A two-year-old male sulcata tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata), weighing 8 kg, was presented to Kedonganan Veterinary Hospital, Bali, Indonesia, with a four-day history of inappetence and absence of defecation, accompanied by white, foamy urine. Radiographic examination revealed the presence of calculi within the urinary bladder. Surgical removal of the bladder calculi was therefore indicated, and the procedure was performed using a lateral transplastron coeliotomy approach. Anesthesia was induced with ketamine and maintained with isoflurane. Postoperatively, enrofloxacin, dexamethasone, vitamin B complex, and fentanyl were administered via injection, followed by continued oral administration of enrofloxacin and dexamethasone for seven days. On the seventh postoperative day, the tortoise had become active again and was able to urinate and accept assisted feeding. Three years after surgery, the tortoise remained healthy without any complications.
The Kyrgyz Taigan is an autochthonous breed of Central Asian sighthounds, created and preserved in the specific geographic and climatic conditions of Kyrgyzstan. Although this hound plays a significant role in traditional hunting and is an important part of the national heritage, data on its morphometric characteristics are limited. The aim of this research was to determine the basic morphometric characteristics of the Kyrgyz Taigan and to examine the existence of sexual dimorphism in body measurements. Twenty-one body parameters were analyzed. Morphometric measurements were performed by non-invasive methods using Lydthin’s measurement stick, tape and a Vernier caliper. The obtained data were processed with descriptive statistics, while the differences between the sexes were examined using the Student’s t-test. The results indicate the presence of pronounced sexual dimorphism in most height and length parameters, whereby males are, on average, larger and more robust than females. Statistically significant differences were found in the dimensions that are directly related to the general body frame and functional strength of the dog. This pattern indicates the functional adaptation of the breed to the requirements of hunting, while maintaining the proportionality of the body structure.
This case report describes the early clinical and laboratory course of an orphaned wild Bosnian Mountain Horse foal, with the aim of highlighting the diagnostic value of age-appropriate interpretation of clinicopathological findings during early life. The report is of particular interest because published data on the clinical monitoring of orphaned foals of this breed remain limited. The case included repeated hematological and biochemical analyses, coprological examinations, and dermatological evaluations, initiated partly due to the occurrence of two distinct skin lesions. Laboratory findings obtained at approximately two and four months of age were interpreted with consideration of age-related physiological variations characteristic of foals. Progressive decreases in erythrocyte parameters were consistent with physiological anemia of foals, while leukocyte profiles, platelet counts, and biochemical values reflected normal developmental adaptation rather than pathological changes. Two clinically distinct skin conditions were identified during follow-up. The first was a localized periocular dermatophytosis caused by Microsporum canis, diagnosed by microbiological analysis of skin scraping collected from the lesion margins. The second was diffuse, irregular, poorly demarcated alopecic lesion of non-infectious origin, supported by negative microbiological and parasitological findings from skin scrapings and by spontaneous regression without specific therapy. Despite early-life challenges associated with orphan status and suboptimal nutrition, the foal maintained stable systemic health throughout the monitoring period. This case underscores the importance of age-appropriate interpretation of clinicopathological parameters and comprehensive clinical assessment in orphaned or free-ranging foals.
Bovine mastitis presents a significant health and economic issue in dairy farming, typically caused by common bacterial pathogens, but atypical organisms such as non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) may occasionally be involved. Among rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM), Mycolicibacterium smegmatis is usually considered an environmental saprophyte, although sporadic mastitis cases have been described. In this article, a rare case of bovine mastitis in a Simmental cow is presented. The animal showed no systemic clinical signs and failed to respond to intramammary antibiotic therapy. Milk culture revealed acid-fast rods with features consistent with RGM, but MALDI-TOF MS did not provide conclusive identification. Final confirmation was obtained by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, showing 99.73% similarity to M. smegmatis. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed resistance to cefoxitin, clarithromycin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, while the isolate was sensitive to aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, carbapenems, and linezolid. Rifampicin and azithromycin exhibited high minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values consistent with known reduced susceptibility. This case illustrates the diagnostic difficulties associated with atypical mycobacteria, particularly the limitations of conventional phenotypic methods and the importance of molecular approaches. It also underlines the need to consider RGM in cases of mastitis that do not respond to conventional therapy and adds to the limited body of evidence documenting their role in bovine pathology.
