Search Results (350)

Sporotrichosis is a zoonotic fungal infection with increasing incidence in the Brazilian Amazon, primarily affecting domestic cats and posing risks to human health. This study characterized the clinical and epidemiological profiles of 29 feline sporotrichosis cases in Manaus and optimized molecular diagnostic methods for Sporothrix species identification. Most affected cats were young (86.2% aged 1–3 years), male (82.7%), and free-roaming or semi-indoor (44.8% each), frequently presenting cutaneous lesions localized at the nasal planum (23.3%), ears (7%), eyes (2.3%) and other facial areas (18.6%). Three DNA extraction methods were compared; the phenol–chloroform protocol yielded the highest DNA concentration and purity, and ITS1–ITS4 primers showed an adequate sensibility for PCR detection. In silico RFLP profiles using common restriction enzymes showed limited discriminatory power among Sporothrix species. ITS sequencing of four high-quality amplicons confirmed all isolates as Sporothrix brasiliensis. Antifungal susceptibility testing of all isolates revealed geometric mean MICs of 0.25 µg/mL for ketoconazole, 0.57 µg/mL for itraconazole, 7.27 µg/mL for amphotericin B, and 64 µg/mL for fluconazole, respectively. These findings provide clinical, molecular, and therapeutic information supporting the diagnosis and surveillance of feline sporotrichosis in the Amazon, reinforcing the need for ongoing veterinary and public health monitoring. Full article

Feline urinary tract infections (UTIs) present a common challenge in veterinary practice, underscoring the importance of understanding local bacterial pathogens and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study determined bacterial prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility in cats at Kasetsart University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. Of the 543 cystocentesis urine samples collected from 428 cats, 115 (21.2%) tested positive for bacterial cultures, leading to a diagnosis of UTIs in 95 cats (22.2%). The most prevalent isolates included Escherichia coli (24.8%), Staphylococcus species (19.2%), Proteus mirabilis (13.6%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12.0%), and Enterococcus species (12.0%). Staphylococcus felis (8.8%) and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (5.6%) were the predominant Staphylococcus species. Rare pathogens such as Corynebacterium urealyticum and Lactococcus garvieae were also identified. Antimicrobial testing revealed alarming resistance, with 69.2% of isolates exhibiting multidrug resistance (MDR). Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis showed high resistance to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (AMC) (45.2–70.6%) and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (SXT) (51.6–52.9%). Enterococcus faecium exhibited 85.7% resistance to AMC. Methicillin resistance was identified in 41.7% of Staphylococcus isolates, particularly high in Staphylococcus epidermidis (75.0%) and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (71.4%). High fluoroquinolone resistance among MDR isolates further exacerbates AMR concerns. These results indicate that MDR Gram-negative, Staphylococcus, and Enterococcus species complicate the empirical treatment of feline UTIs, highlighting significant implications for AMR in veterinary practice. Full article

Cardiac tumors in dogs, although rare in the past, have shown an increasing incidence due to advances in veterinary imaging, especially echocardiography, CT, and MRI with contrast agents. Right atrial hemangiosarcoma is the most common form of tumor associated with pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade, followed by chemodectoma, which is more common in brachycephalic breeds. The diagnosis is based on echocardiographic examination, supplemented by advanced methods and possibly biopsy. Clinical signs are often non-specific, requiring an integrated approach. Treatment includes pericardiocentesis, chemotherapy, and, in some cases, surgery, but the prognosis remains reserved. Full article

Body stalk anomaly (BSA) is a rare and usually fatal congenital disorder involving severe malformations of the body wall, limbs, spine, and internal organs. This study presents the first documented cases of BSA in seven dogs, offering new insights into how the disorder manifests in animals. The affected fetuses consistently exhibited major anomalies, including large abdominal wall defects, structural spinal abnormalities, and a variety of limb malformations ranging from partial agenesis and meromelia to phocomelia and complete amelia. Structural urogenital anomalies and orofacial clefts were also observed, aligning with similar findings in BSA cases reported in pigs and cats. These findings support the hypothesis of a multifactorial etiology involving early embryonic disruptions, such as abnormal folding of the embryo, rupture of the amniotic membrane, and vascular compromise. The frequent occurrence of abdominal wall defects alongside umbilical cord abnormalities further suggests a shared developmental pathway. This study also highlights the value of veterinary cases in comparative embryology and the need to assess congenital anomalies as part of a broader malformation complex. By expanding the phenotypic spectrum of BSA in domestic animals, this work contributes to a deeper understanding of its pathogenesis and emphasizes the importance of further research into the genetic and environmental factors involved. Such efforts could lead to improved classification and diagnosis of complex congenital malformations, as well as facilitate cross-species comparisons. Full article

