Nematode infections in ruminants have medical and economic negative impacts. Parasitic infestations lead to major losses due to treatment and prevention costs, reduced weight gain, and compromised animal welfare. The majority of commonly used anthelmintics are from three chemical classes: benzimidazoles, macrocyclic lactones, and imidazothiazoles. The development of resistance against one compound often implies cross-resistance within the same class. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of four benzimidazoles against gastrointestinal strongyles: albendazole (ABZ), mebendazole (MBZ), thiabendazole (TBZ), and fenbendazole (FBZ). The study was conducted in vitro on a group of 41 cattle from Alba County. Two types of tests were performed: Egg Hatch Assay (EHA) and Larval Development Assay (LDA). The lowest lethal concentration 50 (LC50) was exhibited by FBZ (1.099 µg/ml), followed by ABZ (2.111 µg/ml) and MBZ (3.173 µg/ml). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) highlighted the highest efficacy of MBZ (0.343 µg/ml), followed by FBZ (0.415 µg/ml). ABZ tests showed no significant differences between the LC50 and MIC values. EHA revealed strongyle resistance to ABZ, MBZ, and FBZ. LDA highlighted strongyle resistance to ABZ and sensitivity to MBZ and FBZ. FBZ had the lowest LC₅₀ and MIC concentrations. The highest resistance risk was found in ABZ.
This study calculated the effects on serum progesterone (Pr) levels, after treatment with either of 2 drugs: the erythropoietin (Epo) and the antioxidant lazaroid (L) drug U-74389G. The calculation was based on the results of 2 preliminary studies, each one of which estimated the certain influence, after the respective drug usage in an induced ischemia reperfusion (IR) animal experiment. The 2 main experimental endpoints at which the serum Pr levels were evaluated was the 60th reperfusion min (for the groups A, C and E) and the 120th reperfusion min (for the groups B, D and F). Specially, the groups A and B were processed without drugs, the groups C and D after Epo administration; whereas the groups E and F after the L administration. The first preliminary study of Epo presented a non significant hypoprogesteronemic effect by 5.05%+06.73% (p-value=0.4430). However, the second preliminary study of U-74389G presented a significant hypoprogesteronemic effect by 27.59%+7.46% (p-value=0.0005). These 2 studies were co-evaluated since they came from the same experimental setting. The outcome of the co-evaluation was that L is just by 5.456215-fold [5.447549 - 5.464894] more hypoprogesteronemic than Epo (p-value=0.0000).
Intra-vitam pink canine teeth are rarely reported in the literature. They may be due to a local circulatory disorder associated with a traumatic injury. This case report describes the bleaching of a canine tooth in a dog using a 940nm diode laser. A two-year-old Akita Inu intact male dog was presented with an uncomplicated crown fracture at the 304, involving a quarter of the incisal part of the crown. The tooth had an intensely pink incisal half of the crown. The tooth was treated endodontically, and the root was sealed with mineral trioxide aggregate and gutta-percha. The crown was bleached with a 940 nm diode laser and filled with light-curing material. Dental X-rays revealed no periapical involvement. At the opening of the crown, an intense, reddish bleeding was expressed. Endodontic treatment was performed in accordance with established endodontic standards. The tooth had a light-yellow discoloration at the end of the dental treatment, which gave it a natural appearance. This case report confirms that pink staining is directly related to intrapulpal haemorrhage and pigments resulting from haemoglobin. The tooth whitening method, using a diode laser, has been proven effective in dogs.
The number of studies about specific arterial structure in avian species is remarkably lower than those carried out in mammals, thus, this study aims to describe the microscopic structure and the development of the aortic arch and the 2 brachycephalic trunks in Ross 308 broiler chickens aged 20 and 30 days, respectively. During necropsy, transverse fragments were harvested from the aortic arch and the two brachiocephalic trunks (right and left), fixed in formalin, embedding in paraffin and stained with Verhoeff trichrome method. The histological slides were examined under optical microscope and the wall thickness and the number of elastic lamellae were determined. In Ross 308 broiler chickens aged 20 and 30 days, respectively, the aortic arch and the brachycephalic trunks are elastic-muscular transitional arteries. Between 20-30 days of life, the aortic arch wall thickness increase by approximately 18% and the brachiocephalic trunks by approximately 85%. The elastic lamellas present in the vascular wall structure are thicker in the brachiocephalic trunks than in the aortic arch in both 20-day-old and 30-day-old chicks.
