Search Results (1,109)

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a progressive and often fatal disease caused by a virulent biotype of feline coronavirus (FCoV). Although antiviral treatments are now available, relapse and resistance remain ongoing concerns. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of P. indusiatus, a medicinal mushroom, for its antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities against FIP. The main protease (FIPV M^pro) of feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) was recombinantly expressed and purified to facilitate enzyme inhibition screening. P. indusiatus exhibited the strongest FIPV M^pro inhibitory activity among the 17 mushroom extracts tested (69.2%), showing a notable level of inhibition relative to standard antiviral agents such as lopinavir and ritonavir. To assess its anti-inflammatory potential, PBMCs derived from healthy cats and FIP-associated effusions (FIP fluid) were cultured and stimulated with LPS to induce inflammation. In healthy PBMCs, P. indusiatus significantly reduced nitrite levels, with effects similar to dexamethasone. However, PBMCs from FIP fluid, already in an activated state, showed no additional response. Notably, this study is the first to successfully isolate and culture PBMCs from FIP fluid, providing a new platform for future immunological research. These findings suggest that P. indusiatus possesses both antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, positioning it as a potential dual-action therapeutic candidate for FIP. Further investigation into cytokine signaling pathways is warranted to clarify its mechanisms of action and advance future therapeutic development. Full article

Various accelerometers offer to monitor sleep efficiency in dogs, but the underlying proprietary algorithms are not usually revealed. The aim of this pilot study was to achieve insights on the performance of an omnidirectional accelerometer to document sleeping and resting periods in dogs with a simple binary cut-off (0 cpm; ≥1 cpm) and the interference of movements. All data were acquired with a neck collar-mounted accelerometer (Actical^®; Philips Respironics Inc., Murrysville, PA, USA) that provides access to raw data. Ten privately owned dogs (6 dogs with and 4 dogs without movements during sleep) were monitored shortly before, during and after their sleeping and resting periods. Experienced observers documented any visible movement and the corresponding behavioral state continuously for each minute as apparent sleep (eyes closed, regular breathing pattern), rest (eyes open), awake and alert. Total observation time was 2633 min, and 32 sleeping and resting periods were monitored. Zero accelerometer counts per minute documented the combined sleeping and resting periods with a sensitivity of 94.0% and specificity of 96.1% but could not differentiate between apparent sleeping and resting with eyes closed or open. Mild movements during sleep did not interfere with the recordings. The pilot data obtained in this study supports further investigation of this approach to document sleeping and resting periods over prolonged periods in individual dogs. Full article

Dogs are the most popular companion animals in Europe, with an estimated population of 106 million in households. Commercial dry dog foods are formulated to meet specific nutritional requirements and ensure safety during storage, often through the addition of preservatives to extend shelf life. This pilot study investigated the antioxidant properties and changes in the fatty acid composition during storage in six mono-protein (containing only one source of animal protein) dry dog foods. These findings might contribute to a better understanding of the long-term nutritional stability of commercial dry dog foods and their potential implications for canine health. Changes in chemical composition, fatty acid profile, and antioxidant properties were analyzed immediately after opening the packages and after 3 and 6 months of storage. Significant alterations (p ≤ 0.05) were observed in nutrient content, particularly crude fat level (decrease from 18.37 g/100 g DM to 16.87 g/100 g DM after 6 months), as well as saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Antioxidant properties, assessed via DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS, fluctuated over the storage period. Principal component analysis identified distinct patterns in nutrient and antioxidant profiles, highlighting the impact of storage duration and initial food composition on the stability of nutritional and antioxidant properties. The research demonstrates that the quality of commercial dry dog foods, particularly regarding oxidative stability and antioxidant properties, is subject to change over time after opening. The chemical composition of the foods was influenced by storage duration, with significant decreases in crude fat and variations in fatty acid profiles. Full article

