Showing papers in "Veterinarni Medicina in 2018"

Hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan): a review

Abstract: Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a high molecular weight biopolysacharide, discovered in 1934, by Karl Meyer and his assistant, John Palmer in the vitreous of bovine eyes. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring biopolymer, which has important biological functions in bacteria and higher animals including humans. It is found in most connective tissues and is particularly concentrated in synovial fluid, the vitreous fluid of the eye, umbilical cords and chicken combs. It is naturally synthesized by a class of integral membrane protein s called hyaluronan synthases, and degraded by a family of enzymes called hyaluronidases. This review describes metabolisms, different physi - ological and pathological functions, basic pharmacological properties, and the clinical use of hyaluronic acid.

Innate and adaptive immunity in teleost fish: a review.

Abstract: The immune system of fish is very similar to vertebrates, although there are some important dif - ferences. Fish are free-living organisms from the embryonic stage of life in their aquatic environment. They have mechanisms to protect themselves from a wide variety of microorganisms. Consequently, fish rely on their innate immune system for an extended period of time, beginning at the early stages of embryogenesis. The components of the innate immune response are divided into physical, cellular and humoral factors and include humoral and cellular receptor molecules that are soluble in plasma and other body fluids. The lymphoid organs found in fish include the thymus, spleen and kidney. Immunoglobulins are the principal components of the immune response against pathogenic organisms. Immunomodulatory products, including nucleotides, glucans and probiotics, are increasingly used in aquaculture production. The use of these products reduces the need for therapeutic treatments, enhances the effects of vaccines and, in turn, improves the indicators of production. The aim of this review is to provide a review of the immune system in fish, including the ontogeny, mechanisms of unspecific and acquired immunity and the action of some immunomodulators.

Carrageenan: a review.

Abstract: Carrageenan is a natural carbohydrate (polysaccharide) obtained from edible red seaweeds. The name Carrageenan is derived from the Chondrus crispus species of seaweed known as Carrageen Moss or Irish Moss in England, and Carraigin in Ireland. Carraigin has been used in Ireland since 400 AD as a gelatin and as a home remedy to cure coughs and colds. It grows along the coasts of North America and Europe. Carrageenans are used in a variety of commercial applications as gelling, thickening, and stabilising agents, especially in food products and sauces. Aside from these functions, carrageenans are used in experimental medicine, pharmaceutical formulations, cosmetics, and industrial applications.

Chromium as an essential nutrient: a review

Abstract: Chromium (Cr) has been studied since the end of the 19 th century, when carcinogenic effects of hexavalent Cr were discovered. Essentiality of trivalent Cr was demonstrated in 1959; Cr 3+ has been studied in humans and laboratory animals since the 1970s and it is only since the 1990s that Cr has been studied as an essen- tial element in livestock animals with the same intensity. Trivalent chromium is essential to normal carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism. Chromium is biologically active as part of an oligopeptide - chromodulin - poten- tiating the effect of insulin by facilitating insulin binding to receptors at the cell surface. With chromium acting as a cofactor of insulin, Cr activity in the organism is parallel to insulin functions. Cr absorption is low, ranging between 0.4 and 2.0% for inorganic compounds while the availability of organic Cr is more than 10 times higher. Absorbed Cr circulates in blood bound to the β-globulin plasma fraction and is transported to tissues bound to transferrin. Absorbed Cr is excreted primarily in urine, by glomerular filtration; a small amount is excreted through perspiration, bile and in milk. The demand for Cr has been growing as a result of factors commonly referred to as stressors, especially during different forms of nutritional, metabolic and physical strain. This review describes Cr metabolism, the different biological functions of Cr and symptoms of Cr deficiency.

Metals as a cause of oxidative stress in fish: a review.

