Frontiers in Veterinary Science最新文献

{"title":"Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to acute prostatitis in dogs: a survey of Italian veterinary practitioners.","authors":"Martina Gavezzoli, Francesca Fidanzio, Giulia Catellani, Alessandro Vetere, Andrea Corsini, Martina Fumeo, Antonella Volta, Maria Carmela Pisu, Francesco Di Ianni","doi":"10.3389/fvets.2026.1774785","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2026.1774785","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Acute prostatitis is a clinically significant condition in dogs that requires accurate diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic management. According to International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases guidelines, culture and sensitivity testing (CST) is strongly recommended, ideally using prostatic samples when feasible, and antimicrobial therapy should be based on culture results and administered for an adequate duration. This study aimed to evaluate current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to acute prostatitis among Italian veterinary practitioners, with particular emphasis on culture and sensitivity testing (CST), antimicrobial therapy, and hormonal management. An anonymous observational survey consisting of 18 mandatory questions was distributed online to veterinarians across Italy (February 10-24, 2025). Responses (<i>n</i> = 306) were analyzed descriptively, and intergroup comparisons by facility type [small clinics (SC), large clinics (LC), and veterinary hospitals (VH)] were performed using chi-squared tests. Most respondents (93.1%) reported using a combination of clinical examination, bloodwork, urinalysis, and ultrasound for diagnosis. CST was performed in more than 50% of cases by 70% of VH, but only by 16% of SC. Urine was the most commonly used diagnostic matrix (54.9%), whereas samples of prostatic origin were used in only 20.9% of cases. Financial cost and turnaround time were identified as the main barriers to testing. Empirical antibiotic therapy was reported by 88.6% of veterinarians, most commonly amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (42%) and enrofloxacin (32%). However, only 7.2% of respondents prescribed antibiotics for the recommended duration of ≥4 weeks. Orchiectomy was performed in more than 50% of cases by only 19.6% of respondents. Hormonal therapy was used as a first-line treatment by 71% of practitioners. This study highlights significant deviations from current guidelines in both the diagnosis and treatment of canine prostatitis in general practice. Antimicrobial stewardship, the use of CST, and prostatic sampling should be improved to better align with current recommendations.</p>","PeriodicalId":12772,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Veterinary Science","volume":"13 ","pages":"1774785"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13132774/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147814342","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":"Case Report: Resolution of a cutaneous infection with methicillin-resistant <i>Staphylococcus pseudintermedius</i> with topical therapy in a cat with pemphigus foliaceus.","authors":"Sin-Wook Park, Keon Kim, Woong-Bin Ro, Chang-Min Lee","doi":"10.3389/fvets.2026.1822252","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2026.1822252","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is the most common autoimmune skin disease in cats. Long-term immunosuppressive therapy increases susceptibility to opportunistic infections. Methicillin-resistant <i>Staphylococcus pseudintermedius</i> (MRSP) is an emerging multidrug-resistant pathogen in companion animals.</p><p><strong>Case description: </strong>An 8-year-old spayed female Abyssinian cat with PF, managed with prednisolone and cyclosporine, developed localized superficial pyoderma caused by MRSP despite prior systemic antimicrobial therapy. Upon diagnosis of MRSP, systemic antibiotics were discontinued, and reinforcement of a strict regimen using 2% chlorhexidine and 10% povidone-iodine with topical gentamicin therapy led to complete resolution of the lesions. The patient achieved dermatologic remission without recurrence, allowing successful tapering and discontinuation of immunosuppressive therapy.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This case suggests that localized MRSP skin infections in selected feline patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy may be successfully managed with topical-based management alone. Such an approach supports antimicrobial stewardship in veterinary medicine, highlighting that topical therapy may be considered a reasonable first step in selected patients with localized superficial skin infections before escalating to systemic antimicrobials.