{"title":"miRNA sequencing reveals hypothalamic microRNAs associated with seasonal reproduction in Sunite sheep.","authors":"Yajing Shao, Xiaoyun He, Zizhen Ren, Xin Li, Ran Di, Xiangyu Wang, Mingxing Chu, Yuliang Wen","doi":"10.3389/fvets.2026.1774514","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2026.1774514","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The hypothalamus plays a vital role in reproductive processes. Previous studies have identified hypothalamic miRNAs involved in mammalian reproduction, but the miRNA profiles induced by photoperiod changes remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of photoperiod on hypothalamic microRNA (miRNA) regulation by analyzing miRNA expression patterns in Sunite sheep under three different photoperiod conditions-short photoperiod (SP), short-to-long photoperiod transition (SLP), and long photoperiod (LP) -with three biological replicates per group, using miRNA-sequencing technology. A total of 57, 47, and 12 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were revealed between SP vs. LP, SP vs. SLP, and LP vs. SLP, respectively. We constructed a co-expression network of DEMs and their target genes, identified oar-miR-370-5p, oar-miR-10b, and oar-miR-3957-3p as the miRNAs with the highest numbers of predicted target mRNAs based on interaction analysis. Functional annotation analysis demonstrated that the target genes of DEMs were enriched in multiple KEGG pathways, among which the most significant pathways associated with reproduction included the GnRH signaling pathway, prolactin signaling pathway, VEGF signaling pathway, and Wnt signaling pathway. These findings elucidate the dynamic changes in hypothalamic miRNA expression under varying photoperiods and provide crucial insights into the molecular mechanisms of underlying seasonal estrus in sheep, laying a foundation for future functional validation studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":12772,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Veterinary Science","volume":"13 ","pages":"1774514"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13139325/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147837080","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fahd Al-Sobayil, Madeh Sadan, Abdulrahman A Alkheraif, Mohie Haridy
{"title":"Surgical and pathological interventions of oropharyngeal and laryngeal disorders in camels (<i>Camelus dromedarius</i>).","authors":"Fahd Al-Sobayil, Madeh Sadan, Abdulrahman A Alkheraif, Mohie Haridy","doi":"10.3389/fvets.2026.1792929","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2026.1792929","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to characterize the clinical, hematobiochemical, radiographic, ultrasonographic, laryngoscopic, gross, and histopathological features of oropharyngeal and laryngeal disorders, epulis (osteolipoma and osseous metaplasia), dulla entrapment (tonsillitis and sialadenitis), and obstructive laryngeal mass (mycotic pyogranulomatous laryngitis) and to describe the surgical procedures used for their management in dromedary camels.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Oropharyngeal and laryngeal lesions in four camels were evaluated through comprehensive clinical, imaging, hematobiochemical, and pathological assessments.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>One camel with epulis is presented with a large mandibular mass causing partial oral obstruction, impaired mastication, and swallowing. Radiographs showed a soft tissue density mass on the right cranial mandible. Two camels are presented with dulla entrapment, dysphagia, neck stiffness, and mild respiratory distress. The camel with tonsillitis exhibited dark pinpoint mucosal lesions on the surface of the soft palate with spiny feed impaction; however, the camel with sialadenitis had multiple purulent abscesses in the dulla and submandibular swelling. The fourth camel with obstructive laryngeal mass had a marked respiratory difficulty, and the radiographs revealed a large, irregular soft-tissue mass within the laryngeal lumen. Ultrasonography showed an echogenic, variably anechoic mass, and laryngoscopy confirmed luminal mass obstruction. After surgical removal of these affections in the four camels, histopathology revealed osteolipoma and osseous metaplasia, velar suppurative tonsillitis, suppurative sialadenitis of the minor palatine salivary glands, and mycotic pyogranulomatous laryngitis, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study reports four oropharyngeal and laryngeal disorders in camels with obstructive clinical signs. Imaging, laryngoscopy, and histopathology enabled accurate diagnosis, and timely-applied surgery is effective for managing these conditions and rescuing the lives of affected camels.