This study evaluated the effects of subclinical pregnancy toxaemia (SPT) on fetal skeletal muscle development and assessed the potential protective role of L‐carnitine supplementation during gestation. A total of 18 crossbred Hamdani ewes underwent oestrous synchronisation, natural mating and pregnancy confirmation via ultrasonography on day 45 post‐mating. The ewes were managed according to NRC (2007) dietary guidelines until day 100 of gestation, after which they were assigned to three experimental groups: subclinical PT group (group 1; G1, n = 6), treatment group (subclinical PT + L‐carnitine, group 2; G2, n = 6) and control group (group 3; G3, n = 6). Blood β‐hydroxybutyrate (βHBA) concentrations were measured on day 100 and 138 of the gestation. Then, all ewes were slaughtered for fetal muscle sampling from the Musculus Longissimus Dorsi (MLD) and Vastus Lateralis (VL). Results indicated a significant reduction in muscle fibre number and fibre diameter in both MLD and VL in the SPT group (G1) compared to the control (G3) (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between G1 and G2 or between G2 and G3 for these parameters (p > 0.05). On the other hand, large effect sizes for group and pairwise comparisons imply that SPT may negatively affect prenatal muscle development and L‐carnitine supports muscle development during the prepartum period. These findings highlight the negative effects of SPT and protective effects of L‐carnitine supplementation on fetal skeletal muscle development in ewes with SPT. The observed deficits may negatively impact postnatal growth, survival rates and meat quality. Further investigations are warranted to optimise maternal nutrition strategies and evaluate therapeutic interventions aimed at mitigating the adverse impacts of SPT on fetal muscle development in ruminants. Furthermore, L‐carnitine supplementation may be a useful in compensating for the negative effects of SPT.

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a highly contagious pathogen prevalent in domestic cats, often leading to upper respiratory tract infections and oral diseases. In clinical settings, particularly veterinary hospitals and shelters, nosocomial outbreaks of FCV can occur, sometimes involving virulent systemic disease (VSD) strains that result in severe systemic illness with high mortality rates. This retrospective study reviews the clinical and diagnostic features of 15 cats that developed postoperative ulcerative tongue lesions, ptyalism and skin lesions after elective ovariohysterectomy (OVH) performed at a veterinary teaching hospital. In all documented cases, the initial postoperative clinical manifestation was the development of widespread ulcerative lesions on the tongue, accompanied by ptyalism. Accompanying signs included anorexia, lethargy, fever, dysphagia and various dermatological manifestations. Although healing took longer for those with skin issues, recovery was achieved in all cases. While some clinical features resembled virulent systemic FCV (VSD‐FCV), no multi‐organ dysfunction or mortality occurred, and the diagnosis remained presumptive due to the absence of molecular confirmation. Instead, diagnosis of suspected FCV infection was made based on consistent clinical signs and positive antibody detection using a fluorescent immunoassay rapid test. Cats were primarily treated with antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatories and corticosteroids; however, in some cases, extended treatment was provided based on the observed symptoms. The clinical and serological findings suggest that early recognition of suspected FCV cases and immediate intervention can contribute to favourable outcomes and help limit potential nosocomial spread. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report from Turkey documenting suspected FCV clusters following OVH, offering observational insight into potential postoperative transmission.In conclusion, although OVH is a standard procedure, it is crucial to implement stringent infection control measures to prevent the spread of FCV and other infectious agents in veterinary settings.

Background: Beta-(β-) carotene, is the precursor to vitamin A, in particular, has some potential benefits on reproduction. The main objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of β-carotene administration on fertility following either prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF) induced estrus or Ovsynch protocol in lactating dairy cows. Methods: Cows with at 47±3 postpartum days were divided into two groups: β-carotene group (βC, n=139) was treated with injectable β-carotene while untreated cows served as control (CON, n=227). In both groups, PGF was administered and heatmount detectors were applied at 54±3 days postpartum. Cows detected in estrus after PGF were inseminated. Cows that had not been detected in estrus were divided into two groups 7 days after PGF administration; βC-OVS (n=137) and CON-OVS (n=89). Ovsynch protocol was initiated 4 days after β-carotene administration. Result: The estrus detection rate was similar between the βC and CON groups (P = 0.19). Pregnancy per AI (P/AI) on d 31 was also similar between groups (P = 0.93). In the Ovsynch protocol, ovulation to the first GnRH and ovulatory follicle diameter at the time of insemination did not differ between groups. No difference was observed in P/AI at d 31 (P = 0.13). The results of this study indicated that β-carotene administration had no effect on fertility either PGF induced estrus or Ovsynch protocol in dairy cows.

Background: Acquired skin fragility syndrome (ASFS) is a rare condition, which is characterized by spontaneous fragility of the skin and an absence of hyperextensibility. Even though the real pathogenesis of ASFS remains unknown that is reported generally with some iatrogenic causes and severe diseases. Thus, based on the clinical findings this is the first report of describes the case and treatment of feline acquired skin fragility syndrome following a routine ovariohysterectomy.Case: An 8-month-old domestic shorthair female cat was brought to the Siirt University Animal Health Application and Research Center for ovariohysterectomy operation. Before the operation physical examination of the animal revealed body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, the color of mucosas, and lymph nodes were determined normally. Besides, there is no hematological and biochemical problem detected. The cat had no previous history of several infections or systemic disease. A routine ovariohysterectomy procedure was applied under general anesthesia and the cat was discharged on the same day. Three days after that a spontaneously developed cutaneous laceration below the left scapular region was determined by the cat owner. During the clinical examination, it was determined that the cat was sensitive to touch against the left scapular area. Multiple spontaneous skin tear was revealed over the left scapular region while shaving for better inspection but did not obtain any problem with incision line. To identify the underlying cause of skin tearing, hematological and biochemical tests were done but the animal’s results were found within the normal references. Also, rapid blood tests were performed for feline leukemia virus and immunodeficiency virus, and none of them were positive. Additionally, the skin was not hyperextensible. Although the clinicopathological abnormalities were observed on the skin, there were no abnormalities in the vital signs of the cat. Based on the clinical status of the cat, daily regular wound cleaning and a wet-to-dry bandage were applied for two weeks. Skin therapy based on the use of dexpanthenol, vitamin E, and vitamin C with zinc was preferred to improve skin health. All lesions on the skin of the cat completely recovered and a follow-up visit for several weeks was recommended to the cat owner.Discussion: There have been reports that acquired skin fragility syndrome may be related to hepatic diseases, some feline viral infections, hyperadrenocorticism, or use of a long time progestational drugs. Also, acquired skin fragility syndrome can be seen in a congenital disorder known as cutaneous asthenia which is described generally in young cats. Cutaneous asthenia and acquired skin fragility syndrome are difficult to distinguish from each other even though histological examination was made. Although the cat in this report is young, there was no history of skin problems and skin hyperextensible until presentation. No specific treatment protocol described for this skin problem has been reported. Moreover, vitamins and minerals may be used for wound treatment and strengthening the skin. Ovariohysterectomy is the most common surgical technique used for sterilization of cats however; it can cause some complications, such as acute stress. Unfortunately, the exact etiology is not detected in this case report but it is thought to be that stress of ovariohysterectomy might be triggered to spontaneous skin tearing.