</p>","PeriodicalId":12772,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Veterinary Science","volume":"13 ","pages":"1822252"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13132691/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147814344","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 non-separation diagnostic framework for assessing canine attachment structure.","authors":"Jongkyu Kim","doi":"10.3389/fvets.2026.1802205","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2026.1802205","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Conventional diagnostic approaches to canine attachment and separation-related behaviors rely primarily on behavioral outcomes observed during induced separation from the caregiver. While widely adopted, separation-based assessments may conflate superficially similar behaviors that arise from fundamentally different caregiver-dog relational structures (e.g., secure regulation vs. avoidant disengagement vs. ambivalent hyper-proximity), thereby raising ethical, conceptual, and interpretive limitations. This study proposes a non-separation diagnostic framework for assessing canine attachment structure through everyday interactional observation, without inducing caregiver absence. Drawing on long-term naturalistic observation of dogs living in stable human environments and structured non-separation observation of representative cases, attachment-related organization was consistently observed as identifiable prior to any separation event. Diagnostic assessment focused on exploration-return organization (i.e., exploratory expansion followed by repeated voluntary returns to caregiver proximity as a regulatory anchor), distance regulation patterns, emotional stabilization following return, and caregiver emotional responsiveness. Across observed cases, attachment structures were consistently observable under non-separation conditions. Behaviors later expressed during separation were found to reflect amplification of pre-existing relational organization rather than responses generated by separation itself. Two procedural cases are presented to illustrate the diagnostic necessity of this framework. In the first, a presentation superficially resembling secure attachment was procedurally excluded due to absence of exploration and failure of emotional regulation. In the second, overt separation-related distress was observed, yet secure attachment organization was supported through intact non-separation structure. Together, these cases demonstrate that neither proximity nor separation behavior alone can serve as diagnostic criteria. The proposed framework repositions separation as an expressive context rather than a causal diagnostic trigger and establishes non-separation observation as the primary context for attachment classification. This approach offers a conceptually coherent and ethically grounded diagnostic alternative and provides a methodological foundation for subsequent applied and clinical studies of canine attachment.</p>","PeriodicalId":12772,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Veterinary Science","volume":"13 ","pages":"1802205"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13132736/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147814364","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":"Investigating the differences in <i>Salmonella</i> serovar transmission within broiler production.","authors":"David Ayala Velastegui, Nikki W Shariat","doi":"10.3389/fvets.2026.1812851","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2026.1812851","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Almost 20% of human salmonellosis cases in the United States are linked to the consumption of undercooked, contaminated chicken. The prevalence of <i>Salmonella</i> in broiler breeder flocks is significantly lower than in broiler flocks, where typically 9 of 10 flocks test positive. Therefore, there is a need to understand how broiler flocks become colonized with <i>Salmonella</i>. This study aimed to assess the transmission of specific <i>Salmonella</i> serovars by profiling serovar populations at different stages of broiler production. In this study, we collected a total of 368 samples from 6 broiler complexes located across 4 states in the southeastern United States. Environmental samples were collected from breeder houses (<i>n</i> = 53), hatcheries (<i>n</i> = 45), and broiler houses immediately before chick placement (<i>n</i> = 44) and 7 days after placement (<i>n</i> = 45). These samples were analyzed to determine whether <i>Salmonella</i> found in broilers originates from earlier stages or from resident <i>Salmonella</i> persisting within the broiler house. Approximately one-quarter of pre-placement samples were <i>Salmonella-</i>positive, while, after 1 week, all broiler houses tested positive (Fisher's Exact test, <i>p</i> < 0.05). Serovar-specific transmission dynamics were observed: Serovar Enteritidis originating from broiler breeders and the hatchery colonized new chicks, while residual serovar Infantis from previous broiler flocks was responsible for colonizing the newly placed chicks. Applying deep serotyping demonstrated that 7-day-old broiler flocks harbored more complex <i>Salmonella</i> serovar populations than those observed at the other three stages (Fisher's, <i>p</i> < 0.01). Understanding the transmission differences among different serovars will facilitate the implementation of broad <i>Salmonella</i> control strategies and targeted interventions for specific serovars, ultimately improving poultry food safety.