Encapsulating natural antioxidants presents a robust strategy to neutralize oxidative stress, thereby improving semen preservation. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of butylated hydroxytoluene nanoparticles (BHT-NPs) in improving stallion semen preservation by investigating sperm quality, redox balance, semen bacteriology, apoptosis, ultrastructure, and acrosome status of chilled stallion semen preserved at 4 °C for 72 h. This in vitro experiment was evidenced by molecular docking analysis. Twenty-five ejaculates from five stallions were collected and extended with 0 (BHT-NP0), 0.5 (BHT-NP0.5), and 1.0 (BHT-NP1.0) mM of butylated hydroxytoluene nanoparticles. Stallions' extender fortified with 0.5 or 1 mM of BHT-NPs significantly improved progressive motility, viability, and membrane integrity while significantly reducing abnormalities after 72 h of cooling (p < 0.05). BHT-NP significantly reduced the apoptotic sperm and increased the viable sperm in cooled stallion semen (p < 0.01). Supplementation chilled stallion spermatozoa extender with 0.5 or 1 mM BHT-NPs significantly increased total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and catalase activity compared to the control extender (p < 0.001). Conversely, the levels of oxidative markers (MDA, H₂O₂, and NO) were significantly lower in all BHT-NPs -supplemented groups compared to the control extender (p < 0.001). The BHT-NP1.0 group resulted in significantly lower total bacterial count (p < 0.001), coliform bacteria count (p < 0.01), and spore-forming bacteria counts (p < 0.01) compared to other groups. The docking simulation results show that the energy of binding BHT to antioxidant-apoptosis pathways such as HSP90A, PrdX1, caspase 3, and AKAP3 were - 8.45, - 7.1, - 6.42, and - 5.99 Kcal/mol, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that BHT-NPs significantly reduced head damage, midpiece damage, and coiled tails in stallion semen after 72 h of preservation at 4 °C. This research confirms that BHT-NPs offer a promising strategy for enhancing cooled stallion sperm quality, due to their combined antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-apoptotic properties. Our findings enhance semen preservation in stallions using nanotechnology molecules to promote the efficiency of assisted reproductive technology protocols.

Staphylococcus aureus is a globally prevalent zoonotic pathogen frequently associated with pyoderma in humans; however, molecular data on primary staphylococcal pyoderma in Indian goats are meagre. This report presents the first molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis of S. aureus from a goat with primary pyoderma, along with clinical management. A four-month-old Malabari crossbred goat kid was presented to the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Mannuthy, with pustules and scab-like lesions on perianal and abdominal skin. Dermatological evaluation indicated primary pyoderma, and impression smears revealed Gram-positive cocci and neutrophils. The isolate was catalase positive and exhibited sensitivity to tetracycline, gentamicin, amoxicillin-sulbactam, ceftriaxone-tazobactam, and streptomycin, but showed resistance to multiple antibiotics. The isolate was identified as S. aureus by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. BLAST analysis revealed 99.48% sequence identity with S. aureus strains isolated from human cases of sepsis and pyoderma in Uzbekistan, India, and the USA, as well as with a complete genome sequence of a human blood isolate from Brazil. Phylogenetic analysis further demonstrated clustering with human isolates reported from multiple continents. A combination therapy of ceftriaxone-tazobactam and gentamicin for seven days based on culture and sensitivity test led to complete recovery. The genetic proximity to human pathogenic strains across diverse regions highlighted the broad host range of the bacterium. The findings of present study underscore the need for molecular surveillance, antimicrobial stewardship, and integrated One Health strategies to mitigate emerging zoonotic threats, particularly in regions with frequent human-livestock contact.

