Veterinary Sciences

Stress and dermatosis or itching are strictly related to mange caused by Sarcoptes spp. and Chorioptes spp. mites, which are particularly stressful in alpacas. Treatment is challenging due to limited options, poor response, and low topical efficacy. Paradoxically, veterinary procedures can exacerbate stress, worsening the clinical conditions of these fragile prey species. This case report aims to highlight the key role of stress in the onset and evolution of dermatological diseases. Three alpacas, introduced to an animal theme park, developed dermatological issues three months later. Clinical exams revealed mild itching, and alopecic and hyperkeratotic lesions on their ears, belly, and limbs. Skin scrapings confirmed Sarcoptes scabiei and Chorioptes bovis. Subcutaneous ivermectin was administered at 0.2 mg/kg, repeated at 7, 14, and 21 days. Weekly inspections monitored disease progression and stress responses, including increased vigilance, running, jumping, vocalizations, tachycardia, and tachypnoea. Due to the persistent stress and despite positive parasitological test results, treatment was suspended after day 21, with remote disease monitoring. A month later, the parasitological exam was negative, and three months later, all alpacas showed no clinical signs of complete hair regrowth. Understanding and addressing stress in alpacas is vital in veterinary practice for effective disease management and overall well-being. Full article

This study aimed to describe the gross and histological features of multiple endocrine and non-endocrine neoplasia, including multiple PGLs found in two Boxer dogs. Additionally, the identified PGLs were immunohistochemically evaluated, and the subunits 2, 3, and 4 of the SDHD gene were screened for possible mutations. The tumors identified include aortic and carotid body PGLs, thyroid follicular-compact carcinoma, and subcutaneous lipomas. One case also had a Leydig cell tumor and adrenal cortex hyperplasia, while the other had H-type pancreatic carcinoma. Three out of 4 PGLs appeared benign, but one aortic body tumor showed malignant features with neoplastic emboli at its edge. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the neuroendocrine origin of all PGLs, with positive staining for Chromogranin A, NSE, and variable positivity for S100. No somatic mutations were found in exons 2, 3, and 4 of the SDHD gene in any of the evaluated PGLs. The absence of mutations in the evaluated SDHD gene subunits suggests the involvement of other genetic factors or pathways in the development of these tumors, warranting further investigation in this field. Full article

Synanthropic rodents are species well adapted to coexisting in anthropogenically influenced environments. This coexistence raises concerns about the potential risks of pathogen’s transmission due to their close proximity to human habitats. This study presents an epidemiological survey of the gastrointestinal helminth fauna in synanthropic rodents (Mus musculus, Rattus rattus, and Rattus norvegicus) from the Emilia-Romagna Region (Italy), aiming to provide updated data on the endoparasitic populations in these species. A total of 111 rodents, sampled from 2019 to 2021 during pest control programs, were examined for parasitic infections. Helminths were extracted through necropsy and microscopic analysis of gastrointestinal tracts and sediment, with species identification based on morphological characteristics. Overall, 72.1% of the rodents were found to be parasitized, with nematodes being the most prevalent. Syphacia muris, Aspiculuris tetraptera, Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, and Heterakis spumosa were the most frequently identified nematodes. Tapeworms, including Rodentolepis nana and Hymenolepis diminuta, were also detected, albeit in lower frequencies. The trematode Brachylaima recurva was recovered only in one R. rattus. Co-infection was common, particularly among rats, with 51.8% of black rats and 22% of brown rats harboring multiple parasitic species. Mice exhibited lower levels of polyparasitism, with only two individuals showing mixed infections. Interestingly, disparities between the detection of adult helminths and parasitic eggs were noted, especially in cases where no adults were observed, but eggs were found through sediment analysis. These findings suggest that traditional necropsy, especially with poorly preserved carcasses, may underestimate parasite prevalence. This highlights the importance of combining necropsy with microscopic techniques, such as flotation and sedimentation, for a more thorough assessment. Using these methods, nematodes with direct life cycles, such as Syphacia spp., Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, and Heterakis spumosa, have been confirmed as widespread and cosmopolitan among rodent populations. The detection of zoonotic parasites raises concerns about potential transmission to humans, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and high rodent densities. These findings underscore the need for integrated rodent control and environmental sanitation to reduce zoonotic risks. Full article

