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- An Outbreak of Infectious Laryngotracheitis Virus in Commercial Layers:
Three-Month Observation of Mortality, Virus and Antibody Dynamics
Abstract: Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is a WOAH-listed respiratory disease in poultry caused by Gallid alphaherpesvirus 1, known as ILT virus (ILTV). We monitored two unvaccinated commercial layer flocks of 46- and 64-weeks old birds, more than 3 months after the onset of ILT. For this purpose, tracheal swabs, cloacal swabs, and blood samples were collected. Molecular and serology results were compared with the mortality data. The increased mortality in flocks 1 and 2 lasted 9 and 15 days, reaching 13.0% and 11.3%, respectively. We isolated the virus by inoculation on chicken embryo’s chorioallantoic membrane. Tracheal swabs were positive at each sampling point, but cloacal swabs were negative. Based on the molecular and phylogenetic analysis of the ICP4 gene, the ILTV closely matched vaccine strains. In flock 1, seroconversion was evident at the second sampling (day 15). Thereafter, an increase in antibody titer was observed, eventually achieving levels that were nearly identical to those on day 15 and on 109. During the acute period of the outbreak, seroconversion was already visible in flock 2, and a similar pattern was then seen as in flock 1. Three months after the outbreak, the virus DNA was still persistently detected in tracheal swabs.
PubDate: Fri, 19 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT
- Understanding Antimicrobial Prescription Practices: Insights from Small
Animal Veterinarians in North Macedonia
Abstract: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an increasing global concern in small animal veterinary practices. The overuse and misuse of antimicrobials in companion animals can contribute to the spread of AMR between animals and humans. This study aimed to assess small animal veterinarians’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors towards antimicrobial use (AMU) and AMR in North Macedonia. A web-based questionnaire was developed, including questions addressing demographics, owner influence on antibiotic prescription and prescribing practices. The response rate of the small animal veterinarians was 47.50% (57/120), with most of them (84.20%) having 1-15 years of work experience. Pearson’s chi-square test of independence was used for contingency tables that met the chi-square assumption, and Fisher’s exact test was conducted for contingency tables that did not. Most veterinarians responded that they had perceived pressure and direct demands from pet owners to prescribe antimicrobials (35.09% frequently, 45.61% occasionally). In the survey, 50.77% of the veterinarians reported frequently administering antibiotics without conducting bacteriological or antimicrobial susceptibility testing. They typically resorted to these tests in cases with recurrent infections, such as skin infections (19.63%), or when empirical therapy is ineffective (14.72%). Based on the findings, it can be concluded that veterinarians play a crucial role in tackling the AMR in North Macedonia. The lack of stewardship programs or guidelines for responsible antimicrobial use in companion animals is a critical issue that requires urgent attention, emphasizing the vital role of veterinarians in combating AMR.
PubDate: Fri, 19 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT
- Immunohistochemical Detection of Axonal Injury in Chimpanzee () with
Traumatic and Fatal Brain Injury
Abstract: Estimating the time of death after traumatic brain injury (TBI) in wildlife is a significant challenge in forensic veterinary medicine. The understanding of histopathological changes and predicting the survival time can prompt critical emergency measures and health management strategies for animals in managed care. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is a well-established astrocytic biomarker for diagnosing, monitoring, and predicting TBI outcomes. Moreover, the buildup of Beta-Amyloid Precursor Protein (βAPP) resulting from axonal damage is an energetic process intricately connected to the survival period following the injury. To date, no study has explored the accumulation of GFAP and βAPP in TBI chimpanzees. In human studies, the earliest reported time for detecting axonal injury postmortem in TBI using βAPP is approximately 30 minutes. This study aimed to investigate whether GFAP and βAPP staining can be used to detect postmortem axonal injury within 30 minutes in TBI chimpanzees. Cerebral and cerebellar tissues from a postmortem TBI chimpanzee and control samples were screened for immunopositivity for GFAP and βAPP in neurons using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. The results suggested that neuronal immunopositivity for GFAP was likely a staining artifact, as negative controls also showed neuronal GFAP staining. However, it was not easy to assume the absence of post-traumatic neuronal GFAP. Conversely, the βAPP assay results indicated that axonal damage can be detected within 22 minutes after death, marking the fastest recorded time to date and aiding in diagnosing severe TBI with short survival times. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the axonal damage in captivated chimpanzee caused by severe and sudden concussion can be detected with βAPP staining within 22 minutes.
