Articles tagged with Veterinary Medicine
Researchers at the University of Missouri identified 46 specific mutations in the Omicron variant that enable it to evade pre-existing antibodies. These mutations are particularly prevalent in the region where antibodies bind to the virus, making them a key target for future antiviral treatments.
A study of 118 conservation units in Brazil found that 60% use unsuitable methods to detect deer presence. Visual analysis of droppings, fur, and footprints is a reliable method for most species, but others require DNA testing or camera traps.
Scientists at the University of Missouri discovered that bisphenol A (BPA) exposure during pregnancy can negatively impact fetal brain development. MicroRNAs in the placenta play a key role in regulating cellular functions, including neural development. Researchers believe that microRNA packages could reach the brain through the placen...
A new study on ACZM diplomates found that female veterinarians in zoological work don't suffer from a gender pay gap, but many feel they must give up having children to succeed. The study also revealed significant differences in perceptions of childbearing's impact on careers between males and females.
A recent study published in Canine Medicine and Genetics found that French Bulldogs have a significantly higher risk of being diagnosed with 20 common health disorders compared to other breeds. The authors propose breeding towards more moderate characteristics to reduce these risks.
A modelling study estimates nearly a quarter of a million unowned cats in UK urban areas, with higher deprivation and density linked to higher abundance. Socioeconomic factors and human population density were key predictors of unowned cat presence.
Researchers found that vitamin D supplementation with calcidiol increased the expression of genes related to cell adhesion and migration, pathogen recognition, and pathogen killing in dairy cows. This suggests a possible link between vitamin D and enhanced immune function, particularly during early lactation.
Researchers identified five specific mutations prevalent in Delta Plus infections compared to Delta, highlighting the need for expanded antiviral tools. The findings provide clues on how the virus mutates and evade antibodies produced from previous COVID-19 infections or vaccinations.
Researchers developed nanoscale insecticidal hair coating for prolonged anti-lice protection, reducing re-treatments and side effects. The coating, formed using halloysite nanotubes, retains its protective properties after washing the animal's hair.
A new transgenic pig model has been developed to study beta-cell function and insulin turnover, bridging the gap between rodent models and humans. The model enables researchers to distinguish different pools of insulin secretory granules and follow their rates of turnover in vivo.
Research shows that large eggs in small hens lead to keel bone fractures, affecting 85% of Danish laying hens. Hens from different production systems also suffer from the issue.
A new study reveals that high-grade gliomas in dogs contain more immune cells associated with suppressing immune response than low-grade gliomas. The findings suggest that these brain tumors may recruit cells to aid in immunosuppression, which could lead to improved immunotherapies for both humans and dogs.
A new study by Professor Danika Bannasch and colleagues reveals that five distinct dog coat patterns have an ancient origin, dating back over 2 million years. The research suggests that lighter coat colors would have been advantageous to an extinct canid ancestor in arctic environments during glaciation periods.
A new study from the University of California - Davis found that domestic cats overwhelmingly choose freely available food over food puzzles, contrary to expected contrafreeloading behavior. Cats spent more time at the tray and made more first choices to eat from it than the puzzle, suggesting a preference for easy access to food.
Research suggests cats can help understand human genetic 'dark matter' and aid in precision medicine for genetic diseases like polycystic kidney disease. By studying the cat genome, scientists may uncover new insights into human genetics and develop more targeted treatments.
A new diagnostic kit developed by University of Queensland vets can detect the Hendra virus in horses faster than ever before, with results available in under an hour. This rapid testing protocol has the potential to save countless lives by preventing outbreaks and reducing case fatality rates.
In an experiment, dogs were paired with two unfamiliar humans - one helpful and one unhelpful. Despite the humans' behavior, the dogs showed no preference for the helper or did not reciprocate by acting more favorably towards them. The study suggests that dogs may not be able to understand the connection between human help and reward.
A study by researchers at the University of Adelaide found that veterinarians experience pleasure in their job when receiving simple thank yous, spending time with peers, and further developing their expertise. Positive relationships with clients, colleagues, and a sense of accomplishment are also key factors.
A University of Arizona researcher found that veterinarians and breeders often hold biases against each other, which can lead to suboptimal animal care. Her study proposes solutions to bridge the divide between pet owners, breeders, and vets, including using nonverbal cues, empathy, and unconditional positive regard in communication.