Protozoan diseases within the oral cavity of companion animals are quite rare, and such cases are not common in veterinary cytology. In this case report, we describe a case of oral cavity amebiasis in a four-year-old Basenji dog with signs of severe generalized stomatitis and bilateral mandibular lymph node enlargement. In touch imprint cytologic samples, among inflammatory and epithelial cells, protozoa with morphologic features characteristic of Entamoeba gingivalis were found. After diagnosis the patient was successfully treated with a combination of local and systemic metronidazole two times per day for three weeks. Therefore, in cases of generalized gingivostomatitis in dogs, there is reason to suspect the presence of protozoal agents and pay more attention to evaluating touch imprint smears from the oral cavity.
Wild boars are important reservoirs of Aujeszky’s disease virus and African swine fever (ASF), making the animals a key factor in the spread of these diseases to domestic pig populations. One of the most common routes of virus transmission among wild boars is sexual contact, particularly during the close contact associated with mating, while migration and interactions with human activities further facilitate the spread of infections. The seroprevalence of Aujeszky’s disease varies across Europe, ranging from 0% to over 50%, depending on the region. In Serbia, the first case of ASF in domestic pigs was confirmed in 2019, and in wild boars in 2020 in border areas. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of Aujeszky’s disease virus and ASF in the wild boar population in central Serbia, specifically within the epizootiological units of Pomoravlje and Šumadija. The research was conducted using molecular and serological methods to detect the viruses and specific antibodies. Additionally, the spatial and temporal distributions of these diseases in the observed area were analyzed. For the purposes of this study, samples from wild boars of different sexes and ages were analyzed. The samples were collected during the hunting season from August to November 2023 in the territories of the Pomoravlje and Šumadija districts. A total of 90 samples were examined, with blood sera used for serological analysis and organs (spleen and kidney) from the same animals used for molecular analysis. Serological analysis of the examined samples revealed a high concentration of antibodies against Aujeszky’s disease virus in wild boars from both Pomoravlje and Šumadija. Regarding ASF virus, positive serological findings in the wild boars were recorded only in Pomoravlje, while all samples from Šumadija tested negative. Based on the total number of samples examined (n=90), the seroprevalence of Aujeszky’s disease was determined to be 26.7%, while that of ASF was 3.3%. Molecular analysis of wild boar organs did not confirm the presence of viral genetic material for either Aujeszky’s disease or ASF. Serological findings indicate ongoing circulation of these viruses in wild boars and a potential risk to domestic pigs. Continuous monitoring is, therefore, essential for early detection and effective disease prevention.
Wooden breast, white striping, spaghetti meat and green muscle disease are myopathies that occur on the breast muscles of broilers due to their rapid growth during rearing. These myopathies are characterized by histological changes and negatively affect the quality of broiler meat, thus leading to economic losses. The aim of the study was to determine the histological features of broiler meat with myopathies and the influence of myopathies on morphometric traits and meat quality characteristics of the breast muscles. Data were collected from 80 broiler breast fillets, which underwent macroscopic examination 24 hours post-slaughter, followed by histological analysis of a subset (n = 46). Physicochemical indicators (pH and temperature), meat color, water holding capacity, as well as morphometric traits (weight, width, length and thickness) were determined in all breast muscle samples. Macroscopic examination of breast muscles revealed the presence of myopathies in 50/80 (62.50%) broilers. Wooden breast was identified in 22.50% (n = 18) of broilers, white striping in 13.75% (n = 11), spaghetti meat in 16.25% (n = 13), while green muscle disease was detected in 10.00% (n = 8) of the birds. Histological analysis of broiler breast muscles affected by myopathies revealed degeneration and necrosis, hypereosinophilia, loss of cross-striations, sarcoplasmic vacuolization, fiber fragmentation and the presence of inflammatory cells. Broilers with myopathies had significantly lower breast muscle weight compared to individuals without myopathies. The presence of myopathies negatively affected meat quality characteristics, in terms of high ultimate pH, inadequate water holding capacity (lower thawing and cooking loss) and unfavorable meat color (too high or low L* value). In conclusion, meat from broilers affected by any of the studied myopathies does not fulfill the standards for market placement and is suitable only for processing into lower-quality meat products.
