Armands Vekšins

Prof. Dr. Armands Vekšins

Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Jelgava, Jelgavas Novads, Latvia
orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

9Years (2018-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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30 July 2022 in Veterinary World
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
Armands VekšinsArmands Vekšins
Armands Vekšins
Background and Aim: Upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) is prevalent in cats, and diagnosis can be challenging. This study aimed to determine the most common causes of cat URTD in Latvia and describe computed tomography (CT) and laboratory diagnostic findings. Materials and Methods: The present retrospective study included a total of 94 cats who were diagnosed with URTD. All cats underwent CT, and 50 of them had additional diagnostic tests, such as histology and respiratory infection polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. Results: The most common CT finding was rhinosinusitis (55.32%) followed by nasal neoplasia (26.6%) and nasopharyngeal polyp (14.89%), but in three cats, a cause of respiratory symptoms was larynx neoplasia, nasal dermoid cyst, and an oronasal fistula. PCR test showed that the most cause of rhinosinusitis was Mycoplasma felis. Nasopharyngeal polyp as the primary diagnosis was identified in 14 cats from 3 months to 6 years, with an average age of 1.85 ± 1.915 years, and 54% of cats were female. Nasal neoplasia as a primary CT diagnosis was determined in 25 cats at the age of 5–18 years, with an average age of 10.56 ± 3.416 years. Histology diagnosis included four types of neoplasia – squamous cell carcinoma, sarcoma, adenocarcinoma, and aplastic carcinoma. Conclusion: This study describes the most common CT and laboratory findings in cats with URTD. Included information will be helpful for general veterinary practitioners and researchers and will update their knowledge on feline URTD.

4 February 2022 in Veterinary World
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
Liga KovalcukaLiga Kovalcuka
Liga Kovalcuka
DKDace Keidāne
Dace Keidāne
AKAlīna Kļaviņa
Alīna Kļaviņa
MGMarta Barbara Grasberga
Marta Barbara Grasberga
Armands VekšinsArmands Vekšins
Armands Vekšins
Background and Aim: There is little understanding about antiparasitic drug prescription trends and implementation to reduce possible drug overuse or misuse worldwide. This study aimed to review sheep parasite control strategies and antiparasitic drug use habits in Latvia. To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first study in the world that describes how antiparasitic drugs are used and what are the most common drug usage errors in a sheep farm. Materials and Methods: A semi-structured questionnaire was designed to collect relevant information from face-to-face interviews to assess 22 sheep farmers' knowledge and management procedures in farms. We collected information about animal feeding, herding, parasite diagnostics, and antiparasitic drug usage. The questionnaire summary included information on pasture use, parasite control management, and anthelmintic drug choice/use. Results: Only 36% of farms regularly managed parasite control by analyzing fecal samples for parasites, but prophylactic deworming was employed in all farms. Ivermectin, albendazole, levamisole, and monepantel were used on the farms and most of the farms were multidrug users; 77.3% of the farms used albendazole and 72.7% used ivermectin. Conclusion: The results indicated a lack of parasitological examination and parasite control of the flock, mostly empiric drug selection, incorrect dosing, inaccurate drug administration, drug storage, and use errors. A proactive approach to herd health planning, regular parasitic control, and prophylactic measures may benefit farmers and veterinarians.

11 November 2019 in Anatomia, Histologia, Embryologia
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
PDF file
Armands VekšinsArmands Vekšins
Armands Vekšins
OKOskars Kozinda
Oskars Kozinda
CSCharlotte Sandersen
Charlotte Sandersen

15 August 2021 in Veterinary Record Case Reports
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Armands VekšinsArmands Vekšins
Armands Vekšins
OPOlga Ponomarjova
Olga Ponomarjova
charlotte sandersencharlotte sandersen
charlotte sandersen
AKAlīna Kļaviņa
Alīna Kļaviņa
A 1.5‐year‐old male American Staffordshire Terrier with a chronic cough was referred to the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies veterinary hospital. A diagnosis of bronchopneumopathy was reached by means of radiography and CT. Nematode parasites were detected during bronchoscopy and were collected by bronchoalveolar lavage. Parasitological examination confirmed infection with Crenosoma vulpis . Treatment with fenbendazole at 50 mg/kg for 3 days was effective.

13 February 2026 in Animals
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MNMadara Nikolajenko
Madara Nikolajenko
Liga KovalcukaLiga Kovalcuka
Liga Kovalcuka
ILIvars Lusis
Ivars Lusis
AMAija Malniece
Aija Malniece
Armands VekšinsArmands Vekšins
Armands Vekšins
Kaspars KovalenkoKaspars Kovalenko
Kaspars Kovalenko
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in food-producing animals is a growing One Health concern. However, data on AMR in indicator microorganisms from clinically healthy dairy cattle in Latvia remain limited. This study aimed to characterize the AMR profiles of Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. isolated from rectal swabs and bulk-tank milk collected from 18 dairy farms between February and May 2025. Bacterial identification was performed using conventional culturing and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using the disk diffusion (Kirby–Bauer) method, interpreted according to European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) guidelines. Resistance levels were further quantified using resistance scores (R-scores) and the Multiple Antibiotic Resistance Index (MARI). In total, 582 E. coli and 428 Enterococcus spp. isolates were recovered from rectal swabs, with E. coli showing the highest resistance to ampicillin (12.5%) and amoxicillin–clavulanic acid (6.7%), whereas resistance to tetracycline was rare (0.3%). Enterobacteriaceae from milk exhibited higher resistance to ampicillin (45.8%) and amoxicillin–clavulanic acid (20.8%). Among Enterococcus spp., resistance was highest to an antibiotic not used in dairy cows in Latvia quinupristin–dalfopristin (69.2%), while resistance to vancomycin and linezolid remained low (0.5% each). Milk-derived enterococci showed a comparable pattern, with additional resistance to streptomycin (25%). Overall, resistance levels and multidrug resistance were low. However, the presence of sporadic resistant isolates and elevated MARI values, particularly in large-scale farms and milk-derived bacteria, highlights the importance of continued AMR surveillance and prudent antimicrobial use in the Latvian dairy sector.

10 December 2018 in Research for Rural Development
Verified
Conference Paper
Closed access
LTLatvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies
Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies
Armands VekšinsArmands Vekšins
Armands Vekšins
OKOskars Kozinda
Oskars Kozinda