Acta Veterinaria Feed

Target-Controlled Infusion of Propofol Induces Significant Hypertriglyceridemia in Healthy Dogs Undergoing Elective Orchiectomy

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This study assessed serum triglyceride (TG) concentrations during target-controlled infusion (TCI) of propofol in healthy dogs undergoing elective orchiectomy and investigated the association between propofol infusion rate and serum TG concentrations. Eight male healthy dogs (14.8 ± 12.5 kg; median age 13.5 months; ASA I) were premedicated with acepromazine 0.05 mg/kg and morphine 0.4 mg/kg intramuscularly. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with propofol TCI targeting 7.0 µg/mL for 40 minutes. The primary outcome was serum TG concentration at four timepoints: TB (baseline), TIND (immediately after intubation), TINF20 (20 min), and TINF40 (40 min). Sample size was calculated a priori for 90% power. Statistical analysis was performed using the Friedman test followed by Dunn’s multiple-comparison test, with P < 0.05. All animals completed the protocol without adverse events. TG concentrations increased significantly from baseline [47 (30-73) mg/dL] to TIND [182 (100-227) mg/dL; P = 0.023], TINF20 [255 (132-733) mg/dL; P = 0.016], and TINF40 [293 (141-395) mg/dL; P = 0.008]. Hypertriglyceridemia (>112 mg/dL) occurred in 6/8 dogs (75.0%) after induction and 8/8 (100.0%) at 20 minutes. Infusion rate decreased 15.7% (0.51 ± 0.06 → 0.43 ± 0.03 mg/kg/min). No significant correlation was detected between propofol infusion rate and serum TG concentrations (r = 0.12; P = 0.54). However, the study is underpowered to evaluate potential associations, and further research is needed. Propofol TCI produces early and marked increases in triglyceride concentrations in healthy dogs even during short procedures. These findings suggest interindividual variability in triglyceride response, but causality cannot be inferred.

Comparison of L2 and L5 Measurements for Diagnosing Intestinal Obstruction in Cats

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Gastrointestinal foreign bodies are a common cause of acute abdominal disease in cats and may result in partial or complete intestinal obstruction with potentially life-threatening consequences. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of radiographic intestinal measurements, vertebral ratio analysis, and complementary imaging techniques in cats with suspected gastrointestinal foreign bodies. A total of 80 cats of different breeds, ages, and both sexes were included and divided into four groups: 20 with gastrointestinal foreign bodies, 20 healthy controls, 20 with non–foreign body gastrointestinal diseases, and 20 with urinary system diseases. All cats underwent direct abdominal radiography, and measurements were obtained from the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and colon. Intestinal-to-vertebral ratios were calculated using the lengths of the L2 and L5 vertebrae. In selected cases, contrast radiography and ultrasonography were performed, and hematological and blood gas analyses were evaluated in affected cats. Statistical analysis included ANOVA, nonparametric tests, logistic regression, and ROC curve analysis. Cats with foreign bodies showed significantly increased intestinal diameters (p< 0.05). Intestinal-to-vertebral ratios were the strongest predictors, with a jejunal cutoff value of 5.47 mm yielding 84.6% sensitivity and 85.7% specificity. In 35% of cases, small intestinal diameter remained below 12 mm, highlighting limitations of absolute measurements. Ultrasonography improved diagnostic confirmation in equivocal cases. In conclusion, combining radiographic measurements with vertebral ratio analysis improves diagnostic accuracy. Integration of clinical and imaging findings enhances decision-making, reduces unnecessary surgical interventions, and provides a practical diagnostic approach for routine veterinary practice.

