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Nutrition may affect animal health due to the strong link between them. Also, diets improve the healing process in various disease states. Cancer is a disease, where the harmful consequences of tumors severely impair the body. The information regarding the evolution of this disease is extrapolated from human to animal because there are few specific studies regarding nutritional needs in animals with cancer. Thus, this paper aims to review the literature regarding the immunomodulatory effects of vitamins in mammal cancer. An adequate understanding of the metabolism and requirements of nutrients for mammals is essential to ensuring their optimal growth, development, and health, regardless of their food sources. According to these: 1) Some species are highly dependent on vitamin D from food, so special attention must be paid to this aspect. Calcitriol/VDR signaling can activate pro-apoptotic proteins and suppress anti-apoptotic ones. 2) Nitric oxide (NO) production is modulated by vitamin E through inhibiting transcription nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation. 3) Thiamine supplementation could be responsible for the stimulation of tumor cell proliferation, survival, and resistance to chemotherapy. 4) Also, it was found that the treatment with NO-Cbl in dogs is a viable anti-cancer therapy that capitalizes on the tumor-specific properties of the vitamin B12 receptor. Therefore, diets should contain the appropriate class of compounds in adequate proportions. Also, the limitations of this paper are that some vitamins are intensively studied and at the same time regarding others, there is a lack of information, especially in animals. Therefore, some subsections are longer and more heavily debated than others.

Maintenance of oral health and hygiene represents an essential condition in avoiding dental disease for humankind but also for the animal kingdom. This study aimed to present the importance of prevention techniques and treatment options for dental disease in pet rabbits. The research was focused on 16 rabbits that had been diagnosed with dental disease based on clinical and paraclinical examination, we obtained samples from the dental injury site using a sterile cotton swab and followed up with bacteriological examination and antibiotic sensitivity testing for identifying the bacteria and the resistances. Out of 16 samples sent to the laboratory for testing, 4 were negative (25%), showing no bacterial growth, from the rest of the samples the following bacterial strains were identified: 18,75% Staphylococcus spp, 18,75% Streptococcus spp, 6,25% Streptococcus β hemolytic, 6,25% Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 6,25% Klebsiella spp. 3 cases presented with multiple-strain infection as follows: 6,25% Streptobacillus spp and Klebsiella spp; 6,25% Proteus spp and Streptoccus spp; 6,25% Pseudomonas spp and Streptoccus spp. After obtaining the antibiotic sensitivity test results, we found that the most efficient drug was Amikacin, no bacteria presented resistance to this medicine, and it was followed by Trimethoprim/sulfa (TMPS) and Ciprofloxacin. All the identified bacterial strains were presenting resistance to Amphotericin and Clindamycin. Antimicrobial resistance and the limited availability of veterinary-use-approved drugs constitute strong arguments that sustain the importance of this study in the management of dental disease in pet rabbits.

Rabbits became more and more popular pets these last few years. For assuring their good health and wellbeing both the owners and the veterinarians are equally responsible. Sudden change in diet or inadequate nutrients, poor husbandry or stressing factors can all cause complex systemic pathologies to appear that often start at the oral cavity and the teeth. The aim of this study was to identify and apply the most accurate methods of approach, restrain, examination and diagnosis in dental disease in pet rabbits. This study included 19 rabbits, one of them clinically healthy and 18 were identified with dental disease. The patients had multiple affections but we categorized them according to the primary disease. 6 of them presented with pathologies of the incisors (31.57%), 10 had issues starting with the premolars (52.63%) and 2 with the molars (10.52%). The highest rate was 52.63% represented by the ones that presented dental disease at the premolars. The most met pathology in this study was odontogenic abscess formation in 11 out of 19 cases (57.89%), in most cases the abscesses appeared secondary due to periodontal infections. Knowing the specific features of the oral cavity, of the approach and the restraining methods as well as the clinical and imagistic diagnosing can assure proper management of dental disease in pet rabbits.

Coenurosis is a parasitic disease caused by the larval stage of Taenia multiceps, Coenurus cerebralis, typically found in the central nervous system of different livestock such as sheep and goats. The blood plasma from fifteen clinically healthy sheep and six sheep with neurological symptoms was studied by fluorescence spectroscopy in order to establish the contribution of kynurenic acid (KYNA), the neuroprotective metabolite of the kynurenine pathway, to the total fluorescence of the plasma. CT scans were used to confirm the presence of cysts in the central nervous system of sheep with neurological symptoms. The fluorescence spectroscopy analysis and further spectra deconvolution process revealed some significantly lower KYNA contributions to the total plasma fluorescence in sheep with coenurosis compared to healthy controls. Our results indicate that KYNA emission parameters could serve as valuable diagnostic markers, particularly for detecting preclinical cases of coenurosis, thus allowing for improved farm management practices.

