The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Prevalence study of feline AB blood types in Bangkok and vicinities of Thailand by rapid immunochromatographic test during 2022-2024

Suwarath Wadeerat, Sinittha Thongwandi, Thitima Tripipat, Teerawut Nedumpun — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The AB blood group system is a key classification for feline blood types, categorizing them as type A, B, or AB based on red blood cell surface antigens. This study aimed to update the prevalence of feline blood types among domestic and pedigreed cats in Bangkok and vicinities from 2022 to 2024. A total of 114 blood samples, including 76 Domestic Shorthairs (DSH) and 38 pedigreed cats, including 10 breeds, were analyzed using the rapid immunochromatographic feline blood typing. Results revealed that blood type A was predominant, present in 93.86% of cats, consistent with global findings. Blood types B and AB were rare, observed in 3.51% and 1.75% of cats, respectively, while one cat had an unidentified blood type. Breed-specific analysis showed blood type A to be most prevalent across nearly all breeds, especially in Domestic Shorthair and Persian cats, with B and AB types limited to a few breeds. This distribution emphasizes the importance of routine blood typing in clinical practice to prevent transfusion reactions, offering valuable insights for veterinary transfusion practices and breeding programs in Thailand.

External jugular vein catheterization technique for continuous blood sampling in gilts

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

External jugular vein blood collection is common in gilts and sows, but continuous sampling for hormonal and pharmacokinetic research requires catheterization. The standard protocol has remained largely unchanged for nearly 40 years. This study aimed to develop a modified external jugular vein catheterization technique in gilts. Ten gilts (72.0 ± 3.4 kg) underwent surgery under general anesthesia after 12-hour fasting. Sedation was induced with intramuscular Xylazine (4.4 mg/kg) and Tiletamine–Zolazepam (2.2 mg/kg), followed by intravenous Thiopental sodium (10 mg/kg). Once anesthetized, gilts were placed in dorsal recumbency, and the external jugular fossa was prepared under sterile conditions. A 10 cm incision was made above the external jugular vein, and connective tissue was carefully cleared. A cranial ligature blocked blood flow, and a 0.5 cm longitudinal incision was made caudally on the external jugular vein wall. A #5 feeding tube (50 cm) was modified as a catheter with three external rings for fixation. One ring was placed at the exit site, another inside the vein, and the third at the fixation point. The internal ring was secured with 3-0 vicryl sutures to ensure blood flow. The catheter was flushed with heparinized saline (10 IU/ml) to prevent clotting and routed subcutaneously before incision closure with 3-0 monofilament nylon sutures. After a 48-hour recovery, the catheters remained functional for at least 4 days, ensuring sample quality and procedural success. This modified technique enhances continuous blood sampling feasibility in gilts.

First record of nesting ecology and tumor-forming disease in endangered Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) on Taiping Island, Taiwan

Po-Yu Wu, Ming-An Tsai, Tsung-Hsien Li — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Taiping Island is an important sea turtle nesting site in Taiwan. However, information on the nesting ecology on Taiping Island is still limited. The present study was conducted between 26 April and 3 June 2023 with the objective of collecting primary data on the sea turtle species that nest on the island. A total of 20 individual nesting green turtles were identified. No other sea turtle species were recorded nesting during this period. Five percent of nesting sea turtles had external tumors. The mean curved carapace length of all nesting female turtles was 98.2 cm. A total of 28 clutches were detected during the survey. The mean re-nesting interval was estimated to be approximately 10 days. The majority of nests were located in the north of the island. The southern region of the island has the highest number of documented sandy cliffs, which may affect the nesting behavior of sea turtles. To protect this endangered species, the authorities should first consider using more natural methods to protect the coastline, such as dune restoration. Furthermore, it is advised that long-term monitoring programs be established on Taiping Island to gather supplementary data, including information on nesting ecology and the comprehensive health assessment of nesting turtles.