PubDate: Tue, 18 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT
- Parasites in Wildlife in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Abstract: Parasitic diseases of wild animals represent an important area of research. In addition to the significant impact on wildlife health and fitness, many parasitic diseases have zoonotic implications. Due to limited scientific information, this research aimed to investigate parasitic diseases in wildlife in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), focusing on the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FB&H), emphasizing zoonotic species. In the period from April 2020 to November 2022, we conducted research on 9 wildlife species. We analyzed fecal samples to detect and identify diagnostic stages (eggs, larvae, cysts, and oocysts) of various animal endoparasites using coprological methods, such as sedimentation, flotation, and the Baermann technique. The MERIFLUOR® Cryptosporidium/Giardia test was also used for the detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts. In the case of red foxes, intestinal samples were examined using the intestinal scraping technique to detect adult helminths. All collected muscle samples were subjected to the artificial digestion method for Trichinella detection. From 1,278 samples, 70.9% were positive. Parasitic infections were confirmed in 15.9% (11/69) of bears; 83.7% (262/313) of red foxes; 67.6% (44/65) of wolves; 25% (1/4) of wildcats; 20% (1/5) of badger; 43.7% (7/16) of martens; 39.7% (76/191) of wild boars; 84.5% (350/414) of deer, and 77.1% (155/201) of hares. The finding of zoonotic parasites (Toxocara canis, Uncinaria spp., Trichinella spp., Echinococcus spp. etc.) is particularly important due to their potential detrimental effects on human health, which highlights the need for further investigations.
PubDate: Wed, 27 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT
- Immunohistochemical Detection of CD3 and MAC387 Antibodies in the
Mesenteric Lymph Nodes and the Small Intestine of 20 Dogs that Died of
Canine Parvoviral Enteritis
Abstract: There is little data on the use of the immunohistochemical method in the observation of the T lymphocytes and macrophages distribution within the mesenteric lymph nodes in canine parvovirus (CPV) enteritis. The virus initially replicates in the systemic lymphoid tissue and causes highest changes in the small intestine. This current study aimed to demonstrate the CD3 and MAC387 antibodies detection and distribution in mesenteric lymph nodes and small intestines in dogs which had positive clinical, pathological, and histological findings of CPV. Twenty dogs that were clinically confirmed on CPV, had been autopsied following onset of death. Tissue samples (lymph nodes and small intestines) from each dog was processed for histology and immunohistochemistry utilizing hematoxylin-eosin and peroxidase/DAB (3,3′-diaminobenzidine) staining methods, respectively. The virus distribution was greatest in the tissue areas of the small intestine and the lymph nodes where the virus had made the most severe tissue damage. The distribution of macrophage was highest in the necrotic areas of the small intestine and the mesenteric lymph nodes. The amount of CD3 positive lymphocytes was greatly reduced in the mesenteric lymph nodes and the lymphoid tissue of the small intestine.
