Beata Dolka

Hematological parameters in relation to age, sex and biochemical values for mute swans (Cygnus olor).

The knowledge of the correct morphological and biochemical parameters in mute swans is an important indicator of their health status, body condition, adaptation to habitat and useful diagnostic tools in veterinary practice and ecological research. The aim of the study was to obtain hematological parameters in relation to age, sex and serum biochemistry values in wild-living mute swans. We found the significant differences in the erythrocyte count, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in relation to age of mute swans. There were no differences in hematological values between males and females. The leukogram and H/L ratio did not vary by age and sex in swans. Among of biochemical parameters the slightly increased AST, ALP, CK, K, urea, decreased CHOL and TG values were recorded. As far as we know, this is the first study in which the morphometric parameters of blood cells in mute swans were presented. We found extremely low concentration of lead in blood (at subtreshold level). No blood parasites were found in blood smears. The analysis of body mass and biometric parameters revealed a significant differences dependent on age and sex. No differences in the scaled mass index were found. Our results represent a normal hematologic and blood chemistry values and age-sex related changes, as reference values for the mute swan.

Draft Genome Sequences of Two Commensal Enterococcus cecorum Strains Isolated from Chickens in Belgium.

ABSTRACT Here, we report the draft genome sequences of two commensal Enterococcus cecorum strains (1710s23 and 1711s24), cultivated from the ceca of healthy laying hens originating from different farms in Belgium.

Multidrug therapy of Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium infection in experimentally inoculated budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus).

The aim of the study was to determine whether the four-month experimental therapy of mycobacteriosis in budgerigars may cause a complete recovery. A group of nine budgerigars was infected with a Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium isolate with proven pathogenicity for budgerigars. Five weeks post-inoculation, multidrug therapy was started. Another group comprising six birds received the same treatment but no infection, and the third group also comprising six birds was kept without infection or treatment as a control. The adopted antibiotic regimen included clarithromycin 61 mg/kg b.w., moxifloxacin 25 mg/kg b.w. and ethambutol 60 mg/kg b.w. administered by crop gavage every 12 h for 18 weeks. Despite a significant improvement in the condition of the infected, treated birds, the four-month therapy was not sufficient for the complete recovery of all.

Characterization of pathogenic Enterococcus cecorum from different poultry groups: Broiler chickens, layers, turkeys, and waterfowl

Enterococcus cecorum (EC) is known as a commensal in the intestines of mammals and birds. However, it has been described as an emerging pathogen in poultry industry worldwide. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare EC isolated from clinical material collected from poultry groups with different production purposes. The genetic diversity among pathogenic EC in relation to each specific poultry type was examined. In total, 148 isolates from independent infection outbreaks (2011–2016) were used: 76 broiler chickens (CB), 37 broiler breeders (BB), 23 layers (CL), 7 waterfowl (W) and 5 turkey (T) flocks (1 isolate/1 flock). We provided age ranges at diagnosis of EC-infection for 5 poultry groups. Isolates obtained from CB were significantly more frequently retrieved from bone marrow, joints, spine, and contrary to BB, CL less frequently retrieved from respiratory system. The study showed differences between EC of various poultry types in relation to 10/32 (31.3%) biochemical parameters. EC isolates from CB were significantly more often positive for βGAL, βNAG, MLZ, and less often positive for PAL and βMAN than isolates from other poultry types. However, BB and W isolates showed higher ability to metabolise mannitol than CB, CL, and T. CB isolates showed lower ability to survive at 60°C. Only chicken EC-isolates harbored virulence genes: CB (8.1%) > BB (3.4%) > CL (2%). No specific pulsotype of EC was associated with a specific poultry. One or several various (up to 6) genetic types of EC may be involved in outbreaks in CB flocks within one year in one region. Outbreaks reported in following years in the same region were usually caused by a distinct set of EC-genetic types. PFGE results indicated at the genetic heterogeneity among pathogenic isolates involved in outbreaks in relation to each poultry type. To our best knowledge, this is the first study which provides a comparison between clinical EC from 5 poultry groups. The study provides a new insight into EC as pathogen of different bird species. The obtained data may be useful in further studies on EC-infections more focused on a specific type of poultry.

