The purpose of the study was to investigate post-mortem changes in dogs infected with Babesia canis and to establish the probable cause of death of the affected animals. Cadavers of six dogs that did not survive babesiosis were collected. Necropsies were performed and samples of various organs were collected for histological examination. Necropsies and histological examinations revealed congestion and oedemata in various organs. Most of the dogs had ascites, hydrothorax or hydropericardium, pulmonary oedema, pulmonary, renal, hepatic, and cerebral congestion, and necrosis of cardiomyocytes. These results suggested disorders in blood circulation as the most probable cause of death. However, the pulmonary inflammatory response and cerebral babesiosis observed in some of these dogs could also be considered possible causes of death. This study also showed a possible role for renal congestion in the development of renal hypoxia and azotaemia in canine babesiosis.

Coinfection of goose parvovirus (GPV) and duck circovirus (DuCV) occurs commonly in field cases of short beak and dwarfism syndrome (SBDS). However, whether there is synergism between the two viruses in replication and pathogenicity remains undetermined. We established a coinfection model of GPV and DuCV in Cherry Valley ducks. Tissue samples were examined histopathologically. The viral loads in tissues were detected by qPCR, and the distribution of the virus in tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Coinfection of GPV and DuCV significantly inhibited growth and development of ducks, and caused atrophy and pallor of the immune organs and necrosis of the liver. GPV and DuCV synergistically amplified pathogenicity in coinfected ducks. In the early stage of infection, viral loads of both pathogens in coinfected ducks were significantly lower than those in monoinfected ducks (P < 0.05). With the development of the infection process, GPV and DuCV loads in coinfected ducks were significantly higher than those in monoinfected ducks (P < 0.05). Extended viral distribution in the liver, kidney, duodenum, spleen, and bursa of Fabricius was consistent with the viral load increases in GPV and DuCV coinfected ducks. These results indicate that GPV and DuCV synergistically potentiate their replication and pathogenicity in coinfected ducks.

The aim of the study was to describe the process of neuron death in the cerebral cortex caused by embryonic carbofuran exposure. 81 mouse foetuses from 27 breeding mice were used in the study. Carbofuran was administered by gavage from the 6ᵗʰ to the 15ᵗʰ day of gestation to two groups: one at 0.0208 and the other at 0.0417 mg/kg b.w. On the 17ᵗʰ day, the mice were sacrificed and the foetuses were taken to measure the ROS (malondialdehyde/MDA and superoxide dismutase/SOD) activity in brain tissue, the number of apoptotic embryonic cerebral cortex neurons using a TUNEL assay, and necrotic cells using HE staining. Examination of p53 and caspase 3 expression was done by immunohistochemistry. Data were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan’s test. Increased activity of cerebral ROS characterised by significant elevation of the MDA level (P < 0.05), decreased SOD (P < 0.01), increased p53 and caspase 3 expression, and cerebral cortical neuron death either by necrosis or apoptosis (P < 0.05) were found. At the low dose carbofuran increased expression of p53, caspase 3, and apoptosis. At the high dose it increased levels of MDA and necrosis. Increased expression of p53 and caspase 3 and apoptosis indicated that carbofuran may cause apoptosis through the intrinsic pathway. The increased apoptosis grants an opportunity to prevent and treat the effect of ROS due to gestational carbofuran exposure.

The aim of the study was to describe the process of neuron death in the cerebral cortex caused by embryonic carbofuran exposure.

Introduction: Fasciola hepatica (liver fluke) is a parasite of great socioeconomic importance. A number of fluke isolates have been identified; however, to date the differences between the immunomodulatory properties of different parasite isolates have not been sufficiently investigated. The aim of this study was to explore differences between the immunomodulatory properties of two F. hepatica isolates using unmaturated bovine macrophages. Material and Methods: A cell line of bovine macrophages was stimulated with excretory/secretory products released by adult flukes from either a laboratory (Fh-WeyES) or wild (Fh-WildES) strain and subsequently subjected to microarray and ELISA analyses. Results: Both Fh-WeyES and Fh-WildES dampened the release of interleukin-10 by bovine macrophages, but only Fh-WildES dampened the release of proinflammatory tumour necrosis factor-α. Microarray analysis revealed that Fh-WildES down- and upregulated 90 and 18 genes, respectively, when compared to Fh-WeyES. Conclusion: The results indicated different impacts of the isolates on macrophages. A number of researchers use flukes obtained from local slaughterhouses for experiments. Our findings may explain some discrepancies between published results arising from parasite strain choice. The findings indicate that consideration should be given to the use of different strains, and open new and currently unexplored avenues in parasitology for controlling the parasite.

Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3) is a virus infecting carp with disease symptoms of gill necrosis, fish discoloration, sunken eyes, and mortality reaching 90%. Several research groups have examined how to potentially abate the consequences of viral activity. Recently we showed that acyclovir inhibits CyHV-3 replication in vitro and in the present study we examined the anti-CyHV-3 activity of the tricyclic derivative of acyclovir 6-(4-MeOPh)-TACV (T-ACV), a fluorescent molecule known for higher lipophilicity than acyclovir, and therefore potentially better candidate for application in vivo. CCB and KF1 cell lines were incubated with T-ACV at concentrations of 0, 66.67, and 133.33 μM for three days and toxicity examined with MTT and CV assays. To investigate the antiviral activity of T-ACV, the lines were infected with CyHV-3 or mock infected and incubated for three days with the drug at concentrations of 0 or 66.67 μM. The activity of T-ACV was evaluated by plaque assay and TaqMan qPCR. T-ACV at a concentration of 66.67 μM displayed low toxicity and inhibited CyHV-3 activity by 13–29%, varying by cell line and method. The low anti-CyHV-3 activity of T-ACV indicates that it would be reasonable to screen several tricyclic derivatives of acyclovir for such activity.

