American journal of veterinary research最新文献

{"title":"Open-face plane orientation of a BioMedtrix biologic fixation acetabular cup can be accurately determined from a lateral radiograph.","authors":"Owen T Fink, Peter J Lotsikas","doi":"10.2460/ajvr.26.05.0236","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.26.05.0236","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To develop and validate a method to calculate biologic fixation (BFX) acetabular cup open-face plane orientation based on measurements from a lateral radiograph.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The formulas describing the open-face plane orientation were derived using geometric arguments and trigonometry. To assess the method, an in vitro plastic model of a pelvis was implanted with a BFX acetabular cup. A lateral radiograph of the implanted model was obtained and used to calculate the cup open-face plane orientation using the derived method. Direct measurement of the open-face plane orientation was performed, and the calculated values were compared to the directly measured values. The procedure was repeated with the cup in a different orientation for each trial.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>52 trials were performed. The derived calculation method demonstrated high repeatability and reproducibility, with intra- and interobserver intraclass correlation coefficients > 0.94. The direct measurement method demonstrated high reproducibility, with interobserver intraclass correlation coefficients > 0.98. The mean absolute angular difference between the calculated and directly measured orientation vectors was 2.8 ± 1.3°, with 95% of trials within 4.7°.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The open-face plane orientation determined by the derived method agreed closely with the directly measured orientation.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>Knowledge of the BFX open-face plane orientation can inform decisions regarding cup revision, help identify complications associated with cup malpositioning, and allow the surgeon to improve their cup placement performance.</p>","PeriodicalId":7754,"journal":{"name":"American journal of veterinary research","volume":" ","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148787296","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction have an altered fecal short-chain fatty acid profile.","authors":"Wenqing Wang, Marloes Dekker Nitert, Sahara Gobius, Viviana Gonzalez-Astudillo, François-René Bertin","doi":"10.2460/ajvr.26.05.0223","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.26.05.0223","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is a prevalent endocrine disease in older horses sharing pathogenetic features with Parkinson disease, including dopaminergic neurodegeneration and α-synuclein aggregation. This study was conducted to determine whether horses with PPID exhibit changes in short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profiles as described in Parkinson disease, providing further evidence for involvement of a microbiota-gut-brain axis in the pathogenesis of PPID.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Prospective case-control study including 22 horses > 12 years of age. Diagnosis of PPID was based on clinical signs and results of a thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test. Fecal samples were collected every 2 months for 12 months, and SCFA concentrations (butyrate, propionate, acetate, valerate, isobutyrate, and isovalerate) were quantified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Data were normalized to sample total protein concentration and analyzed using a linear mixed-effects model with Šídák multiple comparison tests.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>9 horses were classified as PPID and 13 as controls. Month had a significant effect on concentrations of all measured SCFA across both groups. The PPID status was associated with significantly altered patterns in concentrations of butyrate (average estimate of difference: 0.30 μM/mg; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.58), valerate (0.04 μM/mg; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.08), and isobutyrate (0.10 μM/mg; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.17).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Horses exhibit marked seasonal variations in fecal SCFA concentrations, and PPID is associated with selective alterations in fecal SCFA profiles.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>Altered fecal SCFA profiles in horses with PPID expand our understanding of metabolic changes associated with this condition and warrant further investigation into the relationship between microbial metabolism and the microbiota-gut-brain axis in PPID.</p>","PeriodicalId":7754,"journal":{"name":"American journal of veterinary research","volume":" ","pages":"1-7"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148787332","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Learning faster, caring safer: a learning healthcare system for quality, safety, and patient impact.","authors":"Janet D Robishaw, Darcy B Adin","doi":"10.2460/ajvr.26.06.0279","DOIUrl":"10.2460/ajvr.26.06.0279","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7754,"journal":{"name":"American journal of veterinary research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148787259","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Fixation of proximal humeral Salter-Harris type 1 fractures in a 3-dimensionally printed skeletally immature canine bone model: a biomechanical assessment of fully threaded headless cannulated screws.","authors":"Tae-Woong Hwang, Eunseo Kang, Jung-Moon Kim, Hwi-Yool Kim","doi":"10.2460/ajvr.26.05.0221","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.26.05.0221","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To compare the biomechanical stability of 4 fixation techniques for proximal humeral physeal fractures in skeletally immature canines using 3-D-printed models.