Search Results (1,134)

Background/Objectives: Surveillance studies focusing on clinically relevant infections confirm that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is widespread among bacterial isolates from European households and livestock domestic animals. Due to the shared interface between humans and these animals, as well as an increasing trend in the number of pets per person, the spread of AMR is of concern. Methods: In this study, antibiogram reports issued at the bacteriology laboratory of the Department of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Bari from 2020 to 2025 were reviewed and analyzed using descriptive and statistical methods to explore the AMR patterns. Results: Two hundred and twenty-eight results were included, comprising 2599 individual tests. A total of 76 molecules across 25 antibiotic classes were tested. Ear swabs were the most common sample type, and Staphylococcus spp. and E. coli were the most isolated bacteria. Two-thirds of the isolates were susceptible to at least one substance classified by the European Medicine Agency (EMA) as category D. Fairly low non-susceptibility (NS) results were obtained for sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (D category), gentamicin (C category), and enrofloxacin (B category). Conclusions: An increase in the NS trend was observed over the five-year period. Overall, the results support the need for continuous antibiotic stewardship. Full article

Probiotics are commonly applied to maintain the balance of gut microbiota and regulate the intestinal metabolic function of companion animals. In the present study, complex probiotics (Bacillus coagulans SNZ-1969, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus licheniformis) were added into the basal diet of domestic cats to investigate their influence on the intestinal microbiome and metabolic characteristics. Results revealed that the alpha diversity of the gut microbiota in the probiotic group was enhanced when compared to the control group. The beta diversity of the gut microbiota was also altered by the oral consumption of the complex probiotics. Compared to the control group, the relative abundance of beneficial microbes (such as Clostridium, Bacteroides, Phocaeicola, and Ruminococcus) in the probiotic group was enhanced, while the relative abundance of opportunistic pathogens (such as Escherichia, Gallibacter, Corynebacterium) was decreased. Additionally, the intestinal metabolic characteristics of domestic cats were also changed. The metabolomic analysis identified 408 differential metabolites between the two groups, and the KEGG function pathway analysis proved that the dominant pathway related to the differential metabolites were the amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, energy metabolism, endocrine system, digestive system, immune system, and other metabolic pathways. Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed that the beneficial microbes had positive correlations with the differential metabolites. In conclusion, the current study demonstrated that oral administration of complex probiotics could regulate overall health and well-being in domestic cats through modulating the gut microbiome and metabolic characteristics. Full article

Understanding how individuals decide to adopt shelter dogs remains a significant challenge within animal welfare research, as existing studies identify correlates of adoption outcomes without explaining the underlying decision process. This hypothesis introduces a conceptual framework that synthesizes empirical findings from dog adoption studies with interdisciplinary theories to explain how adoption decisions emerge. Using a signal-to-noise perspective, the framework conceptualizes early bond formation between a potential adopter and a dog as a valuation signal that competes with uncertainty arising throughout the process. The functional model describes the adoption process as a lifecycle involving search, visitation, interaction, and decision phases, during which potential adopters seek information, evaluate available dogs, and form perceptions of compatibility. Interdisciplinary decision models, including Prospect Theory and the Diffusion Decision Model, are integrated to explain how information is framed, evaluated, and accumulated until a decision is reached. Empirical findings from human–dog interaction research are used to support the hypothesis that potential adopters evaluate companionship potential based on early bond formation associated with human–dog interactions. The framework offers a broad perspective on how adoption decisions may occur and establishes a theoretical foundation to guide future hypothesis development, measurement, and experimental research in companion animal adoption. Full article

This narrative review examines topical anti-inflammatory therapies in veterinary medicine through the lens of the One Health framework, integrating pharmacology, dermatology, ecotoxicology, food safety, and regulatory science. It discusses the interconnected roles of veterinarians, pharmacists, environmental scientists, public health authorities, and regulatory bodies in addressing antimicrobial resistance, environmental contamination, zoonotic transmission, and drug residues in food-producing animals. By emphasising cross-sector collaboration, the review highlights how coordinated strategies can enhance animal welfare, safeguard human health, and reduce ecological burden. The article analyses inflammatory conditions in companion and farm animals and compares systemic versus topical anti-inflammatory approaches. Particular attention is given to corticosteroids, NSAIDs, immunomodulators, pro-resolving lipid mediators, and plant-derived bioactives, alongside advances in vehicles such as lipid nanocarriers and biodegradable film-forming systems designed to minimise systemic absorption and environmental dispersion. Regulatory considerations, residue control, pharmacovigilance gaps, and sustainability-oriented formulation strategies are critically addressed. Topical anti-inflammatory therapies, when rationally designed and monitored under One Health principles, represent a strategic opportunity to improve therapeutic precision while limiting systemic toxicity and ecological impact. Future directions should prioritise translational research, eco-compatible formulation design, and harmonised regulatory frameworks. Full article

