Both of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) infections are the most common Mycoplasma infection in domestic poultry. The disease is associated with economic losses in poultry. MG and MS are commonly spread within chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) and turkey (Meleagris gallopavo domesticus) flocks; however, they are frequently isolated from quails (Coturnix coturnix) and several avian species. Diagnosis of MG or MS infections is confirmed by isolating the organism in a cell-free medium or directly detecting its DNA in infected tissues or swab samples. Serological tests are also widely used for diagnosis. However, advances in molecular biology represented a rapid and sensitive alternative to the traditional culture methods requiring specialized techniques and sophisticated reagents. Several Mycoplasma molecular diagnostic tests are implemented: including polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD), arbitrary primed polymerase chain reactions (AP‐PCR), and Multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (Multiplex MGMS). Current control practices against Mycoplasma infection include intense biosecurity, biosurveillance, medication, and vaccination. However, the egg-borne nature of avian Mycoplasma infection complicates controlling the infection. This review focuses on the advances in diagnosis and control of avian Mycoplasma infection, especially MG and MS infections.

Given the high importance of animal uses for human being, avoidance of contact with animals is far from straightforward even if there is a risk of zoonotic diseases. Animal products or byproducts are essential source of food for human. Also, there are large numbers of companion animals worldwide which are important for the soundness of mental health for the owners. Understanding of the disease in animals is of paramount importance to control and prevent transmission to human. Zoonotic protozoan parasites, including malaria, babesiosis, trypanosomiasis, toxoplasmosis and cryptosporidiosis, can cause severe infections to human and some of them can drastically affect both economy and society. Impacts of such infections are aggravated when asymptomatic animals being in contact with susceptible individuals including infants, pregnant women or immunocompromised people. Malaria, babesiosis and trypanosomiasis are vector-borne diseases that cause hemolytic anemia and high fever. Toxoplasmosis is a congenitally transmitted infection characterized by abortion and congenital abnormalities in infected persons and animals. Cryptosporidiosis is a highly contagious disease affecting human and various animal species and diarrhea is the main clinical form. These infections are globally distributed and affect various demographics. However, awareness of these often neglected diseases in almost all countries and communities are required for protecting animals, owners and customers. Thus, this review is aimed to provide the recent and current knowledge on transmission, epidemiology and control of some protozoan diseases of zoonotic importance.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of Shiga toxin (stx)-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in diarrheic newborn calves, as well as the resistance profile of this microorganism against antimicrobials routinely used in veterinary therapy. The antimicrobial profile of Eugenia uniflora against E. coli clinical isolates was also analyzed. Specimens from the recto-anal junction mucosa were investigated by using chromogenic medium and identification of E. coli was done using microbiological methods (Gram staining, indole test, methyl red test, Voges-Proskauer test, citrate test, urease test, and hydrogen sulfide test). The stx1 and stx2 genes corresponding to the STEC pathotype were evaluated by using polymerase chain reaction and electrophoresis. The susceptibility profile to antimicrobial agents commonly used in veterinary therapeutic practice and the antimicrobial effect of lyophilized hydroalcoholic extract of E. uniflora L. leaves against E. coli clinical isolates were evaluated by disk diffusion and microdilution methods. Shiga toxin-positive E. coli was identified in 45% of diarrheic newborn calves (stx1 = 23.2%, stx2 = 4.0%, stx1 + stx2 = 18.2%). The frequency of stx-positive E. coli in the bacterial population was equal to 17.0% (168/990 clinical isolates): 97 (9.8%) stx1-positive E. coli, 12 (1.2%) stx2-positive E. coli, and 59 (6.0%) stx1 + stx2-positive E. coli isolates. All stx-positive E. coli analyzed showed resistance to multiple drugs, that is, from 4 to 10 antimicrobials per clinical isolate (streptomycin, tetracycline, cephalothin, ampicillin, sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim, nitrofurantoin and nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, and chloramphenicol). Effective management measures should be implemented, including clinical and laboratory monitoring, in order to promote animal and worker health and welfare, prevent and control the spread of diseases, and ensure effective treatment of infectious diseases. The E. uniflora L. leaves showed inhibition of microbial growth based on the diameter of halos, ranging from 7.9 to 8.0 mm and 9.9 to 10.1 mm for concentrations of 50 and 150 mg/mL, respectively. This plant displayed bacteriostatic action and a minimum inhibitory concentration of 12.5 mg/mL for all clinical isolates. Its clinical or synergistic effects with antimicrobial agents must be determined from clinical and preclinical trials.

