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Haematological and biochemical parameters were examined in the blood of 87 cows, bulls and oxen of the indigenous Croatian breed, Istrian cattle. The sample represents 11.93 % of the total adult population. This breed is classified as highly endangered. The age of tested animals was between 2 and 17 years. Cattle were divided into three groups, animals aged 2 to 6 years (n=19), 7 to 10 years (n=37), and older than 10 years (n=31). Animals were kept in the area of Istria County, mostly in stables though occasionally at pasture. The cows were milked twice daily and gave an average of 1 000 litres of milk per year. Erythrocytes, leukocytes, haemoglobin, haematocrit and mean corpuscular volume were determined. Differential analysis was performed by counting blood cells in the blood smear after Pappenheim staining. Biochemical parameters such as total cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, creatinine, total bilirubin, calcium and inorganic phosphorus were determined. The activity of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase was determined by spectrophotometry. These biochemical and haematological parameters of this Istrian breed were within the physiological range, while slight deviations were observed for certain parameters. The greatest deviation from the physiological range was shown in the concentrations of urea and creatinine. These results may contribute to a better understanding of the metabolic profile and haematological indicators for estimating the physiological status of these endangered cattle in Istria, for further investigation and for diagnostic purposes.

The objective of this study was to determine the reproductive performance in Boer goats under semiintensive management in north-western Croatia over three consecutive years. Sixty Boer does, aged 2 to 6 years, were divided into three groups. A total of 1.80 kids were born per doe (435 newborn in 242 pregnancies). Boer goat fertility was 93.44%. Does with single kids accounted for 22.53% (n = 98), with twins 49.20% (n = 107), triplets 18.62% (n = 27), quadruplets 7.35% (n = 8) and quintuplets 2.29% (n = 2). The average birth weight of Boer kids was 3.48 ± 0.04 kg (1.70 kg to 5.4 kg). The birth weight of goat kids in pluriparous Boer does was signifi cantly (P

The metabolism of proteins in the blood serum in Boer and Saanen goats was investigated during puerperium. Twenty Boer goats (10 primiparous and 10 pluriparous) and 10 Saanen goats (five primiparous and five pluriparous) between 2 and 5 years of age were used in this research. Blood for analysis was taken every fourth day from day 3 until day 40 post-partum. Blood samples were collected by jugular puncture. In the obtained blood serum, the concentration of total proteins (PT) and albumin (ALB), and the activity of enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST) [the Enzyme Commission number (EC number) 2. 6. 1. 1.], gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) (EC 2. 3. 2. 2.), creatine kinase (CK) (EC 2. 7. 3. 2.) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) (EC 3. 1. 3. 1.) were determined by spectrophotometry. These parameters were in physiological ranges in Boer goats and in Saanen goats, without significant differences according to number of kids per doe. According to the research results of the blood serum in goats during puerperium, there were no significant differences in the concentration of ALB. Boer goats had significant higher(p

Lymphoma (lymphosarcoma, malignant lymphoma) comprises a diverse group of malignancies that develops from lymphoid tissue outside the bone marrow. There are many different forms with marked variability. In dogs and cats by anatomic manifestations can be divided into multicentric, mediastinal, and extranodal alimentary lymphoma. In dogs alimentary lymphoma is rare. In October 2009. the Clinic for Internal Diseases received the labrador retriever dog named "Goldi", 7 years old. The dog occasionally vomits, he’s quieter, and his feces has become more frequent and softer. Blood results were within physiological range. In private veterinarian practice the therapy began and was continued at the clinic, but without improvement. At the time of arrival dog was eating minimally, the stool was formed, but very poor, once it was a little darker. Clinical examination found a tucked abdomen and palpatory empty bowel. Hematological and biochemical parameters showed significant leukocytosis, hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, hypoglycemia and mild hypocalcemia. Radiologically was suspected of foreign body. Contrasting agent (barium sulfate) was applied, after application of the same into the small intestine distinct wrinkles were seen. The image is similar to finding a linear foreign body (cordon or thread). 24 hours after application of a positive contrast agent, radiological was visible normal passage trough small intestines, and the contrast was present in the descending colon. Diagnostic laparotomy was made but foreign body wasn’t found and along the entire length of the small intestine strong peristalsis is present, especially in the duodenum. Mucosa of the small intestine is hypertrophic and friable. The content of the small intestine is fluid and dark red. Samples were taken from small intestine for histopathologic examination. After surgery dog got worse, inappetence and apathy were strong and the owners decided on euthanasia. Histopathologic examination discovered the diagnosis of alimentary (intestinal) T-cell origin lymphoma. With native x-rays in dogs intestinal lymphoma can be diagnosed by enlargement of the liver, spleen or mesenterial lymph nodes. Radiologically tumors in the abdomen can be diagnosed in approximately 40% of cases. Intestinal lymphoma is sometimes difficult to diagnose due to pathological processes that involve other organs, the presence of peritoneal fluid or diffuse lesions of the intestine. Contrast radiography may be useful for the estimation of gastroenteritis, obstruction, tumor localization or presentation of parts of the gastrointestinal tract that are difficult to display on the ultrasound due to accumulation of gas. We can show contrasting defective filling in 50% of dogs with gastrointestinal neoplasia. In this case it wasn’t possible to suspect on the alimentary lymphoma. Contrasting image showed an image like the one of a linear foreign body and because of that diagnostic laparotomy was necessary.

The objective of our research is to evaluate epidemiological data in our region with respect to abomasal displacement and dilatation and apply different method of surgical fixation of greater omentum and abomasum to abdominal wall, than the technique described in original "Utrecht" method. From fall 1997. to summer 2006. we performed surgery on 87 cows with left displacement (LDA), and 4 cows with right displacement of abomasum (RDA). Surgical technique that we employed most resemble "Utrecht" method. Our technique differentiate because we omentopexy only point on abdominal wall and we use plastic stopper on the skin. Our method of fixating abomasum by omentopexy is fast, reliable and inexpensive. It is applicable both with LDA and RDA. Short recovery time post operation and possibility to perform surgery on owner site makes our method applicable in field veterinary practice.