Alterations of the BRAF gene and the resulting changes in the BRAF protein are one example of molecular cancer profiling in humans and dogs. We tested 227 samples of canine carcinomas from different anatomical sites (anal sac (n = 23), intestine (n = 21), liver (n = 21), lungs (n = 19), mammary gland (n = 20), nasal cavity (n = 21), oral epithelium (n = 18), ovary (n = 20), prostate (n = 21), thyroid gland (n = 21), urinary bladder (n = 22)) with two commercially available primary anti-BRAF^V600E antibodies (VE1 Ventana, VE1 Abcam). The immunohistochemical results were confirmed with droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). BRAF^V595E-mutated cases were found in canine prostatic (16/21), urothelial (17/22), and oral squamous cell carcinomas (4/18), while other carcinoma types tested negative. Both antibodies showed consistent results, with intracytoplasmic immunolabeling of tumour cells, making them reliable tools for detecting the BRAF^V595E mutation in canine carcinomas. In conclusion, identifying BRAF mutations from biopsy material offers a valuable opportunity to enhance cancer treatment strategies (BRAF inhibitors) in canine urothelial carcinomas, prostatic carcinomas, and oral squamous cell carcinomas. Full article

We evaluated the surgical stress response of dogs undergoing three ovariohysterectomy (OVH) techniques. Twenty-nine healthy females were allocated into groups: celiotomy and ligature (CelioSut), celiotomy and bipolar energy (CelioBip), and a video-assisted technique using two portals and bipolar energy (VidBip). Clinical evaluation was performed, and the following blood analyses were determined: acute phase proteins (C-reactive protein and haptoglobin), white blood cell counting (WBC), and biomarkers of oxidative status. The VidBip required more time despite a smaller incision, lower heart rate, and earlier feeding and urination. All groups had high white blood cells counts; the C-reactive protein (CRP) levels peaked at 6 and 12 h in all groups and was higher in the CelioBip and VidBip groups compared to CelioSut; haptoglobin concentrations peaked at 48 h in all groups and increased in dogs of the CelioSut group. Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, ferric reducing ability of plasma, cupric reducing antioxidant capacity, and advanced oxidation protein were not significantly different among the groups or time points. Total thiol concentrations were lower in CelioBip and CelioSut groups. All surgical techniques induced an inflammatory and oxidative stress response, but the video-assisted technique produced early clinical recovery. The bipolar device produces fewer disturbances than suspensory ligament rupture and ligature. Full article

The occurrence of esophagitis and ingluvitis caused by Salmonella Typhimurium in passerines seized from illegal wildlife trafficking is described. This illegal activity causes stress and leads to lowered immunity in the birds. Additionally, inadequate hygiene conditions predispose the birds to diseases such as salmonellosis. Few studies report the occurrence of Salmonella-induced lesions in the esophagus and crop of passerines; therefore, this study aimed to describe the disease in birds of the genus Sporophila, as well as to investigate the presence of the bacterium in the environment and determine the antimicrobial resistance profile of the isolated bacteria. Three birds of the genus Sporophila were necropsied. In the esophagus and crop, yellowish plaques corresponding to necrosis with bacterial aggregates were observed. Salmonella spp. was isolated from these lesions, with genus confirmation via MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Environmental samples were collected from the enclosures and cages where the animals were quarantined, and the same bacterium was isolated. In two birds, the serotype S. Typhimurium was identified. Antibiograms performed on the strains from the birds and the environment revealed resistance to antibiotics in the classes of penicillins, sulfonamides, aminoglycosides, monobactams, tetracyclines, and first and third-generation cephalosporins. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of this agent causing death in Sporophila due to esophagitis and ingluvitis. It is also the first report of salmonellosis in three species of passerines in Brazil. The study underscores the importance of understanding the pathogens circulating in wild animals, especially within the context of One Health. Full article

