Zamokas, Gintaras

Šlapimo tyrimai veterinarijos praktikoje yra treti pagal tyrimų atlikimo dažnumą. Dažniau atliekami tik morfologinis ir biocheminis kraujo tyrimai. Šlapimo tyrimas svarbus siekiant nustatyti tikslią diagnozę, ypač esant šlapimo sistemos disfunkcijai, ir skirti tinkamą gydymą pacientui. Šlapimo tyrimo rezultatai reikalingi norint įvertinti gyvūno fizinę sveikatą, fiziologinę būklę, skysčių pusiausvyrą organizme, sergant sisteminėmis ligomis ar veikiant žalingiems aplinkos veiksniams. Šlapimo tyrimą rekomenduojama atlikti ir profilaktiškai, vykdant kasmetinį profilaktinį gyvūno ištyrimą, nes vertinant šlapimo tyrimų rezultatus galima įtarti inkstų funkcijos nepakankamumą dar nesant klinikinių požymių. Teisingai atliktas šlapimo tyrimas ir tinkamas rezultatų įvertinimas kartu su kitais tyrimų rezultatais (anamnezės, klinikinio tyrimo, kraujo tyrimų) padeda greičiau ir tiksliau diagnozuoti tokias ligas, kaip šlapimo organų sistemos ligos, ketozė, diabetas, kepenų disfunkcija, intravaskulinė hemolizė ir kt. Nors šlapimo tyrimas atrodo paprastas, bet, norint jį teisingai atlikti, kad būtų galima įvertinti rodmenis, reikia vadovautis tam tikra metodika. Netinkamai surinkus šlapimą, ne laiku pristačius jį į laboratoriją, neteisingai atlikus patį tyrimą, rezultatų vertinimas bus klaidingas. O neteisingai įvertinus rezultatus, nebus galima tiksliai diagnozuoti ligos, todėl kyla rizika, kad gyvūnas nepasveiks. Taigi, šioje mokomojoje knygoje pateikta naujausiais mokslinių tyrimų duomenimis paremta informacija padės studentams ir veterinarijos gydytojams lengviau ir tiksliau įvertinti šlapimo tyrimų rezultatus diagnozuojant ligas ir gydant pacientus.

Toxoplasmosis, a zoonotic disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, poses a significant threat to both human and animal health. Canines, including hunting dogs, are susceptible to T. gondii infection, which can manifest in various clinical forms [1]. This study investigates the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in Lithuanian Hound dogs, categorised into hunting and non-hunting groups, and assesses potential risk factors, including hunting activity, diet, and contact with felines, alongside an evaluation of haematological parameters. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 90 Lithuanian Hound dogs from different regions of Lithuania between March 2023 and December 2024. Blood samples were collected and analysed for antibodies using indirect ELISA and immunochromatographic assays detecting IgG and IgM antibodies. Haematological parameters, including white blood cell count, lymphocytes, eosinophils, and mean platelet volume, were also assessed. Results showed 34.4% of dogs positive for IgG and 18.9% for IgM by rapid test, with ELISA confirming 25.6% positivity. A strong correlation was observed between rapid test and ELISA results (P < 0.05). Dogs fed raw wild animal meat had a significantly higher prevalence of infection (28.6%, P < 0.05), and hunting dogs were approximately three times more likely to be seropositive (OR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.5–6.8). No significant associations were found between seropositivity and haematological parameters, gender, age, or contact with felines. A clinical case of a hunting dog from a rural area presenting with lethargy, abdominal effusion, and neutrophilic leucocytosis is described. Serological testing confirmed T. gondii infection; despite treatment with clindamycin and, later, sulfonamide-trimethoprim, the dog developed disseminated abdominal pseudotumours and was euthanised. Post-mortem examination confirmed widespread toxoplasmosis. These results highlight the need for increased awareness and preventive measures regarding toxoplasmosis in Lithuanian Hound dogs, particularly in hunting populations and those consuming raw meat. The findings underscore the importance of regular screening and monitoring for this zoonotic disease, which has implications for public health and canine welfare [2].