The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of a live attenuated mucosal vaccine against porcine postweaning colibacillosis by analyzing quantitative differences in the small intestinal leukocyte subsets of immunized vs control nonimmunized pigs. Four week old pigs were intragastrically vaccinated with a vaccine candidate F4ac+ nonenterotoxigenic E. coli strain 2407 at day 0 (with or without levamisole given as an adjuvant), challenged with a virulent enterotoxigenic strain 11-800/1/94 7 days later, euthanatized at day 13 and sampled for immunohistology. Nonvaccinated pigs received saline at day 0 and were processed as the principals. Within jejunal/ileal lamina propria and ileal Peyer’s patches immunophenotypes of lymphoid cell subsets were demonstrated by immunohistochemical avidin-biotin complex method and corresponding morphometric data were analyzed using software program Lucia G for digital image analyses. The monoclonal antibodies reactive with surface molecules on porcine immune cells such as CD3, CD45RA, CD45RC, CD21 and SWC3 enabled clear insight into distribution and proportion of T/B lymphocytes and macrophages within the gut-associated lymphoid tissues compartments examined. Vaccinated pigs had significantly increased numbers (p

An 8-year-old German Merino (Merinolandschaf) ram suffered from abnormal fluid-filled scrotal swelling was presented at the Clinic of Surgery, Orthopaedics and Ophthalmology at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Zagreb. The ram had been used for breeding and group-housed with other sheep. The first signs of scrotal swelling had been noticed several months earlier. The swelling had been enlarging gradually, and then stopped about one month prior to referral at the Clinic. Physical examination revealed an abnormally enlarged, asymmetric and moderately painful scrotum. It was the size and shape of a rugby ball, with the left side approximately several times as large as the right. The hernial content included loops of small intestine and atrophied testicle, surrounded by large amount of fluid. Surgical procedure comprising herniotomy, herniorrhaphy and unilateral orchiectomy of the left side of the scrotum was performed under general anaesthesia. A firm mass the size of a palm, filled with blood clots, was found inside the spermatic cord. The left testicle and pathological mass were surgically removed, while the right testicle was preserved at the owner’s request. The wound healed without complications and the ram was returned successfully to reproduction.

The aim of our research was determinated effects of air temperature and rainfall precipitation on some reproductive performance of Boer goats in the north-western part of Croatia. Ninty does, under intensive management, between 2-7 years old were used in our research throughout 3 consecutive years. Goats have been living on the hills of Bilogora with possibility of good pasture, in the northwest part of Croatia. After kidding, does were thogether with goat kids three to four months until weaning. Air temperature and rainfall records were obtained from the nearest meteorological recording stations within 10 km. Number of mating does, kidding rate and number of goat kids were significant different according to the season. The Boer goat is breed well known for fecunditiy. Data on 304 pregnancies and 535 newborn goat kids (dead or alive) shows per year 1.98 goat kids and per doe. Number of kidding was depended of season. The most of does were given a birth in the winter (46 %) and spring (27%), only 15 % in the summer and 12 % in the autumn (throughout 3 years). Conception rate was 92.12 %( 89.47 % in the year 2003, 94.17 % 2004 and 2005 92.73 %) and prolificacy (from 2003 to 2005) 178 %. In the year 2003, with extremly warm spring, extremly warm and dry summer, conception rate is significant lower (88.33 %) then in year 2004 (91.15 %) and 2005 (91.76 %). Despite annual higher temerature and lower rainfall percipitation in year 2003, the best prolificacy was recorded (187 %), then in 2004 (177 %) and 171 % in 2005 year. There was not correlation between air temperature and rainfall percipitation and reproductive performance of Boer goats in northwestern part of Croatia.

The aim of this research was to evaluate hematology and serum biochemistry data in cows suffered from abomasum displacement. Research had started in autumn 1997 and ended in summer 2006, it took place im Međimurje region, Croatia. Surgery was performed in 87 (95, 6%) cows suffered from left displacement of abomasus (LDA, and 4 (4, 4%) cows with right displacement of abomasum (RDA). Out of 91 cows suffered from abomasum displacement 87 were Holstein-Friesian breed and 4 cows were Simental breed. In 3 cows (3, 3%) ketones in urine were not detected, in 88 cows (96, 7%) ketones in urine were present. Hematology parameters were within referral ranges except PCV. Liver enzimes (ALT, AST, GGT) and Tbil were elevated. Serum glucose level was decreased.

In short time after calves import to Croatia, animals started to demonstrate locomotor and neurology disorders. After the serum biochemical tests were performed it was evidented the significant increase in activity of CPK and AST in all serum, and decreased Calcium serum level in five serum were noted. After our sugestion the vitamine - minerale additives were applied in calves diet. The additive had failed the clinical signs of disease and increased weight grain in very short period.

The goal of this research was to establish the influence of energetic status and body condition on ovarian cyclicity of dairy cows during puerperium. 28 cows of Holstein breed, ages between 2 and 5 years were included in this research. Cows were divided in 2 groups considering their reproductive status. In the 1st group were 15 cows with the normal ovarian cyclicity, and in the 2nd group there were 13 cows that had a lack of ovarian cyclicity. Blood samples were taken every 4 days starting in the first week after parturition and followed every four days till the 45th day of puerperium. In all blood samples the level of progesterone was measured using commercial ELISA method. During every collection of blood samples, cows were examined ginaceological (ultrasound). Body condition score (BCS) of cows was evaluated numerically from 1 to 5. Cows with ovarian cyclicity had significantly higher progesterone (P>0, 00001) level in comparison to cows with the lack of ovarian cyclicity. In period before parturition, cows with the later lack of ovarian cyclicity had the higher BCS in comparison to cows with ovarian cyclicity, but during puerperium, BCS was significantly higher in cows with ovarian cyclicity. There was established the influence of energy status to the return of ovarian cyclicity of cows during puerperium, and the significance of its determination as an aim to improve their reproductive efficiency. The conclusion was that the BCS is simple, cheap and a practical method that can be used in monitoring management and energy status during production cycle of dairy cows. Furthermore it represents an important diagnostic indicator of negative energy status in cows after parturition.