Corneal neovascularization (CNV) in dogs causes chronic ocular surface inflammation, which may disrupt tear film stability and meibomian gland function. As bevacizumab inhibits abnormal vessel growth and affects tear composition, it may benefit dogs with ocular surface disorders. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of bevacizumab eye drops on the ocular surface in dogs with chronic CNV. Fourteen eyes from nine client-owned dogs were included. Dogs received either preserved (B_BAC-group) or unpreserved (B-group) 0.25% bevacizumab eye drops twice daily for 28 days. Re-examinations occurred one week after treatment initiation, at the end of treatment, and three months later. An ocular surface analyzer was used to assess tear composition and meibomian glands via interferometry, tear meniscus height, and meibography. Ocular and systemic toxicities were monitored, and clinical signs were scored. Serum VEGF levels were measured via ELISA before and after treatment. No statistically significant changes in intraocular pressure, tear production, or systemic VEGF levels were observed. Statistically significant improvements were noted in conjunctival hyperemia and chemosis in both groups, ocular discharge in the B_BAC-group, and fluorescein uptake in the B-group. Both formulations were safe and well tolerated. These preliminary findings suggest that topical bevacizumab may have potential benefits for CNV and ocular surface disorders in dogs, although larger studies are needed. Full article

Functional pet food has grown rapidly, in line with the accelerated humanization of pets, growing attention to relations between diet and health, and mounting sustainability awareness. The article provides a critical overview of recent developments and new trends in functional pet food, combining data from published works, patents and market-driven innovative companies. The current trends depict a transition from single-nutrient fortification to integrated nutrition interventions through modulation of gastrointestinal health, immunity, metabolism, cognition and age-associated conditions. Special attention is dedicated to probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, polyphenols and novel protein sources, as well as innovations in processing and delivery technologies. The review highlights ongoing issues on the relevance of study design, available long-term safety information and our capacity to mechanistically underpin claims with respect to function. Because this review maps clusters of innovation and clusters of underdeveloped knowledge, it offers a roadmap for the translational pathway from scientific discovery to commercialization. The results highlight a call for harmonized methods, longer duration studies and integrative omics-based approaches in order to improve the evidence basis formulation and responsible marketing of future functional pet food products following credible, safe and sustainable strategies. Full article

Alpacas have become increasingly popular as farm and companion animals in many countries and were introduced in Hungary approximately 15 years ago. However, reliable data on their population size and management practices have remained limited. Therefore, this study aimed to provide the first nationwide overview of alpaca keeping in Hungary. An anonymous Google Forms-based questionnaire comprising 55 questions was used to collect data on farm characteristics, herd size, husbandry practices, and animal health management. A total of 53 valid responses were analyzed. The results indicated that approximately 260 alpacas are currently kept in Hungary, with most herds being small and typically consisting of 1–5 animals. Most owners planned to expand their herds, primarily through domestic breeding or purchases; however, only a minority considered alpaca keeping economically profitable. Responses related to quarantine, veterinary access, and disease management suggested limited knowledge of biosecurity and animal health. While most owners reported high levels of trust in veterinarians, many had difficulty accessing specialists with expertise in alpacas. In conclusion, alpaca keeping in Hungary is a growing but still small-scale sector. Improving owner education and strengthening professional support may enhance animal welfare and reduce health risks, thereby supporting the One Health approach. Full article

Overweight and obesity are prevalent among companion dogs and cats in the Western world. Affected animals are at risk of comorbidities and reduced longevity. This narrative review found that veterinary literature generally characterises overweight and obesity as nutritional disorders that are primarily addressed by reducing caloric intake. However, veterinary management of overweight and obesity has limited success outside research settings. The Five Domains model for animal welfare assessment is applied to explore impacts of overweight and obesity and their management in dogs and cats by focusing on nutrition, health, physical environment, behavioural interactions and mental state. A second focus is on the practical strategies for addressing non-diet-related barriers and client communication through the provision of management recommendations. This novel and integrative approach aims to inform veterinarians and improve the success of weight management protocols. Full article

