Ram semen cryopreservation is associated with reduced post-thaw sperm quality, partly due to membrane destabilization and oxidative stress. This preliminary in vitro study compared trehalose, low-dose pentoxifylline, and MitoTEMPO, used individually or in combination, as additives for ram semen cryopreservation. Semen collected from six healthy Merino rams during the breeding season was pooled on each collection day and divided into eight treatment groups: control, trehalose (50 mM), pentoxifylline (0.25 or 0.5 µM), MitoTEMPO (0.025 or 0.05 mM), and two MitoTEMPO plus pentoxifylline combinations. This procedure produced eight pooled ejaculates per treatment group. After freezing and thawing, sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, capacitation status, total antioxidant capacity, and total oxidant status were evaluated. Trehalose and pentoxifylline at 0.5 µM significantly improved several post-thaw sperm quality traits. Compared with the control group, trehalose significantly increased post-thaw motility from 31.25 ± 4.43
Canine diabetes mellitus (DM) is a relatively common endocrinopathy, and it requires dedication and commitment from an owner to care for a diabetic pet. This study aimed to describe treatment and monitoring habits, perceived owner and veterinary concerns when treating and monitoring a diabetic dog, as well as triggers for and risk of euthanasia in diabetic dogs among Norwegian veterinarians. A questionnaire was designed and made available online. A total of 125 veterinarians completed the survey. According to the data collected, the cumulative incidence risk for treatment initiation was 71.6
Concern about conformation-related welfare issues in pedigree dogs has risen in recent years. The Dachshund is an example of a short-limbed, i.e. chondrodysplastic, dog breed. Chondrodysplasia may result in angular limb deformities such as elbow incongruity or hind limb growth disorder pes varus. However, the consequences of short-limbed structure on exercise habits or mobility have not been extensively investigated in this breed before. The aim of our study was to determine owner-perceived exercise habits, musculoskeletal health, limb conformations, and prevalence of pes varus in the Finnish purebred Dachshund population by using an online survey for data collection. The majority of the dogs (75.8
A Sarcocystis sarcocyst was found in skeletal muscle of an adult female Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) killed in 1999 in central Sweden and subjected to necropsy as part of a nationwide monitoring program. The sarcocyst was microscopic, and ultrastructurally it had a relatively thin ( 1 mm) sarcocyst wall with pleomorphic villar protrusions of Type 9 according to the classification of Dubey et al. [3]. This is the first record of a S. felis-like sarcocyst in the Eurasian lynx (L. lynx).
Lyme borreliosis (LB), caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, is an emerging concern in human medicine, and is a controversial topic in equine medicine. Neuroborreliosis (NB), a neurologic manifestation of LB, remains challenging to diagnose due to nonspecific clinical signs and the lack of definitive diagnostic methods. This report describes the first documented case of equine NB in Scandinavia. An 11-year-old mare presented with progressive weight loss, ataxia, muscle atrophy, and hyperesthesia. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed neutrophilic pleocytosis, elevated protein and a positive PCR result for Borrelia spp. The mare showed clinical improvement and long-term recovery following prolonged doxycycline therapy. This case is the first reported case of neuroborreliosis in a horse in Scandinavia and supports the diagnostic relevance of CSF PCR in conjunction with clinical and cytological findings. It also underscores the potential for recovery in equine NB when early antimicrobial treatment is initiated.
Abstract Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae (ER) causes erysipelas in multiple animal species and may persist in the environment or be carried asymptomatically. It is estimated that 30–50% of apparently healthy or convalescent pigs harbour ER in their tonsils and other lymphoid tissues. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ER in the tonsils of healthy Swedish fattening pigs and wild boars. Tonsils were collected from 200 fattening pigs at slaughter from ten abattoirs across Sweden in 2017, with one pig per herd sampled. Wild boars ( n = 180) were sampled during hunting, primarily in Östergötland County, in 2018. Cultures were performed using selective media and isolates were confirmed as ER by MALDI-TOF MS. ER was recovered from 6/200 pig tonsils (3.0%), all originating from three abattoirs in southern Sweden. ER was isolated from 76/167 (45.5%) of wild boar tonsils. Whole-genome sequencing revealed a high genetic diversity among the isolates with no dominant clones. Overall, these results indicate that Swedish pig husbandry, characterized by indoor rearing of fattening pigs, age-segregated rearing, sow vaccination, enhanced biosecurity, and restricted straw access largely prevents tonsillar colonization by ER aligning with the low occurrence of clinically diagnosed erysipelas in such herds. For wild boars, the high isolation rate suggests that wild boar could act as a reservoir and potential source of infection for domestic pigs. The potential zoonotic risk should also be considered.
