Veterinary Sciences最新文献

{"title":"Utility of the Heart-to-Single Vertebra Ratio Compared with Artificial Intelligence-Derived Vertebral Heart Score for Detecting Cardiomegaly in Dogs with Myxomatous Mitral Valve Degeneration.","authors":"Berfin Eftelya Güder, Zeynep Nurselin Kot, Viktor Szatmári","doi":"10.3390/vetsci13101065","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13101065","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The heart-to-single vertebra ratio measured at the seventh thoracic vertebra (HSVR-T7) is a recently described radiographic method used to assess heart size in dogs. Our study evaluated the diagnostic performance of HSVR-T7 for identifying echocardiographically defined cardiomegaly in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). Its correlation with vertebral heart score (VHS) and vertebral left atrial size (VLAS), and as its discriminatory performance compared with artificial intelligence (AI)-derived VHS and VLAS measurements were investigated. Radiographs of 93 dogs with echocardiographically confirmed myxomatous mitral valve disease were included; 35 were classified as ACVIM stage B1 and 58 as stage B2 or C. Among the 35 stage B1 dogs, five (14.3%) had isolated left atrial enlargement and two (5.7%) had isolated left ventricular enlargement. The HSVR-T7 scores were significantly higher in dogs with echocardiographically confirmed cardiomegaly (stage B2 or C) than in dogs without cardiomegaly (stage B1): 11.65 ± 1.13 versus 10.47 ± 1.08 (<i>p</i> < 0.001). At the optimal cut-off value of ≥11.15, HSVR-T7 yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.769 of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, with 70.7% sensitivity and 74.3% specificity. The HSVR-T7 showed a very strong positive correlation with VHS (r = 0.890; <i>p</i> < 0.001). Artificial intelligence-derived VHS showed the highest diagnostic performance at an optimal cut-off value of ≥11.35 (AUC, 0.861; sensitivity, 75.9%; specificity, 82.9%), whereas AI-derived VLAS yielded an AUC of 0.765, with 62.1% sensitivity and 85.7% specificity at an optimal cut-off value of ≥2.65. Overall, HSVR-T7 was less sensitive and specific in detecting cardiomegaly in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease than VHS, and it cannot replace echocardiographic, VHS or VLAS measurements.</p>","PeriodicalId":23694,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary Sciences","volume":"13 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149274008","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":"Occurrence of <i>Clostridium perfringens</i> and Molecular Detection of <i>Clostridioides difficile</i> Toxin-Gene Targets in Foal Fecal Samples: A Multiregional Study in Türkiye.","authors":"Burcu Karagülle, Zeynep Yerlikaya","doi":"10.3390/vetsci13101060","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13101060","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Clostridium perfringens</i> and <i>Clostridioides difficile</i> are associated with equine enterocolitis, but data on foals in Türkiye are limited. This multiregional study examined 300 archived fecal samples from 2-6-month-old foals originating from 20 stud farms in five provinces. Gastrointestinal signs were recorded in ten foals; systematic clinical information was unavailable for 290. <i>Clostridium perfringens</i> was investigated by anaerobic culture followed by PCR confirmation and toxin-gene profiling (<i>cpa</i>, <i>cpb</i>, <i>cpb2</i>, <i>etx</i>, <i>iap</i>, <i>cpe</i>, and <i>netB</i>). <i>Clostridioides difficile</i>-specific DNA was investigated by PCR of DNA extracted from archived fecal material, targeting <i>tpi</i>, <i>tcdA</i>, and <i>tcdB</i>. <i>Clostridium perfringens</i> was confirmed in 50/300 samples (16.7%; 95% CI, 12.9-21.3%); confirmed isolates had a <i>cpa</i>-only profile among the genes investigated. The <i>tpi</i> target was detected in 12/300 samples (4.0%; 95% CI, 2.3-6.9%), of which seven also contained <i>tcdA</i> and <i>tcdB</i> (2.3% overall; 95% CI, 1.1-4.7%). <i>cpa</i>-confirmed <i>C. perfringens</i> and the <i>C. difficile</i>-specific <i>tpi</i> target was detected in samples from all five provinces; geographic comparisons were descriptive and exploratory. Because <i>C. difficile</i> was not cultured and toxin production was not assessed, the results represent species-specific and toxin-gene targets rather than viable toxigenic isolates or active disease. Clinical associations could not be evaluated. These findings provide multiregional baseline data and support prospective studies incorporating clinical assessment, culture, quantitative testing, and toxin detection.</p>","PeriodicalId":23694,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary Sciences","volume":"13 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149273835","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":"Epidermoid Cyst of the Soft Palate in a Geriatric Cat: A Case Report.","authors":"Hyehyun Choi, Kyung Ah Kim, Da Eun Lee, Juwon Lee, Jihun Kim, Hyomi Jang, Dong-In Jung","doi":"10.3390/vetsci13101064","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13101064","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Epidermoid cysts within the oral cavity are rare in cats. Here, we report the clinical, imaging, surgical, and histopathological findings of an epidermoid cyst originating from the soft palate of a geriatric cat. A 17-year-old neutered female domestic shorthaired cat presented with mild hypersalivation and dysphagia. Computed tomography