The research involved 95 pure breed Croatian sheepdog, 48 females and 47 males ranging in age from 1 to 12 years. Blood samples were taken to establish certain biochemical indicators (urea, total proteins, glucose, total bilirubin, AST, ALT, Alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase, amylase, Ca, P). No changes were observed through comparison of average values. Blood samples of 30 dogs from that group, also were taken to estavlish blood group DEA (Dog Erythrocyte Antigen) 1.1 and standard haemogram. In 27 dogs (90%) the blood group DEA 1.1., was found, which is a significantly higher percentage than in all investigations to date. It was obseved that the average values of all haematological indicators were within physiological parameters.

The purposed was to determine glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px)acitivities in samples of whole blood of fattening yearlings under differen storage coditions. Blood samples from V. jugularis were taken freom seven healthy male animals aged 6-8 months into Vacutainer epruvettes. Each samples was separeted into nine Eppedorf epruvettes. Four samples from each animal were stored in a refrigerator at 4C, while five samples were stored in a freezer at -20C. The glutathion peroxidase activity in samples wad determined immediately, and on th first, second, fourth and seventh days after the samples were taken. In samples stored at -20C activity was also detemined on the 15th day after sampling taken. GSH-Px acitivity was determined by the RANSEL (Randox- Laboratories) method. The average value of enzyme activity increased during the first seven days of measuring in all tested samples (P>0.05), althought it is pointed out that the increase was lower in the frozen samples. Also, on the fifteenth day, GSH-Px acitivity in samples stored at -20C returned to its starting values (P

Objective: A three-year-old dog was presented to the Clinic, because of its inability to work, weakness, depression and gastrointestinal symptoms. The dog had regular training for the tracking and detection of explosives. Mass spectrometry could provides valuable information in detection analites with very minute quantities, so we analysed the presence of explosive in the patients serum using this tehnique. Materials: After evaporation of the current phase of serum, the sample was analysed on an Ionscan mass spectrometer (Barringer Instruments, USA). The sample was introduced into the ionisation source (radioactive 63Ni), ions are extracted into the analyser region of the mass spectrometer where they are separated according to their mass (m) -to-charge (z) ratios (m/z) . The separated ions are detected and this signal is sent to a data system where the m/z ratios are stored together with their relative abundance for presentation in the format of a m/z spectrum . Result: The detector indicated a characteristic peak for explosive pentaerythrityl tetranitrate (PETN) . Conclusion: PETN is a nitroglycerin compound, one of the strongest known high explosives. By now, it is known that PETN is immediately metabolized after oral administration and is not detectable in the plasma after oral exposure. Interestingly enough, and in contrast to this, we found PETN in the serum of the dog after long-lasting exposure. Since the majority of mass spectrometric applications in the clinic are ; neonatal screening, haemoglobin analysis and drug testing, we could add to this the possibility of detection of extremely low quantities (10-15 moles) of unusual components from the blood.

During this research, the concentration of acute phase protein haptoglobin was determine in the blood and milk of cows with subclinical mastitis. The first group consisted of 20 cows with supclinical mastitis, and the second group consisted of 10 healthy cows. Blood samples were taken from all cows in order to determine the haptoglobin concentration, and milk samples were taken for bacteriological test and somatic cell count. Statistical evidence, shows that there is a significant difference between the haptoglobin concentration in the blood and milk of cows with subclinical mastitis in comparison to the healthy cows. Based on the results obtained, we can conclude that the detection of the haptoglobin level in the blood serum and milk is a valuable indicator in discovering subclinical mastitis.

Acute-phase proteins are reliavble indicators of imflammation, infection, trauma, tissue damages, therpay success and prognosis of disease. Serum concentration of soma acute-phase proteins are increased during inflamation 2-3, up to a few hundred times. Haptoglobin is a major acute-phase protein in cattle which appears during acute-phase response.

U uzorcima krvi 95 pasa hrvatskih ovčara, 48 ženki i 47 mužjaka u dobi od jedne do 12 godina istraženi su neki biokemijski pokazatelji (ureja, kreatinin, ukupne bjelančevine, glukoza, ukupni bilirubin, AST, ALT, alkalna fosfataza, kreatinska kinaza, amilaza, Ca, P). Vrijednosti biokemijskih pokazatelja bile su unutar fizioloških granica. U 30 pasa iz te skupine također je određivana krvna grupa (DEA, engl. Dog Erythrocyte Antigen) 1.1. i standardni hemogram. U 27 pasa (90%) utvrđena je krvna grupa DEA1.1., što je značajno više od do sada objavljenih rezultata. Vrijednosti hematoloških pokazatelja bile su unutar fizioloških granica.

Cilj je istraživanja bio ustanoviti utjecaj metaboličkih parametara na povratak ciklične aktivnosti jajnika u puerperiju krava simentalske pasmine. Određivali smo slijedeće metaboličke parametre: glukozu, ukupne bjelančevine, ureju, te izoenzime AST, ALT i enzim kreatin kinazu kod ukupno 20 krava tijekom 45 dana puerperija. Krave u dobi od dvije do deset godina, pregledavane su ginekološki i ultrazvučno te smo ih podijeli u dvije skupine s obzirom na mliječnost. U prvoj skupini mliječnost je iznosila do 25L, a u drugoj 25 i više L dnevno. Uzorke krvi uzimali smo s pomoću vacutainer pribora iz repne vene dva puta tjedno počevši od četvrtog sve do 45-og dana puerperija. Dobiveni uzorci su centrifugirani i zamrznuti na -20°C do biokemijskih pretraga. Ustanovili smo signifikantu razliku (P0.05) za glukozu, ukupne bjelančevine i enzim kreatin kinazu. Uspoređujući korelacije među metaboličkim parametrima ustanovili smo da jedino između izoenzima AST i enzima kreatin kinaza postoje jake, pozitivne i signifikantne korelacije (r=0, 51 ; P

At the Clinic for the Internal diseases, a cow, Simmental breed, 2, 5 years old wass admitted. During the first artificial insemination of heifer the veterinarian in the field found out irregularities in the region of cervix uteri (cerix duplex) and at the owners request, the heifer was artificially inseminatede. He used two doses of semen for both cervical canales because it was not certain that they were passable. This anomaly did not cause any trouble during birth. The gynaecological examination at the Clinic confirmed a heredital anomaly of reproductive tract called cervix duplex. Both cervical canales were passable.