Salmonella is among the leading foodborne pathogens in the European Union, with Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium being the most frequently reported serovars. Traditional methods for Salmonella identification and serotyping, such as ISO standards, are time-consuming and labor-intensive. MALDI-TOF MS has emerged as a rapid and reliable tool for bacterial identification. This study evaluated the ability of MALDI-TOF MS in identifying Salmonella isolates collected from various stages of chicken and pork meat production. Eight pathogenic isolates (four S. Enteritidis and four S. Typhimurium) were analyzed using both direct colony transfer and protein extraction methods. Results showed that the direct transfer method yielded low-confidence or no identification for four isolates. However, all isolates were successfully identified with high-confidence scores (> 2.00) after protein extraction. Despite the good scores, all isolates were identified only at the genus level (Salmonella sp.), consistent with current limitations of the MALDI Biotyper database. Nevertheless, best database matches after protein extraction indicated potential for more detailed classification. This study confirms that MALDI-TOF MS, particularly when combined with protein extraction, is a valuable method for rapid screening and identification of Salmonella sp. In food production chain. However, its inability to perform accurate serotyping highlights the need for improved databases and computational approaches. Future integration of machine learning and expanded reference spectra may enhance the serotype-level resolution of MALDI-TOF MS.
The combined effect of tramadol and meloxicam on peripheral and visceral analgesia were the main focus of this study evaluation of the pharmacological interaction between the two drugs in mice. Using the up-and-down approach, the median effective analgesic doses (ED50) were found to be 17.2 mg/kg for intraperitoneal tramadol and 3.26 mg/kg for intramuscular meloxicam. When the medications were mixed at a 1:1 ratio of their ED50 values, isobolographic analysis showed a synergistic effect (Y = 0.92), with tramadol and meloxicam doses being reduced by 56.3% and 51.8%, respectively. The combination outperformed the effects of either medication alone (tramadol: 65%; meloxicam: 55%) in the acetic acid-induced writhing test, producing full analgesia (100% writhing inhibition) when compared to the control group. These results show that tramadol and meloxicam work together to improve antinociception, supporting their combined use for multimodal pain management.
As grazing herbivores, pet rabbits are known to ingest household plants, some proven to cause intoxication. A previously healthy 2-year-old intact female rabbit was presented with inappetence that lasted about 12 hours. The rabbit was described as free-roaming and had been nibbling on leaves of a new plant over the last month. It was identified as the Madagascar dragon tree (Dracaena marginata), a saponin-containing plant, known to be toxic in other companion animals. Following a clinical examination, complete blood and urine analyses were performed, revealing azotemia and tubular proteinuria. Additionally, the rabbit tested positive for IgM and IgG antibodies against Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Ultrasonographic examination showed bilaterally enlarged kidneys with unclear demarcation of cortex and medulla, and a hyperechoic zone in the renal pelvis. The day after presentation, the patient died. The necropsy revealed petechial hemorrhages in the lungs, congestion of the spleen, and degenerative changes in the kidneys, liver, and heart. Histopathological examination of the kidneys indicated tubular necrosis and interstitial nephritis. Non-purulent encephalitis with perivascular infiltration of lymphocytes and histiocytes was also found. Based on the detected IgM and IgG antibodies against E. cuniculi, it is possible that the active infection contributed to the worsening of the patient’s health, with a consecutive death after prolonged ingestion of the toxic plant, or vice versa. Additionally, to the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first (laboratory) confirmed case of E. cuniculi infection in a pet rabbit in Serbia, which raises the awareness of the presence of this zoonotic pathogen.
Canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC), also known as kennel cough, is a highly contagious multifactorial syndrome in dogs, caused by both bacterial and viral pathogens. Disease is predominantly observed in environments with high canine density, such as shelters. Although CIRDC is typically presented with mild to moderate clinical manifestations, in puppies and immunocompromised dogs, CIRDC can lead to severe clinical manifestations. The present review provides a systematic analysis of 68 peer-reviewed publications and reports from 1965 to 2025, to examine worldwide prevalence rates and geographic distribution of pathogens associated with CIRDC. Data were extracted from five major scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science), focusing on the frequency of pathogens, their geographical distributions and detection methodologies. The most frequently identified bacterial agents are Bordetella bronciseptica and Mycoplasma spp., and among viral agents, canine parainfluenza virus and canine respiratory coronavirus. Canine influenza virus is rarely detected in Europe, but has been detected in shelter dogs in the U.S. Notably, CIRDC is characterized by a high co-infection rate. The review highlights the importance of updated diagnostics, targeted vaccination strategies and enhanced surveillance systems. Data from Serbia are scarce, underscoring the urgent need for national prevalence studies and improved vaccine coverage.
