Search Results (519)

Caring for the lives and welfare of animals is central to veterinary and animal sanctuary work, yet the meaning remains a subject of complex debates. Different stakeholders negotiate what constitutes appropriate care, leading to conflicting demands and expectations from internal and external sources. This article is based on two qualitative studies: Study I explores the multifaceted aspects of death work in farm animal medicine, emphasising the practical, emotional and ethical challenges involved. Study II examines human–animal interaction in sanctuaries, which reveal tensions between instrumental and relational care in animal-centred work. Relational care represents a subjectifying approach with individual attention to animals, while instrumental care is a more objectifying perspective based on species representation. These demands can often be contradictory, complicating day-to-day decision making under pressure. To analyse these complexities, this study employs Clarke’s situational analysis (social worlds/arenas mapping), providing a means of comparing care work across different fields. This approach highlights how actor constellations, institutional settings, and structural constraints influence the negotiation of care. Addressing these issues provides a more nuanced understanding of the professional challenges of animal-centred care and the necessary skills to navigate its inherent contradictions. Full article

Hydrocephalus is a frequently observed congenital malformation of the central nervous system in domestic animals; however, its occurrence in wild species remains underreported. This study documents a clinical case of congenital hydrocephalus in a red fox cub (Vulpes vulpes) admitted to the “Visul Luanei” Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. The individual exhibited neurological deficits characterized by depressed mental status, incoordination, dromomania, behavior changes, and blindness. Diagnostic imaging, including radiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), revealed a domed cranial morphology and severe dilation of the ventricular system. Notably, the lateral ventricles were markedly enlarged, with the absence of the septum pellucidum, resulting in a unified ventricular cavity. During electroencephalography (EEG) performed under general anesthesia, a high voltage and low frequency, predominantly featuring delta waves background activity was observed on all traces. Due to the poor prognosis and lack of clinical improvement, euthanasia was performed. This case contributes to the limited knowledge regarding central nervous system malformations in wild canids and underscores the need for further research on congenital neurological disorders in wildlife species. Full article

Context: A plethora of actors like individual and professional characteristics, religiosity, personality-related factors, personal experience of death, and empathy form the attitude of health professionals in patient care in clinical settings and euthanasia. Objectives: The aim of the study was to measure the attitudes of health professionals toward euthanasia. In addition, we examined how individual and professional characteristics, religiosity, death perspectives, and empathy may predict health professionals’ attitudes toward euthanasia. Methods: We collected socio-demographic characteristics and attitudes toward euthanasia and the end of life as well as empathy dimensions from 465 health professionals working in health services in Greece. Multiple linear regression was applied to test the association of the attitudes about euthanasia with (1) demographic and professional variables, (2) perceptions about death, and (3) empathy. Results: Findings of the study revealed that health professionals’ attitudes towards euthanasia are significantly associated with their age, the target group of their patients, religious beliefs, and their attitudes about the end of life. Meanwhile, empathy was an insignificant predictor of ATE (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Working in clinical settings with patients, especially at the end of their lives, will always include ethical issues for health professionals. Training and supporting new generations of health professionals in patient care and bioethics are crucial in order to face these ethical issues during their professional careers. Full article

A novel composite patch osteosynthesis technique (CPT) has demonstrated promising ex vivo biomechanical performance in small tubular bones. To bridge the gap toward clinical evaluations, this study compared the stability of the CPT to a stainless-steel locking plate (LP) in an experimental in vivo ovine bilateral proximal phalanx fracture model. Eight sheep underwent a midline osteotomy with a 4.5 mm circular unicortical defect in the lateral proximal phalanx of both front limbs, treated with the CPT (n = 8) or the LP (n = 8). A half-limb walking cast, or a custom off-loading hoof shoe, was used for postoperative protection. Implant stability was assessed by post-surgery X-ray evaluations and post-euthanasia (16 weeks) dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). At week one, all CPT implants demonstrated mechanical failure, while all LPs remained overall intact. Mean BMD was 0.45 g/cm² for CPT and 0.60 g/cm² for LP in the fracture area (p = 0.078), and 0.37 g/cm² vs. 0.41 g/cm² in the distal epiphysis (p = 0.016), respectively. In conclusion, the CPT demonstrated indications of inferior stability compared to the LP in this fracture model, which may limit its clinical applicability in weight-bearing or high-load scenarios and in non-compliant patients. Full article

