Animals最新文献

{"title":"X-Linked Muscular Dystrophy in a Cat with a Putative Variant in the <i>DMD</i> Gene.","authors":"Harry Cridge, Caylen Erger, Kyan Thelen Strong, Ling T Guo, Hong An, Chunhui Xu, G Diane Shelton","doi":"10.3390/ani16081278","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani16081278","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>X-linked dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy (DD-MD) is an uncommon neuromuscular disorder in cats. We described an adult male cat with chronic tongue protrusion, dysphagia, muscle hypertrophy, and a history of rhabdomyolysis associated with anesthesia. Clinical pathology revealed markedly increased CK activity, muscle histopathology demonstrated a dystrophic phenotype, and an absence of dystrophin protein was confirmed by immunofluorescent staining. Whole genome sequencing identified two potential disease-causing variants, including a new missense variant in the <i>DMD</i> gene (c.2207T>C; p.Gln736Arg), which was considered causative of the clinical phenotype. A second variant in the <i>CLIC2</i> gene was also detected but was considered unlikely to cause myopathic signs. The clinical course remained stable over 1.5 years with supportive management and dietary modification, and no further episodes of rhabdomyolysis occurred. This case expands the known spectrum of feline <i>DMD</i> variants and highlights the value of genetic testing combined with muscle histopathology for diagnosing chronic presentations of MD. Avoidance of inhalant anesthetics may be important in managing affected cats due to the risk of acute muscle injury.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"16 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13113721/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147809475","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":"Working on the Frontline of Dog Adoption: The Perspectives and Experiences of Animal Shelter Workers in RSPCA Queensland.","authors":"Eileen Thumpkin, Nancy A Pachana, Mandy B A Paterson","doi":"10.3390/ani16081279","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani16081279","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Estimates suggest that approximately 400 million dogs are kept as pets worldwide. Despite their popularity, around 10% to 30% are surrendered to rescue shelters each year. Shelter workers play a pivotal role in the success of dog adoptions and provide ongoing support to help owners keep these dogs in their homes. However, research that captures their perspectives and experiences regarding the dog adoption process remains limited. Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Queensland shelter teams participated in six focus group discussions to share their perspectives and experiences of the dog adoption process in their shelters. Reflexive thematic analysis of the gathered data generated three themes: 1. \"Doing great adoptions\" starts with an inclusive, well-resourced application process and a skilled team. 2. Finding the right fit involves navigating the duality of carer and advocate through honest, informative interactions with the whole family. 3. Successful outcomes involve supporting and educating the public to care for and keep their dog. This grounded understanding of the challenges facing shelters in their work could provide valuable feedback to help shelter leaders and staff develop policies and practices that support positive adoption outcomes, tailor programmes to local needs, and reduce return rates.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"16 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13113998/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147809495","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":"Integrated Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analysis Deciphers the Molecular and Metabolic Mechanisms Underlying Growth Rate Divergence in Dezhou Donkeys.","authors":"Xinhao Zhang, Haijing Li, Xiangnan Zhou, Xianggang Cao, Manna Dou, Changfa Wang, Wenqiang Li","doi":"10.3390/ani16081271","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani16081271","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Dezhou donkey is a premium indigenous Chinese livestock breed with high economic value for meat, hide and medicinal uses, and growth rate is a core trait determining farming profitability. However, the molecular and metabolic mechanisms underlying divergent growth rates in this breed have not been fully characterized, with no integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic studies reported. Here, 12 age-matched healthy male Dezhou donkeys were assigned to faster-growing (<i>n</i> = 6) and slower-growing (<i>n</i> = 6) groups by average daily gain, followed by plasma transcriptome sequencing and untargeted LC-MS/MS metabolomics. We identified 480 differentially expressed genes, with the slower-growing group enriching in immune/inflammatory/apoptotic pathways, and the faster-growing group in energy metabolism and transmembrane transport. Lipids and lipid-like molecules represented the largest proportion (44.9%) of the differential metabolites; the slower-growing group was enriched in lipid peroxidation and pro-inflammatory mediators, while the faster-growing group was enriched in unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants. Integrated analysis revealed core pathways (cAMP signaling, arachidonic acid/unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis) and key candidate genes/metabolites. Our findings clarify that excessive lipid peroxidation and inflammatory imbalance restrict growth, while efficient energy metabolism promotes faster growth, providing theoretical support for genetic improvement and precision nutrition of Dezhou donkeys.