Coxiella-like endosymbionts (CLEs) are obligate nutritional mutualists of ticks that are thought to supplement B vitamins and other essential metabolites that are deficient in the tick's blood meal. Extensive colonization of CLEs has been observed in the ovaries and Malpighian tubules of several tick species, including Haemaphysalis longicornis. Despite experimental evidence linking symbionts to host fitness, their roles in blood feeding remain poorly understood. Here, we conducted a comparative transcriptomic analysis of CLE genes in adult female H. longicornis ticks before and two days after feeding. CLE genes were identified by mapping RNA-seq data onto the putative CLE genomes derived from the draft genome assembly of H. longicornis. Our analysis explored the potential function of CLEs during the early stage of blood feeding. The results revealed abundant expression of genes involved in B vitamin biosynthesis and enrichment of Gene Ontology terms associated with biotin and ubiquinone biosynthesis. Although most expressed CLE genes were shared between the two organs, gene expression patterns in response to blood feeding differed between the Malpighian tubules and ovaries. These findings suggest that CLEs in the Malpighian tubules and ovaries exhibit distinct functions during the early stage of blood feeding. Overall, this study provides a fundamental basis for identifying potential targets in anti-tick control strategies and enhances our understanding of how blood feeding impacts tick physiology.

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Most members of the genus Gammacoronavirus infect avian hosts, but far fewer viruses have been characterized than in the other coronavirus genera, leaving their diversity largely unclear. Pigeon gammacoronaviruses were previously detected by consensus PCR, but only partial sequences were determined. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed public RNA-seq datasets and reconstructed two nearly complete genomes of pigeon gammacoronaviruses. Molecular evolutionary analyses showed pigeon gammacoronaviruses belong to the subgenus Igacovirus, and their pairwise distances to the members of this subgenus meet the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) species demarcation criteria, supporting their designation as a novel species in this subgenus. Notably, although nucleotide sequences are highly conserved among pigeon coronavirus variants, their 3’-genomic region exhibited differences in genome organization. These findings expand our knowledge of the diversity of gammacoronaviruses.

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In recent years, several cases of Mesocestoides vogae infection have been reported in domestic dogs in Japan. These cases typically involved the detection of tetrathyridia and segmented worms with immature proglottids, but not mature adults with gravid proglottids. In this study, mature and gravid proglottids of M. vogae were identified in a domestic dog from Niigata Prefecture. Morphological examination confirmed the parasite to be a Mesocestoides species based on the presence of a well-developed parauterine organ. Further molecular analysis identified the parasite as M. vogae. This is the first report of gravid proglottids of M. vogae in a domestic dog, suggesting the potential role of dogs as definitive hosts in the transmission cycle of this parasite.

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Neonicotinoids (NNs) are commonly used insecticides; however, their biotransformation in wild mammals remains poorly understood. Asian elephants, which are declining in numbers, may be vulnerable to these chemicals. In this study, we examined the liver metabolism of four major NNs: acetamiprid, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, and clothianidin, using elephant liver microsomes. Metabolite profiling and targeted analysis were conducted with liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometer, respectively. Results indicated that elephants mainly metabolize these NNs via reductive pathways, suggesting the involvement of nitroreductase-like enzymes or decarbonylation processes. Conversely, cytochrome P450-mediated oxidation may be limited; however, the roles of other enzymatic or microbial systems cannot be ruled out. These findings provide insights into xenobiotic metabolism in elephants, helping evaluate their toxicological vulnerability and supporting conservation efforts and risk assessments.

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Cutaneous plasmacytosis (CP) is a rare condition characterized by multiple cutaneous plasmacytomas without multiple myeloma. While no pruritus or spontaneous regression occurs in typical CP, the clinical behavior is limitedly understood due to its low incidence. This case report describes atypical cases of CP. Case 1 had skin nodules on the face and limbs and pruritus, whose pruritus kept progressing. After the diagnosis of CP, the dog died on Day 170 despite the treatment with prednisolone and melphalan since Day 157. Case 2 had multiple skin nodules on the back and abdomen. After the skin biopsy, the nodules regressed without treatment on Day 28. These cases suggest the variation of CP's clinical behavior, which helps further understand the disease.