Parasite infestations caused by Ancylostomidae and Strongyloididae nematodes affect both animals and humans, with increasing global resistance also reported in canine digestive nematodes. This study evaluated the efficacy of two anthelmintics – pyrantel (PIR) combined with febantel (FEB), and oxibendazole (OXI) – in 30 dogs from Cluj County. In vivo Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test was performed. Faecal samples for ante-therapeutic (AT) analysis were collected. PIR and FEB were administered to 20 dogs, while 10 received OXI. Post-treatment (PT) faecal samples were collected on days 7, 14, 21 and 28. At each time point, the intensity and prevalence were assessed by quantifying the number of eggs per gram of faeces (EPG) and the number of larvae per gram of faeces (LPG). All collected data was statistically analyzed. Initial prevalence averaged 50% across both groups, with mean intensities of 377.05 EPG and 1733.33 LPG, respectively. By day 28 PT, both the prevalence and intensity had dropped to zero in both groups. PIR+FEB combination showed high efficacy and no signs of resistance. In the group treated with OXI, statistical parameters fell below accepted thresholds by day 21 (EPG) and day 14 (LPG). Both anthelmintic products were effective against tested canine strongylid nematodes.
Equines worldwide are constantly exposed to infections with multiple species of nematodes, especially strongyles. Currently, three classes of anthelmintics are available for treating such infections: benzimidazoles, macrocyclic lactones, and pyrimidines. If an active substance is used continuously, there is an increased likelihood of parasites developing resistance to it, and to related substances within the same chemical group. This study conducted on a group of 30 equines aimed to evaluate anthelmintic resistance in gastrointestinal nematodes. Two types of tests were performed: In vivo, Faecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT), to assess the efficacy of fenbendazole (FBZ) and abamectin (ABA). In vitro, Egg Hatch Assay (EHA) and Larval Development Assay (LDA), to evaluate albendazole (ABZ), fenbendazole (FBZ), and mebendazole (MBZ) efficacy. FECRT showed ABA as more effective, yet statistical analysis indicated low efficacy for both ABA and FBZ. In EHA, all benzimidazoles showed >50% hatching at the reference concentration. LDA revealed the lowest larval development rate for MBZ (0.59%), followed by FBZ (13.3%). All tested anthelmintics exhibited limited ovicidal activity. A discrepancy was observed between EHA and LDA results for benzimidazole efficacy. The correlation between in vivo and in vitro results for FBZ was 100% only in the case of EHA.
The incorporation of herbs and spices in the diets of livestock has been enthused to enhanced nutrient absorption, promoting health and growth. This study evaluated effects of dietary inclusion of Piper guineense leaf and seed on growth performance, haematological indices, bone morphology and economic production of broiler chickens. A total of 288-day old Cobb broiler chicks were brooded for 2 weeks and assigned to 4 dietary treatments with 8 replicates of 9 birds per replicate. Birds on treatment 1 were fed basal diet only. While those in treatments 2, 3 and 4 were fed basal diet plus 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 kg Piper guineense meal per 100 kg feed, respectively. Data generated were subjected to 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results revealed that dietary inclusion of Piper guineense meal significantly (p<0.05) influenced feed intake, wet and dry tibia weights, diaphysis diameter and tibia index. However, gross margin and profit index decreased significantly (p<0.05) with increasing dietary inclusion of Piper guineense. It was construed that dietary inclusion of Piper guineense meals enhanced feed intake, some haematological and bone morphological indices of broilers, hence, it can be adopted as a feed additive for sustainable poultry production.