Abstract Heat stress is an increasing concern in pig production as ambient temperatures rise due to climate change. Pigs have limited physiological capacity to dissipate heat and rely largely on behavioural strategies to regulate body temperature. Floor cooling has therefore gained interest as a potential method to alleviate heat stress, particularly since pigs spend large proportions of time lying down. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate whether underfloor cooling influenced lying area preference of gestating sows during warm summer conditions. The study was conducted at the Swedish Livestock Research Centre, Lövsta, Uppsala, Sweden, during July 2025. A group pen (160 m²) housing 31 gestating sows included three concrete resting subsections (A–C) with a total area of 27 m². Underfloor cooling infrastructure had been installed in the concrete slab using embedded plastic tubing. During the experimental period, cold water circulation was applied in subsection A (17 °C) and subsection B (12 °C), while subsection C served as an uncooled control. Sow occupancy of the resting areas was recorded by video during 72 h before cooling commenced and during 72 h with cooling in operation (after a 72 h adjustment period). Still images taken at 30-min intervals were used to calculate occupancy (sows/m²). Data were analysed using mixed linear models. Before cooling, average occupancy did not differ between areas (0.24, 0.22 and 0.26 sows/m² in subsections A, B and C respectively). When underfloor cooling was applied, occupancy increased markedly in the cooled areas (0.44 and 0.41 sows/m² in A and B) compared with the uncooled control (0.27 sows/m²) ( P < 0.001). Outdoor temperature significantly influenced occupancy in subsection A and B during the cooling period ( P < 0.001), with higher densities observed at higher temperatures. These results indicate that gestating sows preferentially used cooled resting areas when average outdoor temperatures exceeded 20 °C, hence changing their preference for where to rest. Although based on a short pilot study in a single group pen, the findings indicate that underfloor cooling may be a promising strategy to alleviate heat stress however further studies are needed to examine the benefits and the motivations for the sow’s changes in preference of resting area.
Respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases in calves pose a significant challenge to the cattle industry due to their impact on mortality rates, economic losses, animal welfare, and antimicrobial usage. Understanding which pathogens are involved is crucial for optimizing both treatment and preventive measures. In Iceland, bovine respiratory disease in calves is relatively rare, whereas neonatal calf diarrhea is more frequent. However, limited diagnostic resources in the country have resulted in a lack of knowledge about the specific pathogens involved. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of respiratory and enteric bacteria and viruses in Icelandic calves from birth to three months of age. Twenty (20) herds participated in this cross-sectional study, twelve located in Northeastern (NE) part of Iceland and eight in the Western (W) part, and a total of 197 calves were enrolled in the study. The calves underwent clinical examination, and nasal swab and fecal samples were collected. Herd owners completed a questionnaire regarding calf health, biosecurity, and management practices. The samples were pooled according to regions, seasons, and age groups and analyzed for the presence of selected viruses and bacteria using quantitative real-time PCR. Among the nasal swab pools, the most identified pathogens were Trueperella pyogenes (75
Equine parapoxvirus (EqPPV) has emerged as a cause of recurring pastern dermatitis outbreaks in horses in Finland. First detected in 2013, EqPPV has since been associated with potentially hundreds of clinical cases and suspected zoonotic transmission. Based on serological data and field reports, EqPPV causes pastern dermatitis outbreaks in Finland every few years. This study aimed to investigate the environmental presence and plausible transmission dynamics of the virus to prepare for future outbreaks and give targeted guidelines to stable staff and veterinarians. After a large-scale EqPPV outbreak affecting hundreds of horses occurred in Finland in winter 2021–2022, PCR diagnostics was carried out whenever EqPPV was suspected to monitor the situation (25 trotting horses from 20 stables between April 2022 and May 2025). Following a period with no detected EqPPV cases from April 2022 to January 2025, a new outbreak occurred in early 2025. Between February and May 2025, the majority of Finnish trotting stables (8/10) submitting diagnostic equine samples, tested positive for EqPPV DNA. Environmental samples (n = 161) were collected from six case stables and two control stables from various surfaces in direct or indirect contact with horses. EqPPV DNA was detected on grooming tools, stall infrastructure, bedding, materials handled by humans, and hands of humans, suggesting multiple possible indirect transmission routes and large-scale spread of EqPPV DNA in infected stables. Notably, 83.3
The aim of the present study was to determine whether L. monocytogenes bacteria from an invasive case of listeriosis cultured in a BacT/ALERT FA bottle in 1999 have survived, and if so, whether their pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) profiles have changed. In 2024, after more than 25 years in a refrigerator, L. monocytogenes was isolated in pure culture from the BacT/ALERT FA bottle. All 100 selected isolates showed the same by PFGE profile with the restriction enzyme Asc I as the L. monocytogenes isolates did in 1999. L. monocytogenes can apparently survive for a long time in a nutrient-poor environment, and this must be taken into account by the food industry. Persistence in clinical samples has rarely been reported; however, several authors report persistence of L. monocytogenes in the food industry, with bacteria ending up in final products.
