Damage to lamellar keratinocytes, an essential cellular component of the epidermal layer of hoof tissue, can have a detrimental effect on hoof health and the overall production value of dairy cows. In this study, we described four digestion methods: trypsin method, collagenase method, Dispase II combined with trypsin method, and Dispase II combined with collagenase method, compared their isolation and culture efficiency, observed primary cell and subculture cell growth, and according to the difference of digestion time and apposition time of fibroblasts and keratinocytes, lamellar keratinocytes were purified by differential digestion method as well as differential velocity adherent method at each passaging and identified specific keratin 14 of keratinocytes using immunofluorescence. The results revealed that the lamellar keratinocytes isolated using Dispase II combined with the collagenase method increased rapidly, the number of cells in the offspring 4 generation was high, and the cells demonstrated positive expression of keratin,which facilitated the subsequent purification.

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A two-dose revaccination against tetanus is recommended for horses over 2 years old in Japan with no history of vaccination in the previous year. Here, the need for two-dose revaccination was evaluated in terms of antibody titers for each vaccine type, namely monovalent or multivalent. There was no difference in antibody titers between one- and two-dose regimens for up to 1 year, except at 8 weeks with the multivalent vaccine, and all horses had sufficient antibody titers for 1 year of tetanus prophylaxis. These results suggest that one-dose revaccination, regardless of the vaccine type, is as effective as two-dose in preventing tetanus for at least 1 year in horses not vaccinated in the previous year.

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Diphtheria toxin-producing Corynebacterium ulcerans is a zoonotic pathogen that causes human diphtheria-like symptoms. After performing whole-genome analysis of the five isolates from sheltered cats in Osaka, Japan, we compared them with genome sequences of 25 strains of C. ulcerans from a public database. The five isolates from cats harbored 14 genes encoding possible virulence factors in diphtheria-toxin-producing C. ulcerans. These isolates also had diphtheria toxin gene-encoding prophage in their chromosome, although differences were found in other prophages possession. Whole-genome single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis showed that cats’ isolates belonged to ST337 branch, as were strains from Japanese human patients, with 41 or more single-nucleotide polymorphisms variations. High-resolution single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis of C. ulcerans was sufficient to distinguish cats’ isolates clearly as not different by conventional genotyping methods.

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The present study assessed the financial viability of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) vaccine Research & Development (R&D) investment in India and the Gross Technology Revenue (GTR) accrual to the different stakeholders. The Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) of PPR vaccine development and administration were USD 16326.6 million (INR 130612 crore), USD 18454.2 million (INR 147633 crore) and USD 21645.6 million (INR 173164 crore); 162.2%, 167.6% and 169.7% and 43.3:1, 48.8:1 and 57.1:1, respectively under low, medium and high disease incidence scenarios. The estimated cumulative GTR accrued during 2001-02 to 2017-18 by the innovating public research institutions (Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (ICAR-IVRI) and Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS)), private vaccine producers, public sector biologicals and government revenues in terms of taxes was USD 0.696 million (INR 5.568 crore) for ICAR-IVRI and USD 0.033 million (INR 0.26 crore) for TANUVAS; USD 5.00 million (INR 40 crore); USD 7.141 million (INR 57.1 crore) and USD 0.671 million (INR 5.36 crore), respectively. Overall, financial benefits of PPR vaccine development and administration to control PPR in India outweighs the investment in manifolds.

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In recent years, strategies targeting β-cell protection via autoimmune regulation have been suggested as novel and potent immunotherapeutic interventions against type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D). Here, we investigated the potential of toceranib (TOC), a receptor-type tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitor used in veterinary practice, to ameliorate T1D. TOC reversed streptozotocin-induced T1D and improved the abnormalities in muscle and bone metabolism characteristic of T1D. Histopathological examination revealed that TOC significantly suppressed β-cell depletion and improved glycemic control with restoration of serum insulin levels. However, the effect of TOC on blood glucose levels and insulin secretion capacity is attenuated in chronic T1D, a more β-cell depleted state. These findings suggest that TOC improves glycemic control by ameliorating the streptozotocin-induced decrease in insulin secretory capacity. Finally, we examined the role of platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) inhibition, a target of TOC, and found that inhibition of PDGFR reverses established T1D in mice. Our results show that TOC reverses T1D by preserving islet function via inhibition of RTK. The previously unrecognized pharmacological properties of TOC have been revealed, and these properties could lead to its application in the treatment of T1D in the veterinary field.