Abstract: This review summarizes the current knowledge on the contribution of metals to the development of oxidative stress in fish. Metals are important inducers of oxidative stress in aquatic organisms, promoting formation of reactive oxygen species through two mechanisms. Redox active metals generate reactive oxygen species through redox cycling, while metals without redox potential impair antioxidant defences, especially that of thiol-containing antioxidants and enzymes. Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species lead to oxidative damage including lipid peroxi - dation, protein and DNA oxidation, and enzyme inactivation. Antioxidant defences include the enzyme system and low molecular weight antioxidants. Metal-binding proteins, such as ferritin, ceruloplasmin and metallothioneins, have special functions in the detoxification of toxic metals and also play a role in the metabolism and homeostasis of essential metals. Recent studies of metallothioneins as biomarkers indicate that quantitative analysis of mRNA expression of metallothionein genes can be appropriate in cases with elevated levels of metals and no evidence of oxidative damage in fish tissue. Components of the antioxidant defence are used as biochemical markers of oxidative stress. These markers may be manifested differently in the field than in results found in laboratory studies. A complex approach should be taken in field studies of metal contamination of the aquatic environment.

Lactoferrin: A review

Abstract: This review discusses the biological properties of the glycoprotein lactoferrin. Lactoferrin has been identified in secretions from exocrine glands and in specific granules of neutrophils. After degranulation, neutrophils become the main source of lactoferrin in blood plasma. Lactoferrin possesses various biological functions, including roles in iron metabolism, cell proliferation and differentiation, and antibacterial, antiviral, and antiparasitic activity. Many of these functions do not appear to be connected with its iron binding ability. Of late, lactoferrin concentrations have been measured mostly in humans but also in some other species. However, the relationship between its concentration and physiological or pathological effects on body functions is not yet well

Negative effects of malachite green and possibilities of its replacement in the treatment of fish eggs and fish: a review

Abstract: Malachite green has been used as an effective compound to control external fungal and protozoan infections of fish since 1933 but it has never been registered as a veterinary drug for use in food fish because of its potential carcinogenicity, mutagenicity and teratogenicity in mammals. The present paper reviews negative side- effects of malachite green including its accumulation and persistence in fish that have been treated and describes other alternative substances for the treatment of fish and fish eggs.

Nitrofuran antibiotics: a review on the application, prohibition and residual analysis

Abstract: Nitrofuran antibiotics, employed for the treatment of bacterial diseases in livestock production, were banned from use in the European Union (EU) in 1995 due to concerns about the carcinogenicity of their residues in edible tissue. This review provides an overview of nitrofuran toxicity, metabolism, and also specific aspects of legislation surrounding their prohibition. Special attention is devoted to semicarbazide - a nitrofuran metabolite and food contaminant. Analytical procedures for nitrofuran analysis in various matrices and validation require - List of abbreviations AHD = 1-aminohydantoin; AOZ = 3-amino-2-oxazolidinone; AMOZ = 3-amino-5-morpholino-methyl-1,3-oxa- zolidinone; CC α = decision limit; CC β = detection capability; EC = European Commission; EFSA = European Food Safety Authority; ELISA = enzyme linked immuno-adsorbent assay; ESI = electro-spray ionisation; EU = European Union; FTD = furaltadone; FZD = furazolidone; HPLC = high performance liquid chromatography; IC = inhibition concentration; LC = liquid chromatography; LOD = limit of detection; MS = mass spectrometry; NFT = nitrofurantoin; NFZ = nitrofurazone; NP = nitrophenyl; NPAHD = 3-(2-nitrobenzylidenamino)-2,4-imi- dazolidinedione); NPAMOZ = 5-(morpholinomethyl)-3-(2-nitrobenzylidenamino)-2-oxazolidinone); NPAOZ = (3-(2-nitrobenzylidenamino)-2-oxazolidinone); NPSEM = 3((2-nitrophenyl)methylene)-hydrazinecarboxamide; o-NBA = ortho-nitrobenzaldehyde; RASFF = Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed; SE = solvent extraction; SEM = semicarbazide; SPE = solid phase extraction; UV = ultraviolet

Alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters in prevention of diarrhoea in weaned piglets: a review.

