Latest publications

Front Vet Sci. 2025 Oct 16;12:1686045. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1686045. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Canine hypoadrenocorticism (HA) is characterized by glucocorticoid (and often mineralocorticoid) deficiency and typically requires ACTH stimulation testing for diagnosis. A basal (pre-ACTH) cortisol >55 nmol/L is widely used to exclude HA, but prior studies were limited to referral populations. Its utility in first-opinion practice remains unclear.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of basal cortisol for identifying HA, and its added value alongside post-ACTH cortisol, using UK laboratory data predominantly from first-opinion practices and the remainder from referral centers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 1,017 ACTH stimulation tests (January 2019-April 2023) from a UK veterinary diagnostic laboratory. After excluding cases tested for hypercortisolism, 878 cases remained: 170 from a referral center (RC) with full clinical history and 708 predominantly from first-opinion (FO) practices. Serum cortisol was measured by radioimmunoassay. HA was defined as post-ACTH cortisol ≤55 nmol/L. Diagnostic performance metrics were calculated for basal cortisol cut-offs of ≤55 and ≤22 nmol/L.

RESULTS: HA prevalence was 8.4% in RC, 4.4% in FO, and 5.1% in combined groups (RC + FC). RC group basal cortisol ≤55 nmol/L showed a high sensitivity (93%) and NPV (99%), but low specificity (77%), and PPV (25%). Reducing the cut-off to ≤22 nmol/L improved specificity (92%) and PPV (50%), maintaining sensitivity (93%) and NPV (99%). However, when assessing the FO group only or when combined with RC (RC + FO), the ≤22 nmol/L cut-off sensitivity was slightly reduced (90 and 91%, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic analysis yielded areas under the curve of 0.93-0.97 for basal cortisol and 1.0 for post-ACTH cortisol across all datasets. Pre-ACTH cortisol provided no additional diagnostic value when post-ACTH cortisol was known.

CONCLUSION: Basal cortisol >55 nmol/L is a reliable rule-out test for canine HA in both referral and first-opinion settings, at prevalences lower than seen in referral practices. However, when an ACTH stimulation test is conducted, post-ACTH cortisol alone provides perfect diagnostic accuracy, rendering pre-ACTH cortisol redundant. These findings support omitting pre-ACTH cortisol in routine ACTH stimulation testing to streamline diagnostics and reduce costs without compromising diagnostic performance.

PMID:41180238 | PMC:PMC12571564 | DOI:10.3389/fvets.2025.1686045

NIHR Open Res. 2025 Sep 23;5:24. doi: 10.3310/nihropenres.13898.3. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Despite global efforts to improve on vaccine impact, many African countries have failed to achieve equitable vaccine benefits. Reduced vaccine impact may result from interplay between structural, social, and biological factors, that limit communities from fully benefiting from vaccination programs. However, the combined influence of these factors to reduced vaccine impact and the spatial distribution of vulnerable communities remains poorly understood. We developed a Community Vaccine Impact Vulnerability Index (CVIVI) that integrates data on multiple risk factors associated with reduced vaccine impact, to identify communities at risk, and key drivers of vulnerability.

METHODS: The index was constructed using 17 indicators selected through literature review and categorised into structural, social, and biological domains. Secondary data was obtained from national Demographic and Health surveys from Uganda (2016) and Kenya (2022), covering 123 districts and 47 counties, respectively. Percentile rank methodology was used to construct domain-specific and overall vulnerability indices.. Geo-spatial techniques were used to classify and map districts/counties from least to most vulnerable.

RESULTS: We observed distinct geographical patterns in vulnerability.. In Kenya, the most vulnerable counties were clustered in the northeast and eastern counties such as Turkana, Mandera, and West Polot. In Uganda, vulnerability was more dispersed, with the most vulnerable districts in the northeast (e.g. Amudat, Lamwo) and southwest e.g. Buliisa,Kyenjojo). Key drivers of vulnerability included long distance to health facilities, low maternal education, poverty, malnutrition, limited access to postnatal care, and limited access to mass media. Some areas with high vaccine coverage also showed high vulnerability, suggesting coverage data may not reliably reflect vaccine impact. Each community showed a unique vulnerability profile, shaped by different combinations of social, structural and biological factors, highlighting the need for context specific interventions.

