Feline chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common condition in cats. International guideline adherence may vary among veterinary practitioners. The objective of the study is to evaluate the diagnostic, therapeutic and monitoring practices of primary care veterinarians in Turkey regarding feline CKD and to compare these practices with guidelines. A cross-sectional online questionnaire consisting of 32 items was distributed to veterinarians. The survey addressed demographics, diagnostic approaches, treatment modalities and monitoring strategies for feline CKD cases. Descriptive statistics were calculated to analyse responses. A total of 281 veterinarians participated. While 93.6% were aware of IRIS guidelines, only 55.2% reported performing all recommended diagnostic procedures. SDMA was used alongside creatinine by 73.6% of respondents. However, only 30.5% routinely measured blood pressure. Telmisartan and ACE inhibitors were commonly used, but amlodipine was prescribed by only 8.9%. Most veterinarians recommended renal diets irrespective of CKD stage and typically suggested a short 1-2 week transition period. Follow-up intervals varied, with 40.9% recommending re-evaluations every 2-3 months. Although awareness of international guidelines is high, discrepancies remain in disease substaging, blood pressure monitoring and antihypertensive drug selection. Greater emphasis on blood pressure measurement and improved access to feline-licensed drugs may enhance CKD management in cats.
Gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs), such as Ostertagia ostertagi and Cooperia spp., are common in cattle worldwide. Although infected cattle are often asymptomatic, production is negatively affected. The present study investigated whether eggs per gram (EPG) of GINs in 32 lactating cows decreased during winter and increased as it became warmer. Larvae recovered by coprocultures mostly consisted of O. ostertagi in autumn, while three GINs, Ostertagia, Trichostrongylus and Meistocirrus, were collected in spring. Daily milk and bulk tank milk samples from cows previously infected with O. ostertagi contained O. ostertagi antibodies based on ELISA developed using SVANOVIER® O. ostertagi-Ab in all survey periods. Even if the faecal diagnosis was negative for GINs, infection was still possible. Therefore, the administration of anthelmintic drugs is recommended.
Assisted reproduction (AR) is a rapidly developing clinical area both in human and animal reproductive medicine. The assisted reproductive techniques (ART) used in human and animal AR are very similar and, in many cases, identical. Therefore, the laboratory/clinical assisted reproductive experiments with animals and their gametes/embryos are very useful for the development of procedures used in human AR. The purpose of the application of ARTs is basically the same in human and veterinary medicine, i.e. to promote and support reproduction. However, there is a marked difference between them in terms of indication. In human AR, these procedures are used to treat individuals and couples with fertility problems, so that they can have children. In veterinary medicine, however, ARTs are used on animals that are completely healthy from a reproductive biological point of view (fertile) but carry some advantageous genetic trait(s). Therefore, the purpose of application of ARTs is to have as many offspring as possible during their lifetime, more than what could be achieved naturally. Due to the large number of gametes/embryos transferred, the mouse and bovine species are the most suitable for gaining experience that can be directly applied in human AR. Assisted reproductive techniques can be performed under less stringent conditions in animals, thus accelerating progress in human AR.
This study aimed to evaluate the cardiotoxic potential of diclofenac sodium (DKFS) and tilmicosin (TIL), administered individually or in combination, in calves affected by bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC). Although both drugs are widely used in BRDC protocols, limited data exist regarding their cardiac safety in cattle. Forty clinically diagnosed BRDC calves were randomised into four groups receiving either oxytetracycline alone (control), or in combination with DKFS, TIL, or both. Blood samples were collected at baseline (0 h), 8 and 24 h after treatment to measure cardiac and hepatic biomarkers, including heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP), cardiac troponin I (cTn-I), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatinine. Elevated H-FABP and cTn-I levels-particularly in the DKFS + TIL group-suggested early-stage subclinical myocardial injury. Increases in AST, ALT and LDH further indicated additive hepatocellular and myocardial stress. Serum creatinine and haematological parameters remained unchanged. These findings provide biochemical evidence that concurrent administration of DKFS and TIL can induce early myocardial damage without overt clinical signs. Monitoring of cardiac biomarkers may serve as a useful tool for detecting drug-induced cardiotoxicity in veterinary settings. Caution is advised when using DKFS and TIL together in BRDC-affected calves.
