Giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) face reproductive challenges because of their brief estrus and short gestation periods. This study examined whether mutual sexual stimulation facilitated by a house-changing technique could promote natural reproduction by encouraging the expression of typical breeding season behaviors in both sexes. In this approach, males and females were visually separated to stimulate olfactory communication, and each animal was alternately introduced into an enclosure recently occupied by the opposite sex, enabling indi-rect scent-based interaction. Estrous behaviors (scent markings, vocalizations, and mating postures) were recorded to evaluate changes in mutual interest. The proposed technique was initiated in 2020 and successfully induced estrus, resulting in the first pregnancy that year. During the second pregnancy, estrous behavior remained evident despite fewer enclosure ex-changes. Peak estrogen concentrations were higher in 2020, when the technique was applied more actively, than in 2023. These findings indicate that the house-changing method can ef-fectively induce estrus in giant pandas, although the small sample size limits result generaliza-bility. Considering that natural mating generally yields higher reproductive success than artifi-cial insemination, this technique may be a valuable tool for giant panda conservation programs.
The rapid growth of South Korea's quail farming sector has raised food safety concerns, particularly regarding Escherichia coli contamination. This pioneering study investigated the prevalence and characteristics of E. coli in quails, analyzing the isolates from more than 74 quail flocks across 17 farms. Specifically, the presence of the virulence gene stx1A was widespread, a unique finding compared to other poultry. In addition, other virulence-associated genes such as fimC and iroN showed high prevalence, underscoring the pathogenic potential. These findings underscore the public health risks posed by quail-derived E. coli strains, highlighting the need for continuous monitoring and comprehensive research to ensure food safety and address potential public health threats in the national food supply chain.
Diagnosing early-stage canine diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is challenging due to partial lymph node effacement, often requiring a multimodal approach. This report describes a stage II DLBCL case in an 11-year-old dog where definitive diagnosis was achieved by integrating histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and polymerase chain reaction for antigen receptor rearrangement after inconclusive initial testing. Treatment began with a CHOP (cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin, oncovin, prednisone) protocol based on ex vivo chemosensitivity results but was de-escalated to vincristine monotherapy due to severe adverse events, including grade 4 neutropenia. Despite discontinuing chemotherapy due to persistent hematologic toxicity, the patient remains in complete remission 5 months post-treatment. This case illustrates the necessity of diagnostic validation in early-stage disease and suggests that chemosensitivity-guided therapeutic de-escalation can achieve effective control while minimizing toxicity.
Recently, dog owners have shown increasing interest in canine health and physical conditioning. However, studies on the effects of indoor physical activity using exercise rolls are limited. The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of a 6-week home-based fitness exercise (HFE) program on brachial and thigh circumferences and body weight in companion dogs. Although initially designed as a randomized trial, nonrandom attrition in the control group compromised the original allocation structure. Therefore, this study was conducted as a pilot prospective exploratory study, and the results should be interpreted with caution. Fourteen dogs were initially enrolled, of which 12 completed the study (exercise group, n = 7; non-exercise group, n = 5). Dogs in the exercise group participated in the HFE program 4 times per week, focusing on strength, stability, and balance through exercises such as hindlimb/forelimb planks, super stands, and squats using an exercise roll. In the exercise group, brachial and thigh circumferences significantly increased (brachial: from 9.2 ± 0.7 to 9.9 ± 1.2 cm, p < 0.05; thigh: from 14.2 ± 2.1 to 15.3 ± 2.7 cm, p < 0.05), whereas body weights remained stable. These findings suggest that a structured HFE program may contribute to increased limb circumference, potentially reflecting improvement in muscle-related parameters without altering body weight. HFE programs have the potential to improve canine musculoskeletal health, though adequately powered randomized controlled trials are essential to confirm these effects.