Abstract: The weaning time is a crucial period in the management of piglets. The risk of development of post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD) in piglets is high. PWD is the cause of serious economic losses in pig herds. Since 2006, the use of antibiotic growth promoters for prevention of diarrhoeal diseases in piglets has been banned. This measure also led to the investigation of alternative suitable feed supplements that would be reasonably effi- cient in protecting and sustaining animal health and performance. Various natural materials such as probiotics, prebiotics, organic acids, zinc and plant extracts have been tested as effective alternatives to antibiotics. Recently, owing to their high adsorption capacity, research efforts have been conducted on the application of natural clays and clay-based feed supplements. The purpose of this review is to summarize the effect of different alternative components as growth promoters on the health and performance of weaned and growing piglets.

Susceptibility of Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp and Clostridium perfringens to organic acids and monolaurin

Abstract: The antimicrobial activity of fatty acids, monolaurin, citric, succinic, fumaric, malic and lactic acid was determined in cultures of two strains of Escherichia coli, three strains of Salmonella sp. and two strains of Clostridium perfringens. Antimicrobial activity was expressed as minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) that prevented growth and glucose utilization in treated cultures. Caprylic acid was the only acid inhibiting glucose utilization in all cultures. Its MIC varied from 1 to 3 mg/ml. Strains CCM 3954 and CCM 4225 of E. coli were inhibited also by capric acid at 5 mg/ml. Strains CCM 4435 T and CNCTC 5459 of Cl. perfringens were inhibited by medium-chain fatty acids (C 8 to C 14 ), oleic acid and one strain also by linoleic acid. The minimum MICs were those of lauric and myristic acid (between 0.1 and 0.2 mg/ml). Growth of Cl. perfringens, but not other bacteria, was inhibited also by monoglyceride of lauric acid (MIC = 3 mg/ml), and by citric acid (MIC = 4 mg/ml). Inhibitory effects of other acids were not observed at 5 mg/ml. Caprylic and lauric acid did not influence the K + permeability of the cytoplasmic membrane in cells of E. coli CCM 4225 and Cl. perfringens CCM 4435 T , respectively. In cultures of both strains of E. coli treated with caprylic acid at 5 mg/ml, and in those of Cl. perfringens CCM 4435 T treated with lauric acid at 1 mg/ml, or with its monoglyceride at 5 mg/ml, the transmission electron microscopy revealed damage of cytoplasmatic structures. In cells of Cl. perfringens the separation of inner and outer membranes was apparent, the integrity of the outer membrane, however, was maintained. It can be concluded that medium-chain fatty acids are more efficient antimicrobials than other, more polar organic acids tested.

The foraging behaviour of honey bees, Apis mellifera: a review.

Abstract: Foraging behaviour is one of the distinctive behaviours of honey bees, Apis mellifera. This behaviour is the link between the honey bee colony and the ambient environment. Therefore, various in-colony and out-colony factors have an impact on this behaviour, and many studies have been employed to investigate these factors. Foraging behaviour is not advantageous only for the colony and for plant pollination but also has other benefits. In contrast, some disadvantages have also been discovered to be linked with foraging activity. Practically speaking, the control over this behaviour is very important to maximize colony products as well as to increase other agricultural benefits. This paper presents a review on foraging activity including; the regulation of foraging tasks, factors impacting this behaviour, foraging preference, variations between subspecies, monitoring methods as well as the possible methods for controlling this behaviour. As concluded from this review, more work needs to be performed in order to elucidate certain aspects of foraging behaviour.

Ecological conditions affecting mycotoxin production in cereals: a review.