Veterinary medicine costs are a major component to the economic losses caused by diseases in dairy cattle herds. This study aimed to quantify veterinary drug costs with a particular emphasis on antibiotics, in relation to key production parameters on eight large Hungarian dairy farms (average: 864 cows per herd) from 2017 to 2019. Veterinary drug costs were analysed by product group and indication, with antibiotic costs further categorised by substance class and indication. The average annual cost of veterinary drugs was €75.4 per cow and 0.80 € cents*L-1 milk. Antibiotics accounted for the largest share (39.7%) of total drug costs. Main indications were udder diseases (29.6%), reproductive disorders (26.5%), lameness (11.8%), digestive (11.5%) and respiratory diseases (10.0%). The average annual cost of antibiotics was €29.9 per cow and 0.32 € cents*L-1 milk. On average, 51.8% of antibiotic costs were treating mastitis, 27.8% for lameness, 12.1% for respiratory and digestive diseases and 8.3% for reproductive failures. Most antibiotic costs were for cephalosporins (63.2%), fluoroquinolones (11.1%) and antibiotic combinations (9.5%) (e.g., amoxicillin and clavulanic acid), followed by tetracyclines, macrolides and penicillins. The majority of veterinary drug costs in the surveyed Hungarian dairy herds were attributable to antibiotics, followed by hormones and vaccines.
Since mastitis is a multifactorial disease, its risk factors and their consequences for milk quality need to be examined from several perspectives. This study aimed to investigate how different udder health management factors affect the herd average test-day somatic cell count (HSCC), calculated from individual cow samples collected during monthly milk recording. A total of 33 large Hungarian dairy farms (with a total of 32,886 cows) were surveyed using a questionnaire. Data were collected on the main production parameters and several udder health management factors, including milking practices, housing, bedding, dry-off procedures, mastitis treatment and mastitis prevention. The data were analysed using multi-way ANOVA models. To create appropriate statistical models, three main groups of udder health management factors were defined: milking practices, dry-off procedures and mastitis management. Each group included three management factors which were analysed for potential associations with HSCC. Farms where dry-off therapy was performed at least weekly and teat sealants were used tended to have lower HSCC values, whereas farms where mastitis case severity was scored tended to have higher HSCC values. Udder health management factors varied widely across the surveyed farms and among the three main groups of management factors, dry cow management had the greatest impact on HSCC.
For many years, artificial insemination (AI) has been regarded as one of the most significant assisted reproductive techniques.The objective of our manuscript is to summarise the preliminary results of the program in which AI with fresh and frozen semen was being used to support the reproduction of a foxhound colony with valuable genetic properties. In this manuscript, three AI cases are presented, one with fresh and two with frozen semen.Artificial insemination with fresh semen was conducted two days after the LH peak, when the progesterone (P4) concentration exceeded 5 ng*mL-1. Transcervical AI (TCI) was repeated 48 h later.Artificial insemination with frozen semen were carried out when P4 level was >15 ng*mL-1 and TCI was repeated on the next day (Day 5 and 6 after LH peak).Our preliminary results show that an acceptable litter size can be achieved after TCI with freshly collected and cryopreserved semen. Healthy puppies were successfully created from genetically valuable canine parents. We obtained three pregnancies and 18 offspring in a one-year period. Our data indicate that the technology used (timing of AI, semen handling, TCI technique) could have played a major role in achieving these results.
The present study investigated the impact of antiparasitic treatment for Chorioptes spp. infection on the behaviour and stress of lactating cows. Although chorioptic mange is common, its effects on cow welfare through behavioural and physiological indicators remain unclear. The effects of topical eprinomectin for chorioptic mange on behaviour and salivary cortisol concentrations, indicators of cow welfare, were examined. In Study 1, total lying time after treatment, a key indicator of improved comfort in cows, showed a significant increase of 35 min. In Study 2, itching behaviour (P < 0.05) and salivary cortisol concentrations (P < 0.01) both significantly decreased after topical eprinomectin. All mites were identified as Chorioptes texanus via CO1 gene sequencing. Although no untreated control group was included due to ethical constraints, these results strongly suggest that Chorioptes spp. infection is a physiological stressor that negatively affects behaviour and elevates cortisol concentrations. Timely treatment improves cow comfort and welfare, underscoring its potential relevance to sustainable dairy production.
