Clostridium spiroforme has been associated with spontaneous and antibiotic-associated enteric disease (C. spiroforme-associated enteric disease, CSAED) in rabbits, which is clinically characterized by anorexia, diarrhea, or sudden death. Diagnosis is usually based on gross and microscopic lesions, coupled with finding the characteristic coiled bacteria in intestinal smears. Isolation of C. spiroforme is often challenging, and a PCR protocol has been developed. We reviewed 32 cases of CSAED submitted for autopsy to the Davis, Tulare, and Turlock laboratories of CAHFS between 1992 and 2019. The reported gross findings were soiling of the perineum, tail, and/or hind legs with diarrhea (16 of 32); gastric (16 of 32), small intestinal (6 of 32), cecal (15 of 32), and/or colonic (4 of 32) distention with brown-to-green, watery content; and serosal hemorrhages in the cecum (15 of 32). The most common microscopic finding was necrotizing enteritis (19 of 32), followed by cecal mucosal or submucosal edema (8 of 32), necrotizing or pleocellular typhlitis (6 of 32), necrotizing or heterophilic typhlocolitis (6 of 32), and cecal transmural hemorrhages (5 of 32). In all 32 rabbits, typical helically coiled, gram-positive bacilli were observed in fecal or intestinal smears. C. spiroforme was isolated from the intestinal content of 2 of 24 rabbits and detected by PCR assay in 8 of 8 rabbits.

Background and Objectives: This scoping review investigates recent trends in adipose tissue-derived injectable therapies for osteoarthritis (OA) in animal models, focusing on minimally manipulated or lightly processed adipose tissue. By evaluating and examining the specific context in which these therapies were investigated across diverse animal OA models, this review aims to provide valuable insights that will inform and guide future research and clinical applications in the ongoing pursuit of effective treatments for osteoarthritis. Materials and Methods: This research conducted a comprehensive literature review of PubMed and Embase to determine studies about minimally manipulated adipose tissue-derived injectable therapies for osteoarthritis investigated using animal models. The primary search found 530 results. After excluding articles that focused on spontaneous osteoarthritis; on transfected, preconditioned, cultured, or co-cultured adipose-derived stem cells; and articles with unavailable full text, we included 11 articles in our review. Results: The examined therapies encompassed mechanical micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) and stromal vascular fraction (SVF) obtained via collagenase digestion and centrifugation. These interventions were evaluated across various animal models, including mice, rats, rabbits, and sheep with induced OA. Notably, more studies concentrated on surgically induced OA rather than chemically induced OA. The assessment of these therapies focused on elucidating their protective immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and chondroregenerative potential through comprehensive evaluations, including macroscopic assessments, histological analyses, immunohistochemical examinations, and biochemical assays. Conclusions: This review provides a comprehensive analysis of adipose tissue-derived injectable therapies for osteoarthritis across diverse animal models. While revealing potential benefits and insights, the heterogeneity of data and the limited number of studies highlight the need for further research to formulate conclusive recommendations for clinical applications.

