survival analysis, and the clinical endpoints considered can often complicate direct comparisons across different studies and may contribute to seemingly conflicting results. Furthermore, the small cohort size of many studies limits the robustness and transferability of their findings. This paper provides an updated overview of the epidemiological, clinical, and pathological prognostic factors of these tumors, while also highlighting current challenges, methodological limitations, and areas for future improvement. Full article

Glioma is a type of neoplasia that spontaneously arises from the glial cells of the brain in humans and dogs, and its prognosis is grave. Current treatment options for glioma include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or symptomatic treatment. Evidence has shown that cannabidiol (CBD) may have anticancer, anti-angiogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties in both in vitro and in vivo studies. In this in vivo murine experiment, the canine glioma cell line J3TBG was injected into the frontoparietal cortex of immunodeficient mice using xenogeneic tissue transplantation. A total of 20 mice were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups—Control group (C), CBD group (CBD), Radiation Therapy group (RT), and CBD plus Radiation Therapy group (CBD + RT). After transplantation of J3TBG, a single fraction of 5.5 Gy RT was administered to the RT and CBD + RT groups, and CBD was administered daily to the CBD and CBD + RT groups. Necropsies were performed to collect blood and brain tissue. Although there was not a statistically significant difference, the survival time among mice were longer in the CBD + RT group than the RT group. These results indicate that CBD may be used as an adjunctive therapy to enhance RT treatment. Larger cohort studies are required to substantiate the hypothesis. Full article