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White Heifer Disease (WHD) is a congenital reproductive abnormality, especially in white female offspring in certain breeds of cattle like Belgian Blue. The roan locus was reported to affect coat color and fertility. It was suggested that a missense mutation (Ala218Asp) in the transmembrane domain of Kit ligand (KITL) gene was responsible for WHD. Here we generated two types of knock-in (KI) mice to reproduce the missense KITL mutation using pigmented agouti ICR mice. KI mice carrying compound mutations mimicking bovine transmembrane domain showed moderate coat color change, but single missense mutation KI did not. None of them exhibited uterine abnormalities, suggesting that localized gene modification may not fully affect murine KITL function.

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A 6-month-old female toy poodle, weighing 2.15 kg, presented with acute vomiting and lethargy after ingesting ibuprofen. Hemoperfusion was performed using an extracorporeal blood purification cartridge, comprising polystyrene-divinylbenzene copolymer beads, connected to a hemodialysis platform as a pre-dialyzer. Serum ibuprofen concentration, measured using high-performance liquid chromatography, was 61.9 mg/L before therapy. The ibuprofen concentrations gradually decreased, reaching 20.5 mg/L after 2 hr (66.8% reduction; half-life of 1.4 hr). The dog showed significant improvement in vitality and recovered fully without further extracorporeal treatment. This case is the first documented instance of successfully treating ibuprofen intoxication in a small dog using hemoperfusion with a blood purification cartridge specifically designed for small animals.

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Bovine mastitis is an inflammatory disease of the udder caused by pathogen infection. In case of aerobic cultivation, 30% of milk samples have nonbacterial; this may relate to anaerobic bacteria, although this remains unclear. This study analyzed 173 mastitis milk samples collected via aerobic and anaerobic cultivation. The detection rate by anaerobic culture was significantly higher (P<0.01; 136 samples: 78.6%) than that by aerobic culture (125 samples: 72.3%). Furthermore, the detection rates of Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Streptococcus uberis, and Trueperella pyogenes were higher in anaerobic than aerobic culture. Clostridium perfringens was detected one sample (0.61%) and Fusobacterium necrophorum in two samples (1.22%) were detected. Overall, these findings indicated the value of anaerobic culture for detecting the causative bacteria of mastitis.

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Canine urothelial carcinoma (cUC) is an aggressive malignancy, yet clinically accessible and reliable prognostic markers remain limited. While systemic inflammatory responses are increasingly recognized as critical determinants of cancer progression in humans, the prognostic value of white blood cell fractions in cUC remains unexplored. This retrospective cohort study investigated the association between white blood cell fractions and survival in 86 dogs with urothelial carcinoma (cUC) diagnosed at a university-affiliated veterinary hospital between 2017 and 2024. Case assignment, presence of metastases, the extent of urinary tract involvement, treatment specifics, and complete blood count (CBC) data were extracted from electronic medical records. CBC analysis revealed neutropenia in 3 cases, monocytosis in 7 cases, eosinophilia in 4 cases, and lymphopenia in 19 cases. Due to limited case numbers, survival analyses focused on monocytosis and lymphopenia, with calculation of the monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR). Log-rank tests demonstrated significant associations between shortened overall survival and monocytosis, lymphopenia, increased MLR, and metastasis (P=0.0050, P=0.0097, P<0.0001, P=0.0125, respectively.). Multivariate analysis identified two independent predictors of shortened survival: increased MLR (hazard ratio [HR] 3.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.90–8.81, P=0.0003) and metastasis (HR 2.86, 95% CI 1.32–6.15, P=0.0075). These findings suggest that MLR, a readily available parameter from routine CBC testing has the potential to serve as a practical and clinically informative biomarker in cUC.