The Museum fro the History of Veterinary Medicine at The Veterinary Faculty University of Zagreb was established in 1936. The collected exhibit items are classified according to groups. One of the groups is a large collection of veterinary instruments, which are classified according to various veterinary fields and by the type of the operation in clinical diagnostic and medical treatment. Most instruments in the Museum originate from the period when the veterinary medicine was primarily used in diagnostics and treatment of large domestic animals. Thus instruments were used in large animal practice. A great deal of the described instruments is not in use any more and they have only a museum value. The purpose of this paper is to introduce int the history of veterinary medicine and the development of the veterinary science generally.

Transfuzija krvi u pojedinim je slučajevima jedini način liječenja nekih bolesti krvi i krvotvornih organa te nužni dio potporne terapije prilikom većih kirurških zahvata kao i obrade različitih trauma. Uvođenjem imunohematološkog ispitivanja krvi davatelja i primatelja postala je transfuzija krvi relativno sigurna i djelotvorna metoda liječenja. U pasa je najvažnije odrediti je li životinja pozitivna ili negativna na krvnu grupu DEA 1.1., jer je poznato da je ona antigeno najjača i klinički najznačajnija krvna grupa u pasa te najčešće uzrokuje transfuzijske reakcije.

The aim of the study was to compare some haematological and biochemical indicators in the blood of simmental cows from Krapinsko-Zagorska County, Holstein cows from Osječko-Baranjska County and autochthonous Istrian cows from Istria County. Blood was taken from dairy cows in different stadiums of the production cycle (before and after parturition in peak milk produciton, and in the drying-off period). The herd of holstein cows was held in farm conditions, and simmental and istrian cows were herd im small family-holding barns. Animals were fed localy produced silage and hay and with commercial feed mixture. Some tested parameters showed significant difference between differnt breeds of cattle, and some values were not within physiological ranges. The reason for those findings could lie in some sub-clinical diseases, differences in feeding and care and different climatic conditions, but also in a different genetic potential between breeds.

Castration belongs to the oldest surgical interventions. In veterinary medicine it was known to almost all nations and cultures of the ancient world. Castration was carried out by people trained to help sick animals. In the Middle ages, castration was performed by hippiatrics who were not trained in veterinary medicine. In the second half of the 18th century, as the result of the establishment of the first veterinary schools, a qualified veterinary personnel was formed who could successfully carry out surgical interventions based on the new tenets. Castration is carried out for the purpose of suppressing the activity of sex glands in order to achieve desired changes in castrated animals. In spite of the existing laws and regulations, castrations in the past, were performed by ordinary people called “ spayers” who used primitive operating tools under non-sterile conditions. The most primitive methods of castrations are described in this paper, as well as the original veterinary instruments used in the operation. These materials are kept at the Museum for the History of Veterinary Medicine in Zagreb, Croatia. The paper ends with the description of castration being performed nowadays and the preventive measures taken for the animal protection against possible complications.

In this paper ruminotomy was described as an important dignostic method in resolving all problems concerned with alimentary canal's diseases in the cow, and esspecialy those diseases which we classify in traumatic indigestions, which again make 80% of all indigestions. The importance of the method can be seen in the fact that with this method we can resolve all unclear conditions which by their symptoms resemble traumatic indigestion. With ruminotomy and endoruminal palpation we can diagnose the pathological conditions of the alimentary canal which usually aren't consequence of activity of some foreign body (like alimentary indigestion, dislocation abomasum, the liver diseases, abscesses of the liver, bile retention and so on). The results presented in this study are with accordance with the current literature.

Background and purpose: In contrast to the development of vaccines against neonatal colibacillosis, comparatively little progress has been made in the development of vaccines against postweaning enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) infections in swine. The vaccine candidate attenuated E. coli strains lacking plasmid encoding the heat-labile (LT) and heat-stable(STa and STb) enterotoxins were used as a live whole cell bacterins. Differentiation between colonization patterns and histopathological appearance of the small intestine of pigs that have been immunized with F4ac^+ either ETEC strain M1823 or recombinant/authentic non-ETEC strains 2407/1466, respectively, was studied in order to determine whether (or not) the fimbrial/toxin antigens produce morphologic changes in the intestinal mucosa. We also monitored the adverse effect of the oral immunization with these strains on the pigs health in a model of postweaning colibacillosis. Materials and methods: Twenty-five 4-week-old pigs (from a herd that was previously found to be highly susceptible to the adhesion by F4^+ E. coli) were intragastrically inoculated (via orogastric tube) with either F4ac^+ (1466 or 2407) or F4^- (1467) nonenterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) strains, respectively. The pigs from fourth group were inoculated with F4ac^+ ETEC strain M1823 and the remaining 5 pigs that received broth containing 1.2% sodium bicarbonate were kept as noninoculated controls. The pigs were examined daily during the period of 12 days. In this model, three conditions were observed in F4-susceptible pigs: (1) acute fatal diarrheal disease ; (2) moderate diarrhea and weight loss, and (3) no diarrhea and weight loss. The incidence of diarrhea, weight gain/loss rates, fecal shedding of the inoculum strain, and ultrastructural alterations in the villous epithelium of the small intestine were recorded. Results and conclusions: Pigs inoculated with strain 2407 had much lower incidence of diarrhea and the highest weight gain rate. Only pigs inoculated with 2407 had > 10^5 viable E.coli/10-cm segment of small intestine. The highest numbers of bacteria (9.6 x 10^7 CFU/ml and 4.3 x 10^6 CFU/ml) for each segment were recorded on days 6 and 12 after inoculation, respectively, in pigs inoculated with strain M1823. Control and 2407-inoculated pigs (25% and 30%, respectively) gained weight substantially faster than did 1466- (7%) or M1823-inoculated pigs (10%). Ultrastructural examination of ileum from 1466- and M1823-inoculated pigs revealed moderate to severe lesions of microvilli of epithelial cells, respectively. There were no substantial differences in the brush border surface of ileal enterocytes between control pigs (with intact microvilli) and 1467- or 2407-inoculated pigs. However, the microvilli from 2407-inoculated pigs exhibited a minor structure irregularity caused by adhering E. coli cells. Conversely, the brush border membranes of M1823-inoculated pigs were heavily damaged and the epthelium layer of villi was extensively disrupted. The results of this study indicate that different protective antigens delivered orally to pigs through vaccine candidate non-ETEC strains 1466 and 2407 can induce distinct colonization and attaching-effacing patterns in the small intestine, and hence, may produce various grades of lesions on the microvillus membranes of epithelial cells. Non-ETEC strain 2407 expressing F4ac^+ antigen induced only a mild microvillous damage, compared to the findings in pigs that were infected with a virulent F4ac^+ ETEC strain M1823.

