bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Restoration of nephrosplenic colonic entrapment with conservative treatment in 4 horses
Authors: ZAMBOULI (Δ.Α. ΖΑΜΠΟΥΛΗ) D. A. , DIAKAKIS (Ν. ΔΙΑΚΑΚΗΣ) N. , PATSIKAS (Μ.Ν. ΠΑΤΣΙΚΑΣ) M. N.
Published: February 2018

Nephrosplenic entrapment, or left dorsal displacement of the large colon, is a topographic abnormality of the left colon, which is displaced and entrapped over the nephrosplenic ligament. The purpose of this study was to present a conservative therapeutical scheme that led to the resolution of this rather common disease of the horse. Three geldings and one mare, with an age ranging from 9 to 14 years, were admitted with acute and severe colic associated with the absence of intestinal sounds on abdominal auscultation. The diagnosis of nephrosplenic entrapment in all these horses was based on rectal examination revealing bands of colon coming out of the nephrosplenic space and displacement of the pelvic flexure and spleen towards the midline and caudally. Abdominal ultrasonography, performed in two of the horses, confirmed the caudal displacement of the spleen and indirectly the tentative diagnosis. Resolution of nephrosplenic entrapment was achieved with repeated intravenous injections of a phenylephrine solution and institution of supportive treatment. Despite the guarded to poor prognosis, the nephrosplenic entrapment resolved by itself in a period lasting from 36 hours to 4 days after the initiation of the treatment. According to the results of this study, the repeated phenylephrine injections, along with close monitoring and supportive care, may lead to medical resolution of the colonic entrapment without surgical intervention.
Managing the transition period of dairy cows to prevent major metabolic postpartum disorders
Authors: BROZOS C. N. , KALAITZAKIS E. , PANOUSIS N.
Published: February 2018

The transition period refers to the time between 3-4 weeks prior to and 4 weeks after calving. This is the period with the highest incidence of metabolic and other periparturient disorders. Many of these disorders interrelated and often coincide. Proper management and nutrition of the transition cow are critical for obtaining maximum dry matter intake, good health, increased reproductive efficiency and optimum milk production in the following lactation. The present review is comprised from two parts. In the first one, selected information is provided concerning the most important metabolic diseases of the transition period (hypocalcemia, ketosis) and, in brief, how hypocalcemia is interrelated to other diseases (mastitis, metritis, retained fetal membranes and abomasal displacement). In the second part, up-to-date nutritional methods applied in the transition period to prevent these metabolic periparturient diseases, with emphasis in hypocalcemia, are described.
Thermokeratoplasty for treatment of indolent corneal ulcer of endothelial origin in the dog. Report of two cases
Authors: LIAPIS (Ι. Κ. ΛΙΑΠΗΣ) C. I.
Published: February 2018

Two cases of endothelial degeneration and indolent corneal ulcer are reported. In the first case, a 14-year-old, female Dalmatian dog had a 1-year history of endothelial degeneration and an indolent corneal ulcer of 2 months duration. In the second case a 10-year-old, male Springer spaniel dog, had a 6 months history of endothelial degeneration and an indolent corneal ulcer of 1 month duration. In both cases medical and surgical treatment had failed. Thermokeratoplasty was performed in both cases, followed by soft contact lens application and administration of topical antibiotics and mydriatics/cycloplegics. The healing time was 4 and 5 weeks respectively. In both cases the result was in accordance with the previously reported cases confirming that thermokeratoplasty is the treatment of choice in case of indolent corneal ulcer of endothelial origin.
Histochemical and biochemical study of rabbit intestine in healthy and affected by epizootic enteropathy animals
Authors: XYLOURI (Ε. Μ. ΞΥΛΟΥΡΗ) E. M. , SABATAKOU (Ο. ΣΑΜΠΑΤΑΚΟΥ) O. A. , KALDRYMIDOU (Ε. ΚΑΛΔΡΥΜΙΔΟΥ) E. , SOTIRAKOGLOU (Α. Κ. ΣΩΤΗΡΑΚΟΓΛΟΥ) K. A. , FRAGKIADAKIS (Μ. Γ. ΦΡΑΓΚΙΑΔΑΚΗΣ) G. M. , NOIKOKYRIS (Π. Ν. ΝΟΙΚΟΚΥΡΗΣ) P. N.
Published: February 2018

Rabbits are suffering from Epizootic Rabbit Enteropathy (ERE), a new gastro-intestinal syndrome of unknown aetiology. ERE has not yet been investigated thoroughly from the patho-physiological point of view of the intestine malfunction during the intestine dysbiosis. For this reason, the aim of the present research was to study the haematological profile, the intestine histopathology and certain biochemical parameters (α-amylase activity, blood glucose concentration) of animals affected by ERE in comparison with those of healthy rabbits of the same age. In six healthy and six, affected by ERE, crossbreed New Zealand X California 35-day old rabbits, the following analyses were performed: Total blood count, histopathological morphology of the intestine, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) distribution in intestine brush border and α-amylase activity in blood plasma and small intestine epithelium, respectively. Total blood count showed significantly (at 95% confidence level) decreased values for all blood parameters except for the white blood cell count, which proved to be significantly higher compared in ERE rabbits to that of normal rabbits. The a-amylase activity and concentration in blood plasma and intestinal epithelium were significantly (a=0.05) decreased, in contrast to blood glucose concentration, that was found to be significantly increased in ERE rabbits. Stomach was full of watery content, intestine presented non-specific enteropathy and mainly the small intestine was full of gas and watery content. Caecal and colon presented impaction and mucus was present in the colon. The histopathological evaluation of the ileum, sacculus rotundus, caecum and colon presented, mainly, lamina propria mononuclear cell infiltration and swelling, vacuolation, flattening and denuding of the enterocytes as well as oedematous lymphoid tissues. Duodenum had necrotic villi and deep infiltration with mononuclear and polymorphonuclear cells, within the lamina propria. Also swelling, vacuolation, flattening, enterocytes denuding and oedematous lymphoid tissue were observed. Jejunum had no lesions. The caecum and the colon presented an ALP positive reaction along the brush border of the epithelial cells. The small intestine presented a positive reaction along the brush border of intestinal glands-upper part- cells only and the bases of a few of the villi.
Haematology values and effect of age and reproductive stage on haematological parameters of Chios sheep
Authors: PANOUSIS (Ν.Κ. ΠΑΝΟΥΣΗΣ) N. K. , KRITSEPI-KONSTANTINOU (Μ. ΚΡΙΤΣΕΠΗ-ΚΩΝΣΤΑΝΤΙΝΟΥ) M. , GIADINIS (Ν.Δ. ΓΙΑΔΙΝΗΣ) N. D. , KALAITZAKIS (Ε. ΚΑΛΑΪΤΖΑΚΗΣ) E. , POLIZOPOULOU (Ζ. ΠΟΛΥΖΟΠΟΥΛΟΥ) Z. , KARATZIAS (Χ. ΚΑΡΑΤΖΙΑΣ) H.
Published: February 2018