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is a prevalent heart condition in dogs, particularly affecting the mitral valve. Stage B1 of MMVD, as per the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) guidelines, encompasses asymptomatic dogs with structural heart disease. This stage is characterized by a range of radiographic and echocardiographic findings without significant cardiac remodeling. Despite its prevalence, the impact of MMVD Stage B1 on cardiac weight remains unclear. In this study, 28 dogs were examined to evaluate if MMVD Stage B1 correlates with abnormal increases in heart weight postmortem. Dogs were clinically examined, underwent echocardiography, and were divided into two groups based on MMVD staging. Heart weight relative to body weight (hW/bW) was assessed. Results revealed that MMVD Stage B1 had minimal impact on heart weight, with hW/bW ratios remaining within normal ranges. Notably, despite differences in breed, sex, and age, hW/bW ratios did not significantly deviate from normal values. This study provides valuable insights into the relationship between MMVD Stage B1 and cardiac weight in dogs, indicating the need for further investigations with larger sample sizes to validate these findings. Understanding cardiac weight alterations in MMVD can aid in refining diagnostic and management approaches for affected dogs.

The circadian clock regulates biological cycles across species and is crucial for physiological activities and biochemical reactions, including cancer onset and development. The interplay between the circadian rhythm and cancer involves regulating cell division, DNA repair, immune function, hormonal balance, and the potential for chronotherapy. This highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm for cancer prevention and treatment. This article investigates the complex relationship between the circadian rhythm and cancer, exploring how disruptions to the internal clock may contribute to tumorigenesis and influence cancer progression. Numerous databases are utilized to conduct searches for articles, such as NCBI, MEDLINE, and Scopus. The keywords used throughout the academic archives are “circadian rhythm”, ”cancer”, and ”circadian clock”. Maintaining a healthy circadian cycle involves prioritizing healthy sleep habits and minimizing disruptions, such as consistent sleep schedules, reduced artificial light exposure, and meal timing adjustments. Dysregulation of the circadian clock gene and cell cycle can cause tumor growth, leading to the need to regulate the circadian cycle for better treatment outcomes. The circadian clock components significantly impact cellular responses to DNA damage, influencing cancer development. Understanding the circadian rhythm’s role in tumor diseases and their therapeutic targets is essential for treating and preventing cancer. Disruptions to the circadian rhythm can promote abnormal cell development and tumor metastasis, potentially due to immune system imbalances and hormonal fluctuations.

Rosmarinic acid is a well-known natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound, and it is one of the polyphenolic compounds found in comfrey plants. Comfrey root also contains allantoin, which helps with new skin regeneration. This study aimed to investigate the healing and skin regeneration process of skin wounds in Wistar rats using creams based on comfrey extract and to correlate the results with active compounds in the extract. The obtained results showed that comfrey root is rich in bioactive compounds, including allantoin, salvianolic acid, and rosmarinic acid, which are known for their great free radical scavenging activity, and the high antioxidant activity of the extract may be mainly due to these compounds. The obtained extract has an antimicrobial effect on Staphylococcus aureus (1530.76/382.69), Escherichia coli (6123.01/6123.01), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (6123.01/6123.01). The macroscopic evaluation and the histological analysis of the skin defects 14 days after the intervention showed faster healing and complete healing in the skin excisions treated with oil-in-water cream with 20% extract of comfrey as the active ingredient.

The purpose of this paper is to review the specialized literature to highlight the effects produced by energy drinks in terms of skin health. To carry out this review, we consulted previous articles with descriptive cross-sectional designs, case series, and individual case reports published between 2000 and 2023. Therefore, while caffeine acute consumption among adults can have beneficial effects, in children, it can cause health problems like overnight breaks, headaches, and dulled cognition since their organs are still developing and their endocrine system is not yet stable. Despite the antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of caffeine from energy drinks, their excessive consumption among adolescents can cause disorders like high systolic blood pressure, agitation, nausea, anxiety, osteoporosis, heart palpitations, poor sleep quality, and stomach ulcers. Among athletes, taurine supplementation has been proven to improve exercise capacity in cold weather conditions. Also, vigilance, attention, and reaction time were all improved by caffeine consumption. Caffeine administration in low doses caused a risk of cardiovascular disease. It was effective in treating migraines in children, but raised systolic blood pressure, and contributed to skin healing in adolescents. On the other side, taurine prevents obesity among children, causes positive effects on oxidative stress and inflammation in adolescents, helps shield the skin from damaging oxidative stress among students, and impacts exercise capacity in athletes. Significant increases in serum levels of uric acid, creatinine, BUN, ALT, and ALP caused by chronic intake of EDs indicated different degrees of injury to the kidneys and liver. Furthermore, the effects on the cardiovascular system could be worse if taurine and caffeine are combined. Caffeine alone does not significantly decrease sleep as much as a taurine/high caffeine ratio. On the other hand, a low ratio does.