A study by the University of Helsinki found that event horses wearing thin or thick bits had a greater risk of moderate or severe oral lesions compared to those wearing medium-sized bits. The research recommends using a jointed bit of moderate thickness, particularly for mares and certain horse breeds.
A new study by Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine has found that women veterinarians earn an average of $100,000 less than their male counterparts annually. The disparity affects recent graduates and the top half of earners, with partnerships proving more beneficial for women's income earning potential.
A genetic study found a DVL2 gene defect associated with screw tail and caudal vertebral anomalies in various dog breeds. The variant affects muzzle length and heart development, highlighting the importance of genetic testing for health problems.
Researchers analyzed dog-owner pairs to identify key factors influencing treatment outcomes. They found a negative relationship between introverted owners and fearful dogs, suggesting proactive follow-up is crucial for optimal results. The study aims to improve behavioral guidance for veterinarians and inform potential follow-up research.
A MU study found that embedded counseling services increase accessibility to mental health services for students with demanding schedules. The services offer a convenient way to support students' mental health and well-being.
Researchers found widespread contamination of English rivers with neurotoxic pesticides fipronil and imidacloprid, exceeding accepted safe limits. The use of pet flea products is a likely source of the contamination, posing a high risk to aquatic ecosystems.
A University of Gothenburg study shows that units outside emergency healthcare are willing to assist in a crisis, including hotels, schools, and veterinary clinics. The 'flexible surge capacity' (FSC) system aims to scale up emergency care during surges in patient numbers.
A study by the University of Exeter found that managers who thought gender bias no longer existed were more likely to recommend higher salaries for men and undervalue female staff. The research suggests that holding this belief constitutes a critical risk factor for perpetuating issues of gender bias.
A new epidemiological study found significant welfare concerns for hoarded cats not just from home environments but also from institutional settings. The study, which analyzed 371 hoarded cats relinquished to a shelter, showed that conditions such as overcrowding, uncontrolled breeding, and neglect were prevalent.
A UK study found that older and heavier dogs are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, with flat-faced breeds like pugs facing higher risks. The study also highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy bodyweight and breeding for respiratory function in dogs.
Researchers have discovered a compound, tartrolon E, that effectively kills multiple parasites responsible for various infections, including malaria, toxoplasmosis, and cryptosporidiosis. The compound is found in the gills of wood-eating clams and has shown promise in killing these parasites in vitro and in animal studies.
A study of 46 Finnish Leonbergers found that 15% had severe arrhythmia and 15% had milder cardiac changes, with sudden deaths linked to cardiac arrhythmia. The researchers aim to identify the genetic cause of the disorder to develop early diagnostics, breeding programs, and potential drug therapies.
A study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery has developed a screening checklist to help diagnose degenerative joint disease (DJD) in cats. The checklist, called the Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Screening Checklist, asks owners six questions about their cat's behavior and can be completed quickly by owners.
Researchers studied 51 cats injured in California wildfires and found a high incidence of heart problems, including thickening of the heart muscle and blood clot formation. The study suggests that wildfires may be a harbinger of human health effects, with severe burns increasing cardiovascular changes.
Researchers at LSU found that cats were less stressed when played cat-specific music, with lower cat stress scores and handling scale scores compared to classical music and no music. The study suggests that cat-specific music may benefit both cat welfare and owner experience.
Researchers found that calf mortality at taming age differs from wild elephants and that calves with less experienced mothers are more likely to die. However, overall calf survival has massively improved over the decades, thanks to changes in management, such as daily veterinary care and access to natural habitats.
A recent investigation found at least 37 canine fertility clinics operating in the UK, with many lacking veterinary staff. The clinics often advertise services that require veterinarian expertise, raising concerns about animal welfare.
A study led by Mary Robinson and Jinwen Chen found potential biomarkers of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) that could be used to enforce the ban on its use in horses within 10 days of a race. The researchers detected changes in five inflammatory factors, including TNF-? levels, up to three weeks after ESWT treatment.
Researchers from the University of Guelph have found that some individuals excel at deciphering subtle differences in cat facial expressions to gauge their emotions. Women and those with veterinary experience were particularly skilled at recognizing these cues, even among those without a strong attachment to cats.
The UK veterinary profession is critically low and unprepared for a 'No Deal' Brexit, with concerns over workforce shortages, animal certification, and research. The government's lack of preparedness has been rated as red by Vet Record.
Researchers at RUDN University have found that adding arginine to fish food reduces mortality from ammonia exposure in common carp. The additive activates detoxification, suppressing oxidative stress and increasing urea production, which helps excrete excess ammonia from the body.