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Aortic thrombotic disease occurs in both dogs and cats. In dogs, it typically presents as aortic thrombosis (ATh), whereas in cats, it most commonly manifests as aortic thromboembolism (ATE). Canine ATh is rare, with no standardized treatment. Rivaroxaban, a direct factor Xa inhibitor, is increasingly used in veterinary medicine. Recently, the efficacy of dual antithrombotic therapy with clopidogrel and rivaroxaban in feline ATE has been suggested. Here, we report two canine ATh cases. Clopidogrel monotherapy was insufficient, but adding rivaroxaban improved gait, relieved pain, and reduced thrombus size on ultrasonography. This combination therapy may be effective for canine ATh, as has been suggested for feline ATE. Further case studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of rivaroxaban for canine ATh.

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Bovine adenovirus type 10 (BAdV-10) was isolated for the first time in Japan from a calf with severe hemorrhagic diarrhea at a farm in Gifu Prefecture. Histopathologically, lesions were mainly in the colon, with pseudomembrane formation accompanied by extensive fibrosis and viral inclusion bodies in the nuclei of vascular endothelial cells. The isolated virus showed cytopathic effect in bovine testicular cells and was genetically confirmed to be BAdV-10. Although the BAdV-10 gene was not detected in the rectal stools of cohabiting calves, an increase in antibody titers was observed. Involvement of BAdV-10 in lesion formation was suspected, but extensive fibrosis was not reported overseas. Further investigation is needed to clarify the prevalence and epidemiological significance of BAdV-10 in Japan.

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Surgical treatment options for feline ureteral obstruction are lacking. Based on its use in human medicine, tamsulosin may be a promising candidate. We have accumulated evidence of its extra-label use at our hospital in cases where surgery was declined by the owner. Accordingly, in this single-center, retrospective study, we investigated the responses to tamsulosin in patients with multi-causal feline ureteral obstruction by determining response rates and evaluating the demographic and clinicopathological characteristics of responders. Cats were classified as responders if they showed complete or partial hydronephrosis remission (renal pelvic diameter <50% of the presentation value). We evaluated 62 cats, of which 32 had ureteral calculi (51.6%) and 30 (48.4%) did not. All cats had received 50 μg oral tamsulosin once daily as initial treatment. A total of 30/62 (48.4%) cats were defined as responders, and the response rates were similar irrespective of the presence or absence of ureteral calculi. Body weight was significantly higher in responders than in non-responders. Adverse drug reactions were rare, mild, reversible, and did not include hypotension.The response rate we report for tamsulosin may be of interest to clinicians considering its use in combination therapy where surgery is declined or delayed and for future research on feline ureteral obstruction.

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The Japanese rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta japonica) is an endangered alpine bird endemic to Japan. Wild individuals mainly consume leaves, flowers, and fruits of dwarf shrubs, but captive-reared birds often fail to adapt due to altered cecal microbiota. The bacterial genera Synergistes, Olsenella, and Megasphaera are typical in wild ceca. To restore these communities in captivity, chicks were fed alpine plants and freeze-dried cecal feces from wild birds. We developed a real-time PCR method to quantify these genera. While Synergistes was not fully restored, Olsenella and Megasphaera populations were successfully established. This method provides a practical tool to evaluate feeding strategies and supports the production of release-ready chicks from captive populations.

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Ticks are major public health vectors that rely on long-term extravascular feeding, a process critically dependent on establishing a subcutaneous blood pool. While tick salivary molecules suppress host hemostasis and immunity, the precise mechanism by which vascular integrity is compromised to sustain massive hemorrhage in the deep dermis, outside the tick hypostome’s reach, remains a longstanding enigma. Using time-series pathological and multiplex immunohistochemical analyses in a mouse model infected with Haemaphysalis longicornis tick, we redefined the blood pool not as a cystic reservoir, but as a severe inflammatory lesion characterized by massive, diffuse extravasation of red blood cells. We observed that ticks induce pathological angiogenesis, forming fragile microvessels. Crucially, the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), known as NETosis surged in clustering neutrophils on Day 3 of feeding, coinciding with the transition to massive hemorrhage. Furthermore, extravasated platelets co-localized with NETs in the hemorrhagic tissue. We propose a sophisticated parasitic strategy, whereby the tick hijacks host immunothrombosis to mediate massive hemorrhage. The dysregulated interaction between NETs and platelets drives a vicious inflammatory cycle, which destroys the fragile, newly formed vasculature and extracellular matrix. This process establishes a blood-soaked, sponge-like stroma, which the tick exploits for efficient blood intake. Our findings redefine the fundamental mechanism of tick feeding success.