Klebsiella spp. is identified as a zoonotic pathogen with a growing concern for poultry. To address this pathogen, 125 chicken samples were collected. Klebsiella variicola (K. variicola) was first detected in Egypt. The findings revealed an isolation of (30.4%) of Klebsiella spp (K. pneumoniae (94.7%) and Klebsiella variicola (K.variicola) (5.3%). The capsular typing of K. pneumoniae isolates revealed that 15.8%, 36.8%, 10.5%, 26.3%, and 5.3% belonged to phylogenetic groups K1, K2, K5, K54, and K57, respectively. The Klebsiella isolates exhibited remarkable resistance against ampicillin (94.7%), cefotaxime (89.5%), and ceftazidime (86.9%). Notably, 91.6% of the isolates were susceptible to imipenem, making it a drug of choice. 50% of Klebsiella isolates were XDR, while 47.4% were MDR with MAR indices ≥ 0.5, indicating they originated from high-risk contamination sources. 97.4% of isolates harbored at least one β-lactams resistance gene, of which bla (92.1%), bla (89.5%), bla (84.2%), and bla (50%). 7.9% of the investigated isolates possessed all carbapenemase genes (bla, bla, bla). Considering non-ESBLs, 84.2% of isolates harbored the tetA gene, while 63.2%, 52.6%, and 50% were positive for sul1, aadA, and qnrA genes. ureA, mrkD, entB genes were the most prevalent ones (100%), followed by fimH, mrkA, uge (94.7%), iutA (84.2%), iroN (73.9%), rmpA (39.5%), and magA (13.2%), with no detection of clbA and clbB genes. Our strains are genetically identical to human isolates. Our data indicated multiple health risks linked to phenotypic and genotypic resistance, as well as zoonotic importance. The Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) possesses significant antibacterial properties.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease of public health concern. Dogs are hosts that can carry and eliminate diverse serovars of Leptospira for long periods. Available vaccines can protect against only two to four serovars of Leptospira, and some additional virulent serovars not included in the vaccines may circulate in the environment. The objective of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence of circulating Leptospiras in owned vaccinated, owned unvaccinated, and stray dogs, and to assess the risk factors associated with the presence of antibodies. Owned vaccinated, and owned unvaccinated dogs were selected, which were randomly recruited from different veterinary clinics, and a questionnaire was given to their owners to obtain their background; samples from stray dogs were obtained from the animal control center of the municipality of Merida. The MAT test against 11 serovars was used. A total of 335 samples were obtained, 215 from domiciled dogs and 120 from stray dogs. The seroprevalence was 34.02% (33/97) in vaccinated domiciled dogs, 38.98% (46/118) in nonvaccinated domiciled dogs and 39.16% (47/120) in stray dogs. The main serovars found were Australis, Bratislava, Autumnalis, and Pyrogenes in the three groups of dogs. A high seroprevalence of Leptospira spp. was detected in all groups of evaluated dogs including pathogenic serovars not serovars not contained in the commercial vaccines; since no relevant risk factors were detected all pet and stray dogs are at the same risk to become in contact with pathogenic leptospiras.

Zoonotic parasites are among the most prevalent agents that impair health and form networks of interdependencies between wildlife, domestic animals, and human populations. Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that causes one of the most common zoonotic diseases worldwide - toxoplasmosis. It can be transmitted horizontally through contaminated food or water, or vertically through the placenta. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence and distribution of T. gondii seropositivity using an in-house ELISA in free-living and captive European bison from two populations in north-eastern Poland. A long-term survey spanning more than 20 years revealed that IgG antibodies to T. gondii were present in 4.1% (15 of 367 tested European bison). All individuals seropositive for T. gondii originated from the Białowieża Forest. They were found in supplementary-fed herds on the forest's edge, near human settlements, and in captivity. No European bison seropositive for T. gondii were found in the Knyszyn Forest. Our study revealed that European bison, the largest European herbivore, have been exposed to T. gondii for a long time, since 1996. It also showed that management practices, including supplementary feeding, can increase the risk of T. gondii transmission both in free-ranging and captive European bison. Therefore, feeding sites with stored hay, used by both European bison and cats, may serve as a source of toxoplasmosis. Epidemiological studies of toxoplasmosis in European bison are important, as this parasite poses a potential health risk to this rare species and may impact its conservation and management.

Amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis is a progressive disease caused by the deposition of AA, an abnormally folded protein derived from serum amyloid A (SAA), in organs throughout the body. AA amyloidosis occurs in various mammals and birds but is extremely rare in commercial pigs. A possible reason for this is that a variant SAA is crucial for the onset of AA amyloidosis in pigs. However, AA amyloidosis with wild-type SAA was recently reported in microminipigs, which are the smallest laboratory pigs, leaving the importance of this variant unclear. This is a report of the involvement of wild-type SAA in AA amyloidosis in 4-month-old three-way crossed pigs (Landrace, Large White, and Duroc: LWD). Using immunohistochemistry, transmission electron microscopy, mass spectrometry, and DNA sequencing, we determined that the amyloid fibrils were derived from wild-type SAA without detectable variant, which is a rare finding in commercial pigs. This finding suggests that AA amyloidosis can occur in commercial pigs regardless of the presence of the SAA variant.