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A 6-day-old male Japanese Black calf presented with a transverse fracture of the left calcaneus. In calcaneal fractures, traction of the gastrocnemius muscle causes substantial displacement of the proximal fracture fragment; therefore, external fixation alone is prone to failure of fusion or deformed fusion. Furthermore, internal fixation alone may result in refracture due to the high load on the implant. Therefore, internal and external fixation were used to treat the fracture. Bone fusion was observed on postoperative day 50; the wire was removed on postoperative day 90. Radiographic examination at 4 months postoperatively revealed that the bone had fused in normal alignment. Therefore, a good prognosis can be expected for calcaneal fractures treated with combined internal and external fixation.

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Dogs with precursor-targeted immune-mediated anemia (PIMA) are commonly treated with immunosuppressive therapy, but information on predictors of treatment response and response time is limited. Therefore, we retrospectively investigated predictive factors that influenced the treatment response and duration required to observe a response in dogs with PIMA receiving continuous immunosuppressive therapies for more than 105 days. Of 50 client-owned dogs that developed PIMA, 27 were included in this study, of which 18 were responders and 9 were non-responders to immunosuppressive therapies. Sixteen of the 18 responders responded to treatment within 60 days and the remaining 2 responded at 93 and 126 days, respectively. We found that an erythroid-maturation ratio of <0.17 may be a useful predictor for treatment response. In addition, complications of immunosuppressive therapies were investigated further in 50 dogs. Pancreatitis (n=4) and pneumonia (3) occurred over the entire treatment period, and infections such as abscesses (3) tended to be more common in dogs on an extended period of immunosuppressive therapy. These findings may be helpful when planning for the initial treatment and may provide evidence for informed consent about potential comorbidities throughout the treatment course.

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The abnormal or undesirable behaviors of owned dogs are not always considered problematic; it depends on the perception bias of their owners. To demonstrate the perception bias in dog owners’ attributes, 133 dog owners in Aomori (rural) and Tokyo (urban) were surveyed through questionnaires distributed via seven animal hospitals regarding the frequency of potentially problematic behaviors and their perceived difficulty with them. The interaction effects of the lived location (urban, rural), age (20s–50s, 60s or later), and sex (male, female) of the owners were evaluated through a hierarchical multiple regression model. The analyses of 115 responses demonstrated that the tendency of perception regarding the five major behaviors under consideration varied with these attributes. Our results indicated that owners living in Aomori undervalued destruction behaviors of their dogs both when family members were and were not at home, while they overvalued jumping on people. Senior owners tended to undervalue nuisance barking when family members were at home along with uncontrollable hyperactivity. Male owners also undervalued destructive behavior when family members were not home. The study concludes that perception bias due to dog owners’ attributes should be taken into account in epidemiological surveys and during medical interviews by veterinarians or other behavioral specialists. Further exhaustive investigation and exploration of the cultural background of these perception differences should be conducted.

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Adriamycin (ADR) is an effective chemotherapy drug for various cancers but has serious side effects. ADR-induced liver damage is a common problem during therapy, but the underlying mechanism remains to be fully understood. In contrast, ADR-induced glomerular damage is well studied in rodents, and sensitivity to ADR-induced nephropathy is because of the R2140C polymorphism of Prkdc gene. To investigate whether strain differences or sensitivity to ADR-induced liver damage are related to Prkdc polymorphism, this study compared the sensitivity to ADR-induced liver damage among C57BL/6J (B6J), B6-Prkdc^R2140C, and BALB/c mice. Although B6J exhibits resistance to ADR-induced liver injury, BALB/c and B6-Prkdc^R2140C are more susceptible to liver injury, which is exacerbated by the presence of R2140C mutation in PRKDC.