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This experimental in vitro study was conducted from September 25, 2025, through April 22, 2026. To strictly control biological variability, identical 3-D-printed models of juvenile canine proximal humeral Salter-Harris type 1 fractures (CT-derived from a 6-month-old 26-kg Labrador Retriever) were evaluated across 4 groups: pin and tension band wire (group A), partially threaded cannulated screw (group B), fully threaded headless cannulated screw (FTHCS) alone (group C), and FTHCS with a 1.6-mm Kirschner (K)-wire (group D). Tensile loading was applied at 10 mm/min at 105° to simulate supraspinatus traction. Outcomes included loads at 1- and 2-mm displacements, maximum failure load, and failure modes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-four models were tested (n = 6/group). Group D exhibited significantly higher resistance at 1-mm (663.95 N) and 2-mm (1,080.33 N) displacements than other groups. At 1-mm displacement, group D outperformed groups C, A, and B (mean differences [MD]: 206.2 N, 380.6 N, and 405.7 N, respectively; P < .0083). Maximum failure load did not differ significantly. Group B failed via localized proximal crushing and subsidence, whereas FTHCS groups (C, D) preserved proximal integrity, failing distally.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In this 3-D-printed model, FTHCS combined with a K-wire provided superior resistance to tensile displacement compared with other tested constructs.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>FTHCS augmented with a K-wire may offer a biomechanically robust alternative mitigating subhead bone collapse, providing sufficient standalone stability for early rehabilitation in immature canines.</p>","PeriodicalId":7754,"journal":{"name":"American journal of veterinary research","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148787239","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Most dogs transported to a veterinary teaching hospital are unrestrained during vehicular travel.","authors":"Connor Steinolfson, Adesola Odunayo, Zenithson Ng, Amy Stone, Cullen Domaracki, Wendy Mandese, Julia Wuerz, Francesca Griffin, Jay Schaub, Jenna Rooks, Chika Okafor","doi":"10.2460/ajvr.26.05.0206","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.26.05.0206","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate the frequency and type of vehicular restraint use in dogs transported to a veterinary teaching hospital and to identify factors associated with restraint use.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This prospective, survey-based study was conducted at a veterinary teaching hospital from May 28 to August 2, 2024. Dog owners presenting their dog for emergency, sick, or wellness visits completed a questionnaire regarding transportation practices, including restraint use, type of restraint, travel duration, anxiety level, and administration of previsit pharmaceuticals. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess associations between patient and transport variables and restraint use.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 195 of 533 (36.6%) dogs were transported using a restraint system, whereas 338 of 533 (63.4%) were unrestrained. The most common restraint type was a seat belt-based device. Each 1-kg increase in body weight was associated with a 3.3% decrease in the odds of restraint use (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95 to 0.98). Administration of previsit pharmaceuticals (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.02 to 3.01) and having pet insurance (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.01 to 2.34) were associated with restraint use. Age, reason for visit, travel duration, anxiety level, and mode of transportation were not associated with restraint use.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Most dogs in this population traveled unrestrained during vehicular transport. Restraint use was not associated with visit type, travel duration, anxiety level, or transportation mode.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>Increased veterinary client education may improve safe transport practices and reduce the risk of injury during vehicular travel.</p>","PeriodicalId":7754,"journal":{"name":"American journal of veterinary research","volume":" ","pages":"1-6"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148787289","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Targeted quantitative polymerase chain reaction-based bacterial and fecal metabolite markers show early stability in healthy puppies after 8 weeks of age.","authors":"Dajana Birk, Anna-Karina Weidinger, Teresa Schmidt, Sophie Bachmann, Irina Spring, Sandra Felten, Solène M Meunier, Amanda B Blake, Jan S Suchodolski, Stefan Unterer","doi":"10.2460/ajvr.26.06.0245","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.26.06.0245","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To assess longitudinal stability of targeted quantitative PCR (qPCR)-based fecal microbial and metabolomic markers in healthy puppies from 8 weeks to 1 year of age.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This prospective longitudinal cohort study was conducted at the Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland, from August 2023 to January 2025. Clinically healthy client-owned puppies were sampled at 8 to 12 weeks, 16 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year. Eligible dogs had no gastrointestinal signs, no previous systemic antibiotics, and negative parasitology. Primary outcomes were the qPCR-based dysbiosis index, selected qPCR-targeted bacterial taxa, fecal bile acids, long-chain fatty acids, and sterols, quantified by mass spectrometry. Mixed-effects models assessed time point associations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>23 dogs contributed 62 fecal samples. Dysbiosis index values and most targeted bacterial taxa remained within reference intervals, with no significant longitudinal changes. Bacteroides spp abundance was lower at 8 to12 weeks than at 6 months (difference, -0.73 logDNA copies/g feces; 95% CI, -1.40 to -0.06; Tukey-adjusted P = .028). Secondary unconjugated bile acids dominated at all ages. The concentration of 12-oxo-lithocholic acid was lower at 16 weeks than at 1 year (ratio, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.14 to 0.79; Tukey-adjusted P = .007) but not after multiple-testing adjustment. Long-chain fatty acid and sterol profiles showed no age-related changes.