Canine generalized demodicosis is a common parasitic disease caused by the proliferation of Demodex mites. The introduction of isoxazoline class treatments in veterinary dermatology has resulted in apparently effective treatment of generalized demodicosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of fluralaner for the treatment of canine generalized demodicosis using real-time PCR for the detection and quantification of Demodex DNA. Twenty privately owned dogs with clinical symptoms of generalized demodicosis and deep skin scrapings positive for Demodex canis mites were enrolled in the study. Following diagnosis (day 0) each dog was treated with fluralaner at the recommended commercial dose for tick and flea treatment (25–56 mg/kg) based on body weight. Clinical and mite count assessments, and hair sampling for molecular analyses were performed on days 0, 28, 56, 84 and 112. Demodex DNA was detected and quantified using real-time PCR. A single oral dose of fluralaner reduced Demodex mite counts in skin scrapings by an average of 98.9% in all dogs by day 28. No mites were recovered from skin scrapings from any treated dog by day 56, at which time the dog was considered to be clinically cured, with total hair regrowth. There were significant differences among examined dogs in qPCR cycle threshold (Ct) values on days 0, 28, 56, 84 and 112. Demodex DNA levels decreased (increasing Ct values) throughout the study. Mite DNA was present on day 112, possibly from dead mites, at values significantly lower than in samples taken on days 0, 28 and 56. Based on qPCR testing of diluted samples, the Demodex mite population was reduced by approximately 1000-fold on day 112. Oral administration of fluralaner at the recommended dose to dogs with generalized demodicosis is highly effective for reducing Demodex mite populations and resolving clinical signs of generalized demodicosis. The presence of mite DNA may indicate that treatment did not kill all Demodex mites.

Equine piroplasmosis in donkeys has been recognised as a serious problem of major economic importance. The present molecular study is the first investigation of the presence of Theileria equi and Babesia caballi in Balkan donkeys and of the possible haematological alterations related to it. A total of 70 apparently healthy donkeys from Serbia were included in this study. The overall prevalence of T. equi infection in donkeys tested with multiplex PCR was 50%. There was no B. caballi-positive sample. Infections in donkeys included in this study seem to be associated with decreased red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit and platelet count, and with increased white blood cell count, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration. Altered haematological parameters in donkeys can lead to a decrease in working capacity and production performance. Further molecular research and long-term monitoring of equine piroplasmosis is needed in Serbia and throughout Europe.

The aim of the study was to point out the importance of recognizing non-accidental injuries (NAI) and to highlight the importance of reporting such cases, as well as prosecuting the perpetrators, in order to detect potentially existing violence or prevent future violence in society. A total of 338 dogs and 54 cats were submitted for necropsy. Out of 338 dogs examined, 175 (51.8%) died due to non-natural cause of death, 122 from natural causes (36.1%), and 35 (10.3%) due to accidental injuries, and in 6 cases (1.8%) the cause and manner of death were undetermined due to advanced post-mortal changes. Out of 54 examined cats, 21 died due to non-natural causes (38.9%) and the same number of cats died due to natural causes. The prevalence of accidental injuries resulting in death were 20.4% (n = 11) and in 1.8% (n = 1) the manner of death remained indeterminate. The high number of animals confirmed to have died from unnatural causes in this study highlights the need for greater involvement from the police, prosecution, and society as a whole to reduce the number of violent animal deaths in the future.

The aim of this study was to revisit the complex relationship between inflammation, oxidative stress and lipid metabolism in dogs with hypercortisolism (HC). Fourteen dogs newly diagnosed with HC and an equal number of healthy counterparts of similar age and markers of oxidative stress (AOPP, TBARS, TAC, GSH, PON-1, and UA) and inflammation (NLR, PLR, SII, HPT, CHE, CP, and Hcy) were included in the study. To determine the lipid profiles, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were measured, and the electrophoretic separation of lipoproteins was performed. The results revealed that dogs with HC had higher levels of AOPP and TBARS, but only greater levels of GSH among antioxidants. Uric acid levels were higher in HC dogs, suggesting a pro-oxidative role. Elevated NLR, PLR, SII, and HPT levels were detected, but they did not seem to be associated with inflammation. Notable changes were detected in the HDL fraction, alongside hypercholesterolaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia. Correlation analysis revealed links between lipid markers and both oxidative stress and inflammatory indices. In conclusion, the data acquired may prove useful in further understanding of the intricate pathophysiology of Cushing’s syndrome.

In Serbia, Babesia canis is the predominant cause of canine babesiosis, while B. gibsoni and B. vulpes have been reported only sporadically. Limited awareness of these small Babesia species often leads to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. International reports indicate that American Staffordshire Terriers (ASTs) and related breeds are particularly affected. This study examined 101 ASTs over a two-year period to determine the occurrence of small Babesia species and identify dog- and owner-related risk factors. Collected data included age, sex, body condition score (BCS), clinical signs, presence of scars, history of vector-borne diseases (VBD), living conditions, antiparasitic prophylaxis, and tick exposure. Molecular identification using PCR and Sanger sequencing revealed that 37 dogs were positive for Babesia spp.; among them, 36 were infected with B. gibsoni and one with B. vulpes. Significant risk factors associated with infection included the presence of scars, low BCS, history of VBDs, tick exposure, and living in rural areas. These findings demonstrate a notably high occurrence of B. gibsoni and the presence of B. vulpes in ASTs in Serbia. The results highlight the need for improved awareness, accurate molecular diagnostics, and targeted preventive and therapeutic measures. Additionally, observed risk factors suggest chronic infection and support transmission pathways linked to dog bites and tick exposure.