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Mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is a serine/threonine kinase that plays a major role in cell metabolism. Although mTORC1 inhibitors are known to exert immunosuppressive effects, their effects on immune cells are not fully understood. In the present study, we examined the involvement of mTORC1 in the differentiation and functions of macrophages using THP-1 cells, which are derived from human monocytic leukemia and differentiate into macrophage-like cells upon treatment with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). We also examined the effects of two mTOR inhibitors, Torin 1 and rapamycin, on TPA-stimulated THP-1 cells. Although mTORC1 activation was observed upon TPA stimulation, mTOR inhibitors did not affect TPA-induced morphological changes or expression of the general macrophage marker, CD11b. In contrast, phagocytosis and fluid endocytosis were significantly impaired by the mTOR inhibitors. Endocytosis suppression was observed when mTOR inhibitors were added during differentiation, but not before or after differentiation, suggesting that endocytosis suppression altered the direction of differentiation. Furthermore, mTOR inhibitors altered the expression of M1/M2 polarization markers. These results suggest that the immunosuppressive effects of mTOR inhibitors may involve the suppression of macrophage endocytosis caused by abnormal cell differentiation.

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The efficacy of orally administered drugs in cattle is thought to be slow because of the anatomical and physiological features of their forestomach. Thus, parenteral routes are mainly preferred to administer drugs. However, the effect of some drugs with unique physicochemical properties was promptly obtained even after oral administration in clinically ill cattle. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate pharmacokinetically the usefulness of the oral route in cattle by comparing the oral pharmacokinetic properties of two sulfonamides with different physicochemical properties. Sulfadiazine (SDZ) and sulfamonomethoxine (SMM) were administered by intravenous and oral route to four female Holstein cows with a 4-weeks washout period. Blood samples were collected over time, and SDZ and SMM concentrations in plasma were analyzed by HPLC. Data obtained from the same animal after intravenous and oral administration were simultaneously analyzed with the one compartment model, and kinetic parameters were calculated. The T_max (mean ± SD) of SMM (2.75 ± 0.96 hr) was significantly achieved earlier than that of SDZ (5.00 ± 1.15 hr). Further, the mean absorption time of SMM (5.24 ± 0.69 hr) was significantly shorter than that of SDZ (5.92 ± 1.11 hr). Also, the half-life of absorption of SMM (3.91± 0.51 hr) was significantly shorter than that of SDZ (4.51 ± 0.82 hr). These data suggest that the absorption rates of highly unionized drugs (such as SMM) from the forestomach of cattle may be markedly higher than less unionized ones (such as SDZ).

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This report described the differentiation induction of canine oral mucosal melanoma (OMM) cells by resveratrol. Exposure of canine OMM cells to resveratrol (maximum dose: 50 μM and treatment period: 72 hr) induced differentiating features like melanocytes, and enhanced chemosensitivity against cisplatin, but alone had no influence on cell viability. Additionally, resveratrol significantly enhanced mRNA expression of key melanoma differentiation markers such as microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF). Of several inhibitors against mitogen-activated protein kinase subtypes, only the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor, SP600125, induced melanocyte-like morphological change and enhanced MITF mRNA expression. Furthermore, resveratrol also suppressed JNK activation in OMM cells by approximately 33%. Overall, these findings suggest that resveratrol induces differentiation in canine OMM cells, due to the inhibition of JNK signaling.