CONCLUSIONS: The CVIVI is a useful tool for identifying vulnerable communities and underlying factors. It can guide the design of tailored strategies to improve vaccine impact in vulnerable settings.

PMID:41180138 | PMC:PMC12572777 | DOI:10.3310/nihropenres.13898.3

J Clin Microbiol. 2025 Oct 31:e0103025. doi: 10.1128/jcm.01030-25. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Accurate species-level identification among Streptococcus suis and its close relatives remains challenging due to limited resolution of existing diagnostic tools and incomplete taxonomic frameworks. We investigated 61 isolates from diseased swine and three from cows identified as S. suis by MALDI-TOF MS, but which tested negative by a recN gene-based PCR assay commonly used for species confirmation. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that only four isolates were S. suis sensu stricto, while most others belonged to Streptococcus parasuis, Streptococcus ruminantium, Streptococcus iners, Streptococcus suivaginalis, Streptococcus hepaticus, and several other newly proposed Streptococcus species. Core genome phylogenies consistently resolved these novel taxa as monophyletic and taxonomically coherent. However, phylogenies based on the recN gene did not reliably track species boundaries due to limited resolution and recombination, which also affects diagnostic assays. As a proof of concept, we identified 38 genes conserved in ≥95% of S. suis sensu stricto genomes that may support future marker-based diagnostics. Our results confirm extensive taxonomic diversity among S. suis-like organisms, support the recognition of a broader S. suis complex, demonstrate the need for genome-based methods to distinguish its members, and provide evidence supporting the potential clinical significance of several newly recognized and recently proposed species within this complex.

IMPORTANCE: Several new species closely related genetically to Streptococcus suis have recently been formally recognized or proposed, raising the possibility that they form a broader, previously unrecognized S. suis complex. Yet most clinical laboratories still report such isolates simply as S. suis, due to the limited resolution of current diagnostic tools. Here, we show that two widely used methods, MALDI-TOF MS and a recN-based PCR used for molecular confirmation of MALDI-TOF MS results, can misidentify S. suis-like isolates. We analyzed 61 isolates from diseased swine and three from cows: all were classified as S. suis by MALDI-TOF MS but tested negative by the recN PCR. Exposing a major gap in current diagnostic frameworks, whole-genome sequencing revealed that most isolates were not S. suis sensu stricto but instead belonged to other recognized or recently proposed Streptococcus species. Most swine isolates were recovered from normally sterile sites, suggesting potential but unconfirmed pathogenic relevance. We provide genomic evidence supporting the proposal of a structured S. suis complex and identify S. suis sensu stricto-specific markers that may inform improved molecular diagnostics in the future. Our findings emphasize the need to modernize diagnostics to account for the true diversity and potential importance for animal health of this expanding group of taxa.

PMID:41170938 | DOI:10.1128/jcm.01030-25

J Small Anim Pract. 2025 Oct 29. doi: 10.1111/jsap.70040. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Identify if serum C-reactive protein concentrations and specific diseases are associated with proteinuria (defined as urine protein:creatinine ratio >0.2) in dogs without known pathological pre-renal, renal or post-renal causes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hypothesis generating retrospective study. Dogs with contemporaneous urine protein:creatinine ratio and serum C-reactive protein concentrations and without known causes of pathological pre-renal, renal or post-renal causes of proteinuria were included. Continuous and categorical variables were compared between groups using non-parametric statistics, and multivariable logistic regression analyses evaluated associations between specific diseases or selected clinicopathological variables (including serum C-reactive protein concentrations) and proteinuria.