Peliosis hepatis is a vascular disorder characterized by multifocal, blood-filled cavities within the hepatic parenchyma and may closely mimic malignant hepatic disease on diagnostic imaging. In cats, the imaging characteristics of peliosis hepatis have been poorly documented, particularly in cases complicated by acute hemorrhage. This report describes the ultrasonographic and computed tomographic findings of peliosis hepatis in 2 cats presenting with acute anemia and hemoperitoneum. In both cases, ultrasonography revealed multiple cyst-like hepatic lesions with heterogeneous echogenicity, hyperechoic rims, and central hypoechoic to anechoic components. Multi-phase contrast-enhanced computed tomography identified multifocal hypoattenuating hepatic lesions, some showing peripheral rim or centripetal enhancement with a minimal mass effect, raising a strong suspicion of primary or metastatic hepatic neoplasia. Subcapsular hematomas and high-attenuation perihepatic fluid were consistent with hemorrhage. A histopathological examination confirmed peliosis hepatis in both cats, characterized by extensive parenchymal hemorrhage and fibrin deposition without evidence of neoplasia. Despite the intensive supportive care and surgical intervention, both cats died from severe anemia secondary to hepatic rupture. These cases highlight that peliosis hepatis should be included in the differential diagnosis of multifocal hepatic lesions and spontaneous hemoperitoneum in cats. Moreover, they emphasize the importance of histopathological confirmation to avoid a misdiagnosis of malignant hepatic disease.
A 9-year-old spayed female Labrador Retriever (body weight, 26.2 kg) was referred for evaluation of progressive lethargy and a single episode of syncope. Physical examination revealed marked bradycardia (40 bpm) with ventricular premature complexes (VPCs). The electrocardiogram (ECG) documented third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block accompanied by VPCs that were unresponsive to atropine administration. Owing to anatomical limitations and the device’s design specifications intended for human use, single-chamber ventricular pacing was implanted. A single-chamber ventricular pacing, ventricular sensing, and inhibition mode (VVI) pacemaker (Medtronic, USA) was surgically implanted in the right ventricular apex and programmed with a lower rate limit of 60 beats per minute. After implantation, ECG evaluation identified predominantly second‐degree AV block (Mobitz type II) with intermittent episodes of third‐degree AV block in the absence of VPCs. Following implantation, the patient showed marked improvement in lethargy and exercise intolerance, as well as complete resolution of syncopal episodes. No device-related complications were noted during the 3-month follow-up period. The case demonstrates that pacemaker implantation in a dog with high‐grade AV block and bradycardia resulted in marked improvement in arrhythmia and associated clinical signs.
In Brazil, more than 57 million pigs are transported annually to slaughterhouses, and approximately 0.02% (approximately 11,500 pigs) experience severe fatigue, indicating compromised animal welfare. This study assessed the hematological and biochemical parameters in pigs during the pre-slaughter period, comparing animals with non-ambulatory, non-injured (NANI) syndrome with those without the condition upon arrival at the slaughterhouse. Blood samples were collected from 71 pigs (36 NANI and 35 non-NANI) to assess the indicators of stress. Both groups showed mean values for albumin, creatine phosphokinase (CK)-total, CK-MB, cortisol, fibrinogen, and leukocyte, segmented leukocyte, and erythrocyte counts above the established physiological reference ranges. The NANI pigs, however, exhibited significantly higher levels of CK-total (109,573.3 vs. 37,103.33 U/L), cortisol (11.83 vs. 8.94 mcg/dL), and lactate (15.49 vs. 11.85 mg/dL), as well as increased erythrocyte-related parameters (15.23 vs. 13.96 g/dL for hemoglobin; 44.93% vs. 41.96% for hematocrit), lymphocytes (39.5% vs. 31.61%), fibrinogen (677.78 vs. 444.44 mg/dL), and segmented cells (59.96% vs. 46.78%). Conversely, non-NANI pigs showed higher glucose levels (101.22 vs. 79.33 mg/dL). These findings suggest that pre-slaughter handling procedures, including loading, transport, and unloading, induce considerable physiological stress, particularly in pigs affected by NANI syndrome.
Cardiac neuroendocrine carcinoma, also known as chemodectoma, is one of the most common heart tumors in dogs that is usually located at the heart base. In this case report, echocardiography and computed tomography (CT) were performed to diagnose an atypical location of primary cardiac neuroendocrine carcinoma in a nine-year-old dog. The patient had a history of resection, recurrence, and re-operation for a right thyroid tumor. An echocardiographic examination identified an oval-shaped, mobile mass prolapsing through the tricuspid valve, which extended from the heterogeneous mass in the dilated coronary sinus to the right atrium. In addition, a portion of the right ventricular wall was observed as a thickened heterogeneous mass. CT also revealed a heterogeneous contrast-enhancing mass filling the dilated coronary sinus and projecting into the right atrium, forming an oval shape that was associated with a thickened, heterogeneous right ventricular wall. Considering the location of the mass and the patient’s history, thyroid carcinoma metastasis or primary hemangiosarcoma was suspected. A surgical biopsy of the right ventricular wall mass was performed, and the histopathological and immunohistochemical findings confirmed the mass to be a primary neuroendocrine carcinoma.