Research reveals that dung beetles are sensitive to livestock management chemicals, affecting their growth and development. This can lead to reduced ecosystem services, including nutrient redistribution and pest control, ultimately impacting agriculture and the environment.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that overweight dog owners are more likely to have obese dogs, with a correlation between treats used for training and comfort. The study also reveals that castration triples the risk of being heavy or obese in male dogs.
A small qualitative study found female vets frequently face outright sex discrimination, with implications for practice sustainability and burnout rates. Women are often assumed to be on the 'mommy track', denied complex cases, and overlooked for promotion.
Research at Lancaster University finds that women in veterinary practice face persistent sexism and stereotypes, limiting their career progress. Despite outnumbering men, women are underrepresented in senior roles and often struggle to be taken seriously due to biases about family commitments.
A team of veterinarians, emergency medical services experts, and canine handlers developed protocols for treating law enforcement K-9s. The guidelines cover vital signs, analgesics, and equipment needed to care for canine patients.
Researchers found that migratory songbirds sleep differently depending on their condition, trading off safety for lower energy expenditure. Birds in poor condition sleep with their head tucked in, while those in good condition keep their head facing forward, exposing them to a higher predation risk.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that prior infection with either Zika virus or dengue virus has no apparent effect on the clinical course of subsequent infection with the other virus. This is a significant finding for the development of vaccines against both viruses.
A 1-year-old Rottweiler named Stella received a groundbreaking treatment using fish skin grafts for her second- and third-degree burns after escaping a house fire. The innovative therapy, developed by Michigan State University, leveraged the anti-inflammatory properties of Icelandic cod skin to aid in healing and tissue regeneration.
A meta-analysis found that removing all tumor tissue reduces the risk of cancer recurrence in dogs by 60%. The study, published in Veterinary and Comparative Oncology, analyzed data from 10 studies involving 278 dogs with soft tissue sarcoma.
A study of 29 waterways in 10 countries revealed more than 100 pesticides, including 24 unlicensed for EU use. The highest levels were found in a Belgian canal with 70 pesticides, contaminating every screened river and canal.
A recent study by Vetmeduni Vienna reveals that wolves and dogs cooperate intensively with humans but differ in their approach. Wolves show more initiative, leading the interaction, while dogs follow human behaviour. The study proposes that dogs' submissive tendencies are a result of domestication, which helped minimize conflicts.
A study by researchers at Vetmeduni Vienna found that dominant male house mice produce higher levels of certain pheromones compared to subordinates. These pheromones are transported in the urine via major urinary proteins (MUPs) and bind to female reproductive physiology, making them more attractive to receptive females.
A study on fruit flies found that many genes are involved in adaptation to hot environments, revealing genetic redundancy. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the number of genes required for adaptation.
Researchers have identified CDK6 as a significant factor in the development of JAK2V617F-initiated MPNs. The absence of CDK6 reduces proliferation of affected stem cells and increases life expectancy for patients.
A recent study analyzing genomic differentiation among six baboon species found evidence for hybridization of ancient and recent generations. This research provides new insights into the evolution of the genome, shedding light on complex evolutionary divergence and genetic admixture in modern humans and extinct relatives.
Researchers found orangutans spontaneously manufactured hook tools out of straight wire, solving a complex problem that eludes young human children. The apes' innovation abilities were tested using a hook-bending task, where they successfully bent and unbent wires to retrieve rewards.
A new drug, vatinoxan, reduces adverse effects of sedatives on canine patients' cardiovascular systems. Researchers successfully trialed the drug on volunteer canines, paving the way for potential marketing authorization within two years.
A DNA study of over 6,000 dogs found that a specific genetic duplication on chromosome 18 is strongly associated with blue eyes in Siberian Huskies. This discovery sheds light on the genetic underpinnings of eye color in dogs and demonstrates the power of consumer genomic data.
Dr. Barry Rouse, a renowned immunologist, has received the American Veterinary Medical Association's Lifetime Excellence in Research Award for his groundbreaking work on HSV-1 and ocular disease. He has continuously funded research since 1978, garnering over $20 million in funding and publishing more than 400 scientific manuscripts.
A study by Aarhus University found moderate agreement among farmers, veterinarians, and livestock drivers in evaluating cull cow lameness and fitness for transport. The researchers used video sequences to assess cow fitness, with varying levels of agreement within and between groups.