Sex determination in reptiles represents one of the most diverse and evolutionarily dynamic systems among vertebrates. Across different taxa, both temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) and genotypic sex determination (GSD) have been reported, with varying degrees of chromosomal differentiation. However, the current literature on this subject is fragmented, covering a limited number of species and genera, and often lacking cohesive overviews at the family level. This review aims to synthesize the available data concerning the sex-determination mechanisms across major reptilian families, highlighting whether species exhibit TSD or GSD, and, in the latter case, what type of chromosomal determinism (XY, ZW, multiple systems) they possess. A visual summary compiling the known genetic determinism status for a broad spectrum of reptile genera is provided, serving as a practical reference for future research. The review also discusses the knowledge gaps and the methodological challenges that continue to hinder a comprehensive understanding of sex-determination evolution in reptiles.
In the past decades, the use of the greater omentum in surgery has become widely popular in veterinary surgery. A three-year-old European short-haired female cat, with an open fracture of the right tibia, was referred to the Department of Surgery and Intensive Care after suffering from a traffic trauma After clinical and paraclinical examination, the cat underwent a surgical procedure to manage the tibial fracture. Two weeks after the osteosynthesis of the tibial fracture, dehiscence was observed at the level of the suture. Due to the lack of tissue in this area, and clinical signs of local bacterial infection, to avoid amputation, a second surgical intervention consisting of an omentum pedicle flap was performed. With the cat in dorsal recumbency, under general anaesthesia, a small abdominal incision was performed and the omentum was exteriorized. The omentum was enlarged up to 4 times using specific incision lines and a tunnel was created subcutaneously up to the tibial defect. Once sutured in place the omentum was protected using an inguinal skin flap and with colloid bandage that was changed every second day for two weeks. At 14 days, the omentum was resected from the abdominal orifice previously created. 3 months after the first surgery, the cat had fully recovered.
Chronic diarrhea in cats is a frequent clinical problem, defined by gastrointestinal signs persisting for more than three weeks. Causes are diverse: intestinal dysbiosis, parasites, viral agents, or inflammation. Among protozoa, Tritrichomonas foetus and Cryptosporidium spp. are major contributors, while Feline Coronavirus (FCoV), though often subclinical, can worsen inflammation and dysbiosis, sometimes progressing to infectious peritonitis. This study reports a clinical case with multiple etiologies: T. foetus, Cryptosporidium spp., FCoV, and severe dysbiosis. Diagnostic workup included clinical examination, coproparasitological testing, PCR, and microbiome analysis. Treatment combined symptomatic measures with antiparasitic and antibiotic therapy. Co-infection caused persistent diarrhea and delayed therapeutic response, but PCR confirmation enabled a tailored protocol, gradually improving clinical signs. The case highlights the need for a comprehensive diagnostic approach, as concurrent infections and dysbiosis significantly affect prognosis and therapeutic strategies.
A total of 624 nominal species-level and genus-level identified species of parasites were reported from 287 different nominal fish species from both wild and cultured marine and freshwater as well as aquarium habitats by 2020. This checklist provides the current state of the knowledge of fish parasites allocated in 10 phyla: Ciliophora, Platyhelminthes (Monogenea, Trematoda, and Cestoda), Cnidaria (Myxozoa), Nematoda, Arthropoda (Copepoda, Isopoda), Annelida, Euglenozoa, Myzozoa, Metamonada, Mollusca and one parasite group Acanthocephala in different water sources, and lists the reported 85 species-level, and 17 genus-level identified parasites in wild marine, 58 species-level and 19 genus-level identified parasites in wild freshwater, 7 species-level identified parasites in cultured marine, 4 species-level and 8 genus-level identified parasites in cultured freshwater, and 7 species-level and 14 genus-level identified parasites in aquarium environments since 2020. In addition, 46 parasite species have been added to the already-known fish parasite fauna, and previously not reported 59 fish species have also been reported to be the new hosts, mostly endemic freshwater species, investigated for parasites. The most specious taxons were Trematoda in marine, Monogenea in freshwater, and Ciliophora in aquarium hosts. This up-to-date checklist compiled from different sources for the last 5 years suggests more efforts to define the accurate diversity of fishes in Türkiye.
