Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) are a group of retroviruses that cause multisystem chronic diseases in goats and sheep and lead to production losses in these animals, negatively affecting animal health and welfare. Although molecular characterization of SRLV field isolates has been performed in many countries, there is currently no information on SRLV genotypes circulating in sheep and goats in Romania. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to conduct a molecular and phylogenetic analysis of SRLVs from Romania and determine the degree of genetic relatedness of the obtained sequences to other known SRLV reference strains. A total of 81 sheep lung tissue samples and 41 sheep lung lymph node samples were tested using nested real-time PCR, and samples positive for real-time PCR were used to amplify an 800 bp gag-pol fragment and an overlapping 625 bp fragment of the gag gene. Pairwise DNA distance and phylogenetic analysis showed that the Romanian SRLV strains were closely related to the A2 and A3 strains based on gag-pol sequences and to the A3 and A17 subtypes based on gag sequences. No recombination events were found. Our results revealed that the Romanian sequences have similar epitope patterns to other existing subtypes, although E/K and R/K mutations in epitope 3 were found only in the Romanian sequences, which may have potential value in serological diagnosis. This study is the first report on the genetic characterization of SRLV strains circulating in Romania and provides new information on SRLV heterogeneity. Further detailed studies should be conducted to better understand the divergence of SRLV Romanian strains.

Gastrointestinal neoplasms are rare in dogs and cats, primarily comprising adenocarcinomas, lymphomas, leiomyomas, leiomyosarcomas, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). In the current literature epidemiological data are scars. The aim of this study was to identify the epidemiological and the pathological features of these neoplasms in dogs and cats. Epidemiological data were collected from the databases of two laboratories in Romania, covering a period of 10 years. A total of 192 cases of neoplastic and neoplastic-like lesions were selected and subjected to statistical analysis. Older animals were more predisposed for chronic hypertrophic pyloric gastropathy (CHPG) (mean age of 11.14 years) and gastric polyps (mean age of 9.6 years), while younger individuals showed a higher incidence for feline gastrointestinal eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia (FGIESF), with a mean age of 7.25 years for the lesions located in the stomach and 5.25 years in the intestine. Additionally, CHPG and FGIESF were more prevalent in males. Dogs were the main species affected by benign neoplasms, including adenomas (22%) and adenomatous polyps/pedunculated adenomas (5%), primarily located in the anorectal junction, as well as leiomyomas (8%) with gastric involvement. In dogs, malignant neoplasms accounted for 69%, with adenocarcinomas representing 39%, followed by lymphomas (12%), and GIST (9%). In cats, 98.82% of neoplasms were represented by malignant tumors, with lymphomas being the most frequently diagnosed (77%). Both adenocarcinomas in dogs and lymphomas in cats were more common in males, accounting for 61.76% and 52.31% of cases, respectively, with the intestine being the most frequently affected site. This is the first epidemiological study in Romania to examine both the gastrointestinal tract in dogs and cats, including neoplastic-like lesions. The definitive diagnosis of gastrointestinal masses requires histological and molecular analyses.

Recent developments in biomaterials have resulted in the creation of cement composites with potential wound treatment properties, even though they are currently mainly employed for bone regeneration. Their ability to improve skin restoration after surgery is worth noting. The main purpose of this research is to evaluate the ability of composite cement to promote wound healing in a rat experimental model. Full-thickness 5 mm skin defects were created, and the biomaterials were applied as wound dressings. The hybrid light-cured cement composites possess an organic matrix (Bis-GMA, TEGDMA, UDMA, and HEMA) and an inorganic phase (bioglasses, silica, and hydroxyapatite). The organic phase also contains γ-methacryloxypropyl-trimethoxysilane, which is produced by distributing bioactive silanized inorganic filler particles. The repair of the defect is assessed using a selection of macroscopic and microscopic protocols, including wound closure rate, histopathological analysis, cytotoxicity, and biocompatibility. Both composites exerted a favorable influence on cells, although the C1 product demonstrated a more extensive healing mechanism. Histological examination of the kidney and liver tissues revealed no evidence of toxicity. There were no notable negative outcomes in the treated groups, demonstrating the biocompatibility and efficacy of these bioproducts. By day 15, the skin of both groups had healed completely. This research introduces a pioneering strategy by utilizing composite cements, traditionally used in dentistry, in the context of skin wound healing.

This study’s goal was to evaluate the biocompatibility of two composite cements over a 90-day period by analyzing the individuals’ behavior as well as conducting macroscopic and histological examinations and Computed Tomography (CT) scans. We conducted the cytotoxicity test by placing the materials subcutaneously and peri/intramuscularly. Days 30 and 90 were crucial for our research. On those days, we harvested the implants, kidneys and liver to search for any toxic deposits. The biomaterial’s uniformity, color and texture remained unaltered despite being in intimate contact with the tissue. Although a slight inflammatory response was observed in the placement location, we observed an improved outcome of the interaction between the material and its insertion area. There were no notable discoveries in the liver and kidneys. According to the obtained results, the biomaterials did not produce any clinical changes nor specific irritation during the research, demonstrating that they are biocompatible with biological tissues.

Canine extraskeletal osteosarcomas are mesenchymal, osteoid producing tumors that can arise in soft tissues without initial involvement of the bones. An 8-year-old intact male Beagle dog presented with anorexia, abdominal pain, intermittent vomiting and melena. The patient had a history of recurrent ingestion of cotton based-toy fragments, but no prior surgical procedures involving the abdominal cavity. During the exploratory laparotomy, a mass was identified in the jejunal wall. Surgical resection was performed, and tissue samples were collected for pathological examination. Histologically, the mass was diagnosed as osteoblastic osteosarcoma with fragments of cotton fiber material. The neoplastic cells were immunolabeled for vimentin and BMP-2, further supporting the morphological diagnosis. Seven months after the surgery, metastatic nodules were identified in the liver. The dog died ten months after intestinal mass resection. This case represents the first documented instance of metastatic intestinal osteosarcoma potentially caused by ingestion of cotton fiber material.

Angiostrongylus vasorum, commonly known as the French heartworm, is a metastrongyloid nematode infecting domestic and wild carnivores. While red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are known as the primary reservoir hosts in Europe, recent studies suggest that golden jackals (Canis aureus) could also be considered as important reservoir hosts. Due to the rapid expansion of golden jackals in Europe, their role in the epidemiology of A. vasorum remains insufficiently explored. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of A. vasorum in golden jackals from Romania. Between October 2013 and November 2024, a total of 137 golden jackals were collected from 21 counties in Romania through legal hunting or roadkill. A full parasitological necropsy was performed (other data presented elsewhere), with the cardiorespiratory tract dissected for adult nematodes. First-stage larvae (L1) were isolated using the Baermann method. Morphological examination of nematodes and larvae was conducted using standard microscopy. Molecular identification of adult nematodes was carried out using PCR targeting the ITS-2 region, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Additionally, histopathological analysis was performed on lung tissue. A. vasorum was identified in the pulmonary arteries of 2 out of 137 golden jackals (1.45 %). The presence of first-stage larvae in lung tissue confirmed their role as definitive hosts. Molecular sequencing revealed 100 % identity with A. vasorum isolated from Europe. Histopathological examination showed granulomatous pneumonia with parasitic eggs, larvae, and vascular changes associated with the infection. This study confirms golden jackals as suitable hosts for A. vasorum in Romania, indicating their potential role as reservoir hosts. Given the increasing overlap between jackals, domestic dogs, and red foxes, further surveillance is needed to understand the epidemiological implications of A. vasorum in wildlife and domestic animal health.