After haematological, biochemical and x-ray examination, followed by surgical intervention, lead intoxication was established in an 11 year old dog.

Blood samples of 17 free-living European brown bears from the National Park of Plitvice Lakes and Risnjak were analysed to obtaion the base-line data on their blood profile. We found no significant age related differences in 8 subadults versus 9 adults. Compared to the mean values for 44 American black bears, the brown bears we examined showed less red and white blood cellls, with more segmented neutrophils and less lymphocytes in the white blood picture.

Europska agencija za sigurnost hrane predlaže uspostavljanje sveobuhvatnog integriranog sustava kontrole mesa u cilju unaprjeđenja sigurnosti mesa i inspekcije mesa. Sustav se temelji na prepoznavanju stvarnih javno-zdravstvenih rizika i provođenju kontrolnih mjera u cijelom proizvodnom lancu od farme do klaonice. Tako se predviđa i nadogradnja tradicionalnog koncepta kontrole sigurnosti mesa u klaonicama sustavnom kontrolom postojećih, primarno bioloških opasnosti i rizika za potrošače mesa. U praksi to znači usmjeravanje kontrolnih mjera u klaonicama prema prethodno detektiranim opasnostima/riziku na farmi. Kategorizacija farmi i klaonica trebala bi pridonijeti boljoj informiranosti potrošača o razini (bio)sigurnosti u objektima, što može povratno utjecati na praksu rizičnijih objekata. Nadalje, podaci o lancu prehrane trebaju postati temelj u analizi rizika na razini klaonice, ukoliko su ti podaci iz primarne proizvodnje vjerodostojni, potpuni i primjenjivi. Trenutno taj sustav podataka s farme zahtjeva ozbiljne preinake i poboljšanja. Najvažnije biološke opasnosti u proizvodnji mesa, na razini farme i klaonice, su Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., Yersinia enterocolitica, verotoksična Escherichia coli, Trichinella i Toxoplasma gondii. Temeljem podataka iz proizvodnog lanca o tim opasnostima, odabiru se mjere smanjivanja ili eliminacije rizika, poput dekontaminacije trupova, smrzavanja mesa, vizualne inspekcije mesa ili laboratorijskih testiranja. Međutim, i dalje sprečavanje (križnog) bakterijskog onečišćenja mesa/organa u klaonicama treba biti usmjereno na dobru higijensku praksu. S tim u vezi, uvođenje i prihvaćanje vizualne inspekcije mesa (bez palpacije i zarezivanja) samo po sebi nema nikakvog učinka na smanjenje bakterijskog onečišćenja trupa/organa u uvjetima loše higijenske prakse na liniji klanja u objektu.

Anaplazme su alfa-proteobakterije koje se prenose različitim vrstama krpelja i proširene su po cjelom svijetu. Molekularnim istraživanjima dokazani su brojni izolati, a danas priznate vrste su Anaplasma phagocytophilum, A. bovis, A. ovis, A. platys, A. centrale i novo opisana vrsta A. odocoieili 2013. godine. Premda se i dalje smatraju "tropskim" uzročnicima bolesti, prisutne su u Europi stoga je cilj ovog rada prikazati trenutačne spoznaje o anaplazmama u domaćih i divljih životinja te kućnih ljubimaca u Republici Hrvatskoj. Pretraženi su serumi 1215 pasa SNAP 4Dx testom (IDEXX), a DNAizdvojena iz krvi 1080 pasa, 15 ovaca kao i 834 organa divljih je pretražena je lančanom reakcijom polimerazom sa neposrednim sekvencioniranjem umnoženih odsječaka. Molekularnim pretragama dokazane su vrste Anaplasma phagocytophilum, A. bovis, A. ovis, A. platys i A. centrale dok je serološki bilo 5% pasa pozitivno.