Background: Suicidal behavior presents a significant dilemma in the context of Alzheimer’s disease. Numerous ethical discussions have emerged regarding euthanasia for patients suffering from neurodegenerative conditions, and research indicates an elevated incidence of suicide in the early stages of dementia. However, there remains a gap in knowledge concerning the historical prevalence of suicidal ideations or attempts among individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. This study aims to investigate the historical patterns of suicidal behavior and the associated factors across the lifespan in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Methods: This study is an excerpt from a case–control research study, where the sample size was calculated at 150 participants, with 75 in the case group and 75 in the control group. Here, the descriptive statistics for the first third of the sample, 50 participants, are discussed. Results: Among the participants in the case group, 12.5% reported having suicidal ideation throughout life, compared to 24% in the control group (OR for suicidal ideation = 0.432 [0.095–1.966]). Additionally, among the participants in the case group, 4% reported having attempted suicide at some point in their life, compared to 8% in the control group (OR for suicide attempts = 0.479 [0.41–5.652]). People with Alzheimer’s disease tended to have a worse quality of life but less suicidality. Conclusions: It appears that suicidal behavior is inversely related to the risk of developing suicidal intentions. The odds ratio data demonstrate the need for a larger sample size to determine whether there is a difference in the history of suicide throughout the lives of people with Alzheimer’s disease and among the general population. Full article

Tramadol, a central analgesic drug, is used to treat moderate to severe pain but can cause reproductive disorders. The pathogenesis of tramadol-induced reproductive damage may involve increased oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines, ATP depletion, and reduced antioxidant levels. In this study, subjects were divided into four groups: healthy control (HC), tramadol only (TM), ATP only (ATP), and ATP + tramadol (ATM). ATP was administered intraperitoneally at 4 mg/kg, and tramadol was administered orally at 50 mg/kg. Distilled water was given to the HC group. This regimen was repeated for three weeks. At the end of the treatment, testicular tissues from six rats in each group were analyzed biochemically and histopathologically after euthanasia. The remaining rats’ reproductive functions were evaluated. Long-term tramadol exposure resulted in oxidative stress, inflammation in testicular tissue, and reduced male reproductive capacity. Thinning of seminiferous tubule walls and thickening of basement membrane, irregularity in germ cells, increase in interstitial connective tissue, congestion in vessels, increase in Leyding cells and hyperplasia were found in the TM group. ATP treatment significantly reduced tramadol-induced increases in oxidants and pro-inflammatory cytokines, reversed the decline in antioxidants, and mitigated infertility in testicular tissue. Furthermore, ATP preserved the morphology of the testicular tissue. These findings suggest that ATP may offer therapeutic potential for tramadol-induced infertility. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of local use of Brazilian Green Propolis (BGP), either as an ethanolic extract (the most common formulation) or incorporated into lipid-based nanostructures, as an adjuvant therapy for non-surgical periodontal treatment in managing experimental periodontitis (EP) in ovariectomized rats. Methods: Fifty-six female Wistar rats underwent bilateral ovariectomies. After 10 weeks, a cotton ligature was placed around the lower first molar and remained in place for two weeks to induce EP. The ligature was removed, and the rats were randomly assigned in the groups NLT (n = 14), SRP (n = 14), SRP-BGPee (n = 14), and SRP-BGPlns (n = 14). In the NLT group, no local treatment was performed. The SRP group received scaling and root planing (SRP), along with irrigation using a physiological saline solution. The SRP-BGPee group underwent SRP and irrigation with ethanolic extract of BGP. The SRP-BGPlns group underwent SRP and irrigation with BGP-loaded lipid nanostructure (BGPlns). Each group received one SRP session followed by four irrigation sessions with the specified solutions, which were conducted immediately after SRP and subsequently after 2, 4, and 6 days. Euthanasia was performed at 7 and 28 days following the removal of the ligatures. The hemimandibles were processed for the following analyses: microtomographic analysis; histological analysis; histometric analysis of the percentage of bone tissue in the furcation region (PBT); and immunohistochemical analysis for tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity (TRAP), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1), and osteocalcin (OCN). Results: The SRP-BGPlns group demonstrated superior periodontal tissue repair, reduced alveolar bone loss, fewer TRAP-positive cells (at 7 days), and higher levels of immunolabeling for TGFβ1 (at both 7 and 28 days) and OCN (at 28 days) compared to the other experimental groups. Conclusions: The irrigation with BGP is an effective adjuvant therapy for non-surgical periodontal treatment in managing EP in ovariectomized rats. Its application in lipid-based nanostructures proved to be more effective than the ethanolic extract form. Full article

