Abstract This study analyzed the effects of varying relative humidity (RH) on the internal and microbiological quality of eggs stored at ambient temperature (22±2°C) for 28 days. Medium-sized eggs, produced by 60-week-old Lohmann Brown hens (n=30), were selected randomly and allocated into sealed chambers set to 20%, 60%, or 100% RH. Egg weight s were measured weekly, while internal quality attributes were evaluated at the conclusion of the storage duration. Eggs stored at 20% RH exhibited the highest weight loss (5.9%), whereas those at 100% RH showed minimal moisture loss (0.39%). Eggs stored at 20% RH also exhibited the highest yolk redness. Compared to 96.7% and 100% in the 60% and 20% RH groups, respectively, only 36.7% of eggs stored at 100% RH remained organoleptically acceptable for consumption after 28 days, based on predefined classification criteria. The 60% RH condition resulted in the poorest albumen structure, as reflected by the lowest Haugh unit scores. The length and width of the albumen decreased at 20% RH, while yolk pH remained unaffected by the humidity level. The yolk index declined as humidity increased. Eggs stored at 100% RH harbored the highest microbial loads, including mold, yeast, and aerobic bacteria, whereas the lowest shell contamination was observed at 20% RH. No significant differences in microbial counts were identified between the 20% and 60% RH groups. In conclusion, storage at low humidity (20%) was associated with better preservation of selected quality whereas saturated humidity (100%) was associated with significant quality deterioration and an increased risk of contamination.
Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel combined with nanohydroxyapatite (HA) on bone regeneration in critical-sized diaphyseal defects in rabbits. Fourteen clinically healthy adult New Zealand White rabbits were divided into two groups: control (HA only, n=7) and experimental (HA+PRP, n=7). Standardized defects were created in the radius (≥1.5× bone diameter), and radiological, histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed on days 30, 60, and 90 post-surgery. Radiographically, the PRP group demonstrated earlier bone bridge formation and complete defect filling by day 90, with significantly higher healing coefficients (0.64 vs 0.21; p<0.05). Histological evaluation revealed accelerated callus maturation and active osteogenesis with organized bone marrow in the PRP group, whereas the HA group showed incomplete union and persistent fibrous tissue. Immunohistochemical staining (CD34) confirmed neovascularization and hematopoietic precursor cell proliferation in the PRP-treated defects. The combined use of nanohydroxyapatite and PRP gel significantly enhanced osteoregeneration and shortened healing time in critical-sized bone defects.
The retrospective study investigated hematological and biochemical differences in dogs with neoplastic splenic disease (NSD), comparing malignant versus non-malignant, as well as malignant lymphoid versus malignant non-lymphoid tumors. The research included 20 dogs with splenic disease admitted at the University Veterinary Hospital in Skopje within three years. Each dog underwent clinical examination, abdominal ultrasound, blood, serum, and cytology analysis. Based on cytological findings, dogs were divided into two groups: malignant (M, n=14) and benign (B, n=6) spleen disease. The M group was further divided into malignant lymphoid (ML, n=6) and malignant non-lymphoid (MNL, n=8) subgroups. Data (mean +/- SEM) was analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U Test with significance levels set at p<0.05. The M group had significantly higher values than B group for white blood cell (32.08 +/- 9.29 and 7.37 +/- 0.96x10(9)/L, respectively), monocyte (2.89 +/- 1.09 and 0.64 +/- 0.12x10(9)/L, respectively), neutrophil counts (17.46 +/- 3.80 and 5.39 +/- 0.88x10(9)/L, respectively), alanine aminotransferase (82.52 +/- 12.49 and 36.89 +/- 4.14 IU/L, respectively), and alkaline phosphatase levels (279.16 +/- 62.06 and 111.80 +/- 15.40 IU/L, respectively). Within the M group, ML subgroup had significantly higher values than MNL for white blood cell (62.80 +/- 19.65 and 15.02 +/- 3.03x10(9)/L, respectively) and neutrophil counts (29.02 +/- 7.86 and 11.04 +/- 2.22x10(9)/L, respectively), but lower for alkaline phosphatase (252.80 +/- 56.02 and 293.80 +/- 93.76 U/L, respectively). Ultrasonographic findings of heterogenous hypoechoic nodules ('leopard' pattern), pleomorphic lymphoblasts infiltration, and elevated leucocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, alanine transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase, may aid in differentiating malignant from benign NSD in dogs. Additional to the ultrasonographic and cytology findings, elevated leucocytes, neutrophils, and alkaline phosphatase effectively differentiate lymphoid from non-lymphoid NSD in dogs.