The main aim of the present study was to determine the values of the haematological parameters of dairy sheep reared under intensive and semi-intensive conditions, as well as to test for the effects of age and reproductive stage of the animals on the values of these parameters. In total, 200 clinically healthy Chios sheep from 10 farms of Central Macedonia were used in the study. For the determination of the effect of age 150 sheep were assigned in three groups. Group A consisted of 50 lambs aged 3-6 months (meantSD: 4.45±1.22 months), group Β of 50 non-pregnant ewes into lactation aged 1-3 years (meantSD: 2.18±0.74 years) and group C of 50 non-pregnant ewes into lactation aged more than 3 years (meantSD: 5.88±1.87 years). For evaluating the effect of reproductive status 50 pregnant ewes in dry period were used, 15-30 days before the expected day of lambing (group D), along with the 100 non-pregnant ewes into lactation of groups Β and C (group E). Blood sampling was performed once, in dry ewes from December to January, and in lambs and lactating ewes from March to May. The mean values of the determined haematological parameters were within the range provided by the literature, except for red blood cells count of ewes. The results also showed that haematocrit, haemoglobin concentration and red blood cells, white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils and platelets count were significantly affected by the age; only monocytes and eosinophils count by the reproductive stage of the animals.
Food as a passible source af H5N1 influenza virus infection in mammals
Authors: PENSAERT M. , KYRIAKIS C. S. , Van REETH K.
Published: February 2018

The recent infections of humans and other mammals with die highly padiogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus have raised questions about the safety of the consumption of poultry products. The aim of this review is to collect and present information regarding the risk of infection in humans with H5N1 virus via the oral route. The presence of virus in edible poultry products and the chances for viral entry via the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, from a pathogenetic point of view, are the main focus points. The transmission of H5N1 from poultry to humans is a rare event which has been associated with very close contact with infected animals. It is generally accepted that the most likely candidate routes for the virus entry are the oropharygeal and/or respiratory tract tissues where virus replication may occur and leading to clinical symptoms. However, the low number of human cases, compared to the high number of humans that have been exposed to H5N1 virus infected animals, shows clearly that a readily accessible portal of entry does not exist. The possibility of virus entry through the GI tract has been proposed, but, so far, no proof that the virus can replicate in the human intestines has been shown. The presence of diarrhoea in several patients and the detection of viral RNA in the intestines and rectal swabs of 3 patients do not allow one to safely conclude that the GI tract can serve as a portal of entry or a target organ. Furthermore, the occurrence of disease has not clearly or definitely been associated with the consumption of poultry meat in any human case. Feline species, on the other hand, have been naturally and experimentally infected after the consumption of infected poultry. However, also in these mammals, it was not established that the intestine is the initial portal of entry of the virus. In conclusion, the possibility that the intestinal tract serves as a portal of entry in mammals remains unlikely, since there is no convincing evidence that the GI tract tissues can support virus replication. It can, however, not be excluded that food containing virus may be a source of infection when passing oropharyngeal tissues, which have been identified as target sites for virus replication.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a swine model of cardiac arrest
Authors: XANTHOS (Θ. ΞΑΝΘΟΣ) T. , BASSIAKOU (Ε. ΜΠΑΣΙΑΚΟΥ) E. , PAPADIMITRIOU (Δ. ΠΑΠΑΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΥ) D. , KOUDOUNA (Ε. ΚΟΥΔΟΥΝΑ) E. , LELOVAS (Π. ΛΕΛΟΒΑΣ) P. , PAPADIMITRIOU (Λ. ΠΑΠΑΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΥ) L.
Published: February 2018

Introduction: Cardiac arrest (CA) is a daunting medical emergency. In order to answer various questions regarding CA, and furthermore to implement novel therapeutic strategies, various animal models have been used.Aim: The aim of the present study is to describe the experimental model of CA and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), developed in our department.Materials and methods: Twenty pigs were anaesthetized and intubated. The internal jugular veins were surgically prepared, together with the carotid artery. Ventricular fibrillation (VF) was induced with an ordinary lithium battery through a pacing wire inserted into the right ventricle. The animals were resuscitated with the 2005 advanced life support algorythm (ALS), as proposed by International organizations. If the animals restored spontaneous circulation, they were further monitored for 30 minutes.Results: Nine animals restored spontaneous circulation with the implementation of the aforementioned protocol. Successful resuscitation was associated with the coronary perfusion pressure and PETCQ2 during external cardiac compressions.Conclusions: The use of an ordinary lithium battery is a safe and efficient way to induce CA. Swine baseline hemodynamics closely resemble those of human, making the swine model, a favorable model for experimental CA-induction and CPR.
Recommendations for the safe transport and delivery of laboratory animals to research centres
Authors: DONTAS (I.A. ΔΟΝΤΑ) I. A , MARINOU (K.A. ΜΑΡΙΝΟΥ) K. A.
Published: February 2018