Abstract: Spoilage fungi are ubiquitous contaminants of cereals, pre- and post-harvest. These fungi can produce a wide range of secondary metabolites under ecological conditions which are conducive for growth. However, some of these secondary metabolites are toxic and have a significant impact if they enter the production and animal food chains. Prevention of mycotoxin contamination of feed and food raw materials is now considered more important than subsequent cure. The key ecological determinants pre- and post-harvest are water availability and temperature (climate). Accurate information is therefore needed on the impact of an association between these key factors, and it is necessary to understand which are marginal and which critical for germination and toxin production. There have only been a few studies where attempts have been made to integrate the available information on these factors in relation to different raw materials for feed and food processing, especially cereals. This review will examine the available information on the main climatic factors, i.e., water availability and temperature affect - ing mycotoxin production such as, aflatoxins, ochratoxins, fumonisins, zearalenone, deoxynivalenol and citrinin. This information is crucial for accurately focusing and monitoring key critical control points in the feed and food chain to optimise prevention strategies.

Acute phase proteins and their use in the diagnosis of diseases in ruminants: a review

Abstract: The acute phase response is a complex systemic early-defence system of reactions activated by trauma, infection, tissue damage, inflammation, stress or neoplasia. One of the most important elements of this response is the increased hepatic synthesis of some plasma proteins, collectively known as acute phase proteins. The dis - covery of these new biomarkers has allowed the clinical monitoring of different diseases; therefore, their clinical application has been studied widely in human medicine in order to improve the diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, prognosis and therapeutics of many diseases. Although a wide range of studies have been carried out to determine the usefulness of acute phase proteins in several diseases also in animals, they are still relatively under-utilised in veterinary medicine, predominantly in farm animals. The acute phase response and clinical application of acute phase proteins in ruminants are reviewed in this article, including their diagnostic use in clinical practice and application in the monitoring of treatment, which is one of the most promising practical uses of these proteins.

Nitrite influence on fish: a review

Abstract: Nitrite is an intermediate in the oxidation of ammonium to nitrate. An elevated ambient nitrite concentration is a potential problem for freshwater fish since nitrite is actively taken up across the gills in competition with chloride. Nitrite is a well-known toxicant for fish as well as a disrupter of multiple physiological functions including ion regulatory, respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine and excretory processes. One critical consequence of nitrite accumulation is the oxidation of haemoglobin to methaemoglobin, compromising blood oxygen transport. Nitrite toxicity to fish varies considerably and depends on a large number of external and internal factors. Among the most important ones are water quality (e.g. pH, temperature, cation, anion and oxygen concentration), length of exposure, fish species, fish size and age, and individual fish susceptibility. Chloride concentration in water is considered one of the most important factors influencing nitrite toxicity to fish. The importance of individual factors is assessed and re-evaluated continuously.

Bacteria of the genus Anaplasma - characteristics of Anaplasma and their vectors: a review

Abstract: Over recent years, there has been a growing interest in bacteria from the genus Anaplasma, especially the species A. marginale, A. ovis and A. phagocytophilum. It is connected with the pathogenic activity of these bacteria in farm animals, and also, though to a lesser degree, in humans. Anaplasmosis, a disease caused by various species of anaplasma, is an especially important issue for animal breeders. The main vectors of the Anaplasma bacteria are ticks, common arachnida occurring everywhere in the world, especially the genera Ixodes, Dermacen- tor, Rhipicephalus and Amblyomma. The genus Anaplasma includes obligate intracellular bacteria, parasitizing in the vacuoles of cells in eukaryotic hosts. A. marginale, A. centrale, A. ovis and A. bovis are obligate intracellular bacteria parasitizing in erythrocytes and monocytes of higher vertebrates, mostly ruminants. A. platys is mainly a pathogen of canines (displaying tropism to thrombocytes) and the species A. phagocytophilum (displaying tro - pism to granulocytes) is pathogenic to people and domestic animals. In this paper we present characteristics and differentiation of six species of the genus Anaplasma and their vectors in the world.