Effects of β-Carotene and Selenopyran Supplementation on Neonatal Performance and Colostrum Composition in Gilts

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Colostrum quality is a key factor influencing neonatal survival, passive transfer of immunity, and early postnatal development in pigs. This study evaluated the effects of β-carotene (Carofertin®) and selenopyran supplementation on neonatal performance, colostral protein profile, and oxidative stress parameters in gilts. Thirty gilts were allocated to three groups (n=10 each): control, β-carotene-treated (CF), and selenopyran-treated (SE). Colostrum samples collected immediately after farrowing were analyzed using digital Brix refractometry, agarose protein electrophoresis (APE), sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and oxidative stress assays. Total protein concentration, γ-globulin concentration, and proteins corresponding to immunoglobulin G (IgG) were determined. Redox status was assessed by measuring total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and oxidative stress index (OSI). Piglets from the CF group had significantly higher birth weight (1.29 ± 0.19 kg) compared with both the control (p < 0.001) and SE groups (p < 0.01). However, no significant differences were observed among groups in total colostral protein concentration, γ-globulin concentration determined by APE, or IgG concentration determined by SDS-PAGE. Strong positive correlations were found between Brix values and total protein, γ-globulin, and IgG concentrations in the control and SE groups (ρ=0.657–0.936; p<0.05). The CF group showed significantly higher TOS and OSI values and lower TAC values than the control and SE groups (p<0.01), indicating increased oxidative stress. In contrast, selenopyran supplementation maintained oxidative homeostasis without affecting colostral protein composition. These findings suggest that β-carotene and selenopyran exert distinct effects on neonatal performance and oxidative status in gilts.

Molecular Characterization of PRRSV Strains Circulating in North Central Region, Vietnam During 2023-2024

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a major pathogen that poses a serious threat to the global pig industry. North Central Vietnam, comprising six provinces, is one of the country’s largest pig-breeding regions; however, the information of molecular characterization of this virus circulating in this area have been limited. To address this gap, 130 samples were collected from these provinces between 2023 and 2024. The results showed a PRRSV-positive rate of 23.07% (30/130). Molecular characterizations of PRRSV were further analyzed based on sequences of the ORF5 and NSP2 hypervariable regions (HVRs), in comparison with reference strains from Vietnam and other countries downloaded from GenBank (NCBI). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the sequenced strains belonged to PRRSV-2 (lineages 1, 5, and 8). Specifically, 28 PRRSV-2 strains were selected for ORF5 analysis and classified into sublineage 8.7 (HP-PRRSV), sub-lineage 5.1 (classical PRRSV), and the newly identified sub-lineage 1.8 (NADC30-like). The NSP2 HVRs of the identified strains showed amino acid identities ranging from 38.63% to 100%, while ORF5 identities ranged from 80.3% to 100%. Sequence analysis of ORF5 indicated that GP5 mutations were mainly concentrated in HVR1, HVR2, and virulence-associated sites. In summary, the detection of NADC30-like PRRSV for the first time in Vietnam is important, indicating that this HP-PRRSV and classical PRRSV strains reported previously are currently co-circulating among the pig population in North Central Vietnam. Additionally, these findings suggest that PRRSV strains in Vietnam are undergoing substantial genomic divergence.

Effects of Topical Aloe vera on Epithelial Healing and Corneal Haze After Alkali Burn in Rabbits: A Comparison with Autologous Serum

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This randomized controlled study evaluated whether topical Aloe vera (AV) eye drops improve corneal epithelial healing and corneal haze after alkali burn in New Zealand White rabbits, and whether their effects are comparable to 50% autologous serum (AS). Sixteen rabbits (32 eyes; 8 males and 8 females; 36.2 ± 2.8 weeks old) received bilateral central corneal alkali burns induced with 1 N NaOH and were assigned to balanced salt solution (BSS; 12 eyes), AV (10 eyes), or 50% AS (10 eyes), administered four times daily for 4 weeks. Residual epithelial defect area was measured from fluorescein-stained slit-lamp images, and corneal haze was graded using the Fantes scale. AV and AS reduced residual epithelial defect area more rapidly than BSS during days 1 and 2, with estimated mean differences of −15.6 and −9.8 percentage points, respectively. All corneas re-epithelialized by day 7, and no significant difference was observed between AV and AS. Corneal haze did not show sustained treatment-related differences. These findings suggest that topical AV may support early epithelial recovery after acute alkali injury, with effects comparable to 50% AS, although its effect on corneal haze appears limited.

Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles of Escherichia coli Isolated from Laying Hens Reared in Organic and Conventional Housing Systems

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Escherichia coli originating from poultry represents an important public health and veterinary concern. This study investigated phenotypic and genotypic AMR profiles of E. coli isolated from laying hens reared under different housing systems and assessed the occurrence of avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC). A total of 60 E.coli isolates were obtained from fecal samples collected from laying hens reared in organic, cage, and floor housing systems across multiple production sites operating under the same poultry production system in Serbia. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using the disk diffusion method and selected AMR and virulence-associated genes were detected by PCR. Regardless of the housing system, the highest levels of phenotypic resistance were observed for tetracycline, ampicillin, and nalidixic acid. Resistance to critically important antimicrobials, including fluoroquinolones, gentamicin, and meropenem, was detected exclusively or predominantly in isolates from floor housing systems. ESBL-producing E. coli and APEC strains were most frequently identified in floor-housed flocks, whereas isolates from the organic production system showed the lowest prevalence of ESBL producers and multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains. Genotypically, the highest proportion of MDR isolates was detected in the cage housing system. The mcr-1 gene was identified in a single isolate originating from the cage system. These findings indicate that housing conditions may influence the distribution of AMR and virulence traits in E. coli. The study provides the first comparative data of this type from Serbia and highlights the importance of continued AMR surveillance across different poultry production systems.

Granulation Tissue-Type Hemangioma (GTH) in the Spleen of a Cat: A First Case Report

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Hemangiomas are rarely documented in cats, and to date, granulation tissue-type hemangioma (GTH) has not been reported. This report presents the first known case of GTH in the spleen of a 5-year-old cat, focusing on its histopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics. The lesion exhibited neoplastic vascular proliferation within granulation tissue, accompanied by fibrous tissue proliferation, which complicated the diagnosis. Immunohistochemical staining for von Willebrand factor (VWF) and vimentin confirmed the vascular origin of the cells, distinguishing the lesion from other splenic proliferative diseases. This case expands the diagnostic spectrum of feline splenic vascular tumors and highlights the need for further studies to refine their classification and diagnostic criteria.

The Effect of Metamizole on Viability and Oxidative Stress in the C6 Rat Glioma Cell Line

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Metamizole is a pyrazolone-derived drug with analgesic, antipyretic and spasmolytic activity. The available literature data on metamizole effects on tumor cell lines is limited. Modulation of oxidative stress is considered to be an important mechanism through which different drugs may influence tumor cell survival. Objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of metamizole on viability and oxidative stress levels in the C6 rat glioma cell line. C6 cells were treated with metamizole and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for 24h and 48h. Cell viability was determined using crystal violet and MTT assays. Viability of C6 cells was also determined after combined treatment with metamizole and NAC. Combined treatment doses were determined based on IC50 values. To assess oxidative stress, levels of malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione were measured in cell culture media. Our results showed that metamizole reduced C6 cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner, especially after 48h, with significant reduction of viability, even at lower concentrations. The reduced cell viability and pro-oxidative effects were mainly observed at high metamizole concentrations - 40μg/mL and 80μg/mL. NAC alone, in low concentrations, did not significantly impair cell viability and had slightly improved antioxidant status. In combined treatments, 1mM NAC was partially able to counteract metamizole-induced cell death of C6 cells. Therefore, we can conclude that metamizole reduces viability of the C6 cell line, especially after long-term exposure with significant changes of malondialdehyde and glutathione levels, influencing the C6 cell viability at least partially via oxidative stress.

Characterization of Sex-Determining Region Y (SRY) Gene Sequences of Endangered Gembrong Goat (Capra hircus) In Bali Island, Indonesia

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Gembrong goat is an indigenous breed of Bali, Indonesia, currently threatened by high levels of inbreeding due to their declining population size. Genetic characterization is an important approach to support breed conservation and improve breeding management and selection measures. This study aimed to analyze the sex-determining region of the Y chromosome in bucks of the Gembrong goat breed. Blood samples from ten male bucks were collected, and DNA was extracted and amplified using polymerase chain reaction targeting a fragment of the sex-determining region of the Y chromosome. The amplified products were sequenced and analyzed to identify genetic variations. The results revealed two insertion-deletion mutations located in the non-coding region, which led to the identification of three gene variants. One variant was dominant, while the others were present at lower frequencies. In addition, a specific point mutation was detected which may serve as a potential breed specific genetic marker. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Gembrong goats belongs to a distinct genetic cluster compared to other goat breeds. These findings provide valuable new genetic information of the Gembrong goats breed highlighting their uniqueness. The results can contribute to the development of appropriate breeding strategies with the aim to reduce inbreeding and support long-term conservation processes. Furthermore, this study emphasizes the importance of genetic characterization studies in preserving endangered native livestock breeds.

