Reference Range of Kaolin-Activated Thromboelastography (TEG) Values in Healthy Pet Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Coagulation is a protective mechanism that prevents blood loss. The prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin clotting time are the most used laboratory tests used to assess coagulation status in all mammals. However, these tests do not accurately reflect the in vivo coagulation process due to complex interactions between blood cells and coagulation elements. New cell-based models incorporate the role of cells to explain the formation/destruction of the blood clot through viscoelastic laboratory techniques, such as thromboelastography (TEG). Thromboelastography reference ranges have been determined for humans, dogs, cats, horses, rats, mice, and laboratory rabbits but they have not been previously defined in pet rabbits. The aim of the article is to establish the reference-range values for TEG parameters in pet rabbits. Included in this study were 24 healthy rescue pet rabbits. A TEG 5000 Thromboelastograph Hemostasis System with citrated kaolin-activated blood was used. The reference ranges obtained for reaction time (R) were 1.4-6.9 min; clot formation time (K) was 0.8-2.2 min; α-angle was 65.8-82.2 degrees; maximal amplitude (MA) was 53.7-73.5 mm; measure of clot strength/firmness (G-value) was 5796.6-13,885.9 dyn/cm 2 ; the percentage of clot lysis in 30 min (LY30%) was 0-41.5%. This study provides the reference ranges of TEG in pet rabbits. Thromboelastography (TEG) is a viscoelastic technique that allows the examination of both cellular and plasma protein clotting factors. Thromboelastography helps to investigate the underlying coagulopathy and to monitor therapeutic modalities. Although viscoelastic techniques have been used in human and veterinary medicine, reference ranges in pet rabbits are missing. The objective of this study is to establish the reference-range values of TEG parameters in healthy pet rabbits. 24 healthy pet rabbits of different breeds were included: 16 crossbreeds, four Californians, two lops, one lionhead, and one angora. Four rabbits were less than one year old and 20 were older than one year. Twelve rabbits were neutered females, 10 neutered males, and two were intact females. Health status was assessed through a physical examination, a complete blood work, and a coagulation profile. A TEG 5000 Thromboelastograph Hemostasis System was used with kaolin-activated citrated whole blood. All samples were analysed 30 min postextraction. The TEG reference ranges were reaction time (R) 1.4-6.9 min; clot formation time (K) 0.8-2.2 min; α angle 65.8-82.2 degrees; maximal amplitude (MA) 53.7-73.5 mm; measure of clot strength/firmness (G-value) 5796.6-13,885.9 dyn/cm 2 ; and percentage of clot lysis in 30 min (LY30%) 0-41.5%. This study provides the reference ranges of TEG in pet rabbits

Health status of free-ranging pure and cross-mixed miniature swine population from Northeast Spain

Miniature pigs have gained popularity as companion animals in the recent years in Spain. Due to the fact that their abandonment and crossing breeds with wild boars can cause severe problems, investigation about the health status is needed. The aim of this study was to determine their health status according to the clinical findings during physical examination and the results of antibody serology tests against selected infectious diseases. Two-hundred and eleven miniature pigs (Sus scrofa) were included in the study. Their origin, age, sex, housing conditions and diet were recorded. The housing of the animals ranged from wild animals to ones living in animal sanctuaries. The diet varied from a natural one in the wild to commercial and homemade food. Thirty animals out of two-hundred and eleven were hybrids between miniature pigs and wild boars according to morphological characteristics. Antibody serology techniques of Influenza A virus, Hepatitis E virus, brucellosis, tuberculosis, African swine fever, Classical swine fever and Aujeszky's disease was performed. The prevalence for Influenza A was 5.30%, for Hepatitis E was 5.35% and the rest tested negative. It is important to control and monitor these zoonotic infections to prevent Public Health problems. The results obtained from this investigation demonstrated that the animals' health status in this study is optimal and the diseases prevalence is similar or minor when compared to previous studies. This study confirms the hybridization of miniature pig and wild boar in Catalonia. This paper describes a research project about health status of free-ranging pure and cross-mixed miniature swine population from North East Spain based on analysis of diet, environment, clinical findings, physical examination, and antibody serology techniques

Reproductive tract infection caused by Kocuria kristinae in an entire female sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps)