Introduction. Skin infections are an increasing concern in both human and veterinary medicine due to factors such as antimicrobial resistance, lifestyle changes, and hygiene habits. The frequent and inappropriate use of systemic antibiotics for superficial skin infections has led to multidrug-resistant pathogens, complicating treatment [1]. This highlights the need for alternative therapies, such as topical antiseptics, to reduce antibiotic use and resistance development. Objective. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of a chitosan gels containing chlorhexidine against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Methods. The gel’s antimicrobial properties were assessed in vitro using the agar diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar [2]. Tested organisms included reference strains of Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), along with wild strains of the same species. Results. The antimicrobial effect of the gels was not dependent on chlorhexidine concentration but was influenced by chitosan content. The 1% chitosan gel showed the strongest inhibitory effect on both reference and wild strains. The results emphasized the importance of testing both strain types, as wild strains were generally more resistant than reference strains. This suggests chitosan boosts chlorhexidine’s antimicrobial effect and shows potential for use in skin and wound antisepsis in veterinary medicine. Conclusions. The study confirmed the synergistic action of chlorhexidine and chitosan, with stronger efficacy against Gram-positive bacteria. Further preclinical trials are planned, and it is expected that chitosan, combined with chlorhexidine, will not only enhance antimicrobial activity but also aid wound healing in damaged tissues.

Introduction. Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) are a growing health concern in canine populations across Europe, including Lithuania. Shelter dogs, often lacking known health and travel histories, may act as sentinels for local pathogen circulation [1, 2]. This study aims to assess the prevalence and spatial distribution of selected VBDs in shelter dogs in Lithuania and examine associated clinical and hematological findings. Methods. Blood samples (n = 91) were collected from clinically healthy shelter dogs across various regions of Lithuania. All samples will be screened for Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Borrelia burgdorferi, and Dirofilaria immitis using the IDEXX SNAP 4Dx Plus Test. Each dog will undergo a complete clinical examination and complete blood count (CBC) analysis. Molecular techniques, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR), will confirm and identify pathogens at the species level. Expected Results. It is expected that both serological and molecular testing will reveal infections with vector-borne pathogens such as Anaplasma spp. and Borrelia burgdorferi among clinically healthy shelter dogs. This will help identify asymptomatic carriers and assess the potential for disease transmission. The study also aims to outline the current epidemiological situation and highlight potential regional hotspots of infection. Conclusion. This study combines clinical, molecular, and spatial data to improve the understanding of canine VBD epidemiology in Lithuania. Findings will support the development of targeted surveillance and prevention strategies. Moreover, evaluating environmental and demographic factors will help identify the conditions facilitating pathogen spread, contributing to more effective public and animal health risk assessments.

Canine babesiosis, a protozoan tick-borne disease caused by Babesia canis, has become an important health concern worldwide. The parasite invades and lyses erythrocytes, leading to haemolytic anaemia. Because of its nonspecific clinical presentation, diagnosis remains challenging [1]. The aim of this study to characterise the most common clinical and haematological findings in dogs naturally infected with B. canis. Forty-seven dogs with babesiosis confirmed by blood smear microscopy were retrospectively analysed. Clinical signs, haematological, and biochemical parameters were evaluated. The predominant clinical signs included lethargy (100%), anorexia (87.2%), fever (51.1%), pale mucous membranes (42.6%), vomiting (34%), and diarrhoea (17%). Thrombocytopenia was the most frequent haematological abnormality, observed in 97.9% of dogs (mean platelet count 45.3 ± 50.5 K/µL). Lymphopenia (68.1%) and anaemia (66%) were also common. Decreases in erythrocyte count, haematocrit, and haemoglobin, together with elevations in creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), were significantly associated with poor outcomes (p < 0.05). More severe clinical signs were positively correlated with an increased likelihood of unfavourable prognosis (p < 0.05). Mortality was 2.1%, while 12.8% of dogs were euthanised. B. canis infection in dogs is most often characterised by lethargy, anorexia, and fever, accompanied by thrombocytopenia, anaemia, and lymphopenia. Elevated renal parameters are linked to more severe disease and poorer prognosis.

Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) represent a growing veterinary and public health challenge in the Baltic region, where climatic conditions support abundant populations of Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus ticks [1]. As the most common companion animals in Lithuania, dogs are frequently exposed to tick habitats, increasing the risk of infections with Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia canis [2, 3]. Both pathogens are clinically relevant due to nonspecific clinical signs, which complicate diagnosis in veterinary practice. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of A. phagocytophilum and B. canis in Lithuanian dogs and to characterise their genetic diversity through cytological, serological, and molecular analysis. A total of 203 blood samples from pet and hunting dogs were analysed. A. phagocytophilum prevalence reached 25% in pet dogs and 4.4% in hunting dogs. Serology and PCR results did not always coincide, underscoring the importance of molecular testing, while B. canis DNA was detected in 66.3% (62/107) of pet dogs. Importantly, discrepancies were observed between microscopy and PCR: out of 75 dogs diagnosed microscopically, only 54 were PCR-positive, while eight PCR-positive dogs were smear-negative. Four sequence variants of B. canis were identified, with Lithuanian isolates clustering with strains from Latvia, Germany, and France. Sequencing revealed multiple A. phagocytophilum genotypes, with Lithuanian isolates clustering alongside strains from Hungary, Spain, Germany, Sweden, Slovenia, and local Ixodes ricinus ticks. B. canis isolates grouped closely with strains from Latvia, Germany, and France. No significant associations were found between pathogen prevalence and host factors such as sex, age, or breed. This study demonstrates that Lithuanian dogs serve as important hosts for both A. phagocytophilum and B. canis. The molecular and phylogenetic findings confirm genetic links between local and European isolates, emphasising the need for regular screening, tick prevention strategies, and molecular surveillance to mitigate the veterinary and zoonotic risks of TBPs.