This review comprehensively examines the use of sedative and analgesic medications, focusing on opioids and α2 adrenergic agonists in both veterinary and human medicine. These pharmacological agents are crucial for pain management, sedation, and anesthesia protocols across different species. The review explores the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, mechanisms of action, therapeutic applications, and the risks associated with their use, such as potential for overdose, dependency, and adverse effects. Emphasis is placed on commonly used substances like fentanyl and medetomidine, their molecular interactions, and the differences in receptor sensitivity and response across species.
Climate change occurring on our planet is one of the key risks that negatively affect and will continue to affect the economic development of the livestock industry. The purpose of this review is to summarize the literature on cattle breeding in the context of climate change. The study material consisted of an analysis of selection and breeding practices in cattle farming based on literature sources. The conservation, use, and genetic improvement of local breeds should be one of the strategic directions of livestock development, while specialized breeds should be improved not only for their productive characteristics but also for their adaptation to climate change. Genetic selection for thermo-resistance is potentially a sustainable approach to mitigating the negative impact of heat stress on animal productivity. The genetic correlation between thermo-resistance and other economically important traits that should be considered in breeding will allow for increased productivity while enhancing animal resilience. Genomic selection will play an important role in mitigating the negative effects of climate change on livestock and should be intensified based on already identified biomarkers controlling heat stress regulation and animal productivity. Therefore, maintaining animal genetic diversity will be crucial for ensuring food security.
Equine-assisted therapy (EAT) has gained increasing attention as a complementary treatment for various physical and psychological conditions, with promising outcomes. Recent research suggests that EAT can enhance neuromuscular function by utilizing the horse's movement as a therapeutic tool, offering potential benefits for patients with tetraparesis. However, despite these promising results, skepticism remains among health professionals, particularly in Romania, where the lack of formal regulation and the recreational framing of EAT contribute to doubts about its efficacy. Additionally, in the rehabilitation of tetraparesis, emotional recovery and social reintegration are often underemphasized compared to physical recovery. This case study examines the effectiveness of EAT in promoting physical rehabilitation, emotional well-being, and social reintegration in a patient with tetraparesis resulting from a spinal cord injury (SCI). Over a period of four years, the patient participated in weekly EAT sessions, with therapeutic goals targeting these three interconnected areas. Progress was assessed using the ASIA Impairment Scale (based on the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL). The results showed a notable improvement, with the patient's ASIA score progressing from Grade A to Grade D, and their quality of life shifting from very poor to moderately good on the WHOQOL scale. These findings suggest that EAT not only offers significant physical benefits but also provides a holistic approach to psychological recovery, emotional well-being, and social reintegration for individuals with tetraparesis.
Cardiac diseases are known to be some of the most prevalent diseases in companion animals. Numerous studies in the literature have cited the prevalence of these diseases in different regions and the importance of timely diagnosing said pathologies. However not many details are available regarding Cluj county. This single-center retrospective study was designed to shed light on the overall distribution of the cardiac diseases affecting the canine and feline population in Cluj-Napoca in order to raise awareness to not only clinicians but to owners as well. The study has been carried out on a period of 30 months and the data has been collected from the University of Agricultural Science and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca's databases. Up to this date only one other such study has been carried at another center. We hope that this study will pave the way for a multi-centered retrospective study in the future.
Medication selection should always take into account the fact that therapeutic efficiency means obtaining a pharmacologic response with the desired intensity and duration of drug action, while avoiding adverse reactions. In the case of fluralaner, adverse reactions are mild and transitory gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, inappetence, hypersalivation, and neurological manifestation as toxic effects. Assessment of serum biochemical markers is crucial for determining the extent of organ and tissue damage. For this reason, the aim of this paper was to evaluate some clinical pathology parameters as a result of using a controversial product like Bravecto® chewable tablets, with fluralaner as the active ingredient. To fulfill the purpose of the study Bravecto® tablets were administered to a group of dogs with a pre-existing pathology of allergic dermatitis. Serum biochemistry examination was performed after 15-20 days, following possible adverse effects and/or toxic effects and the possible alterations of the assessed clinical pathology parameters. According to our study we can appreciate that during the metabolization of fluralaner, the only statistically relevant (R2=0.79) changes were related to alkaline phosphatase values.
