The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Rapid post-castration decline in serum canine prostatic specific esterase (CPSE) and prostatic volume in dogs with benign prostatic hyperplasia

Panthipa Borikappakul — 2025-12-24

The objectives of this study were to quantify temporal changes in prostatic volume and serum CPSE concentrations in dogs with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (n = 6) following surgical castration, and to evaluate the potential of CPSE as a biomarker for monitoring prostatic regression. Prostatic volume was determined by transabdominal ultrasonography, and serum CPSE concentrations were measured at baseline (Week 0) and at Weeks 1, 2, and 4 post-castration. The mean (±SE) prostatic volume before castration was 11.4 ± 1.9 cm3 and decreased significantly to 6.3±1.1 cm3 by Week 1 (P < 0.001), representing a reduction to approximately 56% of the baseline value. Smaller progressive declines were observed at subsequent time points up to Week 4 (P > 0.05). In parallel, serum CPSE concentrations dropped sharply from 133.8 ± 19.8 ng/mL at baseline to 16.2 ± 7.6 ng/mL by Week 1 (approximately 10% of the initial value, P < 0.05), with minimal additional change thereafter (P > 0.05). A strong positive correlation (ρ = 0.720, P < 0.001) was observed between prostatic volume and serum CPSE levels. These findings indicate that both prostatic volume and serum CPSE concentrations decrease markedly within the first week after castration, highlighting CPSE as a minimally invasive biomarker for monitoring prostatic involution and postoperative recovery in dogs. Persistent elevation of CPSE levels or failure to reduce prostatic volume beyond one week after castration may warrant further evaluation for underlying conditions, such as chronic prostatitis or prostatic neoplasia.

Effects of replacing antibiotics with Bacillus-based probiotics in the diet of lactating sows on reproductive performance, feed intake, serum immunoglobulin levels, milk production, oxidative stress markers, fecal short-chain fatty acids, and piglet growt

Chutikan Srisang — 2025-12-24

This clinical trial investigated the effects of adding a Bacillus-based probiotic to the lactation diet of sows (without in-feed antibiotics) on maternal and piglet outcomes. A total of 109 Landrace × Yorkshire sows (parity 1–7) were assigned to either a control group (n = 61) or a treatment group (n = 48) receiving Bacillus subtilis – 541 and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens – 516. Piglets in the treatment group also received the probiotics via creep feed from day 3 until weaning. Blood samples were collected within 12 h after farrowing to assess serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, and IgM) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in sows, while piglet fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were analyzed on days 3, 7, and 21. On average, sows were fed either a standard or probiotic-supplemented lactation diet for 5.9 ± 1.8 days before farrowing and for 21 days postpartum, resulting in a total feeding duration of 26.9 ± 1.8 days. The average daily feed intake was 3.7 ± 1.0 kg/day before farrowing and 6.2 ± 0.7 kg/day during lactation. During the first, second, and third weeks of lactation, average feed intake was 5.4 ± 1.1, 6.4 ± 0.9, and 6.7 ± 0.7 kg/day, respectively. Sows lost 14.5% of their backfat during lactation and produced an average of 8.2 ± 1.3 kg/day of milk from days 3–10 and 10.0 ± 2.1 kg/day from days 10–17. Probiotic supplementation did not affect reproductive traits, milk yield, or piglet growth (P > 0.05), but it increased sow feed intake before farrowing (P = 0.025) and serum IgM levels (P = 0.031). Piglet IgM concentrations were lower on day 7 (P = 0.002), while fecal SCFAs were higher on day 7. In conclusion, probiotic supplementation increased sow feed intake before farrowing and elevated serum IgM levels, while transiently enhancing piglet fecal SCFAs, without affecting other performance parameters.

Feline conjunctivitis in Sleman Region Indonesia: Clinical characteristics, bacteriological isolation of Staphylococcus aureus, and antimicrobial susceptibility

