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N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine (NAC) has been suggested as an antioxidant that can alleviate the negative effects of stress conditions in broilers. However, knowledge of its pharmacokinetics (PK) in this avian species is very limited. Therefore, the study aimed to shed more light on the PK properties of NAC in chickens. Broilers were subjected to single intravenous (i.v.) or oral (p.o.) treatment or multiple NAC administrations via the feed. Drug concentrations were determined by LC–MS/MS, and the data were subjected to non‐compartmental analysis and modeled by non‐linear mixed effect approach. NAC was eliminated in a short time after i.v. treatment, with a t1/2el of 0.93 (0.59–2.09) h. It showed limited distribution with population mean of volumes of distribution in the central and peripheral compartments V1 of 0.148 L/kg and V2 of 0.199 L/kg, respectively, and Vdarea of 0.39 (0.258–0.635) L/kg. The value of MRT was 1.76 h (range of 0.96–2.69, p <.05) after single p.o. treatment, indicating a twofold increase if compared to i.v. administration (0.87 h, 0.55–1.78). Both methods of Pk analysis revealed very limited bioavailability, <10%. Feeding behavior led to a later achievement of lower maximum plasma concentrations (5.74, range of 3.44–9.32 μg/mL, p <.05), which were maintained during the 5 days of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, especially since the COVID‐19 pandemic, the number of predatory journals has increased significantly. Predatory journals exploit the "open‐access model" by engaging in deceptive practices such as charging high publication fees without providing the expected quality and performing insufficient or no peer review. Such behaviors undermine the integrity of scientific research and can result in researchers having trouble identifying reputable publication opportunities, particularly early‐career researchers who struggle to understand and establish the correct criteria for publication in reputable journals. Publishing in journals that do not fully cover the criteria for scientific publication is also an ethical issue. This review aimed to describe the characteristics of predatory journals, differentiate between reliable and predatory journals, investigate the reasons that lead researchers to publish in predatory journals, evaluate the negative impact of predatory publications on the scientific community, and explore future perspectives. The authors also provide some considerations for researchers (particularly early‐career researchers) when selecting journals for publication, explaining the role of metrics, databases, and artificial intelligence in manuscript preparation, with a specific focus on and relevance to publication in veterinary medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine (NAC) shows beneficial effects in cases of aflatoxicosis and heat stress in poultry but little is known about its pharmacokinetics in chickens. Therefore, the study aimed to develop and validate a sensitive LC–MS/MS analytical method for quantitative analysis of NAC in chicken plasma. A split calibration curve approach was used for determination of NAC in chicken plasma. Standard curves for low (0.05–2.5 μg/ml) and high (2.5–100 μg/ml) ranges of concentrations were prepared. The standard curves for low (r2 = 0.9987) and high (r2 = 0.9899) concentrations were linear within the tested range. The limits of detection (LOD) and of quantification (LOQ) for the standard at low concentrations were 0.093 and 0.28 μg/ml, respectively. The accuracy was from 97.35 to 101.33%. The values of LOD and LOQ for the standard at high concentrations were 0.76 and 2.30 μg/ml, respectively. The accuracy was between 99.77 and 112.14%. The intra‐ and inter‐day precisions for all concentrations from both standards did not exceed 8.57% and 10.69%, respectively. The recovery for all concentrations was between 92.45 and 105.52%. The validated method for determination of NAC in chicken plasma can be applied in future pharmacokinetic studies in chickens without dilution of samples and their repeated analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycotoxin binders, in combination with enzymes degrading some mycotoxins, contribute to feed detoxification. Their use reduces economic losses and the negative impacts of mycotoxins on animal health and productivity in farm animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a mycotoxin detoxifier on the expression of the ATP-binding cassette efflux transporters ABCB1 mRNA and ABCC2 mRNA, which transport xenobiotics and thus have a barrier function, in the tissues of pigs exposed to low doses of deoxynivalenol (DON, 1 mg/kg feed) and zearalenone (ZEN, 0.4 mg/kg feed) for 37 days. The levels of expression were determined by an RT-PCR, and the effect of the mycotoxin detoxifier (Mycofix Plus3.E) was evaluated by a comparison of results between healthy pigs (n = 6), animals treated with DON and ZEN (n = 6), and a group that received