Babesia gibsoni infection in dogs in Poland.

Canine babesiosis is a tickborne, protozoal, haemoparasitic disease. Babesia organisms are frequently classified as either large (B. canis) or small (B. gibsoni). The aim of this study was an attempt to detect B. gibsoni DNA in blood samples taken from dogs suspected of suffering from tick-borne diseases. 216 samples were tested using PCR, of which, in 99 of them B. canisDNA was detected, whereas in 3 of them B. gibsoni was detected. Positive PCR results for B. gibsoni were confirmed using a Qube MDx real-time analyzer. The results indicate that infec-tions with this B. gibsoni should be taken into account and included in the differential diagnosis of vector-borne diseases in dogs in Poland, and that the accurate identification of the species of parasite causing the infection is crucial for developing the correct treatment regimen and prognosis.

Study on establishing normal ranges of chosen biochemical parameters of haemolymph of Cornu aspersum maxima and Cepaea nemoralis gastropods.

The aim of the study was to establish normal ranges for chosen biochemical parameters of haemolymph of snails (Gasropoda: Mollusca), in the light of the use of these animals as experi- mental models in various types of studies. The study was conducted on 100 specimens of Cornu aspersum maxima (CAM) and 100 specimens of Cepaea nemoralis (CN). The haemolymph col- lected from the animals was analysed using colorimetry to assay aspartate transaminase (AST) activity, alanine transaminase (ALT) activity, amylase activity and the concentrations of urea and triglycerides. In the further part of the study, the influence of administering doxycycline with feed on the change of AST and ALT activity in snail haemolymph has been studied. The normal values established for CAM are as follow: AST activity: 26-38 u/l, ALT activity: 0-11 u/l, amylase activity 9-16 u/l, concentration of urea: 3-6 mg/dl, concentration of triglycerides: 16-20 mg/dl. For CN, the following data have been obtained: AST activity: 30-80 u/l, ALT activity: 0-15 u/l, amylase activity 12-15 u/l, concentration of urea: 5-8 mg/dl, concentration of triglycerides: 18-24 mg/dl. It has been shown that doxycycline presents a high workload on the hepatopancreas of snails, which is reflected by a statistically significant (p ⟨ 0.05) increase of AST and ALT activity in the haemolymph of the specimens which obtained doxycycline in feed, as compared to the groups with antibiotic-free feed. The haemolymph activity of both studied parameters increased together with study time and tetracycline administration time.

Serum malondialdehyde level and activity of total antioxidant status of dogs with age-related cataract.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: determination of malondialdehyde (MDA) level and total antioxidant status (TAS) in the serum of dogs with age-related cataract. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty dogs, 10-16 years of age, which were diagnosed with age-related cataract were examined. The control group consisted of 12 dogs, 8-13 years of age, without cataract. MDA was determined using a Perkin-Elmer LS 30 luminescence spectrometer using the method with thiobarbituric acid (TBA). TAS was determined using the colorimetric method with a set of Randox Total Antioxidant Status reagents. RESULTS: The results show a higher level of MDA with statistically significant difference and lower activity of TAS in the serum of dogs with age-related cataract. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained indicate higher systemic lipid peroxidation and weakening of the general defense system in dogs with age-related cataract. These results suggest that such conditions may have an effect on the development of age-related cataract and are consistent with the theory of free radical age-related cataract development.

Diurnal and seasonal changes in endogenous melatonin levels in the blood plasma in dogs.

This paper describes research on the levels of endogenous melatonin (MLT) in the blood serum in dogs in different seasons (March, June, September, December) and at different times of day (11:00, 12:00, 23:00, 24:00 and 1:00), using immunoassay method. Blood samples were collected in the diurnal cycle, in consecutive seasons. The conducted studies show that MLT levels undergo clear changes in both the diurnal cycle, as well as in seasonal one in this species.

Obesity in carnivores.

Obesity is the common nutritional disorder affecting more and more animals every year. Obese individuals have altered metabolism and disorders of many organs. Obesity may develop as a result of specific genetic, metabolic, nervous and environmental factors. Dietary management of obesity requires addressing the underlying metabolism of the animal, normalizing the glucose level and proper treatment of diabetes, which is usually associated with obesity. Novel nutrients like leptin, chromium, carnitine and starch added to the diet as well as new approaches in the obesity therapy are very important in successful weight management and treatment of this common disorder.