COVID-19 is the most widespread emerging infectious disease in humans, recently caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Understanding the pathogenesis and development of efficient vaccines is crucial for the prevention and control of this emerging disease. SARS-CoV-2 viruses have widespread hosts, including humans, domesticated/companion animals (cats, dogs), specific farmed animals (minks), specific wildlife (white-tailed deer), and laboratory animal models. Bats are considered the original reservoir, and pangolins may be important intermediate hosts. Suitable animal models play an important role in studying the pathogenicity and evaluation of vaccines and antiviral drugs during the preclinical stage. In this review, we summarized the animal models and potential animal models for the research of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, vaccine and antiviral drugs development, including transgenic mice, cats, hamsters, nonhuman primates, ferrets, and so on. Our summary provides the important information to select the animals used for a specific purpose and facilitates the development of novel vaccines and antivirals to prevent and control COVID-19. Full article

Ticks are hematophagous ectoparasites capable of transmitting a wide array of pathogens. The recent proliferation and geographic expansion of tick populations have intensified concerns regarding the escalating risk of tick-borne pathogen transmission. Among these, Anaplasma phagocytophilum poses a notable threat to both public and veterinary health due to its zoonotic potential. In this study, a total of 4316 ticks were collected from 16 pasture sites near livestock farms in Gyeonggi and Gangwon Provinces, Republic of Korea, between April and October 2024. Molecular epidemiological analysis was subsequently performed. Of the 400 tick pools tested, Ixodes nipponensis accounted for two Anaplasma-positive pools, Haemaphysalis spp. larvae for two pools, and Haemaphysalis longicornis for one pool. This study is the first to examine the infection rate of A. phagocytophilum in ticks collected from pasture sites near livestock farms in Gyeonggi and Gangwon Provinces. Although the observed infection rate was low, the presence of A. phagocytophilum in regions with potential human exposure emphasizes the risk of transmission. Importantly, the detection of A. phagocytophilum in larval-stage ticks suggests the possibility of transovarial transmission, meriting further investigation. These findings underscore the need for conducting surveillance and targeted preventive strategies to reduce the burden of tick-borne diseases in livestock-associated settings. Full article

This study aimed to explore prognostic factors for mortality in dogs and cats following traumatic diaphragmatic herniorrhaphy using both multivariable logistic regression, a traditional statistical method, and the random forest algorithm, a machine learning approach. Associations between demographic and clinical variables and mortality were examined. Overall survival was 78.8% (149/189), 77% (97/126) in cats and 82.5% (52/63) in dogs. Key findings revealed that chronic diaphragmatic hernia (DH) significantly increased the odds of death compared to acute cases (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 4.01, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.69–9.53). Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) increased mortality (adjusted OR = 3.24, 95% CI: 1.22–8.57). Cox proportional hazards analysis revealed that chronic DH (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 3.31, 95% CI: 1.51–7.30) and elevated BUN (HR = 2.88, 95% CI: 1.23–6.77) were associated with increased one-year mortality risk. The random forest analysis reinforced these findings, identifying hernia duration (Gini importance: 1.90) and BUN (Gini importance: 0.94) as the most crucial predictors. Among chronic DH patients, 55% of those with elevated BUN experienced fatal outcomes based on classification and regression tree (CART) analysis. The consistency of random forest results with logistic regression strengthens the reliability of these prognostic insights for DH patients. Full article

In vitro culture systems have advanced cancer biology, particularly through 2D and 3D tumor cultures. These have answered numerous scientific inquiries and propelled human oncologic research, with growing recognition of their potential to improve cancer treatment in companion animals, specifically cats and dogs. These species develop cancer spontaneously, closely resembling specific human cancer subtypes. For example, canine and feline mammary tumors are especially valuable for studying tumor biology. In vitro models from these tumors therefore offer a unique opportunity for veterinary cancer research. Recent 3D cell culture advancements provide promising platforms for predicting therapeutic responses in human cancer and may be applied to mammary tumors in animals. However, while limitations in fully recapitulating in vivo conditions and predicting chemotherapy response have been observed in colorectal tumoroids, similar challenges are emerging in mammary and breast tumors. In particular, canine mammary tumors and human breast cancers share critical heterogeneity and microenvironmental factors usually inadequately modeled in vitro. This review critically examines the predictivity of 3D mammary tumoroids from humans and companion animals, highlighting challenges related to stromal and immune cell preservation, reproducibility, and the translational gap between in vitro findings and clinical outcomes. We propose future directions to optimize these models for both comparative oncology and veterinary-specific applications. Full article