both mycotoxins and the detoxifier (n = 6). A significant downregulation of ABCB1 mRNA and ABCC2 mRNA was observed in the jejunum (p < 0.05). A tendencies toward the downregulation of ABCB1 mRNA and ABCC2 mRNA were found in the ileum and duodenum, respectively. The mycotoxin detoxifier restored the expression of ABCB1 mRNA to the level found in healthy animals but did not restore that of ABCC2 mRNA to the level of healthy animals in the jejunum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In orthopaedics, erythropoietin (EPO) is applied in the preoperative management of anaemic patients, but also as a stimulating factor to assist bone regeneration due to its angiogenic and osteoinductive potential. Since orthopaedists mainly rely on their clinical experience to assess bone healing, additional and more objective methods such as studying the dynamics of bone markers are needed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the plasma activity of bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), the N-terminal propeptide of type I collagen (PINP), the C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), and deoxypyridinoline (DPD) during the first 2 months of healing of comminuted fractures in cats, either non-stimulated or locally stimulated with recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO). The study included twelve cats of mixed breeds, aged 7.2 ± 4 months, weighing 2.11 ± 1.1 kg, with comminuted diaphyseal fractures of the femur. Surgical treatment with plate osteosynthesis was performed in all animals. The cats were randomly divided into two groups—a control (n = 6) and an EPO group (n = 6). The locally applied EPO leads to the increased activity of bone formation markers (BALP and PINP) during the second week after the osteosynthesis, preceding the peaks in the control group by two weeks. The studied bone resorption markers (DPD, CTX) varied insignificantly during the studied period. In conclusion, erythropoietin could serve as a promoter of bone healing in comminuted fractures in cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofilm-forming bacteria are associated with difficult-to-cure bacterial infections in veterinary patients. According to previous studies, N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) showed an inhibitory effect on biofilm formation when it was applied in combination with beta-lactam antibiotics and fluoroquinolones. The lack of information about the effect of NAC on doxycycline activity against biofilm-forming strains was the reason for conducting this study. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) ATCC 25923, Staphylococcus aureus O74, Escherichia coli (E. coli) ATCC 25922 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) ATCC 27853 were used to evaluate the activity of doxycycline with and without addition of NAC on planktonic bacteria and on biofilm formation. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of doxycycline were not affected by NAC for Gram-negative strains and were found to be two times higher for the strains of S. aureus. The minimum biofilm inhibitory concentrations (MBICs) for Gram-negative bacteria (2 μg/mL for E. coli ATCC 25922 and 32 μg/mL for P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853), determined using a standard safranin colorimetric assay, were higher than the MICs (0.5 and 4 μg/mL, respectively). The data suggest that the combinations of doxycycline and NAC could stimulate the growth of planktonic cells of S. aureus and biofilm-forming E. coli ATCC 25922. NAC did not affect the strong inhibitory effect of doxycycline on the biofilm formation by the strains of S. aureus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orally administered tetracycline antibiotics interact with feed, which may impact their bioavailability and efficacy. Therefore, the pH-dependent adsorption of doxycycline and its interaction with feed for ruminants was studied in vitro. Adsorption experiments on animal feed (135 and 270 mg) with initial doxycycline concentrations of 35, 75, and 150 µg/mL were performed. Desorption experiments were conducted by agitation of a predetermined mass of doxycycline-loaded animal feed in PBS, at pH = 3.0, 6.0, and 7.4, to simulate changes in the gastrointestinal tract. Antibiotic concentrations were determined by LC-MS/MS analysis. The adsorption/desorption of doxycycline was described by mathematical models. Chemisorption with strong intermolecular interactions between the active functional groups of doxycycline and the organic biomass was found. The experimental release curve comprised three sections: initial prolonged 27–30% release (pH = 6.0), followed by moderate 56–59% release (pH = 3.0), and final 63–74% release (pH = 7.4). The sigmoidal model showed a considerable role of diffusion with an initial prevalence of desorption and a decreased desorption rate thereafter. The Weibull equation revealed an initial release stage followed by a lag time section and sustained release. The study of doxycycline adsorption by