Agung Budi Pramono — 2025-12-29

Conjunctivitis is a common ocular condition in domestic cats, often associated with Staphylococcus aureus. Accurate detection and resistance profiling are essential for appropriate therapy. This study aimed to characterize clinical features of feline conjunctivitis, identify S. aureus using phenotypic and genotypic methods, and assess its antibiotic susceptibility. Twenty conjunctivitis-suspected cats in Sleman, Indonesia, underwent clinical examination and conjunctival swabbing. Bacterial isolates were cultured on Mannitol Salt Agar and identified by Gram stain, catalase, coagulase, biochemical tests, and PCR targeting 23S rRNA. Susceptibility to gentamicin, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, and amoxicillin was tested by Kirby-Bauer. Predominant signs included excessive tearing (95%), hyperemia (85%), and inflammation (80%). Staphylococcus spp. was detected in 95% of samples; 75% were molecularly confirmed as S. aureus. All isolates were sensitive to gentamicin, chloramphenicol, and ciprofloxacin, while 52.63% showed intermediate resistance to amoxicillin. Staphylococcus aureus is a significant bacterial agent in feline conjunctivitis in Sleman, Indonesia. Combined phenotypic–genotypic identification and susceptibility testing are vital for targeted management.

Echocardiographic alterations after administration of azithromycin in donkeys: An experimental crossover study

Mohamed Marzok — 2025-12-29

Cardiotoxicity and impairment of cardiac function are mostly diagnosed by echocardiography and based on objective metrics of cardiac function. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of azithromycin on the echocardiographic characteristics in healthy donkeys. Ten healthy donkeys were enrolled in a prospective crossover study. The study included two groups: (1) a placebo (normal saline, NaCl 0.9%), and (2) azithromycin (at a dose of 5 mg/kg body weight). A 2.0-3.9 MHz phased-array transducer was used for echocardiographic examination. Echocardiographic examinations were performed for donkeys before treatment (T0) and at 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, and 240 min after azithromycin administration. In the azithromycin group compared to Placebo, the drug induced a significant increase in interventricular septal thickness in end-diastole (IVSTd) and interventricular septal thickness in end-systole (IVSTs) (P < 0.05), but it induced a significant decrease in left ventricular internal diameter (LVID) at end diastole (LVIDd) and at end systole (LVIDs) (P < 0.01). There was also a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in left ventricular posterior wall thickness at the end of diastole (LVPWd) and at the end of systole (LVPWs) compared with placebo. Left ventricular volume increased significantly (P < 0.05) at the end diastole (EDV), and at the end systole (ESV). Fractional shortening (FS%) decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in donkeys receiving azithromycin compared to placebo. In conclusion, azithromycin in healthy donkeys induces transient and mild effects on echocardiographic parameters with fewer overt clinical signs. Further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of this drug, specifically in equines with underlying cardiac disease.

Feasibility of computed tomography for differentiating calcium oxalate and struvite calculi using mean Hounsfield unit and Hounsfield density

Somchin Sutthigran — 2025-12-31

Accurate preoperative prediction of cystic calculi composition is essential for effective treatment planning in dogs. This prospective study aims to investigate the utility of non-contrast multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) in differentiating calcium oxalate (CaOx) and struvite calculi based on mean Hounsfield unit (HU) and HU density values. Nineteen client-owned dogs with confirmed cystic calculi underwent non-contrast MDCT imaging at 80 and 120 kilovoltage peak (kVp) settings prior to surgical removal. Calculi composition was determined via laboratory analysis. Mean HU and HU density were measured and compared between calculi types. The results showed CaOx calculi demonstrated significantly higher mean HU (1317.53 ± 84.38) and HU density (191.89 ± 18.11) compared to struvite calculi (959.38 ± 202.92 and 101.27 ± 22.17, respectively) at 120 kVp. The optimal cut-off value for HU density at 120 kVp is greater than 137.295 HU/mm, indicating CaOx (84.6% of sensitivity and 83.3% of specificity). No significant differences were observed between groups at 80 kVp. These findings suggest that both mean HU and HU density at 120 kVp may be used as parameters for distinguishing between CaOx and struvite calculi. In conclusion, this study supports the clinical application of non-contrast MDCT, particularly using mean HU and HU density at higher kVp settings, as a non-invasive modality for predicting calculi composition in dogs.