The objective of this study was to identify morphological changes in goblet cells, in intestinal inflammation. In order to do that, we induced acute intestinal inflammation, in rats, using dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). Ten male Wistar rats were divided in two groups: experimental and control. Intestinal inflammation was induced in the first group, by oral administration of 5% DSS solution in water, while the animals from control group received tap water, both ad libitum for 7 days. During necropsy, were collected samples from the stomach, jejunum and colon that underwent fixation. Later, the regular paraffin-processing technique was utilized and stained by Goldner’s trichrome method. Tissue samples were examined and both statistical and morphometric analysis were performed. The histological examination of jejunum revealed lesions ranging from desquamative to necrotic jejunitis, including coagulative necrosis of the apical pole of the villi. At the level of colon were identified multifocal desquamative areas, discrete oedema of the lamina propria and increased cell apoptosis. The morphometric analysis revealed hypertrophy of the goblet cells in the experimental group. The present study results suggest that the used experimental protocol determined the appearance of acute inflammatory lesions at the level of both small and large intestine, extending from desquamative areas up to more severe necrotic lesions.
Maggot meal is a sustainable alternative to fish meal in organic poultry production. However, maggots are often raised in environments contaminated with pathogenic bacteria, posing safety concerns. This study evaluated the efficacy of Pterocarpus santalinoides ethanol leaf extract in reducing Escherichia coli colonization on housefly maggots. The in vitro antibacterial activity of the extract was assessed using the broth dilution method, determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against E. coli. The larvicidal concentration and acute toxicity (LD50 = 60.334 mg/mL) of the extract on housefly larvae were also evaluated. The extract demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity with a MIC of 25 mg/mL and MBC of 50 mg/mL. When applied to E. coli-inoculated maggots, the extract eradicated the bacterium at 50 mg/mL, both on the surface and internally, within 20 hours. A concentration-dependent antibacterial effect was observed, with complete elimination of E. coli. This study highlights the potential of P. santalinoides extract for ensuring the microbiological safety of maggot meal used in animal feed. Further research is needed to optimize dosage and evaluate the extract's safety in farm animals.
The present paper approaches, using a Google survey, the main aspects of the usage of the e-learning platform as perceived by teachers of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Several aspects related to the way they use it, the perceived advantages of the usage of Moodle platform as well as some drawbacks are highlighted. Based on the given responses in a survey administered in early 2024, some causes are indicated along with some possible solutions in the attempt to implement the faculty-wide usage of the LMS Moodle platform. A serious warning signal is addressed to the Management team of the Faculty, as, in accordance to the teachers' responses, it holds the key to changes in the curricular approach in a team effort that requires a strong collaboration among teachers- management and students.
Anemia in felines with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been associated with a decreased quality of life and a faster rate of pathology progression, having a complicated and more complex pathogenesis. The main cause of the non-regenerative anemia in these patients is the kidneys' inability to produce erythropoietin (EPO), a side effect being the destruction of the red blood cells and the decreased rate of the new red blood cells production. This study aimes to highlight the correlation between the signs of IIIrd and IVth stage chronic kidney disease (characterized by: metabolic acidosis, azotemia, proteinuria, dehydration, malnutrition, hyperphosphatemia, hypertension) and normocytic, normochromic, non-regenerative anemia occurrence. In this study, ten feline patients of various breeds (European, Persian and British Shorthair) aged between 7 and 14 years old were included. 40% of the patients from the study were diagnosed with IIIrd stage of CKD, while 60% with IVth stage. The blood samples were analysed using ProCyte Dx Haematology Analyser – for hematology and Catalyst One Veterinary Blood Chemistry Analyser – for blood biochemistry. All four felines (n=4) with IIIrd stage of CKD have been diagnosed with mild non-regenerative anemia, while the other six patients (n=6) with IVth stage presented severe non-regenerative anemia.