Equine herpesvirus-1 and -4 are contagious viruses causing respiratory disease and reproductive losses in horses. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of EHV-1 and EHV-4 in eight Turkish stud farms using RT-PCR analysis of nasal secretions, uterine fluids and aborted foal tissues. Deep nasal swabs were collected from 443 horses showing acute-onset fever and/or clinical signs of respiratory disease. Additionally, uterine swabs and tissue samples (lung, liver, spleen, thymus, kidney, heart) were obtained from 152 abortion cases. Among symptomatic horses, EHV-1 DNA was found in 2 cases (0.45%), while EHV-4 DNA was detected in 67 (15.1%). One horse (0.23%) was positive for both viruses. From abortion-related samples, EHV-1 DNA was identified in 2 cases (1.32%), while no EHV-4 DNA was found. In 4,915 asymptomatic horses, 13 (0.26%) carried EHV-4; none were positive for EHV-1. Overall, active infection rates were 0.67% for EHV-1 and 11.26% for EHV-4. The low prevalence observed in this study suggests minimal active circulation of EHV-1 and EHV-4 in this large, semi-enclosed and well-managed equine population maintained under strict biosecurity and extensive vaccination programs. Although these findings do not reflect national or regional prevalence, they provide valuable epidemiological insight into the effectiveness of consistent vaccination, quarantine measures and PCR-based surveillance in limiting herpesvirus circulation. Overall, the results contribute to improved understanding, surveillance and control strategies for equine herpesviruses in Türkiye.
A 4-year-old, 3.9 kg spayed female bichon frise presented with persistent lameness following primary medial patellar luxation (MPL) surgery, including tibial tuberosity transposition, trochleoplasty and lateral imbrication. The physical examination indicated a grade IV MPL. Preoperative CT-based 3D reconstructions revealed varus deformity of the distal femur, valgus deformity of the proximal tibia, internal rotation of the tibial tuberosity and bilateral moderate degenerative changes of the coxofemoral joints, with concurrent grade IV medial patellar luxation. The patient underwent revision surgery with distal femoral osteotomy (DFO), proximal tibial osteotomy (PTO) and Ridgestop placement to augment the medial trochlear ridge. To ensure precise intraoperative alignment, preoperative planning utilised virtual 3D planning and 3D printing to fabricate customised osteotomy surgical guides for both DFO and PTO. Postoperative follow-up revealed no further luxation, with stable weight-bearing ambulation. Radiographic analysis confirmed proper limb alignment and Ridgestop implant placement. Ridgestop could offer an effective treatment option for dogs with recurrent patellar luxation when combined with corrective osteotomy.
The authors were the first to identify myxomatosis in brown hares (Lepus europaeus) in a hunting area in western Hungary. During the necropsy of brown hares, dermatitis accompanied by multiplex pustule formation and keratinisation disorders were observed primarily on the head, eyelids, ears and skin around the mouth. Subacute keratoconjunctivitis and catarrhal-purulent rhinitis were confirmed during the autopsy. In addition, multiplex, nodular pneumonia and hemorrhages in the intertubular space of the kidneys, as well as tubulonephrosis, were also observed. Hyperkeratosis and parakeratosis were seen in the epithelium, along with the appearance of myxoma cells and heterophil granulocyte infiltration. The lesions found in the hares, such as significant swelling of the eyelids and keratoconjunctivitis, significantly impaired the animals' orientation. The clinical picture observed by the authors was preceded by infection with Leporipoxvirus myxoma, a member of the Leporipoxvirus genus. This virus strain belonging to the same phylogenetic group as the classic Lausanne, Cornwall, Sussex, and Munich strains previously described in rabbits.
Oligoadenylate synthase proteins are activated through interaction with viral double-stranded RNA, where they polymerise ATP into 2',5'-linked oligoadenylates that subsequently bind and activate latent ribonuclease L. Once activated, ribonuclease L degrades both viral and cellular RNA, ultimately resulting in the suppression of protein synthesis. The present study was designed to investigate the impact of beta-glucan and inactivated parapoxvirus ovis strain D1701, used alongside standard therapy, on serum 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase 1 (OAS1) activity. The study included 60 unvaccinated dogs, that displayed respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms of distemper and were confirmed positive using a rapid diagnostic test. Dogs were randomly divided into three groups. Group I received only standard treatment, Group II was given beta-glucan 1.3/1.6 in addition to standard treatment, and Group III received inactivated parapoxvirus ovis strain D1701 alongside standard therapy. After treatment, OAS1 levels increased by 74.4% in Group I, 8.96% in Group II, and 142.45% in Group III compared to pre-treatment levels. These results suggest that serum OAS1 levels increased in treated dogs with distemper, with the increase being lowest in the beta-glucan group. However, additional studies directly correlating serum OAS1 levels with disease severity or prognosis are needed.
