Assessing the potential efficacy of 830-nanometer low-level laser therapy in cats: Extraoral applications.

Background and Aim: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has shown benefits as an alternative treatment of feline chronic gingivostomatitis by reducing pain and inflammation within the oral cavity. Extraoral application technique in cats provides more comfort compared to intraoral application. However, the efficacy of LLLT through buccal tissue is still controversial. This study aimed to investigate the penetration efficacy of LLLT using 830 nm continuous waves with various settings and different application techniques. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four healthy cats were included in this study. The wavelength of LLLT was 830 nm with an output power of 200 mW through extraoral application, using fluences of 2 and 6 J/cm2 in continuous-wave mode. This study compared different distances (contact and non-contact) and three different transmission media (absent media, alcohol, and normal saline solution). Measurement of the laser power within the oral cavity is represented as the mean output power (MOP). Results: Penetration efficacy was detectable for all fluences, distances, and transmission media, with an average buccal thickness of 2.68 mm. MOP did not differ between fluences of 2 and 6 J/cm2 (p = 0.19). In the absence of media, MOP was significantly higher compared with alcohol (p < 0.05) but was not significantly different from normal saline solution (p = 0.26). Conclusion: Extraoral application of LLLT demonstrated penetration efficacy through the buccal tissue with both contact and non-contact skin (<10 mm). This is a potential alternative treatment for oral diseases in clinical practice. However, there is a need for further study on the efficacy of treatment in clinical practice.

Apgar scores in puppies following the induction of etomidate compared with alfaxalone or propofol for cesarean section.

Background and Aim: The Apgar score is a useful assessment of neonatal viability in dogs. The Apgar score in puppies born by cesarean section can be lower than vaginal delivery because all anesthetic drugs can cross the placenta. Therefore, anesthetic drugs with minimal cardiorespiratory effect and rapid elimination are recommended for cesarean section. The present study aimed to compare Apgar scores in puppies born after the induction of etomidate, alfaxalone or propofol, and those maintained with isoflurane inhalation during cesarean section. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six bitches were equally divided in the three anesthetic drug groups. Modified Apgar scores were assessed at 5, 15, and 60 min after delivery. Intraoperative vital signs and Apgar scores were compared using a linear mixed model and adjusted pairwise comparisons using Bonferroni analysis. Results: A total of 125 puppies were included in this study. Age, body weight, litter size, type of surgery, delivery time, anesthetic and surgical duration, and intraoperative vital signs did not significantly differ between the groups. Puppies in the alfaxalone and propofol groups had significantly higher Apgar scores than the etomidate group in both elective and emergency surgery. In elective surgery, Apgar scores at 5 min after delivery did not differ significantly between groups. At 15 and 60 min after delivery, Apgar scores in the etomidate group were significantly lower than those in the other groups. In emergency surgery, Apgar scores were significantly lower in the etomidate group than in the alfaxalone group at all time points. Conclusion: Induction with alfaxalone and propofol resulted in better outcomes with higher Apgar scores and neonatal viability than etomidate. Therefore, alfaxalone and propofol should be used as anesthetic induction drugs in both elective and emergency cesarean sections.

Corrigendum: Study of the effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, marine based fatty acid compounds (PCSO-524 and EAB-277), and carprofen for the treatment of dogs with hip osteoarthritis: a prospective, block-randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1033188.].

The first study on the impact of lumpy skin disease outbreaks on monthly milk production on dairy farms in Khon Kaen, Thailand.

Background and Aim: Outbreaks of lumpy skin disease (LSD) have resulted in substantial economic losses to the dairy industry in Thailand. This study aimed to determine the influence of LSD outbreaks on monthly milk production levels. Materials and Methods: Milk production for dairy farms located in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand, belonging to the Khon Kaen Dairy Cooperative, was affected by LSD outbreaks from May to August of 2021. The resulting data were analyzed using general linear mixed models. Results: It was estimated that the LSD outbreak caused economic losses totaling 2,413,000 Thai Baht (68,943 USD) over the outbreak period. The monthly farm milk production level in May differed from the levels in June and August. Dairy farmers experienced losses between 8.23 and 9.96 tons of milk each month, which equated to between 4180 and 14,440 Thai Baht (119.43 and 412.57 USD) in monthly income. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that LSD outbreaks on dairy farms resulted in significant farm milk production losses. Our findings will increase awareness among authorities and stakeholders in the dairy industry of Thailand, as well as to assist in the prevention of future LSD outbreaks and minimize the negative impacts of LSD.