Odontogenic abscesses are a frequent and challenging clinical issue in pet rabbits, often requiring a comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic approach. This review collates current evidence on the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of rabbit odontogenic abscesses, with a focus on imaging advances, microbial diversity, and local antimicrobial therapies. Predisposing factors include congenital conformation, inappropriate diet (insufficient abrasiveness, calcium or Vit D deficiencies, etc.), trauma, and neoplasia. Imaging techniques such as CT and cone-beam CT (CBCT) enable early detection and surgical planning, while traditional radiography remains useful in general practice. Treatment includes systemic antibiotics, surgical curettage, and the use of localized delivery systems such as antibiotic-impregnated polymethyl methacrylate (AIPMMA) beads. Adjunctive therapies like Manuka honey are also discussed. Two original heatmaps summarize bacterial prevalence and antimicrobial resistance from six peer-reviewed studies. These visualizations highlight the polymicrobial nature of these infections and the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains. Preventive strategies focus on optimal diet, regular dental checks, and owner education. The review also identifies key gaps in the literature, including the underreporting of anaerobes and lack of standardized treatment protocols. This article aims to support veterinary professionals in delivering evidence-based, individualized care to improve outcomes in rabbits with odontogenic abscesses. Full article

Cutaneous neoplasia is among the most common illnesses in dogs and can pose significant risks. Accurate morphological diagnosis of these conditions is vital for effective treatment and management. In this retrospective study, a total of 3746 canine skin biopsies were submitted to a veterinary reference diagnostic laboratory and evaluated using histopathology. The variables assessed included age, sex, breed, lesion, location, and histopathological diagnosis. Non-neoplastic lesions accounted for 61% of all analyzed samples, while neoplastic tumors accounted for 39%. When looking at age, dogs ranging 3–6 years and 7–9 years had at least six times higher risk of developing malignant neoplasia compared to those aged 0–2 years. Among the malignant neoplasms, mast cell tumors, hemangiosarcoma, and squamous cell carcinoma were the most observed, representing 30%, 18%, and 12% of cases, respectively. The breeds most frequently affected by malignant neoplasms included Pit Bull Terriers, Boxers, and mixed breeds, all of which comprised the majority of mast cell tumor cases at 50.54%. These findings are novel in this field and may assist small animal veterinarians in making preliminary diagnoses, while also helping pet owners understand the importance of skin cancer and its early detection. Full article

The mammalian immune system, including key components such as toll-like receptors (TLRs), lymphocytes, and cytokines, plays a vital role in defending against diseases. In dogs, genetic polymorphisms and epigenetic regulation of immune-related genes contribute to breed-specific differences in susceptibility or resistance to infectious, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases. Cytokines, essential for immune cell differentiation and activation, exhibit variable expression among breeds due to genetic factors like single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and miRNA regulation. This variability influences immune responses not only to infections but also to chronic inflammatory conditions and cancer, providing insights for improved diagnosis, treatment, and breeding. Selective breeding has further shaped diverse immune phenotypes across breeds, especially through genetic variations in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region, which affect vulnerability to immune-mediated and immunodeficiency disorders. Recent studies emphasize the role of specific miRNAs in modulating immune responses during parasitic and viral infections, opening new avenues for precision veterinary medicine and immunotherapy. This review highlights the genetic and epigenetic regulation of immune genes in dogs and explores their potential applications in advancing veterinary diagnostics, therapeutics, and breeding strategies to enhance canine health. Full article

Here, the authors report the first case of a primary mast cell tumor originating from the inguinal lymph node in a nine-year-old intact female Maltese dog that had undergone a left ureteral stent, ureterotomy and splenectomy, and left-side mastectomy, including inguinal lymph node removal and ovariohysterectomy, in South Korea in May 2024. The splenic mass, mammary gland mass, and inguinal lymph node underwent histopathological examination, resulting in the diagnosis of nodular hyperplasia, grade 1 mammary complex carcinoma, and a mast cell tumor (MCT), respectively. To clarify the origin of the MCT from the inguinal lymph node, a computed tomography (CT) scan was performed. In addition, through a blood smear test, mast cell leukemia was ruled out. After CT scanning by veterinary radiologists and a biopsy of all possible masses, it was finally concluded that the MCT primarily originated from lymph nodes, which is extremely rare in dogs. The patient is recovering well as of February 2025, just 7 months after the first diagnosis, following surgery and 16 weeks of chemotherapy with a combination of prednisolone and vinblastine, considering the C-kit PCR results of the left inguinal lymph node after the surgical removal of the MCT. This report is significant for two reasons, firstly because of the rarity of MCTs originating from lymph nodes other than the skin and gastrointestinal organs, and secondly because the authors propose a hypothesis for the rarity of primary lymph node mast cell tumors and the correlation between mammary gland tumors and mast cell tumor growth based on a comparative literature review in humans, focusing on molecular mechanisms. Full article