Bovine tuberculosis infection in animal and human populations in Ethiopia: a review

Abstract: Ethiopia is one among the nations that possesses the largest number of livestock population in the African continent estimated to be 33 million cattle, 24 million sheep and 18 million goats. In contrast to the huge livestock resource, the livestock productivity is however, found to be very low. The major biological and socio- economical factors attributing to the low productivity includes: the low genetic potential and performance, poor nutrition (in quality and quantity terms), the prevailing of different diseases, traditional way of husbandry systems and inadequate skilled manpower, among others. Ethiopia is one of the African countries where tuberculosis is wide spread in both humans and cattle and the endemic nature of tuberculosis in humans and cattle has long been documented. The disease is considered as one of the major livestock diseases that results in high morbidity and mortality, although the current status on the actual prevalence rate of bovine tuberculosis (BTB) at a natio - nal level is yet unknown. Detection of BTB in Ethiopia is carried out most commonly on the basis of tuberculin skin testing, abattoir meat inspection and very rarely on bacteriological techniques. Recently undertaken studies indicated the prevalence rate of BTB with a range of 3.4% (in small holder production system) to 50% (in intensive dairy productions) and a range of 3.5% to 5.2% in slaughterhouses in various places of the country. BTB in cattle remains to be a great concern due to the susceptibility of humans to the disease. The infections mainly take place by drinking raw milk and occur in the extra-pulmonary form, in the cervical lymphadenitis form in particular. The aim of this paper is to review the status of BTB in Ethiopia in relation with the existing animal husbandry systems and abattoir meat inspection surveillances. Control measures, economic impacts and the zoonotic aspect of the disease are also briefly addressed.

The transmission and impact of paratuberculosis infection in domestic and wild ruminants

Abstract: Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (M. paratuberculosis) infects domestic cattle, sheep, goats, deer, camelids and wild ruminants leading to chronic enteritis known as paratuberculosis (Johne's disease). The infection is chronic, progressive and unresponsive to treatment. Most infected animals do not develop clinical disease but may excrete the bacteria. Clinically sick animals suffer emaciation and in some species diarrhoea, followed by eventual death. During the course of the disease, excretion of M. paratuberculosis in faeces and milk occurs, and the organism spreads through the blood and lymph vessels of infected animals to multiple internal organs. The infection disseminates to both the female and male reproductive organs. Though M. paratuberculosis is not classified as a human pathogen, current opinions on the possible role of this mycobacteria in public health is discussed. This article attempts to review the ways and circumstances by which M. paratuberculosis is transmitted within an animal population and the importance of the disease on animal production. Published reports concerning the transmission and epidemiology of the disease are reviewed herein, and preventive and control measures are summarised.

Effects of clove oil anaesthesia on common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

Abstract: The aim of the study was to investigate acute toxicity of clove oil for common carp and, using values of haematological and biochemical profiles of blood and histological tissue examinations, to assess the effects of the fish exposure to that anaesthetic. Acute toxicity values of clove oil for carp were found 10 minLC50 74.3 mg/l; 10minLC0.1 51.6 mg/l; 10minLC99.9 110.1 mg/l; 96hLC50 18.10 mg/l; 96hLC0.1 15.45 mg/l; and 96hLC99.9 19.80 mg/l. The fish were divided into four groups for haematological and biochemical examinations of blood and histological examinations of tissues. The groups were Control I (before the anaesthetic administration), Experiment I (immediately after 10 min anaesthesia at the concentration of 30 mg/l), Experiment II (24 hrs after 10 min anaesthesia) and Control II (controls examined in parallel with Experiment II). A total of 40 carp were examined. Clove oil anaesthesia had not effect on the haematological profile. The 10-min exposure to clove oil at a concentration of 30 mg/l caused a significant (P < 0.01) increase in the concentration of glucose (GLU) and inorganic phosphate (PHOS) immediately after anaesthesia. Clove oil anaesthesia had not effect on other bio - chemical indices. Histological examination showed capillary ectasia of gill filaments immediately after clove oil anaesthesia. Twenty-four hours after anaesthesia, no ectasia was observed. No histopathological changes were demonstrated in other tissues following anaesthesia. Results of the examinations suggest that the use of clove oil at a concentration of 30 mg/l does not cause irreversible damage in carp.