Several factors can influence the effectiveness of laparoscopic artificial insemination in sheep. The season, the lunar phase, meteorological parameters and farm management factors were investigated to determine which ones affect pregnancy rate. A total of 250 Île-de-France ewes were inseminated by laparoscopy in spring (March, April) and in autumn (October, November). In the autumn season, only 20.0% of the inseminated ewes became pregnant while in spring, this was 51.3%. In the spring season, an extreme change in minimum temperature affected negatively the probability of conception (P = 0.0692), within the four days preceding insemination. Increased variance in the maximum and minimum temperature decreased the probability of conception (Tmax:P = 0.0472; Tmin:P = 0.033) within 40 days after insemination. Spring inseminations resulted in a significantly higher number of twin pregnancies (29.23%) compared with autumn inseminations (12.73%). The proportion of twin pregnancies was lower (21.90%) in the waning moon period compared to the waxing moon period (28.47%). None of the examined farm management factors had an effect on pregnancy. In our humid-temperate continental climate (in Hungary), spring laparoscopic inseminations were more effective in Île-de-France sheep, with weather conditions potentially influencing the outcome.
The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with the prebiotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast on testicular width and semen quality in rabbit bucks. Twenty-four male rabbits were randomly assigned to three groups and their semen was sampled for 8 weeks: a control group (C) fed with a conventional diet without S. cerevisiae, a group supplemented with 0.3 g of S. cerevisiae/kg of feed (T1) and a group supplemented with 1 g of S. cerevisiae/kg of feed (T2). Testicular width was determined using a caliper. Semen was collected from each buck and evaluated for sperm volume, motility, percentage of live sperm and morphological characteristics. The results showed that both right and left testicles were greater (P < 0.01) in width in group T1. Regarding semen parameters, progressive sperm motility was higher (P < 0.01) in the T2 group compared to the C and T1 groups. A significant decrease (P < 0.01) in the percentage of spermatozoa with abnormal mid-piece and flagellum was observed in the T2 group compared to the other groups. Furthermore, the percentage of undeveloped sperm decreased (P < 0.01) in both T1 and T2 groups. However, semen volume and percentage of live sperm did not vary between groups (P > 0.05). These results suggest that S. cerevisiae improved the progressive sperm motility and morphological characteristics at the rate of 1 g kg-1 of feed.
Metabolic bone disease of nutritional origin (Ca/vitamin D3 deficiency) is common in pet reptiles. This study aimed to investigate the effects of four dietary supplements with or without artificial UVB irradiation. Selected blood parameters, health and growth were also examined. Thirty-six, one-month-old bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) were housed individually and fed five times a week; dietary supplements were given daily. Blood samples were taken from 3 animals in each group (n = 18) seven times, once at 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15, and twice at 16 months of age (with 2 weeks difference). Measured parameters were Ca (2.6 ± 0.5 mmol*L-1), Ca2+ (1.2 ± 0.2 mmol*L-1), uric acid (358 ± 243 µmol*L-1), total protein (66.2 ± 14.9 g*L-1), alanine-aminotransferase (<1-83 U*L-1), Na+ (161 ± 8.0 mmol*L-1) and K+ (3.9 ± 1.1 mmol*L-1). The UVB exposure enhances both the Ca (P = 0.0489) and Ca2+ (P = 0.0222) levels. The 24-h fasting before sampling resulted in significantly (P < 0.0001) lower uric acid values. The effect of age seems clinically relevant in total protein, with lower levels in juveniles (P = 0.0016). Treatments did not affect the animals' body weight and length; all of them were clinically healthy.