Background: Assistance dogs can support children with autism by improving emotional regulation and social functioning, but access is limited. The Family Dog Service was developed to help families of autistic children gain similar benefits through companion dogs. It offers tailored support for selecting, training, and integrating a dog into the home. This study explored parent perspectives on the service and perceived impacts of companion dogs. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among UK residents who attended Family Dog Service workshops. The survey included demographic data, mental health and wellbeing measures, and questions about human–animal interactions. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively; qualitative responses underwent thematic analysis. Results: Of 118 participants, 101 (85.6%) owned a dog, while 17 (14.4%) were considering acquisition. Most owners reported improvements in their child’s mood (75.2%; n = 76) and reduced anxiety-related behaviours (70.3%, n = 71) following dog acquisition. Nearly half (49.5%, n = 50) rated the child–dog relationship as ‘very’ or ‘extremely’ positive within the first month, increasing to 86.1% (n = 87) by the time of data collection. Families also reported enhanced dynamics and reduced caregiver stress. Despite some challenges, the service was valued for its autism-specific guidance and ongoing support. Conclusions: The Family Dog Service may offer a practical, accessible alternative to assistance dogs, supporting autistic children’s wellbeing and strengthening family relationships through positive interactions between children and their dogs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an increasingly prevalent endocrine disorder affecting humans and companion animals. Type 1 DM (T1DM) and type 2 DM (T2DM) are well characterized in humans, and canine DM most often resembles T1DM, marked by insulin dependence and β-cell destruction. Conversely, feline DM shares key features with human T2DM, including insulin resistance, obesity-related inflammation, and islet amyloidosis. This review provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of antidiabetic therapies in humans, dogs, and cats, focusing on three core areas: disease pathophysiology, pharmacological and delivery strategies, and translational implications. In human medicine, a wide array of insulin analogs, oral hypoglycemic agents, and incretin-based therapies, including glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (liraglutide) and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (empagliflozin), are available. Veterinary treatments remain limited to species-adapted insulin formulations and off-label use of human drugs. Interspecies differences in gastrointestinal physiology, drug metabolism, and behavioral compliance influence therapeutic efficacy and pharmacokinetics. Recent innovations, such as microneedle patches for insulin delivery and continuous glucose monitoring systems, show promise in humans and animals. Companion animals with naturally occurring diabetes serve as valuable models for preclinical testing of novel delivery platforms and long-acting formulations under real-world settings. While these technologies show potential, challenges remain in regulatory approval and behavioral adaptation in animals. Conclusions: Future research should prioritize pharmacokinetic bridging studies, veterinary-specific formulation trials, and device validation in animal models. By highlighting shared and species-specific characteristics of DM pathogenesis and treatment, this review advocates a One Health approach toward optimized antidiabetic therapies that benefit human and veterinary medicine. Full article

Pro-regenerative corneal implants are being developed to improve corneal healing for companion animals in clinical practice. This pilot study evaluated early corneal tissue and nerve regeneration using biosynthetic collagen-analog hydrogels (CAH) in liquid and solid forms. Their efficacy was compared to each other and to allografts on nine white New Zealand rabbits, divided in three groups of three. Each rabbit cornea underwent keratectomy followed by grafting with either a control allograft cornea, liquid injectable, or solid CAH implant. Corneal healing was assessed over 16 weeks using clinical exams, esthesiometry, in vivo confocal microscopy, and optical coherence tomography. One rabbit per group was euthanized at 3, 10, and 16 weeks for histopathological analysis. Both liquid and solid implants enabled corneal re-epithelialization and regeneration of stromal tissue and corneal nerves. Esthesiometric values indicated faster nerve regeneration in rabbits grafted with biosynthetic implants compared to allografts (p < 0.005). By 16 weeks, regenerated neocorneas achieved transparency comparable to allografts. Solid and liquid CAH implants supported complete corneal tissue and nerve regeneration in the studied rabbits. These results suggest that with further research and development, the current gold standard for corneal transplantation could be replaced by high-performing, easily produced biosynthetic alternatives. Full article