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ELISA antibody titers against Rhodococcus equi strain ATCC 6939 were measured in serum samples collected from 644 horses aged 1–21 years at 13 provinces and the capital of Mongolia, of which 631 (98%) samples showed values of approximately zero. The mean antibody titers in the 14 areas ranged from −0.08 to −0.01. Nine samples (1.4%) exhibited titers of 0.1–0.2, and surprisingly, four horses (0.6%) each aged 2, 5, 8, and 9 years demonstrated positive values in the range of 0.3–0.8. Considering the age resistance characteristic of this disease, the positive horses were hypothesized to exhibit nonspecific reactions against R. equi antigens, potentially attributable to underlying infections, such as Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection, or others as unidentified factors. Further investigation of these positive sera could potentially reveal previously unknown infectious diseases.

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Influenza D virus (IDV), a respiratory pathogen primarily affecting cattle, is known to have the potential to infect a wide range of animal species. In this study, a novel IDV strain, designated D/JLSL and belonging to the D/Yama2019 lineage, was isolated from a stillborn bovine fetus. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all 7 genomic segments of the D/JLSL cluster within the D/Yama2019 lineage. Notably, the hemagglutinin-esterase-fusion (HEF) protein of D/JLSL exhibits 7 amino acid substitutions compared with the 3 previously characterized D/Yama2019 strains. These findings suggest that D/JLSL may represent a distinct variant within the D/Yama2019 lineage. This study marks the first identification and genetic characterization of IDV from the D/Yama2019 lineage in a stillborn bovine fetus, highlighting the need for further surveillance to elucidate its prevalence and biological properties.

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The size of the aortic root (ARS) is of clinical relevance particularly in cats with suspected systemic hypertension and in the echocardiographic diagnosis of left atrial (LA) enlargement using the LA dimension to aortic annulus ratio. There are no prospective data on ARS in healthy cats. The study objective was to determine reference values and 95% prediction intervals for two-dimensional (2D) echocardiographic variables of ARS in cats. We hypothesized that ARS in healthy cats is primarily dependent on body weight (BW) and age. Study type was retrospective, cross-sectional, observational, and clinical cohort. 220 apparently healthy client-owned adult cats were enrolled and 2D echocardiograms analyzed. Systolic and diastolic dimensions of the aortic valve, the sinus of Valsalva, the sinotubular junction, the ascending aorta, and sinus height were evaluated. Reference values and 95% prediction intervals were determined using raw data and values after allometric transformation (Y=a x M^b). The effect of BW, sex, breed, and age was determined. Proportionality constants (α) and allometric scaling exponents (b) were computed for all variables and reference values and 95% prediction intervals for the study sample determined. BW and age, but not sex and breed, were independent predictors of ARS. Cats >12 years old had significantly (adjusted P<0.05) larger ARS compared to cats 1–2, >2–6, and >6–12 years old. The effects of BW and age must be considered for decision-making when using echocardiographic ARS variables in clinical practice.

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Domestic cat hepatitis B virus (DCHBV), shares similarities with human hepatitis B virus (HBV) which is associated with liver disease. We report the first case of cholangiocarcinoma in a 17-year-old spayed female cat infected with DCHBV and positive for feline immunodeficiency virus. The patient presented with vomiting, anorexia, and an elevated globulin level. Ultrasonography revealed multiple hypoechoic hepatic lesions, and histopathology confirmed cholangiocarcinoma. The tumor exhibited CK7 positivity and HepPar-1 negativity, confirming biliary origin. Quantitative PCR detected DCHBV in the spleen and ascitic fluid, while immunohistochemistry and RNA in situ hybridization revealed viral antigen and mRNA in both tumor and non-tumor liver. The presence of a viral antigen and mRNA in neoplastic tissue suggests a potential role for DCHBV in hepatobiliary carcinogenesis.