Caenorhabditis elegans is a nematode that is known as an alternative model for research. Adult forms are about 1mm long, while larvae reach a length of 0.25 mm. This nematode is easily grown in laboratories in a special nematode growth medium (NGM) with a layer of the bacterium Escherichia coli, on which C. elegans feeds. The worms exist in two natural sexes. C. elegans is one of the most frequently used experimental model organisms in biomedicine. The main advantages of C. elegans as a model organism are its small size, high reproductive capacity, simple cultivation, low maintenance costs, the possibility of long preservation at low temperatures, very short reproductive time and good visibility. C. elegans has been used for analysis of toxicants, investigation of cancer, discovery of antiparasitics and anticancer drugs, and investigation of the functions of the neuromuscular system. The C. elegans model is successful for identifying and characterizing molecular drug targets of all classes of anthelmintics acting on the nervous system. All these characteristics make C. elegans a valuable and prospective model organism in biomedical research. This review article primarily focuses on the utility of C. elegans as a model organism in the evaluation of anthelmintic substances, with particular emphasis on essential oils and natural products, while briefly highlighting its general biomedical applications. The main goal of this paper is to demonstrate our application of this model in some antinematodal research.
Pneumoperitoneum is an urgent condition that requires immediate surgical intervention regardless of the cause. This article presents a three-year-old mixed-breed dog that was diagnosed with pneumoperitoneum by radiological examination. In daily clinical practice, radiological imaging of the abdominal organs is performed with two standard projections (lateral and ventrodorsal). In most cases, however, a pneumoperitoneum cannot be diagnosed with these projections. This article therefore presents radiological imaging with a horizontal X-ray beam, which can be used to diagnose pneumoperitoneum with certainty. It also presents the radiological signs that veterinarians need to look for to diagnose this pathological condition.
A wild, unmarked swan with a trauma of the left wing was found in the Belgrade metropolitan area. After a physical and radiographic examination, it was determined that the swan had a fracture of the left humerus. After a one-day stabilization, the swan underwent intervention, stabilization of the left humerus with an intramedullary pin, a plate (LC DCP 2.7 mm) and 8 × cortical rods (2.7 mm). The patient was under complete monitoring during the surgical intervention under general inhalation anesthesia (sevoflurane). According to our knowledge is the first described case of surgical repair of a fractured humerus in a wild swan in Serbia. After the surgical procedure was performed, the wild swan was under constant veterinary supervision. After full recovery, the swan was released at the location where it was found. This case presents the importance of quick and adequate patient evaluation, selection of a proper anesthetic protocol, and importance of postoperative care in avian orthopedic patients.
Osteosarcoma (OSA) is a malignant bone neoplasm of mesenchymal origin characterized by the proliferation of osteoblasts, being considered rare in birds. This paper discusses a rare occurrence of osteosarcoma in a wing with pulmonary metastasis in a Agapornis roseicollis, with a history of prostration and a drooping left wing for two days. Radiographic examination revealed findings indicative of an aggressive bone lesion in the proximal third of the left ulna, and signs of a pathological fracture in the ipsilateral radius. Additionally, a focal nodular lesion was identified in the left pulmonary field within the coelomic cavity. Cytological examination of the wing neoformation revealed signs of infiltrative, non-encapsulated malignant neoplastic proliferation of osteoblasts, consistent with a malignant mesenchymal neoplasm. Three days later, the patient died, and post-mortem and histopathological examinations of the lesions were consistent with OSA in the wing associated with pulmonary metastasis. Due to the scarcity of data regarding this theme, the present report could be useful for veterinarians.
Serratiopeptidase, a proteolytic enzyme derived from Streptomyces griseus, has been traditionally used in the treatment of inflammation and pain. Recent studies have suggested its potential anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. This study aimed to investigate the effects of serratiopeptidase on anxiety-like and despair-like behaviors in mice. Male mice were divided into five groups: control, sertraline (positive control), and three serratiopeptidase dose groups (5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, and 20 mg/ kg). Serratiopeptidase was administered orally for 15 days. Behavioral tests, i.e., the elevated plus maze, light-dark box test, tail suspension test, and forced swimming test, were conducted on day 15. Results demonstrated significant, dose-dependent efficacy: compared with the control group, serratiopeptidase at 20 mg/kg increased open-arm time in the elevated plus maze (mean time was 120.6 ± 7.3 s) and light-compartment exploration in the light-dark box (149.2 ± 10.7 s), indicating robust anxiolytic effects. In depression-related paradigms and again compared with the control group, serratiopeptidase (10–20 mg/kg) reduced immobility time in the tail suspension test (meat time was 33.6 ± 3.8 s and 33.0 ± 2.9 s, respectively) and the forced swimming test (18.8 ± 2.3 s and 22.4 ± 3.1 s, respectively), surpassing sertraline in efficacy. These findings suggest that serratiopeptidase could have some anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects, but further research is needed to confirm these effects and determine the optimal dose and underlying mechanisms.
