Influence of dietary supplementation with Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on sperm quality in dogs.

Maca is a traditional Andean crop used as a nutraceutical for the fertility-enhancing properties that are linked with antioxidant activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate, for the first time, the potential beneficial effects of oral Maca (Lepidium meyenii or Lepidium peruvianum) supplementation in improving reproductive performance in male dogs. Forty-eight male dogs of different breeds were enrolled in the study, fed the same maintenance diet, and exposed to the same environmental conditions. The subjects were divided into four groups of 12 dogs each: Subfertile treatment group, Subfertile control group, Normofertile treatment group, and Normofertile control group. The dogs in the treatment groups received Lepidium meyenii in their diet in a capsule formulation [75 mg/kg Maca extract 10:1, thickening agent (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose), ground rice], while the control groups received placebo capsule (starch). For each subject included in the study, the spermiogram was analyzed at three time points of the sperm cycle: at day 0 (T0), day 31 (T31), and day 62 (T62). Dietary supplementation with Maca in subfertile subjects resulted in a significant increase in ejaculate volume and total sperm count compared to the control group. This increase was also observed in normofertile subjects in the treatment group. In addition, total and progressive motility as well as sperm morphology were significantly improved in the groups treated with Maca compared to the control groups. The results thus highlight, for the first time, the potential efficacy of supplementation with 75 mg/kg of Maca extract daily in improving semen quality in dogs.

Treatment of Canine Disc-Associated Cervical Spondylomyelopathy with a Cervical Distraction-Stabilization Technique (C-LOX Combined with LCP Plate) and Clinical Outcomes.

Canine disc-associated cervical spondylomyelopathy (DA-CSM) is a form of caudal CSM, characterized by the compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots due to an intervertebral disc protrusion. It is more frequent in large canine breeds. A variety of surgical techniques has been proposed for DA-CSM. The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcomes of a cervical distraction-stabilization technique using an intervertebral anchored fusion device (C-LOX) combined with a locking compression plate (LCP plate) for the treatment of DA-CSM in dogs, based on clinical and radiographical follow-up data. Thirteen dogs affected by DA-CSM were included in the study. After the surgical procedure, an improvement in neurological status was documented in 9/13 cases. This cervical distraction-stabilization technique seems to be a valuable surgical alternative to treat this canine pathology.

Hernioplasty with Peritoneal Flap for the Surgical Treatment of Umbilical Hernia in Swine.

BACKGROUND: Umbilical hernia is one of the most common developmental defects in swine, producing large economic losses for farmers, forced to slaughter animals at a younger age and therefore at a lower weight to prevent fatal complications. This study describes a surgical technique to repair umbilical hernia through the use of autologous prostheses, allowing recovery of the affected animals; Methods: After a general examination of the swine and examination of the lesions, the swine were anesthetized and underwent surgery. The surgery was performed by combining the traditional herniorrhaphy with the inclusion and fixation of a peritoneal flap obtained from the incision of the same hernial sac; Results: Follow-ups were carried out at 7, 30 and 60 days and demonstrated healing in all of the treated subjects; Conclusions: The use of this surgical technique allows for providing resistance to herniorrhaphy performed through the use of a cost-free autologous biomaterial prosthesis, with excellent tissue compatibility. This might allow for reducing significantly the rate of relapses and eliminating the risk of rejection.

Effect of Cannabidiol (CBD) on Canine Inflammatory Response: An Ex Vivo Study on LPS Stimulated Whole Blood.

The use of cannabidiol (CBD) for animal species is an area of growing interest, for example for its anti-inflammatory and immuno-modulating properties, even though all of its biological effects are still not fully understood, especially in veterinary medicine. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and immuno-modulating properties of CBD for the first time directly in canine inflammatory response. We used an ex vivo model of LPS-stimulated whole dog blood. We stimulated the whole blood from healthy dogs with LPS 100 ng/mL for 24 h in the presence or not of CBD 50 and 100 µg/mL. We observed a reduction in IL-6 and TNF-α production from the group treated with CBD, but non-altered IL-10 levels. Moreover, we also observed from the CBD-treated group a reduction in Nf-κB and COX-2 expression. In conclusion, we demonstrated for the first time the anti-inflammatory and immuno-modulating properties of CBD directly in dogs' immune cells, using a canine ex vivo inflammatory model. The results obtained from these studies encourage further studies to better understand the possible therapeutic role of CBD in veterinary medicine.

Immersion anaesthesia in goldfish (Carassius auratus) with three concentrations of alfaxalone.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the anaesthetic effects of three different alfaxalone doses to induce anaesthesia in goldfish. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, clinical study. ANIMALS: Thirty goldfish undergoing skin scraping, gill examination and stool collection. METHODS: Each fish was transferred to an individual 4 L induction tank and randomly allocated into one of three groups (n = 10), in which alfaxalone was administered at concentrations of 6, 7 or 9 mg L-1. The depth of anaesthesia was evaluated by approach reaction, equilibrium, opercular movement and reaction to tactile stimuli. Sedation, light anaesthesia, surgical anaesthesia and recovery times were recorded. Data were analyzed with analysis of variance. A p value <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Surgical anaesthesia was achieved in all fish. Goldfish induced with alfaxalone 7 and 9 mg L-1 showed a mild excitement phase. Time to sedation of the 6 mg L-1 dose (5.89 ± 0.40 minutes) was significantly longer compared to the 7 mg L-1 (3.97 ± 0.40 minutes) and 9 mg L-1 doses (3.94 ± 0.40 minutes). Times to light anaesthesia and surgical anaesthesia of the 9 mg L-1 dose (7.65 ± 1.04 and 9.60 ± 1.84 minutes, respectively) were significantly faster compared with those of the 6 mg L-1 dose (13.79 ± 1.04 and 19.75 ± 1.84 minutes, respectively) and the 7 mg L-1 dose (13.55 ± 1.04 and 21.24 ± 1.84 minutes, respectively). No significant differences were recorded in recovery time. Cessation of opercular movement was recorded in two fish induced with 7 mg L-1 and in two induced with 9 mg L-1. No mortality occurred. CONCLUSIONS: and clinical relevance Alfaxalone is a reliable agent for immersion anaesthesia in goldfish. Immersion in water containing 6 mg alfaxalone L-1 provided smooth induction of anaesthesia, and no obvious side effects were encountered. Higher doses shortened induction time and caused respiratory depression and excitatory movements.