Oxidative stress may compromise ovarian activity and follicular development in sows. In this study, it was investigated whether sow reproduction could be improved by supplementing the feed with a single dose of a herbal mixture on the day before weaning. Three hundred and three breeding animals on a commercial farm were randomly allocated to either a treatment (T) or a control (C) group. The animals of the T group received 50 g of the product Estral, once orally by top-dressing. The animals were treated in the morning: gilts the day after the last altrenogest treatment and sows the day before weaning. The supplement contained three herbs: vitex (Vitex agnus-castus), sage (Salvia officinalis), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris). Parameters of comparison were related to estrus (weaning-to-estrus interval, percentage of sows showing estrus, estrus duration), gestation (gestation rate, gestation length), and litter performance (number of liveborn and stillborn piglets, litter weight). Most parameters showed no significant differences. Supplemented animals had a shorter gestation period (T: 115.4 versus C: 115.7 days; p < 0.05) and a trend towards a higher gestation rate (T: 97.4% versus C: 93.2% ; p = 0.072). Further research is warranted in farms with lower reproductive performance and/or higher oxidative stress levels.
Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is a common endocrine disorder in aged horses, characterized by coat changes, muscle and weight loss, laminitis, and immunosuppression. Insulin dysregulation (ID) frequently co-occurs, and many dietary strategies aim to manage both conditions. Nutritional management, including adjusting forage, restricting non-structural carbohydrates, balancing energy and fiber, forms a cornerstone of care alongside pharmacological treatment. Owners may also use supplements, including medicinal herbs/plants, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements, though evidence for efficacy is limited. To investigate management practices, an online survey was conducted among Belgian and Dutch owners, covering dietary adjustments, supplement use, and perceived effects. Of 239 valid respondents, 46% used one or more supplements, most often medicinal herbs/plants or vitamins/minerals. Owners not using pergolide were more likely to give supplements, while no significant association was found between specific supplements and perceived clinical improvement. These results highlight diverse management approaches and the need for further research.
A seven-year-old female spayed crossbreed dog with a history of acute lameness on the left front leg was presented at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (Ghent University). An osteosarcoma (OSA) of the humeral diaphysis was diagnosed. The tumor appeared at a site where repeated attempts had previously been made to stabilize a fracture, that had been sustained at a young age. At the time of presentation, no metastases were detected. The dog underwent total limb amputation. Ex vivo tissue samples were collected to contribute to the Living Veterinary Sarcoma Biobank. Postoperatively, the dog received adjuvant chemotherapy (six doses of carboplatin). Ultimately, she was euthanized due to reasons unrelated to cancer almost 18 months after OSA diagnosis and treatment.
Muscle atrophy in horses can develop insidiously, and often goes unnoticed until significant weight loss occurs. In this case report, the nutritional management is described of an eight-year-old underweight Ardennes draft gelding presenting with severe muscle atrophy, mild vitamin E deficiency, and mild intestinal malabsorption. Diagnostic evaluation revealed hypoalbuminemia, elevated muscle enzyme activity, and a moderate strongyle infestation. Despite an energy-adequate diet, progressive muscle loss persisted, highlighting the need for targeted nutritional intervention. A revised diet, incorporating high-quality forage, protein-rich feedstuffs, synthetic vitamin E supplementation via a roughage balancer, and anthelmintic treatment resulted in substantial weight gain (123kg) and improved muscle condition within five weeks. In this case, the critical role of tailored nutrition is underscored in equine muscle recovery and parasite management. Further research into the interplay between nutrient malabsorption, muscle atrophy and dietary strategies is warranted to optimize equine health outcomes.
In this case report, the surgical treatment, postoperative management and a longterm follow-up over four years are described in a dog with acute patellar tendon rupture. The tendon was consecutively repaired surgically with Krackow suturing and an artificial ligament of polypropylene. Immediately post-operative, radiographs showed an almost normal position of the patella. Six months later, patella alta reoccurred, but the knee was still functional. After two years, control radiographs and an ultrasonography of the tendon were performed. Secondary new bone formation had developed under the patella, but the patellar tendon seemed intact and well-developed on ultrasonography. Four years postoperative, radiographs and gait analysis were redone and were quite stable compared to the results which were obtained two years before. Despite the complication of patella alta and the development of secondary osteoartrosis, the dog showed only a mild form of limping and thus the result could be considered acceptable.
The chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model is widely used in human oncologyto study tumor growth, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis. Its low cost and fast turnaround time make this a promising model for veterinary oncology research as well. In this study, the potential of using the CAM assay was evaluated as a preclinical patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model for canine osteosarcoma. Three fresh tumor biopsies from one canine patient were grafted onto the CAM of chick embryos at embryonic day (ED) 9 and were maintained until ED 15. Xenografts were assessed by stereomicroscopy and histology to assess viability, vascularization, and local invasion. All xenografts established vascular connections with the CAM tissue. Viable tumor cells were observed at the graft periphery, while necrosis occurred more centrally. These findings demonstrate that the CAM assay provides a rapid, accessible, and biologically relevant model for studying canine osteosarcoma and highlights its potential as a translational model for veterinary oncology research.