</p>","PeriodicalId":12772,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Veterinary Science","volume":"13 ","pages":"1812851"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13134135/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147813851","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":"Vascularized jejunal pedicle graft for duodenal reconstruction in a cat: Case Report.","authors":"A Jones, G Hayes","doi":"10.3389/fvets.2026.1760217","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2026.1760217","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Reconstruction of large defects of the proximal duodenum can be challenging, as sacrifice of this region requires biliary re-routing ± partial pancreatectomy, resulting in considerable morbidity. This article reports a novel method for duodenal reconstruction with long-term follow-up. The technique was performed after resection of a large enteric duplication cyst causing intestinal obstruction in a 1-year-old spayed female domestic short hair cat presented for vomiting. A 2.7 × 2.3 cm hemi-circumferential cyst involving the left duodenal wall, located adjacent and caudal to the major duodenal papilla, was identified. Following full-thickness resection with preservation of the pancreatic-duodenal artery and vein, the resulting defect was reconstructed with a vascularized jejunal pedicle graft harvested from the mid-jejunum. The donor site was closed with an end-to-end anastomosis. The pedicle graft retained complete viability, with no evidence of stricture or stenosis of the recipient region on follow-up imaging at 9 months post-operatively. This method may be considered for the effective repair of large mural defects in the duodenum.</p>","PeriodicalId":12772,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Veterinary Science","volume":"13 ","pages":"1760217"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13132687/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147814192","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":"Physical models and simulators in veterinary education: current status, learning impact, and future perspectives.","authors":"Anna Suñol, Dafni Sivolapenko, Aitor Fernandez-Novo, Megan Madden","doi":"10.3389/fvets.2026.1774849","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2026.1774849","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Veterinary education is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the increasing integration of physical models and simulation-based training into academic curricula. This review highlights the evolving role of these tools in veterinary programs, encompassing both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The authors describe and categorize the differences between models and simulators and explore their global and temporal adoption. It describes the application across disciplines and their ability to replicate clinical scenarios, surgical procedures, and diagnostic techniques, also differentiating between students targeted (veterinary medicine training vs. veterinary surgeons). It then evaluates evidence for their educational effectiveness across veterinary disciplines, including comparative analyses with traditional teaching methods when available. Across multiple domains, model and simulation-based training demonstrates equivalent or superior short-term learning outcomes, particularly for anatomy, procedural skills, selected surgical techniques, and emergency interventions, while also offering benefits such as standardized learning experiences, individual satisfaction and reduced learner anxiety. The authors delve into the key challenges of physical models and simulation-based training as well as current limitations of these tools, and future perspectives in development and use of new models for teaching. Ultimately, simulation represents a paradigm shift in veterinary education, aligning ethical responsibility with academic excellence and clinical preparedness.