Ahmad Enferadi, Abdolghaffar Ownagh, Muosa Tavassoli
{"title":"Molecular study of Francisella spp. from ticks in hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) in urban-suburban areas of West Azerbaijan Province.","authors":"Ahmad Enferadi, Abdolghaffar Ownagh, Muosa Tavassoli","doi":"10.1186/s12917-025-04994-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-025-04994-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Wildlife plays a fundamental role in maintaining the complex balance of the ecology of tick-borne diseases, serving as both a host for ticks and a potential ecological role for the pathogens they carry. The present study investigated the presence of zoonotic pathogenic bacteria in hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus), a wildlife species found in the northwestern region of Iran. Specifically, the study focused on the detection of Francisella spp. using the PCR method. A total of 31 blood samples and 106 ticks collected from hedgehogs were analyzed. Among the ticks, 10 samples (n = 106; 9.43%; 95% CI: 5.20%-16.50%) tested positive for Francisella spp., while none of the blood samples (n = 31; 0%; 95% CI: 0%-11.03%) were positive. Furthermore, for the RD1 gene, which is used to identify Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica, 5 out of the 10 positive Francisella spp. samples showed positive results. In this study, the PCR method was employed to detect the DNA of zoonotic bacteria (Francisella spp.). Our findings demonstrated that ticks collected from wildlife, particularly hedgehogs, were infected with zoonotic pathogenic bacteria, including Francisella spp. The presence of these pathogens was confirmed using a nested-PCR approach. These results underscore the ecological importance of wildlife as key components in the maintenance and circulation of tick-borne pathogens, reflecting their central role in the intricate web of interactions among hosts, vectors, and the environment.</p>","PeriodicalId":9041,"journal":{"name":"BMC Veterinary Research","volume":"21 1","pages":"627"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145343170","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}
Chie Saito Ishii, Karen C Scott, Carolina Abrahan, Taylor A Harmon, James C Colee, Yann Queau, Vincent Biourge, Timothy J Garrett, Richard C Hill
{"title":"Comparison of the total and individual purine content of commercial maintenance dog foods and therapeutic dog foods that may be prescribed to prevent urate urolithiasis.","authors":"Chie Saito Ishii, Karen C Scott, Carolina Abrahan, Taylor A Harmon, James C Colee, Yann Queau, Vincent Biourge, Timothy J Garrett, Richard C Hill","doi":"10.1186/s12917-025-05080-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-025-05080-5","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":9041,"journal":{"name":"BMC Veterinary Research","volume":"21 1","pages":"626"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145343206","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":"Breed-specific variations in canine spinal cord anatomy: conus medullaris and dural sac termination and filum terminale internum length.","authors":"Amanda Valentino, Rodrigo Gutierrez-Quintana, Natasha Olby","doi":"10.1186/s12917-025-05068-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-025-05068-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Limited research exists on breed differences in conus medullaris termination (CMT), dural sac termination (DST), and filum terminale internum length (FTIL). Dramatic vertebral column variations exist among breeds, suggesting possible differences in caudal spinal cord structures. This retrospective magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study aimed to investigate breed-related differences with three cohorts of dogs. Cohort 1 consisted of 117 dogs without spinal cord compression (SCC) to identify demographic influences. Cohort 2 included 37 Corgis with and without SCC to assess if SCC affects the CMT, DST, or FTIL. Cohort 3 comprised 163 dogs to assess the effects of tail morphology and breed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In Cohort 1, heavier dogs had a more cranial CMT and DST (p=<0.001) and longer FTIL (p<0.001, R=0.47). Controlling with L2 mitigated this effect for FTIL (p=0.09, R=-0.16). Age was not associated with CMT or DST, but correlated with FTIL/L2 (p<0.001, R=0.31). Sex had no impact. Most breeds had their CMT at L6. Only Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS) and Corgis reached the sacrum, while Boston Terriers ended more cranially at L5 