Spatial transcriptomics is an emerging technology that maps gene expression within tissue architecture. Its expanding use in medicine and veterinary science supports research, precision diagnostics, biomarker discovery, and development of targeted treatment strategies. While spatial transcriptomics applications in human health are well-documented with significant publication diversity and volume, published applications in veterinary medicine remain limited. A comprehensive search of PubMed was conducted, focusing on studies published from 2016 to early 2025 that employed spatial transcriptomics in the context of disease research, diagnosis, or treatment in human or animal health. The review followed the Arksey and O’Malley framework and adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. A total of 1398 studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies highlighted emerging trends of comparative research with animal model use for human health research. Commonly used spatial transcriptomics platforms included 10× Visium, Slide-seq, Nanostring (GeoMx, CosMX), and multiplexed error-robust fluorescence in situ hybridization (MERFISH). Key gaps in publications include limited veterinary representation, interspecies comparisons, standardized methods, public data use, and therapeutic studies, alongside biases in disease, species, organ, and geography. This review presents the current landscape of spatial transcriptomics publications for human and animal research and medicine, providing comprehensive data and highlighting underrepresented research areas and gaps for future consideration. Full article

Sheep pox (SP) is a contagious viral disease affecting sheep, characterized by fever, respiratory distress, hypogalactia, and skin lesions. In response to a series of outbreaks of pox-like lesions with morbidity (75%) and mortality (37%) rates among sheep in the Upper East Region of Ghana, nasal samples were obtained from affected sheep for diagnosis and characterization. The DNA extracted from these samples was tested using quantitative PCR (qPCR). Positive samples were subjected to further analysis for poxvirus marker genes using conventional PCR. Positive amplicons were sequenced, and phylogenetic analysis was conducted. The characterization and comparison of RPO30, GPCR, EEV glycoprotein, and B22R genes with other isolates demonstrated a close genetic relationship with sheep poxviruses (SPVs) identified in other African and Asian countries. This study represents the first comprehensive characterization of SPV in Ghana, and the data generated will be of significant interest to national and regional veterinary authorities. Full article

Lyssaviruses are RNA viruses in the Family Rhabdoviridae, Genus Lyssavirus. They represent the causative agents of acute, progressive encephalitis, known historically as rabies. Regardless of specific etiology, their collective viral morphology, biochemistry, pathobiology, associated clinical signs, diagnosis, epizootiology, and management are essentially the same. Despite centuries of clinical recognition, these quintessential neurotropic agents remain significant pathogens today, with substantive consequences to agriculture, public health, and conservation biology. Notably, the singular morbidity caused by lyssaviruses is incurable and constitutes the highest case fatality of any viral disease. All warm-blooded vertebrates are believed to be susceptible. The dog is the only domestic animal that serves as a reservoir, vector, and victim. In contrast, felids are effective vectors, but not reservoirs. All other rabid domestic species, such as livestock, constitute spillover infections, as a bellwether to local lyssavirus activity. Frequently, professional confusion abounds among the veterinary community, because although the viral species Lyssavirus rabies is inarguably the best-known representative in the Genus, at least 20 other recognized or putative members of this monophyletic group are known. Frequently, this is simply overlooked. Moreover, often the ‘taxonomic etiology’ (i.e., ‘Lyssavirus x’) is mistakenly referenced in a biopolitcal context, instead of the obvious clinical illness (i.e., ‘rabies’). Global consternation persists, if localities believe they are ‘disease-free’, when documented lyssaviruses circulate or laboratory-based surveillance is inadequate to support such claims. Understandably, professional chagrin develops when individuals mistake the epidemiological terminology of control, prevention, elimination, etc. Management is not simple, given that the only licensed veterinary and human vaccines are against rabies virus, sensu lato. There are no adequate antiviral drugs for any lyssaviruses or cross-reactive biologics developed against more distantly related viral members. While representative taxa among the mammalian Orders Chiroptera, Carnivora, and Primates exemplify the major global reservoirs, which mammalian species are responsible for the perpetuation of other lyssaviruses remains a seemingly academic curiosity. This zoonosis is neglected. Clearly, with such underlying characteristics as a fundamental ‘disease of nature’, rabies, unlike smallpox and rinderpest, is not a candidate for eradication. With the worldwide zeal to drive human fatalities from canine rabies viruses to zero by the rapidly approaching year 2030, enhanced surveillance and greater introspection of the poorly appreciated burden posed by rabies virus and diverse other lyssaviruses may manifest as an epidemiological luxury to the overall global program of the future. Full article