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This retrospective study evaluated 83 cats with a single extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (PSS)—Portocaval (n=1), Left gastroazygos (n=2), Left gastrocaval (n=9), Left gastrophrenic (n=24), and Splenosystemic (n=47)—to evaluate whether the prevalence and severity of renomegaly in cats with extrahepatic PSS differ by shunt type, and to assess associations with computed tomography (CT)-based portal perfusion, and serum biochemical parameters. Renal size was quantified using the kidney length-to-the second lumbar vertebral length ratio (K/L2 ratio), and portal perfusion by the portal vein diameter-to-aortic diameter ratio (PV/Ao ratio). These indices were compared between shunt types and correlated with biochemical parameters. The Left gastrocaval group showed the highest mean K/L2 ratio (2.88 ± 0.24) and 100% prevalence of renomegaly, compared to the Left gastrophrenic (2.39 ± 0.23; 37.5%) and Splenosystemic groups (2.21 ± 0.16; 12.8%). Conversely, the median PV/Ao ratio was the lowest in the Left gastrocaval group (0.56 [0.47–0.61]), intermediate in the Left gastrophrenic group (0.89 [0.60–0.95]), and highest in the Splenosystemic group (1.12 [0.90–1.15]), indicating varied severity of portal hypoperfusion. Renal size and portal perfusion showed a significant inverse correlation (r_s=–0.521, P<0.001). Renomegaly was also associated with higher ammonia and lower blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine concentrations. In conclusion, renomegaly severity is inversely correlated with portal perfusion and varies significantly among shunt types. These findings, combined with associations with hepatic dysfunction markers, suggest that renomegaly may serve as a clinically relevant indicator of disease severity in cats with extrahepatic PSS.

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Canine obesity-related metabolic disorder (ORMD) is a condition derived from human metabolic syndrome. Although there are several indicators shared between both species, such as obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia, the repercussions of canine ORMD are not clearly established. This study aimed to evaluate the suitability of canine ORMD indicators and their association with other paraclinical parameters. Obese dogs (body condition score 7–9, n=39) were included in this study and classified according to the literature in ORMD-positive or negative. Subsequently, they were evaluated for blood pressure, hematological, biochemical, hormonal and urine analysis. Discriminant capacity and cut-off values were determined for systolic blood pressure, glycemia, serum triglycerides and cholesterol. All ORMD-positive dogs showed hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia, with a homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance mean value above the reference interval, which could reflect a certain insulin resistance status. Total cholesterol did not differ between groups, but serum triglycerides, as well as systolic blood pressure, tended to be higher in ORMD-positive dogs. Leukocyte count, lymphocyte count, total proteins and globulins were higher in ORMD-positive dogs, which could suggest an immune-inflammatory disorder in this group of patients. In conclusion, ORMD positive dogs developed insulin resistance and alterations in their hematological and protein profile towards a pro-inflammatory state. Total cholesterol concentration should be revised as a marker for ORMD.

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Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a progressive inflammatory disorder characterized by pancreatic fibrosis and loss of exocrine function. Interleukin-19 (IL-19) is an anti-inflammatory cytokine, but its role in the pathogenesis of CP remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the protective function of IL-19 using an ethanol/lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced murine CP. CP was induced in wild-type (WT) and IL-19 knockout (KO) mice by administration of ethanol in drinking water combined with repeated intraperitoneal injections of LPS (3 mg/kg) for 10 weeks. Pancreatic injury, inflammation, and fibrosis were assessed histologically and molecularly. IL-19 KO mice developed markedly more severe pancreatitis than WT mice, as evidenced by elevated serum amylase levels, extensive fibrosis, acinar cell necrosis, loss of pancreatic architecture, and prominent inflammatory infiltration. In contrast, WT mice exhibited only mild pancreatic injury with largely preserved acinar structure. mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and transforming growth factor-β in the pancreas were significantly higher in IL-19 KO mice, consistent with enhanced inflammatory and fibrotic responses. Notably, pancreatic IL-19 mRNA expression was significantly upregulated in CP, suggesting an endogenous compensatory mechanism. IL-19 deficiency worsens ethanol/LPS-induced chronic pancreatitis, indicating that endogenous IL-19 protects against inflammation and fibrosis and may serve as a therapeutic target.