RESULTS: Seventy-one overtly proteinuric (urine protein:creatinine ratio >0.5), 74 borderline proteinuric (urine protein:creatinine ratio 0.21 to 0.5) and 234 non-proteinuric dogs (urine protein:creatinine ratio ≤.2) were included. Proteinuria (urine protein:creatinine ratio >0.2) was less prevalent in dogs diagnosed with chronic enteropathy (11% [4/35] vs. 41% [141/344]; P < .001) compared to the rest of the population. Proteinuria was more prevalent in dogs with chronic hepatitis (71% [10/14] vs. 37% [135/365]) and tended to be more prevalent in dogs with pancreatitis (57% [12/21] vs. 37% [133/358]; P = .103) compared to the rest of the population. On multivariable analysis, serum C-reactive protein concentration was independently associated with increased odds of proteinuria (OR = 1.031 [95% CI: 1.012 to 1.051]; P = .001) and a diagnosis of chronic enteropathy was independently associated with decreased odds of proteinuria (OR = 0.21 [95% CI: 0.064 to 0.681]; P = .009).

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Systemic inflammation might be associated with proteinuria in dogs, although further investigations to evaluate if proteinuria resolves following the resolution of these conditions are required to confirm any causal association.

PMID:41162828 | DOI:10.1111/jsap.70040

Mol Genet Genomics. 2025 Oct 25;300(1):100. doi: 10.1007/s00438-025-02307-w.

ABSTRACT

Klebsiella quasipneumoniae, an emerging member of the Klebsiella genus, has recently garnered attention as a clinically significant pathogen capable of causing severe human infections. Despite its pathogenic potential, it is frequently misidentified as Klebsiella pneumoniae due to their close genetic and phenotypic similarities, leading to diagnostic challenges and potential implications for treatment and epidemiological surveillance. This study addresses a critical gap in our understanding of K. quasipneumoniae by applying high-resolution genomic tools to distinguish it from its more well-characterized K. pneumoniae, assessed their AMR profiles and evaluate the limitation of conventional identification methods. Whole genome of a gram-negative K. quasipneumoniae (Klebsiella ST1699) bacterium found in an edible fish bought from a retail market in Assam, India. Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) using the Illumina sequencing and species identification by Mash Screen confirmed the authenticity of K. quasipneumoniae. We assembled the 5.21 Mb complete genome of Klebsiella ST1699 and harboured several Antimicrobial Resistance Genes (ARGs) viz., blaLAP-2, blaOKP-B-1, fosA, tet(A), Sul2, dfrA14. OqxA and OqxB, and identified as a novel sequence type 1699 K. quasipneumoniae (ST 1699) from the edible fish in the retail market, Assam, India. We also performed comparative genome analysis with 6 other strains of K. quasipneumoniae genome sequences in the NCBI database. K. quasipneumoniae represents a clinically relevant and underrecognized pathogen with significant antimicrobial resistance. Improved molecular diagnostics are essential for accurate identification and effective infection control. Misidentification may contribute to underreporting and inappropriate therapeutic strategies, underscoring the need for heightened awareness and surveillance. Our findings have implications for diagnostic accuracy, resistance surveillance, and the development of targeted therapeutic strategies.

PMID:41137939 | DOI:10.1007/s00438-025-02307-w

Anim Genet. 2025 Dec;56(6):e70056. doi: 10.1111/age.70056.

ABSTRACT

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is an inherited disorder that leads to inappropriate secretion of parathyroid hormone by neoplastic parathyroid cells. Dogs of the Keeshond breed are predisposed to adenomas or hyperplasia of the parathyroid that lead to PHPT. The disorder is inherited in a dominant Mendelian fashion with a high age-related penetrance. The age of onset in PHPT-affected Keeshonden is typically later than 8 years. Genome-wide association studies with 27 affected and 42 unaffected Keeshonden genotyped with 30 896 markers identified a region of strong association with the PHPT phenotype on canine chromosome 20. The most significant array marker was NC_049241.1.g.55977819 C>G. The strength of association of this region with the case phenotype was unique in the genome and concordant with the hypothesis of dominant inheritance (i.e. all case animals in the genome-wide association studies were heterozygous for the most associated variant). Fine-scale variant analysis in the region of association revealed a mutation that creates both a missense and a possible splice-site variant within exon 2 of the gene SIRT6 (NC_049241.1g.55817330A>G; XM_038567756.1.c.193A>G; XP_038423684.1.p.65R>G). The variant appears uniquely within affected dogs when compared with 1987 other genotyped samples in the public domain. Strong concordance was observed between genotypes for the variant in SIRT6 and a promoter variant in eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (NC_049241.1.g. 55973578_55973593dupinsN[180]) used for disorder testing in the USA since 2008. Based on the absence of the SIRT6 variant in any healthy dog and modelled functional behaviour of the variant we conclude that the SIRT6 variant is probably pathogenic for PHPT.