</p>","PeriodicalId":12772,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Veterinary Science","volume":"13 ","pages":"1792929"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13140768/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147837081","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The role of naturally-occurring canine tumors in translating conserved consequences of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity to human cancers.","authors":"Kimaya M Bakhle, Anushka Dongre","doi":"10.3389/fvets.2026.1802457","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2026.1802457","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) is a dynamic cellular process that confers motility to epithelial cells. In carcinomas, this program advances disease progression by promoting therapy resistance, recurrent disease, and spread to distant organ sites. The mechanisms of these clinical consequences are well studied in mouse models. However, mouse models lack physiologically relevant features of human cancers, including tumor heterogeneity, immune experience, and common environmental exposures. To address this, many groups have turned to naturally-occurring cancers in companion animals. This approach, known as comparative oncology, provides a model with conserved molecular mechanisms, similar environmental and immunological exposures, and realistic tumor heterogeneity. Moreover, companion animals receive the same treatment modalities as human patients and clinical trials can be executed with reduced cost and often in a shorter time frame. Therefore, studying EMP in companion animals, such as dogs, can help identify conserved features and therapeutic vulnerabilities. Here, we review consequences of EMP in four canine cancers: mammary, prostate, squamous cell, and urothelial carcinoma, with a focus on conserved features between murine models and disease in canine and human patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":12772,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Veterinary Science","volume":"13 ","pages":"1802457"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13137134/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147837106","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abel B Ekiri, Sam Beechener, Ilias Kyriazakis, Nick Wheelhouse, Andrew G Bease, Nicky Craig, Sadie Douglas, Sophie Prentice, Samuel A M Connelly, Manal AbuOun, Muna F Anjum, Mark P Stevens, Roberto M La Ragione, Deborah V Hoyle
{"title":"Producer perceptions on the impacts of the withdrawal of zinc oxide on the health and welfare of weaned pigs.","authors":"Abel B Ekiri, Sam Beechener, Ilias Kyriazakis, Nick Wheelhouse, Andrew G Bease, Nicky Craig, Sadie Douglas, Sophie Prentice, Samuel A M Connelly, Manal AbuOun, Muna F Anjum, Mark P Stevens, Roberto M La Ragione, Deborah V Hoyle","doi":"10.3389/fvets.2026.1717403","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2026.1717403","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Zinc oxide (ZnO) added to pig feed at prophylactic levels has been used to reduce post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD) and enhance performance. In response to concerns about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and environmental contamination, supplementation with ZnO was prohibited in the European Union from June 2022, and in the United Kingdom from June 2024.</p><p><strong>Objective and method: </strong>We investigated the impacts of the withdrawal of ZnO on the health and welfare of weaned pigs as perceived by pig producers, and the management and husbandry factors associated with PWD in the United Kingdom. A mixed methods approach combined qualitative interviews with producers preparing to withdraw ZnO from their herds and a quantitative survey open to any producer. Findings were integrated using the transtheoretical model (TTM) of change as a guiding framework.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Eight qualitative interviews and 14 quantitative surveys with producers were completed. Responses to the qualitative interviews were all from indoor, breeder-finisher herds while the quantitative survey included indoor and outdoor production systems and a mix of breeder-finisher herds and nursery units. In the qualitative interviews, producers described ZnO as affordable and effective. Concerns were expressed that its withdrawal risked triggering a sectoral increase in antimicrobial usage, jeopardising reductions achieved to date. The quantitative survey revealed that almost all respondents (12/14, 85%) had experienced PWD in their piglets in the last year. At the time of responding, 57% of respondents (8/14) reported weaner pigs were not fed a diet containing ZnO during the post-weaning period whereas 36% (5/14) were still feeding a diet containing ZnO. Following the withdrawal of ZnO in June 2024, most respondents (8/14, 57%) anticipated supplementing weaner diets with an alternative to ZnO before and after weaning.