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Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is the causative agent of enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL), a common neoplastic disease in cattle. Since animals with high BLV proviral load (PVL) pose a greater transmission risk, identifying cattle with low PVL is crucial for herd management. Certain bovine leukocyte antigen (BoLA)-DRB3 alleles— DRB3*009:02, DRB3*014:01:01, and DRB3*002:01—are strongly associated with low PVL in Holstein cattle and thus can serve as markers for genetic resistance. In this study, we developed a rapid, cost-effective allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR) assay using sequence-specific primers to detect these three alleles. The assay was validated through both synthesized DNA and genomic DNA samples from pre-genotyped cattle, showing 100% sensitivity and 94% specificity compared with PCR-sequence-based typing (SBT). The detection limit was 0.8 ng/reaction. A two-stage pooling approach allowed high-throughput screening of field samples, and analysis of 444 cattle revealed that 27.0% carried at least one target allele. Considering only standard PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis are required, this assay is accessible to basic laboratories without advanced equipment or bioinformatics expertise. Moreover, it enables rapid genotyping of BLV resistance markers, offering a practical tool for genetic selection and disease control in dairy farms, especially those in high-BLV-prevalence regions.

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Neutrophil recruitment to inflamed tissue is mediated by adhesion molecules and chemokine signaling. Fuzapladib sodium hydrate (FZP) has been reported to reduce neutrophil infiltration, but its broader effect on adhesion molecules in dogs remains unclear. This study investigated the influence of FZP on canine aortic endothelial cells (CnAOEC) and primary neutrophils under cytokine stimulation. CnAOEC were treated with recombinant canine tumor necrosis factor alpha (rh-cTNFα) or lipopolysaccharide together with FZP, while neutrophils isolated from healthy dogs were preincubated with FZP before rh-cTNFα stimulation for gene and protein expression analyses. Expression of endothelial E-selectin, P-selectin, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) was quantified by qPCR. Neutrophil C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 2, P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1), and L-selectin were also analyzed using qPCR. In addition, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 and leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) were determined using ELISA and flow cytometry, respectively. Neutrophil adhesion to FZP-treated endothelial monolayers was evaluated under static conditions. FZP significantly downregulated endothelial P-selectin at the highest dose, whereas ICAM-1 was upregulated. In neutrophils, FZP decreased L-selectin and PSGL-1 expression at the highest concentration. These findings suggest that FZP selectively modulates early adhesion through suppression of P-selectin, L-selectin, and PSGL-1, which may weaken rolling and tethering interactions between cells. Although functional adhesion effects were limited, these molecular responses provide further insight into the anti-inflammatory effect of FZP.

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Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome (TNS) is a rare, fatal, autosomal recessive disease in Border Collies. A 7-month-old female Border Collie with TNS presented with fever, diarrhea, occasional vomiting, lameness, and severe neutropenia. The diagnosis was confirmed by bone marrow examination and vacuolar protein sorting-associated protein 13B (VPS13B) gene mutation analysis. Initial treatment with prednisolone improved symptoms; however, relapse occurred during tapering, and the addition of cyclosporine resolved the symptoms, allowing successful tapering of prednisolone. The dog remained symptom-free for 7.4 months and survived for 33 months. Cyclosporine may be associated with increased C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 mRNA expression, possibly reducing the risk of infection and fever. Based on these findings, a combination of cyclosporine and prednisolone may represent a potential treatment option for TNS.