PMID:41134522 | DOI:10.1111/age.70056

mBio. 2025 Oct 23:e0142825. doi: 10.1128/mbio.01428-25. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) is the leading cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) worldwide and may be transmitted from food animals to humans via contaminated meat. However, the contribution of zoonotic ExPEC strains to UTIs in metropolitan areas remains unclear. We estimated the proportion of UTIs attributable to zoonotic ExPEC across eight Southern California counties. Between 2017 and 2021, we collected 12,616 E. coli isolates from retail meat and 23,483 from UTI patients, sequencing a representative subset of 5,728 isolates. Using a Bayesian latent class model trained with 17 host-associated genetic markers, we inferred the host origin of each isolate. Demographic, clinical, and antimicrobial resistance profiles were compared between meat isolates and clinical isolates inferred to be of human or food-animal origin. Most UTI patients were female (88%), with a median age of 50 years; 37% were Hispanic and 31% non-Hispanic white. Zoonotic ExPEC strains accounted for 18% of UTIs overall, rising to 21.5% in high-poverty neighborhoods. Women had a higher zoonotic proportion than men (19.7% vs 8.5%, P < 0.001). Among men, those with zoonotic infections were older than those with non-zoonotic infections (median 73.0 vs 65.0 years, P = 0.028). These findings underscore the contribution of zoonotic ExPEC to the UTI burden in Southern California and the need for targeted interventions to reduce risk in vulnerable communities.IMPORTANCEUrinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections worldwide and are primarily caused by Escherichia coli. While E. coli is known to colonize both humans and food-producing animals, the extent to which zoonotic strains impact human disease remains poorly understood. Emerging evidence suggests that food animals may serve as an underrecognized reservoir for extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC). In this study, we used a genomic attribution model to quantify the contribution of zoonotic strains to UTIs in Southern California. We found that approximately 18% of E. coli UTIs were likely attributable to food animals. Individuals living in high-poverty neighborhoods had a 1.6-fold increased risk of zoonotic UTIs compared to those in low-poverty areas. These findings highlight zoonotic transmission as an important driver of UTIs and suggest that reducing ExPEC in food-animal reservoirs could help lower disease burden and address health disparities.

PMID:41128542 | DOI:10.1128/mbio.01428-25

Vet Surg. 2025 Oct 18. doi: 10.1111/vsu.70034. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To report and compare short- and long-term outcomes in dogs following surgery for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS).

STUDY DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort study.

SAMPLE POPULATION: Client owned dogs (n = 32).

METHODS: Dogs that underwent BOAS surgery before 2019 with preoperative and short-term postoperative assessments were recruited for long-term follow up to obtain respiratory functional grades (RFG) and BOAS indices. Dogs that underwent a second airway surgery (33 of 117) were excluded. Comparisons of BOAS indices and RFGs among preoperative, short-term, and long-term postoperative time points were performed using Friedman's tests and post hoc Wilcoxon signed rank tests with Bonferroni corrections.

RESULTS: There were 32 of 117 dogs available for long-term assessment. Median long-term postoperative assessments occurred at 1645 days after surgery (range 1208-2927 days). Long-term postoperative RFG and BOAS index values were improved compared with preoperative values. There was no difference between short-term and long-term postoperative assessments (p > .999 for RFG values, and p = .623 for BOAS index values). Owners reported a high degree of satisfaction with surgery: 55% believed their dogs no longer had breathing problems (long-term BOAS index 50.8 ± 17.6%) and 39% believed their dog still had breathing problems (long-term BOAS index 48.9 ± 20.5%).