revealed a well-circumscribed, minimally contrast-enhancing mass measuring 8.5 × 9.9 × 10.0 mm arising from the right distal soft palate. The mass protruded predominantly into the oropharynx and caused mild nasopharyngeal displacement, without evidence of bone invasion or middle ear involvement. Surgical excision was performed, and histopathological examination revealed a cyst lined with keratinizing stratified squamous epithelium containing keratinaceous debris, which was consistent with a benign epidermoid cyst. Hypersalivation and dysphagia were no longer observed after excision, although this improvement was documented for only approximately 24 h before severe gastrointestinal dysfunction and recurrent seizures developed. Although repeated oral mucosal irritation was considered a possible contributing factor, the congenital or acquired origin of the cyst could not be definitively determined. This case highlights that epidermoid cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic lesions of the oral cavity in cats.</p>","PeriodicalId":23694,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary Sciences","volume":"13 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149273890","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 Yeast Cell Wall Supplementation in Broiler Chickens Under Dietary Aflatoxin Challenge.","authors":"Melina Aparecida Bonato, Graziela Alves da Cunha Valini, Max Ingberman, Tadesse Mihret Yimam, Breno Castello Branco Beirão","doi":"10.3390/vetsci13101061","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13101061","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Aflatoxins (AFLAs) are highly prevalent mycotoxins in poultry production and are known to impair immune function and may reduce vaccine responsiveness. Therefore, this study evaluated whether dietary supplementation with yeast cell wall (YCW) could modulate the immune response under AFLA challenge and support vaccine response in broilers. A total of 144 one-day-old chicks were distributed into four treatments: negative control (NC), AFLA-contaminated diet (2.5 ppm), YCW (500 g/t), and YCW + AFLA. Birds were vaccinated against Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) on D14. Body weight, hepatic pathology, intestinal permeability, circulating immune cell populations, phagocytic activity, and NDV-specific antibody titers were evaluated throughout the experimental period. AFLA exposure induced significant hepatic lesions and reduced body weight on D35 but did not alter the systemic immune parameters or intestinal permeability. Liver lesions were not prevented by the use of YCW, but body weight was positively correlated to the YCW intervention. Interestingly, YCW supplementation modulated immune responses in a context-dependent manner. In birds not exposed to AFLA, YCW increased anti-NDV antibody titers following vaccination. Contrarily, under AFLA challenge (and only in this situation), YCW supplementation was associated with changes in circulating immune cell populations and increased monocyte phagocytic activity, but in the presence of AFLA, YCW did not associate with increased anti-NDV titers. These findings indicate that YCW uniquely modulates selected innate and adaptive immune responses in broiler chickens exposed to AFLA, which is an important biological interaction with relevance to feed formulation for animal production.</p>","PeriodicalId":23694,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary Sciences","volume":"13 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149273802","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":"Multi-Tissue Transcriptomic Profiles of Tarim and Tianshan Red Deer Under Common Conditions.","authors":"Xilai Zhao, Nursat Turxunjan, Xu Zhou, Xinlong Hao, Xiaowei Jia, Linzhi Yan, Miaohua Wang, Zhen Li, Wenxi Qian","doi":"10.3390/vetsci13101066","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13101066","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We profiled 132 RNA-sequencing libraries representing 11 tissues from six Tarim and six Tianshan adult male red deer maintained under common feeding and management. Tissue identity dominated expression structure among 16,308 expressed genes. Across three differential-expression model specifications, 1253 robust group-associated gene-tissue pairs were identified, involving 1184 genes and concentrated in rumen and rectum. Directional enrichment returned 77 terms meeting both within-set and study-wide false-discovery thresholds. Tianshan-group rumen genes were enriched for cytoskeletal, adhesion, ion-transport and circadian annotations, whereas Tarim-group reticulum genes were enriched for cell-surface and immune-signaling annotations. Cross-tissue recurrence was uncommon and identified a small set of annotated genes and provisional loci for follow-up. Complementary whole-genome principal component analysis (PCA) separated the recorded groups across two genotype-depth filters; weighted Weir-Cockerham <i>F</i>_ST was 0.341 and 0.325. These results describe tissue-resolved expression patterns and genetic structure in the sampled cohort. Functional, taxonomic and population-wide interpretations require independent validation.