In this retrospective cohort study, complications and predisposing factors associated with tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) and tibial tuberosity advancement rapid (TTAr) were compared in 147 dogs treated for cranial cruciate ligament rupture (TPLO = 98, TTAr = 49). The complications were classified as minor or major, and statistical analyses were performed using logistic regression models. TTAr showed 40.8% (20/49) minor and 2.0% (1/49) major complications, while TPLO presented 37.8% (37/98) minor and 3.1% (3/98) major complications. No significant differences were found between the two procedures regarding total (p = 0.495), minor (p = 0.427), or major (p = 0.710) complication rates. Additionally, the tibial plateau angle (TPA) and patient variables, i.e. breed, weight, age, gender, neutering status and body condition score - did not significantly affect the complication prevalence. These findings indicate that TTAr and TPLO are comparable surgeries showing similar low complication rates, with both techniques having broad applicability, provided that the TPA is below 28 degrees for TTAr patients.
A three-year-old, male boxer, previously diagnosed with moderate valvular aortic stenosis, presented with acute lethargy, anorexia and intermittent lameness. Physical examination revealed a grade III/VI left cranial systolic heart murmur, fever, generalized lymphadenopathy and swelling of all palpable joints. Echocardiographic assessment confirmed moderate valvular aortic stenosis and identified vegetative lesions on the aortic valve leaflets and a left ventricle outflow tract-to-right atrial (LVOT-RA) communication, compatible with an acquired Gerbode defect (GD). Despite treatment with intravenous antibiotics and supportive care, the dog developed severe respiratory distress during hospitalization, and euthanasia was elected. Gerbode defects are rare LVOT-RA communications and can be congenital or acquired. Only nine cases have been documented in the veterinary literature, of which six acquired GDs due to bacterial endocarditis or blunt trauma in dogs and three presumed congenital GDs in two cats and one dog. In this case report, an acquired GD secondary to suspected bacterial endocarditis in a dog is described.
Progesterone (P-4)-based estrus synchronization protocols are commonly used to improve reproductive performance in ewes. In this study, it was evaluated whether adding equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) to a P-4 and prostaglandin F-2 alpha (PGF(2)alpha)-based protocol affects plasma pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAG) concentrations on day 35 of pregnancy and selected reproductive outcomes in Hasak ewes. Fifty ewes were synchronized with P-4+PGF(2)alpha (n = 19) or P-4+PGF(2)alpha+eCG (n = 31) protocols and then mated with fertile rams. Pregnancy was confirmed on day 35 post-mating by ultrasonography, and plasma samples were collected. After parturition, lambing data were recorded. PAG concentrations were measured via ELISA. The estrus-synchronization protocol did not significantly affect PAG concentrations on day 35 of pregnancy, the average lamb birth weight, or gestation length (p > 0.05). However, the lamb productivity and total birth weight were significantly higher in the P4+PGF(2)alpha+eCG protocol (p < 0.05). In this study, it was shown that the addition of eCG to a P4-based estrus synchronization protocol improved lambing performance; however, no effect on maternal PAG concentrations was observed on day 35 of gestation.
Ovarian remnant syndrome (ORS) in bitches presents a diagnostic challenge for first-line veterinary practitioners, particularly when serum anti-M & uuml;llerian hormone (AMH) concentrations yield inconclusive results. In this case series, six bitches are described that were referred for further evaluation due to negative or borderline AMH values, ranging from less than 0.03 ng/mL to 0.48 ng/mL. Clinical presentations varied, with some individuals displaying signs consistent with proestrus or estrus, while others exhibited no obvious symptoms. A systematic diagnostic approach was employed, including vaginal cytology, abdominal ultrasonography, serum progesterone measurement, and, in one case, vaginoscopy.This enabled accurate diagnosis and guided surgical referral. All bitches underwent revision ovariohysterectomy or ovariectomy via laparoscopic or laparotomy procedures. Histopathological examination confirmed the presence of ovarian remnant tissue in each case. In this case series, the limitations of AMH testing as a sole diagnostic tool are highlighted and the use of a comprehensive, multimodal strategy in suspected cases of ovarian remnant syndrome is supported.
Dogs have been part of families for centuries, but the risk of bite incidents remains real. Dog bites occur worldwide, but recent data for Belgium are lacking. In this study, the prevalence and context of dog bites among residents of West Flanders were investigated through an online survey distributed via social media, regardless of whether they owned a dog themselves or not. Of the 1,233 respondents, 19.4% reported having been bitten by a dog in the past year. Most of the victims were women (76.5%), and the average age was 39.2 +/- 17.5 years. The dogs were most often males (64.5%). Crossbreeds were involved in 12.3% of the biting incidents, followed by German shepherds and Border collies (both 8.8%). Most incidents occurred in non-public settings (72.4%). In more than half of the cases, an action directed at the dog preceded the bite. One-third of the respondents required medical attention as a result of their injuries and 45.6% reported emotional consequences from the incident.These findings emphasize the importance of prevention and awareness regarding dog behavior and safety.