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"16 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13113997/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147809808","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":"Avian Infective Endocarditis Associated with <i>Vagococcus fluvialis</i>: A Case Report and Literature Review.","authors":"Ruy D Chacón, Thamyres Fernandes de Amorim, Tania Cencara Rojas, Karen Tafur-Trujillo, Alexander Ramirez-Montes, Giovanna Sola Castanho, Henrique Lage Hagemann, Julia Ferreira Waldvogel, Claudete S Astolfi-Ferreira, Andrea Micke Moreno, Antonio J Piantino Ferreira","doi":"10.3390/ani16081267","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani16081267","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Avian infective endocarditis is an uncommon but severe disease that is typically diagnosed postmortem because of nonspecific clinical signs and rapid progression. In the present study, five broiler chickens (<i>n</i> = 5) from a commercial flock were examined with septicemia and lesions suggestive of endocarditis. This study reports the first molecularly confirmed and characterized case of valvular endocarditis associated with multidrug-resistant <i>Vagococcus fluvialis</i> in poultry and provides a comprehensive review of bacterial endocarditis in avian species. The case involved a broiler chicken that presented with sudden death and septicemic lesions, including vegetative valvular endocarditis, pericarditis, and multiorgan involvement. Bacterial isolates recovered from cardiac lesions were identified as <i>V. fluvialis</i> using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and confirmed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed a multidrug resistance profile, with resistance to several antimicrobial classes commonly used in poultry production. The literature review identified published studies describing avian infective endocarditis, which predominantly affects poultry and is caused mainly by Gram-positive bacteria, with clinical signs and necropsy findings largely overlapping across etiologies. These findings highlight the novelty of <i>V. fluvialis</i> as a potential etiological agent of avian infective endocarditis and underscores the diagnostic challenges associated with avian endocarditis, particularly when uncommon pathogens are involved, and underscore the importance of advanced identification methods for an accurate etiological determination. Collectively, the results of this study expand the spectrum of bacterial species associated with avian infective endocarditis and emphasize the relevance of antimicrobial resistance and improved diagnostic strategies in poultry health and disease surveillance.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"16 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13112949/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147809715","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":"Effects of Advanced Platelet-Rich Fibrin on Bone Healing in the Treatment of Canine Appendicular Fractures.","authors":"Ravisa Warin, Preeyanat Vongchan, Witaya Suriyasathaporn, Ratchadaporn Boripun, Kanawee Warrit, Luddawon Somrup, Kittidaj Tanongpitchayes, Pimnipa Jieraviriyapun, Wanna Suriyasathaporn","doi":"10.3390/ani16081276","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani16081276","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Although internal fixation and surgical approaches promote fracture healing, some outcomes remain unsatisfactory. Advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF) has been shown to provide more growth factors, and in vitro cell proliferation has not been evaluated for treating bone fractures in veterinary medicine. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bone-healing activity of A-PRF in traumatic canine fractures. Twelve dogs with single radius-ulna or tibia-fibula fractures were randomly assigned to two groups: a control group and an A-PRF group. Both groups were treated with a locking compression plate and screws and received pain control. Post-operatively, dogs were evaluated for serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and post-operative pain scores on days 1, 3, and 7. Lameness and weight-bearing scores were evaluated on days 1, 3, 7, 14, 30, and 60. Bone healing was assessed at 2 weeks, 1 month, and 2 months using calculated relative bone density (%). Compared with the control, the A-PRF group showed higher bone density at 2 months and lower lameness at 14 days post-operatively. Although the CRP level, an inflammation response marker, was higher in the A-PRF group within one day. No significant difference in pain score was observed. In conclusion, A-PRF serves as an effective adjunctive therapy for promoting bone healing when treating canine appendicular fractures with surgical internal fixation.