This study was undertaken to investigate the changes in the blood and milk biochemical parameters found in naturally occurring and long-lasting spontaneous subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA), with the aim of identifying the patterns of paraclinical changes and providing valuable data for more accurately identifying SARA in cows under field conditions. The study was conducted on a dairy herd with a history of the occurrence of SARA-associated clinical signs. Twelve cows, between 20 and 150 days in milk, were randomly selected and subsequently subjected to venous blood, milk, and ruminal fluid collection. The mean pH value of the ruminal fluid was 5.56 ± 0.32, and 58% (7/12) of the tested cows were SARA positive (ruminal pH ≤ 5.5). The albumin, calcium, and phosphorus serum concentration values were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the SARA group than in the group of healthy cows. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) activity were significantly higher in the SARA cows (p < 0.05) than in the group of healthy cows. The mean values of milk fat, milk protein content, and milk fat-to-protein ratio were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the tested cows of the SARA group than in the healthy group of cows. In conclusion, the results of the current study indicate that long-term SARA triggered by a high-concentrate diet is associated with clinically significant changes in both the blood composition (hypoalbuminemia, hypocalcemia, and increased serum AST and GLDH activity) and the milk composition (decreased fat and protein percentage and milk fat-to-protein ratio). Altogether, the obtained results provide a more reliable pattern of paraclinical changes and useful insights for detecting SARA in dairy cows under field conditions.

Serotonin is considered to be the neurotransmitter that controls several types of behavior: aggressiveness, impulsivity, food selection, stimulation, sexual behavior, reaction to pain, and emotional manifestations. The aim of this study was to determine the serotonin values in 43 dogs, divided into three different experimental variants: (1) between two groups of medium (n = 6) and small (n = 4) breed shelter dogs; (2) in dogs with (n = 15) and without (n = 10) owners after administration of pre-spaying/neutering anesthesia; (3) in different behavioral states (n = 8) classified as follows: M1—happy, M2—aggressive, M3—calmed status, post-exposure to a stressful situation, compared to the reference time referred to as M0. There were no significant differences (p ≥ 0.05) regarding the serotonin values between the two groups of medium and small breed shelter dogs. Following anesthesia, the average mean serotonin values were significantly lower (p ≤ 0.003), by 63.85 ng/mL, in stray dogs compared to dogs with owners. No significant differences (p ≥ 0.05) were found when comparing the reference time M0 to M1, M2, and M3. The differences decreased significantly (p ≤ 0.05), by 89.61 ng/mL, between M1 and M2 and increased significantly (p ≤ 0.008), by 112.78 ng/mL, between M2 and M3.

Background: several authors have documented variations in local temperature in both horses and dogs presenting acute intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE) along the entire spinal column. However, none have demonstrated distinct temperature differences between healthy animals and those with IVDE. A retrospective study was conducted to assess the efficacy of thermography at evaluating local temperature and thermal patterns in healthy dogs as well in those with IVDE across the T11–L3 area. Methods: the study included 20 healthy dogs and 32 dogs with IVDE. For both groups of dogs, the thoracolumbar region was trimmed and, subsequently, scanned using the Flir E50 thermography device. The Flir Tool software was used to analyze three designated areas (Bx1, Bx2, Bx3) within the thoracolumbar region by comparing the average temperature of the minimum, maximum, and mean temperature recordings between the two groups. Results: the thermal pattern and the local temperature of the thoracolumbar area present differences between healthy dogs and those with IVDE. Conclusions: we recommend thermographic scanning of the thoracolumbar area to find differences in local temperature between healthy dogs and those with intervertebral disc extrusion. Further investigations are required to differentiate between disc extrusion that exhibits lateralization to the right or left.

Hexavalent chromium, a widespread heavy metal, induces apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway through Bax (pro-apoptotic) and Bcl2 (anti-apoptotic) proteins. Hypericum perforatum, rich in antioxidants, can neutralise free radicals. This study investigated the effects of CrVI on the pancreas and the protective role of Hypericum perforatum. Five groups of animals were used: control, Cr (CrVI for 3 months), CrH (CrVI + 2.5% Hypericum perforatum extract made from flowers, for 3 months), Cr2 (CrVI for 3 months + distilled water for 1 month), and CrH2 (CrVI for 3 months + Hypericum perforatum extract for 1 month). Samples were collected for histological analysis, gene expression (qRT-PCR), and blood glucose level analysis. CrVI exposure (Cr, Cr2) caused pancreatic damage: oedema, reduced islet size, endocrine cell vacuolisation, and endothelial swelling. Lesions were milder in CrH, while CrH2 resembled the control group. The Bax/Bcl2 ratio increased under CrVI (highest in Cr2), indicating apoptosis, but decreased toward control values in CrH and CrH2. Blood glucose levels confirmed these findings. CrVI proved toxic to the endocrine pancreas, inducing structural and molecular alterations that impaired carbohydrate metabolism. Administration of Hypericum perforatum extract reduced these effects, confirming its antioxidant action and potential as a protective agent against CrVI-induced oxidative stress.

Pulmonary hypertension in dogs is a multifactorial cardiovascular disorder associated with progressive pulmonary vascular impairment and adaptive changes of the right cardiac chambers. The objective of this study was to perform an integrated evaluation of clinical, radiographic, electrocardiographic, and ultrasonographic findings in 39 dogs diagnosed with this condition, and to compare echocardiographically estimated pressure values according to sex and acoustic window. The study group included 20 males and 19 females, with body weights ranging from 5 to 34 kg, belonging to several breeds. Each patient underwent physical examination, thoracic radiography, 12-lead electrocardiography, and two-dimensional, M-mode, and Doppler cardiac imaging. The predominant clinical manifestations were exercise intolerance, respiratory distress, irritative cough, and orthopnea. Thoracic radiographs frequently demonstrated enlargement of the right cardiac silhouette and vascular modifications compatible with circulatory overload. Electrocardiographic assessment revealed rhythm disturbances, reduced QRS amplitude, and ST-segment deviations, suggesting myocardial involvement. Cardiac imaging confirmed enlargement of the right atrium and right ventricle, structural remodeling, and altered pulmonary flow patterns. Estimated pressure values were significantly higher when obtained from the left parasternal approach compared with the right-sided approach in both sexes. Females also showed higher mean values than males. These results underline the relevance of a multimodal diagnostic approach for accurate recognition and staging of this syndrome in dogs. Doppler-based evaluation remains the most useful noninvasive technique for pressure estimation, assessment of right-sided adaptation, and severity stratification. The correlation of clinical signs with imaging and hemodynamic data provides important diagnostic and prognostic information.

Cystitis with urinary sediment accumulation is a relatively common condition in rabbits, often associated with dietary and hydration factors. This case report describes an 8-year-old female rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) presented with dysuria, hematuria, and signs of discomfort. Clinical examination, urinalysis, and ultrasonographic evaluation confirmed the presence of cystitis with significant sediment accumulation in the urinary bladder. The treatment approach included enrofloxacin (10 mg/kg SC, once daily) for antimicrobial therapy, meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg, once daily) for analgesia and anti-inflammatory effects, and fluid therapy to promote diuresis and sediment elimination. Additionally, dietary adjustments were implemented, emphasizing increased water intake and a high-fiber, low-calcium diet to prevent further sediment formation. The patient showed a favorable response to treatment, with clinical signs resolving within two weeks and no recurrence observed at follow-up. This case highlights the importance of a multimodal therapeutic approach, including antimicrobial therapy, pain management, hydration support, and dietary modifications, in managing urinary tract disorders in rabbits.