Evaluation of chicken serum and chicken egg yolk as novel supplements for the in vitro cultivation of Mycoplasma hyorhinis

Yi-Chia Li — 2025-12-31

Mycoplasma hyorhinis is a significant pathogen in swine, yet its fastidious nutritional requirements present challenges for in vitro cultivation. Conventional supplements like horse serum (HS) often suffer from batch variability and potential inhibitors. This study aimed to evaluate chicken serum (CS) and chicken egg yolk (CY) as novel alternatives to develop a reliable cultivation method for M. hyorhinis. Five clinical isolates were cultured for 10 days in a basal medium supplemented with CS or CY at 10%, 20%, or 30%, with 30% HS as the control. Growth was quantified daily using a Color Changing Unit (CCU) assay. CS supported robust growth across strains, with 10% CS outperforming the 30% HS control in most isolates. The 10% CS formulation consistently yielded the highest titers (7.0 Log₁₀ CCU/mL) and area under the curve (AUC) values. Notably, increasing CS concentration led to slightly reduced growth. In contrast, CY was less effective, and 30% CY completely inhibited growth. To our knowledge, this is the first comparative study evaluating both chicken serum and egg yolk as alternative supplements for M. hyorhinis cultivation, showing that 10% chicken serum is a superior and cost-effective alternative to horse serum, while egg yolk was not supportive under the tested conditions.

Classification of venomous snakes in Thailand based on the melting temperature specificity of target genes using SYBR Green real-time PCR

Sunutcha Suntrarachun — 2026-01-08

The SYBR Green real-time PCR was developed for the rapid and accurate classification of major venomous snakes in Thailand. The method relies on melting temperature (Tm) discrimination of target genes from mitochondrial ribosomes. Short single-stranded primers were designed to specifically amplify synthetic DNA of venomous snakes in a single reaction (singleplex), producing distinct melting peaks. Neurotoxic snakes such as cobras (Naja spp.), king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) and kraits (Bungarus spp.) exhibited melting peaks ranging from 81.00 to 86.00°C, whereas hematotoxic snakes, including the Siamese Russell's viper (Daboia siamensis), Malayan pit viper (Calloselasma rhodostoma), and green pit vipers (Trimeresurus spp.), generated peaks between 77.00 and 80.00°C. The optimal melting rate for singleplex was 0.5°C/sec, with a sensitivity of approximately 10 copies/µL, which is 10-100 times higher than that of agarose gel-based PCR. Primer specificity was confirmed using DNA from snakebite sites on parafilm sheets, demonstrating reliable species-level identification. Multiplex analysis of several snake groups yielded less consistent results due to high genetic similarity among species; only Naja spp. could be reliably differentiated from Bungarus spp. by applying a slower melting rate of 0.1°C/sec, which improved the resolution of the melting temperature. The coefficient of variation (CV) was less than 5% for both intra- and inter-specific assays, ensuring reproducible outcomes. Overall, SYBR Green real-time PCR provides a sensitive, rapid, and practical tool for distinguishing venomous from non-venomous snakes, supporting accurate identification of snake species from bite wound samples and facilitating appropriate clinical management of snakebite victims.

Non-invasive monitoring of camel hair from a free-grazing herd as a biomarker in linking environmental exposure and nutritional status in desert ecosystems

Ibrahim Albokhadaim — 2026-01-19

Camels are vital livestock in arid regions, yet their elemental exposure remains underexplored, particularly through non-invasive biomarkers. This study is novel in applying camel hair as a non-invasive, long-term biomarker to assess nutritional adequacy and environmental exposure in a free-grazing desert herd, with age-stratified evaluation of essential and toxic element accumulation. For this purpose, a cross-sectional study was conducted on a herd of 18 apparently healthy camels (≤6 months: 28%; >6 months: 72%). Initially, hair samples were collected, washed, digested, and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The samples were then analyzed to determine the concentrations of 12 essential and 13 toxic elements. Results indicated that magnesium (617,611 ppb), calcium (487,461 ppb), phosphorus (478,471 ppb), and potassium (220,459 ppb) were the most abundant essential elements, followed by zinc (122,063 ppb) and iron (62,608 ppb). On the other hand, aluminum was the most toxic element (56,512 ppb), with barium (2,322 ppb) and lead (1,229 ppb) also notable. Age-related differences revealed that older camels had significantly higher phosphorus, potassium, and zinc levels, reflecting dietary transition to fibrous grazing plants. In contrast, cadmium was elevated in younger camels, suggesting maternal transfer via milk, while arsenic levels were higher in older animals, consistent with cumulative environmental exposure. Essential element profiles indicate the adequacy of traditional grazing systems, while alarming levels of some trace elements were found in calves. Camel hair analysis provides a practical and welfare-friendly tool for integrated monitoring of animal health and environmental quality in arid ecosystems, supporting its use in surveillance programs and future ecosystem-based risk assessments. Future studies incorporating soil and forage analyses and broader populations are warranted to establish regional reference values.