This paper reviews the current requirements for the transport and delivery of laboratory animals to research centres, in order to achieve an optimum level of their health and welfare. Transport conditions, delivery and reception of animals at the facility, their clinical examination by a veterinarian and management during the acclimatization period are considered to be of maximum importance for the preservation of their health and welfare status, as well as for the validity of experimental results. The current existing legislation and the recommendations issued by European and international organizations are presented, taking into account the fact that they are under continuous update according to new scientific evidence.
Canola meal in cattle rations
Authors: VALERGAKIS (Γ. Ε. ΒΑΛΕΡΓΑΚΗΣ) G. E. , OIKONOMOU (Γ. ΟΙΚΟΝΌΜΟΥ) G.
Published: February 2018

European Union's policy to promote the production of "bio-fuel" from "energy plants" creates a favourable perspective for rapeseed production in Greece. Rapeseed oil is used to produce "bio-diesel" and after its extraction, a high-protein meal results. Greece is a net importer of protein feeds, which means that a great opportunity arises for the local animal industry. It must be noted that the varieties of rapeseed that are currently used ("canola" or "double zero") contain only minimum amounts of the toxic factors (erucic acid and glucosinolates) of older varieties. In this study, we present: a) the oil extraction method which can affect the quality of canola meal, b) the chemical composition, the nutritive value and the qualitative characteristics of canola meal's nitrogen fraction, c) the use of canola meal in cattle rations and the productivity of cattle receiving these rations and d) the results of a simulation concerning the use and the profitability of canola meal under Greek conditions. Canola meal has a lower nutritional value compared to soybean meal, but not compared to cottonseed and sunflower meals. It presents some interesting features, namely a high methionine, calcium and phosphorus content and significant amounts can be included in balanced cattle rations (15-20% of dry matter), without any negative effect on feed consumption or animal productivity. Canola meal use in cattle rations is profitable when its price is less than 70-75% ofthat of soybean meal.
Cardiac tamponade secondary to hemorrhagic pericardial effiision in five dogs
Authors: HATZIGIANNAKIS (Χ.Γ. ΧΑΤΖΗΓΙΑΝΝΑΚΗΣ) C. G. , MYLONAKIS (Μ. Ε. ΜΥΛΩΝΑΚΗΣ) M. E. , SARIDOMICHELAKIS (Μ.Ν. ΣΑΡΙΔΟΜΙΧΕΛΑΚΗΣ) M. N. , PATSIKAS (Μ. ΠΑΤΣΙΚΑΣ) M. , PSALLA (Δ. ΨΑΛΛΑ) D. , KOUTINAS (Α.Φ. ΚΟΥΤΙΝΑΣ) A. F.
Published: February 2018

A 7-year old female collie (case 1), a 3-year old male Caucasian-cross (case 2) and three male German shepherds with an age of 11 (case 3), 8.5 (case 4) and 10 (case 5) years, respectively, were admitted with a history of decreased appetite, depression, exercise intolerance, dyspnea and progressive abdominal enlargement, for the last 10 to 60 days. Poor body condition (5/5), muffled heart sounds (5/5), weak femoral pulse (5/5), ascites (5/5), inspiratory or inspiratory-expiratory dyspnea (5/5), pulsus paradoxus (2/5) and jugular vein distension (2/5) were the prominent clinical findings, while mature neutrophilic leukocytosis (3/5), lymphopenia (3/5), eosinopenia (3/5), hypoproteinemia (5/5) and increased urea nitrogen (3/5) were the most prevalent clinicopathologic abnormalities. Apart from a space-occupying lesion onto the right atrial wall of one dog (case 4), radiographic and ultrasound examination showed a globe-shaped cardiac silhouette (5/5), pericardial effusion (5/5), ascites (5/5) and pleural effusion (4/5). A large amount of non-clotting hemorrhagic effusion was drained during pericardiocentesis, resulting in rapid clinical recovery. Physical, chemical and cytological evaluation of the pericardial fluid was non-contributory in the differentiation between neoplastic and non-neoplastic causes of these effusions. Case 3 died 25 days post-pericardiocentesis; right atrium hemangiosarcoma and pulmonary metastases were documented on post mortem histopathological examination. Another dog (case 5) died of unknown causes one month after pericardiocentensis. On the contrary, dogs 1, 2 and 4 were still clinically healthy for a followup period of 16, 2 and 8 months, respectively.
Aquaculture systems and pathological problems of new species reared in fresh water in Greece
Authors: RAGIAS (Β. ΡΑΓΙΑΣ) B. , ATHANASSOPOULOU (Φ. ΑΘΑΝΑΣΟΠΟΥΛΟΥ) F.
Published: February 2018

