Articles in press

This study investigated the clinical and immunological efficacy of combining Malva sylvestris L. extract with levamisole in calves naturally affected by bovine trichophytosis. Forty clinically diagnosed calves (8–11 months old) were randomly allocated into four groups: Control, Malva, Levamisole, and Combination. All animals received subcutaneous ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg) ten days before treatment and were maintained under uniform housing, feeding, and management conditions throughout the study. Treatments were applied for 21 days: Control (distilled water + saline), Malva (M. sylvestris extract + saline), Levamisole (distilled water + levamisole, 2.5 mg/kg), and Combination (both treatments). Lesion diameters were recorded on days 0 and 21. Blood samples collected on days 0, 7, 14, and 21 were analysed for leukocyte profiles and serum IgG, IL-6, and IFN-γ concentrations. The Combination group exhibited the greatest reduction in lesion size (p ≤ 0.05) and marked elevations in leukocyte counts and IgG levels (p ≤ 0.01). IL-6 concentrations significantly decreased in the Malva group by day 21 (p ≤ 0.001), whereas IFN-γ levels showed notable increases in the Levamisole and Combination groups (p ≤ 0.001). Overall, these results highlight the therapeutic potential of integrating topical M. sylvestris with systemic levamisole as an effective complementary strategy for managing bovine dermatophytosis.

Mitral valve (MV) regurgitation (MVR) is mainly associated with mitral valve leaflet prolapse. The leading cause of MV leaflet prolapse is degeneration of the mitral valve leaflets or functional MVR. In dogs, there has been a lack of surgical options for minimally invasive mitral valve repair until recently; in humans, on the other hand, there are forms of MVR that do not qualify for conventional heart surgery or existing low-invasive mitral valve repair methods. Transapical Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (TEER) of MV is an innovative new method that uses special clips that are inserted into the heart through apical punctures, allowing the defective valve to be effectively closed without the need for a conventional thoracotomy and opening of the heart. It is the first low-invasive method of valve clamping in dogs and a new method available in humans that can be used in severe MVR. In this article, we summarize the knowledge of TEER and its use in humans and dogs.

This study evaluated the effects of Hermetia illucens (HI) larvae full-fat meal and astaxanthin (AST) on large intestine histomorphometry, microbiota activity, and composition in pigs. Forty-eight piglets (8.7 kg avg. wt.) were divided into six groups: control (0HI), 2.5% HI (2.5HI), 5% HI (5HI), 2.5% HI + AST (2.5HI+AST), 5% HI + AST (5HI+AST), and AST alone (AST). The experiment lasted from 35 to 70 days of age. HI meal increased mucosal thickness (P < 0.01), crypt depth (P < 0.05), and width (P < 0.05). Goblet cell counts increased in the 2.5HI group (P < 0.05), while enterocyte numbers decreased in the AST group (P < 0.01). Dietary HI meal reduced concentrations of total short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), including butyrate (P < 0.05), whereas AST increased acetic acid levels in multiple intestinal regions (P < 0.05). Both additives modified microbial populations: AST increased total bacterial counts (P < 0.001), while 2.5% HI meal reduced the abundance of the Bacteroides–Prevotella cluster (P < 0.001). Significant interactions were detected for Lactobacillus/Enterococcus spp. and Enterobacteriaceae (P < 0.001). HI meal decreased p-cresol concentrations in the middle colon (P < 0.05), whereas AST reduced phenol in the distal colon (P < 0.05) and indole in the middle colon (P < 0.05). AST increased ammonia levels in the proximal colon (P = 0.001). These findings suggest that HI meal and AST modulate intestinal fermentation, exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, and regulate microbial populations, potentially reducing harmful metabolites and odor emissions. Their dietary combination may have positive implications for intestinal health.