or L6. Cohort 2 showed no significant difference in CMT, DST or FTIL/L2 between Corgis with and without SCC (p=0.5, 0.18, and 0.46, respectively). In Cohort 3, weight and tail type affected CMT and DST (p<0.001). Ninety-six percent of normal tailed dogs had a CMT at L6 or L7 while screw tailed breeds ranged from L4-L7 and CKCS terminated at L7 or in the sacrum. These trends were similar for the DST. FTIL/L2 differed between groups with CKCS having a higher ratio and widest range and screw tails the lowest ratio (p<0.001) compared to normal tails. Among breed investigation, CMT differed for CKCS, Corgis, Boston Terriers, English Bulldogs and French Bulldogs versus normal tailed dogs (p<0.001). Similarly, DST varied among breed and by weight (p=<0.001). CKCS and German Shepherds had higher FTIL/L2 ratios, while Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs, and Labradors were lower than other breeds.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study highlights the importance of considering breed when evaluating the caudal spinal cord anatomy. Variation in the CMT, DST, and FTIL were influenced by weight, tail-type, and breed.</p>","PeriodicalId":9041,"journal":{"name":"BMC Veterinary Research","volume":"21 1","pages":"621"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145343149","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}
Hesham S Ghazzawy, Nashi K Alqahtani, Abdullah Sheikh, Mohamed Shawky El Sayed, Roshmon Thomas Mathew, Hassan M Ali-Dinar, Ehab El-Haroun, El-Sayed Hemdan Eissa, Mohamed M Abd-Elkarim, Sameh A Abdelnour
{"title":"Date palm seed-derived biochar as an environmentally sustainable feed supplement in cattle: impacts on gas production, methane emissions, fermentation parameters and performance predictions.","authors":"Hesham S Ghazzawy, Nashi K Alqahtani, Abdullah Sheikh, Mohamed Shawky El Sayed, Roshmon Thomas Mathew, Hassan M Ali-Dinar, Ehab El-Haroun, El-Sayed Hemdan Eissa, Mohamed M Abd-Elkarim, Sameh A Abdelnour","doi":"10.1186/s12917-025-05059-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-025-05059-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In the context of climate change, the expanding cultivation of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) results in substantial waste generation, posing environmental and pollution challenges. Valorization of this waste, particularly phoenix dactylifera seeds, presents a promising and eco-conscious strategy. This in vitro study innovatively evaluated the impacts of adding phoenix dactylifera seed-derived biochar (PSB) at concentrations of 0%, 1%, 2%, and 4% on gas production, methane (CH<sub>4</sub>) emissions, nutrient degradability, fermentation parameters, and predicted cattle performance. The results indicated that 4% PSB significantly increased gas production at 12 h of incubation (p < 0.05), while all PSB inclusion levels significantly increased it at 24 h (p < 0.05). At 36 and 48 h, the 1% PSB treatment demonstrated the highest gas production compared to the control diet (p < 0.05). The addition of 1%, 2%, or 4% PSB significantly reduced CH<sub>4</sub> emissions when expressed per unit of dry matter (DM) by 50.0, 53.8, and 56.6, truly degraded dry matter (TDDM) by 50.5, 56.86, and 58.03%, and as a percentage of total gas production (p < 0.01) by 54.9, 55.2, and 58.9% compared to control, respectively. In vitro dry matter degradability (IVDMD, p = 0.31) and in vitro crude fiber degradability (IVCFD, p = 0.33) were non-significantly affect by biochar inclusion. Ammonia-nitrogen (NH<sub>3</sub>-N) concentrations were significantly higher in the 4% PSB group compared to the other groups (p < 0.01). The addition of PSB (1%, 2%, or 4%) significantly improved TVFA (measured; mmol/L) and SCFA (predicted from 24-h gas production; mmol/200 mg DM), as well as ME, OMD, and NEL compared to the control diet (p < 0.01). Overall, PSB effectively reduced CH<sub>4</sub> production and enhanced nutrient degradability. These findings underscore the value of using phoenix dactylifera seed-derived biochar as a sustainable and eco-friendly resource to reduce the carbon footprint of livestock production.</p>","PeriodicalId":9041,"journal":{"name":"BMC Veterinary Research","volume":"21 1","pages":"624"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145343221","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}
Elena Gosso, Greta Falavigna, Valentina Lamonica, Cristina Lamberti, Simona Cirrincione, Laura Cavallarin, Maria Gabriella Giuffrida, Achille Schiavone
