Synanthropic rodents, due to their close contact with humans, have always been a concern because of their substantial impact on both the economy and public health. This study aims to investigate the presence of ectoparasites in rodents captured during pest control campaigns in various Italian provinces (Bologna, Forlì‐Cesena, Rimini, Ravenna, Arezzo) in northern‐central Italy. We examined a total of 140 carcasses of brown rats ( Rattus norvegicus – 81 samples), black rats ( Rattus rattus – 49 samples) and house mice ( Mus musculus – 10 samples). Skin samples were collected, digested in sodium hydroxide and microscopically examined after the enrichment method. The results revealed the presence of Polyplax spinulosa lice in 44 subjects (31.4%), Myobiidae mites in 13 subjects (9.3%), Laelaps echidninus and Notoedres muris in 7 subjects respectively (5%) and mesostigmata mites in 3 (2.1%). A specimen of Rattus norvegicus was positive for the flea Nosopsyllus fasciatus. The conducted research has provided an overview of the arthropods present on the fur and skin of synanthropic mice and rats in the surveyed provinces. This study represents a baseline investigation, particularly considering the lack of nationwide and scarce European data.

Disseminated aspergillosis is uncommon in dogs and typically caused by Aspergillus terreus . This report describes a systemic aspergillosis linked to discospondylitis in an 8‐year‐old spayed female German Shepherd presented with a 2‐week history of neck pain, progressive proprioceptive ataxia and ambulatory paraparesis and lameness of the left front limb. For the first time, an atypical strain of Aspergillus floccosus , section Terrei , was identified by culture and molecular methods. This finding emphasises the importance of molecular biology in fungal species identification, which is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Our report further highlights that fungal infections should always be considered in German Shepherds with neurological signs, and the importance of maintaining antifungal therapy even in patients with few or no clinical or laboratory signs of active infection to prevent deterioration and death.

Mycetoma is a fungal chronic skin proliferative lesion rarely encountered in horses and often associated with fungi such as Scedosporium spp., Madurella spp., Phialophora spp., Curvularia spp., and less frequently with Aspergillus spp. A case of subcutaneous mycetoma in the cervical region in a 7-year-old male Quarter Horse, diagnosed through cytological, histological, cultural and molecular methods, is reported. Aspergillus nidulans, usually implicated in guttural pouch mycosis, was identified. This unusual case represents the second case report of mycetoma caused by Aspergillus nidulans in the horse and highlights the importance of including mycotic diseases in the differential diagnosis of nodular skin masses in equine patients.

Rumenitis is an inflammatory condition of the rumen, typically seen in adult cattle managed on high-energy diets. In calves, it is uncommon and often linked to ruminal drinking due to esophageal groove dysfunction. Early diagnosis is challenging due to nonspecific clinical signs. A one-month-old male Limousin calf was presented with persistent non-fetid fluid regurgitation, rhythmic mastication, inappetence, and progressive neurological signs. Clinical examination revealed signs of dehydration and neurological dysfunction. Laboratory evaluation demonstrated metabolic acidosis (pH 7.16), hyperkalemia, and elevated serum urea. Endoscopy identified diffuse mucosal hyperemia, erosions, and fluid accumulation in the rumen. Symptomatic and supportive therapy was initiated; however, the calf died spontaneously. Necropsy was therefore performed, and rumen samples were collected for histological and microbiological investigations. Histopathological analysis confirmed acute suppurative rumenitis. The microbiological culture of rumen and reticulum samples yielded mixed bacterial flora, including Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis. The fungal culture isolated Penicillium spp., Mucoraceae, Geotrichium spp., and Aspergillus fumigatus. This case details the value of integrating clinical examination, blood gas analysis, endoscopy, histopathology, and microbiology in diagnosing rumenitis in young calves. Although Limousin calves are not considered predisposed, management and feeding practices may play a critical role in disease onset. Rumenitis should be considered in calves presenting persistent regurgitation and neurological signs. Early, minimally invasive diagnostics such as endoscopy can improve diagnostic accuracy and inform timely clinical decision-making.

Canine systemic aspergillosis is a rare but highly serious condition, often associated with a fatal outcome. This review encompasses all reported cases of canine systemic aspergillosis from 1978 to the present, focusing exclusively on studies in which the diagnosis was confirmed through fungal culture. A total of 155 clinical cases reported in the literature were included. Among these, the German Shepherd was the most frequently affected breed (65.16%), followed by mixed-breed dogs (7.74%). The predominant Aspergillus species isolated was A. terreus (57.69%), although other species were also reported, including A. deflectus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, A. caninus, A. versicolor, A. alabamensis, A. citrinoterreus, and A. floccosus. Recognizing clinical signs and accurately interpreting laboratory findings are crucial for early diagnosis and timely intervention, both of which can potentially improve outcomes. This review provides a detailed discussion of these aspects.