Topic Review
Macrocyclic Lactone Loss of Efficacy against Dirofilaria immitis
Macrocyclic Lactone Loss of Efficacy against Dirofilaria immitis is a problem of resistance development by D.  immitis (Filarioidea: Onchocercidae), a nematode parasite that inhabits the pulmonary arteries of dogs and other carnivores causing heartworm disease, versus Macrocyclic Lactones, i.e. the drug category used for prevention of heartworm disease.
  • 780
  • 08 Nov 2021
Topic Review
Antifungals Used in Exotic Avian and Reptile Species
Exotic animals are typically non-domesticated and non-indigenous to the geographical region they inhabit. Fungal diseases are widespread and have led to the decline of multifarious exotic animals. Fatal dermatomycoses caused by Nannizziopsis spp. have been reported in captive reptiles, despite treatment with antifungals. Dermatomycoses such as those caused by the fungal complex Chrysosporium anamorph of Nannizziopsis vriesii (CANV) are emerging infectious diseases in reptiles, with increasing prevalence and spread across geographical regions and, unfortunately, increasing antifungal resistance patterns. Likewise, the most common fungal disease in avians, aspergillosis, has a high mortality rate. 
  • 770
  • 10 Aug 2023
Topic Review
Capripoxvirus Infections in Ruminants
Lumpy skin disease, sheeppox, and goatpox are notifiable diseases of cattle, sheep, and goats, respectively, caused by viruses of the Capripoxvirus genus. They are responsible for both direct and indirect financial losses. These losses arise through animal mortality, morbidity cost of vaccinations, and constraints to animals and animal products’ trade. Control and eradication of capripoxviruses depend on early detection of outbreaks, vector control, strict animal movement, and vaccination which remains the most effective means of control. To date, live attenuated vaccines are widely used; however, conferred protection remains controversial. Many vaccines have been associated with adverse reactions and incomplete protection in sheep, goats, and cattle. Many combination- and recombinant-based vaccines have also been developed. 
  • 768
  • 07 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Aquatic and Terrestrial Invertebrate Welfare
Invertebrates are a diverse group of animals that make up the majority of the animal kingdom and encompass a wide array of species with varying adaptations and characteristics. Invertebrates are found in nearly all of the world’s habitats, including aquatic, marine, and terrestrial environments.
  • 749
  • 16 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Hematology and Biochemistry in Northern Portugal Erinaceus europaeus
The Western European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is an insectivorous animal with an extensive geographic distribution. Owing mostly to climate changes and anthropogenic pressures, hedgehogs live now in urban areas close to humans where it is exposed to contaminants and biological agents that may result in disease with the correspondent hematological and biochemical alterations. These animals can work as bioindicators to environmental pollution and host multiple zoonotic agents making them relevant for a One Health approach. Reference intervals for the usual hematological and biochemical parameters are very important since they are important medical decision criteria used to determine the animal’s health status or to identify disease.
  • 742
  • 27 Mar 2023
Topic Review
The Immune Mechanisms of Severe Equine Asthma
Severe equine asthma is a chronic respiratory disease of adult horses, occurring when genetically susceptible individuals are exposed to environmental respirable particles. This results in airway inflammation, mucus accumulation and bronchial constriction. Affected horses present with cough, nasal discharge and increased respiratory effort at rest. Although a complex diversity of genetic and immunological pathways contribute to the disease, these remain to be fully understood. 
  • 738
  • 08 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Acute Abdomen
Acute abdomen (AA) is the term used to define a pathological condition that affects the abdominal cavity and frequently manifests itself with acute clinical symptoms capable of compromising a cow’s life. Therefore, it should be considered as an emergency that should be evaluated as quickly as possible to adopt the appropriate therapeutic measure (medical or surgical).
  • 735
  • 20 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Bovine Theileriosis
Diseases caused by ticks have a high impact on the health, welfare, and productivity of livestock species. They are also an important cause of economic losses in farms worldwide. An example of such diseases is theileriosis, which can be controlled by drugs or vaccines, although these are not fully efficient. Therefore, there is a need to develop alternative and more sustainable and efficient complementary strategies. 
  • 734
  • 31 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Guidelines for Using Antipruritic Drugs in Dogs
Pruritus is defined as an unpleasant sensation that provokes the desire to scratch. Pruritus is a common clinical sign of many skin disorders and is the most common complaint in canine dermatology. Pruritic skin diseases can affect the quality of life (QoL) of dogs and their owners. The first indication for the use of antipruritic drugs is, of course, allergies, notably canine atopic dermatitis (AD). However, in pruritic infections or parasitic dermatoses, the speed of action and the level of efficacy of etiological treatments vary and, to improve the QoL of both the dog and the owner, the use of an additional symptomatic antipruritic drugs in addition to etiological treatment sometimes makes sense after obtaining a clear diagnosis.
