Laukutė, Monika

Background: Abdominal ultrasonography is widely used in veterinary practice, and it offers a valuable opportunity to identify early renal changes associated with non-azotemic chronic kidney disease (CKD). Measurement of cystatin C, a reliable glomerular filtration rate (GFR) that correlates with renal dysfunction, is not routinely performed, but may significantly aid in confirming the diagnosis. Aim: Although the relationship between CKD and ultrasonography, as well as the association between CKD and cystatin C, has been previously established, the direct correlation between these two diagnostic approaches remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate these methods in conjunction to determine whether additional diagnostics are indicated following screening abdominal ultrasonography in veterinary practice. Methods: A total of 24 dogs that had unrelated health issues and showed no clinical signs of renal disease were examined at LUHS Dr. L. Kriaučeliūnas Small Animal Clinic. All dogs underwent blood testing, including measurement of serum creatinine, urea, phosphorus, cystatin C, and abdominal ultrasonography was performed. During the ultrasonography examination, structural renal changes were assessed, including cortical echogenicity, corticomedullary ratio, medullary calcification, and cortical polycystosis. Findings were summarized as the number of distinct structural changes observed in the most affected kidney. Dogs were categorized based on cystatin C concentrations, which were solely used as a screening proxy for CKD rather than a definitive criterion; CKD was not confirmed longitudinally. Excel and SPSS were used to analyse connections. Results: 15 dogs had elevated cystatin C concentrations, whereas 9 dogs had values within reference intervals and were considered the control group. Increased cortical echogenicity (Fisher’s exact test, p < 0.001) and a reduced corticomedullary ratio (Fisher’s exact test, p < 0.05) were more commonly observed in dogs with elevated cystatin C. Medullary calcification and cortical polycystosis were not associated with cystatin C results (Fisher’s exact test, p > 0.05). No associations were identified between cystatin C concentration and other evaluated blood parameters. Comparing the median number of distinct structural renal changes, dogs with elevated cystatin C concentration had a higher median value (median = 2) compared to the control group (median = 0). It was determined that the difference was statistically significant (Fisher’s exact test; p < 0.001). Presence of at least one ultrasonographic abnormality demonstrated sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 56% for assumed non-azotemic CKD. Conclusion: These findings suggest that increased cortical echogenicity, reduced corticomedullary ratio, and a greater number of distinct structural renal changes may be associated with elevated cystatin C concentrations in dogs with potential non-azotemic CKD. However, given that cystatin C is only a GFR marker rather than a definitive CKD diagnostic standard, results should be interpreted cautiously. The presence of at least one ultrasonographic abnormality suggests relatively high sensitivity for potential CKD, limited specificity indicates a considerable risk of false-positive results, limiting the standalone results of screening ultrasonography. Key limitations in this study were defining CKD based on a single measurement of cystatin C and not persistent renal function changes, a small sample size, and a lack of kidney size assessment. Future studies with more robust diagnostic criteria are warranted.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal disease caused by a mutated form of feline coronavirus (FCoV). FCoV exists in two biotypes: the non-mutated feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) and the virulent feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV). Transmission occurs via the faecal–oral route, making multi-cat environments (e.g., catteries, shelters) high-risk settings [1, 2]. FIP can present in two main forms: effusive (wet) and non-effusive (dry), though clinical overlap is common [3]. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate immunological markers and ultrasonographic findings in cats with different forms of FIP diagnosed at a veterinary clinic between January 2023 and April 2025. Twelve cats were included (9 males, 3 females) across six breeds: mixed (n = 6), Cornish Rex (n = 2), Burmese (n = 1), Maine Coon (n = 1), Scottish Fold (n = 1), and British Shorthair (n = 1). The median age was 24 months (SD ± 37.38), with the majority (n = 8) over 12 months of age. FCoV antibody titers were higher in cats with mixed-form FIP compared with other forms, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Similarly, there was no significant difference in antibody levels between effusive and non-effusive forms (P > 0.05). The albumin-to-globulin (A/G) ratio was significantly lower in mixed-form FIP compared with other forms (P < 0.001), and lower in wet versus dry FIP (P < 0.01). Gamma-globulin levels were significantly elevated in both mixed-form (P < 0.001) and effusive FIP (P < 0.05) compared to dry FIP. Distinct immunological and ultrasonographic patterns were observed among FIP forms. These findings highlight the diagnostic value of serological markers and imaging findings in differentiating clinical manifestations of FIP and may aid in disease assessment and management.

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.

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].