Gerybinė prostatos hiperplazija (GPH) yra dažniausiai diagnozuojama priešinės liaukos patologija nekastruotiems šunims, pasižyminti progresuojančiu audinių proliferacijos bei intraprostatinių cistų formavimosi procesu. Ankstyvoji GPH forma yra besimptomė, tačiau jau šioje stadijoje hiperplazijos procesas gali turėti neigiamą poveikį patino sveikatai bei reprodukcinei funkcijai, todėl ankstyva besimptomės GPH diagnostika yra itin svarbus aspektas, ypač veisimui skirtiems patinams. Vis dėlto, kasdienėje veterinarinėje praktikoje besimptomės GPH formos nustatymas išlieka iššūkiu dėl neišreikštos ligos simptomatikos bei riboto taikomų metodų jautrumo ir specifiškumo. Tyrimo tikslas – įvertinti ir palyginti naujus bei klinikinėje praktikoje taikomus diagnostikos metodus, skirtus nekastruotų šunų patinų besimptomės gerybinės prostatos hiperplazijos nustatymui. Tyrimo uždaviniai: 1. Įvertinti įvairaus amžiaus, svorio ir veislės nekastruotų šunų prostatos būklę ir spermos kokybę klasikiniais metodais. 2. Įvertinti kliniškai sveikų ir besimptomės gerybinės prostatos hiperplazijos paveiktų šunų prostatos kompiuterinės tomografijos ir dalinės pelvimetrijos matavimus ir nustatyti diagnostines ribines vertes. 3. Nustatyti kliniškai sveikų ir besimptomės gerybinės prostatos hiperplazijos paveiktų šunų prostatos specifinės esterazės koncentracijos ir ultragarso specifinių parametrų ribines vertes. Tyrime dalyvavo 150 įvairaus amžiaus, svorio ir veislės nekastruotų šunų patinų, kurie pagal klinikinius, citologinius ir laboratorinius kriterijus buvo priskirti kliniškai sveikų ir besimptomės GPH paveiktų patinų grupėms. Tyrimo rezultatai atskleidė, kad klasikiniai metodai, tokie kaip rektinis tyrimas ir neišplėstinė ultrasonografija, pasižymi ribotu objektyvumu ir jautrumu. Tuo tarpu ultragarsinio tyrimo metu papildomai vertinant prostatos formą, intraprostatininių cistų pasireiškimą, organo kapsulės vientisumą bei taikant spalvinio Doplerio metodiką, besimptomės GPH nustatymas yra žymiai patikimesnis. Rezultatuose spalvinio Doplerio metodika, leidžianti įvertinti prostatos kraujotaką, parodė, kad sistolinis kraujo tėkmės greitis (PSV) ≥ 26,78 cm/s ir diastolės pabaigos greitis (EDV) ≥ 5,23 cm/s marginalinėje prostatos srityje leidžia atitinkamai su 100 % ir 97,1 % tikslumu identifikuoti besimptomę GPH. Priešingai, atsparumo indeksas (RI) abiejose lokalizacijose neturėjo diagnostinės vertės. Kompiuterinės tomografijos metu nustatyta, kad GPH paveiktų šunų prostatos matmenų santykis su šeštojo juosmens slankstelio kūno ilgiu (L6) buvo statistiškai reikšmingai didesnis: rW (prostatos plotis/L6) siekė 1,58 ± 0,44 (sveikų – 1,10 ± 0,29), rH (prostatos aukštis/L6) – 1,34 ± 0,21 (sveikų – 1,03 ± 0,26), o rL (prostatos ilgis/L6) – 1,57 ± 0,48 (sveikų – 1,06 ± 0,16). Papildomai taikyta dalinės pelvimetrijos metodika atskleidė, jog šis metodas yra patikimas ir reikšmingas vertinant prostatos dydį priekinės dubens atvaros aspektu – tai svarbu vertinant prostatomegalijos laipsnį besimptomės GPH kontekste. Prostatos audinio kontrastavimo fazių analizės rezultatai parodė, kad pokontrastinėje fazėje prostatos audinio tankio reikšmės GPH sergančių šunų grupėje buvo statistiškai reikšmingai mažesnės – 92,61 ± 1,83 HU, palyginus su sveikų šunų grupe – 95,42 ± 2,34 HU (p < 0,001). Galiausiai, šunų prostatos specifinės esterazės (CPSE) koncentracijos tyrimas parodė, kad CPSE koncentracija ≥ 82,56 ng/ml leidžia diagnozuoti besimptomę GPH su 100 % tikslumu (AUC = 1,00; p < 0,001). Gauti rezultatai patvirtino, kad kompleksinis vaizdinės diagnostikos metodų ir prostatos specifinio biomarkerio integravimas su klasikiniais diagnostiniais metodais leidžia sukurti patikimesnį ir mažiau invazyvų besimptomės GPH formos diagnostikos algoritmą, taikytiną tiek kasdienėje veterinarinėje praktikoje, tiek reprodukcinės sveikatos stebėsenos ir atrankos programose

Skin infections are common in veterinary practice and are often treated with topical agents. Superficial pyoderma (superficial bacterial folliculitis) is a common cause of skin disease in dogs and a reason for treatment, most caused by Staphylococcus spp. strains. The frequent use of antibiotics contributes to the emergence of resistant bacterial strains, making antimicrobial resistance (AMR) one of the most important threats to human and animal health. For this reason, active natural compounds are increasingly being explored as alternative therapies. To contribute to the development of effective treatments for bacterial infectious diseases, researchers are looking for new antimicrobial agents. Topical drug action has many advantages as it avoids systemic reactions and ensures that the active substance reaches the site of the lesion directly. This study aimed to develop gelled dosage forms with propolis extract and to evaluate their antibacterial activity and the release of the active substances. Hydrogels, oleogels, and bigels enriched with eutectic propolis extract were produced. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) were chosen as an effective tool to extract the active compounds of propolis and to improve their penetration into the skin. The pH values of the semi-solid pharmaceutical forms tested ranged from 3.3 to 6.4. Using modified Franz-type diffusion cells, the release of phenolic compounds from gels, oleogels, and bigels was assessed and quantified spectrophotometrically using the Folin–Ciocalteu method. The highest amount of active compounds was released from the hydrogels, while the lowest amount was released from the castor oil-based oleogel. The study used clinical and reference strains of bacteria. The antimicrobial activity of the gelled dosage forms with propolis extract was tested against six pathogenic bacterial species (S. aureus, S. agalactiae, B. cereus, E. faecalis, E. coli, Ps. aeruginosa) and one pathogenic fungus (C. albicans). The study’s results suggest that the propolis extract obtained by DES has significant antibacterial activity and is a promising component in skin formulations for the treatment of bacterial infections.