This review article focuses on the use of canine M-mode in veterinary medicine, specifically in assessing the left ventricle measurements in several breeds. It traces the historical development of echocardiography techniques, including A-mode, B-mode, and motion mode (M-mode), which provide accurate unidimensional records of cardiac structures. This article highlights the significance of M-mode measurements in diagnosing stage B2 of MMVD, where left ventricular end-diastolic internal diameter corrected with body weight (LVIDdN) is essential for identifying cardiac enlargement. It also explains the role of M-mode in diagnosing DCM, outlining criteria such as left ventricular dilatation. The authors emphasize the importance of breed-specific reference values for echocardiographic measurements due to variations in somatotype among dogs. This review provides a comprehensive table summarizing M-mode measurements of the left ventricle for 44 different dog breeds, including interventricular septum thickness, left ventricular internal diameter, and left ventricular posterior wall thickness during systole and diastole. This review’s methodology involves compiling data from various scientific literature sources, providing an extensive tabular representation of M-mode measurements for different breeds, ages, and sexes. Overall, this review highlights the critical role of M-mode echocardiography in diagnosing and managing cardiac diseases in dogs, underscores the importance of breed-specific reference values, and presents a comprehensive summary of M-mode measurements for various dog breeds, aiding both clinicians and researchers.

Advances in veterinary ophthalmology in recent decades are primarily due to the development of eyeball examination techniques. One of the most advanced, non-invasive, non-contact, and high-resolution techniques is optical coherence tomography (OCT). With this technique, cross-sectional, in vivo images are provided, bringing new insights into the examination of eyeball structures. This technique complements the information provided by the clinical and paraclinical ophthalmic examination. Due to the structural complexity of the eyeball, the imaging examination plays an important role in diagnosing various ocular pathologies and monitoring these pathologies after interventional actions. This study aimed to present and apply this new method of eyeball examination in veterinary medicine for the diagnosis and monitoring of ocular disorders. The objectives of this study were to present the functioning elements, the working method of the tomograph, and the technique of examining the eye in dogs, as well as the analysis and interpretation of the changes found on the image obtained. The biological material used in this study consisted of 18 dogs of different ages and sexes. Eyeball examination was performed using the IVue-100 optical coherence tomography. The results are presented in the form of OCT images of normal and pathological aspects of the eyeball identified in the dogs consulted such as keratoglobus, corneal ulcer, corneal edema, retinal cyst, retinal edema In conclusion, examination of the eyeball with optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a highly accurate technique for observing the physiological or pathological condition of the eyeball.

Water intended for human consumption called drinking water must have a neutral pH, that is a pH value of 7. Below this pH value, the water is considered acidic; above this value it becomes alkaline. The pH value range tolerated by the human body is between 6.5 and 9. Alkaline water with pH values between 8.0 and 9.5 is considered one of the best types of drinking water due to its hydrating, detoxifying, and antioxidant effect. This study aimed to follow the biological effect of alkaline water consumption on body weight, blood glucose, and some blood biochemical parameters in a population of 20 rats. Rats were divided into two equal groups, a control group, and an experimental group. Both groups of rats were given 300 ml of water 3 times a day for 40 days. The rats in the control group received tap water from the mains and the rats in the experimental group received alkaline water with a pH of 8.5. Analysis of the physicochemical parameters of the two types of water revealed that their values do not exceed the maximum allowed according to the drinking water quality standards, except for the chloride values and the temporary hardness in alkaline water. The values obtained were analyzed and statistically interpreted and showed that consumption of alkaline water with pH 8.5 does not affect usual water intake, body mass values, and biochemical parameters; it does not produce systemic adverse effects, having a hypoglycaemic, antioxidant, and immunostimulatory effect.