Quinolones: a class of antimicrobial agents

Abstract: The fluoroquinolones are a series of synthetic antibacterial agents that are used in the treatment of a variety of bacterial infections. These agents inhibit the DNA gyrase, abolishing its activity by interfering with the DNA-rejoining reaction. The inhibition of the resealing leads to the liberation of fragments that are subsequently destroyed by the bacterial exonucleases. All fluoroquinolones accumulate within bacteria very rapidly, so that a steady-state intrabacterial concentration is obtained wi- thin a few minutes. Resistance develops slowly and is usually chromosomal and not plasmid mediated. However, development of resistance and transfer between animal and human pathogens has become a fervently argued issue among the microbiologists. Another concern regarding the use of new quinolones in the veterinary field is a possible detrimental effect on the environment. It still seems unlikely that the controlled use of veterinary quinolones will give rise to unfavorable effects on the environment.

The effect of zinc and manganese source in the diet for laying hens on eggshell and bones quality

Abstract: The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of zinc and manganese source (inorganic vs. organic) in the diet for hens on laying performance, eggshell quality and chosen parameters of bones. Experiment was carried out on 84 Hy Line Brown hens, from 25 to 70 weeks of age, allocated to seven experimental groups, each contain - ing 12 hens individually caged on wire-mesh floor. All layers were fed the same basal diet contained in 1 kg 52 mg Zn and 30 mg Mn. In experimental treatments basal diet was supplemented with 30 mg Zn/kg and 50 mg Mn/kg and inorganic forms of Zn (ZnO) and Mn (MnO) were gradually replaced (in 0, 50 or 100%) with their organic sources (amino acid complexes). Egg production, egg weight, feed intake and feed efficiency were not affected by dietary treatments. Substitution of Zn and Mn oxides with amino acid complexes of microelements had also no effect on physical and geometrical parameters of tibia, ash content in tibia and in toes, eggshell percent, eggshell thickness and eggshell density, but improved ( P < 0.05) eggshell breaking strength in late phase of laying cycle (at 62 and 70 weeks of age). Obtained results indicate that use of organic complexes of Zn and Mn could alleviate the negative effect of hen age on eggshell breaking strength.

Effects of cypermethrin on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of cypermethrin ( (R,S)-α-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl (1RS)- -cis,tra-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethyl cyclopropane carboxylate) on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The effect was assessed on the basis of the results of acute toxicity tests and on the comparison of results of hae - matological, biochemical and histopathological tissue examinations of a control and experimental group exposed to Alimetrine 10 EM pesticide preparation (active substance 100 g /l of cypermethrin). The acute semistatical toxicity test lasting 96 h was performed on rainbow trout juveniles. The 96hLC50 value of Alimethrine 10 EM was 31.4 µg/l. Examination of erythrocyte, leukocyte and biochemical profile and histopathological tissue examination was performed on 15 control and 15 experimental specimens of one-to-two-year-old rainbow trout after 96 h of exposure to Alimetrine 10 EM in the concentration of 31.4 µg/l. The experimental group showed significantly higher values (P < 0.01) of plasma ammonia (NH 3 ), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), lactate (LACT) and significantly lower ( P < 0.01) values of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) compared to the control group. Also, a significant decrease in count of developmental forms of myeloid sequence, and segmented neutrophile granulocytes in the experimental group were found. Teleangioectasiae of secondary gill lamellae and degeneration of hepatocytes were observed with histopathological examination. No histopathological changes were demonstrated in tissues (skin, spleen, cranial and caudal kidney) of rainbow trout following exposure to cypermethrine. The cypermethrine-based Alimethrinee 10 EM pesticide preparation was classified among substances strongly toxic for fish.