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Oxidative stress is defined as an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and antioxidant defense mechanisms of the body. An overproduction of ROS leads to lipid and protein oxidation, injuring the cells both in normal and pathological conditions. Rice bran protein hydrolysate (RBH) has potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and hypolipidemic effects. Little is known, however, about the effects of RBH in dogs. The present study evaluated the antioxidative, anti-ACE and metabolic effects of RBH in adult dogs. Eighteen adult dogs were divided into 2 groups: control (n=7) and RBH supplemented groups (n=11), received a diet with the same nutritional compositions. The RBH supplemented group was fed with RBH 500 mg/kg body weight (BW) mixed with food for 30 days. BW, blood glucose, lipid profiles, liver enzymes, electrocardiography (ECG), plasma ACE activity, oxidative stress and antioxidant biomarkers were determined on day 0 and day 30 of supplementation periods. Results showed that RBH decreased oxidative stress and increased antioxidant biomarkers by significantly reducing plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl, enhanced blood glutathione (GSH) and improved the GSH redox ratio. Moreover, decreased LDL-C and increased HDL-C levels were found after RBH supplementation whereas BW, blood glucose, liver enzymes, plasma ACE activity, plasma catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and cardiac function were not significantly changed. These results suggest that RBH may help to lower the risk of oxidative stress and dyslipidemia in adult dogs.

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Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchangers (NCX) are an exchange transporter of Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ ions on the plasma membrane. There are three types of NCX: NCX1, NCX2, and NCX3. We have been working for many years to understand the role of NCX1 and NCX2 in gastrointestinal motility. In this study, we focused on the pancreas, an organ closely related to the gastrointestinal tract, and used a mouse model of acute pancreatitis to investigate a possible role for NCX1 in the pathogenesis of pancreatitis. We characterized a model of acute pancreatitis induced by excessive doses of L-arginine. We administered the NCX1 inhibitor SEA0400 (1 mg/kg) 1 hr prior to L-arginine-induced pancreatitis and evaluated pathological changes. Mice treated with NCX1 inhibitors show exacerbation of the disease with decreased survival and increased amylase activity in response to L-arginine-induced experimental acute pancreatitis, and this exacerbation correlates with increased autophagy mediated by LC3B and p62. These results suggest that NCX1 has a role in regulating pancreatic inflammation and acinar cell homeostasis.

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The aims of this study were to evaluate metabolic profiles obtained at -14, 14, and 28 days in milk (DIM), and to identify potential predictive biomarkers of Holstein dairy cows with purulent vaginal discharge (PVD) at 28 DIM. The body condition score (BCS) and hematocrit (Hct) were evaluated, and a metabolic profile test (MPT) was performed at -14, 14, and 28 DIM using serum samples. Cows at 28 DIM were classified using a vaginoscopy and divided into groups of healthy cows (n=89) and cows with PVD (n=31). Albumin (Alb), total cholesterol (TCho), calcium (Ca) and, magnesium (Mg) levels were lower in cows with PVD than in healthy cows at 14 DIM. At 28 DIM, levels of Alb, TCho, Ca, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), Mg, and Hct were lower in cows with PVD. A multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that higher non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA; odds ratios; OR=4.47; P<0.01), lower Alb (OR=0.07; P<0.01) and lower Tcho (OR=0.99; P=0.08) at 14 DIM, and lower Hct (OR=0.83; P=0.05), lower Alb (OR=0.12; P<0.01), and lower BUN (OR=0.74; P=0.02) at 28 DIM were significantly associated with PVD. In conclusion, serum Alb levels was a potential indicator associated with PVD, reflecting dietary protein deficiency preceding disease. Our findings suggest that MPT should be considered to monitor health status during the postpartum period for early diagnosis of PVD.