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by abnormally increased pressure within the pulmonary vasculature. Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are commonly used to manage PH, and tadalafil, a PDE5 inhibitor with a longer half-life than sildenafil, has rarely been investigated in veterinary medicine. This retrospective study analyzed medical records of dogs treated with tadalafil at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of Jeju National University between January 2021 and July 2023. Eleven dogs tentatively diagnosed with PH received tadalafil at an initial dosage of 1 mg/kg once daily and were monitored for over 4 weeks. Efficacy and adverse effects were evaluated based on history and physical examination findings. Ten dogs had previously received sildenafil, while one dog was treated with tadalafil as first‐line therapy. Nausea occurred in one case. Seven of 11 dogs achieved at least partial remission, whereas 4 showed no improvement. Notably, 8 dogs (72.7%) were receiving concomitant medications targeting the underlying diseases causing PH, which may have contributed to symptom improvement and influenced clinical outcomes. Thus, although tadalafil at 1 mg/kg once daily was generally well tolerated and appeared to provide acceptable control of PH, its efficacy should be interpreted cautiously given the small sample size. It may be particularly beneficial when the underlying diseases causing PH are adequately managed with concomitant therapies, within the context of multimodal treatment.
Access to veterinary medicine in indigenous territories poses significant challenges, particularly in Costa Rica, where services are concentrated in urban areas. This report describes a skin lesion in a mare from the Roca Quemada community, which has limited veterinary care that may influence the prevalence of antibiotic resistance. On September 16, 2023, a bacteriological culture performed on a sample from the lesion revealed the presence of Staphylococcus aureus. Antibiotic sensitivity testing showed that the isolated strain was susceptible to all antibiotics tested. This finding contrasts with the increasing worldwide prevalence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus, suggesting that limited antibiotic exposure in rural areas may prevent the emergence of resistant strains. This study highlights the importance of responsible antibiotic use, epidemiological surveillance, and education on wound management to combat antimicrobial resistance. The results underscore the absence of regular veterinary interventions and antibiotic exposure, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and improved access to veterinary care in rural communities. The isolation of a pansusceptible S. aureus strain in a rural setting suggests that the limited access to veterinary services and limited antibiotic usage may play a crucial role in maintaining high susceptibility rates.
Cyclosporine A (CsA) inhibits T lymphocyte activation and may affect disease progression and recovery by altering the immune system. This study aimed to determine whether CsA administration during the induction and recovery phases of periodontitis aggravates periodontal damage or inflammation. Rats were divided into control (C), CsA-administered (CsA), periodontitis (P), and CsA-administered periodontitis (P + CsA) groups. Rats with tooth ligatures had the ligatures removed on day 14 and were sacrificed on day 30. CsA was given subcutaneously daily for 30 days. In the blood, the alkaline phosphatase levels were higher in the P group than in the C group, and in the P + CsA group than in the C and CsA groups. The CD3+ cells were lower in the CsA and P groups than in the C group and in the P + CsA group than in the C and P groups. In the periodontal tissue, the alveolar bone (AB) area was smaller in the CsA, P, and P + CsA groups than in the C group. More osteoclasts were detected in the CsA and P + CsA groups than in the C and P groups. Inflammatory cell infiltration was greater in the P and P + CsA groups than in the C and CsA groups, and Il17 and Il1b mRNA expression increased only in the P group. CsA alone induces AB loss and osteoclast formation but does not aggravate the severity of periodontitis or hinder its recovery. These results may provide preclinical evidence to consider during periodontitis treatment in patients taking CsA.
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a zoonotic arbovirus transmitted by mosquitoes and poses a significant public health concern. JEV is classified into 5 genotypes (G1–G5). Since 2010, JEV genotype 5 (G5) has been predominant in the Republic of Korea; however, a specific antigen for hemagglutination (HA) inhibition (HI) assays has been lacking. This study aimed to develop a novel antigen to enable genotype-specific HI antibody detection for JEV G5. The Sangju strain of JEV G5 was serially passaged 30 times in Vero and C6/36 cells, resulting in Sangju-30, which exhibited 2 envelope protein mutations and an HA titer of 8, increasing to 512 following polyethylene glycol 8000 concentration. The antigen demonstrated a strong correlation (R = 0.95, p < 0.05, 95% confidence interval, 6.3–31.9) with HI antibody levels in pig sera. These findings suggest that the Sangju-30 antigen is a viable alternative for JEV G5 serological monitoring, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and offering a replacement for traditional murine-derived antigen production.