Orofacial masses or swellings are a common presenting complaint in lagomorphs. Similar gross appearances of the masses can complicate clinical interpretation, and histologic review often provides the final diagnosis. Underlying causes vary from infectious to neoplastic. Although inflammatory changes are most commonly reported, various neoplasms occur, although the prevalence of specific tumor types is relatively unknown. We reviewed retrospectively 120 cases (87.5% biopsy, 12.5% autopsy) of neoplastic and non-neoplastic orofacial masses received from January 2000-February 2023 at 2 institutions: University of Guelph, Canada (Animal Health Laboratory and Department of Pathobiology), and Finn Pathologists, United Kingdom. All final diagnoses were achieved through histologic assessment. We included masses or mass-like swellings from the oral cavity, including the mandible and maxilla, and surrounding skin and soft tissues of the oral cavity and jaw. Submissions included pet and commercial (meat and fur) rabbits. Neoplastic lesions were most common (60%), including trichoblastomas, papillomas, melanocytic neoplasms, sarcomas, round-cell tumors, carcinomas (including squamous cell carcinoma), lipomas, odontogenic neoplasms, polyps, osteoma, neuroma, peripheral keratinizing ameloblastoma, and apocrine adenoma. Inflammatory diagnoses (30%) included abscesses, osteomyelitis, dermatitis, and sialadenitis. Other diagnoses (7%) included cysts, as well as hyperplastic skin and proliferative bone lesions. Three cases had no definitive diagnosis. The importance of histologic assessment in diagnosing orofacial \"masses\" in rabbits is highlighted, given that the most common diagnostic category overall was neoplasia.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluates the effectiveness of a combined regimen involving injectable hydrogels for the treatment of experimental myocardial infarction.
METHODS: Myocardial infarction is an acute illness that negatively affects quality of life and increases mortality rates. Experimental models of myocardial infarction can aid in disease research by allowing for the development of therapies that effectively manage disease progression and promote tissue repair.
METHODS: Experimental animal models of myocardial infarction were established using the ligation method on the anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery (LAD).
METHODS: The efficacy of intracardiac injection of hydrogels, combined with cells, drugs, cytokines, extracellular vesicles, or nucleic acid therapies, was evaluated to assess the functional and morphological improvements in the post-infarction heart achieved through the combined hydrogel regimen.
RESULTS: A literature review was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane databases. A total of 83 papers, including studies on 1332 experimental animals (rats, mice, rabbits, sheep, and pigs), were included in the meta-analysis based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The overall effect size observed in the group receiving combined hydrogel therapy, compared to the group receiving hydrogel treatment alone, resulted in an ejection fraction (EF) improvement of 8.87% [95% confidence interval (CI): 7.53, 10.21] and a fractional shortening (FS) improvement of 6.31% [95% CI: 5.94, 6.67] in rat models, while in mice models, the improvements were 16.45% [95% CI: 11.29, 21.61] for EF and 5.68% [95% CI: 5.15, 6.22] for FS. The most significant improvements in EF (rats: MD = 9.63% [95% CI: 4.02, 15.23]; mice: MD = 23.93% [95% CI: 17.52, 30.84]) and FS (rats: MD = 8.55% [95% CI: 2.54, 14.56]; mice: MD = 5.68% [95% CI: 5.15, 6.22]) were observed when extracellular vesicle therapy was used. Although there have been significant results in large animal experiments, the number of studies conducted in this area is limited.
CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates that combining hydrogel with other therapies effectively improves heart function and morphology. Further preclinical research using large animal models is necessary for additional study and validation.

We aim to summarize the current evidence of Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF)s in external eye diseases and determine whether serum and plasma VEGF levels are associated with tear and ocular surface tissues. A systematic search of PUBMED and EMBASE was conducted using PRISMA guidelines between October 2022 and November 2023, with no restriction on language or publication date. Search terms included relevant MESH terms. These studies were evaluated for quality, and an assessment of the risk of bias was also carried out. Extracted data were then visually represented through relevant tables or figures. The initial literature search yielded 777 studies from PUBMED, 944 studies from EMBASE, and 10 studies from manual searches. Fourteen eligible studies were identified from 289 articles published from 2000 to 2023 in the English language or with English translations, including rabbit models, murine models, and human-derived samples. Most studies were retrospective in nature and case-control studies. Various common external eye diseases, such as dry eye disease (DED) and allergic eye disease were investigated. Despite limitations and small sample sizes, researchers have found elevated tissue levels of the VEGF in the vascularized cornea, especially in animal models, but there is no evidence of clear changes in the tear concentrations of VEGF in DED and allergic eye disease. Tear VEGF is associated with corneal vascularization. Anti-VEGF therapies may have the potential to manage such conditions.

In females, the paramesonephric (syn: Müllerian) duct gives rise to the uterine tubes, uterus, cervix, and part of the vagina. Segmental uterine aplasia resulting from a paramesonephric duct abnormality has been reported in a range of species including bovids, canids, felids, equids, camelids, and lagomorphs. Here we document segmental aplasia of the left paramesonephric duct in a New Zealand white rabbit. The proximal 70 mm of the left uterine tube was present and terminated in adipose tissue. A 10 × 2 × 1-mm tag of cream tissue was present and was composed of sheets of adipose tissue and streams of smooth muscle, but otherwise, there was no evidence of the left uterine horn, supporting a diagnosis of unilateral uterine aplasia (uterus unicornis) analogous to a human class II (unicornuate uterus) lesion of the \"no horn\" subtype. In addition, our case had a concurrent uterine tube fimbrial cyst, minor cysts in the left kidney, and mammary gland hyperplasia with secretory activity. We suggest the adoption of a uniform classification system specifically for lagomorph uterine anomalies. Large-scale multi-center studies documenting prevalence of such lesions would facilitate identification of trends in laterality and other factors.