{"title":"Rediscovering local breeds of naturally free-range hens: a survey on Italian consumers' awareness of hen welfare and egg purchasing behavior.","authors":"Elena Gosso, Greta Falavigna, Valentina Lamonica, Cristina Lamberti, Simona Cirrincione, Laura Cavallarin, Maria Gabriella Giuffrida, Achille Schiavone","doi":"10.1186/s12917-025-04971-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-025-04971-x","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":9041,"journal":{"name":"BMC Veterinary Research","volume":"21 1","pages":"619"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145343187","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}
Olga Szaluś-Jordanow, Andrzej Łobaczewski, Agata Moroz-Fik, Marcin Mickiewicz, Rafał Sapierzyński, Kinga Biernacka, Tomasz Nalbert, Ewa Augustynowicz-Kopeć, Anna Zabost, Tadeusz Frymus
{"title":"Mycobacterium avium-complex infection mimicking lymphoma in a miniature schnauzer.","authors":"Olga Szaluś-Jordanow, Andrzej Łobaczewski, Agata Moroz-Fik, Marcin Mickiewicz, Rafał Sapierzyński, Kinga Biernacka, Tomasz Nalbert, Ewa Augustynowicz-Kopeć, Anna Zabost, Tadeusz Frymus","doi":"10.1186/s12917-025-05041-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-025-05041-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This case report describes an uncommon Mycobacterium avium infection mimicking lymphoma in a dog.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>A 1.5-year-old female Miniature Schnauzer presented with persistent lymphadenopathy, fever, and diarrhea, which were refractory to conventional therapy. Hematological and biochemical analyses revealed anemia, thrombocytopenia, elevated liver enzymes, creatine kinase, glutamate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase, hyperkalemia, low IgG levels, and euthyroid sick syndrome. Ultrasonography confirmed generalized visceral, retroperitoneal, and peripheral lymphadenopathy with concurrent inflammatory reactions, splenomegaly, and hepatomegaly characterized by heterogeneous parenchyma and multiple foci, further supporting the suspicion of lymphoma. However, cytological examination of an enlarged lymph node showed no evidence of lymphoma but revealed the presence of numerous bacilli suggestive of mycobacterial infection. Histopathological evaluation of a surgically excised lymph node similarly failed to confirm lymphoma. Mycobacterium avium was successfully cultured from the lymph node tissue and identified via the GenoType Mycobacterium CM test. Based on antimicrobial susceptibility testing, the initial therapeutic regimen of enrofloxacin, azithromycin, and rifampicin was modified to clarithromycin. Adjunctive treatments included blood transfusion, levothyroxine, prednisolone, omeprazole, sucralfate, parapoxvirus ovis, and soy phospholipids. Despite a temporary clinical improvement, the patient's condition progressively worsened, and the dog succumbed to the disease after three months.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This case underscores the importance of including Mycobacterium avium in the differential diagnosis of generalized lymphadenopathy, particularly in Miniature Schnauzers. The findings support the routine use of Ziehl-Neelsen staining during cytological examinations to prevent misdiagnosis, especially in breeds predisposed to atypical infections. It also emphasizes the crucial role of targeted antimicrobial therapy in managing such cases, although the prognosis remains guarded.</p>","PeriodicalId":9041,"journal":{"name":"BMC Veterinary Research","volume":"21 1","pages":"623"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145343212","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}
Andrea Fulgione, Antonio Gentile, Valentina Iovane, Vincenzo Peretti, Angela Michela Immacolata Montone, Alfredo Pauciullo, Rosanna Capparelli
{"title":"TLR2 c.374C>T variant linked to natural resistance against brucellosis in Italian Mediterranean river buffalo.","authors":"Andrea Fulgione, Antonio Gentile, Valentina Iovane, Vincenzo Peretti, Angela Michela Immacolata Montone, Alfredo Pauciullo, Rosanna Capparelli","doi":"10.1186/s12917-025-05067-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-025-05067-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Brucellosis poses a significant threat to human health and the livestock industry, particularly affecting small-scale farmers. Several studies have demonstrated that TLR2 can recognize the Brucella abortus (B. abortus) surface lipoproteins (i.e. Omp10, Omp16 and Omp19), thus activating the immune response. This process can be altered by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TLR gene. This study aims to investigate whether the presence of SNPs in TLR2 could influence the resistance against brucellosis in Italian Mediterranean river buffalo, through case-control study and computational analysis. The study involved 194 Italian Mediterranean buffaloes, from three herds located in Caserta (Campania, Italy), grouped into 98 positive and 96 negative to brucellosis. Both groups, aged 40-90 months, were raised under similar environmental and management conditions to ensure consistency in the sampling.