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Topic Review
Hereditary Epidermolysis Bullosa in Dog Breeds
The plasticity of the genome is an evolutionary factor in all animal species, including canines, but it can also be the origin of diseases caused by hereditary genetic mutation. Genetic changes, or mutations, that give rise to a pathology in most cases result from recessive alleles that are normally found with minority allelic frequency. The use of genetic improvement increases the consanguinity within canine breeds and, on many occasions, also increases the frequency of these recessive alleles, increasing the prevalence of these pathologies. This prevalence has been known for a long time, but mutations differ according to the canine breed. These genetic diseases, including skin diseases, or genodermatosis, which is narrowly defined as monogenic hereditary dermatosis. Hereditary epidermolysis bullosa constitutes a heterogeneous group of hereditary blistering diseases of the skin and mucous membranes.
  • 512
  • 02 Sep 2022
Topic Review
Canine Blood Donation
Canine blood donation is a noble, altruistic, and empathetic process. It is an act of human–animal kinship and always features three inseparable figures—a veterinarian, an animal owner or caregiver, and a dog.
  • 510
  • 01 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Infectious Causes of Neoplasia in the Domestic Cat
Malignant transformation due to infectious disease can occur via two broad mechanisms. The agent can act as a direct carcinogen altering the expression of oncogenes; thereby, leading to the production of oncoproteins. These oncoproteins can then interact with cellular proteins, and ultimately lead to mutagenesis by the disruption of cell cycle check-points, inhibition of apoptosis, and enhancement of cell immortalisation. In feline medicine, there have been several viruses which demonstrate direct mutagenesis, these include feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and mouse mammary tumour virus (MMTV). Alternatively, neoplastic transformation can be driven via indirect mechanisms; these include induction of chronic inflammation, which, in turn, results in the production of inflammatory mediators, and the production of reactive oxygen species, which have direct mutagenic effects and promote tumour neovascularisation. Inflammation-induced neoplasms have been associated with Helicobacter organisms and, potentially, Opisthorchis infections. Furthermore, immune suppression induced by viruses such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), not only predispose to infection with other agents, it is also thought to alter the immune surveillance, and with this, the ability to remove neoplastic cells by the host.
  • 506
  • 08 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Social Licence Concept in Equestrianism
The concept of ‘social licence to operate’ (SLO) is relevant to all animal-use activities. An SLO is an intangible, implicit agreement between the public and an industry/group. Its existence allows that industry/group to pursue its activities with minimal formalised restrictions because such activities have widespread societal approval. In contrast, the imposition of legal restrictions—or even an outright ban—reflect qualified or lack of public support for an activity. The aim herein is to discuss current threats to equestrianism’s SLO and suggest actions that those across the equine sector need to take to justify the continuation of the SLO. The most important of these is earning the trust of all stakeholders, including the public. Trust requires transparency of operations, establishment and communication of shared values, and demonstration of competence. These attributes can only be gained by taking an ethics-based, proactive, progressive, and holistic approach to the protection of equine welfare. Animal-use activities that have faced challenges to their SLO have achieved variable success in re-establishing the approval of society, and equestrianism can learn from the experience of these groups as it maps its future. The associated effort and cost should be regarded as an investment in the future of the sport.
  • 504
  • 08 Oct 2022
Topic Review
African Swine Fever Survey in a European Context
African swine fever (ASF) is currently the most threatening disease for domestic and wild pigs worldwide. Wild boar has been the main affected species in all EU countries except for Romania, where most notifications occur in domestic pigs. The spread of ASF in wild boar is challenging to control; risk factors are harder to identify and establish than in domestic pigs, which, together with an underestimation of the disease and the lack of treatment or an effective vaccine, are hindering control and eradication efforts. We distributed two online questionnaires, one for domestic pigs and one for wild boar, to experts of different background and countries in Europe, to explore risk factors in relation to ASF control connected to farming, hunting, trade, the environment, and domestic pig and wild boar populations.
  • 501
  • 09 Feb 2022
Topic Review
Surface Proteins of Parasite Eimeria Species Infecting Chickens
Poultry is the first source of animal protein for human consumption. Chicken coccidiosis is a highly widespread enteric disease caused by Eimeria spp. which causes significant economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide; however, the impact on family poultry holders or backyard production—which plays a key role in food security and involves mainly rural women—has been little explored. Coccidiosis disease is controlled by good husbandry measures, chemoprophylaxis, and/or live vaccination. Current limitations on the use of live vaccines have led to research in next-generation vaccines based on recombinant or live-vectored vaccines. Next-generation vaccines are required to control this complex parasitic disease, and for this purpose, protective antigens need to be identified.
