Search Results (90)

Background and Clinical Significance: Animal hoarding is a recognized form of animal cruelty characterized by the accumulation of animals under conditions of inadequate care, leading to compromised welfare and an increased risk of disease transmission. Veterinarians are often the first to identify such cases through clinical presentation. This case report describes a forensic investigation of a dog associated with animal hoarding and environmental neglect in Bangkok, Thailand. Case Presentation: A 7-year-old male mixed-breed dog was presented with seizures, emaciation, dehydration, and ectoparasite infestation. Hematological findings revealed leukopenia and anemia, and diagnostic testing confirmed infection with canine distemper virus (CDV) and Dirofilaria immitis. Despite supportive treatment, the dog died within 48 h. A subsequent site inspection, conducted using the TRACE model and based on crime scene investigation principles, identified 13 dogs housed in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. Environmental assessment revealed poor sanitation, waste accumulation, and fluorescent stains of unknown origin detected under ultraviolet light (365 nm) in the cage areas. Among the animals, infections with CDV (23.08%), Dirofilaria immitis (53.85%), and Ehrlichia canis (61.54%) were identified, indicating a high burden of infectious and vector-borne diseases. Conclusions: This case demonstrates the value of integrating clinical veterinary findings with forensic investigation in the assessment of animal neglect. The combined use of clinical, laboratory, and environmental evidence strengthens documentation and supports potential legal action. Enhanced veterinary forensic training and standardized protocols are recommended to improve early detection and intervention in animal cruelty cases. Full article

The goatpox virus (GPV) is a highly contagious pathogen primarily affecting domestic small ruminants in endemic regions of Northern Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. This study reports the first confirmed outbreak of GPV in captive wild ruminants in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The outbreak occurred in a fenced 900-hectare mountainous reserve following a period of heavy rainfall, and Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia), Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana), Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx), and Scimitar oryx (Oryx dammah) were affected. Clinical signs included generalized cutaneous nodules, mucopurulent nasal discharge, respiratory distress, weakness, and emaciation. Over a three-month period, 71 animals died or were euthanized. Histopathological findings were consistent with GPV infection in goats, although typical inclusion bodies were missing. Real-time PCR confirmed GPV DNA in multiple tissues with a high viral genome load. Virus isolation was successful only in lamb testis cells. Whole-genome sequencing demonstrated that the isolates were genetically identical and clustered within the Central and Western Asia lineage, showing closest similarity to a Turkish field strain. The finding highlights the potential for cross-species transmission of GPV into wildlife and emphasizes the importance of surveillance, as well as molecular diagnostic and preventative vaccination strategies at the wildlife–livestock interface. Full article

Intensive salmon farming is associated with high mortality rates, highlighting the need for new welfare indicators that can detect adverse conditions earlier and less invasively than many current approaches. Existing animal-based indicators used in the industry typically depend on subjective scoring and provide information mostly after welfare problems have already developed, thereby raising questions about their efficacy. Examples include emaciation, wounds, or scale loss, etc. Preliminary data and ongoing investigation suggest that melanin-based skin pigmentation may change dynamically with stress and condition in salmonid fishes. In this study, we present a semi-automated methodology for assessing changes in the grayscale intensity of melanin-based skin spots within the operculum region of adult Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) kept in seawater. The pipeline combines computer vision models to detect the operculum, segment individual spots, and extract grayscale-based features for spot-level analysis over time. The method was applied to out-of-water images collected before and after exposure to a confinement episode. The results showed an overall shift in grayscale intensity from black to pigmentation fading after the challenge, although responses varied among individuals. These findings indicate that the proposed methodology can detect temporal changes in opercular melanin-based spots under applied experimental conditions. We therefore present this work as proof of principle for using computer vision to quantify changes in melanin-based skin spots as a potentially useful, non-invasive indicator of stress and welfare in Atlantic Salmon. Full article

