Search Results (841)

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is widely applied in veterinary regenerative medicine due to its rich composition of growth factors that promote tissue repair. However, the direct pro-angiogenic function of canine PRP (cPRP) has not been thoroughly validated through controlled in vitro and in vivo experimentation. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used to assess cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation after exposure to cPRP. In addition, a rabbit corneal micropocket assay was employed to evaluate in vivo angiogenic responses. Treatment with 20% cPRP significantly enhanced HUVEC proliferation and migration and induced robust tube formation. In the in vivo model, we observed dose-dependent neovascularization, with the earliest vascular sprouting seen on day 1 in the 40% group. Both models consistently demonstrated that cPRP stimulates vascular development in a concentration-dependent manner. This study provides novel evidence of cPRP’s capacity to induce neovascularization, supporting its therapeutic value for treating nonhealing wounds in dogs, especially in cases involving chronic inflammation, aging, or immune dysregulation. These findings offer a scientific foundation for the broader clinical application of cPRP in veterinary regenerative practice. Full article

Sedation and anesthesia are essential for ensuring animal welfare during surgical procedures such as hernia repair in swine. However, the number of sedative and anesthetic agents officially approved for livestock use remained limited. This study evaluated the sedative efficacy and serotonergic effects of a romifidine/ketamine/diazepam protocol, with and without the addition of tramadol, in swine undergoing umbilical hernia repair. Sixty-six crossbred Large White swine were randomly allocated to three groups: LL (lidocaine 4 mg/kg by infiltration), LT (lidocaine 2 mg/kg by infiltration + tramadol 2 mg/kg intraperitoneally), and TT (lidocaine2 mg/kg by infiltration + tramadol 4 mg/kg intraperitoneally). The physiological parameters heart rate, arterial pressure, oxygen saturation, rectal body temperature, and respiratory rate were assessed. The depth of intraoperative anesthesia and postoperative sedation was assessed using an ordinal scoring system (0–3). Plasma serotonin (5-HT) concentration was measured at baseline and 24 h post-surgery. Physiological parameters remained within species-specific reference ranges throughout the procedure. Anesthesia depth scores significantly decreased over time in all groups (p ≤ 0.001), with the tramadol-treated groups (LT and TT) showing more prolonged deeper anesthesia. Postoperative sedation was significantly higher in the TT group (p ≤ 0.001). Serotonin concentration decreased in LL, increased in LT, and remained stable in TT. These findings suggest that tramadol may enhance sedation and recovery, potentially through serotonergic modulation. Moreover, serotonin could serve as a physiological marker warranting further investigation in future studies of anesthetic protocols in veterinary medicine. Full article

Most research studies have investigated the impact of pet ownership on the mental and physical well-being of elderly populations, supporting the beneficial effect that pets have on their owners. However, few researchers focused on the well-being of both owner and pet. The present study aimed to explore the well-being of pets owned by elderly individuals using an owner assessment tool and the relationship between elderly characteristics and the pet’s health-related quality of life based on the owner’s assessment of their pet’s well-being. Sixty elderly pet owners who made regular visits to veterinary clinics were selected to complete an electronic questionnaire about their pet’s health-related quality of life. The results identified a high agreement percentage on positive indicators related to the pet’s well-being such as “My pet wants to play and My pet responds to my presence” in the happiness domain, “My pet has more good days than bad days” in mental status, “My pet moves normally” in physical status and “My pet keeps him/herself clean” in hygiene which also resulted in a positive relationship with elderly age. Marital status influenced their responses to “My pet responds to my presence and My pet is as active as he/she has been”. The results also support the use of the applied questionnaire to help identify variables that contribute to a pet’s health-related quality of life. The correlation matrix revealed statistically significant positive associations (p < 0.001) among positively phrased items across all domains, as well as among negatively phrased items. These consistent alignments between direct and between reversed items suggest directional coherence and help mitigate potential response bias. Furthermore, the replication of these patterns across multiple domains reinforces the interpretation that the instrument captures a unified construct of pet well-being, In conclusion, based on subjective evaluation of pet-owner relationships, the ownership of pets by elderly individuals could be mutually beneficial to both elderly owners and their pets. Full article