Published data on growth and pathology of the fish species: Mugil cephalus (mullet) and Acipenser gueldestaedi (sturgeon), under intensive culture, is limited. In particular, data on dietary requirements is non-existing. For the artificial feeding of these fish, other feeds originally prepared for other cultured fish species are used (trout and/or sea bass, sea bream pelleted feeds). Mugil cephalus is very tolerant to intensive rearing and the main problem observed was recurrent infections by Chilodonella sp. Mugilids reared in lagoons are infected with a variety of parasites, but these do not cause problems and mortality. Acipenser gueldestaedi is a very desirable fish for rearing, because of the fast growth rate, the good digestibility of food, even with no specific diets and the ability to be cultured under different systems. Furthermore, it has a wide temperature tolerance, it is very tolerant to stress and the mortality at fish> 5cm is less than 5%. Disease experiences from rearing sturgeon are reported mainly from N. America and concern viral infections. In Greece, Acipenser gueldestaedi seems to be very susceptible to both Noda virus and spinal deformities after the weight of 500g. Fish in open flow systems started to show skeletal abnormalities with increasing prevalence. Histopathology investigations, both in Greece and Canada, were inconclusive as to the aetiology of these skeletal deformities. These could not be proved to be associated with the feed of the fish. These deformities have been observed before in cultured sturgeon, but they are not yet fully investigated. At a later stage, fish cannot swim properly, do not feed and soon succumb to secondary infections by Aeromonas hydrophila.
Histopathological alterations of gonads in teleosts
Authors: KOKOKIRIS (Λ. ΚΟΚΟΚΥΡΗΣ) L. , RAGIAS (Β. ΡΑΓΙΑΣ) V. , ATHANASSOPOULOU (ΑΘΑΝΑΣΟΠΟΥΛΟΥ Φ.) F.
Published: February 2018

A systematic presentation of various histological changes in teleosts gonads is presented, as well as the pathological changes caused by environmental stress. Under conditions of environmental stress (e.g. pollution) or even inappropriate environmental conditions, the gonadal histological changes include the expansive atresia, the modification of characteristics of ovogenesis (size and intensity of pigmentation of lipid globules), the necrosis of sperm, the proliferation of Sertoli cells, the presence of brown-yellow bodies, parasites, neoplasias and gonadal cysts. The knowledge of histological changes can be very useful for the identification of factors affecting the reproductive health of fish populations and the way they affect them.
Current aspects ση the anthelmintic management of gastrointestinal tapeworms and nematodes in the dog and cat
Authors: TAPES (Δ. Κ. ΤΑΠΕΣ) D. K. , MYLONAKIS (Μ. Ε. ΜΥΛΩΝΑΚΗΣ) M. E. , PAPADOPOULOS (Η. ΠΑΠΑΔΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ) E. , KOUTINAS (Α. Φ. ΚΟΥΤΙΝΑΣ) A. F.
Published: February 2018

Gastrointestinal parasitic infections in dogs and cats are a common problem in the clinical setting. Ascarids, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms should be eliminated on a regular basis, not only to avoid possible health implications on the host itself, but also for the zoonotic potential of certain helminthes (ascarids, hookworms, Echinococcus spp.). Of the highly efficacious and safe medications that eliminate gastrointestinal helminths, commercially available in Greece are benzimidazoles, macrocyclic lactones, tetrahydropyrimidines and isokinolones. Since puppies, kittens, pregnant and nursing animals have a greater risk to acquire gastrointestinal parasites, more intensive anthelmintic schedules are usually instituted. In the less than 6-month old domestic carnivores, deworming should begin at the age of 2-3 weeks and proceed at biweekly intervals through the 12th week, followed thereafter by monthly administrations of the anthelmintics up to the age of 6 months. Nursing bitches and queens should be treated along with their offspring, since they often develop patent infections at that period of time. In animals older than 6 months, faecal examinations should be performed two to four times yearly, followed by the appropriate parasiticidal medication. In dogs which regularly receive heartworm preventatives, deworming schedules have to be modified according to their anthelmintic spectrum.
Use of mesophilic Lactic Acid Bacteria in the manufacture of Feta cheese
Authors: KARAGEORGIS (Σ.Β. ΚΑΡΑΓΕΩΡΓΗΣ) S. B. , PAPAGEORGIOU (Δ.Κ. ΠΑΠΑΓΕΩΡΓΙΟΥ) D. K. , MANTIS (Α.Ι. ΜΑΝΤΗΣ) A. I. , GEORGAKIS (Σ.Α ΓΕΩΡΓΑΚΗΣ) S. A.
Published: February 2018

The use of mesophilic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in the manufacture of Feta cheese was studied. Five selected mesophilic strains, confirmed as Lactobacillus plantarum (2 strains), Lb. paracasei subsp. paracasein Lb. brevis and Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, isolated from ripened Feta and Teleme cheeses, were used in 7 different combinations, alone or in combination with Lb. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus (the control combination) for the manufacture of Feta cheese. Each combination of strains was used to prepare four different batches of Feta cheese, keeping all the other production parameters according to the traditional technology. The cheese batches were analyzed for bacteriological, chemical and sensory characteristics. The results showed that the populations of lactobacilli and lactococci increased from the beginning of the cheese manufacture reaching a population of more than 7.0 log10cfu/g. This level was maintained during the whole ripening period (60 days) and during the subsequent 60-day storage period. Only in batches prepared with the control combination F8 {Str. thermophilus I Lb. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus), did the population of LAB decline to 6.0 log10cfu/g at the end of the ripening period. Also, except for the yeast population which increased, in all other bacterial groups tested (coliforms, staphylococci, total contaminating bacteria, psychrotrophic bacteria, proteolytic and lipolytic bacteria) populations gradually decreased during the ripening period. Results of the chemical analysis showed a sharp increase in acidity (the cheese pH dropped to ca. 4.5 within 3-4 d) and, whereas the values of other chemical indices (moisture content, fat content and NaCl) were stabilized between the 15* and 30* day of ripening, proteolysis (nitrogen soluble in 12% TCA) and lipolysis (ADV) progressed throughout ripening. The assessment of the overall acceptance by the sensory panel was between "very good" and "excellent" for all cheeses. This suggests that the selected mesophilic starter cultures can be used alone or in combination with the traditional culture {Lb.delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus I Str. thermophilus) in the production of Feta cheese, as the results of this work indicate that the wild (autochthonous) strains of Lb. plantarum and Lc. lactis subsp. Lactis are well adapted to the environmental conditions that prevail in Feta cheese. Batches prepared using these mesophilic starters received the highest score in the assessment of organoleptic quality of Feta cheese. Very good results were also obtained using the combination of the mesophilic starters Lb. brevis and Lc. lactis subsp. lactis or Lb. paracasei subsp. paracasei and Lc. lactis subsp. lactis alone or in combination with Lb. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Str. thermophilus.
Small hive beetle [SHB], Aethina tumida
Authors: KOKKINIS (M. Ι. ΚΟΚΚΙΝΗΣ) M. I.
Published: February 2018