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"16 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13113820/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147809770","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":"Movement Ecology and Disease Exposure in Free-Roaming Donkeys in California, USA.","authors":"Sarah R B King, Amy McLean, Jacob D Hennig, Kathryn A Schoenecker","doi":"10.3390/ani16081269","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani16081269","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Feral donkeys (<i>Equus asinus</i>) are well adapted to arid ecosystems and are found in large populations in the deserts of Australia and the Americas. We assessed resource selection and seasonal home range size of female donkeys in southern California between 2020 and 2022 based on telemetry data. We also examined whether dyads with greater encounter rates were more likely to test positive for asinine herpesvirus 5 (AHV-5) and/or <i>Streptococcus equi zooepidemicus</i> (SEZ). Donkey home ranges were non-significantly larger in the cool/wet season (November through March; mean 318.37 ± sd 417.65 km²) than in the hot/dry season (April through October; mean 159.35 ± 212.43 km²). Donkeys selected flatter areas closer to water year-round but selected greater herbaceous cover during the cool/wet season and lower heat loads during the hot/dry season. Individuals testing positive for SEZ selected lower elevations during the wet season and closer distances to water during the dry season; donkeys testing positive for AHV-5 selected areas farther from water during the wet season and steeper slopes during the dry season. The dyad encounter rate was unrelated to presence of either disease. Our results contribute to the understanding of donkey ecology, allowing feral populations to be better controlled by specific and focused management.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"16 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13113263/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147809746","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":"Comparative Analysis of Conventional and Digital Microscopy for Counting Mitotic Figures in Cutaneous Neoplasms of Dogs and Cats.","authors":"Larissa G A Moreira, Lucas R Souza, Nayara F Paula, Taismara S Oliveira, Ayisa R Oliveira, Taryn A Donovan, Christof A Bertram, Tatiane A Paixão, Renato L Santos","doi":"10.3390/ani16081268","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani16081268","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The use of digitized slides for histopathological diagnosis has become common in veterinary pathology, and the validation of diagnostic techniques that are extrapolated from the evaluation of glass slides is needed. The goal of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of counting mitotic figures in physical glass slides and digitized slides of cutaneous tumors of dogs and cats. The mitotic count was performed by three pathologists on glass and digitized slides of ninety skin tumors, including 30 squamous cell carcinomas in dogs and cats, 30 mast cell tumors and 30 soft tissue tumors in dogs. An additional assessment of cellular proliferation was performed with immunohistochemistry for Ki67. Spearman's correlation for the mean count of mitotic figures between the three observers on physical and digitized slides demonstrated a strong positive correlation for squamous cell carcinomas and mesenchymal tumors and a moderate correlation for mast cell tumors. Inter-observer agreement was moderate between the two methods. In conclusion, the results found suggest that digitized slides can be used reliably for mitotic figure counting in cutaneous neoplasms in small animals, without compromising their classification or prediction of prognosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"16 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13113979/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147809339","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":"Pathological Findings in Two Events of Illegal Hunting of Atlantic Cory's Shearwater (<i>Calonectris borealis</i>) from the Canary Islands.","authors":"José Navarro-Sarmiento, Ayoze Castro-Alonso, Gustavo Montero-Hernández, Lucía Marrero-Ponce, Antonio Fernández, Cristian M Suárez-Santana","doi":"10.3390/ani16081280","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani16081280","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study characterizes the pathological findings in Atlantic Cory's shearwater (<i>Calonectris borealis</i>) chicks from the Canary Islands associated with illegal hunting cases. A retrospective analysis of necropsy archives, including imaging techniques (X-rays and computed tomography) and histopathological examinations, was conducted on twenty juvenile shearwaters. The study revealed significant cranioencephalic trauma as the primary cause of death in both poaching events. Differences in the methods used by the perpetrators were noted, with variations in skull fractures and associated injuries. These findings highlight the importance of understanding local hunting techniques and sociocultural factors in forensic investigations. Diagnostic imaging, standardized necropsy, and histopathology are essential tools for the forensic investigation of illegal hunting in veterinary sciences.