PubDate: Wed, 06 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT
- Retrospective Study on Trilostane Titration Dose Treatment in Dogs with
Terminal Stage of Hyperadrenocorticism
Abstract: Hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) in dogs is routinely treated with trilostane single-dose (CTG) which is reported to cause adverse reactions. The current retrospective study of several dogs with terminal stage of HAC aimed to compare the clinical, hematological, and biochemical effects of trilostane titration-dose treatment (TTG) with the single-dose treatment (CTG). All clinical cases (n=7) were confirmed on HAC by anamnestic, clinical, hematology, biochemistry, and low-dose dexamethasone suppression test findings, indicative for Cushing’s disease. Two cases were treated with CTG (2.2-6.7 mg/kg, single dose daily) and their treatment was discontinued on the second week due to adverse reactions. The TTG cases were treated for up to 12 weeks (0.5 mg/kg once daily for 7 days, and then with 0.5 mg/kg twice daily for 7 days). Blood samples and clinical checks were performed on 0., 4., and 12. weeks of the treatment. Hemoglobin was non-significantly higher in TTG at 12 weeks. Alanine transaminase was significantly lower in the TTG cases on the 12. week of the treatment (78.04±15.37 U/L) compared to the 0-week (137.81±24.03 U/L), and 4-week samples (131.92±23.36 U/L). No significant differences were observed with the CTG cases. Alkaline phosphatase was significantly lower on 12-week samples in TTG (251.02±93.06) compared to the 4-week (567.94±283.93 U/L), and 0-week samples (1,341.84 U/L). In conclusion, TTG has indicated to have significantly higher tendency to decrease alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase, alleviating the negative effects on the liver. The clinical findings were more adverse for the CTG.
PubDate: Fri, 01 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT
- External Progesterone Supplementation During the Ovsynch Protocol Reduces
the Incomplete Luteolysis in Dairy Cows Under Heat Stress
Abstract: The present study aimed to determinate the effect of external progesterone (P4) supplementation on luteolysis in cows under heat stress. Forty-eight (n=48) dairy cows in the period from July–September 2018 were part of and at day 35±3 postpartum scored for BSC, synchronized using PG-3-G + Ovsynch protocol and randomly allocated into two treatments: PRID group (n=27) treated with external P4 device between G1 and PGF2α and CON group (n=21) left without treatment. Collection of blood samples to assess P4 concentrations was done at Pre-PG, at G1, at PGF2α, at 72 h after PGF2α (at timed artificial insemination TAI) and at d 21 after TAI. The pregnancy diagnosis was done at d 21 and d 30 after TAI by ultrasound. The average temperature-humidity index (THI) was 79.5±0.6. At G1, the P4 was significantly lower in the PRID group (1.84±0.99 ng/mL) in comparison to the CON group (2.97±1.82 ng/mL). In contrast, at PGF2α, there was a tendency (p=0.09) of increased P4 concentration in PRID group compared with the CON group (4.26±1.68 and 3.74±2.39 ng/mL), respectively. At TAI, more PRID cows (p=0.0001) had a lower P4 (0.06±0.03 ng/mL), in comparison to CON (1.28±2.41 ng/mL). At d 21 and d 30 after TAI, more PRID cows were predicted and diagnosed pregnant (16/27 or 59.25% and 13/27 or 48.14%) compared with the CON group (11/21 or 52.38% and 8/21 or 38.08%) respectively, but without any significant differences. Supplementation of the P4 during the Ovsynch protocol increases the P4 before TAI and reduces the incomplete luteolysis in heat stressed dairy cows.
PubDate: Fri, 01 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT
- Distribution and Genotyping of Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus in
Farmed Rainbow Trout and Autochthonous Salmonids in North Macedonia
Abstract: Infectious hematopoietic necrosis (IHN) is a common disease in the intensive production of salmonids. The IHN virus (IHNV) was isolated for the first time in North Macedonia in 2018. This study aimed to investigate the distribution and genotype of IHN in farmed rainbow trout and autochthonous salmonid fish in North Macedonia following the first detection. The samples were collected from 47 trout farms. Trout fry with or without clinical signs of IHN were selected as individual samples. Kidney, spleen, and heart were taken from each fish during the dissection. Three pooled samples were collected from each farm. A total of 141 pooled samples were collected: Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) n=127, Macedonian trout (Salmo macedonicus) n=11, and Ohrid trout (Salmo letnica) n=3. The virus was detected in 43 samples (30.50%): rainbow trout (n=40), Macedonian trout (n=2), and Ohrid trout (n=1). There were 18 (38.30%) positive fish farms. The MAKIHNV1 isolate from 2018 (MN641902) and the newly isolated virus shared a similarity of >99 and were placed in clade E-1 of European genogroup E. The IHN has spread throughout the country and is also present in the autochthonous salmonids.