Small hive beetle [SHB], Aethina tumida, is a honeybee parasite native to Africa, where it is only a minor pest of the African subspecies damaging weak or stressed colonies, abandoned honeybee nests and stored bee products. In contrast, it can be a harmful parasite of European honeybee A. meìlifera. In this paper, the literature concerning morphology, biology, longevity and reproductive success of SHB, as well as host-parasite relationships, are reviewed. Distribution, potential damages to colonies, stored honey and equipment, as well as the economic importance of beede infestations, are presented. Moreover, diagnosis methods, control methods and strategies are also reviewed.
Synovial fluid analysis in companion animal medicine
Authors: PRASSINOS (N.N. ΠΡΑΣΙΝΟΣ) N. N. , SIDERI (Α.Ι. ΣΙΔΕΡΗ) K. I. , POLIZOPOULOU (Ζ.Σ. ΠΟΛΥΖΟΠΟΥΛΟΥ) Z. S.
Published: February 2018

Synovial fluid analysis is an integral part of the diagnostic approach of joint disorders in companion animal medicine. It mainly helps the veterinarian to differentiateinflammatory from non-inflammatory and infectious from noninfectious joint diseases. Routine synovial fluid analysis should include evaluation of the physical characteristics, cytologic and microbiologic examination, mucin clot test and total protein concentration, while specialized tests (glucose concentration, enzyme levels, crystals, pH, immunological studies) are also performed occasionally. This paper describes the methodology of synovial fluid analysis and discusses its interpretation.
Alternative medicine in aquaculture
Authors: TSANTILAS (Η. ΤΣΑΝΤΗΛΑΣ) H. , GOLOMAZOU (Ε. ΓΚΟΛΟΜΑΖΟΥ) E. , ATHANASSOPOULOU (ΑΘΑΝΑΣΟΠΟΥΛΟΥ Φ.) F.
Published: February 2018

The use of alternative treatments in the aquaculture and more generally in production animals has become in our days imperative for important reasons. The common veterinary medicines, that until now were used widely in production animals, have been submitted in strictest controls and legislative restrictions. Furthermore, the overuse of such medicines has led to the creation of resistant bacterial shains, which had as a result the reduction of efficacy of treatments. The use of herbs, i.e. plant organisms with therapeutic attributes, constitutes an alternative treatment, that originates in the culture of many native populations. Their application, however, in fish has appeared only in few the last years and in a limited scale. Nevertheless, the results are satisfactory and encouraging for further experimentations. The probiotics, live microbial supplements of diet, constitute an innovation in the alternative treatments. The use of such substances, since the beginning of the last century, appears to be beneficial in the treatment of various pathological situations and has been applied also in fish. Finally, salt is also included in alternative treatments. The fluctuation of water salinity results in an effective treatment of mainly ectoparasites of fish.
Equine Sesamoiditis: Report on one case
Authors: DIAKAKIS (Ν.ΔΙΑΚΑΚΗΣ) N. , MARAKI (M. MAPAKH) M. , PATSIKAS (Μ. ΠΑΤΣΙΚΑΣ) M. , DESIRIS (Α. ΔΕΣΙΡΗΣ) A.
Published: February 2018

Sesamoiditis is the inflammation of the proximal sesamoid bones. The aetiopathogenesis of sesamoiditis is still open to discussion, while several therapeutic protocols have been put forward. This study presents the case of a l6year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding with sesamoiditis of the right forelimb. A right forelimb lameness (3/10), with a positive lower limb flexion test (5/10) was noted, and enlargement of the soft tissues of the right fore fedock. Based on the positive low four point nerve block, radiographic examination of the fedock revealed the presence of numerous radiolucent areas along the palmar aspect of the sesamoidean bones, but only minimal new bone formation on its base. An ultrasonographic evaluation of the suspensory ligament and the distal sesamoidean ligaments was made, something which did not detect any abnormalities. Phenylobutazone (4mg/kg i.v. SID) was administered for five days and, also, local hydrotherapy with cold water was used and the horse was given a 15- day box rest. The horse was re-examined three months following the initial inspection. The radiographic examination of the fetlock showed the same lesions with the initial examination. The second ultrasonographic evaluation, though, showed enlargement by 50% of the lateral branch of the suspensory ligament with loss of the normal outline. Moreover, anechoic areas were noted within the branch with calcification at its insertion site. To address the inflammation phenylobutazone (4mg/kg i.v.) was administered for ten days and, also, local hydrotherapy with cold water was used. Box-rest for 30 days was recommended. In the end of this period there was no inflammation in the fetlock region. A blister (TWYDIL liquid blister®) was used in order to resolve the chronic inflammation of the suspensory apparatus. The horse was then given three weeks of box rest and received correcting shoeing (egg- bar shoe with elevated heels and rolled- toe). It was then put in a gradually increasingexercise program.
Canine dermatomyositis: A case report
Authors: PAPADOGIANNAKIS (E. Ι. ΠΑΠΑΔΟΓΙΑΝΝΑΚΗΣ) E. I. , KONTOS (Β. Ι. ΚΟΝΤΟΣ) V. I. , TONTIS (Δ. ΤΟΝΤΗΣ) D.
Published: February 2018