Effect of dietary chitosan oligosaccharide levels and molecular weight with deacetylation degree characteristics on peptide transporter 1 gene expression in weaning pig’s small intestine

Boonrit Thongsong — 2026-01-19

The present study aimed to assess the expression response of peptide transporter1 (PepT1) mRNA (SLC15A1) in weaning pig’s small intestine to the effect of dietary chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) supplement level, molecular weight (MW) and deacetylation degree (DD) characteristics. On days 28 and 56 of the experiments, small intestine samples obtained from our previous two experiments on weaned pigs were used to study the PepT1 mRNA expression. In experiment 1, pigs received either a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with 75, 150, or 225 mg/kg COS. In experiment 2, pigs received either a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with 150 mg/kg of one of the following COS differing in MW and DD: 8kDa~90%DD, 65kDa~80%DD, or 65kDa~90%DD. Relative expression of porcine PepT1 mRNA in duodenal, jejunal, and ileal mucosa was determined by real-time quantitative PCR. On day 56 of the experiment, pigs supplemented with not only COS levels but COS characteristics as well altered PepT1 gene expression in weaning pigs’ small intestine, which increased and decreased the expression of PepT1 mRNA in the jejunum and the duodenum (P < 0.05, respectively) when compared to the control pigs. Supplementing different levels and characteristics with a 28-day trial term of COS did not show any effect on the PepT1 mRNA expression. These data suggest that the regulation of PepT1 mRNA expression at the jejunum and the duodenum of weaning pigs depends on COS’ level, characteristics, and long-term diet supplementation.

Nighttime or daytime? How milk melatonin levels relate to differential and somatic cell count in dairy cow milk

Eleonora Dall’Olio — 2026-01-23

This study investigates the impact of winter nighttime versus daytime milking on melatonin concentration in milk and explores its relationship with somatic cell count (SCC) and differential somatic cell count (DSCC). Milk samples were collected from 40 Holstein cows at 12-hour intervals (04:00 AM Night samples and 04:00 PM Day samples) during the winter season (11 h of light and 13 h of darkness). The relationship between melatonin content, SCC and DSCC was assessed. Night milk had significantly higher melatonin levels (15.63 ± 1.90 pg/mL) compared to day milk (6.80 ± 0.75 pg/mL). SCC was significantly lower in night milk compared to day milk. The percentage of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) + lymphocytes (DSCC) was 66.54% in night milk and 63.36% in Day milk. The percentage of macrophages + epithelial cells was 33.46% in Night milk and 36.64% in Day milk. It has been shown that SCC are lower in Night milk compared to Day milk. This observation confirms a potential beneficial effect of melatonin on cow udder health and indicates that this effect occurs without modify the proportion of PMN + lymphocytes and macrophages + epithelial cells during Night milk and Day milk sampling.

Evaluation of agreement between point-of-care and blood gas analyzers for lactate measurement in critically ill dogs

Pemika Bunrueang — 2026-01-28

This study aimed to evaluate the analytical agreement between a handheld point-of-care (POC) lactate meter (StatStrip Xpress^®2 Lac/Hb/Hct, Nova Biomedical) and a standard blood gas analyzer (Stat Profile Prime Plus^® VET, Nova Biomedical) for measuring plasma lactate concentrations in critically ill dogs. Fifty-seven client-owned dogs were admitted to the Emergency Unit and Critical Care Unit (CCU) of the Small Animal Hospital, Chulalongkorn University, enrolled. Blood samples were analyzed using both a handheld POC meter and a blood gas analyzer. To evaluate analytical agreement across a wide concentration range, data were categorized into low (1–4 mmol/L; n = 17), moderate (4–10 mmol/L; n = 28), and high (10–20 mmol/L; n = 12) lactate groups. Spearman’s correlation, Passing-Bablok regression, and Bland-Altman analysis were performed to assess the agreement between the two devices. One-way ANOVA was used to analyze differences among the three groups. A strong positive correlation was observed between the two devices (r = 0.99). Passing–Bablok regression demonstrated acceptable agreement, with slopes of 1.02, 0.94, 1.01, and 1.38 for the overall dataset, low, moderate, and high lactate groups, respectively. Bland–Altman analysis showed mean biases of 0.07, 0.02, 0.26, and –0.57 mmol/L for the overall dataset, low-, moderate-, and high-lactate groups, respectively, indicating that the mean differences between the instruments were within acceptable analytical limits across most lactate ranges. In contrast, one-way ANOVA revealed a significant difference between the highlactate group and the others. In conclusion, the handheld POC lactate meter demonstrated a high degree of agreement with the standard blood gas analyzer, particularly in the low- and moderate-lactate groups.