This study investigates sequential changes in serum protein fractions during gestation in 31 pregnant Spanish Purebred mares compared to 15 non-pregnant control. Total serum proteins (TSP) were measured using the Biuret method, while albumin (ALB), total globulins (tGLOB), and their subfractions (α₁, α₂, β₁, β₂, γ-GLOB) were analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Pregnant mares showed significant changes in serum protein profiles throughout gestation. TSP and tGLOB concentrations increased from mid to late pregnancy (months 6-11), while ALB concentrations declined between months 6-8 and rose again from months 9-11 (p ≤ 0.05). The ALB/GLOB ratio was lower in pregnant mares during months 6-9. α₁- and α₂-GLOB concentrations remained consistently elevated across all gestational stages (p ≤ 0.05). β₁-GLOBs exhibited stage-specific fluctuations, whereas β₂-GLOBs remained stable. γ-GLOB followed a triphasic pattern: an early increase (months 1-4), a mid-gestation decline (months 5-6), and a late gestation rise (months 7-11) (p ≤ 0.05). These results underscore dynamic, stage-dependent shifts in serum protein fractions during equine pregnancy. The progressive increase in α₁-, α₂-, and γ-GLOBs suggests heightened immune activity and preparation for passive immunity transfer. Changes in ALB and β₁-GLOBs likely reflect metabolic and transport adaptations. Electrophoretic profiling of serum proteins may offer a valuable approach for monitoring maternal and fetal health throughout gestation.

The use of probiotics and natural nutraceuticals with demonstrated therapeutic effects for companion animals is becoming increasingly popular in the veterinary community. Probiotics are alternative to antibiotics, which produce adverse effects, such as promoting bacterial resistance and altering the intestinal microbial ecology and in turn affecting the animal's health. In this study, the in vitro safety and technological characteristics of previously isolated beneficial canine strains were evaluated for the design of a probiotic formulation for dogs. The screening of inhibitory substances production was performed in 100 isolates by plate diffusion technique. 30 strains were pre-selected to evaluate their in vitro safety and innocuity by phenotypic and genotypic antibiotic resistance and expression of pathogenicity enzymes related to virulence factors. Finally, 10 were selected to assay their tolerance to gastrointestinal conditions and stress situations such as high temperatures and solute concentrations by microplate assays. Compatibility between the selected strains was also determined in order to include them in a probiotic multi-strain formulation for canines. According to the results obtained, some strains showed inhibitory activity against common pathogens, and 38% were able to produce H₂O₂. Antibiotic resistance genes were detected in only one of the selected strains, none evidenced gelatinase or lecithinase activity and most isolates showed alpha and gamma hemolysis. Resistance to gastrointestinal tract and stress conditions was strain dependent. The compatible strains with complementary beneficial characteristics were: Lactobacillus johnsonii 67, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 74, Ligilactobacillus salivarius 84 and Pediococcus acidilactici 81 and are being included in the design of a probiotic formulas to be evaluated in small dogs.

Varicellovirus bovinealpha-5 (BoAHV-5) is a neurotropic virus that causes necrotizing meningoencephalitis in calves. This report describes two outbreaks of BoAHV-5-associated meningoencephalitis in beef cattle. The incidence was 6.2% and 12.93% for each outbreak, respectively. Lethality was 100% in both outbreaks. Neurological signs included dullness, ataxia, and circling. The main gross finding was focal malacia in the parietal and frontal cerebral cortex of five calves autopsied. Microscopically, severe necrotizing meningoencephalitis with intranuclear eosinophilic to amphophilic inclusion bodies within astrocytes was observed in the five animals. BoAHV-5 was detected by PCR in the central nervous system of two animals (one from each outbreak). Although this disease has been reported before in South America, the most recent reports date back to the 1980s. The findings of this study suggest that BoAHV-5 should be considered a differential diagnosis for neurological disease in calves.