PubDate: Tue, 20 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT
- Serotonin Immunoreactive Cells in Extrahepatic Bile Ducts, Major Duodenal
Papilla and Gallbladder in the Domestic Pig
Abstract: The main part of serotonin in the body is synthesized and released by a certain type of enteroendocrine cells in the intestinal mucosa called enterochromaffin cells. The scarce qualitative and quantitative data on enterochromaffin and serotonin-positive mast cells in porcine extrahepatic bile ducts and gallbladder, motivated us to undertake the present study. The aim of this study was to determine the localization and density of serotonin-positive cells in the wall of the extrahepatic bile ducts and gallbladder in pigs. An immunohistochemical method was used to identify enterochromaffin cells and determine their percentage relative to the total number of endocrine cells labeled with chromogranin A. Serotonin-positive mast cells were identified after tryptase staining of serial sections. The endocrine function of mast cells was demonstrated by chromogranin A immunolabeling. The highest number of enterochromaffin cells were found in the intramural part of the ductus choledochus, followed by the papilla duodeni major, extramural part of the ductus choledochus, ductus hepaticus comunis, ductus cysticus, and gallbladder. In all parts of the extrahepatic bile ducts, the highest number of mast cells was found in the muscle layer, followed by the serosal layer and the propria. The expression of serotonin in the enterochromaffin cells of the biliary glands and in the mast cells of the analyzed organs suggests a possible synthesis of serotonin, which probably regulates physiological and pathological processes.
PubDate: Fri, 09 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT
- Reticulocyte Response in Paired Blood Samples of Infected Young and Adult
Dogs
Abstract: Acute B. canis infection can lead to an acute phase reaction (APR) in dogs. The parasite invades red blood cells causing anemia through immune-mediated hemolysis and possible erythropoietic suppression. A regenerative response of the erythroid lineage during the babesiosis has not been described in extension. This research examines hematologic parameters focusing on the absolute reticulocyte count and apolipoprotein A I (ApoA I) level on the day of admission and 14 days after treatment with imidocarb-dipropionate in young (n=11) and adult (n=11) dogs naturally infected with B. canis. Metabolic and inflammatory processes were characterized by analyzing protein and lipid profiles, as well as ApoA I at specified time points. Automated analyzers were used to determine complete blood count and biochemical parameters, while ApoA I was assessed using radioimmunoassay. The reticulocyte count was determined using a manual method by means of supravital staining. Both young and adult dogs with acute B. canis infection showed non-regenerative anemia without difference. Fourteen days after successful treatment with imidocarb-dipropionate, the anemia was corrected and a high reticulocyte count was observed (p<0.05). This indicates that the erythroid regenerative response was efficient in young and adult dogs, although vital signs, leukocyte count and triglyceride concentration suggest a more intense APR in young dogs. A decrease in ApoA I in both groups 14 days after treatment (p<0.01) confirmed that this lipoprotein acts as a positive acute-phase protein in acute B. canis infection in dogs, but further studies are needed to connect its role in erythroid lineage regeneration.