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"16 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13112973/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147809804","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":"Evaluating Equations for Predicting Enteric Methane Emissions in Dairy Cattle.","authors":"Fern T Baker, Luke O'Grady, Martin J Green","doi":"10.3390/ani16081270","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani16081270","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Several prediction equations have been created, based on various dietary composition variables, to predict dairy cattle enteric methane emissions (EMEs). Inconsistencies in measuring EMEs have created difficulties comparing dairy cattle emissions between farms and inhibits certain in efforts to reduce emissions and work towards Net Zero. The aims of the current study were to gather existing EME prediction equations and evaluate the variability in their prediction results. An additional aim was to create a combined prediction equation, based on the dietary components with the highest predictive ability, representing the average prediction across existing equations, which accounted for the variation amongst existing equations. The 32 equations produced large variation in the prediction of EMEs for each of the 15 example diets, ranging from 12.49 to 34.27 g CH₄/kg DM. To create a combined EME prediction equation, twelve combinations of dietary variables were evaluated using a mixed-effects model. An equation based on metabolised energy (ME) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) was chosen (methane (CH₄) = 0.33 × ME + 0.31 × NDF + 3.47), due to the significance of the predictor variables and low prediction error (RMSE = 1.47 g CH₄/kg DM), with a random-effects residual variance of 2.32. The combined equation may act as a suitable compromise to compare emissions between studies accounting for unexplained variation.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"16 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13113475/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147809484","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":"Isolation and Identification of G8P[1] Bovine Rotavirus A Among Neonatal Diarrheic Calves in Yunnan, China.","authors":"Peiying Zhu, Yan Liu, Muhammad Khan, Hongmei Liu, Veerasak Punyapornwithaya, Chenxi Zhang, Xin Wu, Hongya Yan, Huafeng Gao, Wengui Li","doi":"10.3390/ani16081274","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani16081274","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Bovine rotavirus (BRV) poses a major threat to the global cattle industry, driving significant morbidity and mortality in young calves. In Yunnan Province, China, BRV is the primary cause of neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD), yet the molecular epidemiology of circulating strains remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the molecular characteristics of bovine rotavirus strains associated with a severe outbreak of the NCD on a local farm. Fecal samples were collected from 396 calves and screened for BRV by RT-PCR targeting the VP6 gene. Positive samples were subjected to virus isolation in MA104 cells, followed by whole-genome sequencing, phylogenetic analysis, and pathogenicity assessment in suckling mice. Of 396 samples, 85 tested positive for BRV, corresponding to an animal-level prevalence of 21.5% (95% CI: 17.5-25.8%), with four fatalities recorded. A strain designated as BRV-YN1-2021 was successfully isolated, exhibiting characteristic cytopathic effects, specific immunofluorescence, and typical rotavirus morphology by electron microscopy. Genomic analysis revealed the constellation G8-P[1]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A3-N2-T6-E2-H3, identified as genotype G8P[1]. BLAST analysis showed that four genomic segments shared the highest identity with deer rotavirus strains, five with human rotavirus strains, and two with bovine rotavirus strains. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated close relationships with US deer strains, Japanese bovine strains, and human strains circulating in China. Experimental infection in suckling mice induced diarrhea and significant intestinal histopathology, degeneration of villous epithelial cells, goblet cell hyperplasia, and inflammatory infiltration. This study reports the first isolation of a G8P[1] bovine rotavirus from a diarrhea outbreak in Chinese cattle. The multi-host genetic composition provides evidence of interspecies reassortment events, highlighting the zoonotic potential of BRV and emphasizing the need for continuous molecular surveillance to inform effective control strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"16 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13113608/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147809726","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}