Altres ajuts: acords transformatius de la UABThe presence of a cloaca in the reproductive tract of marsupials may predispose them to ascending infections. A 7-year-old, entire, female sugar glider presented with abdominal swelling. Whole-body radiographs and abdominal ultrasound revealed a mass in the abdomen. Initial treatment included meloxicam, buprenorphine and subcutaneous fluids. Abdominal exploratory surgery revealed a severe purulent distention of the reproductive tract with multiple adhesions to the intestines, both ureters, urinary bladder and spleen. Because reproductive tissue removal was not feasible, an incision in the mass was performed, the pus aspirated and it was flushed with saline. A biopsy of the affected tissue was indicative of chronic suppurative endometritis. The microbiological culture and biochemical characterisation revealed Kocuria kristinae. The animal was discharged with azithromycin for 1 month and there were no complications over the ensuing 9-month period. This pathogen should be considered in the differential diagnosisof reproductive tract infections in female sugar gliders

Computed tomography of the coelomic cavity in healthy veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus) and panther chameleons (Furcifer pardalis)

Veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) and panther chameleon (Furcifer pardalis) are two of the most popular pet chameleons, and consequently, these species are frequently evaluated in veterinary practices. According to our review of the literature, normal computed tomography (CT) anatomy of these lizards has not been previously described. The purposes of this prospective study were to describe the normal CT anatomy of the coelomic organs in healthy patients and to provide normal reference values in these species. Seventeen clinically healthy veiled chameleons and 15 clinically healthy panther chameleons were included. All CT studies were performed with the chameleons under light anesthesia and positioned in sternal recumbency. Studies were performed with a 16-slice helical CT scanner with a slice thickness of 0.625 mm. The authors recorded qualitative and quantitative CT characteristics of the coelomic structures. Macroscopic cross-sectional anatomy was performed for comparison of the CT findings. Heart, lungs, liver, including caudal vena cava, hepatic vessels, gallbladder, esophagus, stomach, intestines, gonads, fat bodies, kidneys, and urinary bladder could be visualized with CT. The spleen, pancreas, and adrenal glands could not be identified. This study provides a guide to the normal cross-sectional and computed tomographic anatomy of the coelomic cavity in veiled and panther chameleons. Our results could be used as a reference for future research studies or comparison of clinically ill patients

Paradoxical Vestibular Syndrome Caused by a Presumptive Cerebellar Infarction in a Rabbit

Altres ajuts: Acord transformatiu CRUE-CSICA 6-year-old, female spayed rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) presented with right paradoxical vestibular signs. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed and findings were consistent with an ischemic infarct of the cerebellum. The patient improved gradually and was free of clinical signs at the time this article was written. To the authors' knowledge this is the first case report of a paradoxical vestibular syndrome in a rabbit secondary to a presumptive ischemic infarct. Strokes should be included in the differential diagnosis of central vestibular syndrome in rabbits. Paradoxical Vestibular Syndrome Caused by a Presumptive Cerebellar Infarction in a Rabbit García, R. (Servei de Neurologia. Fundació Hospital Clínic Veterinari. Campus Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Infection and Humoral Responses Against Different Variants of Concern in Domestic Pet Animals and Stray Cats from North-Eastern Spain

transformatiu CRUE-CSICUTP en procés de revisióAltres ajuts: BBVA Foundation; Grifols; National Agency for Research and Development of Chile, Grant/Award Number: 72180406; La Marató TV3, Grant/Award Number: 342/C/2021Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of the coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in humans, is able to infect several domestic, captive and wildlife animal species. Since reverse zoonotic transmission to pets has been demonstrated, it is crucial to determine their role in the epidemiology of the disease to prevent further spillover events and major spreads of SARS-CoV-2. In the present study, we determined the presence of virus and the seroprevalence to SARS-CoV-2, as well as the levels of neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) against several variants of concern (VOCs) in pets (cats, dogs and ferrets) and stray cats from North-Eastern of Spain. We confirmed that cats and dogs can be infected by different VOCs of SARS-CoV-2 and, together with ferrets, are able to develop nAbs against the ancestral (B.1), Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.315), Delta (B.1.617.2) and Omicron (BA.1) variants, with lower titres against the latest in dogs and cats, but not in ferrets. Although the prevalence of active SARS-CoV-2 infection measured as direct viral RNA detection was low (0.3%), presence of nAbs in pets living in COVID-19 positive households was relatively high (close to 25% in cats, 10% in dogs and 40% in ferrets). It is essential to continue monitoring SARS-CoV-2 infections in these animals due to their frequent contact with human populations, and we cannot discard the probability of a higher animal susceptibility to new potential SARS-CoV-2 VOCs