Accurate estimation of metabolizable energy requirements (MER) is essential for appropriate dietary planning in dogs. However, standardized recommendations may not reflect the variability observed in clinical practice, particularly regarding individual factors such as neutering status, body condition, and age. This study aimed to retrospectively assess the MER factor in dogs treated at a Brazilian veterinary hospital, considering variables including sex, neuter status, body condition score (BCS), muscle mass score (MMS), body size, and life stage, and to compare the findings with those typically reported in the scientific literature. A total of 438 medical records from 2013 to 2025 were reviewed for this study. Data on demographic and clinical variables were collected, and MER factors were calculated based on energy intake and body weight. Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate the interactions between variables, particularly BCS and neutering status. The study population included 253 males (57.8%) and 185 females (42.2%), with 80.6% of them being neutered. The MER values varied widely across the subgroups. Neutered dogs had consistently lower energy factors than intact dogs (p < 0.0001), and energy requirements decreased progressively with increasing BCS, regardless of neutering status (p < 0.05). A significant interaction between BCS and neutering status was observed (p = 0.0089), although BCS alone was not a significant predictor (p = 0.9670). No substantial differences were observed based on sex, body size, or life stage. MER values observed in clinical practice differ from standard recommendations and are influenced by the interaction between neutering status and body condition. These findings reinforce the need for individualized nutritional assessments in companion animal medicine and call for further studies to refine clinical energy estimation models. Full article

In dogs with intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE), the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale—Short Form (GCMPS) and the Sharp and Wheeler Grading Scale (SWGS) are routinely used in the evaluation of pain (GCMPS) and neurological function (SWGS). Additionally, quantitative sensory tests (QSTs) are increasingly being incorporated into veterinary clinical practice for pain characterisation. The aim was to investigate a possible relationship between the GCMPS, the SWGS, and mechanical thresholds (MTs) in 31 client-owned dogs with thoracolumbar IVDEs. Dogs were always assessed in the same order, starting with pain rating using the GCMPS, followed by classifying neurological severity using the SWGS, before determining MTs using a handheld pressure algometer. Dogs were evaluated over a five-day testing period (before surgery and on days one, two, three, and ten after surgery). The GCMPS and the SWGS data remained consistent across all days of testing. No statistically significant correlation or difference was observed between the scores. MTs showed a significant negative correlation with the GCMPS (r = −0.311; p < 0.001) and a positive one with the SWGS (r = 0.282; p = 0.002). The GCMPS and MTs showed a slight divergence in their progression. MTs might be more sensitive than GCMPS in reflecting clinical improvement and should be considered for clinical practice. Full article

The erector spinae plane (ESP) block is a widely used technique for perioperative analgesia. It involves the infiltration of anesthetics into the interfacial plane between the erector spinae muscle and the transverse processes of the vertebrae. In veterinary medicine, this technique has been adapted for different species, but there are no cadaveric studies in cats. This study describes the ultrasound-guided lumbar ESP-block technique and evaluates the spread of two volumes of dye in feline cadavers. Injections were performed at the second lumbar vertebra (L2) level using 0.6 mL/kg (high volume [HV]) and 0.4 mL/kg (low volume [LV]) of methylene blue bilaterally. After anatomical dissection, the distribution of the dye, the staining of the spinal nerve branches, and the presence of dye in the epidural space were recorded. The results demonstrated that the HV treatment provided wider longitudinal distribution, staining the dorsal branch of the spinal nerves in an average of five segments per injection, without extravasation into the epidural space. It is concluded that the HV treatment promotes efficient multisegmental spread in feline cadavers. Full article

Understanding how sample type may influence the probability of influenza A virus (IAV) sequencing and isolation success can help improve the use of diagnostic tests and refine surveillance strategies in swine populations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the probability of success for IAV hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) Sanger sequencing and virus isolation in Madin–Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells across different porcine sample types submitted to the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (ISU VDL) from 2018 to 2024. Antemortem and postmortem sample types were selected and analyzed based on reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-rtPCR) cycle threshold (Ct) values. The Ct values corresponding to 95%, 75%, and 50% probabilities of sequencing or virus isolation success were determined for each sample type. For antemortem samples, a 95% probability of success for HA Sanger sequencing on nasal swabs exhibited a Ct value of 27.8 from 1046 samples and 23.6 for NA sequencing based on 66 nasal swabs. Using oral fluids, HA and NA Sanger sequencing success was at Ct values of 27.3 from 3446 samples and 22.1 from 137 samples, respectively. For postmortem samples, lung tissue had the highest number of sequences for the HA and NA, with Ct values of 25.7 and 21.5, respectively. For a 95% probability of successful virus isolation, nasal swabs demonstrated a Ct value of 21.1 from 647 samples, while lungs had a Ct value of 18.7 from 5892 samples. This study determined that nasal swabs and lung tissue had the highest probability of IAV gene sequencing and virus isolation success, while oral fluids, a common swine diagnostic sample type that is easy to collect and welfare-friendly, can be effective for gene sequencing when using lower IAV RT-rtPCR Ct values, i.e., ≤27.3. These results provide practical expectations for successful IAV HA and NA gene sequencing and virus isolation at 95%, 75%, and 50% probabilities based on sample type and RT-rtPCR Ct values to improve diagnostic testing strategies in swine populations. Full article

