Despite the well-established link between animal abuse and interpersonal violence, animal mistreatment remains a global issue. Challenges such as inconsistent legislation, limited training of specialized pathologists, and lack of regional data persist and must be addressed. In Spain, the real incidence of animal abuse is unknown, and the literature on the topic remains scarce. This study aims to assess the evolution of feline abuse cases in the Community of Madrid, Spain, since the publication of a previous study in the same region. Over a five-year period (2020–2024), 53 cats with suspected abuse were diagnosed at the Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Unit of the VISAVET Health Surveillance Center. Thirty-one cats (58.49%) died from non-natural causes: 17 (32.07%) due to blunt force trauma, eight (15.09%) due to poisoning, and six (11.32%) due to projectile injuries. Natural causes accounted for 21 cases (39.62%). Compared to the previous study, data suggest a possible upward trend in the number of cats referred with suspected animal abuse, including eight new cases of ethylene glycol poisoning. The correlation between the type of suspected abuse and final diagnosis was very low. This article examines current challenges related to animal violence, with particular emphasis on feline colonies, and promotes awareness among both veterinary and non-veterinary professionals.

A 20‐year‐old neutered male ring‐tailed lemur ( Lemur catta ) diagnosed with an intrathoracic mass died during surgical excision. Morphological characteristics of the mass during necropsy were consistent with a mediastinal abscess in the left hemithorax. Histological examination identified a disseminated histiocytic sarcoma involving spleen, kidneys, multiple lymph nodes, diaphragm and parietal pleura, as well as a concurrent follicular lymphoma in a separate lymph node. A mixed metastatic infiltrate composed of both neoplasms was found within the capsule of the intrathoracic abscess. Immunohistochemical analysis (Iba‐1, CD3, PAX‐5, IRF‐4, pancytokeratin AE1/AE3 and Ki‐67) confirmed both neoplasms and revealed mild IRF‐4 immunoreactivity for histiocytic sarcoma cells. The histomorphologic and immunohistochemical features of the histiocytic sarcoma in this Lemur catta were characteristic of this condition in other species. This report documents the first case of histiocytic sarcoma in Lemur catta , providing novel histopathological and immunohistochemical insights of this condition in prosimians.

Snakebites pose a significant public health risk to both humans and animals in many countries. In Spain, the presence of three viper species, Vipera latastei, Vipera seoanei, and Vipera aspis, complicates clinical management in veterinary settings. There is currently no standardized veterinary protocol for treating viper bites in many countries. This retrospective study analyzed the clinical approaches employed by Spanish veterinary centers in treating canine viper bites within the distribution range of these species. Data from 62 clinical cases across 58 veterinary centers were reviewed, including demographic information, clinical findings, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment for each biotope. The analysis found no demographic differences among the three species, except for variations in the identification methods (owner reports and clinical signs) used by veterinary centers. While main clinical findings (inflammation, edema, local pain) were generally consistent, differences in the incidence of hyperthermia and local necrosis were noted, particularly between Vipera seoanei and Vipera aspis. Only in V. aspis bite accidents were neurological signs of depression evident. Antivenom was not used in any of the protocols; however, centers utilized various pharmacological treatments (fluid replacement, opioids, glucocorticoids, antibiotics) depending on the region. The observed mortality rate (6.5 %) aligned with those reported for other European viper species. These findings establish a foundation for current practices in Spain, highlight key differences, and underscore the need for species-specific protocols in other countries, supporting the rationale for future targeted studies worldwide.