  • 731
  • 13 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Colitis-Complex Diarrhea
Colitis-complex diarrhea (CCD) in pigs can be defined as a type of diarrhea, which is associated with colonic inflammation and disrupted colonic gut barrier functionality as well as infiltration of neutrophils at the inflamed colon in growing pigs (8–16 weeks of age) and can bear large costs on the pig farms. The exact etiology of CCD is still unclear; however, pathogens including Brachyspira (B.) hyodysenteriae, B. pilosicoli, and swine whipworms such as Trichuris (T.) suis have been involved in specific colitis (SC). In the absence of specific pathogens, dietary factors, such as high levels of protein, pelleted feedstuffs, and lack of sufficient antioxidants, can result in non-specific colitis (NSC). On the other hand, supplement of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and polyphenols, sufficient supply of essential amino acids (e.g., threonine, cysteine, and proline), short-chain fatty acids (SCFA; especially butyrate), and resistant starch have shown to confer preventing/ameliorating effects on CCD.
  • 730
  • 29 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Feline Leishmaniosis
Leishmaniosis is the third most important vector-borne disease in humans, preceded by malaria and lymphatic filariasis, and it is considered endemic in tropical and subtropical areas, where higher temperatures favor development of its vector, sandflies. This zoonotic disease is caused by infection of protozoa Leishmania spp. and the most serious mucocutaneous and visceral form is produced by Leishmania infantum, which predominates in the Mediterranean region. The usual hosts for this parasite are dogs and humans, but an increment in cases of L. infantum infection has been observed in cats in the last years. This increase could be due to the use of sandflies repellents in dogs, obligating the parasite to looking for other hosts. The role of cats in the epidemiology of this disease is unknown, although increase of prevalence of feline leishmaniosis has been observed in endemic areas in the last years. Diagnostic techniques and treatments in cats are not standardized, which makes it difficult to establish prevalence and epidemiology of feline leishmaniosis. Furthermore, the clinical signs and immune response against Leishmania in cats are different to those in dogs, with an observed increment of drug resistance. It is necessary to increase our knowledge about L. infantum infection in cats, including clinical signs, transmission, treatments, and the role of cats in the increasing of zoonoses. Finally, new alternative treatments are required for controlling the spread of this disease in all species of mammals.
  • 730
  • 07 Oct 2021
Topic Review Peer Reviewed
Animal Models in Neuroscience: What is the “Culture of Care”?
In situations where animal models (AMs) are necessary, as in the field of neuroscience, a strong culture of care must be supported and established. The pivotal question remains: how can we uphold a robust “culture of care”? In the multifaceted domain of neuroscience research, AMs traverse a spectrum shaped by conflicting viewpoints, anthropocentrism and pathocentrism, where established scientific norms intersect with ethical deliberations. Anthropocentrism, representative of conventional scientific approaches, may prioritize scientific goals potentially to the detriment of animal welfare. Conversely, pathocentrism places significant importance on the ethical treatment and well-being of AMs. This divergence of approach prompts the imperative development of a robust culture of care framework within research institutions, advocating for animal welfare, ethical responsibility, and adherence to regulatory standards. In this review, we refer to a European view of animal care, discussing internationally valid concepts that find rebuttal in the current European legislation. This review meticulously analyzes the many facets of the culture of care, particularly for neuroscience studies involving AMs, illustrating the principles, practices, and collaborations critical to overcoming ethical expectations. This commitment increases credibility and builds trust in the public and research spheres, underscoring the critical importance of a culture of care in the ethics of neuroscience research.
  • 724
  • 02 Feb 2024
Topic Review
Anaplasma spp. in German Small Ruminant Flocks
Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma ovis, tick-borne pathogens with zoonotic potential, have been detected in small ruminants in Europe and North America in the past. However, knowledge about the distribution of these pathogens in the German small ruminant population is scarce. These intracellular bacteria cause tick borne fever and ovine anaplasmosis, respectively.
  • 701
  • 19 Oct 2021
Topic Review
Mechanical Properties of Animal Tendons
In medical and bioengineering research, animal tendons are commonly utilized as surrogates for human ones for mechanical testing. Due to the differences among human tendons of different anatomical districts, different animal species can be better suited for specific purposes. Indeed, the mechanical response of animal tendons to an external load is strictly related to its complex and highly organized hierarchical structure, which ranges from nano- to macroscale. In a broader sense, the mechanical properties of tendons during tensile tests are affected by several distinct factors, due in part to tendon nature (anatomical site, age, training, injury, etc.) but also depending on the experimental setup and settings. Thus, there are similarities between animal and human tendons that should be considered in the biomechanical evaluation. 