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The qPCR-based dysbiosis index and targeted microbial and metabolomic markers were largely stable from 8 weeks to 1 year, supporting early functional maturation of measured markers.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>These findings establish age-specific baseline information for fecal bacterial and metabolite markers, supporting interpretation in young dogs with gastrointestinal disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":7754,"journal":{"name":"American journal of veterinary research","volume":" ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148757289","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Intramuscular tranexamic acid results in lower peak plasma concentrations but comparable systemic absorption to intravenous administration in healthy dogs.","authors":"Eun Ji Kwak, Kristin Zersen, Claire Tucker, Casey Lavender, Charles Talbot, Daniel Gustafson, Tara Hendry-Hofer, Kelly Hall","doi":"10.2460/ajvr.26.06.0266","DOIUrl":"10.2460/ajvr.26.06.0266","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To determine the pharmacokinetics of IM and IV tranexamic acid (TXA) in healthy dogs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>There were 6 healthy client-owned dogs that received TXA (20 mg/kg) in a randomized crossover study design with a 6-week washout period between IM and IV administration. Venous blood samples were collected from baseline to 8 hours after injection. Plasma TXA concentrations were measured using LC-MS-MS.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>For IM administration, mean ± SD maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) was 46.8 ± 26.6 μg/mL, total area under the curve was 173.8 ± 25.0 μg/mL·h, time to Cmax was 1.6 ± 1.4 hours, half-life (t1/2) was 2.8 ± 2.1 hours, and bioavailability was 120.9 ± 10.0%. For IV administration, Cmax was 119.8 ± 17.6 μg/mL, total area under the curve was 143.3 ± 10.5 μg/mL·h, and t1/2 was 2.1 ± 1.8 hours.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>IM Cmax reached approximately 39% of IV Cmax and exhibited a 33% longer t1/2, consistent with slower absorption. Despite the lower Cmax, bioavailability was 120.9%, suggesting that IM TXA maintained a higher plasma concentration for a longer duration.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>Although the prolonged time to Cmax associated with IM administration may limit its use in patients requiring rapid intervention, it offers practical advantages when IV access is delayed, allowing prehospital treatment prior to definitive veterinary care. Further investigation into IM dosing protocols is needed before it can be recommended in clinical patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":7754,"journal":{"name":"American journal of veterinary research","volume":" ","pages":"1-6"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148720546","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"12-month clinical trial of bioencapsulated terbinafine yielded inconsistent resolution for the treatment of Emydomyces testavorans in the Blanding's turtle (Emydoidea blandingii).","authors":"David J Minich, Anthony J Cerreta, Alexis Nix, Daniel Thompson, Lilyvette Barajas, Ashley Portala, Dania Gamez, Allison Sacerdote-Velat, Matthew R O'Connor, Jennifer M Reinhart, Sherry Cox, Laura Adamovicz, Karisa N Tang, Matthew C Allender","doi":"10.2460/ajvr.26.06.0242","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.26.06.0242","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Evaluate multidose bioencapsulated terbinafine for the treatment of Emydomyces testavorans in naturally infected Blanding's turtles (Emydoidea blandingii) and determine if this protocol resulted in therapeutic drug concentrations.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Blanding's turtles housed within a quarantine facility were treated with oral terbinafine (30 mg/kg) bioencapsulated within earthworms delivered every 48 hours for 12 months in this experimental study. For all turtles, plasma terbinafine concentrations were quantified, and turtles were routinely tested for of E testavorans through quantitative PCR of combined oral, cloacal, and carapace/plastron swabs.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>13 Blanding's turtles were enrolled, and no turtle consistently tested negative via quantitative PCR for E testavorans after 12 months of treatment. The median plasma terbinafine concentrations at months 3 and 6 (trough concentrations) were 18 ng/mL (11 to 78 ng/mL) and 36 ng/mL (10 to 76 ng/mL), respectively. The median plasma terbinafine concentrations at months 9 and 12 (peak concentrations) were 163 ng/mL (61 to 575 ng/mL) and 100 ng/mL (13 to 247 ng/mL), respectively. Plasma terbinafine concentrations inconsistently measured above the MIC for E testavorans. No correlation was observed between plasma terbinafine concentrations and E testavorans target copy number by quantitative PCR.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Multdose treatment at 30 mg/kg with orally administered, bioencapsulated terbinafine every 48 hours for 12 months failed to achieve molecular resolution of natural E testavorans infection in Blanding's turtles and failed to consistently achieve appropriate plasma concentrations.