Calf diarrhea leads to substantial economic losses in the livestock industry worldwide due to medical treatment costs, retarded growth performance, and even death. The objective of this study was to investigate changes in serum protein profiles and acute phase proteins in calves with diarrhea and identify the association between these changes and diarrhea. A total of 185 Korean beef calves were used and divided into 3 groups by age: 1 to 10 days (n = 46), 11 to 20 days (n = 65), and 21 to 30 days (n = 74). Blood and fecal samples were collected from each calf. Serum concentrations of total protein, protein fractions (albumin, α1-globulin, α2-globulin, β-globulin, and γ-globulin), haptoglobin (Hp), and serum amyloid A (SAA) were analyzed. Compared to calves without diarrhea, calves with diarrhea had significantly lower albumin concentrations at 11 to 20 days and 21 to 30 days of age (P = 0.017 and P = 0.000, respectively) and significantly higher α1-globulin fractions at 21 to 30 days of age (P = 0.01). Interestingly, α2-globulin fractions were significantly higher in diarrheic calves in all age groups, whereas γ-globulin fractions were significantly lower in calves with diarrhea aged 1 to 10 days, compared with normal animals. In calves with diarrhea, the concentration of Hp was significantly higher, whereas SAA levels were not different between normal and diarrheic calves. In addition, a positive correlation was found between α2-globulin and Hp (P = 0.0004). Taken together, these results provide useful information about the use of serum protein profiles and Hp as prognostic and diagnostic markers for animal health status.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of recombinant equine IL-1β on function of equine endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) in vitro. SAMPLE ECFCs derived from peripheral blood samples of 3 healthy adult geldings. PROCEDURES Function testing was performed to assess in vitro wound healing, tubule formation, cell adhesion, and uptake of 1,1′-dioctadecyl-3,3,3′,3′ tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate–labeled acetylated low-density lipoprotein (DiI-Ac-LDL) by cultured ECFCs. Cell proliferation was determined by 2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide assay. Effects on function test results of different concentrations and exposure times of recombinant equine IL-1β were assessed. RESULTS Challenge of cultured ECFCs with IL-1β for 48 hours inhibited tubule formation. Continuous challenge (54 hours) with IL-1β in the wound healing assay reduced gap closure. The IL-1β exposure did not significantly affect ECFC adhesion, DiI-Ac-LDL uptake, or ECFC proliferation. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE These results suggested a role for IL-1β in the inhibition of ECFC function in vitro. Functional changes in ECFCs following challenge with IL-1β did not appear to be due to changes in cell proliferative capacity. These findings have implications for designing microenvironments for and optimizing therapeutic effects of ECFCs used to treat ischemic diseases in horses.

OBJECTIVE To determine the safety and pharmacokinetics of various doses of plant-derived cannabidiol (CBD) versus placebo following repeated oral administration. ANIMALS 20 healthy adult Beagles. PROCEDURES In a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial, dogs were randomized to 5 groups balanced in body weight and sex (n = 4 dogs/group) and received a CBD (1, 2, 4, or 12 mg/kg; from cannabis extract) or placebo oil formulation PO once daily for 28 days. Outcome variables were assessed through daily health observations, veterinary examinations, CBC, and serum biochemical analysis. Blood samples were collected at various time points to estimate 24-hour pharmacokinetic profiles of CBD and selected metabolites (7-carboxy-CBD and 7-hydroxy-CBD). RESULTS Repeated CBD administration was well tolerated by dogs, with no clinically important changes in measured safety outcomes. Veterinary examinations revealed no clinically important abnormal findings. Adverse events were mild in severity. Relative to placebo administration, CBD administration at 12 mg/kg/d resulted in more gastrointestinal adverse events (mainly hypersalivation) and significantly higher serum alkaline phosphatase activity. Total systemic exposure to CBD increased on a dose-dependent basis following both acute (first dose) and chronic (28 days) administration. Within each CBD dose group, repeated administration increased total systemic exposure to CBD 1.6- to 3.3-fold. The 24-hour trough plasma CBD concentrations were also dose dependent, with a steady state reached following 2 weeks of administration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Repeated, daily oral administration of the CBD formulation led to dose-dependent increases in total systemic exposure to CBD and 24-hour trough plasma concentrations in healthy dogs. These findings could help guide dose selection.