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Transient receptor potential melastatin 4 (TRPM4) cation channels are expressed in prostate glands. However, the precise role of these channels in prostate contractility remains unclear. In this study, we examined whether TRPM4 channels were involved in adrenergic contractions in the mouse prostate gland. Adrenergic contractile responses elicited by noradrenaline or electrical field stimulation of the sympathetic nerve were isometrically recorded, and the effects of 9-phenanthrol, a specific TRPM4 channel inhibitor, on those contractile responses were investigated in mouse ventral prostate preparations. 9-phenanthrol (10 or 30 μM) inhibited noradrenaline- and sympathetic nerve-evoked contractions in a concentration-dependent manner. A similar inhibitory effect was observed with another TRPM4 channel inhibitor, 4-chloro-2-(2-(naphthalene-1-yloxy) acetamido) benzoic acid (NBA; 10 μM). Inhibition by 9-phenanthrol and NBA were much greater at lower noradrenaline concentrations and lower stimulus frequencies than those of higher concentrations or frequencies. However, 9-phenanthrol did not inhibit the noradrenaline-induced contractile response when the membrane potential was decreased to approximately 0 mV in the 140 mM K⁺ medium. Moreover, 9-phenanthrol does not affect noradrenaline-induced increases in spontaneous contractions of cardiac atrial preparation. This agent inhibited noradrenaline-induced contractions in the posterior aorta preparation. However, the inhibitory effect was significantly weaker than that observed in the prostate gland. These results suggest that TRPM4 channels are involved in adrenergic contractions in the mouse prostate gland, possibly by opening through membrane depolarization; therefore, they might be potential candidates for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia.

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The novel domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH), a member of the Hepadnaviridae, was first detected in Australia and has recently been identified in more countries. In this study, we explored the DCH genome using next-generation sequencing of a plasma sample from a cat with a fever of unknown cause. Nucleotide sequence analysis showed the virus to be relatively genetically distant from the first reported DCH in Australia, showing 89% homology. Then we conducted an epidemiological survey by PCR of plasma samples collected from 203 cats that visited a veterinary hospital for diagnosis and treatment. Two of the 203 surveyed cats a were positive for DCH. One of the two positive cases had elevated liver enzymes of unknown etiology, and the other had hepatoma. Our study indicated that DCH infection was observed in domestic cats in the Tokyo area of Japan as well as other reported areas in the world. Further investigations are needed to define the clinical importance of DCH.

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Hemorrhage syndrome in adipose tissues in the crest of the neck (HSCN), specifically in hemorrhagic adipose tissues on the longitudinally sectioned surface of the neck fat at the dorsal nuchal ligament, is prevalent in heavy horse breeds. Herein, we aimed to establish an ultrasonographic method to successfully diagnose HSCN in heavy horse breeds and assess its efficacy. Horses with homogeneous echogenicity images were included in the control group, whereas those with linear high-echogenicity images were classified as having HSCN. Horses with confirmed linear high-echogenicity images exhibited pathological features and significantly higher percentages of adipose tissue with hemorrhage than those observed in horses with homogeneous echogenicity images (P<0.01). Our results suggest the effectiveness of ultrasonography in identifying and diagnosing HSCN.

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Pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS) is a heparin-like polysaccharide that is applied as a therapeutic treatment for osteoarthritis (OA) in animals. This study investigated the efficacy of different molecular weights PPS (1,500–7,000 Da) on the phenotype regulatory and chondrogenic properties of canine articular chondrocytes. The cytotoxicity of PPS on chondrocytes was assessed using flow cytometry and 3-(4,5-dimehylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. After 72 hr of exposure, PPS did not induce chondrocyte apoptosis, regardless of molecular weight. In addition, chondrogenic properties were determined according to the mRNA and protein levels in micromass-cultured chondrocytes. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis confirmed that PPS promotes a chondrogenic phenotype in chondrocytes in a molecular weight-dependent manner, with significant upregulation of collagen type II alpha 1 chain, aggrecan, and SRY-box transcription factor 9 (SOX9) mRNA levels relative to those in the control. However, the collagen type I alpha 2 chain mRNA level simultaneously increased after 7,000 Da PPS treatment. PPS exposure also increased collagentype II and SOX9 protein production in a molecular weight-dependent manner and inhibited Akt phosphorylation in chondrocytes. Alcian blue staining indicated that PPS treatment enhanced proteoglycan deposition in micromass cultures, with stronger effects observed in 5,000 and 7,000 Da groups. Overall, these results indicate that PPS exerts protective effects on the chondrocyte phenotype and may represent a potential therapeutic target for OA treatment. Increasing the molecular weight of PPS could enhance these anabolic effects.

