A 17-year-old mare was referred for acute-onset apathy, anorexia, and progressive neurologic dysfunction culminating in dystonia of the lips and tongue, sialorrhea, and recumbency. The clinical picture closely induced by Centaurea spp. ingestion. Post-mortem examination, however, revealed a large, infiltrative cerebral haemangiosarcoma with disseminated metastases and secondary thalamic malacia. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first detailed description of equine cerebral haemangiosarcoma producing a parkinsonian-like syndrome. The case underscores the necessity of including intracranial neoplasia in the differential diagnosis for NPE-like presentations and illustrates the overlapping pathophysiology between ischaemic/space-occupying lesions of the basal ganglia and plant-associated neurotoxicosis.
In Romania's Transylvania region, dairy farmers are increasingly investing in infrastructure and modernisation to improve animal welfare. A key question is whether access to an Outdoor Loafing Area (OLA) within loose-housing systems contributes to enhanced animal welfare and milk quality. Although researchers have extensively studied the economic efficiency of various housing systems, their welfare implications under real farm conditions have received less attention. This study examined the relationship between OLA access, animal welfare, and milk biomarkers in loose-housed dairy cows. Welfare was assessed using the Welfare Quality (R) protocol, complemented by hygiene scoring and Qualitative Behaviour Assessment (QBA). Milk samples were analysed for both compositional and health-related traits. Statistical comparisons were performed between farms with and without OLA access, and correlations were calculated between OLA access, welfare indicators, and milk characteristics. Farms with OLA access showed favourable outcomes in both milk quality and welfare indicators. These farms were characterised by higher protein content, better udder hygiene, and reduced variability in udder health parameters. Moreover, cows housed in OLA-access farms exhibited greater resting comfort, lower mortality ratesand more positive emotional states. Qualitative assessments indicated that outdoor access promoted vitality and reduced negative affective states such as boredom and agitation. In conclusion, access to outdoor loafing areas in loose-housed dairy farms was associated with measurable improvements in health, comfort, and emotional expression, as well as specific benefits for milk quality. These findings support the implementation of OLA infrastructure as a practical and effective strategy for simultaneously improving animal welfare and farm productivity.
Tulathromycin, a macrolide antibiotic commonly used in swine and cattle, is increasingly administered off-label in Romanian sheep flocks to treat respiratory infections, despite limited evidence of its efficacy in this species. This study evaluated the in vitro susceptibility of bacterial strains isolated from the nasal cavities of 36 Turcana sheep-both clinically healthy and those exhibiting respiratory symptoms-in Cluj County, Romania. 113 bacterial colonies were initially identified; however, only 29 cultures remained viable after thawing and were available for analysis. Of the 22 strains tested for susceptibility to tulathromycin, 42.86% were sensitive, while 57.14% showed resistance. Species such as Acinetobacter ursingii, Neisseria spp., Staphylococcus spp., and Bacillus spp. demonstrated the highest susceptibility (inhibition zones up to 39.66 mm), while Micrococcus luteus, Pantoea spp., Proteus spp., and Acinetobacter lwoffii were resistant. Aerococcus viridans showed variable sensitivity between isolates. These findings suggest tulathromycin may be effective against certain ovine respiratory pathogens but indicate the need for susceptibility testing to guide treatment. The results support a more targeted and evidence-based approach to antimicrobial use in sheep.
Drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs) are immune-mediated, unpredictable adverse responses that often present as cutaneous manifestations such as urticaria, angioedema, and anaphylaxis. Although rare in veterinary medicine, they can occur with commonly used drugs, including ivermectin. This case report describes a type-1 hypersensitivity reaction in a 9-year-old Jack Russell Terrier following subcutaneous administration of ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg) for ocular thelaziasis. Thelazia spp. was confirmed behind the third eyelid and mechanically removed. Within 20 minutes of ivermectin administration, the dog developed facial and limb angioedema, urticaria, flushing, periocular erythema, and respiratory signs, including tachypnoea. Emergency treatment included intravenous epinephrine (0.01 mg/kg), Ringer's lactate (20 mL/kg over 30 minutes), and dexamethasone (0.1 mg/kg). The dog responded rapidly, with complete resolution of symptoms within 30 minutes and full recovery by the following day. A heartworm test ruled out microfilaremia-induced shock. This is the first documented case of a hypersensitivity reaction to ivermectin in a Jack Russell Terrier. It emphasises the importance of recognising DHRs in all breeds and with any medication. Prompt identification and intervention are crucial for preventing potentially life-threatening outcomes.
A method of phytotherapy is the administration of substances with antioxidant effects in the form of herbal teas through drinking water to birds in order to maintain the excretion of nitrogen from the body under physiological conditions. In the current study, the properties of rosehip were investigated by administering it in the form of tea added to the poultry's drinking water. This way, a flock of 60 broiler chickens was split evenly into four experimental groups: two groups (totalling 30 chickens each) got a preventive phytotherapeutic treatment based on rose hips (Rosa canina) during the last 10 days of growth (32-42 days). The third group received water supplements with vitamins and minerals, and the fourth was kept as a control group. Blood samples were taken from the jugular veins of broiler chickens on days 30, 36 and 41. Excretion activity was assessed by observing the serum values of at least five essential biochemical indicators: uric acid, total protein, creatinine, albumin and urea. The results showed that rosehip tea (prepared by infusing 50 g of dried rosehip fruit in 5 litres of drinking water) positively affected the nitrogen balance in the broilers and supported their health during the final growth stage.