Chronic hyperglycemia-induced imbalances in renal carbohydrate metabolism and oxidative stress contribute to diabetic kidney complications, highlighting the urgent need for therapies targeting both pathways. This study evaluates nephroprotective effects of Hypericum perforatum L. extracts-wild Hyperici herba (HH) and hairy root (HR)-in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Male Wistar rats received single intraperitoneal streptozotocin injection (45 mg/kg body weight) with diabetes confirmed by fasting blood glucose >15 mmol/L. Diabetic rats were treated with daily oral doses of HH or HR extracts for 14 consecutive days. Renal carbohydrate metabolism was assessed through glycogen content, glucose levels, glucose-6-phosphate content, glucose-6-phosphatase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities. Oxidative stress markers evaluated included catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase activities, total glutathione levels, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Diabetes induced 1.56-fold renal glucose increase, 1.7-fold glycogen accumulation, 47.5% higher glucose-6-phosphatase activity, 39.4% lower glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity, 44% catalase reduction, and elevated MDA levels. Both extracts significantly improved these parameters; HH reduced glucose-6-phosphatase by 33.1%, restored dehydrogenase by 61.5%; HR showed superior effects (37.5% and 67.3% respectively) plus normalized glycogen and enhanced catalase above controls. Glibenclamide had limited effects. Xanthone-enriched HR extract demonstrated superior nephroprotection versus HH and glibenclamide through comprehensive restoration of carbohydrate metabolism and antioxidant defenses in diabetic nephropathy.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease in dogs, characterized by progressive cartilage deterioration, chronic pain, and reduced mobility. This prospective, cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of OA-associated pain and identify key risk factors in a cohort of 259 dogs through an owner-completed online survey. The survey incorporated three validated pain and mobility assessment tools: the Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD), the Helsinki Chronic Pain Index (HCPI), and the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI). Dogs exhibiting consistent signs of pain across all three tools (n=56) were selected for a full clinical evaluation, and diagnostic imaging. Most dogs were purebred (80.7%), male (61.8%), overweight (61.0%), and 3-9 years old (57.5%). Pain scores from all three assessment tools revealed significant associations between severity of OA and age, weight category, and body condition score (BCS). Notably, BCS was the strongest predictor of moderate to severe OA, followed by weight category and age. Notably, a discrepancy was observed between owner-reported mobility concerns (28.6%) and the clinical findings, highlighting the limitations of subjective assessment. These findings confirm that advanced age and, more significantly, excess body weight are primary contributors to the severity of canine OA. Furthermore, the study underscores the importance of objective diagnostic tools and owner education in the early identification and management of OA. Preventive strategies, including weight control, regular monitoring, and timely interventions, are crucial for improving outcomes in affected dogs.
Veterinary diagnostic techniques are pivotal for the early identification and effective treatment planning, making them central to advancing veterinary oncology. They underpin the accurate identification and characterisation of neoplastic diseases, helping to guide effective treatment planning and improve animal health outcomes. This review emphasises the critical role of diverse diagnostic techniques, including cytology, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, radiographic imaging (X-ray, computed tomography, positron mission tomography, magnetic resonance imaging), serology, and molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), fluorescence in situ hybridization, and gene sequencing, that are critical for tumour diagnosis in veterinary practice. Despite their indispensability, these methods face significant challenges, mainly a lack of comprehensive standardisation and limited validation of established protocols and grading schemes. Recognising these related issues will assist in resolving them, which is vital for improving diagnostic accuracy, promoting innovation, and equipping veterinary professionals to make informed and effective clinical oncology decisions, thereby advancing both veterinary care and research.