CONCLUSION: Improvements in RFG and BOAS Indices seen following surgery were maintained over time.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This is the first study with clinician-assessed objective long-term respiratory outcomes of BOAS surgery. The long-term improvements in RFG and BOAS indices support the long-term clinical benefit and durability of surgical intervention for BOAS.

PMID:41109947 | DOI:10.1111/vsu.70034

Transbound Emerg Dis. 2025 Oct 7;2025:6541298. doi: 10.1155/tbed/6541298. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Developing evidence-based approaches to combat infectious diseases is essential in resource-limited settings to enable prioritisation of interventions where they are most effective in reducing the burden of disease. Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a major disease in cattle, but its impact remains poorly characterised in many contexts and production systems. To support the development of policies for accelerated bTB control, we conducted a systematic review to collate the available evidence on the impact of bTB on animal health, welfare and production. We identified 91 eligible studies providing information on the burden of bTB. Although the study suggested that bTB poses a considerable burden, the data were sparse and occasionally contradictory. A large proportion (87%) of bTB-positive animals were asymptomatic, meaning infected animals could go undetected in the absence of routine surveillance and contribute to silent spread of infection. Almost half (46%) of bTB-positive bovines exhibited visible lesions on post-mortem inspection, and the carcase would be considered, in part or entirely, unfit for human consumption. However, due to the limited and sometimes conflicting evidence, the true burden in endemic herds and various settings remains poorly understood. The study highlights the paucity of the kind of detailed evidence that is essential for evaluating the benefit of any disease intervention and underscores the importance of considering the distribution of outcomes when supporting data are scarce.

PMID:41098524 | PMC:PMC12520801 | DOI:10.1155/tbed/6541298

Front Pharmacol. 2025 Sep 29;16:1680875. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2025.1680875. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic liver disease of unknown cause contributing to cirrhosis and cancer but has no cure. PSC is characterized by inflammation within ductal fibrosis, progressive bile duct narrowing and loss, with damage to cholangiocytes (epithelial cells affecting bile production) and liver repair. ET-1, produced by cholangiocytes, contributes to fibrosis, vasoconstriction, and inflammation via ETA receptors. In patients, ET-1 and ETA gene expression are elevated and ETA antagonists reduce disease progression in PSC animal models. Ongoing clinical trials of portal hypertension in liver disease are testing the efficacy of a new treatment strategy combining ETA-selective antagonist zibotentan with SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin.

METHODS: To interrogate the potential of a comparable strategy in PSC we have initially compared the localization of ET receptors and SGLT2 transporter in human PSC liver.

RESULTS: In ethically sourced healthy human liver, ETA immunofluorescence was primarily found in bile duct epithelial cells within the portal tract, smooth muscle of the central vein, with low levels in hepatocytes. SGLT2 immunofluorescence was mainly detected on bile duct epithelial cells and hepatocytes. ETA co-localized with smooth muscle cells in large arteries and veins, while ETB immunoreactivity was present in hepatocytes and endothelial cells. In the PSC vasculature, the pattern of expression of smooth muscle ETA receptors that mediate vasoconstriction was retained, consistent with the hypothesis that ETA selective antagonists would be beneficial in reducing portal hypertension. ETB receptors were principally localised on endothelial cells and would be expected to mediate beneficial vasodilation. In diseased areas, all three proteins localised to ductal reactions, reflecting the response of the liver to injury, involving cholangiocyte proliferation, promoting beneficial regeneration but also associated with fibrosis and inflammation. Both ETA, ETB and low levels of SGLT2 immunofluorescence localised to fibroblasts within the fibrous septa where bands of scar tissue can restrict hepatic blood flow, leading to cirrhosis.

DISCUSSION: Both drug targets were retained in the key hallmarks of PSC pathology; ETA and SGLT2 staining within cholangiocytes undergoing ductal transformation and cells within the fibrotic septa, supporting the proposed benefit of combination treatment strategy.