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a microsporidian species found ubiquitously in both invertebrate and vertebrate hosts including domestic and wild animals and humans. Enterocytozoon bieneusi typically causes severe or chronic diarrhea, malabsorption and emaciation. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and genotypic distribution of E. bieneusi in dogs in Fujian province, China. A total of 506 fecal samples from dogs were randomly collected from eight districts in Fujian province, China. The presence of E. bieneusi was confirmed through nested PCR targeting ITS gene. Further multilocus sequence typing (MLST) focused on the three microsatellite loci (MS1, MS3, and MS7) and minisatellite locus (MS4) loci. As a result, the infection rates of E. bieneusi in dogs were found to be 5.93% (30/506). A highly significant difference in the prevalence of E. bieneusi was observed across different urban areas (p < 0.01), with Longyan city exhibiting the highest infection rate (24.62%, 16/65), Zhangzhou and Xiamen the lowest (0.00%). Prevalence also varied significantly by source (p < 0.01), age (p < 0.01), gender (p < 0.05), symptom status (p < 0.01), and season (p < 0.01). Three known genotypes of E. bieneusi were identified in 30 dogs’ positive samples, including EbpC, PigEBITS5 and PtEb IX, whereas FJLYD1, FJLYD2 and FJSMD have been identified as new genotypes. EbpC, PigEBITS5, FJLYD1, FJLYD2, and FJSMD all belong to Group 1, while PtEb IX is assigned to Group 11. Genotypes belonging to Group 1, the first major phylogenetic clade, are considered to possess potential zoonotic risks. None of the positive samples amplified at all four loci, forming a single multilocus genotype (MLG). This study contributes to a deeper understanding of E. bieneusi in dogs, which provides critical data for the development of targeted control strategies in Fujian province. Full article

Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) are classified as Vulnerable and listed in Appendix I of CITES, making the investigation of stranding and mortality causes essential for their conservation. This study describes the post-mortem findings of five Humboldt penguins stranded along the Chilean coast during 2025, focusing on renal and ureteral lesions associated with trematode infection. Gross examination revealed multifocal to coalescing renal lesions, including intrapelvic white purulent material and marked thickening of the ureteral walls. Histopathological analysis demonstrated moderate to severe renal and ureteral inflammation, characterized by intratubular and intraureteral trematodes associated with tubular degeneration, interstitial inflammation and fibrosis, vascular alterations, occasional glomerular changes, and severe ureteritis. Morphological and morphometric analyses of adult parasites obtained from histological renal sections confirmed the presence of trematodes. On clinical evaluation, stranded animals presented with lethargy, no evidence of external trauma, and body condition ranging from normal to emaciated. These findings confirm the presence of trematode-associated nephropathy and ureteropathy in Humboldt penguins. To our knowledge, this is the first report worldwide linking renal and ureteral parasitosis to disease in this species. Further molecular analyses are required to achieve definitive etiological identification and to support the recognition of this condition as an emerging disease relevant to conservation strategies for Humboldt penguins. Full article

Diarrhea in kids is a significant health and economic concern for small-scale ruminant farms. This study aims to investigate the properties of Lactobacillus amylovorus as a treatment for kids with diarrhea and its effect on the composition of the gut microbiota. A total of 20 neonatal goats (approximately 2 months old) were divided into three groups: healthy control (HC, n = 4), diarrhea (D, n = 8), and diarrhea treated with probiotic (DT, n = 8). We tracked gut microbial profiles, fecal consistency, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and clinical symptoms. Probiotic-treated kids recovered fully from diarrhea within two weeks, while their untreated counterparts showed signs of clinical deterioration and gradual emaciation. Kids with diarrhea had lower microbial richness, according to alpha diversity analysis, and this was only partially restored after probiotic treatment. The kids with diarrhea had the lowest Shannon, ACE, Simpson, Dominance, Pielou-e, and Chao1 indices compared to the HC group, while the administration of Lactobacillus amylovorus significantly (p < 0.05) restored their normal enrichment in the DT group compared to the D group. The healthy group had a higher abundance of Verrucomicrobiota, while Firmicutes and Bacteroidota predominated in all groups. Bacteroides and Akkermansia predominated in the healthy and treated groups. At the genus level, analysis showed elevated levels of Escherichia-Shigella and UCG-005 in kids with diarrhea. In addition, the concentration of each SCFA in the D group was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than in the HC group. This study provides novel evidence that Lactobacillus amylovorus administration not only alleviates diarrhea but also uniquely restores the production of key SCFAs—including butyrate, acetate, and propionate—in neonatal goats, a finding not previously reported in this species. The concurrent recovery of microbial diversity and SCFA profiles highlights the dual mechanistic potential of Lactobacillus amylovorus as a gut microbiota modulator and metabolic therapeutic in young ruminants. These results lend credence to its potential as a probiotic treatment for small ruminant enteric diseases. Full article