This is a retrospective study about haematological ratios in different stages of canine periodontal disease in one single breed, more specifically the Portuguese Podengo. The aim of the study was to assess the clinical significance of five haematological ratios, namely neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), mean platelet volume-to-platelet count ratio (MPV/PLT), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and platelet-to-neutrophil ratio (PNR), easily obtained through the parameters provided by the complete blood count, in the stages of gingivitis and periodontitis, compared to clinical healthy individuals. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to identify ideal sensitivity and specificity cut-offs for cases of gingivitis or periodontitis. Our study included 80 dogs, which comprised 24 healthy dogs, 26 diagnosed with gingivitis, and 30 with periodontitis. The median NLR was significantly lower in periodontitis than in clinical healthy dogs (p = 0.040) and in dogs with gingivitis (p = 0.037). The median PLR was significantly lower in cases of gingivitis (p = 0.020) and periodontitis (p = 0.024) than in healthy dogs. MPV/PLT and MLR did not demonstrate significant differences between any of the three groups. The median PNR was significantly lower in gingivitis than in control dogs (p = 0.019). PNR had the highest accurate results, in distinguishing between healthy individuals and those with gingivitis, with an area under the curve of 0.692 (95% CI [0.539–0.845], p = 0.020). However, even this index had weak discriminatory power between the groups in the analysis. The impact of systemic inflammation generated by canine periodontal disease can thus be seen through some of these indices. However, the results obtained here demonstrate the need for complementarity with other methods to diagnose canine periodontal disease and reinforce the need for additional studies with more markers of systemic inflammatory response. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of color Doppler ultrasonography for examination of the blood flow areas in superficial grafts after 7 or 15 days of heterotopic allotransplantation, comparing an in-ear subcutaneous area (IE) with an in-neck cervical intramuscular area (IN) in goats. To monitor the local blood flow in the graft areas, color Doppler signals were assessed daily until days seven and fifteen, when the left and right implants, respectively, were removed. The areas of blood flow around the transplanted ovarian fragments were significantly larger (p < 0.05) in the IE area compared to the IN area after 7 (IE: 4.70 ± 0.33^A vs. IN: 3.67 ± 0.33^B) and 15 (IE: 5.27 ± 0.21^A vs. IN: 4.66 ± 0.22^B) days of transplantation. A positive and significant correlation was observed between the area of blood flow and the day of assessment after 7 (IE: r = 0.43; p < 0.05) and 15 (IE: r = 0.52; p = 0.001; IN: r = 0.42; p = 0.001) days of transplantation. In conclusion, color Doppler ultrasonography can be used for real-time assessment of local blood perfusion in ovarian grafts, making it possible to identify alterations in the blood flow area in the period following a transplant procedure. Full article

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation has been widely investigated for preserving female fertility. In the present study, we aimed to compare the effects of three concentrations (1, 1.5, and 3 M) of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) on the vitrification of ovarian tissue. The ovarian cortex was divided into control and vitrified groups: (i) 1 M-DMSO, (ii) 1.5 M-DMSO, and (iii) 3 M-DMSO. Follicles from all fragments were analyzed for DMSO-induced deleterious effects, morphological and morphometric aspects, and concentration of reactive oxygen species. Additionally, the fragments were cultured to assess the integrity and return of follicular development post-vitrification. All DMSO concentrations resulted in a higher percentage of degenerated preantral follicles than before the cryopreservation process. After vitrification, the cryopreserved ovarian fragments showed similar percentages of intact follicles; however, the 3 M DMSO concentration differed from the control. Analyzing free radical production, we found that the 3 M DMSO concentration had higher levels of oxidative stress than the lower DMSO. After in vitro cultivation of the vitrified/warmed fragments, the 1 M DMSO concentration exhibited higher percentages of morphologically intact follicles than the other concentrations. Therefore, we suggest that bovine preantral follicles can be cryopreserved in situ with greater efficiency in 1 M DMSO. Full article

The black skimmer (Rynchops niger) is a state-threatened, colonially nesting seabird in Florida, USA. Conservation threats include habitat alteration, human disturbances, severe weather, and predation. During nest monitoring (May–September, 2020–2022), black skimmer juveniles at colonies on Fort Myers Beach and Marco Island, Florida, had polyarthritis and died or were euthanized due to severe illness. Similarly-aged skimmers from geographically distant (considered unaffected) colonies were evaluated for comparison (2021–2023). We documented field, clinical, radiographical, and pathological findings to characterize disease and purported pathogenesis. The majority were lame and lethargic, in poor nutritional condition, and dehydrated. Additionally, 8/23 of the skimmers with dermatitis and arthritis from affected colonies also had penetrating sandspurs associated with skin ulceration, scabbing, and/or hemorrhage. The affected joints were often in limbs (interphalangeal and hock; less commonly stifle, elbow, carpus). A postmortem evaluation and bacteriology revealed Staphylococcal aureus-associated dermatitis, arthritis, tenosynovitis, and/or osteomyelitis in 21/22 of the juvenile skimmers from southwestern nest colonies. Staphylococcus aureus dissemination to internal organs occurred in 10/13 of the skimmers tested. Among skimmers evaluated from distant colonies, 5/10 that were examined histologically had skin crusting and inflammation but lacked arthritis. Occasional coinfections were documented (e.g., West Nile virus, Gram-negative bacilli). The results suggest that staphylococcal joint disease originated from sandspur-induced skin damage, followed by hematogenous dissemination to the joints and, occasionally, the internal organs. Additional nest sites should be tested to evaluate disease risk and potentially contributing environmental factors. We recommend that site managers employ techniques that reduce the risk of skimmer interactions with sandspurs. Full article