Cloacal adenocarcinoma and mycobacteriosis in a White’s Tree Frog - case description

A ten-year-old female White’s tree frog (Litoria caerulea) with cloacal prolapse was submitted for clinical examination. Oedema and congestion of the cloacal mucous membrane was observed, with poorly visible nodules of approximately 0.4 cm in diameter. Moreover, lack of corneal transparency was observed (Fig. 1). The frog was kept together with three other individuals in a terrarium generously watered twice a day and equipped with one heated side wall and a bulb. The ambient temperature was 25-30°C. Daylight duration was 12 h. The frogs were fed using tweezers twice a week, mainly with mouse neonates, and less frequently with bees and cockroaches. Lack of corneal transparency was found in the other two females, but it was not found in the significantly thinner male. The cloaca was washed and disinfected with 0.3% gentamicin solution, after which it was replaced. For the following 4 days marbofloxacin (Marbocyl, Vetoquinol, France) was administered IM SID at 2 mg/kg and meloxicam (Metacam, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, Germany) was administered IM SID at 0.2 mg/kg. After a few days the cloaca prolapsed again, was replaced, and then prolapsed for a third time. In light of the further development of the nodular lesions on the prolapsed cloacal mucosa, euthanasia was decided. The frog was anesthesized with ketamine 100 mg/ kg bw (Ketamina 10%, Biowet Pulawy, Poland) with xylazine 10 mg/kg bw (Sedazin, Biowet Pulawy, Poland) in an IM injection (6), and subsequently administered 20 mg of pentobarbital sodium (Morbital, Biowet Pulawy, Poland) into the median abdominal vein. Immediately after death the frog was necropsied. During necropsy, the gut was taken for bacteriological examination, and sections of the liver, kidneys, ovary, skeletal muscle, heart, cloaca and eye were taken for histopathological examination (hematoxylin-eosin staining). The nodular lesions covered only the prolapsed area of the cloaca. No lesions in other organs were observed in the Cloacal adenocarcinoma and mycobacteriosis in a White’s Tree Frog – case description

Disseminated hyaline ring granuloma in the omentum of a dog

BackgroundHyaline ring granuloma (HRG) is an uncommon histopathologic finding of unsolved etiopathogenesis. According to the exogenous theory, HRG develops due to implantation of foreign material, most probably indigestible plant fragments. HRG is a comparatively rare condition in humans, mostly involving the oral cavity with very rare extraoral locations.Case presentationAn 1-year-old mixed-breed dog in good condition was presented for routine ovariohysterectomy. Disseminated HGR were accidentally found in the omental adipose tissue during surgery. Histopathology revealed the presence of ring-like hyaline structures surrounded by granulomatous inflammation including foreign body-type multinucleated giant cells. The histochemical examinations indicated the exogenous plant origin of the foreign material.ConclusionsThe lesions were similar to the findings in humans with HRG. The definitive diagnosis remains largely based on histopathological examination supported by special histochemical stains. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of hyaline ring granuloma reported in a non-human species. Moreover, the omentum is an uncommon location for this condition.

Invasion of Flukes of the Echinostomatidae Family in Racing Pigeon (Columba livia var. domestica) Lofts

SUMMARY Over 4 years, only two known cases of fluke invasions were diagnosed in racing pigeons (Columba livia) originating from different regions of Poland. In both cases, the invasion was characterized by a very high mortality (approximately 70%), and the source of the infestation was snails of the Lymnaeidae family eaten by pigeons. Fluke invasions in pigeons are extremely rare and to date have not been described in Poland. Therefore, the occurrence of the symptoms of hemorrhagic diarrhea and sudden deaths of either adult pigeons or nestlings were suspected to be associated with poisoning. Autopsy revealed an invasion of flukes causing hemorrhagic enteritis. Renal failure and spleen atrophy were also found in the birds. Using molecular biology techniques, infestation with the fluke Echinostoma revolutum was determined in the second case.

Draft Genome Sequences of Five Clinical Enterococcus cecorum Strains Isolated from Different Poultry Species in Poland.

ABSTRACT Here, we report five draft genome sequences of Enterococcus cecorum strains that were isolated from different bird species of affected poultry flocks (commercial broilers [CB], broiler breeders [BB], commercial layers [CL], ducks [D], and geese [G]) in Poland.