While the coccidian parasites Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum have a worldwide distribution and wide host ranges, relatively few studies have investigated these parasites in Eurasian tundra reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus). The aim of this study was to estimate prevalence of antibodies against T. gondii and N. caninum in semi-domesticated Eurasian tundra reindeer in Finland and northern Norway. Blood samples from 635 semi-domesticated reindeer were collected in 2015 and tested with commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Altogether 35 (5.5
BACKGROUND:Feline carpal joint injuries pose a significant clinical challenge due to their complex anatomy and the limited evidence available to guide treatment decisions. A detailed understanding of the osseous microarchitecture is essential for improving surgical planning and therapeutic outcomes. A total of 80 carpal joints from 20 cats and 20 toy breed dogs were examined and compared using microcomputed tomography. The parameters bone volume (BV/TV), bone surface (BS/BV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), number of trabeculae (Tb.N), trabecular spacing (Tb.Sp), degree of anisotropy (DA) and connectivity density (Conn. D) were measured and compared. To classify the cortical structure, a three-staged scoring system was applied. RESULTS:All carpal bones exhibited a cancellous structure. Overall, cats had fewer but thicker trabeculae than the toy-dogs in the analysed areas of the carpus, which resulted in a greater trabecular distance in cats. Cats also had a higher bone volume (BV/TV) and thicker cortex. CONCLUSIONS:There were significant differences in structure between dogs and cats which may be important when assessing carpal bone injuries.
BACKGROUND:Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s. l.) and Neoehrlichia mikurensis are the most prevalent pathogenic bacteria found in Ixodes ricinus in Norway. Here we evaluate the prevalence of both bacteria and the density of infected ticks, key factors to assess the human infection risk. The study was performed in one location in southern Norway. RESULTS:An overall prevalence of 12% for B. burgdorferi s. l. and 8% for N. mikurensis was found. The most prevalent B. burgdorferi s. l. genospecies was Borrelia afzelii, followed by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto and Borrelia garinii. The highest density of infected nymphs with B. burgdorferi s. l. was in May and the lowest was in November. In the case of N. mikurensis, the highest density of infected nymphs was found in September and the lowest in November. B. burgdorferi s. l. prevalence was negatively correlated with tick density. CONCLUSIONS:Our results highlight the importance of assessing not only pathogen prevalences but also tick population densities. Extended periods of surveillance in questing ticks are necessary to understand the intricate dynamics of ticks and tick-borne pathogens.
