Enhancing cognitive functions in aged dogs and cats: a systematic review of enriched diets and nutraceuticals.

With advancements in veterinary care and the growing recognition of pets as integral member of the family, the lifespans of dogs and cats have significantly increased, leading to a higher prevalence of age-related conditions, including cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS). CDS adversely impacts pets' quality of life and presents emotional and practical challenges for owners. Given its similarities to Alzheimer's disease in humans, CDS has gained attention as a target for nutrition-based interventions aimed at preserving cognitive function.

Hematologic and Serum Biochemical Characteristics of Belgian Blue Cattle.

Belgian blue (BB) cattle have an 11-bp deletion in myostatin that causes skeletal muscle hyperplasia and increased muscle mass, leading to a 'double-muscled' phenotype. Preliminary data suggest that this phenotype may be associated with breed-specific hematologic and biochemical values. Therefore, in this study, we sought to compare hematologic and serum biochemical parameters in healthy BB and Holstein Friesian (HF) cows and to propose breed-specific reference intervals for BB cows.

From ultrasound to microscopy: Actualities in thyroid investigation in cattle.

Thyroid ultrasonography examination is widely used in human and small animal medicine. However, it has rarely been applied in cattle. The aim of this study was to determine whether the measurements of the thyroid gland by ultrasound examination correlate to those taken during post-mortem examination.

Evaluation of Blood Lactate, Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, and Shock Index, and Their Association with Prognosis in Calves.

Diseases in young calves received as emergencies are often associated with hypovolemic and/or septic shocks. The objectives of our study were to (1) assess the correlation between clinical hemodynamic parameters and blood L-lactates (LAC), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and the shock index (SI) recorded upon arrival; and (2) to evaluate how these parameters were related to short-term outcomes in calves under 4 months of age presented as emergencies. We conducted a single-observer prospective observational study on calves aged from 1 day to 4 months, presented to the Veterinary Clinic for Ruminants of Liège from December 2020 to May 2022.

Oak Acorn Poisoning in Cattle during Autumn 2022: A Case Series and Review of the Current Knowledge.

Oak poisoning is a known intoxication in grazing animals, but is slightly described in the literature. This case report describes 7 cattle from 3 different farms admitted to the clinic for ruminants of the University of Liège for suspected acorn poisoning in the autumn of 2022. The clinical signs were, anorexia, apathy with polyuria with low density.

Technical Validation of Ultrasound Assessment of the Thyroid Gland in Cattle.

Little is known about thyroid diseases in ruminants, probably due to the lack of diagnosis techniques developed in this species. However, thyroid ultrasound (TU) is widely used in human and in companion animal's medicine. It is a cheap and non-invasive examination, which allows for the identification of thyroid structures or diffuse diseases.

Herd Health Troubles Potentially Related to Aluminium Grass Silage Content in Dairy Cows.

In ruminants, the main documented clinical manifestation of aluminium (Al) intoxication is similar to grass tetany. In a 50 dairy cow Belgian herd, the farmer reported excessive uterine bleeding at calving and decreased milk production. Dairy cows received a mixed ration (MR) with high Al concentration (453 ppm/kg of dry matter (DM)).

Bacterial Contamination of the Surgical Site at the Time of Elective Caesarean Section in Belgian Blue Cows-Part 2: Identified by 16Sr DNA Amplicon Sequencing.

This study aimed to describe the bacterial composition of the surgical site during elective caesarean sections (CSs) using the 16Sr DNA amplicon sequencing performed in parallel to bacterial culture. The study involved 13 Belgian blue cows of a previous dataset of 76 animals. Bacteriology was performed on swabs sampled from visceral and parietal peritoneum during the CS.

Bacterial Contamination of the Surgical Site at the Time of Elective Caesarean Section in Belgian Blue Cows-Part 1: Identified by Bacterial Culture.

To improve the efficacy of preoperative antibiotics used in elective caesarean section (CS), we aimed to identify the bacteria contaminating the surgical site during this surgery. A study was conducted on 76 Belgian Blue cows. Bacteriology was performed on cotton swab sampled from the visceral and parietal peritoneum of each cow during the CS.

Ultrasonographical Assessment of Caudal Vena Cava Size through Different Views in Healthy Calves: A Pilot Study.

Ultrasonographic measurements of the caudal vena cava (CVC) and aorta (Ao) are known as reliable tools to assess intravascular volume status in humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of obtaining ultrasonographical measurements of CVC and Ao in two different views, assess intra- and interobserver variability, and study the effect of sex, age, body weight, and breed on measurements in healthy calves. The diameter and area of CVC and Ao were measured by a single investigator in two anatomic sites (subxiphoid and paralumbar window) in 48 calves aged less than 60 days and then repeated 2.

Blood Inflammatory, Hydro-Electrolytes and Acid-Base Changes in Belgian Blue Cows Developing Parietal Fibrinous Peritonitis or Generalised Peritonitis after Caesarean Section.

This study aimed to describe the inflammation, hydro-electrolyte and acid-base imbalances caused by generalised peritonitis (GP) and parietal fibrinous peritonitis (PFP) after caesarean section. After clinical examination, blood was sampled from 11 cows with PFP, 30 with GP and 14 healthy cows. Serum and plasma refractometry and glutaraldehyde tests were used to evaluate the inflammation level, while hydro-electrolytes and acid-base parameters were assessed using an EPOC® device.

Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profile of Several Bacteria Species Identified in the Peritoneal Exudate of Cows Affected by Parietal Fibrinous Peritonitis after Caesarean Section.

The aim of this study was to identify the species and antimicrobial susceptibility of bacteria involved in parietal fibrinous peritonitis (PFP). We studied 156 peritoneal fluid samples from cows presenting PFP after caesarean section. Bacteria were cultured in selective media and their antimicrobial susceptibility was tested by disk diffusion assay.

Treatment protocols and management of retained fetal membranes in cattle by rural practitioners in Belgium.

Retained fetal membranes (RFM) is a frequent postpartum disorder in cattle causing considerable economic losses, and a common indication for antibiotic (AB) administration. There is controversy with regard to the treatment of RFM, and scientific recommendations are often in conflict with current legislation on AB use and practical routines in the field. The aim of this study was to assess the therapeutic approaches of RFM by Belgian rural veterinarians.

Comparison between generalised peritonitis and parietal fibrinous peritonitis in cows after caesarean section.

Background: Parietal fibrinous peritonitis (PFP) and generalised peritonitis (GP) are two postoperative complications in cows, characterised by fluid and fibrin accumulation throughout the peritoneum (GP) or in an encapsulated cavity (PFP). Unlike GP, PFP is scarcely documented.

Methods: Twenty-one GP cases and 12 PFP cases were confirmed by ultrasound in cows referred to the Veterinary Clinic (Liège University) for complications after caesarean section.