Retinal complications in diabetes are a leading cause of vision loss in adults. Elevated blood sugar levels trigger molecular changes that damage retinal neuronal tissues and blood vessels, leading to degeneration, inflammation, and vision impairment. Studies show that Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-Products (RAGE) and its cytosolic ligand, Diaph1 are both implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications, however little is known about their role in the development of retinal damage. We hypothesized that the deletion of either RAGE or Diaph1 will be beneficial and prevent or delay damage of retinal structure in diabetes. Wild-type, RAGE and Diaph1 knockout mice were used in the study. Mice were randomly selected and divided into control and diabetic groups. Diabetes was induced with Streptozotocin injections, six months after diabetes induction, all mice were sacrificed, samples collected and processed for morphometric analysis. Our analysis revealed a reduction in retinal depth across all layers between control and diabetic samples. The most outstanding reduction was present in the outer plexiform layer, confirming detrimental effects of long-term hyperglycemia on retinal cytoarchitecture. The effect of RAGE or Diaph1 deletion on retinal structure differed, indicating that both proteins may play independent if not interchangeable roles in retina function and structure. Our findings suggest that targeting RAGE-Diaph1 axis might have a therapeutic potential. The primary limitation of our study is the small sample size. Consequently, a larger-scale study with an increased number of animals has already been designed to address this limitation.

The aim of the study was to assess the presence and identity of nematodes in pet giant African land snails (Lissachatina fulica) in Poland using microscopic and molecular techniques. Lissachatina fulica, syn. Achatina fulica, a giant African land snail is not only considered a free-living invasive species or an intermediate host of some parasites, but is also gaining importance as a pet animal living in close contact with humans. In this research, pooled fecal samples and mucus swabs were obtained from 49 pet giant land snails (11 private collections) living in different regions of Poland. The samples were examined using microscopic techniques (Lugol staining, Baermann larvoscopy) and PCR to investigate the presence of nematodes. The microscopic examinations of fecal samples revealed the presence of nematodes in 63.6% (7/11) of the snail groups. Rhabditid nematodes were found in 27.3% (3/11) of the examined groups. Sequencing of PCR products revealed the presence of gastropod nematodes Phasmarhabditis sp. (KEN1), Poikilolaimus oxycercus, and Caenorhabditis nigoni. The genetic material of mammalian parasites, including Crenosoma, was not detected. Given the increasing popularity of L. fulica as pets, understanding their parasitological status is essential for both animal and public health. It also helps meet the expectations of owners who wish to provide proper care for their pet snails.

This study evaluated the impact of essential oil supplementation (Agolin Ruminant®), primarily containing containing seed oil from coriander (Coriandrum sativum) (up to 10%), along with eugenol (up to 7%), geranyl acetate (up to 7%), and geraniol (up to 6%), on the blood metabolic profile and overall health of dairy cattle during the transition period. Milking was done using the Lely astronaut ® A4 milking robot, all cows were given TMR twice a day, at 07:00 a.m. and 07:00 p.m.. A total of 140 multiparous cows were divided into two groups: a test group receiving Agolin (1g per cow per day mixed daily into the mineral mix) and a control group. The cows were monitored from 30 days before calving to 90 days post-calving. Results showed that cows in the test group produced 4.5% to 7% more milk compared to the control group across different lactation periods (5-90 DIM). Milk composition was also improved with higher milk fat and protein percentages. Essential oil supplementation positively influenced feed efficiency and metabolic indicators like albumin. These results suggest that Agolin Ruminant® enhances milk yield, composition, and efficiency during the critical transition period.