Flexural deformities (FDs) are a common condition in foals. Therapy is typically initiated without a precise diagnosis, and the etiopathogenesis often remains unknown. This study aimed (1) to investigate the clinical and pathological findings in congenital FD cases in foals and (2) to retrospectively describe the abnormalities detected in muscle biopsies of foals affected by CFDs. For these purposes, a retrospective study of the findings of muscle biopsies taken from foals with FDs referred to the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production at the University of Naples Federico II was performed from January 2005 to February 2024. Anamnesis, physical examination, hematological and biochemical data, along with the findings of histopathological muscle biopsy analysis and follow-up, were recorded. The clinical records of 15 cases of FDs were evaluated. The main clinical symptoms included flexural limb deformities associated with weakness, torticollis and scoliosis, mandibular prognathism, and inferior eyelid entropion. The evaluation of histopathological reports allowed us to observe the following muscle disorders: Core-like myopathy, mild nonspecific myopathy, mitochondrial myopathy, congenital fiber type disproportion, lipid storage myopathy, lipomatous dystrophy, myopathy with inclusion bodies, polysaccharide storage myopathy, and neurogenic myopathy. Even though many cases of FDs were diagnosed through clinical examination and successfully treated, we hypothesize that different underlying etiologies may present with similar flexural symptoms. A better understanding of these underlying causes is, therefore, desirable. These findings suggest that histopathological analysis may be a valuable tool for investigating FDs in foals, although further studies are needed to evaluate the significance of the observed alterations. Full article

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a highly contagious disease with high morbidity and mortality rates in veterinary medicine. This retrospective study aimed to identify epidemiological characteristics and potential risk factors associated with CDV infection in dogs exhibiting neurological manifestations. The diagnosis was confirmed through immunochromatographic antigen testing, RT-PCR, or Lentz corpuscles identification. Dogs diagnosed with central nervous system (CNS) disorders unrelated to CDV served as the control group. Age, breed, weight, sex, and neuter status were compared between groups using logistic regression (p < 0.05), the log-likelihood method, and log odds ratio (LOR) calculations. Clinical signs, seasonality, and vaccination protocols were documented. Prevalence, mortality, lethality, and survival rates were determined. Younger dogs (p = 0.00690; LOR = −0.01438) and Shih Tzu (p = 0.00007; LOR = 1.53774) and Lhasa Apso (p = 0.000264; LOR = 1.76084) showed a significantly increased likelihood of developing neurological signs due to CDV infection. Most CDV-infected dogs exhibited multifocal CNS involvement and accompanying extra-neural signs. The highest occurrence of CDV-related neurological signs was recorded in autumn. Many infected dogs had an updated vaccination protocol. The prevalence of dogs with CDV was 4.72%. Mortality and lethality rates were 1.94% and 47.06%, respectively. The median survival time was 754 days. The identified epidemiological characteristics and risk factors provide essential insights for improving preventive strategies against CDV infection. Full article

The incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) following mastectomy in female dogs remains poorly characterized, despite its relevance to postoperative outcomes and patient welfare. This retrospective cohort study aimed to determine the incidence of SSI and identify associated clinical and surgical risk factors in dogs undergoing mastectomy procedures at a veterinary teaching hospital between 2013 and 2022. SSI diagnosis was based on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) criteria and identified structured passive surveillance of medical records. Univariate logistic regression was carried out to screen for potential risk factors, followed by multivariate analysis of selected variables. Among 376 mastectomy procedures performed in 306 dogs, 33 SSIs were detected, resulting in an overall incidence of 8.8% (95% CI: 6.1–12.1). The majority were superficial infections (93.9%), with only two cases classified as deep SSI; no organ/space infections were recorded. Prolonged anaesthesia duration (p = 0.041) and intraoperative hypothermia (p = 0.026) were independently associated with increased SSI risk. These findings indicate that the incidence of SSI after canine mastectomy is comparable to that reported for other clean surgeries. Prolonged anaesthesia and hypothermia represent modifiable risk factors, highlighting the importance of perioperative temperature control and optimized anaesthetic management. No significant associations were observed with patient-related variables, mastectomy type, or wound soaker catheter use, supporting its safe inclusion in multimodal analgesia. Full article

This case presents the first documented successful medical management of chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) in a small dog—a condition rarely described in veterinary medicine. A 4-year-old castrated male Pomeranian dog weighing 4.6 kg was presented with a 3-week history of right hindlimb lameness. Radiographic examination revealed osteolytic lesions, periosteal reactions, and decreased muscle mass in the affected limb. Microbial and blood culture tests showed negative results, whereas cytological and histopathological analyses of the right distal femur confirmed neutrophilic inflammation and osteomyelitis, leading to a diagnosis of CNO. Clinical and radiographic improvements were observed following administration of bisphosphonates, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, and glucocorticoids. This case underscores the possibility of non-infectious osteomyelitis in dogs and suggests that adapting human treatment strategies may be beneficial. Further research is needed to clarify the diagnostic criteria and pathophysiology of CNO in veterinary medicine. Full article