Economic impact of paratuberculosis in dairy cattle herds: a review

Abstract: Paratuberculosis (PTB) is a disease which causes considerable economic losses to producers of livestock, particularly dairy cows. Nowadays PTB is one of the most prevailing and costly infectious diseases of dairy cattle. The purpose of the present study was to review economic losses, which may be caused by Mycobac- terium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) above all in herds of dairy cattle. The most important losses caused by the presence of clinically ill animals have been thoroughly described: loss of milk production and poor body condition followed by death or culling. In contrast, losses arising from a subclinical disease have not been well documented and contradictory results have been published to date. The calculation of losses caused by PTB depends to a certain degree on the production system in a herd, efficiency level, herd management system and other factors. Direct economic losses are above all caused by decreased milk production concurrent to increased incidence of mastitis, changes in milk parameters and increased somatic cell counts, reproductive dysfunctions, poor feed conversion, shortened production age and increased predisposition to other diseases etc. Indirect eco- nomic losses are caused by premature culling of animals and their unrealized future income, expenses for non- active production, herd replacement, diagnostic testing, "unnecessary" veterinary care and establishing disease control programmes. Genetic value of animals and their progeny is lost. Last but not least, the reputation of the farm where MAP infected animals are kept is lost for a long-time, which is also important.

Prevalence of dental disorders in pet dogs

Abstract: Oral disorders of the dog represent for veterinarians a medical challenge and an important field of interest from the economical point of view. Although many epidemiological studies on dental diseases in beagles bred under controlled conditions have been realized, information on frequency of these alterations in populations of pet dogs, especially in Central Europe, is far from complete. The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of the most common oral diseases in dogs in a Czech urban region. A total number of 408 dogs, presented at a private Czech urban veterinary hospital for different reasons, were analyzed. Site specificity and severity of dental diseases were assessed using modified indexing systems. Dental alterations could be found in 348 out of 408 dogs (85.3%). The most frequent diseases were (i) pe riodontitis (60.0% of 408 dogs), (ii) calculus (61.3%), (iii) missing teeth (33.8%), and (iv) abnormal attrition (5.9%). Furthermore, single cases of caries, tumors and enamel hypoplasia could be observed. Periodontitis occurred preferentially in the upper jaw of small dogs and increased with age. The labial/buccal side of teeth was affected more severely than the lingual/palatinal side. Differences between left and right side could not be observed. Malocclusion and insufficient oral hygiene care seem to predis- pose to periodontitis. As periodontitis, dental calculus occurred preferentially in small dogs and increased with age. The prevalence of calculus formation did not differ between left and right side. However, the upper jaw showed a higher degree of affection than the mandible. On the labial/buccal side of the teeth, a thicker calculus layer could be observed than lingually/palatinally. Interestingly, the degree of calculus formation and of periodontitis did not correlate in all cases, supporting the hypothesis that supragingival calculus per se is not an irritant. The pattern of tooth loss was the same between left and right side and between upper and lower jaw. Most commonly, the first premolars were missing followed by incisors and other premol ars and molars. Tooth loss for other reasons than periodontitis and single cases of tooth agenesis has not been detected in our study. (Abnormal) tooth wear was detected only in older dogs and affected mostly canines and premolars of large breeds. Age estimation based on dental attrition should be carried out with care, because tooth wear depends on keeping conditions and feeding of the dog. Our study confirmed the high prevalence of oral diseases in dogs. Veterinarians could improve the effectiveness of treatment concentrating their diagnostic efforts on age groups and types of teeth at highest risk, as assessed in this and other reports.