Background: Starvation represents a specific pathological entity characterized by severe nutritional deprivation leading to multi-organ failure. Despite its forensic relevance, a comprehensive synthesis of autopsy findings remains lacking. Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched from inception to June 2025 using a pre-specified Boolean query. Eligible studies included case reports, case series and cohort investigations reporting post-mortem evidence of starvation or starvation-related malnutrition. Data extracted encompassed demographic, contextual, macroscopic, histological, and ancillary findings. Results: Fourteen studies were included, comprising 20 individual cases and two population-based cohorts (totaling 1647 deaths). Most cases (75%) involved children, predominantly victims of domestic neglect; adults accounted for 25%, mainly due to anorexia nervosa or voluntary fasting. Six cadavers were severely decomposed or mummified. Across studies, consistent autopsy findings included extreme emaciation, near-total loss of subcutaneous and visceral fat, empty gastrointestinal tract, and diffuse organ atrophy, especially of the liver, heart, thymus, and pancreas. Histology revealed hepatic steatosis, myocardial fibrosis, thymic involution and gelatinous transformation of adipose tissue. Ancillary methods (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, stable isotope and anthropological analyses) confirmed malnutrition in decomposed or skeletonized remains. Conclusions: This review delineates the morphological and histopathological hallmarks of starvation and suggests the possible diagnostic value of ancillary techniques in advanced decomposition. The predominance of neglect-related pediatric cases underscores starvation as a forensic indicator of social and caregiving failure. Establishing reproducible morphological and histological indicators may improve the consistency of forensic diagnosis and strengthen the evidentiary basis for determining starvation as a cause of death. Full article

In olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) suffering from emaciation disease, the intestinal myxozoan Enteromyxum leei is considered a major causative agent. This disease causes severe economic losses in East Asian aquaculture, and even though the pathological outcomes have been well described, the molecular mechanisms underlying host immune imbalance are unclear. We performed RNA sequencing of posterior intestinal tissue from infected and control fish, yielding high-quality datasets and 2666 differentially expressed genes (1589 downregulated, 1077 upregulated). Enrichment analyses revealed a significant modulation of immune processes, particularly cytokine activity, chemokine signaling, apoptosis regulation, and lymphocyte trafficking. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis identified six immune-related pathways that were the most affected: Toll-like receptor, NOD-like receptor, intestinal immune network for IgA production, C-type lectin receptor, RIG-I-like receptor, and cytosolic DNA sensing. Network mapping highlighted nine hub genes, including cxcl8a, pik3r1, mapk10, and itpr1b, which were shared across multiple pathways and validated by qRT-PCR. Our results demonstrate that E. leei disrupts intestinal immune homeostasis by suppressing chemokine-driven inflammation and adaptive responses while simultaneously enhancing nucleic acid-sensing and stress pathways. This dual modulation provides new insights into the intestinal immune dysregulation underlying enteromyxosis and establishes a molecular basis for future diagnostic and preventive strategies in olive flounder aquaculture. Full article

A free-ranging 10-month-old male American black bear (Ursus americanus) was presented to a rehabilitation facility in eastern Tennessee for being orphaned and emaciated, and was diagnosed with bile duct stenosis, leading to euthanasia. On initial intake, liver values including gamma-glutamyl transferase, alanine aminotransferase, and serum bile acids were elevated. The cub was treated for intestinal parasites and discharged to a rehabilitation facility for monitoring. Three weeks later, all liver values markedly increased despite improvements in body condition, appetite, and overall energy level. Abdominal ultrasound and dual phase computed tomography confirmed stenosis of the biliary outflow tract with gallbladder dilation and bile ducts in two locations. Surgical treatment and release were not performed due to the lack of clinical follow-up, likelihood of a genetic anomaly, and risk of it being passed to offspring. Necropsy findings further confirmed the bile duct stenosis with chronic regionally extensive fibrosis. The cause of this lesion is hypothesized to be congenital; however, inflammation secondary to a previous infection was not able to be ruled out. This case report documents the presentation and multidisciplinary approach to diagnosing a juvenile bear with bile duct stenosis, not previously reported in the literature. Full article