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is a leading cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in companion animals. This study characterized 42 UPEC isolates recovered from dogs and cats at the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine Diagnostic Laboratories between 2023 and 2024, focusing on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), virulence gene profiles, biofilm-forming ability, and phylogroup distribution of the isolates. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) showed that 40.48% of the isolates were resistant to at least one of the tested antibiotics, and 9.52% exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR). Phylogroup B2 was predominant (69.05%), and 61.90% of isolates demonstrated strong biofilm formation in artificial human urine. Virulence gene analysis revealed the presence of genes mediating adhesion (fim, pap, sfa), iron acquisition (fyuA, iro), biofilm formation (csg, bcs, pga, ycg/ymg), motility (fli, mot, flh), and stress response (oxyR, soxR/S, kat). Multiple plasmids carrying AMR and virulence determinants were also identified. The co-occurrence of the traits underscores the potential for persistent and recurrent infections, which can complicate therapeutic outcomes and facilitate horizontal gene transfer (HGT). The detection of antimicrobial-resistant, highly virulent UPEC strains possessing human UPEC traits in companion animals suggests the risk of zoonotic and reverse-zoonotic transmission, particularly in households with close pet–owner interactions. These findings emphasize the importance of judicious antimicrobial use, routine molecular surveillance, and integrated One Health strategies to mitigate the veterinary and public health threats associated with UPEC infections in companion animals. Full article

Background/Objectives: Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli has increasingly been recognized as a pathogen capable of causing severe systemic infections in various animal species. However, reports describing respiratory and septicemic infections caused by MDR E. coli in guinea pigs remain scarce. The objective of this report was to describe the clinical, pathological, and microbiological findings associated with a fatal infection in a domestic guinea pig. Case Study: A 10-month-old female guinea pig (Cavia porcellus), kept as a companion animal in a household environment, presented with acute respiratory distress, lethargy, and anorexia, progressing rapidly to death within approximately 36 h of onset. Post-mortem examination revealed severe pulmonary congestion, diffuse inflammatory lesions in the trachea, and generalized vascular congestion in multiple organs. Bacteriological cultures obtained from lung and bone marrow samples yielded pure growth of Escherichia coli. Identification was confirmed using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing demonstrated resistance to several antibiotic classes, including β-lactams, fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, sulfonamides, and phenicols, while susceptibility was retained only to aminoglycosides. Molecular analysis revealed the presence of virulence genes involved in adhesion and iron acquisition, supporting the pathogenic potential of the isolate. Conclusions: This report highlights the ability of MDR E. coli to cause severe respiratory and systemic infections in guinea pigs. The findings underline the importance of early diagnosis, appropriate antimicrobial stewardship, and improved husbandry conditions in preventing such infections. From a One Health perspective, the circulation of resistant strains in companion animals may represent a potential risk for both environmental and human health. Full article

Ionizing radiation therapy has undergone a clear paradigm shift in veterinary oncology and inflammatory disease management, moving from mainly palliative use toward structured, curative treatment programs. This review synthesizes current evidence on key modalities used in veterinary practice, including external beam radiotherapy, brachytherapy, systemic targeted radionuclide therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, stereotactic body radiotherapy, radiosynoviorthesis, and low-dose radiotherapy. Each modality is discussed in relation to its physical and biological basis, major isotopes or beam types, routes of delivery, target species such as dogs, cats, and horses, clinical indications, and global availability. Comparative analysis highlights differences in clinical acceptance, evidence strength, access, and cost. External beam radiotherapy and stereotactic techniques support curative tumor management, whereas radiosynoviorthesis and low-dose radiotherapy are effective for inflammatory and degenerative disorders. Despite ongoing progress, challenges remain in access, dosimetry standardization, and prospective evidence. Companion animals are also emphasized as valuable translational models, guiding future innovation and collaboration internationally. Full article

Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition affecting aging dogs, characterized by impairments in learning, memory, spatial orientation, and behavior. Despite its substantial negative impact on dogs’ quality of life and owners’ emotional well-being, CCD is frequently underrecognized or diagnosed at a late stage. This study explored how challenges in CCD recognition and veterinary communication influence dog owners’ ability to identify symptoms and make informed decisions about care. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 dog owners whose dogs were suspected of having CCD, based on elevated scores on the Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Rating Scale (CCDR) and owner-reported behavioral changes. Interview data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Four main themes emerged: (1) difficulties in recognizing CCD-related symptoms, (2) communication challenges between owners and veterinarians, (3) owners’ adaptation to gradually emerging symptoms, and (4) the emotional and practical burden of caregiving. Owners frequently interpreted behavioral changes as normal aging or other health problems, which delayed the recognition of cognitive decline. Participants also described limited guidance from veterinary professionals regarding CCD, contributing to uncertainty, emotional distress, and challenges in end-of-life decision-making. Together, these findings suggest that owners’ experiences follow a progressive caregiving trajectory, from initial symptom uncertainty to increasing emotional and practical burden. Improving awareness of CCD, strengthening veterinary communication, and providing targeted support for caregivers may facilitate earlier recognition and more effective management of cognitive decline, ultimately benefiting both dogs and the people who care for them. Full article