  • 501
  • 20 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Role of Adjuvants in Immunogenicity
Vaccination is the best way to prevent and reduce the damage caused by infectious diseases in animals and humans. Several vaccines are used for prophylactic purposes before the pathogen infects, while therapeutic vaccines strengthen the immune system after infection with the pathogen. Adjuvants are molecules, compounds, or macromolecules that enhance non-specific immunity and, in collaboration with antigen(s), can improve the body’s immune responses and change the type of immune response. The potential and toxicity of adjuvants must be balanced to provide the safest stimulation with the fewest side effects.
  • 495
  • 28 Feb 2023
Topic Review
Recombinant Pichinde Virus-Vectored Turkey Arthritis Reovirus Subunit Vaccine
Turkey arthritis reovirus (TARV) causes lameness in turkeys, generally at 12–17 weeks of age. A recombinant live pichinde virus-vectored bivalent codon optimized subunit vaccine that expresses immunogenic Sigma C and Sigma B proteins of turkey arthritis reovirus was created. The vaccine virus could be transmitted horizontally immunizing the non-vaccinated pen mates. Comparison of virus gene copy numbers in intestine and histologic lesion scores in tendons of vaccinated and non-vaccinated birds showed a decrease in the replication of challenge viruses in the intestine and tendons of vaccinated birds. These results indicate the potential usefulness of this vaccine.
  • 491
  • 28 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Molecular Epidemiology and Species Diversity of Tick-Borne Pathogens
Ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TTBPs) are listed among the most serious concerns harming Egyptian livestock’s productivity. Several reports on tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) from various geographical regions in the country were published. There is evidence of high species diversity of the TBPs infecting animals from Egypt, which suggests endemicity and complex transmissions. Animals from Egypt and their infesting ticks were found to harbor many zoonotic and/or potentially zoonotic pathogens, such as A. phagocytophilum (anaplasmosis), B. microti and B. divergens (babesiosis), Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease), Coxiella burnetii (Q fever), rickettsiosis, CCHFV (Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever), and Ehrlichia spp. (ehrlichiosis), which can be transmitted to their accompanying farmers. Ticks that infest animals and their associated pathogens displayed high species diversity, underlining the high infection risk to animals as well as constituting a reservoir for a wide range of zoonotic TBPs. Adequate control measures against TTBPs should be applied to prevent their circulation among animals in the country.
  • 491
  • 19 Sep 2022
Topic Review
Ehrlichiosis in Dogs
In dogs, ehrlichiosis is caused by three Ehrlichial species, namely Ehrlichia canis, E. ewingii, and E. chaffeensis; however, E. canis is the pathogen that most affects platelets, monocytes, and granulocytes. Globally, Rhipicephalus sanguineus is mainly responsible for vectoring the Ehrlichia species; however, Haemaphysalis longicornis is also involved in vectoring this species in east Asian countries. This disease causes acute, sub-clinical, and chronic clinical complications. There is no preferable age or sex for ehrlichiosis. The disease can be diagnosed by various methods including microscopy, indirect immunofluorescence test (IFAT), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). 
  • 487
  • 17 Feb 2023
Topic Review
Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound and Canine Prostates
Ultrasonography is the best imaging technique for real-time assessment of the reproductive organs and pregnancy in both human and veterinary medicine. Among the most advanced ultrasound techniques developed, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is widely applied in reproductive imaging of humans and small animals. CEUS is based on intravenous injection of gas-filled microbubbles that allow real-time ultrasound tracking of the perfusion of tissues by following contrast circulation into the vascular bed. It has been used for the evaluation of canine prostate as an animal model for human medicine, as well as in veterinary medicine. In human medicine studies, it proved useful in assessing prostatic physiological and pathological conditions, like individuation of tumors, and in monitoring the effects of thermal therapy for prostatic carcinoma. In veterinary medicine, CEUS findings weren't specific for the different types of prostatic diseases (e.g., prostatitis vs benign prostatic hyperplasia), except for adenocarcinoma, whilst it worked well in the evaluation of prostatic blood flow. 
  • 481
  • 22 May 2023
Topic Review
Factors Affecting Intraoperative Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux in Dogs/Cats
Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) is an anaesthetic complication that causes oesophageal inflammation and stricture in animals. There are many factors affecting the development of GOR during anaesthesia in dogs. Evidence in cats is even more scarce. More studies are necessary for safer conclusions.
  • 471
  • 24 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Molecular Markers in Canine Urinary Bladder Cancer
Cancer of the urinary bladder is a neoplasm with considerable importance in veterinary medicine, given its high incidence in several domestic animal species and its life-threatening character. Bladder cancer in companion animals shows a complex and still poorly understood biopathology, and this lack of knowledge has limited therapeutic progress over the years. The development and validation of Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) molecular markers is of great importance for scientists and clinicians alike. Somatic and hereditary BRAF mutations received much attention and can now be detected via multiple types of tests, sometimes in useful combinations with CNA tests. Urine-based tests for detecting BRAF may allow the early detection of post-treatment relapse.