Even though viral replication and typical clinical symptoms of the infection in pigs are exclusively limited to the upper and lower respiratory tract, there have been case reports demonstrating correlation of IAV with reproductive health issues in sows, probably related to the effect of cytokines. The trial was conducted in a subclinically infected high-performing 8,000-head sow herd immunised against the influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 virus using RESPIPORC FLUpan H1N1 (Ceva Santé Animale, Libourne, France). The aim of this longitudinal field investigation was to evaluate the alterations in key reproductive performance indicators (i.e. abortion rate, return to oestrus rate, farrowing rate, and number of piglets born alive, stillbirths, and born weak per litter) before and after implementation of the vaccine. A significant improvement in selected indicators was achieved. After implementation of the vaccination against the influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 virus, the mean abortion rate decreased significantly (p=0.0025) in site A, whereas it remained unaffected in Site B. The return to oestrus rate increased significantly (p=0.0091) in Site B only (2.23% to 2.97%). The mean number of piglets born alive increased significantly at both locations (p<0.0001), reaching 17.7 animals per litter in each. The mean number of weak piglets born per litter was not significantly affected. Analysis of the number of mummified and stillborn piglets revealed a significant reduction of these parameters at both locations. The mean farrowing rates were not significantly altered by the vaccination. The findings highlight the role of less obvious problems affecting porcine reproduction.
Intestinal parasites in shelter dogs present significant health risk to animals and humans. This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence, risk factors, and zoonotic implications of intestinal parasites in 156 shelter dogs across all eight regions of North Macedonia. Fecal samples were analyzed using fecal smears and flotation techniques. The overall prevalence was 70.51%, with hookworms (Ancylostomatidae) (36.54%), Giardia spp. (24.36%), and Trichuris spp. (21.79%) identified as the most prevalent parasites. Significant risk factors included young age, mixed breed, and regional variations. Although the treatment reduced infection rates, regional disparities remained. These findings underscore the urgent need for standardized deworming protocols and One Health strategies to mitigate zoonotic risks.
Brucella is the causative agent of brucellosis, a serious zoonotic bacterial illness that affects a variety of mammals worldwide. Brucellosis control and eradication programs mainly depend on effective and safe vaccination programs and accurate diagnostic tools. Animals are typically tested for bovine brucellosis using the complement fixation test (CFT), indirect ELISA (I-ELISA), and slide agglutination assays. The aim of the work is to produce freeze-dried slide agglutination antigens to be a strategic store for emergency outbreaks and to evaluate these antigens based on their diagnostic performance characteristics. In-house freeze-dried and liquid Rose Bengal antigens and freeze-dried and Liquid Buffered Acidified Plate Agglutination antigens were developed. I-ELISA with in-house produced antigen titrated and coated with smooth lipopolysaccharide was prepared and validated. The diagnostic performance parameters for each test were estimated using CFT as a gold standard test. The diagnostic performance characteristics for slide agglutination tests using different antigen preparations were estimated using CFT as a reference test. The study included 95 bovine sera tested for brucellosis. The Rose Bengal plate test was positive in 68 and 67 of sera by both LRB and FDRB, respectively. BAPA was positive in 72, 71, and 58 of sera when tested by LBAPA, FDBAPA, and I-ELISA respectively, while 48 sera were positive when confirmed by CFT. It was concluded that the newly prepared freeze-dried slide agglutination antigens were approximately as efficient as traditionally prepared antigens in terms of diagnostic performance items.
In Serbia, a growing demand for donkey milk is driving an increase in dairy donkey farms. This paper describes the demography and management practices at dairy donkey farms in Serbia using semi-structured face-to-face interviews with their owners. Additionally, microbiology of raw donkey milk was conducted to assess its hygienic quality and safety. The results show that most owners were male, aged over 51, who had not participated in dairy farming training courses (8/9; 88.89%). Most of the farms were located in North Serbia; they were family-run, with more than 20 animals in the herd. At the farms, straw was predominantly used as bedding material. Inadequate bedding hygiene and shelter dustiness were reported in 22.22% and 55.56% of the farms, respectively. Only two owners reported undertaking disinfection procedures for shelters or stables. All donkeys were fed hay supplemented with corn or oats, while wheat bran was provided at two farms. Healthcare measures such as vaccination and dental care were not carried out at the investigated farms, while deworming had never been performed on four of them (44.44%). The most common reported health problems were sudden death, abortion, stillbirth, and laminitis. Fore-milking was not performed on any of the farms. The post-milking procedure involved filtering through cotton gauze, packing in plastic bottles, and then refrigerating and/or freezing the milk, to be later sold at the farm. Presence of food-borne pathogens in raw donkey milk was not detected. Our results could help identify the key problems in country-specific donkey dairy management.