The study of histopathological changes caused by influenza A (H5N8) viral infection in bird species is essential for the understanding of their role in the spread of this highly infectious virus. However, there are few such studies under natural conditions in minor gallinaceous species. This article describes the pathomorphological findings in Colchis pheasants infected naturally with H5N8 during an epizootic outbreak in Bulgaria. Samples of internal organs of 10 carcasses were collected for histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation, virus isolation and identification, and nucleic acid detection. Consistent macroscopic findings were lesions affecting the intestine, heart, lung, and pancreas. Congestion and mononuclear infiltrate were common findings in the small intestine, as were necrosis and lymphoid clusters in the lamina propria of the caeca. Congestion with small focal necrosis and gliosis with multifocal nonpurulent encephalitis were observed in the brain. Myocardial interstitial oedema and degenerative necrobiotic processes were also detected. Immunohistological analysis confirmed systemic infection and revealed influenza virus nucleoprotein in all analysed organs. Variable necrosis was observed in the brain, liver, trachea, heart, small intestine, and caeca. Viral antigen was commonly found in the brain, heart, lung and trachea. Contact with migrating waterfowls was suspected as a reason for the outbreak.

OBJECTIVE To determine the in vitro effects of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dobutamine on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in blood from healthy dogs. SAMPLES Blood samples from 9 healthy dogs. PROCEDURES Blood samples were incubated with LPS from Escherichia coli O127:B8 or PBSS (control) for 1 hour. Afterward, the samples were incubated with 10μM epinephrine, norepinephrine, or dobutamine or with saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (control) for 23 hours. Leukocyte viability was assessed by use of trypan-blue exclusion in blood from 2 dogs to ensure cell viability was not altered by the catecholamines. Tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6, and IL-10 concentrations were measured in the supernatant in duplicate with a canine-specific multiplex bead-based assay. Blood samples from 2 dogs were used to create dose-response curves to evaluate whether the observed cytokine modulation was dependent on catecholamine concentration. RESULTS Incubation of blood with epinephrine and norepinephrine significantly increased LPS-stimulated production of IL-10, compared with the control. Epinephrine and norepinephrine significantly decreased LPS-stimulated production of TNF-α, compared with the control. Epinephrine and norepinephrine did not significantly alter LPS-stimulated production of IL-6. Dobutamine did not alter catecholamine production. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Epinephrine and norepinephrine, but not dobutamine, had immunomodulatory effects on LPS-stimulated TNF-α and IL-10 production in blood from healthy dogs in this in vitro model of sepsis. Data suggested that dobutamine may have immune system-sparing effects in dogs with sepsis.

OBJECTIVE To compare a ventral and a left lateral endoscopic approach to coelioscopy in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). ANIMALS 18 adult bearded dragons. PROCEDURES In a randomized crossover design involving 2 surgical approaches, anesthetized bearded dragons first underwent coelioscopy with a ventral approach (left lateral of midline next to the umbilicus; animal positioned in dorsal recumbency) or left lateral approach (intercostal; animal positioned in right lateral recumbency) and then with the alternate approach. A 2.7-mm × 18-cm, 30° oblique telescope with a 4.8-mm operating sheath and CO2 insufflation at 2 to 5 mm Hg were used. Ease of entry into the coelom and ease of visual examination of visceral structures were scored. RESULTS Both approaches were straightforward, with the left lateral approach requiring significantly more time than the ventral approach. Scores for ease of visual examination for the heart, lungs, liver, stomach, intestines, pancreas, gallbladder, left kidney, gonads, and fat body were good to excellent. Visual examination of the spleen and adrenal glands was difficult in most animals via either approach. The left kidney, testis, and vas deferens were easier to see with the left lateral approach, whereas the pancreas in females and gallbladder in both sexes were easier to see with the ventral approach. All bearded dragons recovered without complications from the procedures, except for one with nephritis, renal gout, and hepatic necrosis. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Both coelioscopy approaches could be safely and effectively used in bearded dragons. Choice of approach should be based on the coelomic structures requiring evaluation.

OBJECTIVE To compare the degree of white line separation created by increasing physiologic loads between bovine claws with and without toe-tip necrosis (TTN). SAMPLE Cadaveric bovine hind limbs with (n = 10) and without (10) TTN. PROCEDURES Hind limbs in which 1 or both claws had evidence of apical white line separation were considered to have TTN. Hind limbs in which neither claw had evidence of white line separation were considered controls. Each hind limb was mounted in a materials testing system with the bottom surface of the hoof angled at approximately 5° to the horizontal plane such that the apex of the claws made initial contact with the clear testing surface to simulate physiologic loading conditions. A digital camera mounted underneath the testing surface was used to obtain images of the bottom of the hoof during the application of each of 3 increasing static loads (1, 2, and 3 kN). The images were analyzed with commercial image-processing software to quantify white line separation area. RESULTS White line separation area was significantly greater for claws with TTN than for control claws and increased as the applied load increased. White line separation was almost nonexistent in control claws and was not affected by increasing load. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that mechanical loading exacerbated TTN, but compressive loading alone, even at excessive levels, did not initiate the condition. Interventions (eg, hoof blocks) that decrease loading of affected claws may be beneficial for the treatment of TTN at its earliest stages.