Mycoplasma bovis is a global concern for the cattle industry owing to its high rates of infection and resulting morbidity, but there are no reports on the lipid composition and metabolic pathways. This study examined the lipidomics of M. bovis to better investigate the biological characteristics of clinical isolates of M. bovis. The M. bovis strains NX114 and PG45, cultivated to log-phase, underwent untargeted lipidomics via ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for differential analysis. Over 65 lipid types and 1476 lipid molecules were identified. We found that glycerophospholipids and sphingolipids constitute the predominant lipid components of M. bovis, with significant constituents of its cell membrane comprising ceramides, phosphatidylglycerols, sphingomyelins, triacylglycerols, hexosylceramides, ether-linked oxidized phosphatidylcholines, and oxidized phosphatidylglycerols. Secondly, 562 differentially expressed lipid molecules were identified, including 17 lipid subclasses (15 up-regulated and 2 down-regulated) with significant differences in relative content. These findings indicate that distinct M. bovis isolates contain structurally varied lipid molecules, with sphingomyelin, phosphatidylinositol, cardiolipin, and phosphatidylcholine being characteristic lipids. The glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway was identified as a key pathway regulating lipid metabolism in M. bovis by KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. The results indicated alterations in the lipid metabolism of M. bovis, offering insights into its pathogenic mechanisms. Full article

A 9-week experiment investigated the effects of dietary cobalt levels on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and immunity of largemouth bass. Six feed groups were designed and each group received different cobalt levels, including 0.129 mg/kg (control group), 0.192 mg/kg, 0.201 mg/kg, 0.233 mg/kg, 0.277 mg/kg, and 0.316 mg/kg. The results show that the control group (0.129 mg/kg diet) had the lowest final body weight (FBW), weight gain rate (WGR), and specific growth rate (SGR), and the highest feed conversion ratio (FCR), when compared to the cobalt supplementation groups. Dietary cobalt levels of 0.192 mg/kg increased the body protein content and decreased the body moisture content. Regarding antioxidant capacity, the highest catalase (CAT) activity was found in the 0.277 mg/kg dietary cobalt group, while the malondialdehyde (MDA) content was significantly diminished; the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) content and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity exhibited the highest values in the 0.192 mg/kg and 0.233 mg/kg dietary cobalt groups, respectively. Regarding gene expression, compared with the control group, the mRNA expression of sod was upregulated in the 0.192 mg/kg, 0.233 mg/kg, and 0.277 mg/kg dietary cobalt groups, while the mRNA expression of gpx was diminished when dietary cobalt levels were below 0.233 mg/kg. In addition, the highest il-10 and tgf-β mRNA expression levels were observed in the 0.201 mg/kg and 0.233 mg/kg dietary cobalt groups, respectively. According to the quadratic regression analysis based on the SGR and FCR, the optimal requirement was 0.24 and 0.26 mg/kg of dietary cobalt, respectively. Full article

Twelve clinically healthy and sexually mature New Zealand White rabbits were studied. The non-contrast imaging included T1-weighted and T2-weighted spin-echo and gradient-echo sequences in the transverse, sagittal and dorsal planes. Transverse MRI (T2-weighted image) through L1 demonstrated only the right kidney. The transverse T2-weighted image through L2 showed both kidneys. The cranial part of the urinary bladder on T1-weighted transverse scans through L4 was flexed to the left. The T2-weighted sagittal image 30 mm to the right of the median plane showed the right kidney, the right ureter and the urinary bladder. The T2-weighted sagittal image 30 mm to the left of the median plane showed part of the left kidney, the left ureter and the urinary bladder. The T2-weighted sagittal image 45 mm to the left of the median plane presented the lateral part of the left kidney. The dorsal MRI image (T2-weighted sequence) through the horizontal plane 30 mm ventral to the spine demonstrated the whole organs. These data will be useful in imaging anatomy and diagnostic studies of various pathologies of the excretory system in rabbits and other mammalian species. Full article