The survey of the prevalence of Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) in non-racing Thoroughbred horses in Thailand

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study aimed to determine the prevalence, types, and risk factors of Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) in non-racing Thoroughbred horses in Thailand. A total of 56 Thoroughbreds, aged 5 to 22 years (mean age: 12.43 ± 4.65 years), were included. Before sedation, a comprehensive history and physical examination were conducted. Gastroscopy was performed to identify gastric ulcers using the Equine Gastric Ulcer Council 0–4 scoring system for non-glandular ulcers, while glandular ulcers were assessed as present or absent. Data on breed, age, sex, activity status, behavior, appetite, and medical history were collected. The overall prevalence of gastric ulcers was found to be 83.93% (47/56), with non-glandular ulcers at 82.1% (46/56) and glandular ulcers at 33.9% (19/56). Notably, 33% (19/56) of the horses had ulcers in both regions. No significant differences were found between horses with and without ulcers regarding sex, history of colic, behavior change, lameness, diarrhea, or NSAID use. This study reports a higher prevalence of EGUS compared to previous findings.

Evaluation of Age-Dependent Sperm Morphometry in Gloster Canaries via CASA System

Arda Onur ÖZKÖK, Burcu ESİN, Cumali KAYA — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The canary is a small passerine bird of the finch family. Canary spermatozoa are also morphologically similar to many other songbird species. In this study, the morphological characteristics of Gloster canary spermatozoa of different age ranges were examined, and the length values of the parts forming the spermatozoa were compared. The study used ten active Gloster canaries between the ages of three (Trial-1) and four years (Trial-2). Semen samples from 3-year-old canaries in the study were evaluated, and morphological segment lengths were recorded. In the study, to avoid individual differences and make homogeneous measurements, semen samples were retaken from the same canaries one year later during the breeding period and evaluated. However, since the statistical average result was obtained in the study, the canaries were compared as a whole, not individually. Semen was collected from each bird and fixed in a 5% formaldehyde solution. Collected semen samples were evaluated in terms of head length, total flagellum length, acrosome length, and nucleus size at 20× magnification in the computer-assisted CASA system for morphological examination. As a result, it was observed that the head and flagellum length in domestic canary spermatozoa showed an inverse relationship with age.

Assessing the feasibility of microneedle patches for GnRH immunocontraception in mixed-breed dogs (Canis familiaris)

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The overpopulation of free-roaming dogs poses significant risks to endemic species, public health, and the environment through predation and disease transmission. While surgical castration is effective, it raises ethical concerns regarding animal welfare. Immuno-castration offers a humane and effective alternative for population control, but a more easily administered and cost-efficient method is needed to enable widespread vaccination efforts. In this study, we aimed to employ self-dissolving microneedle patches for a simple and potentially cost-effective immunization of a recombinant GnRH-based vaccine to control fertility. Eight mongrel dogs were randomly divided into 2 groups (n=4 each) and immunized with the recombinant GnRH-based vaccine through either intramuscular injection (IM group) or microneedle patches (MN group), respectively, as the primary immunization, followed by an intramuscular booster 4 weeks after. Production of GnRH-specific antibodies was detected 2 weeks after the primary immunization and lasted for at least 12 weeks. Moreover, the serum testosterone level was decreased in vaccinated males. Additionally, testicular atrophy and poor semen quality (concentration, abnormality, and viability) were found in all vaccinated dogs. Based on our results, the GnRH vaccine appeared to successfully elicit GnRH-specific antibody responses, which leads to reduced serum testosterone concentration, testicular atrophy, and poor semen quality in both IM+IM and MN+IM schemes. Self-dissolving microneedle patches may be a feasible approach to mass dog vaccination in the future.

Stepwise regression analysis to assess various factors affecting on fresh sperm quality in Ouled Djellal ram

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of various factors on fresh semen quality in Ouled Djellal rams. Specifically, we examined the impact of semen collection method, season, ram age, testosterone levels, body weight , and testicular weight. Twelve mature Ouled Djellal rams were used in the trial. Six rams were trained for semen collection using an artificial vagina (AV), while semen from the other six rams was collected using an electroejaculator (EE) biweekly throughout the year. Stepwise regression analysis showed that 62.50% of the variation in sperm volume, 48.60% of the variation in mass motility, 62.70% of the variation in sperm concentration, and 44.20% of the variation in total sperm count can be attributed to the collection method. Overall, significantly better semen quality was recorded for the artificial vagina (AV) collection method compared to the electroejaculator (EE) method. Of the seven variables studied, two factors—method of collection and season—had a significant effect on pH and the percentage of live sperm, accounting for 41.90% and 37% of the variation, respectively. Season was the most important predictor for the percentage of abnormal sperm, characterized by the equation PSA = 0.532 + 1.058 × season, with a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.459. In conclusion, Ouled Djellal rams responded better to AV than to EE for semen collection. Both the collection method and the season were significant factors influencing semen characteristics and can be used as key indicators for selecting superior breeding rams to enhance herd productivity.