PMID:41089827 | PMC:PMC12516093 | DOI:10.3389/fphar.2025.1680875

J Gen Virol. 2025 Oct;106(10). doi: 10.1099/jgv.0.002157.

ABSTRACT

A multivalent vaccine targeting high-consequence infectious diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), which are linked to high mortality, morbidity and overlapping clinical manifestations, would significantly improve health security and economic stability in this region. Trivalent vector vaccines were devised to deliver digitally optimized versions of Orthoebolavirus, Orthomarburgvirus glycoproteins (GPs) and a Lassa mammarenavirus (LASV) nucleoprotein (NP) by a single Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) known to protect against mpox virus (MPXV) along with a matched DNA vaccine. Three immunizations in mice and Hartley guinea pigs with MVA only or a DNA prime followed by two MVA administrations induced comparable levels of binding antibodies and LASV-specific T-cells, respectively. While DNA priming mitigated MVA-specific antibody responses, GP- and NP-specific antibodies developed already after a single MVA vaccination. Although a post-outbreak Ebola virus vaccine is available, outbreaks by other filoviruses, annual LASV epidemics and increased incidence of MPXV infections support the rationale for an MVA-based trivalent haemorrhagic fever vaccine for endemic and high-risk human populations in SSA.

PMID:41051941 | DOI:10.1099/jgv.0.002157

Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2025 Nov;66(6):e70097. doi: 10.1111/vru.70097.

ABSTRACT

Optimal radiation protocols for canine nasal carcinoma are not established. Co-morbidities, access, and owner compliance can influence scheduling. Between 2015 and 2022, two radiotherapy protocols were used in the palliative treatment of canine nasal carcinoma at a single institution. Group A comprised 17 cases receiving 40 Gy in ten 4 Gy fractions delivered Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Epistaxis was present in 11/17 (65%) cases. Median survival time (MST) was 298 days (95% CI: 163.54-432.45); progression-free survival was 173 days (95% CI: 117.87-228.12). Group B comprised 24 cases receiving 36 Gy in six 6 Gy fractions delivered Monday and Friday. Epistaxis was present in 20/24 (83%) cases. MST was 375 days (95% CI: 240.73-509.27); progression-free survival was 243 days (95% CI: 138.42-347.58). Dogs with Adams Stage 1 disease had the longest median overall (593 days) and progression-free survival (609 days). Four cases each received additional radiation treatment and/or toceranib at relapse. Palliative radiation therapy achieved control of clinical signs in the majority of cases, with an overall response rate of 100% (Group A) and 96% (Group B). In a multivariate Cox regression model with backwards elimination, when cases were stratified for tumor stage, neither the presence of epistaxis nor treatment (6 vs. 10 fractions) was independently associated with significant improvements in survival. Epistaxis at presentation did not appear to influence survival. These results indicate that palliative radiation therapy is highly effective in controlling clinical signs associated with nasal carcinoma. Increasing fractionation may have a limited effect on survival outcome or toxicity in the palliative setting.

PMID:41047698 | DOI:10.1111/vru.70097

Front Public Health. 2025 Sep 3;13:1685224. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1685224. eCollection 2025.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:40969630 | PMC:PMC12441160 | DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2025.1685224

Am J Vet Res. 2025 Sep 12:1-10. doi: 10.2460/ajvr.25.06.0229. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the use of antimicrobials and frequency of microbial identification testing in cases seen by companion animal general practitioners and a single United Kingdom (UK) internal medicine referral service.

METHODS: This was a prospective, observational study of animals referred to a single UK-based internal medicine referral service over a 12-month period. Information recorded at the time of presentation included presenting complaint, current medications, and whether a microbial identification test had been performed. At discharge, the same information was recorded again alongside the final diagnosis.