Characteristics of one Escherichia coli strain isolated from the sick red panda excreting mucus-like faeces

Dongjie Cai — 2026-01-28

The purpose of this study is to explore the main pathogens that caused one red panda to excrete mucus-containing faeces continuously. The anal swabs of sick red panda were collected for bacterial isolation, biochemical analysis, 16SrRNA sequencing identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and research on pathogenicity in Mice. An Escherichia coli (E. coli) strain was isolated and determined. This strain was resistant to ampicillin, penicillin G, ceftiofur, and highly sensitive to levofloxacin, imipenem, azithromycin, kanamycin, and compound sulfamethoxazole. All mice died within 8-14 hours after injected intraperitoneally with 6×10⁸ CFU/mL E. coli. Histopathology showed that the lungs, livers, kidneys, and spleens of mice killed by E. coli showed different degrees of congestion and hemorrhage. The E. coli isolated from the red panda is multidrug-resistant and highly pathogenic for mice. This study can provide references for drug use and enhance understanding of E. coli-induced diarrhea in red pandas.

Application of flexible endoscopy for gastrointestinal foreign body removal in a leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius)

Jang-Hee Han — 2025-12-29

A male captive-bred leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) presented with a history of inadvertent ingestion of a rubber tip from forceps during feeding. The foreign body was impalpable on physical examination, while radiographic evaluation confirmed its presence in the stomach. Considering the procedural risks associated with invasive surgical interventions, endoscopic retrieval under general anesthesia was pursued. An initial attempt using a 2.8 mm superfine flexible endoscope with 0.8 mm forceps was unsuccessful due to insufficient stability, which hindered effective navigation to the foreign body. In contrast, a second attempt using a larger 9.2 mm flexible endoscope with 2.3 mm forceps improved visualization and mechanical control, allowing for successful removal. Despite concerns about the potential adverse effects of introducing a relatively large-diameter instrument into the small-bodied patient, gastric mucosal inspection revealed no abnormalities, and the patient experienced an uneventful recovery. This case report describes the application of two flexible endoscope models for the retrieval of a gastrointestinal foreign body in a leopard gecko, an approach rarely documented in the literature. Given the limitation of a single case, larger case series and comparative studies are warranted to validate the safety, reproducibility, and clinical applicability of flexible endoscopy as a viable option. The establishment of evidence-based guidelines will facilitate safer and more tailored applications, ultimately advancing minimally invasive techniques in reptile medicine.

Combination of prednisolone and mycophenolate mofetil for the treatment of a cat with immune-mediated panniculitis: A case report

M.H. Jeon — 2025-12-29

A 3-year-old domestic shorthair cat presented with severe diffuse skin lacerations and cutaneous nodules with purulent discharge. Primary immune-mediated panniculitis was diagnosed. After surgical excision of the lesions, immunosuppressive therapy with prednisolone and mycophenolate mofetil was initiated. The cutaneous lesions resolved, and no recurrence was observed over a 2-year follow-up period.

Possible intervertebral disc disease related to ventricular tachycardia in a Labrador Retriever

Nadthagarn Glaewketgarn — 2026-01-19

Ventricular arrhythmia (VA) is a common arrhythmia in dogs. Several extracardiac causes such as pain may contribute this condition. This case report describes a 9-year-old neutered male Labrador Retriever with ventricular tachycardia (VT) potentially related to severe neck pain due to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The dog was referred with a sign of inability to walk, tachypnea and an irregular heartbeat. Electrocardiography confirmed VT at 160-200 bpm and an increased cardiac troponin I level (35.22 ng/ml). Despite antiarrhythmic treatment, the VT persisted. Cardiac evaluation revealed no structural abnormalities. Interestingly, VT episodes were provoked by cervical palpation and resolved following analgesic treatment. MRI revealed disc extrusion at C6–C7 with spinal cord compression. Surgical stabilization and pain management led to complete resolution of the arrhythmia. These findings suggest that severe cervical pain from IVDD may be associated with VA in this dog.