Veterinary journal最新文献

{"title":"A novel Gaussia luciferase immunoprecipitation assay for the detection of Getah virus antibodies in pigs","authors":"Chenxi Li ,&nbsp;Linjie Zhang ,&nbsp;Jinyao Guo ,&nbsp;Tian Tian ,&nbsp;Chenyang Tang ,&nbsp;ZuZhang Wei ,&nbsp;Yanhua Li","doi":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106450","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106450","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Getah virus (GETV), a mosquito-borne pathogen, causes fever, aseptic meningitis, and abortion across various animal species, including pigs, horses, and cattle. Its widespread prevalence in China has resulted in substantial economic losses to the pig industry and poses a growing threat to public health security. Currently, no effective vaccine or antiviral drug for GETV control in China underscores the urgent need for the development of a rapid and sensitive antibody detection method for large-scale screening. In this study, we established a luciferase immunoprecipitation system (LIPS) assay to detect GETV antibodies in pig serum, utilizing <em>Gaussia</em> luciferase (GLuc)-tagged E2 as a diagnostic antigen. After optimizing the reaction conditions for the GLuc-E2-based LIPS assay, we determined the optimal GLuc-E2 input to be 10^7 luminance units and the optimal serum dilution to be 1:100, achieving the highest P/N ratio. Using 106 GETV-positive and 325 GETV-negative pig serum samples, the cutoff value for the S/N ratio was determined to be 13.71, yielding 99.69 % specificity and 100 % sensitivity. This LIPS assay showed no cross-reactivity with antibodies against other major porcine pathogens, including African swine fever virus (ASFV), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), pseudorabies virus (PRV), and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). Furthermore, a seroprevalence surveillance of porcine GETV in Hebei Province, China, validated the utility of this GLuc-E2-based LIPS assay for the diagnosis of GETV infection. In conclusion, we have developed a LIPS assay for GETV antibody detection, which could serve as a reliable tool for GETV detection in both laboratory and field settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23505,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary journal","volume":"314 ","pages":"Article 106450"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145151090","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Quantifying the carbon footprint of canine breed-specific surgical care in a veterinary referral setting","authors":"Rachel L Nixon ,&nbsp;Emma Milne ,&nbsp;Iwona N Cameron ,&nbsp;Tim Nuttall ,&nbsp;Benjamin T Blacklock ,&nbsp;Kiterie ME Faller ,&nbsp;Gudrun Schoeffmann ,&nbsp;Tiziana Liuti ,&nbsp;John M Ryan ,&nbsp;Kelly L Bowlt Blacklock","doi":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106451","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106451","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To develop and apply a calculator to quantify the carbon footprint of breed-specific surgical care in dogs, from hospital admission to discharge, in a veterinary referral setting.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>Breed-specific procedures were defined as surgeries performed uniquely or predominantly in particular breeds due to inherited or conformational pathology, as identified by the relevant clinical services.</div><div>All dogs undergoing breed-specific procedures at a UK veterinary referral hospital over an eight-month period were prospectively studied. Data collected included procedure type, diagnostic imaging, anaesthesia, pharmaceuticals, surgical waste, travel distance, and personal protective equipment use. Published carbon conversion factors were applied to calculate the carbon footprint (kg CO₂e) for each component of care and the total per-patient emissions.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Data were collected from 41 patients undergoing breed-specific surgeries. The mean carbon footprint per patient was calculated to be 103 kg CO₂e (standard deviation ± 47.5, range 33–220 kg CO₂e). Mean carbon footprint per patient for breed-specific procedures was; BOAS 100 kg CO₂e (standard deviation ± 36.4, range 49–174 kg CO₂e), medial canthoplasty 55 kg CO₂e (standard deviation ± 20.3, range 33–89 kg CO₂e), screw tail caudectomy 120 kg CO₂e (standard deviation ± 22.6, range 104–136 kg CO₂e), ‘Y’ fracture 159 kg CO₂e (standard deviation ± 48.2, range 103–211 kg CO₂e), ‘Y’ fracture and prophylactic humeral transcondylar screw 200 kg CO₂e (standard deviation ± 28.9, range 180–220 kg CO₂e) and prophylactic unilateral or bilateral humeral transcondylar screw 99 kg CO₂e (standard deviation ± 15.9, range 84–115 kg CO₂e) (Table 2). The largest contributors were pharmaceuticals excluding volatile agents (mean 55 kg CO₂e, 40–67 % of procedure-based emissions), owner travel (mean 19 kg CO₂e, 9–28 % of procedure-based emissions), and volatile agents (14 kg CO₂e, 8–24 % of procedure-based emissions). Diagnostic imaging accounted for 6 kg CO₂e (0–8 % of procedure-based emissions).