KKU Veterinary Journal

The esophagus and stomach anatomical study in crossbred horses using endoscopic examination

Natnaree Kaewsiri, Chapkit Chansamorn, Phinidda Cha-umphol — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Most anatomical studies of horse esophagus involve dissection, and reference materials providing detailed information on the horses' esophagus are also limited. This research aims to examine the anatomical characteristics of the upper digestive tract, including the pharynx, esophagus, and stomach of horses, as visualized through endoscopic examination. Additionally, the study investigates the length of the equine esophagus by comparing external body measurements with those obtained through endoscopic assessment. The average measured distance from the nose to the pharynx is 37.77 centimeters and from the pharynx to the cardiac sphincter measures 101 centimeters. The data on the length and internal characteristics at the esophageal sites affect the choice of surgical site because the left side of the neck is the easiest area for surgery. Additionally, this can be applied beneficially to surgical procedures performed by equine healthcare practitioners involving the equine esophagus. The study identified variations in tissue coloration, ranging from white, gray, pink, and dark pink to red, as well as differences in moisture levels across different sections. These variations are due to the varying density of mucus-secreting glands in different areas. This pilot study involved nine mixed-breed horses from the experimental animal facility at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mahanakorn University of Technology, along with horses from a governmental institution tasked with managing and preventing diseases in horses used for community service, including equine-assisted therapy.

Effect of drinking-water temperature reduction on physiological adaptation and complete blood count in Sap PSU.1 goat under heat stress

Sadayut Saisawat, Yupin Phasuk, Wachirawit Srisuworanan, Supakorn Chanapak — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Objective: This study aimed to examine the effect of drinking-water temperature on physiological changes under heat stress in four non-pregnant Sap PSU.1 breed female goats.

Materials and Methods: The trial lasted two weeks: in week 1 (control), goats received ambient-temperature water (26±2°C), and in week 2 they received cold water (21±2°C). Animals were turned out to an outdoor paddock for 6 hours per day. Drinking behavior, respiratory rate, heart rate, pulse rate, rectal temperature, and hematological variables—packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (N/LR)—were recorded.

Results: Body weight increased over the study. The temperature-humidity index (THI) indicated mild and moderate heat stress, and goats consumed more water in the evening. Providing cold water significantly reduced respiratory rate, heart rate, pulse rate, and rectal temperature during the period of peak heat exposure (14:00–22:00 h). PCV, RBC, and WBC did not differ significantly, whereas the N/L ratio was significantly higher than in the control (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion: These findings indicate that providing cold water is an effective approach to alleviating heat stress in Sap PSU.1 female goats, modulating physiological responses without significantly affecting hematological indices.

Post-outbreak monitoring of Clostridium botulinum types C and D using Polymerase chain reaction in a dairy farm in Kanchanaburi province, Thailand

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the presence of C. botulinum on dairy farms with a history of outbreaks to support animal health monitoring and improve preventive strategies.

Materials and Methods: Fecal samples were randomly collected from 400 dairy cattle, including lactating cows, dry cows, pregnant heifers, heifer weaners, and calves, along with 10 feedstuff samples. Approximately 1-2 g of each sample was inoculated into cooked meat medium and incubated anaerobically at 35 ºC for 5 days. DNA was extracted from the enrichment culture and analyzed for C. botulinum types C and D using Polymerase chain reaction. Positive PCR products were confirmed by Sanger DNA sequencing.

Results: C. botulinum types C and D were detected in fecal samples at a rate of 2.75% (11/400). These were found in the feces of lactating cows (1.80%, 3/167), dry cows (6.98%, 6/86), pregnant heifers (2.00%, 1/50), and calves (2.70%,1/37). No fecal samples from heifer weaners (0/60) and feedstuffs (0/10) were positive.

Conclusion: The persistence of C. botulinum one year after an outbreak suggests possible gastrointestinal colonization and environmental contamination. Given the farm’s open system and presence of vectors such as flies, birds, rodents, cats, and dogs, biosecurity measures such as disinfection stations, sanitation equipment, and designated footwear at entrances are recommended to reduce pathogen spread.

Canine perivascular wall tumors with bone metastasis of the proximal humerus in a Golden Retriever dog

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0700

A 10-year-old male Golden Retriever dog presented with a two-week history of right forelimb lameness and shoulder pain. Initial examination revealed knuckling and muscle atrophy. Radiography and computed tomography scan results revealed severe osteolysis at the proximal humerus. Forequarter amputation was performed, and a bone biopsy confirmed a perivascular wall tumor with bony metastasis. Adjuvant metronomic chemotherapy was administered. Two months postoperatively, diffuse pulmonary nodules and visceral masses were detected, with no local recurrence. Despite palliative care, the dog succumbed to the disease 169 days after the initial diagnosis. This case underscores the aggressive nature of perivascular wall tumors and the challenges in managing advanced metastatic disease. Early detection and aggressive therapy are crucial for better outcomes in similar cases in veterinary practice.