This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of natural SARS-CoV-2 infections in companion animals. The findings show that these infections are relatively rare. Among the examined dogs, only 1.32% tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, while for cats, the rate was 1.55%. Infections in rabbits and ferrets were even less common, at less than 1%. These results support previous research indicating the infrequency of natural infections in companion animals. The review also includes updated studies that involved various pets, such as cats, dogs, ferrets, and rabbits. The majority of the studies analyzed were primarily concerned with screening pets that visited veterinary clinics, regardless of whether they showed any specific signs of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Only a limited number of studies investigated infections in animals suspected of being in contact with owners or other animals that had COVID-19 or were exhibiting symptoms. The most common variant identified among the SARS-CoV-2 variants in the reviewed studies was B.1.1.7 (alpha), followed by B.1.617.2 (delta), B.1.526 (Iota), and others. The emergence of these variants raises concerns about their potential for increased transmissibility and virulence, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 infections in both humans and animals. Furthermore, most of the reviewed studies indicated that infected pets either showed no symptoms or experienced mild symptoms. This aligns with previous reports suggesting that animals infected with SARS-CoV-2 generally have less severe illness compared to humans. However, it is essential to recognize the possibility of severe illness or death in animals, particularly those with underlying health conditions. Continuous surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 infections in companion animals is crucial for better understanding the virus\'s epidemiology in animals and developing effective strategies to protect both animal and human health.

In bodybuilders\' diets, protein plays a crucial role in supporting muscle growth and repairing damaged muscle tissue. These individuals meet their protein needs by combining dietary sources with supplements. Animal-based proteins are often preferred over plant-based proteins because they are believed to better support muscle protein synthesis. This review explores the meat consumption patterns of bodybuilders and high-level meat consumers, focusing on rabbit, beef, chicken, turkey, and lamb. We describe and compare the types of meat bodybuilders commonly consume and provide an overview of protein supplements, including meat-based options, plant-based alternatives, and whey-based products. Our aim is to gain insight into the dietary preferences of bodybuilders and high-level meat consumers, considering their nutritional requirements and the potential effect on the meat industry. We conducted an extensive search across various databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar. We found that individual choices vary based on factors such as attitudes, trust, taste, texture, nutritional content, ethical considerations, and cultural influences. Nutritional factors, including protein content, amino acid profiles, and fat levels, significantly influence the preferences of bodybuilders and high-level meat consumers. However, it is crucial to maintain a balance by incorporating other essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals to ensure a complete and balanced diet. The findings from this review can inform strategies and product development initiatives tailored to the needs of bodybuilders and discerning meat enthusiasts.

Two feed restriction (FR) regimens are utilized with weaned rabbits including a quantitative FR (amount-limited feed or time-restricted admission to feed) and a qualitative FR (modulation of diet content especially protein and energy). The use of post-weaning FR may help in preventing post-weaning digestive disorders, stimulating compensating growth, improving feed efficiency, and decreasing carcass fat content. Interestingly, FR may contribute to changing meat\'s chemical composition and its physical quality attributes by regulating the morphological and biochemical characteristics of muscle fibers. Also, FR could enhance the gastrointestinal tract development, its histomorphology, and improve feed digestibility and absorption. Furthermore, FR regimens are involved in establishing gut microbial balance and enhancing the host immunological response. It might be concluded that post-weaning FR is involved in influencing the physiological and immunological aspects of growing rabbits. It might be documented that light to mild FR (i.e., 80-90% AL), early (i.e., at the first 2 weeks post-weaning), and relatively short in duration (i.e., for 2-3 weeks) had no negative effects on live body weight, while severing FR reduced live body weight in comparison with ad libitum rabbits.

Dry eye disease (DED) is one of the most common ocular surface disorders. All DED involves an imbalance between tear production and evaporation. Most cases of DED are driven by excessive evaporation, which is often associated with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). In evaporative DED, a deficient tear film lipid layer is believed to lead to increased tear evaporation, inflammation, and ocular surface damage. Most prescription treatments for DED address signs and symptoms by targeting tear production and/or inflammation, but they do not address excessive evaporation. Perfluorohexyloctane (PFHO) ophthalmic solution (MIEBO™; Bausch + Lomb) is a water-free, single-ingredient, preservative-free prescription eye drop that directly targets tear evaporation and is approved by the FDA to treat the signs and symptoms of DED. Results from preclinical studies indicate that PFHO has a high oxygen carrying capacity, may reduce friction on blinking, and spreads quickly over the tear film surface to form a monolayer that inhibits evaporation. These effects can lead to stabilization of the tear film to promote ocular surface healing. Further, PFHO was detected in tears for at least 6 hours in a rabbit pharmacokinetic study, and results indicate that it may improve lipid layer thickness and quality. In 2 pivotal phase 3 trials in patients with DED and clinical signs of MGD (GOBI [NCT04139798] and MOJAVE [NCT04567329]), treatment with PFHO consistently met primary efficacy end points related to DED signs and symptoms (total corneal fluorescein staining and eye dryness, respectively) and was well tolerated. Compared with use of hypotonic saline solution, instillation of PFHO led to significant improvements in signs and symptoms in as early as 2 weeks. In a long-term, open-label safety extension study, efficacy of PFHO was sustained over 12 months, and the safety profile was consistent with those of previous studies. Clinical trial results indicate that treatment with PFHO effectively and consistently reduces the signs and symptoms of DED.