A retrospective study of twin pregnancy management in mares.

The aim of the study was to compare three methods of reducing twin pregnancy in mares to maintain a single pregnancy. As multiple pregnancies in mare are always undesirable, early ultrasound diagnosis makes possible management of twin pregnancies and extra embryo removal. In years 2010-2018, 16494 mares were sonographically tested for early pregnancy, finding 868 cases of twins (471 bilateral and 397 unilateral). 260 mares with a confirmed bilateral tween pregnancy were subjected to manual crushing of one embryo and administration of flunixin at a dose of 1.1 mg/kg BW. 186 mares were subjected only to the embryo crushing procedure. 25 mares from this group were on a restrictive diet. In the unilateral twin pregnancy mare group, 62 were subjected to manual embryo reduction with simultaneous treatment with flunixin, 60 had only manual embryonic vesicle crush and 210 had a restrictive diet. Determination of success, measured as the development of a single pregnancy, were monitored 2 weeks after the procedure, between the 50th and 60th day of pregnancy and after the 90th day of pregnancy. In general, warm-blooded mares were more prone to a twin pregnancy, and at the same time, all the procedures used to reduce it to a single pregnancy caused a greater risk of losing both embryos than in the case of cold-blooded mares. The beneficial effect of administering flunixin after manual removal of one embryo on the maintenance of the other has been experimentally proven in both unilateral and bilateral twin pregnancy.

Two different clinical forms of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the perineum and vulva of two mares.

BACKGROUND: Genital malignant neoplasms in mares are relatively rare. The treatment involve surgical removal of the tumour masses, chemotherapy or both. CASE PRESENTATION: Two elderly warmblood mares, aged 16 and 20 were presented in University Clinic with the lumpy lesions at the region of perineum and left labia. Surgical removals of tumour masses were performed on standing animals. Removed tissues were subjected to histopathological examination which confirmed SCC. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and ultrasound examination of reproductive organs in both mares showed no inflammatory or neoplastic changes. Both mares healed within 2 weeks after surgery and showed no signs of tumour recurrence for the following year despite no chemotherapy treatment.

The parasites of the mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) as an indicator of health status and quality of the environment

The mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) is a host to internal and external parasites. A heavy parasite burden indicates poor immunological status and a pathogen-contaminated environment. The present study describes the macroscopic and microscopic examination of isolated intestines and gizzards of 130 mallard ducks from birds kept in the breeding farm. Scrapings of intestinal mucosa were examined by flotation and with the sedimentation method. The results of the flotation method indicate the presence of coccidia oocysts in the ileum scrapings from one of five male mallards aged six weeks, one out of five aged 10 weeks and three out of five aged 12 weeks. In female mallards, oocysts were found in two of five birds aged 12 weeks and in two of five aged 16 weeks. No macroscopic lesions were found in the intestinal mucosa. Adult forms of the nematode Amidostomum anseris were found in the gizzards of six mallards aged 20 weeks and in two aged 22 weeks. The relatively low prevalence of parasitic infections reflects the purity of the environment, good immunity status of the birds and good management of the farm.

Estimation of infection of internal parasites in horses from different type of farms.

Studies were carried out in year 2014 during the pasture period (from April to October) in Warmia and Mazury Region. Fecal samples were taken from cold- and warmblood horses from individual and agrotouristic farms with the different housing, feeding and pasture- care practices. Total of 512 horses were examined (320 mares, 170 geldings and 22 stallions). In the group of 185 horses from individual farms, 119 animals (64.3%) were infected with gastro-intestinal parasites. Among the 372 horses from agrotouristic farms 169 (51.7%) were infected with parasites. Most of the animals expelled the eggs of Cyathostominae. In some individuals occurred eggs of Strongylus spp., Parascaris equorum, Strongyloides westeri and tapeworm of Anoplocephala. The number of infected horses from agrotouristic farms was lower than from individual farms, probably due to more regular deworming (usually 2 times a year) and bigger care paid to cleaning pastures.

Internal parasites of reptiles.

Nowadays a growing number of exotic reptiles are kept as pets. The aim of this study was to determine the species of parasites found in reptile patients of veterinary practices in Poland. Fecal samples obtained from 76 lizards, 15 turtles and 10 snakes were examined by flotation method and direct smear stained with Lugol's iodine. In 63 samples (62.4%) the presence of parasite eggs and oocysts was revealed. Oocysts of Isospora spp. (from 33% to 100% of the samples, depending on the reptilian species) and Oxyurids eggs (10% to 75%) were predominant. In addition, isolated Eimeria spp. oocysts and Giardia intestinalis cysts were found, as well as Strongylus spp. and Hymenolepis spp. eggs. Pet reptiles are often infected with parasites, some of which are potentially dangerous to humans. A routine parasitological examination should be done in such animals.

Coccidia infections in homing pigeons of various age during the racing season.

Coccidiosis caused by Eimeria spp. is a common parasitic disease in homing pigeons. The study objective was to evaluate the incidence of coccidia infections in pigeon lofts during racing season. The intensity of coccidiosis was determined by floatation analyses of faeces samples collected from three pigeon groups performed in three replications (before the racing season, in mid-season and after the end of racing season). The presence of coccidia oocysts was determined in all faeces samples in each replication. At the end of the racing season, the average oocyst counts in faeces samples collected from pigeons that were flown for the first time increased by around 10% in relation to oocysts counts determined before the race. In flown pigeons (aged 2-4 years) a 2.5-9.9% drop was noted in oocysts counts subject to flock, whereas an increase of 15.7-17.3% was reported in parent flocks (unflown pigeons). The results of the experiment indicate that coccidia infections are a common problem in homing pigeons during racing season, which affects racing results and contributes to bird loss.

Parasitological stool examination from children without the typical symptoms of parasitic disease.

Most parasitic intestinal infestations in humans are sub-clinical and, therefore, they are rarely diagnosed. A number of general, non-specific symptoms of parasitic invasions are often attributed to other diseases. A parasitological examination of feces performed as part of this study confirmed the presence of intestinal parasites in 21.6% of samples. Among the patients who reported 6 different symptoms, the percentage of parasite-positive samples reached 80%. The obtained results suggest that coproscopic tests may establish the diagnosis in unclear cases, particularly in children. Many parasitic invasions are zoonoses and pets owe a reservoir. In view of the above, the results for pet owners and non-pet owners were compared in the study. There was no direct correlation between pet ownership and the incidence of parasitic infections.