Body measurements are used regularly to describe phenotypes or the weight of animals. However, little data describe the age effect on the different measurements. In the present paper, 477 Bactrian camels (7–180 months old) were measured (length of the head, length and circumference of the neck, height at the withers, girth circumference, length of the front leg, and length of the body), and their growth was modeled by comparing different equations, the most convenient being the beta growth equation. In addition, the differences in body measurements of adult Bactrian camels between farms were tested by variance analysis, and multivariate analyses were used for identifying homogeneous clusters of camels according to their body measurements. The sampled animals were from different regions of the country. The significant relationships between cluster and region support the idea of racial differentiation. Body condition scoring is widely used in farm animals as an indicator of their feeding, health, and welfare status. If a body condition score is available for dromedaries, there is no specific grid for the Bactrian camel. Starting from typical examples taken from photos in different conditions, including extreme ones, a representation of a scoring system of 6 points from very emaciated (score 0) to overweight Bactrian camel (score 5) was proposed in the form of drawings from the right side, back, and three-quarter rear. To complete the drawings, a descriptive grid was built as a base for training stakeholders in relation to Bactrian camel farm management. However, the seasonal change in the fleece abundance, the variability of the humps’ shape, and the presence of crossbreeding with dromedary camels require adapting the scoring accordingly. Full article

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is an important pathogen in cattle and causes considerable economic losses worldwide. In Argentina, where there is no national control program, BVDV remains endemic. In this retrospective study, the epidemiological, clinical and pathological features of postnatal BVDV-associated diseases in 50 outbreaks in central Argentina (1995–2024) were analyzed. Data were obtained from field reports, necropsies, and virological results (virus isolation, RT-nPCR, immunochromatography). No seasonal pattern was found. Acute infections (AIs) and mucosal disease (MD) occurred with similar frequency. Clinical signs included salivation, weakness, emaciation and diarrhea. The lesions were widespread and involved the gastrointestinal tract, skin, lymphoid tissues and spleen. Although MD cases has more extensive tissue involvement, no significant differences in morbidity, mortality or distribution of lesions were observed between AIs and MD. BVDV-1b was the most frequently detected subtype. These results highlight the challenges of BVDV control in extensive production systems. Strengthening diagnostic surveillance, implementing targeted vaccination and eliminating persistently infected animals are essential to reduce BVDV impact in endemic regions such as Argentina. Full article

Starvation in horses presents critical welfare, economic, and management challenges with underlying molecular mechanisms of metabolic modification and recovery left poorly defined. Prolonged caloric deprivation induces significant systemic shifts in carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism, reflected in coordinated changes in tissue-specific gene expression. This review synthesizes current knowledge on equine metabolic responses to starvation, emphasizing pathways found through RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) studies. Molecular investigations using RNA-seq and RT-qPCR have provided insight into transcriptional reprogramming during starvation and subsequent refeeding. Shifts in gene expression reflect the metabolic transition from carbohydrate dependence to lipid use, suppression of anabolic signaling, and activation of proteolytic pathways. However, interpretation of these data requires caution, as factors such as post-mortem interval, tissue handling, and euthanasia methods particularly the use of sodium barbiturates can influence transcript stability and abundance, potentially confounding results. The literature shows that starvation-induced molecular changes are not uniform across tissues, with skeletal muscle, liver, and adipose tissue showing distinct transcriptional signatures and variable recovery patterns during refeeding. Cross-species comparisons with hibernation, caloric restriction, and cachexia models provide context for understanding these changes, though equine-specific studies remain limited. Identified gaps include the scarcity of longitudinal data, inconsistent tissue sampling protocols, and lack of standardized reference genes for transcriptomic analyses in horses. Addressing these limitations will improve the accuracy of molecular evaluations and enhance our ability to predict recovery trajectories. A more comprehensive understanding of systemic and tissue-specific responses to starvation will inform evidence-based rehabilitation strategies, reduce the risk of refeeding syndrome, and improve survival and welfare outcomes for affected horses. Full article