</p>","PeriodicalId":12772,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Veterinary Science","volume":"13 ","pages":"1774849"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13133729/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147814031","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":"Reproductive and immune-related consequences of <i>Achillea fragrantissima</i> (Forssk.) in male rats via modulation of steroidogenesis- and immune-related genes expression.","authors":"Ehsan H Abu-Zeid, Hassan M Emam, Noura A Abd-Allah, Mohammed S Sobh, Tarek Khamis, Reham H El-Attar, Shereen El Abdel-Hamid, Ibrahim F Rehan, Asmaa Elnagar, František Zigo, Martina Zigová, Esraa M Fahmy","doi":"10.3389/fvets.2026.1746307","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2026.1746307","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Introduction: &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;i&gt;Achillea fragrantissima&lt;/i&gt; (AFG) is known for its medicinal properties, while different Achillea species have shown both beneficial and detrimental impacts on male fertility. This investigation evaluated the effects of AFG oral administration on behavior, steroidogenesis, and immune-related gene expression in Sprague-Dawley male rats.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;Forty-five mature rats were randomly grouped into: Control, Low-dose group (AFG-L: 500 mg/kg extract), and High-dose group (AFG-H: 1000 mg/kg extract). The AFG extract was orally administered for 30 days. Behavioral, hematological, reproductive, immune, and oxidative stress-related indices were evaluated.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;The AFG administration at both doses significantly (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.05) modulated the feeding and drinking, hole-board, swimming performance, tube dominance, and modified Y-maze tests outcomes. The AFG-L group displayed significant (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.05) increases in final weight gain, sperm count, motility, and viable sperms %, with significant (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.05) reductions in aberrant and dead sperms %. AFG significantly (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.05) increased phagocytic index (PhI) and phagocytic %. However, erythrogram and leukocyte counts were not significantly altered. The AFG-L group displayed significant (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.05) increases in serum testosterone (TEST), FSH, LH, and Estradiol (E2) hormones. Additionally, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-ɑ) concentrations were significantly decreased (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.05). AFG extract administration significantly improved (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.05) lipid profile, increased the testicular and splenic glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels, whereas the malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PCO), 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8OH2dG), and testicular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were significantly reduced (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.05). AFG administration significantly (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.05) upregulated mRNA expression of &lt;i&gt;StAR, CYP11A1, CYP17A1&lt;/i&gt;, and &lt;i&gt;HSD17B3&lt;/i&gt; in the testes, as well as &lt;i&gt;CD3, CD4, CD20&lt;/i&gt;, and &lt;i&gt;IL-10&lt;/i&gt; in the spleen, but expression levels of &lt;i&gt;CYP19A1&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Caspase&lt;/i&gt;-3 in testes, along with CD8 and Caspase-3 in spleen, were significantly (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.05) downregulated. The AFG-L group maintained normal testicular architecture with preserved seminiferous tubules and only mild interstitial edema alongside mild splenic sinusoid dilatation with macrophage infiltration. In contrast, the AFG-H group exhibited significant histopathological alterations, including irregular seminiferous tubules, reduced mature sperm, and increased interstitial edema, while the spleen showed preserved lymphoid follicles with congested vasculature.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Discussion: &lt;/strong&gt;The findings of the ongoing work demonstrate for the first time that &lt;i&gt;A. fragrantissima&lt;/i&gt; extract exerts reproductive and immune-enha","PeriodicalId":12772,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Veterinary Science","volume":"13 ","pages":"1746307"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13128357/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147814131","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":"Virulome-resistome convergence in swine-associated multidrug-resistant <i>Escherichia coli</i> from Hungary: virulence marker profiles and zoonotic potential.","authors":"Ádám Kerek, Balázs Nagyházi, Gergely Álmos Tornyos, Levente Hunor Husz, Máté Hetyésy, Eszter Kaszab, Enikő Fehér, Patrik Mag, Ákos Jerzsele","doi":"10.3389/fvets.2026.1813532","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2026.1813532","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;Swine production can sustain dense reservoirs of multidrug-resistant (MDR) &lt;i&gt;Escherichia coli&lt;/i&gt; in which mobilizable resistance may co-occur with virulence modules relevant to animal health and One Health risk. We profiled the virulome of Hungarian swine-associated MDR &lt;i&gt;E. coli&lt;/i&gt; and assessed whether key virulence signatures co-segregate with selected high-impact resistance flags.