Danas je istarski magarac sve manje zastupljen kao radna životinja, ali ima sve veći značaj u turizmu te u proizvodnji magarećeg mlijeka. Kako bi magarice mogle davati zadovoljavajuće količine mlijeka, one moraju biti u laktaciji za koju je preduvjet zadovoljavajuća plodnost odnosno redoviti porodi. Iako su magarice po svojim reproduktivnim svojstvima slične kobilama, ipak se od njih i razlikuju. Unatoč tome, ne postoji protokol za nadzor nad reprodukcijom magarica. Naime, u EU se metode praćenja reprodukcije i dijagnostike gravidnosti kobila donekle primijenjuju i na magaricama. No, tjelesne mjere magaraca u Hrvatskoj uglavnom ukazuju na životinje koje nisu podesne za uobičajene ginekološke preglede koji se provode na kobilama. Stoga je svrha ovog rada prikazati dosadasnje rezultate nadzora nad reprodukcijom koji će ispoštovati specifičnosti upravo takvog, našeg tipa magarica, a da istodobno bude pouzdan, praktičan i neinvazivan, odnosno da pomaže očuvanje zdravlja i dobrobiti životinja te podizanje konkurentnosti u proizvodnji magarećeg mlijeka. Radom je obuhvaćeno ukupno 100 istarskih magaraca smještenih u 4 uzgoja u Istarskoj županiji od čega se 60 magarica koristi u rasplodu i za proizvodnju magarećeg mlijeka.. Na svim uzgojima provedeni su opći klinički pregled, pregled uzgoja, ginekološki pregledi rasplodnih magarica, pregled mliječne žlijezde, uzimanje briseva i uzoraka mlijeka za bakteriološke pretrage, ortopedski pregledi i savjetovanje vlasnika. Temeljem naših rezultata razvidno je da se u uzgojima provodi zavidna higijena mužnje a prilikom provedbe istraživanja nije zamjećen niti jedan slučaj mastitisa. Nadalje, unatoč heterogenoj rasprostranjenosti dobi unutar promatrane populacije (podjednak omjer starih, srednjih i vrlo mladih magarica) svega 10% rasplodnih magarica (n=6) je zahvaćeno nekim od reproduktivnih poremećaja (poremetnje u radu jajnika n=2, endometritisi n=3, urovagina n=1) što je kod svih promatranih magarica bilo povezano sa patologijom lokomotornog sustava koja je osobito prisutna na jednom uzgoju. Uočene medicinske i biološke prednosti uzgoja istarskih magaraca u smislu unaprijeđenja reprodukcije predstavljaju tjelesni okvir životinja, njihova sposobnost socijalizacije i dobra opća tjelesna otpornost. Uočene nemedicinske prednosti uzgoja u smislu unaprijeđenja reprodukcije u svrhu proizvodnje mlijeka i očuvanja uzgoja istarskih magaraca svakako predstavljaju visoka motiviranost uzgajivača, potpora lokalne zajednice, povoljni ekonomski preduvjeti za razvoj te povoljan smještaj i geo povezanost, dok su uočeni nemedicinski nedostaci razjedinjenost uzgajivača, heterogenost uzgoja s obzirom na način uzgoja, namjenu i pristup uzgajivača, aktuelna situacija u CRSH i nedostatak strategije u primjeni magaraca u turizmu (strucni kadar koji bi osposobio životinje za rad).

Posljednjih godina došlo je do zanačajnog poskupljenja cijena sirovina koje čine sirovi protein u smjesama. Direktivom IPPC 2008/1/EC i Direktivom 1999/74/EC uvedeni su novi pristupi u tehnologiji držanja i hranidbe konzumnih nesilica. Zbog toga je potrebno redefiniranti sirovi protein u smjesama. Dosadašnje preporučene vrijednosti proteina kretale su se između 14 – 17%. Prelaskom na etažni sustav držanja konverzija hrane povećana je za 10 – 15%. Takav način držanja ima manji prinos jajčane mase. Razmatrajući potrebe konzumnih nesilica u proizvodnji moguće je uštedjeti protein dodacima esencijalnih aminokiselina i enzima kojima poboljšavamo iskoristivosth rane. Takvim pristupom moguće je uštedjeti 1-2% proteina. Potrebe se kreiraju na izračunima maksimalnih vrijednosti za zadovoljenje proizvodnje jaja.

Ultrasound guided transvaginal oocyte recovery, also known as ovum pick up (OPU), and in vitro embryo production (IVP) provides an alternative mean to increase the number of offspring from genetically valuable cows. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of two different cattle breeds on oocyte recovery rate, quality and subsequent embryo development after transvaginal ovum pick up. Transvaginal ultrasound guided (Pie Medical, Netherlands) oocyte collection was performed in 8 nonlactating donor cows (4 Holstein-Frisian and 4 Charolais). Cows were synchronized with PGF2 and stimulated with pFSH, twice a day during two days (Folltropin® ; , Bioniche, a total dose: 200 mg NIH-FSH-P1). OPU was performed 24 hours after the last FSH injection and procedure was repeated every second week for eight consecutive weeks. The number of aspirated follicles, the number of retrieved oocytes and oocyte recovery rate were recorded. The collected oocytes were morphologicaly evaluated and subsequently submitted to in vitro embryo production. The cleavage rates on Day 2, the total number of morulas (M) and blastocysts (Bl) on Day 7 and the numbers of hatched blastocysts (hBl) on Day 9 were recorded. Significantly more follicles were aspirated from Charolais cows (p

Ten healthy multiparous Simmental cows in mid-lactation, with average 4.34 % of milk fat and 3.61 % of milk protein, were appointed for five weeks simple change-over feeding trial. The cows were randomly assigned in two groups, one treatment per group. Treatment 1 (WSO-diet) consisted of 41% concentrate, 33% perennial ryegrass haylage, 26% corn silage in DM, and Treatment 2, (SO-diet) comprised of WSO diet supplemented with 200 g of non-protected sunflower oil per cow and day. Milk production and the majority of milk components did not change significantly regarding the treatment, apart the milk urea concentration that increased in Treatment 2. The milk fatty acid profile was modified with the significant decrease in lauric, miristic and palmitic acid (4.23 vs. 3.64 ; 12.52 vs. 10.85 ; 31.21 vs. 24.50), and the increase in stearic, vaccenic, linoleic and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) (10.70 vs. 15.26 ; 0, 61 vs. 0.96 ; 2.55 vs. 3.61 ; 0.71 vs.1.57) content. No remarkable changes in eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid milk content, as well as in the index of milk lipid peroxidation were identified. The concentration of total tetraiodothyronine (T4) in plasma increased in Treatment 2 whereas no changes in total triiodothyronine (T3) concentration were detected. The positive correlation between CLA and T4 was determined (r=0.38 ; p

Several conditions of foot infections of cattle ; bovine interdigital dermatitis, bovine interdigital necrobacillosis, bovine digital dermatitis (BDD), lamellar suppuration are described in the literature (5, 6). The bovine digital dermatitis is the most frequent one causing a painful and severe lameness ; economic loss due to decreased milk production and reproduction performance (4, 5, 7). The disease was described for the first time in Italy in 1974 as Mortellaro’ s disease. It occurs primarily in dairy cattle and have been reported as a cause of lameness worldwide, including Albania. BDD is generally considered as infectious disease (4). This study is focused on the role of bovine digital dermatitis on service period of affected cows. The study was carried out on dairy cattle herd in Tirana, Albania. The prevalence of this condition was evaluated, the main bacterial causes were isolated and the time of successful insemination was surveyed. The animals were divided in two groups. Each group consisted of six cows in same physiological status and management conditions. The first group was composed of cows not affected, while the second group comprised the animals affected by foot infections. The prevalence of foot infections on the farm was 18, 67%. The main bacterial agents implicated were Fusobacterium necrophorum, Dicolobacterium nodosus and Arcanobacterium pyogenes. A significant difference between two groups was established. The cows from the first group were successfully inseminated 91, 5  13, 3 days after delivery. The affected group of cows was successfully inseminated 139  143 days after parturition.