Propolis, also known as bee glue, is a natural resinous mixture produced by Western honeybees and has long been recognized for its potential therapeutic properties. Recent research has focused on its diverse bioactivities, particularly its antimicrobial effects against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including human but also animal pathogens. However, further investigation is required to fully elucidate the pharmacological properties and potential toxicity of propolis to support its broader application. This study investigated the antimicrobial efficacy and safety of an ethanol extract of Portuguese propolis collected from the Gerês region (G23.EE). The antimicrobial activity was assessed in vitro against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria associated with infections in companion animals, using the agar dilution method. To evaluate potential toxicity, the extract was administered via injection and topical application in an in vivo Galleria mellonella larval model, with health parameters monitored over a 96 hours period. The in vitro results showed that G23.EE was more effective against Gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus spp. (e.g., S. felis, S. hominis, S. simulans, and S. pseudintermedius; MIC = 0.5 mg/mL) and Enterococcus faecium (MIC = 1.5 mg/mL), than against Gram-negative bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella oxytoca (MIC > 8.0 mg/mL). No significant adverse effects were observed in G. mellonella larvae following injection or brushing with propolis extract concentrations up to 8.0 mg/mL. Overall, these findings suggest that Portuguese propolis from Gêres is a promising, safe, and effective natural antimicrobial agent for targeting Gram-positive bacterial infections in companion animals. Full article

Periodontal disease is a prevalent condition in companion animals. It is crucial to prevent the plaque and bacteria on tooth surfaces to avoid gingivitis and the more harmful periodontitis. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of MLS laser treatment on the bacterial load by analyzing the gingival swabs of a total of 16 owned dogs with no history of dental disease that were selected from a cohort of patients admitted for plaque removal and dental hygiene procedures. Following each dental hygiene session, each dog received a single MLS laser therapy treatment (808–905 nm diode laser, frequency 36 Hz, and fluence 0.16 J/cm²). Swabs were collected from the two upper premolars before and after the laser treatment. These were submitted for mesophilic bacteria counts, and microbiological analysis was conducted on 10 positive cultures to evaluate the changes in the oral bacterial microbiota. MLS laser therapy statistically significantly reduced the mesophilic bacteria count by 1 log, with higher pre-laser treatment counts (n = 0.44; 5.77 ± 0.21 95%CI) in comparison to post-laser treatment counts (n = 0.73; 4.80 ± 0.346 95%CI). The MLS laser therapy was found to reduce the bacterial load in 80% of the subjects (p < 0.05). No significant differences pre- and post-laser treatment were observed in the bacteria species isolated from the microbiological cultures. MLS laser therapy appears to be a useful, non-invasive method for reducing the bacterial load in the treatment and prophylaxis of periodontal disease in dogs. Full article