This article describes a case of canine dermatomyositis in a German shepherd cross. The dog exhibited skin lesions on the ear pinnae, legs, face and the tail, along with mastication difficulty and atrophy of the temporal and masticatory muscles. Histopathological lesions of the skin were characterized by vacuolar degeneration of basal cells, dermoepidermal clefts and vasculitis, while the respective lesions of masticatory muscles by inflammation, phagocytosis and disruption of muscle fibers. Vitamin E and pentoxyphylline administration was unsuccessful.
Determination of breakthrough maternal antibodies titres by two intermediate and two intermediate plus vaccine strains against Gumboro disease, in commercial broilers
Authors: BOUGIOUKLIS (Π. ΜΠΟΥΠΟΥΚΛΗΣ) P. , GEORGOPOULOU (Ι. ΓΕΩΡΓΟΠΟΥΛΟΥ) I. , IORDANIDIS (Π. ΙΟΡΔΑΝΙΔΗΣ) P.
Published: February 2018

Two field trials (termed A and B) were carried out on 4 farms (groups) with 20,000 broilers each. The groups in A and Β were named Al, A2, A3, A4 and Bl, B2, B3, B4, respectively. The chicks in A were hatched from breeders of 39, 43, 46, and 56 weeks-old and in Β from 27, 31, 52, and 54 weeks-old. One vaccination to each group was administered against Gumboro in drinking water, in each trial. Intermediate plus vaccines I and II were used in groups 1 and 2 and intermediate I and II in groups 3 and 4. In A the vaccinations were conducted when the chicks were 15-days-old and in Β at 19-days-old. In both trials blood samples were collected at 8, 15, 19, 23, 30 and 37 days of age. Serum examinations by ELISA established that in groups Al, A2, A3 and A4 vaccinations were carried out in the presence of mean maternal antibody titres 7.1 log2, 7.2 log2, 6.3 log2 and 6.4 log2, respectively. A regression of antibodies up to 37 days were observed in these 4 groups. In groups Bl,  B2, B3 and B4 the vaccinations were carrie out in the presence of mean maternal antibody titres 7.3 log2, 7.4 log2,3.2 log2 and 3.3 log2, respectively. A strong serological response from 30 days was observed in these 4 groups. It is remarkable that intermediate plus vaccines to 7.3log2 and 7.41og2 mean maternal antibody titres caused active immune response in groups Bl and B2, respectively, contrary to what happened to similar titres in groups Al and A2. This important observation showed that age may be one of the main factors that influences the effectiveness of vaccinations, as well as the interference of maternal antibodies and the virulence of vaccines strains. The results of both field trials indicate that both intermediate vaccines at 15-days-old did not breakthrough mean maternal antibody titres higher than 6.3 log2, whereas intermediate plus vaccines succeded to breakthrough mean maternal antibody titres lower than 7.4 log2 at 19-days-old.
Laboratory animal facility management
Authors: KOSTOMITSOPOULOS (Ν.Γ. ΚΩΣΤΟΜΗΤΣΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ) N. G.
Published: February 2018

The successful management of a laboratory animal facility is based on the design and implementation of a management program, which in most cases covers the minimum legislative requirements and goes further, in order to achieve more in the field of animal welfare. A complete management program should consist of the following main points: a) Monitoring of animal housing, the macro- and microenvironment of the animals, b) veterinary medical care, c) monitoring of electromechanical equipment and the overall construction of the animal facility, and designing of emergency and disaster plans, d) monitoring of the overall program by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee responsible to oversee and evaluate the management program of the facility, e) education and training of personnel and f) the implementation of an occupational health and safety program.
Sevoflurane and its use in veterinary practice
Authors: MANTZIARAS (Γ. ΜΑΝΤΖΙΑΡΑΣ) G. I. , KOSTOMTSOPOULOS (Ν. ΚΩΣΤΟΜΗΤΣΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ) N. , RAPTOPOULOS (Δ. ΡΑΠΤΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ) D.
Published: February 2018

In clinical practice die anaesthetist often faces die dilemma of choosing die best fitting agem from a wide variety of injectable and volatile anaesdietic drugs. Meanwhile, die continuous progress of anaesthesiology offers new drugs and modern Techniques, making die final choice even more difficult. Sevoflurane is a new volatile anaesthetic agent, which is nowadays increasingly used in veterinary anaesthesia. It is a fluorinated derivative of methyl- isopropyl-ether. At room temperature it is a non-flammable, non-explosive, colourless liquid, with a pleasant smell. The aim of this review article is to present the basic attributes of sevoflurane and its use in veterinary practice. Its most important physical and chemical properties and their clinical implications, as well as its pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, metabolism and potential toxicity are presented. Furthermore, sevoflurane is compared with other commonly used volatile anaesthetic agents and its use in anaesthesia of various companion, large and laboratory animals is discussed. Examples of sevoflurane administration, and of possible combinations with other drugs used in veterinary anaesthesia, are also given.
Persistent viral infections in farm and companion animals: mechanisms of establishment and maintenance of viral persistence
Authors: PAPANASTASOPOULOU (Μ. ΠΑΠΑΝΑΣΤΑΣΟΠΟΥΛΟΥ) M.
Published: February 2018