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>While recognising the limitations of a small sample size, the study contributes to our understanding of producer perceptions as they prepared for the withdrawal of ZnO. Producer concerns that PWD would be less effectively controlled in their herds and risked triggering an increase in antimicrobial usage were highlighted. Further work is required to better understand the type and effectiveness of alternatives to ZnO on pig health and welfare.</p>","PeriodicalId":12772,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Veterinary Science","volume":"13 ","pages":"1717403"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13136187/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147837051","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ying Zhou, Honglin Wu, Jin Shu, Yingmin Zhou, Xiangqian Meng, Guiquan Zhang, Xinyu Lv, Guo Li, Ping Lei, Ming He, Zhen Lei, Qian Wang, Lingli Yi, Liu Yang, Penghao Li, Bo Luo
{"title":"Diagnosis and investigation of infertility causes in two female giant pandas using multimodal techniques: a case report.","authors":"Ying Zhou, Honglin Wu, Jin Shu, Yingmin Zhou, Xiangqian Meng, Guiquan Zhang, Xinyu Lv, Guo Li, Ping Lei, Ming He, Zhen Lei, Qian Wang, Lingli Yi, Liu Yang, Penghao Li, Bo Luo","doi":"10.3389/fvets.2026.1754538","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2026.1754538","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The advancement of artificial insemination techniques for giant pandas has significantly enhanced their breeding success. However, some pandas continue to experience difficulties in conceiving naturally, necessitating a thorough investigation into the underlying causes of infertility. This study aimed to perform pre-pregnancy examinations and diagnose infertility causes on giant pandas with infertility.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A range of diagnostic methods, including behavioral observation, hormone assays, ultrasound imaging, laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, and colposcopy, were employed to conduct pre-pregnancy assessments and diagnose infertility in two giant pandas, designated as #A and #B.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Both pandas exhibited normal estrus behaviors, and their progesterone (P4) and estrone (E1G) levels during estrus paralleled those typically seen in successfully breeding individuals during estrus, remaining within the expected physiological range. Ultrasound evaluation of panda #A revealed a fluid accumulation surrounding the ovaries, with echogenicity noted along the walls of the adjacent fallopian tubes, suggesting the presence of hydrosalpinx, which was subsequently confirmed via laparoscopy. Hysteroscopic examination indicated that the vaginal and uterine structures of both pandas were normal.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The estrous behaviors and hormonal profiles of the two infertile giant pandas were observed to be within normal ranges. The infertility in one of the subjects was attributed to the presence of hydrosalpinx.</p>","PeriodicalId":12772,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Veterinary Science","volume":"13 ","pages":"1754538"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13137947/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147836949","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Ornithine decarboxylase influences granulosa cell proliferation and steroidogenesis: implications for ovarian regression in Wuding chickens.","authors":"Xinyu Ma, Wei Zhu, Chen Li, Qiang Zhang, Xinyang Fan, Yongwang Miao","doi":"10.3389/fvets.2026.1801162","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2026.1801162","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Follicular development critically determines egg-laying efficiency in poultry, a process precisely regulated by the equilibrium of granulosa cell (GC) proliferation, apoptosis, and steroidogenesis. Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), the rate-limiting enzyme in polyamine biosynthesis, is a central regulator of cell proliferation and embryonic development. In this study, Wuding chickens, a breed exhibiting pronounced broodiness, were employed to elucidate ODC's role in follicular maturation and the transition from laying to broody state. Comprehensive analysis of <i>ODC</i> expression across the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis revealed significantly elevated levels in ovaries, pituitaries, and hypothalami of laying hens compared to broody hens. Primary GC cultures derived from Wuding chickens demonstrated that ODC promotes cell cycle progression via <i>c-MYC</i> upregulation and subsequent cyclin activation. Concurrently, ODC suppresses GC apoptosis by elevating <i>BCL2</i> and suppressing <i>Caspase-3</i>, while enhancing steroidogenic capacity through coordinated regulation of key genes (<i>FSHR</i>, <i>STAR</i>). Our <i>in vitro</i> data demonstrate that ODC modulates the expression of <i>SAT1</i> and <i>PAOX</i> genes, thereby maintaining elevated intracellular polyamine levels in GCs to sustain their proliferative activity. Collectively, ODC functions as a positive regulator of GC physiology in Wuding chickens, driving follicular development through dual mechanisms: c-MYC/cyclin-mediated proliferation and polyamine metabolic adaptation. These findings elucidate the metabolic and molecular mechanisms underlying the laying-to-broody transition in chickens.</p>","PeriodicalId":12772,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Veterinary Science","volume":"13 ","pages":"1801162"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13139908/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147837127","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rodrigo Paolo Flores Abuna, Lucas Fornari Laurindo, Sandra Maria Barbalho, Maria Angélica Miglino