Restricted feeding of goats during the last third of gestation and trans-generational effects on plasma progesterone in their female offspring

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Feeding levels can vary in goat farms for several reasons. Underfeeding of gestating dairy goats can occur and may influence fetal follicle development and future reproductive performance in their offspring. The objective of this experiment was to study the effect of restricted feeding during the last third of gestation on some reproductive parameters in female offspring (F1). Two feeding groups were formed using 60 Alpine and Saanen dairy goats to produce the F1 female offspring. The control group (C, n = 30) was fed to requirements. The restricted group (R, n = 30) was given the same diet, but the quantity corresponded to 50% of the amount given to the C group between -8 and -4 weeks, 60% between -5 and -4 weeks, 70% between -4 and -3 weeks and 80% from -2 weeks to parturition. Estrus was synchronized at 7 months of age in female F1 goats born to C (n = 17) or born to R goats (n = 15) with a progestagen-impregnated sponge and prostaglandin F2α and eCG injections, and the goats were inseminated. Serial blood samples were collected over this period. After mating, plasma progesterone rose more slowly to reach a maximum plateau concentration in females born to R goats compared to females born to C goats (P < 0.05). The lag time was approximately 2 days. There was no difference in dam F0 prolificacy (C, 2.4 ± 0.6 vs. R, 2.1 ± 0.8, P > 0.05), length of gestation (C, 151 ± 2 days vs. R, 151 ± 2 days) and kid mortality rate (mummified fetuses, stillbirth or death in first 48h) between the groups. However, birth weight was lower in R kids compared to C kids (4.0 ± 0.11 kg vs. 4.5 ± 0.10 kg, P = 0.007). In conclusion, maternal feed restriction during late pregnancy modified progesterone patterns after insemination in female offspring, although there was no effect on reproductive success.

Local tissue damage treatment of snake venom

Suchitra Khunsap — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Local tissue damage caused by snake envenomation was a medical problem that caused morbidity and mortality for more than a decade, with no defined treatment guidelines. Nowadays, antivenom is the primary treatment for snakebite, which substantially reduces systemic venom but does not significantly reduce local symptoms. We compiled a list of local damage therapies, including antivenom medication, surgery and skin grafting, small molecule medicines, and alternative therapies. Although each was not approved as a standard treatment, it may be a treatment option for tissue damage caused by snake venom. However, antivenoms and most resistant compounds may not be the best strategy to treat snake envenoming-related local tissue damage. The route of substance delivery may be the optimum regimen for treatment.

Antimicrobial Peptides: Could it be an Alternative to Antibiotics in Boar Semen Extender?

Krittika Keeratikunakorn, Panida Chanapiwat, Kampon Kaeoket — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Since antimicrobial resistance is a major global issue, "One Health" approaches such as the use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) were developed as an alternative antimicrobial agent which might be used in pig farms to reduce or replace non-rational antibiotics usage. Although AMPs showed several effects on antimicrobial agents, including against bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses, as well as effects on host immunity, the ability to eliminate bacteria while providing the minimum amount of damage to the host cell is a particularly outstanding characteristic. Two major mechanisms of action of AMPs include membrane-active and intracellular-active. During the past decade, many AMPs have been tested for a replacement of antibiotics in boar semen extenders. Many studies reported the potential for using AMPs, whether as single or cocktail AMPs; however, their antibacterial effectiveness depends on the concentration and incubation time. Using AMPs also showed promising results on boar sperm quality and fertility tests on the pig farm. This review article discusses the use of AMPs as antibacterial agents for supplementation in boar semen extenders and provides future perspectives on the development of AMPs and how to use them properly.