Current knowledge on koi herpesvirus (KHV): a review

Abstract: The first outbreaks of a disease connected with high mortality of common carp and koi carp caused by koi herpesvirus (KHV) were reported in 1998 in Israel and in the United States. Since then, several cases have been confirmed all over the world. At present, this viral disease is considered to be one of the most risky factors affecting populations of common carp and koi carp. Affected fish become disoriented and swim erratically with high breathing frequency, swollen gills and partially local skin lesions. The virus was isolated from the tissues of fish showing signs of the disease and subsequently cultured on koi fin (KF-1) cells. Electron microscopic examinations revealed morphological signs identical with viruses of the family Herpesviridae. Analysis of virion polypeptides and gene DNA showed the differences between KHV and the well-known herpesvirus of cyprinids, Herpesvirus cyprini (CHV), and Channel catfish virus (CCV). Water temperature is a factor influencing the onset and severity of disease. Fish seem most susceptible at water temperatures of 18-28°C, no morbidities occur at 13°C and 30°C. At present, diagnosis of KHV is mainly based on detection of viral DNA by PCR method.

Simple method of open skin wound healing model in corticosteroid-treated and diabetic rats: standardization of semi-quantitative and quantitative histological assessments

Abstract: The use of a simple and reproducible model is inevitable for objective statement of the effects of external factors on wound healing. Hence, present study was conducted to establish an excisional model of skin wound healing in corticosteroid treated, and streptozotocine induced diabetic rats as well as to standardized the semi-quantitative and quantitative evaluation of selected parameters. Round full thickness skin wounds were per - formed on the back of male Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals were sacrificed two, six, and fourteen days after surgery. Sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and van Gieson. Both semi-quantitative (wound reepithelization; presence of: inflammatory cells, fibroblasts, new wessels, and collagen) and quantitative methods (polymorphonu- clear leucocytes/tissue macrophages ratio, percentage of re-epithelization, area of the granulation tissue) were used to evaluate the histological changes during wound healing. As compared to the control group the wound healing process of both experimental groups was decelerated. Interestingly, wound reepithelization and angiogenesis were significantly inhibited only in the steroid rats while epithelization was accelerated in diabetic rats. In conclusion, when compared to primary sutured wound healing it can be concluded that the excisional model is more appro- priate for histological assessment of the effect of various factors on wound healing. In addition, administration of corticosteroids represents simple and inexpensive model of a complex skin wound healing impairment.

Effects of acute exposure to bifenthrin on some haematological, biochemical and histopathological parameters of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

Abstract: Abstr Act : The effect of the pyrethroid, bifenthrin, on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) was assessed based on biochemical, haematological and histopathological examination of fish exposed to Talstar 10 EC pes ticide preparation (active substance 100 g/l bifenthrin) at a concentration of 147 µg/l There was a significant (P < 001) decrease in plasma ammonia, and significant (P < 001) increase in glucose, creatine kinase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase Haematologically, fish showed a significant (P < 001) decrease in mean erythrocyte volume, erythrocyte haemoglobin, and band neutrophil granulocytes compared to controls Degeneration of hepatocytes was observed histologically The bifenthrin-based Talstar 10 EC pesticide preparation was therefore classified as a substance strongly toxic to fish

Essential oils and their use in animal feeds for monogastric animals - effects on feed quality, gut microbiota, growth performance and food safety: a review.

Abstract: Essential oils (EOs) are important aromatic components of herbs and spices and their biological activities have been known and utilised since ancient times in perfumery, food preservation, flavouring, and medi - cine. Some of their biological activities include antibacterial, antifungal, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects amongst others. EOs have received attention in recent years as potential 'natural' alternatives for replacing antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in animal diets due to their positive impact on growth performance, gut microbiota and welfare. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of our own published and unpublished data on the antibacterial, antifungal and insecticidal activity of thymol and cinnamaldehyde (TC blend), and to describe the effects of this specific EO blend on gut microbiota, growth performance and welfare, carcass characteristics and food safety. The possible modes of action of EOs are discussed and areas for future research are proposed.