Assessing the behavior of a dog in a shelter is extremely important because the type of behavior can tell us if the animal can be given up for adoption, to whom it can be given up for adoption, if it cannot be given up for adoption and in which direction improvements in behavior need to be made to get it safely given up for adoption. This study aimed to assess the behavior of dogs in a public dog shelter by how a dog behaves towards a person (examiner) in a sequence of situations and to determine the number of individuals who responded with aggression. The behavior test was developed by The Rottweiler Rescue Society (Ontario, Canada) and John Rogerson, Blue Cross, Britain. Following minor modifications, has been used to examine dogs in public shelters. The test contains two additional assessment items from the article "An Evaluation of a Behavior Assessment to Determine the Suitability of Shelter Dogs for Rehoming" [1]. A total of 187 adult dogs were examined, of which 24 were identified with aggressive behavior and the types of aggression identified were dominance, interspecific, or territorial aggression. No behavioral test can show specifically how a dog will behave in a new environment, but the information obtained from the examination can indicate extreme manifestations of canine behavior, such as dominance aggression, possessive aggression, territorial aggression, and separation anxiety.

The present pilot study investigates the blood biochemical changes induced by hemp seeds in rats with diabetes. The composition of industrial hemp seeds, antioxidant activity, identification and quantification of phenols and fatty acids from hemp oil were determined. The Wistar adult rats used in the experiment were divided into three groups (n = 6) and kept under standard conditions. Group one, the control group (individuals without diabetes), and group two (diabetic individuals) received water and normal food ad libitum, while the third group, also including diabetic individuals, received specific food (hemp seeds) and water ad libitum. Subsequent blood biochemical parameters were determined. Hemp seeds had higher phenol (14 compounds), flavonoids and PUFA contents compared to other plants seeds. In addition, the antioxidant activity in Cannabis sativa was also increased. Moreover, the ratio between n-6 and n-3 was 4.41, ideal for different diseases. Additionally, all biochemical parameters showed significant changes following the treatment. It was shown that high doses of hemp seeds decreased diabetes-induced biochemical damage in rats most probably due to the high content of active compounds. In order to use these seeds in humans, it is essential to find out which hemp compounds are particularly responsible for these effects. Moreover, for the objective investigation of their effects, longer-term studies are needed.

Abstract Background Spotted fever group rickettsiae represent one of the most diverse groups of vector-borne bacteria, with several human pathogenic species showing an emerging trend worldwide. Most species are vectored by ticks (Ixodidae), with many zoonotic reservoir species among most terrestrial vertebrate groups. While the reservoir competence of many different vertebrate species is well known (e.g. birds, rodents and dogs), studies on insectivorous bats have been rarely performed despite their high species diversity, ubiquitous urban presence and importance in harboring zoonotic disease agents. Romania has a high diversity and ubiquity of bats. Moreover, seven out of eight SFG rickettsiae species with zoonotic potential were previously reported in Romania. Based on this, the aim of this study was to detect Rickettsia species in tissue samples in bats. Methods Here we report a large-scale study (322 bats belonging to 20 species) on the presence of Rickettsia spp. in Romanian bat species. Tissue samples from insectivorous bats were tested for the presence of Rickettsia DNA using PCR detection amplifying a 381 bp fragment of the gltA gene. Positive results were sequenced to confirm the results. The obtained results were statistically analyzed by chi-squared independence test. Results Positive results were obtained in 14.6% of bat samples. Sequence analysis confirmed the presence of R. monacensis in two bat species (Nyctalus noctula and Pipistrellus pipistrellus) in two locations. Conclusion This study provides the first evidence of a possible involvement of these bat species in the epidemiology of Rickettsia spp., highlighting the importance of bats in natural cycles of these vector-borne pathogens.

Abstract Background Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a rare form of cardiomyopathy currently described in humans and cats. It consists of a spongy myocardium characterized by prominent trabeculation and deep recesses involving more than 50% of the ventricular thickness. We describe the clinical and pathological features of LVNC combined with tricuspid valve dysplasia, double-orifice tricuspid valve and severe pulmonary stenosis in a puppy. In addition, we briefly review the LVNC causes, pathogenesis, forms and current diagnostic criteria. Case presentation A seven-week-old intact German Shorthaired Pointer-cross male was presented with a poor body condition, exercise intolerance and dyspnea. Clinical exam identified a bilateral systolic murmur (grade IV/VI over the right heart base and grade III/VI over the left heart base). Echocardiography identified tricuspid valve dysplasia, mild mitral regurgitation, and severe pulmonic stenosis with a trans-valvar systolic pressure gradient of 106 mmHg. Left ventricular noncompaction was diagnosed by necropsy and further confirmed histopathologically by the presence of two distinct myocardial layers: an inner noncompacted zone covering more than 50% of ventricular thickness containing prominent trabeculation and deep recesses, and an outer zone of compact myocardium. Conclusions This is the first case describing LVNC in a canine patient, supporting the introduction of this form of heart disease as a differential diagnosis for cardiomyopathies in juvenile and adult dogs.