Bartonella spp. is a Gram-negative bacterium transmitted by arthropod vectors, implicated in a range of zoonotic infections affecting both humans and animals. Among zoonotic species, B. henselae is primarily associated with domestic cats and B. vinsonii with dogs. In Italy, Bartonella infections have been reported in both southern and northern regions. This study investigates the presence of Bartonella spp. in fleas and ticks collected from companion animals in Piedmont region, northwestern Italy. A total of 176 flea and 85 tick specimens were obtained from 92 animals (dogs and cats) between May 2018 and February 2020. Arthropods were morphologically identified using identification keys, and screened for Bartonella DNA by PCR targeting the 16s rRNA gene. Positive samples were further analyzed by amplifying the rpoB gene. Selected 16s-positive and all rpoB-positive samples were sequenced and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. Fleas were mostly identified as Ctenocephalides felis, recovered from 44 cats and 12 dogs; a single C. canis specimen was found in one cat. Ticks were Ixodes ricinus (from 14 cats and 10 dogs), Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. (3 cats, 7 dogs), and Dermacentor marginatus (one dog). Bartonella prevalence was 38.4%, with 34.2% positivity in fleas and 45.6% in ticks. All sequences corresponded to B. henselae. These findings confirm the active circulation of B. henselae in ectoparasites of pets and raise questions about the potential role of ticks in its transmission. Full article

Progress in clinical practice, research, and teaching needs a common language. Agreement among veterinary endocrinologists on definitions of concepts related to Cushing’s syndrome (CS) and hypoadrenocorticism is lacking. After a successful inaugural cycle on diabetes mellitus terminology, project Agreeing Language in Veterinary Endocrinology (ALIVE) held a second cycle, with simplified methodology, and brought together 10 experts of the European Society of Veterinary Endocrinology (ESVE) and the Society of Comparative Endocrinology (SCE). It employed a four-round modified Delphi Method to generate draft definitions and try and achieve consensus. A final round used an endorsement survey of the expert-generated definitions distributed to the ESVE and SCE memberships, seeking a simple majority endorsement. A minimum of 20% membership participation was sought. The 10 experts achieved 100% consensus on the definition of 35 adrenal disease-associated concepts, including disease definitions, diagnostic criteria, and test definitions, a disease classification system for CS and hypoadrenocorticism, and a clinical scoring system for CS. Definitions were subsequently assessed by 78 ESVE and SCE members (26% of combined memberships). All definitions achieved a simple majority, ranging from 83.1 to 100%. ALIVE proved effective in creating a body of terminology for adrenal disease in companion animals, which met the overall approval of a majority of those participating in the endorsement phase. The prospective use of these definitions could help improve comparability and standards for adrenal disease research, education, and clinics. Full article

Objective: To investigate public attitudes in New Zealand towards the euthanasia of dogs and cats and to explore the factors that influence these views. Materials and Methods: Data were collected through a nationwide online survey conducted in 2019 as part of the Furry Whānau Wellbeing research project. The survey included questions about pet euthanasia, and respondents were asked to indicate their level of agreement with various statements. Results: Of 2293 respondents to the 2019 New Zealand Pet Survey, the majority (n = 1756) opposed euthanasia for stray, unwanted, or financially burdensome pets (76.7%; 90.2% and 66.3% of these disagreed or strongly disagreed, respectively). In contrast, a slim majority (n = 1162) supported it for sick animals. Females were less likely to agree with euthanasia in most scenarios compared to males. Māori and New Zealand European respondents (n = 1790) showed higher levels of neutrality than other ethnicities regarding stray animals and lower levels of disagreement regarding financially constrained situations. Older respondents (65+) were more likely to support euthanasia for sick animals, while younger respondents (18–24) were less inclined. Higher education levels are correlated with increased neutrality towards euthanising stray animals and increased support for euthanising feral animals. Respondents with children were more likely to be neutral or to disagree with euthanasia in most scenarios. Those with rural upbringings were more accepting of euthanasia for stray and feral animals. A thematic analysis of 653 respondent comments revealed key themes: euthanasia was seen as complex and context-dependent, a humane last resort for suffering animals, but not for convenience. Respondents emphasised responsible pet ownership and a right to life, even for feral animals, advocating for alternatives such as trap–neuter–release. Conclusion: New Zealanders largely view euthanasia as an ethically acceptable option for terminally ill or suffering animals but reject it when driven by convenience or financial hardship. Attitudes vary across demographic groups, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive education and policy. The findings align with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and support broader discussions on responsible pet ownership, ethical decision making, and animal welfare legislation. Full article