{"title":"Extracellular vesicles in stem cell-based gonadal regeneration: mechanisms, therapeutic potential, and translational challenges.","authors":"Rodrigo Paolo Flores Abuna, Lucas Fornari Laurindo, Sandra Maria Barbalho, Maria Angélica Miglino","doi":"10.3389/fvets.2025.1645266","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1645266","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Gonadal dysfunction resulting from conditions such as premature ovarian insufficiency, chemotherapy-induced damage, or genetic disorders often leads to infertility and hormone imbalance. Although assisted reproductive technologies and hormone replacement therapies mitigate clinical symptoms, they remain incapable of reinstating native gonadal architecture and physiological function. In recent years, stem cell-based therapies, particularly those employing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), have demonstrated regenerative potential. However, limitations including poor engraftment, potential tumorigenicity, and ethical concerns, have accelerated the paradigm shift toward extracellular vesicles (EVs) as a safer, cell-free alternative. EVs derived from MSCs are membrane-bound nanovesicles enriched with regulatory microRNAs, proteins, and lipids that exert potent paracrine effects. These vesicles modulate apoptosis, inflammation, fibrosis, and angiogenesis. MSC-EVs can restore folliculogenesis, support spermatogenesis, and normalize hormonal profiles in preclinical models of ovarian and testicular failure. Notably, EVs derived from adipose tissue, bone marrow, placenta, or amniotic membrane exhibit regenerative potential while mitigating the risks associated with live-cell transplantation. This review synthesizes current advances in MSC-EV-based therapies for gonadal regeneration, highlighting their integration into reproductive tissue engineering. Incorporating EVs into decellularized extracellular matrix scaffolds offers promising strategies for targeted tissue repair, extending their application in organoid systems for <i>in vitro</i> gametogenesis, disease modeling, and drug screening. Despite challenges related to EV heterogeneity, standardization of isolation, and delivery strategies, MSCs-derived EVs represent a transformative and ethically sound platform for restoring fertility and endocrine function.</p>","PeriodicalId":12772,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Veterinary Science","volume":"12 ","pages":"1645266"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13137375/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147837182","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A novel method for establishing a rat model of knee osteoarthritis: knee joint fixation using medical polyurethane composite wraps.","authors":"Xiaowen Lian, Maotao Mu, Yaxin Zhuang, Jiehui Fu, Xiumin Jiang, Bingyong Huang, Zexing Guo, Xianglong Feng, Shan Gao, Weiquan Zeng","doi":"10.3389/fvets.2026.1725539","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2026.1725539","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a leading cause of chronic pain and disability in humans, companion and farm animals, with socioeconomic burden and animal welfare concerns. KOA models are essential for advancing diagnostics, therapies, and preventive strategies. This study aimed to establish a reliable non-invasive rat KOA model and evaluate its translational value for comparative and clinical medicine.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated to two groups: a model group (<i>n</i> = 10) and a control group (<i>n</i> = 10). KOA was induced in the model group by immobilizing the knee joint through circular fixation using a medical polyurethane composite bandage. Following the modeling phase, knee cartilage was macroscopically evaluated. Functional impairment was assessed using the Modified Lequesne MG scale. Imaging analyses comprised 7.0 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) to examine structural and morphological alterations in the knee joint. The histological assessment included Safranin O-Fast Green staining to assess cartilage degradation using the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) scoring system. Chondrocyte apoptosis was identified through terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The examination of the knee joint cartilage in the model group revealed significant surface irregularities and roughness. Compared to the control group, the model group exhibited a notably higher Modified Lequesne MG score (<i>P</i> < 0.01), indicating compromised joint function. Imaging techniques such as high-field MRI and micro-CT confirmed typical osteoarthritic characteristics. Safranin O-Fast Green staining showed a substantial reduction in proteoglycans in the superficial cartilage layer of the model group, along with a significantly increased OARSI score (<i>P</i> < 0.01). TUNEL staining indicated a marked rise in chondrocyte apoptosis in the model group, with an approximately 4.8-fold higher rate compared to the control group (<i>P</i> < 0.01). The model induction success rate exceeded 95%, with a complication rate below 5%.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>We developed a non-invasive rat KOA model using polyurethane bandage immobilization that recapitulates cross-species progressive OA pathology. This robust, low-cost platform enables early biomarker screening, disease-modifying therapy evaluation, and preventive intervention validation for veterinary/human OA, highlighting its translational value for comparative and clinical medicine.</p>","PeriodicalId":12772,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Veterinary Science","volume":"13 ","pages":"1725539"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13132700/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147814386","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Prevalence of iron deficiency and its association with cardiac function in dogs with various stages of myxomatous mitral valvular disease.","authors":"Arata Kitazawa, Ryohei Suzuki, Yunosuke Yuchi, Shuji Satomi, Shimpei Kawai, Takahiro Teshima, Hirotaka Matsumoto","doi":"10.3389/fvets.2026.1783638","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2026.1783638","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Iron deficiency (ID) is known to increase cardiac workload and contribute to cardiac dysfunction in humans. However, its prevalence in canine heart disease remains poorly understood.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective cohort study aimed to determine the prevalence of ID in dogs with myxomatous mitral valvular disease (MMVD) and evaluate its association with cardiac function. Dogs diagnosed with MMVD at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University between August 2020 and December 2025 were retrospectively evaluated. ID was assessed using transferrin saturation (TSAT) as a marker of iron metabolism. Dogs were stratified into three groups according to TSAT levels. Data from physical examinations, hematological and biochemical analyses, and echocardiographic assessments were analyzed. Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate intergroup differences and correlations between TSAT levels and clinical variables.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>ID was identified in 12% (9/84) of the dogs. Dogs in the ID group demonstrated significantly higher stroke volume and cardiac output compared with those in the normal-TSAT group. In addition, TSAT was significantly and inversely correlated with cardiac output.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>These findings indicate that ID is present in a subset of dogs with MMVD and is associated with increased cardiac output, likely reflecting reduced systemic vascular resistance. This hemodynamic alteration may represent a potential risk factor for the development of high-output heart failure in this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":12772,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Veterinary Science","volume":"13 ","pages":"1783638"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13132709/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147814137","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Virginia Sánchez, Gal la Farreny, Elena Martinez-Merlo, Sara Trancon, José Carlos Montañés, Laura Enriquez, Arantxa Aguirrebeña, Agustín Arasanz Duque, Antonia Noce
{"title":"Correction: OncoCan: a liquid biopsy assay for cell-free DNA quantification in canine plasma to support cancer prognosis.","authors":"Virginia Sánchez, Gal la Farreny, Elena Martinez-Merlo, Sara Trancon, José Carlos Montañés, Laura Enriquez, Arantxa Aguirrebeña, Agustín Arasanz Duque, Antonia Noce","doi":"10.3389/fvets.2026.1826236","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2026.1826236","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2026.1768078.].</p>","PeriodicalId":12772,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Veterinary Science","volume":"13 ","pages":"1826236"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13134132/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147814401","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}