Tickborne bacterial pathogens have been described worldwide as risk factors for both animal and human health. Spotted fevers caused by Rickettsiae may cause non-specific symptoms, which make clinical diagnosis difficult. The aim of the current study was to evaluate and review the diversity of SFG Rickettsiae in ticks collected in 41 counties in Romania. A total of 2028 questing and engorged ticks collected in Romania belonging to five species were tested by PCR amplification of Rickettsia spp. gltA and 17-D gene fragments: Ixodes ricinus (n = 1128), Dermacentor marginatus (n = 507), D. reticulatus (n = 165), Rhipicephalus rossicus (n = 128) and Haemaphysalis punctata (n = 100). Five Rickettsia species were identified following DNA sequence analysis: R. helvetica, R. monacensis, R. slovaca, R. raoultii, and R. hoogstraalii. The most common species detected was R. monacensis. Moreover, R. hoogstraalii was detected for the first time in Romania and in R. rossicus ticks. The detection of R. raoultii and R. monacensis in questing larvae of Hae. punctata suggests the possible transovarial transmission of these Rickettsia species in ticks. The detection of R. hoogstraalii for the first time in Romania increases the reported SFG Rickettsia diversity in the country.

The aim of this study was to determine the normal and pathological behavior of captive primates in a zoo in Tirgu-Mures. The biological material consisted of 59 monkeys belonging to 11 species. The ethological research involved the following instruments: observation, experimentation, ethogram, spectrum analyzer, video, respectively the causal analysis. The obtained results revealed that the captive monkeys sheltered in isolated cages, with a similar development to what is found in their natural environment and placed at a tolerable distance away from visitors’ activity show no behavioral changes. On the other hand, in the case of those primates sheltered in cages which are exposed to visitors’ noise, we observed the presence of oral and motor stereotypies but also an attitude of lethargic disappointment and preoccupation. The collected data allow to define the investigated primates’ needs and also to get an idea of their welfare in zoo in Tirgu-Mures.

ABSTRACT. The timely identification of learning approaches is an essential aspect in those forms of education where the capacity of understanding, permanent integration of new knowledge as opposed to rote learning is key to a successful career. Moreover, literature underscores the importance of affect in the learning processes. The major aim of our study was to test (i) the relationship between depressive tendencies and academic performance, and (ii) the mediating effect of approaches to learning (deep, strategic, and surface approach) between depressive tendencies and academic performance in veterinary students. Our study included 260 voluntary female students (mean age 20.88 years), assessed on the following levels: academic performance, depressive tendencies (Beck Depression Inventory), and approaches to studying (ASSIST). Our results indicate that depressive tendencies present a significantly negative relationship with academic performance, suggesting that female veterinary students with depressive symptoms tend to have lower academic performance. Furthermore, all three types of approaches to learning are significant predictors of academic performance: the deep and the strategic approach have a positive predictive value, while the surface approach has a negative effect. Our results also indicate that strategic and surface approaches are significantly related to depressive tendencies. Finally, both strategic and surface approaches proved to function as mediators between academic performance and depressive tendencies. In other words, female students with more intense depressive tendencies favor less strategic approaches and use more surface approaches which further decreases academic performance, implicitly decreasing the level of professional development and the probability of matching with the specific needs of the labor market.

In the pathology of the urinary system, given its structural and functional complexity, the clinician must correlate the data obtained from the clinical and paraclinical examination. The aim of the study was to identify and apply the most relevant paraclinical methods for establishing the diagnosis of renal disease in dogs and to develop a reliable and easy to use working protocol. The biological material consisted of 25 dogs of different ages and sexes. The conventional and contrast-enhanced radiological examination together with the ecography, spectrofluorimetric analysis, urinary sediment examination, renal biopsy, cytological examination completed the disease information in order to establish a certitude diagnosis. In the management of patients with urinary disorders, the working protocol should include not only the animal anamnesis and a complete clinical examination but also a paraclinical examination which should be used depending on the patient’s clinical manifestations.