A 13-year-old neutered male Shih Tzu presented with diffuse intestinal thickening extending from the lower part of the duodenum to the middle part of the jejunum. A portion of the jejunum was biopsied and submitted for histopathological diagnosis. Microscopically, the villi of the mucosal layer were thickened and atrophied, and round tumor cells had infiltrated the intestinal epithelial cells, crypt epithelial cells and lamina propria. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic cells were immunoreactive to CD3. Based on these results, the intestinal mass from jejunum was diagnosed as epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma.
The Philippine Darag native chicken demonstrates favorable health and welfare indicators that are comparable to those of slow-growing Redbro broiler chickens. This study analyzed the histomorphometric characteristics of the small intestinal segments in these 2 breeds over an 8-week growth period. Small intestinal samples were collected weekly from both breeds from week 1 to week 8. Tissues were fixed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and analysis was performed using ImageJ to quantify villus height (VH), crypt depth (CD), villus-to-crypt ratio, epithelial thickness (ET), mucosal thickness (MT), and tunica muscularis thickness. The effects of age and breed, as well as their correlations with body weight, relative organ weight, and total feed consumption, were evaluated using a mixed-effects model, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple linear regression. Additionally, a binomial logistic regression model was applied to examine the occurrence of zigzag villi patterns. All histomorphometric parameters exhibited a significant increase with age. Redbro displayed earlier and more rapid intestinal development, whereas Darag demonstrated slower yet more comprehensive maturation across parameters. The zigzag villi pattern emerged earlier in Redbro, particularly in the jejunum. The identified age- and breed-specific differences in small intestinal development suggest that intestinal adaptation may contribute to variations in growth performance and may indicate potential advantages to Darag in low-input production systems. Furthermore, the significant correlations of VH, CD, ET, and MT with production indices indicate that growth performance is influenced by a complex interaction of absorptive capacity, intestinal health, and motility, rather than solely by villus surface area.
Deer antlers are regenerate annually under hormonal control, particularly testosterone. Here, we report a case of antler deformity associated with testicular atrophy in a wild roe deer (Capreolus pygargus) in South Korea. Both antlers were abnormally enlarged and entangled in agricultural netting. Gross and histopathological examination revealed severe testicular atrophy, interstitial fibrosis, and hindlimb muscle necrosis. Serum testosterone was extremely low (0.032 ng/mL). These findings explain the abnormal antler growth and suggest susceptibility to capture myopathy due to hormonal imbalance. This is the first documented case in South Korea linking antler abnormalities to testicular atrophy in wild roe deer, highlighting the impact of endocrine disruption on cervid health.
This report presents the first detection of canine circovirus (CanineCV) in South Korea, which was identified in a dog with hemorrhagic diarrhea. A 5-year-old male Golden Retriever presented with acute, watery and bloody diarrhea that had persisted for three weeks. Pathologically, granulomatous inflammation, fibrinoid vasculitis, and hemorrhagic foci were observed in the small intestine and mesenteric lymph nodes. Characteristic intracytoplasmic amphophilic inclusion bodies were observed in histiocytic cells within the granulomatous lesions. CanineCV was amplified by polymerase chain reaction from the small intestine, mesenteric lymph nodes, and fecal samples. A genomic analysis of the complete capsid gene from the Korean strain of CanineCV revealed that it shares the highest nucleotide and amino acid sequence similarities, at 94.2% and 94.1% respectively, with the American UCD3-478 isolate. Phylogenetic analysis based on the nucleotide sequence of the capsid gene classified the Korean strain as type 4 CanineCV. This case highlights the importance of genomic surveillance for emerging pathogens in South Korea and lays the groundwork for further research into the epidemiology and pathogenicity of CanineCV in canine enteric diseases.