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>Emydomyces testavorans is associated with a challenging disease process and is of increasing concern for the health, welfare, and conservation of chelonian species. Further investigation of alternative dosing regimens and/or the use of oral terbinafine as part of multimodal treatment protocols is warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":7754,"journal":{"name":"American journal of veterinary research","volume":" ","pages":"1-6"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148757147","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Computed tomography- and magnetic resonance imaging-visible, patient-specific canine head phantom via 3-dimensional anatomy printing for neurosurgical training and biopsy planning: a proof of concept.","authors":"Robb M Kessel, Akshaya Nidhi Bhati, Yoshihiko Yu, Jack N Roney, Rajnish Gupta, Nduka M Amankulor, Wilfried Mai, Mallesham Dasari, Rahul Mangharam, Wojciech K Panek","doi":"10.2460/ajvr.26.03.0094","DOIUrl":"10.2460/ajvr.26.03.0094","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To develop and evaluate a workflow for generating a patient-specific canine head phantom with intracranial pathology from clinical CT and MRI data using digital anatomy printing and to assess its anatomic accuracy and imaging fidelity for veterinary neurosurgical planning and training.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This experimental proof-of-concept study used historical clinical CT and MRI data from a canine patient diagnosed with a brain glioma. A multimaterial head phantom was created using image segmentation, computer-aided design modeling, material assignment and slicing, PolyJet-based 3-D printing with a digital anatomy printer, and postprocessing. The produced phantom underwent CT and MRI scanning. Anatomical dimensional accuracy along a predefined intracranial trajectory and imaging realism were assessed by comparison of HU and MRI signal intensity between the phantom and the patient imaging data.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>2 patient-specific canine head phantoms, one dual CT and MRI optimized and another purely CT optimized, were successfully produced and imaged. The phantom demonstrated CT attenuation and MRI signal characteristics qualitatively consistent with the patient's tissues. Quantitative assessment showed minimal dimensional deviation along the selected trajectory compared with the original patient anatomy. Imaging contrast between structures was reproduced, although measurable differences in CT attenuation values and MRI signal characteristics of the printed materials were identified.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>A streamlined workflow for generating patient-specific canine head phantoms using multimaterial 3-D printing was established and demonstrated anatomical fidelity and multimodal imaging compatibility.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>These phantoms offer a unique and practical model for advanced veterinary neurosurgical planning and training, particularly including trajectory planning for intracranial procedures, such as brain biopsy.</p>","PeriodicalId":7754,"journal":{"name":"American journal of veterinary research","volume":" ","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148719966","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pharmacokinetics of oral ponazuril in kea (Nestor notabilis) support its use as a preventative for sarcocystosis.","authors":"Michael Wenninger, Jessica Heinz, Jenny Nollman, Sherry Cox","doi":"10.2460/ajvr.26.06.0257","DOIUrl":"10.2460/ajvr.26.06.0257","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To determine the pharmacokinetic profile of ponazuril in kea following administration of a single oral dose and evaluate trough values associated with weekly dosing. The hypothesis was that weekly dosing would maintain plasma ponazuril concentrations above the inhibitory concentration of 5 µg/mL for Sarcocystis organisms.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>8 adult kea were administered 30 mg/kg of ponazuril via oral gavage. Blood samples were collected at 2, 4, 8, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, 168, and 192 hours in an incomplete balanced block design. Ponazuril administration was then continued weekly, and blood was collected from all birds immediately prior to the fifth weekly dose. Plasma ponazuril concentrations were determined by reverse-phase HPLC, and results were analyzed by noncompartmental analysis. Trough values were also measured after > 1 year of weekly ponazuril administration for 4 birds.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The estimated time to maximum concentration, maximum concentration, and estimated elimination half-life were 23 ± 12 hours, 6.78 ± 1.89 µg/mL, and 128 ± 49 hours, respectively. The mean trough concentration after 4 weekly doses was 5.97 ± 2.15 µg/mL. No adverse effects were observed during the study or following weekly dosing of ponazuril for > 1 year, and long-term trough values were 14.06 ± 4.85 µg/mL.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>A single oral 30-mg/kg dose of ponazuril administered weekly maintains plasma concentrations above the known inhibitory concentration for Sarcocystis neurona and should therefore prevent sarcocystosis in kea.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>Weekly administration of ponazuril at 30 mg/kg may prevent mortality associated with Sarcocystis falcatula in kea and other susceptible psittacines where exclusion of host species is not possible.</p>","PeriodicalId":7754,"journal":{"name":"American journal of veterinary research","volume":" ","pages":"1-4"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148719925","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}