Brucellosis in camels is mainly caused by Brucella melitensis and Brucella abortus and poses significant economic and public health challenges. Brucellosis is a disease of economic and public health concern, not only because of human infections but also because of its pervasive effects on livestock species, especially in rural areas in semi-arid and arid zones. In such places, camels are crucial to various livelihoods and serve many roles. Camels are a source of milk (which is often the mainstay of family nutrition), meat, wool, and even leather; they are pack animals; and they form part of the small-scale and large-scale caravan trade that is one of the more impressive parts of the historical and prehistorical landscape. Despite its importance, camel brucellosis remains under-studied compared to other livestock diseases, and information on its epidemiology, diagnosis, and control is scattered. This review was undertaken to consolidate existing knowledge, identify gaps in current understanding, and provide a comprehensive overview of epidemiological trends, diagnostic challenges, and control strategies. We emphasize the difficulties in identification, monitoring, and containment of the disease in endemic regions and suggest comprehensive measures for its effective control.

Coxiellosis is an important zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii. In most animals, the disease is subclinical, whereas in humans, more pronounced clinical manifestations are observed. Domestic ruminants, especially goats, act as an important reservoir of the agent. In animals, it causes reproductive disorders and is excreted in high numbers along with abortion contents. Molecular characterization of C. burnetii strains is very important in epidemiological investigations and is useful in outbreak investigations and identification of probable source of the agent. To date, no such studies have been carried out on C. burnetii strains of Indian origin. In this study, we report the plasmid typing and MLVA typing of 17 strains of C. burnetii strains obtained from cases of reproductive disorders in cattle, sheep, and goat. Two different plasmid types QpH1 and QpRS, were detected among the 17 samples, and in MLVA typing, ms23 locus could not be typed for all 17 strains, hence, they were classified as partial. A total of three novel allelic combinations were observed among the 17 samples in MLVA typing. The results indicate that novel genotypes are involved in causing reproductive disorders in domestic ruminants, and further studies are warranted to understand the implications of these strains in humans.

Coccidiosis is a significant disease impacting livestock, induced by parasites of the Genus Eimeria. This study examined the in silico molecular docking and pharmacokinetic characteristics of bioactive constituents from Roweothuria polii methanolic extract (RME) against the Mus musculus catalase enzyme, along with its in vivo effectiveness in recovering the host's nutritional status affected by Eimeria papillata. RME was formulated and assessed for its antioxidant potential, protein concentration, and amino acid profile. Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy analysis was conducted to identify the functional groups present. Twenty-five male Swiss albino mice were divided into five groups: Control, RME administration, infected with 1000 sporulated E. papillata oocysts, infected-treated with RME, and infected-treated with amprolium. Following five days of therapy, growth performance metrics, intracellular parasite stages and jejunal protein content were assessed. The oxidative state and cytokines gene expression were assessed. Results indicated that RME exhibited a scavenging efficacy of 46.61%, with a total protein content of 8.13% and the presence of 17 amino acids. The bioactive components of RME, namely squalene, methyl arachidonate and linoleic acid demonstrated the highest binding affinity in molecular docking assays targeting the catalase enzyme. In silico ADMET profiling indicated advantageous pharmacokinetic characteristics, exhibiting reduced toxicity concerns. In vivo showed that RME therapy significantly enhanced body weight loss and feed intake in infected mice. RME treatment diminished parasite stages and enhanced antioxidant status. Furthermore, RME therapy restored jejunal protein levels and downregulated cytokine gene expression. These findings underscored the bioactivity of RME and its potential usefulness against E. papillata.

The brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.), is an important ectoparasite with medical and veterinary significance worldwide. Control mainly relies on acaricides, which can contribute to the development of resistant tick populations. This study aimed to evaluate the susceptibility levels of R. sanguineus s.l. collected from different regions across Mexico, to the acaricides coumaphos, fipronil, flumethrin, and amitraz. Engorged ticks were collected from naturally infested dogs in 13 states across the country. The hatched larvae were tested for susceptibility to coumaphos, fipronil, and flumethrin using larval packet tests, while amitraz was tested using larval immersion tests. Mortality data were analyzed using probit analysis to calculate the median lethal concentrations (LC50), and resistance ratios (RRs) were measured based on LC50 values. The results indicated that 50% of the samples showed resistance to coumaphos, 7% to amitraz, and 4% to fipronil, while none showed resistance to flumethrin. The RRs ranged from 3.37 to 11.63, with two samples demonstrating double resistance. This study is notable for reporting, for the first time in Mexico, the presence of resistance to both coumaphos and fipronil.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of magnesium sulfate on propofol requirements and perioperative analgesia in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Fourteen female dogs (2 ± 1 years, 17 ± 5 kg) were enrolled in this randomized and blinded clinical trial. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with continuous rate infusion (CRI) of propofol, titrated to achieve an adequate depth of anesthesia. After anesthetic induction, dogs were randomly assigned to receive either magnesium sulfate (GM; bolus 50 mg/kg IV over 15 min followed by CRI at 80 mg/kg/h) or an equal volume of 0.9% saline (GS). A nociceptive response was defined as a ≥ 20% increase in systolic arterial pressure, treated with fentanyl (2 µg/kg IV). Cardiopulmonary variables, propofol infusion rates, intraoperative fentanyl requirements, and postoperative pain scores were measured. Propofol CRI did not differ significantly between groups (GM: 0.43 ± 0.07 mg/kg/min; GS: 0.38 ± 0.07 mg/kg/min; p = 0.1907). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated a longer time to analgesic rescue and a higher proportion of dogs remaining without intraoperative fentanyl rescue in GM compared with GS (log-rank test, p = 0.0308). No differences were observed in cardiopulmonary parameters, surgery duration or time to extubation. Postoperative pain scores remained below analgesic rescue thresholds in both groups. Magnesium sulfate CRI did not reduce propofol requirements in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy but was associated with a reduction in intraoperative analgesic rescues. Magnesium sulfate may therefore provide some intraoperative analgesic benefits, such as reducing opioid consumption, without influencing anesthetic requirements or postoperative analgesia.

Moraxella bovis is the main etiological agent of infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK). However, Moraxella bovoculi and other bacteria are also frequently isolated from IBK. The recurrent detection of M. bovoculi suggests a role in IBK, though its contribution remains unclear. This study aimed to characterize M. bovoculi and M. bovis isolates from IBK cases and evaluate the role of other ocular bacteria.

Neonatal diarrhea is a recurring health issue impacting the economy and productivity of dairy cattle herds worldwide. Bovine rotavirus A (BoRVA) is a major viral agent in the etiology of neonatal calf diarrhea. This prospective longitudinal study determined the frequency of diarrhea and BoRVA detection in suckling calves from a small-scale family-farming dairy cattle herd in southern Brazil. A total of 169 fecal samples were collected from 60 suckling calves at 7 (n = 60), 14 (n = 56), and 21 (n = 53) days after birth. The fecal samples were classified, based on fecal consistency, as diarrheic (n = 60), pasty (n = 83), or normal (n = 26). The detection of BoRVA RNA was performed using silver-stained polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The G and P genotypes of BoRVA circulating in the herd were determined by RT-PCR, followed by Sanger sequencing. BoRVA was detected in 46.7% (28/60) of the calves. Calves with diarrhea (26.7%, 16/60) had a higher detection rate of BoRVA compared to those with pasty (12%, 10/83) and normal (7.7%, 2/26) fecal samples. Regarding age, most of the BoRVA-positive calves were 7 days old (67.9%, 19/28), followed by 14 days old (25%, 7/28), and 21 days old (7.1%, 2/28). Two distinct BoRVA genotype combinations, G6P[5] and G10P[11], were identified in the herd. This study provides insights into the prevalence and circulating genotypes of BoRVA in a small-scale family-based dairy cattle herd in southern Brazil.

The pharmacokinetics of ceftazidime (CAZ) were evaluated in Siamese crocodiles (Crocodylus siamensis) following a single 20 mg/kg intramuscular administration into either the forelimb or hindlimb. The pharmacokinetic profiles were substantially equivalent between the injection sites, with no significant differences (p > 0.05) in key parameters (C, T, AUC, t, Cl, and bioavailability). CAZ was absorbed rapidly at both injection sites, with a median T value of 0.5 h and high bioavailability (90.35% for the forelimb, 86.12% for the hindlimb), indicating efficient systemic exposure, regardless of the injection site. The peak plasma concentrations exceeded the reported MIC of many clinically significant Gram-negative pathogens The observed C and an estimated T > MIC of approximately 50 h suggested that the dosing regimen may have achieved pharmacodynamically effective concentrations against susceptible pathogens, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, in crocodilians. The prolonged t value and the low Cl rate observed (up to 49.02 h and 4.42 mL/hr/kg, respectively) suggested infrequent dosing may be feasible. Despite theoretical concerns about the renal portal system influencing drug distribution in reptiles, no evidence was observed of any altered pharmacokinetics between limbs. Comparative analysis with other ectotherms revealed species-specific variation, highlighting the need for targeted dosing strategies. Further studies are warranted, involving repeated dosing and pharmacodynamic evaluation, to optimize CAZ use in crocodilian medicine.