Cisplatin is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, but its clinical application is often limited due to its nephrotoxic effects, largely mediated through proinflammatory cytokines. This study investigates the comparative effectiveness of micellar and liposomal formulations of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in modulating serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) in a rat model of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Ninety Wistar rats were divided into control group and five experimental groups receiving various treatments, including cisplatin alone, micellar CoQ10, liposomal CoQ10, and combinations thereof. Serum concentrations of TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta were measured at defined intervals using ELISA. The results demonstrated that both formulations of CoQ10 significantly reduced cytokine levels compared to cisplatin-only treated rats, with the liposomal form yielding superior anti-inflammatory effects. These findings suggest that liposomal CoQ10 may offer a more effective strategy for mitigating inflammation and nephrotoxicity induced by cisplatin.
Co-infection significantly influences disease severity. This study investigated the impact of co-infections with Escherichia coli (E. coli) O78 and Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG), alone and in combination, on the pathogenicity of lowpathogenic avian influenza H9N2 in specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens. Seventy one-day-old SPF chicks were divided into seven equal groups (G), where G1 is the control one, G2-G4 were infected with H9, MG, and E. coli, respectively, and G5-G7 were co-infected with MG-H9, E. coli-H9, and MG-E. coli-H9, respectively. The study monitored clinical symptoms, mortality rates, H9N2 hemagglutination inhibition antibody titers, viral shedding through qRT-PCR, and histopathological changes in experimentally infected groups. The findings revealed that the group co-infected with all three pathogens had the highest significant mortality rate (70%), with severe clinical symptoms, moderate histopathological changes in the trachea and lungs, along with the highest significant hemagglutination inhibition antibody titers (6.40 +/- 0.52, 7.30 +/- 0.67 log2) at 7 and 14 days post-infection, respectively. This group also demonstrated the highest viral shedding (3.53 +/- 0.01, 4.53 +/- 0.09, 3.60 +/- 0.05 log10 EID50/ml) at 2, 4, and 7 days post-infection, respectively, with significant differences, and the longest duration of H9N2 shedding (10 days post-infection). In summary, co-infection enhanced the pathogenicity of H9N2; furthermore, co-infection with E. coli O78 increased H9N2 pathogenicity more than co-infection with M. gallisepticum, and the combination of both bacteria resulted in the highest pathogenicity of the H9N2 virus.
The present study aimed to explore the connection between the acoustic parameters of dog sounds and the morphometric characteristics of the laryngeal cartilages in dogs with various body sizes. We compared the measurements of the laryngeal cartilages (n=15) of equal number of small, medium, and large size dog cadavers with the acoustic parameters recorded from other dogs of similar size and number. The morphometry was performed with a digital caliper. Animal sounds were analysed with Raven Pro 1.6 software. Waveform and spectrogram graphs were displayed for each sound with 512-point Hann window 50% overlap time. Sound selections were manually verified. Our findings confirmed that small-sized dogs generate the highest pitched barks in every measured frequency (5%-95% and peak). In addition, their vocal signals are of the lowest tonality expressed in sound-to-noise ratio (SNR). The Frequency parameters (F) 5%, 25%, and 95% showed significant correlations with the morphometric values of the laryngeal cartilages, which indicates their role in the sound formation. These acoustic parameters had strong to moderate negative correlations with the thyroid cartilage (TC) width and height; arytenoid cartilage (AC) – distance between proc. corniculatus and proc. cuneiformis (corn-cun), depth of ventricle and distance between the two proc. cuneiformis (cun-cun); width, height and depth of cricoid cartilage (CC); width and height of the epiglottis (EP). Our finding suggested that F5%, F25% and F95% can be reliable parameters and can be used in the classification methods of dogs’ sounds as it varies predictably with laryngeal cartilages size.