Study of the effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, marine based fatty acid compounds (PCSO-524 and EAB-277), and carprofen for the treatment of dogs with hip osteoarthritis: A prospective, block-randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Introduction: Glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate are commonly used in dogs with OA, but evidence around efficacy is mixed. This study evaluated the effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, marine based fatty acid compounds (PCSO-524 and EAB-277), and carprofen for the alleviation of canine hip OA pain. This was a prospective, block-randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Methods: Seventy-five owned pet dogs with hip OA were assigned randomly into five treatment groups: PCSO-524, Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, EAB-277, carprofen, and Placebo (sunflower oil). Peak vertical force (PVF) and subjective orthopedic assessment scores (OAS) were evaluated before treatment (week 0), and at weeks 2, 4, and 6 during treatment. Results: At week 2, the carprofen group showed a significant increase in PVF (3.14 ± 5.33; mean ± SD). After 4 weeks, the increases in PVF of the PCSO-524 (3.90 ± 3.52), EAB-277 (4.17 ± 4.94), and carprofen (3.08 ± 5.87) groups were significant, and significantly greater than placebo (0.08 ± 1.90) and glucosamine (-0.05 ± 6.34) groups. After 6 weeks, the change of PVF in the PCSO-524 (4.14 ± 4.65), EAB-277 (4.45 ± 4.23), and carprofen (4.21 ± 6.52) groups were significant and significantly higher than the placebo group (-0.33 ± 3.65). The change in PVF in the glucosamine group (1.08 ± 5.49) lay between the placebo group and the other treatment groups. The OAS did not show any significant change in any group. Discussion: PCSO-524 and EAB-277, but not glucosamine/chondroitin, resulted in significant improvements in PVF from baseline after 4 weeks, and 6 weeks, and to a similar degree to that seen with carprofen.

Serological survey of Toxoplasma gondii infection in cats in Khon Kaen, Northeast Thailand.

Background and Aim: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii. Cats are known to be the definitive hosts that can excrete these environmentally resistant oocysts. Other mammals, avians, and even humans can serve as the intermediate host. T. gondii infection is often asymptomatic in healthy individuals; however, it could result in serious health problems in immunocompromised and pregnant individuals. This study investigated the occurrence of T. gondii infection in cats in Khao Suan Kwang and Mueang Khon Kaen. Materials and Methods: In total, 100 serum samples from cats, that is, 62 owned cats (31 males and 31 females) and 38 adopted stray cats (21 males and 17 females), were examined for antibodies against T. gondii through rapid immunochromatographic tests (ICT). Owners were asked to sign a consent form and answer the questionnaires before sample collection. Demographic information about the cats and their owners was also recorded. Results: The overall seroprevalence of cats positive for T. gondii antibodies was found to be 5%. Notably, the Toxoplasma antibody prevalence was significantly higher in the adopted stray cats (10.53% [4/38]) that roamed the zoo than in the owned cats (1.61% [1/62]) (p > 0.05). No significant difference was observed between male (8.33%) and female (1.92%) cats. The cat owners' questionnaire revealed that more than half had never heard of toxoplasmosis before (67.7%), whereas 30.6% knew nothing about the disease transmission routes. Conclusion: This study presented a low seroprevalence of antibodies to T. gondii in owned cats from the Mueang Khon Kaen District, whereas high seroprevalence was detected in the adopted stray cats from Khao Suan Kwang. Adopted stray cats can have a higher potential for T. gondii infection; thus, they could be a source of toxoplasmosis transmission to humans. Therefore, it is essential to control the number of stray cats, and a screening test for antitoxoplasmosis could be recommended before adoption. Although the total seroprevalence was noted to be low, the zoonotic disease was present. Therefore, raising the community's awareness and knowledge might reduce the disease transmission from animals to humans.

Spatio-temporal patterns of lumpy skin disease outbreaks in dairy farms in northeastern Thailand.

In 2021-2022, there were numerous outbreaks of lumpy skin disease (LSD) affecting cattle farms across Thailand. This circumstance was the country's first encounter with an LSD outbreak. Thus, a better understanding of LSD epidemiology is necessary. The aim of this study was to determine the spatio-temporal patterns of the LSD outbreaks in dairy farming areas. Data from LSD outbreak investigations collected from dairy farms in Khon Kean province, northeastern Thailand, were analyzed using spatio-temporal models including space-time permutation, Poisson, and Bernoulli models. LSD outbreaks were found in 133 out of 152 dairy farms from May to July, 2021. The majority of dairy farms (n = 102) were affected by the LSD outbreaks in June. The overall herd attack, morbidity and mortality rates were 87, 31, and 0.9%, respectively. According to the results of all models, the most likely clusters were found in the northern part of the study area. The space-time permutation and Poisson model identified 15 and 6 spatio-temporal outbreak clusters, respectively, while the Bernoulli model detected only one cluster. The most likely clusters from those models cover radii of 1.59, 4.51, and 4.44 km, respectively. All farms included in the cluster identified by the space-time permutation model were also included in the cluster identified by the Poisson model, implying that both models detected the same outbreak area. Furthermore, the study results suggested that farmers who own farms within a one km radius of the LSD outbreak farm should be advised to implement more stringent insect vector control measures to prevent disease spread. This study provides better insights into the spatio-temporal pattern of clusters of LSD in the outbreak area. The findings of this study can support authorities in formulating strategies to prevent and control future outbreaks as well as prioritizing resource allocation to high-risk areas.

Assessment of glomerular filtration rate measurement in dogs using dynamic contrast CT compared to serum iohexol clearance.