PubDate: Wed, 07 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT
- First Report of Bovine Coenurosis in North Macedonia
Abstract: Coenurosis is a cystic parasitic disease affecting ruminants and other mammals worldwide. The disease is caused by Coenurus cerebralis, the larval stage of the tapeworm Taenia multiceps. Sheep and goats are frequently infected, while cases in cattle are rare. Here we describe the first recorded case of bovine coenurosis in North Macedonia. The diagnosis was based on the neurological clinical signs and the postmortem findings of a 1-year-old bull with symptoms typical for coenurosis, i.e. ataxia, circling movements, mild depression and impaired vision. Postmortem, a cyst was found in the left cerebral hemisphere and was confirmed as fertile Coenurus cerebralis by parasitological analysis. These findings suggest that coenurosis should be considered part of the differential diagnosis in cattle with neurological symptoms. This highlights the need for routine surveillance of this disease in livestock and proactive tracking of the parasite in the final hosts to enhance disease management.
PubDate: Thu, 18 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT
- First Report of Bovine Coenurosis in North Macedonia
Abstract: Coenurosis is a cystic parasitic disease affecting ruminants and other mammals worldwide. The disease is caused by Coenurus cerebralis, the larval stage of the tapeworm Taenia multiceps. Sheep and goats are frequently infected, while cases in cattle are rare. Here we describe the first recorded case of bovine coenurosis in North Macedonia. The diagnosis was based on the neurological clinical signs and the postmortem findings of a 1-year-old bull with symptoms typical for coenurosis, i.e. ataxia, circling movements, mild depression and impaired vision. Postmortem, a cyst was found in the left cerebral hemisphere and was confirmed as fertile Coenurus cerebralis by parasitological analysis. These findings suggest that coenurosis should be considered part of the differential diagnosis in cattle with neurological symptoms. This highlights the need for routine surveillance of this disease in livestock and proactive tracking of the parasite in the final hosts to enhance disease management.
PubDate: Thu, 18 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT
- Protective Efficacy of a Locally Prepared Bivalent Duck Viral Hepatitis
“Serotypes 1 and 3” Inactivated Vaccine
Abstract: The spread of duck hepatitis virus (DHV) in Egypt with its’ most prevalent genotypes (1 and 3) causes vast economic losses in the duck industry despite the regular vaccination with live attenuated vaccines. However, the use of live-vaccines is considered a potential risk for the non-vaccinated birds due to the viral shedding from vaccinated populations. The current study aimed to evaluate the protective efficacy and safety of two inactivated monovalent and one bivalent vaccines against DHV 1 and 3 genotypes. The inactivated monovalent (DHAV-1, DHAV-3) and bivalent (DHAV-1+3) vaccines were produced by using Montanide ISA 70 oil as an adjuvant. Three groups of 4-week-old ducklings (n=50) were vaccinated with one of the three vaccines, respectively. One group of ducklings was used as negative control (n=25). The immune-response of the vaccinated groups was measured by Virus Neutralization Test and expressed with Neutralizing Indices (NIs). The NIs for the bivalent vaccine group (5.6 and 5.4) were higher compared to the monovalent vaccine groups (5.0 and 4.7). In conclusion, the use of inactivated bivalent DHV vaccine could produce higher protective efficacy compared to the monovalent DHAV-1 and DHAV-3 vaccines.
PubDate: Thu, 18 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT
- First Report of Infection in a Cat in North Macedonia
Abstract: The genus Bartonella are fastidious, Gram-negative intracellular vector-borne bacteria with zoonotic potential. Cats have a crucial epidemiological role in the transmission of Bartonella henselae, the primary causal agent of cat-scratch disease in humans. Here we describe the first report of B. henselae infection in a cat in North Macedonia after a suspected Bartonella infection in a 7-year-old boy. A combination of cultural and molecular methods for detecting B. henselae in the asymptomatic cat was used. A blood sample was cultured on a blood agar plate, where colonies became visible after nine days of incubation. The DNA of a single colony was extracted, and the isolate was confirmed as B. henselae by sequencing the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene and performing a Bartonella - specific PCR. The phylogenetic analysis demonstrated 100% similarity with B. henselae sequences, clustering on a single branch and establishing a distinct group. This finding indicates that B. henselae infection in cats circulates in North Macedonia and may affect feline and human health.