Abstract Background Brucella canis is a zoonotic bacterium, causing mainly reproductive disorders and discospondylitis in dogs, but infections may also be subclinical. Mating is one of the main transmission routes, putting breeding dogs and stray dogs at risk of infection. Confirmatory diagnosis relies on positive culture or PCR. This is difficult to achieve due to intermittent and low-level bacterial excretion. Serological testing might give rise to both false negative and false positive results, making interpretation difficult. Since the first reported Swedish case 2011, the infection has been confirmed in a handful of cases, predominantly in breeding dogs. Several reports highlight the risk of brucellosis in dogs imported from Eastern Europe. Case presentation This case study describes a one-year-old intact male dog originating from a dog shelter in Romania, which was presented to a veterinary hospital in Sweden with signs of pain of unknown origin. A suspicion of B. canis was raised based on clinical signs and history of the dog. Serological testing by enzyme-linked immunoassay for B. canis was positive. Resolution of clinical signs was not achieved despite treatment by robenacoxib and pregabalin. The dog was euthanised and sent for necropsy, showing a chronic multifocal prostatitis and a spondylosis-like, ossified change over L1–L2 in the lumbar spine. Infection was confirmed by positive result of two PCR tests, targeting the IS711 insertion sequence of Brucella spp. Four contact dogs were examined because of the confirmed infection. None of these dogs showed clinical signs of disease. Three of the contact dogs were positive on one or more test for B. canis antibodies. One of the seropositive contact dogs was euthanised and sent for necropsy. A mild generalised lymphadenitis was noted, but B. canis could not be confirmed. Conclusions This is the first described Swedish case of B. canis in a non-breeding dog. The case highlights the complexity of canine brucellosis, including the array of clinical signs and the multiple diagnostic methods that may be necessary to confirm an infection. It also shows the risk of introducing infections through cross-border transportation of dogs.
BACKGROUND:Thelazia callipaeda is a zoonotic vector-borne nematode primarily affecting carnivores, lagomorphs, and humans. Over the past decades, the parasite has expanded across Europe. This report presents the first molecularly confirmed case of canine thelaziosis in Estonia. The findings highlight the urgent need for increased awareness of T. callipaeda among veterinarians, human medical professionals, and pet owners, as this parasite poses an important public health concern. CASE PRESENTATION:A 6-year-old spayed female Swiss White Shepherd, with a recent travel history to several European countries, including the Baltic countries, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, and Sweden, was presented to the Small Animal Clinic of Estonian University of Life Sciences with unilateral ocular discharge and hyperaemia. Ophthalmic examination revealed the presence of motile, threadlike nematodes in the left eye. The treatment involved manual removal of nematodes and oral administration of milbemycin oxime/praziquantel twice with 1 week interval in combination with topical lubrication. Follow-up examinations revealed significant improvement in ocular health, with no further signs of infection. The nematodes were identified as T. callipaeda based on molecular analysis. CONCLUSIONS:This case highlights the importance of obtaining a comprehensive travel history in veterinary ophthalmology and emphasizes the emerging risk of T. callipaeda in non-endemic regions, especially with increased pet travel. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for successful management. Preventive measures, such as antiparasitic treatment before and during travel, are essential to reduce the risk of transmission. The growing concern of T. callipaeda spread is further supported by previous ecological niche model predictions, suggesting the potential for the vector's geographic expansion across Europe.
Background Dental calculus is common in dogs and contributes to periodontal disease by promoting plaque accumulation. While daily tooth brushing is the gold standard for prevention, the gold standard for calculus removal is professional dental cleaning under anesthesia at a veterinary clinic. Ultrasonic toothbrushes are marketed as alternatives for single-session calculus removal while the dog is awake; however, there is currently no scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness for this purpose. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a single ultrasonic toothbrush session for canine dental calculus removal. The study consisted of two parts. In part one, beagle dogs with confirmed dental calculus underwent a single session of ultrasonic toothbrush application on the maxillary canine and maxillary fourth premolar, with six minutes per tooth. Stress levels were assessed using the FAS scale (Fear, Anxiety, and Stress). In part two, teeth with dental calculus from specimens were treated with the ultrasonic toothbrush for up to 40 min per tooth. A blinded assessor evaluated dental calculus index pre- and post-treatment. Results No visible reduction in calculus was observed in the dogs. Stress during brushing was low (< 2 out of 5 on FAS-scale) and significantly lower (P < 0.05) for canine teeth compared to the fourth premolar. Among the specimens, 7 out of 10 teeth lost small pieces of calculus during mechanical dislodgement with a fingernail after 6-28 min of ultrasonic toothbrush treatment; however, only two teeth showed sufficient reduction to lower the calculus index. Conclusion Ultrasonic toothbrushes show no significant impact on dental calculus removal as claimed by service providers. While extended use on a single area (> 10 min) may slightly weaken calculus, its clinical relevance is minimal. These brushes are effective for daily prevention of calculus formation but not for its removal once formed. Professional dental cleaning at a veterinary clinic is recommended to address calculus and ensure other dental issues are not overlooked.