Carboplatin is one of the preferred treatments for ovarian cancer. To improve the therapeutic effectiveness of carboplatin in ovarian cancer, the novel combination therapy of carboplatin with the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma agonist pioglitazone was studied in a high-fat diet-induced ovarian cancer model. Thirty Swiss Albino mice (20-35 g) were randomly divided into five groups. Group I received a regular diet, while groups II-V were fed a high-fat diet, with group II serving as the disease control. Groups III-V received carboplatin (133 mg/kg), carboplatin (133 mg/kg) plus pioglitazone (3 mg/kg), and carboplatin (133 mg/kg) plus pioglitazone (9 mg/kg), respectively, for 14 weeks. On day 56 of the study, cancer induction was confirmed by measuring serum lipid profile, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and adiponectin levels. Following this, drug treatment was administered for 6 weeks. On day 98, treatment efficacy was evaluated through serum lipid profiles and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, and confirmed by ovarian histological studies. The combination therapy of carboplatin and pioglitazone significantly altered serum lipid profiles (TC, TG, LDL, and HDL) and pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-6, TNF-α, and MCP-1) levels. Additionally, it increased adiponectin levels by activating the PPAR-γ receptor, compared to the disease control. The combination of carboplatin with the PPAR-γ activating ligand pioglitazone enhances the efficacy of carboplatin in ovarian carcinoma by increasing plasma adiponectin levels, which effectively reduces cytokines and chemokines responsible for tumor progression in obesity-induced ovarian cancer.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most predominant endocrine disorder responsible for female infertility. The clinical treatment strategies of PCOS only provide symptomatic relief but are often unsatisfactory. Asparagus racemosus and Vitex negundo have long been used as traditional herbal intervention in treating various metabolic and reproductive issues. Therefore, a pressing need for a better alternative approach is essential. The study aimed to assess the effect of A. racemosus (ARA) and V. negundo (VNA) aqueous extract on treating PCOS-like symptoms in female rats. Letrozole (1.0 mg/kg BW) was used to induce PCOS in rats which were then treated with ARA and VNA in a dose of 250 mg/kg BW orally for 21 consecutive days. These herbs improved the estrous cycle after being perturbed by letrozole. ARA and VNA significantly increased the level of estradiol and estradiol receptor (ESR1) in PCOS rats, which further prevented uterine shrinkage. Post treatment of these herbs also revealed a notable decline in serum glucose and triglyceride levels in letrozole-induced PCOS rats. Letrozole caused reproductive and metabolic alterations without inducing oxidative stress, evidenced by higher activity of SOD and catalase in PCOS group. However, both supplemented groups showed baseline level of SOD and catalase similar to the vehicle-treated control. Moreover, ARA and VNA administration decreased the appearance of cystic follicles in histomorphological study by regulating ovarian folliculogenesis. Hence, this is the first time we reported that restoration of normal reproductive and metabolic function in letrozole induced PCOS by ARA and VNA were independent of oxidative stress.
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a major economic infectious disease in endemic regions like Bangladesh, affecting cloven-hooved animals and hindering livestock development. Good farm practices, including vaccination, is the only effective control method and continuous monitoring is necessary to detect vaccine effectiveness. Buffalo, a significant livestock resource in the southern coastal region of Bangladesh, requires more disease management efforts than cattle. This study aimed to isolate and make molecularly characterize of the VP1 coding region of FMDV in clinically suspected buffaloes. Tongue epithelial tissues were collected from two buffalos suspected of FMD in June-2018 in the Manikganj district of Bangladesh. Both samples were identified as FMDV serotype O using RT-PCR testing and were subsequently cultured in BHK-21 cell line. Phylogenetic analysis of VP1 region revealed that both isolates clustered into a distinct sublineage Ind2001e, within the dominant lineage Ind2001 of Middle East-South Asia (ME-SA) topotype of FMDV serotype O, which has been circulating in Bangladesh since 2012. Analysis of nucleotide (NT) similarities revealed that 92.38% of NTs are homologous between isolates, whereas similarities with the Indian sequences was 99.91%-99.99%, and with the Nepal sequences was 99.90%-99.99%. The amino acid mutations within the VP1 sequence between the vaccine strain (O/India/R2/75) and the BAN450 isolates was 3.75% (8; 96.25% homology), specifically in the B-C loop and C-terminal region. In conclusion, buffalos get infected with the emerging novel sublineage Ind2001e. The effectiveness of vaccination in Bangladesh with the potential mutational trend poses significant concern regarding the transmission between multiple species.