Pseudopregnancy (PPG) is a common reproductive disorder in dairy goats, characterized by the accumulation of sterile fluid in the uterus and persistence of a corpus luteum, leading to temporary infertility and reduced farm efficiency. This study aimed to determine the pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) profile in dairy goats and to evaluate the PAG/P4 ratio as a potential novel biomarker for PPG diagnosis. A total of 605 Saanen and crossbreed mated goats were evaluated via transabdominal ultrasonography between 31 and 52 days after the removal of bucks in four intensive dairy farms, presenting an overall PPG incidence of 7.8%. Blood samples from PPG (n = 47), nonpregnant (NPG; negative control; n = 11), and pregnant (PG; positive control; n = 10) does were collected for PAG and P4 analysis. The PAG plasma levels were 0.08 ± 0.02, 0.13 ± 0.04, and 1.45 ± 0.04 OD (optical density) in the PPG, NPG, and PG groups, respectively (p < 0.001). The PAG/P4 ratio was lower in the PPG group (0.01 ± 0.11; p < 0.001) than in the NPG (0.24 ± 0.23) and PG (0.18 ± 0.23) groups. This difference allows for the establishment of a new methodological diagnostic approach to PPG. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.996 for a cut-off of 0.04 and 97.9% and 100% sensitivity and specificity, respectively. This study suggests that the PAG/P4 ratio can serve as a reliable biomarker for PPG diagnosis, helping to distinguish it from pregnancy and nonpregnancy and improving reproductive management in dairy goats. Full article

(1) Background: Intervertebral disc extrusion may be accompanied by extensive epidural hemorrhage (EEH) and result in spinal cord compression. EEH is more commonly seen in French Bulldogs compared to other breeds. The majority of French Bulldogs have lumbar intervertebral disc extrusion, but it is unclear if there is an association between the site of thoracolumbar disc extrusion and EEH. This retrospective study’s aim was to investigate the association and prevalence between the site of thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion and EEH in French Bulldogs. (2) Methods: Thoracolumbar MRI of French Bulldogs was examined for the site of intervertebral disc extrusion and the presence, distribution, and extent of EEH. (3) Results: In 148 French Bulldogs with thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion, the most common location was L4/L5 (22%), followed by L3/L4 (20%) and T13/L1 (15%), and 70.3% had EEH. The highest incidence of EEH across all thoracolumbar sites was seen at L1/L2 (84.2%), followed by L5/L6 (81.3%) and L2/L3 (72.2%). The incidence of EEH was 70.5% across all lumbar sites and 66.9% for all thoracic sites. (4) Conclusion: In this population of French Bulldogs, the prevalence of lumbar disc extrusion was high, and 70.3% had EEH. There was no significant difference between the site of thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion and EEH. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the selective effect of the reproductive tract mucus in cows that have consistently produced offspring of a single sex on X/Y spermatozoa. We collected mucus from the reproductive tract of cows that had given calvings to offspring of the same sex, or alternated between sexes, for more than five consecutive calvings. We evaluated the pH of reproductive tract mucus. Subsequently, we conducted a spermatozoa penetration assay; the proportions of X and Y spermatozoa after penetration were then identified by dual TaqMan qPCR and flow cytometry. This was followed by in vitro fertilization and embryo sex determination experiments. Immediately afterwards, computer-aided spermatozoa analysis was employed to analyze the spermatozoa that had penetrated through different types of mucus in the reproductive tract. The analysis indicated that the reproductive tract mucus of cows consistently producing male or female calves exhibited selectivity towards X/Y spermatozoa. The differences in the pH values of the reproductive tract mucus among cows continuously producing male calves, those continuously producing female calves, and those alternately giving birth to male and female calves were not significant (p ≥ 0.05). The outcome of dual TaqMan qPCR for cows consistently producing male calves was Y: 79.29 ± 4.28% vs. X: 21.67 ± 4.53%; for cows consistently producing female calves, the equation was Y: 25.05 ± 4.88% vs. X: 75.34 ± 5.13%. The results of flow cytometry processing revealed the following proportions: for cows consistently producing male calves: Y: 83.33 ± 5.52% vs. X: 17.23 ± 4.74%; for cows consistently producing female calves: Y: 24.81 ± 4.13% vs. X: 76.64 ± 4.21%. The outcomes of embryo sex determination for cows consistently producing male calves were as follows: male embryos vs. female embryos (79.60 ± 2.87% vs. 21.07 ± 2.51%); for cows consistently producing female calves, the outcomes for male embryos vs. female embryos were 25.58 ± 3.96% vs. 75.63 ± 3.55%. Computer-aided analysis revealed that the concentration of spermatozoa penetrating the reproductive tract mucus in cows alternating between male and female calves (9.09 ± 0.72 million/mL) was significantly higher than that in cows consistently producing male calves (6.01 ± 1.19 million/mL) and cows consistently producing female calves (5.61 ± 0.60 million/mL). There were no significant differences in spermatozoa motility, the proportion of progressive motile spermatozoa, and curvilinear, straight-line, and average path velocities. Collectively, these findings indicate that the reproductive tract mucus of cows consistently producing offspring of a single sex exhibits selectivity towards either X or Y spermatozoa. This finding is of great significance for studying the impact of maternal factors on offspring sex. Full article

