The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Evaluation of serum microRNA-375 concentration in dogs with diabetes mellitus: A pilot study

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Serum microRNAs (miRNAs) serve as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for various diseases. The serum concentration of miRNA-375 (miR-375), which is abundantly expressed in pancreatic islet cells, is increased in dogs with experimentally induced pancreatic injury and naturally occurring acute pancreatitis. However, this has not been reported in dogs with diabetes mellitus (DM). This study aimed to compare the expression of serum cfa-miR-375 between dogs with DM and healthy dogs and examine changes in serum cfa-miR-375 levels after insulin administration in dogs with DM. Twenty dogs with DM and 18 healthy dogs were included. The relative expression of serum cfa-miR-375 using reverse transcription and real-time PCR were evaluated. The primary endpoint was the comparison of serum cfa-miR-375 expression between dogs with DM and healthy dogs. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) fold change (FC) of serum cfa-miR-375 was significantly higher (P = 0.048) in dogs with DM (2.30 ± 2.018) than in healthy dogs (1.294 ± 0.560). The FC of serum miR-375 was significantly increased (P = 0.01) after treatment (4.017 ± 2.054) than before treatment (2.322 ± 2.608) in dogs with DM. The percentage change in cfa-miR-375 levels was positively correlated with the concentration of serum fructosamine post-treatment (r = 0.62, P = 0.01). Increased serum miR-375 levels may be associated with direct leakage from the damaged pancreas and pathological glucose regulation in canine DM.

Reproductive performance and its association with ESR, PRLR, FSHB genes in indigenous “I” pigs

Luc Duc Do, Tuoi Thi Phan, Anh Thai Nguyen, Hue Thi Do, Thinh Hoang Nguyen — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Improving the reproductive performance of sows plays an important role in the pig industry, and it applies not only to commercial pigs but also to indigenous pigs. In this study, the polymorphisms of three genes, namely estrogen receptor (ESR), prolactin receptor (PRLR), and follicle-stimulating hormone beta subunit (FSHB) in the “I” pig population were investigated, and their associations with reproductive performance were evaluated. Ear tissue samples were collected from 151 fattening pigs and 126 sows across breeding farms in Vietnam for polymorphisms of the ESR, PRLR and FSHB genes. Three genotypes (AA, AB, and BB) were detected at the ESR T1665G and FSHB T212C loci, whereas the AA genotype was not observed at the PRLR G1789A locus. Consequently, genotype frequencies of ESR and FSHB were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, while PRLR deviated significantly (P < 0.001). The ESR genotypes and parity showed no significant effects on the reproductive traits. The PRLR G1789A polymorphism showed a significant effect only on BWW, with sows carrying the BB genotype exhibiting more favorable values than those with the AB genotype. However, most of the traits differed across years, except age at first mating (AFM) and farrowing interval (FRI). The FSHB genotypes significantly affected reproductive performance, excluding AFM, age at first farrowing (AFF), FRI, and piglet birth weight (BWB). Sows with the FSHB^AA genotype had a higher number of total piglets born and greater piglet body weight at birth and weaning than those carrying FSHB^AB. These findings indicate that the FSHB^AA genotype may serve as a useful genetic marker for enhancing reproductive traits in the endangered “I” pig population.

Epidemiologic evaluation of canine urate urolithiasis in Thailand: A comparative cross-sectional study between 2016-2023

Nattaporn Chaysakul, Jody P. Lulich, Vachira Hunprasit — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

A comparative cross-sectional study aimed to describe the epidemiological data of canine urate urolithiasis in Thailand by evaluating the change in proportion over the year and identifying risk-associated factors, including age, breed, sex, and neutered status, through comparisons with multiple comparison groups. The urate and non-urate group was dogs whose uroliths were submitted from Thailand to the Minnesota Urolith Center between 2016 and 2023, and the hospital group was dogs that were visited at the Small Animal Hospital, Chulalongkorn University, between 2020 and 2023. Of 6,171 canine urolith submissions, 210 samples (3.4%) were urate-containing uroliths submitted from twenty-eight canine breeds. Twelve breeds were identified as high-risk, and only one breed was recognized as low-risk. The majority of high-risk breeds were medium- to large-breed dogs. Intact male and younger age dogs were found to be at a higher risk of developing urate uroliths, with the mean age ± standard deviation at diagnosis of 6.07 ± 3.5 years. Based on these findings, a screening program for urate urolithiasis in dogs aged 1-6 years was recommended for these high-risk breeds, particularly in intact male dogs, to achieve clinical benefits through early detection of urate uroliths.