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Glucocorticoid preparations have anti-inflammatory effects, and are commonly used in the equine clinical setting; however, such treatments can cause a number of side effects. Adrenal insufficiency is an adverse effect induced by the suppression of adrenal function following drug administration. This study aimed to investigate the influence of two glucocorticoid preparations, dexamethasone and hydrocortisone, on adrenocortical function in horses. The usual doses of dexamethasone and hydrocortisone preparations in equine practice were administered intramuscularly to six horses, and peripheral blood was collected at different time points. Concentrations of dexamethasone and hydrocortisone in the plasma, before and after drug administration, were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Considering circadian rhythms in endogenous hydrocortisone levels, hormone concentrations, before and after drug administration, were compared at the same time of the day. Plasma dexamethasone concentrations were below the limit of quantification at 72 hr post-administration. Plasma hydrocortisone concentrations were significantly lower from 1 to 72 hr after administration. After hydrocortisone preparation administration, plasma hydrocortisone levels were significantly higher until 9 hr, and significantly lower at 24 and 48 hr. The suppression rate of endogenous hydrocortisone ranged over 2.2–5.3% with dexamethasone treatment and 17.5–45.7% with hydrocortisone treatment. The study clearly indicated the effects of glucocorticoids on adrenocortical function in horses and provided basic knowledge about the selection and prescription of glucocorticoid preparations and setting the withdrawal times in equine clinical setting.

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The susceptibility of 218 extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae isolates from companion animals to three cephamycins (cefmetazole, flomoxef, and latamoxef) was investigated. Phenotypic testing found 8 of 120 Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) and 15 of 69 Enterobacter cloacae (EC) isolates were ESBL and AmpC β-lactamase (ABL) co-producers. Isolates of KP, P. mirabilis, and EC that only produced ESBL exhibited susceptibility rates to cefmetazole (95.5%, 82.7%, and 9.3%), flomoxef (99.1%, 96.6%, and 74.0%), and latamoxef (99.1%, 100%, and 100%), respectively. Notably, isolates of KP and EC co-producing ESBL and ABL had significantly lower susceptibility rates to the studied drugs when compared with only ESBL producers. This implies that the in vitro activity of cephamycins against ESBL-producing bacteria can differ depending on ABL production and bacterial species.

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Like in many other African countries, pig production is increasing in Tanzania. To support farmers and stakeholders, it is important to increase our understanding of porcine pathogens present in the country. Currently, little is known about the circulation of porcine circovirus-2 (PCV-2) and porcine circovirus-3 (PCV-3). For this reason, samples from 124 pigs collected throughout the country between 2018 to 2022 were screened by PCR for the presence of PCV-2 and PCV-3. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of positive amplicons identified two PCV-2 genotypes (a and d). Limited genetic heterogenicity was observed among the PCV-3. This study provides important data on pathogens present in pigs in Tanzania and should be of use veterinary authorities involved in porcine disease management.

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An adult 22-year-old, male southern cassowary (Casuarius casuarius) presented for lethargy, dysorexia and soft feces. Clinical findings under chemical immobilization were unremarkable except for heterophilic toxic changes on blood smear, reduced albumin/globulin ratio and potentially elevated liver parameters. The animal was treated for suspected hepatobiliary insufficiency and received supportive treatment with daily subcutaneous fluids and medication and was monitored with a quality-of-life assessment. It was eventually euthanized after further deterioration. Post-mortem examination revealed vegetative valvular endocarditis, bile duct obstruction, cholangiohepatitis and splenitis with intralesional Enterococcus casseliflavus isolated. This is a first documented case of E. casseliflavus infection in a bird with multiorgan involvement.