The Caretta caretta is the only known sea turtle that nests along the coasts of the Mediterranean Sea. It is considered a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) because it is threatened by human activities. The aim of this work was to analyze biochemical parameters in different age groups of C. caretta subjects recovered at the Centro di Referenza Nazionale sul Benessere, Monitoraggio e Diagnostica delle Malattie delle Tartarughe Marine (C.Re.Ta.M.), Sicily. Biometric parameters were recorded for each subject. Peripheral blood was collected and centrifuged, and 18 biochemical parameters were analyzed. Glucose and total proteins showed lower values in juvenile turtles than in sub-adult and adult subjects. Since blood biochemical parameters can be influenced by several factors (age, sex, infectious disease, or trauma), we evaluated differences in the values of some parameters between the reproductive and non-reproductive seasons of adult turtles whose sex and cause of stranding could be determined. Despite the small number of subjects, it would seem that, in adult turtles, the values of ALP, γ-GT, Fe, and LDH are higher during the reproductive season. These biochemical variations showed important differences in the parameters, underlining their importance in assessing the health status of turtles and better understanding their physiology during different stages of their lives. Full article

Lameness, also attributed to musculoskeletal disorders of the back, is a major issue in dairy cow farming, affecting both animal welfare and economics. Chiropractic techniques are well studied in humans and horses for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. The anatomy of the bovine spine differs significantly from that of horses, but the knowledge of the animal’s specific anatomy is crucial for chiropractic treatment. This report explores how chiropractic methods could be adapted to cattle, considering their unique anatomy, and potentially integrated into standard veterinary care. Five case reports and an example of measuring the alignment of the facet joints in the spine are presented and discussed. Chiropractic treatments showed success in alleviating lameness and spinal issues in dairy cows, particularly when combined with other interventions. However, the role of chiropractic treatment in cattle as a complementary therapy needs further research. Full article

Newcastle disease virus (NDV), known as avian paramyxovirus-1, poses a significant threat to poultry production worldwide. Vaccination currently stands as the most effective strategy for Newcastle disease control. However, the mesogenic vaccine strain Mukteswar has been observed to evolve into a velogenic variant JS/7/05/Ch during poultry immunization. Here, we aimed to explore the mechanisms underlying virulence enhancement of the two viruses. Pathogenically, JS/7/05/Ch mediated stronger virulence and pathogenicity in vivo compared to Mukteswar. Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed 834 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), comprising 339 up-regulated and 495 down-regulated genes, in the spleen, and 716 DEGs, with 313 up-regulated and 403 down-regulated genes, in the thymus. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis indicated that these candidate targets primarily participated in cell and biological development, extracellular part and membrane composition, as well as receptor and binding activity. Furthermore, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis unveiled a substantial portion of candidate genes predominantly involved in cellular processes, environmental information processing, metabolism, and organismal systems. Additionally, five DEGs (TRAT1, JUP, LPAR4, CYB561A3, and CXCR5) were randomly identified through RNA-seq analysis and subsequently confirmed via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The findings revealed a marked up-regulation in the expression levels of these DEGs induced by JS/7/05/Ch compared to Mukteswar, with CYB561A3 and CXCR5 exhibiting significant increases. The findings corroborated the sequencing accuracy, offering promising research directions. Taken together, we comprehensively evaluated transcriptomic alterations in chicken immune organs infected by NDV strains of diverse virulence. This study establishes a basis and direction for NDV virulence research. Full article