In persistent viral infections the responsible virus is not eliminated by the host's immune system, but it is maintained in infected cells for months, years or lifetime and it is excreted periodically or continuously. The carrier animal may either appear healthy or show clinical signs. The epizootiologic importance of persistent infections is of compelling interest, since the asymptomatic carriers become a permanent source of viral dissemination that can transport the virus across long-distances and reintroduce it into a given herd, region or country, where the disease had been eliminated. Moreover, a persistent viral infection may be reactivated and cause recrudescent episodes of disease, may lead to immunopathologic or neoplastic disease in the individual host and yet may be transmitted to other animals or to the humans via contaminated materials of animal origin. The economic losses are significant at both farm and national level. Fifty four RNA or DNA viruses induce persistent infections in farm and companion animals. In particular, 14 viruses cause persistent infections in bovines, 7 in small ruminants, 9 in swine, 11 in equines, 8 in cats and 5 in dogs. The majority of these infections are caused by retroviruses and herpesviruses. For a virus to establish and maintain persistent infection, it should have limited cytolytic action, it should be able to maintain its genome within host cells over time and to evade the immune defence mechanisms of the host. The preventive measures are largely based either on the immunization of susceptible animals or on the eradication of the disease by stamping-out policy. The currendy available vaccines are inactivated or live attenuated. Most of them are prepared by conventional methods, but they also exist those that are biotechnologicaUy engineered, such as vector vaccines marker vaccines or subunit vaccines. A major advantage related to the use of marker vaccines is that vaccinated animals can potentially be differentiated from the naturally infected ones by this process.
Investment plan for decreasing the cow milk production cost
Authors: VALERGAKIS (Γ. ΒΑΛΕΡΓΑΚΗΣ) G. , BANOS (Γ. ΜΠΑΝΟΣ) G.
Published: February 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of decreasing cow milk production cost with an investment plan, using a sample of 120 medium and large size dairy farms in Central Macedonia. Cost reduction is considered necessary either for improving the dairy farmers' income or for maintaining it in current levels as falling milk prices are expected as a result of the new Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union. Three cost reducing factors were examined: a) increasing size of the farm (number of cows), b) increasing annual milk yield per cow and c) increasing the proportion of on-farm produced feedstuff. All three factors had significant effect on reducing cow milk production cost (P<0.01). However, while cost reduction by 1% would require increasing the number of cows by 28.3% (from an average of 86.9 to 111.5 cows per herd) or the proportion of on-farm produced feedstuff by 34% (from an average of 32.1% to 43%), the required increase in annual milk yield per cow would be only 2.2% (from an average of 6,442.5 kg to 6,586.2 kg). Furthermore, the fixed capital investment, required by each plan, would be 78,184, 16,132 and 3,475 euros, respectively.
Equine hyperadrenocorticism: A report of 4 natural cases
Authors: KOUTINAS (X.K. ΚΟΥΤΙΝΑΣ) C. K. , SARIDOMICHELAKIS (Μ.Ν. ΣΑΡΙΔΟΜΙΧΕΛΑΚΗΣ) M. N. , MYLONAKIS (Μ.Ε. ΜΥΛΩΝΑΚΗΣ) M. E. , HAMHOUGIAS (Κ. ΧΑΜΧΟΥΓΙΑΣ) K. , FYTIANOU (Α. ΦΥΤΙΑΝΟΥ) A. , DIAKAKIS (Ν. ΔΙΑΚΑΚΗΣ) N. , KOUTINAS (Α.Φ. ΚΟΥΤΙΝΑΣ) A. F.
Published: February 2018

Hyperadrenocorticism, the most common equine endocrinopathy, is the result of hyperplasia or a functional adenoma of the pars intermedia (intermediate lobe) of the pituitary gland. The study population included a 20-year old Irish hunting gelding (case 1), a 13-year old English Thoroughbred stud horse (case 2), an 18-year old intact male donkey (case 3) and a 22-year old mare belonging to a mixed breed (case 4). From a historical and clinical standpoint, the most common clinical signs were hypertrichosis (4/4), progressive loss of body weight (3/4), polyuria-polydipsia (3/4), laminitis (3/4), depression-lethargy (2/4), sway-back (lordosis) (2/4), pot-belly (2/4), bulging of the supraorbital region due to the excessive deposition of adipose tissue (2/4), hyperhidrosis (2/4) and delayed wound healing (2/4). The results of the routine laboratory testing showed lymphopenia (4/4), anemia (2/4), mature neutrophilia (1/4), monocytosis (1/4), hypertriglyceridemia (4/4), increased ALP activity (3/4), hypocalcemia (3/4) and hypoalbuminemia (2/4). Also, case 2 developed type III diabetes mellitus as a consequence of the disease. The diagnosis of hyperadrenocorticism, that was initially based on the classical clinical signs, noticed in all 4 animals, was further confirmed in 3 of them (cases 1, 3, 4) with the overnight dexamethasone suppression test. Oral bromocryptine (dopamine agonist), that was subsequently prescribed in two horses (cases 1, 4) resulted in a remarkable clinical improvement, first noticed in both animals approximately two months after the beginning of the treatment.
The use of orthopaedic wire for fracture fixation in companion animals
Authors: PRASSINOS (N.N. ΠΡΑΣΙΝΟΣ) N. N.
Published: February 2018

Orthopaedic wire is widely used in companion animal fracture repair. It is mainly applied as an auxiliary fixation method, in combination with other orthopaedic implants, and rarely as the sole method of fixation. The most frequently used types of orthopaedic wire are those with both ends straight, and the AO/ASIF wire, which has an "eye" twisted into one end of it, whereas the other end is straight. The wire should be applied tighdy and secured into place, either by a twist knot or by the use of a locking loop, respectively. Three types of wiring can be seen: fullcerclage wire, tension band wire and interfragmentary wires (cruciate or hemi-cerclage). The understanding of the proper principles of orthopaedic wire application and of the limitations of its use with fracture management is crucial. When applied properly and in the correct circumstances, orthopaedic wire is an effective mean of fracture fixation.
Prevalence of infection of broiler chickens with motile salmonellae
Authors: IORDANIDIS (Π. ΙΟΡΔΑΝΙΔΗΣ) P. , GEORGOPOULOU (Ι. ΓΕΩΡΓΟΠΟΥΛΟΥ) I. , GEORGIADIS (Γ. ΓΕΩΡΓΙΑΔΗΣ) G. , BOUGIOUKLIS (Π. ΜΠΟΥΠΟΥΚΛΗΣ) P.
Published: February 2018