Seasonal and Habitat Patterns of Dominant Haemaphysalis punctata with Hae. concinna (Acari: Ixodidae) Recorded Beyond Known Range in the Karst Edge, Slovenia

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Ticks of the genus Haemaphysalis are important vectors of various pathogens, yet their ecology and distribution remain poorly documented in certain regions. This study investigated the seasonal patterns, habitat preferences, and population densities of the dominant Haemaphysalis punctata, alongside the occurrence of Hae. concinna beyond its previously known range in the Karst Edge, Slovenia. Sampling was conducted at five sites encompassing pastures and forest habitats, targeting both adult and nymph stages. Hae. punctata was the dominant species (96.3% of sample size), with 47 males, 55 females, and 393 nymphs recorded, and it was present at all sites except the forest habitat in Osp. Most Hae. punctata ticks (70.7%) were collected from pastures, and the rest from the forest. Adults were detected throughout most of the year, but none were recorded between mid-June and mid-September. Nymphs occurred throughout much of the sampling period, with high abundances in spring and from early August to mid-October; they were absent in December-January and reappeared in February. Seasonal densities of Hae. punctata per 100 m² ranged from 0.21 at Osp to 10.36 individuals at Zazid (all pastures), up to over 30-fold higher than Hae. concinna at sites when both species occur concurrently. The latter was rare, with 4 males, no females, and 15 nymphs (3.7% of sample), and was recoreded at three sites: pastures in Osp and Hrastovlje, and forests in Zazid and Hrastovlje, over a period from mid-April to early July. Hae. concinna often co-occurred with Hae. punctata adults or nymphs. These findings confirm the dominance of Hae. punctata across studied habitats and document the first evidence of Hae. concinna in new localities along the Karst Edge, representing an extension of its known distribution in Slovenia. The study underscores the influence of habitat type on tick abundance and seasonality and provides critical baseline data for monitoring tick populations and potential vector-borne disease risks in the region.

Prevalence of the ABCB1 NT230[DEL4] Mutation in Different Dog Breeds in Türkiye

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

In this study, the presence of a 4 base pair deletion mutation (nt230[del4]) in the ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1) gene was investigated in different dog breeds in Türkiye. For this aim, blood samples collected from a total of 161 dogs of 5 different breeds, including German Shepherd Dogs (GSD), Golden Retrievers (GR), Pomeranians (POM), Toy Poodles (TP), and Kangal Shepherd Dogs (KSD). Genomic DNA was isolated from blood samples using the phenol-chloroform extraction method. Then, to detect the nt230[del4] mutation in the ABCB1 gene, genomic DNA was amplified using degenerate primers via Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and analysed using the Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. The amplified PCR products were digested with a restriction enzyme, separated by agarose gel electrophoresis, and genotypes were determined based on band patterns. According to the analysis results, all dogs examined were found to possess the homozygous wild-type (+/+) genotype, and no mutant allele was detected. These findings indicate that the ABCB1 gene region exhibits a monomorphic structure in the dog population included in the study. The results obtained may contribute to the identification of genetic variations that could be significant in terms of drug sensitivity in the relevant dog breeds. These findings suggest that ABCB1 gene variation may be limited in the dog population in Türkiye, implying that the genetic risk regarding drug sensitivity may be low in the relevant breeds.