</p>","PeriodicalId":23694,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary Sciences","volume":"13 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149273828","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":"A Systematic Comparison of Differential Metabolites and Functional Pathways in the Gut Contents of Yaks and Plateau Yellow Cattle Across Altitudinal Gradients.","authors":"Dan Li, Jian Zhang, Liping Zhang, Xinsheng Liu, Ping Chen","doi":"10.3390/vetsci13101063","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13101063","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The yak (<i>Bos grunniens</i>) is a crucial species adapted to the extreme high-altitude environment of the Tibetan Plateau. However, a systematic understanding of how gut metabolic homeostasis contributes to this adaptation, particularly across altitudinal gradients and in comparison with sympatric species, remains limited. This study employed untargeted metabolomics to profile the intestinal contents of high-altitude yaks (HYs, 3800 m), low-altitude yaks (LYs, 2500 m), and plateau yellow cattle (PC, 3500 m) from the Gannan region. Multivariate analysis revealed distinct clustering of the three groups, with PLS-DA model validation parameters (R₂Y(cum) > 0.997, Q₂(cum) > 0.990), confirming significant species-specific and altitude-adaptive differentiation in the gut metabolome. A suite of differentially abundant metabolites (DAMs) was identified: HYs were enriched with stress- and inflammation-related molecules (e.g., prostaglandin E2, uric acid-indicative of oxidative stress and inflammatory responses) and steroid metabolites; LYs showed a profile oriented towards basic anabolism and antioxidant defense (e.g., L-galactono-1,4-lactone, allantoin); PC were characterized by unique lipid derivatives (e.g., 5-hexyl-2-furanhexanoic acid) and fungal-origin metabolites. Pathway enrichment analysis pinpointed Linoleic acid metabolism as one of the most significantly enriched pathways, with key hydroxyoctadecadienoic acids (HODEs) and related oxylipins significantly upregulated in HYs. Other significantly enriched pathways included Tryptophan metabolism, ABC transporters, and Protein digestion and absorption. Our findings suggest that high-altitude adaptation in yaks is associated with remodeling of the intestinal metabolic network. The identified signature metabolites and consistently enriched candidate pathways provide novel insights into potential host-microbiome-associated mechanisms and establish a metabolic foundation for the conservation of plateau livestock genetic resources and the development of precision husbandry strategies. However, these findings should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating because altitude, species, diet, and environment were not fully decoupled.</p>","PeriodicalId":23694,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary Sciences","volume":"13 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149273848","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":"Integration of Nascent Transcriptomes and Cross-Species Atlases Reveals Evolutionary Barriers in Transcriptional Kinetics During Mammalian Hibernation.","authors":"Zhuopeng Hu, Shidi Gao, Yilin Wu, Yifan Wang, Lei Yu, Huimei Yu","doi":"10.3390/vetsci13101062","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13101062","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Mammalian hibernation requires extensive metabolic remodeling, but traditional transcriptomic approaches cannot distinguish between mRNA synthesis and degradation, leaving the evolutionary barriers governing its transcriptional control unclear. To address this, we integrated nascent (GRO-seq) and steady-state (RNA-seq) transcriptomes from the 13-lined ground squirrel <i>(Ictidomys tridecemlineatus)</i> with multi-species liver data from the Siberian chipmunk and Syrian hamster. By constructing an atlas of 78 core consensus genes and applying the stability index (SI), betweenness centrality (BC), and network clustering, we identified two complementary regulatory modes: a Triple Conserved backbone centered on ACLY and ATF4, alongside \"Species-Specific Synergy\" modules involving ADCY6 and EGR1. Kinetic analysis revealed distinct transcriptional-decoupling patterns (SLC2A1 showed a transcript stabilization pattern with SI = 2.01, whereas ID2 exhibited an uncompensated transcriptional induction with SI = -1.87). Network analysis placed ADCY6 (BC = 0.3356) as a central hub linking signal transduction to metabolic remodeling, and MCODE clustering further resolved three functional modules enriched for metabolic regulation, RNA processing, and lipid homeostasis. Together, these results suggest that hibernation does not simply suppress transcription but instead operates as a dynamic balance system, where specific genes rely on post-transcriptional stability compensation under sustained transcriptional stress. These findings offer a cross-species view of how mammals achieve metabolic robustness and may inform cryopreservation strategies in translational contexts.