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We previously reported that poly (N-vinylacetamide-co-acrylic acid) coupled with d-octaarginine (VP-R8) efficiently introduces proteins and nucleic acids into cells. Based on these results, we hypothesized that VP-R8 can introduce a complex composed of guide RNA and Cas9 (RNP complex) into cells and induce genome editing mediated by the CRISPR-Cas9 system. We tested this hypothesis using a mouse dendritic cell line and mouse primary dendritic cells. The RNP complexes formed by guide RNA consisting of CRISPR RNA (crRNA), fluorescently labeled trans-activating crRNA (tracrRNA), and GFP-fused Cas9 were introduced into a mouse dendritic cell line using VP-R8 or control transfection reagents. Cells transfected using VP-R8 exhibited higher fluorescence than those transfected with other transfection reagents, indicating that VP-R8 efficiently introduced the RNP complex into the mouse dendritic cell line. Genome editing of the target DNA was detected in cells transfected with the RNP complex using VP-R8 and dominant relative to other transfection reagents. We also observed that VP-R8 effectively delivered RNP complexes consisting of single-guide RNA and Cas9 and induced genome editing in the dendritic cell line. Additionally, VP-R8 efficiently delivered RNP complexes into mouse primary dendritic cells and induced genome editing of the functional gene without producing early inflammatory cytokines. Thus, VP-R8 shows potential as a transfection tool to generate dendritic cells with specific gene regions deleted by genome editing via the CRISPR-Cas9 system. This approach aims to elucidate the detailed molecular mechanisms of dendritic cell function for its application to vaccines.

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Male Sulawesi babirusas (Babyrousa celebensis) are known for their distinctive backward-curving canine tusks. Previous research on the anomalies of canines in male babirusa skulls has demonstrated a high prevalence of growth abnormalities due to failure in the rotation of the alveolar process and the curvature of the canines, while the numerical abnormalities were found to be rare. This study focused on supernumerary maxillary canines as observed in a wild-caught babirusa in an ex situ conservation program. This report represents the first publication of photographic evidence of a living babirusa with three right maxillary canines, one left maxillary canine growing toward the right side of the snout, and two overgrown mandibular canines threatening to erode the forehead.

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The present study investigated whether behavioral changes predict the onset of left displaced abomasum (LDA) using a small, multi-sensor device attached to a cow collar that records data in real time over a 24 hr period. Behavioral data were collected from 17 LDA cows that had undergone surgery and 23 healthy dairy cows. The total rumination time over 10 days before and after LDA surgery in cows, was significantly shorter from 8 days before to 3 days after surgery, peaking at 216.4 ± 96.8 min on day before surgery than that in the control group (group: P<0.001). The total rumination time of LDA cows was significantly shorter than that of the control group at each time point (interaction effect: P<0.001). The diagnostic ability to predict the onset of LDA based on the cutoff value (≤360 min) of total rumination time 6 days before LDA surgery calculated using the Yohden index showed a significantly high AUC of 0.887 (P<0.0001) with high sensitivity (84.6%) and specificity (88.9%). In other words, it was suggested that the onset of LDA can be predicted by total rumination time from 6 days before surgery. An Animal Health Monitoring System (AHMS) not only warns of the onset of cattle diseases, such as LDA, several days in advance, but may also predict the onset of diseases up to 6 days in advance based on shortened the total rumination times, thereby contributing to the efficiency of work for farmers and veterinarians.

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Equine rhinitis B virus (ERBV), a member of the Picornaviridae family, is associated with mild to moderate respiratory illness in horses, yet its genomic diversity remains incompletely characterized. In this study, we performed metagenomic analysis on a rectal swab sample from a diarrheic foal confirmed to be positive for rotavirus A. Unexpectedly, we identified a highly divergent ERBV strain with a 9,448-nucleotide genome encoding a 2,721-amino-acid polyprotein. Sequence analysis revealed only 62.5–63.1% identity in the polyprotein and 47.1–49.8% in the VP1 region compared to known ERBV serotypes, suggesting a novel genotype. The genome exhibited typical picornavirus features, including a type II internal ribosome entry site (IRES), but also unique elements such as an 87-amino-acid insertion in the leader proteinase region and atypical cleavage motifs. A strain-specific RT-qPCR assay was developed alongside a broadly reactive assay targeting ERBV1–3. Screening of 37 rectal swab samples from horses revealed a 10.8% positivity rate using the new assay, with clustered cases from the same farm in 2022 and an additional case in 2024. No samples were positive using the broad-range primers, indicating potential gaps in surveillance. These findings highlight the importance of metagenomics in pathogen discovery and underscore the need for updated molecular tools to monitor genetically distinct ERBV strains and assess their clinical significance.