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The integration of association study with in silico analysis demonstrated that the c.374T, located in exon 2 of the TLR2 gene, could be associated with resistance to brucellosis (OR = 0.61; p-value = 0.037).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study highlights how TLRs genetic variations may influence protein activity and resistance to brucellosis. The genotyping analysis combined with in silico investigation could be considered an efficient approach for detecting possible candidate marker of resistance to buffalo brucellosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":9041,"journal":{"name":"BMC Veterinary Research","volume":"21 1","pages":"625"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145343228","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":"Physiotherapy enhances gait stability in a forelimb-amputated dog undergoing postoperative radiotherapy: a case report.","authors":"Kazuyuki Yoshikawa, Harumi Sawada, Atsushi Fujita, Eri Fukazawa, Kazuya Edamura, Akio Shimada, Tsuyoshi Kadosawa","doi":"10.1186/s12917-025-05075-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-025-05075-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Limb amputation is a standard surgical procedure in dogs for the management of limb tumors such as osteosarcoma, soft tissue sarcoma, and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors. While many dogs adapt functionally to limb loss, altered biomechanics, compensatory strain on remaining limbs, and impaired mobility can negatively impact their quality of life. Physiotherapy is recommended to facilitate post-amputation recovery; however, objective data on its effectiveness in dogs remain limited. Furthermore, when radiotherapy is required postoperatively, the necessary daily anaesthesia and cage rest can exacerbate functional decline due to restricted activity. The impact of physiotherapy on gait function in a forelimb-amputee dog undergoing concurrent radiotherapy is described in this report.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>A 14-year-old neutered male Toy Manchester Terrier underwent left forelimb amputation following the diagnosis of a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor at the C6-T1 spinal level. One month postoperatively, the dog began a three-week course of radiotherapy that required daily anaesthesia and prolonged cage rest, raising concerns about mobility deterioration. To mitigate these effects, a structured physiotherapy program was implemented. The program consisted of daily 30-minute sessions focusing on range of motion exercises, balance and proprioception training, weave pole exercises, and cavaletti rail walking. Gait analysis was performed on the first and last days of the physiotherapy program (pre- and post-physiotherapy) using a two-dimensional kinematic system. After three weeks of physiotherapy, a reduction in vertical head movement was observed (48.3 cm to 34.5 cm), indicating improved gait stability. Additionally, shoulder and elbow extension showed an increase during the loading response phase, which is crucial for weight-bearing and locomotor efficiency.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This case provides objective evidence supporting the potential benefits of physiotherapy in enhancing gait function and stability in dogs following a forelimb amputation, even when physical activity is restricted due to radiotherapy-related hospitalization. The findings suggest that integrating physiotherapy into post-amputation care may mitigate functional decline associated with prolonged cage rest and optimize recovery. Further studies are needed to investigate the long-term benefits of physiotherapy and effects of physiotherapy on compensatory musculoskeletal adaptations in amputee dogs.</p>","PeriodicalId":9041,"journal":{"name":"BMC Veterinary Research","volume":"21 1","pages":"622"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145343244","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}