The aim of the study was to compare tissue repair of incisions made using different microdissection electrocautery tips in an in vivo animal model. Skin incisions were made, including the subcutaneous tissue, in 30 adult Wistar rats using four types of instruments: a scalpel blade number 15, knife-type electrocautery, microdissection needle, and thin-cut electrode. The animals were divided into five groups based on the euthanasia time—24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 7 days, and 14 days. Each animal received four incisions, one with each type of instrument. Histological and histomorphometric analyses were performed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Picrosirius red stains. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the type of dissector had no significant effect on type I collagen levels (p = 0.615), whereas the euthanasia time had a significant influence (p < 0.001). Estimated marginal means for type I collagen showed minimal variation among groups, ranging from 35.4% to 36.5%, suggesting limited clinical differences between instruments. These results indicate that while the choice of dissector has a limited impact on type I collagen deposition, time is a determining factor in the wound healing process. The thin-cut electrode enables incisions with tissue repair comparable to that of a number 15 scalpel, as it performs cutting, coagulation, and blending functions at lower temperatures. Full article

Stroke is still considered a predominant cause of morbidity and mortality, for which research on prevention and cure has been sought to prevent neuronal damage after a stroke incident. In this research, we evaluated the protective effects of virgin coconut oil (VCO) using behavioral, morphophysiological, and gene expression parameters using an ischemic stroke surgical rat model using Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Eight-week-old SD rats were subjected to repeated oral administration (5 mL/kg/day) of either 1% Tween 80 or VCO. For behavioral and morphophysiological parameters, surgery was performed for each group, after which neurological scoring was performed at 4 h, 24 h, 48 h, 5 d, and 10 d. Further, hematological and brain morphology assessment was performed after euthanasia and necropsy of the animals. For gene expression studies, surgery was performed with animals sacrificed at different time points (baseline, before surgery, 4 h, 24 h, and 48 h after surgery) to collect the brain. Results of the study showed that there are differences in the neurological scores between the two treatments 24 h, 48 h, and 5 d after surgery. Brain morphology assessment also showed favorable results for VCO for infarct size, edema, and hypoxic neurons. Gene expression studies also showed positive results with an increase in the relative expression of angiogenin (Ang), angiopoietin (Angpt 1), Parkin, dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp 1), mitofusin 2 (Mfn 2), and mitochondrial rho (Miro) and decreased relative expression of caspase 3, receptor for advanced glycation end-product (Rage), and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (Gapdh). In summary, the current study shows that VCO may have protective effects on the brain after stroke, which may be explained by the results of the gene expression studies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects people worldwide. It is characterized by joint pain, synovial inflammation, and the degradation of articular cartilage with subchondral bone. Presently, there is no known cure, and pharmacological treatment options are limited. Blueberries contain phytochemicals, which have been linked to positive health benefits and may offer therapeutic benefits. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the dose-dependent effects of whole blueberries on arthritis symptoms in a monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced rat model of osteoarthritis. Methods: Forty female rats were used for this study. Thirty were injected with MIA to induce joint degradation associated with osteoarthritis. Ten served as controls without MIA induction. The MIA-induced rats were randomized into three groups. All groups were fed a casein-based diet, with two of the MIA-induced groups receiving an addition of whole-blueberry powder at 5% and 10%. Fasted blood specimens and tissues of interest were collected post-euthanasia for analysis. Mechanical allodynia and joint widths were assessed throughout this study. Results: MIA induction resulted in changes in pain behaviors and the development of mechanical allodynia. The MIA injection produced inflammation, pain symptoms, and behaviors that are representative of those observed in humans with osteoarthritis. The incorporation of whole blueberries into diets reduced pain behaviors and inflammation. Conclusions: Overall, whole blueberries showed limited, non-dose-dependent effects in the MIA-induced rat model of osteoarthritis. While some outcomes improved in blueberry-treated groups, the overall results were not consistently significant. These preliminary findings suggest potential biological activity and support the further investigation of blueberries’ therapeutic efficacy. Full article