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In this study, we analyzed the prevalence of diabetes in dogs over a nine-year period (2015–2023) in Japan using records provided by a pet insurance company. The observed prevalence rose from approximately 0.07% in 2015 to 0.30% in 2023, highlighting a steady upward trend. Logistic regression analysis confirmed this increase (regression coefficient β=0.121, P<0.001), with an odds ratio of 1.128 (95% confidence interval: 1.116–1.142), indicating an annual 12.8% increase in the odds of diabetes. A similar trend was observed among newly enrolled animals each year (β=0.0927, P<0.001; OR=1.097, 95% confidence interval: 1.076–1.119), suggesting a 9.7% annual increase in the odds of developing diabetes. The insurance dataset consistently showed a higher prevalence in males compared to females across all years. Additionally, we examined 209 clinical cases of canine diabetes collected from 21 veterinary hospitals to investigate age at diagnosis, sex, and neutering status. Case records indicated an age-related increase in diabetes incidence, with a peak between 8 and 10 years of age. The timing of diabetes onset did not significantly differ by sex or neutering status (χ² test, P=0.936). These findings highlight a progressive increase in canine diabetes prevalence in Japan and support the existence of a sex-based disparity in risk, with males being more susceptible.

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Epileptic seizures in cats and dogs are etiologically classified as idiopathic epilepsy, structural epilepsy and reactive seizures, and semiologically as atonic, tonic/clonic, or generalized tonic clonic, focal and focal seizures evolving into generalized seizures. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the semiological patterns and etiological causes of seizures in both species, and to assess interspecies differences in a regional veterinary population. Between January 2022 and January 2025, 77 cats and 106 dogs presented with seizures to Ondokuz Mayis University Animal Hospital (Samsun/Turkiye). After exclusions due to insufficient data or financial constraints, 24 cats and 29 dogs were included based on the Tier-I diagnostic criteria proposed by the International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force. The relationships between species, age, sex, neuter status, seizure semiology and etiology were analyzed. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures were observed in 83.3% of cats and 72.4% of dogs. Idiopathic epilepsy was diagnosed in 41.7% of cats and 55.2% of dogs. Structural epilepsy in cats was mainly associated with feline infectious peritonitis, while canine distemper virus was the predominant cause in dogs. Although seizure types were broadly similar across species, some etiological differences appeared regionally. The high rate of generalized seizures may reflect observer bias or challenges in accurately classifying semiology without electroencephalography. This study highlights the utility of tiered diagnostic approaches in veterinary epileptology and underscores the need for updated, species-specific consensus guidelines for diagnostic approach and classification especially in feline patients.

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The large Japanese field mouse, Apodemus speciosus, is a rodent species endemic to Japan and is widely distributed throughout the country. It has been extensively used as a model organism in studies of geographic isolation and as an environmental bioindicator. However, there have been no reports on the establishment of pluripotent stem cells from this species that could be applied to developmental engineering. In this study, we attempted to generate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from A. speciosus and successfully obtained cells that formed dome-shaped colonies and expressed pluripotency markers. These cells were capable of forming embryoid bodies that expressed markers of the three germ layers, and in vivo analysis using immunodeficient mice confirmed their ability to form teratomas. A. speciosus iPSCs established in this study not only contribute to the conservation of Japan’s valuable animal genetic resources, but also provide a novel platform for investigating various biological processes that remain unexplored in this wild species.

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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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