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Breed-related procedures generate substantial carbon emissions, with pharmaceuticals and owner travel being major contributors. These findings provide a foundation for identifying environmentally impactful practices and support efforts to improve sustainability in referral veterinary care. This study also prompts broader ethical reflection on the environmental cost of inherited breed disorders, offering a new dimension to discussions on animal welfare, responsible breeding, and sustainability in companion animal medicine.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23505,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary journal","volume":"314 ","pages":"Article 106451"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145151106","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Understanding the Feline Grimace Scale: A study of dimensional structure, importance of each action unit and variables affecting assessment","authors":"Paulo V. Steagall ,&nbsp;Beatriz P. Monteiro ,&nbsp;Pedro H.E. Trindade ,&nbsp;Syed S.U.H. Bukhari ,&nbsp;Stelio P.L. Luna","doi":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106448","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106448","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Feline Grimace Scale (FGS) is a facial expression-based scoring system for acute pain assessment in cats. This study aimed to investigate the dimensionality, importance of each action unit (AU), and variables affecting pain assessment using the FGS. One hundred images of cat faces were scored using the FGS by five veterinarians and five veterinary students. Cats were classified as painful or pain-free, whether the cut-off for analgesia was reached during real-time assessment. Scale dimensionality was studied using principal component analysis and Horn’s parallel analysis. Item-total correlation investigated correlations between each AU and total FGS scores. Linear mixed models assessed responsiveness for each AU and variables influencing scores (age, gender, pain, and group). AUs had loading values ≥ 0.6, demonstrating an association for each AU with the first principal component of the PCA. All AUs and the FGS total ratio scores were increased in painful versus pain-free cats (p &lt; 0.001). Female raters gave higher FGS scores than male raters (p = 0.02). Muzzle tension was the only AU with sensitivity below 70 %, whereas whiskers change was the only AU with specificity below 70 %. Similarly, whiskers change and muzzle tension had the lowest area under the curve values and Youden index. The FGS is a unidimensional scale, with total scores influenced by the rater's gender and pain. FGS demonstrated strong consistency and a high correlation between the AUs and total scores. However, muzzle tension and whiskers change are less discriminative than other AUs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23505,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary journal","volume":"314 ","pages":"Article 106448"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145151093","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of oral and intravenous dimethylglycine treatment on hematobiochemical profiles and total oxidant/antioxidant status in low-intensity exercised horses","authors":"Hacer Kofalı Ergin ,&nbsp;İlknur Karaca Bekdik ,&nbsp;René van den Hoven ,&nbsp;Ali Cesur Onmaz","doi":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106447","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106447","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Dimethylglycine (DMG) may help delay muscle fatigue and prevent exercise-induced muscle damage in athletic animals. This study investigated the effects of intravenous and oral DMG on physiological, hematological, biochemical, blood gas, and oxidative stress parameters in exercising horses. In this study, 30 Turkish Arab saddle horses were randomly divided into three groups. Group A horses were injected intravenously with 15 mL (1500 mg) of a 10 % DMG twice daily for three days. Group B horses received 1500 mg DMG powder orally twice daily for three days, and group C (control) horses were injected with 15 mL 0,9 % NaCl solution twice daily for three days. Following the last dose, all horses were subjected to aerobic exercise, including 30 min of cantering, with a 15-minute warm-up and a 15-minute walking cool-down. Vital and hematobiochemical parameters were evaluated at −2 h (pre-exercise), immediately after exercise (0 h), and at 2, 4, and 6 h post-exercise. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and rectal temperature (RT) were measured to exclude exercise-induced heat stress. Total oxidative status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and their ratio, the oxidative stress index (OSI), were used to evaluate oxidative stress at rest and after exercise. Other routine blood parameters used to exclude subclinical infection and muscle damage included white blood cell count (WBC), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatinine, and urea. None of these parameters suggested the presence of subclinical disease. As expected, heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and rectal temperature (RT) showed mild increases following exercise; however, there was no evidence of exercise-induced heat stress. Blood gas parameters remained within physiological limits, and DMG treatment appeared to stabilize post-exercise lactate levels at 0, 2, and 4 h compared to controls. TOS levels were significantly decreased in both treatment groups compared to controls (p &lt; 0.05), particularly following IV administration immediately after exercise (0 h). TAS levels were also lower in DMG-treated horses, likely reflecting greater antioxidant utilization during exercise. However, OSI values did not differ significantly between groups. These findings suggest that DMG, especially when administered intravenously, may help balance oxidative stress and reduce markers of muscle damage in exercising horses, without compromising physiological homeostasis. However, further studies are required to better understand its role and long-term benefits.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23505,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary journal","volume":"314 ","pages":"Article 106447"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145138707","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of some cardiac biomarkers in cats with primary and secondary cardiomyopathies","authors":"Salma W. Abdelhaleem ,&nbsp;Samar H. Elsharkawy ,&nbsp;Shaymaa I. Salem ,&nbsp;Mostafa M. Bashandy","doi":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106441","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106441","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cardiomyopathies (CMs) are one of the most predominant disorders in cats. Cardiac biomarkers can offer an economical alternative for the initial diagnosis of CM in comparison to the more costly echocardiography. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of cardiac troponin I (cTnI), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM), and galectin-3 (Gal-3) in detection of feline CMs. The study included 78 cats classified into 3 groups based on clinical examination, echocardiography, and analysis of serum cardiac biomarkers, renal function, and total thyroxine. Group I (apparently healthy cats, n = 16), group II (cats with primary CM, n = 37), and group III (cats with secondary CM, n = 25). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, receiver operating characteristic curves were used to identify area under the curve and the corresponding cut-off value for each cardiac biomarker. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was also assessed. NT-proBNP, CK-MB, and Gal-3 were increased in groups II and III compared to group I. Meanwhile, cTnI was higher in group II than group III and MR-proADM was increased in group II only. NT-proBNP, cTnI, and CK-MB revealed moderate to strong positive correlations and the best diagnostic accuracy when compared to echocardiography, showcasing the benefits of multi-biomarker use. In conclusion, NT-proBNP, cTnI, CK-MB, and CK-RI exhibited the highest efficacy, and cTnI was able to statistically distinguish between primary and secondary CMs. In the absence of echocardiography, these biomarkers could be taken into account during the preliminary assessment for CM.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23505,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary journal","volume":"314 ","pages":"Article 106441"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145126110","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Helminth infections in alpacas (Vicugna pacos), husbandry and worm control practices in South American Camelids in Italy","authors":"Elisa Castaldo ,&nbsp;Francesco Buono ,&nbsp;Stefano Scarcelli ,&nbsp;Alessia Ciaramelli ,&nbsp;Michele Capasso ,&nbsp;Sara Tonon ,&nbsp;Giovanni Sgroi ,&nbsp;Rudi Cassini ,&nbsp;Walter Basso ,&nbsp;Vincenzo Veneziano","doi":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106445","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106445","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The recent global expansion of alpaca breeding, including in Italy, has driven growing interest in this species, making further research necessary to support their health and management. Gastrointestinal helminths are among the main health concerns, causing severe disease that affects welfare and productivity. In Europe, data on helminth infections in South American Camelids (SACs) are still limited. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, distribution, and risk factors for helminth infections in alpacas in Italy, and evaluate the husbandry and worm control practices through a structured questionnaire and coprological analyses. Individual fecal samples were collected from 1296 alpacas and analysed by the Mini-FLOTAC, Baermann, and sedimentation techniques. Gastrointestinal strongyle (GIS) type eggs were the most frequently detected helminths (54.0 %), followed by <em>Nematodirus</em> spp. (21.2 %), <em>Trichuris</em> spp. (12.6 %), <em>Nematodirus battus</em> (7.6 %), <em>Capillaria</em> spp. (6.7 %), <em>Moniezia</em> spp. (3.2 %), <em>Dicrocoelium dendriticum</em> (2.5 %), <em>Strongyloides</em> spp. (0.5 %), and <em>Dictyocaulus</em> spp. (0.2 %). Alpacas &lt; 2 