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L-amino acid oxidase (LAAO) is a metabolic enzyme that converts L-amino acids into ketoacids, ammonia, and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The generated H₂O₂ has previously been shown to have antibacterial and gut microbiota-modulatory properties in LAO1 knock-out (KO) mice. Since most microbial metabolites reach the liver through the portal vein, we examined gut-liver interactions in LAO1 KO mice. We found lower total cholesterol levels, higher glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) levels in the serum, and higher pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression in the liver tissue. In wild-type (WT) mice, LAO1 was expressed in gut tissues (ileum and colon). Microbiome analysis revealed that the abundance of some bacteria was altered in LAO1 KO mice. However, short-chain fatty acid (SCFAs) levels in cecal feces and gut permeability did not change. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) revealed that feces from LAO1 KO mice slightly stimulated pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in the liver. During metabolomic analysis, 5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) was the only metabolite found to be significantly upregulated in the portal and abdominal veins of the LAO1 KO mice. Intraperitoneal administration of 5-ALA to WT mice significantly increased IL-6 mRNA expression in the liver. These observations suggest that gut LAO1 plays a role in regulating 5-ALA production and that a high level of 5-ALA stimulates the liver to increase pro-inflammatory cytokine expression by disrupting LAO1 in mice.

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A 5-year-old castrated male domestic shorthair cat was diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis and severe insulin resistance. Although the conventional treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis was provided, the cat required frequent hospitalization because of severe dehydration and repeated diabetic ketoacidosis. We detected anti-insulin antibodies for human in this cat. Serum insulin-binding IgG levels were markedly elevated compared with those in healthy cats and other diabetic cats. We initiated prednisolone to suppress the effects of anti-insulin antibodies. After initiation of prednisolone, the cat was gradually recovered with increasing activity and appetite. Furthermore, satisfactory glycemic control was achieved with combined subcutaneous injection of insulin detemir and insulin degludec.

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Atlanto-axial (AA) instability due to ligament insufficiency is a common cause of cervical spinal cord compression in toy breeds. However, in some dogs a difference in size between the atlas and the axis leads to joint incongruence that exacerbates AA subluxation and makes surgical treatment challenging. Twelve dogs with AA instability with incongruence were enrolled in a single institution prospective observational study. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the AA joint were compared to a retrospectively reviewed control group. A novel surgical approach consisting of a dorsal internal fixation technique was performed in six dogs. For affected dogs, the mean normalised difference between the dorso-ventral atlas canal and the dorso-ventral axis canal was 29.67% (median of 35.07%, standard deviation 25.64%), while in normal dogs a mean difference of 4.67% (median of 3.95%, standard deviation 5.21%) was observed. On MRI, 12/12 affected dogs had spinal cord compression, which was classified as reducible (3/12), partially reducible (6/12) and non-reducible (3/12). In surgically operated dogs, follow-up CT showed a partial or complete reduction of the previous spinal cord compression with a consistent amelioration or resolution of the presenting complaints. The proposed surgical technique was safe and effective in dogs with partially or completely reducible spinal cord compression.

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This article released online on July 30, 2014 as advance publication has been retracted by the Editorial Board of Journal of Veterinary Medical Science due to a violation of the journal’s “Information for Authors”.

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This article has been retracted by the Editorial Board of Journal of Veterinary Medical Science due to a violation of the journal's “Information for Authors”.

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This article released online on August 9, 2013 as advance publication was withdrawn from consideration for publication in The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science at author's request.

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This article released online on August 9, 2013 as advance publication was withdrawn from consideration for publication in The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science at author's request.

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This article released online on September 26, 2012 as advance publication was withdrawn from consideration for publication in The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science at author's request.

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This article released online on August 3, 2012 as advance publication was withdrawn from consideration for publication in The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science at author’s request.

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This article released online on September 26, 2012 as advance publication was withdrawn from consideration for publication in The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science at author's request.

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This article released online on August 3, 2012 as advance publication was withdrawn from consideration for publication in The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science at author's request.

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