The rhinoceros iguana is an endangered species native to the Caribbean, currently listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. While most available studies focus on its ecology and conservation, there is a lack of detailed anatomical descriptions, especially of the skull, which limits clinical, educational, and research applications in veterinary medicine. Computed tomography (CT) and three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions, provides a non-invasive and precise method to identify and annotate anatomical structures in reptiles. This study aimed to evaluate and illustrate the anatomical fidelity and utility of different CT-based reconstruction techniques, using Cyclura cornuta cornuta as a representative model. We applied three post-processing methods-Volume Rendering (VR3D), Maximum Intensity Projection (MIP), and Multiplanar Reformatting with Volume Rendering (MPR-VR)-to two female adult specimens. Our results demonstrate that each technique offers unique advantages in visualizing cranial features, and that combining them improves anatomical interpretation. This work provides a practical imaging reference for reptile skull anatomy and supports future applications in clinical diagnostics, comparative morphology, and exotic animal education.
Angiostrongylus vasorum is an expanding cardiopulmonary nematode of canids and other carnivores. Variations in the morphology of male specimens, particularly the copulatory bursa, may lead to misidentification, especially in non-canid hosts. Diagnostic challenges are further compounded when examining poorly preserved adult specimens or those from wildlife, especially when males are not present. Molecular methods have proven an excellent tool for species confirmation and in revealing significant genetic diversity within A. vasorum populations. This review aims to explore the morphological and genetic diversity of A. vasorum , update the distribution in Europe, and discuss important epidemiological implications. We propose integrating molecular and morphological diagnostic strategies, particularly when identifying the parasite in non-canid hosts and in non-endemic regions. Understanding the population structure and diversity of A. vasorum may influence diagnostic strategies and support control measures of canine angiostrongylosis.
Swine influenza caused by the influenza A virus significantly affects pig production and pig health due to acute respiratory disease and huge economic losses. Pigs play an essential role in the epidemiology of influenza because they act as a mixing vessel for the formation of potentially pandemic zoonotic strains. The objective of our study was to assess the seroprevalence of Swine influenza A viruses (swIAV) in commercial pig farms in Macedonia. A total of 373 blood samples were collected from piglets aged 1 to 4 weeks of sows with different parities from 19 different commercial farrow-to-finish pig farms. For the detection of anti-IAV antibodies, sera samples were analyzed using a competitive ELISA. All farms were seropositive to swIAV. Seropositivity was detected in 258 (69.2%) samples, ranging between 10 and 100% at farm level. The highest seroprevalence was found in piglets from sows in 5-6 th parity. In contrast, the lowest seropositivity was found in samples from the youngest sows (1-2 nd parity), which indicates that the virus has circulated for a longer period in these farms. Furthermore, large farms with more than 120 sows had a significantly greater percentage of seropositive animals than small farms with less than 120 breeding sows (83% vs. 54%, respectively). In conclusion, our results demonstrated that swIAV circulates endemically in Macedonian commercial farrow-to-finish pig farms, underscoring the need of immunization in preventing infection on these farms.
Giardia intestinalis is a parasitic protozoan commonly seen in dogs and causes intestinal mucosal barrier damage. In this study, serum intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP), intestinal akaline phosphatase (IAP), and intestinal trefoil factor-3 (TFF-3) concentrations were assessed in Giardia intestinalis -infected dogs to determine their association with intestinal mucosal epithelial barrier damage and their potential to be used as a non-invasive diagnostic method. The study was conducted on 39 dogs (26 with giardiasis and 13 healthy dogs) of different breeds and sex. Giardiasis was diagnosed from fecal samples by rapid antigen test kit and fecal flotation test. Serum I-FABP (p=0.024), IAP (p=0.04), and TFF-3 (p=0.028) levels were significantly higher in dogs with giardiasis compared to the healthy group. These findings indicate that Giardia infection causes damage to the intestinal mucosa which triggers release of these compounds as protective mechanism. The positive correlation between the biomarkers and the giardiasis infection in dogs, indicate that they could be used as a non-invasive diagnostic method.