Vaginal hyperplasia (VH) is a common condition, particularly in young bitches of certain breeds during the proestrus/oestrus period, and sometimes surgical intervention may be necessary. Bitches with VH at different stages were enrolled in our study (Type II-III). Excision of vaginal fold was performed using either the conventional technique (CG; n = 10) or the new technique (NG; n = 12). The extent of bleeding, ease, and duration of surgery were compared between the two groups. In the CG, surgeries were performed using the conventional technique with using multiple ligations, while in the NG, %2 jetocaine + adrenaline solution (0.4 mL*kg-1) was injected submucosally at the base of the protruding vaginal fold and than removed by electrocautery without ligation. The vaginal defect created after excision of the vaginal fold was closed with Connell suture (simple continuous suture) using absorbable monocryl in both groups. In the CG, the average surgery time was 40.80 ± 1.87 min, whereas in the NG it was 13.42 ± 2.27 min (P < 0.05). In the NG, surgery was much easier, as bleeding in the surgical area after excision was significantly reduced. Our novel surgical technique should be considered a new option for VH surgery in bitches because its initial results are safe and effective.
Insects are novel and sustainable sources of protein. Black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens, BSFL) are the most important farmed insect species. This review focuses on the effects of BSFL meal inclusion on the growth, gut health and immune function of pigs. In all age groups, BSFL meals can support comparable feed intake, nutrient utilisation and growth performance replacing conventional protein sources. The bioactive compounds of BSFL (chitin, lauric acid and antimicrobial peptides) can enhance the health of pigs. Due to the varying origins and chemical compositions of BSFL meals, it is challenging to determine an optimal inclusion level. The application can be especially advantageous in weaned pigs to reduce diarrhoea, in which condition BSFL meal may contribute to decreasing the application of antibiotics. BSFL inclusion may also improve meat quality and carcass yields, but due to higher feed intake, the cost of application is higher for growing and finishing pigs. As BSFL meals have non-standard nutrient content and bioactive compound concentrations, for optimal results, it is advisable to determine the mixing ratio based on the source of the insect meal and the farm conditions.
Prion protein, which is encoded by the prion protein gene (PRNP), is essential for the development of prion diseases, including bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in cattle. A previous study reported that two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 4136 and 13861, in the bovine PRNP gene were associated with susceptibility to BSE in UK cattle. Although these two SNPs were briefly reported in Hanwoo and Korean Holstein cattle in our earlier study, their presence has not been confirmed in Jeju Black cattle, a Korean native breed. Therefore, we investigated PRNP polymorphisms using 94 Jeju Black cattle and conducted a comparative analysis of their genotype and allele frequencies. We found five SNPs and compared the genotype and allele frequencies of these SNPs among three Korean cattle breeds. The genotype distribution of SNP 4136 significantly differed between Jeju Black and Korean Holstein cattle, while the allele distribution of SNP 13861 significantly differed between Jeju Black cattle and both Hanwoo and Korean Holstein cattle. Comparative analyses revealed significant differences in the allele distributions of SNPs 4136 and 13861 between Jeju Black cattle and cattle breeds from other countries. These findings may provide valuable fundamental data for future genetic studies on prion disease susceptibility.
Mycobacterium ulcerans ecovar Liflandii has recently been described as the causative agent of fatal disease in different frog species. This is the first report of this pathogen in a Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer), which died suddenly in a Hungarian zoo. The authors' findings suggest that M. ulcerans ecovar Liflandii does not exclusively infects anurans and highlights the zoonotic risk posed by this emerging pathogen.
Chronic inflammation is a key driver of tumour initiation and progression and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is one of the central cytokines linking inflammatory signalling with cancer aggressiveness in canine mammary tumours (CMTs). Within the tumour microenvironment (TME)-comprising tumour cells, stromal cells, immune infiltrates and extracellular matrix-TNF-α regulates pathways involved in proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, metastasis and immune evasion, primarily via activation of Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB). Elevated TNF-α expression in CMTs correlates with inflammatory cell infiltration, dysregulated microRNAs such as miR-21 and miR-146b, increased High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) release and tumour-promoting inflammatory feedback loops. Conversely, TNF-α also displays context-dependent antitumour properties, including the induction of apoptosis, pyroptosis and vascular disruption, as demonstrated by oncolytic Newcastle disease virus and combination therapies. High TNF-α levels in plasma and tumour tissue serve as biomarkers of malignancy, tumour grade and clinical outcome in dogs. Collectively, the multifaceted role of TNF-α in CMT pathophysiology highlights its significance as both a driver of disease progression and a potential therapeutic target, underscoring the need for carefully modulated TNF-α-based immunotherapeutic approaches in canine mammary cancer.