2026-03-27
Do Duc Luc et al.
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 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.
2026-02-07
Kitikarn Sakuna et al.
This study developed rapid detection of Megalocytivirus using visual and real-time loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays. The primer was designed with the major capsid protein gene of Megalocytivirus , including red sea bream iridovirus (RSIV), infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV), and turbot reddish body iridovirus (TRBIV). The visual and real-time LAMP assays were evaluated using DNA extracted from symptomatic betta fish that tested negative for Megalocytivirus by the broad-range PCR assay, as well as a chemically synthesized Megalocytivirus DNA template. Visual LAMP was found sensitive enough to detect up to 10 pg per reaction of the target DNA within 30 min. Real-time LAMP efficiently detected 10 ng per reaction of the target DNA in around 10 min. Compared with the broad-range PCR assay, the novel assays demonstrated 100% positive percent agreement when tested with the chemically synthesized Megalocytivirus DNA template and 100% negative percent agreement when evaluated using DNA extracted from symptomatic betta fish that tested negative for Megalocytivirus . The developed LAMP assays when combined with a fast DNA extraction method, could facilitate on-site Megalocytivirus screening.
2026-01-17
Nadthagarn Glaewketgarn et al.
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.
2025-12-30
Somchin Sutthigran et al.
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.
2025-12-28
J.H. Kim et al.
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.