PubDate: Thu, 28 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Determination of the Expression of Bone Morphogen Protein 15 and its
Receptors in Laying Hens’ Ovary
Abstract: The objective of the current research was to determine expression, function and regulation of bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) during follicular development in laying hens. A trial was conducted with 40 layers from Lohman Klassik Brown breed (40 weeks old). At the end of the study fifteen layers were humanely killed and their ovaries were then dissected. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) expression of BMP15 was analyzed in the ooplasm and in granulosa cells. It was significantly higher in the ooplasm (p<0.01). BPM15 expression was not found in the granulosa cells from 6-8 mm and >9 mm follicles. The expression for bone morphogenetic protein 15 receptors (BMPR1B and BMPR2) in the granulosa cells was in significant positive correlation with the follicle size (p<0.05). The results obtained in this study demonstrate the possible role of BMP15 in developing oocytes. BMP15 expression is important for the growth regulation and signaling in the follicular cells in the preovulatory phase.
PubDate: Thu, 28 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- The Effects of Subsp. and Vitamin D on Immunological Response Following
Vaccination in Puppies
Abstract: This study aimed to determine the effects of oral application of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis and vitamin D on the immune response after vaccination in puppies. Crossbred dogs at the age of 55–65 days (n=21) of both sexes were grouped according to the application as follows: Group 1 - commercial polyvalent vaccine only (Vanguard 5L4, Zoetis); Group 2 -polyvalent vaccine and vitamin D; and Group 3 - polyvalent vaccine, B. animalis subsp. lactis, and vitamin D. The antibody titers, measured 3 weeks after the vaccination and after the 1st booster, demonstrated sufficient protective levels against the canine distemper virus but without significant difference between the groups when compare both values. No significant differences either, were observed in antibody titers against canine parvovirus after the initial vaccination. However, after the 1st booster, Group 2 samples showed significantly higher antibody titer value compared to the other groups (p<0.05). In conclusion, the dogs included in this study had an adequate antibody response to canine parvovirus and distemper viruses following the vaccination and 1st booster in all three groups of animals, and significant increasing of protective antibody titers against canine parvovirus virus the after the 1st booster in the group where B. animalis subsp. lactis was included.
PubDate: Thu, 28 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Effect of Seminal Plasma Protein Fractions on Cooled Dog Semen Kinetics
Abstract: Semen cooling and cryopreservation have revolutionized the field of reproductive biotechnologies. However, challenges persist in maintaining sperm quality and viability during these processes. The unsatisfactory results and the main problems are associated with low quality, viability, morphological, structural, and DNA integrity, changes in plasma membrane, ability to interact with female tract and decrease in sperm fertilization potential. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of seminal plasma proteins with different molecular weights on the kinetic parameters of dog spermatozoa during cold storage at 4 °C. The proteins were isolated from the dogs’ seminal plasma ranging between 6-200 kDa, separated in four fractions. The ejaculates (n=15) were collected from 6 heathy dogs which were pooled. Spermatozoa were extended with Tris medium alone (control) or with addition of one of the isolated protein fractions, and were then incubated at 4 °C for 2 hours. Sperm incubated with seminal plasma proteins ranging between 10-15 kDa had significantly higher total motility (37.01±2.98%), sperm progressiveness (15.97±1.91%), curvilinear line velocity (37.46±3.75 μm/s), linearity (26.18±1.00%), and straightness (45.94±2.03%) compared to the other groups incubated with higher molecular weight proteins and the control group. The findings of this study indicated that the use of certain proteins in seminal plasma can be beneficial for reducing the detrimental effect of cooling at 4 °C and preserving the viability of dog spermatozoa. It seemed that the presence of 10-15 kDa proteins from canine seminal plasma rendered the spermatozoa less amenable to the negative influence during cooling.