years were at higher risk of infection for all helminth groups. Breeding in central, southern, and insular area was significantly associated with almost all helminth infections. The warm season was significantly associated with GIS, <em>Nematodirus</em> spp., and <em>Trichuris</em> spp. infections. Alpacas with a BCS &lt; 3 had a higher risk for <em>Trichuris</em> spp. and <em>Capillaria</em> spp. infections. Questionnaire responses (<em>n</em> = 104) revealed great attention to dung removal and parasitological monitoring. This study provides the first data on helminth infections in alpacas in Italy, showing wide species diversity. The use of fenbendazole and ivermectin was widespread, raising concerns about potential anthelmintic resistance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23505,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary journal","volume":"314 ","pages":"Article 106445"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145092523","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Retrospective analysis of the clinical approach practiced in dog bite cases caused by Vipera latastei, Vipera seoanei and Vipera aspis","authors":"Nicolás Aradilla ,&nbsp;Sebastián Sánchez-Fortún","doi":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106446","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106446","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Snakebites pose a significant public health risk to both humans and animals in many countries. In Spain, the presence of three viper species, <em>Vipera latastei</em>, <em>Vipera seoanei</em>, and <em>Vipera aspis</em>, complicates clinical management in veterinary settings. There is currently no standardized veterinary protocol for treating viper bites in many countries. This retrospective study analyzed the clinical approaches employed by Spanish veterinary centers in treating canine viper bites within the distribution range of these species. Data from 62 clinical cases across 58 veterinary centers were reviewed, including demographic information, clinical findings, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment for each biotope. The analysis found no demographic differences among the three species, except for variations in the identification methods (owner reports and clinical signs) used by veterinary centers. While main clinical findings (inflammation, edema, local pain) were generally consistent, differences in the incidence of hyperthermia and local necrosis were noted, particularly between <em>Vipera seoanei</em> and <em>Vipera aspis</em>. Only in <em>V. aspis</em> bite accidents were neurological signs of depression evident. Antivenom was not used in any of the protocols; however, centers utilized various pharmacological treatments (fluid replacement, opioids, glucocorticoids, antibiotics) depending on the region. The observed mortality rate (6.5 %) aligned with those reported for other European viper species. These findings establish a foundation for current practices in Spain, highlight key differences, and underscore the need for species-specific protocols in other countries, supporting the rationale for future targeted studies worldwide.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23505,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary journal","volume":"314 ","pages":"Article 106446"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145092538","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Schmallenberg virus exposure in camels and donkeys: Potential reservoirs for trans-border spread in the Nigeria-Sahel region","authors":"Alex A. Adikwu ,&nbsp;Theophilus I. Emeto ,&nbsp;Paul F. Horwood ,&nbsp;Olajide A. Owolodun ,&nbsp;Andrew M. Adamu ,&nbsp;Emmanuel O. Ngbede ,&nbsp;Yiltawe S. Wungak ,&nbsp;Hussaini G. Ularamu ,&nbsp;Oyelola A. Adegboye","doi":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106443","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106443","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Livestock trade and altered migration patterns have influenced the spread of transboundary animal diseases (TADs). Schmallenberg virus (SBV), an emerging arboviral pathogen transmitted by biting midges, causes severe birth defects and abortions, transient fever, diarrhea, and reduced milk production in ruminants, exemplifying a global threat to domestic livestock populations. This study investigated the exposure of camels and donkeys to SBV and identified potential risk factors that may influence introduction and spread. A total of 460 serum samples from camels (n = 230) and donkeys (n = 230) were screened for SBV antibodies using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and data on potential risk factors were collected. The observed seroprevalence of SBV was 56.5 % in camels and 11.3 % in donkeys. Univariate analysis demonstrated a significantly higher seroprevalence in older camels (P = 0.008; odds ratio (OR) = 2.3; 95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.25–4.27) and donkeys (P = 0.004; OR = 3.41; 95 % CI: 1.48–7.97). Seropositivity was not significantly influenced by sex, management system, or mixed species rearing. Multivariable analysis revealed geographic