A 5-month-old mixed-breed dog was presented with progressive ambulatory paraparesis. Neurological examination was consistent with thoracolumbar myelopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a spinal (sub)arachnoid diverticulum (SAD) at T8–T9 with spinal cord compression associated with central canal dilation and intramedullary edema. Computed tomography (CT) showed generalized caudal articular process dysplasia (CAPD) from T2 to T9 vertebras. Considering diagnostic imaging results, symptoms were strongly suspected to be due to spinal cord compression associated with CAPD-induced SAD. Surgery was performed and cystic structure was detached. One month after the surgery, no progression of clinical symptoms was observed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of SAD causing thoracolumbar myelopathy in a non-brachycephalic dog with generalized CAPD. These findings highlight the potential role of CAPD as a contributing factor to SAD formation. A combination of CT and MRI is recommended for thorough evaluation of vertebral structures and alignment in similar cases.
Caudal aberrant turbinate is a relatively common turbinate bone anomaly in brachycephalic breeds with an undetermined etiology. This paper presents a 5-year-old Pug with a history of otitis media and interna, showing left ear discharge and respiratory distress. Radiography and advanced imaging, including computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), revealed bilateral otitis externa and media, an elongated and thickened soft palate, a narrowed nasopharynx, and caudal extension of bilateral turbinate structures into the nasopharynx. MRI also revealed left otitis interna. Twenty-six days later, the patient developed severe respiratory distress with radiographic signs of an increased caudodorsal lung opacity and gastric dilation, indicative of non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema from a chronic airway obstruction. Surgical treatment involved folded flap palatoplasty and left total ear canal ablation. Despite treatment, the dog expired due to the persistent respiratory distress. This case highlights that a caudal aberrant turbinate can contribute to airflow obstruction in brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), particularly when compounded by other upper airway anomalies. CT imaging is valuable for identifying nasal structural abnormalities, including aberrant turbinates. Accordingly, an awareness of such anatomical variations is critical for the diagnosis and management of brachycephalic breeds presenting BOAS-related symptoms.
An 8-year-old intact male mixed-breed dog presented with a 6-day history of anorexia, lethargy, and vomiting. Antigen testing for Dirofilaria immitis was positive, and circulating microfilaria was detected on a peripheral blood smear. Thoracic radiography showed a normal cardiac silhouette with a generalized bronchial pattern. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed segmental thickening and a loss of layering of the small intestine with marked mesenteric lymphadenopathy. Echocardiography showed heartworms in the main pulmonary artery and an echogenic structure on the right atrial wall. Cardiac computed tomography (CT) angiography (CTA) identified the right atrial structure as a non-enhancing lesion, which was presumed to represent thrombus or granulomatous inflammation. Cardiac CTA confirmed the presence of multiple heartworms and pulmonary thromboembolism and incidentally identified an aneurysmal dilation of the left subclavian artery with a centrally located intimal flap, suggesting an arterial dissection. Abdominal CT revealed a thickened small intestine, fat stranding, and generalized lymphadenopathy. Fine-needle aspiration of a mesenteric lymph node and cytology of the peritoneal fluid confirmed lymphoma. This case presents a rare subclavian artery dissection in a dog with a concurrent heartworm infection and lymphoma and highlights the clinical value of a cardiac CTA protocol for precise visualization of the cardiac and vascular walls.
Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a highly contagious and lethal pig coronavirus, particularly in neonatal piglets. The main route of PEDV transmission is the fecal-oral route via direct contact with infected pigs. As pigs are commonly transported to slaughterhouses in trucks, PEDV can infect farms through contact with contaminated trucks. In South Korea, there is insufficient understanding of pig transportation as a major source of virus transmission. Therefore, this study evaluated the presence of PEDV in transportation and slaughterhouses and investigated possible contamination sources. In total, 401 environmental samples were collected by swabbing surface areas with cotton gauze and classified into 4 categories based on their sampling location: vehicle interior, vehicle exterior, drivers, and slaughterhouses. The swab samples exhibited a relatively high PEDV detection rate of 19.2% (77/401). The detection rate was highest for the slaughterhouse (38.2%, 21/55) and lowest for the vehicle interior (13.0%, 12/92). Genetic and phylogenetic analysis revealed that all sequenced isolates belonged to the highly pathogenic genotype 2b currently circulating in South Korea. The high PEDV detection rates in transport vehicles and slaughterhouses suggest that transportation plays a major role in PEDV introduction into farms. Our findings emphasize the need to enforce biosecurity protocols, including adequate hygiene measures, to mitigate the risks associated with pig transportation.