According to the European Pet Food Industry Federation report (2022), Europe is home to approximately 127.2 million domestic cats, with 26% of households owning at least one cat, making them the most popular pet choice across the continent. In Lithuania, around 70% of households have at least one dog or cat, with 114,600 officially registered domestic cats. Despite their benefits to humans, cats can act as reservoirs or accidental hosts for various pathogens transmitted by fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, posing transmission risks to humans and other animals. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and genetic diversity of vector-borne pathogens in feline populations and their ectoparasites in urban areas of Lithuania. Blood samples were collected from 543 cats (both owned and those from animal shelters) in densely populated regions of central (Kaunas city) and western (Klaipėda city) Lithuania. Ectoparasites (153 fleas and 321 ticks) were collected from owned cats in seven Lithuanian cities. Molecular methods were used for pathogen detection, complemented by morphological blood tests to identify some pathogens in blood samples. In domestic cats and their ectoparasites, we detected two causative agents of cat scratch disease, Bartonella henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae, as well as ruminant-associated Bartonella sp., and haemotropic Mycoplasma haemofelis and ‘Candidatus M. haematominutum’. Human pathogenic Rickettsia helvetica, R. conorii subsp. raoultii, and R. felis were also identified. This study highlights the presence of diverse vector-borne pathogens in cats from densely populated regions, likely due to increased exposure to vectors in urban environments. The detection of these zoonotic pathogens in domestic cats, both pets and those in shelters, represents a significant public health concern in urban areas, underscoring the need for regular screening and effective vector control initiatives.

Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common human zoonoses caused by undercooked meat. Toxoplasma gondii is a foodborne parasitic protozoan that poses significant concerns for public health. The disease is estimated to affect around one-third of the world's human population and can affect almost all warmblooded animals. Detecting antibodies against T. gondii in livestock, such as cattle, and wildlife, such as deer, is crucial for understanding the spread and epidemiology of the parasite. The aim of the study was to analyse the prevalence of T. gondii in cattle housed under different conditions in Lithuania, as well as in wild red deer, and to assess the potential contamination of meat. Beef diaphragm muscle samples were collected from three slaughterhouses during the period from January to April 2024. Based on their housing systems, the cattle were classified as kept in closed and open environments. Deer diaphragm samples were collected during the hunting season in different regions of Lithuania from November 2022 to January 2023. The detection of T. gondii antibodies in meat juices was conducted using an indirect ELISA method (ID Screen® Toxoplasmosis Indirect Multispecies, ID.vet, France). A total of 47 beef diaphragm and 68 venison diaphragm samples were analysed. The findings revealed that 15 beef samples tested seropositive, indicating a prevalence rate of 31.9%. Additionally, seven samples were classified as equivocal (14.9%), while 25 were confirmed negative (53.2%). The average age of the sampled cattle was found to be 36.5 months. Notably, 12.8% of the cattle were housed in closed systems, whereas 87.2% were in open systems. Importantly, all positive samples originated from cattle in open systems, with a mean age of 39.2 months. Furthermore, no infections were identified in cattle younger than 12 months. Our findings showed a significantly higher prevalence of T. gondii infection in cattle housed in open systems than those in closed systems (P<0.05). The testing of venison samples showed that 12 of them were seropositive, indicating a prevalence rate of 8.2%. Additionally, four samples were classified as equivocal (2.7%), while 52 were confirmed negative (89.1%). All seropositive samples were derived from adult deer. The results show that cattle are frequently exposed to T. gondii, especially when kept in open systems. In contrast, the prevalence of T. gondii in deer samples was considerably lower, indicating that while deer can harbour the parasite, the transmission risk from venison appears to be less pronounced compared to beef. Of particular concern is that meat is not routinely tested for this parasite, neither in animals raised in Lithuania nor in imported meat products. To ensure food safety and quality throughout the food chain, further research is essential to determine the exact prevalence of T. gondii and identify effective measures to minimize the potential spread of the parasite along the epizootic chain, reducing the associated risk factors for infection.