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common metabolic disorders in animals. Thus, currently, it is imperative to introduce non-invasive, economical and rapid methods for the investigation of diabetes in animals. In this study, the urine samples collected from 10 non-diabetic and 10 streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were investigated by the spectrofluorimetric technique. Emission spectra for the urine samples were obtained following an excitation wavelength of 280 and 400 nm. The investigated fluorophores were mainly tryptophan metabolites, and significant differences resulted between the mean heights of the emission bands attributed to these fluorophore compounds in diabetic compared to non-diabetic rats. The shape of the spectral windings after the utilization of these two excitation wavelengths was almost similar for diabetic and non-diabetic rats; however, there were some discriminatory elements between the two types of investigated samples. In conclusion, the obtained urine fluorescence spectra allow a clear differentiation between diabetic and non-diabetic rats.

The aim of the study was to identify the area and the radiological procedure and parameters for lungs and thorax examination in horses, using a mobile double arms X-Ray device. The study was conducted on 10 horses that were presented to the radiology clinic for pulmonary investigation. The study was conducted using a double arms X-Ray device. The patients were clinically evaluated and for the radiological investigation the horses were sedated and a helper restrained also the patient in a proper position. The mobile arms of the device give the possibility of adjusting the distance between the X-Ray tube and the detector, because of these one or two exposures were enough to examine the entire thoracic cavity. The interstitial patter is more evident in horses that in small mammals given the gross anatomy of the lungs. The radiological parameters were adjusted according to thoracic cavity depth. Radiographic examination is a necessary tool that completes the clinical examination. The up-to-date detectors used in veterinary radiology give the clinician the possibility of a detailed examination of the lung parenchyma and the thorax structures.

Introduction: An essential quality of non-ionic contrast agents is that of containing in their chemical composition, elements with high atomic weight, which determine an increasing absorption of the X-ray beam and this will cause intense radiopacity. The possibilities for radiological exploration with non-ionic contrast agents are very wide. Currently the radiological examination with contrast agent no longer constitutes a risky step in medical diagnosis. Aims: To highlight the importance of using the non-ionic contrast agents Optiray 350 and Ultravist 370 in dog’s myelography and to compare the changes induced in cerebrospinal fluid and blood biochemical constituents by the administration of those non-ionic contrast substances. Materials and Methods: To determine the influence of non-ionic preparations Optiray 350 and Ultravist 370 on cerebrospinal fluid and on some haematological parameters were included in the study a total of 10 dogs. Results: Myelographies with Optiray 350 and Ultravist 370 in dogs with severe spinal condition negatively influence biochemical and haematological blood status, being necessary to take preventive measures. Optiray 350 and Ultravist 370 administration cause a slight sensitization of liver with blood biochemical parameters return to normal within 24-48 hours. Conclusion: Non-ionic contrast agents Optiray 350 and Ultravist 370 offer a very good opacification of the subarachnoidian space, but because it causes liver sensitization, we recommend using them with caution and only after a prior check of liver function.

Introduction: Visit to the veterinary doctor for different reasons constitutes an unpleasant/negative or perhaps stressed experience for the dog. The stress could modify the physiological function and mask the symptom of an illness, or make the dog aggressive (1). Aims: Comparing the endocrine and behavioral response of dogs during the visit to the veterinary hospital and during activities in other places that are not related to stress (workplace, park). Materials and Methods: Six dog were taken in consideration, as indicators of stress there were used urinary cortisol, and behavioral observations. Results: Five of six dogs got high values of urinary cortisol after the visit to the veterinary clinic comparing with the values obtained in working spaces/park – areas that were familiar for dogs. Behavioral data’s have indicated a hesitating behavior at the entrance of the clinic and also in the examination room for all dogs, but the levels of intensity range individually for each dog. The results of the „Clinic Dog Stress Scale” classify behavior of dogs in following categories: 1 dog had score of 1 point that means a calm, relaxed dog; 2 dogs-3 points that means a middle level of stress, the dog is tense but cooperative; 2 dogs got 4 points-very tense, difficult to maneuver, and one dog 5 points that means a high level of distress.. Conclusion: Studding behavior relating with stress and the endocrine response at the veterinary visit it has importance for animal, owner and veterinary doctor. There is also a correlation between the stress manifestation and urinary cortisol.