Emerging RNA viruses such as influenza A virus (IAV), Zika virus (ZIKV), and dengue virus (DENV) continue to pose major challenges to animal and public health due to their high mutation rates, wide host ranges, and immune evasion strategies. In this study, we evaluated the in vitro antiviral activity of a marine bacterial extract derived from Parerythrobacter sp. M20A3S10 against IAV (H1N1; H3N2), influenza B virus (IBV), ZIKV, and DENV2. The extract demonstrated broad-spectrum antiviral effects with favorable selectivity indices across multiple host-derived epithelial cell lines. Notably, post-infection treatment significantly suppressed viral replication, suggesting a host-modulating or replication-inhibiting mechanism. While the extract’s active components have yet to be identified, bacteria from the Erythrobacteraceae family are known producers of bioactive metabolites with potential antiviral properties. These findings provide preliminary insight into the potential of marine-derived bacterial compounds in veterinary antiviral development and highlight the need for further characterization and in vivo validation. This work contributes to the understanding of virus–host interactions and the exploration of novel therapeutic strategies targeting the pathogenesis and immune modulation of veterinary RNA viruses. Full article

Infections caused by oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius are increasingly common in veterinary medicine. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics by pet owners worsens this problem, reducing treatment efficacy and creating the need for alternative therapies. This study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of clove essential oil (Syzygium aromaticum) on both oxacillin-resistant and susceptible S. pseudintermedius. Thirty-five isolates from dogs with otitis externa were analyzed. The bacteria were identified by phenotypic tests and tested for susceptibility to 22 antibiotics using disk diffusion. Resistance genes (mecA and blaZ) were detected using conventional PCR. Among the isolates, 34.28% (12/35) were positive for mecA, and 97.14% (34/35) for blaZ. The essential oil’s efficacy was assessed using broth microdilution to determine its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Clove oil showed an average MIC and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 6.4 mg/mL, inhibiting both resistant and susceptible isolates. In conclusion, clove essential oil demonstrated in vitro antimicrobial activity against S. pseudintermedius. Full article

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a highly adaptable opportunistic pathogen with significant clinical relevance in both human and veterinary medicine. Despite its well-documented role in hospital-acquired infections in human healthcare settings, its persistence and transmission within veterinary clinics remain underexplored. This review highlights the overlooked status of veterinary facilities as environmental reservoirs and amplification points for multidrug-resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa, emphasizing their relevance to One Health surveillance. We examine the bacterium’s environmental survival strategies, including biofilm formation, resistance to disinfectants, and tolerance to nutrient-poor conditions that facilitate the long-term colonization of moist surfaces, drains, medical equipment, and plumbing systems. Common transmission vectors are identified, including asymptomatic animal carriers, contaminated instruments, and the hands of veterinary staff. The review synthesizes current data on antimicrobial resistance in environmental isolates, revealing frequent expression of efflux pumps and mobile resistance genes, and documents the potential for zoonotic transmission to staff and pet owners. Key gaps in environmental monitoring, infection control protocols, and genomic surveillance are identified, with a call for standardized approaches tailored to the veterinary context. Control strategies, including mechanical biofilm disruption, disinfectant cycling, effluent monitoring, and staff hygiene training, are evaluated for feasibility and impact. The article concludes with a One Health framework outlining cross-species and environmental transmission pathways. It advocates for harmonized surveillance, infrastructure improvements, and intersectoral collaboration to reduce the risk posed by MDR P. aeruginosa within veterinary clinical environments and beyond. By addressing these blind spots, veterinary facilities can become proactive partners in antimicrobial stewardship and global resistance mitigation. Full article

This study evaluated diagnostic trends and the overall utility of cytology in feline patients through the analysis of a large, multicentric dataset from Portugal. A retrospective review of 3068 cytological cases from 130 veterinary practices was conducted, with samples categorised by anatomical location and lesion type. Diagnostic outcomes were statistically assessed, revealing an overall success rate of 66.20%. The highest diagnostic yields occurred in fluid samples (83.48%), glandular tissues (76.67%), and mucous membranes (75.81%), followed by organ-based samples (67.79%), miscellaneous tissues (66.98%), cutaneous/subcutaneous nodules (62.16%), and lymph nodes (57.93%). Neoplastic lesions showed age-associated prevalence, being more common in older cats, with epithelial and melanocytic lesions more frequent in females and round cell/mesenchymal lesions predominating in males. Non-diagnostic samples (33.80%) primarily resulted from insufficient cellularity or suboptimal quality, though no significant correlation existed between diagnostic success and clinical setting. This study underscores that cytology remains a fundamental diagnostic tool in feline medicine, particularly when combined with proper sampling techniques and complementary diagnostic methods, and reinforces its value in clinical decision-making, thereby supporting its broader utilisation in routine veterinary practice. Full article