Immune function and oxidative stress are crucial during the transition period (TP) in dairy cattle, influencing their metabolic adaptation to the new lactation. The supplementation with Macleaya cordata, an herb known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties, may influence these processes. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Macleaya cordata extract (MCE) on inflammatory and oxidative status and liver function during the TP, as well as on subsequent early lactation. On day 24 (± 3) before the expected calving date, sixty-four cows were randomly assigned to two groups: the MCE group (MCEG), which received a controlled-release oral bolus delivering 1.5 g of MCE daily for 70 days, and the control group (CG), in which bolus placement was simulated using a balling gun. Blood samples were collected at three time points: 24 days before calving, 7 and 21 days postpartum. Biomarkers of oxidative status, inflammation, energy balance and liver function were measured in plasma samples. A significant interaction effect (supplementation × time) was observed for milk yield (P < 0.05), with higher values in MCEG (51.3 ± 1.1 kg/day) than in CG (46.5 ± 1.1 kg/day) on days 25 postpartum. No significant differences were observed in body condition score, non-esterified fatty acids and beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations. However, an interaction effect was observed for glucose concentrations (P < 0.05), with higher values in the MCEG on day 7 postpartum. Liver function biomarkers showed no significant differences between groups. Plasma 3-nitrotyrosine and serum interleukin-1 concentrations were lower in the MCEG (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that MCE supplementation may enhance milk production, potentially associated, among other mechanisms, with improvements in inflammatory and oxidative status in dairy cows.

Tritrichomonas foetus is a protozoan parasite implicated in intestinal infections in domestic cats, frequently associated with chronic diarrhea. Although reported on nearly all continents, its occurrence in Brazil is rare and has been restricted to the Southeast region so far. This study reports, for the first time, T. foetus infection in two Maine Coon cats originating from the Northeastern region of the country. Both animals exhibited persistent diarrhea unresponsive to initial therapeutic interventions and underwent clinical and laboratory evaluation. Fecal analysis performed on samples obtained by colonic lavage revealed motile trophozoites exhibiting morphological features consistent with T. foetus. Molecular confirmation was achieved through PCR amplification and subsequent sequencing, with sequences deposited under accession numbers PV857727 and PV857728. BLAST analysis demonstrated 100% nucleotide identity with reference sequences available in GenBank. Following diagnosis, both cats received appropriate treatment with Tinidazole (Drogavet, Brazil) at a dose of 30 mg/kg, administered every 24 h for 14 days, resulting in complete clinical remission and subsequent negative fecal examinations. These findings expand current knowledge on the geographical distribution of feline trichomonosis in Brazil, highlight the diagnostic challenges of T. foetus infection, and reinforce the importance of including this protozoan in the differential diagnosis of feline enteropathies.

Sialolithiasis is a rare condition in cats. An 8-year-old neutered female European domestic shorthair cat was evaluated for halitosis, reduced appetite and weight loss. General physical examination was unremarkable, except for a low body condition score. A complete oral examination revealed generalized periodontal disease and tooth resorption. Full-mouth radiographs confirmed the presence of multiple teeth affected by tooth resorption. Additionally, dental radiographs also identified a radiopaque calcified structure adjacent to the caudal part of the body of the left mandibular bone. Differential diagnoses included a floating radicular rest, a sialolith, ectopic dental tissue or a mineralised foreign body. On detailed examination of this region, the hard structure was palpated in the lower lip, vestibular to the mandibular molar area. The structure was surgically excised and submitted for histopathological analysis, which confirmed a sialolith involving the minor salivary glands. Follow-up oral examination showed complete healing, resolution of clinical signs, and no evidence of recurrence. This case highlights the importance of dental radiography and histopathological confirmation in the diagnosis of oral calcified deposits in cats. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report in the peer reviewed literature describing sialolithiasis originating from a minor salivary gland in a cat.