For South American camelids (SAC) and, to a lesser extent, Old World camels (OWC), an increasing demand for veterinary services has developed in Central Europe in recent years, with specific knowledge of the reproductive endocrinology of this species being particularly in demand for the management of breeding farms. Compared to many other domestic animal species, relatively little reliable information is available on the endocrine control of pregnancy and parturition in camelids. However, some significant differences to other domestic ungulate species are evident. Knowledge of pregnancy-associated endocrine changes forms the basis for hormonal pregnancy diagnostics. Even though clinical pregnancy diagnostics using sonography is also of primary importance in camelids, hormonal methods, especially non-invasive methods, are potentially of considerable interest as they represent a less stressful or stress-free alternative. Non-invasive methods of pregnancy diagnostics are of particular interest in untrained OWC, where clinical diagnostics or blood sampling without sedation can be associated with unacceptable risks for the personnel involved. Experience with hormonal pregnancy diagnostics in camelids has so far only been published sporadically, with mostly progesterone, pregnancy-associated estrogens or relaxin being measured in the blood. Non-invasive measurement of progesterone or estrogen metabolites in feces and urine has also rarely been reported. A major obstacle to a wider application of hormonal pregnancy diagnostics in camelids, apart from progesterone measurement in blood, is the widespread lack of commercially available and economically attractive measurement methods validated in these species. The aim of this article is to summarize the current state of knowledge on the hormonal control of pregnancy and parturition in SAC and OWC and based on this, to show the possibilities for hormonal pregnancy diagnostics.

Three-dimensional geometric morphometric methods have emerged as a pivotal tool in veterinary anatomy, taxonomy, clinical research, and morphological diversity studies. This article summarizes the key stages, applications, clinical potential, and recommendations for data standardization in 3D morphometrics. Datasets are typically acquired through radiological modalities, including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or 3D surface scanning, each offering specific advantages and constraints contingent upon the research context. Standardized landmark sets are essential in 3D morphometric studies to ensure reproducibility and comparability of results across independent investigations. Consistent use of reference landmarks enables repeatable analyses, but the number of landmarks directly influences the required sample size and statistical power. Consequently, a minimal yet balanced landmark configuration is critical. This article proposes a standardized, minimal landmark set for the skulls of horses, cattle, and sheep to enhance inter-study reproducibility and comparability. Landmark selection prioritizes anatomically distinct points to avoid excessive landmarking, which may complicate analyses or compromise interpretability. Applications of 3D morphometric methods include orthopedic surgical planning, biomechanical modeling, and assessment of congenital anomalies, providing enhanced precision in diagnostics and research. In conclusion, 3D geometric morphometric methods represent a robust analytical framework in veterinary anatomy, morphology, and clinical research. Their significance is poised to grow through integration with automated landmarking, artificial intelligence-driven analyses, and international data-sharing networks, thereby advancing scientific inquiry in novel dimensions.

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a highly contagious agent prevalent worldwide, particularly in young dogs, and is associated with severe gastrointestinal symptoms. It is considered the leading cause of death due to haemorrhagic diarrhoea in puppies. As a result of antigenic and genetic changes in the virus, various variants such as CPV-2a, 2b, 2c, new 2a, and new 2b have emerged. This study aimed to investigate the presence of CPV-2 in the Black Sea region of Türkiye and perform molecular characterisation. Samples were collected from dogs presented to the clinics of Samsun Ondokuz Mayıs University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Animal Hospital with complaints of vomiting and diarrhoea. Blood, faeces, rectal swabs, and tissue samples from 45 dogs suspected of CPV-2 infection were analysed using the real-time polymerase chain reaction method, which detected viral nucleic acid in 24 samples. Virus isolation was performed on the African green monkey kidney (VERO) cell line for eight positive samples. Whole-genome sequence analyses were conducted on six isolates using next-generation sequencing, classifying these isolates as CPV-2a variants. Among our isolates, three different amino acid changes were detected in the VP2 protein, the major capsid protein of CPV-2. The fact that two animals testing positive in this study had been previously vaccinated raises questions regarding vaccine effectiveness. In conclusion, our study provides insights into the current status of CPV-2 in the Black Sea region of Türkiye and underscores the significance of conducting regular epidemiological studies and implementing an effective vaccination policy.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cryoprotective capacity of Tris-Citrate-Fructose (TCF) extenders supplemented with soy lecithin (asolectin) at concentrations of 0.05% (Asol 0.05%) and 0.5% (Asol 0.5%), in comparison with the commonly used egg yolk-based extender (TCF-EY). Ten ejaculates, each obtained from a different dog, were included in the experiment. Both fresh and cryopreserved semen were assessed for total motility (TM) and progressive motility (PM) using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). Plasma membrane integrity (LIVE), DNA fragmentation index (DFI), mitochondrial activity (MT−/PI+; MT+/PI+; MT+/PI−), and oxidative stress (CellROX+/DRD+; CellROX−/DRD−; CellROX+/DRD−) were measured by flow cytometry. Significant differences (p<0.05) were found in TM (%) between the TCF-EY and Asol 0.5% groups (51.16 ± 5.80 vs. 22.33 ± 9.62). However, no significant differences were observed in LIVE sperm. The DFI remained below 5% in all examined groups. Compared with the control TCF-EY extender, both soy-supplemented groups showed a significant reduction in the population of viable sperm without oxidative stress. The use of asolectin-based extenders also significantly reduced the percentage of viable sperm with active mitochondria, compared to the TCF-EY extender. There were no significant differences between the tested two soy lecithin concentrations in any of the evaluated parameters.. In conclusion, the TCF-EY extender demonstrated superior efficacy in preserving semen quality after cryopreservation. Further research is needed to explore alternative phospholipid sources, including different types and concentrations of soy lecithin, and their effects on sperm fertilizing capacity.