Abstract The body temperature of 10 clinically healthy green iguanas (Iguana iguana) was measured using a thermographic camera (FLIR E6, Flir Systems Sweden) before and after the food was offered. For each animal there were performed a total of 6 measurements (3 before feeding and 3 after the food was offered). The purpose of this experiment was to observe the thermographic pattern of the body before and after the feeding, since herbivore reptiles tend to bask after the feeding to increase the body temperature that will help them afterwards digest the food. The animals were housed in individual vivariums with every animal having a basking spot available. The pictures were taken outside the vivarium in an adjacent room. The animals were handled with gloves and transported in a cardboard box in order to avoid heat transfer between the handler and the iguana that would have produced thermal artefacts. Each individual was placed on a table on a styrofoam slate, again, to avoid the heat transfer between the table and the animal`s body. For each animal a total of 4 pictures were taken (up, front, left and right). The pictures were analysed with the FLIR Tools program that is provided by the manufacturer and 3 temperatures were taken into consideration (the head temperature, body temperature on the right side and body temperature on the left side). The temperatures were compared between them and with the temperature of the vivariums that consisted of the average between the temperature in 3 different spots (basking spot, the feeding bowl site and the coldest spot) measured with an infrared thermometer GM300 (Benetech, China). The temperature of the body was dependent on the vivarium temperature and it was a significant temperature difference between the measurements before the feeding and after the feeding. Also we discovered a significant difference between the head temperature and the body temperature on the left side before the feeding that disappeared after the animals ate. There was also a significant difference between the temperature on right side and on left side of the animals both before and after the feeding. No significant temperature difference was observed between the head and the right side of the body neither before nor after the feeding.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

The silver content of the skin regeneration ointments can influence its regeneration process but in the meantime, it can take the benefit of the antibacterial properties of silver by avoiding the bacterial infection of an open wound. In the current study, the skin healing and regeneration capacity of bioactive glass with spherical gold nanocages (BGAuIND) in the Vaseline ointments were evaluated in vivo comparing the bioactive glass (BG)-Vaseline and bioactive glass with spherical gold (BGAuSP)-Vaseline ointments. Spherical gold nanocages are stabilized with silver and as a consequence the BGAuIND exhibits great antibacterial activity. Histological examination of the cutaneous tissue performed on day 8 indicates a more advanced regeneration process in rats treated with BGAuSP-Vaseline. The histopathological examination also confirms the results obtained after 11 days post-intervention, when the skin is completely regenerated at rats treated with BGAuSP-Vaseline compared with the others groups where the healing was incomplete. This result is also confirmed by the macroscopic images of the evolution of wounds healing. As expected, the silver content influences the wound healing process but after two weeks, for all of the post-interventional trials from the groups of rats, the skin healing was completely.

The status of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) is decisive in staging, prognosis, and therapeutic approach. Using an ultrasonographic examination algorithm composed of B-mode, Doppler technique, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and elastography, this study aimed to determine the diagnostic performance of the four techniques compared to histopathological examination. 96 SLNs belonging to 71 female dogs with mammary gland carcinomas were examined. After examinations, mastectomy and lymphadenectomy were performed. Histopathological examination confirmed the presence of metastases in 54 SLNs. The elasticity score had the highest accuracy—89.71%, identifying metastases in SLNs with 88.9.9% sensitivity (SE) and 90.5% specificity (SP), ROC analysis providing excellent results. The S/L (short axis/long axis) ratio showed 83.3% SE and 78.6% SP as a predictor of the presence of metastases in SLN having a good accuracy of 81.2%. On Doppler examination, the resistivity index(RI) showed good accuracy of 80% in characterizing lymph nodes with metastases versus unaffected ones; the same results being obtained by CEUS examination. By assigning to each ultrasonographic parameter a score (0 or 1) and summing up the scores of the four techniques, we obtained the best diagnostic performance in identifying lymph node metastases with 92.2% accuracy. In conclusion, the use of the presented algorithm provides the best identification of metastases in SLNs, helping in mammary carcinoma staging and appropriate therapeutic management.