Exploration of Novel Target Via Genome Mining and Establishment of Proofman-LMTIA Assay for the Rapid Detection of Chlamydia abortus

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Chlamydia abortus is an obligate intracellular Gram-negative pathogenic bacterium widely distributed globally. This pathogen primarily infects humans and various domestic animals, causing abortions in pregnant animals. It poses a significant threat to public health and the animal husbandry industry, leading to substantial economic losses. In this study, specific primers and a Proofman fluorescent probe for LMTIA (Ladder Melting Temperature Isothermal Amplification) were designed based on the genome of the C. abortus S26/3 strain through sequence alignment and screening of specific target sequences. These primers and probes were used to develop a rapid Proofman-LMTIA assay for detecting C. abortus. The reaction system and temperature were optimized, and the specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility of the assay were evaluated. The optimal amplification temperature for Proofman-LMTIA was 59.5 °C, and the reaction time was less than 30 minutes. The established assay had a minimum detection limit of 101 fg/μL per test, indicating a high analytical sensitivity. The assay also showed excellent stability, with coefficients of variation below 3% in inter-group and intra-group reproducibility tests. In summary, the rapid and effective Proofman-LMTIA method for detecting C. abortus developed in this study provides a novel technical tool for the clinical diagnosis and control of C. abortus infections.

Effects of a Polyherbal Mixture on Femoral and Tibial Microarchitecture in Rats with Diabetic Osteoporosis

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The femur and tibia are prone to the development of osteopenia and osteoporosis, particularly in individuals with diabetes, who are more susceptible than healthy individuals. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a polyherbal mixture composed of Centaurium erythraea aerial parts, Cichorium intybus roots, and Potentilla erecta rhizomes on the microarchitecture of these two bones in non-diabetic and diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in female Wistar rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate. Animals were treated with four concentrations of the polyherbal mixture – 2.5, 5, 10, and 15 g of dry herbal weight /kg of animal, by oral gavage. Non-diabetic controls received water. Diabetic control groups were treated with water, insulinglargine (13 IU/kg), or glimepiride (1 mg/kg), respectively. The answer to the therapy was assessed via HbA1c test and pathohistological evaluation of bone tissue. H&E staining was used to evaluate the cortical bone area and osteocyte lacunar area in the epiphysis and the cortical bone, while Masson’s trichrome staining was used for the determination of collagen level and trabecular area in the epiphysis. Neither of the tested concentrations caused any pathological changes in the bones of healthy animals. The highest tested concentration of the polyherbal mixture showed greater efficacy than insulin and glimepiride in improving HbA1c levels and ameliorating microarchitectural alterations induced by alloxan, with more pronounced effects observed in the femur than in the tibia. These findings suggest the osteoprotective potential of this polyherbal mixture in an experimental model of diabetes-induced osteoporosis.

Parasitic Infections in Captive Elephants IN ALGERIA (North Africa): A First Coprological Report

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Due to sequestration and anthropogenic stress factors, as in zoopark conditions, animals held in captivity are more likely to contract pathogen infections, particularly parasites. Animal health management in zooparks requires regular monitoring of the infection status, especially for gastrointestinal parasites, to guide the zoopark decision makers in making targeted interventions. For conservation purposes, this becomes more important when we deal with endangered species, such as the African elephant (Loxodonta africana), which is categorized as endangered on the IUCN Red List. Hence, this study aimed at the gastrointestinal parasite status in elephants hosted at the Ben Aknoun zoopark in Algeria. For that, a coprological survey was conducted from October 2020 to June 2021.A total of 90 fresh fecal samples were collected and analyzed using tube flotation and McMaster techniques. Parasite prevalence, intensity, and infection levels were calculated, and seasonal variations were also evaluated. Three parasite genera were identified: Oxyuris, Anoplocephala, and Strongyloides. Oxyuris and Anoplocephala showed a prevalence of 100%, indicating continuous exposure. However, Strongyloides was only detected in 36.7% of samples, with a significant peak in winter. Mean egg counts differed significantly among genera, with Oxyuris showing the highest burden, (5,443 eggs per gram, EPG) and infection level (L4: 94.4%), followed by Anoplocephala (1,142 EPG; L3: 78, 90%), while Strongyloides remained low (26.1 EPG; L1:26,7%-L2:10%).The results of this first coprological survey of gastrointestinal parasites in captive elephants in the Algerian and north African geographical area highlight the importance of regular fecal monitoring, improved hygienic management, targeted treatment strategies, and a One Health approach to enhance animal welfare and support conservation efforts.