Equid anaesthetic mortality is of interest to practitioners. Data for donkey and hybrid mortality have not been specifically described. The main aim of this worldwide observational, prospective, multicentre cohort study was to report on mortality in the 7 days following a general anaesthetic or standing sedation in donkeys and hybrids. This study hypothesised that donkeys and hybrids would have higher mortalities compared to horses. Data were collected as part of the fourth Confidential Enquiry into Perioperative Equine Fatalities (CEPEF4). A total of 825 cases were included, with 757 donkeys and 68 hybrids. Overall, 616 donkeys and 56 hybrids underwent a general anaesthetic. The overall mortality rate for general anaesthesia in donkeys was 1.0% and 3.6% in hybrids. In total, 141 standing sedations were performed in donkeys and 12 in hybrids. Mortality rates for standing sedations were lower, with the donkey mortality rate as 0.7%, and no hybrid mortality was seen. The mortality for donkeys for general anaesthesia appeared similar to the horse, whilst hybrid mortality was higher. COLIC vs. NON-COLIC DEATHs and EUTHANASIAs were also examined in the study. Mortality for standing sedations was lower compared to general anaesthesia. However, the numbers are too low to draw definitive conclusions; further investigation is required. Full article

Background/Objectives: Copper is an essential micronutrient required for physiological functions, but elevated serum levels impair vascular reactivity and blood pressure regulation. Given PVAT’s critical role in vascular function, this study aimed to investigate the effects of chronic copper overload on the secretory function of mesenteric PVAT, focusing on its vasoregulatory role. Methods: In the first phase, 8-week-old male Wistar rats were assigned to two groups, namely control (saline, i.p.) or copper (25.72 µg/kg/day Cu, i.p., for 30 days), corresponding to twice the recommended daily dose of copper. In the second phase, rats were divided into four groups: control (saline, i.p., water by gavage), copper (Cu, i.p., water by gavage), losartan (saline, i.p., 10 mg/kg/day losartan by gavage), or copper + losartan (Cu, i.p., 10 mg/kg/day losartan by gavage). After euthanasia, mesenteric PVAT was collected for morphometric analysis, gene and protein expression of adipokines, inflammatory molecules, and the renin–angiotensin system. Serum was used for hormone and biochemical measurements. Results: In mesenteric PVAT, chronic copper overload increased adipocyte diameter and reduced lipolysis. It also elevated the secretion of TNF-α and PAI-1 while decreasing IL-10 levels. Additionally, it upregulated the mRNA expression of MCP-1, F4/80, CD86, TLR4, arginase-1, iNOS, ACE1, and AT1R, alongside an increase in serum angiotensin II levels. When copper treatment was combined with losartan, an AT1R antagonist, adipocyte hypertrophy; TNF-α secretion; and the gene expression of TLR4, F4/80, and arginase-1 were attenuated. Conclusions: Chronic exposure to double the recommended dose of Cu disrupts the secretory function of mesenteric PVAT, promoting inflammation and altering the local RAS. These effects appear to occur, at least in part, alongside the activation of the AT1R–TLR4–angiotensin II signaling pathway, triggering the upregulation of vasoregulatory inflammatory markers. Full article

