Raphael Lucio Andreatti Filho

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) and urinary tract infections (UTIs) pose a significant clinical challenge in companion animal medicine. Increasing antimicrobial resistance and emerging insights into the feline urinary microbiome highlight the potential of probiotic-based therapeutic strategies. However, the scope and quality of existing evidence in feline medicine remain unclear. This study aimed to systematically map and characterize the literature on probiotic microorganisms (particularly Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp.) in feline urinary health, identifying research domains, evidence gaps, and future priorities. A scoping review identified peer-reviewed studies addressing FLUTD, urinary microbiota, antimicrobial resistance, and probiotic interventions. Studies were categorized into four domains: clinical burden, microbiome evidence, clinical probiotic evidence, and mechanistic probiotic evidence. Fifty-three studies met inclusion criteria. The main finding of this review is that there is limited to no direct evidence on the use of probiotics for the management of FLUTD or UTIs in cats: only nine studies addressed probiotics (clinical probiotic evidence: n = 5; mechanistic probiotic evidence: n = 4), and no randomized controlled trials specifically assessing probiotic efficacy in cats were identify. Most literature focused on clinical burden ( n = 37), comprising epidemiological surveys and antimicrobial resistance reports, whereas microbiome investigations were limited ( n = 7). The high prevalence of Escherichia coli and increasing antimicrobial resistance underscore the need for alternative strategies. Addressing this gap through well-designed clinical trials in cats is essential before probiotic-based strategies can be recommended to improve both clinical outcomes and animal welfare in feline patients.

Aspergillosis is a disease caused by species of fungi of the genus Aspergillus sp. and is important for wild birds. A female budgerigar ( Melopsittacus undulatus ) presenting with dyspnea, apathy, anorexia, ruffled feathers, and drowsiness with abnormal tail movements, suggesting respiratory distress, was treated in the emergency room at the Center for Wildlife Medicine and Research. The animal died and the body was sent to the Ornithopathology Laboratory. Histopathological examination revealed multifocal areas of mixed inflammatory infiltrate associated with septate fungal hyphae, with dichotomous branching at 45º and a thickness between 2 and 5 μm in the lungs. Microbiological culture confirmed that this was a case of aspergillosis. After a few weeks, the contact animal was brought to the university with respiratory symptoms. The animal underwent imaging tests, and after changes were found on X-rays, it was treated with antifungal medication and showed clinical improvement. Ante-mortem diagnosis and treatment of aspergillosis are still very difficult, so prevention remains the best approach. This highlights the urgent need for better diagnostic tools and the establishment of more effective therapeutic strategies.

The avian influenza virus (AI), from the Orthomyxoviridae family, causes respiratory syndromes in domestic and wild birds. Its structure is composed of eight RNA segments, membrane glycoproteins, and cellular receptors, facilitating viral replication and genetic recombination. Clade 2.3.4.4b, defined as an important genetic group of the virus, has been identified as the main driver of recent outbreaks worldwide, including Brazil, where the first case in wild birds was confirmed in 2023 and, in 2025, the first case in commercial poultry occurred. The spread is related to migratory routes and environmental factors. The methodology consisted of a literature review using keywords and filters in recent scientific databases. The results reinforce the importance of epidemiological surveillance and biosecurity.

Salmonella Minnesota (SM) is considered an emerging serovar, adapted to the poultry production chain, frequently associated with antimicrobial resistance, biofilm formation, and environmental persistence. This study aimed to characterize SM isolates from a poultry slaughterhouse regarding phenotypic and genotypic profiles of antimicrobial resistance, biofilm-forming capacity, thermal tolerance, genotypic virulence profile, and clonal relatedness. Strains obtained from carcasses (n = 26), cecal contents (n = 25), and chiller water (n = 11) from the slaughterhouse were evaluated. A high frequency of resistance to β-lactams, multidrug-resistant phenotypes, and extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing isolates were observed. All isolates harbored genes associated with virulence and biofilm formation (invA, csgD, and adrA). Biofilm formation was influenced by temperature, with greater intensity at refrigeration temperatures, especially on stainless steel surfaces. In thermal tolerance assays, a negative correlation between temperature and bacterial viability was observed. Genetically related lineages circulating among cecum, carcass, and slaughterhouse chiller water over time were observed. These findings indicate that the persistence of SM in poultry slaughterhouses is sustained by the interaction between antimicrobial resistance, adaptive capacity associated with biofilm formation, and the circulation of genetically related lineages, representing a relevant challenge for food safety and public health.

Subclinical necrotic enteritis in poultry is a multifactorial disease primarily caused by the bacterium Clostridium perfringens. This disease has a significant impact on poultry farming, being responsible for substantial economic losses. After the ban on the use of antibiotics as growth promoters, cases of necrotic enteritis have substantially increased. Given the complexity and multifaceted nature of necrotic enteritis, it became necessary to establish an easy-to-apply protocol that could simulate the various effects found in production systems. As a result, many experimental models have emerged, often involving the inoculation of virulent Clostridium perfringens strains combined with protozoa of the genus Eimeria, aiming to mimic the natural conditions of the disease's occurrence. Evaluating the effectiveness of these models is essential for refining the prototypes. In this review article, the platforms chosen were PubMed and Science Direct with the terms "Necrotic Enteritis" and "Poultry Diseases" used as connectors. Articles published between 2010 and 2025 were searched, resulting in 1172 articles, and 55 being selected for their greater specificity on the topic. Only articles published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese were selected. Only clinical studies, research, and reviews published in journals and in the form of articles were considered. Thus, this review aims to provide an overview of the disease and compile the different experimental models for inducing subclinical necrotic enteritis in poultry. Experimental models for inducing necrotic enteritis are essential for studying the disease and developing new alternatives for its prevention and control.