clustering of infection risk, with significantly higher odds of seropositivity in camels from Zangon Daura (OR = 4.73; 95 % CI: 1.33–20.4) and donkeys from Sule Tankarkar (OR = 4.46; 95 % CI: 1.20–17.9). Our findings suggest that camels and donkeys are exposed to SBV and might serve as reservoirs and potential sources for spread within the region. Further molecular studies are recommended for a deeper understanding of SBV transmission dynamics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23505,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary journal","volume":"314 ","pages":"Article 106443"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145092514","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Observer reliability and components of variance in counting spherocytes in canine blood samples","authors":"Asger Lundorff Jensen ,&nbsp;Helena Hochstenbach Fink-Jensen ,&nbsp;Anne K.H. Krogh","doi":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106444","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106444","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Spherocytosis is an important component in the diagnosis of immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA) in dogs. Information on variation due to counting and observer reliability in enumeration of spherocytes is limited. This study investigated the observer reliability of spherocyte enumeration, the within- and between-day variation due to counting, and the occurrence of spherocytes among anaemic and non-anaemic dogs. Within-and between-day variation was generally good to excellent for samples with five or more spherocytes per high power field (HPF; 1000 ×). Observer variation was generally high but the associated 95 % confidence limits indicated the importance of experience in detecting spherocytes. The upper 95th percentile of spherocytes among non-anaemic dogs was 2.63 spherocytes per HPF, and up to 3.78 among anaemic dogs without IMHA reflecting that spherocytes are not pathognomonic for IMHA but can be seen in other situations as well, most often in lower numbers than the limit of ≥ 5 spherocytes/HPF typically used in the diagnosis of IMHA.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23505,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary journal","volume":"314 ","pages":"Article 106444"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145092516","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical, laboratory, and ultrasonographic insights into Platynosomum fastosum infection in domestic cats: Diagnostic challenges and hepatobiliary implications","authors":"Larissa Megumi Nogueira Sato ,&nbsp;Henrique Serra Carrenho ,&nbsp;Regina Kiomi Takahira ,&nbsp;Paulo Fernandes Marcusso ,&nbsp;Alessandra Melchert ,&nbsp;Maria Jaqueline Mamprim ,&nbsp;José Gabriel Gonçalves Lins","doi":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106442","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106442","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Platynosomiasis is a hepatobiliary disease that primarily affects cats, caused by the trematode <em>Platynosomum fastosum</em>. In this context, this study aims to describe the main clinical, laboratory, and ultrasonographic findings of domestic cats naturally infected by <em>P. fastosum</em>. Six cats treated at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (HV) of São Paulo State University (UNESP) in Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil, with a coproparasitological diagnosis positive for <em>P. fastosum</em> were selected for this study. The following parameters were analyzed: clinical signs, complete blood count, serum biochemistry, and ultrasonographic changes. Clinical signs observed included jaundice, apathy, dehydration, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as emesis and constipation. Hematological analyses revealed normal ranges for most variables, except evidence of monocytosis. One cat exhibited leucocytosis associated with neutrophilia, eosinophilia, and monocytosis. Biochemical profiles indicated significantly high liver enzymes levels: alanine transaminase (mean 331 ± 305.3 UI/L), aspartate transaminase (mean 181.8 ± 98.9 UI/L), alkaline phosphatase (mean 260.8 ± 270.4 UI/L), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (mean 14.98 ± 11.52 UI/L). Ultrasonographic findings included hepatomegaly, gallbladder wall thickening, bile duct dilation, and increased pancreatic dimensions with reduced echogenicity, indicating possible cholangitis and pancreatitis, respectively. The elevated liver enzyme levels, clinical signs of jaundice, and ultrasonographic abnormalities are consistent with liver damage and potential cholangitis and pancreatitis due to <em>Platynosomum fastosum</em> infection. These findings highlight the need for targeted diagnostics that should support therapeutic interventions for felines suffering from platynosomiasis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23505,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary journal","volume":"314 ","pages":"Article 106442"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145092536","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}