the animal feed proved a maximum 80% encapsulation efficiency and revealed initial diffusion followed by chemisorption. The highest release efficiency of 74% suggests high bioavailability of doxycycline after oral administration in ruminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycoplasmosis is a bacterial infection that significantly affects poultry production, and it is often controlled with antibiotics, including doxycycline. The conducted study aimed to determine population pharmacokinetic (PopPk) parameters of doxycycline in healthy (n = 12) and in Mycoplasma gallisepticum-challenged (n = 20) chickens after its oral administration via drinking water at the registered dose rate of 20 mg/kg b.w./24 h for five days, without or with co-administration of N-acetylcysteine (NAC, a dose of 100 mg/kg b.w./24 h) via the feed. Doxycycline concentrations in plasma were analyzed with the LC-MS/MS method. The values of tvV/F and tvke were 4.73 L × kg−1 and 0.154 h−1, respectively, and they showed low BSV. A high BSV of 93.17% was calculated for the value of tlag of 0.8 h, which reflects the inter-individual differences in the water consumption. PTA was computed after Monte Carlo simulation with the registered dose for doxycycline. The target of %fT > MIC ≥ 80% and 100% can be achieved in 90% of the broiler population, after a correction for protein binding, for bacteria with MIC ≤ 0.5 mg × L−1 and 0.25 mg × L−1, respectively. The applied PopPk model did not reveal significant effect of M. gallisepticum infection and co-administration of NAC on pharmacokinetic parameters of doxycycline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of 50% diet restriction and its coadministration with krill oil (KO) or fish oil (FO) on glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in a rabbit model of obesity. Castrated male rabbits were 50% restricted fed and supplemented with KO or FO (600 mg omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids/daily) for 2 months. Simultaneously, two control groups were used: castrated, full‐diet‐fed and castrated, 50% restricted fed rabbits without additives restricted group (RG). The energy‐restricted diet decreased final body weight in castrated male rabbits and improved most insulin sensitivity and β‐cell function indexes. Combining the same diet and KO or FO, further reduced fasting blood glucose levels. However, this feed regime significantly accelerated insulin secretion and reduced gene expression of insulin receptor substrate‐1, pyruvate kinase and 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA synthase 2. This was manifested by reduced dynamic insulin sensitivity, assessment homoeostasis‐β‐cell function indices and increased glucose elimination rate to levels comparable to or above the obese animals. Aspartate and alanine aminotransferases enzyme activities were raised more than those in the obese group. Surprisingly, KO and FO administration downregulated acetyl‐coenzyme A oxidase and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 2 messenger RNA gene expression compared to the RG. In conclusion, we can assume that a better effect on insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance was observed in the diet restriction alone than in the coadministration of KO or FO when animals are exposed to highly obesity predisposing factors. These effects could be at least in part ascribed to the modified gene expression levels of some critical enzymes and factors involved in liver glucose metabolism and β‐oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Puerperal metritis in cows involves the acute inflammation of the uterus, which is often treated with antibacterial drugs. Restrictions on the use of antibiotics in veterinary medicine require the very precise selection of an antibiotic based on its pharmacokinetics and on sensitivity tests of pathogenic bacteria. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in oxytetracycline levels in uterine secretion over time after intrauterine administration in cows with metritis in relation to the sensitivity of pathogenic bacterial isolates. The concentrations of oxytetracycline in the uterine secretions were higher than the minimum inhibitory concentrations against pathogenic bacteria, provoking the infection of the uterus. Higher concentrations were measured in milk rather than in plasma. The intrauterine infusion of oxytetracycline for three consecutive days led to the alleviation of the inflammation and the restoration of the estrus cycle in cows. The local intrauterine administration of oxytetracycline requires the monitoring of the withdrawal time of milk to ensure consumer safety. Puerperal metritis in cows is often treated with antibacterial drugs. The prudent use of antibiotics in farm animals requires state-of-the-art knowledge of their pharmacokinetics and data from sensitivity tests of pathogenic bacteria. Changes in oxytetracycline levels in the uterine secretion over time after intrauterine administration in cows with metritis were evaluated