RESULTS: 516 dogs and cats were enrolled, and 22.9% of cases were receiving antimicrobials at the time of presentation compared to 22.0% of cases at the time of discharge. Cases receiving antimicrobials at admittance were 2.7 (95% CI, 1.7 to 4.3) times more likely to be discharged on antimicrobials. Postreferral respiratory and urinary cases were 7.3 times more likely (OR, 7.3; 95% CI, 3.6 to 15.0) and 4.2 times more likely (OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.9 to 9.4), respectively, to be discharged on antimicrobials. Bacterial culture was more commonly performed within the referral center (72.1%) than prior to referral (16.9%).

CONCLUSIONS: Bacterial culture is performed more frequently by referral internal medicine clinicians than UK general practitioners. There are differences in the distribution of cases prescribed antimicrobials between these 2 groups of veterinarians.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study provides information on antimicrobial prescribing patterns in companion animals across both general practice and referral settings in the UK. It highlights areas for antimicrobial stewardship improvement as well as identifies factors associated with antimicrobial prescription.

PMID:40939627 | DOI:10.2460/ajvr.25.06.0229

J Small Anim Pract. 2025 Sep 11. doi: 10.1111/jsap.70028. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the association between pterygoid bone medialisation and treatment outcomes after upper airway surgery in three brachycephalic breeds.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dogs that underwent CT of the head followed by routine surgery for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome were recruited in this study. Measurements obtained from the CT images included the width of the basisphenoid bone, interpterygoid distance and cross-sectional area of the nasopharynx. A ratio of width of the basisphenoid bone to interpterygoid distance allowed quantification of pterygoid bone medialisation. Pearson's correlations were calculated to assess the relationship between width of the basisphenoid bone: interpterygoid distance and cross-sectional area of the nasopharynx. Additionally, width of the basisphenoid bone: interpterygoid distance was compared across breeds, as well as between dogs with good and poor surgical outcomes (post-operative brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome index ≥50%).

RESULTS: One hundred and forty-four brachycephalic dogs (47 Pugs, 64 French Bulldogs and 33 Bulldogs) and 30 non-brachycephalic controls were included in the analysis. The width of the basisphenoid bone: interpterygoid distance ratio in brachycephalic dogs was significantly higher (1.982 ± 0.379) than that of controls (1.646 ± 0.239, P < 0.001). A negative correlation was observed between width of the basisphenoid bone: interpterygoid distance and cross-sectional area of the nasopharynx in Pugs (ρ = -0.29, P = 0.048), French Bulldogs (ρ = -0.47, P < 0.001), Bulldogs (ρ = -0.71, P < 0.001) and controls (ρ = -0.55, P = 0.002). French Bulldogs with poor surgical outcomes exhibited a significantly higher width of the basisphenoid bone: interpterygoid distance (2.366 ± 0.327) than those with good surgical outcomes (1.813 ± 0.271, P < 0.0001).

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Pterygoid bone medialisation is associated with nasopharyngeal narrowing, which limits the effectiveness of surgical interventions in brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome in affected French Bulldogs. As there are no surgical options currently reported to address this condition, these findings are important in guiding clinicians in providing prognostic information to owners during elective brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome surgery.

PMID:40935636 | DOI:10.1111/jsap.70028

Vet Surg. 2025 Sep 5. doi: 10.1111/vsu.70010. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine if a novel robotic system has comparable positional and angular accuracy to that achievable with patient-specific guides (PSG) when used for transcondylar screw (TCS) placement in the canine humerus.

STUDY DESIGN: Experimental laboratory study.

SAMPLE POPULATION: A total of 32 synthetic humeral models (16 per group).

METHODS: Bone models were three-dimensional (3D)-printed and drilled with the aid of a custom PSG or with the assistance of an image-guided surgical robot. A 2.5-mm hole was drilled medial to lateral and the entry point, exit point and angular trajectory of the drill hole were measured on postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans. Absolute differences between planned and actual positions and trajectories were compared between PSG and Robot groups.

RESULTS: None of the drill holes in this study violated the articular surface of the humerus. Entry point positioning was significantly more accurate in the PSG group, but drill hole trajectories (angulation) were more accurate in the Robot group. Exit point positioning was similar in the two groups.