Ligasure vs. Suture Ligation for Feline Ovariohysterectomy: Faster Ovarian Pedicle Dissection, Lower Early Pain, and Attenuated Fibrinolytic Activation

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Surgical sterilization in cats is commonly performed using conventional suture ligation, but this method is associated with risks of intraoperative bleeding, prolonged operative time, and postoperative pain. LigaSure, a bipolar vessel-sealing device, has been proposed as an alternative that may enhance surgical efficiency and provide more reliable hemostasis. In this randomized study, twenty healthy female cats underwent ovariohysterectomy with either conventional suture ligation (n = 10) or LigaSure (n = 10), and surgical duration, intraoperative bleeding, postoperative pain scores, analgesic requirements, and selected coagulation parameters (antithrombin III, fibrinogen degradation products, and D-dimer) were assessed. The LigaSure group showed a mean reduction of 5.2 minutes (95% CI: 3.1–7.4) in the ovarian dissection stage, less intraoperative bleeding, lower pain scores at 1 and 2 hours, and reduced need for rescue analgesia. Hemodynamic monitoring indicated attenuated nociceptive responses during ovarian manipulation. Coagulation results revealed smaller increases in fibrinogen degradation products and D-dimer levels in the LigaSure group, while antithrombin III decreased in both groups but remained more stable with conventional ligation. Complication rates were similar between groups. Overall, LigaSure was found to offer significant advantages over suture ligation, including shorter operative time, improved hemostasis, and reduced early postoperative pain, suggesting its value as a safe and effective technique to improve welfare outcomes in routine feline neutering procedures.

Case Report of Hepatic Capillaria hepatica Infection in a Black-Tailed Prairie Dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) in Belgrade Zoo

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Capillaria hepatica (syn. Calodium hepaticum) is a zoonotic nematode parasite commonly found in the liver of a broad range of mammalian hosts worldwide. This parasite was found in a black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) from the Belgrade Zoo which had recently been transferred from another Zoo. Capillaria hepatica was an incidental finding during necropsy. The gross appearance of the affected liver was characterized by multifocal, firm, white to yellowish, round granulomas, 1–3 mm in diameter situated on the surface of the liver that extended into the underlying hepatic parenchyma. Histopathologically, multiple granulomas encompassed clusters of Capillaria hepatica eggs surrounded by central caseous necrosis, cellular debris admixed with epithelioid macrophages, multinucleate giant cells, lymphocytes, eosinophils, and a fibrous capsule. This paper describes the first case report of Capillaria hepatica in zoo animals in Serbia.

Anaesthetic sparing effect of lidocaine during ovariohysterectomy in bitches premedicated with remifentanil

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This prospective, randomized, blinded study evaluated the anaesthetic-sparing effect of topical lidocaine applied to the mesovarium during ovariohysterectomy in bitches premedicated with remifentanil. Twenty healthy female dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy were randomly assigned to a lidocaine group (L, n = 10) or control group (C, n = 10). Anaesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with sevoflurane. In the L group, 2% lidocaine (2 mg/kg) was applied as a splash block to the mesovarium, while saline was applied in the controls. End-tidal sevoflurane concentration (Fe´Sevo), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (fR), invasive systolic and diastolic arterial blood pressure (IBPs, IBPd) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were recorded at predefined time points. Fe´Sevo was down titrated in response to haemodynamic changes. Significant differences in Fe´Sevo were observed between groups, with lower concentrations required in the L group. Significant interactions between treatment and time were detected for HR, IBPd, MAP and fR. The findings indicate that topical lidocaine reduces inhalation anaesthetic requirements and attenuates nociceptive responses during ovarian manipulation. The intraoperative use of lidocaine as part of multimodal analgesia may therefore provide clinical benefits in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

Congenital Vertebral Malformations and Their Association with Intervertebral Disc Disease in French Bulldogs: A Retrospective Computed Tomography Study