  • 465
  • 10 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Risk Assessment for Organic Swine Health
Given the variety of diseases prevalent in swine production it is important to understand the risks associated with organic swine production. Overall numbers for certified organic livestock remain low compared to the overall U.S. swine numbers, with approximately 12,000 animals in 2011. However, since 1992, stocks have increased dramatically, with an annual growth rate of 20 percent in total U.S. organic stock. Additionally, there are thousands of non-certified organic swine herds which are not accounted in official statistics, but where farmers still use organic production practices. Consumer demand, stemming from the larger organic agriculture movement has helped spurred growth in this industry. The overall segment, although minuscule compared to the conventional national average, still represents a strong and growing segment in U.S. pork production. The definition of organic swine according to the USDA National Organic Program (NOP), is largely unchanged.
  • 463
  • 20 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Cold Plasma in Field of Animal Husbandry
As an innovative technology in biological applications, cold plasma is widely used in oral treatment, tissue regeneration, wound healing, and cancer therapy, etc., because of the adjustable composition and temperature which allow the plasma to react with bio-objects safely. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by cold plasma regulate cell activity in an intensity- and time-dependent manner. Cold plasma exposure at a high intensity or an extended time shows excellent performances in killing various microorganisms existing in the environment or on the surface of animal food, and preparing inactivated vaccines, while cold plasma treatment within the appropriate conditions improves chicken growth and reproductive capacity. The potential applications of cold plasma treatment in relation to animal-breeding environments, animal health, their growth and reproduction, and animal food processing and preservation are introduced, which are all beneficial to the practice of animal husbandry and guarantee good animal food safety results.
  • 463
  • 18 Apr 2023
Topic Review
General Characteristics and Measurement of the Main Glucocorticoids
The main glucocorticoids involved in the stress response are cortisol and cortisone in most mammals and corticosterone in birds and rodents. Therefore, these analytes are the biomarkers more frequently used to evaluate the physiological response to a stressful situation. In addition, “total glucocorticoids”, which refers to the quantification of various glucocorticoids by immunoassays showing cross-reactivity with different types of glucocorticoids or related metabolites, can be measured.
  • 459
  • 01 Feb 2023
Topic Review
Pig Sedation and Anesthesia
Anesthesia plays a crucial role in ensuring the ethical treatment of research animals and obtaining reliable and accurate data. Pig anesthesia is a significant aspect of clinical veterinary practice, especially when performing surgical procedures, diagnostic imaging, various medical interventions, and scientific research procedures. Proper anesthesia protocols ensure that the animals are kept unconscious and do not experience pain or distress, which is not only ethically responsible but also needed by regulatory bodies and animal welfare standards.
  • 457
  • 29 Feb 2024
Topic Review
Immune Control of Avian Influenza Virus Infection
The avian influenza A virus (AIV) is naturally prevalent in aquatic birds, infecting different avian species and transmitting from birds to humans. Both AIVs, the H5N1 and H7N9 viruses, have the potential to infect humans, causing an acute influenza disease syndrome in humans, and are a possible pandemic threat. AIV H5N1 is highly pathogenic, whereas AIV H7N9 has comparatively low pathogenicity.
  • 456
  • 18 Apr 2023
Topic Review
Lateralised Behavioural Responses in Livestock to Environmental Stressors
Lateralised behavioural responses to environmental stressors have become more frequently used as indicators of social welfare in animals. These lateralised behavioural responses are under the control of asymmetrical brain functions as part of the primary functions of most vertebrates and assist in primary social and survival functions. Lateralised behavioural responses originating from the left hemisphere are responsible for processing familiar conditions, while the right hemisphere is responsible for responding to novel stimuli in the environment. The forced lateralisation and side preference tests have been used to determine the visual lateralised behavioural responses in livestock to environmental stressors. Limb preference during movement has also been used to determine motor lateralisation. 
  • 454
  • 06 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Limitations of Currently Available Bovine Respiratory Disease Vaccines
Ineffective vaccines, declining employment in the agricultural sector and increasing awareness of antimicrobial resistance has led policymakers to shift the focus onto the development of superior, more efficacious vaccines as a major contribution in reducing the pressure to intensify on the farming sector. Although many vaccines against BRD are currently available on the UK market, they have limitations. Only a few of the vaccines have been registered as suitable for use in pregnant or lactating cows and all require refrigeration. Additionally, all come with a strong recommendation for a booster to advance immunity and none have been tested for maternal antibody interference. Only eleven of the vaccines registered for use in the UK are multivalent and only four have been tested and deemed suitable for use alongside other veterinary treatments, frequently with those of the same manufacturer. However, multiple pathogens are considered threats during the neonatal stage and so it is impractical and ineffectual to have monovalent or incompatible medicines. Vaccination against BRD presents many challenges.
  • 452
  • 17 Dec 2021
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