</p>","PeriodicalId":23694,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary Sciences","volume":"13 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149274140","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":"In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Chlorhexidine-Curcumin Nanoformulations for Teat Dipping Against Mastitis Pathogens.","authors":"Areerat Chuasakhonwilai, Wasana Chaisri, Montira Intanon, Duanghathai Saipinta, Patsorn Keeklangdon, Pimnipa Jieraviriyapun, Sho Nakamura, Satoshi Ohkura, Witaya Suriyasathaporn","doi":"10.3390/vetsci13101054","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13101054","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Bovine mastitis is a major problem affecting dairy production, and teat disinfection is important for reducing the risk of bacterial infection. Curcumin has antimicrobial properties, but its poor water solubility limits its use in aqueous formulations. This study aimed to develop chlorhexidine-curcumin nanoformulations (CCNs) and perform preliminary in vitro screening of these nanoformulations as candidate teat-dipping formulations. Four CCNs containing increasing concentrations of curcumin (0%, 0.1%, 0.5%, and 0.9% <i>w</i>/<i>v</i>; CCN0, CCN0.1, CCN0.5, and CCN0.9, respectively) were prepared. CCN0, CCN0.1, and CCN0.5 were formulated as oil-in-water nanoemulsions, whereas CCN0.9 was prepared as a curcumin-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex. The physicochemical properties were characterized, and the antibacterial activity was evaluated in vitro by agar well diffusion against six mastitis-associated pathogens. CCN0.9 showed the largest inhibition zones overall (20.07 ± 1.05-28.85 ± 1.05 mm; <i>p</i> < 0.05), while CCN0.1 and CCN0.5 showed activity comparable to or greater than that of commercial teat dips against several pathogens. CCN0.5 showed the most favorable nanoemulsion characteristics, with a particle size of 94.77 nm and a zeta potential of -46.57 mV. Overall, CCNs demonstrated antibacterial activity against mastitis pathogens, supporting their potential as candidate teat-dip formulations. Further teat irritation and in vivo efficacy studies are needed before field application.</p>","PeriodicalId":23694,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary Sciences","volume":"13 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149274128","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":"Pathogenicity and Comparative Genomics Analysis: <i>Pasteurella multocida</i> Serogroups A and F Isolated from Domestic Rabbits in China.","authors":"Qiaoya Zhao, Cunxia Liu, Xiuli Ma, Feng Hu, Junfeng Lv, Tong Zhu, Yajian Gao, Changhao Liu, Bing Huang, Yifei Jiang","doi":"10.3390/vetsci13101058","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13101058","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Pasteurella multocida</i> is a zoonotic pathogen that causes severe respiratory infections in domestic rabbits. Serogroup F strains have been increasingly reported but remain poorly characterized. Two strains, PS-JQ08 (serogroup A) and PS-JQ09 (serogroup F), were isolated from deceased rabbits in China. Pathogenicity was assessed in mouse and rabbit models, and whole-genome sequencing was performed for comparative genomic analysis. Both strains were highly pathogenic but induced distinct pathological profiles: PS-JQ08 caused hepatocellular vacuolar degeneration, whereas PS-JQ09 induced hemorrhage and edema. Genomic analysis revealed that both strains harbored core virulence genes involved in adhesion, iron acquisition, and antiphagocytosis; however, the serogroup F strain harbored unique iron transport genes and arsenic resistance systems. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that PS-JQ08 clustered with avian serogroup A strains, whereas PS-JQ09 clustered with porcine- and rabbit-derived serogroup F strains. These findings provide clues for exploring the genetic mechanism underlying pathogenic differentiation of <i>Pasteurella multocida</i> between serogroups A and F, and provide valuable genomic information to support vaccine development and disease control in rabbits.</p>","PeriodicalId":23694,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary Sciences","volume":"13 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149273846","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 Relevance of Routine Follow-Up Computed Tomography in Dogs with Presumed Discospondylitis: A Retrospective Study.","authors":"Eva Ingelaere, Laurent Blond, Robin Cavalerie, Antoine Dunié-Mérigot, Clément Baudin-Tréhiou","doi":"10.3390/vetsci13101057","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13101057","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Computed tomography (CT) findings of discospondylitis in dogs are well described, but limited information is available regarding the clinical value of follow-up CT in veterinary medicine. This retrospective study evaluated CT changes and their associations with clinical outcome in 32 dogs with suspected discospondylitis. Initial and follow-up CT examinations were independently reviewed by two board-certified veterinary radiologists. Disagreements were resolved by agreement between reviewers, and changes in predefined CT abnormalities were combined into a CT Evolution Score. Interobserver agreement for individual CT features ranged from fair to substantial, while the CT Evolution Score showed moderate reliability (ICC = 0.72). Dogs with a good clinical outcome showed more favorable changes in paravertebral soft tissue abnormalities (<i>p</i> < 0.001) and presumptive spinal epidural empyema (<i>p</i> = 0.002), whereas osseous changes did not differ significantly. The CT Evolution Score was higher in dogs with a good outcome (<i>p</i> = 0.010), associated with lower odds of a poor outcome (OR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.17-0.91; <i>p</i> = 0.029), and showed good discriminatory ability (AUC = 0.87). Follow-up CT may provide complementary information, particularly in dogs with incomplete or unfavorable clinical improvement.</p>","PeriodicalId":23694,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary Sciences","volume":"13 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149273924","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}