Topic Editors

Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
1. CECAV-Veterinary and Animal Research Center, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
2. Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
3. Veterinary Sciences Department, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal

New Perspectives on Metabolism and Metabolic Disease in Wildlife, Domestic, and Exotic Pets and Livestock

Abstract submission deadline
3 May 2027
Manuscript submission deadline
3 July 2027
Viewed by
1315

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Metabolic processes are fundamental to animal health and productivity. They encompass the biochemical reactions that sustain life, including energy production, growth, and reproduction. Recent advancements in animal science have provided new insights into the complexity of these metabolic pathways and their implications for animal health. One significant area of focus is identifying and understanding metabolic diseases, which arise when these processes are disrupted. Conditions such as ketosis, acidosis, and fatty liver disease are of particular concern in livestock and companion animals, leading to reduced productivity, compromised health, and economic losses. Innovative research explores the genetic, nutritional, and environmental factors contributing to metabolic disorders. Genomic studies have begun to unravel the genetic predispositions that make certain animals more susceptible to these diseases. Concurrently, advancements in nutrition science are identifying specific dietary components and feeding strategies that can mitigate the risk of metabolic disorders. Environmental management practices also play a crucial role in maintaining metabolic health. Stress reduction, proper housing, and management of feeding practices are essential to minimize the incidence of metabolic diseases. Additionally, using biomarkers for the early detection of metabolic imbalances is becoming increasingly important, allowing for timely intervention and management. Furthermore, new perspectives on the metabolism of birds and reptiles are shedding light on their unique metabolic adaptations and disease susceptibilities. With their high metabolic rates and unique nutritional requirements, birds face challenges such as fatty liver syndrome and gout. Reptiles with a slower metabolism and different thermoregulatory needs can suffer from conditions such as metabolic bone disease and hepatic lipidosis. Research into species-specific dietary needs and environmental management is crucial for preventing these diseases and promoting overall health. Integrating these new perspectives—genetics, nutrition, and environmental management—offers promising strategies to enhance animal health and well-being. These insights improve animal welfare and contribute to the sustainability and profitability of animal production systems.

Dr. Filipe da Costa Silva
Dr. Isabel Pires
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • metabolism disease
  • livestock
  • wildlife
  • exotic
  • reptiles
  • birds
  • nutrients management

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Agriculture
agriculture
3.3 4.9 2011 19.2 Days CHF 2600 Submit
Animals
animals
2.7 4.9 2011 16.1 Days CHF 2400 Submit
Applied Biosciences
applbiosci
- - 2022 19.1 Days CHF 1000 Submit
Metabolites
metabolites
3.5 5.7 2011 16.1 Days CHF 2700 Submit
Physiologia
physiologia
- - 2021 19.6 Days CHF 1000 Submit
Dairy
dairy
- 4.4 2020 27.8 Days CHF 1200 Submit
Pets
pets
- - 2024 26.1 Days CHF 1000 Submit

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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14 pages, 254 KiB  
Article
Hyperglycemia in Pet African Pygmy Hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris): Prevalence, Clinical Characteristics, and Prognostic Indicators of Severe Hyperglycemia
by Do-Hyun Kwak, Myung-Chul Kim, Woo-Jin Song and Young-Min Yun
Animals 2025, 15(10), 1455; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15101455 - 18 May 2025
Viewed by 231
Abstract
Hyperglycemia is known to negatively affect various animal species, but data on African pygmy hedgehogs remain limited. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of hyperglycemia and evaluate the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of severe hyperglycemia (≥180 mg/dL) in hedgehogs. A retrospective [...] Read more.
Hyperglycemia is known to negatively affect various animal species, but data on African pygmy hedgehogs remain limited. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of hyperglycemia and evaluate the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of severe hyperglycemia (≥180 mg/dL) in hedgehogs. A retrospective review of medical records from 252 hedgehogs and 579 blood test results collected between 2019 and 2021 was performed. Among the 252 hedgehogs, 28 were identified with severe hyperglycemia, indicating a prevalence of 11.1%. The frequency of hyperglycemic samples among all blood tests was 48.1%, and that of severe hyperglycemia was 11.6%. In hedgehogs with severe hyperglycemia, the mean blood glucose level was 269.1 ± 81.6 mg/dL (range, 186–522), and the mortality rate was 53.6% (15/28). The severity of anorexia on the day of diagnosis was significantly associated with mortality (p = 0.013). Hedgehogs that recovered from hyperglycemia by the next test showed favorable outcomes (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that anorexia severity and early glucose normalization may serve as potential prognostic indicators and provide baseline data for improving the clinical management of hyperglycemia in hedgehogs. Full article
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