This study aimed to provide an overview of the most frequent animal welfare cases documented by the authorities involved in sheep farming in Germany. A questionnaire with 26 questions was developed and sent to all German veterinary offices (supervisory authorities). Furthermore, publicly available court decisions on animal welfare cases over the last 30 years were consulted and analyzed. Approximately 18.1% (n = 71) of all veterinary authorities participated in the survey. The most frequently reported animal welfare cases included inadequate water supply (n = 63) and a lack of weather protection (n = 60). Other common issues were lameness (n = 56) and poor shearing management (n = 52). A total of 52 animal welfare cases presented in courts were found in the online search. The most common problems were nutrition (50%), water supply (34.6%), weather protection (32.7%), and shearing management (21.2%). These results provide information on the areas of sheep farming in which animal welfare violations occur most frequently. Based on these results, conclusions can be drawn regarding the development of preventive measures. Full article

Feline coronavirus (FCoV) is a major pathogen causing feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a lethal disease in cats, necessitating accurate diagnostic methods. This study developed and compared novel primers targeting the FCoV membrane (M) gene for enhanced detection. Specific primers were designed for the M gene and their performance evaluated using reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), nested RT-PCR, and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) on 80 clinical effusion samples from cats suspected of FIP. Specificity of assays was tested against other feline viruses, with sensitivity being assessed via serial dilutions of FCoV RNA. RT-qPCR had the highest sensitivity, detecting 9.14 × 10¹ copies/µL, identifying 93.75% of positive samples, followed by nested RT-PCR (87.50%, 9.14 × 10⁴ copies/µL) and RT-PCR (61.25%, 9.14 × 10⁶ copies/µL). All assays had 100% specificity, with no cross-reactivity to other viruses. The nested RT-PCR and RT-qPCR outperformed RT-PCR significantly, with comparable diagnostic accuracy. The novel primers targeting the FCoV M gene, coupled with RT-qPCR, delivered unparalleled sensitivity and robust reliability for detecting FCoV in clinical settings. Nested RT-PCR was equally precise and amplified diagnostic confidence with its high performance. These cutting-edge assays should revolutionize FCoV detection, offering trusted tools that seamlessly integrate into veterinary practice, empowering clinicians to manage feline infectious peritonitis with unprecedented accuracy and speed. Full article

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of 3D printing-guided endodontics in the maxillary teeth of dogs. CT data from a Beagle dog were processed to create a 3D model of the maxilla, and virtual root canal pathways were established using SOLIDWORKS software (version 29.0.0.5028). Guided endodontic templates were 3D printed and tested in vitro on 20 maxillary teeth (excluding the third molars), with 36 root canals treated using both guided and conventional methods. Results indicated that 3D printing-guided endodontics provided accurate root canal pathways, with minimal deviations in length (average 3.08 ± 1.75%) and angular alignment (average 2.06° ± 0.5°) compared to conventional methods. This research represents a significant step forward in the application of 3D printing technology in veterinary endodontics, offering a promising alternative to traditional methods for treating complex dental conditions in dogs. Full article

There is a high demand for the development of new carriers for pharmaceutical forms for human, veterinary, and animal-feeding use. One of the solutions might be bioactive compound-loading pellets for animal forage. The aim of the work was to assess the physical and sensory properties of forage with the addition of onion peel and off-spec onions as a source of quercetin. The feed was prepared using an expanding process (thermal–mechanical expanding process). Quercetin content was evaluated in raw onion and in final-product feed mixture samples (before and after expanding, and pelleting). The obtained feed was subjected to sensory analysis, testing for expanded pellet uniformity, water absorption index (WAI), the angle of a slide, and antioxidant activity. The results confirmed a high recovery of the quercetin after the expanding process (approximately 80%), and a significantly reduced intensity of onion odor, which was confirmed compared to the non-expanded onion, which is beneficial. Furthermore, digital and optical microscopy were applied for structure analysis. Microscopic imaging results confirmed that the onion structures were visible in the whole length of feed material and analyzed cross-sections. The results can be an introduction to further research on developing products that use the expanding and pelleting process to exploit the peel and off-spec onions, as well as other waste raw materials. Full article