in relation to the sensitivity of pathogenic bacterial isolates. Oxytetracycline levels in plasma, milk and uterine secretion were determined via LC–MS/MS analysis. Pathogenic bacteria were isolated and their sensitivity to oxytetracycline was determined. The concentrations of oxytetracycline in the uterine secretion were 433.79 (39.17–1668.76) µg·mL−1 six hours after the third application at a dose of 8 mg/kg and 84.33 (1.58–467.55) µg·mL−1 96 h after the last treatment. These levels were higher than the minimum inhibitory concentrations—namely, between 4 and 64 µg·mL−1—against pathogenic isolates Trueperella pyogenes, Streptococcus intermedius, Escherichia coli and Bacillus pumilis. Higher concentrations over time were measured in milk rather than in plasma, indicating the need to monitor the withdrawal time for milk. The intrauterine infusion of oxytetracycline for three consecutive days resulted in the successful treatment of metritis in terms alleviating inflammation and restoring the estrus cycle in cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The aim of the study was to assess the resistance of bovine mastitis Staphylococcus aureus isolates to antimicrobials by comparison of laboratory methods and statistical analysis. For this, 546 mastitis milk samples at 14 farms from 9 districts in Bulgaria were examined. A total of 92 Staphylococcus aureus strains were isolated and identified. The results showed high resistance to sulfadimethoxine (87%), followed by resistance to penicillin (33.7%), erythromycin (13%), streptomycin (8.7%), tetracycline (6.5%) and gentamicin (1.1%). The comparison of the methods demonstrated more than 90% agreement for 9 tested antimicrobial drugs, hence proving reliability of results from monitoring of resistance. Considering the detected discrepancies for some of isolates, an integral evaluation through standard and modern molecular methods for Staphylococcus aureus is recommended. The results from this study add to the microbiology laboratory experience and strategies for mastitis prevention and control programmes. The aim of this study was to assess the resistance of bovine mastitis S. aureus isolates from farms in Bulgaria to different classes of chemotherapeutic drugs by comparison of some phenotypic and genotypic methods by means of Cohen's kappa statistics. The study comprised 546 milk samples from subclinical and clinical mastitis at 14 farms from 9 districts in the country. A total of 92 Staphylococcus aureus strains were isolated from tested samples and identified by nuc PCR. The results demonstrated high levels of resistance to sulfadimethoxine (87%), followed by resistance to penicillin (33.7%), erythromycin (13%), streptomycin (8.7%), tetracycline (6.5%) and gentamicin (1.1%). The comparison of both phenotypic tests with respect to 9 antimicrobials revealed strong agreement with kappa coefficient 0.836. An almost complete agreement was evidenced between phenotypic resistance to penicillin and blaZ gene presence, to methicillin with mecA gene, to tetracycline with tet genes, but the agreement between erythromycin resistance and erm genes presence was moderate. This study was the first to demonstrate discrepancy between the behaviour to cefoxitin in the disk diffusion test and oxacillin in the MIC test for an isolate shown to carry the mecA gene in the subsequent genetic analysis. Considering the detected discrepancies for some of isolates, an integral evaluation through phenotypic and molecular methods for monitoring of antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus aureus is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is widely used as a mucolytic agent in cases with inflammation of the lungs. NAC is applied in poultry with aflatoxin B1 intoxication as an antioxidant, but its pharmacokinetics are not known. The present study was conducted to characterize the population pharmacokinetics of orally administered NAC in broilers. It included 32 chickens, divided into four groups, treated with NAC at a dose rate of 100 mg/kg/day mixed with the feed: healthy broilers (n = 6); chickens infected with Mycoplasma gallisepticum (n = 10); healthy broilers (n = 6); and diseased chickens (n = 10) treated with NAC and doxycycline (via drinking water, 20 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)). Plasma concentrations were analyzed by Liquid Chromatography –Mass Spectrometry (MS)/MS. NAC was absorbed after oral administration in all four groups of chickens. In healthy chickens treated solely with NAC, maximum plasma concentrations of 2.26 ± 0.91 μg mL-1 were achieved at 2.47 ± 0.45 h after dosing. The value of absorption half-life was 1.04 ± 0.53 h. The population pharmacokinetic analysis showed that dose adjustment of NAC is not required in M. gallisepticum-infected broilers or when it is combined with doxycycline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pharmacokinetics of doxycycline was investigated in lactating sheep and lambs after oral administration at a dose of 10 mg/kg. Concentrations