The emergence of relatively recent date (1982) in the arsenal of methods to cover soft tissue defects, perforator flap quickly reached top choices surgeons from almost all surgical specialties. Unfortunately not as fast it could move in the direction of understanding and knowledge of physiology and dynamics of such flaps, especially in the venous drainage4. Those who practice it are still seeking ways of becoming more efficient preoperative detection of perforator vessels, for finding ways to mitigate the suffering of the vein which, unfortunately, is still quite a few case’s. That’s why the creation of experimental models to answer all these requirements was a major concern of specialists. But since there is no perfect animal model similar to human anatomy and physiology generally requires developing more experimental models. We aimed to develop an experimental model in pig, the animal relatively less demanding in terms of accommodation and feeding, but is an easy omnivorous compared with a real “eating machine” which, because it grows and gain weight very quickly; this is important in terms of experimental and especially in terms of research in the area of flaps, so that they may not be suitable for longer periods of 4-6 weeks. Pig is one of the best experimental animal models, especially for research in the area of flap. Although pigs and humans among numerous differences exist in terms of vascular, reflected especially in the microcirculation, the rest of anatomical characteristics have many similarities to those in the body uman. First, the pig has a skin covered with relatively little hair, pink - so easy to see changes in vascular territory; skin is largely fixed and intimate attachment to the subcutaneous cellular tissue, like the human body. Although the skin is thicker and on average less vascularized and shows some differences in terms of the microcirculation, its vasculature, as the sequence of wound healing processes is also similar. Among the most obvious differences are: this paniculata carnosus in some regions, namely the trunk; present in the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the more numerous small perforator vessels, except for anterolateral trunk, such that the number of perforator vessels is similar in humans and pigs; the scapular-humeral articulation joints, as in areas adjacent to the anterior and posterior midlines the skin is very mobile and is vascularized by large vessels with a special distribution; contrary to the situation in man, pig superior deep epigastric artery territory is much larger than the inferior deep epigastric artery. Considering the above mentioned and the experience of other authors who have developed a number of models of axial flaps (based on internal thoracic penetrating the system, the deep iliac circumflex artery etc.), muscles, musculo-cutaneous flaps, our research team has directed attention to the study of cutaneous and fascio-cutaneous perforator flaps, deepening the results of previous studies and trying to develop new models applicable to humans.

Tissue defects still determine a high surgical interest in finding new and more efficient methods of covering. Perforator flaps are considered one of the most important methods of reconstruction, for defects all over the body. Anatomists, surgeons, radiologists are fervently searching ways to improve their reliability and also strategies to ensure that the chosen flap to be used is the best for that case. It has been proven that tissue defects’ reconstruction involves knowing the exact anatomy and physiology of various vascular sources, but there are still unknown factors that sometimes induce perforator flaps failure. Objective: The aim of this study is to identify and evaluate by two imagistic methods the perforator vessels in an experimental model of perforator flaps in pig. Methods: The imagistic method employed was the X-ray angiography and Color Doppler vascular ultrasonography with high performance equipment. The explored perforators were located on the body of the experimental model, that was divided in 9 regions and the comparison was made between the perforators identified by imagistic methods and by microsurgical careful dissection. Results: This study revealed that the average sensibility of ultrasound per region was 52.66% and the average sensibility of angiography per region was 35.30% on the entire lot. Conclusion: The Color Doppler ultrasonography is a very reliable method for detection of the perforator vessels, with better results compared with X-ray angiography, detecting even the smaller perforators. So, the surgeon can rely the operative planning on this preoperative vascular exploration.

A plasma cortisol measurement and behavioral assessment of five horses was performed, to determine whether there was a correlation between plasma cortisol and their reactivity. A subjective emotionality survey for each horse was completed by the horse's owners and an objective novel stimulus reactivity test was performed. The horses reactions were used to calculate reactivity scores on a reactivity assessment sheet we specially designed. Concentration of plasma cortisol was also measured and reactions to the blood sampling were quantified. Associations were made between those different parameters. All five horses appeared to be hypo reactive and their cortisol levels were also very low. Behavioral assessed reactivity seemed to correlate directly with the plasma cortisol, all values showing a marked hypo reactivity in all horses. The data obtained provided evidence that low plasma cortisol is a good marker of reactivity in hypo reactive horses and also that the designed sheets for the assessment of objective and subjective reactivity may be used, in correlation with plasma cortisol as an assessment tool in the current practice.

Communication is the link between individuals of one species and represents the essence of social life. Vocal communication is one of the most studied forms of information exchange, although it also comes with interspecific barriers that are still tricky to overcome. While we are able to understand the meaning of another human’s words, we fail to understand an animal’s utterances. Among these, bird song has become a field of particular interest. However, little is known yet about many species’ vocalizations, and even less about their significance or how different factors influence them. The presented study establishes the vocal repertoire of a group of rooks and further investigates the importance of contact calls between partners in an experiment. We found that test subjects and other group members produced more contact calls after than before partners had been separated from each other, indicating stress induced by physical isolation and/or the lack of visual contact as an important factor influencing the call frequency. Separating certain individuals seemed to affect the group differently, which indicates that the ‘importance’ of the animal to the group influences the group call rate. In this study, we have shown how social and environmental factors play a role in vocal communication in birds.