The case of liver tumor with lung metastasis is presented. Based on the histopathological and immunohistochemical (positive cytokeratine staining and negative anti-hepatocyte antigen) findings the tumor was classified as anaplastic cholangiocellular carcinoma.

The aim of this research was to establish the importance and accuracy of the ultrasonic examination of donor goats submitted to superovulation procedures. For this reason 9 goats were systematically examined by ultrasound: 1) to monitor development of the follicles on the ovaries after hormonal treatement started ; 2) to confirm the ovulation(s) and 3) to assess the quality of the corpus/ora luteum/ea (CL) on the respective ovaries. To perform the ultrasonic examination the animals were placed in dorsal recumbency and 7, 5MHz ultrasound probe was placed into the rectum. The accuracy of the ultrasound exams was measured by comparing the number of follicles counted on ovaries with number of corpora lutea presented after laparatomy was done to accomplish the lavage of uterus and collection of the 7 days old embryos. The absence of follicle(s) on ovaries after ovulation was expected and does mated was considered as a sign of occured ovulation. The rate of follicles found on the ovaries by ultrasound / number of corpora lutea counted when the uterus was rinsed was 57, 86%. If there were less then 10 follicles per ovary the results were even better. The ultrasonic exams of donor goats is appreciable tool by which follicular dynamics can be followed and the success of superovulation procedure predicted and measured.

This paper presents our observations during the second outbreak of bovine mastitis in Croatia. On a farm with approximately 700 dairy cows in different stages of lactation a significant increase in severe clinical mastitis cases resistant to antibiotic therapy was observed. The animals were of Friesian Holstein breed and some had been purchased from Western Europe. The acute form of mastitis was characterised by a rapid decrease in milk production, and a rapid spread of infection from affected to adjacent quarters. The animals were unsuccessfully treated with different antibiotics for several months. Combinations of tetracycline, neomycin and bacitracin ; penicillin G, dihydrostreptomycin, novobiocin and neomycin ; clavulanic acid-amoxicillin, cephalosporines ; and lincomycin were used. To investigate a possible role of mycoplasma as a causative agent of a large number of mastitis cases, 421 udder secretions were microbiologically examined. Mycoplasma colonies of typical appearance were cultured from 77 milk samples. Mycoplasmas were identified directly from milk samples by antigen capture ELISA test and polymerase chain reaction for routine identification of M. bovis. All isolated mycoplasmas were identified as Mycoplasma bovis. Mastitic bovine milk originated from a large number of farms in Croatia has been routinely cultured for mycoplasma on appropriate media at Department of Microbiology and Infectious diseases for the last 30 years. On this basis, it is likely that mycoplasma mastitis in Croatia was brought into into the country with the imported animals. As bovine mycoplasma mastitis might be a major udder health problem in dairy cattle there is an urgent necessity of coordinated action of veterinary diagnostic laboratories and veterinary authorities in identifying the distribution and control of this infection in Croatia.

Mastitis is defined as an inflammatory reaction of udder tissue to bacterial, chemical, thermal or mechanical injury. It is a common disease in dairy herd in many different counties and the most costly one in dairy cattle breeding causing serious economic losses due to the decreasing milk production and lower quality of milk. The aim of this study is to summarise the literature data on the prevalence and incidence level of spontaneous intramammary infection in dairy cattle and to compare it with the epidemiological data of cattle intramammary infection in Croatia. Analysed data include 118 available published papers on the Current Contents database in the10-years period (from 1997 to 2007) describing epidemiological methods for determining occurence of intrammamary infection worldwide. The data relating to occurrence of mastitis in Croatia have been collected from Croatian Livestock Center, Laboratory for Milk Control, Križevci, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Zagreb and Department for Veterinary Science, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development from 2002 to 2007. Three main categories of comparison were used: the frequency of intrammamary infection (subclinical and clinical mastitis), the frequency of pathogen specific mastitis and the somatic cell count (SCC). In 55 countries, about 30% the prospective studies of incidence rate, about 46% studies of prevalence rate and about 26% studies of molecular epidemiology and risk factors were done. The level of subclinical mastitis varied from 9% to 70% and clinical mastitis from 6.1% to 63.49% depending on milk gland status (dry or lactation period) and a parity. The most frequently isolated pathogens from infected quarters were Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus uberis, followed by coagulase-negative staphylococci, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streprococcus dysgalactiae and coliform bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae and Streptococcus dysgalactiae occurred more often in herds with a high bulk milk SCC but coliform bacteria in herds with a low bulk milk SCC. In Croatia SCC as well as number of pathogens from 2003 to 2007 decreased. Mean SCC in 2003 and 2007 were 209.063 and 165.216 respectively and mean number of pathogens microbes in raw milk were 236.958 and 54.049 respectively. In 1996 number of intrammamary infections caused by contagious-pathogens were 14.6% and by environmental pathogens 5.9%, but in 2004 they were 13.6% and 8.4% respectively.

On a farm in north-west Croatia, where 17 diary cows and 2 heifers shared stables and meadows with dozen sheep, one of the heifers developed symptoms reminiscent of SA-MCF. Symptoms included anorexia, high fever, profuse catarrhal discharge from the eyes and nares, bilateral cornea opacity, necrosis of muzzle and erosions of the bucal epithelium. Ten days following onset of the disease neurological symptoms occurred. Animal died within 14 days. At the autopsy sharply demarcated erosions on the mucosal surfaces including tongue, oral mucosa, oesophagus, abomasum, jejunum, colon, caecum and urinary bladder were found. Histopathology revealed significant perivascular and intramural arterial infiltrations with mononuclear cells, mostly lymphocytes. Fluorogenic real-time PCR amplification specific for OvHV-2 was performed and OvHV-2 DNA was detected in brain, cerebellum, spleen and lymph nodes tissue samples. For the first time in Croatia OvHV-2 was identified and quantified as a causative agent of SA-MCF.