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Congenital vertebral malformations (CVM) are common in French Bulldogs and may contribute to neurological dysfunction and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). This retrospective study evaluated the prevalence, types, and distribution of CVM using computed tomography (CT) and assessed their association with IVDD and neurological signs. CT studies of the spine (C7–S1) from 62 French Bulldogs examined between February 2020 and February 2025 were reviewed. Dogs ranged from 1.7 to 12 years of age (mean ± SD, 5.0 ± 2.4 years), and 50 (80.6%) exhibited neurological signs. Congenital vertebral malformations were identified in 57 dogs (91.9%), with hemivertebrae present in all affected dogs, transitional vertebrae in 35.1%, and articular process dysplasia in 1.8%. Thoracic hemivertebrae were detected in all dogs with CVM, most frequently as multiple lesions (94.7%), often associated with angular spinal deviations, predominantly kyphoscoliosis. Intervertebral disc disease was diagnosed in 58 dogs (93.5%), most commonly lumbar or lumbosacral, and was multiple in 86.2% of cases. Most dogs with CVM also had IVDD (93.0%), whereas only five dogs had IVDD without CVM. Significant associations were found between CVM and neurological signs (χ² = 66.24, p < 0.05), CVM and IVDD (χ² = 113.85, p < 0.05), and IVDD and neurological signs (χ² = 128.58, p < 0.05). No significant associations were observed between sex, CVM type or number, and clinical signs. These findings demonstrate a high prevalence of CVM and IVDD in French Bulldogs and support the role of CT in comprehensive spinal assessment.

Investigation of Corynebacterium kutscheri Infection in Laboratory Mice in Türkiye: Prevalence, Pathology and Biochemical Changes

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The aim of this study was to investigate, for the first time in Türkiye, the prevalence of Corynebacterium kutscheri in 102 laboratory mice in the Aegean Region, together with associated histopathological lesions and biochemical alterations. C. kutscheri was isolated from five mice (4.9%), all of which exhibited abscess formation and neutrophilic infiltration in the liver, lungs, and heart. Infected mice also displayed significantly elevated AST, ALT, ALP, and LDH levels compared to controls (P<0.001). These findings demonstrate that latent C. kutscheri infections, although often subclinical, can cause systemic pathology and alter biochemical parameters, potentially compromising laboratory animal analysis safety and the reliability of biomedical research. As this study provides the first comprehensive dataset on C. kutscheri in laboratory mice in Türkiye, it establishes a critical baseline for future surveillance programs. The detection of this FELASA listed pathogen underscores the urgent need for robust national health monitoring systems aligned with international standards, thereby ensuring both animal welfare and the credibility of scientific outcomes.

Deep Learning-Based Forecasting of Heat Stress Events and Daily Milk Yield Depreciation in Dairy Cattle Using Meteorological Data: An In-Silico Study

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Climate change is a serious threat to food security as heat stress compronises animal welfare and production. Traditional statistical models struggle to capture these lagged and non-linear dynamics, limiting proactive herd management. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop an early warning prediction system for milk yield losses due to heat stress in dairy cows by explicitly modeling physiological delay effects using Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) based deep learning in a Digital Twin environment. For a in silico approch, a high-fidelity digital twin dataset was created to simulate a herd of 500 Holstein-Friesian cattle over a three-year period (1,095 days). The present study involved calculating the Temperature–Humidity Index (THI) by integrating biologically based response functions with time-series meteorological data, and simulated the associated physiological stress responses. A recurrent neural network model based on the LSTM architecture was trained on 80% of the time-series dataset to model the nonlinear temporal relationships between ambient conditions and milk yield. Model performance evaluation demonstrated strong predictive capability, with a root mean squared error (RMSE) of 1.48 kg/day and a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.81. Correlation analysis further revealed a strong negative association between THI and milk production (Pearson’s r = −0.76, p-value < 0.001). The model also successfully detected the early onset of heat stress and captured the biological lag effect, as evidenced by its accurate prediction of seasonal declines in productivity. Overall, these findings, derived from a controlled simulation environment, support the potential applicability of LSTM-based frameworks as early warning systems to guide proactive mitigation strategies and reduce heat stress–related milk yield losses in dairy cattle. However, further validation under real farm conditions is necessary before practical implementation.