Paratuberculosis is a chronic zoonotic bacterial infection, primarily affecting ruminants. This review examines the disease in the Arabian Peninsula, focusing on distribution, molecular diversity, prevalence, and associated risk factors. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. After duplicate removal and eligibility screening, data extraction, analysis, and quality assessment were performed. Pathogen sequences were retrieved from NCBI GenBank for phylogenetic analysis. The review included a total of 31 published articles from 1997 to 2025, of which 26 were used in the meta-analysis. Most studies (n = 12) were published between 2011 and 2015, predominantly from Saudi Arabia (n = 22), with no reports from Qatar, Bahrain, or Yemen. The majority of the studies involved camels and sheep (n = 16 on each species), followed by cattle (n = 9), goats (n = 7), humans (n = 2), and buffalo (n = 1). Phylogenetic analysis delineates two major clades—Type S and Type C—suggesting greater genetic diversity in Type S. The estimated pooled seroprevalence and pathogen prevalence in livestock ruminants were 8.1% and 22.4%, respectively. Herd-level estimated pooled seroprevalence was 26.9%. Small ruminants (19.3%) were more sero-prevalent than large ruminants (7.4%), with goats (28.7%) significantly (p < 0.01) more affected than sheep (21.5%), camel (9.8%), and cattle (6.6%). Clinical signs in ruminants included chronic diarrhea, emaciation, anorexia, alopecia, wry neck, and dehydration. The reviewed study patterns and findings suggest high pathogen diversity and a significant risk of transboundary transmission at the human–animal interface in this region. A One Health surveillance approach is crucial, particularly on farms with diarrheic and emaciated animals. Establishing a national surveillance plan and phased (short-, intermediate-, and long-term) control programs is essential to mitigate economic losses, limit transmission, overcome the cultural barrier, and protect public health. Full article

Approximately 17,000 bears undergo bile extraction in facilities across Asia for traditional medicines despite the availability of proven alternatives. Bears are confined to cages and bile harvested from the gallbladder via needle aspiration, implanted catheters, or transabdominal fistulas. Bile-extracted bears develop numerous detrimental conditions, including abnormal repetitive behaviors, emaciation, dental disease, cholecystitis, hernias, abscesses, and neoplasia. A high prevalence of aortic dilation, commonly seen with systemic hypertension, was reported in bile-extracted bears, and aortic aneurysm rupture/dissection was the third leading cause of death in a population of 600 formerly bile-extracted bears. A high incidence of renal disease, a common cause of systemic hypertension in other species, was also identified in this population. We hypothesized that renal disease was positively correlated with lesions of systemic hypertension in bile-extracted bears. Archived medical records, imaging, and samples from 180 formerly bile-extracted bears were analyzed. Hypertensive retinopathy, left ventricular hypertrophy, and aortic dilation were used as validated correlates of systemic hypertension. The majority (76.1%) of bears exhibited at least one systemic hypertension lesion, and 62.8% had two or more lesions. Left ventricular hypertrophy was most common, followed by aortic dilation/aneurysm. Lesions of systemic hypertension were positively correlated to renal disease parameters of serum creatinine and renal histopathology. Understanding the etiology of systemic hypertension in this population is critical due to consequent comorbidities and increasing numbers of bile-extracted bears finding their way to sanctuary. Full article

The Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica) is a seabird species characterized by great diving capabilities and transoceanic migratory behavior. These movements contribute to the dispersion of the species during migration, and episodes of mortality associated with migration may be a normal event in the dynamic of the Atlantic puffin populations. This study aimed to describe the anatomopathological findings of an unusual mortality event of Atlantic puffins observed during the non-breeding period along the coast of the Canary Islands. The most consistent gross finding during necropsy was generalized muscle atrophy and fat depletion. The main histological findings were centered in the urinary tract, with dilation and inflammation of the primary ureter branch and medullary cones, and intraluminal trematodes identified as Renicola sloanei based on morphology and molecular analysis. Influenza virus infection was ruled out. The postmortem investigations performed in this mortality event of Atlantic puffins indicate that the animals were severely emaciated and suffered from nephropathy. The etiopathological investigation performed in relation to this mortality event of Atlantic puffins indicates starvation associated with bad weather conditions during migratory movement as the most likely cause of the unusual mortality event. Full article