According to the Croatian Livestock Centre’ s data (2006) over 100.000 sheep are bred on the islands for the purpose of producing meat (lambs) and milk (cheese). The majority are raised on the islands of Krk, Cres, Rab, Pag and Brač. Autochthonous (island) breeds predominate on these islands while Istrian and crossbreed sheep are represented in smaller numbers. The sheep are kept extensively and feed on the numerous types of Mediterranean plants there. During the winter period, they are fed on hay, concentrats and pelleted alfalfa. The aim of our research was to establish which diseases affect the health of sheep on Croatian islands. The study was carried out on 40 flocks on the islands of Cres, Krk, Rab, Pag and Brač from 2004 to 2007. The following diagnostic methods were used: clinical examination, necropsy, serological blood tests and coprology tests. It was established that they most frequently suffered from parasitical, infectious and digestive system diseases. The following internal parasites were found: gastrointestinal nematodes, Eimeria sp., Protostongylus sp., Dicrocoelium dendriticum, Fasciola hepatica, Paramphistomum sp., Nematodirus sp., Moniezia sp, Haemmonchus contortus. and Trichuris sp.. As far as external parasites are concerned, the presence of Rhipicephalus and Ixodes ticks were established. Invasion of Melophagus ovinus was identified on the island of Rab. The parasites most frequently affect the health of lambs and young sheep. The presence of abscesses caused by puncture wounds was also established in the sheep. Clinical mastitis was diagnosed on all islands indicating the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus as the major causative agent. The following infectious diseases were found: enterotoxemia, actinobacillosis, contagious ecthyma, footrot and the Brucella ovis infection. As far as diseases of the digestive system are concerned, bloat was found, as well as various forms of indigestion, which are a consequence of overfeeding on green grass, figs or acorns. Diarrhoea widely occurs in sheep since they lick sea salt the so-called posolica drifted by a north-eastern wind to the areas where sheep are bred. Most diseases identified in the study can be prevented and controlled by implementing elaborate safety precautions. When choosing precautions, both breeders and veterinarians have to take account of the size of a flock, objective and stage of production, breeding area, epizootiological situation, diseases identified in the flock so far and season.

The aim of the study was to compare and analyse influence of different milking failures on udder health of dairy cows. Two dairy farms in southwestern Croatia were observed and followed during five years. At the first farm there were 430 cows and at the second farm there were 320 monitored cows. Cows of both breeds were uniform according to breed, age and milk production ; they all were holstein-frisian cows, approximatly 8 years old, used in milk production for 5-6 years with everage milk production of 7 000 l per year. Cows from the first farm were milked on the milking parlour 3 times daily using „ BOU-MATIC“ system. Unfortunately, due to some technical problems, part of the system didn't work properly and it was necessary to replace it with manual milking during the last two years of research. Due to high hygienic standards of milking preparation, they didn't notice any change of milk hygiene and quality. On the second farm cows were milked 2-3 times daily according to lactation status using milking machines on the lair but presanitation and hygienic standards were very poor and absolutely unsufficient. On both farms mastitis test was performed regularly and milk samples from all positive cows were collected for bacteriological tests. During five years we analysed 1292 samples from the first and 2504 samples from the second farm. After bacteriological test of 1292 samples from the first farm only 18, 60% samples were positive versus 16, 6% positive results from 2504 samples from the second farm. Monitoring and analysis of results from the first farm has shown statistically significant influence of mentioned technical problem on positive results of bacteriological tests. From the 9, 10% positive results at the first year it decreased on 25, 26% at the last year of study. The most common isolate was Staphylococcus aureus (66, 99%), Streptococcus agalactiae (12, 95%), Streptococcus dysgalactiae (4, 88%), Streptoccocus faecalis (8, 06%) and Lactobacillus spp. (7, 09%). Furthermore, number of positive Staphylococcus aureus isolates increased predominatly year after year and caused already mentioned dramatic increase of positive samples. Analysis of results from the second farm has shown that number of positive results decreased slowly from 18, 74% to 16, 66% during five years. There was no predominance of particular bacteria species. The most common isolates were: Streptococcus faecalis (20, 41%), Micoplasma spp. (19, 16%), Streptococcus agalactiae (17, 92%), Staphylococcus aureus (17, 92%), Lactobacillus spp. (9, 58%) and Coliform spp. (8, 75%). Comparation of all positive samples from the front quarters versus rear quarters has shown predominance of the front quarters (55, 41% versus 44, 59%). It could be explained with high incidence of S. aureus who predominantly attacks front quarters. According to our results we concluded that poor sanitation and milking hygiene enables different bacteria and also Micoplasma species to survive at the farm and cause mastitis and dairy losses but in the mean time cows develop sort of resistence wich causes decrease of subclinical infections after a few years. In the mean time, milking of cows using high hygienic standards but changing routine and type of milking ( machine milking replaced with manual milking) causses decrease of immunity and slowly increases subclinical infections. It also enables significant increase of very resistent bacteria like S. aureus to intrude and stay in the farm causing more and more problems and dairy losses.

The incursion of Bluetongue virus (BTV) in the Mediterranean basin have implicated numerous countries that had never experienced the infection in their territory before. To define the infection area and better control the infection, some of them have organized entomological and serological surveillance plans. The circulation of bluetongue virus (BTV) was detected serologically in Albania in 2002. In the same season a survey for Culicoides Latreille, 1809, was also made to establish whether Culicoides imicola Kieffer, 1913, the main vector of BTV in the Mediterranean Basin or any other suspected vector species were present. The present study was designed to analyse the monthly activity of Culicoides species in the region of Tirana, particularly secondary vector species such as C. obsoletus, C. pulicaris and C. punctatus. While the main vector, C. imicola was not detected in the present study, a number of species which are known or suspected BTV vectors including C. obsoletus and C. pulicaris complex were among the most prevalent in Tirana. Here we report the results of this entomological survey during the year 2005.