Background/Objectives: Avulsion is a major cause of tooth loss, and its treatment involves replantation. This study analyzed the repair process of incisive teeth subjected to delayed replantation after topical treatment with ampicillin and tetracycline. Methods: Forty male rats were equally divided into four groups: immediate replantation (IM), ampicillin (AM), tetracycline (TR), and dry medium (SE). In the IM group, replantation was performed 5 min after experimental avulsion, whereas in the SE group, the teeth were kept in a dry medium for 60 min. In the AM and TR groups, the teeth were stored in whole bovine milk for 60 min, and then immersed in their respective ampicillin and tetracycline solutions for 5 min. Euthanasia was performed 60 days after the experimental surgery. Histological slides were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin for quantitative and qualitative analyses. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed among the IM, AM, and TR groups regarding the total resorption area, reattached periodontal ligament fibers, and ankylosis. However, when compared to the SE group, these groups exhibited a smaller total resorption area (IM: p = 0.005; AM: p = 0.0007; TR: p = 0.03), a larger area of periodontal ligament fibers reattachment (IM: p = 0.0002; AM: p = 0.0002; TR: p = 0.02), and a lower presence of ankylosis (IM: p = 0.005; AM: p = 0.0002; TR: p = 0.03). The AM group exhibited the smallest inflammatory resorption. Conclusions: It is concluded that, in an aseptic environment, the use of topical antibiotics such as ampicillin and tetracycline in the treatment of the root surface during replantation of teeth stored in milk is beneficial to the periodontal repair process and root resorption. Notably, ampicillin demonstrated superior efficacy in mitigating inflammatory root resorption and better periodontal ligament reattachment. Full article

A 16-year-old captive male puma (Puma concolor) presented with progressive weight loss and acute mild gastrointestinal symptoms. Clinical examination, and diagnostic imaging revealed abdominal, pleural, and pericardial effusion and nodular masses in multiple organs. Due to the clinical condition, multiple organ involvement, and a poor prognosis, compassionate euthanasia was chosen. Necropsy revealed abundant cavitary effusions and multiple yellow–white neoplastic masses involving the left hepatic lobes. Metastatic nodules were observed throughout the peritoneum, pericardium, kidney, spleen, and spermatic cord. Histologically, the tumor was characterized by tubular and acinar structures embedded in a desmoplastic stroma. Neoplastic cells were positive for pan-cytokeratins (CKs), CK7, and, to a lesser extent, CK20. The gross, histologic, and immunohistochemical findings were consistent with intrahepatic metastatic cholangiocarcinoma. Full article

Background:Envenomation by poisonous creatures is a major global cause of mortality. Its concomitant impact on the postmortem corpse decomposition and associated insect succession pattern is still poorly understood. Purpose of the study: This study comparatively investigates the impact of envenomization with the venoms of the snake Walterinnesia aegyptia L. versus the scorpion, Androctonus crassicauda L., on rabbit corpse decomposition and beetle succession. Methods: Three groups of rabbits (five animals each) were injected with the snake venom, the scorpion venom, or 0.9% saline (control) prior to euthanasia with CO₂. The corpse decomposition stages and beetle succession were monitored over 11 days. Results: Four stages of decomposition with venom-dependent duration variation were observed. The scorpion-envenomized corpses showed a longer decay stage and a delayed dry stage. A total of 1094 beetles belonging to 27 species of 14 families were reported. Histeridae, Dermestidae, Scarabaeidae, and Tenebrionidae were the most diversified and prevalent families. Chrysomelidae, Elateridae, Hybosoridae, and Ptinidae were incidentally attracted to control corpses, while Nitidulidae and Zopheridae were only found on control and snake-envenomized ones. Four species belonging to the families Anthicidae, Histeridae, Scarabaeidae, and Tenebrionidae were predominant on all corpses. Four species belonging to the families Chrysomelidae, Curculionidae, Elateridae, and Hybosoridae were distinctively associated with the control corpses. Conclusions: These findings provided evidence that envenomation impacted the decomposition process and beetle succession in a venom-dependent manner, which could be significant for forensic investigations. Full article