  • 693
  • 12 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Antimicrobial Resistance of Staphylococci
Staphylococci are present in the microbiota of both humans and animal species, being recognized as the most important opportunistic pathogens. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a global public health issue presenting a significant risk because it severely limits treatment options. Methicillin resistance in staphylococci (MRS) poses a specific problem as it may cause serious human and animal infections, eventually resulting in death. 
  • 689
  • 15 Jul 2022
Topic Review
SINS
SINS is a newly identified, distinct endogenous syndrome resulting from the combined presence and signs of inflammation and dead tissue in the acral areas. It particularly affects the tail base, tail tip, ears, coronary bands, heels, soles, claw walls, teats, navel, and face and can be observed in suckling piglets, weaners, and finishing pigs.
  • 687
  • 14 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Danofloxacin Treatment
Fluoroquinolones are medically important broad-spectrum antimicrobials that interfere in bacterial replications by targeting DNA gyrase (topoisomerase II) and topoisomerase IV. Some of the fluoroquinolone drugs, such as danofloxacin and enrofloxacin are mainly used as prophylaxis and metaphylaxis on beef farms in the US. Danofloxacin is a synthetic fluoroquinolone used to treat and control bovine respiratory disease associated with Mannhemia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida in beef cattle. It is injected subcutaneously at dose of 8 mg/kg body weight once or 6 mg/kg body weight repeated in 48 hours. Danofloxacin is secreted from the blood into the intestinal lumen using different mechanisms, the phenomenon that exposes gut microbiota to its detrimental effects. Similar to orally administered antibiotics, danofloxacin infiltration into the intestine can disrupt gut microbial integrity and select resistance strains. In general, danofloxacin can potentially cause the emergence of antibiotic resistance, transfer of resistance genes between the members of the gut microbial community, contamination of the environment through the shedding of resistance strains and genes with manure, and eventually reaching human pathogens through the food-chain. This study aimed at investigating the collateral effects of danofloxacin administered subcutaneously to young calves on their fecal microbial diversity, resistome (total resistance genes in a sample) profiles and the relative abundance of Campylobacter.
  • 686
  • 08 Oct 2021
Topic Review
Biomarkers in Veterinary Medicine
New biomarkers promise to transform veterinary practice through rapid diagnosis of diseases, effective monitoring of animal health and improved welfare and production efficiency. However, the road from biomarker discovery to translation is not always straightforward. The use of biomarkers has been identified as an increasing trend in the animal health industry and has been applied to the evaluation of a variety of health parameters. In particular, it is useful in clinical applications such as diagnosing illness, predicting and/or tracking the response to treatment, and determining the toxicity or failure of an organ.
  • 683
  • 02 Sep 2022
Topic Review
Nanoparticle- and Microparticle-Based Vaccines against Orbiviruses
Bluetongue virus (BTV) and African horse sickness virus (AHSV) are widespread arboviruses that cause important economic losses in the livestock and equine industries, respectively. In addition to these, another arthropod-transmitted orbivirus known as epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) entails a major threat as there is a conducive landscape that nurtures its emergence in non-endemic countries. To date, only vaccinations with live attenuated or inactivated vaccines permit the control of these three viral diseases, although important drawbacks, e.g., low safety profile and effectiveness, and lack of DIVA (differentiation of infected from vaccinated animals) properties, constrain their usage as prophylactic measures. Moreover, a substantial number of serotypes of BTV, AHSV and EHDV have been described, with poor induction of cross-protective immune responses among serotypes. In the context of next-generation vaccine development, antigen delivery systems based on nano- or microparticles have gathered significant attention. A diversity of technologies, such as virus-like particles or self-assembled protein complexes, have been implemented for vaccine design against these viruses.
  • 680
  • 19 Jul 2022
Topic Review
Equine Influenza Virus
Equine influenza is a highly contagious disease caused by the H3N8 equine influenza virus (EIV), which is endemically distributed throughout the world. It infects equids, and interspecies transmission to dogs has been reported. The H3N8 Florida lineage, which is divided into clades 1 and 2, is the most representative lineage in the Americas. The EIV infects the respiratory system, affecting the ciliated epithelial cells and preventing the elimination of foreign bodies and substances. Certain factors related to the disease, such as an outdated vaccination plan, age, training, and close contact with other animals, favor the presentation of equine influenza.
  • 680
  • 27 Oct 2022
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