in plasma and milk were assayed with HPLC‐PDA analysis. Doxycycline penetrates into the milk, and levels (0.38 ± 0.21 μg/ml) were found 0.5 hr after the treatment. The results suggest that the lambs can be exposed to doxycycline by suckling milk from their treated mothers. Population pharmacokinetic analysis showed a positive relationship between age, which reflects the stage of development of rumen function, and clearance. Possible explanations for the observed differences include the undeveloped rumen in lambs, the differences in the feed and liver function as evidenced by the blood biochemical parameters aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), which were significantly lower in lambs (62.67 ± 27.83 U/L and 8.50 ± 6.80 U/L) than in sheep (114.33 ± 20.77 U/L and 18.00 ± 3.16 U/L). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Extensive interaction between gut microbiota and the host immune system has significant impact on chicken performance. Objective: Therefore, the influence of doxycycline, administered with or without Lactobacillus spp., on PepT1 and LEAP-2 mRNAs expression in duodenum, jejunum and liver was investigated in Duc chickens. Methods: One-day-old Duc broiler chickens were divided in four groups. Chickens without treatment served as controls. Five days after hatching the second group was treated with Lactobacillus brevis, L.plantarum and L.bulgaricus probiotics via feed for 15 days. The third group was treated with probiotics (as in group 2) and doxycycline (10 mg/kg bw, via drinking water for five days, started 15 days after hatching). The fourth group received antibiotic only as described above. Water and food (broiler starter without drugs) were supplied ad libitum. Samples from liver, duodenum and jejunum were collected at the end of the treatment with doxycycline (21 days after hatching). Expression levels of LEAP-2 and PepT1 mRNAs were determined by qRT-PCR. Results: Doxycycline administered alone or in combination with probiotics, provoked a statistically significant upregulation of LEAP-2 mRNA in the liver and in the duodenum. Abundance of PepT1 mRNA was increased in the duodenum. Administration of doxycycline alone caused a moderate induction of LEAP-2 mRNA and down-regulation of PepT1 mRNA in the liver. Conclusion: Up-regulation of the studied antimicrobial peptides provoked by combination of Lactobacilli and doxycycline might be beneficial in terms of host protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The pharmacokinetics of doxycycline was investigated in force-fed and normally fed ducks after single intravenous (i.v.) and oral (p.o.) administration at a dose of 15 mg/kg bw. Serum concentrations of the drug were determined by the HPLC method. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using compartmental analysis. Serum concentrations of doxycycline after i.v. administration in both groups were not statistically different. The values of half-lives were 5.82±1.85 h and 6.06±5.51 h in normal and force-fed birds. The total body clearance was respectively 0.40±0.05 L/h/kg and 0.34±0.10 L/h/kg, and volume of distribution (Vss) was 2.80±0.85 L/kg and 2.18±0.89 L/kg. After p.o. administraton the maximum serum levels in the control group were 0.70±0.12 μg/mL and in force-fed birds were 1.93±0.32 μg/mL, measured at 2.95±0.60 h and 1.45±0.24 h, respectively. The values of absolute bioavailability were 18.89±6.48% and 37.58±13.63%. Longer doxycycline retention in force-fed ducks was registered. Our data can be accepted as an information for possible prolonged retention of doxycycline in force fed ducks compared to normally fed ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to investigate the serum and tissue disposition of enrofloxacin and its active metabolite ciprofloxacin in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) after a single oral administration at a dose of 10 mg kg–1. Concentrations of enrofloxacin in the serum of rainbow trout showed high variability with two peaks at the third and 24th hour after administration. The highest concentrations were found in the liver. The curves of liver levels showed similar changes to the respective serum samples. In the muscles, enrofloxacin concentrations were also higher compared with the respective serum samples. Ciprofloxacin concentrations were lower and showed smaller variations in all investigated tissues. The serum and tissue concentrations of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin in common carp showed two peaks, with the firstCmaxat the third hour after drug administration as in rainbow trout. Concentrations of both investigated substances were higher in the liver than in the serum. The differences in common carp were less pronounced in comparison with rainbow trout. Relatively high levels of both substances were found in the muscles. Seven days after treatment enrofloxacin concentrations in the serum and tissues were within the therapeutic levels for most of the sensitive microorganisms in trout. Lower concentrations of its metabolite ciprofloxacin were found in the investigated tissues at the last sampling point. Lower levels of both substances were found in carp. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Enrofloxacin is frequently administered via drinking water for the treatment of colibacillosis in broiler chickens. However, the EMA/CVMP has urged to re-evaluate historically approved doses, especially for antimicrobials administered via drinking water. In response, the objectives of this study were two-fold. First, to evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK) of enrofloxacin following IV, PO and drinking water administration. Second, to predict the efficacy of a range of doses in the drinking water for the treatment of APEC infections. For the first objective, PK parameters were estimated by fitting a one-compartmental model with a zero-order IV infusion and an oral absorption lag function to the simultaneously modelled IV and PO data. After fixing these parameter values, a drinking behaviour pharmacokinetic (DBPK) model was developed for the description and prediction of drinking water PK profiles by adding three model improvements (different diurnal and nocturnal drinking rates, inter-animal variability in water consumption and taking account of dose non-proportionality). The subsequent simulations and probability of target attainment (PTA) analysis predicted that a dose of 12.5 mg/kg/24 h is efficacious in treating colibacillosis with an MIC up to 0.125 μg/mL (ECOFF), whereas the currently registered dose (10 mg/kg/24 h) reaches a PTA of 66% at ECOFF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: For surgical interventions classified as clean or clean-contaminated, including laparotomy, guidelines in human and veterinary medicine recommend a short-term perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (PAP). In equine colic surgery, however, PAP commonly exceeds 24 h. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare a single-shot to a 5-day lasting PAP considering surgical site infections (SSI) and other adverse effects probably associated with the particular antimicrobial regimen. Study design: The study was designed as a randomised non-inferiority pilot study including horses subjected to colic surgery while receiving one of two distinct PAP regimens. Methods: All horses (n = 67) included in the study received the standard physical examination before and after surgery. Colic surgery was performed according to the current standard of the clinic. Horses were randomly assigned to two groups, receiving either the "single-shot" or the "5-day lasting" antibiotic prophylaxis. The "single-shot" group (n = 30) received penicillin and gentamicin only once before and, if needed, during surgery, whereas the "5-day lasting" group (n = 37) received antibiotics for five days. In addition to the standard laboratory examinations, serum amyloid A and fibrinogen were determined preoperatively and during five days after surgery. SSI, postoperative colitis and haemolytic anaemia were classified as postoperative complications potentially related to antibiotic use. Results: The outcome of this preliminary non-inferiority clinical trial showed that the occurrence of postoperative adverse events (i.e., SSI, postoperative colitis and haemolytic anaemia) lacked significant differences between the study groups. Main limitations: The main limitations of this study are the limited group sizes and our inability to blind the study. Conclusions: Single-shot PAP seems to be an alternative approach considering the 5-day lasting protocol commonly used in equine abdominal surgery. However, a proper hygiene management together with a close clinical and laboratory monitoring of the equine patient is indispensable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) have been suggested to reduce antimicrobial resistance phenomena in veterinary medicine, as antibiotics are commonly used without microbiological confirmation. The aim of the present study is to design a specific working flow for a tailored antimicrobial treatment in the case of canine and feline urinary tract infections (UTIs). Urine samples were collected by cystocentesis from 16 dogs and 12 cats presenting acute signs of UTI. The therapy was decided according to the minimal inhibitory concentration, and it was possible to monitor 14 dogs and 11 cats. Rescue therapy (amoxicillin and clavulanic acid) was included in emergency cases. Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Streptococcus canis were isolated in dogs, and Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, and Staphylococcus aureus were isolated in cats. No multidrug-resistant strains were detected, but all Staphylococci were methicillin resistant. Only one cat received rescue therapy, and only one dog was recruited. Dogs were treated with tetracycline (1/14), fluoroquinolones (6/14), beta-lactams (6/14), and gentamicin (1/14), while cats received fluoroquinolones (3/11), nitrofurans (1/11), clindamycin (1/11), and beta-lactams (6/11). The success rate was very high. Our findings are interesting because this is the first ASP in Italy, and it may be used as a model to develop ASPs for other pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doxycycline is a well-tolerated tetracycline antibiotic, registered for use in rabbits and administered for treatment of bacterial infections in this animal species. Nevertheless, the available pharmacokinetic data are limited and this study aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetics of orally administered doxycycline in mature and immature rabbits by application of the population approach. The rabbits were treated orally with doxycycline hyclate (5 mg/kg bw) in the form of a solid gelatin capsules. Free plasma concentrations were determined with HPLC analysis with Photodiode array detection. The estimated typical value of volume of distribution (tvV), total body clearance, and absorption rate constant were 4.429 L/kg, 1.473 L/kg/h, and 0.257 h−1, respectively. The highest between-subject variability (BSV) of 69.30% was observed for tvV. Co-variates such as body weight, age, and biochemical parameters did not improve the tested model and did not contribute to explanation of the BSV. The population pharmacokinetic model of the orally administered doxycycline in rabbits should be further developed by addition of data from more animals treated with higher doses. An oral dose of 5 mg/kg could ensure percentage of the time from the dosing interval during which the concentration is above minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) %fT > MIC of 35% if MIC of 0.18 μg·mL−1 and a dosing interval of 12 h is assumed which does not cover criteria for rational use of antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systemic therapy with oxytetracycline is often used for treatment of clinical metritis although data about its penetration into the uterus and uterine secretion are lacking. Uterine secretions and milk from six cows with clinical metritis were collected for microbiological assay. The animals were treated intramuscularly with long-acting oxytetracycline (20 mg/kg) and samples of plasma, milk and uterine secretions were collected for determination of the antibiotic concentrations by HPLC-PDA analysis. Pharmacokinetics of the antibiotic and in silico prediction of its penetration into the uterus were described. Trueperella pyogenes with MIC values of 16–64 µg mL−1 was isolated (n of cows = 4) from uterine secretions. Oxytetracycline showed fast absorption and penetration in the uterine secretions and milk. No change of withdrawal time for milk was necessitated in cows with clinical metritis. Maximum levels in uterine secretions and predicted concentrations of oxytetracycline in the uterus were lower than MIC values. Systemic administration of long-acting oxytetracycline did not guarantee clinical cure and was not a suitable choice for treatment of clinical metritis associated with Trueperella pyogenes. The appropriate approach to antibiotic treatment of uterine infections of cows requires knowledge on penetration of the antibiotics at the site of infection and sensitivity of pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the journal clubs, an educational tool for veterinary practitioners. Topics discussed include group of like-minded individuals holding regular meetings to discuss and critique developments in a specific area of interest; journal club meetings held through a variety of digital platforms such as webinars and social media platforms; and supporting and fostering international discussion and collaboration in veterinary pharmacology.

Puerperal metritis in cows is often treated with antibacterial drugs. The prudent use of antibiotics in farm animals requires state-of-the-art knowledge of their pharmacokinetics and data from sensitivity tests of pathogenic bacteria. Changes in oxytetracycline levels in the uterine secretion over time after intrauterine administration in cows with metritis were evaluated in relation to the sensitivity of pathogenic bacterial isolates. Oxytetracycline levels in plasma, milk and uterine secretion were determined via LC-MS/MS analysis. Pathogenic bacteria were isolated and their sensitivity to oxytetracycline was determined. The concentrations of oxytetracycline in the uterine secretion were 433.79 (39.17-1668.76) µg·mL -1 six hours after the third application at a dose of 8 mg/kg and 84.33 (1.58-467.55) µg·mL -1 96 h after the last treatment. These levels were higher than the minimum inhibitory concentrations-namely, between 4 and 64 µg·mL -1 -against pathogenic isolates Trueperella pyogenes , Streptococcus intermedius , Escherichia coli and Bacillus pumilis . Higher concentrations over time were measured in milk rather than in plasma, indicating the need to monitor the withdrawal time for milk. The intrauterine infusion of oxytetracycline for three consecutive days resulted in the successful treatment of metritis in terms alleviating inflammation and restoring the estrus cycle in cows.