OBJECTIVE To assess agreement between 2 benchtop blood gas analyzers developed by 1 manufacturer (BGA 1 and BGA 2 [a newer model with reduced maintenance requirements]) and a reference chemistry analyzer for measurement of electrolyte (sodium, chloride, and potassium) in blood samples from dogs. ANIMALS 17 healthy staff- and student-owned dogs and 23 client-owned dogs admitted to an emergency and intensive care service. PROCEDURES Blood collected by venipuncture was placed in lithium heparin–containing tubes. Aliquots were analyzed immediately with each BGA. Samples were centrifuged, and plasma was analyzed with the reference analyzer. Results for each BGA were compared with results for the reference analyzer by Passing-Bablok regression analysis. Percentage differences between BGA and reference analyzer results were compared with published guidelines for total allowable error. RESULTS Proportional bias was detected for measurement of chloride concentration (slope, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.7 to 0.8), and constant positive bias was detected for measurement of chloride (y-intercept, 34, mmol/L; 95% CI, 16.9 to 38 mmol/L) and potassium (y-intercept, 0.1 mmol/L; 95% CI, 0.1 to 0.2 mmol/L) concentrations with BGA 1. There was no significant bias for measurement of potassium or chloride concentration with BGA 2 or sodium concentration with either BGA. Differences from the reference analyzer result exceeded total allowable error guidelines for ≥ 1 sample/analyte/BGA, but median observed measurement differences between each BGA and the reference analyzer did not. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Good agreement with reference analyzer results was found for measurement of the selected electrolyte concentrations in canine blood samples with each BGA.

In this study, the effects of three different ozonated oils (Sesame, Nigella sativa and Hypericum perforatum) on wound closure rate, healing process and possible complications were examined macroscopically and microscopically. Twenty-one adult Wistar albino female rats were used in the study. Subjects were divided into three groups, early wound healing, (7 days), medium wound healing, (14 days) and late wound healing (21 days). Four full-thickness skin wounds of equal size (10 mm in diameter) were formed on the back regions of all rats. This region was chosen for preventing self-inflicted injuries and reducing external irritation. The wound was left open during the healing process. While the first wound (control) received no treatment in the second wound, ozonated Sesame oil, in the third wound ozonated Nigella sativa oil and in the fourth wound ozonated Hypericum perforatum oil were used. No group obtained parenteral drug administration. First, second and third main groups were euthanized on days 7, 14 and 21, respectively. The wound healing was assessed macroscopically daily. Wound sizes of individual rats were measured with a caliper and digitally photographed every day from the day of injury. After euthanasia, all wound sites of the subjects were evaluated histopathologically.There were no significant differences in wound healing between treatments in the first day 7. On they 14, it was found that the healing was better in the group applied Nigella sativa and Sesame oils (p≤0.05). On day 21 wound healing was completed in all subjects with a resultant of better outcome in Nigella sativa oil treatment compared with others (p≤0.01).In this study the best wound healing outcome was achieved with Nigella sativa oil and Sesame oil where three different minced oils were used.

The aim of this study is to determine the incidences of Malassezia infection and flea allergy in dogs with dermatitis complaints which were brought to veterinarians for examination in Ankara and Kırıkkale provinces. Materials and Methods: The material for this study consists of 40 pet dogs of different breeds genders and ages found in Ankara and Kırıkkale provinces of Turkey. Malassezia examination was conducted by staining smear samples taken with the acetate band method with Modified Wright’s Stain method. Flea existency examination was performed by using a flea comb.Out of the 40 dogs with dermatitis which were included in this study, 6 dogs (15%) were found to have Malassezia infection, 12 dogs (30%) were found to have flea infestation and 4 dogs (10%) were found to have together.In light of the results that were found in this study, Malassezia and flea infestation hold an important place for dogs which were brought with complaints of dermatitis to veterinary clinics for examination in Ankara and Kırıkkale provinces. Clinical veterinarians must keep in mind that, there is high incidence rates of these 2 dermatitis causing agents and also remember to especially consider them in the list of differential diagnosis.

It was aimed to investigate whether chia seeds provide an advantage during ultrasonographic imaging in cats when added to food by means of its high water-holding capacity. Ten healthy cats were ultrasonographically examined following 12- hour fasting period and after feeding with 3 different food types at 1-week intervals. Thus, 4 study group were formed as follows; FST; fasting 12- hour period, WF; feeding with wet cat food following 12- hour fasting period DWF; feeding with ½ of same wet food diluted with the same volume drinking water, CWF; feeding with ½ of same wet food mixed with 36 ml swollen chia seeds obtained by holding 2 hours 3ml chia seeds in 33 ml drinking water. Cats were evaluated ultrasonographically immediately after feeding, and at the 30th minutes and 60th minutes.Especially in terms of thickness, gastric wall evaluation was easier after food intake. In the CWF, the stomach was fully imaged on the frame at all times. The gastrointestinal tract content moved faster when cats were fed DWF or CWF; In the examination immediately after feeding the contents were in duodenum and seen in the jejunum and ileum in the 30- and 60-minutes’ examinations. CWF and DWF revealed more heterogeneous images then WF and also CWF provided better visualization for the intestinal canal wall layer.Ultrasonographic examination after feeding with chia seed added formula can be used as a complementary method following the fasting examination.