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;In late 2023, &lt;i&gt;E. coli&lt;/i&gt; isolates were obtained from four large-scale Hungarian pig farms through routine veterinary diagnostic/surveillance sampling. Phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed for the full collection (&lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 203), including extended-spectrum &lt;i&gt;β&lt;/i&gt;-lactamase (ESBL) confirmation (&lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 127). A whole-genome sequencing (WGS) subset (&lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 116) underwent Illumina sequencing and &lt;i&gt;de novo&lt;/i&gt; assembly. Virulence genes were identified in silico using curated virulence databases with harmonized identity/coverage thresholds and summarized as gene prevalence and functional modules. Marker-based definitions were applied for extraintestinal pathogenic &lt;i&gt;E. coli&lt;/i&gt; (ExPEC)-like and diarrheagenic &lt;i&gt;E. coli&lt;/i&gt; (DEC)-like signatures. Acquired antimicrobial resistance genes were annotated using CARD/RGI, and focused analyses considered &lt;i&gt;CTX-M&lt;/i&gt; extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) genes and rare, high-consequence determinants (&lt;i&gt;mcr-1&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;qnrB5&lt;/i&gt;). Associations between virulence markers and resistance flags were tested using Fisher's exact test. Rather than performing a comprehensive resistome analysis, we focused on selected high-impact resistance determinants (&lt;i&gt;CTX-M&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;mcr-1&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;qnrB5&lt;/i&gt;) and their co-carriage with virulence markers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;Across 116 genomes, 208 distinct virulence-associated genes were detected; virulence gene load per genome was heterogeneous. Extraintestinal-associated iron acquisition modules were common, including aerobactin (&lt;i&gt;iucABCD&lt;/i&gt;/&lt;i&gt;iutA&lt;/i&gt;) in 31/116 (26.7%), yersiniabactin (&lt;i&gt;fyuA/irp1/irp2&lt;/i&gt;) in 27/116 (23.3%), and salmochelin (&lt;i&gt;iroB/iroN&lt;/i&gt;) in 17/116 (14.7%). Toxin-associated determinants were frequent, with &lt;i&gt;hlyA&lt;/i&gt; in 33/116 (28.4%). DEC markers occurred in 33/116 (28.4%), including &lt;i&gt;eae&lt;/i&gt; in 23/116 (19.8%), &lt;i&gt;stx2&lt;/i&gt; in 6/116 (5.2%), predominantly enterohemorrhagic &lt;i&gt;E. coli&lt;/i&gt; (EHEC)-like (&lt;i&gt;stx2&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;eae&lt;/i&gt;) profiles (5/116; 4.3%) and &lt;i&gt;estIa&lt;/i&gt; in 10/116 (8.6%); &lt;i&gt;astA&lt;/i&gt; was present in 27/116 (23.3%). Stringent ExPEC-like criteria were met by 6/116 (5.2%), while 15/116 (12.9%) showed convergent profiles co-carrying aerobactin with at least one DEC marker. &lt;i&gt;CTX-M&lt;/i&gt; genes were detected in 24/116 (20.7%) and were enriched among aerobactin-positive isolates and DEC-marker-positive isolates; all EHEC-like isolates carried &lt;i&gt;CTX-M&lt;/i&gt;. Rare but critical determinants included &lt;i&gt;mcr-1&lt;/i&gt; (3/116; 2.6%) and &lt;i&gt;qnrB5&lt;/i&gt; (2/116; 1.","PeriodicalId":12772,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Veterinary Science","volume":"13 ","pages":"1813532"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13128422/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147814176","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":"Comparison of axial tibial-metatarsal alignment in dogs of varying size with and without medial patellar luxation.","authors":"Alexandre Silva Gobeti, Justin J Marrs, Ashton L Story, Hailey Hilfiker, Derek B Fox","doi":"10.3389/fvets.2026.1781687","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2026.1781687","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To compare tibial torsion angle (TTA) and proximal tibial metatarsal angle (PTMTA) between dogs weighing < 10 kg and dogs weighing ≥ 10 kg with and without medial patellar luxation (MPL) to assess whether transverse plane tibial-metatarsal malalignment is size dependent.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Retrospective computed tomographic analysis.</p><p><strong>Sample population: </strong>One hundred and one limbs from 55 client-owned dogs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Computed tomographic (CT) scans of pelvic limbs that met inclusion criteria were categorized by dog size (dogs weighing less or over 10 kg) and presence and grade of medial patellar luxation (normal, Grade 2, Grade 3 and Grade 4). A single investigator measured both TTA and PTMTA in each limb. Both TTA and PTMTA were compared between dogs of varying degrees of MPL and between dogs weighing < 10 kg and dogs weighing ≥ 10 kg.