PubDate: Thu, 28 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Immunohistochemical Diagnostic Characteristics of Parvovirus Infection in
Dogs
Abstract: Thе current study goal was to compare the results from the histopathological and immunohistochemical findings in dogs that have previously been clinically diagnosed with parvovirus infection. The Canine parvovirus enteritis (PVE) is a highly contagious disease mostly affecting dogs below six months of age. The canine parvovirus (CPV) belongs to the parvoviridae family within the feline parvovirus sub group of the genus Parvovirus. This investigation was performed on twenty dogs 2 to 12 months old with previous clinical diagnosis for PVE, and it included necropsy, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry. The necropsy findings included severe hemorrhagic enteritis and enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes as most frequent and prominent changes. The histopathological changes were also most significant in these organs in the form of villus atrophy and lymphoid depletion, respectively. These areas revealed the highest expression of CPV antigen. The histopathological and immunohistochemical methods provide strong base for a reliable CPV diagnosis.
PubDate: Fri, 28 Jul 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Radiographic Evaluation of Left Atrial Size in Cavalier King Charles
Spaniel Dogs with Mitral Valve Disease
Abstract: Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is one of the most common heart diseases in Cavalier King Charles spaniel (CKCS) dogs. The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) uses clinical, echocardiographic, and radiographic criteria to diagnose the disease, but measurement of vertebral left atrial size (VLAS) provides a simpler assessment. The aim of this study was to determine VLAS values in MMVD cases of CKCS and to investigate their clinical significance at different MMVD stages. Eighteen CKCS dogs of both sexes, different ages and weights, and different MMVD stages (6 at B1 stage, 6 at B2 stage, and 6 at C stage) were included in the study, as well as 6 healthy CKCS as control group A. We performed clinical, radiological, and echocardiographic examinations. VHS and VLAS values were significantly higher in the MMVD group than in the control group (p<0.001). VLAS showed high diagnostic accuracy in the detection of LA enlargement (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.98, cutoff ≥ 2.25, sensitivity: 88%, specificity: 100%, p<0.001). We also found high positive correlations between the VLAS and other values (LA /Ao, LVIDDn, and VHS) (r=0.88, r=0.88, and r=0.86, respectively) (p<0.001). It has been concluded that a VLAS value ≥2.25 can provide a meaningful diagnosis of left atrial enlargement in dogs with MMVD CKCS.
PubDate: Fri, 28 Jul 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- The Effects of Tacrolimus and Erythropoietin on Histopathologic and
Functional Recovery of Sciatic Nerve Crush in Mice
Abstract: Currently, despite decades of trial and error, peripheral nerve injury is an impenetrable clinical dilemma. Any proven effective pharmacologic agent leads to a decisive leap forward to the clinical management of neuropathies. This study investigated the effects of tacrolimus and erythropoietin on sciatic nerve regeneration. Twenty-three mice were randomly assigned to tacrolimus, erythropoietin, tacrolimus + erythropoietin, control, and sham groups following sciatic nerve crush via hemostatic forceps. Medications were administered for 28 consecutive days. The sham group received neither crush injury nor medication. Histopathologic, immunohistochemical, and walking track analyses were performed. In the erythropoietin group, axonal swelling was significantly reduced and the average axonal number significantly recovered up to 75% of normal nerve compared to other groups. Marked immunoreactivity to GFAP and S-100 protein was present in the tacrolimus group. Nevertheless, at least moderate GFAP and S-100 expressions were observed in all of the groups. Functional recovery was superior in the tacrolimus group after 14 days, although a complete return to near-normal function was achieved in all groups after 28 days, regardless of the medication used. Our data supported the neurotrophic effects of tacrolimus and erythropoietin; however, not enough data was gathered to confirm their synergistic effects. Whether these results are extensible to clinical scenarios requires further detailed investigations.
PubDate: Sat, 15 Jul 2023 00:00:00 GMT
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