Dynamic contrast CT with Patlak plot analysis can be used to determine the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). However, several studies have shown different GFR values and they are most likely less than the values by the standard techniques. The purpose of this prospective, experimental, and method comparison study was to evaluate the GFR using a CT technique (CT-GFR) in 12 healthy dogs compared to serum iohexol clearance (SIC-GFR). All dogs were anesthetized and placed in the right lateral recumbency position and the caudal part was lifted inside the CT gantry. A single-slice dynamic CT of the aorta and both kidneys was scanned sequentially every 2 s for 2 min after a bolus injection (3 mL/s) of iohexol (300 mg/kg). Time attenuation curves (TAC) were constructed and the GFR per volume of kidney was calculated using the Patlak plot analysis method based on 30-120 s time intervals, and results were compared to global GFR from SIC that was determined with eight blood samples for up to 240 min. The CT-GFR value (1.85 ± 0.48 mL/min/kg) was significantly less than the SIC-GFR value (3.40 ± 0.80 mL/min/kg; P < .05). The CT-GFR was correlated with SIC-GFR by the coefficient of correlation (r) at 0.61 (P = .046). In conclusion, the CT-GFR underestimated SIC-GFR and should be used carefully. We suggest that the GFR should be calculated using the equation derived from linear regression between CT-GFR and the standard GFR method. With its own particular parameters, each institute should have its own prediction equation.

Assessment of wound area reduction on chronic wounds in dogs with photobiomodulation therapy: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Chronic wounds are a clinical problem and require intensive standard wound care. However, this is sometimes insufficient to promote healing. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) can be used as an adjunctive therapy to improve wound healing. Various PBMT devices with different properties and parameter settings as well as different animal species can influence a variety of clinical outcomes. This study aims to assess the use of 830 nm PBMT or simultaneous superpulsed and multiple wavelengths (SPMW; 660, 875, and 905 nm) PBMT on chronic wounds in client-owned dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 21 client-owned dogs with chronic wounds allocated into three groups: (1) Control group (C) treated with irrigated saline and without PBMT (n=7); (2) L1 group treated with irrigated saline together with the radiation of 830 nm PBMT (n=7); and (3) L2 group treated with irrigated saline together with the radiation of simultaneous SPMW-PBMT (n=7). Wound healing was assessed on the basis of wound size reduction as a percentage of wound area every 2nd day for 15 days using image analysis software (ImageJ software®, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA). RESULTS: A significant difference in the percentage of wound area reduction was noted between the C and PBMT groups (L1 and L2; p<0.05). The average percentages of wound area reduction at the end of the study (15 days) were 42.39±20.58, 56.98±24.82, and 61.81±27.18 in the C, L1, and L2 groups, respectively. A steady decrease in wound size was noted in both PBMT and non-PBMT groups, and coefficients were 7.77, 8.95, and 10.01 in the C, L1, and L2 groups, respectively. The percentage of wound area reduction was found to be significantly different between the PBMT and non-BPMT groups on day 7 (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the current study, using either 830 nm PBMT or simultaneous SPMW-PBMT can accelerate the chronic wound healing process in dogs with a significant reduction in wound area. Therefore, it can be used as an adjunctive therapy to improve wound healing in dogs with reduced treatment duration.

Upper body movement analysis of multiple limb asymmetry in 367 clinically lame horses.

BACKGROUND: Compensatory lameness is common in horses and evaluation can be challenging. OBJECTIVES: To investigate patterns of compensatory movements in clinical cases with fore- or hindlimb lameness before and after diagnostic analgesia. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. METHODS: Multiple limb lameness of 367 horses was characterised by type (push-off, impact or mixed), limb (fore- or hindlimb in predominant lameness) and side (ipsi- or contralateral in concurrent lameness) using a body-mounted inertial sensor (BMIS). Diagnostic analgesia was performed until the percentage improvement of the vector sum in forelimb lameness and the mean difference of the maximum or minimum pelvic height (PDmax or PDmin ) in hindlimb lameness was ≥50%. Linear mixed model and post-estimation of effects were performed by contrast command with multiple comparisons adjusted by Bonferroni method. Correlation of pre- and post-analgesia of all head and pelvis asymmetry parameters was tested with Spearman's rank correlation. RESULTS: Improvement in vector sum per mm after diagnostic analgesia in forelimb impact lameness positively correlated with decrease in PDmax in contralateral mixed lameness (0.187 mm, r = .58, P < .05). Improvement in PDmin per mm after diagnostic analgesia in hindlimb mixed and PDmax in hindlimb push-off lameness decreased vector sum in ipsilateral forelimb impact lameness by 0.570 and 0.696 mm, respectively (P < .05), with no positive correlation. MAIN LIMITATIONS: A variety of cases with inhomogeneous distribution of lameness patterns was investigated retrospectively, therefore, it is impossible to distinguish between true multiple limb lameness and compensatory lameness in this clinical material. CONCLUSIONS: Various asymmetry patterns of concurrent lameness were seen in horses with naturally occurring primary forelimb impact lameness with contralateral compensatory hindlimb lameness with a mixed component being the most common. In horses with hindlimb lameness, compensatory movements were seen in ipsilateral forelimbs, mostly as an ipsilateral impact lameness during straight line trot.