Ultrasonography accompanied by genetic testing in feline polycystic kidney disease

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), caused by the PKD1 c.10063C>A mutation, is a prevalent inherited feline disorder, but its allele frequency in Vietnam remains unidentified. This study aimed to determine the carrier frequency of this variant in British Shorthair, Maine Coon, and Ragdoll cats in Ho Chi Minh City and to correlate genotype with ultrasonographic phenotype. Ninety-seven client-owned cats were genotyped for the pkd1 mutation using PCR-RFLP. A subset of 47 cats also underwent abdominal ultrasonography to detect renal cysts. Genotypic results were correlated with sonographic findings, and risk factors were analyzed using chi-square tests and odds ratios (OR). Sixteen of 97 cats (16.5%) were heterozygous carriers, yielding an overall mutant-allele frequency of 0.08. No homozygous mutants were found. Breed-specific carrier frequencies were 56.3% in British shorthairs, 25% in Maine Coons, and 18.7% in ragdolls. Among the 47 ultrasonographically examined cats, there were nine (19.1%) had renal cysts, and eight of whom were mutation carriers. The sensitivity and specificity of the genetic test relative to ultrasound were 88.9% and 97.4%, respectively. A strong genotype-phenotype correlation was confirmed, where mutant carriers had significantly higher odds of having kidney cysts detected on ultrasound (OR = 296.0; P < 0.001). The PKD1 c.10063C>A allele is present at a significant frequency in popular non-Persian breeds in Vietnam. In conclusion, PCRRFLP is a rapid and accurate screening tool, supporting its integration into breeding programs and clinical practice to mitigate ADPKD incidence and improve feline health.

Epidemiological survey of abortion in camels (Camelus dromedarius) and histopathological investigation of Toxoplasmosis and Neosporosis in those animals from slaughterhouses in Southeastern Algeria

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are heteroxenous apicomplexan parasites recognized as major causes of reproductive disorders in numerous mammalian species. The present study aimed to assess through an epidemiological survey, the prevalence of reproductive losses in 75 dromedary herds during the period 2022-2025, as well as the associated risk factors, and to detect these protozoa by histopathological analysis in 63 dromedaries slaughtered at the slaughterhouse of El Oued province (126 samples: 63 hearts and 63 diaphragms). The survey revealed that 80% of the herds had a history of abortions, of which 60% also reported cases of stillbirth. Risk factor analysis showed a significant association exclusively with the presence of domestic cats and dogs (P < 0.05). Histological examination revealed forms compatible with T. gondii exclusively in the cardiac tissue of adult females, with tachyzoites detected in one animal (1.6%) and tissue cysts in two animals (3.17%). No evidence of N. caninum was detected. Cardiac lesions were characterized by mononuclear cell infiltrates, focal hemorrhages and areas of necrosis, indicating marked inflammatory and vascular reactions. These findings suggest that T. gondii, may be involved in reproductive losses in dromedaries and effective parasite control strategies specific to dromedary camels need to be developed.

Colostrum fatty acid composition and its association with reproductive traits in sows under tropical conditions