The results of a five-year epidemiological survey for the evaluation of motile salmonella infection in broiler chickens are reported in the present study. Three to four-week-old birds from 184 flocks, raised in several areas of Northern Greece, were examined bacteriologically. Fifty-five out of the 184 flocks were asymptomatic and the birds were presented for preventive examination, whereas the rest 129 flocks suffered from various diseases. Bacteriological examination of caecal contents from at least ten birds of each flock was performed. Samples from the viscera were also examined bacteriologically. Clinical signs and lesions - when present – were correlated with the isolation of salmonella in the flock. According to the results of this survey, 5.9-20% of the flocks were infected. Higher incidence was noticed in other European countries. Furthermore, no considerable difference in the incidence of infection between asymptomatic and diseased flocks was observed. In conclusion, salmonellae were more easily isolated from the caecal contents than from the viscera.
Feather picking / self-mutilating in psittacine birds. Recent data for the control
Authors: IORDANIDIS (Π. ΙΟΡΔΑΝΙΔΗΣ) P.
Published: February 2018

Feather picking /self-mutilating is the most frequent and serious problem of psittacine birds that the avian practitioners have to deal with in practice. The etiologic agents of this behavior may be infectious, parasitic, nutritional, but the most interesting among them are psychological (housing, environment, attention seeking etc). It is very difficult to establish accurate diagnosis, although some laboratory examinations may be helpful. Especially the behavioral history may be important for the identification of psychological causatives. Therapy of feather picking is not always possible. Pharmaceutical treatment, primarily with psychotropic drugs, improvement of the housing conditions and nutrition, closer relationship with the persons that the birds live with, may be useful to reduce or even to solve this problem. The prognosis is circumspect, because sometimes, in spite of the therapy, there is no improvement or it is temporary. Feather picking disorder is described in the present study. Recent data on the causative agents and the control of the disorder are also reported.
Rickettsia-like organisms (R.L.O.) infections of fin-fish
Authors: ATHANASSOPOULOU (Φ. ΑΘΑΝΑΣΟΠΟΥΛΟΥ) F. , KARAGOUNI (ΚΑΡΑΓΚΟΥΝΗ Ε.) E.
Published: February 2018

Rickettsia-like organisms (R.L.O.) infections of finfish have been reported in several salmonid and non-salmonid species in both fresh and seawater since 1939. This organism was not considered of economical importance to the global fin-fish aquaculture industry until Piscirickettsia salmonis was confirmed as the etiology agent of mass mortalities in the Chile during the 1990's. All cultured salmonid species can be infected by this intracellular bacteria and in diseased fish it may provoke a systemic response affecting most internal organs, but preferentially targeting the liver.For other R.L.O's the pathology may vary depending on both the imunogenicity of the R.L.O. and the species offish affected; eg, R.L.O. infections of the Hawaiian tilapia result in a systemic granulomatous inflammatory response. Initial published reports on R.L.O's affecting cultured juvenile sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) were described from sea-cages, at rearing temperatures ranging from 12-15°C, in the Mediterranean off the coast of France. In this outbreak the reported pathology was restricted to the mesencephalic regions of the brain. Subsequendy, the organism was identified from cultured sea bass of the coast of Greece, with moribund fish showing similar pathology; i.e brain, olfactory nerve and internal organs inflammation. These samples were preliminarily screened by immunohistochemistry and found to cross react with antisera to P. salmonis. This finding was also confirmed by demonstrating antigenic similarities between P. salmonis and European sea bass R.L.O. isolates from Greece. Recendy, a systemic type of the disease was demonstrated by histopathology in juvenile cultured juvenile sea bass. The meningitis, as well as other internal lesions affecting sea bass, is nearly identical to that seen in for R.L.O. infected Adantic salmon from British Columbia, Canada. Similar lesions have been noted for piscirickettsiosis in both Chilean and Eastern Canadian outbreaks: i.e liver, pancreas, retina, brain stem, meninges and the lamina propria of intestine.
Bacteriocins of lactic acid bacteria and their application on food as biopreservatives. (II)
Authors: METAXOPOULOS (Ι. ΜΕΤΑΞΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ) J. , MATARAGAS (M. ΜΑΤΑΡΑΓΚΑΣ) M. , DROSINOS (Ε.Χ. ΔΡΟΣΙΝΟΣ) E. H.
Published: February 2018

Lactic acid bacteria produce a variety of small molecular weight compounds, which have antimicrobial properties. Such substances are: organic acids, alcohols, carbon dioxide, diacetyl, hydrogen peroxide and bacteriocins. Many of these compounds have a wide inhibitory spectrum but the bacteriocins are able to inhibit species, namely, related with the bacteriocin-producing strain. In the last years bacteriocins have gained a lot of concern because some of them are able to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria, like Listeria monocytogenes. The term "biopreservation" refers to the extension of storage life, as well as to the enhancement of the food safety, using the bacteriocin-producing lactic acid strains or their metabolic antibacterial products. In this review will be reported bacteriocins, which are produced by the lactic acid bacteria and will be discussed the potential application of the bacteriocinogenic strains or their bacteriocins on the foods, as protective cultures or as protective compounds, respectively.