Fibroblast growth factor-23 and Alpha-Klotho concentrations in dogs with canine Leishmaniasis

This study aimed to assess the concentrations of Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 (FGF-23) and α-Klotho in healthy dogs and dogs at different stages of Canine Leishmaniasis (CanL), and investigate the changes of these parameters in relation to renal function and calcium‑phosphorus metabolism. A total of 74 dogs (22 healthy and 52 with CanL) of varying ages, sexes, and medium-sized breeds were included. Dogs with CanL were categorized into different stages (Stage I-IV) based on Leishvet recommendations. In addition to routine hematological parameters, plasma FGF-23, serum α-Klotho, urea, creatinine, phosphorus, calcium, parathormone, vitamin D concentrations, and urine protein/creatinine ratio were measured. Data from healthy dogs were compared to dogs with CanL overall and by stage. Dogs with CanL exhibited higher concentrations of FGF-23 (p < 0.05), α-Klotho, and parathormone (p < 0.001), as well as lower concentrations of vitamin D and calcium (p < 0.001). FGF-23 concentration was particularly elevated in Stage IV compared to other stages. However, no significant differences in α-Klotho levels were observed among the stages. FGF-23 levels showed a weak positive correlation with urea and creatinine concentrations and a moderate positive correlation with urine protein/creatinine ratio. This study demonstrated increased levels of FGF-23 and α-Klotho in dogs with CanL for the first time. The increase in FGF-23 levels was more prominent in advanced stages of the disease and correlated with higher urea and creatinine concentrations. These findings may serve as a basis for future diagnostic and therapeutic investigations, contributing to the understanding of the pathophysiology of kidney disease in CanL.

Prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy of clinoptilolite against Cryptosporidium parvum in experimentally challenged neonatal lambs

This study was designed to test the prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy of clinoptilolite against Cryptosporidium (C.) parvum infection in lambs. Within the first day of life, three groups of 10 lambs were each inoculated with 1 × 10⁶ oocysts of C. parvum. The prophylactic (PROP) group received orally clinoptilolite supplemented at a rate of 3% to the colostrum within the first day of life before inoculation and then to milk replacer for two weeks. The therapeutic (TREA) group was supplemented with the same rate, route and duration of clinoptilolite, starting from the day of the first appearance of oocysts in the faeces. The positive control group (pCON) was left untreated and fed only the basal diet. Disease development and clinoptilolite efficacy were assessed daily by evaluating oocyst per gram of faeces (OPG) counts, faecal consistent score (FCS), and clinical health score (CHS) from day -1 to 20 days post inoculation. A significantly (p < 0.001) lower OPG value was found in the PROP and TREA groups in comparison to the pCON group. The FCS and CHS were decreased in the PROP (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001) and TREA (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001) groups compared to the pCON group, respectively. The percentage efficacy of clinoptilolite was calculated to be 97.4 % in the PROP group and 91.6 % in the TREA group. In conclusion, this study proved for the first time that clinoptilolite has promising prophylactic and therapeutic activities against C. parvum in experimentally infected lambs.

Reference intervals for serum amyloid A, haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, and fibrinogen in apparently healthy neonatal lambs

BACKGROUND

Acute-phase proteins (APPs) are considered biomarkers for diagnoses, prognoses, and treatment and health status monitoring. Reference intervals (RIs) are an integral part of diagnostic laboratory testing and clinical decision-making. The RIs for neonatal lambs are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the RIs of serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), ceruloplasmin (Cp), and fibrinogen (Fb) concentrations in neonatal cross-bred Kivircik lambs.

METHODS

The study consisted of 42 neonatal cross-bred Kivircik lambs. Physical examinations were performed daily, and blood samples were collected at 0 (precolostrum), 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of age. The RIs of SAA, Hp, Cp, and Fb concentrations were calculated according to the recommendation of the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology. Results were also evaluated for age- and sex-related effects.

RESULTS

The RI for serum Hp was 0-0.4 g/L, and no apparent effect of age or sex was noted. Because of significant age- and sex-related differences, the SAA (0.34-55.12 µg/mL), Cp (2.4-26.07 mg/mL), and Fb (218.86-527.82 mg/mL) results were given as minimum and maximum values. Serum SAA on the 1st, 3rd, and 7th days of life, and Cp and Fb concentrations on the 14th and 21st days of life, were significantly higher than those on other study days.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to establish RIs for neonatal lambs, and the values obtained could be useful for making clinical decisions regarding cross-bred Kivircik lambs during this critical period.

Effect of Mannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolytica Infection on Acute-phase Proteins and Some Mineral Levels in Colostrum–Breast Milk-fed or Colostrum–Breast Milk-deprived Sheep

The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of acute-phase proteins and minerals as indicators for the reactivity in 1-year-old sheep. A total of 26 Chios breed sheep were fed colostrum-breast milk (control, n = 15)or were deprived afterseparation from their mother immediately after birth(experimental, n = 11). Mannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolytica serotype A1 was inoculated intratracheally and blood samples were taken in vacuumed sera on days 0, 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19 and 22. Antibiotic treatment was initiated after blood sampling on day 22, and blood samples were taken on days 1, 4 and 7 after the treatment. The levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, fibrinogen, zinc, iron and calcium, which are the indicators of immune function and infectious diseases were analysed. No significant difference between the control and trial groups before and after the infection was determined. However, serum CRP, haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin and fibrinogen levels were increased in the course of the infection. These levels were restored to normal following treatment.

Serum concentration of some acute phase proteins in naturally occurring canine babesiosis: a preliminary study

BACKGROUND

Serum concentrations of acute phase proteins can provide valuable diagnostic information in the detection, prognosis, or monitoring of disease. Information available on the acute phase response in naturally occurring canine babesiosis is limited.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this investigation was to retrospectively evaluate serum concentrations of haptoglobin, C-reactive protein, and ceruloplasmin in dogs naturally infected with Babesia canis.

METHODS

Haptoglobin, C-reactive protein, and ceruloplasmin concentrations were measured in serum samples from dogs with uncomplicated (n = 6) and complicated (n = 1) babesiosis and compared with 6 healthy dogs.

RESULTS

Serum C-reactive protein and ceruloplasmin concentrations were significantly higher in dogs with babesiosis; however, serum haptoglobin concentration was significantly lower compared with control dogs (P <.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Results of this study suggest that acute phase protein concentrations could be beneficial in the diagnosis and determination of the severity of babesiosis in dogs.