A nine-year-old intact male domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was presented with an enlarged left testis. Following surgical castration, histopathologic examination of the affected testis revealed a granular cell tumor. The tumor cells tested positive for PAS and Melan A. Testicular hypoplasia was diagnosed in the contralateral testis. The animal recovered uneventfully. More than a year later, the animal died from unrelated cause. Necropsy revealed a hepatic neoplasm, along with pulmonary and renal changes. There was no evidence of metastasis from the testicular granular cell tumor. Microscopic examination identified a biliary adenoma with multifocal biliary hyperplasia in the liver, moderate interstitial pneumonia, hyperplastic changes in the pulmonary arterial blood vessels, and end stage kidney disease. This case report supports existing literature indicating that testicular granular cell tumors in rabbits are benign and that surgical castration is curative. It remains unclear whether hypoplasia of the contralateral testis influenced neoplastic proliferation. The biliary adenoma was an incidental necropsy finding and could have progressed from biliary hyperplasia.
Climate change is regarded as a critical issue for public health. Each year, its impact on human and animal health becomes increasingly evident as the risk of zoonosis transmission is exacerbated by extreme weather events and the movement of vectors into new areas. These changes are causing extensive consequences, affecting human health, the environment, and the global economy. Therefore, collective action is considered essential to mitigate the effects of climate change and safeguard public health for future generations. This study investigates the perceptions, knowledge, and practices of Portuguese citizens concerning vector-borne zoonoses and their connection to climate change. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out by distributing a survey to 147 individuals. The findings indicated that, on average, 80% of participants were aware of zoonoses, with the least recognised vector-borne zoonoses identified as the chikungunya virus and West Nile virus. Approximately 93% of the study population reported that they perceived temperatures in the warmer months have risen each year, with more than half of the participants noting an increase in the prevalence of vectors in the country during these months in recent years. Additionally, the results demonstrated that the majority of participants, about 93%, believed that veterinarians provided inadequate information regarding vector-borne zoonoses. The findings further revealed that the sampled population was unprepared for the realities increasingly faced in Europe and Portugal, with only 42% of participants reporting the use of preventive measures, such as repellents, against vectors. Consequently, there is a need for enhanced education and awareness campaigns, as well as a more proactive role from veterinarians in disseminating information and prevention strategies.
This case report presents the basic parameters that led to the identification of a mould from the genus Scedosporium, isolated from mastitic cow?s milk. The macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the isolate and the result of the identification by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry are given. As this is the first report on the identification of Scedosporium in the Balkan region, the data could be useful for laboratories in the region working with materials of animal origin.
Canine brucellosis is a disease that in most cases causes symptoms ranging from mild to severe reproductive disorders. In most infected animals though, the disease is inapparent, making clinical diagnosis very difficult. The only method by which a diagnosis can be made with certainty is the isolation of Brucella canis. When serological tests are performed, a large number of false positive results occur due to the presence of antigenic surface determinants common to B. canis and other bacteria. Blood sera from 225 dogs were tested using the 2-ME TAT method and in-house ELISA tests using antigen extracts obtained by thermal extraction and by ultrasonication. Electrophoretic analysis and densitometric quantification of the antigen showed that in the thermally-extracted antigen, the most abundant molecular mass fraction was 10.95 kDa with a proportion of 43.12 %, which corresponded to the R-LPS of Brucella. The same fraction was present in the ultrasonicated extract, but accounted for 11.56 % of the protein mass, i.e., 3.7 times lower than in the thermal extraction. The protein composition of the ultrasonicated antigen was significantly richer than in the thermal extraction, and the quantitative composition was dominated by proteins with molecular masses of 30.5, 24.5, 38.0 and 22.0 kDa, which belonged to the outer membrane proteins. In the ELISA test with the thermally-derived antigen, 44 (19.55 %) of 225 sera tested positive, while in the ELISA test with the ultrasonicated antigen, 37 (16.44 %) were positive. In addition to the 2-ME TAT, the use of an indirect ELISA test performed on ultrasonically extracted antigen is recommended for serological testing in order to make an as accurate as possible diagnosis.