Cats are among the most beloved and affectionate companion animals to humans. Historically, they have been utilised to manage pests or offer comfort and companionship, a practice that continues today. Due to human malpractice, unowned free-roaming cats (as stray pets or feral cats) are now considered amongst the 100 worst invasive species, and are responsible for the decline and even the disappearance of many wild species worldwide. Free-roaming cats maintain their hunting instincts, causing problems for native species, which is recognised as a major issue in island biodiversity. Despite their impact, limited studies have been conducted to understand the spatial activity of free-roaming cats in the Mediterranean when they are away from their caregivers (owners who feed and care for their cats while allowing unrestricted outdoor roaming). To investigate this, we used GPS tracking collars to monitor 15 free-roaming cats on the island of Cyprus, during spring–autumn 2022. The monitored cats were active in a spectrum of different habitats, from forests and farmland to shrublands and the suburbs. We monitored cats for 5.6 days, on average, to investigate their home range sizes (KDE 95%; median: males = 55,678 m²; females = 11,377 m²), daily distance travelled (median: males = 1233 m; females = 538 m), and daily/nocturnal activity, and the factors that influence these patterns. The animals’ sex, shelter availability, and the type of coverage in an area show statistically significant differences in relation to their home range, while activity peaked during the afternoon hours, a finding that is also statistically confirmed. Although the sample size of the study is relatively small, the influence of environmental and anthropogenic factors on the home range of free-roaming cats in Cyprus is revealed. These findings offer quantitative evidence and can contribute to wildlife conservation and free-roaming cat management. Full article

The rapid increase in companion animal ownership has intensified the demand for innovative tools that support animal health and overall welfare. In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI), particularly machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL), has emerged as a promising approach in veterinary medicine. However, its application beyond clinical diagnostics, especially in behaviour and personality assessment, remains fragmented and insufficiently integrated into routine practice. This systematic review aims to synthesise current knowledge on AI-based applications in companion animal care, with a focus on behavioural monitoring, personality prediction, and welfare-related challenges. Following PRISMA guidelines, a structured literature search was conducted in the Scopus and PubMed databases from 2020 to 2025. In addition, grey literature sources were searched to capture relevant non-peer-reviewed data. A total of 115 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Eligibility criteria included studies applying AI methods (machine learning or deep learning) to companion animals (dogs, cats, and exotic pets), while studies on humans, farm animals, or without AI methods were excluded. Due to the heterogeneity of included studies, no formal risk of bias assessment was performed, and results were synthesised narratively. The findings indicate that AI applications are most advanced in diagnostic imaging and clinical decision support, where data availability and methodological maturity are highest. In contrast, AI-based approaches for behaviour and personality prediction remain limited, particularly in cats and exotic companion animals, largely due to small, heterogeneous datasets, potential bias, and a lack of external validation. Emerging technologies such as wearable sensors, computer vision, and multimodal data integration demonstrate substantial potential for continuous behavioural monitoring and early detection of welfare-related issues in real household environments. Nevertheless, significant challenges persist, including data heterogeneity, limited model explainability, ethical considerations, and the absence of regulatory frameworks specifically addressing AI-based veterinary applications. Overall, this review highlights a substantial gap between the technical potential of AI and its current readiness for widespread application in companion animal behaviour and welfare assessment. Future research should prioritise large-scale and standardised data collection, cross-species validation, and interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure that AI-driven tools effectively support veterinary decision-making, animal welfare, and the well-being of owners. Full article

Animal poisoning remains an underreported public health and veterinary concern in many low- and middle-income countries where comprehensive surveillance systems are limited. This study was initiated to describe the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of animal poisoning cases reported to a national poison center in Thailand over a 10-year period. We performed a retrospective review of cases recorded in the Ramathibodi Poison Center Toxic Exposure Surveillance System between 2015 and 2024. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize species distribution, exposure categories, clinical signs, treatment, and outcomes, and comparisons were conducted to identify factors associated with mortality. A total of 118 poisoning cases were identified, with annual numbers increasing over time. Companion animals accounted for most exposures (93.2%), particularly dogs. Pesticides were the most common toxic agents, followed by household products, pharmaceuticals, and plant toxins. Neurological signs were the predominant clinical presentation. Respiratory compromise and neurological involvement at presentation were significantly associated with mortality. Overall survival was 88.1%. Fatalities were mainly linked to exposure to highly toxic pesticides or plants, including confirmed cassava-associated cyanide poisoning in elephants. This study highlights preventable environmental toxic risks affecting animals in Thailand and demonstrates the value of centralized poison surveillance. Strengthening pesticide safety practices and integrating veterinary toxicology into broader public health monitoring may reduce avoidable poisonings within shared human–animal environments. Full article