The aim of this study was to compare the hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) and water-induced hypo-osmotic tests (Water test) by assessing the functional membrane integrity (FMI) of dog sperm from the sperm-rich fractions (SRFs) and whole ejaculates (WEs). ANOVA results showed that only sperm source had significant effects on the percentages of sperm cells with FMI. Both the HOS and Water tests indicated that sperm from the WEs exhibited significantly higher FMI than those from the SRFs. Scatter plot regression analysis confirmed highly positive significant relationships between the HOS and Water tests, particularly for sperm originating from the SRFs. Although the Bland-Altman method showed that the average discrepancy of the measurement of the FMI for the SRFs was higher than the WEs, the findings of the present study indicate that both HOS and the Water tests provided measurements that were in close agreement. Such findings confirm that both the HOS and Water tests detected similar populations of sperm cells with FMI either from the SRFs or WEs. We suggest that the significantly higher proportions of sperm with FMI from the WEs, detected by both the HOS and Water tests, reaffirm the important role of the sperm-coating components of the prostatic fluid in protecting the membrane structures of sperm exposed to hypo-osmotic conditions.

Following testicular ischemia, the return of blood circulation promotes reactive oxygen species formation. By damaging cellular components such as proteins, DNA and lipids, reactive oxygen species negatively affect testicular spermatogenic function. Numerous plant species, particularly those within the Oleaceae family, contain oleanolic acid as a principal active ingredient. Extensive research has confirmed oleanolic acid’s efficacy in exerting antioxidant action. We examined the therapeutic potential of oleanolic acid in mitigating testicular damage induced by ischemia-reperfusion in rats. The study included three groups, each comprising twenty male rats: a sham group, an ischemia-reperfusion group, and an ischemia-reperfusion group treated with oleanolic acid (30 mg/kg). Left testicular torsion of 720 degrees counterclockwise, maintained for 2 hours, induced testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury. After surgical detorsion of the left testis, the ischemia-reperfusion + oleanolic acid group was treated immediately with a single 30 mg/kg dose of oleanolic acid via intraperitoneal injection. Multiple analytical procedures were performed on testicular tissues collected from three rat groups. Biochemical measurements encompassed both nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity (critical for reactive oxygen species production) and malondialdehyde concentration (a reactive oxygen species indicator). We employed hematoxylin-eosin staining for the evaluation of spermatogenic function in testicular tissue. Relative to sham group, ischemia-reperfusion group exhibited significantly elevated NADPH oxidase activity and malondialdehyde levels in ipsilateral testes, accompanied by impaired spermatogenic function (p<0.05). Oleanolic acid intervention effectively suppressed oxidative stress markers (NADPH oxidase activity and malondialdehyde levels) in ipsilateral testes, relatively enhancing spermatogenic capacity (p<0.05). Overall, oleanolic acid enhances testicular spermatogenic function by lowering NADPH oxidase activity and curbing reactive oxygen species formation.