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A clear association between increasing TTA and higher grades of MPL was not discerned in dogs weighing < 10 kg. However, dogs weighing < 10 kg did exhibit a trend of worsening tibial-metatarsal malalignment as patellar luxation grade increased with grade 4 MPLs having a significantly larger PTMTA than all other groups. Among dogs weighing ≥ 10 kg, those with grade 3 MPLs possessed a significantly larger TTA compared to all other groups, but dogs with grade 4 MPLs were not different from normal dogs. However, dogs weighing ≥ 10 kg did exhibit a trend of increasing PTMTA values associated with worsening grades of patellar luxation with grade 2 and 4 MPL dogs showing more tibial-metatarsal malalignment than normal dogs. There were differences between dogs weighing < 10 kg and dogs weighing ≥ 10 kg with respect to TTA measurements with dogs < 10 kg showing more tibial torsion in MPL Grades 2 and 4. However, no differences were detected in PTMTA between sizes with any grade of MPL.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Tibial-metatarsal malalignment measurable through an increased PTMTA may be a more predictably associated transverse plane deformity with MPL than tibial torsion alone as measured by the TTA. Both dogs weighing less or over 10 kg appear to exhibit tibial-metatarsal malalignment with increasing severity in cases of higher grades of MPL.</p>","PeriodicalId":12772,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Veterinary Science","volume":"13 ","pages":"1781687"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13128388/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147814326","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":"Advancing evidence-informed practice in modern zoos: research priorities for animal welfare, conservation, and social legitimacy.","authors":"Paul Rose, Idu Azogu-Sepe, Lisa Clifforde, Jessica Harley, Kerry Hunt, Robert Kelly, Ricardo Lemos de Figueiredo, Justine Partoon, Christina R Stanley, Mark Whiteside","doi":"10.3389/fvets.2026.1793169","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2026.1793169","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Modern zoos operate at the intersection of conservation responsibility, ethical accountability and scientific advancement, while facing increasing public scrutiny and rising expectations for transparency and measurable impact. This scrutiny often focuses on animal welfare and the justification for maintaining wild animals in captive environments. Consequently, there is a growing need for zoo-based research to move beyond often anecdotal practice toward robust, evidence-informed decision-making. Evidence refers to systematically collected data and critically evaluated research used to inform management strategies that promote the zoo's key aims. This article synthesises key areas in which contemporary zoo operations rely on limited or untested evidence and identifies priority research questions critical to the future legitimacy and effectiveness of zoos. The paper explores several interlinked themes: the welfare implications of reproduction and breeding management; the role of social bonds in welfare, stress resilience, and translocation outcomes; the underrepresentation of nutrition within animal welfare research; the impacts of human-animal interactions involving both staff and visitors; the maintenance of species-specific behaviours and behavioural diversity in ex situ managed populations; and the relationship between animal welfare, visitor experience, and a zoo's social licence to operate. These themes were identified through persistent assumptions in zoo practice, gaps in the empirical literature, and increasing societal expectations for transparency, ethical justification, and measurable outcomes. Across these areas, the paper highlights a recurring challenge: management practices are frequently justified on theoretical or historical grounds rather than validated, applied outcomes, and conclusions from single studies are often overinterpreted despite limited replication or contextual relevance. Our article therefore emphasises the importance of defining credible evidence, critically appraising published research, and adopting replicated, collaborative multi-institutional and mixed-methods approaches. By outlining these research priorities, this paper provides a framework for advancing zoo-based science that can directly inform management decisions, improve animal welfare outcomes, strengthen conservation impact, build public trust and thus future-proof the zoo industry. Ultimately, we argue that the future success of zoos depends on aligning ethical practice, rigorous research, and meaningful visitor engagement through transparent, evidence-driven approaches.</p>","PeriodicalId":12772,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Veterinary Science","volume":"13 ","pages":"1793169"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13144771/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147836454","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}