Abstract Background Ticks are important vectors of zoonotic pathogens, posing a growing threat to animals and humans in Europe. In Norway, the tick species Ixodes ricinus is expanding its range, increasing the risk of tick-borne infections. This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of IgG antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s. l.), tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in domestic dogs residing in Norway, and to assess their potential role as sentinel species for tick-borne pathogen surveillance at the northernmost limit of I. ricinus’ geographical range. Serum samples (n = 433) from domestic dogs were collected across 15 counties between 2016 and 2023 and analysed using immunoblot assays. Results Overall, 38% of the dogs were seropositive for one or more tick-borne pathogens. The seroprevalence was 20% for B. burgdorferi s. l., 19% for TBEV, and 11% for A. phagocytophilum. Statistically significant regional differences were observed for the latter two pathogens. Conclusions The findings indicated widespread exposure of Norwegian dogs to tick-borne pathogens and support their role as sentinel species for assessing human risk. Continued surveillance and preventive measures are recommended to reduce tick infestation and pathogen transmission to both dogs and humans.
Abstract Background We describe the occurrence of bacteria associated with bovine respiratory disease (BRD) on Austrian beef operations and compare bacterial culture results from double guarded deep nasopharyngeal swab (DNS) and non-endoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples. Fifty pre-weaned beef calves from 13 conveniently selected commercial beef operations with a history of BRD were sampled between April and August 2024. From each calf a DNS and a BAL sample was obtained and cultured for Pasteurella multocida, Mannheimia haemolytica, Histophilus somni, Bibersteinia trehalosi, Mannheimia spp. and Mycoplasma bovis. Additionally, a M. bovis specific PCR was carried out on all samples. The objectives of this study were to describe and compare the occurrence of bacteria in DNS and BAL samples from Austrian beef calves on beef operations with a history of BRD, and to determine the agreement between M. bovis culture and PCR test results in these samples. Results In total, 21 bacterial isolates were obtained from 15 of the 50 DNS samples and 22 isolates from 17 of the 48 BAL samples. P. multocida, Ma. haemolytica, H. somni, B. trehalosi and Mannheimia spp. were isolated from 4, 2, 5, 0, and 3 DNS samples, and from 4, 3, 3, 2, and 1 BAL samples, respectively. M. bovis was cultured most frequently, i.e. from 7/50 DNS samples and 9/48 BAL samples. All PCR positive BAL (21/48) samples showed a PCR positive DNS (26/50) as well. Of the PCR positive samples, M. bovis was cultured in 27% of DNS samples and in 43% of BAL samples. A consistent culture result was found in 4/48 calves from both DNS and BAL samples, with M. bovis identified in all cases. The study showed moderate agreement for M. bovis culture (κ = 0.45) and almost perfect agreement for PCR (κ = 0.88) between DNS and BAL, respectively, but poor agreement for other bacteria (κ=-0.91 – -0.03). Conclusions Common BRD-associated bacteria occur on beef operations in Austria even in calves with mild BRD signs. Additionally, BAL and DNS are suitable for bacterial isolation from the respiratory tract and can provide an overview of the BRD-associated bacteria involved on the farm. We detected a poor agreement between the results of bacterial isolation from DNS and BAL samples in this study, except for M. bovis.
Litter size varies among dog breeds and is related to body size. Generally, the relationship is described as small breeds having smaller litters, and larger breeds larger litters, though the trend does not extend to very large breeds. Allometric relationships are often log-log relationships. This study aims to investigate the relationship between body weight, body conformation, and litter size, with the hypothesis that: (1) body size and litter size are positively related with a power relationship and (2) breed-specific genetic characteristics, which impact body conformation, influence litter size. The present analysis addressed variation in litter size among 115 breeds and the effect of two breed-typical phenotypes, chondrodysplasia and brachycephaly. Log-log regression was used to investigate the relationship between litter size and body weight. A second-order relationship between log litter size and log body weight was observed. In conclusion, body size and litter size were strongly related. Brachycephaly had a significant negative effect on average litter size whereas litter size was unaffected by chondrodysplasia.
Congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSSs) are vascular anomalies that permit communication between the portal and systemic circulation, thus allowing venous blood to bypass the liver. Previous studies have reported an estimated CPSS prevalence of 0.18–0.76