CONCLUSION: Robotic assistance enables safe placement of drill holes for TCS. PSG enable more accurate drill entry, but robotic assistance allows for more accurate overall drill hole trajectory.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Robotic assistance allows for accurate and safe drilling of screw holes for TCS placement in the humerus. The robotic procedure allows for a more limited surgical exposure, but the technical feasibility and outcomes associated with this approach should now be evaluated in cadavers before moving to clinical evaluation in live patients.

PMID:40913298 | DOI:10.1111/vsu.70010

Vet Rec Open. 2025 Sep 2;12(2):e70018. doi: 10.1002/vro2.70018. eCollection 2025 Dec.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: A significant contributory factor to the brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome index of bulldogs is the diameter of their tracheas. Bulldogs are predisposed to tracheal hypoplasia. A non-invasive, financially reasonable and widely accessible screening test for tracheal diameter would be useful for assessing the most appropriate dogs to breed from within bulldog populations and may help in predicting results following upper airway surgery.

METHOD: A prospective method comparison study involving 10 client-owned brachycephalic dogs was conducted. Each patient underwent tracheal ultrasonography using a handheld ultrasound device (Butterfly IQ+) followed by extubated computed tomography (CT) scanning of the head and neck. Ultrasonographic tracheal measurements were compared with CT tracheal measurements and analysed for agreement, accuracy, and inter-observer and intra-observer repeatability.

RESULTS: Bland‒Altman analysis showed there was good agreement between the ultrasound and CT tracheal measurements; however, the 95% limits of agreement were wide (+0.43 and ‒0.29 cm), indicating that the ultrasound measurements lacked a high level of accuracy. Ultrasound in general overestimated the tracheal diameter by 0.07 cm (p < 0.05). Intra-observer repeatability (mean range: 0.12 cm, average coefficient of variation [COV]: observer one;7.36%, observer two;5.53%, observer three;6.10%) was more consistent than inter-observer repeatability (mean range: 0.26 cm, average COV: 8.47%).

CONCLUSION: The accuracy of tracheal diameter measurements using an affordable handheld ultrasound device in unclipped brachycephalic patients was relatively low. However, technique modifications may significantly improve results, and further investigation is warranted to explore the utility of this method as a screening tool for tracheal hypoplasia in bulldog populations.

PMID:40904891 | PMC:PMC12403226 | DOI:10.1002/vro2.70018

PLoS One. 2025 Aug 29;20(8):e0330627. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0330627. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

The introduction of MenAfriVac has significantly reduced group A meningococcal meningitis in the African meningitis belt, but epidemics caused by other groups such as C, W, Y and X (MenCWYX) remain a threat. To address this, a new multivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MMCV) has been developed and pre-qualified by WHO. This study extends a previously established transmission dynamic model for MenA to include MenCWYX, enabling evaluation of the potential impact of MMCVs under various vaccination strategies. Using Burkina Faso as a case study, the model simulates mass campaigns targeting different age groups and routine vaccination through the Essential Programme on Immunization (EPI). The results indicate that campaigns targeting 1-29-year-olds are most effective in averting cases and delaying disease resurgence, while 1-19-year-old campaigns offer a resource-efficient alternative. Vaccine efficacy against carriage and the duration of protection significantly influence outcomes; greater efficacy (90% vs. 60%) and longer protection delay resurgence and reduce the number of cases. Routine- only vaccination demonstrates value in lower-risk settings, though it is less effective than combined strategies. Sensitivity analyses confirm the robustness of the ranking of strategies but highlight the importance of accurate estimates of vaccine efficacy and transmission parameters. The findings suggest that countries in the meningitis belt should integrate MMCVs into their immunisation programs, with high-risk countries prioritising catch-up campaigns for children and young adults. Despite data limitations and uncertainties, this model provides valuable insights for optimising vaccine rollout and highlights critical research needs, such as understanding vaccine effectiveness against carriage. These results support informed decision-making to sustain progress against meningitis and protect populations from future epidemics. MMCVs hold great promise in further reducing meningitis burden and approaching disease elimination in the region.

PMID:40880354 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0330627