Toxoplasma gondii infection is a widespread parasitic disease in dogs and cats, showing varying clinical manifestations from asymptomatic carriage to severe systemic illness [1]. This retrospective study analysed 83 naturally exposed animals (41 dogs, 42 cats) examined between January 2022 and June 2025. Animals were classified as symptomatic or asymptomatic based on clinical signs, including ocular, neurological, gastrointestinal, respiratory symptoms, and fever [2]. ELISA serology showed that cats had significantly higher T. gondii-specific IgG antibodies (P = 0.027) and globulin levels (P = 0.017) than dogs, indicating a stronger chronic humoral response; IgM differences were not statistically significant (P = 0.13). Symptomatic animals exhibited elevated IgG (P = 0.027), globulin (P = 0.017), total protein (P = 0.037), and creatinine (P = 0.029), suggesting immune activation with renal involvement [3]. Acute phase protein serum amyloid A tended to be raised in symptomatic cases (P = 0.089), whereas C-reactive protein levels showed no significant difference. Correlation analysis linked IgM titers with neutrophil percentage (r = 0.34), CRP (r = 0.46), and SAA (r = 0.62), marking acute infection, while IgG correlated positively with globulin (r = 0.36), total protein (r = 0.28), CRP (r = 0.49), and SAA (r = 0.45), reflecting chronic exposure and sustained immune system engagement [4]. These findings highlight important species-specific immunological differences, with cats exhibiting more robust IgG and globulin responses compared with dogs. Combining clinical presentation with serological and biochemical markers provides a comprehensive and practical approach for diagnosis, monitoring, and management of toxoplasmosis in companion animals. Furthermore, evidence of renal impairment and systemic inflammation in symptomatic cases underscores the necessity of thorough clinical evaluation and laboratory assessments for optimised therapeutic strategies and improved prognosis [5].

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.

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.

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.

Background: Ultrasound examination is a non – invasive, painless and fast diagnostic method that is widely used in veterinary medicine and helps to assess the condition of internal organs (1). The aim: This study aimed to determine the relationship between gallbladder wall thickness and cystic duct width based on feeding time. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted using data from 2023–2024, X small animal veterinary clinic. The study included 100 small animals – 60 dogs and 40 cats, who underwent abdominal ultrasound. All subjects had no history of hepatobiliary diseases. Dogs were fasted for 12 hours, while cats were fasted for 8 hours before the ultrasound. Gallbladder wall thickness and cystic duct width were measured from diagnostic ultrasound images. Relationship between these measurements and factors such as age, breed, weight and gender were analysed. Results: Statistical analysis revealed that the gallbladder wall thickness in cats did not differ statistically between fed and not fed (p>0.05), but it did differ statistically between fed and not fed dogs (p<0.05). Cystic duct width differs statistically between fed and not fed dogs and cats (p<0.05). In cats, an age predisposition was found for gallbladder wall thickness (p<0.05), but no weight, sex, breed predisposition was found (p>0.05). A weight predisposition was found for cat’s cystic duct width (p<0.05), but no age, sex, breed predisposition was found (p>0.05). In dogs, a weight predisposition was found for gallbladder wall thickness (p<0.05), but no age, sex, breed predisposition was found (p>0.05). A weight and age predisposition were found for dogs’ cystic duct width (p<0.05), but no sex or breed predisposition was found (p>0.05). Conclusion: The study highlights the significance of feeding time on gallbladder wall thickness in dogs, with notable age and weight predisposition observed in both species. Further research is needed to enhance diagnostic criteria for gallbladder and cystic duct evaluation in veterinary practice.

Introduction: Tick-borne infections are an increasing challenge in small animal veterinary practice across the Baltic region, where climatic and ecological conditions favor the proliferation of vector species such as Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus. Companion animals, particularly dogs, are highly exposed to tick habitats in both urban and rural areas, raising the risk of pathogen transmission and subsequent clinical disease. Methods: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of Babesia canis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in client-owned and working (primarily hunting) dogs presented at a veterinary clinic in Kaunas, Lithuania, during 2023–2024. A total of 203 blood samples were collected and analysed using a combination of molecular (PCR), serological, and morphological diagnostic techniques. Genetic sequencing was used for further characterization of the identified pathogens. Results: B. canis DNA was detected exclusively in pet dogs, with a notably high prevalence of 50.0% (54/108), indicating ongoing clinical relevance in urban veterinary settings. A. phagocytophilum was present in both pet and hunting dogs, with detection rates of 27.5% (14/51) and 4.4% (4/91), respectively. Although hunting dogs have increased exposure to ticks due to frequent activity in forested areas, the lower infection rate in this group may reflect more consistent implementation of ectoparasite control measures by their owners. Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of incorporating tick-borne disease screening into routine veterinary examinations, particularly in endemic areas. Early diagnosis, combined with regular use of acaricidal prophylaxis and owner education, remains key to reducing the clinical impact of these infections in the canine population.