Dwi Sunu Datrianto, Kunaporn Homyog, Surasak Jittakhot, Padet Tummaruk — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Colostrum provides essential nutrients and immune factors that newborn piglets can absorb only within the first 24 h after birth. Fatty acids are essential for neonatal physiology, supporting thermoregulation, neurodevelopment, and immune function, and serving as a key energy source to reduce hypothermia and mortality in piglets. However, information on the fatty acid composition of sow colostrum under tropical conditions and its relationship with reproductive performance remains limited, warranting further investigation to improve piglet survival. This study evaluated the fatty acid profile of sow colostrum under tropical production conditions and examined its associations with reproductive traits. Colostrum samples were collected within 1 h postpartum from 30 Landrace × Yorkshire sows in a commercial herd in Thailand. Samples were obtained from 4–6 randomly selected teats per sow (≥15 ml), stored at 4 °C during collection, and frozen at −20 °C until analysis. Fatty acid composition was determined by gas chromatography using a Supelco SP-2560 capillary column. Sows were classified according to parity, gestation length, farrowing duration, litter size, and oxytocin use during farrowing. On average, sows farrowed 13.1 ± 3.2 piglets per litter, with 11.8 ± 2.7 piglets born alive, and a mean farrowing duration of 206 ± 102 min. The predominant fatty acids in colostrum were oleic acid (C18:1n9c; 35.6 ± 2.2 g/100 g total fatty acids), palmitic acid (C16:0; 28.3 ± 2.0 g/100 g), and linoleic acid (C18:2n6c; 22.5 ± 1.9 g/100 g). Oleic acid was positively correlated with total piglets born (r = 0.417, P = 0.022) and piglets born alive (r = 0.467, P = 0.009), whereas palmitic acid was negatively correlated with total piglets born (r = −0.467, P = 0.009), piglets born alive (r = −0.489, P = 0.006), and farrowing duration (r = −0.532, P = 0.003). Linoleic acid was positively correlated with gestation length (r = 0.497, P = 0.005) and farrowing duration (r = 0.539, P = 0.002). Palmitic acid was negatively associated with both oleic acid (r = −0.610, P < 0.001) and linoleic acid (r = −0.513, P = 0.004). These results indicate that colostrum fatty acid composition is associated with maternal reproductive traits and may influence early neonatal energy supply under tropical conditions.

Successful treatment of juvenile sterile granulomatous dermatitis and lymphadenitis in a Pomeranian aged 5 months using topical hydrocortisone aceponate and systemic antibiotic

Nutjira Sawatmongkol, Sirada Tayayouth, Suttiwee Chermprapai — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

A 5-month-old intact male Pomeranian puppy was presented with a 2-week history of acutely swollen face, eyelids, lips, and muzzle. A physical examination revealed focal alopecia, folliculitis, and erythema on the muzzle, periocular, and perianal areas; crusts were also found around the muzzle. The puppy received monthly oral afoxolaner and milbemycin oxime. No ectoparasite was observed based on a trichogram test. Skin cytology revealed intracellular cocci and neutrophils. A skin biopsy taken from the muzzle revealed pyogranulomatous perifollicular dermatitis with epidermal spongiosis, intraepidermal pustules, and a superficial crust. This condition was diagnosed as juvenile cellulitis on the basis of age, clinical signs, distribution of the lesions, and the biopsy results. Initially, the puppy was treated with oral amoxicillin/clavulanic acid 25 mg/kg every 12 hours in combination with topical 4% chlorhexidine once daily. After 2 weeks of treatment, the puppy showed marked improvement, with only skin inflammation remaining. Therefore, 0.584 mg/ml hydrocortisone aceponate topical spray was additionally applied once daily for 2 weeks. Systemic antibiotic was continued for 6 weeks until clinically resolved.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous sclerotherapy of a canine hepatic cyst using lower-concentration ethanol: A case report

Minyoung Kim, Dongyeong Lee, Seulgi Bae, Sang-Kwon Lee, Kija Lee — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

A 10-year-old female Pomeranian was referred after a hepatic cyst was incidentally identified during a routine health check. Ultrasound-guided simple drainage was initially performed, and cytological examination of the aspirated fluid confirmed a simple cyst. However, the cyst re-expanded to its original size within 2 weeks. Therefore, ultrasound-guided percutaneous sclerotherapy was elected using lower-concentration ethanol (83%), a readily available medical disinfectant, rather than conventional high-concentration ethanol. Approximately 50% of the aspirated volume was replaced with 83% ethanol and retained for 20 min to achieve effective epithelial ablation. Post-procedural follow-up revealed a transient increase in cyst size and serum alanine aminotransferase levels on day 3, attributed to the inflammatory sclerosing process; however, these changes resolved spontaneously by day 20. Complete cyst regression was confirmed by day 60, with no recurrence during the 1-year follow-up. This case suggests that lower-concentration ethanol (83%) is a feasible, safe, and effective sclerosing agent for canine hepatic cysts and may represent a practical option in clinical settings where high-concentration ethanol is unavailable.