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Raw diets for dogs and cats: Potential health benefits and threats
Raw meat-based diets for pet nutrition are becoming increasingly popular. The percentage of meat content, composition of nutrients, and amount of additives started to play an important role in the recipe of a given food. However, the use of healthier and unprocessed food must also be balanced with the animal’s specific needs based on its anatomy, physiology, and behavior. There are many potential advantages and disadvantages of a biologically appropriate raw food (BARF) diet, and all of them should be considered before switching to this approach. Raw meat is considered a diet closest to nature and least processed. However, raw diets threaten pet health because of the potential for nutrient imbalances. The choice of raw meat in pets’ everyday diet should be supported by the veterinarian’s medical decision and preferably also with nutritionist help. Growing animals require a specific Ca:P ratio in their diet, which may be improper in raw meat. For cats, taurine levels must be carefully checked. In addition, an imbalanced raw-meat diet can be the cause of poor semen quality in males. Females are prone to inhibition of the estrus cycle, especially due to hyperthyroidism. Exogenous thyroid hormone intake is a real concern when feeding a neck/head meat with thyroid glands. There is also a possibility of bacterial or parasitic presence in raw meat. The present paper aims to summarize the current state of knowledge about the benefits and threats of eating a raw meat diet for the health concerns of companion animals.
The in vitro effects of probiotic bacteria on genital pathogens of female dogs
Abstract Background An important aspect in the microbiology of the reproductive system of small animals is the potential occurrence of probiotic bacteria, such as lactic acid bacteria (LAB) of the genus Lactobacillus. The presence of these microorganisms is significant due to their strong antibacterial and antifungal properties. This study aimed to select probiotic strains from the oral cavity and vagina that have outstanding antibacterial properties against typical genital pathogens of the female dog reproductive tract. Results The antagonistic activity of ten LAB strains was tested against seven etiological agents isolated from the genital tract of female dogs with signs of inflammation. LAB strains with the greatest ability to inhibit the growth of indicator bacteria were Lactobacillus plantarum and L. acidophilus, while L. fermentum and L. brevis strains inhibited growth the least. Almost all strains showed a complete lack of adherence to Caco-2 epithelial cells. Conclusions All tested LAB isolates inhibited the in vitro growth of either Gram-positive or Gram-negative pathogens, suggesting that potential probiotic strains could contribute to the balance of the normal vaginal microbiota. Furthermore, they could be considered for use as prophylactic agents or as an alternative to antibiotic therapy for infections in dogs.
Lack of causative mutation in the AMH and AMHR2 genes in a cat (38,XY) with persistent Mullerian duct syndrome (PMDS)
AbstractA 1‐year‐old European shorthair male cat with a normally developed penis was subjected to genetic, endocrinological and histological studies due to unilateral cryptorchidism. The blood testosterone level was typical for males, while the level of anti‐Mullerian hormone (AMH) was very low. Surgical removal of internal reproductive organs was followed by a histological study, which revealed inactive testicles with neoplastic changes and derivatives of Mullerian ducts. Cytogenetic analysis showed a normal XY sex chromosome complement and molecular analysis confirmed the presence of Y‐linked genes (SRY and ZFY). Although the level of AMH was low, two normal copies of the AMH gene were found using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). Analysis of the coding sequences of two candidate genes (AMH and AMHR2) for persistent Mullerian duct syndrome (PMDS) in the affected cat and in control male cats (n = 24) was performed using the Sanger sequencing method. In the affected cat, homozygosity was found for three novel missense variants in Exon 1 (one SNP) and Exon 5 (two SNPs) of AMH, but the same homozygous genotypes were also observed in one and two control cats, respectively, whose sex development was not examined. Three known synonymous variants with homozygous status were found in AMHR2. We conclude that the DNA variants identified in AMH and AMHR2 are not responsible for PMDS in the affected cat.
Feline cumulus cells and oocytes show massive accumulation of lipid droplets and upregulation of PLIN2 expression after in vitro maturation
Effectiveness of Selected Methods of Estrus Cycle Manipulation in Mares During the Breeding Season: A Retrospective Clinical Study
Hormones used for the induction of estrus and ovulation are widely applied in veterinary practice. The objectives of this study were: (1) to assess the effect of cloprostenol on estrus induction, (2) to evaluate the effect of hCG on changes in the endometrial edema pattern and its direct impact on the timing of ovulation in relation to the progression of the breeding season, and (3) to assess the effects of cloprostenol and hCG on the induction of multiple ovulations (MO) and multiple pregnancies (MP).The first group of mares (n = 77), with spontaneous estrus, received a dose of hCG to induce ovulation, while the second group (n = 40) had estrus induced by cloprostenol, followed by an hCG injection. The pregnancy rate was 55.8% in the first group and 65% in the second group (p < 0.073). The frequency of MO was higher in the second group (27.5%) compared to 3.9% in the first group (p < 0.0006). However, this treatment did not affect the frequency of MP. Endometrial edema scores at the time of hCG administration significantly decreased over time in both groups. Cloprostenol can increase the frequency of MO without affecting MP.