Cor triatriatum sinister is an uncommon congenital condition characterized by an aberrant membrane that divides the left atrium into two chambers due to an abnormal incorporation of the pulmonary veins. This anomaly obstructs blood flow to the left atrium, leading to pulmonary hypertension and, consequently, congestive heart failure. This case report presents a cat that was treated in the veterinary cardiology service for dyspnea. An echocardiogram revealed an intra- atrial membrane within the left atrium. Due to the patient´s deteriorating condition, euthanasia was performed, and subsequent necropsy and histopathology examination also confirmed the diagnosis of cor triatriatum sinister.

Urethral obstruction in domestic cats contributes significantly to the caseload of companion animal emergency care. The risk factors, multifactorial causes, and lethality of obstruction have driven research in this field in the twenty-first century. Uraemic syndrome, metabolic acidosis, and electrolyte disturbances resulting from interruption of urinary flow pose a life-threatening risk to feline patients, necessitating expert veterinary care. Additionally, the complex and poorly understood pathophysiology of urethral obstruction leads to high recurrence rates. Consequently, a considerable number of scientific studies have been conducted in recent years, yielding advancements in the clinical management of feline urethral obstruction. Ongoing modifications in the therapeutic landscape thus require constant updates for veterinary professionals handling obstructed cats.This article constitutes a robust narrative review aimed at providing a comprehensive overview of studies published between 2010 and 2025 regarding the clinical management of urethral obstruction in male cats. The focus lies in detailed discussions of diagnosis, urethral unblocking procedures, patient stabilisation and monitoring, and post-unblocking environmental and pharmacological management. This review constitutes a practice guide enhanced by three detailed clinical algorithms and highlights existing knowledge gaps in the clinical management of obstructed cats. This synthesis empowers veterinarians to manage feline urethral obstructions and conduct the decision-making process while also promoting discussion and future research on this topic.

The objective was to investigate the ability of a filtrate produced by the lactic acid bacterium Enterococcus sp. to control Salmonella Heidelberg in vivo. We determined that Enterococcus sp. had an antagonistic effect on Salmonella Heidelberg, based on in vitro testing (spot-on-the-lawn method). For in vivo studies, broiler chickens (n = 32), 15 d old, were allocated into 4 groups. Filtrate was given prophylactically once daily orally at 15-19 d of age to 8 birds, followed by an S. Heidelberg challenge to 16 birds at 20 d; 5 of 8 and 3 of 8 birds in treated and control groups, respectively (P = 0.32), had < 10 CFU/g of S. Heidelberg in their cecum at 21 d. In a therapeutic study with 16 birds challenged with S. Heidelberg at 15 d, we gave to 8 birds oral therapeutic filtrate once a day at 16 to 20 d had 5250 cfu/g of the pathogen in the cecum versus 912,950 cfu/g in the control, a 174-fold reduction. We concluded that filtrate has potential as a non-antibiotic approach to control S. Heidelberg in vivo.

Wild birds may be in charge of transmitting pathogens to production animals. Contact with humans can also favor the spread of pathogens and promote the birds crowding, especially in feeding places. The dynamics of Salmonella transmission this interaction is still uncertain, but it is believed that as much wild birds can be the source of the infection, as they can become infected through domestic birds. Therefore, in order to explore this dynamic, two experiments were carried out with the Typhimurium serovar (ST), using as experimental models white-rumped munia (WRM) (Lonchura striata) and broilers (Gallus gallus). Internal and external birds samples were evaluated, as well as their local environment. When the WRM were previously infected by ST the contamination of broiler chicks litter (23,3%) occurred into the first 6 hours. However, when WRM´s became infected through contact with broiler chicks (previously inoculated with ST) the contamination of non-infected broiler chicks was lower (5%), including periods in which positive birds were not detected, besides to litter, drinking water and feed from the environment of uninfected birds, remaining negative for ST throughout the experimental period. The results of experiments 1 and 2 demonstrated that the most favorable situation for the establishment of ST contamination in broiler chicks was the one in which the WRM´s were already infected, however, ST transmission was also characterized when non-contaminated WRM´s had access to previously contaminated broiler chicks, which carried ST to a group of initially negative broiler chicks. According to the research, we found that the possibility of contamination and transmission occurs between wild birds and poultry, and the dynamics on farms must be better understood.

Various materials can be used as substrate for poultry litter, presenting different probabilities of contamination by Salmonella spp. Considering this variation, we evaluated the viability of transmission of Salmonella Typhimurium by Passeriformes (Manons – Lonchura striata domestica), in Pinus spp. and rice husk, analyzing the time required for contamination of each litter substrate and drinking water, in addition to the occurrence of bird contamination. Two experiments were conducted, in each one there was a circle filled with the inoculated litter substrate (positive) and another sprinkled with sterile solution (negative). After contamination, 49 manons were released in each experiment. Samples of litter, drinking water and organs and body surface (feet) of the birds were analyzed. The different substrates for poultry litter evaluated allowed the transmission of S. Typhimurium to manons, with rice husk determining negative environmental contamination earlier and more continuously. Contamination of body surfaces (feet) contributed to the Salmonella serovar being spread on both types of substrates.